Lateglacial palaeoenvironments and palaeoclimates from Conty and Houdancourt, northern France, reconstructed from Beetle remains

Two Lateglacial insect sequences are described (a) from Conty, in the Selle valley and (b) from Houdancourt in the Oise valley, both in northern France. These investigations are part of a multidisciplinary investigation involving archaeology, sedimentology, geomorphology, geochronology and palaeontology (pollen, macroscopic plant remains, vertebrates, molluscs and insect fossils). The sequences of insect assemblages date from the latter part of the Bølling to the end of the Allerød periods. Environmental analysis of these faunas shows that rivers with riffles and pools meandered across flood plains. The river was extensively fringed with reedy vegetation. The only trees growing close to the river were of Salix and/or Populus. All the insect assemblages indicate that the thermal climates during the Bølling and Allerød periods were similar to one another and during both periods were very nearly as warm as that of the present day. No insect fossils were recovered from the sediments attributed to the Older Dryas interval though other evidence from these sites suggests that this event was decidedly colder than those immediately preceding and succeeding it. Comparisons are made between Lateglacial climatic patterns in northern France with those elsewhere in Europe.     

Na,K, P and Ti in garnet,pyroxene and olivine from peridotite and eclogite xenoliths from African kimberlites

Electron microprobe analyses sensitive to 20ppmw (2σ) were made for Na, P, K and Ti in garnet, pyroxenes and olivine from peridotite and eclogite xenoliths from African kimberlites and volcanic rocks in Tanzania. Average concentrations (ppmw) in peridotite (mostly garnet lherzolite) are: Na₂O gt 340 ol 90 opx 1070 cpx 2.1 (wt.%); P₂O₅ gt 460 ol 130 opx 50 cpx 350; K₂O gt <20 ol <20 opx 30 cpx 170; TiO₂ gt 1470 ol 130 opx 480 cpx 1630. For eclogites and a cpx megacryst with gt inclusions: Na₂O gt 610 cpx 4.3 (wt.%); P₂O₅ gt 530 cpx 300; K₂O gt <20 cpx 370; TiO₂ gt 1990 cpx 1980.In garnet, Na can be explained by coupled substitution with P and Ti, and there is no need to invoke six-coordinated silicon. The Na distribution between garnet and clinopyroxene correlates with the Fe/Mg distribution for both eclogites and peridotites, and for the peridotites correlates with estimates of pressure and temperature from pyroxene composition. When calibrated experimentally, the Na distribution may be a useful indicator of physical conditions at depths for which the Fe/Mg distribution is insensitive; furthermore the Na distribution may be less sensitive to oxidation state.     

Recent and historical tsunami deposits from Lake Tokotan,eastern Hokkaido,Japan, inferred from nondestructive,grain size,and radioactive cesium analyses

Geological evidence of recent tsunamis from sediment samples collected from Lake Tokotan, a coastal lagoon in eastern Hokkaido, northern Japan, was detected using computed tomography (CT) and soft X-ray images, grain size, and radionuclide profiles. Initial field observations revealed that sediments had no discernable sedimentary structures at the top of the core. However, results of CT imaging, soft X-ray, and grain size analyses show evidence for three invisible sand layers that are intercalated with mud layers. These sand layers exhibit trends of landward fining and thinning. Furthermore, the distribution of sand layers was limited to the center and seaward parts of the lake. Vertical profiles of cesium and lead concentrations in combination with recent eyewitness accounts indicated that these sand layers are correlated with the 1973 Nemuro-oki, 1960 Chilean, and 1952 Tokachi-oki tsunami events. The deeper part of the sediment cores includes three volcanic ash layers and three prehistoric coarse sand layers. The prehistoric layers are correlated with unusually large tsunamis that were geologically identified in previous studies from eastern Hokkaido. These findings suggest that nondestructive techniques, in combination with radionuclide analysis, allow for detection of frequent but faint tsunami deposits. This technique allows for an improved understanding of the history of tsunami inundation in Lake Tokotan and of other locations for which stratigraphic evidence for faint tsunamis layers is not readily apparent from field assessments.

