Compositional multivariate statistical analysis of thermal groundwater provenance: A hydrogeochemical case study from Ireland

Thermal groundwater is currently being exploited for district-scale heating in many locations world-wide. The chemical compositions of these thermal waters reflect the provenance and circulation patterns of the groundwater, which are controlled by recharge, rock type and geological structure. Exploring the provenance of these waters using multivariate statistical analysis (MSA) techniques increases our understanding of the hydrothermal circulation systems, and provides a reliable tool for assessing these resources.Hydrochemical data from thermal springs situated in the Carboniferous Dublin Basin in east-central Ireland were explored using MSA, including hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA), to investigate the source aquifers of the thermal groundwaters. To take into account the compositional nature of the hydrochemical data, compositional data analysis (CoDa) techniques were used to process the data prior to the MSA.The results of the MSA were examined alongside detailed time-lapse temperature measurements from several of the springs, and indicate the influence of three important hydrogeological processes on the hydrochemistry of the thermal waters: 1) salinity and increased water-rock interaction; 2) dissolution of carbonates; and 3) dissolution of sulfides, sulfates and oxides associated with mineral deposits. The use of MSA within the CoDa framework identified subtle temporal variations in the hydrochemistry of the thermal springs, which could not be identified with more traditional graphing methods, or with a standard statistical approach. The MSA was successful in distinguishing different geological settings and different annual behaviours within the group of springs. This study demonstrates the usefulness of the application of MSA within the CoDa framework in order to better understand the underlying controlling processes governing the hydrochemistry of a group of thermal springs in a low-enthalpy setting.     

Cenozoic carbonates in Borneo: case studies from northeast Kalimantan

Modern and Tertiary carbonate production is, and was, extensive and diverse in the seas surrounding Borneo, and mirrors the variety of carbonate depositional systems seen in SE Asia. The availability of favourable conditions for carbonate sedimentation around Borneo was related to a combination of factors, including tectonic setting, the formation of large basinal areas, differential subsidence providing shallow marine areas, a tropical climate and a range of local factors, such as currents or limited clastic input. A detailed sedimentological and diagenetic study was undertaken of middle Eocene to Plio–Pleistocene carbonates which developed in the north Kutai Basin and the Mangkalihat Peninsula, northeast Kalimantan. Carbonate sedimentation in this area occurred in a range of depositional environments, from mixed carbonate clastic shelves, localised and transient shoals or reefs, a variety of platform top settings to deep water redeposited carbonates. An understanding of carbonate depositional environments, spatial facies relationships, and diagenesis is essential in order to develop models for these carbonates which can be used as predictive tools in the subsurface. This study also helps to evaluate tropical carbonate development in SE Asia and the evolution of sedimentary environments in Borneo during the Cenozoic.     

Arsenic in groundwaters of the alluvial aquifer of Bardsir plain, SE Iran

Bardsir plain is located in the central part of Kerman Province of Iran. The relative prevalence of arsenic-related cancers, the high concentration of arsenic in nearby plains, as well as the recharge of this aquifer through the mountains composed of high-sulfide volcanic rocks have been motivations of the authors to study the concentration of this element in Bardsir plain. Arsenic concentration was measured in 63 groundwater samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method. The results were evaluated through iso-concentration maps, correlation diagrams, and multivariate statistical methods. Accordingly, the concentration of arsenic ranges from 1.3 to 464.5 μg/l with an average value of 134.2 μg/l. So, the groundwaters are enriched with arsenic to much higher levels than permitted for than drinking water acceptable level (10 μg/l). The high arsenic levels in groundwaters of Bardsir plain are ascribed to joint influence of decomposition of sulfides present in mountainous volcanic rocks and the mixing with hydrothermal waters in some locations. Supposedly, the prevalence of higher than 8 pH values has enhanced the release of arsenic from Fe-hydroxides generated during sulfide weathering process.     

