Major and trace element compositions (including REE) of mineral,thermal, mine and surface waters in SW Germany and implications for water–rock interaction

The near-surface water cycle in a geologically complex area comprises very different sources including meteoric, metamorphic and magmatic ones. Fluids from these sources can react with sedimentary, magmatic and/or metamorphic rocks at various depths. The current study reports a large number of major, minor and trace element analyses of meteoric, mineral, thermal and mine waters from a geologically well-known and variable area of about 200 × 150 km in SW Germany. The geology of this area comprises a Variscan granitic and gneissic basement overlain in parts by Triassic and Jurassic shales, sandstones and limestones. In both the basement and the sedimentary rocks, hydrothermal mineralization occurs (including Pb, Cu, As, Zn, U, Co and many others) which were mined in former times. Mineral waters, thermal waters and meteoric waters flowing through abandoned mines (mine waters) are distributed throughout the area, although the mine waters concentrate in and around the Schwarzwald.The present analyses show, that the major element composition of a particular water is determined by the type of surrounding rock (e.g., crystalline or sedimentary rocks) and the depth from which the water originates. For waters from crystalline rocks it is the origin of the water that determines whether the sample is Na–Cl dominant (deeper origin) or Ca–HCO₃ dominant (shallow origin). In contrast, compositions of waters from sedimentary rocks are determined by the availability of easily soluble minerals like calcite (Ca–HCO₃ dominant), halite (Na–Cl dominant) or gypsum (Ca–SO₄ dominant). Major element data alone cannot, therefore, be used to trace the origin of a water. However, the combination of major element composition with trace element data can provide further information with respect to flow paths and fluid–rock interaction processes. Accordingly, trace element analyses showed, that:

• −Ce anomalies can be used as an indicator for the origin of a water. Whereas surface waters have negative or strongly negative Ce anomalies, waters originating from greater depths show no or only weak negative Ce anomalies.
• −Eu anomalies can be used to differentiate between host rocks. Waters from gneisses display positive Eu anomalies, whereas waters from granites have negative ones. Waters from sedimentary rocks do not display any Eu anomalies.
• −Rb and Cs can also be indicators for the rock with which the fluid interacted: Rb and Cs correlate positively in most waters with Rb/Cs ratios of ∼2, which suggests that these waters are in equilibrium with the clay minerals in the rocks. Rb/Cs ratios >5 indicate reaction of a water with existing clay minerals, whereas Rb/Cs ratios <2 are probably related to host rock alteration and clay mineral formation.

The chemical compositions of carbonate precipitates from thermal waters indicate that rare earth elements (REEs), Rb and Cs concentrations in the minerals are controlled by the incorporation of clay particles that adsorb these elements.     

The relationship between geology and rock weathering on the rock instability along Mugling–Narayanghat road corridor, Central Nepal Himalaya

The present study was conducted along the Mugling–Narayanghat road section and its surrounding region that is most affected by landslide and related mass-movement phenomena. The main rock types in the study area are limestone, dolomite, slate, phyllite, quartzite and amphibolites of Lesser Himalaya, sandstone, mudstone and conglomerates of Siwaliks and Holocene Deposits. Due to the important role of geology and rock weathering in the instabilities, an attempt has been made to understand the relationship between these phenomena. Consequently, landslides of the road section and its surrounding region have been assessed using remote sensing, Geographical information systems and multiple field visits. A landslide inventory map was prepared and comprising 275 landslides. Nine landslides representing the whole area were selected for detailed studies. Field surveys, integrated with laboratory tests, were used as the main criteria for determining the weathering zones in the landslide area. From the overall study, it is seen that large and complex landslides are related to deep rock weathering followed by the intervention of geological structures as faults, joints and fractures. Rotational types of landslides are observed in highly weathered rocks, where the dip direction of the foliation plane together with the rock weathering plays a principle role. Shallow landslides are developed in the slope covered by residual soil or colluviums. The rock is rather fresh below these covers. Some shallow landslides (rock topples) are related to the attitude of the foliation plane and are generally observed in fresh rocks. Debris slides and debris flows occur in colluviums or residual soil-covered slopes. In few instances, they are also related to the rock fall occurring at higher slopes. The materials from the rock fall are mixed with the colluviums and other materials lying on the slope downhill and flow as debris flow. Rock falls are mainly related to the joint pattern and the slope angle. They are found in less-weathered rocks. From all these, it is concluded that the rock weathering followed by geological structures has prominent role in the rock slope instability along Mugling–Narayanghat road section and its surrounding regions.     

