Development of unusual rock weathering features in the Cordillera Blanca,Peru

Mylonite textures in granodiorite boulders are responsible for higher rates of surface denudation of host rocks and the progressive development of unusual rock weathering features, termed weathering posts. These textures are characterized by smaller grain sizes, higher biotite content, and a higher biotite axial ratio in host rocks relative to weathering posts. Elemental concentrations do not show a significant difference between weathering posts and the host rocks in which they are found, and this reflects the absence of a weathering residue on the rock surfaces. Chemical weathering loosens the bonds between mineral grains through the expansion of biotite, and the loosened grains fall off or are blown off the boulder surface and continue their chemical alteration in the surrounding soil. The height of weathering posts on late Quaternary moraines increases at a linear rate of ~ 1.45 ± 0.45 cm (1000 yr)^? 1 until post heights reach the diameter of host rocks. Such a rate of boulder denudation, if unrecognized, would generate significant errors (> 20%) in cosmogenic exposure ages for Pleistocene moraines. Given the paucity of boulders with diameters that significantly exceed 1.5 m, the maximum age of utility of weathering posts as a numeric age indicator is ~ 100 ka.     

Identification of rock weathering and environmental control in arid catchments (northern Xinjiang) of Central Asia

Chemical weathering is an integral part of the earth surface processes, whose spatial patterns and controlling factors on continental scale are still not fully understood. Highlands of the Asian continent have been shown having some of the highest observed rates of chemical weathering yet reported. However, the paucity of river gauge data in many of these terrains has limited determination of chemical weathering budget in a continental scale. A dataset of three large watersheds throughout northern Xinjiang in Central Asia is used to empirically identify chemical weathering regimes and interpret the underlying controlling factors. Detailed analysis of major ion ratios and a forward model of mass budget procedure are presented to distinguish the relative significances and contributions of silicate, carbonate weathering and evaporite dissolution. The analytical results show that carbonic acid is the most important weathering agent to the studied watersheds. Silicate weathering contributes, on average, ∼17.8% (molar basis) of total cations on a basin wide scale with an order of Zhungarer > Erlqis > Yili, indicating that silicate weathering, however, does not seem to be intense in the study basins. Evaporite dissolution, carbonate weathering and precipitation input contribute 43.6%, 29.7% and 8.9% of the total dissolved cations on average for the whole catchment, respectively. The three main morphological and hydrological units are reflected in water chemistry. Rivers from the montane areas (recharge area) of the three watersheds are very dilute, dominated by carbonate and silicate weathering, whereas the rivers of piedmont areas as well as the rivers of the sedimentary platform (runoff area) are dominated by carbonate weathering, and rivers of desert plain in the central Zhungarer basin (discharge area) are dominated by evaporite dissolution and are SO₄ rich. This spatial pattern indicates that, beside lithology, runoff conditions have significant role on the regional chemical weathering regimes. Chemical weathering processes in the areas appear to be significantly climate controlled, displaying a tight correlation with runoff and aridity. Carbonate weathering are mostly influenced by runoff, which is higher in the mountainous part of the studied basins. The identification of chemical weathering regimes from our study confirmed the weathering potential and complexity of temperate watersheds in arid environment and that additional studies of these terrains are warranted. However, because the dominant weathering reactions in the sedimentary platform of northern Xinjiang are of carbonates and evaporites rather than silicate minerals, and the climatic factors have important role on the rock weathering regimes, we think that weathering at the arid temperate drainage system (Central Asia) is maybe not an important long-term sink for atmospheric CO₂, if the future climate has no great change.     

Chemical weathering of carbonates and silicates in the Han River basin,South Korea

