A “T-Z” approach for cyclic axial loading analysis of single piles

A simple and efficient numerical approach is presented for the cyclic axial loading analysis of vertical single piles embedded in a layered soil profile. The soil medium along the embedded pile is represented by simple “t–z” curves which define the shear stres-vertical displacement response of the soil at each particular depth. A hyperbolic “t-z” representation of the soil medium presented by Chin and Poulos, which caters for the case of a two-layered and “Gibson” soil profiles, is utilised. Under cyclic loading conditions, the well-known Masing's criteria governing the unloading and reloading responses are incorporated into the “t-z” curves. The cyclic loading effects of pile capacity degradation and accumulation of pile displacement are catered for in an approximate manner. Some numerical results are presented to show the important parameters affecting the cyclic response of single piles embedded in a layered soil. Finally, a comparison with field measurements of a cyclic pile load test shows general agreement between numerical and field results.     

Ga/Mg ratio as a new geochemical tool to differentiate magmatic from metamorphic blue sapphires

Using ICP-MS–LA analyses, we demonstrate that the use of the Ga/Mg ratio, in conjunction with the Fe concentration, is an efficient tool in discriminating between “metamorphic” and “magmatic” blue sapphires. Magmatic blue sapphires found in alkali basalts (e.g. southeastern Asia, China, Africa) are commonly medium-rich to rich in Fe (with average contents between 2000 and 11000 ppm), high in Ga (> 140 ppm), and low in Mg (generally < 20 ppm) with high Ga/Mg ratios (> 10). Conversely, metamorphic blue sapphires found in basalts (e.g. Pailin pastel) and in metamorphic terrains (e.g. Mogok, Sri Lanka, Ilakaka) are characterized by low average iron contents (< 3000 ppm), low Ga contents (< 75 ppm), and high Mg values (> 60 ppm) with low average Ga/Mg ratios (< 10). Basaltic magmatic sapphires have Fe, Ga and Mg contents similar to those obtained for primary magmatic sapphires found in the Garba Tula syenite. This suggests that these both sets of sapphires have a possible common “syenitic” origin, as previously proposed from other criteria. In addition, plumasite-related sapphires and metamorphic sapphires also exhibit similar composition in trace elements. Based on results from the present study, we suggest that fluid circulations during a metamorphic stage produced metasomatic exchanges between mafic and acidic rocks (plumasite model), thus explaining the high Mg contents and converging Ga/Mg ratios observed in metamorphic sapphires.     

Earthquakes and soil liquefaction in flood stories of the ancient Near East

Flood stories in the Hebrew Bible and the Koran appear to be derived from earlier flood stories like those in the Gilgamesh Epic and still earlier in the Atrahasis. All would have their source from floods of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

The Gilgamesh Epic magnifies the catastrophe by having the flood begin with winds, lightning, and a shattering of the earth, or earthquake. Elsewhere in Gilgamesh, an earthquake can be shown to have produced pits and chasms along with gushing of water. It is commonly observed that earthquake shaking causes water to gush from the ground and leaves pits and open fissures. The process is known as soil liquefaction. Earthquake is also a possible explanation for the verse “all the fountains of the great deep (were) broken up” that began the Flood in Genesis. Traditionally, the “great deep” was the ocean bottom. A more recent translation substitutes “burst” for “broken up” in describing the fountains, suggesting that they erupted at the ground surface and were caused by an earthquake with soil liquefaction. Another relation between soil liquefaction and the Flood is found in the Koran where the Flood starts when “water gushed forth from the oven”. Soil liquefaction observed erupting preferentially into houses during an earthquake provides a logical interpretation if the oven is seen as a tiny house. A case can be made that earthquakes with soil liquefaction are embedded in all of these flood stories.     

Fractal geochronology — dating of the past, planning for the future

Dates for regional-scale geological events are typically determined by analysis of radioactive decay processes within micron-scale closed systems, demonstrating that geochronology information is “fractal” — that is, largely independent of the scale of magnification. This has important implications for the way geochronology data should be stored, retrieved and processed in order to maximize extraction of useful geological information.     

