Regional metamorphism and hydrothermal alteration related to Miocene submarine volcanism ('green tuff') in the Yurihara oil and gas field, northwest Honshu Island, Japan

Abstract Alteration of reservoir rocks in the Yurihara Oil and Gas Field, hereafter referred to as the ‘Yurihara field’, have been examined by using samples from six wells. These rocks are basalts in the lowermost part of the basin-fills (‘green tuff’ Formation). These basalts were produced in many eruptions in a submarine environment during the early to middle Miocene, and they underwent continuous intensive alteration genetically associated with Miocene submarine volcanism. The alteration of the basalts is of two types: low grade metamorphism and hydrothermal. The former belongs to the type of ocean floor metamorphism and comprises two subgroups: zeolite (zone I) and prehnite-pumpellyite (zones IIa: vein and amygdule occurrence, and IIb: replacing plagioclase). The latter is characterized by potassic metasomatism accompanied by adularia, quartz and calcite veins (zones IIIa: center and IIIb: margin of the metasomatism). This overprints the low grade metamorphic alteration. The central zone of hydrothermal alteration coincides with a major estimated fault, so that fluids probably assent along the fault. The basalts erupted during 16.5-15.5 Ma, determined by planktonic foraminifera assemblages of inter-bedded shales, then underwent successive low grade metamorphism. In time, the hydrothermal alteration that overprints low grade metamorphism occurred. Adularia veins of the altered rocks located in the hydrothermal alteration zones (zone IIIa and IIIb) have been dated as 9 Ma determined by the K-Ar method. This fact indicates that the activity of low grade metamorphism had already crossed the peak before hydrothermal alteration occurred at 9 Ma. The shape of isotherms of fluid inclusion homogenization temperatures (Th) and that of isolines of apparent salinity (Tm) almost coincide with each other, and these also coincide with the distribution of hydrothermal alteration (zones IIIa and IIIb). This indicates that the fluid inclusions formed at the same time as ascending fluids produced the potassic metasomatism. The maximum Th of the fluid inclusions is 222°C and Tm indicates trapped fluids of up to 3.3 wt% equivalent NaCl (i.e. almost the same as seawater). A Th versus Tm plot indicates mixing occurred between hydrothermal fluids and formation water that has low salinity. Corrensite and chlorite form veins, and the temperatures of their formation, estimated by the extent of aluminium substitution into the tetrahedral site of chlorite, ranges between 165 and 245°C in the centre of the hydrothermal alteration zone (zone IIIa). This is consistent with the result of Th analyses. The deposition temperature of chlorite associated with prehnite in veins ranges between 190 and 215°C in zones IIa and IIb.     

Petrographic and mineralogical study of hydrothermal alteration of the Rokko Granite at Hakusui-kyo and Horai-kyo along the Arima-Takatsuki Tectonic Line in western Japan

Field, hand specimen, and microscopic investigations alongside X-ray diffraction analyses revealed four types of hydrothermal alteration (Type-A, -B, -C, and -D) based on the mode of occurrence of altered rocks and alteration mineral assemblage at Hakusui-kyo and Horai-kyo along the Arima-Takatsuki Tectonic Line (ATTL) in western Japan. Type-A alteration locally occurred as gray alteration halos with sulfide minerals. Type-B and -C alterations were confined to fault gouge veins and occurred as greenish-gray veins and brown veins, respectively. Type-C alteration crosscut Type-B alteration. These alterations were associated with a number of granitic fragments including cohesive breccia and micrographic facies. Type-D alteration occurred locally in brown sediments. Different mineralogical features in the four alterations are summarized as (Type-A) illite; (Type-B) chlorite; (Type-C) limonite (Fe³⁺ hydroxides and goethite) and calcite; and (Type-D) limonite. We propose that the alterations can be broadly divided into Paleocene hydrothermal alteration (Type-A) and post-Late Miocene hydrothermal alteration (Type-B, -C, and -D): Type-A alteration occurred at approximately 200 °C during hydrothermal activity after a granitic intrusion in Late Cretaceous; Type-B, -C and -D alterations occurred under hydrothermal activity accompanying deep fluids with repeated ascents invoked by the seismicity of the ATTL after the Late Miocene. The fluids may have been the “Arima-type thermal waters” (i.e., mixtures of convective groundwater and Na-Ca-Cl-HCO₃-type fluids). Type-B alteration occurred in fractures at depths where the temperature was ≥150 °C. Type-C alteration overprinted Type-B alteration as a result of mixing of new deep fluids and descending oxidized meteoric water near the surface. Fe³⁺ hydroxides and calcite precipitated from the fluids due to the oxidation of Fe²⁺ and the degassing of CO₂, respectively, at ambient to near-boiling temperatures. When the ascending fluids gushed out from the fractures, they generated Type-D alteration at the surface under similar temperature conditions due to the oxidation of Fe²⁺.     

