湛江湾海域表层沉积物稀土元素特征及其物源指示意义

通过对湛江湾近海海域表层沉积物样品粒度和稀土元素(RE E)测试分析,系统地研究海域沉积物稀土元素地球化学特征并探讨其物质来源.结果表明,研究区沉积物的稀土元素含量变化较大,平均值为163.23μg/g,湾外的REE含量(168.61μg/g)高于湾内的REE含量(142.17μg/g);不同类型沉积物的稀土元素含量存...     

Rare earth element-thorium correlations in sedimentary rocks,and the composition of the continental crust

There is a correlation between thorium and the light rare earth elements, indicated by La/Th ratios in fine grained sedimentary rocks of various ages from Australia and Greenland. The correlation between Th and the heavy rare earth elements (Th/Yb) is much less significant. Archean sedimentary rocks have a higher La/Th (3.6 ± 0.4) than post-Archean sedimentary rocks (La/Th = 2.7 ± 0.2).The cause of this correlation can be attributed to the coherent behaviour of these elements during most sedimentary processes (weathering, transport, diagenesis, etc.). Since the chondrite-normalized rare earth element distribution of clastic fine grained sedimentary rocks is accepted to be parallel to the distribution of REE in the upper continental crust, an estimate of upper crustal Th abundances can be made. Using reasonable assumptions of certain elemental ratios (K/U, Th/U, K/Rb) in the upper crust, minimum estimates of the abundances of K, U and Rb can also be made for the post-Archean and Archean upper crusts.The post-Archean values (K = 2.9%; Rb = 115 ppm; Th = 11.1 ppm; U = 2.9 ppm) compare favourably to some previous estimates made from direct sampling and theoretical considerations and help confirm a granodiorite present day upper continental crust. The Archean data (K = 0.92%; Rb = 30ppm; Th = 3.5 ppm; U = 0.92 ppm) support models which suggest a significantly more mafic exposed crust at that time.     

贺兰山—六盘山地区中侏罗统直罗组地球化学特征及其地质意义*

贺兰山—六盘山地区是研究华北板块西部大地构造背景的关键区域。在研究区内中侏罗统直罗组地层采集了20件样品,应用全岩分析和ICP-MS方法对采集的样品进行主、微量及稀土元素测试并对其地球化学特征做出分析。测试结果显示,样品中Al₂O₃/SiO₂值介于0.17~0.31之间,平均值为0.25;K₂O/Na₂O值介于0.77~73.77之间,平均值为9.78;Al₂O₃ /(Na₂O+CaO)值介于0.49~96.00之间,平均值为15.68。上述含量和比值与样品成分成熟度、元素迁移、热液流体影响和风化程度有关。部分元素之间存在良好的相关性,能够反映物源及环境的变化。稀土元素值总和(ΣREE)变化较大(132.16~394.47μg·g^-1),其球粒陨石标准化配分模式与大陆上地壳(UCC)极为相似,表现为轻稀土富集、重稀土平坦、Eu负异常,Ce异常不明显等特征。结合UCC标准化曲线、La/Yb值、Gd_N/Yb_N值、La/Th值和Hf含量,认为直罗组源岩主要为长英质岩石,混杂了少量古老沉积岩和基性岩或者特殊矿物,且后太古界地层提供主要物源。微量元素构造背景判别图揭示研究区中侏罗统直罗组地层的物源区具有大陆岛弧和活动大陆边缘的特征,物源可能来自于兴蒙造山带和祁连造山带。化学蚀变指数(CIA)值和A-CN-K图反映源岩经历了较强的风化作用,但不同区域之间的风化程度存在差异。     

