Geochemical Constraints of Sediments on the Provenance, Depositional Environment and Tectonic Setting of the Songliao Prototype Basin

The geochemistry of sediments is primarily controlled by their provenances, and different tectonic settings have distinctive provenance characteristics and sedimentary processes. So, it is possible to discriminate provenances, depositional environments and tectonic settings in the development of a sedimentary basin with the geochemistry of the clastic rocks. The analytical results of the present paper demonstrate that sediments in the Songliao prototype basin are enriched in silica (SiO2=66.48-80.51 %), and their ΣREE are 30-130 dmes of that of chondrite with remarkable Eu anomalies. In discriminating diagrams of Eu/Eu vs eeeeeREE and (La/Yb)N vs ΣREE, most samples locate above the line Eu/ Eu=l, on the right of the line Eu/Eu/ΣREE=1 and under the line La/Yb)N/eeeeeREE=1/8, which indicates that the depositional environment of sediments in the basin was oxidizing. In addition, variations of MgO, TiO2, A12O3, FeO+Fe2O3, Na2O and CaO vs SiO2 reflect a tendency of increasing mineral maturity of sediments     

Origin of natural sulfur-metal chimney in the Tangyin hydrothermal field,Okinawa Trough: constraints from rare earth element and sulfur isotopic compositions

For the first time, we present the rare earth element (REE) and sulfur isotopic composition of hydrothermal precipitates recovered from the Tangyin hydrothermal field (THF), Okinawa Trough at a water depth of 1206 m. The natural sulfur samples exhibit the lowest ΣREE concentrations (ΣREE= 0.65×10^–6–4.580×10^–6) followed by metal sulfides (ΣREE=1.71×10^–6–11.63×10^–6). By contrast, the natural sulfur-sediment samples have maximum ΣREE concentrations (ΣREE=11.54×10^–6–33.06×10^–6), significantly lower than those of the volcanic and sediment samples. Nevertheless, the δEu, δCe, (La/Yb)_N, La/Sm, (Gd/Yb)_N and normalized patterns of the natural sulfur and metal sulfide show the most similarity to the sediment. Most hydrothermal precipitate samples are characterized by enrichments of LREE (LREE/HREE=10.09–24.53) and slightly negative Eu anomalies or no anomaly (δEu=0.48–0.99), which are different from the hydrothermal fluid from sediment-free mid-oceanic ridges and back-arc basins, but identical to the sulfides from the Jade hydrothermal field. The lower temperature and more oxidizing conditions produced by the mixing between seawater and hydrothermal fluids further attenuate the leaching ability of hydrothermal fluid, inducing lower REE concentrations for natural sulfur compared with metal sulfide; meanwhile, the negative Eu anomaly is also weakened or almost absent. The sulfur isotopic compositions of the natural sulfur (δ³⁴S=3.20‰–5.01‰, mean 4.23‰) and metal sulfide samples (δ³⁴S=0.82‰–0.89‰, mean 0.85‰) reveal that the sulfur of the chimney is sourced from magmatic degassing.     

REE Geochemical Characteristics of Apatite,Sphene and Zircon from Alkaline Rocks

The accessory minerals apatite and sphene are the main carriers of REE in alkaline rocks.Their chondrite-normalized REE patterns decline sharply to the right as those of the host rocks,In the patterns an obvious negative Eu anomaly and a positive Ce anomaly can be seen in apatite and sphene,respectively.Zircon from alkaline rocks is different in REE pattern,I,e,. a nearly symmetric“V“-shaped pattern with a maximum negative Eu anomaly.Compared with the equivalents from granites,apatite,sphene and zircon from alkaline rocks are all characterized by higher (La/Yb)N ratio and less Eu depletion,As to the relative contents of REE in minerals,apatite,sphene and zircon are enriched in LREE,MREE and HREE respectively,depending on their crystallochemical properties.     

