Possible correlation of Oligocene climate changes with Ethiopian Oligocene ignimbrite eruptions

The Oligocene Ethiopian continental flood basalt province (ca. 29–31 Ma) contains significant silicic pyroclastic rocks (>60,000 km³ constituting up to 20% of the volcanic stratigraphy). Rhyolitic tephras, synchronous with the Ethiopian silicic pyroclastic rocks, are found in Indian Ocean ODP holes 711A. They are geochemically akin to the Ethiopian silicic pyroclastic rocks. This suggests that the Indian Ocean tephras originated from Ethiopian silicic eruptions and represents more distal fallout of this volcanism. The temporal coincidence of the Ethiopian flood volcanism with the Oligocene global cooling event (Oi2?～?30.3 Ma) and the emplacement of the Ethiopian silicic pyroclastic eruptions on a near-global scale strongly suggest that the Ethiopian continental flood basalt province may have contributed or at least accelerated the climate change that was already underway.     

Tracing the 850-Ma continental flood basalts from a piece of subducted continental crust in the North Qaidam UHPM belt,NW China

A Paleozoic ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic (UHPM) belt extends along the northern margin of the Qaidam Basin, North Tibetan Plateau. Eclogites in the Yuka eclogite terrane, northwest part of this UHPM belt, occur as blocks or layers of varying size intercalated with granitic and pelitic gneisses. These eclogites have protoliths geochemically similar to enriched-type mid-ocean ridge basalts (E-MORB) and oceanic island basalts (OIB). On the basis of Ti/Y ratios, they can be divided into low-Ti and high-Ti groups. The low-Ti group (LTG) eclogites exhibit relatively low TiO₂ (most <2.5 wt%) and Ti/Y (<500) but comparatively high Mg# (48–55), whereas the high-Ti group (HTG) eclogites have high TiO₂ (most >2.5 wt%) and Ti/Y (>500) but lower Mg# (46–52). Zircons from two eclogite samples gave a magmatic crystallization (protolith) age of ∼850 Ma and a UHPM age of ∼433 Ma. The occurrence, geochemical features and age data of the Yuka eclogites suggest that their protoliths are segments of continental flood basalts (CFBs) with a mantle plume origin, similar to most typical CFBs. Our observation, together with the tectonic history and regional geologic context, lend support for the large scale onset of mantle plume within the Rodinia supercontinent at ∼850 Ma. The Qaidam block is probably one of the fragments of the Rodinia supercontinent with a volcanic-rifted passive margin. The latter may have been dragged to mantle depths by its subducting leading edge of the oceanic lithosphere in the Early Paleozoic.     

The nature of the sub-continental mantle: constraints from the major-element composition of continental flood basalts

Many continental flood basalts (CFB) have isotope and trace-element signatures that differ from those of oceanic basalts and much interest concerns the extent to which these reflect differences in their upper mantle source regions. A review of selected data sets from the Mesozoic and Tertiary CFB confirms significant differences in their major- and trace-element compositions compared with those of basalts erupted through oceanic lithosphere. In general, those CFB suites characterised by low Nb/La, high (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i and low εNd_i tend to exhibit relatively low TiO₂, CaO/Al₂O₃, Na₂O and/or Fe₂O₃, and relatively high SiO₂. In contrast, those which have high Nb/La, low (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i and high εNd_i ratios, like the upper units in the Deccan Traps, have major- and trace-element compositions similar to oceanic basalts. It would appear that those CFB that have distinctive isotope and trace-element ratios also exhibit distinctive major-element contents, suggesting that major and trace elements have not been decoupled significantly during magma generation and differentiation.

