Geochemical characteristics of modern river sediments in Myanmar and Thailand: Implications for provenance and weathering

The elemental composition of organic matter and the major and trace element compositions of stream sediments from Myanmar (Ayeyarwady and Sittaung rivers) and Thailand (Mekong and Chao Phraya rivers, and their tributaries) were determined to examine their distributions, provenance, and chemical weathering processes. Higher total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) contents in the finer grained sediments indicate hydrodynamic energy may control their distributions. TOC/TN ratios indicate inputs of both aquatic macrophyte and higher vascular plant material to the river sediments. The major element abundances of the sediments are characterized by predominance of SiO₂ in coarser fractions and a marked negative correlation with Al₂O₃, representing primary grain size primarily control on SiO₂ content. Marked depletion of most labile elements (Na₂O, CaO, K₂O, Ba and Sr) relative to UCC (upper continental crust), indicate destruction of feldspar during chemical weathering in the source area or during transport. However, enrichment of some high field strength elements (Zr, Th, Ce and Y) relative to UCC and higher Zr/Sc ratios indicate moderate concentration of resistant heavy minerals in finer-grained samples. Discriminant diagrams and immobile trace element characteristics indicate that the Mekong, and Chao Phraya river sediments were largely derived from felsic sources with compositions close to typical rhyolite, dacite/granodiorite, UCC, I- and S-type granites. Relative enrichment of ferromagnesian elements (e.g. MgO, Cr, Ni) and high Cr/V and low Y/Ni ratios in Ayeyarwady and Sittaung sediments indicate the presence of a mafic or ultramafic component in their sources. The ICV (Index of Compositional Variability), CIA (Chemical Index of Alteration), PIA (Plagioclase Index of Alteration), α^Al, Rb/Sr and K₂O/Rb ratios indicate that the Ayeyarwady and Sittaung sediments record low to moderate degrees of chemical weathering in their source, compared to moderate to intense chemical weathering in the Mekong and Chao Phraya river basins. These results are compatible with existing major ion data for river waters collected at the same locations.     

Major, trace and REE geochemistry of the Ganga River sediments: Influence of provenance and sedimentary processes

The sediments of the Ganga River from different depositional regimes in the Plain region such as the river channel, active flood-plain and the older flood-plain sediments from the inter-fluve region were analysed for major, trace and the rare earth elements (REEs). These are compared with catchment zone sediments of the river and probable source rocks in the Himalaya. The lower CIA values between 48 and 54.7 for the catchment sediments indicates that the sediments supplied to the Ganga Plain are chemically immature and subjected mostly to physical weathering due to higher erosion rates in the Himalaya. The CIA values ranging between 55 and 74, with average value of 59, 61.4 and 67 for sediments from the Plain's bed-load, active flood-plain and older flood-plain from the inter-fluve region indicates that silicate weathering of Ganga River sediments has occurred only after entering into the plains. This is likely because of higher residence time and change in the climate from cold-frigid in the Himalaya to tropical sub-humid in the plains. Therefore, the use of geochemical data on ancient system to infer climate in their source region may not always be true. Although the CIA values indicate a moderate chemical weathering in the plains, it is far from impressive. Dominance of physical weathering in the catchment region and lower degree of chemical weathering in the Plains indicate that weathering of sediments supplied by Himalayan Rivers, particularly the Ganga River may not have affected the atmospheric CO₂ to a significant level as is generally believed. Thus the net effect of the Himalaya on the CO₂ sequestration and consequent global cooling needs a re-evaluation.The plots of sediments in ternary diagram among La, Th, Sc and ratios involving Co/Th, La/Sc and Sc/Th indicate granitic to granodioritic source rocks to the sediments. The ratio plots involving relatively immobile Al₂O₃, TiO₂ and FeO along with REE plots suggest that out of the major Himalayan lithologies, gneisses and Cambro-Ordovician granites of HHCS have acted as the dominant source to the sediments.The plots of LogNa₂O/K₂O vs. LogSiO₂/Al₂O₃ and FeO/SiO₂ vs. Al₂O₃/SiO₂ diagrams show that the combination of processes including erosion, weathering, sorting and aeolian activity has together played a major role in progressively changing the chemistry from source rock to catchments bed-load to Plains bed-load, active flood-plains and the older inter-fluve sediments in the Ganga River system. The above plots demonstrate that as a result of above processes the ratios between the elements generally thought to be immobile and used in provenance studies does not always remain invariant and the linear trend line in the scatter gram between the two immobile elements show rotation around the fine grained end member.     

