Petrography and geochemistry of the Late Cretaceous redbeds in the Gan-Hang Belt,southeast China: implications for provenance,source weathering,and tectonic setting

ABSTRACT

The distinct basin and range tectonics in southeast China were generated in a crustal extension setting during the late Mesozoic. Compared with the adjacent granitoids of the ranges, the redbeds of the basins have not been well characterized. In this article, provenance, source weathering, and tectonic setting of the redbeds are investigated by petrographic and geochemical studies of sandstone samples from the Late Cretaceous Guifeng Group of the Yongchong Basin in the Gan-Hang Belt, southeast China. Detrital grains are commonly subangular to subrounded, poorly sorted, and are rich in lithic fragments. The variable pre-metasomatic Chemical Index of Alternation (CIA* = 62–85), Chemical Index of Weathering (CIW = 70.90–98.76, avg. 85.62), Plagioclase Index of Alteration (PIA = 60.23–98.35, avg. 79.91), and high Index of Compositional Variability (ICV = 0.67–3.08, avg. 1.40) values collectively suggest an overall intermediate degree of chemical weathering and intense physical erosion of the source rocks, but a relatively decreased degree of chemical weathering during the late stage (Lianhe Formation) of the Guifeng Group is observed. Several chemical ratios (e.g. Al₂O₃/TiO₂, La/Th, Cr/Th, Th/Sc, Zr/Sc) also suggest a dominant felsic source nature, significant first-cycle sediment supply, and low sedimentary recycling. Such features are consistent with active extension tectonic setting. Sandstone framework models and geochemical characteristics suggest the provenance is related to passive margin (PM), active continental margin (ACM), and continental island arc (CIA) tectonic settings. Sediment derivation from the Neoproterozoic metamorphic rocks and Silurian–Devonian granites indicates a PM provenance, whereas sediments derived from the Early Cretaceous volcanic-intrusive complexes suggest an ACM and CIA nature. Therefore, the Late Cretaceous redbeds were deposited in a dustpan-like half-graben under the back-arc extension regime when southeast China was possibly influenced by northwestward subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific plate beneath East Asia.     

Petrography and geochemistry of the Paleogene sandstones from the Ningnan Basin,NW China: implications for provenance,weathering and tectonic setting

Petrographical and geochemical characteristics of the Paleogene sandstones in the Ningnan Basin, NW China, were studied by analyzing thin sections and major, trace, and rare earth element (REE) compositions. The sandstones of the Sikouzi and Qingshuiying formations are sublitharenite to feldspathic litharenite and characterized by low-medium compositional and textural maturity. Petrographic provenance study indicates a quartzose-recycled provenance with higher concentration of Zr in the Qingshuiying Formation. Depositional environment of the Sikouzi and Qingshuiying sandstones was mainly oxic as evidenced by lower values of δEu, δCe, V/Cr, Ni/Co, U/Th, and δU. The Chemical Index of Weathering (CIW’) and the Th/U ratios (av. 3.3 and 3.54) reveal weak and moderate weathering history in the source area. The Zr, Nb, Y, Th, and U concentrations in the Qingshuiying Formation are comparable to upper continental crust (UCC) values and the negative Eu anomalies support contribution from a felsic source. However, a significantly larger range of Ce anomalies in the Sikouzi Formation also reveals mixing of felsic and mafic/ultramafic source terrains. The petrology and geochemistry analyses of the Sikouzi sandstones imply that the provenance was mainly derived from diabase in Xiang Shan and lower Cretaceous strata in the study area whereas the Qingshuiying sandstones were derived from the granites in the southern part of Liupan Shan, which means that the northeastward expansion of the Tibetan Plateau did not make the Liupan Shan a high relief during Paleogene. The present study has let to document the origin of the Ningnan Basin that was formed during the late phase of Ordos Basin reformation, along with the other synchronous peripheral fault-bounded basins of the Ordos Basin, and was not related to the northeastern extrusion of Tibetan Plateau.     