When compared (at 8% MgO) with oceanic basalt trends, the displacement of many CFB to lower Na₂O, Fe₂O₃^*, TiO₂ and CaO/Al₂O₃, but higher SiO₂, at similar Mg#, is not readily explicable by crustal contamination. Rather, it reflects source composition and/or the effects of the melting processes. The model compositions of melts produced by decompression of mantle plumes beneath continental lithosphere have relatively low SiO₂ and high Fe₂O₃^*. In contrast, the available experimental data indicate that partial melts of peridotite have low TiO₂, Na₂O and Fe₂O₃^*CaO/Al₂O₃, if the peridotite has been previously depleted by melt extraction. Moreover, melting of hydrated, depleted peridotite yields SiO₂-rich, Fe₂O₃- and CaO-poor melts. Since anhydrous, depleted peridotite has a high-temperature solidus, it is argued that the source of these CFB was variably melt depleted and hydrated mantle, inferred to be within the lithosphere. Isotope data suggest these source regions were often old and relatively enriched in incompatible trace elements, and it is envisaged that H₂O±CO₂ were added at the same time as the incompatible elements. An implication is that a significant proportion of the new continental crust generated since the Permian reflected multistage processes involving mobilization of continental mantle lithosphere that was enriched in minor and trace elements during the Proterozoic.     

Mildly alkaline basalts from Pavagadh Hill, India: Deccan flood basalts with an asthenospheric origin

Summary Of twelve flows at Pavagadh Hill, the two three-phenocryst-basalt flows with Mg#0.70 and Ni/MgO33 are the most primitive and perhaps as primitive as any basalts in the Deccan province. Scatter on variation diagrams and the occurrence of primitive flows at two different levels in the volcanic sequence implies that most rocks are probably not, strictly speaking, comagmatic. Nevertheless, mass balance calculations indicate a generalized differentiation scheme from primitive basalt to hawaiite that involved removal of olivine, augite, plagioclase and Fe-Ti oxides in the proportions 40:33:22:5 with 50% of the magma remaining. Crustal assimilation had a minimal effect on evolution of the basalts but rhyolites at the top of the volcanic sequence may have been produced by crustal melting following prolonged heat release from alkali basalt pooled along fault zones in the continental crust. Major element based calculations indicate that the most primitive basalts were generated by 7 to 10% melting of mantle peridotite. These low percentages of melting, typical of alkali basalts, are consistent with the steep slopes on chondrite-normalized REE diagrams. Low heavy REE concentrations point to residual garnet in the source region. Incompatible element concentrations (e.g. Rb, Ba, Zr, La) in Pavagadh basalts exceed those in Deccan tholeiitic basalts but are substantially lower than those reported for some other Deccan alkali basalts. Obviously Pavagadh basalts do not reflect the lowest percentages of melting and greatest amount of source region metasomatic enrichment attained in the Deccan province. Deccan tholeiitic and alkali basalts are largely characterized by low La/Nb ratios and high La/Ba ratios similar to those in oceanic island basalts. This indicates minimal involvement of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle in their petrogenesis. Comparison with continental mafic magma provinces where a subcontinental lithospheric mantle imprint is common indicates long periods of extension and/or melting of mantle lithosphere still hot from pre-extension subduction are more likely to produce magmas bearing the lithospheric imprint.

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Alkalische Basalte von Pavagadh Hill, Indien: Deccan-Flutbasalte von Astenosphärischer Herkunft

Zusammenfassung Im Gebiet von Pavagadh Hill, Indien, treten 12 Spät-Deccan und rhyolithische alkalibasaltische Ergüsse und Intrusiva auf. Variationsdiagramme zeigen, daß die Abfolge nicht komagmatisch ist. Zusammen mit Berechnungen der Massenbilanz unterstützen sie vielmehr ein Zwei-Stadienmodell für die Entstehung von Hawaiiten aus sehr primitiven (i.e. Mg#=Mg/(Mg+.(0.9*Fe_totat)) at.%0.70) Basalten. Olivin und Augit dominierten die frühe Fraktionierung während Augit vorherrschte als der Magmaanteil von 65% auf 50% sank. Die Entfernung von Plagioklas spielte bei der Differentiation nur eine geringe Rolle. Niedrige Th/Nb (0,2), Rb/Sr(<0,12) und K/NbVerhältnisse geben keine Hinweise auf signifikante Assimilation von Krustenmaterial. Die Seltene-Erd-Verteilungsmuster (SEE), niedrige Gehalte an schweren SEE sowie die Hauptelementspektren der Alkalibasalte weisen auf eine granatführende Ursprungsregion und auf einen Aufschmelzungsgrad von nur 7% bis 10% hin. Es gibt jedoch auch stärker alkalische (höhere Rb, Zr etc.) Deccanbasalte (i.e. Rajpipla). Die Assoziation von Deccanalkalibasalten, Rhyolithen und Störungszonen zeigt, daß letztere die Extraktion von Magma aus dem Mantel erleichterten und dazu führten, daß Magma aus Magmenkammern Krustenschmelzen (Rhyolithe) produzierte. Deccanbasalte tendieren zu hohen La/Ba und niedrigen La/Nb-Verhältnissen; dies weist auf eine asthenosphärische Herkunft hin, selbst wenn die Gesteine verhältnismäßig spät gebildet wurden (i.e. Pavagadh). Längere Perioden von Krustenextension oder von Subduktion, die der Extension vorhergeht, führt offensichtlich zur Entstehung von Magmen mit einer lithosphärischen Komponente.

