试述华东南中新生代不整合面型铀矿床

在华东南产出大量中新生代热液型铀矿床,其主要地质特征与世界上众所周知的元古代不整合型铀矿床十分相似。作者描述了这些热液型铀矿床的地质特征,讨论了其地质背景及可能的成矿机制,并认为,这类铀矿床可命名为中新生代不整合面型铀矿床。     

初议中亚成矿域

给出了中亚成矿域的地质含义与地理范围。此巨型成矿域以发育中、晚元古代及晚古生代成矿作用为其特点。以超大型矿床为重点,并主要围绕金、铜讨论了中亚成矿域6种类型矿床的时空展布。近年取得的进展说明,中亚成矿域在矿产资源优势与潜力方面并不亚于环太平洋成矿域及特提斯成矿域。     

From rocks to ore

Metal enrichment to ore grade is the ultimate outgrowth of large-scale and long-term fractionation processes of the thermally driven and unique water-cooled geological evolution of the Earth. Silicic magmatism along convergent margins is the most important lithospheric fractionation process for the formation of the continental crust and porphyry/intrusion-related ore deposits. Reconnaissance microanalysis of melt inclusions from Central Andean porphyry systems refines a metallogenic model for copper–gold and tin porphyry mineralization. Magmatic mixing and early exsolution of a fluid phase are important ingredients for porphyry Cu–Au systems in association with silicic rocks of moderate levels of fractionation (such as diorites and monzonites), whereas extended magmatic fractionation with late-stage fluid evolution characterize lithophile-element-enriched tin porphyry systems. Received: 25 June 1999 / Accepted: 11 January 2000     

Arc-oblique fault systems: their role in the Cenozoic structural evolution and metallogenesis of the Andes of central Chile

The evolution of the Main Cordillera of Central Chile is characterized by the formation and subsequent inversion of an intra-arc volcano-tectonic basin. The world’s largest porphyry Cu-Mo deposits were emplaced during basin inversion. Statistically, the area is dominated by NE- and NW-striking faults, oblique to the N-striking inverted basin-margin faults and to the axis of Cenozoic magmatism. This structural pattern is interpreted to reflect the architecture of the pre-Andean basement. Stratigraphic correlations, syn-extensional deposits and kinematic criteria on fault surfaces show several arc-oblique structures were active as normal faults at different stages of basin evolution. The geometry of syn-tectonic hydrothermal mineral fibers, in turn, demonstrates that most of these structures were reactivated as strike-slip ± reverse faults during the middle Miocene – early Pliocene. Fault reactivation age is constrained by ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating of hydrothermal minerals deposited during fault slip. The abundance and distribution of these minerals indicates fault-controlled hydrothermal fluid flow was widespread during basin inversion. Fault reactivation occurred under a transpressive regime with E- to ENE-directed shortening, and was concentrated around major plutons and hydrothermal centers. At the margins of the former intra-arc basin, deformation was largely accommodated by reverse faulting, whereas in its central part strike-slip faulting was predominant.     

P-T-X conditions of hydrothermal fluids and precipitation mechanism of stibnite-gold mineralization at the Wiluna lode-gold deposits,Western Australia: conventional and infrared microthermometric constraints

