Lithostratigraphy,sedimentation and evolution of the Volta Basin in Ghana

We present a revised lithostratigraphy for the Voltaian Supergroup of Ghana, based on a review of existing literature, interpretations of remotely sensed data and reconnaissance field survey of the Volta Basin. These strata thicken eastwards, to a maximum of between 5 and 6 km adjacent to the Pan-African Dahomeyide orogen. They began to accumulate some time after about 1000 Ma, along the margin of an epicontinental sea. Initial sedimentation, comprising the age-equivalent Kwahu and Bombouaka Groups, shows a cyclical mode of deposition controlled by eustatic changes in sea-level that produced a range of nearshore marine, littoral and terrestrial environments.     

Geochemistry of Precambrian sedimentary rocks used to solve stratigraphical problems: An example from the Neoproterozoic Volta basin,Ghana

The Neoproterozoic Volta basin of Ghana (～115,000 km²; depth up to 5–7 km) consists of flat-lying sedimentary rocks, mainly sandstones that unconformably overlie the crystalline basement of the West-African craton. The stratigraphical column has been subdivided into three main units, in upward succession the Bombouaka, Oti and Obosum Groups, but poor exposure has resulted in major disagreements on stratigraphical correlations and on the areal extents of these units. Geochemical data (major and trace element concentrations as well as Rb–Sr, Pb and Sm–Nd isotope data) on siltstones and mudstones, intercalated with the sandstones from the different units, were used in an attempt to solve some of these problems. Siltstones and mudstones from the Bombouaka Group can be unequivocally distinguished from similar rocks from the Oti and Obosum Groups by higher K₂O and Rb, larger Eu anamalies, higher ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, and more negative ?_Nd values. Geochemical distinction between samples from the Oti and Obosum Groups is ambiguous because published geological maps differ with respect to the relative extents of the Oti and Obosum Groups. Rb–Sr isotope data, combined with high degrees of correlation between the concentrations of K and Rb, and Ca and Sr, indicate that mobility of these elements did not significantly change their concentrations during surface weathering. The clear geochemical distinction between mudstones and siltstones from the Bombouaka Group and similar rocks from the Oti and Obosum Groups is used to solve one of the outstanding controversies regarding the stratigraphy of the Volta basin.     

Provenance of the late Paleocene sandstones of the Jaisalmer Basin,Western India

Provenance of the late Paleocene sandstone of the Jaisalmer basin has been determined by petrographic and heavy minerals analysis supported by paleocurrent study. Petrography of the quartzose-arenite sandstone reveals an abundance of sub-angular to sub-rounded monocrystalline non-undulatory quartz and some amount of feldspar and rock fragments. The rock fragments are dominated by argillites (slate, phyllite) and limestone. The heavy minerals suite of these sandstones comprises of angular to sub-angular grains of magnetite, zircon, tourmaline, kyanite and staurolite. The paleocurrent analysis indicates bipolar paleocurrent pattern with the dominance of NW flow suggesting that the provenance was in the SE direction of the depositional basin. Q-F-L and Qm-F-Lt diagrams suggest for a provenance at the margin of the craton interior and transitional continental. It is envisaged that the basic igneous rocks of the Deccan basalt, low- to medium-grade metamorphic rocks of the Aravalli belt and Jurassic limestones present in the vicinity are the source rocks for the late Paleocene sandstones of the Jaisalmer basin.     

Geochemistry of sandstones from the Neoproterozoic Jinshanzhai Formation in northern Anhui Province, China: Provenance, weathering and tectonic setting

Sandstones from the Neoproterozoic Jinshanzhai Formation in northern Anhui Province, China, were analyzed for major oxides and trace elements to infer their provenance, the intensity of paleo-weathering of their source rocks and the depositional tectonic setting. Diagrams of (SiO2/20)-(Na2O+K2O)-(MgO+TiO2+FeO*), TiO2-Ni, Th-Hf-Co, Hf-La/Th and some ratios of elements indicate that felsic rocks constitute the source rocks in the provenance. The values of Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) are low, which are considered to be affected by K-metasomatism. Whereas the high CIW (Chemical Index of Weathering) values indicate intensive weathering of the source material. Plots of sandstones on bivariate and triangle discriminant diagrams, as well as ICV (Index of Compositional Variation) values revealed that they were deposited on a passive continental margin or in an intra-plate basin. Our recent study, in combination with previous studies and the research progress of the Rodinia super continent, demonstrated that the convergence and extension of the Rodinia super continent were preserved by twice extension as expressed by petrological variation of the southeastern margin of the North China Craton (NCC) during the Neoproterozoic.     