A detailed investigation of the fluvial geochemistry of the Han River system allows to estimate the rates of chemical weathering and the consumption of CO₂. The Han River drains approximately 26,000 km² and is the largest river system in South Korea in terms of both water discharge and total river length. It consists of two major tributaries: the North Han River (NHR) and the South Han River (SHR). Distinct differences in basin lithology (silicate vs. carbonate) between the NHR and SHR provide a good natural laboratory in which to examine weathering processes and the influence of basin geology on water quality. The concentrations of major elements and the Sr isotopic compositions were obtained from 58 samples collected in both summer and winter along the Han River system in both 2000 and 2006. The concentrations of dissolved loads differed considerably between the NHR and SHR; compared with the SHR, the NHR had much lower total dissolved solids (TDS), Sr, and major ion concentrations but a higher Si concentration and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio. A forward model showed that the dissolved loads in the NHR came primarily from silicate weathering (55 ± 11%), with a relatively small portion from carbonates (30 ± 14%), whereas the main contribution to the dissolved loads in the SHR was carbonate weathering (82 ± 3%), with only 11 ± 4% from silicates. These results are consistent with the different lithologies of the two drainage basins: silicate rocks in the NHR versus carbonate rocks in the SHR. Sulfuric acid derived from sulfide dissolution in coal-containing sedimentary strata has played an important role in carbonate weathering in the SHR basin, unlike in the NHR basin. The silicate weathering rate (SWR) was similar between the NHR and SHR basins, but the rate of CO₂ consumption in the SHR basin was lower than in the NHR basin due to an important role of sulfuric acid derived from pyrite oxidation.     

Clay mineral variations in Holocene terrestrial sediments from the Indus Basin

We employed X-ray diffraction methods to quantify clay mineral assemblages in the Indus Delta and flood plains since ~ 14 ka, spanning a period of strong climatic change. Assemblages are dominated by smectite and illite, with minor chlorite and kaolinite. Delta sediments integrate clays from across the basin and show increasing smectite input between 13 and 7.5 ka, indicating stronger chemical weathering as the summer monsoon intensified. Changes in clay mineralogy postdate changes in climate by 5–3 ka, reflecting the time needed for new clay minerals to form and be transported to the delta. Samples from the flood plains in Punjab show evidence for increased chemical weathering towards the top of the sections (6–< 4 ka), counter to the trend in the delta, at a time of monsoon weakening. Clay mineral assemblages within sandy flood-plain sediment have higher smectite/(illite + chlorite) values than interbedded mudstones, suggestive of either stronger weathering or more sediment reworking since the Mid Holocene. We show that marine records are not always good proxies for weathering across the entire flood plain. Nonetheless, the delta record likely represents the most reliable record of basin-wide weathering response to climate change.     

Hydrogeochemistry in the Vouga River basin (central Portugal): Pollution and chemical weathering

To quantify and explain the contributions by pollution and chemical weathering to their composition, we studied the chemistries of springs and surface waters in the mountainous part of the Vouga River basin. Water samples were collected during a number of consecutive summer campaigns. Recharge rates were derived from monitored discharge rates within the basin. Very large contributions by meteoric, agricultural and domestic sources to the water chemistries were found, identified by the chloride, sulfate and nitrate concentrations: on average only 1/4 to 1/3 of the solutes could be attributed to chemical weathering. Two petrologic units characterize the river basin: granites and metasediments. The waters collected within metasediment units are distinct from those in granite terrain by a higher magnesium concentration. On that basis, it could be estimated that the Rio Vouga, when leaving the mountainous part of the basin, has for some 2/5 a signature determined by chemical weathering in the metasediments. The dominant primary minerals subject to chemical weathering are plagioclase (Pl) and biotite (in granite) or Pl and chlorite (in metasediment). Kaolinite, gibbsite and vermiculite are the major weathering products where annual precipitation (P) > 1000 mm y⁻¹, and kaolinite, vermiculite and smectite where P was lower. Using an algorithm based on the ratio of dissolved silica to bicarbonate, the contributions of chemical weathering of primary minerals could be unraveled. The results show that in granite the export rate (as mol ha⁻¹ y⁻¹ wt%mineral⁻¹) of oligoclase (Pl with An_10–30) was 5.0 ± 2.6 and of biotite 3.2 ± 2.6, while in metasediment these rates for albite (Pl with An_0–10) are 16.5 ± 8.9 and for chlorite are 0.5 ± 0.5. The observed decrease of dissolved silica in surface waters relative to springs was ascribed to (summer) uptake by aquatic biota.     