The formation of the Makassar Strait and the separation between SE Kalimantan and SW Sulawesi

The formation of the Makassar Strait, situated between southeast (SE) Kalimantan and western Sulawesi, is still subject of much debate. Different authors have proposed several hypotheses to explain its evolution. The only agreement between those several hypotheses is that SE Kalimantan and western Sulawesi once lay close together and that their separation is due to the opening of the Makassar Strait. The age and driving mechanism for this opening are, however, still poorly understood. The strait separates the stable core of the Eurasian Plate to the west from the very active region of the triple junction of three large plates to the east. To the north the strait is bounded by the Sulawesi Sea and to the south by the East Java Sea. The strait is roughly 100–200 km wide and 300 km long and is usually divided into the North and South Makassar basins, separated by the Paternoster Fault. The present study interprets the history of the Makassar Strait using seismic reflection profiles and gravity models, in addition to the compilation of geological information. Implications for the origin of rifting is also discussed. The result of the present study indicates that Makassar Strait was formed by the vertical sinking of a subducting oceanic plate to the east of western Sulawesi, leading to trench roll-back. This vertical sinking was accommodated by extension and rifting of continental crust above the subduction zone at a previous site of collision, causing the opening of Makassar Strait. The time of this trench roll-back marks the cessation of subduction.     

Geochemistry of Hindoli Group metasediments,SE Aravalli Craton,NW India: Implications for palaeoweathering and provenance

The southeastern fringe of the Precambrian Aravalli fold belt has been designated as Jahazpur Belt, which includes two greenschist facies metasedimentary lithopackages, Hindoli (Late Archean/Paleoproterozoic) and Jahazpur (Paleoproterozoic) Groups. We present geochemical data on metapelite (phyllite) and metagreywackes from the Hindoli Group. Metapelites are enriched in alumina while metagreywackes show a wide range and higher abundance of silica. Covariance between TiO₂ — Al₂O₃, K₂O — Al₂O₃ pairs and moderate to high SiO₂/MgO ratios indicate a strong weathering control. Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA = 68 for metagraywackes; 75 for metapelites) reveals moderately weathered protoliths for them. Fractionated LREE pattern with almost flat HREE trend and moderate to high Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.66 to 0.8) indicate feldspar bearing granite — granodiorite as probable compositions in the provenance. Very high PIA values (93) for metapelites reflect almost complete feldspar dissolution while the corresponding values for metagraywackes (68) are relatively lower. The diagnostic immobile trace elements (Sc, Zr, Th) can be interpreted as a variable felsic source (mainly granitic and subordinate granodioritic) for metagreywackes and a granodioritic (more mafic) one for metapelites. Considering the broad Precambrian geological set-up of NW India, the Banded Gneiss Complex (BGC), which predominantly comprises TTG gneisses and granites, amphibolite, etc. seems to be the most likely provenance for Hindoli sediments.     

Crystal forms and surface textures of alluvial diamonds from the Western Region of the Central African Republic

The most common crystal forms of the diamonds from the alluvial deposits in the Western Region of the Central African Republic were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) in an attempt to determine their geological history. The marks observed are related to two distinct periods in the geological history of the diamonds: the magmatic episode and their hydraulic transport. The effects of significant magmatic corrosion undergone by the diamonds during their ascent from the upper mantle are shown by the predominance of rhombododecahedral forms over octahedral forms and the frequent occurrence on the crystal faces of pyramidal depressions with triangular (111) or square (100) bases, as well as of V-shaped figures (111) or stepped figures (on the faces around the ternary axes). Some impact marks probably occurred during the explosive episode of kimberlite extrusion. Other impact marks, the marks of general wear, and the high proportion of gemstone-quality diamonds indicate the lengthy transport. They thus also indicate that the diamonds have undergone a prolonged geological history after the erosion of the kimberlite. This suggests that the kimberlite are separated from the Carnot Sandstone Formation by a considerable distance. The diamonds were stored in Albian-Maastrichtian rocks before they become concentrated in the Recent alluvium.     

