The occurrence of Laacher See Tephra in Pomerania, NW Poland

A millimetre-thick bed of highly vesiculated pumiceous clasts was found in two peat bogs in Pomerania (NW Poland). Their phonolitic composition confirms the correlation with the Laacher See Tephra (LST). Based on the various CaO-Na₂O-K₂O content, most of these clasts can be linked with the Lower Laacher See Tephra (LLST), and some with the Middle Laacher See Tephra B (MLST-B). ¹⁴C dates obtained on peat samples are in agreement with an Allered stratigraphic position of that tephra. In several localities in NW Poland, it was found that there was no occurrence of tephra in peat bogs. Thus the presence of the LST is restricted to the northwestern fringes of Pomerania.     

Geochemistry and14C dating of groundwaters from Jurassic aquifers of North Aquitaine Basin (France)

Twenty-seven samples from a confined Lower-Middle Jurassic aquifer and an unconfined Oxfordian aquifer of the North Aquitaine Basin (France) have been analysed for their major elements, Br⁻,¹⁸O,²H,¹³C and¹⁴C contents. Hydrochemistry indicates (1) a dissolution of carbonate and anhydrite near the recharge zone and (2) a dilution of a saline water derived from a seawater/halite mixing in the deeper part of the aquifer. The mixing is also visible in a δ¹⁸O vs Cl⁻ diagram in which two different groups appear: recent waters and old waters indicating a mixing process between fresh and saline groundwaters. The composition of the saline water is likely to be 34,100±11,200 ppm in Cl, 70±20 ppm in Br and more than −3.5±07‰ vs SMOW in¹⁸O.¹³C contents indicate (1) a C exchange with CaCO₃ matrix for groundwaters near the recharge zone and (2) a participation of organic matter in the deep part of the aquifer.Residence times for waters near the area of the aquifer outcrop correspond to Holocene and Late Pleistocene periods. The depletion in stable isotopes of 10 to 15,000 y B.P. waters show a late glacial period infiltration to the aquifer. After a distance of about 10 km in the aquifer, the¹⁴C activities are 0 pmc showing the presence of ‘old’ groundwaters.     

The geochemical study of fluvio-lacustrine aquifers in the Kathmandu Basin (Nepal) and the implications for the mobilization of arsenic

The geochemical analyses of fluvial-lacustrine aquifer sediments of the Kathmandu Valley have been made as a step in assessing the environment for the mobilization of arsenic in groundwater. Elements measured by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) include 4 major oxides (Fe₂O₃, TiO₂, CaO, P₂O₅) and 14 trace elements (As, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, V, Sr, Y, Nb, Zr, Th, Sc and TS). Elution tests of 15 selected core samples were also carried out to determine the potential leaching of arsenic from the sediments. The XRF results show that average bulk concentrations of the major oxides and trace elements are similar to modern unconsolidated sediments and average upper continental crust. However, the abundance of elements varies with grain size, with higher concentrations in finer-size grades. Variations in elemental abundances within the basin are strongly controlled by sediment facies. The elution tests show that greater amounts of arsenic are generally eluted from the fine sediments, although the rates are variable. The results overall suggest that As concentrations in the bulk sediments are not a controlling factor for elevated As in the Kathmandu Basin groundwater, and the roles of other factors such as redox conditions and organic matter contents are likely to be more significant.     

The geochemistry of boron and its isotopes in groundwaters from marine and non-marine sandstone aquifers

The geological evolution of B in two UK sandstone aquifers is followed from precipitation chemistry through to groundwaters in both the unconfined and confined zones. Measurements have been made of major element geochemistry, B concentrations and B isotopic ratios. The isotopic measurements were carried out using ICP/MS following a simple preconcentration step. Isotopic measurements of rainfall show a bimodal distribution and it is suggested that enriched signatures are characteristic of Atlantic air over Britain and depleted signatures representative of continental air. In the marine Lower Greensand aquifer dissolution of glauconite results in the mobilisation of B and a correlation with SO₄ suggests that this dissolution is related to the oxidation of pyrite which appears to be the SO₄-forming reaction in the aquifer. In the non-marine Hastings beds isotopic ratios and a correlation with HCO₃ suggest that B is associated with the dissolution of ferroan carbonates. In both aquifers the geochemical evolution of B is complex and more information is needed on the behaviour of B isotopes during evapotranspiration and groundwater recharge.     