     

Petrology of Serra Geral (Paraná) continental flood basalts,southern Brazil: crustal contamination,source material,and South Atlantic magmatism

The Serra Geral (Paraná) continental flood basalt (SG-CFB) province in Brazil is associated with the Jurassic-Cretaceous breakup of Gondwanaland and the transition of continental to oceanic magmatism during the opening of the South Atlantic Ocean. A suite of 24 samples representative of the SG-CFB in Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, shows a compositional continuum from basalt (50–53 wt% SiO₂, Mg# 60-45), to basaltic andesite, to andesite, rhyodacite, and rhyolite (73 wt% SiO₂). Certain compositional aspects of the mafic rocks (e.g., TiO₂, K₂O, CaO, Zr/Nb, Zr/Y, Ti/Zr) resemble those of basaltic dikes and flows associated with the opening of the North Atlantic Ocean.Fractionation trends are apparent in MgO variation diagrams and calculations show that basalt-basaltic andesite continuums are largely due to removal of plagioclase and clinopyroxene. These mafic rocks can be categorized as (i) having higher or lower incompatible-element contents (e.g. K₂O 0.6–1.5 wt%; Rb 12–43 ppm; Ba 125–240 ppm) due to incorporation of Brazilian Archean crust or rhyolitic magma by basalt from a particular source material or to partial-melting differences of that source, and (ii) as having higher or lower TiO₂, Sr, Ba, and P contents due to source heterogeneities. Crustal components are obvious in certain basaltic samples, as where K₂O > 1 wt%, SiO₂ > 51%, and TiO₂ 1%, but are insignificant in others (e.g., compositions close to those of South Atlantic basin basalts). Calculations indicate origins for intermediate and silicic rocks by removal of pl, cpx, and Ti-magnetite from basaltic andesite, but crust and magma-mixing affecting basaltic-andesite fractionates were likely also involved. Where contamination is insignificant, Zr, Nb, and Y abundances indicate T-type MORE source material like that for certain S. Atlantic Ocean basalts. Source material was essentially a 91 hybrid of N-type and P-type MORB components. N-type MORB lithosphere followed SG-CFB because decompression due to rifting crust enabled partial melting of uppermost (depleted) mantle.     

Os, Pb, and Nd isotope geochemistry of the Permian Emeishan continental flood basalts: Insights into the source of a large igneous province

The nature of the source of continental flood basalts (CFB) is a highly debated topic. Proposed mantle sources for CFBs, including both high- and low-Ti basalts, include subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM), asthenospheric mantle, and deep, plume-related mantle. Re-Os isotope systematics can offer important constraints on the sources of both ocean island basalts (OIB) and CFB, and may be applied to distinguish different possible melt sources. This paper reports the first Re-Os isotope data for the Late Permian Emeishan large igneous province (LIP) in Southwest China. Twenty one CFB samples including both low- and high-Ti basalts from five representative sites within the Emeishan LIP have been analyzed for Os, Nd, and Pb isotopic compositions. The obtained Os data demonstrate that crustal assimilation affected Os isotopic compositions of some Emeishan basalt samples with low Os concentrations but not all of the samples, and the Emeishan basalts with high Os contents likely experienced the least crustal contamination. The low and high-Ti basalts yield distinct Os signatures in terms of ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os and Os content. The low-Ti basalt with the highest Os concentration (400 ppt) has a radiogenic Os isotopic composition (γOs(t), +6.5), similar to that of plume-derived OIB. Because the Os isotopic composition of basalts with relatively high Os concentrations (typically >50 ppt) likely represents that of their mantle source, this result implies a plume-derived origin for the low-Ti basalts. On the other hand, the high-Ti basalts with high Os concentration (over 50 ppt) have unradiogenic Os isotopic signatures (γOs(t) values range from −0.8 to −1.4), suggesting that a subcontinental lithosphere mantle (SCLM) component most likely contributed to the generation of these magmas. Combining Pb and Nd isotopic tracers with the Os data, we demonstrate that the low-Ti basaltic magmas in the Emeishan CFB were mainly sourced from a mantle plume reservoir, whereas the high-Ti basaltic magmas were most likely derived from a SCLM reservoir or were contaminated by a significant amount of lithospheric mantle material during plume-related magma ascent through the SCLM.     

Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd and K-Ar systematics of metamorphosed pillowed basalts and associated Besshi-type deposits in the Sanbagawa Belt, Japan

Samples from metamorphosed pillowed basalts and related Besshi-type deposits occurring in the Sanbagawa belt of the Shikoku Island, southwest Japan, have been analyzed for ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd and ⁴⁰ K/⁴⁰Ar. This is to investigate the tectonic settings in which the original submarine volcanism and associated Besshi-type mineralization occurred, as well as the age of metamorphism. Eight whole-rock samples of the pillow lavas metamorphosed in pumpellyite-actinolite facies conditions yield a Rb-Sr isochron age of 107 ± 15 Ma with an initial ratio of 0.70401 ± 0.00006, while they do not define a Sm-Nd isochron. We interpret the results as the metamorphic age, an interpretation consistent with the previously reported Rb-Sr whole-rock age for the Sanbagawa pelitic schists. The overall ranges of the initial epsilon values at T = 107 Ma are: ɛNd (T ) = +7.8 to +4.3; ɛSr(T ) = +2.2 to −7.0, suggesting that the most likely source for the pillowed basalts is depleted oceanic mantle, a conclusion supported by the previous Pb isotope studies. The K-Ar ages determined for twelve mineral separates from the Besshi-type deposits range from about 60 to 112 Ma, with a mean age of about 80 Ma, in agreement with the previous K-Ar and Ar-Ar data for the Sanbagawa pelitic and basic schists. The youngest age, 60 Ma, was obtained for sericite from the Hinooku deposit metamorphosed in pumpellyite- actinolite facies conditions, while the oldest one for hornblende from the spotted amphibolite in the immediate vicinity of the Shiragayama deposit metamorphosed in albite-biotite grade. The oldest age, 112 Ma, is interpreted to date the peak metamorphism, consistent with the Rb-Sr data, though a possibility of excess Ar cannot always be ruled out. In view of the closure temperatures of muscovite (350 °C) in the biotite zone, it is suggested that our K-Ar age data (<about 80 Ma) represent the age of the retrograde metamorphism or subsequent uplift. Datable microfossils found in the Sanbagawa belt of Shikoku suggest that the submarine basaltic volcanism and related Besshi-type mineralization occurred in an oceanic basin away from the trench region in Late Triassic (conodont) to Late Jurassic (radiolarian) times. Received: 5 March 1997 / Accepted: 14 May 1998     

Eclogite nodules associated with alkaline olivine basalts,Kenya

Alkaline olivine basalts and associated eclogite nodules from southern Kenya are described and attention drawn to the chemical and mineralogical similarities between these rocks and other continental, inclusion-bearing olivine basalts. The possibility of deriving the basalts from spinel pyroxenite and eclogite at high temperatures and pressures is discussed.     

On the potential for CO2 mineral storage in continental flood basalts - PHREEQC batch- and 1D diffusion-reaction simulations