     

Late Quaternary mollusks from glacial Lake Algonquin,Nipissing, and transitional sediments from southwestern Ontario,Canada

Mollusks were studied from six sites in Lake Algonquin deposits (12,000-10,000 yr B.P.), five transitional (Lake Stanley low stage; 10,000 – 6000 yr B.P.), and six Nipissing stage sites (6000-4000 yr B.P.) east of Lake Huron in southwestern Ontario. The sites represent a variety of near-shore, lagoonal, estuarine, and fluvial environments. Eighteen species were limited to occurrences in Algonquin stage deposits; 8 were found only in the transitional age sites; and 14 species were restricted to Nipissing stage localities. With the possible exception of Goniobasis livescens, which occurred at five of the six Nipissing stage sites, the remaining stratigraphically limited species were usually restricted to one or two localities and probably cannot be used as zone fossils. Some cold-tolerant species (e.g., Anodonta grandis simpsoniana) were very early migrants into the study area, while others arrived later, apparently from eastern, southern, and western sources. Mollusks proved useful in paleoenvironmental reconstructions and to a lesser extent in biostratigraphic zonation.     

Hazard and risk from large landslides from Mount Meager volcano,British Columbia,Canada

During the past 8000 years, large volcanic debris flows from Mount Meager, a Quaternary volcano in southwest British Columbia, have reached several tens of kilometres downstream in Lillooet River valley, with flow velocities of many metres per second and flow depths of several metres. These debris flows inundated areas that have become settled in the past 100 years and are now experiencing rapid urban growth. Notably, Pemberton, 65 km from Mount Meager, has doubled in size in the past five years. Approval of subdivision and building permits in Pemberton and adjacent areas requires assessment and mitigation of flood hazards, but large, rare debris flows from Mount Meager are not considered in the permitting process. Unlike floods, some volcanic debris flows occur without warning. We quantify the risk to residents in Lillooet River valley from non-eruption triggered volcanic debris flows based on Holocene landslide activity at Mount Meager. The calculated risk exceeds, by orders of magnitude, risk tolerance thresholds developed in Hong Kong, Australia, England, and in one jurisdiction in Canada. This finding poses a challenge for local governments responsible for public safety.     

Levynes and erionites from Sardinia,Italy

Three samples of levyne and two of erionite from three different localities of Sardinia are described. In two samples, levyne and erionite are intergrown by epitaxy. The levynes exhibit close chemical compositions with Ca>Na>K; as for their lattice constants, a is very similar in all three samples, while c of one sample is rather smaller than that of the other two. Unit cell dimensions of both erionites and chemical composition of one are also given. In addition, the following data are reported for the levynes: refractive indices for all three samples, density for two and DTA for one. The existence of levyne-erionite intergrowth is emphasized, and support is given to the idea that this intergrowth is much more common than the literature would suggest.     

云南某含铜镍铁矿石回收铜镍的探讨

云南某铁矿含铜0.33%,镍0.14%,金0.11g/t,银0.13 g/t,铁14.60%,硅32.80%,氧化镁23.50%。利用了X射线衍射分析、扫描电镜等现代分析手段,进行了工艺矿物学研究,研究发现原矿中主要金属矿物为黄铜矿、磁铁矿、镍黄铁矿、赤铁矿,脉石矿物主要为蛇纹石、滑石、绿泥石。为了有效的回收矿石中的有价金属,进行了大量的试验研究。最终本文确定在磨矿细度60%-200目的条件下,以水玻璃+六偏磷酸钠+CMC做组合抑制剂,乙硫氮做捕收剂,采用一粗三精三扫的浮选流程,回收原矿中的铜、镍。所得混合精矿铜品位14.34%,回收率86.93%,镍品位4.30%,回收率64.17%。     

