Compositional diversity among Late Devonian peraluminous granitoid intrusions in the Meguma Zone of Nova Scotia, Canada

Late Devonian (385−370 Ma) granitoid intrusions in the Meguma Zone of southwestern Nova Scotia represent two geographically separate magmatic suites that show subtly different lithological, geochemical and isotopic characteristics. “Central intrusions” crop out with satellite mafic-intermediate intrusions, range in composition from granodiorite to leucogranite, contain two micas, have exclusively peraluminous compositions (molar A/CNK 1.1-1.3), variably high values for FeO_T (0.4–6.0 wt.%), Ba (5–980 ppm), Y (6–50 ppm), Pb (2–50 ppm), Ga (11–53 ppm), ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_i (0.7081-0.7130), δ¹⁸O (9.8–13.0) and δ³⁴S (4.5–11.9), in conjunction with low values for εNd (−1 to −6.5). In contrast, “peripheral plutons” crop out with synplutonic mafic-intermediate intrusions, range in composition from tonalite to leucogranite, may contain minor hornblende, have dominantly peraluminous compositions (molar A/CNK 0.9-1.3), variably high concentrations of TiO₂ (0.1-1.1 wt.%), Al₂O₃ (12.0–19.7 wt.%), CaO (0.2–4.9 wt.%), Sr (7–720 ppm), Cr (3–111 ppm) and V (1–136 ppm), higher εNd values (−2.0 to 3.2), and lower values for ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_i (0.7040-0.7079), δ¹⁸⁸O (7.6–10.5) and δ³⁴S (0–4.6). Such regional diversity is explained by inferring that upper crustal contamination dominated the central granitoid compositions and mixing with mantle-derived mafic-intermediate magmas dominated peripheral granitoid compositions. However, additional contributions from heterogeneous lower crust cannot be excluded.     

Provenance of the Neoproterozoic Maricá Formation (Sul-rio-grandense Shield, Southern Brazil): Petrographic and Sm–Nd isotopic constraints

This paper reports the integrated application of petrographic and Sm–Nd isotopic analyses for studying the provenance of the Neoproterozoic Maricá Formation, southern Brazil. This unit encompasses sedimentary rocks of fluvial and marine affiliations. In the lower fluvial succession, sandstones plot in the “craton interior” and “transitional continental” fields of the QFL diagram. Chemical weathering probably caused the decrease of the ¹⁴⁷Sm/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios to 0.0826 and 0.0960, consequently lowering originally > 2.0 Ga T_DM ages to 1.76 and 1.81 Ga. ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios are also low (0.511521 to 0.511633), corresponding to negative ε_Nd present-day values (− 21.8 and − 19.6). In the intermediate marine succession, sandstones plot in the “dissected arc” field, reflecting the input of andesitic clasts. Siltstones and shales reveal low ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios (0.511429 to 0.511710), ε_Nd values of − 18.1 and − 23.6, and T_DM ages of 2.16 and 2.37 Ga. Sandstones of the upper fluvial succession have “dissected arc” and “recycled orogen” provenance. ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd isotopic ratios are also relatively low, from 0.511487 to 0.511560, corresponding to ε_Nd values of − 22.4 and − 21.0 and T_DM of 2.07 Ga. A uniform granite–gneissic basement block of Paleoproterozoic age, with subordinate volcanic rocks, is suggested as the main sediment source of the Maricá Formation.     

The mechanisms of petrogenesis of the Archaean continental crust—Comparison with modern processes

The petrographic and chemical composition of magmatic rocks generated during the Archaean appears to be different from that of post-Archaean rocks. Komatiites are widespread before 2.5 Ga and rarely occur afterwards. In addition the Archaean continental crust is primarily TTG (Tonalitic, Trondhjemitic and Granodioritic) in composition, exhibiting typical trondhjemitic differentiation trends; whereas modern equivalents are granodioritic to granitic following classical calc-alkaline differentiation trends. This distinction becomes more prominent when rare-earth elements (REE) are taken into account: Archaean TTG are Yb-poor (Yb_N < 8.5) and have high (La/Yb) ratios (5 < (La/Yb)_N < 150), in comparison, the post-2.5 Ga granitoids, emplaced in subduction-zone geodynamic environments have high Yb content (4.5N<20) with very low (La/Yb)_N ratios ( 20). Theoretical calculations and experimental petrology have shown that the TTG can be produced by partial melting of an Archaean tholeiite transformed into garnet-bearing amphibolite. Consequently, the low heavy REE content of the TTG is explained by the influence of both residual garnet and hornblende in their source. After 2.5 Ga the role of these minerals in calc-alkaline magma genesis becomes progressively less important, which is interpreted in terms of a cooling Earth model.

