广西弄岗自然保护区碳酸盐岩表面内生地衣保水性岩溶意义

本文讨论了碳酸盐岩表面喜钙内生地衣的结构特征和生活习性。室内简易的蒸发、吸水试验表明，有生物覆盖的碳酸盐岩表面的失水量和吸水量分别是无生物者的４倍和１１．７５倍；经７０％的酒精、３％的双氧水、５％的甲醛溶液的浸泡３昼夜处理过的样品，其有死生物覆盖者的失水量和吸水量分别是无生物者的４６．２５倍和２．０８倍。这对阐明碳酸盐岩表面生物溶蚀机理有重要的理论理义。     

唐古拉山发源的河水主要元素与锶同位素来源及环境意义

发源于唐古拉山山脉的河流在青藏高原地区具有流域面积大、径流距离长以及流量大等特点,与喜马拉雅山地区河流共同组成全球河源区最高的水流系统。它们的物理与化学侵蚀在很大程度上代表了在全球气候变化的条件下,大陆的侵蚀作用所发生的变化,即大陆与海洋的物质运移和平衡。发源于唐古拉山北坡的长江源头主要支流楚玛尔河与沱沱河的物理化学特点是溶解的化学成分含量较高,一般为10.66～410.81mmol/L,主要阳离子为Na+、Ca2+和Mg2+,占阳离子总量的97%以上。Ca2+/Na+、Mg2+/Na+、K+/Na+的比值较低,87Sr/86Sr值为(0.708954±0.000020)～(0.711860±0.000011),表明唐古拉山北坡的河水成分以蒸发岩类溶解为主。发源于唐古拉山南坡的怒江源头以及雅鲁藏布江及其支流等的主要阳离子为Ca2+、Mg2+、Na+,占阳离子总量的97%以上。Ca2+/Na+、Mg2+/Na+、K+/Na+的比值较高,87Sr/86Sr值为(0.705534±0.000016)～(0.722856±0.000014),表现为以碳酸盐岩和硅酸盐岩的溶解为主。长江河源区河水中主要化学成分来自蒸发岩,其中Na+和Cl-在河流水化学成分中占比例最大,经计算,唐古拉山北坡长江源头地区的物理侵蚀率为77kg/(km.2a),蒸发岩的化学侵蚀率为49～72.7t/(km.2a),碳酸盐岩的化学侵蚀率为15～20t/(km.2a),硅酸盐岩的化学侵蚀率为2～5t/(km.2a);南坡物理侵蚀率为34kg/(km.2a),碳酸盐岩的化学侵蚀率为25～30t/(km.2a),硅酸盐岩的化学侵蚀率为7～10t/(km.2a)。这些特征反映出北坡高寒干旱环境下河流蒸发岩的化学侵蚀作用较强,南坡碳酸盐岩和硅酸盐岩的化学侵蚀作用大于北坡。     

初探藻类,地衣生物岩溶微形态与内陆环境间相关性

藻类、地衣可以直接殖居在碳酸盐岩表面,通过生物化学、生物物理过程对其基质产生钻孔溶蚀作用,并产生相应特征性的微形态。文中初探了微形态与①岩面的水热条件;②不同地貌部位的微环境;③植被覆盖程度;④不同气候带间存在的相关性。并讨论和展望了生物岩溶微形态研究的前景,开拓生物岩溶研究新思路。     

基于扫描电镜和CT成像技术的碳酸盐岩溶蚀作用微观结构和变化规律研究

为研究溶蚀作用下碳酸盐岩孔隙的演变规律及控制作用,文章选取三峡地区4种类型碳酸盐岩开展溶蚀实验。同时结合扫描电镜、CT成像对实验前后岩石的溶蚀特征及孔隙结构进行测试。结果表明:溶蚀总发生在低晶格能的矿物处且沿矿物晶体的菱形解理面以及薄弱部位发育,表现为对矿物和孔隙等结构的选择性溶解;碳酸盐岩的孔隙度对溶蚀过程影响较小,岩石的孔径大小是影响碳酸盐岩溶蚀速率的重要因素;小孔径岩石的溶蚀多在样品表面发育小型溶孔,大孔径岩石的溶蚀主要发生在孔隙隙壁且有向岩石内部溶蚀的痕迹;经溶蚀改造,孔喉半径和连通性均呈现出增长趋势。本研究对碳酸盐岩差异性岩溶作用机理及岩溶发育规律的认识有一定指导意义。      