Some aspects of sandwiched soil cover design for toxic waste repositories

The environmental concern favours “dry” waste management systems compared to the more common practice of shallow land burial. With the former, sandwiched soil covers are usually employed. A double barrier concept is presented and discussed for the sandwiched construction. The critical matrix potentials of the two barrier materials appear to have significant influence on the performance of the dual barrier system. Despite some practical problems, the concept appears promising.     

Carbonatite melt–CO2 fluid inclusions in mantle xenoliths from Tenerife, Canary Islands: a story of trapping, immiscibility and fluid–rock interaction in the upper mantle

Three types of fluid inclusions have been identified in olivine porphyroclasts in the spinel harzburgite and lherzolite xenoliths from Tenerife: pure CO₂ (Type A); carbonate-rich CO₂–SO₂ mixtures (Type B); and polyphase inclusions dominated by silicate glass±fluid±sp±silicate±sulfide±carbonate (Type C). Type A inclusions commonly exhibit a “coating” (a few microns thick) consisting of an aggregate of a platy, hydrous Mg–Fe–Si phase, most likely talc, together with very small amounts of halite, dolomite and other phases. Larger crystals (e.g. (Na,K)Cl, dolomite, spinel, sulfide and phlogopite) may be found on either side of the “coating”, towards the wall of the host mineral or towards the inclusion center. These different fluids were formed through the immiscible separations and fluid–wall-rock reactions from a common, volatile-rich, siliceous, alkaline carbonatite melt infiltrating the upper mantle beneath the Tenerife. First, the original siliceous carbonatite melt is separated from a mixed CO₂–H₂O–NaCl fluid and a silicate/silicocarbonatite melt (preserved in Type A inclusions). The reaction of the carbonaceous silicate melt with the wall-rock minerals gave rise to large poikilitic orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene grains, and smaller neoblasts. During the metasomatic processes, the consumption of the silicate part of the melt produced carbonate-enriched Type B CO₂–SO₂ fluids which were trapped in exsolved orthopyroxene porphyroclasts. At the later stages, the interstitial silicate/silicocarbonatite fluids were trapped as Type C inclusions. At a temperature above 650 °C, the mixed CO₂–H₂O–NaCl fluid inside the Type A inclusions were separated into CO₂-rich fluid and H₂O–NaCl brine. At T<650 °C, the residual silicate melt reacted with the host olivine, forming a reaction rim or “coating” along the inclusion walls consisting of talc (or possibly serpentine) together with minute crystals of NaCl, KCl, carbonates and sulfides, leaving a residual CO₂ fluid. The homogenization temperatures of +2 to +25 °C obtained from the Type A CO₂ inclusions reflect the densities of the residual CO₂ after its reactions with the olivine host, and are unrelated to the initial fluid density or the external pressure at the time of trapping. The latter are restricted by the estimated crystallization temperatures of 1000–1200 °C, and the spinel lherzolite phase assemblage of the xenolith, which is 0.7–1.7 GPa.     

A simplified multi-layered flow model for use in landfill design

A simplified analytical flow model, which considers multi-layered soil systems, is developed herein for estimating the steady-state velocity field and the head distribution beneath landfills and in multiple aquitard-aquifer systems. The landfills either can be engineered with a multi-liner and -drainage layer system or can be without any such engineered layers. The application of the method is illustrated with respect to the design of two hypothetical landfills by considering several design options. The effect of landfill size and the potential “shadow effect” is also examined.     

Einübertragungsnetz zur kluftstatistik

This paper describes the application and characteristics of a new net for crack statistics. The net, here called transmission net or “u-net” (“Übertragungsnetz”, “Ü-Netz”) is used in combination with a transmission table or “u-table” (“Übertragungstabelle”, “Ü-Tabelle”). Its purpose is to obtain a sphere of crack locations from a series of cracks, having been measured according to strike and inclination.

The “u-net” is composed of a grid subdivided into degrees or degree-grid (“Gradnetz”) and an equal-area-grid (“flächengleiches Netz”). Having replaced the direction σ of strike by its normal δ, the cracks are registered into the meshes of the degree-grid and are there counted. Then they are transmitted into the equal-area-grid according to the percent values of the u-table. From the pattern of frequency numbers (“Häufigkeitszahlen”) in the equal-area-grid the sphere of crack locations is obtained.