In modern subduction zone environments the subducted oceanic slab is relatively “old and cold” and the geothermal gradient along the Benioff plane in low (ca. 10°C/km). Consequently, the down-going lithosphere undergoes dehydration before partial melting is able to occur. The liberated fluids are light REE and LILE-enriched and ascend into the overlying mantle wedge where they induced partial fusion. The produced magmas separate from their mantle source region leaving a residue mainly composed of olivine and pyroxenes. Mantle derived magmas typically exhibit high Yb contents due to low KD_Yb values for olivine and pyroxenes. During the Archaean, the subducted lithosphere was relatively “young and hot” providing high geothermal gradients along the Benioff zone. Thus, partial melting of the subducted slab was possible at lower temperatures before dehydration would take place. Garnet and hornblende are the main residual phases accounting for the low Yb contents of the Archaean TTG.

This model can be tested using a modern analogue of Archaean-like subduction processes. In south Chile an oceanic ridge has subducted and all thermodynamic calculations indicate that this creates locally high geothermal gradients along the Benioff zone. Thus in very small areas, Archaean-like environments may be simulated in modern subduction zones. The modern andesites produced in this environment show Archaean geochemical characteristics with low Yb_N (<5), whereas the majority of andesites along the Andean arc have modern patterns with Yb_N ranging from 8 to more than 17. This conclusion was generalised to all young subducted lithospheres all over the world.

In conclusion, it appears that since the Archaean there has been a change in the site of continental crust genesis. The location of calc-alkaline magma source in subduction-zone environments has migrated through time from the subducted slab to the mantle wedge. This is a direct consequence of the progressive cooling of the Earth.     

Source regions of granites and their links to tectonic environment: examples from the western United States

This review, in honor of Ilmari Haapala's retirement, reflects on lessons learned from studies of three granitic systems in western North America: (1) Mesoproterozoic samples from west Texas and east New Mexico; (2) Laramide granitic systems associated with porphyry-copper deposits in Arizona; and (3) granites of the Colorado Mineral Belt. The studies elucidate relationships amongst tectonic setting, source material, and magma chemistry.

Mesoproterozoic basement samples are from two different felsic suites with distinct elemental and isotopic compositions. The first suite, the “plutonic province”, is dominantly magnesian, calc-alkalic to alkali-calcic, and metaluminous. It has low K₂O/Na₂O and Rb/Sr, and Nd model ages of 1.56 to 1.40 Ga. The second suite, the “Panhandle igneous complex”, is magnesian, metaluminous, alkalic, and is part of the Mesoproterozoic belt of magmatism that extends from Finland to southwestern United States. Samples from the Panhandle igneous complex demonstrate three episodes of magmatism: the first pulse was intrusion of quartz monzonite at 1380 to 1370 Ma; the second was comagmatic epizonal granite and rhyolite at 1360 to 1350 Ma. Both of these rock types are high-K to slightly ultra-high-K. The third pulse at 1338 to 1330 Ma was intrusion of ultra-high-K quartz syenite. Nd model ages (1.94 to 1.52 Ga) are distinct from those of the “plutonic province” and systematically older than crystallization ages, implying a substantial crustal input to the magmas.

At the Sierrita porphyry-copper deposit in the Mazatzal Province of southeastern Arizona, trace element, Sr, and Nd isotopic compositions were determined for a suite of andesitic and rhyolitic rocks (67 Ma) intruded by granodiorite and granite. Isotopic composition and chemical evolution are well correlated throughout the suite. Andesite has the least negative initial ε_Nd (−4.3) and lowest ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_i (0.7069). It is also the oldest and chemically most primitive, having low concentrations of Rb, SiO₂, and high concentrations of transition elements. These parameters change through the system to the youngest unit (granite), which has the most negative ε_Nd (−8.5), the highest ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_i (0.7092), and is chemically most evolved. Correlation between chemical and Nd isotopic evolution probably resulted from a continuous process of progressive assimilation, in which mafic magmas invade and incorporate continental crust. Deposits in Arizona with ε_Nd values more negative than the −8.5 of Sierrita lie in the older Yavapai province in the northwestern part of the state. The difference in the most negative epsilon Nd implies that Nd isotopic signature is sensitive to the age of the Precambrian domain.

The granites from the Colorado Mineral Belt were emplaced during the transition from Laramide convergence to mid-Tertiary extension. Three different groups of granites are recognized. The first is Laramide and was formed during assimilation-fractional crystallization involving lower crustal mafic source materials; the second and third groups are mid-Tertiary and represent intracrustal melting of heterogeneous sources. This change in source regions and melt regimes in transition from convergence to extension is fundamental to the Mesozoic and Cenozoic evolution of western North America.     