Rare earths in Precambrian sediments

Thirty-six samples of well-preserved Precambrian sedimentary rocks have been analyzed for rare-earth elements (REE) as one test of the proposition that the present relative REE abundances at the Earth's surface have developed gradually with time. Except for Eu, the average relative abundances of the REE appear to be the same for the Precambrian sediments as in a composite of Paleozoic shales (taken as representative of younger sedimentary rocks). Abundances of Eu relative to the other REE in all except two of the Precambrian sedimente are significantly higher than in the younger sediments. The extent of enrichment of the Precambrian sediments in Eu over the composite of younger sediments ranges from 0.7 to 3.0. The average abundance of Eu relative to the other REE for all the Precambrian sedimente is the same as that in chondritic meteorites. Several of the oldest Precambrian sedimente have relative abundances of Eu that exceed that of chondrites. Large-scale separations of Eu from the other REE as a result of igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary processes are considered. Present information does not convincingly support any of the proposed mechanisms.     

Rare earths in Archean graywackes from Wyoming and from the Fig Tree Group,South Africa

Six graywackes from the Archean greenstone belt in the Wind River of Wyoming and 11 graywackes and three shales from the Archean Fig Tree Group, South Africa, were analyzed for the rare earth elements (REE). There are real deviations beyond analytical uncertainty among sediments from the same formation. The absolute abundance of the REE (∑REE) is somewhat lower than that of the North American shale composite (NASC) which is representative of younger sedimentary rocks. Still, the results confirm previous suggestions that the RE pattern in Precambrian sediments is the same as the NASC but that, relative to the heavy REE, graywackes are slightly enriched in the light REE, shales are depleted, and there is a slight enrichment in Eu relative to the NASC. The average abundance of Eu relative to the other REE for all the Precambrian sediments is the same as that in chondritic meteorites. Attesting to the complexity of graywacke genesis, there is no correlation between the variations in the REE parameters and the variations in major or minor element concentrations. In particular, there is no obvious correlation between the excess Eu and Sr abundance. The total amount of REE, the $\text{La}\text{Yb}$ ratio, and the Eu enrichment factor, however, all increase in the graywackes with the amount granite-gneiss detritus in the rocks. In general, the REE distributions in Archean graywackes and shales appear to be related to the relative amounts of clastic feldspar, mica, and minor phases which concentrate the REE.     

陕南山阳地区刘岭群砂岩岩石地球化学特征及其构造背景分析

陕南山阳地区中晚泥盆世刘岭群位于秦岭造山带的商丹断裂带与山阳断裂之间。由于所处的特殊位置,刘岭群沉积特点及其盆地形成时期构造背景的确定,可以为秦岭地区古生代以来构造演化提供有价值的信息。岩石地球化学分析表明,刘岭群砂岩主要氧化物特征以SiO₂和K₂O含量较高为特点,具有较高的化学成熟度,反映出其碎屑物质可能来源于相对稳定的大陆源区或更老的沉积岩再旋回的沉积产物。砂岩的稀土元素LREE/HREE比值为3.61,属轻稀土中等富集;Eu/Eu^*值为0.77,属亏损型,与后太古代大陆地壳沉积岩总体演化特点相一致。主量元素氧化物、稀土元素及微量元素的多种图解和多种参数交叉分析,表明刘岭群沉积不具备前陆盆地堆积的特征。根据砂岩岩石地球化学的构造背景判别和物源区判别,结合沉积序列和沉积岩石学等分析,指示中晚泥盆世刘岭群碎屑岩应属于被动大陆边缘盆地沉积。     