Sedimentology and chemostratigraphy of the Bwipe Neoproterozoic cap dolostones (Ghana,Volta Basin): A record of microbial activity in a peritidal environment

Neoproterozoic glacial and post-glacial sediments from the Volta Basin (West Africa) form a stratigraphic ‘Triad’ of tillites, carbonates and cherts. The carbonates that cap the tillites were studied in detail at Bwipe (Ghana), in the western part of the basin. They are made of finely-laminated dolostones with well-preserved sedimentary features, suggesting that dolomite formation was penecontemporaneous of deposition in a warm, arid peritidal environment, with microbial activity. Rare-earth element distribution display seawater-like patterns. Redox-sensitive trace elements indicate suboxic conditions. High Ba/Al ratios can be related to high organic productivity. δ¹³C values are nearly constant at −3.7‰ and δ¹⁸O_PDB are about −6‰. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios range between 0.7061 and 0.7073. The δ¹³C signatures are nearly similar to those of coeval cap dolostones from the northern part of the Basin. The dolostones change upwards to limestones with secondary textures, as well as more negative δ¹³C and higher ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio. Therefore, only the dolostones witness the post-glacial conditions in seawater. It is proposed that, due to a bloom of microbial productivity following ice thaw, organic matter likely accumulated at the water–sediment interface and was consumed by sulphate-reducing bacteria, leading to the precipitation of δ¹³C-negative dolomite. This microbially mediated model is supported by present-day field evidence from hypersaline lagoons in Brazil and by previously published culture experiments. It is consistent with the sedimentological and geochemical data from the Ghana cap dolostones and can be applied to other Neoproterozoic cap dolostones worldwide.     

山西五台群变质砂岩的物源和构造环境

华北克拉通中北部五台杂岩中出露一套变质砂岩,归属于上太古界五台群,其物质来源和构造环境分析对理解本区新太古代末期的地壳演化具有重要意义.该变质砂岩主要由石英、长石和粘土质胶结物组成,岩相学特征显示为杂砂岩,利用主量、微量元素判别的结果与岩相学观察一致.岩石地球化学分析结果显示,样品的SiO2含量变化较大(64.51％～...     

共和盆地东北部新生代沉积物源及其地质意义

共和盆地处于秦岭、祁连、昆仑造山系相互叠置的关键区域,盆地及周缘造山带记录的构造、岩浆、变质、沉积作用事件复杂多样,是研究青藏高原北部构造-沉积演化的关键位置。本文以多口钻井的岩心为基础,结合区域地质调查资料对共和盆地东北部进行了岩石组合、沉积类型和沉积相特征分析、碎屑锆石U-Pb年代学、砂岩组分和重矿物分析,明确了共和凹陷新生代的沉积特征、地层发育格架、沉积相类型、沉积物源及构造-沉积演化过程。碎屑锆石年代学分析结果揭示了共和凹陷新生代砂岩具有200~300Ma、400~500Ma、750~1000Ma、1800~2000Ma以及2400~2550Ma的年龄峰值,且主要集中在200~300Ma和400~500Ma,表明三叠纪的侵入岩及浅变质岩是其主要物源。砂岩组分和重矿物分析结果记录到共和盆地东北部在咸水河组和临夏组沉积之间发生过一次构造环境转变,其时共和凹陷的沉积物源发生变化,来自青海南山的物质供给增加。共和盆地东北部共和凹陷新生代沉积物在西宁组-咸水河组沉积时物源方向为NEE方向,而在临夏组沉积时物源方向为NNE方向。青海南山的隆起主要发生在晚中新世-上新世,分隔了青海湖盆地与共和盆地。