Fluid–rock interaction at a carbonatite-gneiss contact, Alnö, Sweden

We evaluate balanced metasomatic reactions and model coupled reactive and isotopic transport at a carbonatite-gneiss contact at Alnö, Sweden. We interpret structurally channelled fluid flow along the carbonatite-gneiss contact at ～640°C. This caused (1) metasomatism of the gneiss, by the reaction: ${\hbox{biotite} + \hbox{quartz} + \hbox{oligoclase} + \hbox{K}_{2} \hbox{O} +\,\hbox{Na}_{2}\hbox{O} \pm \hbox{CaO} \pm \hbox{MgO} \pm \hbox{FeO} = \hbox{albite} + \hbox{K-feldspar} + \hbox{arfvedsonite} + \hbox{aegirene-}\hbox{augite} + \hbox{H}_{2} \hbox{O} + \hbox{SiO}_{2}}We evaluate balanced metasomatic reactions and model coupled reactive and isotopic transport at a carbonatite-gneiss contact at Aln?, Sweden. We interpret structurally channelled fluid flow along the carbonatite-gneiss contact at ∼640°C. This caused (1) metasomatism of the gneiss, by the reaction: , (2) metasomatism of carbonatite by the reaction: calcite + SiO₂ = wollastonite + CO₂, and (3) isotopic homogenization of the metasomatised region. We suggest that reactive weakening caused the metasomatised region to widen and that the metasomatic reactions are chemically (and possibly mechanically) coupled. Spatial separation of reaction and isotope fronts in the carbonatite conforms to a chromatographic model which assumes local calcite–fluid equilibrium, yields a timescale of 10²–10⁴ years for fluid–rock interaction and confirms that chemical transport towards the carbonatite interior was mainly by diffusion. We conclude that most silicate phases present in the studied carbonatite were acquired by corrosion and assimilation of ijolite, as a reactive by-product of this process and by metasomatism. The carbonatite was thus a relatively pure calcite–H₂O−CO₂–salt melt or fluid.     

Cadmium and sulfur isotopic compositions of the Tianbaoshan Zn–Pb–Cd deposit,Sichuan Province,China

Although Zn–Pb deposits are one of the most important Cd reservoirs in the earth, few studies have focused on the Cd isotopic fractionation in Zn–Pb hydrothermal systems. This study investigates the causes and consequences of cadmium and sulfur isotope fractionation in a large hydrothermal system at the Tianbaoshan Zn–Pb–Cd deposit from the Sichuan–Yunnan–Guizhou (SYG) metallogenic province, SW China. Moderate variations in Cd and S isotope compositions have been measured in sphalerite cover a distance of about 78 m. Sphalerite has δ^114/110Cd values ranging from 0.01 to 0.57‰, and sulfides (sphalerite, galena and chalcopyrite) have δ³⁴S_CDT values ranging from 0.2 to 5.0‰. Although δ³⁴S_CDT and δ^114/110Cd values in sphalerites have no regular spatial variations, the δ³⁴S_CDT values in galena and calculated ore-forming fluid temperatures decreased from 2.1 to 0.2‰ and from about 290 to 130 °C, respectively, from the bottom to the top of the deposit. Heavy Cd isotopes are enriched in early precipitated sphalerite in contrast to previous studies. We suggest that Cd isotopic compositions in ore-forming fluids are heterogeneous, which result in heavy Cd isotope enrichment in early precipitated sphalerite. In comparison with other Zn–Pb deposits in the SYG area, the Tianbaoshan deposit has moderate Cd contents and small isotope fractionation, suggesting differences in origin to other Zn–Pb deposits in the SYG province.In the Tianbaoshan deposit, the calculated δ³⁴S∑_S-fluids value is 4.2‰, which is not only higher than the mantle-derived magmatic sulfur (0 ± 3‰), but also quite lower than those of Ediacaran marine sulfates (about 30 to 35‰). Thus, we suggest that reduced sulfur of ore-forming fluids in the deposit was mainly derived from the leaching of the basement, which contains large amount of volcanic or intrusive rocks. Based upon a combination of Cd and S isotopic systems, the Tianbaoshan deposit has different geochemical characteristics from typical Zn–Pb deposits (e.g., the Huize deposit) in SYG area, indicating the unique origin of this deposit.     

