Holocene carbonate sedimentation in Lake Manitoba, Canada

The carbonate mineral suite of the modern offshore bottom sediment of the South Basin of Lake Manitoba consists mainly of high magnesian calcite and dolomite with minor amounts of low-Mg calcite and aragonite. The high-Mg calcite is derived from inorganic precipitation within the water column in response to supersaturation brought about by high levels of organic productivity in the basin. Both dolomite and pure calcite are detrital in origin, derived from erosion of the surrounding carbonate-rich glacial deposits. Aragonite, present only in trace amounts in the offshore sediments, is bioclastic in origin. The upward increase in the amount of magnesian calcite in the post-glacial sediment record is attributed to increasing photosynthetic utilization of CO₂ in the lake. Stratigraphic variation in the amount of magnesium incorporated into the calcite lattice is interpreted as reflecting a variable magnesium input to the lake from ground water and surface runoff, and possibly variable calcium removal in the precipitating lake water. The effects of long-term chemical weathering at the source and size segregation explain the changes in dolomite content throughout the section.     

Lithification of some modern carbonate sediments in a hypersaline lake adjacent to the Black Sea

In the hypersaline Techirghiol Lake adjacent to the Black Sea, sporadically formed lithified blocks and grapestone are found which are the result of cementation of carbonate sediments with aragonite and possibly kutnahorite (manganesian calcite). The lithified blocks are characterized by a central cavity bordered by a lithified envelope. The formation of the carbonate cement is due to subaquatic bacterial processes of calcium sulfate reduction and the synthesis of calcium carbonate at the expense of gypsum concretions derived from Pleistocene red clays cropping out along the shore of the lake. These lithified blocks have geological significance as they may be usable as criteria for the recognition of sediments deposited in the past near to the shores of hypersaline lakes.     

Geochemical factors for endogenic mineral formation in the bottom sediments of the Tazheran lakes (Baikal area)

We studied recent sedimentation in small saline and brackish lakes located in the Ol’khon region (western Baikal area) with arid and semiarid climate. The lakes belong to the Tazheran system; it is a series of compactly located closed shallow lakes, with a limited catchment area and different mineralization, under the same landscape, climatic, geologic, and geochemical conditions. Two complementary approaches are applied in the research: (1) a detailed study of individual lake and (2) a comparison of the entire series of lakes, which can be considered a natural model for studying the relationship between endogenic mineral formation and the geochemistry of lake waters. The lake waters and bottom sediments were studied by a set of modern methods of geochemistry, mineralogy, and crystal chemistry. The mineral component of the bottom sediments was analyzed by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), IR spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. The lakes are characterized by predominant carbonate sedimentation; authigenic pyrite, smectite, chlorite, and illite are detected in assemblage with carbonate minerals in the bottom sediments. Carbonate phases have been identified, and their proportions have been determined in the samples by decomposition of the complex XRD profiles of carbonate minerals into peaks using the Pearson VII function. Mathematical modeling of the XRD profiles of carbonates has revealed that predominantly Mg-calcites with variable Mg content and excess-Ca dolomite accumulate in lake bottom sediments influenced by biogenic processes. Aragonite, monohydrocalcite, and rhodochrosite form in some lakes along with carbonates of the calcite-dolomite series. We show a dependence of the composition of the assemblages of the newly formed endogenic carbonate minerals and their crystallochemical characteristics on the chemical composition of lake waters.     

Magnesite diagenesis in redbeds: a case study from the Permian of the Northern Calcareous Alps (Tyrol, Austria)

The Upper Permian Gröden Formation of the Northern Calcareous Alps (Austria) is composed of alluvial fan and playa lake sediments that were deposited in intramontane basins. A conspicuous feature of these redbeds is the abundance of magnesite in the form of nodules and discrete layers in mudstones as well as intergranular cement in sandstones. Sedimentological observations indicate that the bulk of these carbonates formed during early diagenesis and were probably syndepositional. Petrographically, most magnesites consist of micrite or, less commonly, microspar. An early non-ferroan magnesite is post-dated by later stage ferroan magnesites. Nodules consisting of recrystallized, sparry magnesite were observed only at one location. The general absence of relics of a non-magnesite precursor mineral and the occurrence of shrinkage features suggest that the fine grained magnesites formed by transformation of a hydrated magnesium carbonate mineral, e.g. hydromagnesite. Carbon, oxygen, sulphur and strontium isotope ratios in conjunction with sedimentological criteria support a model of (hydro)magnesite precipitation in an inland playa lake system, which was fed by run-off from the surrounding hinterland. The scarcity of evaporites and the dominance of magnesite over calcite and dolomite suggest that the playa lake brines were low in sulphate and had high Mg/Ca ratios. The source for the high magnesium concentrations is thought to be the weathering of Devonian dolostones and associated massive magnesite deposits in the catchment area.     

