Fluid–rock interaction across the South Tibetan Detachment,Garhwal Himalaya (India): Mineralogical and geochemical evidences

The Malari Leucogranite in the Garhwal Himalaya is cut across by a continental-scale normal fault system called the South Tibetan Detachment (STD). A mineralogical, geochemical and fluid inclusion study of samples from the fault zone of the Malari Granite was performed to reveal the imprints of fluid–rock interaction. Fluid inclusion assemblages observed in the alteration zone indicate the presence of NaCl-dominated aqueous fluids with varied salinity of 6–16 wt.% of NaCl equivalent. Mineralogical changes include the alteration of feldspar to muscovite and muscovite to chlorite. This alteration took place at temperatures of 275°–335°C and pressures between 1.9 and 4.2 kbars as revealed by the application of chlorite thermometry, fluid isochores, and presence of K-feldspar+muscovite+chlorite+quartz mineral assemblage. Geochemical mass-balance estimates predict 32% volume loss during alteration. An estimated fluid/rock ratio of 82 is based on loss of silica during alteration, and reveals presence of a moderately low amount of fluid at the time of faulting.     

Mafic and silica-rich glasses in mantle xenoliths from Wau-en-Namus,Libya: Textural and geochemical evidence for peridotite–melt reactions

Anhydrous spinel peridotite xenoliths in Quaternary nepheline-basanite and melilite- or sodalite-bearing lavas of the Wau-en-Namus volcano in S Libya range from lherzolites to harzburgites recording melt extraction in a shallow setting (≤ 2 GPa). Primary clinopyroxenes have distinct trace element characteristics documenting LILE (large ion lithophile element) depletion or enrichment events predating the formation of glass pockets and veins in the xenoliths. These glasses are aluminous and alkali-rich, range in composition from ultrabasic to silicic (43–67 wt.% SiO₂) and may contain empty vugs and micro-phenocrysts of olivine, clinopyroxene, spinel, plagioclase, sodalite, apatite that are similar in composition to phenocrysts in the host lavas. Reactions of infiltrating melt and xenolith minerals are documented by diffuse Fe–Ca-rich rims of olivine in contact with glass, and by spongy-textured reaction domains caused by incongruent dissolution of primary pyroxenes and spinel. Some glasses have trace element characteristics similar to that of the host Ne-basanite, suggesting they were derived from the same source during entrainment and transport to the surface. Incompatible element enrichment and Sr–Nd isotopic compositions of the analyzed host lava are similar to HIMU (high μ; μ = ²³⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)-type magmas, but the Pb isotopic composition is less radiogenic compared to other intra-plate Neogene magmatic rocks from N Africa.     

Paleo water–rock interaction determined through isotopic tracing (Sr,O, C,U) in fracture-fill minerals: Evidence from the Vienne granitoids (France)

Based on the concepts (a) that the stable C and O isotopes combined with the Sr isotope ratios of fracture fills should reflect the source groundwater from which the solid phases precipitated and (b) that U-series disequilibria (USD) enable the calculation of residence time for the U by using Fe oxides as the best candidate, an “isotopic toolbox” was applied to fracture fill from the crystalline basement of the Vienne district. The fracture fills are formed mainly of carbonates, clays and Fe oxides. The isotope data indicate two main generations of carbonate that originated from hydrothermal circulation and equilibrium with present-day groundwaters but the Sr isotope ratios highlight another component with a higher ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio reflecting the complexity of the water–rock interactions.For the USD, the Fe-hydroxides located at 207 m depth yield an age of 102 ± 5 ka (St. Germain I interglacial stage), whereas those located at 277 m and 300 m yield respective ages of 173 ± 15 ka and 181 ± 10 ka. These corresponding to the transition between the penultimate glacial period (isotopic stage 6) and the end of the preceding interglacial stage (isotopic sub-stage 7a). Investigating water–rock interaction (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, ¹⁸O, ¹³C, USD) in the fracture-fill minerals from the crystalline basement has shown that such an approach is relevant to developing an understanding of how the groundwater system has changed over time.     