Mineralogy,major and trace element geochemistry of riverbed sediments in the headwaters of the Yangtze,Tongtian River and Jinsha River

We collected riverbed sediments of the headwaters of the Yangtze River (Chumaer River, Tuotuo River, Gaerqu River and Buqu River), Tongtian River and Jinsha River (HTJR) flowing on the eastern Tibetan Plateau and analyzed their mineralogical features, major and trace element contents. The results show: (i) very poor correlations of Na₂O, K₂O, CaO, Ba, and Sr to SiO₂, LREE to Th, HREE to Hf, and Ta/La to Ti, and characteristics of Eu anomaly (the ratios of (Eu/Eu^*)_N range from 0.60 to 0.83 with an average value of 0.71) all indicate that the Jinsha River sediments have not undergone much mineralogical sorting; (ii) illite and chlorite are predominant clay minerals, and quartz, calcite, dolomite, albite, and K-feldspar are prevailing non-clay minerals. The characteristics of mineral assemblage indicate relatively weak chemical weathering degree in these river basins; (iii) very high contents of Fe₂O₃, MgO, TiO₂, Sc, V, Cr, Co, and Ni at Panzhihua mainly result from the huge-sized V–Ti magnetite deposits occurred in layered gabbroic intrusion; and (iv) the chemical alteration index (CIA) in the HTJR ranges from 46.5 to 69.2 and with an average value of 60.5 which indicates relatively weak weathering degree.     

Geochemical signatures of Mesoproterozoic siliciclastic rocks of the Kaimur Group of the Vindhyan Supergroup,Central India

The Upper Kaimur Group of the Vindhyan Supergroup in Central India, primarily consists of three rock types-DhandraulSandstone, Scarp Sandstone and Bijaigarh Shale. Mineralogically and geochemically, they are quartz arenite, sublitharenite to litharenite and litharenite to shale in composition, respectively. The A-CN-K ternary plot and CIA and ICV values suggest that the similar source rocks suffered severe chemical weathering, under a hot-humid climate in an acidic environment with higher P _{CO 2}, which facilitated high sediment influx in the absence of land plants. Various geochemical discriminants, elemental ratios like K₂O/Na₂O, Al₂O₃/TiO₂, SiO₂/MgO, La/Sc, Th/Sc, Th/Cr, Gd_N/Yb_N and pronounced negative Eu anomalies indicate the rocks to be of post-Archean Proterozoic granitic source, with a minor contribution of granodioritic input, in a passive margin setting. The sediments of the Upper Kaimur Group were probably deposited in the interglacial period in between the Paleoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic glacial epochs.     

燕山中段常州沟组砂岩岩石学、地球化学特征及地质意义

中元古代常州沟组是华北克拉通北缘燕山地区变质结晶基底上的第一套沉积盖层,不整合覆盖于新太古代各类片麻岩之上。为了解常州沟组时期的古环境、古气候及其物质来源、构造环境和盆地性质,在野外地质调查的基础上,对常州沟组砂岩进行了粒度分析和地球化学分析测试。岩石组合、沉积构造和粒度分析结果指示区内常州沟组沉积环境演化由下至上依次为冲积扇、辫状河和碎屑潮坪。常州沟组砂岩地球化学特征具有高SiO₂、Al₂O₃和K₂O,低TiO₂、Fe₂O₃、FeO、MgO含量的特点,成熟度较高,化学蚀变指数(CIA)介于52.00～73.23之间,化学风化作用指数(CIW)范围为93.04～98.68。由于岩石遭受钾交代作用影响,结合A-CN-K图解、Th/U-Th图解和古气候判别图综合分析,认为源区可能经历了较强的风化作用,古气候温暖、潮湿。Cr/Zr、Th/Sc、Ba/Sr、Rb/Sr值和La/Th-Hf图解指示常州沟组源区属性主要为上地壳环境,原岩成分以长英...     

Grain size and geochemistry of surface sediments in northwestern continental shelf of the South China Sea

