Measuring and adjusting the weathering and hydraulic sorting effects for rigorous provenance analysis of sedimentary rocks: a case study from the Jurassic Ashikita Group,south‐west Japan

The present study examines the provenance of the Jurassic Ashikita Group distributed in south‐west Japan, which is composed of the Idenohana, Kyodomari and Sakamoto Formations. Two geochemical diagrams for provenance analysis were utilized, which incorporate full consideration of compositional modifications resulting from weathering (MFW diagram) and hydraulic sorting processes (SiO₂/Al₂O₃–Na₂O/K₂O diagram). The MFW diagram delineates weathering trends of sedimentary rocks and allows estimation of the original source rock composition by tracing the weathering trends backwards to an unweathered domain. Weathering trends of the Idenohana and Kyodomari Formations extend backward to the domain of intermediate and felsic igneous rocks. In contrast, sediments of the Sakamoto Formation do not fit into a linear weathering trend, indicating that the source rock cannot be approximated to igneous rocks. On the SiO₂/Al₂O₃–Na₂O/K₂O diagram, sediments are organized into compositional trends, in which the range reflects compositional variations induced by the hydraulic sorting effect. On this diagram, sediments derived from the igneous and recycled sedimentary provenances can be distinguished by reading the inclination of the trend. By utilizing this principle, source rocks of the Idenohana and Kyodomari Formations are interpreted as igneous rocks and those of the Sakamoto Formation are interpreted as recycled sedimentary rocks. Therefore, these diagrams concurrently estimate the source rock composition through quantifying and adjusting the weathering and sorting effects, and reveal a systematic transition in the provenance of the Ashikita Group. The Idenohana and Kyodomari Formations were supplied chiefly from an igneous provenance, which shifted from intermediate to felsic compositions in stratigraphic order. Whereas, sediments of the Sakamoto Formation were sourced primarily from a recycled sedimentary provenance.     

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.     

Geochemistry of carboniferous shales of the Sardar Formation,east central Iran: Implication for provenance,paleoclimate and paleo-oxygenation conditions at a passive continental margin

The Sardar Formation (Carboniferous) has a lithological variation that is characterized by sandstone, shale and limestone members. Shales of the Sardar Formation from the east central Iran have been analyzed for major elements and a number of trace elements. The shales of Sardar Formation are rich in quartz minerals and clay minerals of the bulk minerals. Clay minerals of shales are composed of illite, kaolinite and slightly montmorillonite. SiO₂ versus K₂O/Na₂O diagram shows these shales plotted in the passive continental margin or cratonic field. Geochemical data suggest high acidic source rocks similar to granite and intermediate igneous rocks. CIA and ICV suggest semi-humid climatic conditions during depositions and indicate high chemical weathering in the source area. The geochemical parameters such as V/Cr, Ni/Co and Cu/Zn ratios indicate that these shales were deposited in oxic environment.     

Geochemistry and Provenance of Maastrichtian Clastic Rocks in the Dikmendede Formation of Orhaniye in Kazan-Ankara-Turkey Region

An integrated petrographic and geochemical study of the sandstones of the Maastrichtian-aged in the Orhaniye (Kazan-Ankara-Turkey) was carried out to obtain more information on their provenance, sedimentological history and tectonic setting. Depending on their matrix and mineralogical content, the Maastrichtian sandstones are identified as lithic arenite/wacke. The Dikmendede sandstones derived from types of provenances, the recycled orogen and recycled transitional. The chemical characteristics of the Dikmendede sandstones, i.e., fairly uniform compositions, high Th/U ratios (>3.0), negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* 0.72–0.99) and Th/Sc ratios (mostly less than 1.0), favor the OUC (old upper continental crust) provenance for the Dikmendede sandstones. The SiO2/Al2O3, Th/Sc (mostly <1.0) and La/Sc (<4.0) ratios are; however, slightly lower than typical OUC, and these ratios may suggest a minor contribution of young arc-derived material. The rare earth element (REE) pattern, and La/Sc versus Th/Co plot suggests that these sediments were mainly derived from felsic source rocks. The Dikmendede sandstones have high Cr (123–294 ppm) and Ni (52–212 ppm) concentrations, Cr/Ni ratio of 1.93, and a medium correlation coefficient between Cr and Ni and corresponding medium to high correlation of both (Cr and Ni, respectively) elements with Co. These relationships indicate a significant contribution of detritus from ophiolitic rocks. As rare earth element data are available for the Dikmendede sandstones, the Eu/Eu* is compared with LaN/YbN. Samples plot in the area of overlapping between continental collision, strike-slip and continental arc basins. The predominantly felsic composition of the Dikmendede sandstones is supported by the REE plots, which show enriched light REE, negative Eu anomaly and flat or uniform heavy REE. The Dikmendede sandstones have compositions similar to those of the average upper continental crust and post-Archean Australian shales. This feature indicates that the sediments were derived mainly from the upper continental crust. The Dikmendede sandstones have chemical index of alteration (CIA) values of 28–49, with an average of 40 indicating a low degree of chemical weathering in the source area. The compositional immaturity of the analyzed sandstone samples is typical of subduction-related environments, and their SiO2/Al2O3 and K2O/Na2O ratios and Co, Sc, Th and Zr contents reflect their oceanic and continental-arc settings. The Dikmendede sandstones were developed as flysch deposits derived from mixed provenance in a collision belt.     