渝东南地区石牛栏组稀土元素地球化学特征及地质意义

渝东南地区的下志留统石牛栏组作为重要的油气储集层,研究其古环境变化、物质来源及物源区构造背景具有重要意义。本文采用稀土元素总量w(ΣREE)、REE配分模式、以及w(ΣLREE)/w(ΣHREE)、w(La)_N/w(Yb)_N、w(Ce)_N/w(Yb)_N、w(La)_N/w(Sm)_N、w(Gd)_N/w(Yb)_N、δEu、δCe、Ce_(anom)等特征值研究方法,对渝东南下志留统石牛栏组典型剖面的稀土元素特征及古海洋环境和物源进行深入研究。结果表明:石牛栏组灰岩稀土元素总量略低于大陆地壳平均值,轻稀土较为富集,重稀土亏损,铕明显负异常,铈负异常较微弱。w(ΣREE)证实了石牛栏组的沉积水体由浅缓慢变深再急剧变浅的变化过程。Eu负异常、Ce负异常和C_(eanom)值均揭示石牛栏组沉积时期海水具有弱还原性。REE的分异程度反映了石牛栏组从沉积早期到沉积晚期,沉积速率总体降低。稀土元素的比值特征及w(ΣREE)—w(La)/w(Yb)图解表明其物源源自雪峰山隆起,源岩主要为沉积岩。     

Geochemistry of mafic rocks of the PGE-bearing Vurechuaivench Massif (Monchegorsk Complex,Kola region)

The platinum-bearing Paleoproterozoic Vurechuaivench Massif in the Monchegorsk Pluton is made up of amphibolized and saussuritized gabbronorites, anorthosites, and norites. The geochemical features of the massif rocks are considered at four detailed areas. It was confirmed that the Vurechuaivench and Nyud-Poaz massifs are geochemically similar. The rare-earth element (REE) distribution in the rocks of the Vurechuaivench Massif is peculiar in the low total REE content (9.4–27.6 ppm), negative REE slope, significant LREE enrichment [La/Yb] _n = 3.7–8.7), and distinctly expressed positive Eu anomaly ([Eu/Eu*] _n = 1.2–2.2). The REE distribution pattern remains unchangeable throughout the entire section, including the rocks of the Pt reef, with a gradual upsection REE increase. It is suggested that the PGE reef of the Vurechuaivench Massif, as the Platinova Reef (Skaergaard massif) and Sonju-Lake Intrusion (Duluth complex), was formed during fractional crystallization in a large magma chamber without new magma influx. It is conceivable that the Vurechuaivench Massif is the allochthonous fragment of a large loppolith-like body, the lower portions of which compose the Nyud-Poaz Massif, while the middle part was almost completely eroded.     

内蒙古大石寨地区稀土元素的区域分布特征

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

REE geochemistry of the recent playa sediments from the Thar Desert, India: An implication to playa sediment provenance

The playas (saline lakes) situated in the Thar Desert, north-west India, provide prominent examples of alkaline brine and varying assemblages of detrital and evaporite mineralogy. The eastern margin of the desert is relatively semi-arid, whereas the central to western region is arid to hyper-arid in nature. Rare earth elements (REEs) systematics in the sediments of nine different playas of the Thar Desert were studied to understand the provenance of the sediments and the intensity of chemical weathering in the region. Based on the REE patterns, fractionation of light REE (LREE) (La/Sm)_N and heavy REE (HREE) (Gd/Yb)_N, and Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu*), the upper continental crust normalised playa sediments are divided into two different groups. The eastern margin playa sediments show homogeneous REE contents, relatively positive Eu anomaly and depleted HREE values, whereas the western arid core playa sediments have highly variable REE contents, relatively negative Eu anomaly and similarly fractioned LREE and HREE patterns. The dissimilarity in the degree of HREE fractionations both in the eastern and western playa sediments is attributed to the differential distribution of minerals, depending upon their resistance to chemical weathering. It is believed that the relatively higher abundance of REE bearing heavy minerals and the presence of higher amounts of evaporites influence the large variation of REE distribution and enriched HREE in the western playa sediments. Apart from the relatively higher abundance of heavy minerals, the presence of rock fragments of variable petrographic character and roundness mirror the lower rock–water interaction in the arid western region. The presence of well-rounded metamorphic rock fragments and minerals, sourced from the eastern margin Aravalli mountains, indicates that the playas of the entire desert get the detrital and dissolved material mainly from the Aravalli mountains. Additionally, the western playas receive sediments from their surrounding Proterozoic and Mesozoic formations. This interpretation is supported by the presence of angular rock fragments of basalt, rhyolite and limestone in the western playas.     