Particular specifications regulate the procedure for special measure values, i.e., those of the integral multiples of 5°, especially the angles of inclination τ = 0° and τ = 90° (see 1.4). With greater inaccuracies in measurements, one changes, by means of a given table (see Table V), to a degree-grid of 10°. With very small inaccuracies, on the other hand, the procedure may be simplified, the degree-grid becoming unnecessary (see 1.5). The meshes near the centre, being too long, may be avoided by an additional circle (“Zusatzkreis”—see 1.3).

The “u-net” was constructed in such a way that the spheres of crack locations report the real frequency distribution at all times, free from systematic errors. This is achieved by the method that all calculations follow the principle of area equality or area proportionality on the hemisphere (see 2.1). The procedure using the “u-net” can be adapted to differential accuracies of measuring. It is especially suitable for large numbers of cracks; it is simple in calculation and may easily be programmed for digital computers. Thus the “u-net” is advantageous for all applications in which a large number of cracks has to be dealt with. Such applications are very frequent in rock mechanics, in engineering geology for the purpose of foundation of large hydraulic buildings (dams, caverns), in petrography, tectonics and in geophysical investigations such as the determination of crack structures with a view to explaining micromagnetic occurrences, for instance. Furthermore, the “u-net” is applicable not only to crack statistics but also to other similar statistical methods, e.g., to the statistics of cristal axes or to geographic frequency analyses.     

Evaluation of biogeochemical prospecting methods in the search for sulfide deposits in the Appalachian piedmont, Virginia, U.S.A.

Soil and stream sediment sampling have been the primary geochemical exploration tools in the Appalachian piedmont to date. However, the great thicknesses of soil and saprolite found in the region coupled with the dense vegetation frequently encountered favor biogeochemistry as an alternative or supplemental method since deep-rooted plants sample closer to bedrock. To evaluate this method, an orientation survey was performed in which soils and vegetation at 17 sites north of Mineral, Virginia, were sampled and analyzed for Ag, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn. The traverse included stations over the host rocks of massive sulfide mineralization, as well as over apparent “barren” country rock. Samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry using standard digestion and analytical techniques.Both A- and B-horizon soil metals generally appear to be reliable indicators of mineralization, with soils developed over sulfides showing up to three-fold enrichment in metal content relative to the average soils developed on the country rock. Correlation of metal concentrations in vegetation to soil metal concentrations reveal plant concentrations expressed on a dry-weight basis correlate stronger and more frequently to soil metals than do ash-weight concentrations. Copper shows some promise in selected organs and species, Ag appears fair but data are limited to one organ of one species, and plant Pb seems totally unresponsive to soil metal concentrations perhaps because foliar absorption is an important plant uptake mechanism here. However, Zn and Cd in organs of the oak group, especially mature leaves and twigs of the current year's growth show the greatest promise as prospecting tools. They correlate well with soil metals and when compared directly to the geology they reliably reflect mineralization. Although results using White oak were slightly less profound than those obtained from the Black-Red oak group, White oak may be preferred as it is a single, more widespread, easily-identifiable species. Copper and especially Zn although essential elements to plants, do not appear to be “difficult” elements for biogeochemical prospecting in the Appalachian piedmont.     

Immiscibility between silicate magmas and aqueous fluids: a melt inclusion pursuit into the magmatic-hydrothermal transition in the Omsukchan Granite (NE Russia)

Exsolution (unmixing) of the volatile element-rich phases from cooling and crystallising silicate magmas is critical for element transport from the Earth’s interior into the atmosphere, hydrosphere, crustal hydrothermal systems, and the formation of orthomagmatic ore deposits. Unmixing is an inherently fugitive phenomenon and melt inclusions (droplets of melt trapped by minerals) provide robust evidence of this process. In this study, melt inclusions in phenocrystic and miarolitic quartz were studied to better understand immiscibility in the final stages of cooling of, and volatile exsolution from, granitic magmas, using the tin-bearing Omsukchan Granite (NE Russia) as an example.

