Detrital modes of recent deep-sea sands and their relation to tectonic setting: a first approximation

Complete petrographic analyses of modern deep-sea sands are surprisingly rare, but are needed if problems such as the influence of tectonics on petrology, or changes in petrology due to diagenesis, are to be understood in ancient sandstones. This paper is a first attempt, using data from our own study of 80 sands plus data from the literature, to establish a baseline for modern deep-sea sands with which ancient sandstones can be compared. We assigned sands to five plate-tectonic categories, each of which has a distinct average petrologic composition: (1) basins associated with trailing-edge continental margins, Q₆₂F₂₆L₁₂; (2) with leading-edge continental margins, either subduction, Q₁₆F₅₃L₃₁, or (3) strike-slip, Q₃₄F₃₉L₂₇; (4) back-arc basins, Q₂₀F₂₉L₅₁; (5) fore-arc basins, Q₈F₁₇L₇₅. The amount and type of lithic fragments and the type of feldspar are particularly important discriminators, the amount of quartz less so. Trailing-edge and fore-arc basins have quite distinctive compositions, but back-arc basins and basins near the two types of leading-edge margins show some overlap, and thus may be hard to differentiate in ancient sandstones.     

Detrital carbonate grains as provenance indicators in the Upper Cretaceous Pietraforte Formation (northern Apennines)

The Upper Cretaceous Pietraforte Formation, an allochthonous unit of the Ligurian domain in the northern Apennines, provides a case study of the importance of detrital carbonate grains for provenance determination in sandstones. The Pietraforte Formation is composed of turbidite sandstones with subordinate conglomerate, deposited in an external sector of the Ligurian ocean, close to the Adriatic margin. The sandstones have a lithic composition, characterized by abundant sedimentary and metasedimentary rock fragments (35–56% of the terrigenous framework), little feldspar (<7%) that is almost exclusively plagioclase, and a high ratio of fine- to coarse-grained polycrystalline quartzose grains to total quartzose grains (average Q_p/Q_t=0.37). Carbonate rock fragments dominate the lithic association of both sandstones and conglomerates and provide the most detailed information for provenance determination. They are composed primarily of dolostones and a wide variety of limestones containing identifiable age-diagnostic microfossils. Fossils and rock textures of carbonate clasts document the erosion of Upper Triassic to Lower Cretaceous shelf and pelagic carbonate units which can be matched with Mesozoic rock types present in the Tuscan domain of the northern Apennines. Compositional results constrain the source of the Pietraforte Formation sandstones to the western margin of the Adriatic plate, from uplifted sedimentary and metasedimentary rocks of the Tuscan domain and its low-grade metamorphic basement. Coeval intrabasinal sources provided additional supplies to the depositional basin of the Pietraforte Formation; this intrabasinal supply consists of shelf carbonate allochems, planktonic foraminifera and argillaceous rip-up clasts. The presence of carbonate grains from shallow-water environments may indicate the existence during deposition of marginal shelf areas favourable for carbonate allochem production.     

Provenance and tectonic setting of the Jurassic Huayacocotla Formation and Alamitos Sandstone,Central Mexico

We present a modified model for the paleogeographic evolution of Mexico during Early and Late Jurassic time that is constrained by the tectonic setting and the weathering conditions of the Early Jurassic Huayacocotla Formation and Late Jurassic Alamitos Sandstone basins in state San Luis Potosí in central Mexico. Framework petrography constrains feldspato-quartzose sandstone (mean of Q₆₈F₂₂L₁₀) and litho-quartzose (mean of Q₇₅F₆L₁₉) sandstone compositions for the two units, respectively. The abundant lithic fragments are totally dominated by volcanic fragments. Quartz cathodoluminescence colours and textures from the Alamitos Sandstone supports a large input of volcanic material, but also indicates the presence of metamorphic quartz. Similarly, the geochemical composition is more mafic for the Huayacocotla Formation (Th/Sc: ˜0.6 and Cr/Th: ˜10) than for the Alamitos Sandstone (Th/Sc: ˜1.1 and Cr/Th: ˜48). Also the weathering conditions were less intense during the Early (CIA: ˜60, PIA: ˜61) than the Late Jurassic (CIA ˜85, PIA ˜97). Well preserved lithic fragments and feldspar grains, particularly in the Huayacocotla Formation, indicate that weathering indeed was minor for this unit. We interpret the difference between the two units as a combined result of climate change and tectonic setting. During the Early Jurassic, transport of volcanic detritus probably dominated from the active Nazas arc in the west. Later, additional sources from the metamorphic basement of Mexico were included. During Late Jurassic time strike-slip faulting related to the opening of the Gulf of Mexico may have re-directed the sediment-transport systems. Finally, the degree of weathering was affected by drastic climatic change from arid to humid tropical conditions during the Middle to Upper Jurassic, possibly related to the first incursions of Gulf of Mexico marine environments linked to the rotation of the Yucatan block.     