Behaviour of rare earth elements during hydrothermal alteration at the Buena Esperanza copper-silver deposit, northern Chile

A study of the REE behaviour in alteration zones of the Buena Esperanza subvolcanic CuAg deposit, located in the Coastal Range of northern Chile, reveals that the elements are mobile in the rocks during alteration. The ore-forming process developed in three different stages of alteration-mineralization.

The hydrothermal alteration of the early and middle stages affected basaltic fragments of a breccia pipe. La and Ce were leached from the rock fragments located at the bottom and at the middle part of the breccia pipe and partly redeposited at the top during alteration. Sm, Eu and Tb were released selectively and the heavy REE behaved as relatively immobile elements. Sericite is the most important alteration mineral for fixing the REE during this stage. The incoming fluids had low REE contents.

The late stage of hydrothermal alteration happened simultaneously with the intrusion of a gabbroic volcanic neck, affecting mainly these subvolcanic rocks. REE patterns of samples from the top and bottom of the alteration zone exhibit roughly parallel trends, but are systematically enriched in REE in comparison to unaltered samples. This enrichment seems to be more intensive at the top of the altered area coinciding with the enrichment of Rb, K and Cu in these rocks. Epidote plays the most important role for fixing this hydrothermal input of REE during the latest stage of alteration.     

Lithium and lithium isotope profiles through the upper oceanic crust: a study of seawater-basalt exchange at ODP Sites 504B and 896A

Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Hole 504B near the Costa Rica Rift is the deepest hole drilled in the ocean crust, penetrating a volcanic section, a transition zone and a sheeted dike complex. The distribution of Li and its isotopes through this 1.8-km section of oceanic crust reflects the varying conditions of seawater alteration with depth. The upper volcanic rocks, altered at low temperatures, are enriched in Li (5.6-27.3 ppm) and have heavier isotopic compositions (δ⁷Li=6.6-20.8‰) relative to fresh mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) due to uptake of seawater Li into alteration clays. The Li content and isotopic compositions of the deeper volcanic rocks are similar to MORB, reflecting restricted seawater circulation in this section. The transition zone is a region of mixing of seawater with upwelling hydrothermal fluids and sulfide mineralization. Li enrichment in this zone is accompanied by relatively light isotopic compositions (−0.8-2.1‰) which signify influence of basalt-derived Li during mineralization and alteration. Li decreases with depth to 0.6 ppm in the sheeted dike complex as a result of increasing hydrothermal extraction in the high-temperature reaction zone. Rocks in the dike complex have variable isotopic values that range from −1.7 to 7.9‰, depending on the extent of hydrothermal recrystallization and off-axis low-temperature alteration. Hydrothermally altered rocks are isotopically light because ⁶Li is preferentially retained in greenschist and amphibolite facies minerals. The δ⁷Li values of the highly altered rocks of the dike complex are complementary to those of high-temperature mid-ocean ridge vent fluids and compatible to equilibrium control by the alteration mineral assemblage. The inventory of Li in basement rocks permits a reevaluation of the role of oceanic crust in the budget of Li in the ocean. On balance, the upper 1.8 km of oceanic crusts remains a sink for oceanic Li. The observations at 504B and an estimated flux from the underlying 0.5 km of gabbro suggest that the global hydrothermal flux is at most 8×10⁹ mol/yr, compatible with geophysical thermal models. This work defines the distribution of Li and its isotopes in the upper ocean crust and provides a basis to interpret the contribution of subducted lithosphere to arc magmas and cycling of crustal material in the deep mantle.     

Oxygen isotope evidence for submarine hydrothermal alteration of the Del Puerto ophiolite, California

The oxygen isotope compositions and metamorphic mineral assemblages of hydrothermally altered rocks from the Del Puerto ophiolite and overlying volcaniclastic sedimentary rocks at the base of the Great Valley sequence indicate that their alteration occurred in a submarine hydrothermal system. Whole rock δ¹⁸O compositions decrease progressively down section (with increasing metamorphic grade): +22.4‰ (SMOW) to +13.8 for zeolite-bearing volcaniclastic sedimentary rocks overlying the ophiolite; +19.6 to +11.6 for pumpellyite-bearing metavolcanic rocks in the upper part of the ophiolite's volcanic member; +12.3 to +8.1 for epidote-bearing metavolcanic rocks in the lower part of the volcanic member; +8.5 to +5.7 for greenschist facies rocks from the ophiolite's plutonic member; +7.6 to +5.8 for amphibolite facies or unmetamorphosed rocks from the plutonic member.