The genesis of the carbonatized and silicified ultramafics known as listvenites: a case study from the Mihalıççık region (Eskişehir), NW Turkey

The Mihalıççık region (Eskişehir) in NW Turkey includes an ophiolitic assemblage with a serpentinite‐matrix mélange. The serpentinites of this mélange host silica‐carbonate metasomatites which were previously named as listvenites. Our mineralogical and geochemical studies revealed that these alteration assemblages represent members of the listvenitic series, mainly the carbonate rocks, silica‐carbonate rocks and birbirites, rather than true listvenites (sensu stricto). Tectonic activity and lithology are principal factors that control the formation of these assemblages. Carbonatization and silicification of the serpentinite host‐rock is generated by CO₂, SiO₂‐rich H₂O hydrothermal fluid which includes As, Ba, Sb and Sr. Low precious metal (Au, Ag) contents of the alteration assemblages indicate lack of these metals in the fluid. Primary assemblages of the alteration are carbonate rocks that are followed by silica‐carbonate rocks and birbirites, respectively. Petrographic studies and chemical analyses suggested an alkaline and moderate to high temperature (350–400°C) fluid with low oxygen and sulphur fugacity for the carbonatization of the serpentinites. The low temperature phases observed in the subsequent silicification indicated that the fluid cooled during progressive alteration. The increasing Fe‐oxide content and sulphur phases also suggested increasing oxygen and sulphur fugacity during this secondary process and silica‐carbonate rock formation. The occurrence of birbirites is considered as a result of reactivation of tectonic features. These rocks are classified in two sub‐groups; the Group 1 birbirites show analogous rare earth element (REE) trends with the serpentinite host‐rock, and the Group 2 birbirites simulate the REE trends of the nearby tectonic granitoid slices. The unorthodox REE trend of Group 2 birbirites is interpreted to have resulted from a mobilization process triggered by the weathering solutions rather than being products of enrichment by the higher temperature hydrothermal activity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

珠江流域碳酸盐岩与硅酸盐岩风化对大气CO_2汇的效应

对珠江流域11个测站的河水1个水文年4次取样进行水化学和同位素测试分析,揭示无论是碳酸盐岩区还是硅酸盐岩区,岩石风化均使河流的离子成分以HCO3-、Ca2+、Mg2+为主,碳酸盐岩风化溶蚀速率和由碳酸盐岩风化溶蚀引起的大气CO2消耗量分别为27.60 mm/ka和540.21x103mol/(km2·a-1),是硅酸盐岩风化速率和由硅酸盐岩风化引起的大气CO2消耗量的10.8倍和6.7倍,说明碳酸盐岩风化是流域碳汇过程及效应的主体。由于有利的水热条件和高的碳酸盐岩面积比例,珠江流域平均岩石风化速率和由岩石风化作用引起的大气CO2消耗量分别为30.15mm/ka和620.36×103mol/(km2·a-1),为全球60条河流平均值的2.6倍。     

The carbonate factory of Middle Triassic buildups in the Dolomites, Italy: a quantitative analysis

Middle Triassic carbonate buildups of the Dolomites were high in relief (500–1000m) and small in size (one to a few square kilometres in area). A paradox results from the carbonate platform model that invokes the platform top, including reef rims, as the carbonate factory and flanking beds as talus deposits. Most buildups consist largely of clinoforms (inclined at 10-50°) whereas massive reef rocks and stratified buildup interiors are poorly developed or absent. Facies and modal analysis of 323 thin sections from buildups of the Marmolada indicate that clinoforms are: (i) predominantly composed of in situ boundstones (56% of all samples); (ii) primarily made up of early cements (37 vol.%), microbial crusts (17 vol.%), micritic intraclasts (10 vol.%) and Tubiphytes (8 vol.%); and (iii) contain diagnostic shallow water grains (dasyclads, coated grains) that are less abundant by 1-2 orders of magnitude compared with buildup interior facies. These data suggest that the clinoforms themselves were the main carbonate factory of the Triassic buildups. Stratified buildup interior rocks and massive reef rocks were apparently not a prerequisite for buildup growth and clinoform progradation.     

