Experimental constraints on the relative stabilities of the two systems monazite-(Ce) – allanite-(Ce) – fluorapatite and xenotime-(Y) – (Y,HREE)-rich epidote – (Y,HREE)-rich fluorapatite,in high Ca and Na-Ca environments under P-T conditions of 200–1000 MPa and 450–750 °C

Mineralogy and Petrology - The relative stabilities of phases within the two systems monazite-(Ce) – fluorapatite – allanite-(Ce) and xenotime-(Y) – (Y,HREE)-rich fluorapatite...     

Genetic types of gold ores and indications of Megrinskiy plúton

Gold-sulfide ores, auriferous skarns, quartz-carbonate-gold veins, and others on the periphery of the pluton are structurally controlled and genetically related to certain definite intrusions. Their economic potential is believed to be appreciable, pending further investigations. —V.P. Sokoloff.     

Microfabric and anisotropy of elastic waves in sandstone – An observation using high-resolution X-ray microtomography

Petrophysical experiments, using acoustic velocities to characterise anisotropies of mechanical behaviour of rocks are of essential relevance to understand the geomechanical behaviour of sandstone reservoirs under changing stress fields. Here, we present high-resolution X-ray microtomography (μ-CT) as a supplementary research tool to interpret anisotropic ultrasound velocities in sandstones with variation of isotopic stress.Specimens of two Lower Cretaceous sandstones (localities Bentheim and Obernkirchen, both Germany) have been used in petrophysical laboratory experiments under dry conditions to study ultrasonic sound velocities (frequency of signal input 1 MHz). Subsequently, oriented micro-plugs drilled from the sandstone samples were investigated using high-resolution X-ray microtomography. By means of image processing of the reconstructed scan images, geometric attributes such as mean structural thickness, orientation and tortuosity were evaluated from the μ-CT data for both pore space and grain skeleton. Our observations clearly indicate the different roles of pore space and grain skeleton in regard to the propagation of ultrasonic waves: because the pores do not transmit the waves, it was sufficient to investigate the average thickness of this fabric element. In contrast, as the ultrasonic waves traverse the rock via the adjacent grains, it was necessary to survey the actual travel lengths of seismic waves in the sandstone grain skeleton.     

Age and tectonic setting of Bocşa and Ocna de Fier – Dognecea granodiorites (southwest Romania) and of associated skarn mineralisation

The granodiorite intrusion at Ocna de Fier-Dognecea in the western South Carpathians, Romania, triggered the formation of a classic Fe-(Pb-Zn) skarn deposit. The intrusive is related to the larger composite Bocşa Laccolith five kilometres north that is part of the regional Banatite Suite. Previous work indicated a K/Ar age of 65–57 Ma and postulated an Andean-type subduction related tectonic setting for the intrusions. We report ion probe U/Pb zircon ages of 79.6 ± 2.5 Ma for the Bocşa Laccolith and 75.5 ± 1.6 Ma for the Ocna de Fier Pluton, which date their emplacement. Fission track dating on titanite gives slightly younger ages: 78 ± 4 Ma for Bocşa and 73 ± 4 Ma for Ocna de Fier. Together with zircon and apatite data from the same samples, average cooling rates of 52 °C/Ma and 83 °C/Ma are calculated for the Bocşa and Ocna de Fier intrusives respectively. A post-collision tectonic setting is proposed on the basis of field evidence, the timing of intrusions in the context of regional tectonic evolution, and trace element geochemistry. Received: 4 August 1998 / Accepted: 20 April 1999     

Forecasting of cyclone Viyaru and Phailin by NWP-based cyclone prediction system (CPS) of IMD – an evaluation

An objective NWP-based cyclone prediction system (CPS) was implemented for the operational cyclone forecasting work over the Indian seas. The method comprises of five forecast components, namely (a) Cyclone Genesis Potential Parameter (GPP), (b) Multi-Model Ensemble (MME) technique for cyclone track prediction, (c) cyclone intensity prediction, (d) rapid intensification, and (e) predicting decaying intensity after the landfall. GPP is derived based on dynamical and thermodynamical parameters from the model output of IMD operational Global Forecast System. The MME technique for the cyclone track prediction is based on multiple linear regression technique. The predictor selected for the MME are forecast latitude and longitude positions of cyclone at 12-hr intervals up to 120 hours forecasts from five NWP models namely, IMD-GFS, IMD-WRF, NCEP-GFS, UKMO, and JMA. A statistical cyclone intensity prediction (SCIP) model for predicting 12 hourly cyclone intensity (up to 72 hours) is developed applying multiple linear regression technique. Various dynamical and thermodynamical parameters as predictors are derived from the model outputs of IMD operational Global Forecast System and these parameters are also used for the prediction of rapid intensification. For forecast of inland wind after the landfall of a cyclone, an empirical technique is developed. This paper briefly describes the forecast system CPS and evaluates the performance skill for two recent cyclones Viyaru (non-intensifying) and Phailin (rapid intensifying), converse in nature in terms of track and intensity formed over Bay of Bengal in 2013. The evaluation of performance shows that the GPP analysis at early stages of development of a low pressure system indicated the potential of the system for further intensification. The 12-hourly track forecast by MME, intensity forecast by SCIP model and rapid intensification forecasts are found to be consistent and very useful to the operational forecasters. The error statistics of the decay model shows that the model was able to predict the decaying intensity after landfall with reasonable accuracy. The performance statistics demonstrates the potential of the system for improving operational cyclone forecast service over the Indian seas.     