Rare earth elements (REE) and yttrium in stream waters, stream sediments, and Fe-Mn oxyhydroxides: Fractionation, speciation, and controls over REE + Y patterns in the surface environment

We have collected ∼500 stream waters and associated bed-load sediments over an ∼400 km² region of Eastern Canada and analyzed these samples for Fe, Mn, and the rare earth elements (REE + Y). In addition to analyzing the stream sediments by total digestion (multi-acid dissolution with metaborate fusion), we also leached the sediments with 0.25 M hydroxylamine hydrochloride (in 0.05 M HCl), to determine the REE + Y associated with amorphous Fe- and Mn-oxyhydroxide phases. We are thus able to partition the REE into “dissolved” (<0.45 μm), labile (hydroxylamine) and detrital sediment fractions to investigate REE fractionation, and in particular, with respect to the development of Ce and Eu anomalies in oxygenated surface environments. Surface waters are typically LREE depleted ([La/Sm]_NASC ranges from 0.16 to 5.84, average = 0.604, n = 410; where the REE are normalized to the North America Shale Composite), have strongly negative Ce anomalies ([Ce/Ce^∗]_NASC ranges from 0.02 to 1.25, average = 0.277, n = 354), and commonly have positive Eu anomalies ([Eu/Eu^∗]_NASC ranges from 0.295 to 1.77, average = 0.764, n = 84). In contrast, the total sediment have flatter REE + Y patterns relative to NASC ([La/Sm]_NASC ranges from 0.352 to 1.12, average = 0.778, n = 451) and are slightly middle REE enriched ([Gd/Yb]_NASC ranges from 0.55 to 3.75, average = 1.42). Most total sediments have negative Ce and Eu anomalies ([Ce/Ce^∗]_NASC ranges from 0.097 to 2.12, average = 0.799 and [Eu/Eu^∗]_NASC ranges from 0.39 to 1.43, average = 0.802). The partial extraction sediments are commonly less LREE depleted than the total sediments ([La/Sm]_NASC ranges from 0.24 to 3.31, average = 0.901, n = 4537), more MREE enriched ([Gd/Yb]_NASC ranges from 0.765 to 6.28, average = 1.97) and Ce and Eu anomalies (negative and positive) are more pronounced.The partial extraction recovered, on average ∼20% of the Fe in the total sediment, ∼80% of the Mn, and 21-29% of the REEs (Ce = 19% and Y = 32%). Comparison between REEs in water, partial extraction and total sediment analyses indicates that REEs + Y in the stream sediments have two primary sources, the host lithologies (i.e., mechanical dispersion) and hydromorphically transported (the labile fraction). Furthermore, Eu appears to be more mobile than the other REE, whereas Ce is preferentially removed from solution and accumulates in the stream sediments in a less labile form than the other REEs + Y. Despite poor statistical correlations between the REEs + Y and Mn in either the total sediment or partial extractions, based on apparent distribution coefficients and the pH of the stream waters, we suggest that either sediment organic matter and/or possibly δ-MnO₂/FeOOH are likely the predominant sinks for Ce, and to a lesser extent the other REE, in the stream sediments.     

Mineralogy and geochemistry of sediments from Simbock Lake,Yaoundé area (southern Cameroon): provenance and environmental implications

Two cores of sediments, named NR and EB, were collected in the Simbock Lake (Mefou watershed, Yaoundé) to assess their provenance and the degree of heavy metal pollution based on mineralogical and geochemical data. The sediments are sandy, sand-clayey to clayey, and yellowish brown to greenish brown, and with high amounts of organic matter (average value of TOC is 1.95%). The sediments are mainly composed of quartz, kaolinite, accessory goethite, smectite, rutile, feldspars, illite, gibbsite, and interstratified illite-vermiculite. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy shows that kaolinite is less crystallized in the NR core than in the EB core. The Index of Compositional Variability (ICV), Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA), Plagioclase Index of Alteration (PIA), and the Rb/Sr and K₂O/Rb ratios indicate a high weathering intensity in the source area. These sediments have low contents in Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, Na₂O, K₂O, MgO, and CaO as well as high values in SiO₂, P₂O₅, TiO₂, and MnO relative to the upper continental crust. The concentrations of Cr, V, Ba, and Zr are higher in the NR core than those in EB. The total rare earth element (REE) content varies between 78 and 405 ppm. The light REE are abundant (LREE/HREE ~?18–59; avg.?=?25.61). The chondrite-normalized REE patterns exhibit (i) negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu^* ~?0.38–0.62; avg.?=?0.5), (ii) slight positive Ce anomaly (Ce/Ce^* ~?1.11–1.34; avg.?=?1.11), and (iii) high REE fractionation ((La/Yb)_N ~?12.3–51.75; avg.?=?25.61). The enrichment factor (EF) shows that the Mefou watershed through the Simbock Lake sediments is slightly polluted by the agricultural and urban activities.     