Radon-222 in medicinal groundwaters of Szczawno Zdrój (Sudety Mountains, SW Poland)

 Radon is a significant component of the groundwaters that discharge in the springs of Szczawno Zdrój and are recognized as medicinal. However, among the five exploited springs adjoining each other, it is only in Marta Spring that radon occurs in large concentrations (up to 325.6 Bq/dm³). Therefore, the authors have made an attempt to describe and clarify this fact. They found out from their own research and archival data that ²²²Rn dissolves in the waters of Marta Spring after acidulous waters of deep circulation have mixed with poorly mineralized shallow waters in their outflow zone. The genesis of the gas is determined by the content of its parent nuclide, ²²⁶Ra, in the sandstones in the vicinity of the intake. The volume of the rocks providing radon to the waters of this intake has been estimated at several hundred cubic metres. No seasonal fluctuations in radon concentration have been observed and ²²²Rn concentration changes do not seem to be influenced by changes in the concentration of other chemical components of the waters or by the discharge of the intake. The process of dissolving ²²²Rn in the medicinal groundwaters of Marta Spring is the last, the shortest, and the most local of the processes that form the chemical composition and the physical properties of these waters. Received: 7 January 2000 · Accepted: 12 August 2000     

The evolution of Eastern Tornquist-Paleoasian Ocean and subsequent continental collisions: A case study from the Western Tatra Mountains,Central Western Carpathians (Poland)

The crystalline basement of the Tatra Mountains in the Central Western Carpathians, forms part of the European Variscides and contains fragments of Gondwanan provenance. Metabasite rocks of MORB affinity in the Tatra Mountains are represented by two suites of amphibolites present in two metamorphic units (the Ornak and Goryczkowa Units) intercalated with metapelitic rocks. They are interpreted as relics of ocean crust, with zircon δ¹⁸O_VSMOW values of 4.97–6.96‰. Zircon REE patterns suggest oxidizing to strongly oxidizing conditions in the parent mantle-derived basaltic magma. LA-MC-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of magmatic zircon cores yields a crystallization age of c. 560 Ma, with inherited components at c. 600 Ma, corresponding to the Pannotia break-up event and to the formation of the Eastern Tornquist–Paleoasian Ocean.However, the zircon rims of both suites yield evidence for two different geological histories. Zircon rims from the Ornak amphibolites record two overgrowth phases. The older rims, dated at 387 ± 8 Ma are interpreted as the result of an early stage of Variscan uplift while the younger rims dated at 342 ± 9 Ma are attributed to late Variscan collisional processes. They are characterized by high δ¹⁸O_VSMOW values of 7.34–9.54‰ and are associated with migmatization related to the closure of the Rheic Ocean.Zircon rims from the Goryczkowa amphibolites yield evidence of metamorphism at 512 ± 5 Ma, subsequent Caledonian metamorphism at 447 ± 14 Ma, followed by two stages of Variscan metamorphism at 372 ± 12 Ma and 339 ± 7 Ma, the latter marking the final closure of the Rheic Ocean during late-Variscan collision.The presented data are the first direct dating of ocean crust formation in the eastern prolongation of the Tornquist Ocean, which formed a probable link to the Paleoasian Ocean.     

Saline groundwaters in the hercynian granites (Chardon Mine,France): geochemical evidence for the salinity origin

In this study, the chemical evolution of high Cl⁻ Chardon mine groundwaters is modelled as a mixing between an oxidising recharge and an old marine component on which the water–rock interaction is superimposed. Chemical and isotopic similarities with saline Carnmenellis mine groundwaters are emphasised and a general comparison with other brines is discussed.The cation content of deep granitic groundwaters is indicative of the water–rock interaction. In the case of Chardon and Carnmenellis groundwaters, the high Na/Cl ratio can still be related to the contribution of a brine of sedimentary origin to the water salinity. The differences in the hydrochemistry related to their geological context only appears at the trace metals level. On the contrary, brines in plutonic rocks which exhibit a low Na/Cl ratio represent groundwaters having a residence time in the host rock, long enough to equilibrate with secondary aluminosilicates. In that case, the brine origin is difficult to assess if only based on the water cation content.     