Petrography and geochemistry of Silurian Niur sandstones,Derenjal Mountains,East Central Iran: implications for tectonic setting,provenance and weathering

Petrographical and geochemical studies of Silurian Niur sandstones, Derenjal Mountains, Central Iran, were carried out to infer their provenance and tectonic setting. Modal analysis data of 37 medium sand size and well-sorted samples revealed that most quartz is composed of monocrystalline grains with straight to slightly undulos extinction and about 3 % polycrystalline quartz has inclusions, such as rutile needles. The sandstones are classified as quartzarenite, sublitharenite, and subarkose types based on framework composition and geochemistry. Petrographic studies reveal that these sandstones contain quartz, feldspars, and fragments of sedimentary rocks. The detrital modes of these sandstones indicate that they were derived from recycled orogen and stable cratonic source. Major and trace element contents of them are generally depleted (except SiO₂) relative to upper continental crust which is mainly due to the presence of quartz and absence of Al-bearing minerals. Modal composition (e.g., quartz, feldspar, and lithic fragments) and discrimination diagrams based on major elements, trace elements (Ti, La, Th, Sc, and Zr), and also such ratios as La/Sc, Th/Sc, La/Co, and Th/Co, in sandstones suggest a felsic igneous source rock and quartzose polycyclic sedimentary provenance in a passive continental margin setting. Furthermore, high Zr/Sc values in these sandstones are considered as a sign of recycling. We indicated paleo-weathering conditions by modal compositions, the CIA index and Al₂O₃?+?K₂O?+?Na₂O% vs. SiO₂% bivariate for these sandstones. Based on these results, although recycling is important to increase the maturity of the Niur sandstones, humid climate conditions in the source area have played a decisive role.     

Petrography and geochemistry of the Upper Cretaceous Nubia sandstones,Eastern Desert,Egypt: implications for provenance,paleoweathering, and tectonic setting

The provenance of the Upper Cretaceous Nubia sandstones from four vertical sections along Qena-Safaga and Qena-Quseir roads in central Eastern Desert of Egypt was investigated based on their modal composition and geochemical data. The Nubia sandstone samples are abundant in quartz content with low feldspar and lithic fragments. Their average modal composition (Q_94.2F_1.3R_4.5) classifies them as quartz arenites with subordinate quartz wackes which is consistent with geochemistry data. The average CIA, CIW, PIA, and Th/U ratio values revealed that the intensity of weathering in the studied areas was similar, varying from moderate to intensive weathering, and may reflect low-relief and warm humid climatic conditions in the source area. The ICV (<?1) and SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratio (>?5) indicate that the Nubia sandstones are texturally and mineralogically mature. The petrographical and geochemical analyses suggest that the Nubia sandstones were mainly derived from felsic (granitic) and/or recycled sand sources. The major element-based multidimensional tectonic discrimination diagrams suggested the Nubia sandstones were deposited in a passive continental margin of a syn-rift basin. This result agreed with the general geology of central Eastern Desert of Egypt during the Upper Cretaceous.     

Petrography and geochemistry of Jumara Dome sediments,Kachchh Basin: Implications for provenance,tectonic setting and weathering intensity

In the Kachchh Mainland, the Jumara Dome mixed carbonate-siliciclastic succession is represented by the Jhurio and Patcham formations and siliciclastic-dominating Chari Formation （Bathonian to Oxfordian）. The Ju- mara Dome sediments were deposited during sea-level fluctuating, and were interrupted by storms in the shallow marine environment. The sandstones are generally medium-grained, moderately sorted, subangular to subrounded and of low sphericity. The sandstones are mineralogically mature and mainly composed of quartzarenite and subar- kose. The plots of petrofacies in the Qt-F-L, Qm-F-Lt, Qp-Lv-Ls and Qm-P-K ternary diagrams suggest mainly the basement uplift source （craton interior） in rifted continental margin basin setting. The sandstones were cemented by carbonate, iron oxide and silica overgrowth. The Chemical Index of Alteration values （73% sandstone and 81% shale） indicate high weathering conditions in the source area. Overall study suggests that such strong chemical weathering conditions are of unconformity with worldwide humid and warm climates during the Jurassic period. Positive correlations between A1203 and Fe203, TiO2, Na20, MgO, K20 are evident. A high correlation coefficient between A1203 and K20 in shale samples suggests that clay minerals control the major oxides, The analogous con- tents of Si, A1, Ti, LREE and TTE in the shale to PAAS with slightly depleted values of other elements ascribe a PAAS like source （granitic gneiss and minor mafics） to the present study. The petrographic and geochemical data strongly suggest that the studied sandstones/shales were deposited on a passive margin of the stable intracratonic basin.     