Disturbance versus preservation of U–Th–Pb ages in monazite during fluid–rock interaction: textural, chemical and isotopic in situ study in microgranites (Velay Dome, France)

Monazite is extensively used to date crustal processes and is usually considered to be resistant to diffusive Pb loss. Nevertheless, fluid-assisted recrystallisation is known to be capable of resetting the monazite chronometer. This study focuses on chemical and isotopic disturbances in monazite grains from two microgranite intrusions in the French Central Massif (Charron and Montasset). Petrologic data and oxygen isotopes suggest that both intrusions have interacted with alkali-bearing hydrothermal-magmatic fluids. In the Charron intrusion, regardless of their textural location, monazite grains are sub-euhedral and cover a large domain of compositions. U–Pb chronometers yield a lower intercept age of 297 ± 4 Ma. An inherited component at 320 Ma is responsible for the scattering of the U–Th–Pb ages. The Montasset intrusion was later affected by an additional F-rich crustal fluid with crystallisation of Ca-REE-fluorocarbonates, fluorite, calcite and chloritisation. Pristine monazite is chemically homogeneous and displays ²⁰⁸Pb/²³²Th and ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U concordant ages at 307 ± 2 Ma. By contrast, groundmass monazite shows dissolution-recrystallisation features associated with apatite and thorite precipitation (Th-silicate) and strong chemical reequilibration. ²⁰⁸Pb/²³²Th ages are disturbed and range between 270 and 690 Ma showing that the Th/Pb ratio is highly fractionated during the interaction with fluids. Apparent U–Pb ages are older due to common Pb incorporation yielding a lower intercept age at 312 ± 10 Ma, the age of the pristine monazite. These results show that F-rich fluids are responsible for Th mobility and incorporation of excess Pb, which thus strongly disturbed the U–Th–Pb chronometers in the monazite.     

Role of melting process and melt–rock reaction in the formation of Jurassic MORB-type basalts (Alpine ophiolites)

This study reports a geochemical investigation of two thick basalt sequences, exposed in the Bracco–Levanto ophiolite (northern Apennine, Italy) and in the Balagne ophiolite (central-northern Corsica, France). These ophiolites are considered to represent an oceanward and a continent-near paleogeographic domain of the Jurassic Liguria–Piedmont basin. Trace elements and Nd isotopic compositions were examined to obtain information about: (1) mantle source and melting process and (2) melt–rock reactions during basalt ascent. Whole-rock analyses revealed that the Balagne basalts are slightly enriched in LREE, Nb, and Ta with respect to the Bracco–Levanto counterparts. These variations are paralleled by clinopyroxene chemistry. In particular, clinopyroxene from the Balagne basalts has higher Ce_N/Sm_N (0.4–0.3 vs. 0.2) and Zr_N/Y_N (0.9–0.6 vs. 0.4–0.3) than that from the Bracco–Levanto basalts. The basalts from the two ophiolites have homogeneous initial Nd isotopic compositions (initial ε_Nd from +?8.8 to +?8.6), within typical depleted mantle values, thereby excluding an origin from a lithospheric mantle source. These data also reject the involvement of contaminant crustal material, as associated continent-derived clastic sediments and radiolarian cherts have a highly radiogenic Nd isotopic fingerprint (ε_Nd at the time of basalt formation?=???5.5 and ??5.2, respectively). We propose that the Bracco–Levanto and the Balagne basalts formed by partial melts of a depleted mantle source, most likely containing a garnet-bearing enriched component. The decoupling between incompatible elements and Nd isotopic signature can be explained either by different degrees of partial melting of a similar asthenospheric source or by reaction of the ascending melts with a lower crustal crystal mush. Both hypotheses are reconcilable with the formation of these two basalt sequences in different domains of a nascent oceanic basin.     

