Standards for multilateral and worldwide exchange of geothermal data

Standards for the exchange of machine-readable data are discussed at five levels covering (1) physical characteristics of the medium used in the exchange, (2) overall structure of the data file, (3) format of individual records, (4) types of information contained in a record, and (5) authority files for information definition. The standards are used by the National Geothermal information Resource for compilations of geothermal energy data.This paper was presented at the International Geological Correlation Program (IGCP) Project 98 entitled Standards for Computer Applications in Resource Studies held at Loen, Norway, September 27–October 1, 1976.     

Mineral resource appraisal and mineral deposits computer files in the Geological Survey of Canada

The Geological Survey of Canada (G.S.C.) has been involved in national appraisal of resources of certain commodities for nearly two decades beginning with a national study of iron deposits in 1955. In 1972, the first national appraisal to rapidly estimate total resources of Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Fe, Mo, and U in Canada was carried out largely by economic geologists. This exercise produced, among other things, a better definition of G.S. C. needs for building computer files in support of mineral deposits studies and mineral resource appraisal. Objectives of this paper are threefold: (1) to outline general methodology for the kind of mineral resource appraisal carried out by the G.S.C. in 1972; (2) to identify types of information required in that appraisal; and (3) to indicate types of information on mineral deposits for which it seems advantageous for the G.S.C. to construct computer files, and how these files relate to mineral resource appraisal. Methodology is fairly straightforward for appraisal of reserves (known, measured resources), but is much more problematic for appraisal of undiscovered resources. For the latter, G.S.C. economic geologists make use of two basic concepts: the deposit model, which is a generalized deposit type, distinguished by its geological attributes and host rock environment, and containing characteristic amounts of specified commodities; and the metallogenic region, which is a geographic area of more or less homogeneous geology deemed favorable for the presence of a particular deposit model. Background information required for appraisal of undiscovered resources includes the following: (a) data on distribution and geology of Canadian deposits and occurrences; (6) data on geology of important, foreign deposits; (c) knowledge of Canadian geology, commensurate with metallogenic requirements; (d) knowledge of current theories of ore-forming processes; and (e) appreciation of the amount, location, and effectiveness of past exploration in Canada. At present, only identity, location, and certain simple geological features of Canadian deposits are considered practical for a general computer file of mineral deposits. The fundamental activity of the G.S.C. in the sphere of mineral deposits is a number of broad studies on the geology of certain commodities in Canada carried out by economic geologists. Appraisal of mineral resources is based directly on the results of those studies, and is done by the same economic geologists. Construction of G.S.C. computer files is in response to needs defined by economic geologists, mainly in the context of their broad studies.This paper was presented at the International Geological Correlation Program (IGCP) Project 98 entitled Standards for Computer Applications in Resource Studies held at Loen, Norway, September 27–October 1, 1976.     

A short review of data processing in the earth sciences in Czechoslovakia

Summary The archival files of geochemical, metallogenic, petrologic, paleontologic, hydrogeochemic, and other data have their special problems—mostly at the Geological Surveys (Prague) or at the Geological Department of Charles University (Prague)- and it is hoped they will be solved with the same enthusiasm and support as the environmental-geologic data center.Geofond's activity in the field of data processing and computer-based information service has demonstrated that traditionally developed geologic surveys on a small scale must also proceed to computer-based information techniques to avoid the lack of relevant and formalized data for future demands of geoscientists and the public and official need for quick and decision-oriented information.Published with permission of the Director, Geological Survey of Czechoslovakia.     

A review of data processing in the earth sciences in Canada

Much effort is presently being given in Canada to the development of a national system for storage and retrieval of geologic data. Coordination of these efforts is directed by the secretariat of the National Institute for Geoscience Data under guidance of the Geological Survey of Canada. Most files are project oriented but archival files are justified for data whose observations cannot be repeated, such as those for mineral deposits. Presently, extensive file systems have been created for storage of information obtained in petroleum exploration and exploitation, mineral deposits, field mapping, and geochemistry and geophysics. A Canadian Index to Geoscience Data has been prepared and contains references to all maps and reports, published or unpublished, data banks, and all documents on open file for the federal and provincial agencies.SAFRAS, a general, self-adaptive free-format retrieval and storage system, is employed to retrieve data in plain language. Although geologists are using data systems, it will be the coming generation of geologists who will make maximum use of data processing in geology.presented to the Geological Society of Washington, 8 December 1969.     