The Wiluna lode-gold deposits are located in the Archean Wiluna greenstone belt, in the northern sector of the Norseman-Wiluna belt in the Yilgarn Craton of Western Australia. They are hosted in subgreenschist facies meta-basalts, and controlled by the Wiluna strike-slip fault system and associated shear veins and breccias. The 13 individual lode-gold deposits have produced around 115 t Au from 1901 to 1946 and 1986 to today. Historically, they also produced 38.3 t As and 3.5 t Sb. Gold formed in two stages: stage 1 gold-pyrite-arsenopyrite is finely disseminated in the wallrock and breccia fragments, whereas stage 2 gold-stibnite is located in massive shear veins and breccia matrix, as fracture-fill and in banded-colloform textured veins. Stibnite-gold orebodies only occur in some of the deposits (e.g., Moonlight and northern part of the West Lode) and also display a restricted vertical extent, being preserved only in the uppermost 200 m of stibnite-bearing lodes.Petrographic, conventional, and infrared microthermometric and laser-Raman analysis on stibnite-bearing quartz veins and breccias reveal that the antimony- and gold-rich hydrothermal fluid was of mixed H₂O-NaCl-CO₂±CH₄ type. Microthermometric measurements reveal maximum homogenization temperatures of 340 °C (average 290±25 °C), and a wide range of salinities between 0.2 and 23 eq. wt% NaCl. Aqueous-carbonic fluid inclusions contain variable X_CO2+CH4 (0.03 to 0.82), with the carbonic phase containing a maximum X_CH4 of 0.21.Combined petrographic and microthermometric evidence suggests that the fluid inclusion properties reflect fluid immiscibility of a low-salinity, medium X_CO2+CH4, homogeneous parent fluid at about 290 °C and pressures between 700 and 1,700 bar. Fluid immiscibility was triggered by cyclic pressure release during fault-zone movement. The decompression (adiabatic cooling) of the hydrothermal fluids shifted the ore fluid to lower temperatures, significantly reduced the degree of stibnite undersaturation, and caused stibnite to precipitate. The deposition of stibnite reduced the ore-fluid H₂S concentration, thereby destabilized gold bisulfide complexes in solution, and caused gold precipitation locally. This mechanism explains the intimate spatial association of stibnite and gold in quartz veins and breccias in the stibnite-gold orebodies at Wiluna.Editorial handling: B. Lehmann     

Extensional ductile tectonics of the Sioule metamorphic series (Variscan French Massif Central)

In the Northern part of the Variscan French Massif Central, the Sioule series, from top to bottom, consists of a pre-Viséan granite, migmatite, gneiss and mica schist. Two ductile deformations have been recognized. The earlier phase is characterized by a north-east-south-west trending stretching lineation; the second phase, characterized by a north-west-south-east trending mineral, stretching and crenulation lineation, is better marked in the lower mica schist part than in the upper granito-gneissic part. This second phase occurred during retrogression of the metamorphic rocks; related shear criteria indicate a top to the south-west shear. The Namurian-Westphalian magmatic bodies such as the Echassières leucogranite, Pouzol-Servant microgranite and numerous north-east -south-west trending microgranite dykes are emplaced in extensional fractures related to the same north-west-south-east maximum stretching direction. The asymmetrical shapes of the two granitic massifs indicate that they intruded towards the south-east. The synkinematic retrogression of the metamorphic rocks, the shape of the magmatic bodies and a re-examination of the numerous available data support the interpretation that the deformation is due to the extensional tectonic regime related to the Variscan crustal re-quilibration. This interpretation is in agreement with the correlation of the Sioule series with the Chavanon series. The two series belong to a unique tectono-metamorphic unit left-laterally offset by the Stephanian motion of the Sillon Houiller fault. This study also shows that the Sillon Houiller did not play a significant part during the Namurian-Westphalian extensional tectonics of the Massif Central. Correspondence to: M. Faure     

“波西米亚地块”超大型多因复成铀矿床特征及其成矿大地构造背景

“波西米亚地块”是世界重要的铀资源产地之一，本文强调了该区超大型多因复成铀矿床的特征，分析了该区成矿的历史－动力学大地构造背景，认为该区超大型多因复成铀矿床的形成是因为具有富铀的前地槽残留稳定陆壳基底、长期活动的深断裂带、富铀的有利岩性建造和后期强烈的地洼型构造岩浆活化作用的结果。通过对比分析，指出中国华南地区存在相似的区域成矿地质条件，具有寻找超大型多因复成铀矿床的前景。     

Fluid salinities obtained by infrared microthermometry of opaque minerals: Implications for ore deposit modeling — A note of caution