Modelling of fluid-rock interaction in the Del Puerto ophiolite indicates that the observed pattern of upward enrichment in whole rock δ¹⁸O can be best explained by isotopic exchange with discharging¹⁸O-shifted seawater at fluid/rock mass ratios near 2 and temperatures below 500°C.¹⁸O-depleted plutonic rocks necessarily produced during hydrothermal circulation were later removed as a result of tectonism. Submarine weathering and later burial metamorphism at the base of the Great Valley sequence cannot by itself have produced the zonation of hydrothermal minerals and the corresponding variations in oxygen isotope compositions. The pervasive zeolite and prehnite-pumpellyite facies mineral assemblages found in the Del Puerto ophiolite may reflect its origin near an island arc rather than deep ocean spreading center.     

Comparison of hydrothermal alteration of carboniferous carbonate and siliclastic rocks in the Valles caldera with outcrops from the Socorro caldera, New Mexico

Continental Scientific Drilling Program (CSDP) drill hole VC-2B [total depth 1761.7 m (5780 ft); maximum temperature 295 °C] was continuously cored through the Sulphur Springs hydrothermal system in the western ring-fracture zone of the 1.14 Ma Valles caldera. Among other units, the hole penetrated 760.2 m (2494.1 ft) of Paleozoic carbonate and siliciclastic strata underlying caldera fill and precaldera volcanic and epiclastic rocks. Comparison of the VC-2B Paleozoic rocks with corresponding lithologies within and around the 32.1 Ma Socorro caldera, 192 km ( 119 miles) to the south-southwest, provides insight into the variability of alteration responses to similar caldera-related hydrothermal regimes.The Pennsylvanian Madera Limestone and Sandia Formation from VC-2B preserve many of the sedimentological and diagenetic features observed in these units on a regional basis and where unaffected by high temperatures or hydrothermal activity. Micrites in these formations in VC-2B are generally altered and mineralized only where fractured or brecciated, that is, where hydrothermal solutions could invade carbonate rocks which were otherwise essentially impermeable. Alteration intensity (and correspondingly inferred paleopermeability) is only slightly higher in carbonate packstones and grainstones, low to intermediate in siltstones and claystones, and high in poorly cemented sandstones. Hydrothermal fracture-filling phases in these rocks comprise sericite (and phengite), chlorite, allanite, apatite, an unidentified zeolite and sphene in various combinations, locally with sphalerite, galena, pyrite and chalcopyrite. Terrigenous feldspars and clays are commonly altered to chlorite and seriate, and euhedral anhydrite “porphyroblasts” with minor chlorite occur in Sandia Formation siltstone. Fossils are typically unaltered, but the walls of some colonial bryozoans in the Madera Limestone are altered to the assemblage chlorite-sericite-epidote-allanite. La, Ce and Nd are present in an unidentified hydrothermal mineral occurring throughout much of the VC-2B Pennsylvanian sequence.Carboniferous carbonate and siliciclastic formations within and around the Socorro caldera show a similar style of alteration and mineralization to their Valles caldera counterparts, but by contrast locally host commercial, caldera-related, base-metal sulfide deposits. As in the Valles rocks, mineralization and alteration in those of the Socorro caldera were strongly controlled by porosity. Unless disrupted by fractures, breccias, or karst cavities ( not identified in Valles caldera drill holes), the rocks remained relatively unaltered. Where these features allowed ingress of mineralizing hydrothermal solutions, base-metal sulfides and rare-earth-element-bearing minerals were precipitated.     

An assessment of hydrothermal alteration in the Santiaguito lava dome complex, Guatemala: implications for dome collapse hazards

