Principles of Probabilistic Regional Mineral Resource Estimation

Five principal sources of uncertainty in quantitative mineral resource estimation are listed and illustrated by means of a simple example (mosaic model) and a case history study for large copper deposits in the Abitibi area of the Canadian Shield. Abitibi copper potential originally was estimated on the basis of 1968 estimates of production and reserves totalling 3.12 Mt Cu. This prognostication now could be evaluated on the basis of 2008 copper production and reserves totalling 9.50 Mt Cu. An earlier hindsight study performed on the basis of 1977 data (totalling 5.23 Mt Cu) showed seven new discoveries occurring either in the immediate vicinities of known deposits or on broad regional copper anomalies predicted from the 1968 inputs. By 1977, the global geographic distribution pattern of large copper deposits in the Abitibi area had stabilized. During the next 30 years, new copper was essentially found close to existing deposits, much of it deeper down in the Earth's crust. In this paper, uncertainties associated with copper ore tonnage are analyzed by comparison of 2008 data with 1968 data using (a) log-log plots of size versus rank, and (b) lognormal QQ-plots. Straight lines fitted by least squares on these plots show that 1968 slopes provide good estimates of 2008 slopes but 1968 intercepts are much less than 2008 intercepts. In each linear log-weight versus log-rank plot, the slope is related to fractal dimension of a Pareto frequency distribution, and in a lognormal QQ-plot it is determined by logarithmic variance. The difference between 2008 and 1968 intercepts represents the increase in copper ore production and reserves from 1968 to 2008. The Pareto model fits actual copper and massive sulphides increase over the past 40 years better than the lognormal frequency distribution model for 10 km×10 km cells on favorable environments in the Abitibi area.      

Geology and mineralization of the Tiegelongnan supergiant porphyry-epithermal Cu (Au,Ag) deposit (10 Mt) in western Tibet,China: A review

The Tiegelongnan Cu(Au,Ag)deposit in central Tibet contains more than 10 Mt of copper ranking 29 th in the world.It is characterized by typical porphyry-epithermal alteration and mineralization.In order to improve the understanding of porphyry-epithermal copper deposit in Tibet,new zircon U-Pb age and sulfur isotope data along with published data in the Tiegelongnan are presented to investigate the formation and preservation mechanism.Ore-related intrusive rocks in the Tiegelongnan including Early Cretaceous(about 120 Ma)granodiorite porphyry and diorite porphyry are closely related to the northward subduction of Bangongco-Nujiang ocean.Sulfur mainly comes from deep magma,and ore-forming fluid is affected by both magmatic and meteoric water.The metallogenic setting of Tiegelongnan is consistent with those of Andean porphyry copper deposits in South America.The cover of the Meiriqiecuo Formation volcanic rocks,Lhasa-Qiangtang collision and India-Eurasian collision have significance in the preservation and uplift of the deposit.The formation,preservation and discovery of Tiegelongnan play an important role in exploration of ancient porphyry-epithermal deposits in Tibet.     

Carbon cycle variability in tropical Atlantic across two Early Eocene hyperthermals

Early Eocene hyperthermals are geologically short-lived global warming events and represent fundamental perturbations to the global carbon cycle and the Earth’s ecosystem due to massive additions of isotopically light carbon to the ocean-atmosphere system.They serve as ancient analogs for understanding how the oceanic carbonate system and surface-ocean ecosystem would respond to ongoing and future climate change.Here,we present a continuous carbonate record across the Eocene Thermal Maximum 2(ETM2 or H1,ca.54.1 Ma)and H2(ca.54 Ma)events from an expanded section at Ocean Drilling Program Site 1258 in tropical Atlantic.The abundant calcareous nannofossils and moderate carbonate content throughout the studied interval suggest this record was deposited above the calcite compensation depth(CCD),but below the lysocline and under the influence of terrestrial dilution.An Earth system model cGENIE is used to simulate the carbon cycle dynamics across the ETM2 and H2 to offer insights on the mechanism of the rapid warming and subsequent recovery in climate and ecosystem.The model suggests moderate changes in ocean pH(0.1–0.2 unit)for the two scenarios,biogenic methane from a rechargeable methane capacitor and organic matter oxidation from thawing of the permafrost.These pH changes are consistent with a recent independent pH estimate across the ETM2 using boron isotopes.The carbon emission flux during the ETM2 is at least an order of magnitude smaller than that during the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum(PETM)(0.015–0.05 Pg C yr^-1vs.0.3–1.7 Pg C yr^-1).The comparable pre-and post-event carbonate contents suggest the lysocline did not over deepen following the ETM2 at this tropical Atlantic site,indicating spatial heterogeneity in the carbonate system due to strong dilution influence from terrestrial weathering and riverine discharge at Site 1258.     

