Bathymay : la structure sous-marine de Mayotte révélée par l'imagerie multifaisceaux

The BATHYMAY marine survey was carried out in January 2004 around the French volcanic island of Mayotte, onboard the research vessel Marion Dufresne 2. Multibeam bathymetry revealed for the first time the morphology of the whole outer slope. Preliminary interpretations show broad canyons that deeply incise the slope, numerous volcanoes and huge landslides. Large submarine plateaus are also highlighted, bounded by steep cliffs and active normal faults. A model for Mayotte is suggested, in which eruptive activity, sometimes influenced by normal faulting, was concentrated along a N140° regional line (the Comoros archipelago axis), with landslide activity concentrated on the northeastern and southwestern flanks of this line. To cite this article: J.-C. Audru et al., C. R. Geoscience 338 (2006).     

Contrǒle des concentrations d'aluminium dissous dans les eaux des sources thermales

We analized about 100 hot springs of different regions in France for dissolved Al. In an area where the chemical composition of the springs for major elements is about the same and the emergence temperatures are different, we usually observe correlations between dissolved Al and temperature. This correlation is positive in the case of high pH hot springs (Pyrénées). On the contrary, the correlation is negative for the CO₂ rich waters of the Massif Central (Vichy). We also observe intermediate patterns, where Al concentrations are roughly independant of the temperature.Using a set of consistant values of thermodynamical data for ions and minerals of Al, we find that the observed correlations between Al and temperature are related to the solubility of a mineral which is generally kaolinite.     

Pollution par les nitrates des nappes phréatiques sous environnement semi-urbain non assaini: example de la nappe de Yeumbeul, Sénégal

High nitrate concentrations, above the WHO guideline of 50 mg l⁻¹, were observed in samples of shallow wells reaching the Yeumbeul suburb (Senegal) area groundwater. This groundwater is exploited by 7000 houses and therefore there are health implications. Correlations between parameters such as nitrate content (NO₃⁻) in the groundwater and soil water, the distance between shallow wells and family latrines, and soil water chloride (Cl⁻) and colon bacillus content led to two possible sources of groundwater pollution: first, contamination by non impervious and shallow latrines; and second, the leaching of soil NO₃⁻ from waste organic matter carried in groundwater.     

Relations entre les concentrations des ions alcalins dans les eaux thermales sulfurées sodiques du Midi de la France

Alkali ion concentrations were studied in hot sulphurated springs in the south of France. Strong correlations between elements (K-Rb, K-Cs and Na-Li) are found. The element concentrations are also closely related with deep temperature as estimated by classical geothermometers. A discussion of the origin of the interelement correlations is presented. Further studies on the behaviour of trace elements during mineral dissolution are needed and can yield interesting methods of investigation in geothermal exploration.

Résumé

L'étude des concentrations des ions alcalins dissous dans les eaux thermales sulfurées du Midi de la France montrent de très nettes corrélations entre éléments (K-Rb, K-Cs et Na-Li) ainsi que des corrélations entre concentrations d'éléments et température profonde estimée à l'aide des géothermomètres classiques. Plusieurs suggestions quant à l'explication des relations observées sont présentées. Une bonne compréhension du comportement des ions en trace lors de la dissolution des minéraux par l'eau aurait certainement des retombées intéressantes en prospection géothermique.     

Sur l'origine par altération du substratum schisteux de la minéralisation chlorurée des eaux d'une nappe côtière sous climat semi-aride (Chtouka-Massa,Maroc)

The origin of chloride ions in groundwater from the Chtouka-Massa plain (Morocco) was studied by using chemical and isotopic analyses of water, and petrographic and chemical analyses of rocks. It appears that the schist formation, which forms the basement of the studied aquifer, is the main source of the high Cl^? concentrations in groundwater. In these schists, chloride is, for a part, probably contained in biotites, and is released into groundwater through the weathering of these minerals. However, the exceptionally high chloride contents of these schists are difficult to explain if one does not assume that they also contain evaporitic-type minerals. To cite this article: S. Krimissa et al., C. R. Geoscience 336 (2004).     