New microcomputer database system for maps

A microcomputer-aided drafting system is used at the Geological Survey of Canada, Calgary, to make large charts and legends for the Geologic Atlas of Canada. Hand-drafting of Atlas maps may be supplemented by a digital geologic map database created by a new microcomputer and videotracing system at CAL-CAD. Video-tracing is more rapid and discriminating than existing rasterscan and digitizing table systems, as an image of the map is multiplexed (overlain) on-screen with AutoCAD. Interactive tracing and storage of each data type as a separate layer of file aids accuracy, and adds great editing power and output flexibility to geological and geophysical maps, cross sections, logs, and other complex diagrams. New digital and old paper databases can be merged into powerful geographic information systems.Read by M. Marchand (Canterra Energy Ltd., Calgary) at Emerging Concepts, MGUS 87 conference, 13–15 April 1987, Redwood City, California.     

Introduction to the conference on resource assessment techniques

This short paper summarizes the International Geological Correlation Program (IGCP) and shows how Project 98—Standards for Computer Applications in Resource Studies—relates to this program.This paper was presented at the International Geological Correlation Program (IGCP) Project 98 entitled Standards for Computer Applications in Resource Studies held at Loen, Norway, September 27—October 1, 1976.     

Exploration geochemistry in resource appraisal

Exploration geochemistry is viewed in a resource appraisal framework and the various general methods are discussed in terms of their applicability at different stages of the appraisal exercise. The direct nature of geochemical exploration is emphasized and the various types of data that the surveys yield are discussed together with their modes of interpretation. It is shown how the data may be simply reduced to a probability form which will allow data from many sources to be utilized. The limitations of exploration geochemistry in resource appraisal are also discussed so that unnatural expectations may not be fostered and that geochemistry be placed correctly, and complementarity, with the other geoscience techniques of resource appraisal.This paper was presented at the International Geological Correlation Program (IGCP) Project 98 entitled /ldStandards for Computer Applications in Resource Studies held at Loen, Norway, September 27–October 1, 1976.     

中国地质调查局、中国地质科学院2014年度地质科技十大进展新鲜出炉

中国地质调查局、中国地质科学院于2015年1月15—16日在北京召开了2014年度科技成果汇报交流暨十大进展评选会。对择优推荐的45个项目进行了汇报交流。来自国土资源部、科技部、教育部、中国科学院、国家自然科学基金委员会、中国地震局、中国石油化工集团公司等部门的34位院士专家组成的评选委员会,经过认真、严谨的评审和投票,评选出了中国地质调查局、中国地质科学院2014年度地质科技十大进展,并逐一进行了点评。本次评选的“地质科技十大进展”集中代表了2014年度全国地质调查和地学研究重要进展,充分体现了地质调查工作在科技创新、成果应用与转化方面的能力与水平。     

Petroleum resource data systems

Construction of a petroleum data file first requires answers to specific questions: Who are to be the users; for what purpose is the file to be used; what are to be the data sources; are proprietary data to be included; is graphic display of the data desired? After fixing these guidelines, attention may be directed to data acquisition and file building. Because many useful software systems are now readily available, this aspect of the file-building process should require little attention. In general, the software should include an open-ended format to permit addition of new data items and easy updating, with economy of space on the tape or lisc. With respect to the data, and unless the file has a narrow usage, all available data on the geological and engineering aspects of petroleum occurrence should be collected. Proprietary data should be avoided, if possible, or else clearly labeled, and the file should be planned for public use, for convenience, to provide a needed service, and to avoid the pitfalls of implied secrecy.This paper was presented at the International Geological Correlation Program (IGCP) Project 98 entitled Standards for Computer Applications in Resource Studies held at Loen, Norway, September 27–October 1, 1976.     

Establishing a national ore data file in Finland

Summary The Finnish Ore Data File has already provided valuable experience on building, maintaining, and using an extensive data file with a great diversity of data. The file attempts to accommodate all relevant data on ore deposits in metamorphosed and strongly deformed Precambrian terrain. Because the deposits dealt with are generally well-studied and documented, they provide a great deal of precise information on ore deposits. The question arises as to how the system could be used internationally, especially bearing in mind developing countries. The two problems which should be solved for this purpose are: first, the forms, codes, and programs should be translated from Finnish into English; second, the structure of the file should be simplified to meet the demands of less studied areas and deposits. However, both problems could be resolved relatively easily without changing the basic principles involved.This paper was presented at the International Geological Correlation Program (IGCP) Project 98 entitled Standards for Computer Applications in Resource Studies held at Loen, Norway, September 27–October 1, 1976.     