Major and trace elements of abyssal peridotites: evidence for melt refertilization beneath the ultraslow-spreading Southwest Indian Ridge (53° E segment)

This study examines the geochemistry of major and trace elements of abyssal peridotites from the Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR) (53° E amagmatic segment), to determine the influence of mafic melts on mantle peridotites during melt extraction. The results show a great geochemical variability in the ~90 km-long ridge segment, with a degree of mantle melting ranging from 4% to 24%. An ancient melting event may explain the presence of highly depleted peridotites at the ultraslow-spreading ridge. The 53° E segment peridotites show enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREEs) (average La_N/Sm_N = 1.87) and significant positive anomaly of U and Pb normalized to primitive mantle (PM). The positive correlations between LREEs (La, Ce, Pr, Nd) and high field strength elements (HFSEs; e.g. Nb and Zr) suggest that the enrichment of LREEs is caused by melt refertilization, which is also supported by prevalent magmatic microstructures in the peridotites. The melt refertilization model shows that the addition of 0.02–2.7% basaltic melts to peridotites can be responsible for the LREE enrichment. We suggest that the positive anomaly of U is probably attributed to fluid alteration whereas the enrichment of Pb is probably attributed to both melt refertilization and fluid alteration. Melt refertilization in the 53° E segment peridotites may be a result of melt–rock reaction and crystallization of melts trapped in peridotites. These processes may be enhanced by increased melt permeability in the mantle owing to the refractory peridotites produced by ancient melting and the decreasing efficiency of melt extraction in the cold and thick lithosphere at the 53° E ridge segment. The presence of melt refertilization implies that melt extraction is incomplete in the ridge mantle, which may be one of the reasons for the extremely thin and irregular variation of the crustal thickness at ultraslow-spreading ridges.     

Oxygen isotope zoning in garnets from Franciscan eclogite blocks: evidence for rock–buffered fluid interaction in the mantle wedge

The oxygen isotope compositions of eclogite and amphibolite garnets from Franciscan Complex high-grade blocks and actinolite rinds encasing the blocks were determined to place constraints on their fluid histories. SIMS oxygen isotope analysis of single garnets from five eclogite blocks from three localities (Ring Mountain, Mount Hamilton, and Jenner Beach) shows an abrupt decrease in the δ¹⁸O value by ~1–3 ‰ from core to rim at a distance of ~120 ± 50 μm from the rim in nine out of the 12 garnets analyzed. In contrast, amphibolite garnets from one block (Ring Mountain) analyzed show a gradual increase in δ¹⁸O value from core to rim, implying a different history from that of the eclogite blocks. Values of δ¹⁸O in eclogite garnet cores range from 5.7 to 11.6 ‰, preserving the composition of the eclogite protolith. The abrupt decrease in the δ¹⁸O values of the garnet rims to values ranging from 3.2 to 11.2 ‰ suggests interaction with a lower δ¹⁸O fluid during the final stages of growth during eclogite facies metamorphism (450–600 °C). We hypothesize that this fluid is sourced from the serpentinized mantle wedge. High Mg, Ni, and Cr contents of actinolite rinds encasing the blocks also support interaction with ultramafic rock. Oxygen isotope thermometry using chlorite and phengite versus actinolite of rinds suggests temperatures of 185–240 °C at Ring Mountain and Mount Hamilton. Rind formation temperatures together with the lower δ¹⁸O garnet rims suggest that the blocks were in contact with ultramafic rock from the end of garnet growth through low-temperature retrogression. We suggest a tectonic model in which oceanic crust is subducted at the initiation of subduction and becomes embedded in the overlying mantle wedge. As subduction continues, metasomatic exchange between high-grade blocks and surrounding ultramafic rock is recorded in low δ¹⁸O garnet rims, and later as temperatures decrease, with rind formation.     

