The geochemistry of cadmium in some sedimentary rocks

The cadmium contents of 11 shales, 11 sandstones, 7 limestones, 14 metamorphic rocks and 28 stream sediments, all from Pennsylvania, were determined by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry. On the basis of these cadmium values and those in the literature, cadmium is found to be enriched in dark shales and soils, depleted in red shales, sandstones and limestones, and about the same in stream sediments as in most igneous and metamorphic rocks and the crust. In stream sediments, cadmium correlates most significantly with zinc, followed by carbon, weight loss on ignition, cobalt, readily extractable lead and manganese. Examination of the correlation plots and of an Eh-pH diagram indicates that the primary cause of cadmium enrichment in the sedimentary environment is the adsorption and/or complexation of cadmium with organic matter followed by the accumulation of organic debris in a reducing depositional environment.     

下扬子区二叠纪主要岩石类型成因的地球化学信息

作者在全面了解陆相层序地层学研究现状的基础上,认为陆相层序及体系域发育仍受控于湖平面相对变化。构造、气候及沉积物供给的控制作用最终通过湖平面变化表现出来。而湖平面变化可分完整旋回与不完整旋回两种情况,进而提出了所形成的层序及体系域模式：在完整旋回中形成了湖泊充填、湖泊扩张、湖泛和湖泊萎缩四个体系域,对应层序为Ⅰ型层序;在不完整旋回中形成了湖泊充填、湖泊扩张、湖泛三个体系域,或者湖泊扩张、湖泛、湖泊萎缩三个体系域,对应层序为Ⅱ型层序。以松辽盆地西部斜坡实际工作为例,提出了中生代层序及体系域划分方案,较前人研究有新认识。     

Organic geochemistry of the Dongsheng sedimentary uranium ore deposits,China

Organic matter (OM) associated with the Dongsheng sedimentary U ore hosting sandstone/siltstone was characterized by Rock-Eval, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and stable C isotope analysis and compared to other OM in the sandstone/siltstone interbedded organic matter-rich strata. The OM in all of the analyzed samples is Type III with Ro less than 0.6%, indicating that the OM associated with these U ore deposits can be classified as a poor hydrocarbon source potential for oil and gas. n-Alkanes in the organic-rich strata are characterized by a higher relative abundance of high-molecular-weight (HMW) homologues and are dominated by C₂₅, C₂₇ or C₂₉ with distinct odd-to-even C number predominances from C₂₃ to C₂₉. In contrast, in the sandstone/siltstone samples, the n-alkanes have a higher relative abundance of medium-molecular-weight homologues and are dominated by C₂₂ with no or only slight odd-to-even C number predominances from C₂₃ to C₂₉. Methyl alkanoates in the sandstone/siltstone extracts range from C₁₄ to C₃₀, maximizing at C₁₆, with a strong even C number predominance, but in the organic-rich layers the HMW homologues are higher, maximizing at C₂₄, C₂₆ or C₂₈, also with an even predominance above C₂₂. n-Alkanes in the sandstone/siltstone sequence are significantly depleted in ¹³C relative to n-alkanes in most of the organic-rich strata. Diasterenes, ββ-hopanes and hopenes are present in nearly all the organic-rich sediments but in the sandstone/siltstone samples they occur as the geologically mature isomers. All the results indicate that the OM in the Dongsheng U ore body is derived from different kinds of source materials. The organic compounds in the organic-rich strata are mainly terrestrial, whereas, in the sand/siltstones, they are derived mainly from aquatic biota. Similar distribution patterns and consistent δ¹³C variations between n-alkanes and methyl alkanoates in corresponding samples suggest they are derived from the same precursors. The OM in the organic-rich strata does not appear to have a direct role in the precipitation of the U ore in the sandstone, but an indirect role cannot be excluded. The OM in the U hosting sandstone shows a relatively low hydrogen index, presumably due to oxidation or radiolytic damage.     