Détermination des Eléments Mineurs et Traces Dans les Végétaux par Activation Neutronique

L'activation neutronique a été appliquée à l'analyse des échantillons végétaux de référence préparés par le Comité Inter-Instituts pour l'analyse foliaire. Les éléments suivants: Al, Ba, Br, Cr, Cs, Mn, La, Th qui intéressent en particulier la prospection géochimique ont ainsi été déterminés sur 13 échantillons. Les conditions analytiques sont données; la précision et la justesse sont discutées. Des comparaisons avec des résultats obtenus par d'autres méthodes sont données pour certains éléments (Mn, Al).     

Tableau de répartition stratigraphique des Grands Foraminifères caractéristiques du Crétacé moyen de la région Méditerranéenne

Le Groupe de Travail Européen des Grands Foraminifères présente un tableau de répartition stratigraphique de 42 espèces bien définies du Crétacé moyen de la région méditerranéenne. La répartition stratigraphique proposée pour chaque espèce est fondée soit sur des propres observations soit sur des données de la littérature supprimer et est contrôlée par la présence d'Ammonites ou de Foraminifères planctoniques.A summarizing account is presented of the deliberations of the research group for Large Foraminifers of the IGCP Project “Mid-Cretaceous Events”. Large Foraminifers are of incontestable value for dating carbonate platform sequences owing to the absence of many other diagnostic groups of organísms. A table of stratigraphical distributions for 42 species is presented.     

Découverte des roches à affinité ophiolitique dans la chaîne panafricaine au Cameroun : les talcschistes de Ngoung, Lamal Pougue et Bibodi Lamal

Outcrops of talc schists extending over >1 km have been discovered within the garnet- and muscovite-bearing mica schist of the Pan-African belt near Yaoundé (Cameroon). Mineralogical studies show that a metamorphism of the upper greenschist facies was prolonged by hydrothermal reactions. This latter led to the transformation of hornblendites into talc schists. Chemically, talc schists and relicts of hornblendite remind ultrabasic rocks, and REE patterns point to E-MORB and peridotite. It is thus suggested that the talc schists and relicts of hornblendite may correspond to slices of a dismembered Pan-African ophiolite set. To cite this article: C. Nkoumbou et al., C. R. Geoscience 338 (2006).     

Etude de la fissuration des éprouvettes sous contraintes en laboratoire et des massifs rocheux en carrières par une méthode d'émission acoustique

RésuméEtude de la fissuration des eprouvettes sous contraintes en laboratoire et des massifs rocheux en carrières par une methode d'emission acoustique Différentes étapes successives de l'évolution de la roche ont été établies lors d'essais en laboratoire par la technique d'émission acoustique. La dernière phase s'avère d'un grand interêt et peut être comparée aux phénomènes prémonitoires des éboulements qui précèdent la rupture dans les carrières.Un processus d'investigation du comportement du massif rocheux dans les carrières a été défini par la technique de sismique réfraction. D'après l'enregistrement des microbruits, on observe deux phases: une période active suivie d'une période d'amortissement qui traduit une restabilisation du massif, excepté lorsqu'un éboulement se produit quelques minutes après un tir.Les résultats trouvent une application pratique en mécanique des roches dans la conception d'un dispositif de surveillance des sites géologiques dont le principe est basé sur la technique d'emission acoustique.

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SummaryMechanism of Brittle Fracture of Rock During Uniaxial Compression in Laboratory in a Quarry by an Acoustic Emission Technic Different following stages of brittle fractures of rock were established during experiments in laboratory by using audible noises. The latter stage is very interesting and an analogy was established with premonitory crackles preceding the rupture of rock in quarries.A method for the investigation of the evolution of rocks in quarries was established by technical seismic refraction.Two stages are observed: A sensitive crackle, then die oscillations damp down which displays a stabilisation of rock, except when a falling takes place a few minutes after a crash.This theory is applied in rocks mechanism by means of a detection crackles device of which fundamental mechanics are determined by technical acoustic emission.