A combination of field mapping, geochemistry, and remote sensing methods has been employed to determine the extent of hydrothermal alteration and assess the potential for failure at the Santiaguito lava dome complex, Guatemala. The 90-year-old complex of four lava domes has only experienced relatively small and infrequent dome collapses in the past, which were associated with lava extrusion. However, existing evidence of an active hydrothermal system coupled with intense seasonal precipitation also presents ideal conditions for instability related to weakened clay-rich edifice rocks. Mapping of the Santiaguito dome complex identified structural features related to dome growth dynamics, potential areas of weakness related to erosion, and locations of fumarole fields. X-ray diffraction and backscattered electron images taken with scanning electron microscopy of dacite and ash samples collected from around fumaroles revealed only minor clay films, and little evidence of alteration. Mineral mapping using ASTER and Hyperion satellite images, however, suggest low-temperature (<150 °C) silicic alteration on erosional surfaces of the domes, but not the type of pervasive acid-sulfate alteration implicated in collapses of other altered edifices. To evaluate the possibility of internal alteration, we re-examined existing aqueous geochemical data from dome-fed hot springs. The data indicate significant water–rock interaction, but the Na–Mg–K geoindicator suggests only a short water residence time, and δ¹⁸O/δD ratios show only minor shifts from the meteoric water line with little precipitation of secondary (alteration) minerals. Based on available data, hydrothermal alteration on the dome complex appears to be restricted to surficial deposits of hydrous silica, but the study has highlighted, importantly, that the 1902 eruption crater headwall of Santa María does show more advanced argillic alteration. We also cannot rule out the possibility of advanced alteration within the dome complex interior that is not accessible to the methods used here. It may therefore be prudent to employ geophysical methods to make further assessments in the future.     

Amphibolitization within the lower crust in the termination area of the Godzilla Megamullion,an oceanic core complex in the Parece Vela Basin

Gabbroic rocks and amphibolites were collected from the KR03‐01‐D10 dredge site located on the West Arm Rise of the Godzilla Megamullion, close to the Parece Vela Rift which appears to correspond to the termination area of a detachment fault, the Philippine Sea. The gabbroic rocks and amphibolites reveal the occurrence of a high hydrothermal activity in the lower crust close to a paleo‐ridge. In the gabbroic rocks, plagioclase compositions of both porphyroclasts and matrix were transformed into sodium‐rich compositions close to albite. Amphiboles are of secondary rather than igneous origin based on their microstructural occurrences. In the amphibolites, anorthite contents of porphyroclasts and matrix plagioclase are relatively lower than those of the gabbroic rocks, whereas the chemical compositions of amphibole within the amphibolites are similar to those of amphibole within the gabbroic rocks. Amphibolites represent the product of retrograde metamorphism associated with hydrothermal alteration of the gabbroic body by the reaction: clinopyroxene + calcic plagioclase + fluid → amphibole + sodic plagioclase. The estimated temperatures of the amphibolites derived from the amphibole thermobarometer and the gabbroic rocks derived from the hornblende–plagioclase geothermometer show ～700–950°C and 650–840°C, respectively. The hydrothermal alteration recorded in the gabbroic rocks possibly occurred under high‐T conditions; the rocks were then metamorphosed to the amphibolites during a retrogressive stage. Our study indicates that amphibolitization took place with various degrees of deformation. It may imply that the hydrothermal activity increased as the Godzilla Megamullion developed as an oceanic core complex in the paleo‐ridge.     

U–Pb dating of zircon in hydrothermally altered rocks as a correlation tool: Application to the Mangakino geothermal field,New Zealand

Recognition and correlation of rock units within geothermal fields is often hampered by high degrees of alteration that obscure primary mineralogies and lithological boundaries, and preclude direct dating by radiometric techniques. Magmatic zircons are commonly present in silicic volcanic rocks, where zircon saturation was achieved and zircons crystallized up to the point of eruption. Young zircons are highly resistant to hydrothermal alteration and can yield a record of their crystallization ages in otherwise heavily altered rocks. Zircon crystallization-age spectra have been obtained by SIMS techniques (SHRIMP-RG) from three samples of cuttings and a core sample from ignimbrite penetrated in 3 drillholes up to ~ 3.2 km deep at the Mangakino geothermal field in New Zealand. The crystallization ages are similar between the drillcore and cutting samples, indicating that downhole mixing of cuttings has not been important, and showing collectively that volcanic units of closely similar ages are represented between ~ 1.4 and ~ 3.2 km depth. This is despite apparent changes in the inferred primary volcanic lithology that had led to earlier inferences that multiple ignimbrites of contrasting age were present in this depth interval. Comparisons of zircon crystallization-age spectra and inferred primary mineralogical characteristics from the drillhole samples with surficial ignimbrites that crop out west of Mangakino suggest that the boreholes have entered a > 1.8-km-thick intracaldera fill of ignimbrite generated in the closely-spaced Kidnappers and Rocky Hill eruptions at ~ 1 Ma.     