Mineral compositions and fluid evolution of the Tonglushan skarn Cu–Fe deposit,SE Hubei,east-central China

The Tonglushan Cu–Fe deposit (1.12 Mt at 1.61% Cu, 5.68 Mt at 41% Fe) is located in the westernmost district of the Middle–Lower Yangtze River metallogenic belt. As a typical polymetal skarn metallogenic region, it consists of 13 skarn orebodies, mainly hosted in the contact zone between the Tonglushan quartz-diorite pluton (140 Ma) and Lower Triassic marine carbonate rocks of the Daye Formation. Four stages of mineralization and alterations can be identified: i.e. prograde skarn formation, retrograde hydrothermal alteration, quartz-sulphide followed by carbonate vein formation. Electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) indicates garnets vary from grossular (Ad_20.2–41.6Gr_49.7–74.1) to pure andradite (Ad_47.4–70.7Gr_23.9–45.9) in composition, and pyroxenes are represented by diopsides. Fluid inclusions identify three major types of fluids involved during formation of the deposit within the H₂O–NaCl system, i.e. liquid-rich inclusions (Type I), halite-bearing inclusions (Type II), and vapour-rich inclusions (Type III). Measurements of fluid inclusions reveal that the prograde skarn minerals formed at high temperatures (>550°C) in equilibrium with high-saline fluids (>66.57 wt.% NaCl equivalent). Oxygen and hydrogen stable isotopes of fluid inclusions from garnets and pyroxenes indicate that ore-formation fluids are mainly of magmatic-hydrothermal origin (δ¹⁸O = 6.68‰ to 9.67‰, δD = –67‰ to –92‰), whereas some meteoric water was incorporated into fluids of the retrograde alteration stage judging from compositions of epidote (δ¹⁸O = 2.26‰ to 3.74‰, δD= –31‰ to –73‰). Continuing depressurization and cooling to 405–567°C may have resulted in both a decrease in salinity (to 48.43–55.36 wt.% NaCl equivalent) and the deposition of abundant magnetite. During the quartz-sulphide stage, boiling produced sulphide assemblage precipitated from primary magmatic-hydrothermal fluids (δ¹⁸O = 4.98‰, δD = –66‰, δ³⁴S values of sulphides: 0.71–3.8‰) with an extensive range of salinities (4.96–50.75 wt.% NaCl equivalent), temperatures (240–350°C), and pressures (11.6–22.2 MPa). Carbonate veins formed at relatively low temperatures (174–284°C) from fluids of low salinity (1.57–4.03 wt.% NaCl equivalent), possibly reflecting the mixing of early magmatic fluids with abundant meteoric water. Boiling and fluid mixing played important roles for Cu precipitation in the Tonglushan deposit.     

U–Pb geochronology,Sr–Nd isotopic compositions,geochemistry and petrogenesis of Shah Soltan Ali granitoids,Birjand, Eastern Iran