Late Cretaceous redbeds from the Gan-Hang Belt in Southeast China: petrography and geochemistry implications for provenance,source weathering,and tectonic setting

ABSTRACT

The distinct basin and range tectonics in Southeast China were generated by crustal extension associated with subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific plate during the late Mesozoic. Compared with adjacent granitoids of the ranges, the redbeds of the basins have not been well characterized. In this article, provenance, source weathering, and tectonic setting of the redbeds are investigated by petrographic and geochemical studies of sandstones from the Late Cretaceous Guifeng Group in the Yongchong Basin, Southeast China. Detrital grains are subangular to subrounded, poorly sorted, and rich in lithic fragments. Variable Chemical Index of Alternation values (59.55–79.82, avg. 66.79) and high Index of Compositional Variability (ICV) values (0.67–3.08, avg. 1.40) indicate an overall low degree of chemical weathering and rapid physical erosion of source rocks. Such features are consistent with an active extension tectonic setting. Other chemical indices (e.g. Al₂O₃/TiO₂, Th/U, Cr/Th, Th/Sc, Zr/Sc) also suggest significant first-cycle sediment input to the basin and a dominant felsic source nature. Thus, the Guifeng Group possibly underwent moderate to low degrees of weathering upwards. Sandstone framework models and geochemical characteristics suggest the provenance was likely a combination of passive margin (PM) and active continental margin (ACM) with minor continental island arc (CIA) tectonic settings. Sediment derivation from Neoproterozoic metamorphic rocks and Cambrian to Triassic granitoids indicates PM provenance, whereas sediments derived from Jurassic to Cretaceous granitoids suggest ACM and CIA nature. Therefore, the Late Cretaceous redbeds were deposited in a dustpan-like half-graben basin under the back-arc extension regime when Southeast China was possibly influenced by northwestward subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific plate beneath East Asia.     

Petrography and geochemistry of Eocene sandstones from eastern Pontides (NE TURKEY): Implications for source area weathering,provenance and tectonic setting

Subaerial weathering level, source area and tectonic environments were interpreted by using petrographic and geochemical characteristics of Eocene age sandstones found in the eastern Pontides. The thickness of Eocene age clastic rocks in the eastern Pontides ranges from 195 to 400 m. Mineralogical components of sandstones were mainly quartz, feldspar, rock fragments, and opaque and accessory minerals. Depending on their matrix and mineralogical content, Eocene age sandstones are identified as arkosic arenite-lithic arenite and feldspathic wacke-lithic wacke. CIA (Chemical Index of Alteration) values observed in the Eocene age sandstones (43–55) suggest that the source terrain of the sandstones was not affected by intense chemical weathering. Low CIW/CIA (Chemical Index of Weathering/Chemical Index of Alteration) values of the sandstones studied here suggest only slightly decomposed material and having undergone little transport until final deposition. Zr/Hf, Th/Sc, La/Sc and CIA ratios are low and demonstrate a mafic source; on the other hand, high LREE/HREE ratios and a slightly negative Eu anomaly indicate a subordinate fclsic source. Modal mineralogical and SiO₂/Al₂O₃ and K₂O/Na₂O and Th, Zr, Co, Sc of Eocene age sandstone contents indicate that they are probably magmatic arc originated and deposited in the back arc basin.     

Petrography and geochemistry of Jurassic sandstones from the Jhuran Formation of Jara dome,Kachchh basin,India: Implications for provenance and tectonic setting

Sandstones of Jhuran Formation from Jara dome, western Kachchh, Gujarat, India were studied for major, trace and rare earth element (REE) geochemistry to deduce their paleo-weathering, tectonic setting, source rock characteristics and provenance. Petrographic analysis shows that sandstones are having quartz grains with minor amount of K-feldspar and lithic fragments in the modal ratio of Q ₈₉:F ₇:L ₄. On the basis of geochemical results, sandstones are classified into arkose, sub-litharenite, wacke and quartz arenite. The corrected CIA values indicate that the weathering at source region was moderate to intense. The distribution of major and REE elements in the samples normalized to upper continental crust (UCC) and chondrite values indicate similar pattern of UCC. The tectonic discrimination diagram based on the elemental concentrations and elemental ratios of Fe₂O₃ + MgOvs. TiO₂, SiO₂ vs. log(K₂O/Na₂O), Sc/Cr vs. La/Y, Th–Sc–Zr/10, La–Th–Sc plots Jhuran Formation samples in continental rift and collision settings. The plots of Ni against TiO₂, La/Sc vs. Th/Co and V–Ni–Th ?10 reveals that the sediments of Jhuran Formation were derived from felsic rock sources. Additionally, the diagram of (Gd/Yb) _N against Eu/Eu ^? suggest the post-Archean provenance as source possibly Nagar Parkar complex for the studied samples.     