滇西马厂箐煌斑岩成因:地球化学、年代学及Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf同位素约束

滇西马厂箐煌斑岩脉分为早晚两期,早期为云斜煌岩,晚期为云煌岩.对煌斑岩样品进行锆石LA-MC-ICP-MS U-Pb定年,获得33.77±0.11Ma的岩浆侵位年龄,表明马厂箐煌斑岩为马厂箐复式杂岩体中期岩浆结晶作用的产物,也是金沙江-哀牢山断裂带新生代早期岩浆活动的产物.岩石地球化学分析表明马厂箐煌斑岩高钾(K2O/NaO=2.88 ～4.60)、富碱(K2O+ Na2O =6.40％ ～7.55％)、高Mg# (74.3～76.9),富集大离子亲石元素(LILE) (K、Rb、Ba)和轻稀土元素(LREE),亏损高场强元素(HFSE)(Nb、Zr、P)和重稀土元素.同位素以高(87Sr/86Sr)i(0.707406～0.706506),低εNd(t)(-1.78～-7.64),富集放射性Pb(208 pb/204 Pb=38.87 ～ 39.35,207Pb/204 Pb=15.6390～15.6431,206Pb/204 Pb=18.6579 ～ 18.8093)为特征.176Hf/177Hf为0.282712 ～0.282864,εHf(t)为-1.4～4.0,εNd(t)与εHf(t)存在Nd-Hf同位素解耦.根据岩石地球化学和同位素特征以及区域构造演化历史分析,马厂箐煌斑岩起源于金沙江洋壳俯冲交代作用形成的富集地幔,区域上软流圈物质上涌可能促使EMII的部分熔融形成煌斑岩岩浆,而金沙江-哀牢山断裂及其与其他断裂的交汇处则为岩浆上侵提供了良好的通道.     

Geochemistry of Eclogites and Metapelites from Trescolmen,Central Alps,as Observed from Major and Trace Elements and Oxygen Isotopes

Eclogites are often the only tangible high-pressure evidence we have from a paleosubduction zone, and they potentially preserve important geochemical information from the descending slab. Selected Group B/C eclogites and metapelites from the Trescolmen locality in the Adula nappe in the central Swiss Alps were chosen for a detailed investigation to determine oxygen isotope ratios and major- and trace-element compositions of the main rock-forming minerals. Complex major-element zonation patterns in garnet porphyroblasts indicate a pre-Alpine, medium-pressure growth history coupled with a high-pressure modification during the Alpine orogeny. Garnet REE patterns are notably HREE depleted in rim regions, with high overall REE content, particularly in the cores of grains. Omphacites are relatively homogenous in major elements, and show LREE- and HREE-depleted patterns, but with overall abundances of REEs lower than in garnets. These patterns are best explained by partitioning of the HREEs into garnet and the LREEs into zoisite. Oxygen-isotope systematics indicate limited fluid flow in eclogites and surrounding metapelites. δ¹⁸O values of quartz and garnet at the interface between eclogites and metapelites are indistinguishable and point to fluid exchange. Oxygen equilibrium conditions among rock-forming minerals, particularly between quartz and garnet in eclogites and metapelites, were reached, and fractionation indicates temperatures of ～600°C. The δ¹⁸O of unaltered eclogites (5.5 to 7.5 ‰) suggests a basaltic, MORB-type protolith.     

Inclusions and Megacrysts from Undersaturated Tuffs and Basanites, East Fife, Scotland