Pan-African (intraplate and subduction-related?) metasomatism in the Fawakhir ophiolitic serpentinites, Central Eastern Desert of Egypt: mineralogical and geochemical evidences

Fawakhir serpentinites are the most western ophiolitic ultramafics relative to the Pan-African collision suture at the Qift-Quseir road in the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt. Their location is the basis for their selection in examining the possible contribution of the westerly dipping subducted oceanic slab-related melt/fluid with the intraplate granitic intrusion-related melt/fluid in the metasomatism of the Neoproterozoic ophiolitic serpentinites in the Eastern Desert. Non-residual mineralogy and geochemistry of serpentinites (SF1) far from the post-collision A2-type Fawakhir granitoids and those of serpentinites (SF2) in the vicinity of the granitoid pluton were investigated. The Fawakhir serpentinites are harzburgitic in composition and the Cr# (0.66–0.80) and Mg# (0.32–0.50) of their unaltered spinel cores are indicators for their forearc setting, where they were formed in the oceanic mantle wedge. Based on the spinel Cr# and the whole rock Yb–V bivariate, the melt extraction from the primitive mantle is in excess of 18% up to 24%. The HREE pattern of the SF1 serpentinites refers to the fractional type of melting. The formation of non-residual mineral phases particularly in SF2 samples (amphibole, biotite, apatite thorite, and monazite) and the enrichment of all serpentinites in trace incompatible elements refer to these two serpentinite groups having underwent modal metasomatism. It is suggested that viscous fluid/melt related to the Fawakhir granitoid emplacement metasomatized the SF2 serpentinites, causing a strong enrichment in LREE (display concave LREE; La_N/Sm_N?=?3.32–6.25 and U-type HREE; Gd_N/Yb_N?=?1.14–2.69) and a slight enrichment in Zr (12–16.62 ppm). All serpentinites are enriched in fluid-mobile elements by aqueous fluids, but the SF2 are more enriched in these elements. The spiked B compared to the other fluid-mobile elements (16.97–24.61 and 42.94–60.66?×?PM in SF1 and SF2 samples, respectively) suggests that these elements were added to the obducted ophiolitic Fawakhir serpentinites by the percolation of subduction-related fluids at shallow depths. The contribution of B from shallow continental crust-related fluids is debated. Hosting the Fawakhir serpentinites for the gold deposit at Fawakhir Mine implies a possible genetic relation between gold mineralizations hosted in the ultramafic rocks of the ANS and the processes of recycling of the subducted oceanic slab and the interaction with the mantle. Detailed stable and radiogenic isotopic analyses of the mineralization zones are required to address this question.     

Melt–peridotite interaction in the shallow lithospheric mantle of the North China Craton: evidence from melt inclusions in the quartz-bearing orthopyroxene-rich websterite from Hannuoba

To better understand the origin, migration, and evolution of melts in the lithospheric mantle and their roles on the destruction of the North China Craton (NCC), we conducted a petrological and geochemical study on a quartz-bearing orthopyroxene-rich websterite xenolith from Hannuoba, the NCC, and its hosted melt and fluid inclusions. Both clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene in the xenolith contain lots of primary and secondary inclusions. High-temperature microthermometry of melt inclusions combined with Raman spectroscopy analyses of coexisting fluid inclusions shows that the entrapment temperature of the densest inclusions was ~1215°C and the pressure ~11.47 kbar, corresponding to a depth of ~38 km, i.e. within the stability of the spinel lherzolite. Intermediate pressure inclusions probably reflect progressive fluid entrapment over a range of depths during ascent, whereas the low-pressure inclusions (P < 2 kbar) may represent decrepitated primary inclusions. In situ laser-ablation ICP-MS analyses of major and trace elements on individual melt inclusions show that the compositions of these silicate melt inclusions in clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene are rich in SiO₂, Al₂O₃, and alkalis but poor in TiO₂ and strongly enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large ion lithophile elements (LILEs), with negative anomalies of high-field strength elements (HFSEs). These characteristics suggest that the silica-rich melts could be derived from the partial melting of subducted oceanic slab. Therefore, this kind of quartz-bearing orthopyroxene-rich websterite may be produced by interaction between the slab-derived melts with the mantle peridotite. This study provides direct evidence for the origin, migration, and evolution of melts in the lithospheric mantle, which may play an important role in the destruction of the NCC.     

