Provenance and weathering history of Mesoproterozoic clastic sedimentary rocks from the basal Gulcheru Formation,Cuddapah Basin

Geochemical analysis for the Mesoproterozoic clastic sedimentary rocks of the basal Gulcheru Formation of the Cuddapah Basin in the Gugudu-Dadithota-Parnapalle-Palkonda region (extending atleast 40 km) have been performed to highlight their provenance and weathering history. The low K₂O/Al₂O₃ ratios of the representative samples points to the recycled nature of sediments and illite clay in the sediments indicate an overall cold climate (low chemical weathering degree). All the provenance diagrams indicate a mixed source of the Gulcheru sediments with felsic dominancy and Upper continental crust (UCC) signature.     

Two types of uranium mineralization in Gulcheru quartzite: Fracture-controlled in Ambakapalle area and litho-controlled in Tummalapalle area,Cuddapah Basin,Andhra Pradesh,India

The Cuddapah Basin in southern India has a potential for uranium mineralization due to some favorable factors such as its temporal, stratigraphic and tectonic settings. Systematic exploration program conducted by the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) within the Cuddapah Basin resulting in the recognition of distinct types of uranium mineralization, viz., strata bound type, fracture/shear-controlled type and tabular type. The Gulcheru Formation which is the lowermost unit of the Cuddapah Basin is dominantly arenitic in nature. During the exploration works, a number of uranium anomalies were identified with dimensions ranging from 1 m to 1.5 km. Gulcheru quartzite hosted uranium mineralization is intermittent and inconsistent in nature. The anomalous outcrops are distributed over a strike length of ca. 60 km between Gandi in the SE and Ambakapallein the NW. Presently, two different types of uranium mineralization are characterized on the basis of field observations, mapping and structural interpretation, petro-mineralogy and geochemistry. Although the host rock is same for both types, the mechanism of uranium enrichment is totally different. The Ambakapalle uranium mineralization is controlled by fault zone and associated hydrothermal activity. Whereas, the Tummalapalle uranium mineralization is litho-controlled in nature influenced by suitable four ‘P’ factors, i.e., provenance, porosity-permeability, precipitation and preservation. The geochemical characterization of Gulcheru quartzite suggest a passive margin type of provenance setting. Petro-mineralogically the quartz arenite suggests enough textural as well as mineralogical maturity. Ambakapalle quartzite is slightly strained and deformed due to faulting. Analysis of selected samples recorded 0.01% to 0.048% U₃O₈ and <0.01% ThO₂. Petrographic observation revealed that the anomalies were appeared due to secondary uranium minerals occurring as surficial encrustations, fracture filling and lesser irregular patches. Structural analysis suggests the mineralization along E-W trace slip fault is possibly consistent in sub-surface. Tummalapalle quartzite is relatively less deformed arenitic in nature with significant enrichment in MREE. The genetic models for the two types of mineralization is totally different.© 2019 China Geology Editorial Office.     

Pyroclastic volcanism in Papaghni sub-basin,Andhra Pradesh: Significant Paleoproterozoic tectonomagmatic event in SW part of the Cuddapah basin,Eastern Dharwar craton

Detailed field and petrological studies in Vanambayi-Lingala-Lopatnutala section and old Kadiri Ghat-Pulivendela section in SW part of the Proterozoic Cuddapah basin of Eastern Dharwar craton brought to light the occurrence of hitherto unreported two significant phases of pyroclastic volcanic activity associated with the Vempalle Formation in Papaghni sub-basin. Occurrence of a significant pyroclastic agglomerate at the contact zone of Vempalle dolomite of Papaghni Group and Pulivendela quartzite of Chitravathi Group represents a significant event of the mafic phase of pyroclastic volcanic activity, while the finely laminated felsic tuff within the intercalated reddish siltstone, chert and dolomite sequence in the lower part of Vempalle Formation represents the felsic phase of pyroclastic activity. Studies indicate that the pyroclastic agglomerate zone in Vanambayi-Lingala-Lopatnutala section is a classical example of pyroclastic volcanism wherein the highly vesicular rock with rounded basalt clasts often exhibit embayed contact of welded nature with the matrix. The pyroclastic zone reported in the present paper particularly at the interface of Vempalle Formation and Pulivendela quartzite in Vanambayi-Lingala-Lopatnutala section represents a significant tectono-magmatic event of explosive volcanic activity that is contemporaneous with the culmination of the carbonate precipitation of Vempalle dolomite and marks the termination of sedimentation in Papaghni Group in southwestern part of Cuddapah basin during Paleoproterozoic times.     

