Foraminifers and conodonts from the late Viséan to early Bashkirian succession in the Saharan Tindouf Basin (southern Morocco): biostratigraphic refinements and implications for correlations in the western Palaeotethys

The Carboniferous succession in the Tindouf Basin of southern Morocco, North Africa, displays Mississippian to Early Pennsylvanian marine beds, followed by Pennsylvanian continental deposits. The marine beds comprise a shallow water cyclic platform sequence, dominated by shales and fine‐grained sandstones with thin but laterally persistent limestone/dolostone beds. Foraminiferal assemblages have been studied in the limestone beds in several sections from the Djebel Ouarkziz range in the northern limb of the Tindouf Syncline; they indicate that the age of the limestones range from late Asbian (late Viséan) to Krasnopolyanian (early Bashkirian). The foraminiferal assemblages are abundant and diverse, and much richer in diversity than those suggested by previous studies in the region, as well as for other areas of the western Palaeotethys. The richest assemblages are recorded in the Serpukhovian but, unusually, they contain several taxa which appear much earlier in Western European basins (in the latest Viséan). In contrast, conodont assemblages are scarce due to the shallow‐water facies, although some important taxa are recorded in the youngest limestones. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Engineering Geology of Limestone in Malaysia

This paper provides an overview of the engineering geology of limestone. Limestone is of rather wide occurrence in Malaysia. It is interesting in view of the unique landforms and karstic features that are encountered in limestone terrains, e.g. steep, subvertical limestone cliffs rising abruptly and majestically above the ground surface and highly variable and pinnacled subterranean limestone bedrock. The karstic features and associated engineering geological problems of both the limestone hills and the bedrock are discussed in the paper. Rockfalls, sinkholes, cavities, etc. are some of the common engineering geological problems associated with limestone terrains. Some local case studies are provided as illustrations. Finally the rock mechanical properties of limestone is discussed at the end of the paper.     

The lower Devonian Kowmung volcaniclastics: A deep‐water succession of mass‐flow origin,northeastern Lachlan Fold Belt,N.S.W.

The Lower to ?Middle Devonian Kowmung Volcaniclastics form the upper part of a succession of Upper Siluran to mid‐Devonian flyschoid rocks in the Yerranderie area of N.S.W., and contain two major facies associations. (1) A mudstone facies association represents the ambient, background sedimentation, comprising predominantly buff mudstone that is host to an assemblage of coarser‐grained sediments, including graded‐bedded to massive siltstone, sandstone, conglomerate, allodapic limestone, and large allochthonous limestone blocks and associated limestone breccia. Bouma sequences are common, sole structures occur and maximum bed thickness is about 3 m. (2) A volcaniclastic facies association intrudes and interrupts the accumulation of the ambient mudstone facies association, and contains massive to partly graded, quartzofeldspathic siltstone, sandstone, breccia and conglomerate. Sedimentation units in the volcaniclastic facies association are up to 120 m thick. The two facies associations interfinger. Stratigraphically, the base of the Kowmung Volcaniclastics is taken as the first sedimentation unit of the volcaniclastic facies association. The mudstone facies association below this level is part of the Siluro‐Devonian Taralga Group.

Both facies associations were deposited in relatively deep‐water. The dominant transport process in both associations was mass‐flow, involving granular mass‐flows (turbidity currents, grain flows), debris flows and avalanches. Massive mudstone is hemipelagic in origin. The volcaniclastic facies association probably represents a submarine volcanic apron around the emergent, volcanic Bindook Complex. Grossly, the succession coarsens upwards, and there is evidence of several sources of sediment, rather than a single point at the head of a submarine fan.

Provenance is diverse. In the mudstone facies association, framework grains in sandstone are microlitic volcanic‐rock fragments with a mafic to intermediate volcanic source. Clasts in conglomerate and breccia are consistent with derivation from the regionally extensive, quartzose Ordovician flyschoid successions. Clasts of ?penecontemporaneous limestone also occur. The volcaniclastic facies association was probably derived largely from the nearby, coeval Bindook Complex, which consists of silicic ash‐flow and ash‐fall tuff, lava, associated sediment and granitoids. Detritus was either derived directly from volcanic eruptions or was worked in fringing littoral and fluvial environments prior to redeposition by mass‐flow. Quartzite boulders mixed with volcanic clasts in the conglomerate suggest that Ordovician quartzarenite was also exposed around the volcanic complex. Tentative provenance correlations have been made between the different rock units in the Kowmung Volcaniclastics and their possible sources in the northern part of the Bindook Complex.     