Genesis of the Assif El Mal Zn–Pb (Cu,Ag) vein deposit. An extension-related Mesozoic vein system in the High Atlas of Morocco. Structural,mineralogical, and geochemical evidence

The Assif El Mal Zn–Pb (Cu–Ag) vein system, located in the northern flank of the High Atlas of Marrakech (Morocco), is hosted in a Cambro-Ordovician volcaniclastic and metasedimentary sequence composed of graywacke, siltstone, pelite, and shale interlayered with minor tuff and mudstone. Intrusion of synorogenic to postorogenic Late Hercynian peraluminous granitoids has contact metamorphosed the host rocks giving rise to a metamorphic assemblage of quartz, plagioclase, biotite, muscovite, chlorite, amphibole, chloritoid, and garnet. The Assif El Mal Zn–Pb (Cu–Ag) mineralization forms subvertical veins with ribbon, fault breccia, cockade, comb, and crack and seal textures. Two-phase liquid–vapor fluid inclusions that were trapped during several stages occur in quartz and sphalerite. Primary inclusion fluids exhibit T _h mean values ranging from 104°C to 198°C. Final ice-melting temperatures range from −8.1°C to −12.8°C, corresponding to salinities of ∼15 wt.% NaCl equiv. Halogen data suggest that the salinity of the ore fluids was largely due to evaporation of seawater. Late secondary fluid inclusions have either Ca-rich, saline (26 wt.% NaCl equiv.), or very dilute (3.5 wt.% NaCl equiv.) compositions and homogenization temperatures ranging from 75°C to 150°C. The δ¹⁸O and δD fluid values suggest an isotopically heterogeneous fluid source involving mixing between connate seawater and black-shale-derived organic waters. Low δ¹³C_VPDB values ranging from −7.5‰ to −7.7‰ indicate a homogeneous carbon source, possibly organic matter disseminated in black shale hosting the Zn–Pb (Cu–Ag) veins. The calculated δ³⁴S_H2S values for reduced sulfur (22.5‰ to 24.3‰) are most likely from reduction of SO₄ ²⁻ in trapped seawater sulfate or evaporite in the host rocks. Reduction of sulfate probably occurred through thermochemical sulfate reduction in which organic matter was oxidized to produce CO₂ which ultimately led to precipitation of saddle dolomite with isotopically light carbon. Lead isotope compositions are consistent with fluid–rock interaction that leached metals from the immediate Cambro-Ordovician volcaniclastic and metasedimentary sequence or from the underlying Paleo-Neoproterozoic crustal basement. Geological constraints suggest that the vein system of Assif El Mal formed during the Jurassic opening of the central Atlantic Ocean.     

Some constraints on geochemical features in the Triassic mantle of the easternmost Austroalpine–Southalpine domain: evidence from the Karawanken pluton (Carinthia, Austria)

Received: 2 November 1998 / Accepted: 30 November 1999     

Small volume andesite magmas and melt–mush interactions at Ruapehu, New Zealand: evidence from melt inclusions

Historical eruptions from Mt. Ruapehu (New Zealand) have been small (<0.001 km³ of juvenile magma) and have often occurred without significant warning. Developing better modelling tools requires an improved understanding of the magma storage and transport system beneath the volcano. Towards that end, we have analysed the volatile content and major element chemistry of groundmass glass and phenocryst-hosted melt inclusions in erupted samples from 1945 to 1996. We find that during this time period, magma has been stored at depths of ~2–9 km, consistent with inferences from geophysical data. Our data also show that Ruapehu magmas are relatively H₂O-poor (<2 wt%) and CO₂-rich (≤1,000 ppm) compared to typical arc andesites. Surprisingly, we find that melt inclusions are often more evolved than their transporting melt (as inferred from groundmass glass compositions). Furthermore, even eruptions that are separated by less than 2 years exhibit distinct major element chemistry, which suggests that each eruption involved magma with a unique ascent history. From these data, we infer that individual melt batches rise through, and interact with, crystal mush zones formed by antecedent magmas. From this perspective, we envision the magmatic system at Ruapehu as frequently recharged by small magma inputs that, in turn, cool and crystallise to varying degrees. Melts that are able to erupt through this network of crystal mush entrain (to a greater or lesser extent) exotic crystals. In the extreme case (such as the 1996 eruption), the resulting scoria contain melt inclusion-bearing crystals that are exotic to the transporting magma. Finally, we suggest that complex interactions between recharge and antecedent magmas are probably common, but that the small volumes and short time scales of recharge at Ruapehu provide a unique window into these processes.     