Eighty-six surface sediments collected from the northwestern continental shelf of the South China Sea (SCS) were analyzed for grain size distribution, calcium carbonate, organic carbon, and major and trace element compositions to investigate sediment provenance and factors controlling their geochemical composition. Sediments from the eastern continental shelf of Hainan Island have higher sand and lower clay content, while the samples from the nearshore Hainan Island have higher contents of gravel and clay. Calcium carbonate contents in samples show a positive correlation with water depth in northwestern shelf of SCS, suggesting that it is related to biological factors. However, the nearshore sediments have higher contents of organic carbon compared to those of the outer shelf, possibly suggesting that the terrigenous organic matter usually deposited in nearshore environments such as bays and estuaries. Compared with the upper continental crust, the samples have relatively lower contents of SiO₂ and Al₂O₃, higher than those of the Pearl and Red river sediments. The low contents of K₂O and Na₂O in sediments from the northwestern continental shelf are consistent with intense chemical weathering in the river basin due to the seasonally hot and humid climate regime. The sediments mainly consist of three components, including the gravel fraction composed of calcareous debris, the sand fraction composed of quartz, and the silt and clay fractions mainly composed of clay minerals. The content of each component depends on grain size, sediment source, biogenesis, and hydrodynamic conditions, which finally controls the chemical composition of the sediments. The distributions of Co/Al₂O₃, Cr/Al₂O₃, and Zr/Sc ratios for sediments in the northwestern continental shelf suggest that source rocks are mainly composed of felsic rocks rather than mafic rocks. There is a distinct difference in sediment source between eastern and western shelf sediments; the eastern shelf sediments are characterized by high Zr/Sc ratios mainly derived from the Pearl River, while the western shelf sediments have relatively low values of Zr/Sc indicating a main contribution possibly sourced from the Red River Basin. Terrigenous materials from Hainan Island usually influence the geochemistry of sediments deposited in the nearshore area.     

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.     

Geochemistry of Proterozoic Radioactive Arkoses in Khammam District,Andhra Pradesh,India: Evidence for K-rich Evolved Granitoid Upper Crust in the Late Archaean

Geochemical studies on radioactive arkoses (43–153 ppm U and 387–862 ppm Th) of the Proterozoic Pakhal Supergroup from Bangaruchilka, Khammam district, Andhra Pradesh, India, indicate that their gross major and trace element chemistry reflect their mineral composition. Chemically, arkoses are rich in silica (83% to 88% SiO₂) and potassium (3% to 5% K₂O), with consistently high Al₂O₃/Na₂O (36 to 50) and K₂O/Na₂O (18 to 25) ratios, which indicate that they are chemically mature sediments. The arkoses also show higher concentrations of Ti, V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Y, Zr, Nb, La and Pb.The values (60% to 68%) of chemical alteration index (CIA) of studied arkoses are moderate, and indicate that the source rocks have undergone lesser degree of chemical weathering. Tectonic setting discriminate plots of Fe₂O₃ (total)/MgO vs. TiO₂ and Al₂O₃/SiO₂, and K₂O/Na₂O vs. SiO₂ and SiO₂/Al₂O₃ indicate that the Bangaruchilka arkoses represent the sediments that were deposited in passive continental margin (PM), which is further supported by association of platformal type of sediments (quartzites and phyllites) with them. Unlike middle Archaean sedimentary rocks, the studied arkoses are depleted in Na₂O, MgO and CaO, and distinctly enriched in SiO₂ and K₂O. These geochemical features match with post-Archaean clastic sediments, which argues for the involvement of late Archaean granitic crust in supply of detritus of studied arkoses. Enrichment of potassium alongwith abundant microcline and elevated concentrations of Y, Zr, Nb, U, Th, La, etc. in arkoses indicate K-rich evolved granitoid upper crust in the provenance during the late Archaean-early Proterozoic period.Dominance of mechanical weathering over chemical weathering favoured arkose formation, and also transfer of radio-elements with clastic sediments into the Pakhal basin. After sedimentation, uranium seems to have been remobilised from the rocks of Archaean-Pakhal system, consequent to post-sedimentation structural disruptions, and concentrated along suitable structural loci. Therefore, it is likely to encounter significant concentration of uranium in close proximity of unconformable Archaean and Pakhal contacts and tectonic zones, thereby making Pakhal basin and its environs a suitable terrain to search for concealed uranium mineralisation.     

Geochemistry and Provenance of Maastrichtian Clastic Rocks in the Dikmendede Formation of Orhaniye in Kazan-Ankara-Turkey Region

