Maximum depositional age estimation revisited

In a recent review published in this journal,Coutts et al.(2019)compared nine different ways to estimate the maximum depositional age(MDA)of siliclastic rocks by means of detrital geochronology.Their results show that among these methods three are positively and six negatively biased.This paper investigates the cause of these biases and proposes a solution to it.A simple toy example shows that it is theoretically impossible for the reviewed methods to find the correct depositional age in even a best case scenario:the MDA estimates drift to ever smaller values with increasing sample size.The issue can be solved using a maximum likelihood model that was originally developed for fission track thermochronology by Galbraith and Laslett(1993).This approach parameterises the MDA estimation problem with a binary mixture of discrete and continuous distributions.The‘Maximum Likelihood Age’(MLA)algorithm converges to a unique MDA value,unlike the ad hoc methods reviewed by Coutts et al.(2019).It successfully recovers the depositional age for the toy example,and produces sensible results for realistic distributions.This is illustrated with an application to a published dataset of 13 sandstone samples that were analysed by both LA-ICPMS and CA-TIMS U–Pb geochronology.The ad hoc algorithms produce unrealistic MDA estimates that are systematically younger for the LA-ICPMS data than for the CA-TIMS data.The MLA algorithm does not suffer from this negative bias.The MLA method is a purely statistical approach to MDA estimation.Like the ad hoc methods,it does not readily accommodate geological complications such as post-depositional Pb-loss,or analytical issues causing erroneously young outliers.The best approach in such complex cases is to re-analyse the youngest grains using more accurate dating techniques.The results of the MLA method are best visualised on radial plots.Both the model and the plots have applications outside detrital geochronology,for example to determine volcanic eruption ages.     

稀土元素在海水中的运移形式与沉淀条件的某些实验研究

In this paper, some experimental studies on the forms of existenee and conditions for transport and precipitation of rare earth elements (REE) in sea water have been dealt with. The results show that the ions of REE and carbonate radicles can be combined into quite stable and soluh|e complex in the medium of weak alkalinity. REE precipitation may result from the decomposition of the REE complex during the transformation of the solution from weak alkalinity to neutrality and to weak acidity and in the presence of REE preeipitating agents, such as P, Ba, Ca, and Mg.This is the reason why REE can concentrate in carbonate formations. Experimental results also show that REE will be precipitated .in the form of phosphate or fluocarhanate, if there exist the anions of [PO4]^3- and F^- in certain quantity in the solution. The experimental results arc consistent with the geologioal characteristics of some REE deposits.     

Microorganisms Linked to Neoproterozoic Microspar Carbonate Sedimentation in the Jilin-Liaoning Area

Molar-tooth carbonate refers to a sort of rock that has ptygmatical folded structure comparable to the ivory. This kind of carbonate exists in a special time range (from Middle to Neoproterozoic). Its origin and the possibility to use it in stratigraphic correlation of the paleocontinent is the key task of the IGCP447, a project on Proterozoic molar tooth carbonates and the evolution of the earth (2001-2005). The importance lies in that the molar-tooth structure is the key to solving problems related to Precambrian biological and global geochemical events. The molar-tooth structure is associated with microorganisms. Development and recession of such carbonates have relations with the evolution process of early lives and abrupt changes in sea carbonate geochemistry. In recent years, based on researches on petrology, geochemistry and Sr isotope of molar-tooth carbonate in the Jilin-Liaoning and Xuzhou-Huaiyang area, the authors hold that it can be used as a marker for stratigraphic sequence and sedimentary     

Raman and infrared spectroscopic quantification of the carbonate concentration in K2CO3 aqueous solutions with water as an internal standard