Late Cretaceous paleoenvironmental evolution of the Tarfaya Atlantic coastal Basin,SW Morocco

Lithological evidence, benthic foraminiferal census counts, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) scanner-derived elemental data were integrated with planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy and bulk carbonate stable isotopes to retrace the Turonian to early Campanian paleoenvironmental evolution and sea-level history of the Tarfaya Atlantic coastal basin (SW Morocco). The lower Turonian is characterized by laminated organic-rich deposits, which contain impoverished benthic foraminiferal assemblages, reflecting impingement of the oxygen minimum zone on the shelf during a sea-level highstand. This highstand level is correlated to the global transgressive pulse above the sequence boundary Tu1. The appearance of low-oxygen tolerant benthic foraminiferal assemblages dominated by Gavelinella sp. in the middle to upper Turonian indicates an improvement in bottom water oxygenation, probably linked to offshore retraction of the oxygen minimum zone during a regressive phase. This interval is marked by major regressive events expressed by a series of erosional truncations associated with the prominent sequence boundaries Tu3 and/or Tu4. Dysoxic–anoxic conditions recorded in the upper Santonian of the Tarfaya Basin coincide with the eustatic sea-level rise prior to Sa3 sequence boundary. The lower Campanian transgression, only recorded in the southern part of the Tarfaya Basin, coincided with substantial deepening, enhanced accumulation of fine-grained clay-rich hemipelagic sediments and improved oxygenation at the seafloor (highest diversity and abundance of benthic foraminiferal assemblages). Stable isotope data from bulk carbonates are tentatively correlated to the English Chalk carbon isotope reference curve, in particular the Hitch Wood Event in the upper Turonian, the Navigation Event in the lower Coniacian, the Horseshoe Bay Event in the Santonian and the Santonian/Campanian Boundary Event.     

Petrography and geochemistry of the Middle Miocene Gebel El Rusas sandstones,Eastern Desert,Egypt: Implications for provenance and tectonic setting

Petrography and bulk rock geochemistry of the Middle Miocene sandstones of the lower and upper members of Gebel El Rusas Formation along the Egyptian Red Sea Coastal plain, have been investigated to determine the provenance, tectonic setting, and weathering condition of this formation. The Lower Member is formed mainly of sandstones and conglomerates with clay interbeds. The Upper Member is more calcareous and formed mainly of sandstones and limestones with marls and clays intercalations. Petrographically, the Lower Member sandstones are mostly immature and classified as arkoses with an average framework composition of \(\hbox {Q}_{66}\hbox {F}_{29}\hbox {R}_{5}\), and the Upper Member sandstones are partly submature (more quartzose, less feldspathic) and classified as subarkoses with an average framework composition of \(\hbox {Q}_{80}\hbox {F}_{17}\hbox {R}_{3}\). The Gebel El Rusas sandstones are enriched in Sr, Ba, Zr and Rb and depleted in Co and U, as compared to UCC. The chemical index of alteration (CIA) values suggest moderate weathering conditions. The geochemistry results revealed that the Gebel El Rusas sandstones were derived from felsic-granitic source rocks and deposited in a passive margin of a synrift basin. The inferred tectonic setting for Middle Miocene Gebel El Rusas sandstones in the study area is consistent with the regional geology of the Eastern Desert of Egypt during Middle Miocene.     

广西南部凭祥中三叠世沉积盆地构造环境——来自岩相学和碎屑岩地球化学的证据

岩相学特征表明,广西凭祥盆地砾岩可分为颗粒支撑和基质支撑2种,砾石成分主要为生物碎屑灰岩,其次为砂岩和泥岩。盆地砂岩主要由成分成熟度和结构成熟度较低的亚岩屑(杂)砂岩和岩屑(杂)砂岩组成,物源区为碰撞造山带或再旋回造山带。碎屑岩地球化学特征表明,凭祥中三叠世盆地中的砂岩和泥岩样品SiO2含量为61.71%~74.85%,接近于上地壳的平均值。具有高的K2O/Na2O值(6.50~0.51)和高的TFe2O3+MgO含量(7.29%~10.31%),TFe2O3/K2O值为2.05%~5.54%,矿物稳定性较差。稀土元素标准化配分曲线呈现出轻稀土元素富集、重稀土元素平坦和明显的Eu、Ce负异常特征,类似于上地壳和典型的太古宙页岩,具有海相沉积的特征。砂岩风化蚀变指数CIA高(71~88),Th/U值为3.68~9.53,表明砂岩和泥岩经历了较强的风化作用。砂岩物源区判别图表明,凭祥盆地物源与酸性岛弧具明显的亲缘性,增生楔和活动陆缘是主要的物源区。这些特征综合表明,凭祥盆地是一个伴随古特提斯分支洋盆闭合、经强烈构造改造的残余弧前盆地。     