The geochemistry of mercury in sedimentary rocks and soils in Pennsylvania

The mercury contents of 11 sandstone, 11 shale and 6 limestone samples from Pennsylvania average 7, 23 and 9 ppb Hg, respectively, which is lower than the values for sedimentary rocks reported in the literature. The differences may arise because many of the reported high values are from regions characterized by more mineralization and volcanism than is present in central Pennsylvania. The lowest values found for shale and sandstone in Pennsylvania (0.4 and 0.5 ppb Hg, respectively) are lower by an order of magnitude than the lowest previously reported values. The mercury content of sedimentary rocks varies markedly due to the effects of volcanism, organic material and sulfur in reducing environments, iron and manganese oxides in oxidizing environments, diagenesis, hydrothermal processes, and the thermal history of the rock.Soils in Pennsylvania have much greater amounts of mercury than their parent rocks even after taking into account possible residual concentration, suggesting that mercury is added to the soils from an outside source. Rain is the major source of mercury absorbed by the soil. A portion of the absorbed mercury returns to the atmosphere, establishing a rain-soil-atmosphere mercury cycle. The general enrichment of mercury in soils and sediments compared to rocks is supported by the observation that the mercury content of rain is greater than freshwater. The much higher values of mercury in unconsolidated sediments compared to sedimentary rocks suggest that mercury is lost during diagenesis.Man's contribution of mercury to the surface environment is nearly equal to the natural contribution. Industrial loss contributes more than 65 per cent of man's total, and the contribution of fossil fuel consumption is small, although it may be locally important. The implications of mercury loss and absorption by soils may be an important factor in concentrating mercury in crops and other living matter, especially near industrialized areas.     

Early Cretaceous anoxic basin of the Russian Plate: Organic geochemistry

Compositions of organic matter in the bituminous shale accumulated under anoxic conditions and in the underlying clay deposited in aerated basin are noticeably different. Organic matter (OM) of the clay is depleted in hydrogen and kerogen of the clay during pyrolysis produces 2.5 times less aliphatic hydrocarbons than kerogen, which is separated from the bituminous shale, and dozens of times less sulfurous compounds, such as thiophenes and benzothiophenes. Accumulation of OM in the clay was primarily related to the direct inheritance of polymeric lipid biochemical components of the initial OM and lignin included in the higher plants. Changes of gas regime in the basin and sediments, expressed in the origin of anoxic conditions during the accumulation of bituminous shales, intensified the early diagenetic sulfuration and the consequent formation of sulfur- and hydrogen-rich kerogen in the shales. At the same time, less stable lipids and, possibly, carbohydrates were also conserved.Translated from Litologiya i Poleznye Iskopaemye, No. 1, 2005, pp. 25–34.Original Russian Text Copyright 2005 by Bushnev.     

Northwestern margin of the Russian plate: Metal potential of its sedimentary cover

This work presents brief geotectonic characteristics of the region, which includes Baikalian, Caledonian, Hercynian, and Alpine structural assemblages. Rocks of all, except Carboniferous, systems compose the sedimentary cover. The presence of plutonic rocks is possible. Occurrences of sedimentary iron ores were established in the Cambrian, Triassic, and Jurassic rocks. The Silurian, Triassic, and Jurassic rocks reveal the highest potential for stratiform base and rare metal (Cu, Pb, Zn, V, Mo) deposits. Allite occurrences were found in the Ordovician, Silurian, and Upper Permian rocks, thus indicating the possible bauxite potential of this region. The Quaternary rocks are likely to be prospective for polymineral placers.     

Zeolite potential of Upper Cretaceous-Paleogene sedimentary rocks in the eastern and southeastern Russian Plate

More than 70 samples of Turonian-Danian samples from the eastern and southeastern Russian Plate were studied by the X-ray phase analysis and classical wet chemistry. It has been established that zeolites occur in all studied types of carbonate, siliceous, and clayey rocks. Steadily high zeolite concentrations were revealed in sections of the Santonian formation. Character of zeolite formation was examined simultaneously in both spatiotemporal and lithogenetic aspects. Analysis of the stagewise distribution of zeolites supports the concept of primary volcanogenic nature of the zeolite-forming material and actually represents an indicator of the activity of explosive volcanism in the Late Cretaceous-Paleocene. It is emphasized that high zeolite concentrations in Upper Cretaceous-Paleocene formations are a prospecting guide for zeolite raw material. They can serve as scientific basis for the formulation of prognostic-revision and prospecting works in the study region     