This paper deals with inclusions, megacrysts, and nodules froma group of Stephanian and Permian vents and associated intrusiveson the Fife (Scotland) coast near Elie. The petrography andchemistry of inclusions of spinel Iherzolite, wehrlite, andclinopyroxenite are described. The Elie Ness vent contains coarse-grainedplutonic nodules (Elie type nodules) and megacrysts of pyrope,sub-calcic augite, kaersutite, and anorthoclase. Elie type nodulesare divisible into five groups: (1) kaersutite-olivine-pyroxenite,(2) type 1 +oligoclase, (3) biotite-pyroxenite, (4) sodic amphibole-biotite-albite,(5) biotite-albite. Experimental studies show that sub-calcic augite and pyropephenocrysts could have coprecipitated from an alkali basaltmagma at P > 25 kb, T = 1300–1450 ?C. It is proposedthat the primary alkali basalt liquid was formed by partialmelting of a vapour-free, mica-bearing garnet Iherzolite mantleat a depth of c. 100 km, with subsequent pyrope-augite phenocrystcrystallization at not less than 70 km depth. Geochemical studiesof clinopyroxenes from the Elie type nodules indicate crystallizationwithin the lower crust. It is proposed that types 1 and 2 nodulesare cumulates from the alkaline basaltic liquid, intercumuluskaersutite representing compositions of liquids intermediateon the Fife basalt trend. Type 3 nodules may represent basalticliquids at the basic end of the Fife trend, wholly crystallizedat pressure from 10–15 kb. Experimental data on stabilityof anorthoclase in its host basanite show it to be present inthe basanite melting interval only at P < 9 kb (dry). Itis thought that crystallization of anorthoclase may be associatedwith formation of types 4 and 5 nodules, possibly from a trappedpocket of evolved alkaline liquid at upper crustal levels. TheElie Ness eruption must have been rapid enough to strip theaccumulated pyroxenites from the lower crust and carry unresorbedgarnet megacrysts from depths of over 70 km. Spinel-lherzoliteinclusions are found only in late stage basic sheets whose intrusionmay be unrelated to the initial violent tuff eruptions.     

A 2200-yr record of hydrologic variability from Foy Lake, Montana, USA, inferred from diatom and geochemical data

A 2200-yr long, high-resolution (∼5 yr) record of drought variability in northwest Montana is inferred from diatoms and δ¹⁸O values of bio-induced carbonate preserved in a varved lacustrine core from Foy Lake. A previously developed model of the diatom response to lake-level fluctuations is used to constrain estimates of paleolake levels derived from the diatom data. High-frequency (decadal) fluctuations in the de-trended δ¹⁸O record mirror variations in wet/dry cycles inferred from Banff tree-rings, demonstrating the sensitivity of the oxygen-isotope values to changes in regional moisture balance. Low frequency (multi-centennial) isotopic changes may be associated with shifts in the seasonal distribution of precipitation. From 200 B.C. to A.D. 800, both diatom and isotope records indicate that climate was dry and lake level low, with poor diatom preservation and high organic carbon: nitrogen ratios. Subsequently, lake level rose slightly, although the climate was drier and more stable than modern conditions. At A.D. 1200, lake level increased to approximately 6 m below present elevation, after which the lake fluctuated between this elevation and full stage, with particularly cool and/or wetter conditions after 1700. The hydrologic balance of the lake shifted abruptly at 1894 because of the establishment of a lumber mill at the lake's outlet. Spectral analysis of the δ¹⁸O data indicates that severe droughts occurred with multi-decadal (50 to 70 yr) frequency.     

Geochemistry and petrology of selected coal samples from Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Papua, Indonesia

Indonesia has become the world's largest exporter of thermal coal and is a major supplier to the Asian coal market, particularly as the People's Republic of China is now (2007) and perhaps may remain a net importer of coal. Indonesia has had a long history of coal production, mainly in Sumatra and Kalimantan, but only in the last two decades have government and commercial forces resulted in a remarkable coal boom. A recent assessment of Indonesian coal-bed methane (CBM) potential has motivated active CBM exploration. Most of the coal is Paleogene and Neogene, low to moderate rank and has low ash yield and sulfur (generally < 10 and < 1 wt.%, respectively). Active tectonic and igneous activity has resulted in significant rank increase in some coal basins. Eight coal samples are described that represent the major export and/or resource potential of Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Papua. Detailed geochemistry, including proximate and ultimate analysis, sulfur forms, and major, minor, and trace element determinations are presented. Organic petrology and vitrinite reflectance data reflect various precursor flora assemblages and rank variations, including sample composites from active igneous and tectonic areas. A comparison of Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) elements abundance with world and US averages show that the Indonesian coals have low combustion pollution potential.     

