The metamorphic field gradient in the eclogite type locality, Koralpe region, Eastern Alps

The eclogite type locality in the Eastern Alps (the Koralpe and Saualpe region) is the largest region in the Eastern Alps that preserves high‐pressure metamorphic rocks from the Eo‐Alpine orogenic event of the Cretaceous age. Thermobarometric data from the metapelitic gneisses in the region indicate that a metamorphic field gradient across the region can be divided into three parts. The northern part shows continuously increasing P–T from 10 ± 1.5 to 14 ± 1.5 kbar and 500 ± 68 to 700 ± 68 °C over a distance of 40 km. The continuous increase in P–T indicates that no major tectonic boundaries were active in this part during the Eo‐Alpine orogeny. Small discontinuities in the pressure gradient of the northern part can be correlated with more localized deformation. The central part exposes amphibolite–eclogite facies rocks with 15 ± 1.5 kbar and 700 ± 68 °C over about 20 km length. The southern part shows decreasing P–T conditions from 15 ± 1.5 to 10 ± 1.5 kbar and 700 ± 68 to 600 ± 63 °C over a distance of 10 km beyond which conditions remain roughly constant for the remainder of the profile. Overall, the field gradient is characterized by: (i) an increase in age with decreasing metamorphic grade and (ii) a T/P ratio that is lower than common metamorphic geotherms. The age–grade relationship is consistent with the timing relationship along piezothermal arrays predicted by simple models for regional metamorphism. However, the T/P ratio of the field gradient is inconsistent with such an interpretation. These inconsistencies indicate that the profile is not simply an obliquely exposed crustal section. We suggest that the exhumation of the transect is best explained with a two dimensional model of an extruding wedge, as has recently been suggested as a typical scenario for other large scale compressional orogens.     

Spatial distribution of the calcareous dinoflagellate Thoracosphaera heimii in the upper water column of the tropical and equatorial Atlantic

 The horizontal and vertical distribution of the phototrophic, calcareous dinoflagellate Thoracosphaera heimii in the upper part of the water column (10–200 m) of the equatorial and tropical Atlantic Ocean has been studied. This first survey has been made to determine which part of the water column is inhabited by T. heimii and is subsequently represented as a signal in the sediment record by this species. The study concentrates on the fossilisable vegetative coccoid life stage of the species and differentiates between T. heimii shells with cell content and empty ones. The highest quantities of T. heimii shells with cell content have been observed in water depths between 50 and 100 m and coincide with relatively lower temperatures and relatively higher salinities than respective surface conditions. We propose that in the tropical equatorial Atlantic the major part of the environmental signal given by T. heimii can be assumed to represent the deeper levels of the upper water column. Received: 9 November 1998 / Accepted: 19 April 1999     

Regional variation in exhumation and strain rate of the high-pressure Sambagawa metamorphic rocks in central Shikoku, south-west Japan

Regional variation in the P–T path of the Sambagawa metamorphic rocks, central Shikoku, Japan has been inferred from compositional zoning of metamorphic amphibole. Rocks constituting the northern part (Saruta River area) exhibit a hairpin type P–T path, where winchite/actinolite grew at the prograde stage, the peak metamorphism was recorded by the growth of barroisite to hornblende and sodic amphibole to winchite/actinolite grew at the retrograde stage. In the southern part (Asemi River area), rocks exhibit a clockwise type P–T path, where barroisite to hornblende core is rimmed by winchite to actinolite. The difference in P–T path could suggest a faster exhumation rate (i.e. more rapid decompression) in the southern than in the northern part. On the other hand, physical conditions of deformation during the exhumation stage have been independently inferred from microstructures in deformed quartz. Recrystallized quartz grains in rocks from the low‐grade (chlorite and garnet) zones are much more stretched in the southern part (aspect ratio ≥ 4.0) than in the northern part (aspect ratio< 4.0), indicating a higher strain rate in the former than in the latter. These facts may indicate that the exhumation and strain rates are correlated (i.e. the exhumation rate increases with increasing the strain rate). The difference in the exhumation rate inferred from amphibole zoning between the northern and southern parts could be explained by an extensional model involving normal faulting, where the lower plate can be exhumed faster than the upper plate due to the displacement along the fault. Furthermore, the model may explain the positive correlation between the exhumation and strain rates, because the lower plate tended to support more stress than the upper plate.     