安徽南陵—无为地区二叠系烃源岩有机地球化学特征

通过系统的野外剖面测量和样品采集,运用岩石热解、有机碳测试、有机显微组分镜检、气相色谱-质谱等对采集的样品进行分析测试,综合评价南陵—无为地区二叠系碳酸盐岩、煤和泥岩露头样品的有机质丰度、类型和成熟度,并分析有机质的来源及沉积环境。研究结果表明:栖霞组、孤峰组、龙潭组为有利烃源岩发育层段。其中栖霞组有机质类型为Ⅲ型,孤峰组为Ⅱ2型,有机质演化程度均处于高成熟阶段;龙潭组有机质类型为Ⅱ1型,处于成熟阶段。栖霞组烃源岩形成于受陆源影响的碳酸盐台地环境;孤峰组烃源岩形成于较深水的低能陆棚环境;龙潭组烃源岩形成于有陆源输入的滨岸环境。     

羌塘盆地石炭—二叠系烃源岩地球化学特征讨论

长期以来,羌塘盆地烃源岩的研究一直限于中生代地层,而对其古生代地层生烃能力一直缺乏系统研究。针对这一问题,本文选择羌塘盆地石炭—二叠系8条剖面的暗色泥岩及碳酸盐岩样品,对其从有机质丰度、有机质类型和热演化程度等方面进行了有机地球化学特征的分析。研究发现,石炭—二叠系可能烃源岩类型包括泥岩和碳酸盐岩两种,其分布总体上受沉积相的控制,碳酸盐岩烃源岩可能为局限台地相发育的泥晶灰岩,而泥质烃源岩主要为三角洲及斜坡相发育的暗色泥岩及凝灰质泥岩。石炭—二叠纪泥岩有机碳含量较高,具有较好生烃能力,大多达到烃源岩标准,尤其是刻莫石炭系剖面及贡日二叠系剖面,大多为中等—好烃源岩。碳酸盐岩有机碳含量总体比较低,为非烃源岩。石炭—二叠系碳酸盐岩烃源岩有机质类型为Ⅱ1型,泥质烃源岩有机质类型主要为Ⅱ2-Ⅲ型。石炭—二叠系烃源岩热演化程度总体较高,除盆地东部刻莫石炭系剖面处在成熟阶段外,大都处在高成熟—过成熟阶段,非常有利于天然气的生成,具备良好的天然气勘探前景。     

内蒙古西乌旗地区MXD-1井下二叠统寿山沟组细碎屑岩有机地球化学特征

下二叠统寿山沟组被视为二连盆地及其外围古生界重要的生烃层位,但是针对该套地层的有机地球化学研究程度较低,前期采集的样品多出露地表受风化作用影响严重,井下岩芯样品的有机地球化学研究还鲜有报道。本文以西乌旗地区MXD- 1井下二叠统寿山沟组岩芯样品为主要研究对象,通过分析有机质丰度、有机质成熟度、有机质类型并结合有机分子地球化学特征,深入探讨了寿山沟组细碎屑岩油气资源潜力和古环境意义。研究结果表明:①MXD-1井寿山沟组细碎屑岩总有机碳含量（TOC）介于0.26%~0.63%之间,平均值为0.41%;生烃潜量（S1+S2）介于0~0.81‰之间,平均值为0.04‰;镜质体反射率（Ro）介于3.85%~4.36%之间,平均值为4.10%;腐泥组、壳质组、镜质组和惰质组的相对含量分别为66%、18%、16%;②m/z 217质量色谱图上规则甾烷相对峰高呈“L”型,甾烷C27—C28—C29判别图中C27甾烷具有明显优势;③Pr/Ph值分布在0.49~1.23之间,平均值为0.61;伽马蜡烷指数为0.11~1.22,平均值为0.37;C23-三环萜烷的相对含量为0.24~1.40,平均值为0.73。结合已有的区域地质调查成果分析后认为：研究区寿山沟组细碎屑岩主体沉积于半深海环境,水体盐度较高、还原性强;有机物源具有陆生和水生双重补给,有机质主体属于Ⅱ1型;所分析的样品有机质丰度较低、成熟度较高,但是从沉积环境和有机质类型的角度判识,西乌旗地区寿山沟组细碎屑岩在油气勘查工作中是不容忽视的烃源岩,下一步研究工作需重点关注优质烃源岩的形成机理和有利分布区。     