An integrated petrographic and geochemical study of the sandstones of the Maastrichtian-aged in the Orhaniye (Kazan-Ankara-Turkey) was carried out to obtain more information on their provenance, sedimentological history and tectonic setting. Depending on their matrix and mineralogical content, the Maastrichtian sandstones are identified as lithic arenite/wacke. The Dikmendede sandstones derived from types of provenances, the recycled orogen and recycled transitional. The chemical characteristics of the Dikmendede sandstones, i.e., fairly uniform compositions, high Th/U ratios (>3.0), negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* 0.72–0.99) and Th/Sc ratios (mostly less than 1.0), favor the OUC (old upper continental crust) provenance for the Dikmendede sandstones. The SiO2/Al2O3, Th/Sc (mostly <1.0) and La/Sc (<4.0) ratios are; however, slightly lower than typical OUC, and these ratios may suggest a minor contribution of young arc-derived material. The rare earth element (REE) pattern, and La/Sc versus Th/Co plot suggests that these sediments were mainly derived from felsic source rocks. The Dikmendede sandstones have high Cr (123–294 ppm) and Ni (52–212 ppm) concentrations, Cr/Ni ratio of 1.93, and a medium correlation coefficient between Cr and Ni and corresponding medium to high correlation of both (Cr and Ni, respectively) elements with Co. These relationships indicate a significant contribution of detritus from ophiolitic rocks. As rare earth element data are available for the Dikmendede sandstones, the Eu/Eu* is compared with LaN/YbN. Samples plot in the area of overlapping between continental collision, strike-slip and continental arc basins. The predominantly felsic composition of the Dikmendede sandstones is supported by the REE plots, which show enriched light REE, negative Eu anomaly and flat or uniform heavy REE. The Dikmendede sandstones have compositions similar to those of the average upper continental crust and post-Archean Australian shales. This feature indicates that the sediments were derived mainly from the upper continental crust. The Dikmendede sandstones have chemical index of alteration (CIA) values of 28–49, with an average of 40 indicating a low degree of chemical weathering in the source area. The compositional immaturity of the analyzed sandstone samples is typical of subduction-related environments, and their SiO2/Al2O3 and K2O/Na2O ratios and Co, Sc, Th and Zr contents reflect their oceanic and continental-arc settings. The Dikmendede sandstones were developed as flysch deposits derived from mixed provenance in a collision belt.     

Geochemical characteristics of stream sediments,sediment fractions,soils, and basement rocks from the Mahaweli River and its catchment,Sri Lanka

Geochemical variations in stream sediments (n = 54) from the Mahaweli River of Sri Lanka have been evaluated from the viewpoints of lithological control, sorting, heavy mineral concentration, influence of climatic zonation (wet, intermediate, and dry zones), weathering, and downstream transport. Compositions of soils (n = 22) and basement rocks (n = 38) of the catchment and those of <180 μm and 180–2000 μm fractions of the stream sediments were also examined. The sediments, fractions, soils and basement rocks were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence to determine their As, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, V, Sr, Y, Nb, Zr, Th, Sc, Fe₂O₃, TiO₂, MnO, CaO, P₂O₅ and total sulfur contents. Abundances of high field strength and ferromagnesian elements in the sediments indicate concentration of durable heavy minerals including zircon, tourmaline, rutile, monazite, garnet, pyriboles, and titanite, especially in <180 μm fractions. The sediments show strong correlation between Ti and Fe, further suggesting presence of heavy mineral phases containing both elements, such as ilmenite and magnetite. The basement rocks range from mafic through to felsic compositions, as do the soils. The river sediments lack ultrabasic components, and overall have intermediate to felsic compositions. Elemental spikes in the confluences of tributary rivers and high values in the <180 μm fractions indicate sporadic inputs of mafic detritus and/or heavy minerals to the main channel. Al₂O₃/(K₂O + Na₂O) and K₂O/Na₂O ratios of the sediments and LOI values of the soils correlate well with the climatic zones, suggesting intense weathering in the wet zone, lesser weathering in the intermediate zone, and least weathering in the dry zone. Low Sr and CaO contents and Cr/V ratios in stream sediments in the wet zone also suggest climatic influence. Fe-normalized enrichment factors (EFs) for As, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni and Cr in stream sediments in the main channel are nearly all <1.5, indicating there is no significant environmental contamination. The chemistry of the sediments, rocks and the soils in the Mahaweli River are thus mainly controlled by source lithotype, weathering, sorting, and heavy mineral accumulation.     

Geochemistry,provenance and tectonic setting of the Late Cambrian–Early Ordovician Seydişehir Formation in the Çaltepe and Fele areas,SE Turkey