砾质辫状河型冲积扇沉积微相及沉积模式:以准噶尔盆地西北缘现代白杨河冲积扇为例*

冲积扇砂砾岩储集层具有相变快、连续性差等特点,显示冲积扇内部沉积环境的复杂性。本次研究以准噶尔盆地西北缘现代白杨河冲积扇为例,在丰富的野外露头资料基础上,结合区域水文资料以及冲积扇文献资料,对白杨河冲积扇沉积演化特征及沉积模式进行探讨。按其沉积机制,白杨河冲积扇属于辫状河型冲积扇,具有规模大(扇体总面积约327.6km²)、坡度平缓(约4‰~7‰)、沉积粒度粗和漫洪细粒沉积物不发育的典型特征。在白杨河冲积扇内共可识别出16种岩相类型,并根据岩相形成的流体动力差异划归为5类成因,即重力流成因、高流态牵引流成因、低流态牵引流成因、静水沉积成因以及风成沉积成因。白杨河冲积扇扇体建造过程可划分为洪水期和间洪期2个时期,洪水期以沉积作用为主,从扇根至扇缘依次发育扇根补给水道沉积、扇根片流沉积、扇中片流沉积、扇中辫状水道沉积、扇缘径流水道沉积和扇缘湿地沉积6种沉积微相类型;间洪期以改造作用为主,从扇根至扇缘依次发育扇根主槽沉积、扇中辫状沟槽沉积和扇缘湿地沉积3种沉积微相类型。最后,依据白杨河冲积扇建立了砾质辫状河型冲积扇洪水期和间洪期的沉积模式。     

Textural and geochemical characteristics of the Ajali Sandstone,Anambra Basin,SE Nigeria: Implication for its provenance

This study presents the mineralogical, textural and geochemical characteristics of the regional Maastrichtian Ajali Sandstone in Anambra Basin, SE Nigeria. The intent is to highlight possible constraints on the chemical weathering conditions of the source materials on one hand, and to infer the provenance on the other hand. The investigation approach involved field studies and collection of samples from 12 different outcrop locations, followed by laboratory studies involving grain-size analysis (GSA), major and trace elements analyses using the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) method as well as thin section petrography. Field studies show that the sandstones are friable at all locations and range in color from white in freshly cut stone, to reddish brown on weathering. In addition, the sandstone units are cross-bedded and show graded bedding exemplified by fining upward sequence. Textural examination indicates that the sandstones range from fine to medium sands, constituting about 76 to 99% sand fraction, with graphic mean grain size of 0.23 to 0.53 mm. Standard deviation (sorting) ranges from 0.56 to 1.24 Ø and implies moderately well sorted sediments. Inferred from the textural indices, the depo-environmental discrimination of the Ajali Sandstone revealed a fluvial/river system-dominated sedimentary process. The sandstones are quartz arenite with quartz greater than 90% and less than 5% K-feldspar which indicate a predominant basement source as also revealed by the heavy mineral assemblages. In addition, major elemental oxides shows SiO₂ content greater than 96% for the fresh Ajali Sandstone samples with extreme depletion of mobile oxides such as Na₂O, CaO and the ferromagnesian minerals through weathering and sedimentary processes. Provenance and tectonic setting discrimination using geochemical data and compositional maturity revealed typical felsic igneous-dominated cratonic environment while inter-elemental ratios (such as Zr/Cr, Y/Ni, Th/Sc, La/Sc and La/Co) and ternary plots (e.g. Th–Sc–Zr; La-Th–Sc and Th-Co-Zr) reflect passive continental margin setting for the Ajali Sandstone. Consequently, the source area is constrained to the Precambrian basement rock units of Adamawa-Oban massif areas to the east of the Anambra Basin and the adjacent Abakaliki Anticlinorium.     

A spatio-temporal three-dimensional conceptualization and simulation of Dera Ismail Khan alluvial aquifer in visual MODFLOW: a case study from Pakistan

Dera Ismail Khan (DIK) is situated in the Lower Indus Basin of Pakistan. The land use has been changed in the canal command area due to irrigation activities near the Indus River. To check the current status and predict the groundwater levels in the area, the unconfined aquifer has been simulated in Visual MODFLOW for a period of 35 years, i.e., from 1985 to 2020. The 2900-km² area has been modeled with a grid of 500 by 500 m and the depth set to 100 m. The aquifer in the study area has been divided vertically and laterally into three and ten zones, respectively, for the characterization. Water wells and streams were used as the sinks and hydrologic boundaries, respectively. The model was successfully calibrated in steady and the non-steady state. The simulation revealed that the whole simulation can be divided into two phases, i.e., before and after the construction of the Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC), whereas the results were summarized in the form of water table depth maps and groundwater budget calculations. To determine the groundwater sustainability, a conjunctive use scenario has been employed to simulate the aquifer dynamics till 2020. The simulation revealed incremental drawdowns till the end.     

