Pb-Sr-O-C isotope compositions of metacarbonate rocks of the Derbina Formation (East Sayan): Chemostratigraphic and geochronological significance

The Pb-Sr-O-C isotope compositions of calcite marbles of the Derbina Formation, exposed in the northwestern part of the Derbina block of the East Sayan, were studied. Rocks of the Derbina Formation were metamorphosed under high-temperature amphibolite facies conditions. The carbonate constituent of marbles contains (ppm) 15–130 Mn, 130–160 Fe, 0.008–0.039 Rb, 645–2190 Sr, 0.565–0.894 U, and 0.288–1.42 Pb. These concentrations are similar to those in modern carbonate sediments. The values of δ¹³C in marbles of the Derbina Formation range from–0.6 to +1.4‰ PDB; the values of δ¹⁸O range from 21.5 to 28.6‰ SMOW. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio values in the two least altered rocks, which meet geochemical criteria of the Rb-Sr system preservation in high-grade carbonate rocks, are 0.70804 and 0.70829. The protolith ages of marbles determined using Sr and C chemostratigraphy lie within the interval of 560–530 Ma, which is regarded as the period of carbonate sedimentation. The slope of the straight line on the ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb–²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb diagram (n = 9, MSWD = 19) constructed on the basis of the data points of bulk carbonate constituents of all samples studied and those representing leachate steps of one of them in 0.5N HBr yields Late Vendian age (556 ± 31 (2σ) Ma. Taking into account the data on Sr and C isotope systematics of Derbina marbles, this age is regarded as the age of early diagenesis of carbonate sediments close to the age of sedimentation. Thus, metacarbonate rocks of the Derbina Formation preserved the pre-metamorphic chemostratigraphic and isotope-geochronological information. The age obtained testifies that formation of the carbonate cover of the Derbina block occurred in the Late Vendian. At the end of the Cambrian, carbonate deposits were metamorphosed during the Early Caledonian tectonic event in the southeastern part of the Central Asian Fold Belt.     

Neoproterozoic complexes of the shelf cover of the Dzabkhan terrane basement in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt

The formation stages of high-grade metamorphic complexes and the related granitoids of the Dzabkhan terrane basement are considered. The age data (U–Pb method, TIMS) of zircons from the trondhjemite block of the eastern part of the Dzabkhan terrane, which is directly overlain by the dolomite sequence of the Tsagaan Oloom Formation, are given. Trondhjemites yield the U–Pb zircon age of 862 ± 3 Ma. In their structural position, they are assigned to typical postmetamorphic formations that determine the formation and cratonization of rocks of the host block. The geochronological study of trondhjemites gives grounds to distinguish fragments of the continental crust in the Dzabkhan terrane basement, the formation of which occurred at different periods of time: ～860 and ～790 Ma. Geological–geochronological and Sm?Nd isotope–geochemical studies indicate that the Dzabkhan terrane basement is not a single block of the Early Precambrian continental crust, but a composite terrane, comprising Neoproterozoic ensialic and island-arc structural and compositional complexes. Correlation of Sr isotopic characteristics with the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr variation curve in the Neoproterozoic and Cambrian seawater shows that carbonate deposits accumulated at the eastern margin of the Dzabkhan terrane near the end of the Neoproterozoic, 700–550 Ma, and in the central part of the terrane in the Early Cambrian, 540–530 Ma.     

Sr chemostratigraphy of carbonate sedimentary cover of the Tuva-Mongolian microcontinent

This study uses Sr isotope chemostratigraphy to place constraints on the depositional age of carbonate rocks from the Tuva-Mongolian microcontinent. The age of carbonate rocks of the Irkut Formation (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr initial ratio equal to 0.70480–0.70485) is determined to be older than 1250 Ma, whereas carbonates of the Zabit (0.70706–0.70727 and 0.70828–0.70848) and Agarin Gol (0.70725–0.70743) formations were deposited in the interval 630–560 Ma.     