ABSTRACT: Continental flood basalts (CFB) are considered as potential CO2 storage sites because of their high reactivity and abundant divalent metal ions that can potentially trap carbon for geological timescales. Moreover, laterally extensive CFB are found in many place in the world within reasonable distances from major CO2 point emission sources.Based on the mineral and glass composition of the Columbia River Basalt (CRB) we estimated the potential of CFB to store CO2 in secondary carbonates. We simulated the system using kinetic dependent dissolution of primary basalt-minerals (pyroxene, feldspar and glass) and the local equilibrium assumption for secondary phases (weathering products). The simulations were divided into closed-system batch simulations at a constant CO2 pressure of 100?bar with sensitivity studies of temperature and reactive surface area, an evaluation of the reactivity of H2O in scCO2, and finally 1D reactive diffusion simulations giving reactivity at CO2 pressures varying from 0 to 100?bar.Although the uncertainty in reactive surface area and corresponding reaction rates are large, we have estimated the potential for CO2 mineral storage and identified factors that control the maximum extent of carbonation. The simulations showed that formation of carbonates from basalt at 40?C may be limited to the formation of siderite and possibly FeMg carbonates. Calcium was largely consumed by zeolite and oxide instead of forming carbonates. At higher temperatures (60 - 100?C), magnesite is suggested to form together with siderite and ankerite. The maximum potential of CO2 stored as solid carbonates, if CO2 is supplied to the reactions unlimited, is shown to depend on the availability of pore space as the hydration and carbonation reactions increase the solid volume and clog the pore space. For systems such as in the scCO2 phase with limited amount of water, the total carbonation potential is limited by the amount of water present for hydration of basalt.     

Petrogenetic reconnaissance investigation of mafic sills associated with flood basalts,Mekelle basin,northern Ethiopia: implications for Ni–Cu exploration

Mafic sills of the Mekelle basin were explored on a reconnaissance level for their magmatic sulphide potential. The sills are related to Oligocene flood basalt magmatism in Ethiopia. They intrude Jurassic shales and limestones and crystallized from high-Ti tholeiitic basalt magmas. Three compositional groups were differentiated. Among them GD1 gabbrodolerites (11.6–4% MgO) show evidence of a fractionation controlled magmatic lineage, while GD2 (∼5.2% MgO) and GD3 gabbrodolerites (5.4–3% MgO) show element depletion and enrichment patterns which deviate from the magmatic fractionation trend. Compared to GD1 rocks with MgO values ∼5%, GD2 gabbrodolerites have higher SiO₂ and Na₂O but lower FeO_tot, TiO₂, P₂O₅, Nb, Zr, Y, Cu, and Ni values, while GD3 gabbrodolerites show higher SiO₂, Na₂O, P₂O₅, Ba and Sr and lower FeO_tot, TiO₂, Nb, Zr, Y, Cu, and Ni values. The distinct geochemical signatures of the latter two gabbrodolerite groups are likely caused by conjunct processes of crustal assimilation and fractional removal of silicate/oxide mineral phases. Depletion of chalcophile elements in the contaminated gabbrodolerites indicates also the segregation of Ni and Cu sulphides. However, settling of sulphide minerals occurred prior to sill emplacement probably in a deeper seated magma chamber. The indication of chalcophile element depleted mafic sills, genetically related to a major flood basalt province clearly warrants further exploration in the area.     

Siderophile and chalcophile metal variations in Tertiary picrites and basalts from West Greenland with implications for the sulphide saturation history of continental flood basalt magmas