Paleo-stress orientations from calcite twins in the North Pyrenean foreland, determined by the Etchecopar inverse method

During the last decade, it has been shown that accurate analyses of calcite twinning in thin section may allow computation of the paleo-deviatoric stress tensor associated with this deformation. Following from the work of Larroque and Laurent (1988), and Lacombe et al. (1989), this is a new application of the Etchecopar inverse method. Weakly deformed limestones from about 150 to 200 km north of the Pyrenean chain (South France) were studied. The Etchecopar inverse method, which can be used on a microcomputer, is comparable to the method of analysis of striated fault planes proposed by Etchecopar et al. in 1981, as it determines the principal stress orientations and the stress ellipsoid shape ratio φ = (σ₂ − σ₃)/(σ₁ − σ₃). The Etchecopar method using calcite twins has been selected for this study because it is suitable for the determination of polyphase deformation in coarse-grained limestones (Lacombe et al. 1989).

Ten samples of oolitic limestones, cemented with sparry calcite, from the Bajocian (170 Ma) and the Oligocene (30 Ma) were studied. For each of them, only one or two stress tensors were determined: the first is characterized by a principal compressive stress axis σ₁ which is horizontal and approximately N-S. Local departures from this orientation have been observed and are interpreted as local stress perturbations. For the second, which was defined in the Oligocene, but occurred only locally in the Jurassic limestones, the position of σ₁ is nearly vertical; the direction of extension σ₃ is either NE-SW or undefined into the horizontal plane (σ₂ = σ₃); this radial extension is interpreted as the result of two or more superposed extensive deformation phases with vertical σ₁. The N-S compression was never found in the Oligocene limestones, and from its orientation, it is assumed to correspond to the Pyrenean deformation. These results are compared to the more complex deformation pattern obtained from classical microtectonical studies (Arthaud and Choukroune, 1972; Bonijoly and Blès, 1983; Granier and Blès, 1988; Blès et al., 1989). Only the major tectonic events are recorded by calcite twinning. Finally, the suitability of calcite twin analyses for the determination of complex polyphase deformation is discussed.     

Diamonds and their mineral inclusions from the A154 South pipe, Diavik Diamond Mine, Northwest territories, Canada

Mineral inclusions recovered from 100 diamonds from the A154 South kimberlite (Diavik Diamond Mines, Central Slave Craton, Canada) indicate largely peridotitic diamond sources (83%), with a minor (12%) eclogitic component. Inclusions of ferropericlase (4%) and diamond in diamond (1%) represent “undetermined” parageneses.

Compared to inclusions in diamonds from the Kaapvaal Craton, overall higher CaO contents (2.6 to 6.0 wt.%) of harzburgitic garnets and lower Mg-numbers (90.6 to 93.6) of olivines indicate diamond formation in a chemically less depleted environment. Peridotitic diamonds at A154 South formed in an exceptionally Zn-rich environment, with olivine inclusions containing more than twice the value (of  52 ppm) established for normal mantle olivine. Harzburgitic garnet inclusions generally have sinusoidal rare earth element (REE_N) patterns, enriched in LREE and depleted in HREE. A single analyzed lherzolitic garnet is re-enriched in middle to heavy REE resulting in a “normal” REE_N pattern. Two of the harzburgitic garnets have “transitional” REE_N patterns, broadly similar to that of the lherzolitic garnet. Eclogitic garnet inclusions have normal REE_N patterns similar to eclogitic garnets worldwide but at lower REE concentrations.

Carbon isotopic values (δ¹³C) range from − 10.5‰ to + 0.7‰, with 94% of diamonds falling between − 6.3‰ and − 4.0‰. Nitrogen concentrations range from below detection (< 10 ppm) to 3800 ppm and aggregation states cover the entire spectrum from poorly aggregated (Type IaA) to fully aggregated (Type IaB). Diamonds without evidence of previous plastic deformation (which may have accelerated nitrogen aggregation) typically have < 25% of their nitrogen in the fully aggregated B-centres. Assuming diamond formation beneath the Central Slave to have occurred in the Archean [Westerlund, K.J., Shirey, S.B., Richardson, S.H., Gurney, J.J., Harris, J.W., 2003b. Re–Os systematics of diamond inclusion sulfides from the Panda kimberlite, Slave craton. VIIIth International Kimberlite Conference, Victoria, Canada, Extended Abstracts, 5p.], such low aggregation states indicate mantle residence at fairly low temperatures (< 1100 °C). Geothermometry based on non-touching inclusion pairs, however, indicates diamond formation at temperatures around 1200 °C. To reconcile inclusion and nitrogen based temperature estimates, cooling by about 100–200 °C shortly after diamond formation is required.     