Reconstruction of subglacial depositional conditions based on the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility: an example from Dębe (central Poland)

The analysis of low-field anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) was used to reconstruct the subglacial deposition conditions during the Main Stadial of the Odranian Glaciation (MIS 6) in till deposits from a site in Dębe (central Poland). Based on the AMS parameters, six till beds were identified (intervals 1–6). The declination of the maximum magnetic susceptibility axis (k₁) indicates that the ice sheet was moving in from the northwest. The obtained results confirm the thesis about the preferred direction of ice-sheet transgression during the Odranian Glaciation (MIS 6) in this part of Poland. This interpretation is also confirmed by data obtained from measurements of the long axis of clasts, which agree with the orientation of k₁. Based on the AMS results, a significant part of the profile was deformed through simple shear and direct interaction of the ice sheet with the underlying sediment (beds 2–5). The lowest part of the till (bed 6) may have been deposited on a southeast-trending slope or post-depositional deformed by uneven loading of the ice cover. The upper part of the profile (especially in interval 1) could be deposited with an impact of pore water.     

Fast imaging and inversion of on and off shore electromagnetic data

We consider thin layer algorithms for inversion of electromagnetic data acquired on large experimental grids. These algorithms do not involve targeted search of the model parameters. Instead, they determine an integrated characteristic of the model, i.e. heterogeneous conductance or transverse resistance, using a filtration technique developed for thin layer models, which adequately represent the geo-electric situation by a sequence of laterally homogeneous and heterogeneous layers. The corresponding filter reflects impedance/admittance relations between different components of the electromagnetic field in the stratified part of the model. Convolution of such filters with the data obtained from experimental measurements represents the most time consuming part of the computation. The convolution is carried out using a high performance algorithm, which makes the process of inversion extremely fast. The choice of a particular inversion algorithm is dictated by the specific geo-electric situation in the area of interest and the electromagnetic data subject to interpretation. Typically, most computations can be carried out in up to several minutes using a regular desktop or laptop PC.We restrict our consideration to two simplest algorithms for determination of the conductance of heterogeneous conductive layers (S-algorithm) and the transverse resistance of heterogeneous resistive layer (T-algorithm). The algorithms can be useful for interpretation of data acquired in on- and off-shore conditions with natural and controlled sources. Inversion can be jointly carried out for data sets collected for different source locations, at different frequencies, etc. Likewise, the algorithms can be used for interpreting the data collected using a moving source.Performance of the algorithms is demonstrated on a set of test inversions of numerically simulated data sets. The first group of the examples is typical for environmental applications. It is studied using the S-algorithm applied to natural and controlled source measurements for shallow and deep targets. The T-algorithm is applied for delineation of a gas hydrate type of reservoir using the data numerically simulated for such a problem.In geo-electrical situations that can be addressed using thin layer models, results of inversion hardly require any further elaboration. For instance, this happens when parameters of the heterogeneous layer satisfy thin layer conditions and its thickness can be determined from seismic measurements. When this is not the case, the model found by a thin layer inversion usually reveals correct location of the anomalous body and provides reasonable estimate of its integrated electric properties. In such situations the algorithm works as an imaging technique, which together with seismic information on the layer boundaries provides a justified initial model for a full scale 3D inversion and hopefully allows for avoiding pitfalls associated with a straightforward application of more traditional 3D inversion algorithms.     

Seamounts in the Central Indian Ocean Basin: indicators of the Indian plate movement

The study of seamount parameters in the tectonically most-complicated and least-understood Indian Ocean assumes importance since their properties vary as a function of tectonic setting, physics of lithosphere, conduit geometry and chemical composition of magma. More than 100 such seamounts ranging in summit height (h) from 300 to 2870 m, are indentified in the oceanic crust between Indian continent and Mid-Indian Ridge (MIR) and South-East Indian Ridge (SEIR). Most of the minor seamounts (h > 1000) are found in the southern part of the study area. Major seamounts (h < 1000 m) are roughly distributed in two groups—the northern group on Cretaceous Oceanic Crust and southern group on Pliocene-Miocene Oceanic Crust. On an average northern group seamounts (SM 1 to 6) are taller, wider and flatter than those from the southern group. These seamounts appear to be the result of continuous growth from tapped, moving magma chamber while stress depleted magma and inconsistent Indian Plate movement during Mid-Tertiary are attributed to the origin of southern group of smaller seamounts. Distribution and morphology of seamounts as a whole indicate their formation either from Reunion hotspot or from two separate hotspots in the geological past.     