内蒙古西乌旗地区MXD-1井下二叠统寿山沟组细碎屑岩有机地球化学特征

下二叠统寿山沟组被视为二连盆地及其外围古生界重要的生烃层位,但是针对该套地层的有机地球化学研究程度较低,前期采集的样品多出露地表受风化作用影响严重,井下岩芯样品的有机地球化学研究还鲜有报道。本文以西乌旗地区MXD-1井下二叠统寿山沟组岩芯样品为主要研究对象,通过分析有机质丰度、有机质成熟度、有机质类型并结合有机分子地球化学特征,深入探讨了寿山沟组细碎屑岩油气资源潜力和古环境意义。研究结果表明:(1)MXD-1井寿山沟组细碎屑岩总有机碳含量(TOC)介于0.26%~0.63%之间,平均值为0.41%;生烃潜量(S1+S2)介于0~0.81‰之间,平均值为0.04‰;镜质体反射率(Ro)介于3.85%~4.36%之间,平均值为4.10%;腐泥组、壳质组、镜质组和惰质组的相对含量分别为66%、18%、16%;(2)m/z 217质量色谱图上规则甾烷相对峰高呈"L"型,甾烷C27—C28—C29判别图中C27甾烷具有明显优势;(3)Pr/Ph值分布在0.49~1.23之间,平均值为0.61;伽马蜡烷指数为0.11~1.22,平均值为0.37;C23-三环萜烷的相对含量为0.24~1.40,平均值为0.73。结合已有的区域地质调查成果分析后认为:研究区寿山沟组细碎屑岩主体沉积于半深海环境,水体盐度较高、还原性强;有机物源具有陆生和水生双重补给,有机质主体属于Ⅱ1型;所分析的样品有机质丰度较低、成熟度较高,但是从沉积环境和有机质类型的角度判识,西乌旗地区寿山沟组细碎屑岩在油气勘查工作中是不容忽视的烃源岩,下一步研究工作需重点关注优质烃源岩的形成机理和有利分布区。     

Elemental and Sm-Nd isotopic geochemistry on detrital sedimentary rocks in the Ganzi-Songpan block and Longmen Mountains

Systematic results of major and trace element geochemistry and Sm-Nd isotopic geochemistry on detrital sedimentary rocks of Precambrian to Triassic in the Ganzi-Songpan block and Longmen Mountains are presented. The rocks are classified into greywackes or feldspar sandstones, grains of which are the mixtures of mafic rocks, felsic rocks, and quartz+calcite. Total rare earth elements (REE) contents of the rocks increase gradually and negative Eu anomalies become more obvious from Precambrian to Triassic, which may indicate intensifying crustal anatexis. Tectonic setting was stable during the Late Paleozoic, therefore there are obvious negative Ce anomalies. Nd model ages are between 1.6 Ga and 2.4 Ga, which are very similar to those of the Yangtze craton, South Qinling and North Qinling belts and quite different from those of the North China craton. Therefore, provenance of the sedimentary rocks in the Ganzi-Songpan block and Longmen Mountains was the Yangtze craton and/or the Qinling orogen, which evolved on the basis of the Yangtze craton. The correlation between provenances and tectonostratigraphic strata of the western Yangtze craton shows that the source materials should be primarily from Neoproterozoic. Secondary sources were Archean and Paleoproterozoic strata. Triassic clastic sedimentary rocks contain Late Paleozoic mantle-derived materials, represented by the Emeishan Permian flood basalts. Spatial distribution of initial Nd isotopic compositions indicates that denudating areas were in the east and the north and depositing areas of deep water were in the west and the south for the Ganzi-Songpan basin during Triassic. Translated from Geology in China, 2006, 33(1): 109–118 [译自: 中国地质]     

Geochronology and geochemistry of early Paleozoic intrusive rocks from the Khanka Massif of the Russian Far East