The longest theropod trackway from East Asia,and a diverse sauropod-, theropod-, and ornithopod-track assemblage from the Lower Cretaceous Jiaguan Formation,southwest China

Here we report a large dinosaur tracksite from an extensive fluvial sandstone surface in the Lower Cretaceous Jiaguan Formation of Sichuan Province, China. The site contains over 250 individual tracks comprising at least 18 recognizable trackways, including the longest theropod trackway (cf. Eubrontes) known from China. This exceptional theropod trackway consists of 81 successive footprints covering a distance of 69 m. The tracks are well-preserved and are expressed both as true tracks on the main “upper” surface and as transmitted undertracks on a locally exposed “lower” bed. Also recorded are six other theropod trackways, including small Grallator-like ichnites, eight sauropod trackways (cf. Brontopodus), and three small ornithopod (cf. Ornithopodichnus) trackways with a parallel orientation, which may indicate gregarious behavior. Several trackways of a larger theropod trackmaker show pes imprints with elongated traces of the metatarsals, suggesting extramorphological (substrate-controlled) variation and/or plantigrade posture, which is here interpreted as indicating a change in gait assumed in response to deep and soft sediment. The assemblage indicates a diverse dinosaur fauna in the Lower Cretaceous Sichuan Basin with variously sized theropods, sauropods, and ornithopods. The late occurrence of footprints of the Grallator-Eubrontes plexus in Lower Cretaceous strata is further evidence of the extended stratigraphic range of this morphotype and the distinct palaeobiogeographic distribution of these trackmakers in East Asia.     

贝尔凹陷与塔南凹陷下白垩统铜钵庙组南屯组油气储层特征及孔隙度控制作用

早白垩世铜钵庙-南屯组的火山岩和砂岩是中国海拉尔盆地贝尔凹陷和蒙古国塔木察格盆地塔南凹陷的主要油气储层.其中:铜钵庙组储层主要由火山碎屑岩组成;南屯组储层以砂岩为主,其次为火山碎屑岩.在铜钵庙组的火山碎屑岩中,贝尔凹陷主要为凝灰岩,塔南凹陷主要为沉凝灰岩和凝灰质砂岩.镜质体反射率和最高热解温度数据表明,成岩阶段主要为中成岩阶段A期.铜钵庙组-南屯组储层的孔隙类型主要为次生孔,其次为原生孔,属中低孔、特低渗型储层.贝尔凹陷和塔南凹陷均发育2个异常高孔隙带,储层孔隙度主要受储层岩石类型、沉积相和成岩作用控制.     

Age,petrogenesis, and tectonic setting of granitic gneiss and amphibolite from the Weizigou gold deposit,Heilongjiang Province,NE China: Constraints from geochronology and geochemistry

The Weizigou gold deposit is located in the western Jiamusi Massif, Northeast China. Gold mineralization is hosted in the amphibolite, which intruded the granitic gneiss. Although the deposit shows similarities to iron-oxide–copper–gold deposits, the detailed ore-forming process remains uncertain. To determine the formation age, petrogenesis, and tectonic setting of the granitic gneiss and amphibolite, LA–ICP–MS zircon, titanite, and monazite UPb dating, whole-rock major- and trace-element analyses, and LA–ICP–MS in situ zircon Hf isotope analyses were conducted on samples from these rocks. The granitic gneiss yielded two age populations of 951–882 Ma, and ca. 500 Ma, with a monazite UPb concordia age of 501.5 ± 5.1 Ma. The amphibolite yielded a crystallization age of 292 Ma, consistent with the results for magmatic titanite UPb dating, and a metamorphic age of 272–258 Ma. The granitic gneiss contains typical aluminum-rich minerals, such as garnet and muscovite, mean SiO₂ = 73.31 wt%, and molar ratio Al₂O₃/(CaO + K₂O + Na₂O) values of 1.02–1.07, indicating an S-type granite protolith. The amphibolite belongs to the tholeiitic basalt series and has low SiO₂ and high MnO contents. These results, together with ε_Hf(t) values and two-stage model ages ranging from ?9.5 to 2.3 and ? 0.3 to 5.7, and from 2010 to 1659 Ma and from 1331 to 947 Ma, respectively, allow us to infer that the parental magmas of the granitic gneiss and amphibolite were derived from the partial melting of Paleoproterozoic lower crust and the partial melting of metasomatized depleted mantle, respectively. The granitic gneiss is characterized by positive Th and Hf anomalies, and negative Nb, Ta, Sr and Ti anomalies, whereas the amphibolite is enriched in K, Rb, and depleted in Ba, Nb, Ti, and Zr. These geochemical features suggest that the S-type granite was formed in an active continental margin during the Neoproterozoic and underwent granulite-facies metamorphism during the early Paleozoic. The protolith of the amphibolite was gabbro that formed in an extensional setting (e.g., a backarc basin) associated with westward subduction of the Paleo-Pacific oceanic plate beneath the eastern Jiamusi Massif during the early Permian. The gold mineralization can most likely be attributed to contact metasomatic metamorphism of gabbro during the middle–late Permian.     