Infrared microthermometry of opaque minerals has revealed that temperatures of phase changes vary with the infrared light source intensity, resulting in an overestimate of fluid salinities and an underestimate of homogenization temperatures. Failing to recognize this analytical artifact during infrared microthermometry may result in meaningless geological models. A fluid inclusion investigation on enargite from a high-sulfidation epithermal deposit is used as an example to document this. Fluid salinities obtained during an early investigation ranged between 6.3 and 20.4 wt.% NaCl, which were interpreted as intense boiling or as evidence for the involvement of a magmatic brine during ore formation. Fluid inclusion salinities obtained with improved analytical settings, i.e. low light intensities, fall between 1.1 and 1.7 wt.% NaCl and are in better agreement with fluid salinities obtained in quartz from similar deposits, and recent modeling suggesting vapor transport of Au and Cu from deep porphyry-Cu environments to shallower high-sulfidation epithermal deposits.     

湘中锡矿山式锑矿成矿地质条件分析

湘中锡矿山式锑矿形成于晚白垩-古新世,空间上与岩脉关系密切,各锑矿床、矿化点都伴有或附近发育有煌斑岩及中-酸性岩脉群,在锑矿成矿同期地质事件中,还有周缘一些中-新生代红色盆地的形成及基性火山岩喷发,据之,提出湘中锡矿山式锑矿成矿与燕山晚期拉张构造-岩浆活化作用有关.锑矿床(点)基本上都产出于两组或两组以上断裂的交汇点附近,3组断裂的交汇部位对应于最主要的锑矿床(点).矿体具体受断裂交汇部位附近的次级短轴背斜轴部、倾伏背斜的倾伏端及其翼部被纵向陡倾角断裂构造所切穿的部位控制,是断裂导矿与背斜构造圈闭的体现.岩性组合控矿表现为易于硅化蚀变交代的砂质碳酸盐岩与隔挡层泥质岩所构成的岩性圈闭.根据包裹体均-温度和盐度测定成果,推算成矿压力为(200～300)×105Pa,成矿深度约为1 km.     

Pollen analytical biostratigraphy of the last five climatic cycles from a long continental sequence from the Velay region (Massif Central,France)

In the volcanic region of Velay (Massif Central, France), lake sediment sequences derived from maar craters situated close to one another (Ribains, Praclaux and Lac du Bouchet) have been correlated on the basis of tephrostratigraphical analyses. This has enabled the construction of a sequence (2980 pollen spectra) that begins during the glaciation preceding the Holsteinian and ends in the present. This sequence covers the period from 450 ka, i.e. from the end of marine oxygen isotope stage 12, to the present time, and includes five climatic cycles. The study of a second core from the Praclaux site completed the long Velay sequence. The biostratigraphy of the whole sequence is described in detail and illustrated by a synthetic and simplified pollen diagram. Thirteen temperate forest episodes (interglacials or interstadials) and as many cold periods (glacials or stadials) are defined. Each temperate episode is characterised by particular forest development and vegetation dynamics, and all of them, with the exception of the Holocene, begin and end with a Pinus forest. The vegetation dynamics observed during the Holocene resemble more closely those recorded during the interstadials than during the interglacials. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Electron microprobe monazite geochronology of magmatic events: Examples from Variscan migmatites and granitoids, Massif Central, France

U–Th–Pb dating of monazite with the electron probe microanalyser (EPMA) is increasingly documented as a reliable geochronological method offering high spatial resolution. This method has been applied on monazite from the Cévennes migmatites and granitoids from the southeast of the French Massif Central. Measurements were performed on separated grains after systematic back-scattered electron (BSE) imaging. Monazites from migmatites record two main ages: (i) a protolith age of about 550–543 Ma obtained on inherited cores, and (ii) a migmatization event between 329 ± 5 and 323 ± 3 Ma recorded by monazite rims and all other monogenetic grains. Monazite from the peraluminous Rocles pluton yields a 318 ± 3 Ma age. Finally, three granite dykes are dated at 333 ± 6, 318 ± 5 and 311 ± 5 Ma; the older dyke is the most deformed of them and is interpreted as linked to the migmatization event; the two other dykes are geochronologically, petrologically and structurally coeval with the Rocles pluton. The data constrain the timing of crustal melting following Variscan thickening in the northern Cévennes area. Migmatization of Ordovician protoliths took place at 329–323 Ma and was shortly followed by intrusion of leucogranite at 318–311 Ma. The study shows that EPMA dating of monazite can be successfully used to resolve a close succession of regional melting events.     