The Russian Far East and Northeast(NE)China are located in the eastern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt(CAOB),which consists of a series of micro-continental massifs including the Erguna,Xing’an,Songnen–Zhangguangcai Range,Bureya,Jiamusi,and Khanka massifs.The Khanka Massif is located in the easternmost part of the CAOB,mainly cropping out in the territory of Russia,with a small segment in NE China.To the north and west of the Khanka Massif are the Jiamusi and Songnen–Zhangguangcai Range massifs,respectively.The boundary between these massifs is marked by the Dunhua–Mishan Fault.To the south lies the North China Craton,and to the east is the Sikhote–Alin Orogenic Belt separated by the Arsenyev Fault.However,the early Paleozoic evolution and tectonic attributes of the Khanka Massif are debated.These conflicting ideas result from the lack of systematic research on early Paleozoic igneous rocks from the Russian part of the Khanka Massif.It is generally accepted that the CAOB represents the largest known Phanerozoic accretionary orogenic belt.However,questions remain concerning the nature of the deep crust beneath the Khanka Massif,and whether Precambrian crust exists within the massif itself. In this paper,we report new zircon U–Pb ages,Hf isotopic data,and major-and trace-element compositions of the early Paleozoic intrusive rocks from the Khanka Massif of the Russian Far East,with the aim of elucidating the early Paleozoic evolution and the tectonic attributes of the Khanka Massif,as well as the nature of the underlying deep crust. New U–Pb zircon data indicate that early Paleozoic magmatism within the Khanka Massif can be subdivided into at least four stages:~502 Ma,~492 Ma,462–445 Ma,and~430 Ma. The~502 Ma pyroxene diorites show negative Eu anomalies,and the~492 Ma syenogranites,intruding the~502 Ma diorites,show positive Eu anomalies.These observations indicate that the primary parental magmas of these rocks were derived from different origins. The 462–445 Ma magmatism is made up of syenogranites and tonalites.The~445 Ma Na-rich tonalites contain low REE concentrations,and are enriched in Eu and Sr.These observations,together with the positiveεHf(t)values,indicate that they were derived from magmas generated by partial melting of cumulate gabbros. The~430 Ma I-type granodiorites and monzogranites from the northern Khanka Massif,and the A-type monzogranites from the central Khanka Massif display zirconεHf(t)values ranging from–5.4 to+5.8.This suggests that they formed from magmas generated by partial melting of heterogeneous lower crustal material. Zircon Hf isotopic data reveal the existence of Precambrian crustal material within the Khanka Massif.The geochemistry of the Middle Cambrian intrusive rocks is indicative of formation in an extensional setting,while Late Cambrian–middle Silurian magmatism was generated in an active continental margin setting associated with the subduction of a paleo-oceanic plate beneath the Khanka Massif.Regional comparisons of the magmatic events indicate that the Khanka Massif has a tectonic affinity to the Songnen–Zhangguangcai Range Massif rather than the Jiamusi Massif.     

The geochemistry of the sedimentary rocks in the vicinity of the Tom Pb-Zn-Ba deposit, Yukon Territory, Canada

A total of 138 samples of the Devonian sediments in the vicinity of the Tom stratiform Pb-Zn-Ba deposit were analysed for major elements and 16 minor and trace elements by X-ray fluorescence.The geochemistry of the footwall argillites is characterised by a concentration of elements that are typically associated with the detrital resistate minerals and feldspars (e.g. Al₂O₃, Na₂O, K₂O, TiO₂, Ce, Nb, Zr), which are contained within the interbedded silty layers of probable distal turbidite origin.The hanging-wall shales are characterised by high V concentrations. The C-organic data and the V/Cr ratios suggest that sapropelic conditions may have been locally developed in the vicinity of the West zone mineralisation and in the hanging-wall shales. Very high concentrations of Ba were found to be present in the hanging-wall shales (>0.5% Ba).Zn is more widely dispersed than Pb in the sediments around the mineralisation. There is no marked enrichment of Fe, Mn or Cu in the sediments close to the mineralisation.     

Noble metals in carbon-rich metamorphic rocks of the Khanka terrane, Primorie

Carbon-rich metamorphic rocks of Riphean age in the northern part of the Khanka terrane were first analyzed for concentrations of noble metals (Au, Ag, Pt, Pd, Ir, Os, and Ru). According to the data of various physicochemical analytical techniques, the Au and Pt concentrations broadly vary: from 0.01 to 52 ppm for Pt and from 0.1 to 30 ppm for Au. Various techniques of sampling and analysis variably affect the losses of these metals because of difficulties in the decomposition of metal-carbon chemical bonds. The carbon isotopic composition (¹³C from ?8.5 to ?8.7‰) of the graphitized amphibolite-facies rocks widespread in the core of the Ruzhino paleodiapir suggest that their carbon is of mantle provenance. The Early Cambrian metaterrigenous rocks metamorphosed to the greenschist facies have ¹³C from ?19.9 to ?26.6‰, which testifies to its organic origin. The elevated concentrations of noble metals in these rocks suggest that the sources of carbon and metals were polygenetic and that the ore-forming system evolved over a long time span.     