Monohydrocalcite in speleothems: An alternative interpretation

Genesis for a mineral assemblage from Eibengrotte, a small limestone cave near Fränkische Schweiz, Western Germany, is described. The assemblage includes monohydrocalcite, hydromagnesite, nesquehonite, dolomite, aragonite and calcite. A biochemical genesis is proposed as a growth alternative to the Fischbeck and Müller (1971) evaporation-aerosol mechanism.     

梭菌SN-1菌株参与下形成的碳酸盐矿物组合及其主要矿物成分的动态变化

在Mg/Ca比值为6的Lagoa Vermelha改良培养基中,对分离自青海湖湖底沉积物的梭菌(Clostridiumsp.)进行了为期100 d的碳酸盐矿物培养实验,同时还完成了一组无菌对照实验。利用X射线衍射仪(XRD)和扫描电子显微镜(SEM)分别对矿物成分和形态进行了测定和观察。实验结果表明:细菌培养实验的沉淀物数量始终多于无菌对照实验;在梭菌SN-1菌株作用下形成的碳酸盐矿物组合的变化趋势是方解石→方解石+单水碳钙石→单水碳钙石+方解石→单水碳钙石,而无菌对照实验产物中矿物的演化方向是单水碳钙石+方解石→方解石+单水碳钙石;在综合分析SEM和XRD观测结果的基础上,推测哑铃状矿物可能是高镁方解石,而球状矿物可能是单水碳钙石。     

'Forbidden zone' subduction of sediments to 150 km depth— the reaction of dolomite to magnesite + aragonite in the UHPM metapelites from western Tianshan, China

The solid‐state reaction magnesite (MgCO₃) + calcite (aragonite) (CaCO₃) = dolomite (CaMg(CO₃)₂) has been identified in metapelites from western Tianshan, China. Petrological studies show that two metamorphic stages are recorded in the metapelites: (1) the peak mineral assemblage of magnesite and calcite pseudomorphs after aragonite which is only preserved as inclusions within dolomite; and (2) the retrograde glaucophane‐chloritoid facies mineral assemblage of glaucophane, chloritoid, dolomite, garnet, paragonite, chlorite and quartz. The peak metamorphic temperatures and pressures are calculated to be 560–600 °C, 4.95–5.07 GPa based on the calcite–dolomite geothermometer and the equilibrium calculation of the reaction dolomite = magnesite + aragonite, respectively. These give direct evidence in UHP metamorphic rocks from Tianshan, China, that carbonate sediments were subducted to greater than 150 km depth. This UHP metamorphism represents a geotherm lower than any previously estimated for subduction metamorphism (< 3.7 °C km^?1) and is within what was previously considered a ‘forbidden’ condition within Earth. In terms of the carbon cycle, this demonstrates that carbonate sediments can be subducted to at least 150 km depth without releasing significant CO₂ to the overlying mantle wedge.     

Diagenetisch gebildeter Magnesit und Dolomit in den Grödener Schichten des Dobratsch im Gailtal,Kärnten — österreich

Dolomite, magnesite, calcite and aragonite are described from sandstones and conglomerates of the Grödener Schichten of the Dobratsch in the Gailtal Alps, Carinthia — Austria. The carbonates occur as early and late diagenetic cements, as recrystallized matrix of more or less laminated carbonate layers (up to 0.5 m thick), as concretions, as fillings of early diagenetic shrinkage cracks and late diagenetic fissures and as crystals in open cavities and clefts. The formation of dolomite and magnesite may have been caused by pore solutions highly enriched in magnesium, which are likely to have formed by evaporation in a hypersaline environment. Magnesite and dolomite most probably have been formed diagenetically from aragonite and/or calcite during progressive evaporation cycles. Because of magnesite is a common constituent in Permo-Scythian sediments of the Eastern Alps, its presence is of importance for the evaluation of the environment. Additionally the wide-spread occurrence of magnesite within these post variscian sediments has important implications regarding the paleogeographical reconstruction and the evaluation of diagenetic processes.     