Evolution of Pan African A- and I-Type Granites from Southeastern Egypt: Inferences from Geology,Geochemistry, and Mineralization

Field study of granitic rocks in the Gebel Abu Brush-Dahis (ABD) area, Southeastern Desert, Egypt, shows that they comprise two granitic groups, namely A- and I-type suites. The A type is distinguished mineralogically by abundant orthoclase and sodic plagioclase, ferrohornblende, monazite, and allanite. In contrast, the I type has more hornblende and biotite, which are more magnesian in composition, and less feldspar. The parental magmas of both suites have many similar geochemical characteristics, although the A type has slightly higher alkalis, Zr, Hf, Zn, and LREE, and lower CaO, MgO, Sr, Ni, and Fe⁺². The geochemical properties characteristic of leucocratic A-type granites-such as high Ga/Al ratios, Nb, Y, HREE, and F contents-are only manifest in the more felsic members of the A-type suite. These features were produced by 70% fractional crystallization of feldspar, hornblende, quartz, and biotite. Geotectonically, the study revealed that the A-and I-type granites are typical of an arc setting, but the more felsic members of the A-type suite plot in a within-plate regime. Geochemically, the granites are subalkaline and peraluminous to metaluminous. The granodiorites/adamellites (I-type suite) have fractionated LREE and slightly fractionated or nearly flat HREE, with small or no Eu anomalies. The alkali-feldspar granites (A-type suite) have flat REE with large Eu anomalies, except for one sample, which shows increasing LREE and decreasing HREE with large Eu anomalies; the quartz-monzonites have fractionated LREE and nearly flat HREE with no Eu anomaly. The flat HREE and/or HREE enrichment is attributed to involvement of garnet and/or zircon in melt generation at the source.

The uranium and thorium contents in the granitic rocks are present in the accessory minerals—particulary in monazite, titanite, zircon, allanite, fluorite, apatite, and opaques. Anomalous high radioactivity in the bostonite (alkaline) dike as well as uranium mineralization are largely confined to contacts and fracture zones. Uranophane is the characteristic uranium mineral in the oxidation zone. An XRD study of the high anomalies in pegmatite and bostonite reveals that the uranium mineralizations produced uranophane (Usilicate), thorianite, soddyite, zippeite, and becquerelite.     

滇西北衙煌斑岩的岩石成因及动力学背景:年代学、地球化学及Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf同位素约束

北衙地区出露有多条煌斑岩脉,锆石LA-ICP-MS定年表明岩脉的侵位时间为34.96±0.66Ma,与滇西地区新生代岩浆活动的高峰期一致.岩石地球化学分析表明北衙煌斑岩具有高钾(K₂O/Na₂O为1.03~10.38)、富碱((K₂O+Na₂O)(平均7.55%)、高Mg^#(30~73),富集大离子亲石元素(LILE)(K、Rb、Ba)和轻稀土元素(LREE),亏损高场强元素(HFSE)和重稀土元素的特征.同位素以高(⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i(0.70615~0.70825),低ε_Nd(t)(-5.3~-1.3),富集放射性Pb(²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=38.542~38.856,²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=15.553~15.617,²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=18.482~18.612)为特征,¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf为0.282631~0.282882,ε_Hf(t)为-4.2~1.8.岩石地球化学和同位素特征表明该煌斑岩源自经俯冲板片交代富集了的岩石圈地幔,推测源区可能为含金云母的尖晶石相橄榄岩地幔与石榴石相橄榄岩地幔的过渡区,起源深度大致在75~85km,明显高于同区富碱斑岩的起源深度.构造和地球动力学背景分析表明,该煌斑岩以及滇西地区新生代岩浆作用都是对印度-欧亚大陆强烈碰撞的响应,都产在强烈伸展的动力学背景下,为岩石圈减薄的产物.     