Late Precambrian terrigenous rocks of the Anamakit–Muya zone of the Baikal–Muya belt: geochemistry and results of LA-ICP-MS dating of detrital zircons

A comparative geochemical characteristics of Late Precambrian sedimentary rocks (Ust’-Kelyana and Tuluya rock units) in the Anamakit–Muya zone of the Baikal–Muya belt is given, and the conditions of their sedimentation are considered. The first results of U–Pb (LA-ICP-MS) dating of detrital zircons and Sm–Nd isotope data on the Tuluya unit deposits are presented. Petrogeochemical study showed that the studied sediments are first-cycle rocks similar in composition to terrigenous island-arc sediments. The low contents of Th, Rb, Zr, Hf, and LREE and high contents of Co, Ni, Sc, V, Cr, and Fe₂O₃* in the sandstones of the Ust’-Kelyana unit evidence that these rocks are similar to oceanic-arc deposits. In contrast, the enrichment of the Tuluya unit rocks in Zr, LREE, Th, Rb, and Nb indicates their similarity to deposits of continental island arcs or active continental margin. Isotope-geochronological studies of the Tuluya rock unit showed the mixing of detrital material resulted from the erosion of Neoproterozoic island-arc igneous rock associations (625–700 Ma), like those in the Karalon–Mamakan zone (Yakor’ and Karalon Formations), and more ancient associations, like the Kelyana (812–824 Ma) and/or Dzhaltuk Groups. Judging from the minimum age of detrital zircon, the lower time bound of sedimentation corresponds to 0.6 Ga.     

鄂尔多斯盆地奥陶系锶同位素地球化学特征

对于鄂尔多斯盆地奥陶系碳酸盐岩锶同位素的研究主要集中于成岩作用识别与划分。本次以盆地内中东部陕北坳陷镇钾1井马家沟组五段(以下简称马五段)以及盆地西缘桌子山地区三道坎组—桌子山组为研究对象,首次报道了未经成岩作用影响的碳酸盐岩的锶同位素数据,基于锶同位素地层学原理,试图恢复该沉积期古环境特征并对奥陶纪地层格架进行再讨论,共获得了如下几点认识:①镇钾1井马五段锶同位素自下而上以反复震荡、整体上略微增加为特征,震荡周期与蒸发岩韵律相吻合。桌子山地区三道坎组—桌子山组锶同位素以小幅波动为特征,整体上呈现出单调递减趋势。②马家沟组的地质年代归属于中奥陶世达瑞威尔中—晚期,而三道坎组—桌子山组的地质年代早于马家沟组,为中奥陶世达瑞威尔早—中期。③镇钾1井马五段处于局限台地-蒸发台地的沉积背景下,其锶同位素与全球演化曲线特征存在差异,说明了在该沉积背景下锶同位素对古环境变化反应更为敏感,能够成为区域古环境分析的重要指标。桌子山地区三道坎组—桌子山组由于处于开阔台地-缓坡的沉积背景下,与全球锶同位素演化曲线拟合度较高。为进一步研究鄂尔多斯盆地的沉积及构造差异提供了新依据,本次研究为全球锶同位素曲线提供了新的基础资料。     

Mineralization age and sources of ore‐forming material of the Nanmushu Zn‐Pb deposit in the Micangshan Tectonic Belt at the northern margin of the Yangtze Craton,China: Constraints from Rb‐Sr dating and Sr‐Pb isotopes

The Nanmushu Zn‐Pb deposit, hosted by the Neoproterozoic Dengying Formation dolostone, is located in the eastern part of the Micangshan tectonic belt at the northern margin of the Yangtze Craton, China. This study involves a systematic field investigation, detailed mineralogical study, and Rb‐Sr and Pb isotopic analyses of the deposit. The results of Rb‐Sr isotopic dating of coexisting sphalerite and galena yield an isochron age of 486.7 ± 3.1 Ma, indicating the deposit was formed during the Late Cambrian to Early Ordovician. This mineralization age is interpreted to be related to the timing of destruction of the paleo‐oil reservoir in the Micangshan tectonic belt. All initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of sphalerite and galena (0.70955–0.71212) fall into the range of the Mesoproterozoic Huodiya Group basement rocks (0.70877–0.71997) and Dengying Formation sandstone (0.70927–0.71282), which are significantly higher than those of Cambrian Guojiaba Formation limestone (0.70750–0.70980), Cambrian Guojiaba Formation carbonaceous slate (0.70766–0.71012), and Neoproterozoic Dengying Formation dolostone (0.70835–0.70876). Such Sr isotope signatures suggest that the ore strontium was mainly derived from a mixed source, and both of the Huodiya Group basement rocks and Dengying Formation sandstone were involved in ore formation. Both sphalerite and galena are characterized by an upper‐crustal source of lead (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 17.849–18.022, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.604–15.809, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 37.735–38.402), and their Pb isotopes are higher than, but partly overlap with, those of the Huodiya Group basement rocks, but differ from those of the Guojiaba and Dengying Formations. This suggests that the lead also originated from a mixed source, and the Huodiya Group basement rocks played a significant role. The Sr and Pb isotopic results suggest that the Huodiya Group basement rocks were one of the most important sources of metallogenic material. The geological and geochemical characteristics show that the Nanmushu Zn‐Pb deposit is similar to typical Mississippi Valley type, and the fluid mixing may be a reasonable metallogenic mechanism for Nanmushu Zn‐Pb deposit.     