Revision of the conchostracan genera Cratostracus and Porostracus from Cretaceous deposits in north-east China

The diagnoses of the conchostracan genera Cratostracus and Porostracus are revised following a re-examination of their type species under a scanning electron microscope. In Cratostracus each growth line has a serrated lower margin. Radial lirae branch into smaller ridges that merge with each other to give the upper part of each growth band in the ventral region of the carapace a slightly undulating surface. Cross-bars are present between these lirae. In Porostracus the radial lirae on the growth bands near the umbo are long and relatively widely spaced. There is a fine reticulum between them in the umbonal part of the carapace and cross-bars on the ventral surface. The ornament of Porostracus indicates that it can be assigned to the family Halysestheriidae rather than to the Afrograptidae, in which it has been placed previously. Morphological analysis of most of the species of the two genera and closely related Orthestheria (Migransia) under the scanning electron microscope is required before their stratigraphic potential can be fully realized.     

Late‐glacial and early Holocene changes in vegetation and lake‐level at Hauterive/Rouges‐Terres,Lake Neuchâtel (Switzerland)

Palynological and sedimentological analyses of a sedimentary sequence sampled at Hauterive/Rouges‐Terres, Lake Neuchâtel (Switzerland) provide documentation of changes in vegetation and lake‐level during the Bølling, Younger Dryas and Preboreal pollen zones, and have allowed a comparison with sequences covering the same period from other sites located in the western part of the Swiss Plateau. The Juniperus–Hippophaë zone (regional pollen assemblage zone (RPAZ) CHb‐2, first part of the Bølling, ca. 14 650–14 450 cal. yr BP) was characterised by a generally low lake‐level. A weak rise occurred during this zone. The Juniperus–Hippophaë to Betula zone transition coincided with a lake‐level lowering, interrupted by a short‐lived but marked phase of higher lake‐level recorded at the neighbouring site of Hauterive‐Champréveyres, but not present at Hauterive/Rouges‐Terres owing to an erosion surface. Shortly after the beginning of the Betula zone (RPAZ CHb‐3, second part of the Bølling, ca 14 450–14 000 cal. yr BP), a marked rise in lake‐level occurred. It was composed of two successive periods of higher level, coinciding with high values of Betula, separated by a short episode of relatively lower lake‐level associated with raised values in Artemisia and other non‐arboreal pollen. The last part of RPAZ CHb‐3 saw a fall in lake‐level. The lower lake‐levels during RPAZ CHb‐2 to early RPAZ CHb‐3 can be correlated with the abrupt warming at the beginning of the Greenland Interstadial (GI) 1e thermal maximum. The successive episodes of higher lake‐level punctuating the GI 1e might be linked to the so‐called Intra‐Bølling Cold Oscillations identified from several palaeoclimatic records in the North Atlantic area, and also documented in oxygen‐isotope data sets from Swiss Plateau lakes. The Hauterive/Rouges‐Terres lake‐level record provides evidence for marked climatic drying through the second part of the Younger Dryas event (GS1), during the GS1–Preboreal (RPAZ CHb‐4b–4c) transition (except for a rise at ca. 11 450–11 400 cal. yr BP), and at the RPAZ CHb‐4c–5 (Preboreal–Boreal) transition, following the Preboreal Oscillation (after 11 150 cal. yr BP). The Preboreal Oscillation coincided with higher lake‐levels, its end being followed by a rapid expansion of Corylus, Quercus, Ulmus and Tilia. The Hauterive/Rouges‐Terres lake‐level record suggests that radiocarbon plateau at 12 600, 10 000 and 9500 ¹⁴C yr BP corresponded to periods of generally lower lake‐level. This suggests that an increase in solar activity may have contributed to both climatic dryness and a decrease in atmospheric radiocarbon content. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Multivariate statistical techniques applied to pisolitic laterite geochemistry at Golden Grove, Western Australia

