Structure and Composition of the Holocene–Pleistocene Sediments in the Northern Barents Sea

Lithology and Mineral Resources - Signs of extensive migration of gas-bearing fluids from the sedimentary cover into the water column were identified in the northern Barents Sea during Cruises 25...     

Assessing agricultural drought management strategies in the Northern Murray–Darling Basin

Natural Hazards - The Northern Murray–Darling Basin (MDB) is a key Australian agricultural region requiring efficient Agricultural Drought Management (ADM), focused on resilience. Although a...     

Hydrochemistry of groundwater in the Savelugu–Nanton District, Northern Ghana

Calcite (CaCO₃), dolomite [CaMg(CO₃)₂], silicate dissolution, ion-exchange and reverse ion-exchange reactions are the predominant processes influencing groundwater quality in the Savelugu?CNanton District. The main objective of this study is to characterize groundwater and delineate water?Crock interactions responsible for the chemical evolution of groundwater in the District. Eighty-one (81) boreholes were sampled for quality assessment. Results showed that, the pH of the boreholes are slightly acidic to basic ranging from 6.1?C8.3?pH units. Conductivity values are low to high ranging from 147?C23,200???S/cm with, 23.5?% of groundwater within the study area being either brackish (1,500?C5,000???S/cm) or saline (>5,000???S/cm) and therefore, unsuitable for potable purposes. TDS values in groundwater varied widely, ranging from 62?C11,900?mg/L. 61.7?% of groundwater within the study area are fresh (TDS?<?500?mg/L). The chemical constituents generally, have low concentrations and are within the WHO (Guidelines for drinking water quality. Revision of the 1993 Guidelines. Final Task Group Meeting. Geneva, 2004) Guideline values. The relative abundance of cations and anions in the groundwater are in the order: Ca²⁺?>?Na⁺?>?Mg²⁺?>?K⁺ and HCO₃ ^??>?Cl^??>?SO₄ ^2??>?NO₃ ^? respectively. Multivariate statistical analysis showed expected process-based relationship derived mainly from the geochemical and biochemical processes within the aquifer. Hydrochemical facies using piper plot of major ions showed one major hydrochemical water type. The Ca?CMg?CHCO₃ water type. Due to the high cost of drilling of boreholes coupled with the high percentage (×1?%) of people without access to potable water in the Northern Region, it is recommended that the Government of Ghana and other stakeholders within the Water Sector take immediate measures to reduce (to recommended limits for potable uses) the levels of dissolved solids either by installing Reverse Osmosis equipments on such boreholes or employ other relatively known cheaper methods to reduce the dissolved solids to recommended limits. High yielding boreholes with hydrochemical parameters within WHO guideline limits in the Savelugu?CNanton District could also be mechanized to serve a wider area.     

Cenozoic Vertical-Axis Rotations of the Hoh Xil Basin, Central–Northern Tibet

Understanding the Cenozoic vertical-axis rotation in the Tibetan Plateau is crucial for continental dynamic evolution. Paleomagnetic and rock magnetic investigations were carried out for the Oligocene and Miocene continental rocks of the Hoh Xil basin in order to better understand the tectonic rotations of central Tibet. The study area was located in the Tongtianhe area located in the southern part of the Hoh Xil basin and northern margin of the Tanggula thrust system in central-northern Tibet. A total of 160 independently oriented paleomagnetic samples were drilled from the Tongtianhe section for this study. The magnetic properties of magnetite and hematite have been recognized by measurements of magnetic susceptibility vs. temperature curves and unblocking temperatures. The mean directions of the Oligocene Yaxicuo Group in stratigraphic coordinates(Declination/Inclination = 354.9°/29.3°, k = 33.0, α_(95) = 13.5°, N =5 Sites) and of the Miocene Wudaoliang Group in stratigraphic coordinates(Declination/Inclination = 3.6°/36.4°, k = 161.0, α_(95) = 9.7°, N =3 Sites) pass reversal tests, indicating the primary nature of the characteristic magnetizations. Our results suggested that the sampled areas in the Tuotuohe depression of the Hoh Xil basin have undergone no paleomagnetically detectable rotations under single thrusting from the Tanggula thrust system. Our findings, together with constraints from other tectonic characteristics reported by previous paleomagnetic studies, suggest tectonic rotations in the Cuoredejia and Wudaoliang depressions of the Hoh Xil basin were affected by strike-slip faulting of the Fenghuo Shan-Nangqian thrust systems. A closer examination of geological data and different vertical-axis rotation magnitudes suggest the tectonic history of the Hoh Xil basin may be controlled by thrust and strike-slip faulting since the Eocene.     