Isotopic signatures of deposition and transformation of Lower Cambrian saliferous rocks in the Irkutsk amphitheater: Communication 2. Strontium isotopic composition

Rb-Sr data were obtained for different Lower Cambrian rocks from boreholes Bel’sk and Zhigalovo drilled in the Irkutsk amphitheater. Shales in the lower part and insoluble residue of marls throughout the entire (up to 2 km thick) sequence define the first transformation stage of silicate rocks dated at 580 Ma with a large uncertainty. Sulfate and carbonate rocks are the main Sr carriers in the Lower Cambrian rocks. Owing to a negligible amount of silicate impurities in them, the input of radiogenic Sr exerted no significant influence on the Rb-Sr isotope system. However, almost all carbonate and sulfate rocks studied are contaminated by radiogenic Sr relative to its initial isotopic composition in the sedimentation basin. Hence, the rocks experienced epigenetic (probably, repeated) recrystallization and one or several stages of dissolution.     

Sedimentary complexes of the cover of the Dzabkhan continental block: Different sedimentary basins and source areas

The geochemical and Sm–Nd isotope characteristics of Late Precambrian and Early Cambrian sandstones previously related to the sedimentary cover of the Dzabkhan continental block are reported. It is established that the Riphean and Vendian sedimentary rocks of the Ul’zitgol’skaya and Tsaganolomskaya Formations were accumulated within the Dzabkhan continental block as a result of recycling of the terrigenous deposits formed at the expense of destruction of basement rocks and younger granite. The formation of terrigenous rocks of the Bayangol’skaya Formation after a gap in sedimentation occurred in the sedimentary basin, where only the Late Riphean formations of the juvenile crust, probably of the Dzabkhan–Mandal block were the sources, without the contribution of the ancient crustal material. The Tsaganolomskaya and Bayangol’skaya Formations were formed in different sedimentary basins and cannot be related to the same complex.     

Chemostratigraphy of the Vendian–Cambrian carbonate sedimentary cover of the Tuva-Mongolian microcontinent

The carbonate sediments from the Vendian–Cambrian shelf of the Tuva-Mongolian microcontinent were dated by Sr and C isotope chemostratigraphy. Analysis of the Sr-isotopic characteristics (0.70725–0.70873) and δ¹³C variations (+ 10.5 to –3.5‰), as well as their comparison with the data on the key sections of Siberia, Africa, Central Asia, Australia, South America, and Spitsbergen, showed that the carbonate sedimentary cover of the Tuva-Mongolian microcontinent accumulated at 600–520 Ma and the carbonate sediments of the Muren Formation and the basal beds of the Bokson Group near the Ukha-Gol River are the oldest. Their sedimentation followed the Marinoan global glaciation.     

Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Sedimentary Huntite Deposits in the Egirdir-Hoyran Lake Basin of Southern Turkey