Provenance, Tectonic Setting and Geochemistry of Ahwaz Sandstone Member (Asmari Formation, Oligo-Miocene), Marun Oilfield, Zagros Basin, SW Iran

The Asmari Formation deposited in the Zagros foreland basin during the OligoceneMiocene. Lithologically, the Asmari Formation consists of limestone, dolomitic limestone, dolomite, argillaceous limestone, some anhydrite(Kalhur Member) and sandstones(Ahwaz Member). This study is based on the analysis of core samples from four subsurface sections(wells Mn-68, Mn-281, Mn-292 and Mn-312) in the Marun Oilfield in the Dezful embayment subzone in order to infer their provenance and tectonic setting of the Ahwaz Sandstone Member. Petrographical data reveal that the Ahwaz Sandstone comprises 97.5% quartz, 1.6% feldspar, and 0.9% rock fragments and all samples are classified as quartz arenites. The provenance and tectonic setting of the Ahwaz Sandstone have been assessed using integrated petrographic and geochemical studies. Petrographic analysis reveals that mono- and poly-crystalline quartz grains from metamorphic and igneous rocks of a craton interior setting were the dominant sources. Chemically, major and trace element concentrations in the rocks of the Ahwaz Sandstone indicate deposition in a passive continental margin setting. As indicated by the CIW′ index(chemical index of weathering) of the Ahwaz Sandstone(average value of 82) their source area underwent "intense" recycling but "moderate to high" degree of chemical weathering. The petrography and geochemistry results are consistent with a tropical, humid climate and low-relief highlands.     

Recognition and significance of sharp‐based mouth‐bar deposits in the Eocene Green River Formation,Uinta Basin,Utah

Sandstone bodies in the Sunnyside Delta Interval of the Eocene Green River Formation, Uinta Basin, previously considered as point bars formed in meandering rivers and other types of fluvial bars, are herein interpreted as delta mouth‐bar deposits. The sandstone bodies have been examined in a 2300 m long cliff section along the Argyle and Nine Mile Canyons at the southern margin of the Uinta lake basin. The sandstone bodies occur in three stratigraphic intervals, separated by lacustrine mudstone and limestone. Together these stratigraphic intervals form a regressive‐transgressive sequence. Individual sandstone bodies are texturally sharp‐based towards mudstone substratum. In proximal parts, the mouth‐bar deposits only contain sandstone, whereas in frontal and lateral positions mudstone drapes separate mouth‐bar clinothems. The clinothems pass gradually into greenish‐grey lacustrine mudstone at their toes. Horizontally bedded or laminated lacustrine mudstone onlaps the convex‐upward sandstone bars. The mouth‐bar deposits are connected to terminal distributary channel deposits. Together, these mouth‐bar/channel sandstone bodies accumulated from unidirectional jet flow during three stages of delta advance, separated by lacustrine flooding intervals. Key criteria to distinguish the mouth‐bar deposits from fluvial point bar deposits are: (i) geometry; (ii) bounding contacts; (iii) internal structure; (iv) palaeocurrent orientations; and (v) the genetic association of the deposits with lacustrine mudstone and limestone.     

Evaluation of bulk carbonate δ13C data from Triassic hemipelagites and the initial composition of carbonate mud