     

Characterization and appraisal of facets influencing geochemistry of groundwater in the Kulpawn sub-basin of the White Volta Basin, Ghana

Groundwater composition in the Kulpawn basin is largely controlled by aluminosilicates dissolution and cation exchange resulting in mainly Ca-Mg-HCO₃ and NaHCO₃ water types. Principal component analysis, Piper graphical classification, and stable isotope (¹⁸O and ²H) of groundwater and surface-water samples were used to delineate geochemical processes and groundwater facies. The groundwater is mildly acid to neutral and low in conductivity. Chemical constituents except HCO₃ ⁻ and SiO₂ have low concentration. No cation shows clear majority, however, the order of relative abundance is Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺. HCO₃ ⁻ is the predominant anion and the order of abundance is HCO₃ ⁻ > NO₃ ⁻ > SO₄ ²⁻ > Cl⁻. SiO₂ concentration is high compared with the major cations. Dissolution of plagioclase, pyroxene and biotite and cation exchange are responsible for groundwater composition. Isotopic data suggest integrative, smooth and rapid recharge from meteoric origin. The groundwater quality is generally good for domestic usage; however, 18 and 47% of boreholes respectively have NO₃ ⁻ and F⁻ levels outside WHO recommended limits suggesting potential physiological problems in some localities. The groundwater has low sodium absorption ratio and low to moderate salinity hazard but significant magnesium hazard partially limiting its use for irrigation.     

Formation mechanisms of calcite cements in tight sandstones of the Jurassic Lianggaoshan Formation,northeastern Central Sichuan Basin

The characteristics and formation mechanism of calcite cements in the tight sandstone of the Jurassic Lianggaoshan Formation in the northeastern Central Sichuan Basin were analysed using petrographic and isotopic techniques. In the tight sandstone of the Lianggaoshan Formation, cements are mostly calcite and occur as poikilitic, pore-filling, fracture-filling and replacement of clastic particles. Contents of Al, Si, Fe and Mn in the poikilitic calcites are significantly less than that in the dissolution pore-filling and metasomatic calcites. Three stages (early, middle and late) of authigenic calcites correspond to temperature ranges of <60, 60–100 and ≥100?°C, respectively, with most calcite cements formed under lower temperature (<100?°C) conditions. The δ¹⁸O values of the early–middle authigenic calcites are in equilibrium with connate water, and the δ¹⁸O values of late calcites are depleted in ¹⁸O indicating equilibrium at higher temperatures. The early authigenic calcites precipitated in a relatively open system associated with CO₂ from bacterial fermentation at an immature to low-mature stage, and a Ca²⁺- and alkaline-rich environment owing to hydration–hydrolysis and dissolution of silicate minerals during phase A of eodiagenesis. The middle–late authigenic calcites precipitated in a relatively closed system with CO₂ from decarboxylation of organic acids and Ca²⁺ from dissolution of silicate minerals and transformation of clay minerals during phase B of eodiagenesis to mesodiagenesis. Calcite cements mainly occur in the medium and fine sandstones of sand flats and beach bars. Authigenic calcite dissolution is extremely weak, and calcite cementation is pore-space destructive.     

兰坪中新生代盆地沉积岩源区构造背景和物源属性研究--砂岩地球化学证据

沉积盆地中砂岩的地球化学成分主要受物源区控制。因此，通过分析砂岩的化学成分可以揭示盆地沉积岩的源区构造背景和物源属性。对兰坪盆地中新生界砂岩的常量成分、稀土和微量元素进行的分析，揭示盆地沉积岩的源区构造背景属被动大陆边缘和大陆岛弧，结合岩相古地理资料认为在中生代以前，盆地东侧可能主要处于被动大陆边缘环境。而西侧则可能以大陆岛弧环境为主，这与区域地质资料相吻合。沉积物源岩的原始物质应来自上地壳，以长英质岩石为主，并有少量安山质岩石和古老沉积物的混入，故兰坪中新生代盆地属典型的大陆型盆地。从而为正确认识古特提斯洋的演化和盆山转换过程提供了强有力的地球化学证据。     