羌塘盆地东部中生代沉积特征与构造演化

羌塘盆地东部基底由前石炭纪吉塘岩群组成,沉积盖层为晚古生代一白垩纪地层。其中,中生代海相地层在盆地内分布广泛,沉积体系多样,构造古地理转换频繁。中生代盆地包括南羌塘坳陷、唐古拉山隆起带、北羌塘坳陷等3个构造单元,内部又可以划分出不同时期多个次级凹陷和凸起。盆地的发展和演化既受南、北两侧板块结合带控制,又受盆地内部被分划性断裂带围限的各断块差异性活动约束,依次经历了晚三叠世前陆盆地阶段,“北羌塘”早-中侏罗世伸展裂陷盆地发育阶段,多玛侏罗纪-早白垩世早期被动大陆边缘陆表海盆地发展阶段、晚期前陆盆地阶段,晚白垩世南羌塘山间压陷盆地演化阶段。实质上,该盆地是不同时期原型盆地有序叠加而构成的大型叠复式盆地。     

The criteria for the biogeneicity of microbially induced sedimentary structures (MISS) in Archean and younger, sandy deposits

The identification of fossils or biogenic sedimentary structures in rocks of Archean age is difficult, because similar lithological features could rise from purely physical or chemical processes alone. Therefore it is important to define criteria that serve the secure definition of a fossil or structure in question as of biological origin. Such criteria have been established for stromatolites and microfossils.This contribution discusses the 6 criteria of biogeneicity of ‘microbially induced sedimentary structures’ (MISS). Those structures are found in sandy deposits of early Archean age to the present, and rise from the interaction of benthic microbiota with physical sediment dynamics. The six criteria for their biogeneicity are: (i) MISS occur in rocks of not more than lower greenschist facies; (ii) in stratigraphic sections, MISS correlate with turning points of regression–trangressions; (iii), MISS correlate with a characteristic depositional facies that enhances the development and the preservation of microbial mats; (iv), the distribution of MISS correlates with the ancient average hydraulic pattern; (v), the geometries and dimensions of fossil MISS correspond to that of the modern ones; (vi), the MISS include at least one of 9 specific microtextures.     

Base metal exploration by gravity surveys in a part of the Cuddapah basin (India)—A case study

A closely spaced gravity survey was conducted in the Chikativaripally area in the Cuddapah basin, Andhra Pradesh, India for base metal exploration. Analysis of the data using two-dimensional prismatic models suggest a doubly plunging folded structure in the area and also its associated mineralization.     

Crustal structure of the northern part of the Proterozoic Cuddapah basin of India from deep seismic soundings and gravity data

A crustal depth section was obtained from Deep Seismic Soundings (DSS) along the Alampur-Koniki-Ganapeshwaram profile, cutting across the northern part of the Proterozoic Cuddapah basin, India, running just south of latitude 16° N and between longitude 78° E and 81°E. The existence of a low-angle thrust fault at the eastern margin of the Cuddapah basin (Kaila et al., 1979) was confirmed along a second profile. Another low-angle thrust, along which charnockites with the granitic basement are upthrust against the Dharwars was delineated further east. The contact of the khondalites (lower Precambrian) with quaternary sediments near the east coast of India seems to be a fault boundary, which may be responsible for the thick sedimentary accumulation in the adjoining offshore region.The basement in the western part of the Cuddapah basin is very shallow and is gently downdipping eastward, to a depth of 1.7 km about 20 km west of Atmakur. It attains a depth of about 4.5 km in the deepest part of the Kurnool sub-basin, around Atmakur. Under the Nallamalai ranges its depth varies between 3.5 and 6.5 km, with an easterly dip. In the region north of the Iswarkuppam dome, the basement is at a depth of about 5.0 km, to about 6.8 km in the eastern part of the Cuddapah basin. Outside the eastern margin of the basin, the depth of the basement is about 1.8 km and further eastwards it is exposed. A fault at the contact of the khondalites with quaternary sediments near the east coast brings the basement down to a depth of approximately 1.3 km.In the Kurnool sub-basin the depth to the Moho discontinuity varies from 35 km under Atmakur to 39 km under the Nallamalai hills. In the region of the Iswarkuppam dome it is at a depth of about 36 km, deepening to about 39 km before rising to 37 km towards the east. Two-dimensional velocity modelling using ray-tracing techniques tends to confirm these results.Gravity modelling of the crustal structure, utilizing a four-layer crustal model in most parts along this profile, conforms to the observed gravity values. A weak zone in the eastern part of the profile where high-density material (density 3.05 g/cm³) has been found seems to be responsible for the gravity high in that part.     