Some fossil Margaretta (Ascophora:Bryozoa) from the Cenozoic sediments of Western Kachchh,Gujarat

Four species of Schizoporellid (family Margarettidae Harmer,1957) Bryozoa are described from the Cenozoic sediments of the Western Kachchh, Gujarat, India. Among these Margaretta amplipora, and M. hariparensis are new to science and the other species viz; M. guhai nom. nov. and M. rajui Guha & Gopikrishna, 2007 are reported for the second time from these sediments. The erect delicate articulated zoarial growth forms of these species indicate shallow water, moderate to high energy settings. The phylogenetic analysis suggests all the species of Margaretta are monophyletic i.e. all of these species have common ancestor.     

The Werra cyclotheme (Upper Permian,Fore-Sudetic Monocline,Poland): Insights into fluctuations of the sedimentary environment from organic geochemical studies

A study of the extracts of samples recording a transgressive–regressive succession of the Werra cyclothem, Zechstein (Upper Permian), from the southern margin of the European Permian Basin (the Fore-Sudetic Monocline, Poland) provides an insight into major sources of organic matter and diagenetic processes. The studied cross-section comprises all lithologies representative for the European basin, including transgressive sandstones (Weissliegend) and organic-rich shales (Kupferschiefer) followed by carbonates as well as regressive anhydrites with intercalations of rock salt. Due to the variable influence of overlapping diagenetic processes that affected the organic matter, i.e. maturation and late diagenetic oxidation related to base metal mineralisation, a reliable comparison of the biomarker results is only possible for the major upper part of the section (ca. 38 m, including carbonates and evaporites) but not for the oxidised first 2–3 m from the base of the Kupferschiefer.The transition from carbonate to evaporate sedimentation is associated with a shift to predominant even C-numbered n-alkanes, increased abundance of carotanes and high homohopane index reflecting enhanced reducing conditions. The presence of the C₂₅ regular isoprenoid, squalane, biphytane and the rapid decrease in the pristane/phytane ratio in the evaporites are mainly controlled by the important contribution from both halophilic and methanogenic archaea. The occurrence of gammacerane in the anhydrites suggests development of water column stratification at some stages of the sea regression. This is associated with appearance of specific aryl isoprenoids with a lycopane carbon skeleton most likely related to Botrycoccus braunii race L algae. Lycopane derivative occurrence suggests that such an algal race could have occurred since Permian (currently known Recent-Eocene). The presence of the abundant freshwater/brackish algal biomarkers in evaporititic deposits can be envisaged in the costal part of the Zechstein basin with temporary salt wedge estuary water stratification. The algae bloomed in the top fertile fresh/brackish water layer fed by rivers, and the algal biomass was deposited on the sea floor covered with evaporitic brine. The stratification periodically broke down during precipitation of the rock salt, presumably due to a decrease in riverine water input, as revealed by characteristic disappearance of gammacerane and hopane distributions similar to those observed for the carbonate rocks.The methylphenanthrenes/phenanthrene ratio was used together with methyldibenzothiophenes/ dibenzothiophene ratio to assess maturity. These maturity estimations indicate that the peak of oil window has been reached, which is confirmed by other biomarker maturity parameters based on sterane and hopane distributions. The maturity stage of oil generation and expulsion was further confirmed by the presence of solid bitumen as cements in the sandstone underlying Kupferschiefer and bitumen veins and lenses in the carbonates.     