Trace element contents and C-O isotope geochemistry of the different originated magnesite deposits in Lake District (Southwestern Anatolia), Turkey

Vein-stockwork magnesite in the Madenli area, sedimentary huntite-magnesite in the A?a??t?rtar area, and lacustrine hydromagnesite in the Salda Lake area are located in the Bey?ehir-Hoyran and Lycian nappe rocks around Isparta and Burdur, Southwest Anatolia. The aim of this study is to understand trace element contents and carbon-oxygen isotope ratios in different originated magnesite, magnesite bearing huntite, and hydromagnesite deposits. Also, the element contents and isotope ratios of the magnesite occurrences are to compare with each other and similar magnesite occurrences in Turkey and world. It is found that the Madenli magnesite occurrences in the ?arkikaraa?aç ophiolites, A?a??t?rtar magnesite bearing huntite deposits in the lacustrine rocks of the Miocene-Pliocene, and the Salda hydromagnesite deposits in lacustrine basin on the Ye?ilova ophiolites. The paragenesis contains a common carbonate mineral magnesite, less calcite, serpentine, smectite, dolomite, and talc in the Madenli magnesite occurrences, mostly huntite and locally magnesite, dolomite, calcite, illite, quartz, and smectite in the A?a??t?rtar huntite-magnesite occurrences, and only hydromagnesite mineral in the Salda Lake hydromagnesite occurrences. Vein and stockwork Madenli magnesite deposits were recognized by higher total iron oxide concentrations (mean 1.10 wt%) than sedimentary A?a??t?rtar magnesite bearing huntite (mean 0.13 wt%) and lacustrine Salda hydromagnesite (mean 0.22 wt%) deposits. It is suggested that high Fe content (up to 5%) in the magnesite associated with ultramafic rocks than those from sedimentary environments (≤1% Fe). Based on average Ni, Co, Ba, Sr, As and Zr contents in the magnesite deposits, average Ni (134.63 ppm) and Co (15.19 ppm) contents in the Madenli magnesite and Salda hydromagnesite (36.85 ppm for Ni, 3.15 ppm for Co) have higher values than A?a??t?rtar huntite + magnesite (7.67 ppm for Ni and 0.89 ppm for Co). Average Ni-Co contents of these deposits can have close values depending on ophiolite host rock. Average Ba values of the Madenli (108.09 ppm) and A?a??t?rtar (115.88 ppm) areas are higher than those of Salda hydromagnesite (13.15 ppm). Sediment-hosted A?a??t?rtar magnesite-huntite deposits have the highest Sr contents (mean 505.81 ppm) as reasonably different from ultrabasic rock-related Madenli magnesite (mean 38.76 ppm) and Salda hydromagnesite (mean 36.70 ppm). The highest Sr content of sedimentary A?a??t?rtar deposits reveals that Sr is related to carbonate rocks. As and Zr contents have the highest average values (As 52.76 ppm and Zr 9.67 ppm) in the A?a??t?rtar deposits different from Madenli magnesite (As 0.54 ppm and Zr 1.67 ppm) and Salda hydromagnesite (As 0.5 ppm and Zr 2.58 ppm) deposits. High As and Zr concentrations in the A?a??t?rtar magnesite-huntite deposits may come from volcanic rocks in near country rocks. The δ ¹³C (PDB) isotope values vary between ?10.1 and ?11.4‰ in the Madenli magnesite, 7.8 to 8.8‰ for huntite, 1.7 to 8.3‰ for huntite + magnesite and 4.0‰ for limestone + magnesite in the A?a??t?rtar huntite-magnesite deposits, and 4.4 to 4.9‰ for Salda Lake hydromagnesite. The sources of the CO₂ are hydrothermal solutions, meteoric waters, groundwater dissolved carbon released from fresh water carbonates and marine limestone, soil CO₂, and plant C3 in the Madenli magnesite, and may be deep seated metamorphic reactions in limestone and shales of rich in terms of organic matter. The sources of CO₂ in A?a??t?rtar huntite and Salda hydromagnesite were meteoric water, groundwater dissolved inorganic carbon, fresh water carbonates, and marine limestone. The δ ¹⁸O (SMOW) isotope composition ranges from 26.8 to 28.1‰ in the Madenli magnesite, 30.4 to 32.4‰ for huntite and 29.8 to 35.5‰ for huntite + magnesite and 26.9‰ for limestone + magnesite in the A?a??t?rtar area, and 36.4 to 38.2‰ in the Salda Lake hydromagnesite. The Salda Lake hydromagnesite has heavier oxygen isotopic values than others. The sources of oxygen in the Madenli magnesite deposits are hydrothermal solutions, meteoric water, freshwater carbonates, and marine limestone, but the sources of oxygen of the A?a??t?rtar magnesite-huntite are meteoric water, fresh water carbonates, and marine limestone. The Salda Lake hydromagnesite has very high δ¹⁸O isotope values indicating a strong evaporitic environment. Magnesium (Mg⁺²) and silica are released by disintegration of very weathered-serpentinized ultrabasic rocks of all magnesite deposits and from partly dolomite and dolomitic limestone in the A?a??t?rtar magnesite bearing huntite deposits. In the A?a??t?rtar area, calcium (Ca⁺²) for huntite mineralization is provided by surrounding carbonate rocks. Based on isotopic data, host rocks, petrographic properties of the Madenli magnesite can be described as an ultramafic-associated hydrothermal vein mineralization corresponding to “Kraubath type” deposits, but A?a??t?rtar ve Salda Lake deposits are sedimentary mineralization (lacustrine/evaporitic) corresponding to “Bela Stena type” deposits. The estimated temperature using average δ¹⁸O isotope values is about 33.51 °C for Madenli magnesite, 48.33 °C for A?a??t?rtar huntite-magnesite, and 25 °C for Salda hydromagnesite. Based on isotope data, we can be say that the Madenli magnesite, A?a??t?rtar magnesite-huntite, and Salda hydromagnesite occur at low to moderate-low temperature water and alkaline (pH 8.5–10.5) under surface or near-surface conditions.     