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ZusammenfassungErfassung des Sprödbruchverhaltens von Fels während einachsiger Druckversuche im Labor und im Steinbruch mittels einer akustischen Methode Durch die Interpretation von Geräuschen wurden bei Laborversuchen verschiedene, aufeinanderfolgende Stadien im Bruchverhalten von Fels festgestellt. Der Endzustand ist interessant; es wurde eine Analogie zu den warnenden Geräuschen, die einem Felsbruch in Steinbrüchen vorangehen, gefunden. Darauf wurde eine Methode aufgebaut, die auf Schallbrechung beruht und zur Überwachung der Entwicklung im Fels dient.Es können zwei Stadien beobachtet werden: ein intensives Knistern, dann eine Dämpfung, die eine Stabilisierung des Felsens ausdrückt, ausgenommen der Fall, daß wenige Minuten nach einem Krach ein Bergsturz eintritt.Diese Theorie wird in der Felsmechanik mittels einer speziellen Apparatur angewendet, die es erlaubt, fundamentale Verhaltensgrundsätze unter Anwendung von akustischer Emission festzustellen.

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Avec 12 figures     

Reconstitution des apports en éléments traces métalliques et bilan de leur migration dans un Luvisol sableux soumis à 100 ans d'irrigation massive par des eaux usées brutes

Raw wastewaters were massively spread on sandy luvisols near Paris from 1899 to 2002, leading to high trace metals (TM) pollution of soils. Mass balance calculations were performed on a soil profile to assess vertical migration of TM. The contamination was estimated by subtracting the natural pedo-geochemical background of the horizons. TM inputs were estimated using Cr as an invariant. It is shown that Pb and Cr remained in the surface horizon, while Ni, Cd, Cu and Zn migrated downward, being more or less trapped depending on the physicochemical properties of the horizons. To cite this article: C. Dère et al., C. R. Geoscience 338 (2006).     

Apport de la gravimétrie à l'étude des structures profondes du Sahel de Tunisie (cas de la région de Kairouan–Sousse–Monastir)

The monotony of the surface and of the deep structure of the Sahel domain in eastern Tunisia (low topographic area covered by a Quaternary series) induces the possible existence of an important subsiding collapsed block and associated faulted zones. Gravity data analyses have permitted the reconnaissance of the crustal and gravimetric setting of the northern part of the Sahel domain and the discussion of main outlines of subsurface structures. The deep structure of a particular zone (Kairouan–Sousse–Monastir area) demonstrates the existence of an east-west en-doigt-de-gant crustal thinning confirmed by the gravity data. This deep structuring is perfectly showed by the high-resolution second-order enhanced analytic signal technique developed to image geologic boundaries such as contacts and faults. This technique, correlated with the distribution of all seismic events in the last century, has permitted to define an important east–west Kairouan–Sousse–Monastir tectonic corridor (CKSM). This corridor corresponds to major faults oriented east-west, were some folded structures can be developed. To cite this article: H. Gabtni, C. R. Geoscience 337 (2005).     

Maturation thermique des roches mères dans les bassins des basses-terres du Saint-Laurent et dans quelques buttes témoins au sud-est du Bouclier canadien