Geochemistry of early precambrian carbonate rocks from the Brazilian Shield: Implications for archean carbonate sedimentation

Petrological and geochemical studies were carried out on early Precambrian carbonate rocks metamorphosed under granulite facies conditions from three areas of Bahia State (Brazil). Older rocks attributable to the Archean or lower Proterozoic consist of carbonates (mainly dolomite) and abundant, partially-serpentinized forsterite. Chemical data confirm their strong magnesian character and the almost complete absence of elements like Al, Ti, Na, K, Zr etc., which are normally found in the non-carbonate detrital part of impure carbonate rocks. Comparison with other carbonate rocks of similar silica content further emphasizes the scarcity of these elements. Samples of probably more recent origin belonging to migmatized complex of Central Bahia are more calcic in character and have a higher Sr and Ba content. The MgCO₃ solvus thermometer in calcites coexisting with dolomite was determined both by chemical and X-ray procedures. Temperature values for carbonates under granulite facies range between 472 and 640° C. These temperatures seem to represent quench or recrystallization temperatures. The general geochemistry of carbonate rocks suggests two main hypotheses for their formation: a) chemical precipitation of pure carbonates during the Archean and later silica enrichment by metasomatic reactions; b) chemical co-precipitation in the Archean or early Proterozoic of carbonates and silica from silica-rich sea water. In this case precipitation would have occurred locally owing to increasing CO₂ pressure (due, for example, to exhalative volcanism) or in limited evaporitic basins in areas of temporary stability bordering the continents.     

Organic matter maturity and oil/gas prospects in Middle-Upper Proterozoic and Lower Paleozoic carbonate rocks in northern China

Middle-Upper Proterozoic and Lower Paleozoic carbonate formations in northern China are well developed with an accumulative thickness of 6000–1400 m. Both seepages and oils have been found in the outcrops and drilling wells. The maturity of organic matter in these carbonate formations in obviously lower than that in southern China, as viewed from reflectance (R°), H/C (atomic ratio), the amount and distribution of hydrocarbons,T _max°C and so on.T _max°C may be used as a principal index for determining the maturity of organic matter in carbonate rock-covered areas. According to the results of themeasurement ofT _max°C andR° for natural samples and simulating experiments on bitumens from carbonate rocks, the limitation values for oil and gas have been estimated at 455°C (R°=1.35) and 476°C(R°=2.25), respectively. On this basis, the map of organic matter maturity for the Middle-Upper Proterozoic, Ordovician, Cambrian and Carboniferous of northern China has been compiled. It has been proposed that prospects of both oil and gas are expected, with oil and condensate dominant in the Ordovician, and condensate and dry gas in the Middle-Upper Proterozoic. The Cambrian is intermediate between them.     

碳酸盐岩Mg同位素分析方法及研究进展

Mg是中等挥发和流体活动性元素，也是生物所必需的元素，几乎参与了地球上所有的地球化学过程，包括物理、化学和生物循环。近20年来，随着多接收电感耦合等离子体质谱仪（MC-ICP-MS）高精度测定Mg同位素技术的快速发展，Mg同位素在碳酸盐岩研究中显示出非常广阔的应用前景，其中低Mg碳酸盐岩的研究对了解大陆地壳的化学演化具有非常重要的作用。然而，由于现有高Ca低Mg碳酸盐岩的分析方法并不能很好地将Ca完全去除，因此利用低Mg碳酸盐岩的Mg同位素特征进行地质研究仍然存在很大的局限性。通过对已有碳酸盐岩的Mg同位素分析方法进行归纳总结，认为可采取下列措施提高低Mg碳酸盐岩样品的Mg同位素分析精度，即上柱前完全溶解样品；化学分离过程中确保Mg与其他基质元素完全分离；淋洗基质过程中采用HF与HNO3混合酸进行淋洗，同时提高Mg的进样量；采用新鲜的测试样品和标准溶液进行测试等。上述措施可为该分析方法的改进及其在碳酸盐岩类Mg同位素研究中的应用提供参考。     