A study of eclogitic diamonds and their inclusions from the Finsch kimberlite pipe, South Africa

Previous studies of diamonds from Finsch have shown that eclogitic inclusions are rare at Finsch and that the eclogitic garnet and clinopyroxenes are iron and manganese-rich. In order to expand the current database of information, 93 eclogitic diamonds were selected for this study. Eight diamonds were polished into plates for cathodoluminescence studies and infrared examination of diamond growth and 31 diamonds were cracked to retrieve inclusions. The eclogitic garnets analysed in this study are enriched in Fe and are relatively depleted in Ca and Mg relative to worldwide data. FeO contents for garnet range from 15 to 27 wt.% and MnO contents reach a maximum value of 1.6 wt.%. The eclogitic clinopyroxenes have relatively high FeO contents, up to 14.8 wt.% and K₂O contents are low (<0.4 wt.%). Three non-touching garnet–clinopyroxene mineral pairs produce equilibration temperatures of 1138–1179 °C at an assumed pressure of 50 kb. No Type II diamonds were found during this study, all diamonds are of Type IaAB. Total nitrogen contents of Type IaAB diamonds range from 11 to 1520 ppm, with variable aggregation states (up to 84% nitrogen aggregated as B-defects). Distinct infrared characteristics suggest that the Finsch kimberlite sampled either more than one mantle source region of similar age but differing temperature, or two different populations of diamonds with different ages. The diamonds provide evidence of changing mantle conditions during crystallisation. Continuous diamond growth is illustrated by the presence of regular octahedral growth zones, although in some diamonds cubic growth is noted. One diamond shows evidence of platelet degradation, suggesting exposure to high temperatures and/or shearing stresses.     

基于沉积物物质来源的地下水化学特征分析:以北京市平原区为例

沉积物物质来源不同,其沉积环境和沉积特征不同,其地球化学特征、水动力体系和地下水循环响应不同。文中以北京市平原区为例,通过沉积物物质来源分析,研究浅层地下水化学分布特征。首先根据地下水系统分区进行取样和实验,采用矿物组合、风化强度及相关分析等多种方法综合分析北京市平原区沉积物的物质来源及其组合特征,多种方法分析结论一致,即北京平原区的主要物质来源:一是流经燕山山地花岗岩变质岩区的潮白河系统,一是流经西山山地石灰岩区的永定河系统;而两系统中、下部是多期物源多层交叠、纵横交错沉积形成的。其次在物源分析基础上通过水质分析研究两系统剖面上地下水水化学特征,即两系统剖面地下水化学类型主要为HCO3--Ca.Mg型水;但永定河系统的溶解性总固体、阴阳离子浓度均大于潮白河系统,这与两剖面所在系统物源分析的结果相吻合,即分析结果表明物源的沉积环境及沉积组合特征决定了系统的地下水化学特征。     

金属活动态测量在冲积平原覆盖区隐伏矿的试验研究——以安徽无为龙潭头硫铁矿为例

随着出露区矿产资源的日益枯竭,覆盖区已逐渐成为矿产勘查的重点。传统化探方法难以在覆盖区发挥作用,而金属活动态测量法可以提取与深部隐伏矿体有关的矿化信息。该方法在冲积平原覆盖区还缺乏相关研究。以安徽无为龙潭头隐伏硫铁矿为例,开展土壤全量和金属活动态测量的试验研究。结果显示:土壤全量测量在隐伏矿体上方无异常显示。金属活动态测量中,Cu和S元素的水溶态,Fe元素的铁锰氧化物态和吸附态均呈现出高异常值,异常衬度达到2及以上。其中S元素的水溶态异常最明显,含量峰值达14.8×10^-9,背景值为4.81×10^-9,异常衬度3.08。其次,Cu元素的有机态和S元素的铁锰氧化物态呈现较高异常,异常衬度1.5以上。金属活动态测量提取的异常均位于隐伏矿体上方,且与赋矿主断裂空间关系密切。本次试验研究表明,金属活动态测量可以有效提取与龙潭头隐伏矿床有关的地球化学异常,该方法在冲积平原覆盖区应当有着较好的应用前景,但仍需要更进一步地研究,以建立相应的方法技术流程与标准。     