Hydrothermal alteration of plagioclase microphenocrysts and glass in basalts from the East Pacific Rise near 13°N: An SEM-EDS study

The interactions of seafloor hydrothermal fluid with igneous rocks can result in leaching elements from the rocks,creating potential ore-forming fluids and influencing the chemical compositions of near-bottom seawater.The hydrothermal alteration of plagioclase microphenocrysts and basaltic glass in the pillow basalts from one dredge station(103°57.62′′W,12°50.55′N,water depth 2480 m)on the East Pacific Rise(EPR)near 13°N were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope(SEM)and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry(EDS).The results show that the edges of the plagioclase microphenocrysts and the basaltic glass fragments are altered but the pyroxene and olivine microphenocrysts in the interior of the pillow basalts appear to be unaffected by the hydrothermal fluids.In addition,our results show that the chemical alteration at the rims of the plagioclase microphenocrysts and the edges of basaltic glass fragments can be divided into separate types of alteration.The chemical difference in hydrothermal alteration of the plagioclase microphenocrysts and the basaltic glass indicate that different degrees of hydrothermal fluid-solid phase interaction have taken place at the surface of the pillow basalts.If the degree of hydrothermal fluid-solid phase interaction is relatively minor,Si,Al,Ca and Na diffuse from the inside of the solid phase out and as a result these elements have a tendency to accumulate in the edge of the plagioclase microphenocrysts or basaltic glass.If the degree of hydrothermal fluid-solid phase interaction is relatively strong,Si,Al,Ca and Na also diffuse from the inside of solid phase out but these elements will have a relatively low concentration in the edge of the plagioclase microphenocrysts or basaltic glass.Based on the chemical variation observed in the edges of plagioclase microphenocrysts and basaltic glass,we estimate that the content of Si,Al and Fe in the edges of plagioclase microphenocrysts can have a variation of 10.69%,17.59%and 109%,respectively.Similarly,the Si,Al and Fe concentrations in the edges of basaltic glass can have a variation of 9.79%,16.30%and 37.83%,respectively,during the interaction of hydrothermal fluids and seafloor pillow basalt.     

Geology of the BK9 kimberlite (Damtshaa,Botswana): implications for the formation of dark volcaniclastic kimberlite

The BK9 kimberlite consists of three overlapping pipes. It contains two dark varieties of massive volcaniclastic kimberlite, informally termed dark volcaniclastic kimberlite (DVK). DVK(ns) is present in the north and south pipes and is interbedded with lenses of basalt breccia at the margins of the pipes. DVK(c) is present within the central pipe where it is overlain by a sequence of basalt breccias with interbedded volcanogenic sediments. The features observed within the DVK units of the BK9 kimberlite provide strong evidence for gas fluidisation of the accumulating pyroclastic material. These include the massive interior of the pipes, marginal epiclastic units, well-dispersed country-rock xenoliths and small-scale heterogeneities in lithic clast abundance. The upper portions of the central pipe provide a record of the transition from pyroclastic eruption and infill to passive epiclastic infilling of the crater, after the eruption has ceased. The wall-rock of the BK9 kimberlite dips inwards and is interpreted as post pipe-fill subsidence of the adjacent country rock. The two DVK units contain interstitial, silt-sized pyroclasts. The DVK(ns) has a higher fraction of former melt and displays evidence of incipient welding, as a result of differences in eruption dynamics. These units demonstrate that whilst DVK is comparable in many respects to MVK and forms part of a spectrum of volcaniclastic rocks formed by fluidisation, it differs in frequently containing silt-sized particles and including agglutinated and welded varieties with a high melt fraction. The DVK varieties, studied here, also have a distinctive hydrothermal assemblage, resulting from the abundance of low-silica accidental lithic clasts. Both the hydrothermal alteration and the abundance of silt-sized particles contribute to the DVKs distinctive dark colour.     

petrological and geochemical characteristics of quarternary volcanic rocks in haixing area,eastern north china

Field investigation and lab analysis on samples were carried out for Quaternary volcanoes, including Xiaoshan volcano, Dashan volcano and Bianzhuang hidden volcano, in Haixing area, east of North China. Results show that Xiaoshan volcano with the eruptive material of volcanic scoria, crystal fragments and volcanic ash is a maar volcano, the eruptive pattern is pheatomagmatic eruption, and the influence scope is near the crater. Dashan volcano exploded in the early stage, and then the magma intruded, forming the volcanic neck. The eruption strength and scale are limited, and the eruptive materials are scoria, volcanic agglomerate and dense lava neck. The volcanic rocks in Bianzhuang are porosity and dense volcanic rocks and volcanic breccia, reflecting the pattern of weak explosive eruption and lava flow, and the K-Ar age dating on volcanic rocks indicates that the eruption happened in early Pleistocene. Xiaoshan volcanic scoria and Bianzhuang hidden volcanic rocks are mainly basaltic, Dashan volcanic rocks with lower SiO₂ content are nephelinite in composition. Their oxide contents have no linear relationship, indicating that there is no magma evolution relationship between these magmas from the three places. Three volcanic rocks all have enrichment of light rare earth. The Bianzhuang volcanic rocks are rich in large ion lithophile elements, and have no high field strength elements Zr and Hf, Ti losses. The volcanic materials from Xiaoshan and Dashan are intensively rich in Th, U, Nb and Ta, and significantly poor in K and Ti. Although the magmas from these three places in Haixing area may all come from asthenosphere, the volcanic materials have different petrological and geochemical features, and relatively independent volcanic structures, therefore, they experienced different magma processes.     

