Age of the Vallesian lower boundary (Continental Miocene of Europe)

The Vallesian lower boundary and “Hipparion-datum” are estimated as ranging in age from 11.2 to 10.7 Ma in Central to Western Europe and Western Asia. Judging from complete sections of Sarmatian marine sediments in the Tamanskii Peninsula and Transcaucasia with known paleomagnetic characteristics, the above dates correspond to the lower upper Sarmatian (Khersonian) of the Eastern Paratethys, although in Moldova and Ukraine the earliest hipparion remains are associated with the middle Sarmatian (Bessarabian) sediments. The normally magnetized middle Sarmatian deposits in hipparion localities of Moldova are correlative with an upper part of Chron C5An (upper boundary 11.9 Ma old) or, less likely, with Subchron C5r2n (base 11.5 Ma old). Consequently, the first occurrence of hipparions in southeastern Europe is recorded in the Middle Miocene, i.e., 0.7 m.y. (or 0.3 m.y.) earlier than the date of 11.2 Ma formerly accepted for the Vallesian lower boundary in Europe. Possible reasons for disagreements in age determination of the Vallesian base are discussed.     

Titanium–Zirconium Placers of the Stavropol Region

Lithofacies analyses and paleogeographic reconstructions of the middle Sarmatian sequence in the central Ciscaucasus, which hosts the most promising titanium–zirconium placers of the Stavropol region, indicate that ore components (rutile, ilmenite, leucoxene, and zircon) were mainly delivered to the Stavropol placer basin by the paleo-Volga River from a northern land. Bryozoan organogenic edifices played a significant role in the formation of placers. The organogenic edifices appeared under anomalous (for bioherm formation) conditions of terrigenous sedimentation on the western and northwestern slopes of the Stavropol Uplift, hampered the transport of ore material to the deep-water zone of the basin, and promoted its differentiation in the paleouplift.     

Outline of tectonics of the outer zone,the Carpathian foretrough

The edge trough in the East Carpathians includes an inner zone that developed adjacent to the Carpathian geosyncline, a deep trough filled with thick Miocene and Pliocene sediments. The Miocene beds have been extensively folded and overthrust. The edge trough also includes an outer zone which is the depressed edge of the platform covered by Tortonian and Sarmatian sediments. The structure and geologic history of the platform part of this trough is based on much borehole data and detailed geologic and geophysical surveys. The stratigraphy is discussed and thicknesses of the Tortonian and lower Sarmatian for different localities are given in Table 1. Figure 1 shows the structure of the outer zone; contours are drawn on top of the Tiras (gypsum-anhydrite) formation. Several zones of rapidly varying thickness in the Tortonian and lower Sarmatian sediments correspond to major northwest striking basement faults, which are responsible for the block structure of much of the outer zone. These basement faults, first demonstrated by geophysics and then examined in numerous boreholes, show that the dip of lower Sarmatian and Tortonian rocks increases with depth from about 10-15° up to 35-45°. Gentle flexures in upper horizons become larger downwards and pass into downfaults. Movements occurred during deposition. Figure 2 gives geologic sections showing faults in the outer zone. All dislocations form a definite fault system oriented obliquely with respect to the main strike of the Alpine tectonic elements. There are frequent signs of tectonic movements throughout the Miocene.—W.D. Lowry     

Lithology and Depositional Environments of Chaudian Sediments in the Taman Peninsula (Pekla and Tuzla Reference Sections)

The Chaudian sediments composing the Pekla and Tuzla sections are characterized by a variable lithology and transgressive structure. Their basal part is mainly composed of coarse terrigenous varieties with diverse structures indicating different depositional settings in the accumulation zone (shelf and upper part of the submarine slope). These sediments are characterized by strong lithification probably in subaerial environments under the influence of atmospheric precipitation. The Chaudian basin was a large brackish-water depression populated by malacofauna of the Caspian type.     

