Gravity erosion and lithology in Pisha sandstone in southern Inner Mongolia

Pisha sandstone is a soft rock found in the southern zone of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of Inner Mongolia. The presence of soft Pisha sandstone in the middle reaches of the Yellow River coincides with large areas of bedrock erosion in the river's basin, with the average total erosion modulus as high as 44 570 t/(km~2·a). Such high levels of erosion are one of the main sources of coarse mud and sands in the Yellow River. Erosion by gravitational forces such as snow glide and landslip are the main erosion types in Pisha sandstone region. The gravity erosion modulus can be as high as 25 615 t/(km~2·a), accounting for 30.6% of the total average erosion. Our paper investigates the characteristics of Pisha sandstone in relation to the development of gravity erosion mechanisms. We conducted field investigations in Pisha sandstone region for original state rock sampling. Test results from analyses of the rock properties indicate that the mineral composition, structure and microstructure characteristics of Pisha sandstone determine its varying capacity to resist weathering. Degrees of weathering in slightly different lithological layers of Pisha sandstone lead to different erosion rates. In this way, erosion forces combined with the varying lithological strata in the rock aggravate gravitational erosion in Pisha sandstone.     

Mechanism of concave “tafoni” and convex “domal shape” formation on TRIASSIC red sandstone of some old buildings, Chester City, UK, Case study

The weathering factors act on the recent and archaeological sites through different processes based on the dominant environmental conditions. The net result of weathering is deformation of the original form of construction rock. In the current case study, the main aim is to find out the mechanism of formation of two different weathering forms recorded on many old buildings taking Chester City as a case study. The construction rock in the case study is arenitic sandstone with carbonate content ranging from 0.0 to 15.6%. The sandstone blocks are cemented together by hydraulic lime mortar that can easily be altered chemically to salts by acid rain that dominates at the study area. In case of mortar with worse geotechnical limits than the sandstone blocks, the net result is convex “domal” shape blocks, but in case of mortar with better geotechnical limits than the construction sandstone, the net result of weathering is tafoni “concave” weathering form.     

Weathering rates of sandstone in a semi-arid environment (Hunter Valley,Australia)

The rate of sandstone weathering in the semi-arid climate of the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia has been estimated from observations of gravestone weathering in the area. The gravestone data points to two distinct stages in the weathering process. The first stage covering the first century of exposure is characterised by a relatively low recession rate of 0.5 mm/100 years. This is followed by a second stage in which the rate of weathering increases sharply to ca 2.5 mm/100 years. The non-linear nature of the weathering trends over time suggests that during the first century of exposure, structural changes took place within the sandstone material, which lay the foundation for accelerated weathering after further exposure. Laboratory trials were also conducted to identify the effectiveness of different weathering processes in the decay of sandstone in this region. Of the four processes examined, only the freeze–thaw cycle produced a significant degree of mass loss and is therefore most likely a strong contributor to the weathering of sandstone in this region.     

Evaluation of weathering-resistance classes in clastic rocks on the example of Polish sandstones

The scope of the paper is an attempt at the identification of the weathering-resistance classes within clastic rocks by means of analysis of capillary pressure saturation curves. The porosimetric parameters corresponding to the cementing character and the grains’ mineralogical content are very important features of stone building materials, because of the weathering processes. The analysed rocks were Polish sandstones and muddy sandstones used for building purposes, collected from different geological units of Poland (i.e. Sudety Mts. Carpathian Mts. and Holy Cross Mts.) The results indicate the usefulness of sandstone materials for building purposes. They could also be used in conservation procedures and for the reconstruction of existing buildings and monuments. Basing on the parameterisation, with the van Genuchten function, of cumulative capillary pressure saturation curves, it was possible to distinguish four groups of the sampled rocks. The lithological features and weathering sustainability within the groups are quite uniform, what allow identifying the weathering resistance classes. Taking into account the complicated nature of all the factors influencing weathering processes, it is supposed that the presented parameterisation could be a useful tool for weathering-resistance classification of clastic rocks. The classification could be useful in building industry and in conservation of historical stone monuments.     