Middle Permian U–Pb zircon ages of the “glacial” deposits of the Atkan Formation,Ayan-Yuryakh anticlinorium,Magadan province,NE Russia: Their significance for global climatic interpretations

The Atkan Formation in the Ayan-Yuryakh anticlinorium, Magadan province, northeastern Russia, is of great interest because of the occurrence of deposits of apparent “dropstones” and “ice rafted debris” that have been previously interpreted as glacial. Two high-precision U–Pb zircon ages, one for an intercalated volcanic tuff (262.5 ± 0.2 Ma) and the other for a boulder clast (269.8 ± 0.1 Ma) within a diamictite of the Atkan Formation, constrain the age of the Atkan Formation as Guadalupian (middle Permian). Sedimentologic study of the Atkan Formation casts doubt on the glacial nature of the diamictites. Deposition of rocks of the Atkan Formation temporally correlates with the Capitanian interglacial event in the southern hemisphere that recently was calibrated with high precision CA-TIMS. The previously proposed climate proxy record based upon warm-water foraminifera, which corresponds closely to global climate fluctuations, is compared with the glacial record of eastern Australia and indicates that the Capitanian was a time of globally warm climate. The sedimentology of Atkan Formation, the record of diversification of both fusulinids and rugosa corals, global sea-water temperature, and sea-level fluctuations agree well with high latitude paleoclimate records in northeastern Russia and eastern Australia. Major components of the Atkan Formation, the volcanic rocks, are syngenetic with the sedimentation process. The volcanic activity in the nearby regions during middle–late Permian was quite extensive.     

Formation mechanisms of ultradeep sedimentary basins: the North Barents basin. Petroleum potential implications

Consolidated crust in the North Barents basin with sediments 16–18 km thick is attenuated approximately by two times. The normal faults in the basin basement ensure only 10-15% stretching, which caused the deposition of 2–3 km sediments during the early evolution of the basin. The overlying 16 km of sediments have accumulated since the Late Devonian. Judging by the undisturbed reflectors to a depth of 8 s, crustal subsidence was not accompanied by any significant stretching throughout that time. Dramatic subsidence under such conditions required considerable contraction of lithospheric rocks. The contraction was mainly due to high-grade metamorphism in mafic rocks in the lower crust. The metamorphism was favored by increasing pressure and temperature in the lower crust with the accumulation of a thick layer of sediments. According to gravity data, the Moho in the basin is underlain by large masses of high-velocity eclogites, which are denser than mantle peridotites. The same is typical of some other ultradeep basins: North Caspian, South Caspian, North Chukchi, and Gulf of Mexico basins. From Late Devonian to Late Jurassic, several episodes of rapid crustal subsidence took place in the North Barents basin, which is typical of large petroleum basins. The subsidence was due to metamorphism in the lower crust, when it was infiltrated by mantle-source fluids in several episodes. The metamorphic contraction in the lower crust gave rise to deep-water basins with sediments with a high content of unoxidized organic matter. Along with numerous structural and nonstructural traps in the cover of the North Barents basin, this is strong evidence that the North Barents basin is a large hydrocarbon basin.     

Geological,geochronological, and H–O isotopic constraints on the genesis of the Tongjing Cu–Au deposit in the Ningwu basin,east China

The Tongjing Cu–Au deposit is a medium-sized deposit within the Ningwu volcanic basin, east China, and is hosted by Cretaceous volcanic rocks of the Dawangshan and Niangniangshan Formations. The veined and lenticular Cu–Au orebodies are spatially and temporally related to the volcanic and subvolcanic rocks of the Niangniangshan Formation in the ore district. The wall-rock alteration is dominated by silicification, siderite alteration, carbonation, sericitization, chloritization, and kaolinization. On the basis of field evidence and petrographic observations, two stages of mineralization are recognized: (1) a siderite–quartz–sulfide stage (Stage 1) associated with the formation of chalcopyrite and pyrite in a quartz and siderite gangue; and (2) a quartz–bornite stage (Stage 2) cutting the Stage 1 phases. Stage 1 is the main mineralization stage. Quartz that formed in Stage 1 has δ¹⁸O_H2O values of − 4.3‰ to 3.5‰ with δD values of fluid inclusion waters of − 97.1‰ to − 49.9‰, indicating that the ore-forming fluids were derived from early magmatic fluids and may have experienced oxygen isotopic exchange with meteoric water during Stage 1 mineralization.LA–MC–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating of the mineralization-related nosean-bearing phonolite and nosean-bearing phonolitic brecciated tuff at Tongjing yields ages of 129.8 ± 0.5 Ma and 128.9 ± 1.1 Ma, respectively. These results are interpreted as the crystallization age of the volcanic rocks of the Niangniangshan Formation. A hydrothermal sericite sample associated with Cu–Au mineralization at Tongjing yields a plateau ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar age of 131.3 ± 1.3 Ma. These results confirm a genetic link between the volcanism and associated Cu–Au mineralization. The Tongjing Cu–Au deposit in the Ningwu basin is genetically and possibly tectonically similar to alkaline intrusion-related gold deposits elsewhere in the world.     