Sixty-five million year old continental flood basalts crop out on Qeqertarssuaq Island and the Nuussuaq Peninsula in West Greenland, and they include ～1,000 m of picritic lavas and discrete 10- to 50-m-thick members of highly contaminated basalts. On Qeqertarssuaq, the lavas are allocated to the Vaîgat and Maligât Formations of which the former includes the Naujánguit member, which consists of picrites with 7–29 wt% MgO, 80–1,400 ppm Ni, 5.7–9.4 ppb Pt and 4.2–12.9 ppb Pd. The Naujánguit member contains two horizons of contaminated basalts, the Asûk and Kûgánguaq, which have elevated SiO2 (52–58 wt%) and low to moderate MgO (7.5–12.8 wt%). These lavas are broadly characterized by low Cu and Ni abundances (average, 40 ppm Ni and 45 ppm Cu) and very low Pt (0.16–0.63 ppb) and Pd (0.13–0.68 ppb) abundances, and in the case of the Asûk, they contain shale xenoliths and droplets of native iron and troilite. The contaminated basalts from Nuussuaq, the B0 to B4 members, are also usually Ni-, Cu-, and platinum-group elements (PGE)-depleted. The geochemical signatures (especially the ratios of incompatible trace elements such as Th/Nb) of all of the contaminated basalts from Qeqertarssuaq and some of those from Nuussuaq record what appears to be a chemical contribution from deltaic shales that lie immediately below the lavas. This suggests that the contamination of the magmas occurred during the migration of the magmas through plumbing systems developed in sedimentary rocks, and hence, at a high crustal level. Nickel, Cu, and PGE depletion together with geochemical signatures produced by crustal contamination are also a feature of Siberian Trap basalts from the Noril’sk region. These basalts belong to the 0- to 500-m thick, ～5,000- to 10,000-km³ Nadezhdinsky Formation, which is centered in the Noril’sk Region. A major difference between Siberia and West Greenland is that PGE depletion in the Nadezhdinsky Formation samples with the lowest Cu and Ni contents is much more severe than that of the West Greenland contaminated basalts. Moreover, the volumes of the contaminated and metal-depleted volcanic rocks in West Greenland pale is significant when compared to the Nadezhdinsky Formation; local centers rarely contain more than 15 thin flows with a combined thickness of <50 m and more typically 10–20 m, so the volume of the eruptive portions of each system is probably two orders of magnitude smaller than the Nadezhdinsky edifice. The West Greenland centres are juxtaposed along fault zones that appear to be linked to the subsidence of the Tertiary delta, and so emplacement along N–S structures appears to be a principal control on the distribution of lavas and feeder intrusions. This leads us to suggest that the Greenland system is small and segregation of sulphide took place at high levels in the crust, whereas at Noril’sk, the saturation event took place at depth with subsequent emplacement of sulphide-bearing magmas into high levels of the crust. As a consequence, it may be unreasonable to expect that the West Greenland flood basalts experienced mineralizing processes on the scale of the Noril’sk system.     

津巴布韦哈特利(Hartley)铂矿床地质特征及成因

文章对产于津巴布韦大岩墙内的哈特利(Hartley)铂矿床的地质特征和成因进行研究。津巴布韦大岩墙于新太古代侵入,在津巴布韦克拉通内形成南北段次级岩浆房格局。哈特利铂矿的铂族元素主要分布在杂岩体的中下部,与硫化物密切相关,主要含矿矿物为铋、碲矿物。在岩浆侵位的过程中发生结晶分异,形成了铂族元素和硫化物的垂向分带。哈特利矿床与中国金川等铂族元素矿床相比,其成岩成矿时代早,矿床特征、成矿元素组合方面均有明显不同。     

Isotope hydrogeochemical models for assessing the hydrological processes in a part of the largest continental flood basalts province of India

Continental Flood Basalts (CFB) occupy one fourth of the world’s land area. Hence, it is important to discern the hydrological processes in this complex hydrogeological setup for the sustainable water resources development. A model assisted isotope, geochemical, geospatial and geophysical study was conducted to understand the monsoonal characteristics, recharge processes, renewability and geochemical evolution in one of the largest continental flood basalt provinces of India. HYSPLIT modelling and stable isotopes were used to assess the monsoonal characteristics. Rayleigh distillation model were used to understand the climatic conditions at the time of groundwater recharge. Lumped parameter models (LPM) were employed to quantify the mean transit time (MTT) of groundwater. Statistical and geochemical models were adopted to understand the geochemical evolution along the groundwater flow path. A geophysical model was used to understand the geometry of the aquifer. The back trajectory analysis confirms the isotopic finding that precipitation in this region is caused by orographic uplifting of air masses originating from the Arabian Sea. Stable isotopic data of groundwater showed its meteoric origin and two recharge processes were discerned; (i) quick and direct recharge by precipitation through fractured and weathered basalt, (ii) low infiltration through the clayey black cotton soil and subjected to evaporation prior to the recharge. Tritium data showed that the groundwater is a renewable source and have shorter transit times (from present day to <30 years). The hydrogeochemical study indicated multiple sources/processes such as: the minerals dissolution, silicate weathering, ion exchange, anthropogenic influences etc. control the chemistry of the groundwater. Based on the geo-electrical resistivity survey, the potential zones (weathered and fractured) were delineated for the groundwater development. Thus, the study highlights the usefulness of model assisted isotopic hydrogeochemical techniques for understanding the recharge and geochemical processes in a basaltic aquifer system.     