甘肃景泰崔家墩下奥陶统阴沟组砂岩化学组分特征及物源区构造背景判别

甘肃景泰一带早奥陶世沉积了以浊流砂岩夹板岩为主的阴沟组。崔家墩剖面阴沟组较为发育，总体分为两个岩性段，但东西向逆冲断层造成地层垂向不连续。北段（下段）为粉-细砂岩、板岩夹硅质岩；南段（上段）为岩屑含量较多的岩屑砂岩夹板岩，硅质岩少或无。对阴沟组砂岩进行主化学组分特征分析，其特征指标：Fe₂O*3+MgO值为503%～17.63%，Al₂O₃/SiO₂值为0.12%～0.28%，K₂O/Na₂O值为0.25%～1.26%及 Al₂O₃/（CaO+Na₂O）值为1.01%～3.53%。利用砂岩的化学组分特征结合岩相学分析，可以判断物源区特征及大地构造背景。研究表明:该套浊积砂岩下部物源主要来自北部的阿拉善地块及该地块上的古老造山带，为被动大陆边缘背景；上部碎屑主要来自南侧岛弧中基性火山岩，为活动大陆边缘初始弧后盆地构造背景。     

Source and origin of glacial paleovalley-fill sediments (Upper Ordovician) of Sarah Formation in central Saudi Arabia

A study was carried out on the combination of petrographies, geochemistry (major and trace), weathering and the digenesis of 31 sandstones samples to determine their provenance and depositional tectonic setting of sedimentary basins. Based on the composition of Detrital grains (point counting), most of the Sarah sandstones were classified as quartz arenites types (99% on an average). The petrographic data indicated that the resultant mature sandstones are derived from recycled and craton interior tectonic provenance. Tectonic setting discrimination diagrams based on major elements suggest that sandstones were deposited in a passive margin and polycyclic continental tectonic setting. The relationship between K₂O/Na₂O ratio and SiO₂ showed that the Sarah sandstone samples fall into the passive margin field. The chemical index of alteration (CIA?=?63.84%) of sandstones suggested moderate weathering or reworking in the area. The concentration of trace elements indicates that the sediments were probably derived from the mixed sedimentary-meta sedimentary provenance and changes in sedimentary process due to climatic variations. The main diagenetic events were in the form of cements, which occur as grain coats and as pore fillings. An integrated approach showed that the parent area of paleovalley-fill sediment is probably a complex of granite, metasedimentary and pre-existing sedimentary rocks.     

西秦岭造山带徽成盆地早白垩世地层物源综合分析

徽成盆地是西秦岭造山带内一个具有代表性的盆地,保留较完整的地层记录.早白垩世田家坝组、周家湾组和鸡山组为一套砂砾岩沉积组合序列.本文通过对早白垩世砂岩的古水流恢复、砾石成分与含量、重矿物和地球化学分析,对沉积岩物源区特征和原型盆地进行探讨.古水流恢复和砾石成分统计表明,沉积物主要是近源堆积,主要来自于盆地南缘和北部.重矿物研究结果表明,早白垩世砂岩母岩以岩浆岩为主,并有少量变质岩/沉积岩.地球化学分析表明,早白垩世砂岩为成熟度较低的硬砂岩和长石/岩屑砂屑岩.稀土元素标准化配分曲线呈现轻稀土富集、重稀土平坦和弱Eu负异常特征.砂岩物源区组成判别图研究表明,早白垩世砂岩的物源区主要出露长英质火山岩.砂岩源区构造环境判别图解及特征指数分析表明,早白垩世砂岩源区主要形成于大陆岛弧和活动大陆边缘.结合区域资料和前人研究,表明早白垩世徽成地区发育走滑拉分盆地.     