库鲁克塔格地区新元古代沉积物源分析:来自碎屑锆石年代学的证据

库鲁克塔格位于南天山和塔里木盆地接合部,保留相对较完整的地层记录。新元古代贝义西组主要为一套火山-沉积组合序列,育肯沟组为浊流成因的砂岩和粉砂岩组合。对取自两个地层的沉积岩样品,分别进行了碎屑锆石LA-ICP-MS U-Pb测年,并分别获得了93组和71组U-Pb有效年龄。其中贝义西组锆石U-Pb年龄主峰值为821Ma、次峰值为861Ma的碎屑锆石(761~847Ma)具有显著优势,育肯沟组年龄值为768Ma(次峰值为800Ma和741Ma)的碎屑锆石比较集中,说明库鲁克塔格地区在741Ma、768Ma、800Ma、821Ma和861Ma有大规模的岩浆活动。10个太古代碎屑锆石年龄以及综合已有的研究成果,确认库鲁克塔格存在中-新太古代基底。贝义西组砂岩主要源自761~847Ma、851~972Ma和1808~2498Ma岩石。育肯沟组主要来自734~845Ma、858~963Ma和1708~2486Ma的岩石。     

Provenance and geochronology of Cenozoic sandstones of northern Borneo

The Crocker Fan of Sabah was deposited during subduction of the Proto-South China Sea between the Eocene and Early Miocene. Collision of South China microcontinental blocks with Borneo in the Early Miocene terminated deep water sedimentation and resulted in the major regional Top Crocker Unconformity (TCU). Sedimentation of fluvio-deltaic and shallow marine character resumed in the late Early Miocene. The Crocker Fan sandstones were derived from nearby sources in Borneo and nearby SE Asia, rather than distant Asian and Himalayan sources. The Crocker Fan sandstones have a mature composition, but their textures and heavy mineralogy indicate they are first-cycle sandstones, mostly derived from nearby granitic source rocks, with some input of metamorphic, sedimentary and ophiolitic material. The discrepancy between compositional maturity and textural immaturity is attributed to the effects of tropical weathering. U–Pb ages of detrital zircons are predominantly Mesozoic. In the Eocene sandstones Cretaceous zircons dominate and suggest derivation from granites of the Schwaner Mountains of southern Borneo. In Oligocene sandstones Permian–Triassic and Palaeoproterozoic zircons become more important, and are interpreted to be derived from Permian–Triassic granites and Proterozoic basement of the Malay Tin Belt. Miocene fluvio-deltaic and shallow marine sandstones above the TCU were mostly recycled from the deformed Crocker Fan in the rising central mountain range of Borneo. The provenance of the Tajau Sandstone Member of the Lower Miocene Kudat Formation in north Sabah is strikingly different from other Miocene and older sandstones. Sediment was derived mainly from granitic and high-grade metamorphic source rocks. No such rocks existed in Borneo during the Early Miocene, but potential sources are present on Palawan, to the north of Borneo. They represent continental crust from South China and subduction-related metamorphic rocks which formed an elevated region in the Early Miocene which briefly supplied sediment to north Sabah.     

Climate and irrigation scenario analyses using three-dimensional numerical modelling: a case study of the Nasia sub-basin in the White Volta Basin,Ghana