Problems of loess chronology

Loess as a typically subaerial, loess deposit has long been regarded a Pleistocene sediment and its date of formation has been put to ca 600 ka BP. Recently, the beginning of the Pleistocene is identified in the official concord reached — at 1.6 Ma BP, while not infrequently others propose 2.4 Ma BP. Until the fifties the whole loess (loess-paleosol-sand) sequence could be referred into the shorter Pleistocene period, which —according to the climatic claendar by Milankovitch — consisted of nine cold and eight warm intervals. Some supporters of the longer Pleistocene chronology hold that the beginning of loess formation can be put as far back as 1.6 – 2.4 Ma BP. Loess formation intervals are usually correlated with the cold stages (nos 2, 4, 6 etc.) of the Emiliani oxygen isotope timescale, while soil formation is believed to correspond to the warm stages (nos 1, 3, 5, 7 etc.). The typical loess, i. e. loess proper, are not older than stage no 23 (Jaramillo event — 0.96 Ma BP). Previous to this date climatic conditions had not generally favoured loess formation and paleosols formed one above the other with clay, loam or carbonate intercalations.     

U.S. Geological Survey probabilistic methodology for oil and gas resource appraisal of the United States

Probabilistic methodology used by the U.S. Geological Survey is described for estimating the quantity of undiscovered recoverable conventional resources of oil and gas in the United States. A judgmental probability distribution of the quantity of resource and its properties is determined for a geologic province or basin. From this distribution, point and interval estimates of the quantity of undiscovered resource are obtained. Distributions and their properties are established for each of the following resources: (1) oil and nonassociated gas from estimates of the probability of the resource being present and the conditional probability distribution of the quantity of resource given that the resource is present, (2) associated-dissolved gas from its corresponding oil distribution, (3) total gas, (4) oil and total gas in two or more provinces. Computer graphics routines are illustrated with examples from the U.S. Geological Survey Circular 860.     

The anthracite smokers of eastern pennsylvania: PS2 (g)P_{S_2 (g)} -T stability diagram by TL analysis

Coal seams and culm banks associated with mine fires in the anthracite region of eastern Pennsylvania have been burning for decades. Many of the fires may have ignited by spontaneous combustion or by the burning of trash. Minerals associated with the combustion of anthracite form by the condensation of gas exhaled through surficial gas vents or anthracite smokers. A Pressure-Temperature (P-T) stability diagram is constructed for the condensation of orthorhombic sulfur from anthracite gas using Thermodynamic Loop Analysis (TL analysis). This method of analyzing chemical systems incorporates Kirchhoff's Law into a four step procedure structured around a closed thermodynamic cycle or thermodynamic loop. The four steps, referred to us The Four S S of Thermodynamic Loop Analysis, include: (1) Set Up—graphical characterization of the problem. (2) Sum—the application of thermodynamic principles. (3) Substitute—the use of materials data available from the literature, and (4) Solve—computation of one or more variables. The example presented demonstrates that thermodynamic loops can incorporate any number of polymorphic phase transformations. In addition, thermodynamic loop analysis is applicable to any geologic process involving the condensation of minerals from a gas. The stability diagram derived by TL analysis may have applicability in monitoring the release of sulfur gas into the atmosphere.     

The high-pressure assemblages at Milos,Greece

Metamorphic rocks at Milos are known in small outcrops beneath the volcanic formations, as xenoliths in the Traphores volcanic breccia and as pebbles in the Paleochora Quaternary deposits. These rocks seem to belong to three different metamorphic units which probably have intricate relationships in the basement: — the eclogites unit shows garnetjadeite or garnet-omphacite primary associations, with apparently late crystallization of lawsonite phenoblasts an recrystallization features at relatively low temperatures; — the glaucophane schist unit exhibits Jadeite+quartz or glaucophane+lawsonite primary mineralogy; — the greenschist facies unit shows low-pressure main assemblages, most generally developed after high-pressure events. The two former units involve tholeiitic meta-igneous rocks, having been spilitized before metamorphism; they generally suffered more or less advanced recrystallization features in the low-pressure field of the greenschist facies. The third unit shows only meta-sedimentary rocks, with the sole exception of one single meta-doleritic pebble having calk-alkaline affinities.Petrological and mineralogical studies, based upon 15 bulk-rock compositions and 178 probe-analysed data points, lead to suspect at least 2, perhaps 3, different metamorphic events rather than one single metamorphic evolution, to account for the 3 U distinguished. From the observation of the mineralogical assemblages and their evolution, the former events (stages 1 and 2) could be related to rapid subduction of ocean-floor or back-arc basalts, whereas, during the latter event (stage 3), the rocks experienced crystallization conditions involving both decreasing pressures and increasing temperatures.     