REE Geochemistry of Precambrian Metamorphic Rocks in Wutaishan Region

The metasedimentary-volcanic series of the Wutai and Hutuo groups experienced regional metamorphism and thus turned into moderate-to low-grade metamorphic rocks.REE abundances and REE distribution patterns in the Shizui and Taihuai Subgroup metasedimentary-volcanic rocks are typical of the Archean,whereas the Gaofan Subgroup and the Hutuo Group show post-Archean REE geochemical char-acteristics.Five types of REE distribution pattern are distinguished:(1)rightward inclined smooth curves with little REE anomaly(Eu/Eu*=0.73-0.95) and heavy REE depletion (e.g.the Late Archean metasedimentary rocks);(2)rightward inclined V-shaped curves with sharp Eu anoma-ly (Eu/Eu*=0.48-0.76) and slightly higher ∑REE (e.g.the post-Archean metasedimentary rocks);(3) rightward inclined steep curves with negative Eu anomaly(Eu/Eu*=0.73-0.76) and the lowest ∑REE (e.g.the post-Archean dolomites);(4)rightward inclined,nearly smooth curves with both positive Eu anomaly and unremarkable positive Eu anomaly(Eu/Eu*=0.95-1.25)(e.g.the meta-basic volcanic rocks);and (5) rightward inclined curves with Eu anomaly(Eu/Eu*=1.09-1.19)and heavy REE depletion(e.g.the meta-acid volcanic rocks).Strata of the two groups are considered to have been formed in an island-arc belt-an instable continental petrogenetic environment.     

鄱阳湖流域赣江北支水体和沉积物中稀土元素的含量和分异特征

稀土的开发和广泛应用使得人们倍加关注其在环境中的分布及其环境地球化学行为。赣江作为鄱阳湖流域五大入湖河之一,发源于稀土资源富集的赣南地区,而其下游水体及周边地下水中稀土元素的含量和分异特征目前尚不完全清楚。以赣江北支水体及沉积物为研究对象,开展了稀土元素地球化学研究。结果表明,赣江北支水体中稀土元素总量在地表水中为230~1 146 ng/L(均值458.85 ng/L),地下水中为284~1 498 ng/L(均值634.94 ng/L),沉积物中稀土元素总量为177.9~270.7 mg/kg(均值226.99 mg/kg)。PHREEQC模拟计算表明,水体中的稀土元素主要以碳酸根络合物(REEC0₃⁺)的形式存在。地表水和地下水总体上均表现为重稀土元素相较于轻、中稀土元素富集,沉积物未表现出明显的富集特性;水体具有Ce、Eu负异常特点,而沉积物表现为Ce正异常和Eu负异常,指示氧化还原环境和水岩相互作用对稀土元素在水-沉积物系统中迁移转化的影响。地下水中稀土元素的含量沿流向具有上升趋势,而水体中重稀土元素的富集程度不断减弱,同时碳酸根络合物(REEC0₃⁺)的占比不断降低,反映水体中稀土元素的含量受到pH、胶体吸附、络合作用以及地下水-地表水相互作用的影响。水体中重稀土元素的富集受到碳酸根络合反应的影响,Ce、Eu负异常与Ce氧化沉淀和母岩特性相关。Gd异常值表明,研究区中下游水体中的Gd元素受到人为输入的影响。     

四川旺苍大河坝浅变质岩型石墨矿床地球化学特征与成因分析

大河坝石墨矿是川北米仓山南缘石墨矿带新发现的大型显晶质石墨矿床。研究了该矿床的地质特征和矿石主量、微量及稀土元素地球化学特征,结果表明:含矿岩层为副变质岩,矿区石墨矿体原岩沉积于缺氧的还原环境,原岩为一套含碳质黏土质细—粉砂岩及含碳质泥灰岩组合。微量元素特征指示矿体原岩由近海陆源碎屑物沉积形成,沉积水体主要为盐度较低的、混合不均匀的淡水—半咸水。矿石ΣREE平均值为150×10^-6,与泥灰岩相近;δCe值平均为0.91,呈弱负异常,δEu值平均为0.67,呈负异常,具滨海潮坪相沉积特征。含矿岩石δ¹³C值为-21.4‰~-19.0‰,平均为-19.86‰,表明成矿碳质来源主要为有机碳,并混合了部分无机碳。矿床成因类型为沉积变质型,其变质作用可能包括多次区域变质作用并叠加了混合岩化作用。     