Chlorine-rich metasomatic H2O-CO2 fluids in amphibole-bearing peridotites from Injibara (Lake Tana region, Ethiopian plateau): Nature and evolution of volatiles in the mantle of a region of continental flood basalts

Petrological and geochemical study of volatile bearing phases (fluid inclusions, amphibole, and nominally anhydrous minerals) in a spinel lherzolite xenolith suite from Quaternary lavas at Injibara (Lake Tana region, Ethiopian plateau) shows compelling evidence for metasomatism in the lithospheric mantle in a region of mantle upwelling and continental flood basalts. The xenolith suite consists of deformed (i.e., protogranular to porphyroclastic texture) Cl-rich pargasite lherzolites, metasomatized (LILE and Pb enrichment in clinopyroxene and amphibole) at T ? 1000 °C. Lherzolites contain chlorine-rich H₂O-CO₂ fluid inclusions, but no melt inclusions. Fluid inclusions are preserved only in orthopyroxene, while in olivine, they underwent extensive interaction with the host mineral. The metasomatic fluid composition is estimated: X_CO2 = 0.64, X_H2O = 0.33, X_Na = 0.006, X_Mg = 0.006, X_Cl = 0.018, (salinity = 14-10 NaCl eq. wt.%, a_H2O = 0.2, Cl = 4-5 mol.%). Fluid isochores correspond to trapping pressures of 1.4-1.5 GPa or 50-54 km depth (at T = 950 °C). Synchrotron sourced micro-infrared mapping (ELECTRA, Trieste) shows gradients for H₂O-distribution in nominally anhydrous minerals, with considerable enrichment at grain boundaries, along intragranular microfractures, and around fluid inclusions. Total water amounts in lherzolites are variable from about 150 up to 400 ppm. Calculated trace-element pattern of metasomatic fluid phases, combined with distribution and amount of H₂O in nominally anhydrous minerals, delineate a metasomatic Cl- and LILE-rich fluid phase heterogeneously distributed in the continental lithosphere. Present data suggest that Cl-rich aqueous fluids were important metasomatic agents beneath the Ethiopian plateau, locally forming a source of high water content in the peridotite, which may be easily melted. High Cl, LILE, and Pb in metasomatic fluid phases suggest the contribution of recycled altered oceanic lithosphere component in their source.     

Gravelly flood deposits of Irvine Creek, Ontario, Canada

In May 1974 a powerful flood flushed the Grand River basin, Ontario. The effects on the bedload were drastic in a narrow (30 m) and deep (40 m) rock walled and floored gorge near Elora, Ontario. Along Irvine Creek, the tributary occupying the gorge, the gravel cover was reworked in several types of bars, predominantly transverse and point bars. The bars formed very rapidly in response to essentially steady, non-uniform flow that developed during a brief period of high flood. Superimposed on major bars are several minor sedimentary features such as coarse transverse ribs, chute channels and bars, longitudinal ribs, imbrication clusters, backsets with well developed imbrication, that were formed under very high stream discharge. Structures like imbrication clusters, transverse ribs and small riffle bars require a ‘live bed’ situation to form, and they develop when stones come to a stop either because they cluster during transport, or because keystone effects occur along shallow channels. In Irvine Creek, very few sedimentary features were formed during waning and low flood stages: only some shadow deposits and a few Ostler lenses. The few fines that were available were lost downstream or filled in lower parts of gravel beds. This study confirms that in streams that experience strong seasonal fluctuations in discharge, bedforms that develop during high floods have a high probability of preservation. In gravelly deposits, foreset structures and plane beds are most commonly preserved, although they may be difficult to recognize in old deposits, which may appear massive, particularly if the gravel has been infilled with finer pebbles and sand. In the case of Irvine Creek, all deposits are organized, and lateral and vertical variations in textures, particularly imbrication and packing, are very useful in the recognition of sedimentary structures.     