A groundwater resource characterisation and assessment model was developed for Nasia river sub-basin in the White Volta Basin, Ghana. The model is useful to policymakers for planning and sustainable management of groundwater resources in the basin for domestic and irrigation purposes. A conceptual model was constructed that characterized boundary conditions and hydrostratigraphy, and estimated recharge rates and hydraulic and storage parameters. From current understanding of the hydrogeological dynamics, three hydrostratigraphic layers were delineated. The conceptual model was converted to a three-dimensional steady-state groundwater flow model using MODFLOW. Recharge rates estimated from the base model indicate a minimum of 1.1% and maximum of 6.2% of the total rainfall. The hydraulic conductivity ranged between 0.20 and 15 m/day. Four possible scenarios were simulated: (1) increased population, (2) climate variations (reduced recharge), (3) increased abstraction for irrigation, and (4) worst-case scenario which is a combination of the first three scenarios. Results from scenarios 1 and 2 indicated that, under such conditions, the groundwater resources could be sustained and no significant effect on any of the water budget indicators was observed. For scenario 3, there was significant drop in hydraulic head in the central portions of the study area. The scenario 4 simulation indicated that there was significant reduction in groundwater levels and groundwater discharge into streams under these stressors. Such reduction can affect stream levels in the basin and, subsequently, the ecosystem. These findings are valid within the limits of uncertainty in the hydrogeological data that were used in this study.

     

胶莱盆地早白垩世莱阳群沉积物源及地质意义

应用古流向、砾石成分及砂岩碎屑锆石定年方法,综合分析了胶莱盆地早白垩世莱阳群沉积时期的物源组成及其地质意义。古流向,五莲—诸城显示较稳定的N向,莱阳—乳山一带由早期的E-SE向逐渐转变为晚期W-NW向。砾石成分,五莲—诸城—胶州地区以花岗片麻岩、花岗岩、大理岩和石英岩为主,莱阳—乳山早期花岗岩砾石成分含量高,晚期成分复杂。碎屑锆石年龄分布主要集中在110~145 Ma,150~180 Ma,200~250 Ma,600~950 Ma和1700~2600 Ma。由此推断胶莱盆地在早白垩世莱阳群沉积期的物源主要由三部分组成:1盆地南缘苏鲁造山带超高压-高压变质岩和浅变质杂岩;2盆地周缘燕山期(J2-3-K1)花岗岩;3北侧胶北隆起基底(亲华北型)变质岩。并且盆地物源组成表现出明显的区域差异性,这种差异说明当时苏鲁造山带的南、北段在抬升及抬升后可能存在着差异性的隆起和改造,表现为苏鲁造山带南段(南苏鲁造山带)隆升幅度大并且稳定,北段(北苏鲁造山带)表现出较为低缓的隆起或者局部的小隆起并且后期经历大规模的塌陷。另外,物源也指示早白垩世莱阳群沉积时期,胶莱盆地呈现出西高东低的古地貌特征,直到莱阳群沉积晚期,盆地东部才有所抬升。     

An evaluation of the genesis and suitability of groundwater for irrigation in the Volta Region,Ghana

Stable isotope data and concentrations of the major cations and anions of groundwater from the northern part of the Volta Region, Ghana, were used to determine the source of recharge and the suitability of groundwater in the area for irrigation. This study finds that the delta deuterium (δD) and delta Oxygen-18 (δ¹⁸O) data from the area fall along the global meteoric water line (GMWL). An equation of regression derived for the relationship between δD and δ¹⁸O bears very close semblance to the equation which describes the GMWL. On the basis of this, groundwater in the study area is probably meteoric and fresh. The apparently low salinities and sodicities of the groundwater seem to support this interpretation. The suitability of groundwater for domestic and irrigation purposes is related to its source, which determines its constitution. A plot of the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and electrical conductivity (EC) data on a semilog axis, suggests that groundwater serves good irrigation quality in the area. Sixty percent (60%), 20% and 20% of the 67 data points used in this study fall within the medium salinity–low sodicity (C2–S1), low salinity–low sodicity (C1–S1) and high salinity–low sodicity (C3–S1) fields, which ascribe good irrigation quality to groundwater from this area. Salinities range from 28.1 to 1,956 μS/cm, whilst SAR values fall within the range 0–3. Extremely low sodicity waters of this kind, with salinities lower than 600 μS/cm, have the tendency to affect the dispersive properties of irrigation soils when used for irrigation. About 50% of the groundwater in the study area fall within this category and need prior treatment before usage.     