The Shah Soltan Ali area (SSA) is located in the eastern part of the Lut Block metallogenic province. In this area different types of sub-volcanic intrusions including diorite porphyry, monzonite porphyry and monzodiorite porphyry have intruded into basaltic and andesitic rocks. Zircon U–Pb dating and field observations indicate that intermediate to mafic volcanic rocks (38.9 Ma) are older than subvolcanic units (38.3 Ma). The subvolcanic intrusions show high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic affinity and are metaluminous. Based on mineralogy, high values of magnetic susceptibility [(634 to 3208) × 10^?5 SI], and low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios, they are classified as belonging to the magnetite-series of oxidant I-type granitoids and are characterized by an enrichment in LREEs relative to HREEs, with negative Nb, Ti, Zr and Eu anomalies. These granitoids are related to volcanic arc (VAG) and were generated in an active continental margin. Low initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.7043 to 0.7052) and positive εNd values (+1.48 to +3.82) indicate that the parental magma was derived from mantle wedge. Parental magma was probably formed by low degree of partial melting and metasomatized by slab derived fluids. Then assimilation and fractional crystallization processes (AFC) produced the SSA rocks. This magma during the ascent was contaminated with the crustal material.All data suggest that Middle-Late Eocene epoch magmatism in the SSA area, occurred during subduction of Neo-Tethys Ocean in east of Iran (between Afghan and Lut Blocks).     

Relationship between footwall composition,crustal contamination,and fluid–rock interaction in the Platreef,Bushveld Complex,South Africa

In the northern limb of the 2.06-Ga Bushveld Complex, the Platreef is a platinum group elements (PGE)-, Cu-, and Ni-mineralized zone of pyroxenite that developed at the intrusion margin. From north to south, the footwall rocks of the Platreef change from Archaean granite to dolomite, hornfels, and quartzite. Where the footwall is granite, the Sr-isotope system is more strongly perturbed than where the footwall is Sr-poor dolomite, in which samples show an approximate isochron relationship. The Nd-isotope system for samples of pyroxenite and hanging wall norite shows an approximate isochron relationship with an implied age of 2.17 ± 0.2 Ga and initial Nd-isotope ratio of 0.5095. Assuming an age of 2.06 Ga, the ɛNd values range from −6.2 to −9.6 (ave. −7.8, n = 17) and on average are slightly more negative than the Main Zone of the Bushveld. These data are consistent with local contamination of an already contaminated magma of Main Zone composition. The similarity in isotope composition between the Platreef pyroxenites and the hanging wall norites suggests a common origin. Where the country rock is dolomite, the Platreef has generally higher plagioclase and pyroxene δ ¹⁸O values, and this indicates assimilation of the immediate footwall. Throughout the Platreef, there is considerable petrographic evidence for sub-solidus interaction with fluids, and the Δ _{plagioclase–pyroxene} values range from −2 to +6, which indicates interaction at both high and low temperatures. Whole-rock and mineral δD values suggest that the Platreef interacted with both magmatic and meteoric water, and the lack of disturbance to the Sr-isotope system suggests that fluid–rock interaction took place soon after emplacement. Where the footwall is granite, less negative δD values suggest a greater involvement of meteoric water. Consistently higher values of Δ _{plagioclase–pyroxene} in the Platreef pyroxenites and hanging wall norites in contact with dolomite suggest prolonged interaction with CO₂-rich fluid derived from decarbonation of the footwall rocks. The overprint of post crystallization fluid–rock interaction is the probable cause of the previously documented lack of correlation between PGE and sulfide content on the small scale. The Platreef in contact with dolomite is the focus of the highest PGE grades, and this suggests that dolomite contamination played a role in PGE concentration and deposition, but the exact link remains obscure. It is a possibility that the CO₂ produced by decarbonation of assimilated dolomite enhanced the process of PGE scavenging by sulfide precipitation.     

The Oeschinensee rock avalanche,Bernese Alps,Switzerland: a co-seismic failure 2300 years ago?

Landslide deposits dam Lake Oeschinen (Oeschinensee), located above Kandersteg, Switzerland. However, past confusion differentiating deposits of multiple landslide events has confounded efforts to quantify the volume, age, and failure dynamics of the Oeschinensee rock avalanche. Here we combine field and remote mapping, topographic reconstruction, cosmogenic surface exposure dating, and numerical runout modeling to quantify salient parameters of the event. Differences in boulder lithology and deposit morphology reveal that the landslide body damming Oeschinensee consists of debris from both an older rock avalanche, possibly Kandertal, as well as the Oeschinensee rock avalanche. We distinguish a source volume for the Oeschinensee event of 37 Mm³, resulting in an estimated deposit volume of 46 Mm³, smaller than previous estimates that included portions of the Kandertal mass. Runout modeling revealed peak and average rock avalanche velocities of 65 and 45 m/s, respectively, and support a single-event failure scenario. ³⁶Cl surface exposure dating of deposited boulders indicates a mean age for the rock avalanche of 2.3 ± 0.2 kyr. This age coincides with the timing of a paleo-seismic event identified from lacustrine sediments in Swiss lakes, suggesting an earthquake trigger. Our results help clarify the hazard and geomorphic effects of rare, large rock avalanches in alpine settings.     