Caradocian source rocks belonging to the Utica Group occur around and overlay the southeastern part of the Canadian Shield from the Ottawa embayment, in the southwestern part of St. Lawrence Lowlands, to the Anticosti Island basin. The kerogen of the source rocks is mainly made up of amorphous organic matter (transmitted light), resembling a solid bitumen framework in reflected light, and contains a small portion of zooclasts (graptolites and chitinozoans). The kerogen is often too mature to have preserved the structure of the original constituents, except those of graptolites and chitinozoans. Otherwise, UV fluorescent colonial alga and tasmanites are observed.In the eastern half of the St. Lawrence Lowlands, stratigraphic and tectonic burial is the main control of source rock thermal maturation. From an area located 50 km west of Quebec City, the estimated vitrinite reflectance (R_o-Std) of the source rock increases in both northeastern (Montmorency Falls) and southwestern (St. Maurice River) directions, from R_o-Std of 1.2 to 1.5 and 1.7%, respectively. The source rocks of the Ottawa embayment and Montreal area (western half of the basin) are overmature due to hydrothermal and igneous activities (2.3%<R_o-Std<2.8%).. In Chicoutimi and Lac Saint-Jean outliers, the source rocks show reflectances between 0.9 and 1.2%, slightly less than reflectance values in the Quebec City area (R_o-Std between 1.2 and 1.5%). On Anticosti Island, the thermal maturation is related to burial only and increases downdip of the inclined platform, from the northeast toward the southwest (R_o-Std between 0.9 and 2.1%).These observations suggest that the St. Lawrence platform and the southeastern Canadian Shield were buried by at least 3.5 km of Paleozoic strata prior to erosion to Grenville basement. This implies that most potential hydrocarbon fields are presumably also lost by erosion.

Résumé

Des roches mères caradociennes, appartenant au Groupe d'Utica, sont trouvées autour et sur la partie sud-est du Bouclier canadien, du sous-bassin de la région d'Ottawa, dans la partie sud-ouest des basses-terres du Saint-Laurent jusqu'au bassin de l'île d'Anticosti. Le kérogène de ces roches mères est principalement constitué de matière organique amorphe (lumière transmise) ayant l'aspect d'un treillis fait de bitume solide lorsqu'il est observé en lumière incidente et contient une petite proportion de zooclastes (graptolites et chitinozoaires). Ce kérogène est souvent trop mature pour avoir préservé la structure originale de ses constituants, sauf celle des graptolites et des chitinozoaires. Dans le cas contraire, on observe des colonies algaires et des tasmanites fluorescentes à la lumière ultraviolette.Dans la moitié est des basses-terres du Saint-Laurent, l'enfouissement stratigraphique et tectonique contrôle la maturation thermique de la roche mère. D'un point situé à 50 km à l'ouest de Québec, la réflectance standardisée à celle de la vitrinite (R_h-Std) de la roche mère augmente tant vers le nord-est (Chutes Montmorency) que vers le sud-ouest (rivière Saint-Maurice), et varie entre 1,2 et 1,5 ou 1,7% respectivement. D'autre part, les roches mères des régions d'Ottawa et de Montréal (ouest du bassin) sont supramatures à cause d'activités hydrothermales et ignées (2,3%<R_h-Std<2,8%). Dans les buttes témoins du Saguenay et du Lac-Saint-Jean, les roches mères montrent des valeurs de la R_h-Std comprises entre 0,9 et 1,2%, légèrement inférieures à celles de la région de Québec (R_h-Std entre 1,2 et 1,5%). Dans l'île d'Anticosti, la maturation thermique est surtout reliée à l'enfouissement et s'accroît en direction de l'approfondissement de la plate-forme, du nord-est vers le sud-ouest (R_h-Std entre 0,9 et 2,1%).Ces observations suggèrent que la plate-forme du Saint-Laurent et le sud-est du Bouclier canadien furent enfouis sous au moins 3,5 km de strates paléozoïques avant que ces dernières soient érodées au niveau du socle grenvillien. Ceci implique que la majorité des gisements potentiels d'hydrocarbures furent probablement aussi perdus par érosion.     

Prospection géoélectrique pour l'étude de l'aquifère thermal des calcaires récifaux, Hmeïma–Boujabeur (Centre ouest de la Tunisie)

The Hmeïma–Boujabeur zone is considered as an important geothermal province for Tunisia. The reef limestone, characterized by intense fracturation and important karstification, confers them the property to be a regional thermal aquifer. A geophysical study based on two complementary geoelectrical methods, the Electrical Sounding (ES) and Magneto-Telluric Sounding (MTS), turned out to be very efficient to provide a complete electrical image of the underground until about 1-km depth. The synthetic approach integrating all data allowed us to delimit the favourable area for thermal water exploitation. To cite this article: M. Gouasmia et al., C. R. Geoscience 338 (2006).     