鄂西地区南沱组地层沉积特征及成因分析

以沉积学，流体力学的基本原理为基础，运用沉积对比，粒度统计等方面对鄂西地区南沱组杂砾岩的成因机理进行了探讨，通过岩石类型，剖面层序，岩石的砾石表面特征、碎屑颗粒分布规律及沉积物构造研究后认为，南沱组杂砾岩并非冰碛砾岩，而属海缘盆地下水泥石流和浅海相沉积。     

Structure,composition, and depositional environments of the lower cretaceous rocks of the Zhuravlevka terrane,Central Sikhote Alin

The structure, mineralogical-petrographic composition, and formation settings of the Berriasian-Albian terrigenous rocks of the Zhuravlevka terrane (Central Sikhote Alin) are considered. The rocks are interpreted as sediments accumulated in a virtually nonvolcanic basin along the transform plate boundary. Judging from the composition of terrigenous rocks, the main sources of clastic material were represented by the eroded granitic-metamorphic rocks of a mature continental crust, and, possibly, granitoid intrusions of ancient arc roots. Genetic features of the sediments suggest their accumulation on the shelf, underwater slope, foothill, and the adjacent basin plains of an oceanward-open marginal sea.     

Pleistocene sediments in the Shapkina River valley (Bol’shaya Zemlya Tundra)

Facies-genetic and stratigraphic subdivision of the Quaternary sequence in the Shapkina River valley has been accomplished. The riverbank shows outcrops of three glacial complexes with different mineralogical-petrographic compositions and structural characteristics, which can be correlated and stratificated. Datings of intermoraine horizons (alluvial, marine, lacustrine, and lacustrine-boggy sediments) have been based on the palynological and paleomicrotheriological data. The middle Neopleistocene section can be divided into two till horizons corresponding to two autonomous glaciations (Pechora and Vychegda). They are separated by a member of subaqueous Rodionov sediments. The Pechora till formed in the course of motions of glaciers from the northeast. Glacial horizons are mainly composed of the Vychegda till delivered from the Northwest terrigenous provenance. Lithology of the upper Neopleistocene Polyarnyi till testifies to its formation in the upper course of the river from material delivered from the Northeast terrigenous-mineralogical provenance in the upper course of the river and from Fennoscandian glaciation center in the lower course of the river. The paper presents the first lithological investigation and substantiation of genesis of various facies of Neopleistocene intermoraine marine sediments (sediments of the beach and fore-beach zones and shallow-water shelf).     

Morphology and Quaternary sedimentation of the Mozambique Fan and environs,southwestern Indian Oceans*

Most of the Quaternary sediments of the Mozambique Fan have been derived from Africa-Madagascar and deposited by turbidity currents in Pleistocene time. Currents caused by movement of the Antarctic Bottom Water also played a significant role in reworking and redepositing sediments along the marginal areas of the fan. The inner or upper Mozambique Fan is characterized by a single, leveed valley. Due to the effects of the Coriolis force, the natural levees to the east of the valley (left, looking downstream) are higher and contain more terrigenous sediments than those to the west of the valley. The sea floor to the west of the valley returns regular hyperbolic echoes as seen on 3·5 kHz echograms, whereas to the east of the valley, the sea floor is relatively smooth. The sediments on the valley floor are coarse-grained (with median grain up to 2 mm) and poorly sorted, and occur often as massive turbidites, interbedded with hemipelagic sediments. Away from the valley, both to the east and the west, the terrigenous sediments are relatively fine-grained and have been deposited as overbank turbidite sequences. We estimate the maximum velocities of the channelized turbidity currents in the upper fan to have been 8–32 ms^?1. The middle fan has several distributary channels with no levees and has a relatively flat sea floor, characterized by lack of acoustic penetration. Thick, sheet-like, turbidite sand beds, deposited primarily by unchannelized turbidity currents, characterize the middle fan. The middle fan grades, towards the margins, into the outer (lower) fan which is relatively free of channels, has good acoustic penetration and contains hemipelagic and pelagic sediments, and thin, fine-sand turbidite and/or contourite beds. A wide zone of sediment waves, formed from the reworking of the turbidity current-fed sediments by the Antarctic Bottom Water, forms part of the outer fan.     