青藏高原现代湖泊沉积物碳酸盐矿物氧同位素组成特征及影响因素

选择青藏高原14个代表性现代湖泊的表层沉积物为研究对象,它们是冷湖、大苏干湖、小苏干湖、大柴旦湖、小柴旦湖、托素湖、尕海、茶卡湖、唐古拉-1、错鄂、乃日平错、纳木错、空姆错和普莫雍错,探讨这些湖泊碳酸盐矿物组成及相应氧稳定同位素组成的影响因素。XRD结果显示这些湖泊的碳酸盐矿物多以方解石为主,并含白云石。其中冷湖以白云石为主,尕海还含有一定量的文石。碳酸盐氧同位素分析结果显示总碳酸盐δ¹⁸O在-15.9‰到2.6‰范围变化,方解石δ¹⁸O变化范围为-16.2‰～3.9‰,白云石δ¹⁸O变化在-15.3‰～-5.4‰范围内。通过氧同位素与湖区环境因素的相关性分析,认为总碳酸盐δ¹⁸O受湖水δ¹⁸O组成、温度、降水量/蒸发量、盐度、海拔和纬度多种因素影响;方解石δ¹⁸O主要受湖水δ¹⁸O、温度、盐度、海拔和纬度的影响;白云石δ¹⁸O受降水量/蒸发量和盐度的影响。总碳酸盐δ¹⁸O对湖水δ¹⁸O、温度、海拔和纬度的响应是以方解石为载体而体现的;总碳酸盐δ¹⁸O对降水量/蒸发量的响应则归因于白云石δ¹⁸O对其的响应结果;另外总碳酸盐δ¹⁸O通过方解石和白云石δ¹⁸O的叠加作用响应于盐度。该研究初步建立了总碳酸盐、方解石和白云石氧同位素与环境各个指标之间的响应关系,对于揭示过去青藏高原地区环境变化有重要意义。     

Sedimentology, mineralogy and isotopic analysis of Pellet Lake, Coorong region, South Australia