Deformation at the Easternmost Altyn Tagh Fault: Constraints on the Growth of the Northern Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau

How the Altyn Tagh fault(ATF) extends eastwards is one of the key questions in the study of the growth of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. Detailed fieldwork at the easternmost part of the ATF shows that the ATF extends eastward and bypasses the Kuantan Mountain; it does not stop at the Kuantan Mountain, but connects with the northern Heishan fault in the east. The ATF does not enter the Alxa Block but extends eastward along the southern Alxa Block to the Jintanan Mountain. The Heishan fault is not ...     

New Data on the Middle–Late Holocene Evolution of Vegetation Cover in the Northern Baikal Region

Doklady Earth Sciences - A continuous peat bog section from a barely accessible mid-mountain area in the northwestern Baikal region has been obtained for the first time. The materials were studied...     

Biostratigraphic Study of the Paleocene–Eocene Boundary in Northern Tunisia, North Africa

A new section at Jebel Gorraa,in northern Tunisia,contains the Paleocene-Eocene transition interval.Sample analysis of the section delivers abundant and diverse microfauna of planktonic and benthic foraminifera.Biostratigraphically,the Acarinina sibaiyaensis index-species is identified for the first time in this region,which allows us to specify the location of the Paleocene-Eocene boundary as well as the first E1 biozone of the lower Eocene.Samples from this biozone contain calcitic tests poorly preserved with an enrichment of iron oxide signifying a period of upheaval in local marine environments linked to the global warming of the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum （PETM）,the marker for the P/E boundary.     

Biostratigraphy of the Bajocian–Bathonian boundary beds in the basin of the Bolshoi Zelenchuk River (Northern Caucasus)

The study of ammonites from the upper part of the upper Bajocian and lower part of the lower Bathonian in the sections of the basin of the Bolshoi Zelenchuk (Karachay-Cherkessia) allowed the recognition of Beds with Parkinsonia djanelidzei (approximate equivalent of the middle part of the Parkinsonia parkinsoni Chronozone) and Beds with Oraniceras scythicum (lower part of the Zigzagiceras zigzag Chronozone). The taxonomic composition and distribution of foraminifers, ostracodes, dinoflagellate cysts, and miospores were studied in the samples from these deposits (upper part of the upper member of Djangura Formation). The recognized characteristic assemblages of microfauna and palynomorphs allowed ostracode and dinocyst subdivisions to be proposed for the Bajocian–Bathonian boundary beds of the Northern Caucasus for the first time. The most important taxa, including ammonites, foraminifers, ostracodes, and dinocysts, are illustrated.     

New Data on Diamond–Graphite Relationships in the Gneisses of the Kokchetav Massif (Northern Kazakhstan)

The results of studying an aggregate of graphite-and-diamond crystal in tourmaline 5 μm of the Kokchetav massif by the method of transmission electron microscopy are presented. The detail studies of the interface between the crystals of graphite and diamond have revealed the absence of disordered graphite that is detail partially graphitized diamond. Intense deformation changes in the graphite crystal occurred after it was captured by tourmaline at the regression stage, which led to considerable kinking of the graphite crystal along the a-axis. Thus, the coexistence of graphite and diamond crystals cannot be unambiguously interpreted as a product of partial diamond graphitization. Graphite could have crystallized syngenetic with a diamond crystal or at the retrograde stage in the graphite stability field.

     

Laurite and Ir-Osmium from Plagioclase Lherzolite of the Yoko–Dovyren Mafic–Ultramafic Pluton,Northern Baikal Region