The major, trace and rare earth element (REE) contents of metapelite (MPL), metapsammite (MPS) and metamarl (MM) samples from the Cambro-Ordovician Seydi?ehir Formation were analyzed to investigate their provenance and tectonic setting. The MPS, MPL, and MM samples have variable SiO₂ concentrations, with average values of 72.36, 55.54, and 20.95 wt%, moderate SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratios (means of 6.88, 3.23, and 3.80), moderate to high Fe₂O₃ + MgO contents (means of 5.14, 9.55, 3.56 wt%), and high K₂O/Na₂O ratios (means of 3.26, 3.64, 2.90), respectively. On average, the chemical index of alteration (CIA) values of the MPS and the MPL are 65.87 and 71.96, respectively, while the chemical index of weathering (CIW) values are 74.54 and 85.09, respectively. These data record an intermediate to high degree of alteration (weathering) of plagioclase to illite/kaolinite in the samples’ provenance. The chondrite-normalized REE patterns of all the sample groups are similar and are characterized by subparallel light rare earth elements (LREE)-enriched, relatively flat heavy rare earth elements (HREE) patterns with pronounced Eu anomalies (mean of 0.69) and moderate fractionation [average (La/Yb)_N = 8.7]. Plots of sediments in ternary diagrams of La, Th, Sc and elemental ratios (La/Sc, Th/Sc, Cr/Th, Eu/Eu*, La/Lu, Co/Th, La/Sc and Sc/Th), which are critical for determining provenance, and REE patterns indicate that the metaclastic units of the Seydi?ehir Formation were derived dominantly from felsic to intermediate magmatic rocks and not from a mafic source. The La–Sc–Th and Th–Sc–Zr/10 ternary diagrams of the Seydi?ehir Formation are typical of continental island arc/active continental margin tectonic settings. The geologic location and geochemistry of the Seydi?ehir Formation suggest that it was deposited in an Andean-type retroarc foreland basin during the Late Cambrian–Early Ordovician period. The Neoproterozoic intermediate to felsic magmatic rocks and metaclastic sediments with felsic origins of the Sand?kl?–Afyon Basement Complex (SBC) and their equivalent units, which are thought to be overlain by the younger units in the study area, may be the dominant source rocks for the Seydi?ehir Formation.     

Geochemistry of Mansar Lake sediments, Jammu, India: Implication for source-area weathering, provenance, and tectonic setting

The sediment geochemistry, including REE, of surface and core samples from Mansar Lake, along with mineralogical investigations, have been carried out in order to understand the provenance, source area weathering, hydrolic sorting and tectonic setting of the basin. The geochemical signatures preserved in these sediments have been exploited as proxies in order to delineate these different parameters.The major element log values (Fe₂O₃/K₂O) vs (SiO₂/Al₂O₃) and (Na₂O/K₂O) vs (SiO₂/Al₂O₃) demarcate a lithology remarkably similar to that exposed in the catchment area. The chondrite normalized REE patterns of lake samples are similar to Post Archaean Australian Shale (PAAS) with LREE enrichment, a negative Eu anomaly and almost flat HREE pattern similar to a felsic and/or cratonic sedimentary source. However, the La–Th–Sc plot of samples fall in a mixed sedimentary domain, close to Upper Continental Crust (UCC) and PAAS, suggesting sedimentary source rocks for the Mansar detritus. It also indicates that these elements remained immobile during weathering and transportation. The mineralogical characteristic, REEs, and high field strength elements (HFSE), together with the high percentage of metamorphic rock fragments in the Siwalik sandstone, support a metamorphic source for lower Siwalik sediments. A very weak positive correlation between Zr and SiO₂, poor negative correlation with Al₂O₃, negative correlation of (La/Yb)_N and (Gd/Yb)_N ratios with SiO₂ and positive correlation with Al₂O₃, suggest that Zr does not dominantly control the REE distribution in Mansar sediments. The petrographic character and textural immaturity indicate a short distance transport for the detritus. The distribution of elements in core samples reflect fractionation. The higher Zr/Th and Zr/Yb ratios in coarse sediments and PAAS compared to finer grained detritus indicate sedimentary sorting. Plots of the geochemical data on tectonic discrimination diagrams suggest that the sediments derived from the lower Siwalik were originated within a cratonic interior and later deposited along a passive margin basinal setting. It therefore reveals lower Siwalik depositional history.     

Petrography and geochemistry of Cretaceous to quaternary siliciclastic rocks in the Tarfaya basin,SW Morocco: implications for tectonic setting,weathering, and provenance

The petrography, heavy mineral analysis, major element geochemical compositions and mineral chemistry of Early Cretaceous to Miocene–Pliocene rocks, and recent sediments of the Tarfaya basin, SW Morocco, have been studied to reveal their depositional tectonic setting, weathering history, and provenance. Bulk sediment compositional and mineral chemical data suggest that these rocks were derived from heterogeneous sources in the Reguibat Shield (West African Craton) including the Mauritanides and the western Anti-Atlas, which likely form the basement in this area. The Early Cretaceous sandstones are subarkosic in composition, while the Miocene–Pliocene sandstones and the recent sediments from Wadis are generally carbonate-rich feldspathic or lithic arenites, which is also reflected in their major element geochemical compositions. The studied samples are characterized by moderate SiO₂ contents and variable abundances of Al₂O₃, K₂O, Na₂O, and ferromagnesian elements. Binary tectonic discrimination diagrams demonstrate that most samples can be characterized as passive continental marginal deposits. Al₂O₃/Na₂O ratios indicate more intense chemical weathering during the Early Cretaceous and a variable intensity of weathering during the Late Cretaceous, Early Eocene, Oligocene–Early Miocene, Miocene–Pliocene and recent times. Moreover, weathered marls of the Late Cretaceous and Miocene–Pliocene horizons also exhibit relatively low but variable intensity of chemical weathering. Our results indicate that siliciclastics of the Early Cretaceous were primarily derived from the Reguibat Shield and the Mauritanides, in the SW of the basin, whereas those of the Miocene–Pliocene had varying sources that probably included western Anti-Atlas (NE part of the basin) in addition to the Reguibat Shield and the Mauritanides.     