Stable-isotope exchange fronts, Damköhler numbers, and fluid to rock ratios

The advection of extraneous fluid into permeable solid rock along a one-dimensional path is a fundamental scenario of geochemistry. Model solutions are presented for advection with “instantaneous” as well as with kinetically restricted equilibration. An initial step input of a stable-isotope δ-value leads to the propagation of a “geochemical” or isotope front. For pure advection and instantaneous isotope exchange between fluid and solid, fronts are sharp and their positions and velocities determined by the carrier porosity Ψ (e.g., oxygen porosity) of the aquifer. For limited exchange rates the dimensionless “Damköhler number” N_D = (κ/q)L, where κ is an exchange rate constant, q the interstitial fluid velocity, and L the total theoretical infiltration distance, determines the isotope front shape, i.e. the degree of degradation of the original sharp fronts. The effects of temperature (Δ) variations and, for the first time, of variations in initial rock composition, are shown and a model calculation for a one-dimensional system with two isotopic elements of distinct Ψ (O and Sr) is given. Dispersion in the fluid is considered, and for an idealised geothermal system the combined effects of (1) dispersion in the fluid and (2) limited exchange rates, characterised by their respective Péclet and Damköhler numbers, are also calculated. Fluid/rock ratios need to be treated differently in one-dimensional and zero-dimensional models and in general it is preferable in flow models to replace them with information on porosity, infiltration distance and Damköhler numbers.     

Cenozoic “radiobarite” occurrences in the Ohře (Eger) Rift, Bohemian Massif: Mineralogical and geochemical revision

Barite occurrences related to the Cenozoic (Late Alpine) low-temperature hydrothermal activity are present in the continental Ohře (Eger) Rift area. A specific, Ra-bearing type of barite has been known under the name “radiobarite” from this area since 1904. Revision of 12 localities revealed the presence of alleged radiobarite only in the Teplice (Lahošť–Jeníkov) and Karlovy Vary areas. Barite from other localities is radium-poor. Barite crystals showing concentric oscillation colour zoning totally prevail. Isomorphous substitution of Sr (X×10⁻¹ to X×wt%), Ca (X×10⁻² wt%) and Fe (X×10⁻¹ wt%) for Ba was proved. Average SrO contents of 0.4 wt% are markedly exceeded in some samples from Lahošť–Jeníkov (max. 3.2 wt%) and Karlovy Vary (max. 4.9 wt%). Besides inclusions of stoichiometric iron disulphide, the same samples also contain iron disulphides with unusual high contents of Co (max. 12.2 wt%) and Ni (max. to 8.4 wt%). Specific activity of ²³⁸U in the studied barites is very low while that of ²²⁶Ra reaches 8 Bq/g in several samples. Therefore, ²²⁶Ra is not in equilibrium with its parent uranium. These “radiobarites” or their parts must be therefore relatively young, not older than 10–15 ka. Very low uranium contents (<0.4 ppm) were also confirmed by neutron activation analyses of barite samples.

Unit-cell dimensions refined from X-ray powder diffraction data do not show any systematic variation with the measured chemical composition. Their values agree with the data given in the literature. Reflection half-widths, however, seem to correlate with chemistry. Peaks are wider in samples from Lahošť–Jeníkov and Karlovy Vary.

Sulphur and oxygen stable isotope compositions of the Cenozoic barite mineralization of Teplice area are very uniform (δ³⁴S values between 3.9‰ and 7.1‰ CDT, and δ¹⁸O values between 6.1‰ and 7.7‰ SMOW), while the barites of Děc˘ín area show more variable sulphur sources. Sulphate derived from sediments of the Tertiary Most Basin seems to dominate for the Teplice area, while Cretaceous sediments are a more probable sulphur source in the Děc˘ín area. Calculation of oxygen isotope composition of hydrothermal fluids based on fluid inclusion homogenization temperatures and barite δ¹⁸O data shows δ¹⁸O_fluid values in the range of meteoric waters or δ¹⁸O – shifted deep circulating meteoric or basinal waters.     

Three-dimensional strain analysis in physical models of geological structures

A method is outlined for calculating three-dimensional finite strain in physical models of geological structures containing passive strain markers. This method makes it possible to determine the three-dimensional strain pattern in models of structures that lack any of the types of symmetry (such as that imparted by cylindrical folding) that simplified calculations in previous work. The strain markers in the new method are in the shape of stubby rectangular prisms or cubes. These form a three-dimensional grid or array occupying each of the active layers in a model (e.g., for a simple two-layer gravitationally unstable system, one grid for the overburden layer and one for the buoyant layer). Each of the grids can be described by positions of three families of “strain marker surfaces”, which are contacts between layers of strain markers.

After deformation, the model is serial-sectioned horizontally and the traces of the strain marker surfaces on the sections are digitized. The strain state is calculated at each of several hundred points arranged in a three-dimensional “output grid” extending throughout the mechanically active part of the model. An interpolation procedure is used to estimate the spacing and orientation of the strain marker surfaces in the vicinity of each of the output grid points. The following quantities are determined for each of the three families of strain marker surfaces:

1. (1) the local horizontal orientation of the strain marker surfaces;

2. (2) the local spacing of the surfaces; and

3. (3) the local inclination of the surfaces, calculated from their change in position from the serial section above, to the serial section below, the output grid point.