The sediment-hosted huntite-magnesite deposits are located in the Egirdir-Hoyran lake basin in the Isparta Angle (southern Turkey). The deposits occur at two different localities in the region: (1) Kemersirti huntite deposit, (2) Köytepe huntite-magnesite deposit. The huntite-magnesite occurrences are found in shallow lacustrine rocks of the Miocene-Pliocene Kizilcik Formation and formed as a result of Neogene tectonic activity. Based on X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic studies, the mineral assemblage of huntite deposits contains mostly huntite, less magnesite, dolomite, very little calcite, illite, simectite, brucite, and quartz in the Kemersirti area but contain huntite, magnesite, dolomite, and calcite in the Köytepe area.In the huntite and magnesite-bearing huntite samples, MgO varies from 32.70 to 37.95 wt. %, CaO from 7.83 to 15.10 w.t. %, and SiO₂ from 0.99 to 10.60 w.t. %. Ba and Sr are dominant minor elements in the deposits. Ba and Sr for huntite and magnesite bearing huntite in the study area vary from 11 to 233 ppm and from 325 to 765 ppm, respectively. As, U, Zr, V and Ce contents ranged from 11.5-146 ppm, 0.5-3.7 ppm, 1.4-13.2 ppm, 7-34 ppm, and 0.9-2.7 ppm respectively. The huntite-magnesite is characterized by relatively lower Ni (0.5-2.4 ppm) and Co (0.5-1.1 ppm) contents. The huntite and magnesite-bearing huntite occurrences have higher Ba, Sr, As, Zr, V, and U contents than those of the other elements. The d13C isotope values vary between 7.8‰ to 8.8‰ PDB for huntite+magnesite, 8.2‰ PDB for huntite, 1.4‰ PDB for magnesite+dolomite, and 4.0‰ PDB for limestone from deposits in the study area. The δ¹⁸O isotope values of the huntite deposits ranged from 30.4 to 35.5‰ SMOW for huntite+magnesite, 32.4‰ SMOW for huntite, 29.8‰ SMOW for magnesite+ dolomite, and 26.9‰ SMOW for limestone.The presence of nodular huntite and the abundance of gastropod, ostracoda and Chura shells in the carbonate units indicate that the huntite occurrences are precipitated at shallow, alkaline (8.5-9.5 pH) and lower temperature (approximately 25°C) lake conditions. The Mg⁺⁺, Ca⁺⁺ and Si⁺⁺ ions for the huntite formation were derived from the surrounding rocks such as ultrabasic rocks, dolomite, dolomitic limestone, and limestone in the Egirdir-Hoyran lake basin. Also, the C isotope ratios indicate that the CO₂ source for the huntite formations results to sedimentary basin from metamorphic CO₂, carbonate rocks, fresh water carbonates, and ground water. The source of oxygen for the huntite formation may come from marine limestone, fresh water carbonates and meteoric water.     

Vendian-Cambrian carbonate sequences in sedimentary cover of the Tuva-Mongol microcontinent

Lihological-geochemical investigations of Vendian-Cambrian carbonate rocks from sedimentary cover of the Tuva-Mongol microcontinent revealed that the Bokson Group (Oka structural-formational zone), as well as the Gorlyk and Ara-Oshei formations (Ilchir structural-formational zone), characterize a common carbonate platform. Together with the Bokson Group, the combined Gorlyk and Ara-Oshei formations, which correlate with the complete Bokson Group, make up the Vendian-Cambrian sedimentary cover of the Tuva-Mongol microcontinent. Carbonate sequences accumulated in a shallow-water basin with differentiated bottom topography. Vendian-Cambrian carbonate rocks are characterized by constant geochemical composition due to the stability of provenance (basic and subordinate ultrabasic rocks) and the lack of admixture of pyroclastic material and influence of submarine hydrothermal solutions. Lithological and geochemical features of carbonate sequences imply a gradual deepening of basin in the course of sedimentary cover formation.Translated from Litologiya i Poleznye Iskopaemye, No. 2, 2005, pp. 192–204.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Letnikova, Geletii.     