The near-bottom part of the Yoko-Dovyren layered ultramafic-mafic intrusion host the Baikal deposit of Cu–Ni sulfide ores with Pt–Pd mineralization, whereas horizons and pockets of low sulfide ores with Pt–Pd mineralization occur at higher stratigraphic levels, including the boundary between strata of troctolite and gabbronorite, within these rocks, as well as in strata of peridotite at the lower part of the intrusion. This paper represents a new (for the Yoko-Dovyren intrusion) type of “refractory IPGE-mineralization” discovered in the lower peridotite ranging from two-pyroxene-plagioclase-bearing lherzolite. This mineralization occurs in thin intercalations of plagioclase lherzolite containing as much as 7% of alumochromite, up to 50 ppb Ru, 15 ppb Ir, and 60 ppb Pt. Crystals of cumulate alumochromite with 0.2–0.8 wt % TiO₂ contain hexagonal plates of Ir-osmium up to 5 m in size. Crystals of cumulate alumochromite with 1.2–2.8 wt % TiO₂ host pentagonal dodecahedrons of laurite up to 4 m in size. One of the alumochromite crystals with an inclusion of Os-poor laurite was found inside a crystal of cumulate olivine Fo86. Intergrowth of laurite and Ir-osmium enclosed in alumochromite with 1.1% TiO₂ was observed in one case. Laurite from Yoko-Dovyren contains 93–66%, predominantly 92–82%, RuS₂ endmember (n = 10); 3–20, predominantly 5–12%, OsS₂ endmember; 4–5% IrS₂ endmember; and up to 0.7% Pd and 0.5% Au. Ir-osmium is divided into two groups by composition. The first group is enriched in Os (58–73 wt %, on average 64 wt %) and Ru (3–8 wt %, on average 5 wt %), contains 24–34 wt % Ir (n = 4), up to 1.4 wt % Au, and no Pt. Compositions of the second group have 57–58 wt % Os, 27–30 wt % Ir, 1.5–5.5 wt % Ru, approximately 10 wt % Pt (n = 3), and up to 0.2 wt % Pd. The Cr# and Fe²⁺/(Fe²⁺ + Mg) values, which range within 58–69 and 61–72, respectively, are identical in alumochromite with both enclosed laurite and Ir-osmium. Alumochromite, relatively enriched in Ti, crystallized slightly later, suggesting later crystallization for hosted laurite. Occurrence of Ir-osmium seems to indicate a picritic magma undersaturated with sulfide sulfur during bulk crystallization of alumochromite Judging from the diagram from (Brennan and Andrews, 2001), intergrowths of laurite and Ir-osmium, evidence that their probable crystallization temperature did not exceed 1250°C. The presence of own minerals of Ru, Os, Ir in the rocks, containing the first ppb of these PGE shows startling degree of magmatic differentiation. In the matrix of plagioclase lherzolites, containing laurite and Ir-osmium, in association with phlogopite, pargasite, pentlandite, troilite and chalcopyrite there were found the smallest crystals of geversite, sperrilite, insizwaite, niggliite, naldrettite, zvyagintsevite, in association with serpentine and chlorite–native platinum, Pd-platinum, osarsite, irarsite, platarsite.     

New data on the deep structure of the Northern Vent of the Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption (1975–1976)

In order to restore the deep structure in the region of the Northern Vent (NV) of the Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption (GTFE) (1975–1976), low-frequency microseismic sounding was applied. For this purpose accumulation of spectra of the microseismic field was performed in a wide frequency band in 29 points along a linear profile 14 km in length embedded transversely to the fissure eruption. A deep cross section of the Earth’s crust was constructed up to 20 km, reflecting the distribution of relative velocities of transverse seismic waves. The revealed structural heterogeneities were interpreted with consideration of previously known results of complex studies of the eruption. The existence of an abnormal structure at the depths of 2–3 and 7–8 km under the NV GTFE was confirmed, which could be low-depth magma chambers. Deep subvertical low-velocity structures were revealed and spatially registered, which probably feed the conduits of the eruption. It was demonstrated that the ways of possible magma supply to the peripheral chamber at the depth of 2–3 km could be various. For the first time for the zone of areal volcanism, variation of the character of magmatic intrusions was demonstrated at the transition from a crystalline basement to the near-surface depth: subvertical forms are replaced with a system of sills and interesting injections.     

Late Carboniferous Monzonite–Granosyenite Magmatism in the Northern Balkhash Region (Central Kazakhstan)

U–Pb dating of the Torangalyk Complex (Northern Balkhash) yielded a Late Carboniferous age of 305 ± 2 Ma. Taking into account the previous data, a new scheme for Late Paleozoic granitic magmatism in this region has been proposed. It includes the Early Carboniferous granite–granodiorite Balkhash Complex, Late Carboniferous monzonite–granosyenite Kokdombak and Torangalyk complexes, and the Late Carboniferous–Early Permian granite–leucogranite Akchatau Complex.     

Geochemical controls on the formation of unconformity-type Au–U deposits (Northern Transbaikalia)

This study provides geochemical, mineralogical, and isotope data for rocks and ores from Lower Proterozoic black shale formations of the Kodar–Udokan structural and formational zone, which host the Khadatkanda gold—uranium deposit. The results indicate that the uranium and gold mineralizations were formed at different times in relation to different geodynamic settings. The gold mineralization is associated with the inception of the Syulban fault and has a juvenile source. The later Th–U mineralization originated during tectonic rejuvenation of the Syulban fault zone, while the sources of radioactive elements were presumably the underlying sediments of the Kodar Group, which are widespread throughout the area of the Baikal mountain region (BMR). Based on the above results, the Au–U mineralization in the study area can be recognized as unconformity-type deposits, analogous to the well-known deposits of Australia and Canada. In this connection, the Baikal mountain region has a good potential for the discovery of Au—U deposits.     