Geochemical features of the Matomb alluvial rutile from the Neoproterozoic Pan-African belt,Southern Cameroon

The Matomb region constitutes an important deposit of detrital rutile. The rutile grains are essentially coarse (> 3 mm), tabular and elongated, due to the short sorting of highly weathered detritus. This study reports the major, trace, and rare-earth element distribution in the bulk and rutile concentrated fractions. The bulk sediments contain minor TiO₂ concentrations (1–2 wt%), high SiO₂ contents (∼77–95 wt%) and variable contents in Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, Zr, Y, Ba, Nb, Cr, V, and Zn. The total REE content is low to moderate (86–372 ppm) marked by high LREE-enrichment (LREE/HREE ∼5–25.72) and negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu^* ∼0.51–0.69). The chemical index of alteration (CIA) shows that the source rocks are highly weathered, characteristic of humid tropical zone with the development of ferrallitic soils. In the concentrated fractions, TiO₂ abundances exceed 94 wt%. Trace elements with high contents include V, Nb, Cr, Sn, and W. These data associated with several binary diagrams show that rutile is the main carrier of Ti, V, Nb, Cr, Sn, and W in the alluvia. The REE content is very low (1–9 ppm) in spite of the LREE-abundance (LREE/HREE ∼4–40). The rutile concentrated fractions exhibit anomalies in Ce (Ce/Ce^* ∼0.58 to 0.83; ∼1.41–2.50) and Eu (Eu/Eu^* ∼0.42; 1.20–1.64). The high (La/Sm)_N, (La/Yb)_N and (Gd/Yb)_N ratios indicate high REE fractionation.     

Rare earth element geochemistry of South Atlantic deep sea sediments: Ce anomaly change at ~54 My

The geochemistry of the REE (rare earth elements) in oceanic sediments is discussed, based mainly on samples from DSDP Holes 530A and 530B, Leg 75, and Hole 525A, Leg 74. The proposed mechanisms for incorporation of the REE into the marine carbonate phases are adsorption, chiefly onto the carbonate minerals and on Sc, Hf, and Ta-rich Fe-Mn hydroxide flocs as carbonate coatings.The Ce anomaly of marine carbonate was used as an indicator of paleo-ocean water redox conditions: the bottom water of the Angola Basin was in a reducing condition in the Cretaceous. At ca. 54 My, the South Atlantic water condition became oxidizing, similar to the present seawater redox condition. This change was related to the improvement of circulation due to the widening of South Atlantic and the subsidence of water circulation barriers such as the Walvis Ridge and perhaps the Romanche Fracture Zone.The younger (Eocene-Recent) and older (Albian-Santonian) argillaceous sedimentary rocks from 530A (denoted as YSAB and OSAB respectively) show different degrees of Eu depletion with a transition period in between. The REE patterns of OSAB suggest a basaltic origin. The possible sources are Kaoko basalt in Southwest Africa or Namibia and the basaltic Walvis Ridge itself. The decrease in the area covered by Kaoko basalt due to erosion, the subsidence of the Walvis Ridge, and the improvement of water circulation led to changes in the Eu anomaly from Campanian to Paleocene, and resulted in the YSAB REE pattern. Changes in the Sm/Eu, La/Th, Th/Yb, Ti/Al₂O₃, FeO/Al₂O₃, and Hf/Al₂O₃ ratios suggest changes of average source rock composition from and esite to granodiorite.The REE abundances and patterns of younger sediments in the Angola Basin (YSAB) are very similar to those observed in NASC, PAAS, and ES sediments. The YSAB REE abundances and patterns may represent the average REE distribution of the exposed African continental crust. The strong resemblance of REE distributions of YSAB, NASC, PAAS and ES suggests thorough REE mixing from different sources and the uniformity of the average crustal compositions of different continents: Africa, North America, Australia, and Europe     