河北兴隆中元古界大红峪组微生物成因构造特征及其地质意义

河北兴隆一带的中元古界长城系大红峪组(1 650～1 600 Ma)以潮下坪灰白色厚层块状细粒石英砂岩为主,在砂岩层面上产出丰富的微生物成因构造(MISS).详细描述了MISS的沉积特征,并对其成因进行了初步分析.这些微生物成因构造可能反映了华北中元古代浅海潮坪环境被大面积分布的微生物席所覆盖,微生物席对砂质沉积物表面起到有效的保护作用,在一定程度上降低了沉积物的侵蚀和改造作用,从而影响基本沉积作用过程.大红峪组砂岩层面上发育的MISS为探索元古宙浅海环境微生物-沉积作用关系提供了研究材料,对这些MISS的深入研究可以加深对元古宙碎屑沉积体系的理解,从而促进微生物席沉积学的发展.     

Topographic control on distribution of modern microbially induced sedimentary structures (MISS): A case study from Texas coast

Modern back-barrier tidal flats of Galveston Island, Follets Island, and Matagorda Peninsula of the Texas coast are dominated by mud- to fine sand-sized siliciclastic sediments and prolific microbial mats. These microbial mats modify sediment behavior and result in a variety of microbially induced sedimentary structures (MISS). Common structures include: knobby surfaces, reticulated surfaces, gas domes, mat-cracks, sieve-like surfaces, erosional pockets, wrinkles, and mat chips. In general, mat thicknesses increase from ～ 1 mm in the upper supratidal to ～ 3 cm (maximum) in the lower supratidal and then decrease to ～ 2 mm in the lower intertidal areas. This same wedge-shaped pattern is displayed by detailed measurements of mat thicknesses from the rims into the deeper centers of depressions (pools) on the supratidal flats. Measurements of 175 mat-cracks show that height of the curled edges of the mat-crack polygons increases with increase in mat thickness. Similarly, measurements of 150 gas domes reveal that the size of the gas domes also increases with increasing thickness of the associated mats. Because mat thickness varies with elevation on the tidal flat, curl height of the mat-cracks and size of the gas domes are also related to elevation.Six zones were identified based on the occurrence of MISS within the supratidal (zone-I) to upper subtidal (zone-VI) areas. At the highest elevation, knobby surfaces characterize zone-I whereas zone-II is defined by reticulated surfaces. Along with reticulated surfaces, gas domes and mat-cracks characterize zone-III and zone-IV, respectively. Association of sieve-like surfaces with mat-cracks typifies zone-V whereas mat deformation structures and sieve-like surfaces define zone-VI. Boundaries between the MISS-zones in general are parallel and related to tidal zones. The distribution patterns of the MISS-zones are strongly controlled by local topography of the sediment surface because the degree of inundation is the primary controlling factor for the mat growth and resultant MISS. Therefore, distribution of the microbially induced sedimentary structures in siliciclastics, along with the dimension of the mat-cracks and gas domes, can be potentially helpful in interpretation of topography of paleodepositional surfaces.     