Stratigraphic architecture and quaternary evolution of the Val d'Agri intermontane basin (Southern Apennines,Italy)

The sedimentary record of the Val d'Agri basin is of great importance for understanding the Quaternary tectonic activity and climatic variability in the Southern Apennines. Changes in tectonic controls, sediment supply and climatic input have been identified. The interval from ～ 56 to ～ 43 ka was associated with asymmetric subsidence restricted to the north-eastern actively faulted margin of the basin and development of axial braided river and transverse alluvial fan systems. Short-lasting Mediterranean-type pedogenesis between ～ 43 and ～ 32 ka (MIS Stage 3) coexisted with progradation–aggradation of the southern alluvial fan deposits and southwards tilting of the basin floor. Aggradation ended with consumption of accommodation space after 32 ka. During a subsequent stage of decline of vegetation cover, possibly as a consequence of climatic cooling (probably MIS Stage 2), active progradation of alluvial fans occurred. Breakthrough of the basin threshold and entrenchment of the drainage network must therefore be attributed to a latest Pleistocene to Holocene age. The first stages of basin opening and fill, predating ～ 56 ka have only been inferred by stratigraphic considerations: the earliest lacustrine sedimentation should be middle Pleistocene or older in age. The following south-eastward basin widening allowed progradation of alluvial fan systems, which completely filled the lacustrine area (tentatively late middle Pleistocene). Pedogenesis in “Mediterranean-like” climate conditions caused the final development of a highly mature fersiallitic paleosol at the top of the fan surfaces, in areas of morpho-tectonic stability, plausibly during MIS Stage 5. The study results demonstrate the potential of applying a multidisciplinary approach in an intermontane continental settings marked by a relative rapid and constant tectonic subsidence and a high rate of sediment supply during the Pleistocene glacial–interglacial cycles.     

Solute generation and CO2 consumption during silicate weathering under subtropical,humid climate,northern Okinawa Island,Japan

The chemical characteristics of freshwaters draining the silicate rocks in the northern part of Okinawa Island were studied to understand solute generation processes, and to determine rates of chemical weathering and CO₂ consumption. It was observed that the water chemistry is highly influenced by marine aerosols, contributing more than 60% of total solute. Significant positive correlations observed for chloride versus dissolved silica and chloride versus bicarbonate suggest a strong influence of evapotranspiration on the seasonality of solute concentration. It was also found that chemical weathering has been highly advanced in which the dominant kaolinite minerals are being gibbsitized. Carbonic acid was found to be the major chemical weathering agent, releasing greater than 80% of weathering-derived dissolved cations and silica while the remaining portion was attributed to weathering by sulfuric acid generated via oxidation of pyrite contained in the rocks. The flux of basic cations, weathering-derived silica and CO₂ consumption were relatively high due to favourable climatic condition, topography and high rate of mechanical erosion. Silicate weathering rates for basic cations were estimated to be 6.7–9.7 ton km^− 2 y^− 1. Carbon dioxide consumed by silicate weathering was 334–471 kmol km^− 2 y^− 1 which was slightly higher than that consumed by carbonate weathering. In general, divalent cations (Mg and Ca) and bicarbonate alkalinity derived from carbonate dissolution were higher than those from silicate weathering. As a consequence, the evolution of chemical species in the freshwaters of northern area of Okinawa Island to a large extent could be explained by mixing of two components, characterized by waters with Na⁺ and Cl⁻ as predominant species and waters enriched with Ca²⁺ and HCO₃⁻.     