Does vertical seismic force play an important role for the failure mechanism of rock avalanches? A case study of rock avalanches triggered by the Wenchuan earthquake of May 12, 2008, Sichuan,China

The Wenchuan earthquake triggered 15,000 rock avalanches, rockfalls and debris flows, causing a large number of causalities and widespread damage. Similar to many rock avalanches, field investigations showed that tensile failure often occurred at the back edge. Some soil and rock masses were moved so violently that material became airborne. The investigation indicates that this phenomenon was due to the effect of a large vertical seismic motion that occurred in the meizoseismal area during the earthquake. This paper analyses the effect of vertical earthquake force on the failure mechanism of a large rock avalanche using the Donghekou rock avalanche as an example. This deadly avalanche, which killed 780 people, initiated at an altitude of 1,300 m and had a total run-out distance of 2,400 m. The slide mass is mainly composed of Sinian limestone and dolomite limestone, together with Cambrian slate and phyllite. Static and dynamic stability analysis on the Donghekou rock avalanche has been performed using FLAC finite difference method software, under the actual seismic wave conditions as recorded on May 12, 2008. The results show that the combined horizontal and vertical peak acceleration caused a higher reduction in slope stability factor than horizontal peak acceleration alone. In addition, a larger area of tensile failure at the back edge of the avalanche was generated when horizontal and vertical peak acceleration were combined than when only horizontal acceleration was considered. The force of the large vertical component of acceleration was the main reason rock and soil masses became airborne during the earthquake.     

Lead isotopic and chalcophile element compositions in the environment near a zinc smelting–secondary zinc recovery facility,Palmerton, Pennsylvania,USA

The environment surrounding Palmerton, Pennsylvania is contaminated with Pb arising from primary Zn smelting and a process involving Zn recovery from electric arc steel furnace dusts. Lead isotope systematics have been used to distinguish primary Zn smelting Pb (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb∼18.4–18.5) from electric arc furnace dust lead (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb∼19.0–19.1). Primary Zn smelting is the dominant source of Pb in O2 horizon soils from undisturbed near-Palmerton locations, which contain up to 3570 ppm Pb and 782 ppm Cd. Soils from undeveloped near-Palmerton locations also exhibit unusually elevated concentrations of other sphalerite-derived chalcophilic elements (Se, Ag, In, Sb, Te, Au, Hg, Tl and Bi); indium concentrations of up to 17.0 ppm are observed therein. Residential soils and dusts from Palmerton contain Pb which is largely explainable via mixing of Pb from primary Zn smelting and electric arc furnace dusts. Approximately 80% of the Pb in airborne particulate matter sampled at Palmerton in 1991 is derived from electric arc furnace dusts, and atmospheric enrichment factors for Cu, Sb, Pb, and Bi are observed which confirm this major source contribution. Residential samples from a control location contain Pb which is less radiogenic than is found in Palmerton, and exhibit no unusual elevation in sphalerite elements. Lead source discrimination in the Palmerton environment via Pb isotopic and elemental constituents approaches result in parallel conclusions.     

Sulphur isotope compositions in the Åmmeberg Zn-Pb ore deposit,south-central Sweden: Genetic implications

The distribution of sulphur isotope compositions in the Åmmeberg sulphide ore deposit is discussed. The ³⁴S values for various sulphides show a complex pattern of fluctuations between isotopic equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions. This feature as well as the observed variations in the ³⁴S values of galena and sphalerite are interpreted to have originated from successive pulses of sulphide-forming solutions. On the basis of geological field criteria and sulphur isotope data, the Ammeberg deposit is considered to be a typical distal mineralization, belonging to the volcanic-exhalative group of ore deposits. The banded structure of the ore, the spatial separation of Pb and Zn and the presence of discrete, persistant ore layers probably relate to the type of convective system that created the mineral-forming solutions and to the various processes taking place when the brines were expelled onto the sea floor.