This information is used to generate a parallelepiped representing the strain marker geometry in the neighbourhood of the output grid point. The edges of the parallelepiped are equivalent to the coefficients of the strain matrix, from which the three principal strain magnitudes and orientations are readily derived.     

Temperature independent thermal expansivities of sodium aluminosilicate melts between 713 and 1835 K

The thermal expansivities of eight sodium aluminosilicate liquids were derived from the slope of new volume data at low temperatures (713−1072 K) combined with the high temperature (1300−1835 K) volume measurements of Stein et al. (1986) on the same liquids. Melt compositions range from 47−71 wt% SiO₂, 0−31 wt% A1203, and 17−33 wt% Na₂O; the volume of albite supercooled liquid at 1092 K was also determined. The low temperature volumes were derived from measurements of the glass density of each sample at 298 K, followed by measurements of the glass thermal expansion coefficient from 298 K to the respective glass transition interval. This technique takes advantage of the fact that the volume of a glass is equal to the volume of the corresponding liquid at the limiting fictive temperature (T′_f), and that T′_f can be approximated as the onset of the rapid rise in thermal expansion at the glass transition in a heating curve (Moynihan, 1995). No assumptions were made regarding the equivalence of enthalpy and volume relaxation through the glass transition. The propagated error on the volume of each supercooled liquid at T′_f is 0.25%. Combination of these low temperature data with the high temperature measurements of Stein et al. (1986) allowed a constant thermal expansivity of each liquid to be derived over a wide temperature interval (763−1001 degrees) with a fitted 1σ error of 0.6–4.6%; in every case, no temperature dependence to dV/dT^liq could be resolved. Calibration of a linear model equation leads to fitted values ± 1σ (units of cm³/mole) for (26.91 ± .04), (37.49 ± .12), (26.48 ± .06) at 1373 K, and (7.64 ± .08 × 10^-3 cm³/mole-K). The results indicate that neither Si02 nor Al₂O₃ contribute to the thermal expansivity of the liquids, and that dV/dT^liq is independent of temperature between 713–1835 K over a wide range of liquid composition. Calculated volumes based on this model recover both low and high temperature measurements with a standard deviation <0.25%, whereas values of dV/dT^liq can be predicted within 5.6%.     

Einübertragungsnetz zur kluftstatistik

This paper describes the application and characteristics of a new net for crack statistics. The net, here called transmission net or “u-net” (“Übertragungsnetz”, “Ü-Netz”) is used in combination with a transmission table or “u-table” (“Übertragungstabelle”, “Ü-Tabelle”). Its purpose is to obtain a sphere of crack locations from a series of cracks, having been measured according to strike and inclination.

The “u-net” is composed of a grid subdivided into degrees or degree-grid (“Gradnetz”) and an equal-area-grid (“flächengleiches Netz”). Having replaced the direction σ of strike by its normal δ, the cracks are registered into the meshes of the degree-grid and are there counted. Then they are transmitted into the equal-area-grid according to the percent values of the u-table. From the pattern of frequency numbers (“Häufigkeitszahlen”) in the equal-area-grid the sphere of crack locations is obtained.

Particular specifications regulate the procedure for special measure values, i.e., those of the integral multiples of 5°, especially the angles of inclination τ = 0° and τ = 90° (see 1.4). With greater inaccuracies in measurements, one changes, by means of a given table (see Table V), to a degree-grid of 10°. With very small inaccuracies, on the other hand, the procedure may be simplified, the degree-grid becoming unnecessary (see 1.5). The meshes near the centre, being too long, may be avoided by an additional circle (“Zusatzkreis”—see 1.3).

The “u-net” was constructed in such a way that the spheres of crack locations report the real frequency distribution at all times, free from systematic errors. This is achieved by the method that all calculations follow the principle of area equality or area proportionality on the hemisphere (see 2.1). The procedure using the “u-net” can be adapted to differential accuracies of measuring. It is especially suitable for large numbers of cracks; it is simple in calculation and may easily be programmed for digital computers. Thus the “u-net” is advantageous for all applications in which a large number of cracks has to be dealt with. Such applications are very frequent in rock mechanics, in engineering geology for the purpose of foundation of large hydraulic buildings (dams, caverns), in petrography, tectonics and in geophysical investigations such as the determination of crack structures with a view to explaining micromagnetic occurrences, for instance. Furthermore, the “u-net” is applicable not only to crack statistics but also to other similar statistical methods, e.g., to the statistics of cristal axes or to geographic frequency analyses.     