Bulk carbonate samples of hemipelagic limestone–marl alternations from the Middle and Upper Triassic of Italy are analysed for their isotopic compositions. Middle Triassic samples are representative of the Livinallongo Formation of the Dolomites, while Upper Triassic hemipelagites were sampled in the Pignola 2 section, within the Calcari con Selce Formation of the Southern Apennines in Southern Italy. Triassic hemipelagites occur either as nodular limestones with chert nodules or as plane‐bedded limestone–marl alternations which are locally silicified. In the Middle Triassic Livinallongo Formation, diagenetic alteration primarily affected the stable isotopic composition of sediment surrounding carbonate nodules, whereas the latter show almost pristine compositions. Diagenesis lowered the carbon and oxygen isotope values of bulk carbonate and introduced a strong correlation between δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O values. In the Middle Triassic successions of the Dolomites, bulk carbonate of nodular limestone facies is most commonly unaltered, whereas carbonate of the plane‐bedded facies is uniformly affected by diagenetic alteration. In contrast to carbonate nodules, plane‐bedded facies often show compaction features. Although both types of pelagic carbonate rocks show very similar petrographic characteristics, scanning electron microscopy studies reveal that nodular limestone consists of micrite (< 5 μm in diameter), whereas samples of the plane‐bedded facies are composed of calcite crystals ca 10 μm in size showing pitted, polished surfaces. These observations suggest that nodular and plane‐bedded facies underwent different diagenetic pathways determined by the prevailing mineralogy of the precursor sediment, i.e. probably high‐Mg calcite in the nodular facies and aragonite in the case of the plane‐bedded facies. Similar to Middle Triassic nodular facies, Upper Triassic nodular limestones of the Lagonegro Basin are also characterized by uncorrelated δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O values and exhibit small, less than 5 μm size, crystals. The alternation of calcitic and aragonitic precursors in the Middle Triassic of the Dolomites is thought to mirror rapid changes in the type of carbonate production of adjacent platforms. Bioturbation and dissolution of metastable carbonate grains played a key role during early lithification of nodular limestone beds, whereby early stabilization recorded the carbon isotopic composition of sea water. The bulk carbonate δ¹³C values of Middle and Upper Triassic hemipelagites from Italy agree with those of Tethyan low‐Mg calcite shells of articulate brachiopods, confirming that Triassic hemipelagites retained the primary carbon isotopic composition of the bottom sea water. A trend of increasing δ¹³C from the Late Anisian to the Early Carnian, partly seen in the data set presented here, is also recognized in successions from tropical palaeolatitudes elsewhere. The carbon isotopic composition of Middle and Upper Triassic nodular hemipelagic limestones can thus be used for chemostratigraphic correlation and palaeoenvironmental studies.     

北祁连石灰沟奥陶纪碳酸盐岩—硅质岩形成的构造环境

北祁连造山带石灰沟奥陶纪硅质岩与碱性玄武岩、熔结凝灰岩、火山碎屑岩、泥岩、杂砂岩、砂屑灰岩、生物碎屑灰岩及生物礁共同构成了一个相对完整的海山组合序列。其中硅质岩中含有早—中奥陶世牙行刺化石,泥岩和砂岩中含有中—晚奥陶世三叶虫和笔石化石。硅质岩地球化学特征研究表明其源区为其形成提供了丰富的碎屑物质来源,从而表现为LREE富集,Eu^*_CN负异常特征; 这些硅质岩形成于陆缘环境,并非深海或洋中脊环境。     

River water quality in weathered limestone: A case study in upper Mahanadi basin, India

Stromatolitic limestone and calcareous shale belonging to Chattisgarh Supergroup of Proterozoic age dominate the upper part of the Mahanadi river basin. X-ray diffractogram (XRD) of limestone rocks show presence of a significant amount of calcite, dolomite and ankerite. Shales of various colours contain calcite and dolomite. It is observed that congruent dissolution of carbonate minerals in the Charmuria pure limestone has given rise to a typical karst topography. On the other hand, limestones are also seen to support red and black soil profiles. This indicates that the limestone bedrock undergoes a parallel incongruent weathering, which leaves a residue of decomposed rock. The XRD analyses reveal that the limestone soils thus formed contain an assemblage of quartz, clays and Fe-oxides. It is likely that the silicate component trapped during deposition of the stromatolitic limestone weathers incongruently resulting in diverse soil profiles. Carbonate and silicate mineral weathering schemes have been worked out to explain the soil formation, fixation of Al in clay minerals, and Fe in goethite. The water quality parameters such as Ca, Mg and HCO₃ in the river water suggest under saturation with respect to calcite and dolomite. The mineral stability diagrams indicate that kaolinite and Ca-smectite are stable in the river water environment, hence they occur in suspended sediments and soils. The dominant influence of carbonate weathering on the water quality is observed even in the downstream part of the river outside the limestone terrain.     