Carbonate-bearing fluids widely exist in different geological settings,and play important roles in transporting some elements such as the rare earth elements.They may be trapped as large or small fluid inclusions(with the size down to<1μm sometimes),and record critical physical-chemical signals for the formations of their host minerals.Spectroscopic methods like Raman spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy have been proposed as effective methods to quantify the carbonate concentrations of these fluid inclusions.Although they have some great technical advantages over the conventional microthermometry method,there are still some technical difficulties to overcome before they can be routinely used to solve relevant geological problems.The typical limitations include their interlaboratory difference and poor performance on micro fluid inclusions.This study prepared standard ion-distilled water and K₂CO₃aqueous solutions at different molarities(from 0.5 to 5.5 mol/L),measured densities,collected Raman and infrared spectra,and explored correlations between the K₂CO₃molarity and the spectroscopic features at ambient P-T conditions.The result confirms that the Raman O-H stretching mode can be used as an internal standard to determine the carbonate concentrations despite some significant differences among the correlations,established in different laboratories,between the relative Raman intensity of the C-O symmetric stretching mode and that of the O-H stretching mode.It further reveals that the interlaboratory difference can be readily removed by performing one high-quality calibration experiment,provided that later quantifying analyses are conducted using the same Raman spectrometer with the same analytical conditions.Our infrared absorption data were collected from thin fluid films(thickness less than~2μm)formed by pressing the prepared solutions in a Microcompression Cell with two diamond-II plates.The data show that both the O-H stretching mode and the O-H bending mode can be used as internal standards to determine the carbonate concentrations.Since the IR signals of the C-O antisymmetric stretching vibration of the CO32
ion,and the O-H stretching and bending vibrations from our thin films are very strong,their relative IR absorbance intensity,if well calibrated,can be used to investigate the micron-sized carbonate-bearing aqueous fluid inclusions.This study establishes the first calibration of this kind,which may have some applications.Additionally,our spectroscopic data suggest that as the K₂CO₃concentration increases the aqueous solution forms more large water molecule clusters via more intense hydrogen-bonding.This process may significantly alter the physical and chemical behavior of the fluids.     

Evaluating the Provenance of Metasedimentary Rocks of the Jiangxian Group from the Zhongtiao Mountain Using Whole-Rock Geochemistry and Detrital Zircon Hf Isotope

Abstract：In this study, whole-rock geochemical and Nd isotopic data, as well as detrital zircon Hf isotopes of Palaeoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks from the Jiangxian Group are presented to evaluate the characteristics of their provenance and the tectonic history. The major and trace element compositions are comparable to Post-Archean upper continental crust (PA-UCC), but have slight enrichment in the LILE, with the exception of Cs and Sr, and a slight depletion in ferromagnesian elements, HFS elements, such as Nb and Ta, and some major elements, such as CaO and Na2O. The geochemical data reveal that the collected metasedimentary rocks have experienced intermediate source weathering with chemical index of alteration values ranging from 72 to 78, varying degrees of K-metasomatism, and post-depositional loss of Na, as well as negligible sorting, and are derived from the weathering of mostly felsic and non-mafic rocks. The selected Lu–Hf isotopic analysis on detrital zircon points to both the Trans-North China Orogen and Eastern Block of the north China craton as the most likely sources for the metasedimentary rocks of the Jiangxian Group. However, a contribution of detritus from the Western Block of the north China craton can be ruled out. The sediments were probably deposited in a back-arc basin within an active continental margin setting.     

APPLICATION OF SOME MECHANICAL CONCEPTS TO STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY

This paper discusses some mechanical concepts that have been largely applied to structural geology and tectonics, and addresses the problems and misunderstandings in use of these mechanical terms. The purpose is to stimulate the interests for structural geologists in using the mechanical principles and methods correctly to solve the geodynamic problems.     