Petrology of glacial sand: implications for the origin and mechanical durability of lithic fragments

The petrology of first cycle (unmodified) and second cycle (reworked) sand at the termini of eleven valley glaciers eroding coarse- to fine-grained bedrock types is determined in order to evaluate the origin and mechanical durability of lithic sands. First cycle sands are coarse- to medium-grained, poorly sorted, fine-skewed, non-modal lithic sands with an average composition of Q₂₁F₆L₇₃. Grain-size distributions do not vary with composition or source rock types, although sands derived from finer grained source rocks contain more lithic fragments than sands from coarser grained sources. By contrast, second cycle sands are medium-grained, poorly sorted, fine- to coarse-skewed arkosic to lithic sands with an average composition of Q₁₉F₄₀L₄₁, and contain fewer lithic fragments than do first cycle sands. We propose that the origin, mechanical durability and survival potential of lithic fragments are related to the types and abundances of their internal planes of weakness, and the particular stress field of the transporting medium. As a result of abrasion, glacial clasts and lithic fragments are subjected to shear stress so that fractures propagate along intracrystal and intercrystal planes of weakness resulting in a continuous grain-size spectrum of lithic fragments and monomineralic grains irrespective of the type of source rock. Upon subsequent aqueous transport in the proglacial environment lithic fragments are subjected to point-loading during saltation in addition to shear stress. Point-loading produces extensional fractures which preferentially propagate along intercrystal planes of weakness, so the lithic fragments break into smaller monomineralic grains and/or lithic fragments. Lithic fragments of very coarse sand-size are abundant in first cycle sands, thus refuting, at least for glacial sands, the widely held view that grains of this size are deficient in nature. The presence of fewer grains of this size in second cycle sands indicates that very coarse sand-size lithic fragments can survive recycling, but in greatly reduced proportions due to breakage.     

Petrography of modern marine sands from the Peru-Chile Trench and adjacent areas†

Sand samples from piston cores taken in the Peru-Chile Trench and adjacent areas were examined petrographically in an attempt to characterize sands from the oceanward side of a continent-margin volcanic arc. Framework composition averaged Q₁₈F₄₄L₃₈, close to the average reported for this type of setting, but showed wide variation in the ratio of feldspar to lithic fragments; quartz was uniformly low, less than 30%. Samples rich in lithic grains were from sites that lie off areas of recent volcanism on the adjacent continent. Samples from off southern Central America had compositions more like those found in island-arc settings, averaging Q₃F₂₁L₇₆, whereas those from the Straits of Magellan increased in quartz and decreased in lithic fragments toward the Atlantic. Plagioclase was greatly predominant over K-feldspar in all samples, and averaged An₂₈. A considerable portion of the plagioclase was close to end-member albite, suggesting recycling from pre-existing sedimentary rocks. Climate had no obvious effect on the framework proportions or the feldspar composition, but the volume of sediment in the trench increases with increasing rainfall on the continent.     

The Palaeoproterozoic Woodlands Formation of eastern Botswana-northwestern South Africa: lithostratigraphy and relationship with Transvaal Basin inversion structures