Fluctuations glaciaires de la fin du Würm dans les Alpes françaises, établies par des analyses polliniques

Sediments from the peat-bog La Muzelle (Massif des Ecrins, Iserc, France, alt. 2,150 m) were analyzed. The site was reached by a Pinus forest and an Abies forest during the Allerød and the Atlantic, and during the Bølling a shrubland was noted. Forests have been degrading into lawns without intermediary heath long before the appearance of the first signs of human action. The glacier has been receding ever since the Late Würm, except during the Younger Dryas when big frontal moraines were formed close to the peat-bog. The nature of the sediments allowed a determination of several frontal positions of the glacier. No notable re-advance could be evidenced during the Older or Oldest Dryas nor during the Holocene; only a minor oscillation may have occurred at the beginning of the Allerød.     

Etude systématique des isotopes de l'oxygène,du carbone et du strontium dans les carbonatites

${}^{18}\text{O}{}^{16}\text{O}$, ${}^{13}\text{C}{}^{12}\text{C}$ and ${}^{87}\text{Sr}{}^{86}\text{Sr}$ ratios have been measured on the same samples for carbonatite complexes. The results show that besides the ‘carbonatite box’ of Tayloret al. (1967) there exist higher δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C values than can be explained by late magmatic or deuteric processes. These processes correspond to high concentrations of CO₂ and lead to big enrichments in ¹⁸O and ¹³C as well as in some ‘volatile’ elements. Strontium results are consistent with a model of selective contamination of deep-seated material by highly radiogenic strontium. The whole study leads to the opinion that parent magmas of carbonatites differentiated in a crustal environment with or without significant contamination.     

Typologie du zircon dans les granitoïdes de la boutonnière précambrienne de Sidi Flah-Bouskour, Saghro, Anti Atlas, Maroc

The Precambrian inlier at Sidi Flah-Bouskour is cut by several successive intrusions of Neoproterozoic granitoids, whose zircon crystal morphology allows precise definition of granite types (Pupin, 1976, 1980, 1988) and, by inference, an assessment of tectonic settings. The first intrusion consists of gabbro, quartz-diorite and amphibole-granodiorite, belonging to the Pan-African B1 phase related to a pre-collision domain. It shows a calc-alkaline granodioritic composition. The second intrusion includes the Bouskour biotite-granite, which belongs to the high-K calc-alkaline suite emplaced at the time of the second Pan-African B2 phase in the context of syn-collision. These units are intruded by a Late Proterozoic pink granite followed by injection of submeridian sigmoidal cracks of rhyolitic dykes that represent the last Precambrian magmatic event in this area.     

Profondeur d'extraction racinaire et signature isotopique de l'eau prélevée par les racines des couverts végétaux

We seek to identify the depth to which water is extracted by the roots in the soil. Indeed, in an isotopic steady-state condition of leaf water, transpiration introduces into the atmosphere a vapour whose isotopic signature is identical to that of root water. In the isotopic models of atmospheric general circulation, it is classically allowed that the signature of transpiration belongs to the meteoric water line. This supposes that the water taken by the roots has escaped with the evaporation of the soil and comes thus from the deep layers of the soil. At the time of experimentation carried out on maize plants (Nemours, Seine-et-Marne, France), this extraction depth was inferred from the comparison between the signature of the water measured on the level of the first internode of the stems of the plants and the isotopic profile of water in the soil. When the flow of transpiration reaches a maximum value, the plant uptakes water resulting from precipitations and which preserves its non-evaporating character after having quickly infiltrated in the deep layers of the soil. This relates to only 55% of the flux transpired by the canopy, the remainder presenting an evaporating character more or less marked according to ambient conditions. This experiment invalidates the classical hypothesis used in isotopic models of general atmospheric circulation in temperate regions. In fact, only half the amount of water vapour transpired by the canopy during the day presents a signature similar to that of the rainwater sampled in deep soil layers. To cite this article: Z. Boujamlaoui et al., C. R. Geoscience 337 (2005).