REE Geochemical Evolution and Its Significance of Early Precambrian Metamorphic Terrain,Wuyang,Henan

The supracrustal rocks of the Wuyang metamorphic terrain are divided into the Zhao anzhuang,Tieshanmiao and Yangshuwan Formations.These three Formations were dated at 3000-2550Ma,2550-2300Ma and 2300-2200Ma,respectively.∑REE and La/Yb)n of the Zhao anzhuang Formation volcanic rocks are obviously higher than those of the Tiesanmiao Formation equivalents,suggesting a sedimentary gap(2550 Ma boundary)between these two formations,The Zhao‘anzhuang Formation is older than the Tieshanmiao Formation.The sediments of these two Formations show no obvious differences in REE and are generally characterized by low ∑REE and positive Eu anomalies.On the contrary,the sediments of the Yangshuwan Formation are characterized by high ∑REE and negative Eu anomalies.Detailed discussions demonstrate that the Yangshuwan Formation was deposited in an oxidizing environment whereas the other two formations were formed in a reducing environment.At the end of the evolution of the Tieshanmiao Formation about 2300 Ma ago,the sedimentary environment was transformed from reducing to oxidizing .On the basis of the SHAB (soft/hard acid and base)theory,an oxidation-reduction model for sedimentary REE evolution has been established .It is proposed that the mantle tends to become gradually depleted in REE.especially in LREE,and the indices ∑REE and La/Yb) n of mantle-dervived volcanic rocks also tend to become lower and lower.     

Evolution in the provenance of a tectonically controlled Plio–Pleistocene alluvial system between the Variscan Iberian Massif and the Atlantic margin, Portugal

Geochemical and mineralogical data from a Pliocene to Pleistocene alluvial sequence are integrated to access the factors that control rare earth elements (REE) geochemistry and the evolution and spatial differences in provenance. The studied alluvial system is situated in a tectonic active setting at the contact between the Variscan Massif, with several Paleozoic and Precambrian units that support a coastal range, and the Atlantic margin. REE and HREE abundances are generally higher in swamp-lake than in floodplain sediments. The majority of the REE in floodplain sediments is hosted by Y and Th-bearing minerals and illite; in swamp-lake sediments is also probable an association with organic matter. The high Gd/Yb, Eu/Eu* and kaolinite content in older sediments suggest that during the earlier phases provenance was mainly from the hinterland (weathered granitic rocks and its sediment cover). The subsequent illite (Mg-rich) clay assemblages and REE patterns indicate mainly lateral input from the eastern basin edge (Palaeozoic and Precambrian metapelitic rocks). These sediments tend to have lower Gd/Yb and La/Sm than their source rocks. The analysis of the chemical index of alteration (CIA) indicates that although a north-directed fluvial axis existed at that time the “mature” basin edge units found to the south (Silurian) had a limited role in supplying sediments. This shift in provenance is attributed to the uplift of the coastal range. Afterwards, the contribution of recycled Cretaceous and Cenozoic sedimentary units increased progressively. This is demonstrated by the increase is SiO₂/TiO₂, CIA and kaolinite/illite when the climatic conditions are expected to have become less chemically aggressive.     

黔北黑色岩系稀土元素地球化学特征及成因意义

本文采用ICPMS方法研究了黔北下寒武统牛蹄塘组黑色岩系的稀土元素地球化学特征和形成条件。黑色岩系稀土总量在金属富集层之Mo矿层中出现峰值,向剖面上、下大致依次减小,代表了一种非正常海水沉积作用。Eu、Ce呈负异常,反映黑色岩系形成于干燥气候的陆棚边缘浅海的还原环境。稀土模式,连同La/YbCe/La、La/YbREE图解特征,说明黑色岩系为正常海水与岩浆热卤水混合沉积的产物。     

Geochemistry of the Upper Neoproterozoic and Lower Cambrian siliciclastic rocks and U-Pb dating on detrital zircons in the Central Iberian Zone,Spain