兰坪盆地古近纪沉积相类型及沉积环境演化

通过对兰坪盆地野外露头及相关室内研究,分析了区内古近纪的沉积环境、层序特征、沉积相展布及其演化特征。认为古近纪主要发育冲积扇、河流、三角洲和湖泊环境。沉积建造为一个完整的盆地演化旋回:低位期,印度板块向欧亚板块的俯冲挤压造成兰坪走滑拉分盆地的形成,沉积了一套局限的湖盆相红色含膏盐细碎屑岩建造;湖扩期,挤压应力场转变为拉张应力场,湖盆扩大,大面积沉积了一套滨浅湖相紫红、砖红色砂泥岩互层沉积;湖缩期,受晚始新世喜马拉雅运动一幕的影响,应力场再次转变为强烈挤压,东西两侧造山带共同向盆地内推覆扩展,致使盆地范围明显缩小,仅在推覆体前缘形成一系列快速充填的小型山前陆相前陆盆地。层序古地理编图显示,蒸发岩发育于低位体系域,与低位期的沉积充填特点和气候有关,极具有找钾盐矿的前景。     

南秦岭古生代热水沉积盆地与热水沉积成矿

扬子地块北部被动边缘的南秦岭古生代沉积盆地中,发育一套自早古生代—中生代以来的碳酸盐岩夹细碎屑岩沉积建造,形成规模巨大独具特色的以铅锌金为主的多金属成矿带。伸展构造体制下形成的裂陷或断陷型盆地中,正常水成沉积与热水沉积同盆共存。正常水成沉积中叠加的热水沉积是一个"突发事件或灾变事件",具有特殊的物质组成和产态。通过对区内沉积成矿盆地的识别、分级,二级沉积盆地中边缘部位常发育多个三级构造热水沉积成矿盆地,它受控于沉积盆地中的同生断裂,具有沉积岩相、热水沉积岩组合、显著成矿作用及物化探异常广布的特点。三级构造热水沉积成矿盆地是矿床定位的构造空间,四级热水沉积洼地为矿体(矿层)的容纳空间。区内热水沉积岩主要为重晶石(毒重石)岩、硅质岩、钠长石岩和铁碳酸盐岩类,铅锌重晶石等矿产多产于热水沉积岩中或上盘。热水沉积形成一般由早期的热水喷发交代→主期热水喷流→晚期热水喷气演变。早期的热水喷发交代往往沿矿液喷发通道,形成网脉状、角砾状矿化;主期热水喷流主要形成多金属及热水喷流相,形成块状、条带状、层纹状矿石或热水沉积岩;晚期热水喷气主要形成浸染状矿石和热水喷气岩石。     

石拐盆地西段逆冲构造及找煤方向预测

为寻找潜在的煤炭资源,通过对石拐盆地西段地表及地下构造特征的分析,认为大青山逆冲推覆构造的前缘应为F₁₀断层组;地表的长汉沟组等地层是从3 km外的南部推覆而来的外来岩层;深部的五当沟组一段主含煤地层基本未受推覆构造影响,且该地层应比其地表位置更向南;盆地南缘的二叠系下应有未受推覆构造影响的原生煤层。     

川东北前陆盆地上三叠统沉积相及沉积演化

在对川东北前陆盆地上三叠统须家河组露头剖面野外实测和钻井等资料综合研究的基础上,对该区上三叠统须家河组层序及沉积相类型、沉积特征进行了详细的研究。结果表明:研究区内主要发育冲积扇、辫状河、曲流河、扇三角洲、辫状河三角洲、曲流河三角洲、湖泊、海相三角洲等八种主要的沉积相类型。古地理演化经历了由海相环境-海陆过渡相环境-陆相环境的转变。反映了川东北前陆盆地晚三叠世须家河期盆-山耦合过程及其沉积响应。须一段(即小塘子期)发育时期,受印支期构造运动的影响,本区大部分隆升成陆,仅在研究区北西部广元、剑阁等地发育海相三角洲相沉积。须二段发育时期,米仓山-大巴山构造山系的逆冲推覆构造作用较为强烈,川东北前陆盆地坳陷幅度加大,沉积物供给充分,沿米仓山-大巴山前缘地带主要发育辫状河三角洲沉积,而盆地西南部主要发育浅湖沉积。在须三段发育时期,米仓山-大巴山构造山系构造活动逐渐减弱,处于低幅稳定隆升状态,碎屑物供给量减少,沿米仓山-大巴山前缘地带主要发育辫状河三角洲沉积;从盆地前缘地带向中心地带则主要发育浅湖沉积。须四-须六段发育时期,米仓山-大巴山开始进入强烈逆冲推覆和构造隆升阶段,川东北前陆盆地坳陷幅度急剧加大,碎屑物供给量骤然增多,从盆地前缘地带向中心地带主要发育冲积扇-扇三角洲-辫状河三角洲、曲流河、曲流河三角洲相到浅湖相沉积。     