Paläoklima und paläoozeanische Verhältnisse im SW-Pazifik während der letzten 6 Millionen Jahre (DSDP - Site 594, Chatham Rücken, östlich Neuseeland)

Detailed sedimentological investigations were performed on sediments from DSDP-Site 594 (Chatham Rise, east of New Zealand) in order to reconstruct the evolution of paleoclimate and paleoceanographic conditions in the Southwest Pacific during the last 6 million years. The results can be summarized as follows:

1. High accumulation rates of biogenic opal and carbonate and the dominance of smectites in the clay fraction suggest increased oceanic productivity and an equable dominantly humid climate during the late Miocene.
2. During Pliocene times, decreasing contents of smectites and increasing feldspar/quartz ratios point to an aridification in the source area of the terrigenous sediments, culmunating near 2.5 Ma. At that time, accumulation rates of terrigenous components distinctly increased probably caused by increased sediment supply due to intensified atmospheric and oceanic circulation, lowered sea level, and decreased vegetation cover.
3. A hiatus (1.45 to 0.73 Ma) suggests intensified intermediate-water circulation.
4. Major glacial/interglacial cycles characterize the upper 0.73 Ma. During glacial times, oceanic productivity and terrigenous sediment supply was distinctly increased because of intensified atmospheric and oceanic circulations and lowered sea level, whereas during interglacials productivity and terrigenous sediment supply were reduced.
5. An increased content of amphibols in the sediments of Site 594 indicates increased volcanic activities during the last 4.25 Ma.

     

Late Neogene evolution of paleoclimate and paleoceanic circulation in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres - A comparison

Oxygen isotopes and clay minerals, grain size, and accumulation rates of terrigenous (i. e., mainly eolian) sediments from northeast Atlantic DSDP-Sites 141, 366, 397 and 544B and from southwest Pacific DSDP-Sites 588, 590 and 591 were used to assess parallelisms and differences in the evolution of paleoclimate and paleoceanic circulation in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres during the last 7 Ma. Concomitant with the Messinian cooling event, both northwest African and Australian deserts expanded, as defined by increased supply of illite and increased accumulation rates of terrigenous matter. After an early Pliocene phase of more humid climatic conditions in Australia, as well as in northwest Africa, the accumulation rates of terrigenous sediments distinctly increased in the Southwest Pacific at about 4 Ma, whereas the northeast Atlantic Sites were still characterized by low terrigenous sediment supply until 3.2 Ma. Coincident with the build-up of major Arctic ice sheets during the last 3 Ma, increased aridity and enhanced atmospheric and oceanic circulation in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres were inferred from distinct changes in the terrigenous sediment supply and a coarsening of both bulk and terrigenous sediment fractions.     

Heavy metal distribution in the surface layer of bottom sediments of the Kara Sea

This paper addresses the distribution of heavy metals (Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Sn, Sb, Pb, and Bi) as well as Si, Al, Fe, and Mn in the surface (0–2 cm) layer of bottom sediments of the Kara Sea. The contents of these elements are determined in each of the previously distinguished facies-genetic types of terrigenous sediments: fluvial, glacial, estuarine, shallow water–marine, “background” marine, and relict sediments. It is shown that these types reflect the modern conditions of accumulation of river discharge material, which forms fans of two greatest Siberian rivers, Ob and Yenisei. The main stages are distinguished in heavy metal accumulation. The first stage is related to the avalanche sedimentation of terrigenous sediments in the estuary and characterized by the elevated contents of Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Sb, and Bi. The second stage reflects the mechanical differentiation of sedimentary material by waves and bottom currents in a shallow-water sea part adjacent to the estuarine zone, with accumulation of Pb- and Sn-bearing “heavy” ore minerals. The deepwater background terrigenous–marine sediments accumulate mainly Ni, Zn, and Cd, as well as Mn. The relict sediments differ in the high contents of Si, Mn, and Sn.     

堰塞湖溃坝堆积物的粒度特征及其沉积环境——以雪隆囊古堰塞湖为例

金沙江上游新构造运动活跃,崩塌、滑坡、堰塞湖等地质灾害广泛发育,是古、今堰塞湖多发的地区.以金沙江上游雪隆囊大型古滑坡堰塞湖溃坝堆积物为例,对溃坝堆积物的粒度特征及其与沉积环境的关系进行了研究.并对雪隆囊滑坡堰塞湖溃坝堆积物的粒度进行了测试.结果表明：1）从溃坝堆积体的上段→中段→下段,粒度频率曲线分别为单峰、多峰、双峰,粒径有明显的细化趋势（粗→细）;2）溃坝堆积物的分选系数从上段→中段→下段依次减小,表明分选性逐渐变好;3）溃坝堆积物的粒度累积曲线上游段为两段式,中、下游段为三段式,水动力条件从上段→中段→下段依次减弱.以上这些特点综合反映了该研究区内水动力条件由溃坝堆积体上游到下游在逐渐减弱.     