东非裂谷系统(EARS)地幔柱成因的新生代火山作用地球化学标志

本文应用岩浆岩地球化学图解对东非裂谷系统(EARS)火山岩的岩石地球化学数据进行处理,重点回顾和讨论埃塞俄比亚大裂谷(MER)、阿法(Afar)盆地及肯尼亚裂谷火山作用的构造环境和地幔柱成因.MER火山岩的岩石类型具双峰式火山岩套特征,以高Ti的大陆溢流玄武岩(CFB)-大陆洋岛玄武岩(OIB)-流纹岩系列为主,缺少中性岩,是来自地幔柱岩浆分异的结果,与板块俯冲作用无关.阿法(Afar)盆地和红海为CFB-MORB系列.肯尼亚裂谷(KR)及埃塞俄比亚大裂谷最南端图尔卡纳盆地只见以大陆OIB,缺乏流纹岩.EARS是一个主动型地幔柱,由地幔上涌冲击地壳底部而成,其火山岩以富集常量元素Ti、Fe和Mg,富集高场强元素Nb、Ta和相容元素V、Cr、Co和Ni为特征.绝大多数EARS火山岩的Nb/Zr>0.04和Ta/Hf比值>0.1,在地球化学-构造环境判别图上落在板内火山岩的范围内(大洋板内和地幔柱),集中在Nb/Zr>0.15和Ta/Hf比值>0.3范围内的火山岩样品可能为主动地幔柱成因.根据La/Nb、Ce/Pb和Ba/La比值,地幔柱成因的MER火山岩可分为受地壳混染地幔和未受地壳混染的原始地幔两种类型.La/Nb(≤1)、Ce/Pb(30~50)、Ba/Nb比值(>10)和La/Yb≤12是来源于未受地壳混染原始地幔的重要判别标志.地球化学证据(微量元素,Sr-Nd-Pb-He同位素)表明,MER-阿拉伯-也门地幔柱起源于深部核-幔边界的HIMU.MER-Afar的前裂谷和同裂谷火山岩(50-12 Ma)具有高的3He同位素标志(R/Ra比值>16.4)说明其非洲板块之下存在一个深藏的地幔岩浆源深度大于670 km,位于石榴子石-尖晶石橄榄岩过渡带(图6b、c、d).MER-Afar大火山岩省及其最南端图尔卡纳湖和肯尼亚地体(克拉通,改造的克拉通边缘和活动带)深部地壳底部之下的HIMU地幔可能是导致裂谷型的OIB和CFB异常发育的岩浆源区,而Afar洼地(吉布提)、红海和亚丁湾形成于后裂谷期(5~0 Ma)的MORB和亏损LREE玄武岩则归因于HIMU、富集地幔(EM1-EM2)与DM混合地幔源的熔融,其岩浆源区位地壳拉张减薄带之下的尖晶石橄榄岩区.     

Use of geochemical modeling to evaluate the hydraulic connection of aquifers: a case study from Chianan Plain, Taiwan

Aquifers are generally composed of highly permeable layers that can conduct a considerable amount of groundwater. Traditionally, aquifer units are correlated through the concept of lithostratigraphy. For low-permeable aquifers, it is difficult to define the spatial distribution of hydrogeological units, and this study attempts to use geochemical modeling to identify the groundwater flow paths in an area of Taiwan. Multiple geochemical analyses, including groundwater chemistry; stable isotopic compositions of hydrogen, oxygen and carbon; and radiocarbon contents were performed. Using these parameters as the constraints of geochemical models, the hydraulic connection was examined between pairs of possibly interlinked wells along four selected cross sections, and the conceptual groundwater model was accordingly established. The resultant model suggests that the hydraulic connection between aquifers should be correlated with the concept of chronological stratigraphy, especially for low-permeable, unconsolidated aquifers. Using Darcy’s law, the hydraulic conductivities of the fine-sand aquifers were estimated to be between 3.14 × 10⁻⁵ and 1.80 × 10⁻⁴ m/s, which are roughly one order of magnitude higher than those derived by in situ pumping tests. The substantial extraction of groundwater over a long period in the studied area could accelerate groundwater flow, leading to an overestimation of the aquifer permeability.