云南思茅盆地钾盐矿床的深源浅储成因模式——来自于Sr同位素的证据

【研究目的】思茅盆地赋存有中国唯一的前第四纪固体钾盐矿床,该矿床的成因一直存在争议。客观地认识矿床成因、合理地构建矿床成因模式,不仅是钾盐矿床学研究中亟需解决的基础科学问题,而且关乎盆地内钾盐资源勘查方向的选择。【研究方法】本项研究以思茅盆地L-2井和MZK-3井的盐岩、盐岩上覆和下伏碎屑岩、盐岩中的碎屑岩为主要研究对象,重点分析其锶同位素地球化学特征。【研究结果】结果表明：（1）L-2井全岩样品⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr值为0.708220~0.727458,平均值为0.712776;盐岩水不溶物⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr值为0.711342~0.741999,平均值为0.716574;（2）MZK-3井盐岩上覆碎屑岩层⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr值为0.713318~0.723147,平均值为0.717255;盐岩下伏碎屑岩层⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr值为0.712470~0.738988,平均值为0.719307;（3）碎屑岩样品经过87Rb校正恢复至初始沉积状态的⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr值为0.710880~0.727678,平均值为0.712828;（4）盐岩样品⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr值全部明显小于大陆地表风化系统的平均值,有个别样品⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr值大于现代海水。【结论】基于思茅盆地基础地质和钾盐矿床地质已有的研究成果,结合盐岩和碎屑岩锶同位素地球化学特征,可以得出：思茅盆地含钾盐岩与碎屑岩处于不同的锶同位素平衡体系;含钾盐岩的物源主体为海水,成盐过程中陆源淡水的补给可使⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr值增大;碎屑岩沉积于陆相环境,在与固态盐岩或盐岩水溶液接触之前已处于早成岩阶段A亚期;钾盐的成矿模式为勐野井组沉积期深层源盐通过走滑拉分形成的断层迁移至地表,在由高处向汇水盆地迁移过程中捕获了处于早成岩阶段A亚期的碎屑颗粒,形成了现今的含泥砾盐岩;部分含泥砾盐岩在迁移进入汇水盆地之后,经历了溶解-重结晶的过程,形成了盆地内成分较纯的盐岩;后续沉积的碎屑颗粒形成了防止盐岩溶蚀破坏的保护层;新生代的喜山运动使早期形成的钾盐矿床发生调整改造。     

Genesis of Early Cretaceous porphyrite-type iron deposits and related sub-volcanic rocks in the Ningwu Volcanic Basin,Middle-Lower Yangtze Metallogenic Belt,Southeast China

ABSTRACT

The Ningwu Volcanic Basin (NVB), located in the Lower Yangtze Metallogenic Belt, is characterized by the widespread occurrence of porphyritic iron-ore deposits. These deposits are clustered in three areas within the basin: the northern, central, and southern districts. Our study shows that the differences are existed in geochemistry of the rocks and the mineralization of the deposits among these three districts. Though results of Sr–Nd isotopes indicate that the parental magma of the sub-volcanic rocks in NVB were derived from EMI and EMII, however, the sub-volcanic rocks from the northern and southern districts have higher ε_Nd(t) values (t = 130 Ma) and lower initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (t = 130 Ma) than those from middle district. The rocks from northern and southern districts are similar to EMI in geochemistry; in contrast, rocks from the middle district are close to EMII. Meanwhile, the deposits from different districts show some differences in mineralization. The magnetites from the northern ore deposits are rich in Cu, Mo, Zn, and Mg and poor in Ca, Al, and Ti, which probably indicates that the magnetites from the northern ore deposits closer to hydrothermal genesis than to magmatic genesis, but the magnetites from the centre are closer to both magmatic and hydrothermal geneses. Based on the fact that a part of the sub-volcanic rocks is closer to EMI and another part to EMII in geochemistry, we suggested that the incorporation of the lower and upper crustal materials into the source regions of the sub-volcanic rocks has taken place by different manner and processes. Integrated with analysis of the tectonic evolution of NVB, we come to the conclusion that the sub-volcanic rocks have recorded the geochemical imprints of the subduction of Yangtze block towards North China block during Indosinian Period and the delamination of the lower crust of Yangtze block during Yanshanian Period.     

Isotopic evidence for postsedimentary transformation of rocks of the Lower Cambrian Angara Formation in the Irkutsk Amphitheater

The section of the Angara Formation (upper portion of Lower Cambrian) is composed of a complex combination of dolomites, anhydrites, marlstones, and salinastones. The occurrence of solution breccia, various types of metasomatism, and other indications testify to the substantial postsedimentary reworking of these rocks. Sulfate reduction, one of the most important processes of reworking, is clearly expressed in the sulfur isotopic composition. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio in carbonate and sulfate materials is more stable owing to the relatively high Sr content in these rocks. Nevertheless, most sulfate and carbonate rocks are contaminated with the radiogenic Sr. The carbon isotope ratio in carbonates is close to the “normal” value despite the evaporitic character of sedimentation basins and the possible participation of organic carbon, which is a product of the oxidation of hydrocarbons by sulfates, in the transformation of carbonates. The Rb-Sr analysis of the clayey component of marlstones and the K-Ar analysis of mudstones from the lower portion of the Lower Cambrian-Vendian section indicate that the rocks were mainly transformed during a time span corresponding to the Caledonian folding dramatically manifested at the platform margin.     