ABSTRACT Gravity cores of Holocene sediments from a shallow ephemeral lake in the Coorong region (Pellet Lake, southeastern coastal Australia) show a mineral assemblage and sequence particular to its hydrology. The mineralogical sequence above an initial dolomitic siliciclastic sand reflects conditions of increasing salinity in the lower portions of the core (i.e. organic-rich aragonite to magnesite + hydromagnesite + aragonite) followed by a relative decrease in salinity (i.e. magnesite + aragonite + hydromagnesite to aragonite + hydromagnesite) in the upper portions of the core. This sequence is capped by ? 0.4 m of micritic dolomite and minor amounts of hydromagnesite, with the relative abundance of dolomite increasing upwards. Three stratigraphically and spatially distinct dolomite units (upper, lower and margin) are recognized using stable carbon and oxygen isotope data, unit cell calculations and MgCO₃ mole per cent data of the dolomite. Detailed X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses of samples with more than 80% dolomite shows that the dolomite is ordered. Average unit cell parameters, calculated from the XRD patterns, indicate that the upper dolomite unit has crystal lattices expanded in the c_o direction (c_o= 16.09 Å) relative to ideal dolomite (c_o= 16.02 Å) and contracted in the a_o direction (a_o= 4.796 Å) relative to ideal dolomite (a_o= 4.812 Å). The mol fraction of MgCO₃ in the upper dolomite shows up to 4.0 ±M 2.0 mole per cent excess Mg in the dolomite crystal lattice (calculated from XRD). This unusual dolomite crystal chemistry is probably generated by rapid precipitation from solutions which have greatly elevated Mg/Ca ratios. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that the upper dolomite has a heterogeneous microstructure which also suggests rapid precipitation from solution. The modulated microstructure found in calcium-rich dolomite is completely lacking. Dolomite ordering reflections are present in electron diffraction patterns, but are weak. Stable oxygen and carbon isotope values of the upper dolomite are tightly grouped (ave. δ¹⁸O ～+ 7.55%_o, δ¹³C ～+ 4.10%_o), yet show three upward-lightening oxygen cycles. The oxygen cycles correlate with three upward decreases in the calculated Mg content of the dolomite zone. These cycles may indicate the increased importance of rain-water dilution of the brine at times when the water in the lake was at its shallowest levels. Analyses of the lower dolomite and the margin dolomite suggest that these units precipitated more slowly from less evaporitic brines than the upper dolomite unit. The lower dolomite is close to stoichiometric, has less evaporitic stable isotope values than the upper dolomite, and has only a slightly expanded c_o-axis. The margin dolomite is Ca-rich, has a more homogeneous microstructure, and has expanded a_o and c_o axes. The abundance of relatively soluble Mg-bearing phases, such as hydromagnesite and magnesite, may supply additional magnesium for the dolomitization of aragonite and calcite during subsequent diagenesis and burial of the sediment. This process may leave a finely laminated dolomicrite deposit which retains little, if any, evidence of evaporite minerals.     

Origin and diagenetic evolution of Ca–Mg–Fe carbonates in some coalfields of Japan

Carbonate concretions, lenses and bands in the Pleistocene, Palaeogene and Upper Triassic coalfields of Japan consist of various carbonate minerals with varied chemical compositions. Authigenic carbonates in freshwater sediments are siderite > calcite > ankerite > dolomite >> ferroan magnesite; in brackish water to marine sediments in the coal measures, calcite > dolomite > ankerite > siderite >> ferroan magnesite; and in the overlying marine deposits, calcite > dolomite >> siderite. Most carbonates were formed progressively during burial within a range of depths between the sediment-water interface and approximately 3 km. The mineral species and the chemical composition of the carbonates are controlled primarily by the initial sedimentary facies of the host sediments and secondarily by the diagenetic evolution of pore water during burial. Based on the regular sequence and burial depth of precipitation of authigenic carbonates in a specific sedimentary facies, three diagenetic stages of carbonates are proposed. Carbonates formed during Stage I (< 500 m) strongly reflect the initial sedimentary facies, e.g. low Ca-Mg siderite in freshwater sediments which are initially rich in iron derived from lateritic soil on the nearby landmass, and Mg calcite and dolomite in brackish-marine sediments whose pore waters abound in Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ originating in seawater and calcareous shells. Carbonates formed during Stage II (500–2000 m) include high Ca-Mg siderite, ankerite, Fe dolomite and Fe–Mg calcite in freshwater sediments. The assemblage of Stage II carbonates in brackish-marine sediments in the coal measures is similar to that in freshwater sediments. This suggests similar diagenetic environments owing to an effective migration and mixing of pore water due to the compaction of host sediments. Carbonates formed during Stage III (> 2000 m) are Fe calcite and extremely high Ca-Mg siderite; the latter is exclusively in marine mudstones. The supply of Ca is partly from the alteration of silicates in the sediments at elevated burial temperatures. After uplift, calcite with low Mg content precipitates from percolating groundwater and fills extensional cracks.     