Controls on the chemical composition of groundwater from alluvial aquifers in the Wanaka and Wakatipu basins, Central Otago, New Zealand

 Groundwater in alluvial aquifers of the Wakatipu and Wanaka basins, Central Otago, New Zealand, has a composition expressed in equivalent units of Ca²⁺≫Mg²⁺≅Na⁺>K⁺ for cations, and HCO₃ ^–≫SO₄ ^2->NO₃ ^–≅Cl^– for anions. Ca²⁺ and HCO₃ ^– occur on a 1 : 1 equivalent basis and account for >80% of the ions in solution. However, some groundwater has increased proportions of Na⁺ and SO₄ ^2-, reflecting a different source for this water. The rock material of the alluvial aquifers of both basins is derived from the erosion and weathering of metamorphic Otago Schist (grey and green schists). Calcite is an accessory mineral in both the grey and green schists at <5% of the rock. Geological mapping of both basins indicates that dissolution of calcite from the schist is the only likely mechanism for producing groundwater with such a constant composition dominated by Ca²⁺ and HCO₃ ^– on a 1 : 1 equivalent basis. Groundwater with higher proportions of Na⁺ and SO₄ ^2- occurs near areas where the schist crops out at the surface, and this groundwater represents deeper and possibly older water derived from basement fluids. Anomalously high K⁺ in the Wakatipu basin and high NO₃ ^– concentrations in the Wanaka basin cannot be accounted for by interaction with basement lithologies, and these concentrations probably represent the influence of anthropogenic sources on groundwater composition. Received, June 1996 Revised, March 1997, July 1997 Accepted, July 1997     

Salt weathering and experimental desalination treatment of building sandstone,Sydney (Australia)

Local sandstone used in nineteenth century buildings in Sydney has been affected by salt weathering and surface crust formation. This study trialled two approaches, namely washing-and-vacuuming and poulticing, to salt-removal treatment of weathered sandstone blocks from the Sydney Hospital and Australian Museum. Both treatments removed solutes from the stones in laboratory tests. ICP/titration of sampled scrapings at depths of 0–2, 2–5 and >50 mm showed substantial between-sample variation, with no significant difference being recorded in solute levels after treatment (Mann–Whitney U test), except for sulfur and sodium. Sulfur levels increased at the surface (0–2 mm) following washing-and-vacuuming but not poulticing for the Hospital and Museum samples. Sodium levels increased at the surface (0–2 mm) following poulticing but not washing-and-vacuuming for the Hospital samples. The presence of surface crusts may have contributed to some of the variation in desalination responses.     

Evaluation of hydrogeochemical characteristics and the impact of weathering in seepage water collected within the sedimentary formation

A study was conducted by collecting eight seepage water samples that drain through the sedimentary rocks, mainly sandstone and shale, to evaluate the hydrogeochemical characteristics. The collected samples were analyzed for physico-chemical parameters using standard procedures. Three water types were identified in the Piper plot and the hydrogeochemical evolution starts from a Ca–Cl facies (type 1) via mixed Ca–Mg–Cl and Ca–Na–HCO₃ facies (type 2) to Na–Cl facies (type 3). Increasing trend of electrical conductivity (EC) values were observed from type 1 water to type 3 water. Lower ionic concentrations with an average EC value of 35.7 µs/cm in Ca–Cl facies indicate the recharge water by monsoonal rainfall, and ion exchange/weathering process is reflected in the mixing zone. Higher ionic concentration with an average EC value of 399 µs/cm is noted in Na–Cl facies, which indicates the ion exchange during water–rock interaction. Higher log pCO₂ values are also found in this facies, revealing the longer residence time of seepage water in the rock matrix, which release more ions into the water. The relative mobility of elements during weathering suggest that the order of mobility in both sandstone and shale is Na > Ca > Mg > K. It was observed that the hydrogeochemistry of seepage water is mainly controlled by the bedrock geology.     

南昆线南那段红土类型划分及微观特征研究

本文在野外调查的基础上,根据母岩岩性和红土化作用程度对南那段红土作了初步分类,并对几种主要的红土的物质成分和微观结构特征进行了研究。     

准噶尔盆地中拐凸起东斜坡带火山岩储层岩相特征及主控因素

综合岩石薄片、岩心观察、各类测井资料以及三维地震资料,对准 噶尔盆地西北缘中拐凸起东斜坡带佳木河组火山岩的岩石学特征、测井响应特征、地震响应特征进行研究,总结出该区的火山岩岩性岩相识别模板及分布规律。采用不同曲线交会图对火山岩大类进行识 别,采用FMI成像测井“结构特征+构造特征”模板识别成分相近的火山岩亚类,共识别出3大类8种火山岩岩性,结合地震相特征,识别出4种火山岩岩相。研究区北部以爆发相火山角砾岩为主,在JIN215 、JIN218井及其以北地区存在多个复杂叠置的火山机构;南部则以喷溢相的熔结角砾岩和中性熔岩为主,局部发育火山沉积相。在此基础上,结合试油资料及裂缝预测分析,认为该区火山岩储层受到岩 性岩相、构造裂缝和风化淋滤作用的共同控制,靠近佳木河组顶部风化淋滤带裂缝发育区的爆发相火山角砾岩是最为有利的储集层类型。     