The historic magmatic-hydrothermal eruption of the Breccia di Commenda, Vulcano, Italy

The historic Breccia di Commenda (BC) explosive eruption of Vulcano (Aeolian Islands, Italy) opened with a phase that generated a gray fine ash layer dispersed to the northwest (phase 1). The eruption continued with a dilute pyroclastic density current (PDC) that was dispersed to the east, followed by the emplacement of radially distributed, topographically controlled PDC deposits (phase 2). The last phase of the eruption produced a sequence of accretionary lapilli and gray fine ash dispersed toward the southeast (phase 3). The most impressive feature of the BC is its high lithic/juvenile clast ratio and the yellow color of the deposits of phase 2. Lithic fragments are mainly hydrothermally altered rocks, in the silicic and advanced argillic facies. Juvenile fragments, ranging from 20?% to 40?% by volume, are mainly confined to the ash component of the deposits and comprise rhyolitic to trachyandesite, poorly to non-vesicular fragments. The fine ash fraction of the deposits is richer in S, Cu, Zn, Pb, and As than the BC juvenile lapilli and bombs, and also the juvenile components of other La Fossa units, suggesting that the BC formed in the presence of an anomalously high amount of S and metals. Sulfur and metals may have been carried as aerosols by chloride- and sulfate-bearing micro-crystals, derived from the condensation of magmatic gas in the eruptive cloud. The high content of hydrothermally altered lithic clasts in the deposits suggests that explosions involved the fluid-saturated hydrothermally altered rocks residing in the conduit zone. However, the presence of a juvenile component in the deposits supports the idea that this explosion may have been triggered by the ascent of new magma. We categorize this eruption as magmatic-hydrothermal to emphasize that in this type of phreatomagmatic eruption the external water was an active hydrothermal system. Rock magnetic temperatures of non-altered lava lithic fragments indicate a uniform deposit temperature for the PDC deposits of between 200 and 260?°C, with a maximum at 280?°C. These homogeneous, relatively low temperatures are consistent with the idea that the phase 2 explosions involved the expansion of abundant steam from the flashing of the hydrothermal system. In addition, recent paleomagnetic dating of the BC provides an age of between 1000 and 1200?AD, younger than that reported in the previously published data, suggesting that previous interpretations and the recent history of La Fossa and Mt. Pilato require re-evaluation.     

Lateral variations in the lithology and organic chemistry of a black shale sequence on the Mesoarchean seafloor affected by hydrothermal processes: The Dixon Island Formation of the coastal Pilbara Terrane,Western Australia

The Dixon Island Formation of the coastal Pilbara Terrane, Western Australia is a 3.2 Ga volcanic–sedimentary sequence influenced by syndepositional hydrothermal activity formed in an island‐arc setting. We documented lateral variations in stratigraphy, hydrothermal alteration, and biological activity recorded in the sedimentary rocks (over several kilometers), with the aim of identifying areas of biological activity and related small‐scale structures. The Dixon Island Formation comprises volcaniclastics, black chert, and iron‐rich chert within seven tectonic blocks. Based on detailed geological mapping, stratigraphic columns, carbon isotope composition, and organic carbon (C_org) content, we found lateral (>5 km) variations in stratigraphy and carbon isotope compositions in a black chert sequence above the Mesoarchean seafloor with hydrothermal activity. Two felsic tuff layers are used as stratigraphic marker beds within a black chert sequence, which was deposited on altered volcanic rocks. The black chert sequence in each tectonic block is 10–20 m thick. Thickness variations reflect topographical undulations in the paleo‐ocean floor due to faulting. Early‐stage normal faults indicate extensional conditions after hydrothermal activity. Black chert beds in the topographically subsided area contain higher C_org contents (about 0.4 wt%) than in areas around the depression (<0.1 wt%). Carbon isotope compositions for the black chert vary from ?40 to ?25‰, which are similar to values obtained for a black chert vein within the komatiite–rhyolite tuff sequence (underlying the black chert sequence). Those for other rock types in the Dixon Island Formation are ?33 to ?15‰. Results indicate that deformation occurred soon after the final stages of hydrothermal activity. After this early‐stage deformation, organic‐rich sediments were deposited over an area several kilometers across. The organic‐rich sediments indicate stagnant anoxic conditions that resulted in the deposition of siliceous and organic matter from hydrothermal vein systems. When hydrothermal activity terminated, normal faulting occurred and organic matter was deposited from the sea surface and silica from the seafloor.     