Provenance of the Late Permian Xuanwei Formation in the Upper Yangtze Block: Constraints from the Sedimentary Record and Tectonic Implications

Xuanwei Formation is composed of mudstone, siltstone, and sandstone, with local conglomerate. However, its provenance and tectonic setting have been scarcely studied. In this paper, we use sedimentology, electron probe microanalysis(EPMA), and detrital zircon dating to investigate its source area and depositional tectonic setting. The facies assemblages indicate that it formed in alluvial fan and fluvial river sedimentary environments. The strata thicknesses and facies distribution indicate that the sediment supply was from the west. The results of EPMA show that chromian spinels within the sediments are characterized by high Cr# and varying Mg#. Discrimination plots suggest that these spinels were sourced from large igneous province(LIP) magmatic rocks. The laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(LA-ICP-MS) U–Pb chronology of detrital zircons suggests that the sediments were derived from intermediate–acid igneous rocks dating back to 251–260? Ma. We could, therefore, conclude that the provenance of the Xuanwei Formation is from Emeishan basalt and synchronous felsic igneous rocks, which is consistent with the composition of the detrital framework. The detrital zircon dates also suggest that felsic magmatism occurred during the Late Permian, not after the eruption of the Emeishan basalt. Based on the sedimentary successions and provenance analysis, the tectonic setting for Xuanwei Formation deposition was a volcanic rifted margin.     

Origin and Distribution of Hydrogen Sulfide in Oil-Bearing Basins,China

Abstract: The concentration of hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) varies greatly in the oil-bearing basins of China, from zero to 90%. At present, oil and gas reservoirs with high H2S concentration have been discovered in three basins, viz. the Bohai Bay Basin, Sichuan Basin and the Tarim Basin, whereas natural gas with low H2S concentration has been found in the Ordos Basin, the Songliao Basin and the Junggar Basin. Studies suggest that in China H2S origin types are very complex. In the carbonate reservoir of the Sichuan Basin, the Ordos Basin and the Tarim Basin, as well as the carbonate-dominated reservoir in the Luojia area of the Jiyang depression in the Bohai Bay Basin, Wumaying areas of the Huanghua depression, and Zhaolanzhuang areas of the Jizhong depression, the H2S is of Thermochemical Sulfate Reduction (TSR) origin. The H2S is of Bacterial Sulphate Reduction (BSR) origin deduced from the waterflooding operation in the Changheng Oilfield (placanticline oil fields) in the Songliao Basin. H2S originates from thermal decomposition of sulfur-bearing crude oil in the heavy oil area in the Junggar Basin and in the Liaohe heavy oil steam pilot area in the western depression of the Bohai Bay Basin. The origin types are most complex, including TSR and thermal decomposition of sulfcompounds among other combinations of causes. Various methods have been tried to identify the origin mechanism and to predict the distribution of H2S. The origin identification methods for H2S mainly comprise sulfur and carbon isotopes, reservoir petrology, particular biomarkers, and petroleum geology integrated technologies; using a combination of these applications can allow the accurate identification of the origins of H2S. The prediction technologies for primary and secondary origin of H2S have been set up separately.     

The Quantitative Models of Trace Elements for Different Genetic Types of Enclaves in Granites

An attempt has been made to give an insight into the genesis of enclaves in granites by mathematically quantitative methods.After some deduction,the quantitative models of trace elements for the genetically different enclaves have been established,including those for restites,segregation schlierens,enclaves formed out of solidified margins ,and enclaves derived from the mixing of different magmas.These models have been tested and proven to be valid and reliable.The conclusions inferred from these quantitative models are consistent with field observations and petrological ,mineralogical and geochemical evidence.     

Molar-tooth Carbonate Sequences and Sr Isotopes in the Neoproterozoic for Stratigraphic Correlation: Research in the Jilin-Liaoning-Xuzhou-Huaiyang Area of the Sino-Korean Plate and Its Correlation with the Yangtze Plate

Based on a study of Neoproterozoic carbonates in the Jilin-Liaoning-Xuzhou-Huaiyang area, especially its cyclic sequence stratigraphy and Sr isotopes, two maximum sea flooding events (at 820 Ma and 835 Ma) have been identified. The resulting isochronous stratigraphic correlation proves that these Precambrian strata were connected between the Qingbaikou and the Nanhuan systems with a time range from 750 Ma to 850 Ma. The disappearance of microsparite carbonate and coming of a glacial stage offer important evidence for worldwide stratigraphic correlation and open a window for further correlation of the stratigraphic successions across the Sino-Korean and Yangtze Plates. A new correlation scheme is therefore provided based on our work.     