Multivariate statistical procedures are applied to pisolitic laterite geochemistry in a study of the Golden Grove massive sulphide district. The objective is to optimize identification of geochemical anomalies caused by base metal mineral deposits.The statistical approach used in this paper depends upon geochemical data for appropriate reference groups (or training sets) being available. The target group consists of orientation data from pisolitic laterite about the Gossan Hill Cu-Zn massive sulphide deposit. A group representing background sequence was selected by combining three subareas in a geochemically quiet part of the prospective acid volcano-sedimentary sequence.A multi-element allocation procedure was set up using data from the reference groups. The exploration samples are then allocated, one sample at a time, to either one of the reference group categories, using the probability of group membership. A map showing the relative probability values for each sample site is the final product for interpretation, aided by ancillary use of an index of typicality.The allocation procedures were carried out using different element combinations, these being based on a procedure for subset selection to give maximum separation of reference groups, and on geochemical insight. Whilst many versions of the allocation procedure gave positive identification of the anomaly related to the blind Scuddles Cu-Zn deposit, allocation using only Cu, Pb, Zn and Ag did not. The results emphasize the importance of pathfinder elements in geochemical studies in weathered terrain.The allocation procedure using the most appropriate element combinations provided more positive identification of the main areas of known mineralization than had the previously used empirically derived methods of Smith and Perdrix (1983). The formal allocation procedure has the following additional advantages: results are not markedly affected by a very high value for any single element since robust procedures are incorporated into the analysis; better discrimination appears to be possible for weaker anomalies; separation of target from background can be optimized by formal calculations instead of by trial and error; and better suppression of background variation results.     

Current accelerating seismic excitation along the northern boundary of the Aegean microplate

According to previous observations [Geophys. Res. Lett. 27 (2000) 3957], the generation of large (M≥7.0) earthquakes in the western part of the north Anatolian fault system (Marmara Sea) is followed by strong earthquakes along the Northern Boundary of the Aegean microplate (NAB: northwestermost Anatolia–northern Aegean–central Greece–Ionian islands). Therefore, it can be hypothesized that a seismic excitation along this boundary should be expected after the occurrence of the Izmit 1999 earthquake (M=7.6). We have applied the method of accelerating seismic crustal deformation, which is based on concepts of critical point dynamics in an attempt to locate more precisely those regions along the NAB where seismic excitation is more likely to occur. For this reason, a detailed parametric grid search of the broader NAB area was performed for the identification of accelerating energy release behavior.Three such elliptical critical regions have been identified with centers along this boundary. The first region, (A), is centered in the eastern part of this boundary (40.2°N, 27.2°E: southwest of Marmara), the second region, (B), has a center in the middle part of the boundary (38.8°N, 23.4°E: East Central Greece) and the third region, (C), in the westernmost part of the boundary (38.2°N, 20.9°E: Ionian Islands). The study of the time variation of the cumulative Benioff strain in two of the three identified regions (A and B) revealed that intense accelerating seismicity is observed especially after the occurrence of the 1999 Izmit mainshock. Therefore, it can be suggested that the seismic excitation, at least in these two regions, has been triggered by the Izmit mainshock.Estimations of the magnitudes and origin times of the expected mainshocks in these three critical regions have also been performed, assuming that the accelerating seismicity in these regions will lead to a critical point, that is, to the generation of mainshocks.     