内蒙古阿鲁科尔沁旗陶海营子剖面林西组地球化学特征及其对物源-构造背景的制约

大兴安岭中南段上二叠统林西组发育厚层的暗色泥页岩,是区域上重要的上古生界生烃层系之一。阿鲁科尔沁旗陶海营子剖面是林西组的典型剖面之一,本文以该剖面为研究对象,对取自该剖面林西组的10件砂、泥岩样品进行主量元素、微量元素和稀土元素测试分析。剖面样品元素分析和物源判别函数（F₁-F₂）、Ni-TiO₂、La/Th-Hf图解判别结果表明,陶海营子剖面林西组沉积物来源多样,主要来源于上地壳长英质火成物源区和石英岩沉积物源区,还有少量来自中、基性岩火成物源区。剖面样品微量元素PAAS（后太古庙澳大利亚页岩）标准化蛛网图、稀土元素球粒陨石标准化配分模式图、K₂O/Na₂O-SiO₂、Zr/Th、TiO₂-（TFe₂O₃+MgO）图解、物源构造背景判别函数（F₁-F₂）''的分析判别和剖面样品与不同构造环境砂岩地球化学参数对比结果表明,陶海营子剖面林西组物源构造背景具有被动大陆边缘、活动大陆边缘和大陆岛弧特征,构造背景较复杂。综合分析可知,陶海营子剖面林西组物源主要为被动大陆边缘背景下的火成岩、石英质沉积岩,以及活动大陆边缘和大陆岛弧背景下的火成岩。结合前人相关研究成果,推测兴蒙造山带内伸展作用背景下的晚石炭世-二叠纪岩浆型被动陆缘沉积建造和与俯冲背景有关的古生代弧岩浆岩应该是陶海营子剖面林西组的主要物源。     

新疆东准噶尔喀姆斯特晚古生代沉积记录:物源和沉积作用研究

东准噶尔喀姆斯特下泥盆统阿拉比也巴斯他乌组和下石炭统卡姆斯特组代表陆壳增生不同阶段的沉积响应.碎屑岩碎屑组成模式和地球化学分析结果表明阿拉比也巴斯他乌组形成于大洋-活动大陆过渡型构造环境,物源区主要为发育在过渡型地壳之上的岩浆岛弧;卡姆斯特组形成于活动大陆型构造环境,物源区主要为大陆岛弧环境的切割岩浆弧.沉积相、相组合及生物生态等沉积特征显示两组的沉积环境分别为海底斜坡和海底扇中扇-外扇盆地平原.结合区域构造分析和地层对比研究,下泥盆统阿拉比也巴斯他乌组海底斜坡沉积是东准噶尔构造带早泥盆世弧后盆地沉积响应的主要记录,卡姆斯特组海底扇-海底平原沉积则主要记录了东准噶尔复合地体早石炭世晚期弧间残余海盆的沉积响应.两套沉积响应记录的环境演化受控于中亚型造山带复杂的造山作用.     

上扬子西南缘早三叠世嘉陵江组物源分析和构造环境:沉积学、重矿物电子探针和U- Pb年龄的限定

上扬子西南缘地区广泛分布峨眉山玄武岩,受其影响在中带金阳和外带荥经地区嘉陵江组发育滨岸和潮坪环境沉积物。本文在交错层理恢复的物源方向基础上,根据重矿物组成、重矿物电子探针和碎屑锆石测年结果,综合分析不同区域嘉陵江组物源区,进而探讨嘉陵江组形成的构造环境。嘉陵江组砂岩碎屑重矿物锆石、磷灰石、铬尖晶石等指示物源主要来自于岩浆岩,且自中带至外带基性岩浆岩所占比重逐渐减少。电气石电子探针分析显示,二者物源主要来自于贫锂花岗岩和变质砂岩、板岩。铬尖晶石显示,金阳地区物源来自峨眉山玄武岩和洋岛岩浆岩类岩石,荥经物源主要来自洋岛岩浆岩类岩石,个别为峨眉山玄武岩。碎屑锆石表明,嘉陵江组物源主要来自于新元古代岩浆岩和晚二叠世峨眉山玄武岩,前者经历再搬运。综合物源分析表明,嘉陵江组物源主要来自康滇古陆,岩石类型主要为峨眉山玄武岩和砂岩等。沉积序列和物源分析表明,嘉陵江组反映了沉积物蚀顶过程。结合地震资料、大火成岩省的分析成果表明,嘉陵江组形成于火山型裂谷边缘。     