Composition of Fluids Responsible for Gold Mineralization in the Pechenga Structure of the Pechenga–Imandra–Varzuga Greenstone Belt,Kola Peninsula,Russia

This study presents the first fluid inclusion data from quartz of albite–carbonate–quartz altered rocks and metasomatic quartzite hosting gold mineralization in the Pechenga structure of the Pechenga–Imandra–Varzuga greenstone belt. A temperature of 275–370°C, pressure of 1.2–4.5 kbar, and the fluid composition of gold-bearing fluid are estimated by microthermometry, Raman spectroscopy, and LA-ICP-MS of individual fluid inclusions, as well as by bulk chemical analyses of fluid inclusions. In particular, the Au and Ag concentrations have been determined in fluid inclusions. It is shown that albite–carbonate–quartz altered rocks and metasomatic quartzite interacted with fluids of similar chemical composition but under different physicochemical conditions. It is concluded that the gold-bearing fluid in the Pechenga structure is similar to that of orogenic gold deposits.     

Determination and applications of chemical analysis to evaluate Jurassic hydrocarbon potentiality in Northern Iraq

Chemical analysis was carried out to evaluate the potentiality of rock samples having hydrocarbon characteristics, identified by chemical methods as one of the approaches to evaluate the source rocks encountered from Sehkanian, Sargelu, Naokelekan, Sarmord and Ghia Gara of (Middle to Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous) stratigraphic sequence of Iraq, representing source rocks, which are recovered from oil exploratory wells Butmah-15, Ajeel-8, Makhul-2, Qarachuq (1 and 2) and TaqTaq-1 (Bm-15, Aj-8, Mk-2, Qc-1,Qc-2 and Taq-1) alternatively, located in the northern part of Iraq and also the outcrop samples extracted from the type locality at Surdash Anticline. Additional samples were taken from another exposure section of the Jurassic rocks from Banik village, those various samples represent Varity of palynofacies. The bulk of chemical analysis enables to enhance the potentiality of the source rocks, leading to believe generating tremendous amount of oil and subordinate gas promising more than earlier predictions for forming super giant oil and thermogenic gas fields in this area. The value of the production indices determines that the system of the oil in Iraq is not widely different from the depocenters of the surrounding countries. Accordingly Iraq is considered as an ideal and systematic basin that all the total petroleum system elements are available, giving indications of good source rocks, extensive reservoirs and excellent seals. Typical oil fields, which as determined by the remarkable total organic carbon exceeds 20 %, and maturation evidences accompanied with maximum temperature up to 450°C indicate obviously various values of the hydrogen and oxygen indices, kerogen type II and type III, of marine to mixed to terrestrial origin that lead to determine that the oil and gas prone Sargelu, Naokelekan and Ghia Gara were good source rocks. Meanwhile Barsarin and Sarmord were reservoir rocks. The area of study is widely promising to produce oil with condensed gas.     

The Early Palaeozoic break-up of northern Gondwana,new palaeomagnetic and geochronological data from the Saxothuringian Basin,Germany