Chemical weathering rates in the Alaknanda–Bhagirathi river basins in Himalayas,India

The Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers flow through the Higher and Lesser Himalayas and confluence at Devprayag, which represents the origin of the Ganga (or Ganges) river. In the present study, a vast number of temporal and spatial samples of the river waters were collected and analyzed for major cations and anions. In addition, more recent and time series water flow data have been obtained and based on these inputs, a more refined dissolved flux rates have been estimated. The Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers show significant variations in chemical compositions during different seasons. Carbonate rock weathering is responsible for more than 70% of the chemical compositions in the river waters. The chemical weathering rates show seasonal variations and are much higher during non-monsoon season. The dissolved flux of Alaknanda river is much higher (1.80 × 10⁶ tons yr^?1) as compared to the Bhagirathi river (0.34 × 10⁶ tons yr^?1). The chemical weathering rates in the basin vary between 85 and 155 tons km^?2 yr^?1, which is significantly higher compared to the global average of ～24 tons km^?2 yr^?1.     

The Xitieshan volcanic sediment-hosted massive sulfide deposit,North Qaidam,China: Geology,structural deformation and geochronology

The Xitieshan deposit (~ 64 Mt at 4.86% Zn, 4.16% Pb, 58 g/t Ag, and 0.68 g/t Au) is hosted by the Middle to Late Ordovician Tanjianshan Group of the North Qaidam tectonic metallogenic belt, NW China. This belt is characterized by island arc volcanic, ultra-high pressure (UHP) metamorphic and ophiolitic rocks. The Tanjianshan Group constitutes a succession of metamorphosed bimodal volcanic and sedimentary rocks, which are interpreted to have formed on the margin of a back-arc ocean basin between the Qaidam block and the Qilian block.Four stratigraphic units are identified within the Ordovician Tanjianshan Group. From northeast to southwest they are: 1) unit a, or the lower volcanic-sedimentary rocks, comprising bimodal volcanic rocks (unit a-1) and sedimentary rocks (unit a-2) ranging from carbonates to black carbonaceous schist; 2) unit b, or intermediate-mafic volcaniclastic rocks, characterized by intermediate to mafic volcaniclastic rocks intercalated with lamellar carbonaceous schist and minor marble lenses; 3) unit c, a purplish red sandy conglomerate that unconformably overlies unit b, representing the product of the foreland basin sedimentation during the Early Silurian; 4) unit d, or mafic volcanic rocks, from base to up, comprising the lower mafic volcaniclastic rocks (unit d-1), middle clastic sedimentary rocks (unit d-2), upper mafic volcaniclastic rocks (unit d-3), and uppermost mafic volcanic rocks (unit d-4). Unit a-2 hosts most of the massive sulfides whereas unit b contains subordinate amounts.The massive stratiform lenses constitute most of the Xitieshan deposit with significant amount of semi-massive and irregularly-shaped sulfides and minor amounts in stringer veins. Pyrite, galena and sphalerite are the dominant sulfide minerals, with subordinate pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite. Quartz is a dominant gangue mineral. Sericite, quartz, chlorite, and carbonate alteration of host rocks accompanies the mineralization.U-Pb zircon geochronology yields three ages of 454 Ma, 452 Ma and 451 Ma for the footwall felsic volcanic rocks in unit a-1, sedimentary host rocks in unit a-2 and hanging-wall unit b, respectively. The Xitieshan deposit is considered to be coeval with the sedimentation of unit a-2 and unit b of the Tanjianshan Group. The Xitieshan deposit has been intensely deformed during two phases (main ductile shear and minor ductile-brittle deformation). The main ductile shear deformation controls the general strike of the ore zones, whereas minor deformation controls the internal geometry of the ore bodies. ⁴⁰Ar-³⁹Ar age of muscovite from mylonitized granitic gneisses in the ductile shear zone is ~ 399 Ma, which is interpreted to date the Xitieshan ductile shear zone, suggesting that Early Devonian metamorphism and deformation post-dated the Tanjianshan Group.The Xitieshan deposit has many features similar to that of the Bathurst district of Canada, the Iberian Pyrite Belt of Spain, the Wolverine volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit in Canada. Based on its tectonic setting, host-rock types, local geologic setting, metal grades, geochronology, temperatures and salinities of mineralizing fluid and source of sulfur, the Xitieshan deposit has features similar to sedimentary exhalative (SEDEX) and VMS deposits and is similar to volcanic and sediment-hosted massive sulfide (VSHMS) deposits.     