Appropriate Sampling for Optimised Measurement (ASOM), rather than the Theory of Sampling (TOS) Approach,to Ensure Suitable Measurement Quality: A Refutation of Esbensen and Wagner (2014)

The ‘Appropriate Sampling for Optimised Measurement’ (ASOM) approach considers measurement to be the focus of the sampling process, and sampling to be only the first part of the measurement process. To achieve ASOM, the uncertainty of measurements, including its contribution from sampling, needs to be estimated and optimised in order to achieve fitness‐for‐purpose. Such samples are then ‘sufficiently’ representative. The ‘Theory of Sampling’ (TOS) focuses on the processes of primary sampling and sample preparation and assumes that samples are ‘representative’ if they are correctly prepared by nominally ‘correct’ protocols. It defines around ten sampling ‘errors’, which are either modelled or minimised to improve sampling quality. It is argued that the ASOM approach is more effective in achieving appropriate measurement quality than in applying TOS to just the first part of the measurement process. The comparison is made less effective by the different objectives, scopes, terminology and assumptions of the two approaches. ASOM can be applied to in situ materials that are too variable to be modelled accurately, or where sources of uncertainty are unsuspected. The proposed integration of ASOM with TOS (Esbensen and Wagner 2014, Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 57, 93–106) is therefore effectively impossible. However, some TOS procedures can be useful within the ASOM approach.     

Experimental investigation of limestone of the Faiyah Range area,United Arab Emirates

The paper presents results of a laboratory experimental program performed on limestone rock samples, using both physical and mechanical methods. The studied rocks (Simsima Formation, Upper Cretaceous) can be classified as highly ferruginous and highly fossilliferous limestone. The lower part of the Simsima Formation contains common fauna such as Orbittoids, rhodolithic and rudists, whereas the upper part of the limestone is interbedded with conglomerates. Detailed geological, petrographic in addition to physical and mechanical tests were carried out on some representative samples from the Faiyah area, aiming at getting a better understanding of the important properties of these rocks. It is shown that the uniaxial unconfined compressive stress is the controlling factor of classification of the Faiyah limestone.     

Concentration of seismic energy within the two active domains beneath individual volcanoes and groups of volcanoes of Java, Indonesia

It is shown that beneath all individual active volcanoes or volcanic groups of Java there are two seismically active domains (Ac₁ and Ac₂), separated by an aseismic space (As₂). The concentration of released seismic energy is calculated for all active domains, in the cases of altogether eighteen individual volcanoes or groups, respectively. The medium value of energy-concentration (E*) in the case of the shallower active domains (Ac₁)is:

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(cerg = 0.01 erg), while the medium value for the deeper active domains (Ac₂) is:

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that is, they are in the same order of magnitude, thus expressing a remarkably uniform process of strain-accumulation and -release inside well-separated domains under active volcanoes if a longer period of time was considered.The variation of the E*-values, especially that of E* (Ac₂) along the arc of the volcanoes of Java, roughly speaking from west to east, shows a general tendency towards decrease. The western part is characterized by high, the eastern one by low values. By and large, a similar graph can be drawn concerning the reciprocal number of tectonic shocks within domains Ac₂. That is, the western part of the belt is characterized by relatively few shocks of higher magnitude while their number is essentially greater in the eastern part. Finally, the variation of the probable minimum depth of the primary magma chambers (sources of andesitic magma), calculated by one of the present authors corresponding to the Toksöz-model and on the basis of the analysis of Benioff-zones underneath Java, also shows a similar tendency, because the primary chambers at the western part of the belt are to be found at a relatively shallower level than at the eastern part.     

Pan-African high pressure granulites from SE-Kenya: Petrological and geothermobarometric evidence for a polycyclic evolution in the Mozambique belt