Geochronological and geochemical constraints on the petrogenesis of late Mesoproterozoic mafic and granitic rocks in the southwestern Yangtze Block

Late Mesoproterozoic igneous rocks in the SW Yangtze Block are important for understanding the role of it in reconstruction of the Rodinia supercontinent.In the present study,we report new geochronological,geochemical,and Nd-Hf isotopic data for the Cuoke plagioclase amphibolites and granites in the SW Yangtze Block.Geochronological results show that the plagioclase amphibolites and granites have similar late Mesoproterozoic zircon U-Pb ages of 1168-1162 Ma,constituting a bimodal igneous assemblage.The plagioclase amphibolites have high and variable TiO2 contents(1.15-4.30 wt.%)and Mg#(34-66)values,similar to the tholeiitic series.They are characterized by enrichment in LREEs and LILEs,and have OIB-like affinities with positive Nb and Ta anomalies.The plagioclase amphibolites have positive whole-rockεNd(t)(+3.2 to+4.3)and zirconεHf(t)(+4.3 to+10.7)values,indicating that they were derived from an OIB-like asthenospheric mantle source.The granites belong to the reduced peralkaline A-type series and have negativeεNd(t)value of-6.0 andεHf(t)values of-5.8 to-13.8,indicating a derivation from the partial melting of ancient mafic lower crust.In combination with the~1.05-1.02 Ga bimodal igneous assemblage in the SW Yangtze Block,we propose that the Cuoke 1168-1162 Ma igneous rocks were likely formed in a continental rift basin and argue against the existance of Grenvillian Orogen in the SW Yangtze Block during the late Mesoproterozoic.     

Analysis of prospecting polymetallic metallogenic belts by comprehensive geophysical method

This paper is based on the analysis and research on the silver-lead-zinc polymetallic ore in New Ballyhoo Banner in southern Manzhouli of Inner Mongolia.Because metal mineralization brings rock formations,the geophysical features such as low resistivity,high polarization rate and uneven distribution of magnetization,the comprehensive geophysical methods are adopted including high-precision magnetic measurement,high-power induced polarization,IP field middle gradient and controlled source audio-frequency magnetotellurics.In the survey work of multi-metal ore deposits,from surface sweeping to single point measurement,and from single point to section going deeper layer by layer,the resolution of measurement is continuously improved,and various geophysical methods support and complement each other,so explorers can successfully predict the direction,scale and volume of the metallogenic belts in conjunction with geochemical exploration,geological survey and drilling.It has provided a strong basis for completing the exploration task of predicting the reserve volume of ore bodies.The research conclusions of this exploration case have thus a high reference value in the same type of exploration work.     

利用Grapher绘制彩色渐变剖面平面图

在物探扫面工作中,有大量的剖面数据需要绘制成剖面平面图,要求寻找一个高效快速的制图方法.通过对Grapher 自动化功能的分析和实践,编制程序实现了快速绘制彩色渐变剖面平面图的需求,说明利用自动化脚本能够在获得精美图件的同时,可以极大地提高作图效率.     