Mélanges and other types of block-in-matrix formations in the Cantabrian Zone (Variscan Orogen,northwest Spain): origin and significance

Block-in-matrix formations in the Variscan foreland of Spain (Cantabrian Zone) occur in two different geological settings. The major block-in-matrix formations are mélanges, which appear as carpets beneath or ahead of submarine thrust systems. These mélanges may reach up to kilometric thickness and are mostly composed of broken formations (boudinaged sequences) of late Carboniferous age and scattered ‘exotic’ blocks derived from older Palaeozoic formations. Moreover, the mélanges in the Cantabrian Zone also include subordinate debris flow deposits with a chaotic block-in-matrix fabric (olistostromes). The source of the mélange blocks was the front of advancing nappes, chiefly the upper part of the nappe stacks. Therefore, the Cantabrian mélanges are interpreted as originated through submarine sliding and slumping associated with steep slopes at the orogenic front. The different types of rock bodies of these mélanges may be related to the degree of lithification of the sediments or rocks during slumping. So, broken formations are boudinaged sequences where the boudins or blocks resulted from extensional faults developed in lithified or semilithified limestones and sandstones, whereas the unlithified muddy matrix underwent continuous deformation. The scattered ‘exotic’ blocks ranging in age from early Cambrian to early Carboniferous were incorporated into the mélanges as individual blocks from competent well-lithified formations, originally located in the lower part of the nappe stacks. Although the Cantabrian Zone mélanges include olistostromic intervals, most of the olistostromes of this zone occur in a different geological setting. They are usually intercalated in the normal marine deposits of the Variscan foreland basin and, in contrast to the mélanges, they are mostly related to the margins of carbonate platforms, ahead of moving nappes. Finally, other instances of olistostromes are related to slopes generated by limb rotation of growth folds, which developed on submarine wedge-top successions.     

Tectonic Evolution of the Basement–Sedimentary Cover System and Morhpostructural Differentiation of Sedimentary Basins

Geotectonics - The article provides geological data on the morphostructural differentiation of sedimentary basins and the results of tectonophysical and digital modeling reflecting the shape and...     

Differentiation Mechanism and Evolution of High-level Magma Chamber at Xiangshan,China

The calc-alkaline volcanic magmas,which formed the Mesozoic uraniferous volcanic complex of Xiangshan,resulted from partial melting of the mixture of lower crust and enriched mantle with a high mixing proportion in a specific tectonic setting such as active continental margin or ocean-continent collision zone.The preliminary concentrations of Uand Th occur in low-degree par-tial melts.Only small part of these melts was rapidly extracted and erupted and most intruded into the high-level magma chamber(depth:12-13 km) of the compressed upper lithosphere ,in which occurred a strong differentiation which would resulted in strong preconcentrations of the high-hygromagmaphile elements U and Th associated with strong depletion of the 3-d transition ele-ments Ti,Sc,Co,Zr,etc.At the final stage of subduction of the West-Pacific-Kula plate towards the Asian continental plate,the regional tectonic environment was transformed from a compressive in-to a tensional setting.The strongly differentiated,U(and Th) enriched silicic alkalic magmas in high level magma chamber extensively erupted,extruded and intruded.The hydrothermal fluids released as a result of late volcano-degassing and dewatering during crystallization-solidification of magmas,re-sulted in the remobilization,leaching,migration and reconcentration of uranium ,which had been preconcentrated in volcanic rocks.Therefore,specific regional petrogeochemical criteria are expected for the uraniferous volcanic series.     

