Uplift and Exposure of Serpentinized Massifs: Modeling Differential Serpentinite Diapirism and Exhumation of the Troodos Mantle Sequence, Cyprus

Serpentinized mantle peridotites form prominent mountains, including the highest elevations of Troodos ophiolite in Cyprus (Mount Olympus, 1,952 m), but to date, only qualitative mechanisms have been proposed explain uplift rocks high altitudes. Serpentinization reactions between and water result profound changes rheology physical properties significant density reduction (∼900 kg/m3). Field observations, measurements, isostatic erosional modeling provide new constraints on contribution serpentinization Mantle Sequence. Different styles resulted two distinct serpentinite domains with contrasting densities. Our shows that Mountains can within geologically constrained time frame (∼5.5 Myr) exclusively through partial reactions. We interpret as nested diapirs formed due different extents reduction. Differential exhumation decoupled from originally overlying ocean crustal rocks. Once at altitudes incursion meteoric reinforced coupled deformation-alteration-recrystallization processes shallow subsurface producing a localized low completely serpentinized diapir. A second decoupling results differential exhumation, extruding deep materials east Mount Olympus. Application our other massifs (e.g., St. Peter Paul Rocks, New Idria, California) highlights isostasy massifs.