Early Palaeozoic volcanic and sedimentary rocks from the Saxothuringian Basin (Franconian Forest, northern Bavaria) have been subjected to detailed radiometric and palaeomagnetic studies in order to determine the tectonic environment and geographic setting in which they were deposited. Two hand samples were collected from the as yet undated pyroclastic flow deposits for ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb age dating. Radiometric results for these samples, obtained by the single-zircon evaporation technique, are identical within error, and the mean age of all measured grains is 478.2ǃ.8 Ma (n=11). This age is considered to be primary and firmly constrains the eruption of the ignimbrites and formation of the subaqueous pyroclastic flows as having occurred in Early Ordovician (Arenig) times. Palaeomagnetic studies were carried out on these Early Ordovician volcanic rocks, and also on the biostratigraphically dated, Late Ordovician (Ashgillian) Döbra sandstones. The volcanic rocks carry up to three directions of magnetisation. The poorly defined, low and intermediate unblocking temperature directions are thought to represent secondary overprint directions of post-Ordovician age. The high temperature component, however, identified at temperatures of up to 580 °C, is of mixed polarity and passes the fold test with 99% confidence. The overall mean direction after bedding correction is 189°/76°, !₉₅=11.6°, k=44.7 (25 samples, five sites), and is considered to be primary and Early Ordovician in origin. It yields a palaeo-south pole at 24°N and 007°E, which translates into palaeolatitudes of 63°+21.7°/-17.3° S for the Saxothuringian Terrane. Samples from the Late Ordovician Döbra sandstone are generally very weakly magnetised. A high temperature D component of magnetisation can be identified in some samples and yields a mean direction of 030°/-58°, !₉₅=18.5°, k=25.7 (15 samples, four sites) after bedding correction. The Arenig palaeomagnetic results indicate high palaeolatitudes, but separation from northern Gondwana. This is in basic agreement with data from elsewhere in the Armorican Terrane Assemblage, all of which suggest high southerly palaeolatitudes in the Early Ordovician. The geochemical signatures of these rocks indicate emplacement in an extensional environment. These new data, therefore, are interpreted as marking the onset of rifting of Saxothuringia from the north African margin of Gondwana, and the start of the relative northward migration of the Saxothuringian Terrane. Although the Late Ordovician palaeomagnetic results presented here are only poorly constrained, they suggest an intermediate palaeolatitude for Saxothuringia in Ashgillian times, in good agreement with Late Ordovician palaeomagnetic data from the Barrandian.     

Trace metal bioaccumulation in the shells of mussels and clams at deep-sea hydrothermal vent fields

The bioaccumulation of trace metals in the carbonate shells of mussel and clams was investigated at seven hydrothermal vent fields of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (Menez Gwen, Snake Pit, Rainbow, and Broken Spur) and the Eastern Pacific (9°N and 21°N at the East Pacific Rise and the southern trough of Guaymas Basin). Mineralogical analysis showed that the carbonate skeletons of the mytilid mussel Bathymodiolus sp. and the vesicomyid clam Calyptogena m. are composed mainly of calcite and aragonite, respectively. The first data were obtained for the content of a variety of elements in the bivalve carbonate shells from various hydrothermal vent sites. The analysis of the chemical compositions (including Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, Ag, Ni, Cr, Co, As, Se, Sb, and Hg) of 35 shell samples and 14 water samples from the mollusk biotopes revealed the influences of environmental conditions and some biological parameters on the bioaccumulation of metals. Bivalve shells from hydrothermal fields with black smokers are enriched in Fe and Mn by a factor of 20–30 relative to the same species from the Menez Gwen low-temperature vent site. It was shown that the essential elements Fe, Mn, Ni, and Cu were more actively accumulated during the early ontogeny of the shells. The high concentration factors of most metals (n × 10²−n × 10⁴) indicate an efficient accumulation function of bivalve carbonate shells. Passive metal accumulation owing to adsorption on the shell surface was estimated to be no higher than 50% of the total amount, varying from 14% for Fe to 46% for Mn.     

Formation of immature asphalt from organic-rich carbonate rocks—I. Geochemical correlation

The formation of low-maturity asphaltic oils (immature asphalts) from carbonate source rocks was investigated. The Senonian bituminous rocks (SBR) in Israel are organic-rich carbonate rocks that were deposited in a high productivity environment, and they are part of a sedimentary sequence that also contains cherts and phosphorites. The SBR were studied in different basins, and the samples are from outcrops and three deep drillholes. The bitumen contents of the rocks are exceptionally high (up to 700 mg/g C_org), and immature asphalts are found to be associated with them. Geochemical analysis indicates that the bitumens are indigenous to the host SBR, and the associated asphalts are bitumens that have migrated a short distance with negligible chemical fractionation. The high heteroatom content of the kerogens (up to 30%) in the SBR is suggested as a possible cause of the generation of asphaltic oils in an early stage of maturation.     