柴达木盆地西北部红三旱地区始新世-渐新世砂岩物源分析

柴达木盆地西部红三旱一号三高点上、下干柴沟组砂岩的骨架矿物成分的模式分析显示,始新统—渐新统砂岩的源区主要为再旋回造山带。根据古水流推断物源区主要为阿尔金山。结合上、下干柴沟组砂岩成分模式分析的标准偏差对比和骨架矿物成分平均含量的变化特征,认为渐新世时(上干柴沟组)阿尔金山存在一期隆升事件。     

祁连山东北缘武威盆地新近系甘肃群地层划分

祁连山东北缘武威盆地发育一套灰白色-砖红色砂质细砾岩、含砾粗砂岩、泥质粉砂岩。已有的区域地质调查通过区域地层对比,将其确定为新近系甘肃群。在1:5万区域地质调查中,通过详细的钻孔地层剖面和地表地层剖面测量,结合钻孔古地磁年代学分析,依据甘肃群岩性特征与沉积环境分析,将甘肃群划分为上、下2个组,分别命名为果园组和丰乐组。丰乐组为桔黄色-砖红色砂质细砾岩、泥质粉砂岩、泥岩夹灰白色长石石英砂岩,为早—中中新世扇三角洲-滨浅湖相沉积(11.18~8.25 Ma)。果园组为土黄色粉砂质泥岩,砖红色中—粗粒砾岩,为河流相沉积, 与下伏丰乐组呈平行不整合接触,向上与下更新统玉门砾岩呈角度不整合接触,沉积时代为晚中新世—上新世(8.25~2.58 Ma)。武威盆地甘肃群丰乐组和果园组2个正式岩石地层单位,在区域上可与邻区新近纪地层对比,统一了青藏高原东北缘的新近纪地层系统,为青藏高原东北缘新生代地质研究提供了地层学依据。     

Neoproterozoic age based on microbiotas from the Raipur Group of Baradwar sub-basin,Chhattisgarh

An assemblage of structurally preserved organic-walled microfossils (OWMs) from the macerated residue of black carbonaceous shale belonging to Saradih Formation, the youngest carbonate horizon of the Raipur Group, Chhattisgarh Supergroup exposed at on the right bank of Mahanadi River, NE of Sarangarh township in Raigarh district, Chhattisgarh is being reported for the first time. The assemblage is comprised of 19 taxa of 13 genera belong to eukaryotes and prokaryotes viz. Leiosphaeridia, Stictosphaeridium, Dictyotidium, Synsphaeridium, Symplassosphaeridium, Satka, Trachysphaeridium, Goniosphaeridium, Trachyhystrichosphaera, Vandalosphaeridium, Siphonophycus, Oscillatoriopsis and Polythrichoides. The comprehensive account of recovered microbiotic assemblage can be correlated with globally known Neoproterozoic (early Cryogenian) assemblages, deposited in tidal complexes of shallow sea.     

Geochemistry and petrogenesis of Neoproterozoic Mylliem granitoids,Meghalaya Plateau,northeastern India

The Mylliem granitoids of the Meghalaya Plateau, northeastern India, represent one of the disharmonic Neoproterozoic igneous plutons, which are intrusive into low-grade Shillong Group of metasediments. Field studies indicate that the Mylliem granitoids cover an area of about 40 km² and is characterized by development of variable attitude of primary foliations mostly marked along the margin of the pluton. Xenoliths of both Shillong Group of metasediments and mafic rocks have been found to occur within Mylliem granitoids. Structural study of the primary foliation is suggestive of funnel-shaped intrusion of Mylliem granitoids with no appreciable evidence of shearing. Petrographically, Mylliem granitoids are characterized by pink to white phenocrysts of prismatic microcline/perthite and lath-shaped plagioclase (An₂₀–An₂₉). Groundmass material is characterized by quartz, microcline, plagioclase, muscovite and biotite. Sphene and apatite occur as accessory minerals. Petrographically Mylliem granitoids have been discriminated as granite and granodiorite according to IUGS system of classification.