K/Ar dates of hydrothermal clays from core hole VC-2B, Valles caldera, New Mexico and their relation to alteration in a large hydrothermal system

Seventeen K/Ar dates were obtained on illitic clays within Valles caldera (1.13 Ma) to investigate the impact of hydrothermal alteration on Quaternary to Precambrian intracaldera and pre-caldera rocks in a large, long-lived hydrothermal system ( 1.0 Ma to present). Clay samples came from scientific core hole VC-2B (295°C at 1762 m) which was spudded in the Sulphur Springs thermal area and drilled into the boundary between the central resurgent dome and the western ring-fracture zone. Six illitic clays within Quaternary caldera-fill debris flow, tuffaceous sediment, and ash-flow tuff (48 to 587 m depth) yield ages from 0.35 to 1.09 Ma. Illite from Miocene pre-caldera sandstone (765 m) gives an age of 6.74 Ma. Two dates on illite from sandstones in Permian red beds (1008 and 1187 m) are 4.33 and 4.07 Ma, respectively. Surprisingly, three dates on illites from altered andesite pebbles within the red beds (1010–1014 m) are 0.95 to 1.06 Ma. Four illite dates on variably altered Precambrian quartz monzonite (1615–1762 m) range from 2.90 to 276 Ma.Post-Valles age illite is not correlated with alteration style (argillic to propylitic). Rather, post-Valles ages are uniformly obtained from illites in highly fractured, intensely altered, caldera-fill rocks and the Permian volcanic clasts. Generally, finer clay fractions from identical samples yield younger ages. Plots of ⁴⁰Ar/³⁶Ar versus ⁴⁰K/³⁶Ar and ⁴⁰Ar* versus ⁴⁰K for the illites in caldera-fill rocks lie close to a 1-Ma isochron. Most illite dates older than Valles caldera are difficult to interpret because they correspond to the ages of pre-Valles volcanic and hydrothermal episodes in the Jemez volcanic field ( 13 Ma). In addition, older dates may be caused by co-mingling of different illites during sample preparation, or by inherited argon or lost argon in illites from rocks with potentially complex hydrothermal histories. However, the range of ages obtained from illites in Permian sands and pebbles and from Precambrian crystalline rocks indicates that Valles hydrothermal activity is overwhelming illite produced by earlier geologic events.     

The hydrothermal vent system of Mount Ruapehu,New Zealand — a high frequency MT survey of the summit plateau

High frequency magnetotelluric (MT) measurements made on the summit plateau of Mount Ruapehu, some 1 km to the north of the presently active vent beneath Crater Lake, have been used to derive the electrical resistivity structure associated with the volcanic hydrothermal vent system. The entire summit plateau area is underlain at shallow depth by low resistivity which is inferred to be the result of hydrothermal alteration caused by rising volcanic gases mixing with local groundwater. Two areas of localised higher resistivity, one between 200 and 500 m depth beneath the central part of the plateau, and one at a depth of 1000 m below the northern part of the plateau, are interpreted as being the result of hydrothermal alteration at higher temperature forming chlorite dominated alteration products. These regions are believed to represent the locations of further heat pipes within the volcanic system. Both correlate with the locations of eruption centres on Ruapehu active within the last 10 ka.     

中国南海蚀变火成岩导电机理研究与低阻成因分析

近年来, 随着油气资源勘探开发的不断发展, 火成岩储层越来越受到关注.岩性矿物和孔隙结构的复杂程度造成了蚀变火成岩储层测井评价困难的问题.蚀变程度、润湿性、蚀变矿物种类、孔隙结构以及复杂的流体分布形式对其导电机理的影响尚不明确, 这也制约了蚀变火成岩导电和饱和度模型的研究.本文基于多组分数字岩心, 利用有限元和数学形态法进行岩石电性模拟, 并依据地质客观规律合理构造变蚀变程度、变孔隙度和混合润湿性的数字岩心, 有效分析了上述因素对蚀变火成岩导电机理的影响机制.多组分数字岩心构建和蚀变火成岩储层的低阻成因分析, 为蚀变火成岩储层测井评价提供了理论基础, 也为蚀变火成岩数字岩心数值模拟提供了技术支撑.