Geochemistry of Ordovician Keli Group basalts associated with Besshi-type Cu-Zn deposits from the southern Trondheim and Sulitjelma mining districts of Norway

Besshi-type volcanogenic Cu-Zn deposits in the Scandinavian Caledonides are hosted by Ordovician metabasalts and clastic sediments of the Storen, Fundsjo and Sulitjelma groups. The basalts are transitional between T-MORB and marginal basin tholeiites in composition and are characterised by Nd and Pb isotopic compositions which overlap the more radiogenic values of Lower Palaeozoic MORB. These features, along with the intercalation of the basalts with tuffs and continentally derived sediments, indicate an epicontinental rift or marginal basin origin, possibly analogous to the present Red Sea and Gulf of Aden rifts. This implies the development of a restricted ocean basin in the north of Iapetus between the Laurentian and Baltoscandian microcontinents during the Cambrian and Early Ordovician.     

广西涠洲岛晚新生代玄武岩地幔源区及岩浆成因

涠洲岛作为我国最年轻的第四纪火山岩岛,其火山活动表现出多期、多旋回和多喷发中心的特征,但其地幔源区特征和岩浆成因依然存在争议。本文对涠洲岛玄武岩开展了详细的矿物学和全岩主、微量元素及Sr-Nd-Pb同位素研究,以揭示其地幔源区特征和岩浆成因。涠洲岛玄武岩主要为碱性玄武岩,在岩浆上升过程,几乎未受到地壳物质的混染,经历了橄榄石和单斜辉石的分离结晶作用。轻稀土（LREE）富集、重稀土（HREE）亏损,轻、重稀土强烈分馏（（La/Yb）_N=14.42~28.64）,Nb、Ta明显正异常,显示出与洋岛玄武岩（OIB）相似的微量元素和Sr-Nd-Pb同位素特征。Sr-Nd-Pb同位素比值变化较均一,且呈现出亏损地幔端元（DM）与富集地幔端元（EM2）的二元混合趋势。其中,EM2端元可能源于海南地幔柱。Sr/Sr^*（1.21~2.36）和Eu/Eu^*（1.01~1.11）正异常,指示源区存在再循环辉长岩洋壳组分。结合已有的地震层析成像结果和岩石地球化学数据,得出南海及周缘地区的晚新生代玄武岩的形成受控于海南地幔柱。伴随着海南地幔柱的上升,再循环的辉长岩洋壳经部分熔融与地幔橄榄岩反应生成石榴石辉石岩（贫硅辉石岩）,石榴石辉石岩和未反应的地幔橄榄岩混合部分熔融形成涠洲岛玄武岩。

     

Geochemical features and genesis of continental cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts

Mass cobalt-rich ferromanganese microcrusts and nodules similar in morphology and chemical composition to cobalt-rich ferromanganese deep-ocean crusts were found in Cenozoic volcanic rocks in southern Primorye. Research has shown that ore genesis of this type is genetically related to argillization and destruction of siliceous rocks by CO₂-rich fluids, which is confirmed by experimental data on carbon erosion of iron-containing materials. Two types of this fluid ore genesis are recognized: (1) relatively high-temperature (vapor-condensate), related to late volcanic processes and fracture gas infiltration, and (2) low-temperature (vapor-liquid-condensate), controlled by degassing followed by carbon mobilization (gasification). Primarily colloidal ferromanganese segregations have high contents of Co, Ni, Pb, Cu, and Ce, typical of oceanic ore genesis. Regardless of the concentrations of these metals in the protoliths, their contents in microcrusts are similar (n-10n wt.%). This indicates the same ore genesis mechanism and similar sorption properties of the colloidal ferromanganese material formed. Barium- and cerium-rich ferromanganese microcrusts and nodules are abundant. Condensed drops of iron-containing platinum were found in apobasaltic nickel-rich ferromanganese segregations. There is a cerium paradox expressed as a minimum or a total lack of cerium among rare-earth phosphates associated with ferromanganese microcrusts. Fluid destruction and oxide metallization of ocean-floor basalts are assumed to be the main source of metals for oceanic ferromanganese crusts and nodules.     

辽东半岛海城-大石桥菱镁矿矿床成因探讨

辽东半岛古元古界辽河群大石桥组三段地层中赋存有全球最大工业储量的菱镁矿矿床.在总结和整理已发表的辽东半岛晶质菱镁矿床地质和地球化学数据的基础上,本次研究进行了Mg和B同位素测试及研究工作,获得以下认识:① 菱镁矿矿体呈北东东走向,产于大石桥组三段,但不同矿床的矿体厚度差异较大(30～300 m),菱镁矿矿体与顶、底板高...