The Vendian passive continental margin in the southern Siberian Craton: geochemical and isotopic (Sr,Sm–Nd) evidence and U–Pb dating of detrital zircons by the LA-ICP-MS method

Geochemical and isotopic (Sm–Nd and Sr) studies of deposits of the Baikal and Oselok Groups in the southern Siberian Craton and LA-ICP-MS U–Pb dating of detrital zircons show that they accumulated in passive continental-margin settings in the Vendian. The time limits of sedimentation were assessed on the basis of Sr chemostratigraphy of carbonate deposits of the Baikal Group and LA-ICP-MS U–Pb dating of detrital zircons in first-cycle terrigenous deposits of the Oselok Group. The main provenances for rocks of these groups were constant. These were rocks of the cover and basement of the Siberian Craton. Tuffite horizons in upper portions of the groups are the only sign of Late Vendian activation of this block, which is reflected in changes of geochemical indices of terrigenous rocks and their younger Sm–Nd model ages.     

Relationship between footwall composition,crustal contamination,and fluid–rock interaction in the Platreef,Bushveld Complex,South Africa

In the northern limb of the 2.06-Ga Bushveld Complex, the Platreef is a platinum group elements (PGE)-, Cu-, and Ni-mineralized zone of pyroxenite that developed at the intrusion margin. From north to south, the footwall rocks of the Platreef change from Archaean granite to dolomite, hornfels, and quartzite. Where the footwall is granite, the Sr-isotope system is more strongly perturbed than where the footwall is Sr-poor dolomite, in which samples show an approximate isochron relationship. The Nd-isotope system for samples of pyroxenite and hanging wall norite shows an approximate isochron relationship with an implied age of 2.17 ± 0.2 Ga and initial Nd-isotope ratio of 0.5095. Assuming an age of 2.06 Ga, the ɛNd values range from −6.2 to −9.6 (ave. −7.8, n = 17) and on average are slightly more negative than the Main Zone of the Bushveld. These data are consistent with local contamination of an already contaminated magma of Main Zone composition. The similarity in isotope composition between the Platreef pyroxenites and the hanging wall norites suggests a common origin. Where the country rock is dolomite, the Platreef has generally higher plagioclase and pyroxene δ ¹⁸O values, and this indicates assimilation of the immediate footwall. Throughout the Platreef, there is considerable petrographic evidence for sub-solidus interaction with fluids, and the Δ _{plagioclase–pyroxene} values range from −2 to +6, which indicates interaction at both high and low temperatures. Whole-rock and mineral δD values suggest that the Platreef interacted with both magmatic and meteoric water, and the lack of disturbance to the Sr-isotope system suggests that fluid–rock interaction took place soon after emplacement. Where the footwall is granite, less negative δD values suggest a greater involvement of meteoric water. Consistently higher values of Δ _{plagioclase–pyroxene} in the Platreef pyroxenites and hanging wall norites in contact with dolomite suggest prolonged interaction with CO₂-rich fluid derived from decarbonation of the footwall rocks. The overprint of post crystallization fluid–rock interaction is the probable cause of the previously documented lack of correlation between PGE and sulfide content on the small scale. The Platreef in contact with dolomite is the focus of the highest PGE grades, and this suggests that dolomite contamination played a role in PGE concentration and deposition, but the exact link remains obscure. It is a possibility that the CO₂ produced by decarbonation of assimilated dolomite enhanced the process of PGE scavenging by sulfide precipitation.     