Climate signals in sediment mineralogy of Lake Baikal and Lake Hovsgol during the LGM-Holocene transition and the 1-Ma carbonate record from the HDP-04 drill core

Modeling the bulk sediment XRD patterns allows insight into the environmental and depositional histories of two neighboring rift lake basins within the Baikal watershed. Parallel ¹⁴C-dated LGM-Holocene records in Lakes Baikal and Hovsgol are used to discuss the mineralogical signatures of regional climate change. In both basins, it is possible to distinguish ‘glacial’ and ‘interglacial’ mineral associations. Clay minerals comprise in excess of 50% of layered silicates in bulk sediment.The abundance of smectite (expandable) layers in mixed-layer illite–smectites and the total illite abundance are the main paleoclimatic indices in the clay mineral assemblage. Both indices exhibit coherent responses to the Bølling–Allerød and the Younger Dryas. The smectite layer index is not equivalent to the abundance of illite–smectite, because illite–smectite tends to transform into illite. Repeated wetting–drying cycles in soils and high abundance of expandable layers in illite–smectites (>42%) favor the process of illitization. This relationship is clearly shown in both Baikal and Hovsgol records for the first time. The opposite late Holocene trends in illite abundance in Lake Baikal and Lake Hovsgol records suggest that a sensitive optimal regime may exist for illite formation in the Baikal watershed with regard to warmth and effective moisture.The Lake Hovsgol sediments of the last glacial contain carbonates, suggesting a positive trend in the lake's water budget. A progressive change towards lower Mg content in carbonates indicates lowering mineralization of lake waters. This trend is consistent with the lithologic evidence for lake-level rise in the Hovsgol basin.The pattern of mineralogical changes during the past 20 ka is used to interpret bulk sediment and carbonate mineralogy of the long 81-m Lake Hovsgol drill core (HDP-04) with a basal age of 1 Ma. The interglacial-type silicate mineral associations are confined to several thin intervals; most of the sediment record is calcareous. Carbonates are represented by six main mineral phases: calcite, low-Mg calcite, intermediate/high-Mg calcite, dolomite, excess-Ca dolomite and metastable monohydrocalcite. These mineral phases tend to form stratigraphic successions indicative of progressive changes in lake water chemistry. Five sediment layers with abundant Mg-calcites in the HDP-04 section suggest deposition in a low standing lake with high mineralization (salinity) and high Mg/Ca ratios of lake waters. Lake Hovsgol sediments contain the oldest known monohydrocalcite, found tens of meters below lake bottom in sediments as old as 800 ka. This unusual find is likely due to the conditions favorable to preservation of this metastable carbonate.     

X射线粉晶衍射仪在大理岩鉴定与分类中的应用

大理岩主要有方解石大理岩、白云石大理岩和菱镁矿大理岩三种。以往大理岩是依据偏光显微镜下观察岩石结构构造及矿物成分进行分类定名,由于方解石、白云石、菱镁矿都属于三方晶系,具有闪突起、高级白干涉色、一轴晶负光性和菱形解理等相同晶体光学特征,偏光显微镜下区分十分困难。为了准确鉴定大理岩中碳酸盐矿物种类及其相对含量,本文利用岩石薄片偏光显微镜和X射线粉晶衍射技术对32件大理岩岩石样品进行分析测试。岩石薄片鉴定结果表明:大理岩造岩矿物主要有方解石、白云石、菱镁矿、石英、斜长石、白云母、黑云母、绿泥石、黏土和金属矿物。根据岩石结构构造及矿物组分特征,可把32件大理岩样品划分为方解石大理岩、长英质方解石大理岩、石英绿泥白云石大理岩、白云石大理岩、云英质白云石大理岩和菱镁矿大理岩等15个类型。X射线粉晶衍射分析表明:大理岩造岩矿物主要有方解石、白云石、菱镁矿、石英、斜长石、钾长石、云母、绿泥石、滑石和蒙脱石。综合分析认为:岩石薄片偏光显微镜鉴定技术很难区分方解石、白云石和菱镁矿等碳酸盐矿物,以及细小的石英、钾长石和斜长石、滑石和白云母等鳞片状硅酸盐矿物;X射线粉晶衍射分析技术不仅能准确检测出大理岩中方解石、白云石和菱镁矿等碳酸盐矿物种类及相对含量(方解石、白云石和菱镁矿的X射线衍射主峰有明显差异,d值分别为0.303 nm、0.288 nm和0.274 nm),而且能够有效鉴别岩石中粉砂级斜长石、钾长石与石英(三种矿物的X射线衍射主峰d值分别为0.319 nm、0.324 nm、0.334 nm);且能区分蒙脱石、绿泥石、云母和滑石等层状硅酸盐矿物(四种硅酸盐矿物的X射线衍射主峰d值分别为1.400 nm、0.705 nm、0.989 nm、0.938 nm)。综合岩石薄片偏光显微镜鉴定和X射线粉晶衍射分析结果,最终确定32件大理岩样品划分为22个岩石类型。研究认为:仅根据岩石薄片偏光显微镜鉴定或X射线粉晶衍射技术其中一种方法不能准确鉴定大理岩岩石,应将大理岩岩石野外观察、岩石薄片鉴定和X射线粉晶衍射技术结合起来,才能准确确定大理岩岩石类型。     