Hydrochemistry, mineralogy and chemical fractionation of mine and processing wastes associated with porphyry copper mines: A case study from the Sarcheshmeh mine, SE Iran

The Sarcheshmeh is one of the largest Oligo-Miocene porphyry Cu deposits in the world. Comparative hydrochemical, mineralogical and chemical fractionation associated with mining efflorescence salts and processing wastes of this mine are discussed. Hydrochemical results showed that rock waste dumps, reject wastes and old impoundments of tailings are the main sources of acid mine drainage waters (AMD) that contain potentially toxic metals such as Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn as well as Al. Episodic fluxes of highly contaminated acidic waters were produced in a tailings dam over a short period of time. Secondary soluble minerals provide important controls on the quality of AMD produced, especially in old, dry tailings impoundments. Secondary sulfate minerals such as gypsum, magnesiocopiapite, hydronium jarosite, kornelite and coquimbite were found in rock waste drainages and in old weathered reject wastes. Highly soluble secondary minerals such as gypsum, eriochalcite, and bonattite are also observed in an evaporative layer on old tailings impoundments. Chemical fractionation patterns of potentially toxic elements showed that the geochemical behavior of metals is primarily controlled by the mineralogical composition of waste samples. Elements such as Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn are readily released into the water soluble fraction from efflorescence salts associated with rock waste drainages, as well as from the evaporative layer of old tailings. Potentially toxic elements, such as As, Mo and Pb, are principally adsorbed or co-precipitated with amorphous and crystalline Fe oxides, but they may also be associated with oxidizing, primary sulfides and residual fractions. Following the development of the dammed tailings pond, the secondary minerals were dissolved, producing acidic waters contaminated by Al (154 mg L⁻¹), Cu (150 mg L⁻¹), Cd (0.31 m gL⁻¹), Co (2.13 mg L⁻¹), Mn (73.7 mg L⁻¹), Ni (1.74 mg L⁻¹), Zn (20.3 mg L⁻¹) and Cl (1690 mg L⁻¹). Therefore, the potential use of recycled water from the Sarcheshmenh dammed tailings pond is diminished by the presence of corrosive ions like Cl⁻ in highly acidic fluids that promote corrosion of pipes and pumps in the water recycling system.     

An infrared investigation of inclusion-bearing diamonds from the Venetia kimberlite,Northern Province,South Africa : implications for diamonds from craton-margin settings

The Venetia kimberlites in the Northern Province of South Africa sampled diamonds from the lithosphere underlying the Central Zone of the Limpopo Belt. Given the general correlation of diamond-bearing kimberlites with old stable cratons, this tectonic setting is somewhat anomalous and, therefore, it is desirable to characterise the diamonds in terms of their infrared characteristics. A suite of diamonds of known paragenesis from the Venetia mine spans a large range of nitrogen concentrations from less than the detection limit to 1,355 ppm. Diamond nitrogen contents are, on average, higher in the eclogitic diamond population relative to the websteritic and peridotitic diamonds. Nitrogen aggregation states are variable, ranging from almost pure type IaA diamond (poorly aggregated nitrogen) to pure type IaB diamond (highly aggregated nitrogen). On a nitrogen aggregation diagram two distinct groups can be identified based on nitrogen content and nitrogen aggregation state. These are a minor population of diamonds with nitrogen contents generally higher than 500 ppm and nitrogen aggregation states of less than 40% IaB, and another, dominant population that is characterised by higher and more variable nitrogen aggregation. The unusually aggregated nature of the majority of the diamonds analysed is unique to Venetia relative to other intrusives on the Kaapvaal-Kalahari craton, but is similar to aggregation states observed for diamonds from other craton margin or adjacent mobile belt settings such as the Argyle lamproite and the George Creek kimberlite. This could be a consequence of diamond mantle residence at mantle temperatures higher than the norm for other kimberlites from the interior of cratons. Deformation of the mantle, associated with dynamic processes such as orogenesis or subduction, might also be responsible for accelerating the rate of nitrogen aggregation in these diamonds. Low numbers of diamonds with degradation of platelets at the Venetia kimberlite, relative to diamonds from the Argyle lamproite, indicate that deformation was at a significantly lower level. The comparatively low value of diamonds from Argyle (at approximately US8/carat) as opposed to Venetia (US8/carat) as opposed to Venetia (US90/carat) is in large part because of the very high abundance of brown diamonds at Argyle. Therefore, it is apparent that deformational history of the mantle in which the diamonds were resident prior to or during sampling by the host may have an important role to play in the profitability of a primary diamond deposit. The apparently consistent association of diamonds with unusually aggregated nitrogen with kimberlites, or lamproites intruded into craton margin or mobile belt settings suggests that it may be possible to recognise such contributory sources in alluvial diamond deposits, through the study of the infrared characteristics of the diamonds. Electronic supplementary material to this paper can be obtained by using the Springer Link server located at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00410-002-0385-2     