Fluid Inclusions and Hydrogen,Oxygen, Sulfur Isotopes of Nuri Cu‐W‐Mo Deposit in the Southern Gangdese,Tibet

The Nuri Cu‐W‐Mo deposit is located in the southern subzone of the Cenozoic Gangdese Cu‐Mo metallogenic belt. The intrusive rocks exposed in the Nuri ore district consist of quartz diorite, granodiorite, monzogranite, granite porphyry, quartz diorite porphyrite and granodiorite porphyry, all of which intrude in the Cretaceous strata of the Bima Group. Owing to the intense metasomatism and hydrothermal alteration, carbonate rocks of the Bima Group form stratiform skarn and hornfels. The mineralization at the Nuri deposit is dominated by skarn, quartz vein and porphyry type. Ore minerals are chalcopyrite, pyrite, molybdenite, scheelite, bornite and tetrahedrite, etc. The oxidized orebodies contain malachite and covellite on the surface. The mineralization of the Nuri deposit is divided into skarn stage, retrograde stage, oxide stage, quartz‐polymetallic sulfide stage and quartz‐carbonate stage. Detailed petrographic observation on the fluid inclusions in garnet, scheelite and quartz from the different stages shows that there are four types of primary fluid inclusions: two‐phase aqueous inclusions, daughter mineral‐bearing multiphase inclusions, CO₂‐rich inclusions and single‐phase inclusions. The homogenization temperature of the fluid inclusions are 280°C–386°C (skarn stage), 200°C–340°C (oxide stage), 140°C–375°C (quartz‐polymetallic sulfide stage) and 160°C–280°C (quartz‐carbonate stage), showing a temperature decreasing trend from the skarn stage to the quartz‐carbonate stage. The salinity of the corresponding stages are 2.9%–49.7 wt% (NaCl) equiv., 2.1%–7.2 wt% (NaCl) equiv._, 2.6%–55.8 wt% (NaCl) equiv. and 1.2%–15.3 wt% (NaCl) equiv., respectively. The analyses of CO₂‐rich inclusions suggest that the ore‐forming pressures are 22.1 M Pa–50.4 M Pa, corresponding to the depth of 0.9 km–2.2 km. The Laser Raman spectrum of the inclusions shows the fluid compositions are dominated in H₂O, with some CO₂ and very little CH₄, N₂, etc. δD values of garnet are between ?114.4‰ and ?108.7‰ and δ¹⁸O_H2O between 5.9‰ and 6.7‰; δD of scheelite range from ?103.2‰ to ?101.29‰ and δ¹⁸O_H2O values between 2.17‰ and 4.09‰; δD of quartz between ?110.2‰ and ?92.5‰ and δ¹⁸O_H2O between ?3.5‰ and 4.3‰. The results indicate that the fluid came from a deep magmatic hydrothermal system, and the proportion of meteoric water increased during the migration of original fluid. The δ³⁴S values of sulfides, concentrated in a rage between ?0.32‰ to 2.5‰, show that the sulfur has a homogeneous source with characteristics of magmatic sulfur. The characters of fluid inclusions, combined with hydrogen‐oxygen and sulfur isotopes data, show that the ore‐forming fluids of the Nuri deposit formed by a relatively high temperature, high salinity fluid originated from magma, which mixed with low temperature, low salinity meteoric water during the evolution. The fluid flow through wall carbonate rocks resulted in the formation of layered skarn and generated CO₂ or other gases. During the reaction, the ore‐forming fluid boiled and produced fractures when the pressure exceeded the overburden pressure. Themeteoric water mixed with the ore‐forming fluid along the fractures. The boiling changed the pressure and temperature, oxygen fugacity, physical and chemical conditions of the whole mineralization system. The escape of CO₂ from the fluid by boiling resulted in scheelite precipitation. The fluid mixing and boiling reduced the solubility of metal sulfides and led the precipitation of chalcopyrite, molybdenite, pyrite and other sulfide.     

Current problems in the engineering-geological study of carbonate rocks in the territory of Moscow

A new approach to the study of carbonate rocks that takes stratigraphic sequences, cycles, and lithotypes into account is proposed. The main features of the geological structure of the model site in the territory of Moscow in accordance with the stratigraphic scheme are considered. In the considered section, the cyclicity in carbonate rocks is noted. In addition, the physical and mechanical properties of limestone and dolomite samples from the Neverovo and Shchurovo cyclites were studied on the basis of R. Dunham??s classification of carbonate rocks (1962). It was proven that the physical and mechanical rock properties are connected with rock lithotypes, which describe their inner structural morphology. In this case, regular changes in rock properties with depth are not noted, which can be associated with the position of the samples within the sequence. According to the results we obtained, the conclusion was made that it is necessary to compile an atlas-inventory of Carboniferous rocks for the territory of Moscow. For this purpose, the main key points for the implementation of this project are proposed.     