Precipitation of dolomite using sulphate-reducing bacteria from the Coorong Region, South Australia: significance and implications

Dolomite was successfully precipitated in culture experiments that simulated microbiogeochemical conditions prevailing during late stages of evaporation in ephemeral, hypersaline dolomitic lakes of the Coorong region, South Australia. Analyses of lake- and pore-water samples document rapid geochemical changes with time and depth in both dolomitic and non-dolomitic lakes. Extremely high sulphate and magnesium ion concentrations in lake waters decline rapidly with depth in pore waters throughout the sulphate-reduction zone, whereas carbonate concentrations in pore waters reach levels up to 100 times those of normal sea water. Ultimately, sulphate is totally consumed and no solid sulphate is recorded in the dolomitic lake sediments. ‘Most probable number’ calculations of lake sediment samples record the presence of large populations of sulphate-reducing bacteria, whereas sulphur-isotope analyses of lake-water samples indicate microbial fractionation in all the lakes studied. Viable populations of microbes from the lake sediments were cultured in anoxic conditions in the laboratory. Samples were then injected into vials containing sterilized clastic or carbonate grains, or glass beads, immersed in a solution that simulated the lake water. Falls in the levels of sulphate and rising pH in positive vials were interpreted as indicating active bacterial sulphate reduction accompanied by increased concentrations of carbonate. Within 2 months, sub-spherical, sub-micron-size crystals of dolomite identical to those of lake sediments were precipitated. It is concluded that bacterial sulphate reduction overcomes kinetic constraints on dolomite formation by removing sulphate and releasing magnesium and calcium ions from neutral ion pairs, and by generating elevated carbonate concentrations, in a hypersaline, strongly electrolytic solution. The results demonstrate that bacterial sulphate reduction controls dolomite precipitation in both the laboratory experiments and lake sediments. It is proposed that dolomite formation, through bacterial sulphate reduction, provides a process analogue applicable to thick platformal dolostones of the past, where benthic microbial communities were the sole or dominant colonizers of shallow marine environments.     

玛珥湖与过去全球变化研究

古气候变化突变事件和气候周期的发现将过去全球变化研究推进到了高分辨率的新阶段。玛珥湖在形成和保存高分辨率气候环境记录方面具有独特的优势,玛珥湖研究所取得的重要成果也显示了在过去全球变化研究方面的巨大潜力。简要回顾了玛珥湖的研究历史,从纹层、年代学、多学科多指标综合研究等方面概括了国际玛珥湖沉积与环境研究的若干进展,并介绍了我国在玛珥湖研究方面的发展情况。     

A depositional model for hydromagnesite–magnesite playas near Atlin,British Columbia,Canada