Erratum to: A spatio-temporal three-dimensional conceptualization and simulation of Dera Ismail Khan alluvial aquifer in visual MODFLOW: a case study from Pakistan

The Gour Oumelalen area exposes Paleoproterozoic (1.9 Ga) marbles and calc-silicate granulites. Some marbles show a specific mineralogy characterized by the presence of a highly aluminous clinopyroxene with Al₂O₃ content exceeding16 wt%. This clinopyroxene shows a marked zoning with a hedenbergitic core rimmed by fassaite. Phase relations are expressed by spectacular reaction textures in calc-silicate granulites as Opx + Cpx + Pl + H₂O  == > Grt + Qtz ± Am and Cpx + Ilm + Pl ± Mt = > Grt + Qtz + Spn. In olivine-bearing marbles, clinopyroxene and dolomite occur around olivine and calcite. According to thermodynamic modeling in the Na₂O–CaO–FeO–MgO–Al₂O₃–SiO₂–H₂O–TiO₂–Fe₂O₃ (NCFMASHTO) system, the first stage of metamorphism is located at 800 °C and 6–7 kbar, which is followed by an increase in pressure at 9–10 kbar and 800 °C and an isobaric cooling at 680 °C. The deduced anticlockwise P–T path is consistent with a granulitic metamorphism occurring in an active continental margin context.

     

Comparison of enigmatic diamonds from the Tolbachik arc volcano (Kamchatka) and Tibetan ophiolites: Assessing the role of contamination by synthetic materials

The enigmatic appearance of cuboctahedral diamonds in ophiolitic and arc volcanic rocks with morphology and infrared characteristics similar to synthetic diamonds that were grown from metal solvent requires a critical reappraisal. We have studied 15 diamond crystals and fragments from Tolbachik volcano lava flows, using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), synchrotron X-ray fluorescence (SRXRF) and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). FTIR spectra of Tolbachik diamonds correspond to typical type Ib patterns of synthetic diamonds. In TEM films prepared using focused ion beam technique, we find Mn-Ni and Mn-Si inclusions in Tolbachik diamonds. SRXRF spectra indicate the presence of Fe-Ni and Fe-Ni-Mn inclusions with Cr, Ti, Cu, and Zn impurities. LA-ICP-MS data show variable but significantly elevated concentrations of Mn, Fe, Ni, and Cu reaching up to 70 ppm. These transition metal concentration levels are comparable with those determined by LA-ICP-MS for similar diamonds from Tibetan ophiolites. Mn-Ni (+Fe) solvent was widely used to produce industrial synthetic diamonds in the former USSR and Russia with very similar proportions of these metals. Hence, it appears highly probable that the cuboctahedral diamonds recovered from Kamchatka arc volcanic rocks represent contamination and are likely derived from drilling tools or other hard instruments. Kinetic data on diamond dissolution in basaltic magma or in fluid phase demonstrate that diamond does not form under the pressures and temperature conditions prevalent within the magmatic system beneath the modern-day Klyuchevskoy group of arc volcanoes. We also considered reference data for inclusions in ophiolitic diamonds and compared them with the composition of solvent used in industrial diamond synthesis in China. The similar inclusion chemistry close to Ni₇₀Mn₂₅Co₅ for ophiolitic and synthetic Chinese diamonds scrutinized here suggests that most diamonds recovered from Tibetan and other ophiolites are not natural but instead have a synthetic origin. In order to mitigate further dubious reports of diamonds from unconventional tectonic settings and source rocks, we propose a set of discrimination criteria to better distinguish natural cuboctahedral diamonds from those produced synthetically in industrial environments and found as contaminants in mantle- and crust-derived rocks.     