晚三叠世龙门山前陆盆地须家河组泥页岩沉积环境及有机质富集模式

晚三叠世龙门山前陆盆地形成早期的沉积环境长期存在争议。本文通过对须家河组中泥页岩的元素地球化学分析,并结合古生物、矿物组成和沉积特征对须家河组的沉积环境进行分析,探讨有机质富集模式。研究表明,龙门山前陆盆地须家河组沉积时期属于温暖潮湿的热带—亚热带气候。其中,须一段为海相沉积,泥页岩主要形成于还原环境,可见少量黄铁矿,有机质富集受氧化还原条件控制。须二段—须五段的地球化学特征、古生物特征和泥页岩有机质特征上具有相似性,与须一段的海相沉积有明显差别,在与里海进行分析对比后认为,从须二段开始,须家河组逐渐转为陆相沉积。研究表明,须二段—须五段为半咸水—淡水沉积,泥页岩中黄铁矿消失,菱铁矿出现,结合V/Cr、U/Th和dU等地化指标反映,泥页岩应沉积于弱氧化的水体。须二段—须五段泥页岩TOC含量与古生产力和沉积速率相关性好,有机质富集受古生产力和沉积速率共同控制。前陆盆地持续沉降的构造背景下形成的泥页岩具有较快的沉积速率,使得有机质在弱氧化条件下也能得到较好的保存,在沉积速率大于10 cm/kyr,古生产力充足的条件下,有机质富集和保存不再受氧化还原条件控制。     

造山带汇聚板块边缘沉积盆地的鉴别与恢复

大洋俯冲和大陆碰撞是板块汇聚过程中的有机连续过程,也是造山带形成的两种基本造山作用方式。不同的造山作用过程形成不同类型的沉积盆地和填充序列,沉积盆地性质的改变和沉积物源区变化是造山作用方式和时限的最直接体现。沉积盆地是造山带重要大地构造相单元之一,完整记录了板块边缘动力学过程和构造演化以及造山作用方式和时限。沉积盆地构造原型鉴别与恢复是造山带结构-属性解剖的重要内容之一。视沉积盆地与相邻大地构造相的演化为统一整体,以填充物和沉积物源区作为链接沉积盆地和造山带的纽带,系统地精细解剖填充物组成和沉积相以及沉积物源区时空变化系列,准确鉴别并恢复造山带沉积盆地构造原型,是获取大陆碰撞方式和时限的沉积-地层判别标志的有效方法之一。     

库车坳陷古近系原型沉积盆地层序地层格架及沉积演化

基于库车坳陷大北—克深地区古近系原型沉积盆地地层沉积相精细研究结果,将古近系库姆格列木群划分为5个岩性段,苏维依组划分为3个岩性段。研究认为库姆格列木群砂砾岩段为扇三角洲沉积,膏泥岩段为局限泻湖沉积,白云岩段为局限泻湖—潮坪沉积,膏盐岩段为半局限泻湖—强蒸发膏盐湖沉积,泥岩段为滨浅湖沉积;按照层序地层学基本原理和五级层序划分方案对库车坳陷中东部古近系原型沉积盆地进行研究并建立了层序发育演化实体模型,研究认为该原型沉积盆地可以划分为两个二级超层序和3个三级层序,古近纪海侵是从大北—克深地区的河流下切谷开始的,3个三级层序均为海侵体系域和高位体系域旋回组合层序,海侵—高位体系域之间的转换界面发育最大或次级海泛面。     