Petrography and geochemistry of Silurian Niur sandstones,Derenjal Mountains,East Central Iran: implications for tectonic setting,provenance and weathering

Petrographical and geochemical studies of Silurian Niur sandstones, Derenjal Mountains, Central Iran, were carried out to infer their provenance and tectonic setting. Modal analysis data of 37 medium sand size and well-sorted samples revealed that most quartz is composed of monocrystalline grains with straight to slightly undulos extinction and about 3 % polycrystalline quartz has inclusions, such as rutile needles. The sandstones are classified as quartzarenite, sublitharenite, and subarkose types based on framework composition and geochemistry. Petrographic studies reveal that these sandstones contain quartz, feldspars, and fragments of sedimentary rocks. The detrital modes of these sandstones indicate that they were derived from recycled orogen and stable cratonic source. Major and trace element contents of them are generally depleted (except SiO₂) relative to upper continental crust which is mainly due to the presence of quartz and absence of Al-bearing minerals. Modal composition (e.g., quartz, feldspar, and lithic fragments) and discrimination diagrams based on major elements, trace elements (Ti, La, Th, Sc, and Zr), and also such ratios as La/Sc, Th/Sc, La/Co, and Th/Co, in sandstones suggest a felsic igneous source rock and quartzose polycyclic sedimentary provenance in a passive continental margin setting. Furthermore, high Zr/Sc values in these sandstones are considered as a sign of recycling. We indicated paleo-weathering conditions by modal compositions, the CIA index and Al₂O₃?+?K₂O?+?Na₂O% vs. SiO₂% bivariate for these sandstones. Based on these results, although recycling is important to increase the maturity of the Niur sandstones, humid climate conditions in the source area have played a decisive role.     

Geochemistry of sedimentary rocks from Permian–Triassic boundary sections of Tethys Himalaya: implications for paleo-weathering,provenance, and tectonic setting

The geochemical characteristics of two sections—the Permian–Triassic boundary (PTB) Guryul Ravine section, Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Kashmir, India; and the Attargoo section, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India—have been studied in the context of provenance, paleo-weathering, and plate tectonic setting. These sections represent the siliciclastic sedimentary sequence from the Tethys Himalaya. The PTB siliciclastic sedimentary sequence in these regions primarily consists of sandstones and shales with variable thickness. Present studied sandstones and shales of both sections had chemical index of alteration values between 65 and 74; such values reveal low-to-moderate degree of chemical weathering. The chemical index of weathering in studied samples ranged from 71 to 94, suggesting a minor K-metasomatism effect on these samples. Plagioclase index of alteration in studied sections ranged from 68 to 92, indicating a moderate degree of weathering of plagioclase feldspars. The provenance discriminant function diagram suggests that the detritus involved in the formation of present studied siliciclastic sedimentary rocks fall in quartzose sedimentary and felsic igneous provenances. These sediments were deposited in a passive continental margin plate tectonic setting according to their location on a Si₂O versus K₂O/Na₂O tectonic setting diagram.     

Petrographic and geochemical characteristics of the Paleogene sedimentary rocks from the North Jiangsu Basin,Eastern China: implications for provenance and tectonic setting