Basin formation during the post-collisional evolution of the Eastern Alps: the example of the Lavanttal Basin

The Miocene Lavanttal Basin formed in the Eastern Alps during extrusion of crustal blocks towards the east. In contrast to basins, which formed contemporaneously along the strike-slip faults of the Noric Depression and on top of the moving blocks (Styrian Basin), little is known about the Lavanttal Basin. In this paper geophysical, sedimentological, and structural data are used to study structure and evolution of the Lavanttal Basin. The eastern margin of the 2-km-deep basin is formed by the WNW trending Koralm Fault. The geometry of the gently dipping western basin flank shows that the present-day basin is only a remnant of a former significantly larger basin. Late Early (Karpatian) and early Middle Miocene (Badenian) pull-apart phases initiated basin formation and deposition of thick fluvial (Granitztal Beds), lacustrine, and marine (Mühldorf Fm.) sediments. The Mühldorf Fm. represents the Lower Badenian cycle TB2.4. Another flooding event caused brackish environments in late Middle Miocene (Early Sarmatian) time, whereas freshwater environments existed in Late Sarmatian time. The coal-bearing Sarmatian succession is subdivided into four fourth-order sequences. The number of sequences suggests that the effect of tectonic subsidence was overruled by sea-level fluctuations during Sarmatian time. Increased relief energy caused by Early Pannonian pull-apart activity initiated deposition of thick fluvial sediments. The present-day shape of the basin is a result of young (Plio-/Pleistocene) basin inversion. In contrast to the multi-stage Lavanttal Basin, basins along the Noric Depression show a single-stage history. Similarities between the Lavanttal and Styrian basins exist in Early Badenian and Early Sarmatian times.     

Pericontinental petroliferous basins of the South Atlantic Ocean

Sedimentary basins located at Atlantic margins of South America and Africa (Brazil, Congo, and Angola) are composed of thick Cretaceous-Pleistocene rocks (7–9 km). The principal oil-bearing complexes of both regions are dominated by terrigenous rocks. Their accumulation took place at the rifting stage, ended with precipitation of evaporites in the Aptian at the oceanic stage of evolution. Starting with Coniacian and Campanian, the accumulation of terrigenous clastic formations in the Santos and Campos basins was governed by main phases of orogenesis in the Peruvian Andes. In the Angola and Lower Congo basins, the sedimentation was governed by movements related to the development of the East African Rift System. The formation of carbonate and carbonate-clayey sediments prevailed here at early (Albian-Late Eocene) stages of the South Atlantic opening.     

滇东梨树坪-下包包磷矿集区成矿规律及与铅锌矿化关系

文章分析了梨树坪-下包包磷矿集区的成矿背景,总结出该区控矿因素包括寒武系渔户村组中上部地层以及古海凹盆地环境内碳酸盐相及碎屑岩、硅质岩相,且磷矿化受古洼陷海凹构造控制,而后期构造控矿作用微弱,但对磷元素的后期次生富集有较大的促进作用。认为成矿物质来源为含磷的陆源碎屑沉积风化物,并讨论了磷矿与铅锌矿化的时、空关系。     

The Chemical Composition of Global Subducting Sediments and Its Geological Significance