Chemical classification of the water in a lowland river basin (Salado River,Buenos Aires,Argentina) affected by hydraulic modifications

The main ions were measured seasonally during two years at 13 sampling stations in the Salado River and its main tributaries. The importance of each ion was assessed by standard methods used to examine ionic composition and by multivariate methods. The K-means clustering and Principal Component Analysis were applied to the percentages of the major ions. The concentration of the major cations are in the order Na⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Ca²⁺ > K⁺ and the major anions, Cl⁻ > SO₄²⁻ > HCO₃⁻ > CO₃²⁻, and the salinity was high (mean TDS 2,691 mg l⁻¹) due to sodium chloride. Using the proportions of the ions was possible to identify seven types of water within the basin related to discharges of different river sub-catchments and from endorheic catchments (in a sand dune region) actually connected with the basin by canals. The chemical composition of the basin is consequence of surface waters receiving salts from groundwater, evaporation and weathering of Post-Pampeano materials, and of anthropogenic impact by diversion between subcatchments for flood control. These results allowed us to test the marked effects on the ionic balance of basin at the base of a diversion management from endorheic catchments characterized by high salinity waters.     

Sandstone weathering processes damaging prehistoric rock paintings at the Albarracin Cultural Park, NE Spain

The rock paintings in cliff-foot caves of the Albarracin Cultural Park are known as some of the most important evidences of the Levantine prehistoric art of Spain (8000–3000 BP). The paintings are on sandstone (Buntsandstein facies) of Triasic age, which may develop intense weathering. The analysis of the variables controlling the weathering indicate that salt and wetting-drying weathering are responsible for granular disintegration and flaking, which lead to rock painting deterioration.     

Hydrogeochemistry and pollution assessment of quaternary–tertiary aquifer in the Liwa area,United Arab Emirates

This study presents the data on the hydrochemical characteristics and isotope chemistry of Liwa aquifer, which could be useful to clarify the hydrochemical facies and hydrogeological regime in the study area. Electric conductivity and total dissolved solid values show that the investigated water is slightly brackish, due to the effect of evaporation and the occurrences of evaporite rocks in the adjacent Sabkhas of Abu Dhabi. Major cations and anions arranged according to their decreasing concentrations are: Na⁺ > Ca⁺² > K⁺ > Mg⁺² and Cl⁻ > HCO₃ ⁻ > SO₄⁻², respectively. As sodium is the dominate cation and chloride is the prevailing anion, hydrochemically the groundwater of Liwa can be classified as Na–Cl rich, predominantly chloridic. Ion concentrations increase towards the northeast and presumably coincide with the lithological sources of ions. Factors affecting the hydrochemistry of the groundwater of the investigated area include the effect of weathering of soil and rocks, evaporation and agricultural activities. Stable isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen show that the shallow aquifers contain a single water type that originated in a distinct climatic regime. This water type deviates from the local meteoric water line, as well as from the Eastern Mediterranean Meteoric Water Line, suggesting potential evaporation of recharged water prior to infiltration. The waters are poor in tritium, and thus can be considered generally as indication for recharge prior to 1952. The degradation of groundwater quality can be attributed to evaporation and agricultural practices in most cases.     

A model for pore‐fluid‐sensitive rock behavior using a weathering state parameter

Chalk and other porous rocks are known to behave differently when saturated with different pore fluids. The behavior of these rocks varies with different pore fluids and additional deformation occurs when the pore fluid composition changes. In this article, we review the evidence that behavior in porous rocks is pore‐fluid‐dependent, present a constitutive model for pore‐fluid‐dependent porous rocks, and present a compilation of previously published data to develop quantitative relationships between various pore fluids and mechanical behavior. The model proposed here is based on a state parameter approach for weathering and has similarities to models previously proposed for weathering‐sensitive rocks in that the values for parameters that characterize material behavior vary as a function of weathering. Comparisons with published experimental data indicate that the model is capable of reproducing observed behavior of chalk under a variety of loading conditions and changes in pore fluid composition. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