REE Geochemistry of Surficial Sediments from the Yellow Sea of China

REE geochemical studies of surficial sediment samples from the Yellow Sea of China have shown:(1)The average content of RE2O3 in the Yellow Sea sediments is 175 ppm,close to that in the East China Sea sediments.The REE distribution patterns in the Yellow Sea sediments are also similar to anomalies.These REE characteristics are typical of the continental crust.(2)The contents of REE are controlled mainly by the sediment grain size,i.e.,REE contents increase gradually with decreasing sediment grain size.REE are present mainly in clay minerals.In addition,REE contents are controlled obviously by heavy minerals.REE abundances in heavy minerals are much greater than those in light minerals.(3)Correlation analysis shows that REE have a close relationship with siderophile elements,especially Ti,which has the largest correlation coefficient relative to REE.Terrigenous clastic materials subjected to weathering and transport are suggested to be the main source of REE in the Yellow Sea sediments.     

五台地区高凡群形成时代新证据:锆石SHRIMP U-Pb定年

五台地区高凡群对于华北克拉通早前寒武纪变质地层层序建立具有重要意义。本文对高凡群磨河组开展了地球化学和锆石年代学研究。变质沉积岩稀土总量为(132.78~231.84)×10^-6(样品W1927的稀土总量为1016.55×10^-6),轻重稀土分离弱((La/Yb)_N=4.5~12.5),具明显负铕异常(δEu=0.37~0.62),稀土模式与太古宙后泥砂质碎屑沉积岩十分类似。一个白云石英片岩样品(D004)的变质原岩中存在大量2.7 Ga、2.54~2.5 Ga、2.3 Ga和2.18 Ga碎屑锆石,最年轻锆石可能来自同时代火山岩。一个含黄铁矿白云片岩样品(W1927)的最年轻锆石年龄为2194 Ma,被认为代表了岩石形成时代。结合前人研究,可把高凡群形成时代限定在<2176 Ma和2350 Ma之间,碎屑物质主要来自恒山、五台、阜平、云中山、吕梁地区新太古代—古元古代变质基底或更远的地区。     

Provenance and tectonic setting of the metapelites deposits in the Bulfat Complex,NE-Iraq

Major and trace elements including rare earth elements (REEs) chemistry of the metapelitic rocks of Bulfat Complex (Iraqi Zagros Suture Zone) indicate their enrichment in large-ion Lithophile, light rare earth (LREE) elements, and relative depletion of high field strength and heavy rare earth (HREE) elements. The linear correlation coefficients between TiO₂, K₂O, and Al₂O₃ and total REE reveal that phyllosilicates (e.g., mica) and accessory minerals mainly Ti-bearing phases (e.g., ilmenite) are likely the dominant hosts for REEs. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns typical of continental margin settings with significant enrichment of LREE, prominent negative Eu anomalies, and nearly flat HREE are positively correlated with post-Archean Australian shale (PAAS) and upper continental crust (UCC) patterns. Additionally, their consistent elemental La/Sc, Th/Sc, La/Co, Th/Co, Cr/Th, and Eu/Eu* values suggest that sediments may have been originally derived from an old post-Archean upper continental crust composed chiefly of granitic component. It seems most likely that the felsic source rocks were originated by a process of intra-crustal differentiation such as partial melting and/or fractional crystallization involving fractionation of Ca-plagioclase. The geochemical evidences particularly REEs evaluation show that deposition of clasts occurred in an active continental margin setting during lower–upper Cretaceous period contemporaneous with the igneous activities. It is evident therefore that the clasts source is from the north–northeast side, i.e., from the active margin of Iranian microcontinent (Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone).     