Primary magmatic inclusions in quartz phenocrysts demonstrate the coexistence of silicate melt and magma-derived Cl-rich fluids (brine and vapour), and emulsions of these, during crystallisation of the granite magma. Microthermometric experiments, in conjunction with PIXE and other analytical techniques, disclose extreme heterogeneity in the composition of the non-silicate phases, even in fluid globules within the same silicate melt inclusion. We suggest that the observed variability is a consequence of strong chemical heterogeneity in the residual silicate-melt/brine/vapour system on a local scale, owing to crystallisation, immiscibility and failure of individual phases to re-equilibrate. The possible evolution of non-silicate volatile magmatic phases into more typical “hydrothermal” chloride solutions was examined using inclusions in quartz from associated miarolitic cavities.     

The partitioning of copper among selected phases of geologic media of two porphyry copper districts, Puerto Rico

In experiments designed to determine the manner in which copper is partitioned among selected phases that constitute geologic media, we have applied the five-step sequential extraction procedure of Chao and Theobald to the analysis of drill core, soils, and stream sediments of the Rio Vivi and Rio Tanama porphyry copper districts of Puerto Rico. The extraction procedure affords a convenient means of determining the trace-metal content of the following fractions: (1) Mn oxides and “reactive” Fe oxides; (2) “amorphous” Fe oxides; (3) “crystalline” Fe oxides; (4) sulfides and magnetite; and (5) silicates. An additional extraction between steps (1) and (2) was performed to determine organic-related copper in stream sediments.The experimental results indicate that apportionment of copper among phases constituting geologic media is a function of geochemical environment. Distinctive partitioning patterns were derived from the analysis of drill core from each of three geochemical zones: (a) the supergene zone of oxidation; (b) the supergene zone of enrichment; and (c) the hypogene zone; and similarly, from the analysis of; (d) soils on a weakly leached capping; (e) soils on a strongly leached capping; and (f) active stream sediment.The experimental results also show that geochemical contrasts (anomaly-to-background ratios) vary widely among the five fractions of each sampling medium investigated, and that at least one fraction of each medium provides substantially stronger contrast than does the bulk medium. Fraction (1) provides optimal contrast for stream sediments of the district; fraction (2) provides optimal contrast for soils on a weakly leached capping; fraction (3) provides optimal contrast for soils on a strongly leached capping.Selective extraction procedures appear to have important applications to the orientation and interpretive stages of geochemical exploration. Further investigation and testing of a similar nature are recommended.     

Phase associations and potential selective extraction methods for selected high-tech metals from ferromanganese nodules and crusts with siderophores

Deep-sea ferromanganese deposits contain a wide range of economically important metals. Ferromanganese crusts and nodules represent an important future resource, since they not only contain base metals such as Mn, Ni, Co, Cu and Zn, but are also enriched in critical or rare high-technology elements such as Li, Mo, Nb, W, the rare earth elements and yttrium (REY). These metals could be extracted from nodules and crusts as a by-product to the base metal production. However, there are no proper separation techniques available that selectively extract certain metals out of the carrier phases. By sequential leaching, we demonstrated that, except for Li, which is present in an easily soluble form, all other high-tech metals enriched in ferromanganese nodules and crusts are largely associated with the Fe-oxyhydroxide phases and only to subordinate extents with Mn-oxide phases. Based on this fact, we conducted selective leaching experiments with the Fe-specific organic ligand desferrioxamine-B, a naturally occurring and ubiquitous siderophore. We showed by leaching of ferromanganese nodules and crusts with desferrioxamine-B that a significant and selective extraction of high-tech metals such as Li, Mo, Zr, Hf and Ta is possible, while other elements like Fe and the base metals Mn, Ni, Cu, Co and Zn are not extracted to large extents. The set of selectively extracted elements can be extended to Nb and W if Mn and carbonate phases are stripped from the bulk nodule or crust prior to the siderophore leach by e.g. a sequential leaching technique. This combination of sequential leaches with a siderophore leach enhanced the extraction to 30–50% of each Mo, Nb, W and Ta from a mixed type Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) nodule and 40–80% from a diagenetic Peru Basin nodule, whilst only 5–10% Fe and even less Mn are extracted from the nodules. Li is extracted to about 60% from the CCZ nodule and a maximum of 80% Li is extracted from the Peru Basin nodule.Our pilot work on selective extraction of high-tech metals from marine ferromanganese nodules and crusts showed that specific metal-binding organic ligands may have promising potential in future processing technologies of these oxide deposits.     