Quantitative sinkhole hazard assessment. A case study from the Ebro Valley evaporite alluvial karst (NE Spain)

Quantitative sinkhole hazard assessments in karst areas allow calculation of the potential sinkhole risk and the performance of cost-benefit analyses. These estimations are of practical interest for planning, engineering, and insurance purposes. The sinkhole hazard assessments should include two components: the probability of occurrence of sinkholes (sinkholes/km² year) and the severity of the sinkholes, which mainly refers to the subsidence mechanisms (progressive passive bending or catastrophic collapse) and the size of the sinkholes at the time of formation; a critical engineering design parameter. This requires the compilation of an exhaustive database on recent sinkholes, including information on the: (1) location, (2) chronology (precise date or age range), (3) size, and (4) subsidence mechanisms and rate. This work presents a hazard assessment from an alluvial evaporite karst area (0.81 km²) located in the periphery of the city of Zaragoza (Ebro River valley, NE Spain). Five sinkholes and four locations with features attributable to karstic subsidence where identified in an initial investigation phase providing a preliminary probability of occurrence of 0.14 sinkholes/km² year (11.34% in annual probability). A trenching program conducted in a subsequent investigation phase allowed us to rule out the four probable sinkholes, reducing the probability of occurrence to 0.079 sinkholes/km² year (6.4% in annual probability). The information on the severity indicates that collapse sinkholes 10–15 m in diameter may occur in the area. A detailed study of the deposits and deformational structures exposed by trenching in one of the sinkholes allowed us to infer a modern collapse sinkhole approximately 12 m in diameter and with a vertical throw of 8 m. This collapse structure is superimposed on a subsidence sinkhole around 80 m across that records at least 1.7 m of synsedimentary subsidence. Trenching, in combination with dating techniques, is proposed as a useful methodology to elucidate the origin of depressions with uncertain diagnosis and to gather practical information with predictive utility about particular sinkholes in alluvial karst settings: precise location, subsidence mechanisms and magnitude, and timing and rate of the subsidence episodes.     

A mineralogical Raman spectroscopy study on eclogitic garnet inclusions in diamonds from Argyle

In an attempt to better define the depths of formation of eclogitic-paragenesis diamonds from the Argyle lamproite pipe, we have employed a Laser Raman microprobe to determine the Raman peak shift of a garnet inclusion (extracted from diamond) with pressure in a diamond-anvil pressure cell. On the basis of these data, we further found that the in situ garnet inclusions record near-atmospheric pressures within the limits of experimental uncertainty. Data on the compressibility and thermal expansivity of both diamond and garnet were used to define a P-T curve for the entrapment of garnet in diamond. A window within the range 47 kbar at 1100° C (150 km) to 93 kbar at 1500° C (280 km) for the formation of syngenetic garnet inclusions in diamond is defined by the intersection of the continental geotherm with the diamond-graphite boundary and the entrapment curve determined in the present study. This P-T window is consistent with the constraints imposed by other petrological studies of co-existing inclusions. Most of eclogitic-paragenesis diamonds from Argyle are estimated to have formed at a depth less than 250 km, if temperature estimates from petrological study are used.     

Using detrital garnets to determine provenance: a case study from the Vertiskos Unit (Serbomacedonian Massif,N. Greece)

Garnet single crystals of several millimeters in diameter were collected from the uppermost horizon of a soil profile developing immediately on the gneissic rocks of the Vertiskos Unit of the Serbomacedonian Massif in northern Greece. The garnets were analyzed for major elements by EDS analyzer mounted on a scanning electron microscope, and the obtained data were utilized to determine their source rocks. Bivariate diagrams, spider diagrams as well as statistical analysis were used in order to correlate and compare the garnet composition of the basement rocks of the Vertiskos Unit with the existing reference data. This case study demonstrates the difficulty in assigning a source rock to sediment, using only the chemical compositional of detrital garnet. Direct linking of the detrital garnets and the outcropping rocks is not always possible despite well documented outcrop lithologies. This is largely due to a complex metamorphic evolution that leads to overlapping compositions between garnets originating from different lithologies that have undergone similar metamorphic processes and alteration effects.