Provenance, tectonics and source weathering of modern fluvial sediments of the Brahmaputra–Jamuna River, Bangladesh: Inference from geochemistry

This present study describes the elemental geochemistry of fluvial sediments in the Kurigram (upstream) to Sirajganj–Tangail (downstream) section of the Brahmaputra–Jamuna River, Bangladesh, with the aim of evaluating their provenance, weathering and tectonic setting. Petrographically, the sediments are rich in quartz (68%), followed by feldspars (8.5%) and lithic grains (7%). The bulk sediment chemistry is influenced by grain size. Concentrations of TiO₂, Fe₂O₃, MgO, K₂O, P₂O₅, Rb, Nb, Cr, V, Y, and, Ce, Th and Ga slightly decrease with increasing SiO₂/Al₂O₃ and grain size, suggesting clay matrix control. In contrast, concentrations of CaO, Na₂O, Sr and Pb increase with increasing SiO₂/Al₂O₃ and grain size, suggesting residence of these substances in feldspar. Decrease in Zr as grain size increases is likely controlled both by clay matrix and heavy minerals. In addition, heavy minerals' sorting also influences Ce, Th, Y and Cr abundances in some samples. The sediments are predominantly quartzose in composition with abundant low-grade metamorphic and sedimentary lithics, low feldspars and trace volcanic detritus, indicating a quartzose recycled orogen province as a source of the sediments. Discriminant diagrams together with immobile element ratio plots show that, the Brahmaputra–Jamuna River sediments are mostly derived from rocks formed in an active continental margin. Moreover, the rare earth element ratios as well as chondrite-normalized REE patterns with flat HREE, LREE enrichment, and negative Eu anomalies indicate derivation of the sediments of Brahmaputra–Jamuna River from felsic rock sources of upper continental crust (UCC). The chemical indices of alteration suggest that Brahmaputra–Jamuna River sediments are chemically immature and experienced low chemical weathering effects. In the A–CN–K ternary diagram, most of the samples close to the plagioclase–K-feldspar join line and to the UCC plot, and in the field of various lithologies of Higher Himalayan Crystalline Series, suggesting that rocks in these series are likely source rocks. Therefore, the elemental geochemistry of the Brahmaputra–Jamuna River sediments is controlled mostly by mechanical breakdown of lithic fragments and subsequent preferential attrition of muscovite > albite > quartz.     

Geochemistry of major and trace elements and Pb–Sr isotopes of a weathering profile developed on the Lower Cambrian black shales in central Hunan,China

This paper reports a geochemical study on the major and trace elements and Pb–Sr isotopes of a weathering profile developed in the Lower Cambrian black shales in central Hunan (China). Six weathering horizons were identified and sampled vertically throughout the profile. The chemical composition of the profile consists of variable concentrations of the major elements Fe₂O₃, FeO, MnO, MgO, CaO, Na₂O, and P₂O₅ and of less variable concentrations of SiO₂, TiO₂, Al₂O₃, and K₂O. The chemical change caused by weathering is estimated by mass-balance calculations, and the results show that the element mobility is characterised by substantial loss of SiO₂, FeO, CaO, K₂O, Na₂O, LOI, Cr, V, Ba, Cs, Rb, Sr, U, and Th, and moderate loss of Al₂O₃, MgO, Fe₂O₃, Ni, Cu, Pb, Tl, Sn, Sc, Ge and REE (Y). The high field strength elements TiO₂, Sn, Sc, U, Ga, Ge, Zr, Hf, Nb, and Ta were immobile during weathering. The chemical changes and the Pb–Sr isotopic data suggest that four types of chemical reactions occurred: the oxidation of sulphide minerals (e.g., pyrite) and organic carbon (OS), the dissolution of less resistant clinochlore-Ia, calcite, and P-bearing minerals (DL), the dissolution of detrital albite and microcline (DA), and the transformation of clay (TC) minerals (e.g., muscovite and illite–smectite). These chemical reactions then led to two stages of geochemical processes, an early stage of chemical differentiation and a later stage of chemical homogenisation. The chemical differentiation dominated by the OS, DL, and DA reactions, led to the leaching of mobile elements (e.g., MgO, Na₂O, K₂O, P₂O₅, Sr, and REE) and the redistribution of some less mobile elements (e.g., SiO₂ and Al₂O₃). In contrast, the chemical homogenisation, which was caused by TC reactions, led to the leaching of both mobile and less mobile elements from the system and ultimately transformed the weathered black shales into soil. Soils derived from black shales in South China might result from the above two geochemical processes.     