Isotopic characteristics and petrogenesis of the lamproites and kimberlites of central west Greenland

Kimberlites which intruded the Sisimiut (formerly Holsteinsborg) region of central west Greenland during the Early Palaeozoic have initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr between 0.7028 and 0.7033 and ε_Nd between + 1.3 and + 3.9. Mid-Proterozoic potassic lamproites from the same region have initial ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr between 0.7045 and 0.7060, ε_Nd between −13 and −10 and unradiogenic initial Pb isotopic compositions. The isotopic data favour an asthenospheric mantle source for the kimberlite magmas, in common with “basaltic” kimberlites from other localities, whereas the lamproite magma sources evolved in isolation from the convecting mantle for > 1000 Ma, probably within the subcontinental lithospheric mantle of the Greenland craton, prior to emplacement of the lamproites.     

Strain parameters of discontinuities in rock for finite element calculation

The bulk strain induced by excavation of rooms for storage of highly radioactive waste is usually unimportant, but the change in aperture and shear displacement of permeable fractures may be of practical importance. Hence, the normal and shear of such discontinuities have to be considered and are commonly predicted by using special deformation moduli termed “normal” and “shear” stiffnesses in numerical calculations. For the use of some finite element methods, these have to be converted to compression and shear moduli ,which, in turn, requires that the thickness of the discontinuity is known. The normal and shear strain can be expressed in terms of soil mechanical parameters, yielding the compression modulus M and the shear modulus G, with the required form for finite element calculations. By definition they are functions of the normal and shear stiffness K_n and K_s. It is concluded that calculation of the normal and shear strain of discontinuities with clastic fillings by the use of finite element methods and deformation moduli derived from stiffness numbers is very uncertain except when the geometry of the weaknesses can be accurately defined.     

Constraining diamond metasomatic growth using C- and N-stable isotopes: examples from Namibia

The present paper provides C- and N-stable isotope characteristics, N-contents and N-aggregation states for alluvial diamonds of known paragenesis from placers along the Namibian coast. The sample set includes diamonds with typical peridotitic and eclogitic inclusions and the recently reported “undetermined” suite of Leost et al. [Contrib. Mineral. Petrol. 145 (2003) 15] which resulted from infiltration of high temperature, carbonate-rich melts. δ¹³C-values range from −20.3‰ to −0.5‰ (n=48) for peridotitic diamonds and from −38.5‰ to −1.6‰ (n=45) for eclogitic diamonds. Diamonds belonging to the “undetermined” suite span a narrower range in δ¹³C from −8.5‰ to −2.7‰ (n=13). When compared with previous studies, diamonds from Namibia are characterised by unusually low proportions of N-free (i.e. Type II) peridotitic and eclogitic diamonds (3% and 2%, respectively) and an unprecedented high proportion of N-rich diamonds (15% and 73%, respectively, have N-contents >600 ppm). δ¹⁵N-values for diamonds of the peridotitic, eclogitic and “undetermined” suites range from −10‰ to +13‰ without correlations with either N-content or δ¹³C. The similarity in N-isotopic composition and the N-rich character of diamonds belonging to the eclogitic, peridotitic and “undetermined” suites is striking and suggests a close genetic relationship. We propose that a large part of the diamonds mined in Namibia formed during metasomatic events of similar style that introduced carbon and nitrogen into a range of different host lithologies.     

Mantle heterogeneity and crustal recycling in Archean granite-greenstone belts: Evidence from Nd isotopes and trace elements in the Rainy Lake area, Superior Province, Ontario, Canada

The 2685–2752 Ma old granite-greenstone crust in the Rainy Lake area, Ontario, consists of metaigneous and metasedimentary rocks that range in composition from tholeiite to monzogranite and include anorthosite, trachyandesite, monzodiorite and high-silica rhyodacite. Major element, rare earth and other trace element data are the basis for modelling the formation of the crust by melting of large-ionlithophile element enriched and unenriched mantle, by melting of basalt at mantle to crustal levels and by melting of monzodiorite and tonalite at crustal levels.

All metaigneous rocks lie on a ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd vs. ¹⁴⁷Sm/¹⁴⁴Nd isochron with an age of 2737 ±42 Ma and an initial ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd of 0.509178 ±33 (ε_Nd = +1.9). This age is consistent with U-Pb zircon ages, which suggests the Nd isotopic system has been unaffected since the crust-forming events. The positive initial ε_Nd's are further evidence for time-averaged depletion in Sm/Nd relative to CHUR for the Archean mantle. The similarity of the initial Nd isotopic composition for both mantle-derived and crustally-derived rocks suggests rapid recycling of crustal components, which were previously derived from depleted mantle sources.