Quantitative models of sedimentary basin filling

Quantitative modelling of the filling of sedimentary basins was begun in earnest in the 1960s. Dozens of themes and variations have been proposed since then, and have yielded an abundance of idealized stratigraphic patterns as functions of both imposed changes and basin properties. Post‐plate‐tectonic modelling began with ‘rigid‐lid' models, which show the stratigraphic signature of subsidence variation. This work introduced the connection between stratigraphy and the rheology of the lithosphere. Rigid‐lid models are the simplest type of geometric model, in which the sediment surface is assigned prescribed geometries, usually corresponding to different depositional environments. These can reproduce many aspects of overall stratal geometry but are formally restricted to relatively long timescales, for which quasi‐steady surface topography can be assumed. So‐called dynamic models attempt to represent the morphodynamics of the sediment surface by abstracting and averaging short‐term transport processes. Most of the dynamic models proposed to date can be seen as special cases of a single general morpho‐dynamic equation. The most important result of the first wave of quantitative basin‐filling models is that even relatively simple models can produce reasonable stratal patterns. We now have a wide array of tools for exploring scenarios, searching for general behaviours and effects, and making initial quantitative predictions. We have also learned that basin response to external forcing as recorded in stratigraphy can be as sensitive to the characteristics of the basin as to the forcing. The main brake on the development of basin modelling is not computing power but lack of methods and data for testing the models we have already developed. Physical experiments, which are only just beginning, are one means of doing this. Experimental stratigraphy is a bridge to quantitative field tests, which will require collaboration among academic researchers from a wide range of areas, and between academia and industry, on projects of greater scale and degree of integration than we have seen so far. The advancement of quantitative sedimentary geology will also require significant changes in the way the subject is taught, at all levels.     

Role of organic matter in uranium mineralisation in Vempalle dolostone; Cuddapah basin,India

Dolostone of Vempalle Formation near Tummalapalle hosts large uranium deposit (>100,000 tonnes with an average grade of 0.045%U₃O₈). It is a unique type of uranium deposit because carbonate formations have been considered to be among the least uraniferous of all the rocks of the Earth’s crust due to mobility of uranium in aqueous fluid in the presence of carbonate and bicarbonate ions. Vempalle dolostone hosts syn-sedimentary uranium mineralization in the form of discrete uranium phases (pitchblende and coffinite) associated with collophane, and adsorbed uranium in organic matter. The organic matter has played dual role of concentrating uranium from solution and also chemically reducing it to pitchhblende and coffinite.     

库车坳陷古近系原型沉积盆地层序地层格架及沉积演化

基于库车坳陷大北—克深地区古近系原型沉积盆地地层沉积相精细研究结果,将古近系库姆格列木群划分为5个岩性段,苏维依组划分为3个岩性段。研究认为库姆格列木群砂砾岩段为扇三角洲沉积,膏泥岩段为局限泻湖沉积,白云岩段为局限泻湖—潮坪沉积,膏盐岩段为半局限泻湖—强蒸发膏盐湖沉积,泥岩段为滨浅湖沉积;按照层序地层学基本原理和五级层序划分方案对库车坳陷中东部古近系原型沉积盆地进行研究并建立了层序发育演化实体模型,研究认为该原型沉积盆地可以划分为两个二级超层序和3个三级层序,古近纪海侵是从大北—克深地区的河流下切谷开始的,3个三级层序均为海侵体系域和高位体系域旋回组合层序,海侵—高位体系域之间的转换界面发育最大或次级海泛面。     

川西前陆盆地侏罗系沉积体系及沉积模式研究

川西前陆盆地侏罗系具有巨大的勘探开发潜力, 但对研究区沉积相研究成果却相对较少.根据岩性组合、岩石颜色、沉积构造等多种因素将川西前陆盆地侏罗系划分出冲积扇、河流、三角洲和湖泊4种沉积体系,并对各沉积亚相构成特征进行了详细的研究.川西前陆盆地侏罗系均属陆相沉积,总体上发育三级扇的沉积模式,即由盆地边缘冲积扇经河流冲积平原到三角洲再经浅湖到半深湖.通过对研究区内沉积相和沉积构造的综合研究,本区主要发育了冲积扇-河流-三角洲-湖泊的沉积模式.