Sandstones and shales from the Upper Neoproterozoic (UN) succession in the Central Iberian Zone (CIZ) show parallel REE patterns and relatively restricted and similar ranges and average values of some element ratios such as Al₂O₃/TiO₂, Ti/Nb, Eu/Eu*, (La/Yb)n, (Gd/Yb)n and Th/U. This remarkable geochemical homogeneity for related medium- and fine-grained rocks is unusual, and strongly suggests a recycled source area. However, the Lower Cambrian (LC) equivalent rocks are, in general terms, geochemically less mature, more heterogeneous and more fractionated. Their average REE patterns are practically coincident, probably as a consequence of REE redistribution related to the reworking of sediments during a stage of sea level fall in Lower Cambrian times. Ti and Zr abundances, chemical index of alteration (CIA) values and element ratios such as Al₂O₃/TiO₂, K/Rb, Ti/Nb and Rb/Zr can be used for discriminating purposes between the UN and LC siliciclastic rocks. Detrital zircons from a UN and a LC sandstone display morphological differences. However, U-Pb data are discordant and cannot be interpreted in a straightforward manner. Nevertheless, age data are compatible with a model in which the continent of Gondwana would have supplied zircons, showing a bimodal age distribution, in variable proportions to the respective sandstone units.     

Sources of stream sediments in the granulite terrain of the Walawe Ganga Basin,Sri Lanka,indicated by rare earth element geochemistry

Thirty-eight samples of stream sediments draining high-grade metamorphic rocks in the Walawe Ganga (river) Basin, Sri Lanka, were analysed for their REE contents, together with samples of metamorphic suites from the source region. The metamorphic rocks are enriched in light REE (LREE) compared to heavy REE (HREE) and are characterised by high La/Lu ratios and negative Eu anomalies. The chondrite-normalised patterns for these granulite-grade rocks are similar to that of the average post-Archaean upper crust, but they are slightly enriched with La and Ce. The REE contents of the <63-μm fraction of the stream sediments are similar to the probable source rocks, but the other grain size fractions show more enriched patterns. The <63-μm stream sediments fraction contains lower total REE, more pronouncd negative Eu anomalies, higher Eu_N/Sm_N and lower La _N/Lu_N ratios relative to other fractions. The lower La _N/Lu_N ratio is related to the depletion of heavy minerals in the <63-μm fraction. The 63–125-μm and 125–177-μm grain size fractions of sediments are particularly enriched in LREE (average ΣLREE=2990 μg/g and 3410 μg/g, respectively). The total HREE contents are surprisingly uniform in all size fractions. However, the REE contents in the Walawe Ganga sediments are not comparable with those of the granulite-grade rocks from the source region of the sediments. The enrichment of REE is accounted for by the presence of REE containing accessory mineral phases such as zircon, monazite, apatite and garnet. These minerals are derived from an unknown source, presumably from scattered bodies of granitic pegmatites.     

Geochemical characteristics of REE in the Late Neo-proterozoic limestone from northern Anhui Province,China

Ten representative limestone samples [six from Wangshan Formation （WL） and the other four from Gou- hou Formation （GL）] were collected from outcrops of the northern Anhui Province, and REE concentrations in lime- stone were measured by ICP-MS. The depositional environment and source of the REE were analyzed, and the re- sults implys that the total REE of samples are low compared with the recent marine sediments, which range from 9.61 to 54.18 mg/kg and an average of 22.93 mg/kg. The PAAS-normalized REE＋Y patterns of limestone are char- acterized by （1） light REE depletion in WL and enrichment in GL with the values of （Nd/Yb）sN ranging form 0.65 to 0.91 and 1.12 to 1.46, respectively; （2） light negative Ce anomaly （0.85-1.02） and positive La anomaly （0.92-1.27）; and （3） both Eu （0.91-1.23） and Y （1.42-2.38） expressing light positive anomaly. The character indicated that the depositional environment was oxygenated, with infection by the hydrothermal activity and contamination of detritus.     