Geochemical constraints on the origin of Mesozoic alkaline intrusive complexes from the North China Craton and tectonic implications

Mesozoic alkaline intrusive complexes are widespread in the southern portion of the North China Craton and can provide some important constraints on the evolution of the Mesozoic lithosphere beneath the region. Three selected intrusive complexes (Tongshi, Hongshan, and Longbaoshan) are generally high in alkalis (K₂O+Na₂O=913 wt.%) and Al₂O₃ (1421.6 wt.%) and low in CaO and TiO₂ (<0.6 wt.%), with high and variable SiO₂ contents. Rocks from these complexes are all enriched in LREE and LILE (Cs, Rb, Ba, U, Th), depleted in Nb and Ti, have a highly positive Pb anomaly, and are characterized by lack of a clear Eu anomaly despite trace element abundances and isotopic ratios that vary greatly between complexes. The Tongshi complex has high Cs (2.68.5 ppm) and REE abundances (∑REE=112.6297 ppm, (La/Yb)_N=13.130.9) and MORB-like Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic ratios ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i<0.704; ε_Nd>0; (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_i>18). The Hongshan complex has low REE concentrations (∑REE=28.2118.7 ppm, (La/Yb)_N=4.614.7) and is moderately enriched as demonstrated by their Sr–Nd isotopic ratios ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i>0.706; ε_Nd<−7). The Longbaoshan complex is extremely REE enriched (∑REE=211.3392.6 ppm, (La/Yb)_N=32.460.9) and has an EM2-like Sr–Nd isotopic character ((⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i>0.7078; ε_Nd<−11). We suggest that the Tongshi complex originated from the asthenosphere and the Hongshan complex and the Longbaoshan complex were derived from the partial melting of previously subduction-modified lithospheric mantle, in response to post-collisional lithospheric extension and asthenospheric upwelling. The occurrence of these alkaline intrusive complexes demonstrates that the lithosphere beneath the region must have been considerably thinned at the time of intrusion of these complexes. This study also shed light on the temporal evolution of the Mesozoic lithosphere and the timing of the lithospheric thinning.     

Distribution and fractionation of rare earth elements and Yttrium in suspended and bottom sediments of the Kali estuary,western India

Concentrations of rare earth elements (REE) and yttrium (Y), and major metals (Al, Fe and Mn) were measured in suspended particulate matter (SPM) and bottom sediments of the Kali estuary, western India, for their distribution and fractionation. The contents of SPM and metals in it were more uniform along the longitudinal transect during the monsoon. During the post- and pre-monsoons, low SPM in the upper/middle estuary coincided with high Fe and Mn and total REE (∑REE). But in the lower estuary SPM and its ∑REE content increased seaward, while Fe and Mn decreased. The Y/Ho ratios decreased seaward during the monsoon but increased during the post-monsoon. Sm/Nd ratios were more uniform along the transect during monsoon but decreased marginally seaward in other seasons. The Post-Archean Average Australian Shale (PAAS)-normalized REE patterns exhibited middle REE and heavy REE enrichment with positive Ce (\({\text{Ce}}/{\text{Ce}}^{*}\)), Eu (\({\text{Eu}}/{\text{Eu}}^{*}\)) and Y anomalies. The \({\text{Ce}}/{\text{Ce}}^{*}\) increased but \({\text{Eu}}/{\text{Eu}}^{*}\) decreased marginally seaward. The fine-grained sediments showed higher ∑REE and lower Y/Ho ratios than in coarse-grained sediments. The PAAS-normalized REE patterns of sediment were similar to that of SPM. The results revealed two processes, colloidal flocculation and coagulation of metals in the low-salinity zone and an estuarine turbidity maximum in the high salinity zone. Rare earths and yttrium (REY) in SPM and sediments primarily reflected the source rock composition than that of chemical weathering. Apart from physico-chemical processes, the mineralogy and grain size of sediments controlled the distribution and fractionation of REY in the estuary.     

Rare earth element geochemistry of Archean metasedimentary rocks from Kambalda,Western Australia

Archean sedimentary rocks of very limited lateral extent from horizons within basaltic and ultramafic volcanic sequences at Kambalda, Western Australia, are extremely variable in major elements, LIL and ferromagnesian trace element compositions. The REE patterns are uniform and do not have negative Eu anomalies. Two samples have very low total REE abundances and positive Eu anomalies attributed to a very much greater proportion of chemically deposited siliceous material. Apart from these two samples, the Kambalda data are similar to REE abundances and patterns from Archean sedimentary rocks from Kalgoorlie, Western Australia and to average Archean sedimentary rock REE patterns. These show a fundamental distinction from post-Archean sedimentary rock REE patterns which have higher $\text{La}\text{Yb}$ ratios and a distinct negative Eu anomaly.     