Initial ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios on individual rocks range from ε_Nd = +3.3 to ε_Nd = −0.4. Younger granitoids have lower ε_Nd values (+1.5 to −0.1) relative to tholeiites and monzodiorites crystallized from mantle-derived melts (+3.3 to +1.0). Thus, incorporation of slightly older crust (ca. 100–200 Ma) in some of the granitoid source areas is possible. Mantle-derived rocks form an isochron of 2764 ±58 Ma that represents a minimum age for enrichment processes in the mantle sources for the Rainy Lake area. Consideration of data from the Abitibi belt suggests such enrichment processes in the mantle may have preceded crust-forming events in a wide area of the Superior Province, perhaps by as much as 50–70 Ma.     

Evidence of diverse depletion and metasomatic events in harzburgite–lherzolite mantle xenoliths from the Iberian plate (Olot, NE Spain): Implications for lithosphere accretionary processes

Mantle xenoliths from the Olot volcanic district (NE Spain) comprise a bi-modal suite consisting of protogranular spinel lherzolites (cpx 12–14%) sometimes with pargasitic amphibole, and highly refractory spinel harzburgites (cpx ≤ 1%) with coarse-grained granular textures. The lherzolites range from slightly depleted to moderately LREE-enriched with flat HREE patterns between 1.5 and 2.7 × chondrite (Ch). In contrast, the harzburgites are extremely depleted in HREE (down to 0.2 × Ch) and strongly LREE-enriched (La_N/Yb_N = 12.3–17.2). LA-ICP-MS analyses of clinopyroxene and amphibole of the lherzolites highlight variable degrees of LREE depletion (HREE up to 13 × Ch, La_N/Yb_N down to 0.01), with the exception of a single sample in which both clinopyroxene and amphibole are LREE-enriched (La_N/Yb_N up to 19). In the harzburgites, clinopyroxenes display totally different REE distributions, characterized by extreme HREE depletion (down to 0.4 × Ch) and upward convex positively fractionated middle-light REE patterns (Nd_N/Yb_N up to 20.7 × Ch; La_N/Yb_N up to 12 × Ch). Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic data for both whole-rocks and cpx separates, coherently indicate depleted mantle (DM) compositions for the lherzolites (εSr = − 15 to − 26, εNd = + 9 to + 17, εHf = + 18 to + 68) and enriched mantle (EM) compositions for the harzburgites (εSr = − 10 to + 36, εNd = − 1 to − 6, εHf = + 3 to + 8). Modelling of the clinopyroxene REE data and isotopic systematics suggest that some lherzolites were affected by pre-Paleozoic (0.6–1 By) low-degree partial melting processes, while others probably reflect some extent of refertilization of the mantle protolith by metasomatizing melts similar to the Triassic rift-related tholeiites reported from several Pyrenean localities. The harzburgites represent extreme refractory residua, resulting from a complex depletion history due to multistage melt extraction as often observed in the cratonic mantle. The distinctive REE patterns and isotopic systematics of their clinopyroxenes suggest that the harzburgites were formed by the interaction of an ultra-depleted peridotite matrix with highly alkaline basic melts similar in composition to the Permo-Triassic alkaline lamprophyres which are widespread within the Iberian plate. Lherzolites possibly represent younger lithosphere (accreted asthenosphere?) up-lifted and juxtaposed to the older subcontinental lithospheric mantle (harzburgites) during the post-Variscan rifting of the Iberian margin. These two genetically different, but adjoining, mantle domains intimately mingled along the northern Iberian margin during the subsequent plate convergence processes, leading to the close association of harzburgites and lherzolites observed in the Olot mantle xenoliths and in some Pyrenean peridotite massifs.     

The Oslo Rift: P-T relations and lithospheric structure

Extrusion temperatures for basaltic lavas in the Permo-Carboniferous Oslo Rift, estimated from whole rock major element compositions, are estimated to be 1270 to 1340°C. This means that magmatism during the Oslo rifting event was not associated with a large temperature anomaly in the underlying upper mantle. Partial melting is believed to be caused by a combination of crustal extension, a weak temperature anomaly in the underlying asthenosphere, and/or high fluid-contents in the mantle source region (“wet-spot”). Petrological and gcochemical data imply that large masses of cumulate rocks were deposited in the deep crust during the Oslo rifting event. The densities and seismic velocities (V_p) of these cumulate rocks are estimated to be 2.8–3.5 g/cm³ and 7.5–8.0 km/s. A rough estimate suggests that cumulus minerals alone account for a net transfer of at least 2 × 10¹⁷ kg of magmatic material from the mantle into the deep crust. In addition comes material representing

1. (a) cumulate minerals corresponding to eroded magmatic surface and subsurface rocks

2. (b) intercumulus material, and

3. (c) magmas crystallized to completion in the deep crust.

Estimates based exclusively on geophysical data tend to underestimate the true transfer of mass into the lower crust as gabbroic cumulate rocks, and melts crystallizing to completion in the lower crust have densities and seismic velocities similar to those of lower crustal wallrocks.     