Correlation of Triassic advanced rifting-related Neotethyan submarine basaltic volcanism of the Darnó Unit (NE-Hungary) with some Dinaridic and Hellenidic occurrences on the basis of volcanological, fluid–rock interaction, and geochemical characteristics

Comparative volcanological, mineralogical, petrological, and geochemical studies of blocks of Triassic submarine basalt occurrences hosted by the Jurassic mélange have been carried out. The studied localities are located in displaced parts of the Dinarides in NE-Hungary (Darnó Unit), in the Dinarides (Kalnik Mts., Croatia and Vare?-Smreka, Bosnia and Herzegovina), and in the Hellenides (Stragopetra, Greece). The common characteristic of the studied occurrences is the well observable result of the lava–water-saturated sediment mingling, i.e., the presence of the so-called carbonate peperitic facies. Mixing of the basaltic lava with pelagic lime mud (representing the unconsolidated stage of the red, micritic limestone), as well as fluid inclusion and chlorite thermometry data support that the carbonate peperite was formed above CCD and at the Bosnian locality, a shallower water, about 1.4?km depth is proven. The igneous rocks show mainly within-plate basalt geochemical characteristics; MORB signatures are not common. Low temperature (<200°C) hydrothermal alteration is characteristic to the pillow basalt blocks with peperitic facies. The similarities in the volcanological, geochemical, and textural characteristics observed at the different localities support a strong genetic connection among them. The results of this study suggest to the advanced rifting stage origin of the Triassic basaltic suits and their distinction from the true oceanic basalt pillow units of the Dinarides can be based on the occurrences of the peperite facies.     

Hydrogeochemistry and geochemical simulations to assess water–rock interactions in complex carbonate aquifers: The case of Aguadulce (SE Spain)

The hydrogeological unit of Aguadulce (Campo de Dalías aquifers, SE Spain) has a complex geometry. This fact, together with a continuous rise in water demand due to intensive agriculture and tourism create problems for groundwater quantity and quality. In this paper classic geochemical tools managed by means of GIS software and geochemical simulations are combined to delineate, identify and locate the possible physicochemical processes acting in the Aguadulce groundwater. Two main aquifers can be distinguished: the carbonate or lower aquifer of Triassic age, and the calcodetritic or upper aquifer of Plio-Quaternary age. Groundwaters from the latter are more saline and, assuming all chlorinity originates from seawater intrusion, the seawater contribution to their composition would be up to 7%. Nevertheless the carbonate aquifer appears not to be homogeneous: it is compartmentalised into 4 zones where different processes explain the different groundwaters compositions. Zone 4 samples (E margin of the carbonate aquifer) resemble those of the Plio-Quaternary aquifer, where calcite precipitation, dolomite and gypsum dissolution and some cation exchange (water–rock interaction) together with seawater–freshwater mixing occur. In contrast, water–rock interaction predominates in zones 1 and 3 of the carbonate aquifer. Moreover, zone 2 samples, located between zones 1 and 3, are explained by water–rock interaction in addition to mixing with Plio-Quaternary aquifer waters. The combination of geochemical simulations with GIS and hydrogeochemical analyses has proven to be effective in identifying and locating the different physicochemical processes in the aquifer areas, thus improving understanding of hydrogeochemistry in complex aquifers.     

Strain accumulation and fluid–rock interaction in a naturally deformed diamictite,Willard thrust system,Utah (USA): Implications for crustal rheology and strain softening