Molar-tooth Carbonate Sequences and Sr Isotopes in the Neoproterozoic for Stratigraphic Correlation： Research in the JUin-Liaoning-Xuzhou-Huaiyang Area of the Sino-Korean Plate and Its Correlation with the Yangtze Plate

Based on a study of Neoproterozoic carbonates in the Jilin-Liaoning-Xuzhou-Huaiyang area, especially its cyclic sequence stratigraphy and Sr isotopes, two maximum sea flooding events (at 820 Ma and 835 Ma) have been identified. The resulting isochronous stratigraphic correlation proves that these Precambrian strata were connected between the Qingbaikou and the Nanhuan systems with a time range from 750 Ma to 850 Ma. The disappearance of microsparite carbonate and coming of a glacial stage offer important evidence for worldwide stratigraphic correlation and open a window for further correlation of the stratigraphic successions across the Sino-Korean and Yangtze Plates. A new correlation scheme is therefore provided based on our work.     

Thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis coupled with chromatography as a thermal simulation experimental method and its application to gaseous hydrocarbons from different source rocks

In this paper a thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis method coupled with chromatography （TG-DTA-GC） has been adopted to simulate the generation of gaseous hydrocarbons from different hydrocarbon source rocks such as coals, mudstones, and carbonate rocks with different maturities. The temperature programming for thermal simulation experiment is 20℃/min from ambient temperature to 700℃. As viewed from the quantities and composition of generated gaseous hydrocarbons at different temperatures, it is shown that low-mature coal has experienced the strongest exothermic reaction and the highest loss of weight in which the first exothermic peak is relatively low. Low-mature coal samples have stronger capability of generating gaseous hydrocarbons than high-mature samples. The amounts and composition of gaseous hydrocarbons generated are closely related not only to the abundance of organic carbon in source rocks, but also to the type of kerogen in the source rocks, and their thermal maturity. In the present highly mature and over-mature rock samples organic carbon, probably, has already been exhausted, so the production of gaseous hydrocarbons in large amounts is impossible. The contents of heavy components in gaseous hydrocarbons from the source rocks containing type- Ⅰ and - Ⅱ kerogens are generally high ; those of light components such as methane and ethane in gaseous hydrocarbons from the source rocks with Ⅲ-type kerogens are high as well. In the course of thermal simulation of carbonate rock samples, large amounts of gaseous hydrocarbons were produced in a high temperature range.     

New Technology of Optimizing Heavy Oil Reservoir Management by Geochemical Means：A Case Study in Block Leng 43,Liaohe Oilfield,China

Geochemical methods can be used to optimize heavy oil reservoir management.The distribution of some biomarkers in oils is different with the degree of biodegradation.Geochemi-cal parameters can be used to predict oil viscosity and thus to preliminarily evaluate the difficult-ties involved in oil production.The results of viscosity prediction for oils from reservoir S3^2 in block Leng 43 and preliminary evaluation of oil production difficulty are consistent with the geological data.     