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Zusammenfassung Es wird die Verteilung von Schwefelisotopenzusammensetzungen in der Åmmeberg Sulfidlagerstätte diskutiert. Die ³⁴S-Werte für verschiedene Sulfide zeigt ein kompliziertes Schwankungsmuster zwischen Isotopengleichgewichts- und Isotopenungleichgewichtsbedingungen. Dieses Merkmal zusammen mit den beobachteten ³⁴S Schwankungen von Bleiglanz und Zinkblende werden dahingehend interpretiert, daß sie ihren Ursprung im anhaltenden Zustrom von sulfidhaltigen Lösungen hatten. Auf der Basis von geologischen Geländebefunden und Schwefelisotopendaten wird die Åmmeberg Lagerstätte als eine typische distale Mineralisation eingestuft, welche zur vulkanisch-exhalativen Lagerstättengruppe gehört. Die gebänderte Struktur des Erzes, die räumliche Trennung von Blei und Zink und die Anwesenheit von gesondert durchziehenden Erzlagen sind zum konvektiven System in Beziehung zu setzen, welches die mineralformenden Lösungen lieferte. Ebenfalls zeigt sich ein Zusammenhang zu den verschiedenen Prozessen, welche abliefen als die Sole auf den Meeresboden ausgestoßen wurde.

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Résumé L'auteur discute la distribution des compositions du soufre dans le gisement de sulfure d'Åmmeberg. Les valeurs de ³⁴S pour divers sulfures présentent des fluctuations complexes entre les conditions d'équilibre et de non-équilibre isotopique.Cette distribution, ainsi que les variations observées de ³⁴S de la galène et de la blende sont interprétées comme résultant d'arrivées successives de solutions sulfurantes. Sur la base de critères géologiques de terrain et des données relatives aux isotopes du soufre, le gisement d'Åmmeberg est considéré comme une minéralisation typiquement distale, appartenant au groupe volcanique exhalatif. La structure rubanée du minerai, la séparation spatiale du Pb et du Zn et la présence de couches de minerai discrètes et continues doivent vraisemblablement être mises en relation avec le type de système convectif qui a engendré les solutions minéralisantes et avec les divers processus qui sont entrés en jeu lorsque les saumures se sont répandues sur le fond de la mer.

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Diversities in biomarker compositions of Carboniferous–Permian humic coals in the Ordos Basin,China

The molecular composition of Carboniferous–Permian coals in the maturity range from 0.66 to 1.63% vitrinite reflectance has been analysed using organic geochemistry to investigate the factors influencing the biomarker compositions of humic coals. The Carboniferous–Permian coal has a variable organofacies and is mainly humic-prone. There is a significant difference in the distribution of saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons in these coals, which can be divided into three types. The Group A coals have biomarker compositions typical of humic coal, characterised by high Pr/Ph ratios, a lower abundance of tricyclic terpanes with a decreasing distribution from C₁₉ tricyclic terpane to C₂₄ tricyclic terpane and a high number of terrigenous-related biomarkers, such as C₂₄ tetracyclic terpane and C₂₉ steranes. The biomarker composition of Group B coals, which were deposited in a suboxic environment, have a higher abundance of rearranged hopanes than observed in Group A coals. In contrast, in Group C coals, the Pr/Ph ratio is less than 1.0, and the sterane and terpane distributions are very different from those in groups A and B. Group C coals generally have abnormally abundant tricyclic terpanes with a normal distribution maximising at the C₂₃ peak; C₂₇ steranes predominates in the m/z 217 mass fragmentograms. The relationships between biomarker compositions, thermal maturity, Pr/Ph ratios and depositional environments, indicate that the biomarker compositions of Carboniferous–Permian coals in Ordos Basin are mainly related to their depositional environment. This leads to the conclusion that the biomarker compositions of groups A and B coals collected from Shanxi and Taiyuan formations in the northern Ordos Basin are mainly related to their marine–terrigenous transitional environment, whereas the biomarker compositions for the Group C coals from Carboniferous strata and Shanxi Formation in the eastern Ordos Basin are associated with marine incursions.     