藏南定日白垩纪火山岩岩石学与地球化学初步研究

本文描述了西藏定日白垩纪火山岩的地质、岩石学、岩石地球化学特征和构造造背景。该火山岩岩石类型有蚀变英安岩和蚀变安山岩,其岩石化学成分特征表明岩石为二氧化硅过饱、铝过饱和类型,属亚碱性拉斑玄武岩系列。岩石稀土元素配分曲线呈强烈右倾的轻稀土富集型;微量元素配分模式图呈锯齿状"多隆起"型,类似于岛弧火山岩的微量元素配分模式。综合判定该期火山岩形成于大陆边缘造山带岛弧构造环境。     

Petrography,geochemistry, and provenance of the Chalki rocks in Kurdistan region,North Iraq

Outcrops of the Paleozoic Chalki volcanic rocks are restricted to part of the northern Thrust Zone of Iraq close to Iraqi-Turkish border. Petrographically, the volcanic rocks from the Chalki area are mainly layered, appearing fresh in the field and exhibiting some basaltic lava flows. Porphyritic, amygdaloidal, and microlite-porphyric are the main observed textures. Phenocrysts of primary phases (i.e., olivine, iron oxides) are in a groundmass of feldspars and clinopyroxene. Chalki Formation is intercalated with Pirispiki Formation which consists of thin to medium bedded, greenish gray marl, red mudstone, and veins of calcite. The Chalki rocks are mafic of theolitic basalt type. Geochemically, they have high chromium and nickel concentrations in most samples. Rare earth element (REE) patterns illustrate parallel to sub-parallel, moderately fractionated REE patterns. The low heavy REE (HREE) contents in the studied samples appear to be due to partial melting of metamorphosed oceanic crust leaving HREE-rich accessory minerals (i.e., garnet) as a residual phase in the source. No Eu anomalies were observed in the Chalki samples which may indicate a back-arc basin pattern. The non-subduction signature of the Chalki rocks is confirmed by the Nb/Yb versus Th/Yb diagram, which shows that most of the studied rocks fall in the compositional field of non-arc-related rocks—well within the field of the mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB)-ocean island basalt (OIB) mantle array.     

Sedimentary petrology and geochemistry of siliciclastic rocks from the upper Jurassic Tordillo Formation (Neuquén Basin, western Argentina): Implications for provenance and tectonic setting

The Upper Jurassic Tordillo Formation is exposed along the western edge of the Neuquén Basin (west central Argentina) and consists of fluvial strata deposited under arid/semiarid conditions. The pebble composition of conglomerates, mineralogical composition of sandstones and pelitic rocks, and major- and trace-element geochemistry of sandstones, mudstones, and primary pyroclastic deposits are evaluated to determine the provenance and tectonic setting of the sedimentary basin. Conglomerates and sandstones derived almost exclusively from volcanic sources. The stratigraphic sections to the south show a clast population of conglomerates dominated by silicic volcanic fragments and a predominance of feldspathic litharenites. This framework composition records erosion of Triassic–Jurassic synrift volcaniclastic rocks and basement rocks from the Huincul arch, which was exhumed as a result of Late Jurassic inversion. In the northwestern part of the study area, conglomerates show a large proportion of mafic and acidic volcanic rock fragments, and sandstones are characterised by a high content of mafic volcanic rock fragments and plagioclase. These data suggest that the source of the sandstones and conglomerates was primarily the Andean magmatic arc, located west of the Neuquén Basin. The clay mineral assemblage is interpreted as the result of a complex set of factors, including source rock, climate, transport, and diagenesis. Postdepositional processes produced significant variations in the original compositions, especially the fine-grained deposits. The Tordillo sediments are characterised by moderate SiO₂ contents, variable abundances of K₂O and Na₂O, and a relatively high proportion of ferromagnesian elements. The degree of chemical weathering in the source area, expressed as the chemical index of alteration, is low to moderate. The major element geochemistry and Th/Sc, K/Rb, Co/Th, La/Sc, and Cr/Th values point to a significant input of detrital volcanic material of calcalkaline felsic and intermediate composition. However, major element geochemistry is not useful for interpreting the tectonic setting. Discrimination plots based on immobile trace elements, such as Ti, Zr, La, Sc, and Th, show that most data lie in the active continental margin field. Geochemical information is not sufficiently sensitive to differentiate the two different source areas recognized by petrographic and modal analyses of conglomerates and sandstones.     