The Woodlands Formation (uppermost Pretoria Group) of eastern Botswana overlies thick quartzites of the Sengoma Formation (Magaliesberg Formation) and comprises a lower unit of interbedded mudrocks and fine-grained recrystallised quartzitic sandstones, succeeded by chaotic and very coarse-grained inferred slump deposits. Within the adjacent western region of South Africa, interbedded mudrocks and quartzitic sandstones stratigraphically overlying the Magaliesberg Formation are now assigned to the lower Woodlands Formation. Within the entire region, interference folding produced by northeast-southwest (F₁ and F₃) and northwest-southeast (F₂) compression, and concomitant faulting characterised inversion of the Pretoria Group basin. This deformation is of pre-Bushveld age and affected all units in the Pretoria Group, including the uppermost Silverton, Magaliesberg and Woodlands Formations, and intrusive Marico Hypabyssal Suite (pre-Bushveld) mafic sills. The Nietverdiend lobe of the Bushveld Complex, intrusive into this succession, was not similarly deformed. Movement along the major Mannyelanong Fault in the northwest of the study area post-dated Transvaal Basin inversion, after which the “upper Woodlands” chaotic slump deposits were formed. The latter must thus belong to a younger stratigraphical unit and is possibly analogous to apparently syntectonic sedimentary rocks (Otse Group) in the Otse Basin of eastern Botswana.     

The Upper Miocene Injana (Upper Fars) Formation of Iraq: insights on provenance history

Petrographic, geochemical, and scanning electron microscope analyses of the sandstone and mudstone units of the Upper Miocene Injana Formation are presented. Furthermore, microprobe analysis for amphiboles, pyroxenes, garnet, and chromian spinels as common heavy mineral species present is done to support other results for better understanding of the provenance history of the Injana Formation. The sandstones of the Injana Formation consist of terrigenous carbonate lithic fragments as common type of sedimentary rock fragments in addition to chert, argillaceous, and rare sandstone fragments. They also include metamorphic and igneous lithic fragments, quartz, feldspars, and mica and generally, the sandstones are lithic arenites and immature. Scanning electron microscopic analysis for the heavy minerals shows that they have been affected by dissolution due to chemical etching and mechanical abrasion through several surface texture generated either in arid and semihumid environment or in diagenetic environment. Clay mineralogy of the mudstone units indicates the presence of illite, chlorite, kaolinite, palygorskite, and illite–smectite mixed layers. Bulk-rock and mineral phase geochemistry in addition to petrographic data suggest the derivation of the Injana Formation from a nearby sources with contribution from igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary provenance mainly from the high lands in the northeastern parts of Iraq which comprise mainly the Zagros mountains and the older sedimentary formations.     

The origin and alteration of calcite cement in tight sandstones of the Jurassic Shishugou Group,Fukang Sag,Junggar Basin,NW China: implications for fluid–rock interactions and porosity evolution

The Shishugou Group, which consists of Middle Jurassic Toutunhe Formation and Upper Jurassic Qigu Formation, is currently an important hydrocarbon exploration target in the Fukang Sag of Junggar Basin, China. The Shishugou Group sandstones experienced a complex diagenetic history with deep burial (3600–5800 m) to develop low–ultralow porosity and permeability reservoir with some high-quality reservoirs found in the tight sandstones owing to the reservoir heterogeneity. This integrated petrographic and geochemical study aims to unravel the origin and alteration of calcite cement in the Shishugou Group sandstones and predict fluid–rock interaction and porosity evolution. The Shishugou Group sandstones (Q_43.8F_7.4R_48.8) have a dominant calcite cement with strong heterogeneity forming in two generations: poikilotopic, pore-filling masses that formed at an early diagenetic stage and isolated rhombs or partial grain replacements that formed at a late stage. The Shishugou Group, which are lacustrine sediments formed in low–medium salinity lake water in a semiarid–arid climatic environment, provided the alkaline diagenetic environment needed for precipitation of chlorite and early calcite cements in early diagenesis. The Ca²⁺ of the pore-filling calcite cements was sourced from weathering or dissolution of volcanic clasts in the sediment source or during transport in under oxidising conditions. The δ¹⁸O_V-PDB and δ¹³C_V-PDB values of calcite were significantly controlled by distance from the top unconformity and underlying coal-bearing stratum with carbon sourced from atmospheric CO₂, and organic matter. The early carbonate cement inhibited burial compaction producing intergranular pore spaces with enhanced reservoir properties by late dissolution under acidic conditions. Anhydrite cement reflects reaction of organic acid and hydrocarbon with the sandstones and is associated with fluid migration pathways. The fluid–rock interactions and porosity evolution of the tight deep sandstones produced secondary pores that filled with hydrocarbon charge that forms this deep high-quality reservoir.     