Likely “mantle plume” activity in the Skellefte district,Northern Sweden. A reexamination of mafic/ultramafic magmatic activity: Its possible association with VMS and gold mineralization

Most attention has been given to the geology of the extensive VMS and subordinate precious metals mineralization in the Skellefte district. Less attention has been given to indications of deep-seated origins of felsic and mafic/ultramafic volcanic rocks; of VMS and precious metals mineralizing fluids; and the primary origins of these metals. A holistic view of the significance of mafic/ultramafic volcanic rocks to both the geotectonic evolution of the area and the existence of its important base and precious metals deposits has never been presented. These subjects are discussed in this investigation.Primitive mantle normalized spider diagrams of rare-earth-elements (REE) distinguish two groups of mafic/ultramafic volcanic rocks, each with distinct geochemical characteristics: a mid-ocean-ridge “MORB”-type, and a geochemically unusual and problematic calc–alkaline–basalt “CAB”-type which is the main subject of this investigation. The “MORB”-type mafic volcanic rocks are mostly older than the Skellefte Group felsic volcanic rocks hosting the VMS deposits, whereas the more primitive “CAB”-type mafic/ultramafic volcanic rocks are mostly younger.A common source for these “CAB”-type, mafic-(MgO wt.% < 14%) and ultramafic-(MgO wt.% > 14%) volcanic rocks is suggested by their similar and distinctive geochemical features. These are near-chondritic (Al-undepleted) Al₂O₃/TiO₂ ratios; moderate to strong high-field-strength-element (HFSE) depletion; light-rare-earth-element (LREE) enrichment and moderate heavy-rare-earth-element (HREE) depletion. They outcrop throughout an area of at least 100 × 100 km. Gold mineralization is spatially associated with ultramafic volcanic rocks.Zr and Hf depletion has been shown to be associated with Al-depletion in mafic/ultramafic volcanic rocks elsewhere, and has been attributed to deep-seated partial melting in ascending mantle plumes. Zr and Hf depletion in “CAB”-type Al-undepleted mafic/ultramafic volcanic rocks is therefore unusual. The solution to this dilemma is suggested to be contamination of an Al-depleted mantle plume by felsic crustal rocks whereby Al-depleted ultramafic magmas become Al-undepleted. It will be argued that this model has the potential to explain previous observations of deep-seated origins; the spatial association of ultramafic volcanic rocks with occurrences of gold mineralization; and even the primary origin of metals in VMS deposits.     

Geochronology and Hf isotope of detrital zircons from Precambrian sequences in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen: Constraining the assembly of Yangtze and Cathaysia Blocks in South China

The Jiangnan Orogen, the eastern part of which comprises the oceanic Huaiyu terrane to the northeast and the continental Jiuling terrane to the southwest, marks the collision zone of the Yangtze and the Cathaysia Blocks in South China. Here, zircon U–Pb geochronological and Lu–Hf isotopic results from typical basement and cover meta-sedimentary/sedimentary rock units in the eastern Jiangnan Orogen are presented. The basement sequences in southwestern Huaiyu terrane are mainly composed of marine volcaniclastic turbidite, ophiolite suite and tuffaceous phyllite, whereas those in the northeastern Huaiyu consist of littoral face pebbly feldspathic sandstones and greywacke interbedded with intermediate-basic volcanic rocks. Combined with previous studies, the present data show that the basement sequences exhibit arc affinities. Zircons from the basement phyllite in the southwestern margin of the Huaiyu terrane, representing a Neoproterozoic back-arc basin, yield a single age population of 800–900 Ma. The basement greywacke from northeastern Huaiyu terrane, representing fore-arc basin, is also characterized by zircons that preserve a single tectono-thermal event during 800–940 Ma. However, the late Neoproterozoic cover sequence preserves zircons from multiple sources with age populations of 750–890 Ma, 1670–2070 Ma and 2385–2550 Ma. Moreover, Hf isotopic data further reveal that most detrital zircons from the basement sequences yield positive εHf(t) values and late Mesoproterozoic model ages, while those of the cover sequence mostly show negative εHf(t) values. The Hf isotopic data therefore suggest that the basement sequences are soured from a Neoproterozoic arc produced by reworking of subducted late Mesoproterozoic materials. The geochronological and Hf isotopic data presented in this study suggest ca. 800 Ma for the assembly of the Huaiyu and Jiuling terranes, implying that the amalgamation of the Yangtze and Cathaysia Blocks in the eastern part occurred at ca. 800 Ma.     