鄂西南利川三叠纪须家河组地球化学特征及其对风化、物源与构造背景的指示

鄂西南利川地区三叠纪须家河组砂岩碎屑颗粒富石英(Q),贫岩屑(L)与长石(F),平均值分别为:76.23%、7.08%与4.88%,Q/(Q+F+L)平均值为0.86,具有锆石-板钛矿-磁铁矿-电气石重矿物组合,指示源岩以酸性岩或低级变质岩为主。砂岩主量元素Si O2含量高(77.14%~92.79%,平均84.14%),Al2O3次之(3.86%~14.15%,平均9.69%),(Fe2O3T+Mg O)*(0.98%~3.20%,平均1.50%)、Ti O2*(0.09%~1.09%,平均0.39%)含量低,Al2O3/Si O2比值低(0.04~0.18,平均0.12),K2O/Na2O比值高(4.90~82.41,平均40.01),最接近被动大陆边缘特征值。样品具有与上地壳相似的高场强元素与大离子亲石元素组成,ΣREE分布于62×10-6~495×10-6之间,平均181×10-6,球粒陨石标准化配分型式与上地壳极为相似,呈现轻稀土富集、重稀土平坦、中度Eu、Ce负异常特征,特征微量、稀土元素含量及比值,如:Th、La、Ce、Rb/Sr、Th/U、La/Sc,指示了晚三叠世构造背景为被动与活动大陆边缘。样品成分变异指数ICV均1(0.18~0.68,平均0.45),指示物源主要为再循环的沉积物,而沉积物再循环会导致粘土矿物比例增加,从而使化学风化指标CIA值得到累积。较高的CIA值(72.10~96.28,平均81.18)表明沉积物累积经历的化学风化作用强烈,而CIA与ICV强烈负相关,则表明CIA值的变化主要是由不同时期输入碎屑物成分不同引起的。结合物源、构造背景判别图解,上述特征综合表明研究区须家河组形成于被动大陆边缘(为主)与活动大陆边缘环境,其物源来自东南的雪峰隆起区(为主)与北侧的秦岭造山带。     

Petrographical and geochemical signatures of Jurassic rocks of Chari Formation,Western India: implications for provenance and tectonic setting

The sandstones of the Ridge and Athleta members of Chari Formation (Callovian-Oxfordian) exposed at Jara have been analyzed for their petrographical and geochemical studies. Texturally, these sandstones are medium to coarse grained, poorly to well sorted, sub-angular to sub-rounded, and show low to medium sphericity. These sandstones were derived from a mixed provenance including granites, granite-gneisses, low and high-grade metamorphic, and some basic rocks of Aravalli range and Nagarparkar massif. The petrofacies analysis reveals that these sandstones belong to the continental block and recycled orogen tectonic regime. The studied sandstones are modified by paleoclimate, distance of transport, and diagenesis. Mineralogically and geochemically, sandstones are classified as quartzarenite, subarkose, arkose, sublithic arenite, and wacke, respectively. The A-CN-K ternary plot and CIA, CIW, PIA, and ICV values suggest that the similar source rocks suffered moderate to high chemical weathering under a hot-humid climate in an acidic environment with higher \({\text{P}}_{{{\text{CO}}_{ 2} }}\). Generally good to strong correlations between Al₂O₃ and other oxides in these sediments indicate clay mineral control. The K₂O/Na₂O versus SiO₂ diagram indicates that the studied samples occupy passive margin fields but the SiO₂/Al₂O₃ versus K₂O/Na₂O plot suggests that the Athleta Sandstone and Ridge Sandstone fall within the passive margin field, while Ridge Shale falls within the active continental margin field.     

Geochemistry of black shales from the Lower Cretaceous Paja Formation,Eastern Cordillera,Colombia: Source weathering,provenance, and tectonic setting