Organic Carbon Isotope Geochemistry of the Neoproterozoic Doushantuo Formation, South China

The Neoproterozoic Doushantuo Formation on the Yangtze Platform, South China, documents a sedimentary succession with different sedimentary facies from carbonate platform to slope and to deep sea basin, and hosts one of the world-class phosphorite deposits. In these strata, exquisitely preserved fossils have been discovered： the Weng＇an biota. This study presents carbon isotope geochemistry which is associated paired carbonate and organic matter from the Weng＇an section of a carbonate platform （shelf of the Yangtze Platform, Guizhou Province） from the Songtao section and Nanming section of a transition belt （slope of the Yangtze Platform, Guizhou Province） and from the Yanwutan section （basin area of the Yangtze Platform, Hunan Province）. Environmental variations and bio-events on the Yangtze Platform during the Late Neoproterozoic and their causal relationship are discussed. Negative carbon isotope values for carbonate and organic carbon （mean δ^13Corg = -35.0‰） from the uppermost Nantuo Formation are followed by an overall increase in δ^13C up-section. Carbon isotope values vary between -9.9‰ and 3.6‰ for carbonate and between -35.6‰ and -21.5‰ for organic carbon, respectively. Heavier δ^13Ccarb values suggest an increase in organic carbon burial, possibly related to increasing productivity （such as the Weng＇an biota）. The δ^13C values of the sediments from the Doushantuo Formation decreased from the platform via the slope to basin, reflecting a reduced environment with minor dissolved inorganic carbon possibly due to a lower primary productivity. It is deduced that the classical upwelling process, the stratification structure and the hydrothermal eruption are principally important mechanisms to interpret the carbon isotopic compositions of the sediments from the Doushantuo Formation.     

Determining Pressure with Daughter Minerals in Fluid Inclusion by Raman Spectroscopy: Sphalerite as an Example

Abstract: Raman frequency of some materials, including minerals, molecules and ions, shifts systematically with changing pressure and temperature. This property is often used as a pressure gauge in high pressure experiments with the hydrothermal diamond anvil cell (HDAC). Since the system of fluid inclusion is similar to that of HDAC, it can also be used to determine the internal pressure of fluid inclusions. Sphalerite is a common daughter mineral. In this study, the frequency shift of the 350 cm?1 peak of sphalerite has been studied from 296 to 523 K and from 0.07 to 2.00 GPa using the HDAC. The global slope of the isotherms (?n350/?p)T is 0.0048 in the studied pressure range. No significant variation of the slopes with temperature has been observed. The correlation between the frequency shift of the 350 cm?1 peak of sphalerite and pressure and temperature is constrained as P=208.33(?np)350+3.13T?943.75. This relationship may be used to estimate the internal pressure of the sphalerite-bearing fluid inclusions.     

Acclimatization and screening of a chloramphenicol-degrading strain

Chloramphenicol （CAP） is an antibiotic commonly used in aquaculture as a prophylactic or disinfectant to prevent diseases, or as a chemotherapeutic agent to control diseases. This antibiotic is either spread directly in the aquatic environment or administered through medicated feeds. It may be directly exposed to or enter the environment by leaching from uneaten feeds or from the aquatic animals＇ excrements. The antibiotic also directly enters the environment through pharmaceutical wastewater. Toxicity of CAP to human bone marrow has been linked to fatal aplastic anemia. Antimicrobial residues enter the environment, which may also establish a selective pressure in favour of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. The residues of antibiotics may pose potential risk to public health or increase the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the aquatic environment. Due to these perceived risk, treatment of CAP in farm animals intended for human consumption has been restricted. However, residue of CAP in the environment is still a concern. There have been some reports on the residual effects of CAP on aquaculture and on microbial resistance to CAP in certain environments. The biotransformation of CAP in aquaculture pond sediments has been reported, which indicated that salinity is one of the many environmental factors that affect the degradation of CAP. However, acclimatization and screening of dominant bacteria for biodegrading CAP have been rarely studied. This paper studied the microbial degradation of CAP. In order to screen the dominant bacteria for degrading, the source of bacteria was sampled from the aquaculture pond sediments of Baiyun Borough, Guangzhou, China. 60 mg/L CAP was used as a sole carbon source to screen CAP-degrading bacteria and the dominant bacteria were acclimated after 2 months.     