柴北缘大型基底断裂——马仙断裂的构造特征研究

利用地面地质、地球物理和钻井资料,对位于柴达木盆地北缘的马仙断裂带的平面分布和剖面结构特征进行了分析,详细的研究了该断裂的形成、发育时间和运动学特征,在此基础上,提出了一个合理的断裂活动的运动学模型。研究认为马仙断裂形成于晚白垩世,在整个新生代期间长期活动,控制了断裂两侧的盆地结构、沉积分布和油气聚集,是一条断面南倾的具有左行走滑分量的斜向冲断层。马仙断裂的运动特征源于南祁连山对盆地的差异性推覆作用。     

Gold and antimony metallogenic relations and ore-forming process of Qinglong Sb(Au) deposit in Youjiang basin,SW China:Sulfide trace elements and sulfur isotopes

In the northwestern margin of the Youjiang basin(NWYB)in SW China,many Carlin-like gold deposits are highly antimony(Sb)-rich,and many vein-type Sb deposits contain much Au.These deposits have similar ages,host rocks,ore-forming temperatures,ore-related alterations and ore mineral assemblages,but the Au and Sb metallogenic relations and their ore-forming process remain enigmatic.Here we investigate the large Qinglong Sb deposit in the NWYB,which has extensive sub-economic Au mineralization,and present a new metallogenic model based on in-situ trace elements(EPMA and LA-ICP-MS)and sulfur isotopes(NanoSIMS and fs-LA-MC-ICPMS)of the ore sulfides.At Qinglong,economic Sb ores contain coarse-grained stibnite,jasperoid quartz and fluorite,whilst the sub-economic Au–Sb ores comprise dominantly veined quartz,arsenian pyrite and fine-grained stibnite.Three generations of ore-related pyrite(Py1,Py2 and Py3)and two generations of stibnite(Stb1 and Stb2)are identified based on their texture,chemistry,and sulfur isotopes.The pre-ore Py1 is characterized by the lower ore element(Au,As,Sb,Cu and Ag)contents(mostly below the LA-ICP-MS detection limit)and Co/Ni ratios(average 0.31)than the ore-stage pyrites(Py2 and Py3),implying a sedimentary/diagenetic origin.The Py2 and Py3 have elevated ore element abundance(maximum As=6500 ppm,Au=22 ppm,Sb=6300 ppm,Cu=951 ppm,Ag=77 ppm)and Co/Ni ratios(average 1.84),and have positive As vs.Au–Sb–Cu–Ag correlations.Early-ore Stb1 has lower As(0.12–0.30 wt.%)than late-ore Stb2(0.91–1.20 wt.%).These features show that the progressive As enrichment in ore sulfides is accompanied by increasing Au,Sb,Cu and Ag with the hydrothermal evolution,thereby making As a good proxy for Au.As-rich,As-poor and As-free zones are identified via NanoSIMS mapping of the Au-bearing pyrite.The As-rich zones in the Qinglong Au-bearing pyrites(Py2 and Py3)and ore stibnites(Stb1 and Stb2)have narrowδ³⁴SH₂S ranges(-8.9‰to +4.1‰,average-3.1‰)and-2.9‰to +6.9‰,average + 1.3‰),respectively,indicating that the Au-rich and Sb-rich fluids may have had the same sulfur source.Published in-situ sulfur isotopic data of pyrite As-rich zones from other Carlin-like Au deposits(Shuiyindong,Taipingdong,Nayang,Getang and Lianhuashan)in the NWYB have similar ore-fluidδSH₂S values(-4.5‰to +6.7‰,average-0.6‰)to those of Qinglong.Therefore,we infer that the sulfur of both Au and Sb mineralization was derived from the same magmatic-related source(0±5‰)in the NWYB.Moreover,the core of pyrites(Py1)has variable S isotope fractionation(-18.9‰to +18.1‰,mostly +3‰to +12‰),suggesting that the higher-³⁴S H₂S was produced by bacterial sulfate reduction(BSR).The hydrothermal pyrite(Py2 and Py3)δ³⁴S values gradually decrease with increasing As concentrations,and ultimately,within the restricted range(-5‰to +5‰)in As-rich zones.This variation implies that the As-rich pyrite was formed through ongoing interactions of the magmatic-hydrothermal fluid with pre-existing sedimentary pyrites,causing the progressive decreasing δ³⁴S values with As content increase,Hence,the fluid/mineral interaction may have generated the observed variation in δ³⁴S and As contents.Overall,comparing the Au and Sb deposits in the NWYB,we favor a magmatic-related source for the Au–Sb–As-rich fluids,but the Au-and Sb-ore fluids were likely evolved at separate stages in the ore-forming system.     