Hydromechanical characteristics and microstructure of unsaturated loess under high suctionEI北大核心

联合压力板仪和蒸汽平衡法在全吸力范围内对原状与重塑黄土进行持水特性试验,使用非饱和三轴仪对高吸力下的原状与重塑黄土进行剪切试验,同时采用扫描电镜仪(scanning electron microscope,SEM)和压汞仪(mercury injection apparatus,MIP)进行微观试验,探讨了非饱和黄土结构性差异对其水力力学特性的影响。试验结果表明:随着吸力的增大,原状和重塑土的饱和度、含水率均减小,孔隙比稍有减小。由于原状及重塑黄土的初始孔隙比基本一致,因此两者压汞试验总进汞量接近。由扫描电镜和压汞试验得到的原状及重塑黄土的孔隙结构形态及优势孔径范围不一样,结构性有所差异,导致土-水特征曲线在不同吸力范围内呈现不一样的规律。原状和重塑土的应力-应变关系多呈软化现象,吸力为3.29 MPa的重塑土呈硬化现象。且随着吸力的增大,原状和重塑土的黏聚力和峰值强度均明显增加,体变由剪缩趋向剪胀现象。由于原状土具备一定结构性,胶结作用较强,其黏聚力的增幅会大于重塑土,峰值强度也高于重塑土,而两者的内摩擦角基本一致。     

Effect of freeze–thaw cycles on strength and ductility and microstructure of cement-treated silt with polypropylene fiber

Acta Geotechnica - In this paper, the strength, ductility and microstructure behavior of cement-treated silt with polypropylene fiber was studied by a host of experimental studies. The influence of...     

Meshless numerical modeling of brittle–viscous deformation: first results on boudinage and hydrofracturing using a coupling of discrete element method (DEM) and smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH)

We have developed a new approach for the numerical modeling of deformation processes combining brittle fracture and viscous flow. The new approach is based on the combination of two meshless particle-based methods: the discrete element method (DEM) for the brittle part of the model and smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH) for the viscous part. Both methods are well established in their respective application domains. The two methods are coupled at the particle scale, with two different coupling mechanisms explored: one is where DEM particles act as virtual SPH particles and one where SPH particles are treated like DEM particles when interacting with other DEM particles. The suitability of the combined approach is demonstrated by applying it to two geological processes, boudinage, and hydrofracturing, which involve the coupled deformation of a brittle solid and a viscous fluid. Initial results for those applications show that the new approach has strong potential for the numerical modeling of coupled brittle–viscous deformation processes.     

Analysis of Ezinepazarı–Sungurlu Fault Zone (Turkey) using Landsat TM data and its kinematic implications

The study area is located between Çorum and Amasya along the Ezinepazar?–Sungurlu Fault Zone (ESFZ) which is regarded as the splay of the North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ). By this study, the 1/25,000 scaled geological map of the study area was prepared, and its stratigraphic and tectonic characteristics were unraveled as a result of palaeontological and petrographical analyses of the samples collected from different rock units. Particularly, geologic ages of the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous Ferhatkaya and Carcurum and Middle Eocene Çekerek formations were provided from palaeontological determinations. Using Landsat TM and Shuttle Radar Topography Mission 3 (SRTM 3) data of the region, the borders between the rock units and the tectonic characteristics in the study area were clarified by spectral and spatial enhancement methods. Kinematic characteristics of ESFZ obtained from the young sedimentary rocks along both sides of the fault zone were also inferred in this study. Understanding the kinematic and geometrical characteristics of the faults is important in terms of the seismotectonics of the region. In the statistical study conducted on the basis of the directions of the lineaments indicates the highest concentrations in general between N 50° - 60° E and N 60° - 70° E. Band 7 of the study area was enlightened in SE direction taking into consideration the relation of the geologic structures in the region with NAFZ and ESFZ and their general strike directions. Along with the formation of NAFZ, the region has undergone a counterclockwise rotation of approximately 20°–30°, which has developed between the “splay” faults in the south block of that fault. These faults are strike-slip faults formed under the compressional regime roughly in a NW–SE direction. It is noted that this tectonic regime has developed under compression in NW–SE direction, which was dominant in similar kinematic analysis studies conducted on NAFZ.     

Geology and metamorphism of the Ladakh Terrane and Shyok Suture Zone in the Chogo Lungma – Turmik area (northern Pakistan)

Abstract

Metamorphism of the Askore Amphibolite, metabasaltic and metasedimentary medium-grade hornblendebearing schists at the northernmost portion of the Ladakh Terrane and of the Shyok Suture Zone, mainly a low-grade volcano-sedimentary series, has been studied in the area between the Chogo Lungma glacier and the Indus river halfway between Skardu and Rondu.

In the Askore Amphibolite the peak assemblage in the amphibolite facies defines the regional metamorphic foliation, and is overprinted by a later static recrystallization at comparable P-T conditions. In spite of similar peak temperatures (630–650°C), geobarometry based on amphibole composition reveals a marked difference between garnet – epidote – andesine amphibolites exposed just above the Main Mantle Thrust at the head of Turmik valley, which equilibrated at high pressures (about 10 kbar) in late Miocene (Tortonian), and biotite – epidote – oligoclase amphibolites outcropping at the mouth of Turmik valley, which equilibrated at pressures of c. 6 kbar before late Eocene (Priabonian).