Treatment of high fluoride concentration wastewater by layered double hydroxides： Mechanism studies

An appropriate concentration of fluoride in drinking water is required to prevent dental cavities, but long-term ingestion of water that contains more than a suitable level of fluoride can cause bone disease and mottling of the teeth. Fluoride ions can be found in wastewater from the fluoride chemical industry, as well as the semiconductor, metal processing, fertilizer, and glass-manufacturing industries. The discharge standard for fluoride in industrial wastewater in China is 10 mg/L. Efficient treatment of fluoride-containing wastewater is therefore of major concern in China, following the rapid development of the fluoride chemical industry. Several methods have been used to remove fluoride from water, such as adsorption, chemical precipitation, electrodialysis, ion exchange and electrochemical processes. Layered double hydroxides （LDHs） are anionic clays with high anion exchange capacities which are effective adsorbents for removal of a variety of anionic pollutants. LDHs have been studied as potential adsorbents for removing toxic anionic species such as CrO4^2-, TcO4^-, SeO3^2-, pesticides, and anionic surfactants from aqueous systems. One of the main attractions of using LDHs for fluoride removal, is that unlike other chemical treatment methods, no chemical sludge should be produced. In the present study, an attempt was made to investigate the mechanism of fluoride removal by LDHs under different conditions using batch methods. In addition, the release of fluoride adsorbed on LDHs by treatment with an aqueous solution of Na2CO3 was studied. The residual fluoride was found to be 10 mg/L in a solution with an initial concentration of 1000 mg/L, which meets the discharge standard for fluoride in industrial wastewater in China.     

LA–ICP–MS U–Pb Geochronology of Detrital Zircon in the Guanzhong Basin, China and Its Tectonic Response

正Objective The Guanzhong Basin in the transitional zone of the Qinling orogenic belt and the southern margin of the Ordos Basin has been extensively studied in recent years.Although some results have been obtained,some problems such as whether the materials from the North China craton and the Qinling orogenic belt are detrital sedimentary rocks of the Guanzhong Basin still remain unresolved.     

Provenance of the Early–Middle Devonian Shugouzi Formation in the Quruqtagh, Northeastern Xinjiang: Constraints from Sandstone Geochemistry and Heavy Mineral Analysis

The Early-Middle Devonian Shugouzi Formation in the Quruqtagh block consists mainly of clastic rocks.However,their provenance has been scarcely studied since it was named.Geochemistry of clastic rocks was commonly used to interpret the provenance.Detrital heavy mineral analyses help frame the U-Pb age from zircon grains,integrated with geochemical data from detrital tourmaline and spinels.These techniques were used to characterize components of the sediment flux and define erosion areas in the Qurugtagh block,further providing evidence about the tectonic evolution of the South Tianshan and Tarim plate.The maximum depositional age constrained by detrital zircon dating was Early-Middle Devonian.Multiple diagrams for sedimentary provenance using major and trace elements indicate that continental island arc-related felsic rocks were the major source rocks for the Shugouzi Formation.Detrital tourmalines are dravite and schorl.The results of detrital tourmaline electron probe microanalysis(EPMA)show that the source rocks are mainly metasedimentary rocks and granitoids.The detrital chromian spinels within the sediments are characterized by high chroumium(Cr^#)and varying magnesium(Mg^#).The discrimination plots reveal that these spinels were sourced from island arc magmatic rocks.The laser ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry(LA-ICP-MS)U-Pb chronology of detrital zircons suggests that the sediments were derived mainly from 414-491 Ma and 744-996 Ma magmatic rocks.Paleocurrent restoration,sandstone geochemistry,EPMA,and detrital zircon geochronology indicate that the source rocks were predominantly derived from Late Ordovician and Devonian magmatic rocks and subordinately from recycled Neoproterozoic magmatic rocks.Comprehensive analyses of the source areas suggest that a remnant arc still existed in the Early Devonian and the Shugouzi Formation was deposited in a passive continental margin.