Oxygen isotopes composition of sapphires from the French Massif Central: implications for the origin of gem corundum in basaltic fields

Alluvial and colluvial gem sapphires are common in the basaltic fields of the French Massif Central (FMC) but sapphire-bearing xenoliths are very rare, found only in the Menet trachytic cone in Cantal. The O-isotope composition of the sapphires ranges between 4.4 and 13.9‰. Two distinct groups have been defined: the first with a restricted isotopic range between 4.4 and 6.8‰ (n = 22; mean δ¹⁸O = 5.6 ± 0.7‰), falls within the worldwide range defined for blue-green-yellow sapphires related to basaltic gem fields (3.0 < δ¹⁸O < 8.2‰, n = 150), and overlaps the ranges defined for magmatic sapphires in syenite (4.4 < δ¹⁸O < 8.3‰, n = 29). A second group, with an isotopic range between 7.6 and 13.9‰ (n = 9), suggests a metamorphic sapphire source such as biotite schist in gneisses or skarns. The δ¹⁸O values of 4.4–4.5‰ for the blue sapphire-bearing anorthoclasite xenolith from Menet is lower than the δ¹⁸O values obtained for anorthoclase (7.7–7.9‰), but suggest that these sapphires were derived from an igneous reservoir in the subcontinental spinel lherzolitic mantle of the FMC. The presence of inclusions of columbite-group minerals, pyrochlore, Nb-bearing rutile, and thorite in these sapphires provides an additional argument for a magmatic origin. In the FMC lithospheric mantle, felsic melts crystallized to form anorthoclasites, the most evolved peraluminous variant of the alkaline basaltic melt. The O-isotopic compositions of the first group suggests that these sapphires crystallized from felsic magmas under upper mantle conditions. The second group of isotopic values, typified for example by the Le Bras sapphire with a δ¹⁸O of 13.9‰, indicates that metamorphic sapphires from granulites were transported to the surface by basaltic magma.     

Influence of host lithofacies on fault rock variation in carbonate fault zones: A case study from the Island of Malta

Relatively few studies have examined fault rock microstructures in carbonates. Understanding fault core production helps predict the hydraulic behaviour of faults and the potential for reservoir compartmentalisation. Normal faults on Malta, ranging from <1 m to 90 m displacement, cut two carbonate lithofacies, micrite-dominated and grain-dominated carbonates, allowing the investigation of fault rock evolution with increasing displacement in differing lithofacies. Lithological heterogeneity leads to a variety of deformation mechanisms. Nine different fault rock types have been identified, with a range of deformation microstructures along an individual slip surface. The deformation style, and hence type of fault rock produced, is a function of host rock texture, specifically grain size and sorting, porosity and uniaxial compressive strength. Homogeneously fine-grained micrtie-dominated carbonates are characterised by dispersed deformation with large fracture networks that develop into breccias. Alternatively, this lithofacies is commonly recrystallised. In contrast, in the coarse-grained, heterogeneous grain-dominated carbonates the development of faulting is characterised by localised deformation, creating protocataclasite and cataclasite fault rocks. Cementation also occurs within some grain-dominated carbonates close to and on slip surfaces. Fault rock variation is a function of displacement as well as juxtaposed lithofacies. An increase in fault rock variability is observed at higher displacements, potentially creating a more transmissible fault, which opposes what may be expected in siliciclastic and crystalline faults. Significant heterogeneity in the fault rock types formed is likely to create variable permeability along fault-strike, potentially allowing across-fault fluid flow. However, areas with homogeneous fault rocks may generate barriers to fluid flow.     