DEM–SPH simulation of rock blasting

A numerical model is proposed for the simulation of rock blasting. A bonded particle system is utilized to mimic the behavior of rock. The particles interact at the contact points through normal and shear springs to simulate rock elasticity. To withstand the deviatoric stresses, the particles are glued to each other. If the applied force exceeds the contact strength, local failure occurs and microcracks are developed in the synthetic rock. For simulation of gas flow, the smooth particle hydrodynamic method is implemented. The interaction of gas particles with the rock grains is assumed to follow a perfect plastic collision model in which the initial momentum of the colliding particles is preserved. A detailed examination of the interaction of gas with blast hole is investigated. It is shown that the proposed hybrid model is capable of simulating the induced shock waves in the gas together with wave propagation in the rock material. The model successfully mimics crack propagation in rock. In particular, the crushed zone around the borehole, radial cracks, and surface spalling are all captured successfully. The results of numerical analysis suggest that gas–rock interaction can, in fact, generate a few successive compressive waves in the rock specimen, causing further extension of radial cracks with time as the weaker secondary and tertiary waves interact with the crack tips.     

Dynamic stability analysis of rock slope considering the strength vibration degradation of through-type rock discontinuitiesEI北大核心

考虑结构面抗剪强度震动退化效应对分析与评价岩质边坡动力稳定性具有重要意义。基于岩石动力试验获取了多因素影响的结构面强度震动退化系数方程,结合极限平衡理论和动态矢量法原理,以UDEC程序作为计算引擎,采用其内置Fish语言编程实时刷新结构面强度特性参数和捕获任意地震历时时刻边坡地震惯性力,并以最小平均安全系数法求解边坡最终动力稳定性评价指标值,从而提出了一种考虑结构面强度震动退化的边坡动力稳定性系数动态算法。研究表明:结构面强度震动退化系数是取决于岩块间循环剪切次数、循环剪切幅度及相对运动速度响应值的动态变量;将该算法应用于含贯通型平直状结构面边坡动力稳定性算例中,其分析结果表明,动力作用时程内考虑结构面强度震动退化的边坡动力稳定性系数较未考虑该效应时的系数衰减更为明显,即前者计算结果更符合一般性自然规律,亦即验证了该算法的可行性;结构面最小强度震动退化系数随动力激励时程变化近似呈负指数函数形式逐渐衰减,且当结构面初始黏聚力(内摩擦角)越大、而坡角(层面倾角)或动荷载幅值(频率)越小时,地震历时过程中边坡最小动力稳定性系数越大,此时边坡最终动力稳定性相对越强。     

Can field data constrain rock viscosities?

In the 1960s it looked as though the ratio of wavelength to thickness of folds along shortened competent single layers might allow constraint of the viscosity ratios between the layers and their hosts when they deformed together. In the 1970s, the possibility arose that simple field measurements of boudins and mullions might also constrain rock viscosity ratios and thereby distinguish deformation facies and map rock viscosities in pressure–temperature–time space. Even more potential tools for constraining rock viscosities appeared in the 1980s but since then progress appears to have stagnated in a welter of problems.An attempt is made to refocus attention on direct retrospective measurements of rock rheologies during natural deformations by reviewing the potential field tools for constraining rock viscosities, discussing some of their problems, and by a crude application of the most developed approach. Further advances are likely to come from iteration between modellers and structural geologists working in a variety of tectonic settings. As well as constraining the pressure–temperature–time paths of our rocks, we should also be attempting to measure their viscosities.     