Utilization of underground spaces in urban areas: Urban geo-grid plan

Miyake, N. and Denda, A., 1993. Utilization of underground spaces in urban areas: Urban geo-grid plan. In: M. Langer, K. Hoshino and K. Aoki (Editors). Engineering Geology in the Utilization of Underground Space.Eng. Geol., 35: 175–181.

The Urban Geo-grid Plan aims for a systematic and better coexistence of above-ground and underground areas through the utilization of underground space presently not in use, without interfering with existing urban functions. There would be “base points” supporting regional functions which are laid out in a grid connected by “lines”. Base points would consist of “grid points” and “grid stations”, which serve as control centers for grid points, the grid points and grid stations being interconnected by tunnels to form an “underground network”. Normally, a base point would be used for multiple purposes to supplement regional functions which are inadequate, as well as urban functions, and in emergencies, such as earthquake disasters, it would demonstrate information and evacuations functions.     

The deep-seated crustal structure in the western part of the Black Sea and adjacent areas: Seismic reflection measurement

In recent years the northwestern Black Sea has been investigated by a great number of geophysical methods. Charts of the M discontinuity and (isopachous) charts of the “granitic”, the “basaltic”, the Paleozoic, the Jurassic-Triassic, the Upper and Lower Cretaceous and the Eocene layers were plotted based on the results of the combined data of these investigations together with associated drilling data. The data for different velocity levels confirms the concept of layered-block structure of the crust, where large blocks are divided by deep faults penetrating to the upper mantle. Sedimentation within each block is continuous while reverse fault zones, dividing the East European Platform with a crustal thickness of more than 40 km and the Scythian Platform with a crust of about 30 km thick, and the latter from the Black Sea depression with crust of about 20 km, are discontinuous. Therefore, one can speak of a continuous-discontinuous nature of the sedimentation.

An inverse relationship in thicknesses of the “granitic” and sedimentary layers has been established. In places of intensive sedimentation the thickness of the “granitic” layer is less than that within the stable unsagging blocks. On the whole the greater the thickness of “basaltic” layer, the greater is the crustal thickness.

The relationship between the main geological structures of the area should be sought in the nature of structure of these “granitic” and “basaltic” layers.     

The role of cationic and anionic scavengers in laterites

In laterites numerous poorly crystalline and amorphous phases are present in substantial weight fractions. Such substances exhibit a large degree of non-stoichiometry and high charges. They behave as “scavengers” during the development of soils and alteration profiles. Scavengers collect and accumulate metals from solutions which migrate through the laterite. In time and/or under changing environmental conditions, amorphous and poorly crystalline scavengers recrystallize into neoformed minerals with defined structure.     

Interparticle forces and displacements in granular materials

In a micromechanics framework, the main issue is the relationship between the microscale variables and the macroscale variables. These variables are used to describe either the statics or kinematics of the system. The relationships can be classified in two ways, namely, the “averaging” relationships and the “tracking” relationships. The averaging relationships express the macroscale variable as an averaging of the microscale variables; for example, the stress as a function of contact forces. The “tracking” relationships express the microscale variable as a function of the macroscale variables; for example, the contact force at a given orientation as a function of the stress. Based on fundamental premises, a unique averaging relationship exists for either the statics or the kinematics case. However, it is generally impossible to have a unique expression of the “tracking” relationship because they are generally derived with certain assumptions. In this paper, we will present expressions of the “tracking” based on three different approaches, namely, (1) energy conservation principle, (2) representation theory, and (3) indirect scheme. The assumptions used in each approach are discussed. The results are compared among the three approaches as well as that obtained from the Discrete Element Method (DEM).     