浅析长江中下游成矿带深部矿找矿潜力及找矿方向

对长江中下游成矿带内主要矿产地和远景区进行分析,结合近年来找矿工作的进展,提出长江中下游地区中深部资源潜力巨大,浅中深部（地下500m-1000m）铜的资源潜力可望达到1000万t以上、铁10亿t,其中大型-超大型矿床（区）7处-10处。深部（地下1000m～2000m）具有10处-15处大型-超大型矿床资源潜力区的可能。可通过深部找矿勘查工作,在已知大型矿床深部和外围、中新生代盖层覆盖区及新层位、新类型地区等地,实现深部“第二空间”的找矿突破。     

与时俱进,发展中国大地构造学

郯庐断裂带的起源时间与型式仍然存在着很大的分歧。最近在大别山东缘早白垩世左旋走滑韧性剪切带中 ,发现了早期左旋走滑韧性剪切带。其中三处早期糜棱岩中白云母分别给出了( 188.7± 0 .7)Ma、( 189.7± 0 .6 )Ma、( 192 .5± 0 .7)Ma的40 Ar/ 3 9Ar坪年龄 ,指示了同造山走滑热事件。前陆沉积与变形构造也表明该断裂带在华北与华南板块碰撞中就发生了活动。郯庐断裂带内的造山期构造及旁侧的前陆沉积与变形构造特征 ,指示断裂带同造山运动为转换断层型式 ,并将大别—苏鲁造山带左行错移了约 35 0km ,同时苏鲁造山带发生逆时针旋转。在早白垩世滨太平洋构造活动中 ,该断裂进一步向北延伸 ,发生了约 2 0 0km的左行平移。因而 ,该断裂带起源于华北与华南板块的碰撞之中 ,其同造山运动与这两大板块的碰撞过程相伴生     

锆石Hf和全岩Nd同位素填图研究进展:以三江特提斯造山带为例

近年来,区域性的Nd-Hf同位素填图正成为探索岩石圈结构和演化,制约陆块边界位置和壳-幔相互作用以及它们与金属成矿作用耦合关系的重要研究方法。目前的研究主要集中于中国的拉萨地体以及澳大利亚太古宙尤冈克拉通,包括地体地壳性质与空间变化规律、成矿系统约束和区域找矿潜力等方面。本文以三江特提斯造山带为例,使用克里格插值法在MAPGIS平台完成同位素等值线图,基此解析三江地区岩石圈结构以及大规模成矿作用。Nd-Hf同位素填图支持昌宁-孟连缝合带为冈瓦纳和泛华夏古陆的分界。昌宁-孟连缝合带划分了两个εNd(t)同位素明显不同的异常区,缝合带以西表现为古老地壳基地组成,而缝合带以东部表现为较年轻的地体。三江特提斯造山带中不同类型与岩浆岩有关的发矿床大多汇聚在同位素边界处,这些同位素边界可能代表着地体边界或缝合带、岩浆弧。沿金沙江-哀牢山缝合带分布的斑岩型或斑岩-矽卡岩型Cu-(Mo)矿床,具有高εHf(t)正值和较高εNd(t)负值的特征,对应始新世钾质斑岩及有关的矿化。在腾冲-保山地块、义敦岛弧和临沧次地块,具有低εHf(t),低εNd(t)值岩浆岩分布特征,主要形成与过铝质花岗岩型有关的锡-钨矿床。因此,我们认为区域尺度的同位素填图对研究岩石圈结构和演化、解剖壳-幔相互作用机理、解析深部动力学机制和成矿机制、总结区域成矿规律和指导区域成矿潜力具有重要意义。     