The petrography and geochemistry (major, trace, and rare earth elements) of clastic sedimentary rocks from the Paleogene Dainan Formation (E₂ d) in the North Jiangsu Basin, eastern China, are investigated to trace their provenance and to constrain their tectonic setting. The studied samples are characterized by LREE enrichment, flat HREE, and negative Eu anomaly similar to the upper continental crust composed chiefly of felsic components in the source area. Petrographic observation indicates that the sandstones contain predominant metamorphic and sedimentary clasts that were derived from peripheral recycled orogen and intrabasinal materials. The trace element ratios (Co/Th, La/Sc, La/Th, and Th/U) and the La-Th-Sc ternary plot further confirm that the sandstones are derived from granitic gneiss sources from recycled orogen and the intrabasinal mixed sedimentary provenance. The granitic gneiss source rocks may have derived from the Proterozoic granitic gneiss denuded in the eastern Dabie-Sulu orogen; and the intrabasinal provenance may come from the underlying strata during the Late Paleocene Wubao movement. The chemical index of alteration (CIA) and A-CN-K plot show that these source rocks may have experienced weak to medium chemical weathering. Analysis on tectonic setting of the source area suggests an active continental margin, which is intimate with tectonic feature of the Dabie-sulu orogen and the Yangtze block. In summary, we suggest that the North Jiangsu Basin is an ideal site for the study of the coupling between the uplift of the orogen and the subsidence of the foreland basin.     

Petrographical and geochemical signatures of Jurassic rocks of Chari Formation,Western India: implications for provenance and tectonic setting

The sandstones of the Ridge and Athleta members of Chari Formation (Callovian-Oxfordian) exposed at Jara have been analyzed for their petrographical and geochemical studies. Texturally, these sandstones are medium to coarse grained, poorly to well sorted, sub-angular to sub-rounded, and show low to medium sphericity. These sandstones were derived from a mixed provenance including granites, granite-gneisses, low and high-grade metamorphic, and some basic rocks of Aravalli range and Nagarparkar massif. The petrofacies analysis reveals that these sandstones belong to the continental block and recycled orogen tectonic regime. The studied sandstones are modified by paleoclimate, distance of transport, and diagenesis. Mineralogically and geochemically, sandstones are classified as quartzarenite, subarkose, arkose, sublithic arenite, and wacke, respectively. The A-CN-K ternary plot and CIA, CIW, PIA, and ICV values suggest that the similar source rocks suffered moderate to high chemical weathering under a hot-humid climate in an acidic environment with higher \({\text{P}}_{{{\text{CO}}_{ 2} }}\). Generally good to strong correlations between Al₂O₃ and other oxides in these sediments indicate clay mineral control. The K₂O/Na₂O versus SiO₂ diagram indicates that the studied samples occupy passive margin fields but the SiO₂/Al₂O₃ versus K₂O/Na₂O plot suggests that the Athleta Sandstone and Ridge Sandstone fall within the passive margin field, while Ridge Shale falls within the active continental margin field.     

Geochemical characteristics of sandstones from Cretaceous Garudamangalam area of Ariyalur,Tamilnadu, India: Implications of provenance and tectonic setting

The Trichinopoly Group (later redesignated as Garudamangalam) has unconformable relationship with underlying Uttatur Group and is divided into lower Kulakanattam Formation and upper Anaipadi Formation. These calcareous sandstones are analysed major, trace and rare earth elements (REEs) to find out CIA, CIW, provenance and tectonic setting. The silica content of fossiliferous calcareous sandstone show wide variation ranging from 12.93 to 42.56%. Alumina content ranged from 3.49 to 8.47%. Higher values of Fe₂O₃ (2.29–22.02%) and low MgO content (0.75–2.44%) are observed in the Garudamangalam Formation. CaO (23.53–45.90) is high in these sandstones due to the presence of calcite as cementing material. Major element geochemistry of clastic rocks (Al₂O₃ vs. Na₂O) plot and trace elemental ratio (Th/U) reveal the moderate to intense weathering of the source rocks. The Cr/Zr ratio of clastic rocks reveal with an average of 1.74 suggesting of felsic provenance. In clastic rocks, high ratios of \(\sum \)LREE/\(\sum \)HREE, La/Sc, Th/Sc, Th/Co, La/Co and low ratios of Cr/Zr, and positive Eu anomaly ranges from (Eu/Eu* = 1.87–5.30) reveal felsic nature of the source rocks.     