Geochemistry and mineralogy of the Al-rich shale from Baluti formation,Iraqi Kurdistan region: implications for weathering and provenance

The mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of the Upper Triassic Baluti shale from the Northern Thrust Zone (Sararu section) and High Folded Zone (Sarki section) Kurdistan Region, Iraq, have been investigated to constrain their paleoweathering, provenance, tectonic setting, and depositional redox conditions. The clay mineral assemblages are dominated by kaolinite, illite, mixed layers illite/smectite at Sararu section, and illite > smectite with traces of kaolinite at Sarki. Illite, to be noted, is within the zone of diagenesis. The non-clay minerals are dominated by calcite with minor amounts of quartz and muscovite in Sararu shale; and are dominated by dolomite with amounts of calcite and quartz in Sarki shale. Baluti shale is classified as Al-rich based on major and minor elements. The chemical index of alteration (CIA) is significantly higher in the Sararu than the Sarki shales, suggesting more intense weathering of the Sararu than the Sarki shales. The index of compositional variability (ICV) of the Sararu shale is less than 1 (suggesting it is compositionally mature and was deposited in a tectonically quiescent setting). More than 1 for Sarki shales (suggest it is less mature and deposited in a tectonically active setting). Most shale of the Baluti plot parallel and along the A-K line in A-CN-K plots suggest intense chemical weathering (high CIA) without any clear-cut evidence of K-metasomatism. Clay mineral data, Al enrichment, CIA values, and A-CN-K plot suggest that the source area experienced high degree of chemical weathering under warm and humid conditions, especially in Sararu. Elemental ratios critical of provenance (La/Sc, Th/Sc, Th/Cr, Th/Co, Ce/Ce*_PN, Eu/Eu*_PN, and Eu/Eu*_CN) shows slight difference between the Sararu and Sarki shales; and the ratios are similar to fine fractions derived from the weathering of mostly felsic rocks. The Eu/Eu^* _CN, Th/Sc, and low K₂O/Al₂O₃ ratios of most shales suggest weathering from mostly a granodiorite source rather than a granite source, consistent with a source from old upper continental crust. Discrimination diagrams based on major and trace element content point to a role of the felsic-intermediate sources for the deposition of Baluti Formation, and probably mixed with mafic source rocks at Sararu section. The chondrite-normalized rare earth elements (REE) patterns are similar to those of PAAS, with light REE enrichment, a negative Eu anomaly, and almost flat heavy REE pattern similar to those of a source rock with felsic components. The source of sediments for the Baluti Formation was likely the Rutba Uplift and/or the plutonic-metamorphic complexes of the Arabian Shield located to the southwest of the basin; whereas the Sararu shale was affected by the mafic rocks of the Bitlis-Avroman-Bisitoun Ridge to the northeast of Arabian Plate. The tectonic discrimination diagrams, as well as critical trace and REE characteristic parameters imply rift and active setting for the depositional basin of the shale of Baluti Formation. The geochemical parameters such as U/Th, V/Cr, V/Sc, and Cu/Zn ratios indicate that these shales were deposited under oxic environment and also show that Sarki shale was deposited under more oxic environment than Sararu.     

Provenance of sandstones from the Neoproterozoic Bombouaka Group of the Volta Basin,northeastern Ghana