Dolomite textures in the Upper Cretaceous carbonate-hosted Pb–Zn deposits,Zakho, Northern Iraq

In the northeast of Zakho City, Northern Iraq, the host rocks of Pb–Zn deposits are composed predominantly of dolomites with subordinate dolomitic limestone intervals. This study is focused on the dolomites of the Bekhme Formation (Upper Campanian) carbonate-hosted Pb–Zn deposits. The amount of dolomites, however, increases toward the mineralized zone. Dolomites are dominated by replacement dolomite with minor dolomite cements. Petrography study allowed identification of six different dolomite textures. These are (1) fine crystalline, planar-s (subhedral) dolomite, RD1; (2) medium to coarse crystalline, planar-e (euhedral) to planar-s (subhedral) dolomites, RD2; (3) medium crystalline, planar-s (subhedral) to nonplanar-a (anhedral) dolomites, RD3; (4) coarse crystalline, planar-s (subhedral) to nonplanar-a (anhedral) dolomites, RD4; (5) planar (subhedral) void-filling dolomite cements, CD1; and (6) nonplanar (saddle) void-filling dolomite, CD2. The RD1, RD2, RD3, and RD4 dolomite textures are replacive in origin and are volumetrically the most important types, whereas CD1 and CD2 dolomites with sparry calcite are commonly cements that fill the open spaces. Although the dolomites of the Bekhme Formation are not macroscopically observed in the field, their different types are easily distinguished by petrographic examination and scanning electron microscopy. It was observed that the dolomites of the Bekhme Formation are formed in two different diagenetic stages: the early diagenetic from mixing zone fluids at the tidal–subtidal (reef) environments and the late diagenetic from basinal brines which partially mixed with hydrothermal fluids at the shallow-deep burial depths. The latter occurs often with sphalerite, galena, and pyrite within mineralized zone. These dolomite types are associated base-metal mineralization (Mississippi Valley type).     

The Late Silurian Age of the Reference Aralaul Granosyenites–Granite Massif (Northern Kazakhstan)

This work presents the results of U–Pb geochronological studies of alkaline granites of the Aralaul complex of Northern Kazakhstan, which allow one to substantiate their Late Silurian (420 ± 4 Ma) age. Taking into consideration the previously obtained data, we propose a new development scheme of Paleozoic granitoid magmatism in Northern Kazakhstan, which includes Late Ordovician granite–granodiorite (Zerenda and Krykkuduk), Early Silurian granite–leucogranite (Borovoe and Karabulak), Late Silurian granosyenites–granite (Aralaul), and Early Devonian (Balkashino and Orlinogorsk) complexes.     

First Data on Noble Metal–Rare Earth Mineralization in Graphite-Bearing Rocks of the Northern Margin of the Khanka Terrain

High-carbon rocks at the northern margin of the Khanka terrane (Primorskii krai) have been found to host new occurrences of noble and rare-earth metals: the largest of them is the Filinskoye deposit. The graphite ores, hosting copper-bearing high-grade gold, silver, monazite, xenotime, sulfides, rutile, barite, and uraninite, demonstrate high ties of carbon with gold and rare earths. The graphite demonstrates δ¹³C from–2.1 to–5.5‰, corresponding to the mantle isotope composition. This suggests that the primary sources of the ore-forming system were deep carbon-bearing fluids.

     

Statistically downscaled climate change projections of surface temperature over Northern Italy for the periods 2021–2050 and 2070–2099

Future changes of seasonal minimum and maximum temperature over Northern Italy are assessed for the periods 2021–2050 and 2070–2099 against 1961–1990. A statistical downscaling technique, applied to the ENSEMBLES-Stream1 and CIRCE global simulations (A1B scenario), is used to reach this objective. The statistical scheme consists of a multivariate regression based on Canonical Correlation Analysis. The set-up of the statistical scheme is done using large-scale fields (predictors) derived from ERA40 reanalysis and seasonal mean minimum and maximum temperature (predictands) derived from observational data at around 75 stations, distributed over Northern Italy, over the period 1960–2002. A similar technique is also applied to the number of frost days and ice days at a reduced number of stations in order to construct projections on change of the selected extreme temperature indices for the two future periods. The evaluation of future projections for these extreme indices is relevant due to its impacts on transports, health, and agriculture. The downscaling scheme constructed using observed data is then applied to large-scale fields simulated by global models (A1B scenario), in order to construct scenarios on future change of seasonal temperature, mean and extreme indices, at local scale. The significance of changes is tested from the statistical point of view. The results show that significant increases could be expected to occur under scenario conditions in both minimum and maximum temperature, associated with a decrease in the number of frost and ice days in both periods and more intense to the end of the century.