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Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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Résumé En règle générale, les aquifères sont constitués de couches très perméables capables de conduire des quantités d’eau considérables. Les unités aquifères sont traditionnellement corrélées d’un point de vue lithostratigraphique. Dans le cas des aquifères à faible perméabilité, il s’avère difficile de définir une distribution spatiale des unités hydrogéologiques, et cette étude tente d’utiliser la modélisation géochimique pour identifier les cheminements des eaux souterraines dans un secteur de Taiwan. Plusieurs analyses géochimiques ont été réalisées ; elles incluent la chimie des eaux souterraines, les isotopes stables de l’hydrogène, de l’oxygène et du carbone et l’abondance en carbone 14. En utilisant ces paramètres comme contraintes pour les modèles géochimiques, les liaisons hydrauliques entre les puits potentiellement interconnectés ont été étudiées deux par deux, le long de quatre coupes présélectionnées, et le modèle conceptuel a été établi en conséquence. Ce modèle résultant suggère que les connexions hydrauliques inter-aquifères devraient être corrélées avec les concepts stratigraphiques, surtout pour les aquifères non consolidés à faible perméabilité. Les perméabilités dans les aquifères de sables fins ont été estimées par la loi de Darcy entre 3.14 × 10⁻⁵ et 1.80 × 10⁻⁴ m/s, soit environ un ordre de grandeur au-dessus de celles issues des tests de pompage sur site. L’exploitation substantielle des eaux souterraines sur une longue période dans la zone d’étude peut accélérer les écoulements souterrains, menant à une surestimation de la perméabilité de l’aquifère.

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Resumen Los acuíferos están generalmente compuestos de capas muy permeables que pueden conducir una cantidad considerable de agua subterránea. Tradicionalmente, se ponen en correlación las unidades acuíferas a través del concepto de litoestratigrafía. Para los acuíferos de baja-permeabilidad, es difícil de definir la distribución espacial de unidades hidrogeológicas y este estudio intenta usar modelamiento geoquímico para identificar las direcciones del flujo de agua subterránea en un área de Taiwán. Se realizó el análisis geoquímico múltiple, incluyendo la química del agua subterránea, la composición de isótopos estables de hidrógeno, oxígeno y carbono, y el contenido de radiocarbono. Usando estos parámetros como limitantes de modelos geoquímicos, la conexión hidráulica se examinó entre pares de pozos posiblemente interrelacionados, a lo largo de cuatro cortes transversales seleccionados y de acuerdo con esto se estableció el modelo conceptual del agua subterránea. El modelo resultante sugiere que la conexión hidráulica entre los acuíferos deba interrelacionarse con el concepto de estratigrafía cronológica, sobre todo para los acuíferos sin consolidar de baja permeabilidad. Usando la ley de Darcy, se estimaron las conductividades hidráulicas de los acuíferos de arena fina obteniendo valores entre 3.14 × 10⁻⁵ y 1.80 × 10⁻⁴ m/s, las cuales son aproximadamente un orden de magnitud mayor, que aquéllos obtenidos in situ por las pruebas de bombeo. La extracción considerable de agua subterránea durante un periodo largo en el área estudiada, podría acelerar el flujo de agua subterránea, llevando a una sobrestimación de la permeabilidad en los acuíferos.

     

Dike-filled extensional structures in Cenozoic deposits of the Kleszczów Graben (Central Poland)

The origin and development of the Cenozoic Kleszczów Graben were strongly influenced by a pre-existing fault pattern within the Permian–Mesozoic bedrock. Dike-filled fractures penetrating Neogene/Quaternary deposits, analysed in the opencast Bełchatów browncoal mine, follow extensional structural patterns parallel to the axes of the local anticlinal forms established (or rejuvenated) in the Quaternary. These structures are particularly well developed along the fold crests. The spacing and structural features of the fractures and normal faults are explained in terms of the tensile stress operating in beds subjected to folding. The main localities of the Quaternary folds precisely align with segments of two deep-seated reverse faults: the Kleszczów–Kodrąb Fault and the Gomunice–Piaski Fault. Both are NW–SE orientated dislocations along a hinge zone of the Laramide Łękińsko Anticline, subcropping the Cenozoic graben infill in the open mine. The origin of the Quaternary folds as fault-overlying folds is attributed to a young block uplift on the Łękińsko Anticline area, which is well recorded by a strong reduction in thickness of the Cenozoic sediments; the Quaternary succession is reduced in thickness twice as much as the Neogene. The successive stages of Quaternary reactivation of the Łękińsko Anticline (during the Cromerian through the Late Saalian), with diminishing intensity, are believed to be correlatable with the sequence of glacial rebound events coupled with mobility of the deep-rooted fault zone.     