     

Timing of volcanic, plutonic and geothermal activity at Ngatamariki, New Zealand

Four ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dates on mineral separates from fresh and hydrothermally altered volcanic and plutonic rocks from the Ngatamariki geothermal field indicate that andesitic volcanism took place in the eastern portion of the Taupo Volcanic Zone (TVZ) prior to 1.2 Ma and probably considerably earlier. These data significantly extend the onset and duration of andesitic volcanism in the east-central TVZ over previous estimates. Intrusive activity is represented at Ngatamariki by a dioritic pluton, the only such pluton yet recognized in the entire TVZ. Hornblende from the pluton yields a crystallization age of near 550 ka. Hydrothermal alteration spatially associated with the pluton produced sericite of a similar age. Overlying and postdating the most intense hydrothermal alteration zone is the Whakamaru Ignimbrite (or its equivalent) which was emplaced at 330 ka. Two distinct geothermal systems may have been active at nearly the same site from 550 ka to present. The most intense activity occurred before 330 ka and was associated with emplacement of the Ngatamariki diorite. This was followed by the less intense system that is currently active. The geothermal regime at Ngatamariki has, therefore, probably been active intermittently for at least 550 ka.     

Geochemistry of Cenozoic volcanic rocks in Tengchong,SW China: relationship with the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau

There are wide spread Cenozoic volcanic rocks in Tengchong (CVRT), Yunnan province, SW China. These rocks comprise three rock types: basalt, andesite (dominant type) and dacite. Most samples are sub‐alkaline, and among the sub‐alkaline rocks, most are high‐K calc‐alkaline. These rocks have a SiO₂ range of 49.1 wt.% to 66.9 wt.%. TiO₂ contents are not high and have a variation of 0.7 wt.%–1.6 wt.%. Trace element concentrations and element ratios (such as Nb/U, Ce/Pb, Nb/La, etc.) of these rocks have a large variation. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values fall in the range of 0.7057–0.7093 and ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd values change from 0.5120 to 0.5125. ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios are in the range of 17.936–19.039, 15.614–15.810, and 38.894–39.735, respectively. These geochemical characteristics of CVRT make them resemble island‐arc volcanic rocks. We suggest that the magmas were generated in the lithospheric mantle that had already been metasomatized by previous subduction processes. By the study of the uplift history of the Tibetan Plateau, we found that the beginning of the geotectonic processes to the eruption of CVRT was coeval with one uplift event. Therefore, we propose that the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau caused collapse of the collisional orogeny in Tengchong, which further triggered the generation and eruption of the CVRT magmas.     

Microprobe studies of REE-rich accessory minerals: Implications for Skye granite petrogenesis and REE mobility in hydrothermal systems

The REE geochemistry of accessory allanites, sphenes. apatites and zircons from a range of granitic, sedimentary and hydrothermally altered rocks from Skye has been investigated using the electron microprobe. Allanites and sphenes in Skye Tertiary granites are extremely LREE enriched (Ce_N/Y_N= 40–100) and may contain up to 50% of whole rock LREE (La-Nd). These phases are late crystallisation products of redidual magmatic fluids. Earlier-formed apatites (Ce_N/Yb_N = 7.33) and zircons (Ce_N/Yb_N = 0.05) contain insufficient REE to have influenced the REE geochemistry of the Western Red Hills granites by crystal fractionation. However, Y-, Th- and HREE-rich zircons (Ce_N/Yb_N = 0.03–0.12, ΣREE + Y = 16,500–49,500ppm) occur both as detrital grains in Skye Torridonian sediments and in the Coire Uaigneich Granophyre (CUG), suggesting bulk involvement of these sediments in CUG petrogenesis. Hydrothermal allanites in altered Tertiary igneous rocks from Skye are LREE enriched (Ce_N/Y_N = 16–920), whilst allanites formed during alteration of Torridonian arkoses have less fractionated REE patterns (Ce_N/Y_N = 4.4–1.0), as the instability of metamict HREE-rich detrital zircons buffered the hydrothermal fluids in these rocks to more HREE-rich compositions. This buffering indicates that within unveined rocks the scale of REE mobility during hydrothermal alteration was small, even though the occurrence of allanite in hydrothermal veins on Skye suggests that LREE may have been transported for some distance by meteoric-hydrothermal fluids. Zoning of the REE within individual hydrothermal and metamorphic allanites (e.g. coreCe_N/Y_N = 97.56, rim Ce_N/Y_N = 0.22) suggests evolution of their parent geological fluids to more HREE-rich compositions during allanite growth.