冷生风化作用对边坡稳定性影响

The experiment shows that considerable influence on density rock properties are subjected by nival weathering conditions. The main parameter defining the rock suitability for solution various engineering and geological problems is its firmness limit on single axis pressing. The firmness properties of sandstone being in absolutely dry condition for Kabakta suite at the beginning of investigation was 64.7 MPa, for Nerungri suite sandstones it was 48. 7 MPa. The investigations showed how much the nival conditions of cryohypergenesis of rock sandstones in Kabakta and Nerungri suites have destructive influence in comparison with aquale and more over aerale conditions. In the aerale conditions sedimentary rock firmness of Kabakta suite decreased to 23.2 MPa, in aquale conditions to 16.5, and in the nivale conditions to 8.9 MPa. In Nerungri suite sandstones are according to 17.7 MPa, 11.1 MPa, and 6 MPa after 300 freezing and thawing cycles. The common sandstone firmness decrease of Kabakta suite was 25 %,of Nerungri suite it was 23.8%. Marlstone samples after 400 FTC decrease to 62% in the nivale conditions and to 33 % in the aerale conditions. After 3～5 years of exploitation marlstone will destruct due to structural and textural inhomogenesis up to gruss, i.e. it will not meet the requirements of durability.Judging by the results of carried out experiment it should be concluded that by cryogenic weathering the sedimentary rocks (sandstones) and rocks with schistose lithogenic texture (marlstone) are subjected to disintegration. The primary rock samples firmness considerably influences on the disintegration rate.     

Cenozoic Sea‐land Transition and its Petroleum Geological Significance in the Northern South China Sea

The process of Cenozoic sea-land changes in the northern South China Sea(SCS)controlled the sedimentary filling pattern and played an important role in the petroleum geological characteristics of the northern marginal sedimentary basins.Under the control of the opening process of the SCS,the northern SCS Cenozoic transgression generally showed the characteristics of early in the east and late in the west,and early in the south and late in the north.The initial transgression occurred in the Eocene in the Taixinan Basin(TXNB)of the eastern SCS,while the transgression occurred until the Pliocene in the Yinggehai Basin(YGHB)of the western SCS.International Ocean Discovery Program(IODP)expeditions(Expeditions 367/368)revealed that the initial transgression of the SCS basin occurred at approximately 34 Ma,which was the initial opening time of the SCS.The period of drastic changes in the sedimentary environment caused by large-scale transgression corresponded to the opening time of the southwestern subbasin(approximately 23 Ma),which also represented the peak of the spreading of the SCS.The sea-land transition process controls the distribution of alternating continent-marine facies,marine facies source rocks and reservoirs in the basins.The marine facies source rocks of the basins in the northern SCS have a trend of gradually becoming younger from east to west,which is consistent with the regional process of gradual transgression from east to west.Regional sea-level changes were comprehensively influenced by SCS opening and global sea-level changes.These processes led to the early development in the east and south and late development in the west and north for the carbonate platform in the SCS.Carbonate platforms form another type of"selfgenerating and self-accumulating"oil-gas reservoir in the northern SCS.The sea-land transition controlled the depositional filling patterns of different basins and laid the foundation of marine deposits for oil and gas resources.The source-reservoircap assemblage in the northern SCS was controlled horizontally by provenance supply and sedimentary environmental changes caused by sea-land transition and vertically by the tectonic evolution of the SCS and regional sea-level changes.     

《同一个地质计划》的进展与对策

《同一个地质计划（OneGeology）》最初由英国地质调查局于2006年2月提出,已得到全球地学组织的支持。到2007年底,国际地球科学联合会等10个全球学术团体与国际地学组织、2个跨国公司、2位知名人士和67个国家的地质调查局参加了该计划。《同一个地质计划》是各个国家的地质调查局贡献给国际行星地球年的、约1：100万比例尺的、可在网络上很容易取得最好世界地质图数据的计划。该计划的目标是：使可用的地质图数据能被更多的人使用,使需要的人受益,促进互操作能力的增强。《同一个地质计划》的实施,可以提升全球、大陆、行星、海洋地球科学图的编制和出版的合作能力。深化对一些地区地质问题的研究,并可作为国际地球行星年一个切实可用的成果,提升国家地质调查局的形象;运用管理地学知识的领导能力和经验,通过教育、科学、文化和交流。能够处理全球污染对社会、经济和环境的影响问题。促进全球环境保护公约的执行,减缓自然灾害,使全球经济可持续发展,人们的居住环境更安全、更繁荣。精神生活更丰富、更快乐。因此,实施该计划不仅有现实意义,更有重要而深远的政治意义。     