Rare earth elements in fine-grained sediments of major rivers from the high-standing island of Taiwan

Thirty-eight sediment samples from 15 primary rivers on Taiwan were retrieved to characterize the rare earth element (REE) signature of fluvial fine sediment sources. Compared to the three large rivers on the Chinese mainland, distinct differences were observed in the REE contents, upper continental crust normalized patterns and fractionation factors of the sediment samples. The average REE concentrations of the Taiwanese river sediments are higher than those of the Changjiang and Huanghe, but lower than the Zhujiang. Light rare earth elements (LREEs) are enriched relative to heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) with ratios from 7.48 to 13.03. We found that the variations in (La/Lu)_UCC–(Gd/Lu)_UCC and (La/Yb)_UCC–(Gd/Yb)_UCC are good proxies for tracing the source sediments of Taiwanese and Chinese rivers due to their distinguishable values. Our analyses indicate that the REE compositions of Taiwanese river sediments were primarily determined by the properties of the bedrock, and the intensity of chemical weathering in the drainage areas. The relatively high relief and heavy rainfall also have caused the REEs in the fluvial sediments from Taiwan to be transported to the estuaries down rivers from the mountains, and in turn delivered nearly coincidently to the adjacent seas by currents and waves. Our studies suggest that the REE patterns of the river sediments from Taiwan are distinguishable from those from the other sources of sediments transported into the adjacent seas, and therefore are useful proxies for tracing the provenances and dispersal patterns of sediments, as well as paleoenvironmental changes in the marginal seas.     

北京平原沉积物稀土元素地球化学特征及物源意义

文中总结了北京平原永定河、潮白河流域钻孔沉积物中稀土元素分布特征,两流域沉积物稀土元素总量∑REE、轻重稀土比(LREE/HREE)及轻(La/Sm)N、重(Gd/Yb)N稀土分馏特征差异较为显著。粒度对沉积物稀土分布(总量、轻重稀土比及分馏特征)有一定影响;各流域沉积物均表现为轻稀土相对富集、弱Eu负异常的球粒陨石标准化曲线。细颗粒沉积物稀土分馏特征(La/Yb)N有较好的物源示踪意义。根据沉积物(La/Yb)N值对永定河、潮白河交互沉积区不同深度沉积物进行了物源示踪,不同深度上沉积物来源不同。此外,同一流域上、中、下游沉积物稀土分馏特征不同。常量元素Al2O3/Fe2O3与稀土元素(La/Yb)N划分结果相符,但精度低于稀土元素物源分析。     

Geochemistry of the Eocene limestones of the Jaisalmer basin,Rajasthan, India: Implications on depositional conditions and sources of rare earth elements

Major, trace and rare earth elements (REE) concentration of the Eocene limestones, Jaisalmer Basin, Rajasthan, India are analysed to reconstruct the depositional conditions and to identify sources of REEs. Among the major oxides, CaO is the dominant oxide followed by SiO₂ in the studied limestones. Trace element Ba dominates over the other trace elements and it shows negative correlation with CaO. The Sr, occurring in small concentration, shows positive correlation with CaO. Other trace elements such as V, Zr, Sc, Y, Rb, Ni, Pb Co, Cu, U occur in small concentrations. The studied limestones show a positive correlation of ΣREE with Fe₂O₃, Ni, Th, Sc, and Y. These limestones possess sea-water like shale-normalized REE + Y pattern with light REE depletion, slight Gd enrichment, slightly positive La anomaly, positive Y anomaly, positive Eu anomaly, negative Ce anomaly and superchondritic Y/Ho ratio from 23.12 to 28.57. The dominance of CaO and low percentage of MgO suggest that mineral phase is calcite and there is absence of dolomitization. The occurrence of SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ in appreciable percentages may be because of the siliciclastic input during the limestone precipiatetion. The low concentration of Uranium (0.4-3.7) and authigenic Uranium (Average Total U-Th/3 value = 0.74) indicate that the studied limestones were precipitated in oxic condition from seawater. The depletion of LREE suggests that the limestones were precipitated from the seawater. The positive correlation of ΣREE with Al₂O₃ Fe₂O₃, Ni, Th, Sc, and Y and negative correlation with CaO suggest an input of siliciclastic sediments from the land during limestone precipitation. The negative Ce anomaly, slightly positive La anomaly, slight Gd enrichment, positive Y anomaly, and positive Eu anomaly also suggest that the limestone was precipitated from the seawater with some siliciclastic input from continent. The low values of the Y/Ho ratio (23.12 to 28.57) in the studied limestones suggest some modification of the seawater by the input of freshwater in a coastal environment. The REEs of the studied limestones are correlable with the shallow sea water REEs with exception of a few elements. We envisage a coastal/shallow marine depositional environment where mixing of the continental material in sea water appears feasible.