Petrography and geochemistry of the Upper Cretaceous Nubia sandstones,Eastern Desert,Egypt: implications for provenance,paleoweathering, and tectonic setting

The provenance of the Upper Cretaceous Nubia sandstones from four vertical sections along Qena-Safaga and Qena-Quseir roads in central Eastern Desert of Egypt was investigated based on their modal composition and geochemical data. The Nubia sandstone samples are abundant in quartz content with low feldspar and lithic fragments. Their average modal composition (Q_94.2F_1.3R_4.5) classifies them as quartz arenites with subordinate quartz wackes which is consistent with geochemistry data. The average CIA, CIW, PIA, and Th/U ratio values revealed that the intensity of weathering in the studied areas was similar, varying from moderate to intensive weathering, and may reflect low-relief and warm humid climatic conditions in the source area. The ICV (<?1) and SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratio (>?5) indicate that the Nubia sandstones are texturally and mineralogically mature. The petrographical and geochemical analyses suggest that the Nubia sandstones were mainly derived from felsic (granitic) and/or recycled sand sources. The major element-based multidimensional tectonic discrimination diagrams suggested the Nubia sandstones were deposited in a passive continental margin of a syn-rift basin. This result agreed with the general geology of central Eastern Desert of Egypt during the Upper Cretaceous.     

Sedimentary palaeoenvironment,petrography, provenance and diagenetic inference of the Anacleto Formation in the Neuquén Basin,Late Cretaceous,Argentina

The Anacleto Formation is the uppermost unit of the Neuquén Group, which makes up the foreland stage infill of the Neuquén Basin, during Late Cretaceous. The detailed sedimentological study performed in the excellent outcrops of this formation on the eastern border of the basin allowed the identification of eight fluvial lithofacies, grouped into six facies associations. A meandering fluvial system with palaeo flows from the SW can be interpreted from distribution of facies associations, architectural framework, channel/floodplain ratio, etc. The compositional analysis of the sandstones was performed by mean of petrographic characterization and modal analysis. Sandstones of the Anacleto Fm are mainly subarkosic, arkosic, lithic arenites and, to a lesser extent, sublitoarenites (Q₅₄-F₂₅-R₂₁; Q₅₂-F₂₄-L₂₅). The composition suggests underlying igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks in the main source area. Sedimentological and petrographic analyses, jointly with palaeocurrents orientations suggest that high areas of the North Patagonian Massif were the main source of the fluvial system. The diagenetic stages interpreted from the petrographic characters, SEM observations and X-ray diffraction determine eodiagenesis and telodiagenesis, which are consistent with the burial history of the Neuquén Group. Furthermore, palaeoclimatic considerations based on compositional analysis suggest semiarid to semihumid conditions for the deposition of the Anacleto Fm. These conditions are also supported by clay mineralogy that confirmed smectite as dominant species. A strong climatic seasonality is also deduced by the presence of calcrete levels and frequent discharge channels.     

Sedimentary petrology and geochemistry of siliciclastic rocks from the upper Jurassic Tordillo Formation (Neuquén Basin, western Argentina): Implications for provenance and tectonic setting

The Upper Jurassic Tordillo Formation is exposed along the western edge of the Neuquén Basin (west central Argentina) and consists of fluvial strata deposited under arid/semiarid conditions. The pebble composition of conglomerates, mineralogical composition of sandstones and pelitic rocks, and major- and trace-element geochemistry of sandstones, mudstones, and primary pyroclastic deposits are evaluated to determine the provenance and tectonic setting of the sedimentary basin. Conglomerates and sandstones derived almost exclusively from volcanic sources. The stratigraphic sections to the south show a clast population of conglomerates dominated by silicic volcanic fragments and a predominance of feldspathic litharenites. This framework composition records erosion of Triassic–Jurassic synrift volcaniclastic rocks and basement rocks from the Huincul arch, which was exhumed as a result of Late Jurassic inversion. In the northwestern part of the study area, conglomerates show a large proportion of mafic and acidic volcanic rock fragments, and sandstones are characterised by a high content of mafic volcanic rock fragments and plagioclase. These data suggest that the source of the sandstones and conglomerates was primarily the Andean magmatic arc, located west of the Neuquén Basin. The clay mineral assemblage is interpreted as the result of a complex set of factors, including source rock, climate, transport, and diagenesis. Postdepositional processes produced significant variations in the original compositions, especially the fine-grained deposits. The Tordillo sediments are characterised by moderate SiO₂ contents, variable abundances of K₂O and Na₂O, and a relatively high proportion of ferromagnesian elements. The degree of chemical weathering in the source area, expressed as the chemical index of alteration, is low to moderate. The major element geochemistry and Th/Sc, K/Rb, Co/Th, La/Sc, and Cr/Th values point to a significant input of detrital volcanic material of calcalkaline felsic and intermediate composition. However, major element geochemistry is not useful for interpreting the tectonic setting. Discrimination plots based on immobile trace elements, such as Ti, Zr, La, Sc, and Th, show that most data lie in the active continental margin field. Geochemical information is not sufficiently sensitive to differentiate the two different source areas recognized by petrographic and modal analyses of conglomerates and sandstones.     