Geochemical Characterizations of Source and Depositional Environment of Hydrocarbons in the Lake Albert Rift Basin

Despite the upsurge in hydrocarbon exploration in the Lake Albert Rift Basin(LARB)over the past three decades,systematic characterization of hydrocarbon compositions remains lacking,leading to uncertainties in source rock and oil generation determination.We characterized crude oil compositions and oil sand samples in the northern and southern subbasins of LARB.The relative abundance of normal and branched linear alkanes,hopanes,steranes,and aromatic hydrocarbon suggest that northern and southern hydrocarbons were deposited in anoxic to suboxic lacustrine environments and share similar biological source compositions(i.e.,a mixture of plants and aquatic algae and bacteria).Relative to southern samples,northern samples show more negative δ¹³C values for oils,saturates and aromatics,indicating longer migration paths,and exhibit higher MPI-1,DNR-1 and 4-/1-MDBT ratios,indicating higher maturity.Between the two possible sets of source rocks(upper Miocene and Jurassic strata),the positive δ¹³C values of saturated hydrocarbons(average=-20.5‰)suggest that the upper Miocene lacustrine shale is the most likely candidate.Oleanane index(<5% in our samples)does not exclude either source rock possibility,and C₂₈/C₂₉ regular sterane(average=0.63)may be biased by high terrestrial inputs in a lacustrine setting.Together,our data show that northern and southern oils originate from the same source rocks but different oil kitchens.Given the similar geochemical characteristics of southern and northern oils,previous exploration successes in the northern subbasin likely suggest similar potential in the southern sector,while other elements influencing exploration success must be also evaluated.     

《地质论评》刊行50卷祝辞

今年《地质论评》已出版50卷。我国超过50卷的学术刊物是很少的,《地质论评》刊出50卷是个值得庆贺的时刻。《地质论评》1936年创刊,1951年出到第16卷时,与“Bulletin of Geological Society of China”《中国地质学会会志》(英文、法文、德文)合并为中文版的《地质学报》。随着地质工作的蓬勃发展和国际交流日益频繁。中国地质学会事理会会议决定恢复《地质论评》,     

铀储层地质建模:揭示成矿机理和应对“剩余铀”的地质基础

野外露头和典型矿床的地质建模显示,铀储层存在着严重的沉积和成岩非均质性,即铀储层砂体存在物理结构和物质成分的差异,它们一方面通过制约铀成矿流体场和层间氧化作用达到对铀成矿的控制,另一方面也会影响地浸采铀的溶矿流体场以及对溶剂的选择.本文从铀成矿机理探讨和提高采收率的角度,遴选了地质模型表征的3大类、10余种关键要素,并总结了各参数的空间分布规律.研究表明,沉积作用和沉积环境是铀储层内部沉积界面和构成单元形成发育的主要控制因素,成岩作用会进一步增强铀储层结构和成分的复杂性.研究指出,与铀成矿密切相关的后生蚀变作用优先发育于物性条件好但还原介质丰度低的河道单元中,显示层间氧化带和铀矿的形成发育具有很强的选择性;地下地质建模受参数获取方法和精度约束而具有很大的预测性,但是在矿床尺度下系统总结关键参数的空间配置规律和相互制约关系,对服务找矿预测和地浸采铀才具有真正的实际应用价值.      