Subducted sediments play an important role in crust-mantle interaction and deep mantle processes, especially for subduction zone magmatism and mantle geochemistry. The current rate of Global Subducting Sediments (GLOSS) is 0.5~0.7 km³/a. The GLOSS are composed of terrigenous material(76 wt.%), calcium carbonate(7 wt.%), opal(10 wt.%) and mineral-bound H₂O⁺(7 wt.%). The chemical compositions of GLOSS are similar to those of upper continental crust which is mainly controlled by the terrigenous materials, and yet the materials formed by marine processes will dilute the terrigenous materials. The components of subducted sediments are different among trenches. In the accretionary margin, the components of subducted sediments are similar to those of the upper crust, while in the non-accretionary margin the components are terrigenous materials plus those produced by marine processes. During subduction, subducted sediments will released fluids, melt or supercritical fluid to affect island arc/back-arc basin magmatism by means of aqueous fluid or sediment melt. In addition, a part of subducted sediments, together with underlying altered oceanic crust/lithosphere, recycle into the mantle and contribute to the mantle heterogeneity. Geochemical tracers indicate that subducted sediments play variable contributions to the magmatic processes in different tectonic setting. Thus, subducted sediments play an important role in two relatively independent dynamics systems (plate tectonics and mantle plume), as well as related mantle evolution models. As a result, by accurately calculating the compositions of subduction sediments and using various geochemical indicators, we can further limit the input and output fluxes of various elements or isotopes, and then obtain more accurately residual subducted components, which can provide us some important clues for geodynamic process.     

西藏南部江孜盆地的演化特征

位于西藏南部江孜盆地的沙拉岗矿区发育一套晚侏罗世至早白垩世的碎屑流、滑动与浊流形成的碎屑岩夹硅质岩与灰岩的沉积。在野外识别出 8个三级层序,包括 2个Ⅰ类层序和 6个Ⅱ类层序;建立了层序地层格架。在此基础上将处于斜坡背景的沉积演化大致划分为 4个阶段:(1)相对陡的陆源斜坡阶段;(2 )相对平缓的陆源斜坡阶段;(3)硅质海底扇发育阶段;(4 )陆源海底扇发育阶段。各个阶段具有不同的演化特点。     

Middle-upper Miocene volcanic ashes of the Kerch-Taman region

Results of the detailed study of Miocene volcanic ashes from Kerch and Taman peninsulas are presented. Based on the distribution of pyroclastics in the rocks under consideration, the Sarmatian and late Meotian stages of volcanic activity are distinguished. In close association with other geological data, results of the first microprobe analysis of the volcaniclastic materials are analyzed. It has been revealed that Sarmatian ashes are characterized by rhyolitic composition, whereas upper Meotian ashes correspond to dacites and rhyodacites. Decrease of silicate content and increase of alkalinity in the studied pyroclastic rocks are traced from ancient to younger sediments. The upper Meotian volcanics are noted for higher concentration of potassium. The predominantly vitroclastic Kerch-Taman ashes with a low content of calcium and high contents of potassium and sodium most likely belong to a single magmatic center. Stages of volcanic events and petrochemical similarity of composition of the magmatic products suggest that the studied ash material belongs to volcanic centers of the Lesser Caucasus.     

BASIN-RANGE TRANSITION AND GENETIC TYPES OF SEQUENCE BOUNDARY OF THE QIANGTANG BASIN IN NORTHERN TIBET

BASIN-RANGE TRANSITION AND GENETIC TYPES OF SEQUENCE BOUNDARY OF THE QIANGTANG BASIN IN NORTHERN TIBET     

Siliciclastic‐hosted iron‐formations in the early Archaean Barberton and Pilbara sequences

Iron‐formation and associated chert and jasper are subordinate to, but commonly intercalated within the upper, dominantly terriginous clastic sequences in the early Archaean Barberton Mountain Land (South Africa) and Pilbara Block (Western Australia). The iron‐formation, jaspillite and chert are exclusively lutitic and occur in a variety of palaeoenvironmental settings, namely: (1) at the base of prograda‐tional submarine fan sequences; (2) within interchannel mudstones enclosing inner and mid‐fan channel deposits; (3) capping Bouma turbidite beds; (4) intercalated within outer‐fan to basin‐plain mudstones; (5) at the base of progradational offshore shelf‐beach sequences; and (6) in lacustrine deposits intercalated within thick, braided, alluvial sequences. These associations suggest that the iron‐formations and associated orthochemical sediments define diastems and that precipitation took place in any environments basinwards of or between events of terrigenous influx. Recognition of such diverse environments of deposition places constraints on existing models for the origin of iron‐formations. Insofar as being removed from terrigenous dilution at the time of accumulation, any of the iron‐formations, cherts or jaspilites are potential precious and base‐metal targets.