Two different Pan-African tectono-metamorphic events are recognised in the Taita Hill Tsavo East National Park/Galana river area, SE-Kenya (Mozambique belt) based on petrographic and geothermobarometric evidence. Structurally, this area can be subdivided into four units: (1) the easternmost part of the basement along the Galana river is characterized by subhorizontal slightly to the west and east dipping foliation planes. Migmatic paragneisses with intercalated marbles, calcsilicates and metapelites and bands of amphibolites are the dominant rock type. (2) The western part of the Galana river within the Tsavo East National Park is a ca. 25 km wide shear zone with subvertical foliation planes. The eastern part shows similar rocks as observed in unit 1, while towards west, metasedimentary units become rare and the main rock types are tonalitic gneisses with intercalated amphibolites. (3) A 10 km wide zone (Sagala Hills zone) between the strike slip zone (unit 2) and the Taita Hills (unit 4) is developed. This zone is characterized by elongated and folded felsic migmatic amphibole and garnet bearing orthogneiss bodies with intercalated bands of mafic rocks. (4) The Taita Hills are a slightly to the N dipping nappe stack. The main rock type in the Taita Hills are amphibole–biotite–plagioclase–quartz ± garnet ± clinopyroxene ± scapolite bearing migmatic gneisses with mafic bands. In the southern part, metapelites, marbles and some amphibolites are common.Although the geological structures are different in units 1 and 2, the calculated PT conditions are similar with peak PT of 760–820 °C and 7.5–9.5 kbar. Temperatures in unit 3 (Sagalla Hills zone) and unit 4 (Taita Hills) are slightly higher ca. 760–840 °C, but pressure is significantly higher, ranging from 10 to 12 kbar. Sillimanite growth around kyanite, garnet zonation pattern, mineral reaction textures, and PT calculations constrain a “clock-wise” PT-path with near isobaric cooling following the peak of metamorphism. The different PT conditions, tectonic setting, and a different age of metamorphism are evidence that units 1 and 2 (Galana river) belong to a different tectono-metamorphic event than unit 3 (Sagala Hills zone) and 4 (Taita Hills). The major shear zone (unit 2) marks a tectonic suture dividing the two different tectono-metamorphic domains. It is also likely that it played an important role during exhumation of the granulite facies rocks from units 3 and 4.     

Three‐dimensional analysis of the seismic behaviour of micropiles used in the reinforcement of saturated soil

This paper includes a numerical study of the behaviour of micropiles used for the reinforcement of saturated soil. Analysis is carried out using the (u–p) formulation (displacement for the solid phase and pore‐pressure for the fluid phase) implemented in a three‐dimensional finite element program. The soil behaviour is described by means of a cyclic elastoplastic constitutive relation which was developed within the framework of the bounding surface concept. The paper is composed of three parts. The first one is concerned with a presentation of the numerical model; the second includes analysis of the seismic behaviour of a single micropile; the last part deals with the group effect under seismic loading. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Vegetation history after the late period of the Last Glacial Age based on phytolith records in Nangodani Valley basin,southern part of the Aso caldera,Japan

Vegetation history after the late period of the Last Glacial Age has been reconstructed using phytolith records obtained from three tephra sections in the Nangodani Valley basin, southern part of the Aso caldera, south-west Japan. The topography of the Nangodani Valley basin is divided into three types: somma (caldera rim and wall), caldera floor (central valley) and post-caldera central cone slope. The vegetation transitions after the late period of the Last Glacial Age in the basin vary between these topographic types. The differences can be explained based on human activities in the valley basin. Grassland dominated by Sasa and Pleioblastus dwarf bamboos (before 8 ka) and Miscanthus and other Andropogoneae pampas grasses (after 8 ka) occurred in the central valley and on the post-caldera central cone slope, which were strongly affected by human activities including a long period of burning. In contrast, forest with an understory of Bambusoideae plants was preserved on the caldera rim and wall, which was inaccessible because of its steep topography, during the Holocene.     

A new approach to simulating disorder in crystals

The technique of calculating lattice dissociation energies using static, minimum lattice energy, ionic models has been extended to allow for multiple occupancy of the ionic sites. A particular lattice site can have a fraction x of an ionic species A and a fraction y of an ionic species B, where the position of each can be relaxed separately along with the unit cell dimensions until an equilibrium is reached. Various degrees of long and short range order can be modelled. This technique has been applied to the mineral sillimanite, Al₂SiO₅, to calculate the effect on the lattice energy of (Al, Si) ordering over the tetrahedral sites. It is found using this method that (Al, Si) ordering with space group Pbmn stabilizes the material by 29.25 kcal/mol (Al^iv-O-Al^iv), with respect to the completely disordered material.     