The Dasu Ultramafite and other smaller lens-shaped bodies of low- to medium-grade metaperidotite separate the Ladakh Terrane from the Shyok Suture Zone. They are antigorite serpentinites, often with talc and magnesite, in which relict cumulitic structures are locally recognisable. The ultramafites may represent remnants of oceanic lithosphere separating the Ladakh-Kohistan island arc from the Asian plate, or they may be deep crustal rocks stripped from the basement of the arc.

The mostly greenschist-facies Shyok Suture Zone shows the lithology of a calc-alkaline volcano-sedimentary series. It is supposed to be a remnant of a back arc basin of early Cretaceous age, separating the arc from the southern margin of Asia. Chloritoid, kyanite and biotite have been found in individual thrust sheets occurring at different structural levels and totally subordinate in volume to very low- and low-grade rocks. Such sharp differences in mineral paragenesis, together with field evidence of local shear, suggest a complex internal structure for the Shyok Suture Zone. From the head of Chogo Lungma glacier to the Basha valley, close to the contact with the Karakorum Metamorphic Complex, the rocks of the Shyok Suture Zone record a late Miocene metamorphic event at medium pressures and temperatures. Thermobarometric and geochronological evidence suggests that this event can be related to the exhumation and thrusting of the Karakorum metamorphic core over the Shyok Suture Zone.     

Assessment of climate change impacts on rainfall using large scale climate variables and downscaling models – A case study

Many of the applied techniques in water resources management can be directly or indirectly influenced by hydro-climatology predictions. In recent decades, utilizing the large scale climate variables as predictors of hydrological phenomena and downscaling numerical weather ensemble forecasts has revolutionized the long-lead predictions. In this study, two types of rainfall prediction models are developed to predict the rainfall of the Zayandehrood dam basin located in the central part of Iran. The first seasonal model is based on large scale climate signals data around the world. In order to determine the inputs of the seasonal rainfall prediction model, the correlation coefficient analysis and the new Gamma Test (GT) method are utilized. Comparison of modelling results shows that the Gamma test method improves the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient of modelling performance as 8% and 10% for dry and wet seasons, respectively. In this study, Support Vector Machine (SVM) model for predicting rainfall in the region has been used and its results are compared with the benchmark models such as K-nearest neighbours (KNN) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The results show better performance of the SVM model at testing stage. In the second model, statistical downscaling model (SDSM) as a popular downscaling tool has been used. In this model, using the outputs from GCM, the rainfall of Zayandehrood dam is projected under two climate change scenarios. Most effective variables have been identified among 26 predictor variables. Comparison of the results of the two models shows that the developed SVM model has lesser errors in monthly rainfall estimation. The results show that the rainfall in the future wet periods are more than historical values and it is lower than historical values in the dry periods. The highest monthly uncertainty of future rainfall occurs in March and the lowest in July.     

Stability and hydrogenation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons during hydropyrolysis (HyPy) – Relevance for high maturity organic matter

A series of hydropyrolysis (HyPy) experiments have been conducted on a small suite of authentic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs: coronene, pyrene and perylene) to investigate the HyPy behaviour of these PAHs. This information may help in the interpretation of the structural significance of aromatic HyPy products, often detected in high abundance, from high maturity kerogens. The PAHs were separately treated by HyPy and were all susceptible to some extent of hydrogenation. Perylene also decomposed into low molecular weight aromatics (e.g. methylbiphenyls). Structurally, perylene is much less stable than the more condensed PAHs coronene and pyrene. The total product concentrations (wt% of starting PAH) from all HyPy experiments were consistently less than 100 wt%, probably due to either the condensation of semi-volatile products on walls of the transfer line prior to reaching the HyPy trap or the inefficient cold trapping of highly volatile products. Hydrogenation of PAHs was prevalent and was found to be significantly influenced by the addition of a Mo-S based catalyst and potentially the C/Mo ratio, but largely independent of the two final temperatures used (520 °C and 550 °C). The fully aromatised and hydrogenated products for any stable ring system may provide a general indication of the size distribution of aromatic units within the kerogen structure.     

Three principal types of the Earth’s lithosphere and their metallogenic specialization

It is shown in this paper that, according to the data of Russian and non-Russian specialists, three characteristic “lines” (“polychronic formation arrays”) of metallogeny absolutely correspond to the idea of the existence of three principal types of the Earth’s lithosphere. Two of these types are well known, the “classical” oceanic and continental types; the third, marginal-sea type, with the so-called modified type of mineralization, is still underestimated. In the same time, this type of the lithosphere, usually considered as intermediate or transitional, is nearly the most determinative in the Earth’s evolution both in tectonics (generation of new portions of juvenile continental crust and formation of supercontinents) and in the metallogenic aspects (diverse and high industrial potential of ore occurrences).