与火山作用有关的岩系测井识别与物源分析——以松南十屋油田营城组为例

松辽盆地十屋油田属于构造-岩性油气藏。营城组发育正常沉积岩、火山熔岩、凝灰岩、沉凝灰岩和凝灰质砂岩,岩石中不同程度地含有火山碎屑物质。火山碎屑的含量,不仅决定了岩石类型,而且影响储层物性。与火山作用有关的岩石类型及其分布反映了物源区的特征。岩心的岩性识别虽然精准,但数量与分布有限,影响到确定物源-沉积体系的类型与分布。测井资料的岩性识别,特别是含有火山碎屑岩石的识别可以弥补取心不足造成的限制。十屋油田不同层位岩石中K元素测井值的对比,相同层位岩石中的U、Th元素测井参数交会图,GR、DEN、CNL、AC、R_t、R_MSFL测井参数的玫瑰图和GR-PE、GR-DEN测井参数交会图,对十屋油田营城组Ⅳ-Ⅴ砂组与火山作用有关的岩石实现了有效的岩性识别,形成了测井识别模式。测井识别岩性和岩心识别岩性相结合,确定了研究区5种岩石类型分区,证明了松辽盆地十屋油田营城组Ⅳ-Ⅴ砂组来自火山岩物源、再旋回沉积岩源区的正常碎屑岩物源、受花岗岩影响的正常碎屑岩物源、受花岗岩和火山岩影响的正常碎屑岩物源以及混合区域物源沉积体系的存在与分布范围。     

Geochemical signatures for the grain size variation in the siliciclastics of Kaimur Group,Vindhyan Supergroup from Markundi ghat,Sonbhadra district, (U.P.), India

The chemical composition of siliciclastics from Mesoproterozoic Kaimur Group, Vindhyan Supergroup have been investigated to determine and appraise the influence of the weathering, hydraulic sorting and recycling processes upon source rock signature. The studies pertaining to the relationship between major, trace and REE and the grain size variation were carried out along Markundi ghat section, Sonbhadra district, Son valley. Upper Kaimur Group has been divided into three principal formations-the uppermost-Dhandraul quartzites, Scarp sandstone and Bijaigarh shales. Petrographically, they range from quartz arenite, sublitharenite, subfeldspathic arenite to pyritiferous shale. The elemental enrichment, except for SiO₂, is in the following order-Bijaigarh Shale > Scarp Sandstone ≫ Dhandraul Sandstone.     

Weathering rind formation in buried terrace cobbles during periods of up to 300ka

Weathering rinds formed in Mesozoic sandstone and basalt cobbles buried in terrace deposits for up to 300 ka have been investigated. The aim was to determine the formation process and elemental mass balances during rind development. The ages of terraces distributed in the western part of Fukui prefecture, central Japan have been determined as 50 ka, 120 ka and 300 ka based on a tephro-stratigraphic method. Detailed investigations across the weathering rinds, consisting of microscopic observations, porosity measurements, and mineralogical and geochemical analyses using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), secondary X-ray analytical microscopy (SXAM), scanning electron microanalyser (SEM) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) have been carried out. The results revealed that the Fe concentrations in the weathering rind of a basalt cobble slightly decreased from the cobble’s surface (rim) towards the unweathered core. In contrast, in a sandstone cobble formed under the same environmental conditions over the same period of time there is an Fe-rich layer at some distance below the cobble’s surface. Elemental mass balances across the rinds were determined by using open system mass balance (τ_i,j) calculations and show that the Fe was precipitated as Fe-oxyhydroxides in the basalt cobbles, although Fe was slightly removed from the rims. In sandstone cobbles, on the other hand, Fe migrated along a Fe concentration gradient by diffusion and precipitated as Fe-oxyhydroxide minerals to form the weathering rinds. Presumably, precipitation was due to the relatively higher pH conditions caused by mineral dissolution within the pores, principally involving calcite, but probably also silicates including feldspar. The detailed characterization of the weathering rinds revealed the influence of lithology on the accumulation and dissolution of Fe-oxyhydroxides, causing weathering rinds with different characteristics to develop in different kinds of buried cobbles under the same conditions. Relatively large climatic changes in the study area did not cause discernable variations in the mean formation rates of the studied rinds, which were in the order of 10^?8 m/a for both basalt and sandstone cobbles. These rates are 1–2 orders of magnitude slower than those reported for tropical areas elsewhere, most probably due to the lower rainfall in the studied area.     