Polymetamorphic normal-, reverse-zoned,and unzoned garnets from the Darakht-Bid aureole,Mashhad, Iran

Summary Thermal metamorphism and later retrogression of low metamorphic grade garnet-bearing pelites has produced diverse patterns of garnet zoning. In the narrow thermal aureole, fibrolite, staurolite and biotite are present and commonly are retrogressed to assemblages containing sericite, chlorite and chloritoid. In the thermal aureole, garnet contains inclusions of quartz, biotite, fibrolite, ilmenite, chlorite and muscovite and underwent relatively rapid growth from pre-existing low to medium grade regionally metamorphosed rocks. Garnet was armoured from breakdown reactions by fibrolite which nucleated on garnet. The grain size of poikiloblastic garnet, the volume of zones of inclusions in the garnet and the size of the inclusions all decrease with increasing distance from the contact. In the thermal aureole, normal compositional zoning is common and rare reversezoned garnets probably result from the partitioning of Mn from ilmenite during thermal metamorphism. Garnet grains in the thermal aureole have a peripheral enrichment in Mn in the outermost 200 m as a result of diffusion of Fe from garnet into the matrix during incipient retrogression. Coarse retrograde garnet in schists is unzoned and richer in Fe than the normal- and reverse-zoned prograde garnet in hornfelses suggesting that relatively large scale local diffusion in retrograde schists was operative during retrogression but not effective enough to completely remove the relic prograde zoned garnets in the hornfelses.

---

Polymetamorphe normal-, invers- und nicht-zonierte Granate aus dem Kontakthof von Darakhd-Bid, Mashhad, Iran

Zusammenfassung Thermometamorphose und spätere retrograde Metamorphose bei niederen P/T-Bedingungen hat eine Vielfalt von Zonar-Texturen in Granaten pelitischer Gesteine erzeugt. In dem schmalen Kontakthof kommen Fibrolit, Staurolit und Biotit vor, die häufig retrograd zu Paragenesen mit Serizit, Chlorit, und Chloritoid umgewandelt wurden. Granate in der Aureole enthalten Einschlüsse von Quarz, Biotit, Fibrolit, Ilmenit, Chlorit und Muskovit; sie sind durch relativ rasches Wachstum in präexistierenden niedrig- bis mittelgradigen Metamorphiten charakterisiert. Fibrolit-Ränder schützten den Granat vor Zerfallsreaktionen. Die Korngröße poikiloblastischer Granate, das Volumen einschlußreicher Zonen im Granat und die Größe der Einschlüsse nehmen mit zunehmender Entfernung vom Kontakt ab. Im Bereich des Kontakthofes ist normaler Zonenbau in Granaten verbreitet; seltene invers-zonierte Granate gehen wahrscheinlich auf das Freiwerden von Mn aus Ilmenit während der Metamorphose zurück. Granatkörner im Kontakthof zeigen randliche Mangananreicherungen in den äußeren 200 m als Resultat der Diffusion von Fe aus Granat in die Matrix während beginnender retrograder Metamorphose. Grobkörniger retrograder Granat in den Schiefern ist nicht zoniert und enthält höhere Eisengehalte als die normalen und invers-zonierten prograden Granate in Hornfelsen. Dies weist darauf hin, daß in den retrograder Metamorphose ausgesetzten Schiefern Diffusion in relativ großem Ausmaße stattgefunden hat; diese war jedoch nicht ausreichend, um sämtliche prograden zonierten Relikt-Granate in den Hornfelsen zu entfernen.

---

---

With 9 Figures

---

Text of paper presented at the 26th International Geological Congress, Paris, July 1980.     