The major and trace element characteristics of black shales from the Lower Cretaceous Paja Formation of Colombia are broadly comparable with those of the average upper continental crust. Among the exceptions are marked enrichments in V, Cr, and Ni. These enrichments are associated with high organic carbon contents. CaO and Na₂O are strongly depleted, leading to high values for both the Chemical Index of Alteration (77–96) and the Plagioclase Index of Alteration (86–99), which indicates derivation from a stable, intensely weathered felsic source terrane. The REE abundances and patterns vary considerably but can be divided into three main groups according to their characteristics and stratigraphic position. Four samples from the lower part of the Paja Formation (Group 1) are characterized by LREE-enriched chondrite-normalized patterns (average La_N/Yb_N = 8.41) and significant negative Eu anomalies (average Eu/Eu¹ = 0.63). A second group of five samples (Group 2), also from the lower part, have relatively flat REE patterns (average La_N/Yb_N = 1.84) and only slightly smaller Eu anomalies (average Eu/Eu¹ = 0.69). Six samples from the middle and upper parts (Group 3) have highly fractionated patterns (average La_N/Yb_N = 15.35), resembling those of Group 1, and an identical average Eu/Eu¹ of 0.63. The fractionated REE patterns and significant negative Eu anomalies in Groups 1 and 3 are consistent with derivation from an evolved felsic source. The flatter patterns of Group 2 shale and strongly concave MREE-depleted patterns in two additional shales likely were produced during diagenesis, rather than reflecting more mafic detrital inputs. An analysis of a single sandstone suggests diagenetic modification of the REE, because its REE pattern is identical to that of the upper continental crust except for the presence of a significant positive Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu¹ = 1.15). Felsic provenance for all samples is suggested by the clustering on the Th/Sc–Zr/Sc and Gd_N/Yb_N–Eu/Eu¹ diagrams. Averages of unmodified Groups 1 and 3 REE patterns compare well with cratonic sediments from the Roraima Formation in the Guyana Shield, suggesting derivation from a continental source of similar composition. In comparison with modern sediments, the geochemical parameters (K₂O/Na₂O, La_N/Yb_N, La_N/Sm_N, Eu/Eu¹, La/Sc, La/Y, Ce/Sc) suggest the Paja Formation was deposited at a passive margin. The Paja shales thus represent highly mature sediments recycled from deeply weathered, older, sedimentary/metasedimentary rocks, possibly in the Guyana Shield, though Na-rich volcanic/granitic rocks may have contributed to some extent.     

Petrography, geochemistry, and geochronology of granitoid rocks in the Neoproterozoic-Paleozoic Lufilian–Zambezi belt, Zambia: Implications for tectonic setting and regional correlation

There are several pre-orogenic Neoproterozoic granitoid and metavolcanic rocks in the Lufilian–Zambezi belt in Zambia and Zimbabwe that are interpreted to have been emplaced in a continental-rift setting that is linked to the break-up of the Rodinia supercontinent. However, no geochemical data were previously available for these rocks in the Zambian part of the belt to support this model. We conducted petrographic and whole-rock chemical analyses of the Neoproterozoic Nchanga Granite, Lusaka Granite, Ngoma Gneiss and felsic metavolcanic rocks from the Lufilian–Zambezi belt in Zambian, in order to evaluate their chemical characteristics and tectonic settings. Other magmatic rocks of importance for understanding the evolution of the belt in Zambia, included in this study, are the Mesoproterozoic Munali Hills Granite and associated amphibolites and the Mpande Gneiss. The Neoproterozoic rocks have monzogranitic compositions, aluminum-saturation indices (ASI) < 1.1, and high contents of high field strength elements (HFSE) and rare earth elements (REE). The chondrite-normalised spider diagrams are similar to those of A-type granites from the Lachlan fold belt and show negative Sr, P, and Ti anomalies. On various tectonic discrimination diagrams the Neoproterozoic rocks plot mainly in A-type granite fields. These petrographic and trace element compositions indicate that these rocks are A-type felsic rocks, but they do not have features of granites and rhyolites emplaced in true continental-rift settings, as previously suggested. On the basis of the A-type features and independent regional geological and geochronological data, we suggest that the Neoproterozoic granitoid and felsic metavolcanic rocks were emplaced during the earliest extensional stages of continental rifting in the Lufilian–Zambezi belt. The apparent continental-arc like chemistry of the granitoid and felsic metavolcanic rocks is thus inferred to be inherited from calcalkaline sources. The Mesoproterozoic Munali Hills Granite and Mpande Gneiss have trace element features e.g., Nb–Ta depletions, which indicate that that these gneisses were emplaced in a convergent-margin setting. The MORB-normalised spider diagram of co-magmatic amphibolites exhibit a fractionated LILE/HFSE pattern recognized in subduction zones. This inference is consistent with remnants of ocean crust, juvenile Island arcs and ophiolites elsewhere in the Mesoproterozoic Irumide belt in Zambia and Zimbabwe. In addition, we report the first U–Pb zircon age of 1090.1 ± 1.3 Ma for the Munali Hills Granite. The age for the Munali Hills Granite provides new constraints on correlation and tectono-thermal activity in the Lufilian–Zambezi belt. The age of the Munali Hills Granite indicates that some supracrustal rocks in the Zambezi belt of Zambia, which were previously thought to be Neoproterozoic and correlated with the Katanga Supergroup in the Lufilian belt, are Mesoproterozoic or older. Consequently, previous regional lithostratigraphic correlations in the Lufilian–Zambezi belt would require revision.     