Rapid and Intense Phosphate Desorption Kinetics When Saltwater Intrudes into Carbonate Rock

It is important to understand how phosphate sorption dynamics of coastal carbonate aquifers are affected by seawater intrusion, because many coastal aquifers are composed of carbonate rocks and subject to an increase in saltwater intrusion during relative sea-level rise. Twelve carbonate rock and unconsolidated sediment specimens were acquired from a test corehole spanning the full thickness of the Biscayne aquifer in southeastern Florida. All 12 samples exhibit low phosphorus content but variable contents of iron. Column leaching experiments were conducted with two carbonate aquifer samples, alternating between freshwater and saltwater flow. With the first influx of saltwater, phosphate concentration in leachate increased rapidly from a freshwater value of approximately 0.2 μM to peaks of between 0.8 and 1.6 μM. The phosphate concentration began to diminish as saltwater continued to flow, but sustained desorption continued for over 2 h. Overall, seawater drove sorption behavior much more than chemical composition for the aquifer rocks and sediment from the seven rock samples for which we did isotherm sorption experiments. Our results indicate that an immediate and intense pulse of phosphate desorption from carbonate rock and sediment with low phosphorus content occurs in response to an influx of seawater and that the duration of desorption will vary by layer within a single aquifer.     

Insight into interactions of olivine-scCO2-water system at 140 °C and 15 MPa during CO2 mineral sequestration

CO₂ mineral sequestration (in ultrabasic or basaltic rocks) has been considered as a promising long-term and stable approach to reduce CO₂ in the atmosphere and would counteract the effect of global warming. Meanwhile, clays are widely found in ultrabasic reservoirs. In our study, clays were observed in natural olivine samples, which were used for laboratory experiments in a supercritical CO₂ system at 140 °C and 15 MPa. Initial olivine samples were crushed into two sizes which were large grains of ∼850–1000 μm and powder particles of ∼75–150 μm, with the durations of 400 and 1000 h for the powder and grains, respectively. The results showed amorphous silica was newly formed and this passivating layer could mitigate the water-rock interaction to some extent, but it would not play a long-term prohibited effect on secondary mineral carbonate formation as it is a Fe(III) free silica coating. More interestingly, the secondary carbonates were observed to form near the surface sites where locates more clays. Our findings provide insights into the reaction mechanisms of olivine-scCO₂-water interaction process in natural ultrabasic rocks.     

Geochemical Evaluation of the Permian Ecca Shale in Eastern Cape Province,South Africa: Implications for Shale Gas Potential

Shale gas has been the exploration focus for future energy supply in South Africa in recent time. Specifically, the Permian black shales of the Prince Albert, Whitehill, Collingham, Ripon and Fort Brown Formations are considered to be most prospective rocks for shale gas exploration. In this study,outcrop and core samples from the Ecca Group were analyzed to assess their total organic carbon(TOC), organic matter type, thermal maturity and hydrocarbon generation potential. These rocks have TOC ranging from 0.11 to 7.35 wt%. The genetic potential values vary from 0.09 to 0.53 mg HC/g,suggesting poor hydrocarbon generative potential. Most of the samples have Hydrogen Index(HI) values of less than 50 mg HC/g TOC, thus suggesting Type-Ⅳ kerogen. Tmax values range from 318℃ to601℃, perhaps indicating immature to over-maturity of the samples. The vitrinite reflectance values range from 2.22% to 3.93%, indicating over-maturity of samples. Binary plots of HI against Oxygen Index(OI), and HI versus Tmax show that the shales are of Type II and mixed Type Ⅱ-Ⅲ kerogen.Based on the geochemical data, the potential source rocks are inferred as immature to over-matured and having present-day potential to produce gas.