Some specific problems of wetted loessial soils in civil engineering

Bally, R.J., 1988. Some specific problems of wetted loessial soils in civil engineering. Eng. Geol., 25: 303–324.

Loessial soils, wetted above the limit of collapsibility, remain in the category of difficult foundation grounds. Some case histories are presented herein: surpassing soil bearing capacity and non-stabilized settlements of buildings after initially dry loess wetting; slow but nondamped settlements or damped but great and, eventually, non-uniform settlements of structures erected on wet loess; supplementary settlements by water level lowering in loessial ground; great settlements of deep foundations passing through the collapsible loess to the underlaying wet but noncollapsible loess. Research on wetted loess performed in the laboratory (oedometer, triaxial) or in situ (full-scale experiments or real constructions) have emphasized the dependence of the soil structural resistance, deformability (compressibility and deformation under constant volume) and final resistance on both the moisture content or stress-state and on their history; the depth propagation of the active zone of surface loadings on wetted loess is different from that of the linear elastic theory; some suggestions to estimate the depth of the active zone are presented. The usual foundation systems on wetted loessial grounds, or in their vicinity, adopted in Romania include: loessial or gravel cushions; surface compaction (very efficient results of intensive dynamic compaction); foundation “stamping” or loessial ground “reinforcing”. It is recommendable to take into consideration: surveyed wetting under construction until maximum moisture content of the loessial ground; in situ columns of stabilized loess; the efficiency of geotextiles for filter-drainage and antierosional functions in loessial soils.     

Porphyry copper deposits of the CIS and the models of their formation

Deposits of the “porphyry” family (essentially porphyry copper and gold-porphyry copper, gold-bearing porphyry molybdenum-copper, gold-containing porphyry copper-molybdenum and porphyry molybdenum deposits) are associated in time and space with granitoid magmatism mainly in Phaerozoic volcano-plutonic belts. Whatever their age, the deposits belong to two types of belts: basaltic belts, representing axial zones of island arcs, or andesitic belts formed within active continental (Andean-type) margins.The petrochemistry of ore-bearing magmatism related to the nature of the substratum of volcano-plutonic belts, reveals a number of essential characteristics, both in composition and zonation of wallrock alteration and ore mineralization. These characterisics enabled previous researchers to establish four models of porphyry copper deposits based on their lithologic associations, e.g., “diorite”, “granodiorite”, “monzonite” and “granite”.Pophyry copper deposits are thought to be the product of self-generating “two-fluid mixing” ore-magmatic systems. Porphyry intrusions are pathways for energy and metals from deep-seated magma chambers, of which the upper mineralized parts are accessible for observation. The relationship between magmatic fluids and meteoric water participating in the ore-forming processes (dependent on the structural-petrophysical conditions of formation), provide a subdivision for the porphyry copper ore-magmatic systems into three types: “open”, “closed” and “transitional”.Concurrently, a common trend in the evolution of the systems has been established, from a nearly autoclave regime of structural-and ore-forming processes to a gradual increase in the importance of hydrothermal recycling. The completeness of the OMS (ore-magmatic system) development according to this scheme, which determines the existence of various OMS types, depends on many factors, the most important being the depth of formation of porphyry intrusive bodies, the petrophysical peculiarities of the host rocks and the palaeohydrogeological conditions of ore deposition.Although rock fracturing (especially defluidization: second boiling) and contraction are caused by the same mechanisms, the stockwork growth in “open” and “closed” systems, relative to the wall rock, takes place in opposite directions, primarily due to different petrophysical parameters of the near-stock environment.In “open” systems structural and ore metasomatic processes are finalized. Fractures extend progressively from porhyry stocks into the marginal parts of the intrusive framework and extension of large-scale recycling of magmatic and activated meteoric water, in the same direction, result in the formation of ore-bearing stockworks. These are large in all dimensions, cover mainly hanging-wall zones and are characterized by clearly defined concentric mineral zoning and extensive geochemical haloes.In a “closed” OMS with centripetal growing fractures, hydrothermal convection is stunted. The vertical extension of recycling cells is restricted and the volume of meteoric water involved in circulation during the period of ore deposition is relatively small. As a result, relatively small intra-intrusive lenticular stockworks are developed which are characterized by close co-existence of several generations of mineralization with fragmentary preservation of the earliest ones. These are characterized by the elements of “reverse” zoning, increased density of the veinlets and metal content, as well as poorly developed hanging-wall dispersion haloes.     