Zircons from kimberlite: New insights from oxygen isotopes, trace elements, and Ti in zircon thermometry

Zircons found in mantle-sourced kimberlite provide probes into the isotopic chemistry of the asthenosphere and subcontinental lithospheric mantle. However, little is known about the conditions of formation of these zircons. A suite of 88 zircons found in kimberlites from Africa, Siberia, Brazil, and the United States have been analyzed for their Ti concentration and selected zircons were analyzed for their Rare Earth Element (REE) concentrations by ion microprobe. In addition, precise and accurate laser-fluorination oxygen isotope data were obtained for zircons from Brazil (5.1 ± 0.3‰, 1SD) and the Midwest United States (5.3 ± 0.3‰), yielding mantle-like δ¹⁸O values similar to published data for Africa (5.2 ± 0.3‰) and Siberia (5.3 ± 0.2‰). Most megacrysts in this study preserve fine-scale, oscillatory zoning in CL and are generally homogenous in oxygen isotopic composition, consistent with preservation of primary compositions. A few zircons from Brazil show some evidence of chemical zoning due to recrystallization. The Ti content of mantle zircon is in general low with average compositions from each locality of 13 ± 8.4 ppm (1SD, Kaapvaal craton), 12 ± 8.7 ppm (Siberian platform), 18 ± 11 ppm (Brazil), and 4.8 ±4.3 ppm (United States). The recently calibrated Ti in zircon thermometer yields an average temperature of 744 ±62 °C (1SD) for the average of 13 ± 9 ppm Ti, with no correction for pressure, a_TiO2, or a_SiO2. The Ti content of zircons found within rutile nodules from the Orapa kimberlite (Kaapvaal craton) is almost indistinguishable from those with no constraint on a_TiO2, suggesting that reduced a_TiO2 is not responsible for lower than expected mantle temperatures. The average temperature in this study corresponds to ∼3 GPa on a 40 mW/m² cratonic geotherm. If correct, this would suggest that zircon megacrysts from all four cratons formed in the shallow lithospheric mantle. However, there are several possibly confounding effects to this thermometer, including: a pressure correction and disequilibrium zircon growth. Zircons from rutile nodules have REE contents that span the range of mantle zircon REE and are similar to both zircon megacrysts and zircons from metasomatic assemblages.     

Pleistocene fluvial terraces from northern France (Seine,Yonne, Somme): synthesis,and new results from interglacial deposits

The Seine, Yonne and Somme are the main rivers draining northwestern France and flowing into the Channel. During Pleistocene cold stages they were tributaries of the “Fleuve Manche”. They are characterised by well-developed stepped terrace systems showing up to 10 incision steps for the last 1 Ma. After 15 years of research and the synthesis of stratigraphical, sedimentological, bioclimatical data and numerical dating, these terrace systems are interpreted as the response of the fluvial environments to climatic cyclicity, superimposed on a background of slow tectonic uplift. The comparison of these three terrace systems shows that the incision budget is similar within the studied area (about 55–65 m/1 Ma), implying relative homogeneity of uplift. In the main part of the area, beyond marine influence, the analysis of each stepped alluvial formation shows regular sediment balance generally composed of coarse periglacial gravels (pleniglacial), covered by fine-grained sediments locally overlain by calcareous tufa (interglacial). However, in the Lower Seine valley, close to the present coast, the low terrace includes two estuarine interglacial units interbedded within periglacial gravel units. Nevertheless, until recently evidence of full interglacial conditions remained elusive in fluvial contexts, especially in the Somme. To address these issues a new research programme has been launched on tufa deposits that are the best candidate to register the climatic optimum. Initial results from la Celle (Seine), Saint-Acheul and Caours (Somme) allow palaeoenvironmental reconstructions of MIS 11 and 5e, and thus confirm the importance of calcareous tufa to define a reference record of Pleistocene Interglacials for northern France. Moreover, it has been previously demonstrated that the main incision leading to terrace formation can be attributed to the transition between interglacial and glacial (during early glacial phases). The new results from interglacial records have important implications concerning the precise occurrence of the major incision phases within the climatic cycle as they provide the starting point immediately preceding downcutting.