银额盆地及邻区二叠系硅质岩岩石学、地球化学特征及沉积环境

通过对研究区二叠系硅质岩岩石学特征、主量及稀土元素地球化学研究,探讨硅质岩的地球化学特征及其沉积环境。结果表明,杭乌拉下二叠统埋汗哈达组硅质岩Al/(Al+Fe+Mn)值介于0.68~0.78之间,平均值为0.73,δCe值为0.89~0.94,平均值为0.90,二断井中二叠统菊石滩组Al/(Al+Fe+Mn)值介于0.50~0.67之间,平均值为0.60,δCe值介于0.85~0.90之间,平均值为0.88,在Al-Fe-Mn三角图上,样品点落入生物成因硅质岩区,指示研究区硅质岩为海水生物沉积成因。杭乌拉下二叠统埋汗哈达组硅质岩Al_2O_3/(Al_2O_3+Fe_2O_3)值为0.78~0.86,平均值为0.83,Mn O/Ti O2值为0.04~0.40,平均值为0.16,(La/Ce)N值为1.02~1.15,平均值为1.10,Ceanom值为-0.041~-0.001,平均值为-0.029,二断井中二叠统菊石滩组硅质岩Al_2O_3/(Al_2O_3+Fe_2O_3)值为0.82~0.91,平均值为0.87,Mn O/Ti O2值为0.05~0.47,平均值为0.24,(La/Ce)N值为1.00~1.12,平均值为1.06,Ceanom值为-0.058~-0.033,平均值为-0.045。这些地球化学指标指示了研究区硅质岩沉积于大陆边缘缺氧的水体环境中。     

Whole rock geochemistry and Sr isotopic compositions of Phanerozoic sedimentary rocks in the Inner Zone of the Southwest Japan Arc

Pre-Cretaceous metasedimentary rocks occurring in the Inner Zone of the Southwest Japan Arc can be divided into three major groups, namely, high P/T metamorphic (Renge and Suo belts), low P/T metamorphic (Hida-Oki, Ryoke and Higo belts), and accretionary terranes (Akiyoshi, Maizuru, Mino-Tamba, and Ashio belts). Major and trace element compositions of most of the sedimentary rocks are typical of relatively mature sedimentary rocks, although abundances of ferromagnesian elements also suggest the presence of a significant mafic to intermediate igneous component. The sedimentary rocks with older Nd model ages (> 2.0 Ga) have high εSr values and major and trace element geochemical signatures typical of mature sediments, whereas those with younger model ages (< 1.45 Ga) have low εSr values and immature geochemical characteristics. With the exception of Hida samples, the sedimentary rocks from other districts have geochemical and isotopic features intermediate between the rocks with old and young Nd model ages. Some of the Hida samples have old Nd model ages, but others are influenced by younger rock fragments and have immature geochemical features. Based on combined isotopic and geochemical evidence, Inner Zone sedimentary rocks with older Nd model ages are interpreted to have been derived from felsic upper continental crustal materials such as Sino-Korean or northwest Yangtze craton granitoids. Compositions of rocks with younger Nd model ages reflect addition of mafic to intermediate detritus, such as island arc basalts and andesites. The rocks with intermediate Nd model ages may have formed in and around the Asian continental margin. The Hida metasedimentary rocks may have been derived from several terranes of varying age and geochemical composition.     

Paleo-environment of iron-rich sedimentary rocks

It is possible to apply actualistic principles to the interpretation of the paleoenvironment of iron-rich sedimentary rocks, although few iron-rich sediments form today. The sedimentary textures and structures of cherty iron-formations, Minette-tpye ironstones and limestones are similar. These similarities prove that the hydrodynamic processes of the deposition of the three rock types are the same. Therefore, it is possible to define facies of cherty iron-formations and Minette-type ironstones on the basis of their sedimentary textures and structures, disregarding mineralogy, and to interprete the formative environment by comparison with Recent limestones. Shaly sulfide iron-formation and sideritic clay ironstones are ferriferous mudstones. Methods applied to the interpretation of iron-poor shales may also be applied to these two rock types. The mineralogy of iron-rich sedimentary rocks is determined by diagenetic processes. Depositional organic content of the sediment, sediment texture (which controls diffusivity and permeability) and the groundwater flow system during diagenesis are the primary controls of iron-mineral diagenesis. Paleogeography and basin bathymetry are indirect controls of iron mineralogy, because they affect organic content and sediment texture.     