西域陆块的建立及其地质意义

综合地质学、地球化学、地球物理学及深部构造等方面的资料,对“西域陆块”双重基底-结晶基底（Ar3Pt1）与褶皱基底（Pt2-3）、盖层（NhZ）,上下冰碛层,陆块边界等方面进行了初步探讨。西域陆块由塔里木、柴达木、中天山、敦煌、中-北祁连山、阿拉善等微陆块组成．它既不同于华北陆块（北型）,也有别于扬子陆块（南型）。但又具有华北与扬子陆块的某些特征,早古生代期间发育北西西向沟孤盆构造系以及中新生代与青藏高原隆升相伴产生的大型复合坳陷含油气盆地。暗示其很可能是中国西北部一个独立的构造单元。     

地质信息产权与赛博地质革命——关于地勘行业走出低谷的深层思索

毋庸讳言，20余年来地质勘探行业始终未能走出困境。在大多数行业趁改革大潮而欣欣向荣之际，地勘行业的向隅应该不是偶然的，不会是没有深层次原因的。探究原因，对症下药，诚其时也。在市场经济条件下，首先要明确地勘单位的产品究竟是什么?其实它并非实物形态产品，而是地质信息。由于它可以给使用者带来经济效益，故可称为地质信息资源，又可划分为原始地质信息资源和演绎地质信息资源两个层次。地质信息具有使用价值和交换价值，其价值量由给使用者带来的收益能力所决定。地质信息的商品化就是要进行地质信息产权交易，而产权界定又是地质信息市场化运行的前提。以地质信息的一个分支即矿产地质信息产权为例，依勘查阶段之不同应有一个循序的演进过程，产权之归属和转移也相应有所界定，如此方能保证地质信息交易之顺畅和有序。地质信息产权属于知识产权范畴，应有产权制度予以保证。地质信息产权的取得制度可以参照专利权取得制度和计算机软件著作权取得制度的有关规定，结合自身特点来制定。其中的矿产资源地质信息产权与探矿权、采矿权虽有联系但又必须加以明白的区分。实际上探矿权是投资生产地质信息的权力，它是由行政授予的，所谓探矿权转让不过是官权主导下的市场，地勘单位并没有独立处分的权利。当前我国矿业权市场化运行过程中出现的诸多矛盾，根源在于混淆了国家所有的矿业权与地勘单位所有的地质信息产权之间的界限，而且前者又鲸吞后者所致。产品不清楚、产权不明晰、市场不公正、法规不完备、地勘业之困境自不待言。只有建立以地勘企业为主导的地质信息产权市场，才能克服当前矿业权之官本市场局面，真正加快地勘单位企业化进程，重振地勘事业之生机。地质信息的市场化运作也在呼唤新技术的支持。将地质信息与计算机技术、网络技术、虚拟现实技术相结合，将使地勘业进入一个新的发展空间，我们可以将其称为“赛博地质”。赛博地质观即整体性、综合性、系统性和人机互动性之地质观。地质信息在赛博空间中运行，一方面可以获取和演绎地质信息，一方面又可开展地质信息的营销交易活动。赛博地质的建立将导致一系列深刻的变革，包括新的管理体制、新的企业群体、新的科教事业和新的投资体制等等。当前地勘业应积极拓宽服务领域，进行产业结构调整，推进产业结构升级，制定地质信息技术标准．完善相应的法律法规，以迎接赛博地质时代的到来。     

"Water Consumption" in the Diagenetic Stage and Its Petroleum Geological Significance

Inspired from the anomaly of low pressure in the middle and deep reservoir of the Paleogene in the Jiyang depression, this paper theoritically discusses"waterconsumption"of the principal mineral alteration during the diagenetic stage. The preliminary research result shows that "water consumption" of mineral alteration in the diagenetic stage can make formation water greatly decrease. Relevant formations will be in the stage of low pressure without supply of exterior liquid. Pressure differences between the relevant formations and wall rocks make hydrocarbons enter easily to form the effective reservoir.     

“Water Consumption” in the Diagenetic Stage and Its Petroleum Geological Significance

Inspired from the anomaly of low pressure in the middle and deep reservoir of the Paleogene in the Jiyang depression, this paper theoritically discusses＂waterconsumption＂of the principal mineral alteration during the diagenetic stage. The preliminary research result shows that ＂water consumption＂ of mineral alteration in the diagenetic stage can make formation water greatly decrease. Relevant formations will be in the stage of low pressure without supply of exterior liquid. Pressure differences between the relevant formations and wall rocks make hydrocarbons enter easily to form the effective reservoir.