Structural and geochemical patterns of heterogeneously deformed diamictite in northern Utah (USA) record interrelations between strain accumulation, fluid–rock interaction, and softening processes across a major fault (Willard thrust). Different clast types in the diamictite have varying shape fabrics related to competence contrasts with estimated effective viscosity ratios relative to micaceous matrix of: ∼6 and 8 for large quartzite clasts respectively in the Willard hanging wall and footwall; ∼5 and 2 for less altered and more altered granitic clasts respectively in the hanging wall and footwall; and ∼1 for micaceous clasts that approximate matrix strain. Within the footwall, matrix X–Z strain ratios increase from ∼2 to 8 westward along a distinct deformation gradient. Microstructures record widespread mass transfer, alteration of feldspar to mica, and dislocation creep of quartz within matrix and clasts. Fluid influx along microcracks and mesoscopic vein networks increased westward and led to reaction softening and hydrolytic weakening, in conjunction with textural softening from alignment of muscovite aggregates. Consistent Si, Al, and Ti concentrations between matrix, granitic clasts, and protoliths indicate limited volume change. Mg gain and Na loss reflect alteration of feldspar to phengitic muscovite. Within the hanging wall, strain is overall lower with matrix X–Z strain ratios of ∼2 to 4. Microstructures record mass transfer and dislocation creep concentrated in the matrix. Greater Al and Ti concentrations and lower Si concentrations in matrix indicate volume loss by quartz dissolution. Na gain in granitic clasts reflects albitization. Large granitic clasts have less mica alteration and greater competence compared to smaller clasts. Differences in strain and alteration patterns across the Willard thrust fault suggest overall downward (up-temperature) fluid flow in the hanging wall and upward (down-temperature) fluid flow in the footwall.     

Devonian volcanism in the Minusa basin in the Altai–Sayan area: geological,geochemical, and Sr–Nd isotopic characteristics of rocks

Based on geological data and the geochemical and isotopic (Sr, Nd) parameters of the Devonian volcanic associations of the Minusa basin, the main regularities of volcanism development are considered, the composition of magmatic sources is studied, and the geodynamic mechanisms of their involvement in rifting are reconstructed. The early stage of formation of the Minusa basin was characterized by intense volcanism, which resulted in differentiated and, more seldom, bimodal volcanic complexes composed of pyroclastic rocks and dolerite sills. At the late stage, only terrigenous deposits accumulated in the basin. It has been established that the basites are similar in composition and are intermediate in geochemical characteristics between intraplate rocks (OIB) and continent-marginal ones (IAB). The basites, like OIB, have high contents of all lithophile elements, which is typical of enriched mantle sources, and, like IAB, show negative anomalies of Nb, Ta, Ti, and, to a smaller extent, Rb, Th, Zr, and Hf, selective enrichment in Pb and Ba (and, sometimes, Sr), and a weak REE differentiation (7 < (La/Yb)N < 17). In contrast to the basins in other segments of the Devonian Altai–Sayan rift area, the igneous associations in the Minusa basin are characterized by a worse expressed geochemical inhomogeneity of rocks and lack of high-Ti (> 2 wt.% TiO2) basites. The Sr and Nd isotope compositions of the Minusa basites deviate from the mantle rock series toward the compositions with high radiogenic-strontium and low REE contents.This points to the melting of a mantle substratum (PREMA-type) and carbonate-rich sedimentary rocks, which were probably assimilated by basaltic magma. The correlations between the contents of trace incompatible elements in rocks with SiO2 = 53–77 wt.% testify to the assimilation of crustal substrata by parental basaltic melts and the subsequent differentiation of contaminated magmas (AFC model). We propose a model for the formation of primary melts with the simultaneous participation of magmatic sources of two types: plume and fluid-saturated suprasubductional, localized beneath the active continental margin.     

Vendian–Early Cambrian island-arc plagiogranitoid magmatism in the Altai–Sayan folded area and in the Lake Zone of western Mongolia (geochronological,geochemical, and isotope data)

We generalize results of geological, geochronological, geochemical, and isotope-geochemical studies of the Vendian–Early Cambrian island-arc plagiogranitoid magmatism in the Altai–Sayan folded area and in the Lake Zone of western Mongolia. Based on these data, we analyzed the scales of development of plagiogranitoid magmatism, studied the petrologic composition and isotope characteristics of granitoids, and established the main sources of plagiogranitoid-generating melts and the leading mechanisms of formation of Early Caledonian juvenile crust.