Integrated petrographic,mineralogical, and geochemical study of the upper Kaimur Group of rocks,Son Valley,India: Implications for provenance,source area weathering and tectonic setting

The upper Kaimur Group (UKG) of the Vindhyan Supergroup in central India, primarily consists of three rock types-Dhandraul sandstone, Scarp sandstone and Bijaigarh shale. The present study aims to reconstruct the parent rock assemblages, their tectonic provenance, mineralogy, weathering intensity, hydraulic sorting and depositional tectonic setting. Samples from the UKG rocks representing the Dhandraul sandstone, Scarp sandstone and Bijaigarh shale were studied using a combination of petrographic, mineralogical, and geochemical techniques. Texturally, medium to coarse grained UKG sandstones are mature and moderate to well sorted. Deficiency of feldspars in these sandstones indicates that the rocks are extensively recycled from distant sources. Their average modal composition for Scarp (avg. Qt₉₉ F₀.₂L_0.8) and Dhandraul (avg. Qt₉₉ F_0.1L_0.8) sandstones, classifies them as quartz arenite to sub-litharenite types, which is consistent with geochemical study. Major element concentrations revealed that sandstones have high SiO₂, K₂O < Na₂O, and low Fe₂O₃, which are supported by the modal data. On the other hand, sandstone samples are enriched in most trace elements such as Ce, Sr, V, Sc and Zr and depleted in U and Th. The CIA values (43.17–76.48) of the UKG rocks indicate low to moderate weathering, either of the original source or during transport before deposition, which may have related to low-relief and humid climatic conditions in the source area. Further, petrographic and geochemical interpretations indicate that they are derived from craton interior to quartzose recycled sedimentary rocks and deposited in a passive continental margin. Therefore, granitic and low grade metamorphic rocks of Mahakoshal Group and Chotanagpur granite-gneiss, situated on the southern and south-eastern side of the Vindhyan basin are suggested as possible provenance for the UKG rocks.     

安徽铜陵地区早、晚石炭世地层之间砾岩的发现

通过一系列地层剖面的测制,在铜陵、南陵、泾县地区早、晚石炭世地层之间发现了沉积石英质砾岩和岩屑砾岩,肯定了本区在早、晚石炭世之间曾经历一次海平面下降和风化剥蚀作用,致使早石炭世地层在许多地方残缺不全,由于石英质砾岩与岩屑砾岩在岩性、沉积特征、成因等方面有明显的不同,分别称为浙溪组下段和浙溪组上段。早期的石英质砾岩由于受到后期的冲积扇沉积环境的影响,在一些剖面上表现为缺失。岩屑砾岩的沉积厚度、砾石大小等在纵、横向上变化较大,明显受古地理、古气候、古构造的控制。     

Geochemistry of Carboniferous Sandstones (Sardar Formation), East‐Central Iran: Implication for Provenance and Tectonic Setting

Geochemical analysis of sandstones from the Sardar Formation (from two stratigraphic successions) in east-central Iran were used for identification of geochemical characterization of sandstones, provenance and tectonic setting. Sandstones in the two lithostratigraphic successions have similar chemical compositions suggesting a common provenance. Bulk-rock geochemistry analysis of Carboniferous sandstones from Sardar Formation indicates that they are mainly quartz dominated and are classified as quartzarenites, sublitharenites and subarkoses, derived from acid igneous to intermediate igneous rocks. Discrimination function analysis indicates that the sandstones of Sardar Formation were derived from quartzose sedimentary provenance in a recycled orogenic setting. Also, major and trace elements in sandstones of Sardar Formation (e.g., K2O/Na2O vs. SiO2) indicate deposition in a stable passive continental margin (PM). Chemical index of alteration (CIA) for these rocks (> 65%) suggests a moderate to relatively high degree of weathering in the source area.     