Effects of temperature on silicate weathering: Solute fluxes and chemical weathering in a temperate rain forest watershed,Jamieson Creek,British Columbia

Chemical weathering of silicate minerals has long been known as a sink for atmospheric CO₂, and feedbacks between weathering and climate are believed to affect global climate. While warmer temperatures are believed to increase rates of weathering, weathering in cool climates can be accelerated by increased mineral exposure due to mechanical weathering by ice. In this study, chemical weathering of silicate minerals is investigated in a small temperate watershed. The Jamieson Creek watershed is covered by mature coniferous forest and receives high annual precipitation (4000 mm), mostly in the form of rainfall, and is underlain by quartz diorite bedrock and glacial till. Analysis of pore water concentration gradients indicates that weathering in hydraulically unsaturated ablation till is dominated by dissolution of plagioclase and hornblende. However, a watershed scale solute mass balance indicates high relative fluxes of K and Ca, indicating preferential leaching of these solutes possibly from the relatively unweathered lodgement till. Weathering rates for plagioclase and hornblende calculated from a watershed scale solute mass balance are similar in magnitude to rates determined using pore water concentration gradients.When compared to the Rio Icacos basin in Puerto Rico, a pristine tropical watershed with similar annual precipitation and bedrock, but with dissimilar regolith properties, fluxes of weathering products in stream discharge from the warmer site are 1.8 to 16.2-fold higher, respectively, and regolith profile-averaged plagioclase weathering rates are 3.8 to 9.0-fold higher. This suggests that the Arrhenius effect, which predicts a 3.5- to 9-fold increase in the dissolution rate of plagioclase as temperature is increased from 3.4° to 22 °C, may explain the greater weathering fluxes and rates at the Rio Icacos site. However, more modest differences in K and Ca fluxes between the two sites are attributed to accelerated leaching of those solutes from glacial till at Jamieson Creek. Our findings suggest that under conditions of high rainfall and favorable topography, weathering rates of silicate minerals in warm tropical systems will tend to be higher than in cool temperate systems, even if the temperate system is has been perturbed by an episode of glaciation that deposits regolith high in fresh mineral surface area.     

Ages (U–Pb SHRIMP and LA ICPMS) and stratigraphic evolution of the Neoproterozoic volcano-sedimentary successions from the extensional Camaquã Basin,Southern Brazil

During the Ediacaran, southern Brazil was the site of multiple episodes of volcanism and sedimentation, which are best preserved in the 3000 km² Camaquã Basin. The interlayered sedimentary and volcanic rocks record tectonic events and paleoenvironmental changes in a more than 10 km-thick succession. In this contribution, we report new U–Pb and Sm–Nd geochronological constraints for the 605 to 580 Ma Bom Jardim Group, the 570 Ma Acampamento Velho Formation, and a newly-recognized 544 Ma volcanism. Depositional patterns of these units reveal the transition from a restricted, fault-bounded basin into a wide, shallow basin. The expansion of the basin and diminished subsidence rates are demonstrated by increasing areal distribution and compressed isopachs and increasing onlap of sediments onto the basement to the west. The Sm–Nd isotopic composition of the volcanic rocks indicates mixed sources, including crustal rocks from the adjacent basement. Both Neoproterozoic and Paleoproterozoic sources are indicated for the western part of the basin, whereas only the older Paleoproterozoic signature can be discerned in the eastern part of the basin.     

Atmospheric CO2 sink: Silicate weathering or carbonate weathering?

It is widely accepted that chemical weathering of Ca–silicate rocks could potentially control long-term climate change by providing feedback interaction with atmospheric CO₂ drawdown by means of precipitation of carbonate, and that in contrast weathering of carbonate rocks has not an equivalent impact because all of the CO₂ consumed in the weathering process is returned to the atmosphere by the comparatively rapid precipitation of carbonates in the oceans. Here, it is shown that the rapid kinetics of carbonate dissolution and the importance of small amounts of carbonate minerals in controlling the dissolved inorganic C (DIC) of silicate watersheds, coupled with aquatic photosynthetic uptake of the weathering-related DIC and burial of some of the resulting organic C, suggest that the atmospheric CO₂ sink from carbonate weathering may previously have been underestimated by a factor of about 3, amounting to 0.477 Pg C/a. This indicates that the contribution of silicate weathering to the atmospheric CO₂ sink may be only 6%, while the other 94% is by carbonate weathering. Therefore, the atmospheric CO₂ sink by carbonate weathering might be significant in controlling both the short-term and long-term climate changes. This questions the traditional point of view that only chemical weathering of Ca–silicate rocks potentially controls long-term climate change.     