Geochemical characteristics of lavas from Broken Ridge, the Naturaliste Plateau and southernmost Kerguelen Plateau: Cretaceous plateau volcanism in the southeast Indian Ocean

Lavas from several major bathymetric highs in the eastern Indian Ocean that are likely to have formed as Early to Middle Cretaceous manifestations of the Kerguelen hotspot are predominantly tholeiitic; so too are glass shards from Eocene to Paleocene volcanic ash layers on Broken Ridge, which are believed to have come from eruptions on the Ninetyeast Ridge. The early dominance of tholeiitic compositions contrasts with the more recent intraplate, alkalic volcanism of the Kerguelen Archipelago. Isotopic and incompatible-element ratios of the plateau lavas are distinct from those of Indian mid-ocean ridge basalts; their Nd, Sr, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and isotopic ratios overlap with but cover a much wider range than measured for more recent oceanic products of the Kerguelen hotspot (including the Ninetyeast Ridge) or, indeed, oceanic lavas from any other hotspot in the world. Samples from the Naturaliste Plateau and ODP Site 738 on the southern tip of the Kerguelen Plateau are particularly noteworthy, with ε_Nd(T) = − 13 to −7, (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_T=0.7090 to 0.7130 and high ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb relative to ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb. In addition, the low-ε_Nd(T) Naturaliste Plateau samples are elevated in SiO₂ (> 54 wt%). In contrast to “DUPAL” oceanic islands such as the Kerguelen Archipelago, Pitcairn and Tristan da Cunha, the plateau lavas with extreme isotopic characteristics also have relative depletions in Nb and Ta (e.g., Th/Ta, La Nb > primitive mantle values); the lowest ε_Nd(T) and highest Th/Ta and La Nb values occur at sites located closest to rifted continental margins. Accepting a Kerguelen plume origin for the plateau lavas, these characteristics probably reflect the shallow-level incorporation of continental lithosphere in either the head of the early Kerguelen plume or in plume-derived magmas, and suggest that the influence of such material diminished after the period of plateau construction. Contamination of asthenosphere with the type of material affecting Naturaliste Plateau and Site 738 magmatism appears unlikely to be the cause of low-²⁰⁶Pb/⁰⁴Pb Indian mid-ocean ridge basalts. Finally, because isotopic data for the plateaus do not cluster or form converging arrays in isotope-ratio plots, they provide no evidence for either a quickly evolving, positive ε_Nd, relatively high-²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb plume composition, or a plume source dominated by mantle with ε_Nd of −3 to 0.     

Upper limit of heaving pressure derived by pore-water pressure measurements of partially frozen soil

Experiments were conducted to estimate heaving pressures of saturated soil partially frozen in a closed system. Temperatures at both ends of a specimen were kept constant, i.e., positive at the top and negative at the bottom. When the overburden pressure P was maintained at a constant value, the pore-water pressure P_w, which showed a certain value before freezing, decreased gradually as freezing progressed, finally attaining a specific value, whereafter the specimen ceased taking water into it. The pressure difference between P and P_w, at this stage was defined as the upper limit of heaving pressure σ_u, which evidently depended on the temperature θ_c of the cooling end, in accordance with the relation: σ_u = −11.4 θ_c (kg/cm²)

It corresponds to the modified Clausius-Clapeyron's formula, which gives the freezingpoint depression of an ice—water system, where the pressure acting on the ice differs from that on the water. This is the same as the value obtained by Radd and Oertle (1973). It is considered, however, that, when θ_c lowers, the value of θ_u reaches finally a constant value smaller than the one obtained by the above equation. Denoted by σ_{u max}, it was defined as a maximum heaving pressure. The value of σ_{u max} depended on soil type.     

Features of coated diamonds from the Snap Lake/King Lake kimberlite dyke, Slave craton, Canada, as revealed by optical topography

Confocal photoluminescence (PL) and local absorption spectroscopy were used to study the types and spatial distribution of point defects in coated diamonds, the input of which is about 30% in the Snap Lake deposit, Canada. Nitrogen concentration is on the level of several hundreds of ppm in the core, with a nitrogen-poor layer in its outer part, whereas in the coat it is usually several times higher as a result of fast growth. Nitrogen defects in the core are strongly aggregated with N3, B and B′-forms dominating, whereas A-defects are typical of the coat. The rounded shape of the coated diamonds is a result of the combined effect of partial dissolution of the octahedral core and the “abnormal” growth of the coat, which produces a fibrous structure. Analysis of PL and PL excitation spectra showed that structureless yellow-green PL of the coat is likely to be due to nickel-nitrogen complexes with their fine structure broadened in the strain fields. The presence of irradiation/annealing products such as vacancies V⁰ and nitrogen-vacancy complexes NV⁻, N₂V₂ shows that the diamonds studied have undergone post-growth ionizing irradiation with further low-temperature annealing in natural conditions.