Compositional characteristics of wolframite in tin deposits,Dupangling, Guangxi

Statistical data on major, trace and rare-earth elements in wolframite from the quartz vein-and greisen-type tin deposits in the Dupangling orefield reveal: (1) The components in wolframite can be divided into two relatively independent groups: the WO₃-Nb-Ta-Sc-REE group, in which WO₃ is negatively correlated with the others and the FeO-MnO-Sn group, in which MnO is negatively correlated with the other two; (2) In general, REE fractionation is not significant, reflected mainly by the separation of Eu from other REE’s. LREE and HREE increase or decrease simultaneously, with HREE being more variable; (3) Nb, Ta, Sc, REE substitute for W, and Sn may enter into wolframite lattice accompanied by Fe-Mn substitution; (4) In contrast to wolframite in quartz veins, which is poor in REE, Nb, Ta and Sc and has highδ Eu values and LREE / HREE and Nb/Ta ratios, wolframite in greisen is rich in REE, Nb, Ta, Sc and has lowδ Eu values and LREE/HREE and Nb/Ta ratios; and (5) The contents and ratios of trace elements and REE partitioning parameters of wolframite can be used as guide for prospecting.     

Initial accretion of the North Qinling Terrane to the North China Craton before the Grenville orogeny: constraints from detrital zircons

Whether the North Qinling Terrane (NQT) was accreted to the North China Craton (NCC) in the Proterozoic is still a matter of debate. We report the first detrital zircon study from the Baishugou Formation, which forms the uppermost part of the Mesoproterozoic Guandaokou Group, at the southernmost NCC margin. Detrital zircons from carbonaceous silty phyllite in the lower part of the Baishugou Formation yield U–Pb ages peaking at ca. 2500 Ma, with minor peaks at ca. 2300–2000, 1800, and 1600 Ma, and εHf(t) values ranging from ?10.8 to +9.1. These zircons are considered to have been sourced from the NCC. In contrast, the middle-to-upper part of the formation contains detrital zircons which yield an age group ranging from 1800 to 1000 Ma, with peaks at 1800, 1500, 1300, and 1100 Ma; the zircons with ages of 1500–1300 Ma dominantly have εHf(t) values greater than +5 and the majority plot along the depleted mantle evolution curve. The striking difference between the U–Pb ages of the detrital zircons from the upper and lower parts of the formation suggests a shift in provenance. Magmatism at 1500–1300 Ma has not been reported from the southern margin of the NCC but has been discovered in the NQT. Hence, we deduce that the zircons from the upper part of the formation were primarily derived from the NQT, where an episode of crustal growth and magmatism is recorded between 1500 and 1100 million years. The variable sediment provenances imply that the NCC and NQT could be connected during the late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic. The pattern of detrital zircon ages in the new sediments from the Baishugou Formation is distinct from those in the Kuanping Group and the Palaeozoic Erlangping Complex, which are at present sandwiched between the NCC and the NQT. The detrital zircons from these two groups are dominated by an age peak at ca. 1000 Ma, which is formed as the result of amalgamation of the NQT and the Rodinia Supercontinent during the Grenville orogeny. It is possible that the new sediments of the Baishugou Formation were deposited before Grenville orogeny.     

Human‐Mediated Prehistoric Marine Extinction in the Tropical Pacific? Understanding the Presence of Hippopus hippopus (Linn. 1758) in Ancient Shell Middens on the Rove Peninsula,Southwest Viti Levu Island,Fiji

At the Lapita‐era (1100‐550 B.C.) settlements (Bourewa and Qoqo) along the Rove Peninsula in Fiji, valves of the reef‐surface‐dwelling giant clam Hippopus hippopus (long extirpated in Fiji) occur in shell midden. Valve size/weight increase with depth, suggesting that human predation contributed to its local disappearance. The timing of this event is constrained by (a) the confinement of H. hippopus remains to the lower part of the midden, (b) their likely association with only the stilt‐platform occupation phase at both Bourewa and Qoqo (approximately 1100‐900 B.C.), and (c) radiocarbon ages. All these suggest that H. hippopus disappeared from reefs here about 750 B.C. Yet human predation is not considered to be a significant cause of extirpation of H. hippopus in the entire Fiji group. More plausible is that (climate‐driven) sea‐level fall (55 cm) during Lapita times in Fiji (approximately 1100‐550 B.C.) forced changes to coral‐reef ecology that saw this sensitive species extirpated throughout the Fiji archipelago. It is also considered possible that the Lapita colonizers introduced bivalve predators or diseases to Fiji that spread independently of humans throughout these islands.