Rare earths in barites: distribution and effects on aqueous partitioning

A large variety of barites collected from marine and continental environments was analyzed by neutron activation for the rare-earth elements (REE) La, Ce, Sm, Eu and Dy. Relative to chondrites, all barites show a decrease of the lighter REE from La toward Eu. The abundance and distribution of rare earths in barites show a distinction of barite types. Deep-sea barites have large REE concentrations as do other authigenic deep-sea minerals and display the chondrite normalized Eu minimum, but not the negative Ce anomaly, of sea water. Other barites, mostly on land, some hydrothermal, and others of shallow marine origin, display lower total Ree concentrations. Chondrite normalized positive Eu anomalies are displayed by those varieties of reducing sedimentary and metamorphic origin.Distribution of REE in barite can be attributed both to crystallographic constraints of substitution, and to solution complexing of REE in the precipitating medium. Plots of rare earth partitioning versus effective ion size suggest that the decreasing enrichment toward Eu for all barite types is caused by crystallographic constraints due to contraction of the substituting REE ion sizes relative to the size of the host Ba ion. Solution effects on REE substitution in barite can be evaluated by writing solid solution distribution equations based on mass action of REE and Ba sulfates and the lanthanide (Ln) solution species Ln (CO₃)^?5₄), LnSO⁺₄, LnCl⁺² and LnF⁺². Under normal sea water conditions, solution complexing plays a minor role. However, increased alkalinities of reducing sediments and increased brine chlorinities could cause significant complexing and deplete REE heavier than Eu. Besides Dy in barites, this could be true for aqueous precipitation of REE in general.     

Petrogenesis of Al–silicate-bearing trondhjemitic migmatites from NE Sardinia, Italy

The migmatites from Punta Sirenella (NE Sardinia) are layered rocks containing 3–5 vol.% of centimeter-sized stromatic leucosomes which are mainly trondhjemitic and only rarely granitic in composition. They underwent three deformation phases, from D₁ to D₃. The D₁ deformation shows a top to the NW shear component followed by a top to the NE/SE component along the XZ plane of the S₂ schistosity. Migmatization started early, during the compressional and crustal thickening stage of Variscan orogeny and was still in progress during the following extensional stage of unroofing and exhumation.

The trondhjemitic leucosomes, mainly consisting of quartz, plagioclase, biotite ± garnet ± kyanite ± fibrolite, retrograde muscovite and rare K-feldspar, are locally bordered by millimeter-sized biotite-rich melanosomes. The rare granitic leucosomes differ from trondhjemitic ones only in the increase in modal content of K-feldspar, up to 25%. Partial melting started in the kyanite field at about 700–720 °C and 0.8–0.9 GPa, and was followed by re-equilibration at 650–670 °C and 0.4–0.6 GPa, producing fibrolite–biotite intergrowth and coarse-grained muscovite.

The leucosomes have higher SiO₂, CaO, Na₂O, Sr and lower Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, MgO, TiO₂, K₂O, P₂O₅, Rb, Ba, Cr, V, Zr, Nb, Zn and REE content with respect to proximal hosts and pelitic metagreywackes. Sporadic anomalous high content of calcium and ferromagnesian elements in some leucosomes is due to entrainment of significant amounts of restitic plagioclase, biotite and accessory phases. The rare granitic leucosomes reveal peritectic K-feldspar produced by muscovite-dehydration melting. Most leucosomes show low REE content, moderately fractionated REE patterns and marked positive Eu anomaly. Proximal hosts and pelitic metagraywackes are characterized by higher REE content, more fractionated REE patterns and slightly negative Eu anomaly.