Thermal evolution of the orogenic lower crust during exhumation within a thickened Moldanubian root of the Variscan belt of Central Europe

At the eastern margin of the Bohemian Massif (Variscan belt of Central Europe), large bodies of felsic granulite preserve mineral assemblages and structures developed during the early stages of exhumation of the orogenic lower continental crust within the Moldanubian orogenic root. The development of an early steep fabric is associated with east–west-oriented compression and vertical extrusion of the high-grade rocks into higher crustal levels. The high-pressure mineral assemblage Grt-Ky-Kfs-Pl-Qtz-Liq corresponds to metamorphic pressures of ∼18 kbar at ∼850 °C, which are minimum estimates, whereas crystallization of biotite occurred at 13 kbar and ∼790 °C during decompression with slight cooling. The late stages of the granulite exhumation were associated with lateral spreading of associated high-grade rocks over a middle crustal unit at ∼4 kbar and ∼700 °C, as estimated from accompanying cordierite-bearing gneisses. The internal structure of a contemporaneously intruded syenite is coherent with late structures developed in felsic granulites and surrounding gneisses, and the magma only locally explored the early subvertical fabric of the felsic granulite during emplacement. Consequently, the emplacement age of the syenite provides an independent constraint on the timing of the final stages of exhumation and allows calculation of exhumation and cooling rates, which for this part of the Variscan orogenic root are 2.9–3.5 mm yr⁻¹ and 7–9.4 °C Myr⁻¹, respectively. The final part of the temperature evolution shows very rapid cooling, which is interpreted as the result of juxtaposition of hot high-grade rocks with a cold upper-crustal lid.     

Sedimentology of tsunami inflow and backflow deposits: key differences revealed in a modern example

Onshore tsunami deposits may consist of inflow and backflow deposits. Grain sizes can range from clay to boulders of several metres in diameter. Grain‐size distributions reflect the mode of deposition and may be used to explore the hydrodynamic conditions of transport. The absence of unique sedimentary features identifying tsunami deposits makes it difficult in some cases to distinguish inflow from backflow deposits. On Isla Mocha off central Chile, the 27 February 2010 tsunami left behind inflow and backflow deposits of highly variable character. Tsunami inflow entrained sands, gravels and boulders in the upper shoreface, beach, and along coastal terraces. Boulders of up to 12 t were transported up to 300 m inland and 13 m above sea‐level. Thin veneers of coarse sand were found up to the maximum runup at 600 m inland and 19 m above sea‐level. Backflow re‐mobilized most of the sands and gravels deposited during inflow. The orientation of erosional structures indicates that significant volumes of sediment were entrained also during backflow. A major feature of the backflow deposits are widespread prograding fans of coarse sediment developed downcurrent of terrace steps. Fan sediments are mostly structureless but include cross‐bedding, imbrication and ripples, indicating deposition from bedload traction currents. The sediments are poorly sorted, grain sizes range between medium to coarse sand to gravel and pebbles. An assessment of the backflow transport conditions of this mixed material suggests that bedload transport at Rouse numbers >2·5 was achieved by supercritical flows, whereas deposition occurred when currents had decelerated sufficiently on the low‐gradient lower coastal plain. The sedimentary record of the February 2010 tsunami at Isla Mocha consists of backflow deposits to more than 90%. Due to the lack of sedimentary structures, many previous studies of modern tsunami sediments found that most of the detritus was deposited during inflow. This study demonstrates that an uncritical use of this assumption may lead to erroneous interpretations of palaeotsunami magnitudes and sedimentary processes if unknowingly applied to backflow deposits.