Groundwater recharge of carbonate aquifers of the Silesian-Cracow Triassic (southern Poland) under human impact

A Triassic carbonate unit has been intensively drained by zinc and lead ore mines and numerous borehole fields since the nineteenth century. Its groundwater recharge has increased due to: pumping of water from boreholes, mining activity, and urbanization. An approach to determine the amounts of the recharge at a variety of spatial scales is presented in the paper. Different methods were used to identify and quantify recharge components on a regional and local scale: mathematical modelling was performed for four aquifers included in an aquifer system, an analytical estimation based on the assumption that an average recharge is equal to the average discharge of the hydrogeological system—for six man-made drainage centres, and the method of water level fluctuation (WLF) was applied in one observation borehole. Results of modelling have been supplemented by observation of environmental tracers (δ¹⁸O, δ²H, ³H), noble gases temperatures, and ⁴He_exc in groundwater. The regional aquifer’s current recharge according to estimations performed by means of modelling varies from 39 to 101 mm/year on average. Depending on the aquifer site the average precipitation ranges from 779 to 864 mm/year. In the confined part of the aquifer average recharge ranges from 26 to 61 mm/year. Within outcrops average recharge varies from 96 to 370 mm/year. Current recharge estimated by the analytical method for man-made drainage centres varies from 158 up to 440 mm/year. High values are caused by different recharge sources like precipitation, induced leakage from shallow aquifers, and water losses from streams, water mains and sewer systems. Pumping of water, mining and municipal activities constitute additional factors accounting for the intensified recharge.     

坦桑尼亚伦圭新生代火山岩的地球化学特征及岩石成因

伦圭新生代火山岩位于东非裂谷西支最南端,已有的大量地质与地球化学证据表明伦圭火山岩是典型的碱性双峰式火山岩,其SiO2含量在46％～56％之间出现明显的间断.基性火山岩和酸性火山岩均表现出富集轻稀土元素,轻、重稀土元素强烈分馏,无明显Eu异常的特征.基性岩大离子亲石元素Rb、Ba、Th、U、Sr富集,高场强元素Zr、H...     

The impact of dolomite and plagioclase weathering on the chemistry of shallow groundwaters circulating in a granodiorite-dominated catchment of the Sila Massif (Calabria,Southern Italy)

This work is aimed at investigating the weathering processes of the granodiorites cropping out in a small catchment of the Sila Massif. The mineral constituents in this granodiorite are plagioclase, often zoned with a Ca-rich core and a Na-rich rim, quartz, chlorite, K-feldspar, white mica and epidote. During this study, dolomite was discovered in local stream sediments, as separate monomineralic grains, probably resulting from erosion of veins cutting the crystalline rocks. Prevailing dissolution of foreign dolomite and a Ca-rich plagioclase is suggested by the Ca–Mg–HCO₃ chemical composition of local groundwaters and stream waters, which is rather unexpected for waters interacting with granitoid rocks. These qualitative observations are quantitatively confirmed by reaction path modelling of the weathering processes occurring in the study area, which was carried out using the EQ3/6 software package, version 8.0, and the Double Solid Reactant Method. Indeed, it was possible to ascertain that the release of both major dissolved constituents and several trace elements (Ba, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, V and Zn), from rocks to waters, is chiefly controlled by the dissolution of foreign dolomite and the Ca-rich core of zoned plagioclases.     

A geochemical study of the peat and soft-brown coal from the Zhenan basin,Western Yunnan,China

Little is known about the geochemistry of peat and soft-brown coal The analytical chemical dataof forty eight samples have been obtained for the peat and soft-brow n coal in the 7henan basin, western Yunnan. njection of continental detritus into theswamp is favourable for the degradation of plant remains and thefor-oration of humic acid. The oxide compositions of the ash of the peat and soft一)rown coal and their distribution-typeshave indicated that the continental detritusome from two kinds of parent rocks.The Al₂O₃ and SiO₂have a positive correlation with humic acid(Hmz)，showing that the organic matter is ad-vantageous to the formation of aluminosilic;ate mineral(mainly kaolinite, authigenic organic clay minerals). The TiO₂ enrichment is mainly related to mineral materials. The Ge content in the peat and soft-brown coalranges from 0. 2- 2.6×10-6, and it is mainly bound to those minerals with Al₂O₃and organic matters. The GaContent is from 2. 3- 19.1×10-6，and it is associated with minerals that are MgO一Baring aluminosilicate minerals.The uranium (0.3- 4.9×10-6) is mainly bound in the Ca-and Mg-bearing minerals. They are not enriched andnot related to organic matter.     