Water and sediment chemistry of Higher Himalayan lakes in the Spiti Valley: control on weathering,provenance and tectonic setting of the basin

The geochemical study of the Dankar, Thinam and Gete lakes of the Spiti Valley has revealed that these lakes are characterized by varying contents of major ions, i.e. Ca, Mg, HCO₃, Na, K, Cl, SO₄, SiO₂ and Sr as trace element. The concentration of these elements is significant, as they indicate the nature of the lithology and the type of weathering at the source. The sediment chemistry data have also been employed to quantify weathering intensity and to elucidate the provenance and basin tectonic setting where terrigenous sediment is deposited.Dankar Lake is located on the limestone-dolomite-rich Lilang Group of rocks (Triassic), and dissolution of carbonate is the prime source of ionic concentration in this lake. The high (Ca+Mg):HCO₃ equivalent ratio of 6.94 indicates carbonate weathering, and the very low (Na+K):T_Z⁺ ratio of 0.07, which is used as an indicator of silicate weathering, shows insignificant silica dissolution in this lake. On the other hand, in Lake Thinam a relatively low (Ca+Mg):HCO₃ equivalent ratio of 2.09, a (Na+K):T_Z⁺ ratio of 0.12 and other parameters indicate that carbonate is derived from calcareous nodules and thin intercalations of limestone in the Spiti shales (Jurassic), and also some contribution from silicate lithology is evident. Mixing of groundwater cannot be ruled out, as springs are observed in this lake. In Lake Gete, the (Ca+Mg):HCO₃ equivalent ratio is again high at 5.04, and the (Na+K):T_Z⁺ ratio is 0.15, indicating dissolution of both carbonate and silicate rocks in the basin. This is consistent with the corresponding lithology in the lakes, and their denudation. Very high Sr contents of 2,331 µg/l in Dankar Lake, 715 µg/l in Gete Lake and 160 µg/l in Thinam Lake are significant and support dissolution of carbonate rocks, as the silicate rocks contribute less Sr although its isotopic ratio is high. It is also reflected that mechanical erosion and chemical weathering are perhaps the effective processes in this region. The former exposes fresh mineral surface for dissolution. The chemical index of alteration (CIA), with an average value of 78.79 in Dankar and 81.06 in Gete, indicates high weathering conditions. The K₂O–Fe₂O₃–Al₂O₃ triangular plots of the samples demonstrate residual clay formation, indicating intense weathering at the source. The clay mineralogical data corroborate the above observation.The sediment chemistry data document depletion in SiO₂ and Al₂O₃, as they are enriched in carbonates and depleted in Na₂O, K₂O, MnO, and TiO₂, as compared to PAAS and UCC which are related to strong weathering at the source. The positive linear correlation between K and Rb suggests that they are contained in the illitic phase, and high positive correlation of Zr and Y with SiO₂ indicates their association with coarser-grain, quartz-rich sandstone. The high phyllosilicates and low feldspar and major element chemistry indicate recycling and mineral maturity of sediments deposited in the Tethyan basin in a passive margin setting. This also indicates older sedimentary-metasedimentary rocks which are ideally exposed in the Spiti Valley. The tectonic discriminant plots portray a passive margin tectonic setting of the detritus in these lakes.     

Provenance,tectonic setting,source weathering and palaeoenvironmental implications of Middle-Upper Jurassic rocks of Ler dome,Kachchh, western India: Inferences from petrography and geochemistry

The Middle-Upper Jurassic sandstones and shales of Ler dome (Chari and Katrol Formations), Kachchh, western India, have been analyzed for modal, bulk mineralogy and geochemistry to deduce their provenance, tectonic setting, source area weathering and palaeoenvironmental conditions. The detrital modes of Ler dome sandstones indicate that they were emanated from recycled orogen (uplifted shoulders of rift) and stable cratonic source in passive margin setting. Rapid deposition of sediments from a granitic source area can be predicted from feldspar abundance. A highly mature heavy mineral assemblage characterized in the form of high Zircon-Tourmaline-Rutile (ZTR) index also endorses these findings. The X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) data show the presence of clay minerals depicting moderate to extensive chemical weathering in an oxidizing environment with periodic cycles of transgression and regression. The chemical index of weathering, chemical index of alteration and plagioclase index of alteration suggest moderate to high and low to moderate weathering conditions for sandstone and shales, respectively, that took place in low to moderate relief. We postulate that Ler dome sediments are derivative of the eroded and weathered parts of the Aravalli craton located on east and northeast of the basin and the Nagarparkar Massif placed to the north and northwest.