Recent discussion about the North-South bias of the major rift-valleys

The formation of the major rift-valleys is proposed to have been triggered off by the E—W oriented tensional “wave” caused by the slow rotation of the equatorial bulge passing as a stretching hoop through the Earth (Paleozoic—Mesozoic). This ‘wave’ follows the wandering of the polar axis through a great circle (e.g. Creer et al., 1969). The polar wandering is regarded as the readjustment of the Earth's rotational instability caused by the growth of a “weight” fixed on the surface of the Earth and endeavouring to increase its moment of inertia until the weight rotates on the new equator (Gold, 1950). This weight, which must topple the Earth through its fixed spacial axis of rotation, may be slowly developing Pangea. The “wave” of E—W tension is imposed on zones already under E—W tension, e.g., crests of N—S running welts, alias “craton ridges”. The intruding asthenosphere expands the crests and fractures them along tensional rift-valleys. These rifts may develop as spreading centers by gliding of the plates over a lubricating basalt magma.

The idea proposed by R. Schweickert (pers. commun., 1979) that the lithosphere is decoupled from the asthenosphere to an extent that the shell may rotate as a separate unit (as a means to explain how fixed plumes move in unison under the “roll” of the lithosphere) is dismissed. The subducted slabs act as braking flaps and cannot overcome the friction against the asthenosphere. The “roll” would be too young (50 m.y.), because the polar wandering according to Creer is much older.     

The crust-mantle boundary beneath cratons and craton margins: a transect across the south-west margin of the Kaapvaal craton

“Lower-crustal suite” xenoliths occur in “on-craton” and “off-craton” kimberlites located across the south-western margin of the Kaapvaal craton, southern Africa.

Rock types include mafic granulite (plagioclase-bearing assemblages), eclogite (plagioclase-absent assemblages with omphacitic clinopyroxene) and garnet pyroxenite (“orthopyroxene-bearing eclogite”). The mafic granulites are subdivided into three groups: garnet granulites (cpx + grt + plag + qtz); two pyroxene garnet granulites (cpx + opx + grt + plag); kyanite granulites (cpx + grt + ky + plag + qtz). Reaction microstructures preserved in many of the granulite xenoliths involve the breakdown of plagioclase by a combination of reactions: (1) cpx + plag → grt + qtz; (2) plag → grt + ky + qtz; (3) plag → cpx (jd-rich) + qtz. Compositional zoning in minerals associated with these reactions records the continuous transition from granulite facies mineral assemblages and pressure (P) — temperature (T) conditions to those of eclogite facies.

Two distinct P-T arrays are produced: (1) “off-craton” granulites away from the craton margin define a trend from 680 °C, 7.5 kbar to 850 °C, 12 kbar; (2) granulite xenoliths from kimberlites near the craton margin and “on-craton” granulites produce a trend with similar geothermal gradient but displaced to lower T by ˜ 100 °C. Both P-T fields define higher geothermal gradients than the model steady state conductive continental geotherm (40 mWm²) and are not consistent with the paleogeotherm constructed from mantle-derived garnet peridotite xenoliths.

A model involving intrusion of basic magmas around the crust/mantle boundary followed by isobaric cooling is proposed to explain the thermal history of the lower crust beneath the craton margin. The model is consistent with the thermal evolution of the exposed Namaqua-Natal mobile belt low-pressure granulites and the addition of material from the mantle during the Namaqua thermal event (c. 1150 Ma). The xenolith P-T arrays are not interpreted as representing paleogeotherms at the time of entrainment in the host kimberlite. They most likely record P-T conditions “frozen-in” during various stages of the tectonic juxtaposition of the Namaqua Mobile Belt with the Kaapvaal craton.