The trondhjemitic leucosomes were generated by H₂O-fluxed melting at 700 °C of a greywacke to pelitic–greywacke metasedimentary source-rock. The disequilibrium melting process is the most reliable melting model for Punta Sirenella leucosomes.     

内蒙古大石寨地区稀土元素的区域分布特征

总结了内蒙古大石寨地区1∶25万区域地球化学调查获得的1点/4km2的水系沉积物组合样品中的La、Ce、Pr、Nd、Sm、Eu、Gd、Tb、Dy、Ho、Er、Tm、Yb、Lu、Y等15种稀土元素的区域地球化学分布特征。稀土元素分布与研究区中部的黑云母花岗岩密切相关,轻稀土主要分布在该岩体外围的二叠系地层中,重稀土主要分布在该岩体上方。该岩体上方和外围地层的稀土元素分布、稀土元素总量、轻重稀土比及δCe、δEu、(La/Sm)N、(La/Tb)N、(La/Lu)N、(Ce/Yb)N、(Gd/Lu)N等稀土元素分馏特征的差异明显。利用区域地球化学调查水系沉积物样品中的稀土元素含量,可获得研究区可靠的稀土元素区域地球化学分布特征,也可反映研究区地质特点,并为区域地球化学异常解译提供参考资料。     

Trace element geochemistry of the Mt Vulture carbonatites,southern Italy

The Mt Vulture carbonatites are the only carbonatite occurrence in the southern Apennines. We present new trace element data for these rocks in order to evaluate the factors influencing rare earth element (REE) and other trace element fractionations and their REE grade. This study focuses on massive hyalo-alvikites from two lava flows and one dike, which have different relative abundances of silicate and carbonate (i.e. Si/Ca). These differences are also evident from CaO/(CaO + MgO + FeO(T) + MnO) and Sr/Ba ratios. The REE grade of the Mt Vulture carbonatites is very similar to that of the global average for calcio-carbonatites. R-mode factor analysis shows that most of the trace element variance reflects the relative roles of carbonate and silicate minerals in influencing trace element distributions. Silicates largely control heavy rare earth element (HREE), transition metal, Zr, and Th abundances, whereas carbonate minerals control light rare earth element (LREE), Ba, and Pb abundances. In addition, apatite influences LREE concentrations. Increasing silica contents are accompanied by decreases in (La/Yb)N and (La/Sm)N ratios and less marked LREE enrichment. In contrast, higher carbonate contents are associated with increases in (La/Yb)N and (La/Sm)N. The Si/Ca ratio has little influence on Eu anomalies and middle rare earth element (MREE) to HREE fractionations. Apatite has a negligible effect on inter-REE fractionations amongst the carbonatites.     

Geochemical characteristics and provenance implication of rare earth elements in surface sediments from bays along Guangdong Coast, Southeast China

A systematic study of the granulometric properties and the occurrence and distribution of rare earth elements (REE) within surface sediments from ten bays situated along the coast of Southeast China has facilitated a more rigorous understanding of constraints on sediment provenance in the area. The results show that REE concentrations are similar within a single bay, but vary considerably (133.58–251.77 mg/kg) among the bays. The chondrite-normalized distribution patterns show the typical enrichment of light REEs (LREEs: La–Eu) relative to heavy REEs (HREEs: Gd–Lu), and an apparent depletion of Eu, which is diagnostic of a terrigenous sediment source. Obvious enrichments of the middle REEs (MREEs: Sm–Ho) in the PAAS-normalized (Post-Archean Australian Shale) distribution patterns of these bay sediments are similar to results reported from large rivers in China. Comparing the REE composition of the bay sediments with those of adjoining fluvial sediments and with the bedrock of the surrounding drainage basins, the latter are indicated as the dominant sediment source. The uniform REE distribution patterns, and MREE enrichments, prove that the sediments are derived from the material transported by the streams and rivers that discharge into the bays.