四川盆地中南部寒武系白云岩特征及形成机制

四川盆地寒武系厚度达千米,岩性从下到上依次由泥页岩-粉砂质泥岩-灰质白云岩-纯白云岩组成,其优质储层主要为中—上寒武统冼象池组的白云岩。本文通过与川东北长兴组—飞仙关组、塔河油田奥陶系白云岩对比,应用微量元素、稀土元素、碳、氧、锶同位素等分析测试结果,对四川盆地中南部寒武系白云岩特征及形成机制进行了研究。研究结果表明:四川盆地中南部寒武系白云岩具有较高的铁、锰质量分数,平均值分别为6 502.9×10~(-6)和468.3×10~(-6),较低的锶质量分数,平均值为74.0×10~(-6),较低的碳氧同位素值,δ~(13)CVPDB和δ~(18)OVPDB平均值分别为-2.38‰和-7.74‰;四川盆地中南部寒武系碳酸盐岩经历了大气淡水淋滤作用,可能为准同生白云石化或混合水白云石化作用。     

晋东北地区中生代次火山岩及金银成矿作用地球化学

晋东北地区是金银矿床成矿有利地区。本文通过该区次火山岩Ｒｂ－Ｓｒ同位素及次火山岩和金银矿的稳定同位素研究，揭示了次火山岩和金银矿的生成时代及它们成因的内在联系，并指出了找矿标志。     

The Sr isotopic characterization and Pb-Pb age of carbonate rocks from the Satka formation,the Lower Riphean Burzyan Group of the southern Urals

The Rb-Sr and U-Pb systematics are studied in carbonate deposits of the Satka and Suran formations corresponding to middle horizons of the Lower Riphean Burzyan Group in the Taratash and Yamantau anticlinoria, respectively, the southern Urals. The least altered rock samples retaining the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio of sedimentation basin have been selected for analysis using the original method of leaching the secondary carbonate phases and based on strict geochemical criteria of the retentivity (Mn/Sr < 0.2, Fe/Sr < 5 and Mg/Ca < 0.024). The stepwise dissolution in 0.5 N HBr has been used to enrich samples in the primary carbonate phase before the Pb-Pb dating. Three (L-4 to L-6) of seven consecutive carbonate fractions obtained by the step-wise leaching are most enriched in the primary carbonate (in terms of the U-Pb systematics). In the ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb-²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb diagram, data points of these fractions plot along an isochron determining age of 1550 ± 30 Ma (MSWD = 0.7) for the upper member of the Satka Formation. The initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio in the least altered limestones of this formation is within the range of 0.70460–0.70480. Generalization of the Sr isotopic data published for the Riphean carbonates from different continents showed that 1650–1350 Ma ago the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio in the world ocean was low, slightly ranging from 0.70456 to 0.70494 and suggesting the prevalent impact of mantle flux.     

Geochemistry of the Mt Wright Volcanics from the Wonominta Block,northwestern New South Wales

The Mt Wright Volcanics are located in the Wonominta Block of northwestern New South Wales. Detailed regional mapping has shown that the block is a composite tectonic unit and that the metavolcanic rocks described as the Mt Wright Volcanics may have been emplaced at different time from Late Proterozoic (northern section: Packsaddle, Nundora) to Early Cambrian (southern section: Mt Wright). Geochemical investigations, including major and trace elements, as well as analyses of relic clinopyroxene, show that the rocks have affinities with alkali basalt with light‐rare‐earth‐element‐enriched compositions. An intra‐plate extensional environment (such as rift‐ and/or plume‐related) is considered most likely for the formation of the rocks. Though metamorphosed to various degrees, the rocks apparently retain much of their primary Sr isotopic character (initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr about 0.7032) and, apart from their age, resemble the Tertiary intraplate volcanism in eastern Australia. The Nd isotope analyses yield remarkably similar results between the two sections of the Mt Wright Volcanics, with ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd between 0.51260 to 0.51271 and _εNd(T) 4.7 ±0.4 (calculated to 525 Ma). A kaersutite‐bearing xenolith found in the northern section of the volcanic sequence has a Nd isotope composition more depleted than its hosts with _εNd(T) of 7.7. The isotope results suggest that the Mt Wright Volcanics were derived from a depleted mantle source without significant crustal contribution. It is proposed that the Mt Wright Volcanics possibly represent the products of a rifting event that led to the breakup of the Proterozoic supercontinent during Early Cambrian in eastern Australia.     