基于CT影像的砂岩文物结构特征分析

对于砂岩文物,成分不同、结构不同,表面变化过程和变化结果也不同。以中国三处(石门山、云冈石窟、乐山大佛)砂岩文物为例,联合使用肉眼鉴定与灰度阈值法得到了砂岩文物CT图像中不同矿物成分的实际分布,分析了不同位置切片图像的成分特点与结构特点,研究了砂岩内部结构数字图像特征参数的变化规律,探讨了三处砂岩文物数字图像特征参数的区别及其与岩样外观表现的关系。结果表明,三处砂岩文物样品主要成分均为石英和长石,石英含量大小顺序是石门山砂岩>云冈石窟砂岩>乐山大佛砂岩;乐山大佛砂岩形状变化最小,云冈石窟砂岩次之,石门山砂岩形状最不规则;石门山砂岩纹理最复杂,乐山大佛砂岩最为简单;乐山大佛砂岩表面风化严重、但随深度增加变化不明显,云冈石窟砂岩距表面越深、风化越弱,石门山砂岩风化变化比较复杂。研究结果对石质文物保护具有重要的参考价值。     

Deformation characteristics and influential factors for the giant Jinnosuke-dani landslide in the Haku-san Mountain area, Japan

The Jinnosuke-dani landslide is a giant landslide 2,000 m long and 500 m wide in the Haku-san Mountain area, Japan. It was also the first landslide to be designated as a “Landslide Prevention Area” according to the “Japan Landslide Prevention Law.” This landslide consists of alternating layers of sandstone and shale in the Tedori Formation, which was deposited from the Jurassic period to the Early Cretaceous. Based on deformation monitoring results for more than 7 years, the landslide is divided into upper and lower blocks. The upper block has moved at a speed of 80 to 170 mm/year, while the lower block has moved more slowly (3 to 15 mm/year). Monitoring data show that the variation of the groundwater level has a great influence on the landslide movement. The deteriorating effect of the weathering of the alternating layers of sandstone and shale on the landslide deformation has been confirmed by borehole exploration and monitoring.     

Characteristics of rare earth elements of lacustrine exhalative rock in the Xiagou Formation of Lower Cretaceous in Qingxi sag, Jiuxi basin

The exhalative rock occurring in the Xiagou Formation of Lower Cretaceous in Qingxi sag, Jiuxi basin is a sort of a rare lacustrine white smoke type, rich in ferrodolomites and albites. This paper introduces the geological background, mineral association, and lithology of the exhalative rock, and discusses its REE geochemical characteristics and connection with hydrothermal environment. It is shown that the exhalative rock has basal characteristics of hydrothermal depositional formation of LREE>HREE, with positive δCe and negative δEu, which is different from the characteristics of marine exhalative rock. Since the REE pattern and exceptional distribution of δEu and δCe are highly similar to the characteristics of alkalescent tholeiitic basalt in the same layer, the exhalative rock of Xiagou Formation is considered to be closely related to the origin of basalt in the same horizon. The fact that the amount of REE of exhalative rock decreases outwards indicates that exhalative rock in the Xiagou Formation may be connected with lacustrine hydrothermal convection circulation. Translated from Journal of Mineral and Petrology, 2006, 26(4): 41–47 [译自: 矿物岩石]     

Geological and tectonic influence on water–soil–radon relationship in Mandi–Manali area,Himachal Himalaya

Radon measurements in soil and groundwater (springs, thermal springs and handpumps) were made in a variety of lithological units including major thrusts between Mandi and Manali in Himachal Himalaya. Analysis of radon data in light of lithological controls and influence of deep-seated thrusts has been made to elucidate the causative factors for anomalous emanation of radon. The lithological types include banded gneisses, schists, quartzite, granite, phyllites, volcanics and mylonites. The low-grade metasedimentries of Shali and Dharamsala generally show low and narrow range of radon concentration in water (5.6–13.4 Bq/l) as well as in soil (1.8–3.2 kBq/m³) except for the samples related to thrusts. On the other hand, sheared and deformed rocks of Chail and Jutogh show moderate radon content (average 5.03 kBq/m³, range 2.9–11.1 kBq/m³) in soil. However, the groundwater radon concentration shows wide variation in different types of sources (2.1–80.8 Bq/l). The quartzite and volcanic rocks of Rampur formation in this area present as a window separated by Chail thrust. Radon emanations on these rock types are relatively high (6.3–68.1 Bq/l in water and 5.5–15.9 kBq/m³ in soil) and are exceptionally high in samples that are related to uranium mineralization, deep-seated thrusts and hot springs (13.5–653.5 Bq/l). It is generally observed that anomalous high radon content is associated with mineralization, deeper source and tectonic discontinuities. Whereas it is obvious that subsurface radioactive mineralization would facilitate enhanced radon production, however, thrust plains provide easy pathways for escape of gases from the deeper sources. Shallow and deep sources of the groundwater have contrasting radon content particularly in the deformed and metamorphosed rocks of Jutogh and Chail. Shallow groundwater sources, mainly handpumps, have lower radon concentration due to limited superficial water circulation, whereas deeper sources, mainly perennial springs, show higher radon content because of larger opportunity for water–rock interaction.