Provenance and tectonic setting of the Lower Cambrian Niutitang formation shales in the Yangtze platform,South China: Implications for depositional setting of shales

Geochemical compositions of the Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation shales in the southeastern Yangtze Platform margin were investigated for provenance, tectonic setting, and depositional environment. The shale samples are characterized by higher abundances of large ion lithophile elements (Cs, Ba, and Pb), lower abundances of high field strength elements (Cr, Sc, and Co) and transition elements (Th, Zr, Hf, Nb, and Ta) relative to average shale. North American shale composition (NASC) -normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns are observed, with negative Ce anomalies, negative Eu anomalies, and positive Y anomalies. The chemical index of alteration (CIA) varies from 68.67–74.93. Alkali and alkaline element contents and CIA values suggest that the source rocks have undergone moderate weathering. The index of compositional variability (ICV), Zr/Sc and Th/Sc ratios vary from 0.53 to 1.07, 5.31 to 8.18 and 0.52–1.02, respectively. ICV values and relationships between Zr/Sc and Th/Sc ratios indicate negligible sedimentary recycling. The Al₂O₃/TiO₂ (14–26) and TiO₂/Zr (56–77) ratios imply that the source rocks of the investigated shales had intermediate igneous compositions. However, Cr/V ratios and a La/Th–Hf discrimination diagram suggest that the intermediate compositional signal of the source rocks was derived from a mixture of 75% mafic and 25% felsic igneous rocks rather than intermediate igneous rocks. The major source was the Jiangnan continental island arc with bimodal igneous rocks, lying to the south of the study area, together with a contribution from granites and gneisses uplifted and eroded in the Yangtze Block. Discrimination of tectonic setting using major and trace elements indicates that the source rocks originated in a transitional setting from active continental to passive margin, consistent with the failed intracontinental rift model for the evolution of the South China plate. The Niutitang Formation shales were deposited in a rift basin setting under conditions of anoxic bottom water in a redox-stratified water column, with organic-rich shales prospective for shale-gas production being found in deep-water downslope and basin environments rather than the shallow-water shelf.     

Single-grain apatite geochemistry of Permian–Triassic granitoids and Mesozoic and Eocene sandstones from Chiapas,southeast Mexico: implications for sediment provenance

ABSTRACT

This article reports single-grain multi-elemental results (Sr, Y, Th, U, and rare earth elements) obtained in 966 apatites from 18 rocks (sandstones and granitoids) that were sampled from the Mesozoic (Todos Santos and San Ricardo Formations) and Eocene (the El Bosque Formation) successions as well as from the Permian–Triassic Chiapas Massif Complex (CMC), all of which are exposed within the Sierra de Chiapas (SCH), SE Mexico. The objectives of the present study are (1) to establish changes in provenance between the Mesozoic and Eocene sedimentary sequences using single-grain apatite geochemistry, and (2) to identify source areas for siliciclastic materials from the Todos Santos, San Ricardo, and the El Bosque Formations. The results of the present work strongly suggest that apatites from the Todos Santos and San Ricardo Formations were mainly derived from intermediate to felsic I-type granitoids as well as from arc-related volcanic rocks, indicating that the CMC basement was the most important source area for the Mesozoic sandstones in the SCH. An abrupt change in provenance from Mesozoic to Eocene units was identified based on single-grain apatite geochemistry. Detrital apatites of the Ypresian–Lutetian El Bosque Formation were derived from diverse source rocks such as mafic–ultramafic rocks, intermediate to felsic I-type plutons, strongly fractionated S-type granites and pegmatites, as well as from different metamorphic source lithologies (including high-pressure rocks) such as gneisses, migmatites, metapelites, and/or eclogites. It was proposed, therefore, that most Eocene sediments of the SCH were derived from the Guatemala Suture Complex, which involves all the rock types mentioned above. A minor portion of the El Bosque Formation sediments was derived from the CMC area and/or from recycled sandstones from the Mesozoic Todos Santos and San Ricardo Formations. Some advantages and disadvantages of provenance studies based on detrital apatite chemistry were also observed and briefly discussed.     