Sedimentological,geochemical and paleontological insights applied to continental omission surfaces: A new approach for reconstructing an eocene foreland basin in NW Argentina

An Eocene foreland basin linked to the Andean uplift in northwestern Argentina has recently been proposed. The basin is divided and partially eroded due to subsequent Neogene orogenic phases, so that a simple reconstruction is insufficient to describe complex field relationships. This presents a new challenge in understanding the initial phases of Central Andean evolution. We propose a multidisciplinary approach in key locations and/or at key geological features as a way to reconstruct the Paleogene basin. In this contribution, we report on sedimentological and geochemical evidence of a conspicuous weathering surface in the continental Eocene Lumbrera Formation and provide an age estimate based on vertebrate mammalian biostratigraphy and an absolute U/Pb zircon age of 39.9 Ma. Weathering surfaces become evident when diagnostic features like paleosols, karsts, and trace fossils are distinctive but, in our case, these characteristics only emerge through detailed sedimentological and geochemical surveys. The Lumbrera paleosurface is represented by a hardened level (20–30 cm thick) characterized by moderately developed reddish paleosols. Moreover, major and trace element profiles show inflections at the top and/or base of the weathered horizon delineating it. A modified form of the chemical index of alteration shows that chemical leaching was moderate and not extensive. In addition, mammalian fossil records substantially differ below and above the weathered paleosol-bearing surface. We conclude that this horizon represents a Middle Eocene omission surface and represents a key level marking a major basin change in northwest Argentina, adding a new constraints for Eocene foreland reconstruction.     

流域盆地的风化作用与全球气候变化

介绍了岩石风化作用与流域盆地的物质输送对于研究全球海-陆物质循环和全球气候变化的重要意义。讨论了运用河流的颗粒相和溶解相载荷分别去估算机械剥蚀率和化学风化率的科学性及各种计算方法。从全球的观点对岩性、径流、地势、气候、植被以及人为活动 6个因素对于岩石风化作用及河流颗粒相和溶解相物质输送的影响进行了详细的讨论，得到岩性是决定机械剥蚀率和化学风化率的主导因素，径流和地势是影响河流颗粒物输送的重要因素，而径流和气候则对河流溶解离子的输送影响较大，此外植被和人为活动对河流化学及颗粒物输送的影响也越来越受到人们的关注。探讨了岩石化学风化作用消耗的CO₂量及其对全球气候变化的影响，在此基础上，归纳了岩石化学风化作用与气候变化的模式。     

Anomalous crustal and lithospheric mantle structure of southern part of the Vindhyan Basin and its geodynamic implications

Tectonically active Vindhyan intracratonic basin situated in central India, forms one of the largest Proterozoic sedimentary basins of the world. Possibility of hydrocarbon occurrences in thick sediments of the southern part of this basin, has led to surge in geological and geophysical investigations by various agencies. An attempt to synthesize such multiparametric data in an integrated manner, has provided a new understanding to the prevailing crustal configuration, thermal regime and nature of its geodynamic evolution. Apparently, this region has been subjected to sustained uplift, erosion and magmatism followed by crustal extension, rifting and subsidence due to episodic thermal interaction of the crust with the hot underlying mantle. Almost 5–6 km thick sedimentation took place in the deep faulted Jabera Basin, either directly over the Bijawar/Mahakoshal group of mafic rocks or high velocity-high density exhumed middle part of the crust. Detailed gravity observations indicate further extension of the basin probably beyond NSL rift in the south. A high heat flow of about 78 mW/m² has also been estimated for this basin, which is characterized by extremely high Moho temperatures (exceeding 1000 °C) and mantle heat flow (56 mW/m²) besides a very thin lithospheric lid of only about 50 km. Many areas of this terrain are thickly underplated by infused magmas and from some segments, granitic–gneissic upper crust has either been completely eroded or now only a thin veneer of such rocks exists due to sustained exhumation of deep seated rocks. A 5–8 km thick retrogressed metasomatized zone, with significantly reduced velocities, has also been identified around mid to lower crustal transition.