This study formulates a comprehensive depositional model for hydromagnesite–magnesite playas. Mineralogical, isotopic and hydrogeochemical data are coupled with electron microscopy and field observations of the hydromagnesite–magnesite playas near Atlin, British Columbia, Canada. Four surface environments are recognized: wetlands, grasslands, localized mounds (metre‐scale) and amalgamated mounds composed primarily of hydromagnesite [Mg₅(CO₃)₄(OH)₂·4H₂O], which are interpreted to represent stages in playa genesis. Water chemistry, precipitation kinetics and depositional environment are primary controls on sediment mineralogy. At depth (average ≈ 2 m), Ca–Mg‐carbonate sediments overlay early Holocene glaciolacustrine sediments indicating deposition within a lake post‐deglaciation. This mineralogical change corresponds to a shift from siliciclastic to chemical carbonate deposition as the supply of fresh surface water (for example, glacier meltwater) ceased and was replaced by alkaline groundwater. Weathering of ultramafic bedrock in the region produces Mg–HCO₃ groundwater that concentrates by evaporation upon discharging into closed basins, occupied by the playas. An uppermost unit of Mg‐carbonate sediments (hydromagnesite mounds) overlies the Ca–Mg‐carbonate sediments. This second mineralogical shift corresponds to a change in the depositional environment from subaqueous to subaerial, occurring once sediments ‘emerged’ from the water surface. Capillary action and evaporation draw Mg–HCO₃ water up towards the ground surface, precipitating Mg‐carbonate minerals. Evaporation at the water table causes precipitation of lansfordite [MgCO₃·5H₂O] which partially cements pre‐existing sediments forming a hardpan. As carbonate deposition continues, the weight of the overlying sediments causes compaction and minor lateral movement of the mounds leading to amalgamation of localized mounds. Radiocarbon dating of buried vegetation at the Ca–Mg‐carbonate boundary indicates that there has been ca 8000 years of continuous Mg‐carbonate deposition at a rate of 0·4 mm yr^?1. The depositional model accounts for the many sedimentological, mineralogical and geochemical processes that occur in the four surface environments; elucidating past and present carbonate deposition.     

Monohydrocalcite,hydromagnesite, nesquehonite,dolomite, aragonite,and calcite in speleothems of the Fränkische Schweiz,Western Germany

The formation of calcite, aragonite, dolomite, hydromagnesite, and nesquehonite in speleothems of a small cave within dolostone may be compared with the formation of these carbonate minerals in much larger environments in which evaporation exceeds precipitation (salt lakes, tropical lagoons, sebkhas etc...). In all cases the formation and diagenetic alteration is mainly governed by the Mg/Ca-ratio of the solutions, from which precipitation (or transformation) takes place.The certain occurrence of monohydrocalcite in the speleothems and in technical incrustations lead to the conclusion, that this very rare mineral precipitates from solutions which are transported as aerosols.     

云冈石窟砂岩中碳酸盐胶结物化学风化及相关文物病害研究

云冈石窟地区云冈组上段砂岩中碳酸盐胶结物的含量普遍在10%以上,其主要矿物成分为含铁方解石和含铁白云石。在碳酸盐胶结物化学风化过程中发生的化学反应包括碳酸盐矿物溶解、Fe2+ 离子氧化及Fe3+ 离子水解,以及石膏、泻利盐、水碳镁石、球碳镁石等矿物结晶。水、砂岩中裂隙和层理发育、大气污染等是影响碳酸盐胶结物化学风化的主要外因。碳酸盐胶结物化学风化引发了多种文物病害,对云冈石窟的文物价值造成严重破坏。      

我国西北地区盐湖中的铀234U/238U比值示踪研究

内蒙古二连盆地、鄂尔多斯盆地典型含铀碳酸型盐湖水、岩两相234U/238U综合分析表明,碳酸型盐湖铀来源于大气降水和潜水对盐湖盆地周围中生代到现代富铀沉积物的溶滤、浸出,具有快速、近源物质来源特点。盐湖卤水和对应沉积物234U/238U值一般为0.8～1.2,湖卤水和潜卤水（晶间卤水）-岩两相中的铀处于沉积平衡状态。早白垩世～上新世含膏盐地层对比研究证实了富铀岩层234U/238U值随铀含量增大而减小,并趋近于1。室内盐湖水蒸发模拟实验发现残余卤水、沉积物234U/238U具有随蒸发程度增大逐渐减小的变化特征。盐湖现代沉积物物相研究发现铀主要以碳酸铀酰和吸附形式赋存在富含有机物和碎屑成分的含盐粘土沉积中,铀在盐类晶体中含量极少,仅存在于封闭水和结晶水中。卤水和沉积物ARu值是盐湖铀源及铀含量水平的指示标志之一。