The stratigraphy and composition of the Latterbarrow and Redmain sandstones,Lake District,England

The Latterbarrow Formation, 400 m thick, has been mapped and subdivided informally into three members. These consist of quartz wacke sandstone and, in the upper member only, intercalated mudstones. The formation unconformably overlies the fossiliferous Skiddaw Group of late Tremadoc to middle Arenig age and is overlain disconformably by volcanic rocks that have been attributed to the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. Chemically, the sandstones are characterized by very low concentrations of CaO, Na₂O, and K₂O and unusually high total iron. MnO and MgO, such that iron, as Fe₂O₃, exceeds Al₂O₃. Mudstone in the upper member is illite rich, has a high K₂O content and is compositionally similar to K-bentonites derived from volcanic ash. Sedimentary structures and petrography suggest that the sediments were deposited in a sandy estuary and were derived from a similar source area to that of the Skiddaw Group. Throughout the succession there is evidence of distal volcanism, probably representing the earliest eruptions of the Borrowdale volcanic episode. The Redmain Formation, 100 m thick, is unconformably overlain by Carboniferous rocks but its relationship to the underlying Skiddaw Group is unknown. Though this lithic arenite shows some petrographic and geochemical similarities with the Latterbarrow sandstone, differences are such that it is possible they are not equivalent in age. The Redmain sandstone may be derived from the erosion of Skiddaw Group rocks.     

闽西南龙永煤田童子岩组沉积地层精细特征与沉积环境演化分析

运用沉积学、古生物地层学、层序地层学、岩石粒度分析等方法,从岩性特征、沉积构造、沉积体系等方面对研究区童子岩组地层的沉积特征进行了详细的研究,对其沉积环境演化特征进行分析.结果表明:研究区的童子岩组地层主要由较细粒的陆源碎屑物质组成,在整个童子岩组第一段发育过程中,障壁岛及其背后的整个环境组合随着区域海平面的升降而前后...     

Diagenesis impact on a deeply buried sandstone reservoir (Es1 Member) of the Shahejie Formation,Nanpu Sag,Bohai Bay Basin,East China

Diagenesis has a significant impact on reservoir quality in deeply buried formations. Sandstone units of the Shahejie Formation (Es₁ Member) of Nanpu Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, East China is a typical deeply buried sandstone with large hydrocarbon accumulations. The methodology includes core observations and thin section studies, using fluorescence, scanning electron microscope (SEM), cathodoluminescence (CL), fluid inclusion and isotope and electron probing analysis as well as the numerical determination of reservoir characteristics. The sandstones consist of medium to coarse-grained, slight to moderate sorted lithic arkose and feldspathic litharenite. Porosity and permeability values range from 0.5 to 30% and 0.006 to 7000 mD, respectively. The diagenetic history reveals mixed episodes of diagenesis and deep burial followed by uplift. The main diagenetic events include compaction, cementation alteration, dissolution of unstable minerals and grain fracturing. Compaction resulted in densification and significantly reduced the primary porosity. Quartz, calcite and clay are the dominant pore-occluding cement and occur as euhedral to subhedral crystals. Alteration and dissolution of volcanic lithic fragments and pressure solution of feldspar grains were the key sources of quartz cement whereas carbonate cement is derived from an external source. Clay minerals resulted from the alteration of feldspar and volcanic lithic fragments. Porosity and permeability data predict a good inverse relationship with cementation whereas leaching of metastable grains, dissolution of cement and in some places formation of pore-lining chlorite enhanced the reservoir quality. The best reservoir is thicker sandstone bodies that are medium to coarse-grained, well-sorted sandstone with low primary ductile grains with a minor amount of calcite cement. The present study shows several diagenetic stages in the Es₁ Member, but the overall reservoir quality is preserved.     