Weighted characteristic analysis of spatially dependent mineral deposit data

There are four concepts involved with the methodology used in this analysis: classical second derivative surfaces, boolean representation of the surfaces, determination of weighted model characteristics, and multiple variable regional appraisal.This paper was presented at the International Geological Correlation Program (IGCP) Project 98 entitled Standards for Computer Applications in Resource Studies held at Loen, Norway, September 27–October 1, 1976.     

Jurassic kimberlites from Picton and Varty Lake,Ontario: Geochemical and stable isotopic characteristics

Micaceous ultramafic dikes of Jurassic age from Picton and Varty Lake, Ontario, consist mineralogically of olivine — phlogopite — serpentine — calcite-spinel. The rocks are characterized by abundant Ba-rich phlogopite (up to 6.5 wt.% BaO) and spinels with a diagnostic kimberlite trend-1. Compositionally the dikes are characterized by extreme silica-undersaturation (21–30 wt.% SiO₂), primitive Mg/(Mg + Fe^T) ratios (0.75–0.83), large enrichments of volatile components (CO₂ and H₂O), and relatively high abundances of both incompatible and compatible trace elements. The dikes exhibit pronounced enrichments of light rare earth elements (LREE) (La_N=320–1330) combined with strongly fractionated patterns (La_N/Yb_N=45–108). Calcite in the dikes is a primary magmatic phase, from textural relations and C-isotopic compositions ( ¹³C= –4.0 to –8.3). A calcite-rich aphanitic phase of the Picton dike is interpreted to be a late stage magmatic differentiate, which possibly involved olivine fractionation. Although the dikes lack most of the macrocrysts generally considered to be important diagnostic minerals of kimberlite magmatism, the geochemical, mineralogical and C- and O-isotopic characteristics collectively indicate that the dikes are evolved varieties of hypabyssal facies kimerlite.     

Über Protolithionit und Zinnwaldit

Zusammenfassung Aus der Literatur entnommene 142 chemische Analysen aller Arten von Lithiumglimmern werden nach dem Umrechnungsverfahren vonStevens (1938) in die vier Molekular-Komponenten Polylithionit—Paucilithionit—Muscovit—Siderophyllit zerlegt und in einem Konzentrationstetraeder dargestellt. Es ergeben sich vier geschlossene Felder: Lepidolithe (einschließlich Polylithionit und Kryophyllit), Zinnwaldit, Protolithionit (mit Lithium-Siderophyllit), lithiumhaltiger Muscovit. Die Punkte der chemischen Analysen werden als Projektion auf die Tetraederflächen reproduziert. Die Diskussion der Mischungslücken ergibt, daß meist wohl die Art der Strukturvariante maßgebend für die Unmischbarkeit sein dürfte.Für Lepidolithe, lithiumhaltige Muscovite und Protolithionite werden Diagramme der optischen Variabilität (n _z;) gegeben, für Zinnwaldit nur die arithmetischen Mittelwerte der optischen Daten.

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142 chemical analyses of the different species of lithium micas that are given in the literature are transformed into the four molecular components polylithionite — paucilithionite —muscovite — siderophyllite according to the conversion method ofStevens (1938). They are presented in a concentration tetrahedron. The density of their representing points is reproduced by projecting them on the tetrahedron faces; they show four closed compartments: lepidolites (including polylithionite and kryophyllite), zinnwaldite, protolithionite (with lithium siderophyllite), lithian muscovite. A discussion on the gaps of immiscibility indicates that the kind of polymorphic modification must probably be responsible for the proved immiscibilities.The optical variability (n ;n -n for the lepidolites, lithian muscovites and protolithionites is given on diagrams, whereas for zinnwaldites only the arithmetical mean values of the optical data are given.