Experimental study on water–rock interactions during CO2 flooding in the Tensleep Formation,Wyoming, USA

The conditions for mineral alteration and formation damage during CO₂ treatment of Tensleep sandstone reservoirs in northern Wyoming, USA, were examined through core-flooding laboratory experiments carried out under simulated reservoir conditions (80°C and 166 bars). Subsurface cores from the Tensleep sandstone, which were cemented by dolomite and anhydrite, and synthetic brines were used. The brines used were (Ca, Mg, Na)SO₄–NaCl solution (9.69 g/l total dissolved solids) for Run 1 and a 0.25 mol/l NaCl solution for Run 2. The solution used in Run 1 was saturated with respect to anhydrite at run conditions, which is characteristic of Tensleep Formation waters.Three major reactions took place during flooding, including (1) dissolution of dolomite, (2) alteration of K-feldspar to form kaolinite, and (3) precipitation (in Run 1) or dissolution (in Run 2) of anhydrite. All sample solutions remained undersaturated with respect to carbonates. The permeability of all the cores (except one used in Run 2) decreased during the experiments despite the dissolution of authigenic cement. Kaolinite crystal growth occurring in pore throats likely reduced the permeability.Application of the experimental results to reservoirs in the Tensleep Formation indicates that an injection solution will obtain saturation with respect to dolomite (and anhydrite) in the immediate vicinity of the injection well. The injection of NaCl-type water, which can be obtained from other formations, causes a greater increase in porosity than the injection of Tensleep Formation waters because of the dissolution of both dolomite and anhydrite cements.     

Origin and evolution of the Ilmeny–Vishnevogorsky carbonatites (Urals, Russia): insights from trace-element compositions, and Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, U-Pb, Lu-Hf isotope data

The carbonatites of the Ilmeny-Vishnevogorsky Alkaline Complex (IVAC) are specific in geological and geochemical aspects and differ by some characteristics from classic carbonatites of the zoned alkaline-ultramafic complexes. Geological, geochemical and isotopic data and comparison with relevant experimental systems show that the IVAC carbonatites are genetically related to miaskites, and seem to be formed as a result of separation of carbonatite liquid from a miaskitic magma. Appreciable role of a carbonate fluid is established at the later stages of carbonatite formation. The trace element contents in the IVAC carbonatites are similar to carbonatites of the ultramafic-alkaline complexes. The characteristic signatures of the IVAC carbonatites are a high Sr content, a slight depletion in Ba, Nb, Та, Ti, Zr, and Hf, and enrichment in HREE in comparison with carbonatites of ultramafic-alkaline complexes. This testifies a specific nature of the IVAC carbonatites related to the fractionation of a miaskitic magma and to further Late Paleozoic metamorphism. Isotope data suggest a mantle source for IVAC carbonatites and indicate that moderately depleted mantle and enriched EMI-type components participated in magma generation. The lower crust could have been involved in the generation of the IVAC magma.     

Diverse mineral compositions,textures, and metamorphic P–T conditions of the glaucophane-bearing rocks in the Tamayen mélange,Yuli belt,eastern Taiwan

This paper presents new petrologic data for high-pressure, low-temperature (HP–LT) metamorphic rocks at Juisui. We reinterpret the so-called “Tamayen block” (Yang and Wang, 1985) or “Juisui block” (Liou, 1981, Beyssac et al., 2008) as a tectonic mélange. It is not a coherent sheet but rather a mixture dominated by greenschist and pelitic schist with pods of serpentinite, epidote amphibolite, and rare blueschist. Four types of glaucophane-bearing rocks are newly recognized in this mélange. Type I is in contact with greenschist lacking glaucophane and garnet. Glaucophane is present only as rare inclusions within pargasite. This type records metamorphic evolution from epidote blueschists-, epidote amphibolite-, to greenschist-facies. Type II contains characteristic zoned amphiboles from barroisite core to Mg-katophorite mantle and glaucophane rim, implying an epidote amphibolite-facies stage overprinted by an epidote blueschists-facies one. Type III includes winchite and indicates P–T conditions of about 6–8 kbar, approaching 400 °C. Type IV contains paragonite but lacks garnet; amphibole shows a Na–Ca core surrounded by a glaucophane rim. This type shows a high-pressure (?) epidote amphibolite-facies stage overprinted by an epidote blueschists-facies one. Amphibole zoning trends and mineral assemblages imply contradictory P–T paths for the four types of glaucophane-bearing rocks—consistent with the nature of a tectonic mélange. The new P–T constraints and petrologic findings differ from previous studies (Liou et al., 1975, Beyssac et al., 2008).