Facies analysis of the Plateau Sandstones (Eocene to early Miocene?), Bako National Park,Sarawak, Malaysia

Sandstones, located in the Kuching area, western Sarawak, are known as the ‘Plateau Sandstones’ (of possible Eocene to early Miocene age). However, based on a number of factors, including: (i) anomalous kerogene compositions; (ii) proximity of the on-lap surface; and (iii) palaeocurrent direction (generally to the NNE), it is thought that the sands exposed on the Bako Peninsula are unrelated to the Plateau Formation (located to the south of the Bako Penisula) and therefore a new name is coined; the Bako Sandstones, which form a subgroup of the Bako Sandstone Group. The Bako Sandstones form the Bako Peninsula, a flat-topped cliffed plateau which extends into the South China Sea at a latitude of 1°30′N. The plateau has a gently dipping surface, sloping northwards from a height of about 300 to 150 m. The sandstones form a succession of very thick bedded sandstones (up to 6 m thick), with lenses of conglomerates and subordinate sandy mudstones. The sandstones consist of pebbly coarse-medium grained sands, interbedded with polymictic pebble conglomerates. The sandstones are mainly lithic arenite, poorly to moderately sorted and consist of subangular to subrounded grains. Isolated pebbles are common throughout the sandstones. The most common structure in both sandstones and conglomerates is cross-bedding; planar cross-bedding and trough cross-bedding, together with thick sequences of climbing ripples. These structures suggest extensive tractional transport, forming both ripple and dune structures along the base of the channel. The geometry of the sands is either (i) lensoidal, or (ii) tabular, with the channel-fill interpreted as scour-fill channels or migrating dunes, respectively. Both types are commonly stacked vertically or amalgamate laterally to form thick interconnected units. The conglomeratic lenses, scour-fill features and rip-up shale clasts are related to higher energy erosional events, whilst the mud-draped ripples, ripple rejuvenation surfaces and two-tiered channel margins indicate a lower energy and stasis period. Slope instabilities at the channel margin are inferred from the slump structures present and shale clast slurries. The sandstones at Bako are thought to have formed within a braided channel environment (subject to exposure, from the presence of mud cracks within the formation).     

北祁连东段景泰地区下古生界两套砂岩微量元素和稀土元素特征及其构造意义

早奥陶世和早志留世是北祁连加里东造山带构造演化和盆地转变的关键时期。在造山带东段景泰地区,下奥陶统阴沟组和下志留统肮脏沟组两套砂岩的微量元素和稀土元素特征显示,阴沟组杂砂岩样品（Cj1和Cj3）具有最小的Eu/Eu*及最大的Th/Sc和REE,肮脏沟组杂砂岩具有较小的Eu/Eu*和较大的Th/Sc及REE;阴沟组岩屑砂岩样品（Cj13、Cj15和Cj18）具有最大的Eu/Eu*及最小的Th/Sc、REE和La/Yb。多个物源、构造背景判别图解和多元素蛛网图分析表明,阴沟组杂砂岩样品具大陆边缘的构造背景,主要物源为大陆上地壳再旋回沉积物和长英质岩石;岩屑砂岩样品为岛弧构造背景,以中基性安山质岩石为主要物源,可能受陆源物质的微弱影响。肮脏沟组杂砂岩构造背景复杂,表现出大陆岛弧、活动陆缘和被动陆缘三种环境共存的特点,受中基性火山弧物质、长英质岩石和再旋回沉积岩的混合物源的影响。两套砂岩的元素特征表明二者可能具有相似的源区。阴沟组杂砂岩源区可能为阿拉善地块南缘海原群变沉积岩或其他相似的陆源再旋回沉积物,砂岩碎屑以来自初始火山弧物质为主,以石灰沟岛弧型中基性火山岩作为其源岩最合适。阴沟组形成于初始弧后盆地环境,是岛弧活动的直接记录。肮脏沟组可能的源岩为阿拉善地块南缘海原群变沉积岩和中高等成熟度的石灰沟岛弧型火山岩及海原群岛弧型变火山岩,沉积于弧后前陆盆地,对构造环境的反映存在滞后性。     

西藏嘉黎巴嘎地区早白垩世多尼组地层特征与沉积环境

研究区多尼组为一套含煤的灰色至黑色岩屑石英砂岩、长石砂岩、碳质粉砂岩和页岩, 生物地层特征指示其时代为早白垩世早期贝里阿斯期-凡兰吟期(Berriasian-Valanginian) 。岩性特征和碎屑岩粒度分析表明, 区内多尼组沉积环境主要为三角洲沉积, 包括前三角洲、三角洲前缘和三角洲平原 3个亚相, 三级层序总体表现为逐渐海进的特点。