Geochemistry of C,O, and Sr isotopes and chemostratigraphy of neoproterozoic rocks in the northern Yenisei Ridge

Isotopic compositions of C, O, and Sr in carbonates, as well as Rb-Sr systems in the silicate material from Upper Precambrian and Lower Cambrian rocks exposed by the Chapa River in the northern Yenisei Ridge, are studied. The Late Precambrian part of the section includes the following formations (from the bottom to top): Lopatinskaya (hereafter, Lopatino), Vandadykskaya (hereafter, Vandadyk) or Kar’ernaya, Chivida, Suvorovskaya (hereafter, Suvorovo), Pod”emskaya (hereafter, Podyom), and Nemchanka. They are characterized by alternation of horizons with anomalously high and low δ¹³C values (such alternation is typical of the ∼700–550 Ma interval). The lower, relatively thin (20 m), positive excursion (δ¹³C up to 4.3‰) was established in dolomites from the lower subformation of the Vandadyk (Kar’ernaya) Formation (hereafter, lower Vandadyk subformation). The upper positive excursion (δ¹³C = 2.2 ± 0.6‰) was recorded in the 3-km-thick Nemchanka Formation enriched in terrigenous rocks. The lower negative excursion stands out as uniform, moderately low δ¹³C values (−2 ± 1‰) and significant thickness. It comprises the upper part of the Vandadyk Formation, as well as Chivida and Podyom formations. The upper negative excursion is related to a thin (∼20 m) marker carbonate horizon of the upper Nemchanka subformation, in which δ¹³C values fall down to −8.3‰. The lower part of the Lebyazhinskaya (hereafter, Lebyazhino) Formation, which overlies the Nemchanka Formation, shows a step-by-step increase in δ¹³C from −2.2 to 2.5‰ typical of the Vendianto-Cambrian (Nemakit-Daldyn Horizon/Stage) transitional sequences. The absence of relationships between the carbon and oxygen isotope compositions and other parameters of postsedimentary alterations suggests that the excursions characterized above could form at the sedimentation stage and coincide in general with δ¹³C fluctuations in seawater. The value of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7076−0.7078 in limestones of the Podyom Formation points to their early Ediacaran age. Values of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.70841 and 0.70845 in dolomites of the lower Lebyazhino subformation correspond to the Early Cambrian. The Rb-Sr systems of the clay material from the Vandadyk and Chivida formations are approximated by a straight line, parameters of which correspond to the age of 695 ± 20 Ma (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr₀ = 0.7200 ± 0.0013) and probably characterize the epigenetic stage of older sedimentary rocks, which were subjected to very rapid exhumation and “polar” sulfuric acid weathering in the course of glacioeustatic regression.     

Discovery of Early Proterozoic Carbon Isotope Shifts

The authors have detailedly and systematically studied the carbon isotopic composition of Early Proterozoic carbonate rocks. Samples which are all dolomicrite were taken from the Jianancun, Daguandong and Huaiyincun Formations of the Hutuo Group in Wutai County Shanxi Province, North China. A total of 209 samples were analysed for their carbon isotope compositions, and the mean sampling interval was 6.9 m. Carbon isotope analysis clearly shows δ13C shifts at the boundary between the Jian'ancun Formation and Daguandong Formation and near the boundary between the Daguandong Formation and Huaiyincun Formation. Like carbon isotope shifts at the Cretaceous-Tertiary, Permian-Triassic and Precambrian-Cambrian boundaries, the discovery of δ13C shifts in the Early Proterozoic has important significance in further studies on Early Proterozoic biotic evolution, regional and global stratigraphic correlation, and carbon geochemical cycles.