The geochemical patterns of rocks of the Bazhenov and Abalak formations (Western Siberia)

The composition of rocks of the Bazhenov and Abalak formations in Western Siberia is described. Correlations of the concentrations of the major and minor components in rocks with the concentrations of minor elements and organic material are shown. Study of the concentration of minor elements allows us to determine the conditions of sedimentation: redox potential, hydrogen sulfide contamination, and the source of sedimentary material. The results show that rocks of the Bazhenov Formation were formed under the conditions of low fluxes of clastic material, a reduced environment, and a periodically occurring hydrogen sulfide mode.     

Age,main geochemical characteristics,and sources of late Cenozoic volcanic rocks in the Udurchukan volcanic area (Amur Region)

This paper presents new mineralogical, petrographic, geochemical, and isotope–geochronological data on the Cenozoic basaltic trachyandesites from the Udurchukan volcanic area (Amur region), which occupies the watersheds of the Uril, Mutnaya, and Khingan rivers. Based on the available geochrolonological data and new K–Ar dating, the basaltic trachyandesites are middle Miocene in age (18.9–17.1 Ma). Petrogeochemically, they are divided into two groups. These groups differ in the contents of MgO, TiO₂, P₂O₅, as well as Sr, Ba, Nb, Ta, and LREE, which is presumably related to the different degrees of metasomatic reworking of the mantle sources and their melting. In terms of the trace-element distribution and ratios, the basaltic trachyandesites from the Udurchukan area are close to the within-plate rocks and were contributed by enriched lithospheric mantle previously subjected to fluid metasomatism.     

Ion activity products of iron sulfides in groundwaters: Implications from the Choshui fan-delta, Western Taiwan

Precipitation of iron sulfides is an important process in groundwater geochemistry because it reduces iron mobility in anaerobic aquifers. Iron sulfides occur in various allotropic forms such as amorphous FeS and pyrite, and their solubility products differ up to 13 orders of magnitude. However, few data for ion activity products (IAP) of iron sulfides defined by the equation: H⁺ + FeS_(S) = Fe²⁺ + HS^- in groundwater have been reported in the literature. We computed IAP values of iron sulfides for 46 groundwater samples from the Choshui fan-delta of Taiwan and 65 samples from other areas of the world. The mean of -log(IAP) values obtained for the 46 samples is 3.07 ± 0.34 (1σ), which is consistent with the solubility constant 3.00 ± 0.12 (Davison et al., 1999) of amorphous FeS, implying that the anaerobic aquifers in the Choshui fan-delta are still undergoing active sulfate-reduction processes and keeping the groundwater saturated with amorphous FeS.We suggest that the −logKsp value 3.91 of amorphous FeS adopted in the databases for WATEQF and PHREEQC computer programs ought to be revised to 3.00. Otherwise, the saturation indices (SI) calculated by the two computer programs will be an order of magnitude too high.     

The sources of geogenic arsenic in aquifers at Datong basin,northern China: Constraints from isotopic and geochemical data

Mineralogical, geochemical and zircon U–Pb dating studies were carried out to identify the sources of arsenic in the shallow aquifers of Datong Basin in northern China. A sediment sample from 18 m depth containing 10.3 mg/kg arsenic showed a Zircon U–Pb concordant age of 2528 ± 20 to 271 ± 4 Ma that can be divided into two groups (2528 ± 20 to 1628 ± 21 Ma and 327 ± 4 to 271 ± 4 Ma) and is comparable to that of the sedimentary rocks of Taiyuan (upper Carboniferous) and Shanxi Formation (lower Permian) outcropping to the west of Datong Basin. In contrast, a sediment sample from 22.5 m depth containing 5.7 mg/kg arsenic displayed a Zircon U–Pb concordant age ranging from 2561 ± 21 to 1824 ± 26 Ma that is comparable to that of the Hengshan Complex (Ne-Archaean Precambrian) outcropping to the east of .