Integrated petrographic,mineralogical, and geochemical study of the upper Kaimur Group of rocks,Son Valley,India: Implications for provenance,source area weathering and tectonic setting

The upper Kaimur Group (UKG) of the Vindhyan Supergroup in central India, primarily consists of three rock types-Dhandraul sandstone, Scarp sandstone and Bijaigarh shale. The present study aims to reconstruct the parent rock assemblages, their tectonic provenance, mineralogy, weathering intensity, hydraulic sorting and depositional tectonic setting. Samples from the UKG rocks representing the Dhandraul sandstone, Scarp sandstone and Bijaigarh shale were studied using a combination of petrographic, mineralogical, and geochemical techniques. Texturally, medium to coarse grained UKG sandstones are mature and moderate to well sorted. Deficiency of feldspars in these sandstones indicates that the rocks are extensively recycled from distant sources. Their average modal composition for Scarp (avg. Qt₉₉ F₀.₂L_0.8) and Dhandraul (avg. Qt₉₉ F_0.1L_0.8) sandstones, classifies them as quartz arenite to sub-litharenite types, which is consistent with geochemical study. Major element concentrations revealed that sandstones have high SiO₂, K₂O < Na₂O, and low Fe₂O₃, which are supported by the modal data. On the other hand, sandstone samples are enriched in most trace elements such as Ce, Sr, V, Sc and Zr and depleted in U and Th. The CIA values (43.17–76.48) of the UKG rocks indicate low to moderate weathering, either of the original source or during transport before deposition, which may have related to low-relief and humid climatic conditions in the source area. Further, petrographic and geochemical interpretations indicate that they are derived from craton interior to quartzose recycled sedimentary rocks and deposited in a passive continental margin. Therefore, granitic and low grade metamorphic rocks of Mahakoshal Group and Chotanagpur granite-gneiss, situated on the southern and south-eastern side of the Vindhyan basin are suggested as possible provenance for the UKG rocks.     

北大巴山地区斑鸠关组砂岩地球化学特征对物源和构造环境的限定

北大巴山是南秦岭造山带的重要组成部分,保留较完整的地层记录。长期以来,斑鸠关组被认为形成于相对稳定的构造环境。本文通过对斑鸠关组砂岩的沉积序列和地球化学分析,详细分析其物源区和形成构造环境。沉积学特征表明,斑鸠关组砂岩主要为一套深水沉积的细砂岩、粉砂岩和泥岩组合序列,形成于海底扇。砂岩中交错层理恢复的古流向表明,其物源主要来自于北侧。地球化学分析表明,斑鸠关组砂岩SiO_2为61.54%～84.35%,主要为成熟度较低的岩屑砂屑岩。稀土元素标准化配分曲线呈现轻稀土富集、重稀土平坦和Eu负异常的特征。砂岩的风化蚀变指数为51～67,Th/U比值为3.36～7.02,表明砂岩物源区经历了较弱的风化作用。Zr/Sc和Th/Sc比值指示斑鸠关组砂岩没有经历沉积再旋回,为近源沉积。砂岩物源区组成判别图表明,斑鸠关组物源主要为长英质岩石。砂岩源区构造环境判别图以及特征指数表明,斑鸠关组源区形成于大陆岛弧和被动大陆边缘环境。综合区域资料,表明斑鸠关组形成于大陆岛弧相关环境,非大陆裂谷。     

Provenance, Tectonic Setting and Geochemistry of Ahwaz Sandstone Member (Asmari Formation, Oligo-Miocene), Marun Oilfield, Zagros Basin, SW Iran

The Asmari Formation deposited in the Zagros foreland basin during the OligoceneMiocene. Lithologically, the Asmari Formation consists of limestone, dolomitic limestone, dolomite, argillaceous limestone, some anhydrite(Kalhur Member) and sandstones(Ahwaz Member). This study is based on the analysis of core samples from four subsurface sections(wells Mn-68, Mn-281, Mn-292 and Mn-312) in the Marun Oilfield in the Dezful embayment subzone in order to infer their provenance and tectonic setting of the Ahwaz Sandstone Member. Petrographical data reveal that the Ahwaz Sandstone comprises 97.5% quartz, 1.6% feldspar, and 0.9% rock fragments and all samples are classified as quartz arenites. The provenance and tectonic setting of the Ahwaz Sandstone have been assessed using integrated petrographic and geochemical studies. Petrographic analysis reveals that mono- and poly-crystalline quartz grains from metamorphic and igneous rocks of a craton interior setting were the dominant sources. Chemically, major and trace element concentrations in the rocks of the Ahwaz Sandstone indicate deposition in a passive continental margin setting. As indicated by the CIW′ index(chemical index of weathering) of the Ahwaz Sandstone(average value of 82) their source area underwent "intense" recycling but "moderate to high" degree of chemical weathering. The petrography and geochemistry results are consistent with a tropical, humid climate and low-relief highlands.