The sedimentary rocks of macaronesia

In all the archipelagos forming Macaronesia, volcanis predominate, but pre-Quaternary sediments are also present, though playing a humble role.Calcareous deposits have by far the greatest significance throughout the known stratigraphic record. Tertiary occurrences tend to be thin, show more gentle dips, whereas the Mesozoics attain thicknesses of 400 m (certain), attitudes steeper, often vertical.To date, Mesozoics are recognized only in Maio (Cape Verde), are possible in S. Nicolau (Cape Verde) and Fuerteventura (Canary Islands). Whether strata as old as Jurassic is present in these three islands is a moot point. Ample arguments, pro and con, have been presented for Maio; there is meagre evidence in S. Nicolau; pure conjecture in Fuerteventura.Beginning with the Neogene, the stratigraphic record for Macaronesia is more substantial, the Vindobonian being present or then strongly suspected in all archipelagos.The sedimentary rocks in these islands have not aroused the same interests as the volcanics, and undeniably they are of far less importance as regards rock constitution. The status of investigations varies widely within the different islands, and as of the present, we must frankly recognize that our knowledge of the sedimentaries is only of reconnaissance standard.

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Zusammenfassung Auf allen Inselgruppen, die man als Makaronesen zusammenfaßt, überwiegen vulkanische Gesteine; prä-quartäre Sedimente gibt es — in geringem Umfang — ebenfalls.Kalkablagerungen haben, nach den bekannten stratigraphischen Zeugnissen zu urteilen, die größte Bedeutung. Tertiär ist in geringer Mächtigkeit und schwach geneigt vertreten, während das Mesozoikum bis zu 400 m nachgewiesene Mächtigkeit erreicht und verstellt, oft vertikal auftritt.Bisher ist Mesozoikum nur in Maio (Kapverden) bekannt, möglicherweise auch in S. Nicolau (Kapverden) und Fuerteventura (Kanarische Inseln). Ob Schichten jurassischen Alters und den drei Inseln vorkommen, ist umstritten. Argumente dafür und dagegen sind für Maio reichlich zusammengetragen worden; für S. Nicolau gibt es magere Hinweise, für Fuerteventura nur Vermutungen.Seit dem Neogen sind die stratigraphischen Zeugnisse auf den makaronesischen Inseln umfangreicher; so ist Vindobon auf allen Inselgruppen vorhanden oder sein Vorkommen mindestens sehr wahrscheinlich gemacht.Die sedimentären Gesteine haben auf den Inseln nicht das gleiche Interesse gefunden wie die vulkanischen, und sie sind auch ganz sicher von geringerer Bedeutung, soweit es sich um ihren Gesteinscharakter handelt. Der Forschungsstand ist innerhalb der Inseln sehr unterschiedlich, und wir müssen eingestehen, daß zur Zeit unser Wissen über die sedimentären Gesteine sieh noch im Anfangsstadium befindet.

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Résumé Le matériel volcanique domine dans les îles de l'archipel des Macaronesia. Les sédiments pré-quaternaires sont aussi présents, bien que jouant un rôle plus modeste.Les formations calcaires sont de loin les plus représentatives des dépôts reconnus de la colonne stratigraphique. Les dépôts cénozoiques sont généralement peu épais et présentent de faibles pendages, tandis que ceux du Mésozoique atteignent des épaisseurs de 400 m (démontrées), et des pendages importants, atteignant souvent la verticale.Jusqu'à présent, les dépôts mésozoiques ont été reconnus uniquement à Maio (Cap Vert), sont possibles à S. Nicolau (Cap Vert) et Fuerteventura (Iles des Canaries). La présence de Jurassique dans ces trois îles est encore un sujet de controverse. De nombreux arguments, positifs ou négatifs, ont été présentés concernant l'île de Maio; les arguments positifs sont légèrement dominants à S. Nicolau; le problème est à l'état de pure hypothèse à Fuerteventura.On peut faire débuter sans ambiguité la colonne stratigraphique des îles de l'archipel Macaronesia au Néogène, le Vindobonien étant présent ou fortement suspecté dans toutes les archipels.Les roches sédimentaires dans ces îles n'ont pas suscité le même intérêt que les roches volcaniques, et indéniablement leur importance est moindre. L'état d'avancement de ces travaux varie largement d'une île à l'autre, mais à l'heure actuelle, nous devons reconnaître qu'ils en sont seulement au stade de la reconnaissance.

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