     

Design of geological data systems for developing nations

For analytical, inventory, and a variety of other basic types of geological data the main functions of an information management system can adequately be accommodated by simple systems in which comprehensiveness is compromised in favor of practicality and ease of implementation. Albeit possessing some shortcomings, such a strategy is likely to prove profitable particularly to geologists in developing nations who are confronted with the task of self-developing much needed geological data systems in the face of limited electronic data processing resources. Based on the experience of the Geological Survey of Israel, several considerations and practical guidelines for the design and implementation of such systems can be outlined. Data bases should be limited in their scope to specific subjects or projects, be designed to serve existing and only the more realistic foreseeable needs, and include provisions for merger and intelligent communication with related files. Such data bases typically contain logically simple-structured information and are small in size. Revision, deletion, and update transactions are infrequent; the search criteria for retrieval are for the most part predictable and a fast response time is not essential. These attributes prescribe a preference for simple fixed- or semi-free-format sequential files which, in turn, simplify appreciably the programming of the supporting software. Input forms should be meticulously planned with due consideration given to aspects of software compatibility, user convenience and acceptance, and efficiency in data gathering. The use of standard forms should be integrated into the institution's routine to facilitate direct data entry by each contributor, thereby improving and economizing the data collection process, and to secure data capture at its acquisition level (field, laboratory). The user's more immediate retrieval needs are adequately satisfied by a master list, documenting the entire data base and a number of external inverted index directories cross-referencing the master list according to the attributes by which the file is most likely to be searched. Further development of output capabilities should be directed to provide for flexible retrieval by multikey query functions and base map posting. For data files storing raw chemical analyses of rocks and water samples, the incorporation of processing capabilities to compute interpretative geochemical parameters as an integral part of the system's output is particularly useful. Paper presented at the 25th International Geological Congress, Section 16A, Sydney, Australia, August 1976.     

Geochemistry of modern seawater and brines from salt pans: Main components and bromine distribution

Seawater at different stages of evaporation from the salt works of Seovlje near Portoro (Yugoslavia) was analyzed geochemically. The seawater there passes through 20 stages of concentration until the first halite crystallizes. All important parameters were determined at all stages: concentrations of Cl, SO₄, Na, K, Ca, Mg, and Br, temperature, pH, Eh, oxygen content and titration alkalinity. With increasing evaporation calcium carbonate crystallizes first followed by calcium sulphate as gypsum and after these halite. All three components crystallize from supersaturated solutions. The pH of the initial seawater is 8.32; it falls abruptly to 6.65 when the first calcium carbonate precipitates. Eh in the original seawater is +393 mv; negative values were found in the halite crystallization pans, which contain an anaerobic mud as a reducing agent. The oxygen content of the solution decreases parallel to the drop in Eh. In the pans in which NaCl crystallizes Eh is zero. Apparently the mud also adsorbs K, as can be inferred from a change in the Mg/K ratio.The bromine partition between crystallizing halite and the brine in the salt pans of Seovlje is discussed with regard to some genetic problems of marine salt deposits. In the conditions in the salt pans the bromine partition coefficient at the beginning of NaCl crystallization from seawater—expressed as b=wt.-% Br (mineral)/wt.-% Br (solution)—is 0.12 to 0.14 or—expressed as D=Br/Cl(mineral)/Br/Cl(solution)—0.030 to 0.034 at temperatures between 33° C and 42° C. The conclusion is that a Br content of about 60 to 75 ppm is to be expected for the first halite that crystallizes from evaporating seawater.     

Four zircon ages from one rock: the history of a 3930 Ma-old granulite from Mount Sones,Enderby Land,Antarctica

Ion microprobe U-Th-Pb analyses of zircons from a granulite-grade orthogneiss from Mount Sones, Enderby Land, Antarctica, record the ages of four principal events in the history of the gneiss, three of which already have been recognized through previous isotopic dating of other samples. The structure of the zircons indicates at least four different stages of growth. The several zircon ages were obtained by grouping the analyses according to the stage they represented in the observed stratigraphic succession of growth and thereby defining separate U-Pb discordance patterns for each stage. The stratigraphically oldest zircon (rare discrete cores) is indistinguishable in age from the most common, euhedrally zoned zircon. Both crystallized when the tonalitic precursor of the orthogneiss was emplaced into the crust 3927±10 Ma ago, making the orthogneiss currently the oldest known terrestrial rock. The outer parts of most grains and some whole grains recrystallized at 2948±31/–17 Ma, during or immediately after possibly 100 Ma of high granulite grade metamorphism. The recrystallized zircon was isotopically disturbed by tectonism associated with reactivation of the southern margin of the Napier Complex at 1000 Ma. In the intervening time, at 2479±23 Ma, the cores and zoned zircon suffered a major isotopic disturbance involving movement of radiogenic Pb which left most of the crystals with radiogenic Pb deficiencies, but produced local radiogenic Pb excesses in others. A new generation of zircon, characterized by very high Th/U and low U, grew at that time. That event — deformation and possibly a minor rise in temperature — produced widespread perturbations of other isotopic systems throughout the Napier Complex.