The provenance and tectonic setting of sandstones from the Bombouaka Group of the Voltaian Supergroup, in the northeastern part of Ghana, have been constrained from their petrography and whole-rock geochemistry. Modal analysis carried out by point-counting sandstone samples indicates that they are quartz arenites. The index of compositional variability values and SiO₂/Al₂O₃, Zr/Sc, and Th/Sc values indicates that the sediments are mature. The sandstones are depleted in CaO and Na₂O. They are, however, enriched in K₂O, Ba, and Rb relative to average Neoproterozoic upper crust. These characteristics reflect intense chemical weathering in the source region as proven by high weathering indices (i.e., CIA, PIA, and CIW). In comparison with average Neoproterozoic upper crust, the sandstones show depletion by transition metals and enrichment by high field strength elements. They generally show chondrite-normalized fractionated light rare-earth element (LREE) patterns (average La_N/Sm_N = 4.40), negative Eu anomalies (average Eu/Eu* = 0.61), and generally flat heavy rare-earth elements (HREE) (average Gd_N/Yb_N = 1.13). The sandstones have La/Sc, Th/Sc, La/Co, Th/Co, Th/Cr, and Eu/Eu* ratios similar to those of sandstones derived from felsic source. Mixing calculations using the rare-earth elements (REE) suggests 48% tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite and 52% granite as possible proportions for the source of the sandstones. Both the petrographic and whole-rock geochemical data point to a passive margin setting for the sandstones from the Bombouaka Group.     

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.     

Geochemistry of Silurian–Carboniferous sedimentary rocks of the Ulaanbaatar terrane,Hangay–Hentey belt,central Mongolia: Provenance,paleoweathering, tectonic setting,and relationship with the neighbouring Tsetserleg terrane

The Hangay–Hentey belt is situated in the central Northern Mongolia, and forms part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). It is internally subdivided into seven terranes, the largest of which are the neighbouring Ulaanbaatar and Tsetserleg terranes. These coeval terranes are mainly composed of Silurian–Devonian accretionary complexes and Carboniferous turbidites. Proposals for their depositional setting range from passive margin through to island arc. A suite of 19 Ulaanbaatar terrane sandstones and mudrocks (Gorkhi and Altanovoo Formations) were collected with the aim of constraining their provenance, source weathering, and depositional setting based on whole-rock major and trace element data, and for comparison with the neighbouring Tsetserleg terrane. New REE analyses were also made of 35 samples from the Ulaanbaatar and Tsetserleg terranes. Geochemically the Ulaanbaatar sandstones are classed as wackes, and most of the mudstones as shales. Geochemical parameters suggest an immature source, similar to that of the Tsetserleg terrane. Geochemical contrasts between sandstones and mudrocks in the Ulaanbaatar sediments are small, and trends on element – Al₂O₃ variation diagrams are weak. Comparison with average upper continental crust (UCC), major element discriminant scores, and immobile element ratios (Th/Sc, Zr/Sc, Ce/Sc, Ti/Zr) indicate a uniform average source composition between dacite and rhyolite. Maximum Chemical Index of Alteration value in the Ulaanbaatar terrane is ∼65 after correction for K-metasomatism, indicating minimal weathering in a tectonically active source, similar to that of the Tsetserleg terrane. REE data in both terranes show moderate LREE enrichment and flat HREE segments, with negative Eu anomalies somewhat less than those in UCC and PAAS. Chondrite-normalized patterns are very similar to that for average Paleozoic felsic volcanic rock, supporting the relatively felsic source indicated by immobile trace element ratios. Tectonic setting discriminants (K₂O/Na₂O–SiO₂/Al₂O₃, La–Th–Sc, Th–Sc–Zr) indicate an evolved continental island arc (CIA; A2) environment for both terranes, similar to several other CAOB suites of similar age. This common arc source was situated within the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean during Silurian–Lower Carboniferous time. The present-day Aleutian arc is a possible modern analogue of the depositional setting.     

华北北部中元古界洪水庄组页岩地球化学特征： 物源及其风化作用

华北北部洪水庄组黑色页岩是中元古代的富有机质沉积,它可能记录了当时重要的地球化学信息。通过对洪水庄组页岩中的常量和微量元素特征的分析,研究了洪水庄组的物源及其风化作用。高Th/Sc、Al2O3/TiO2、La/Sc、La/Cr、La/Co、Th/Cr和Th/Co值,低Cr/Zr和TiO2/Zr比值,Euan值、Co/Y Ti/Zr关系和La Th Sc组成表明洪水庄组页岩物源主要为上地壳中的长英质花岗闪长岩。洪水庄组页岩的Al、Ca、Na和K组成表明其具有较高的化学蚀变指数（CIA）,同时,元素组成的化学风化作用轨迹反映了洪水庄组页岩受到钾交代作用的影响,可能导致CIA值被低估,其原始CIA值应在90以上。高的原始CIA、化学风化指数（CIW）和斜长石蚀变指数（PIA）表明洪水庄组物源区经历了强烈的化学风化作用。化学风化作用强度以及微量元素组成特征揭示了中元古代洪水庄组沉积时期可能处于温暖潮湿的气候条件,这与中元古代时期大气高CO2浓度以及华北板块古大陆当时位于低纬度地区重建的结果不谋而合。