豫西太原组(C_3)中一种罕见的遗迹化石——沙蠋粪化石

沙蠋粪化石保存在豫西荥巩煤田西部晚石炭世太原组(C_3)上部泥晶灰岩中。化石完整、形态逼真、十分罕见。该灰岩动植物化石((竹蜓)、腕足类、有孔虫等碎片)丰富,推测其古环境可能是潮坪上低洼积水的潮池(与现代生活在潮坪环境中的沙蠋一致),因此地层中的沙蠋粪化石的出现,可作为鉴定潮坪环境的重要标志之一。     

Biostratigraphy,microfacies and depositional environments of upper Viséan limestones from the Burren region,County Clare,Ireland

The Burren region in western Ireland contains an almost continuous record of Viséan (Middle Mississippian) carbonate deposition extending from Chadian to Brigantian times, represented by three formations: the Chadian to Holkerian Tubber Formation, the Asbian Burren Formation and the Brigantian Slievenaglasha Formation. The upper Viséan (Holkerian–Brigantian) platform carbonate succession of the Burren can be subdivided into six distinct depositional units outlined below. (1) An Holkerian to lower Asbian unit of skeletal peloidal and bryozoan bedded limestone. (2) Lower Asbian unit of massive light grey Koninckopora‐rich limestone, representing a shallower marine facies. (3) Upper Asbian terraced limestone unit with minor shallowing‐upward cycles of poorly bedded Kamaenella‐rich limestone with shell bands and palaeokarst features. This unit is very similar to other cyclic sequences of late Asbian age in southern Ireland and western Europe, suggesting a glacio‐eustatic origin for this fourth‐order cyclicity. (4) Lower Brigantian unit with cyclic alternations of crinoidal/bryozoan limestone and peloidal limestone with coral thickets. These cycles lack evidence of subaerial exposure. (5) Lower Brigantian bedded cherty dark grey limestone unit, deposited during the maximum transgressive phase of the Brigantian. (6) Lower to upper Brigantian unit mostly comprising cyclic bryozoan/crinoidal cherty limestone. In most areas this youngest unit is truncated and unconformably overlain by Serpukhovian siliciclastic rocks. Deepening enhanced by platform‐wide subsidence strongly influenced later Brigantian cycle development in Ireland, but localized rapid shallowing led to emergence at the end of the Brigantian. A Cf5 Zone (Holkerian) assemblage of microfossils is recorded from the Tubber Formation at Black Head, but in the Ballard Bridge section the top of the formation has Cf6 Zone (Asbian) foraminiferans. A typical upper Asbian Rugose Coral Assemblage G near the top of the Burren Formation is replaced by a lower Brigantian Rugose Coral Assemblage H in the Slievenaglasha Formation. A similar change in the foraminiferans and calcareous algae at this Asbian–Brigantian formation boundary is recognized by the presence of upper Asbian Cf6γ Subzone taxa in the Burren Formation including Cribrostomum lecomptei, Koskinobigenerina sp., Bradyina rotula and Howchinia bradyana, and in the Slievenaglasha Formation abundant Asteroarchaediscus spp., Neoarchaediscus spp. and Fasciella crustosa of the Brigantian Cf6δ Subzone. The uppermost beds of the Slievenaglasha Formation contain a rare and unusual foraminiferal assemblage containing evolved archaediscids close to tenuis stage indicating a late Brigantian age. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

鄂尔多斯盆地下古生界石灰岩岩相及碳、氧稳定同位素特征

鄂尔多斯盆地下古生界石灰岩的岩相及碳、氧稳定同位素组成变化大,具有多种成因类型。通过薄片鉴定、岩石及矿物微区碳、氧稳定同位素测试以及包裹体测温资料研究,发现正常海水成因的泥晶灰岩及颗粒灰岩具有较高的δ18O、δ13C;受淡水淋滤、溶蚀的颗粒灰岩、角砾泥晶灰岩、豹斑含云灰岩或灰云岩的δ13C随淡水淋滤及溶蚀程度升高而明显降低,但其δ18O变化较小;去膏化成因的巨晶次生灰岩在阴极发光下具环带结构,并具有较低的δ18O、δ13C,去云化成因的中-细晶次生灰岩多呈麦粒或蚕蛹结构,其δ18O、δ13C相对较高;早期及表生淡水方解石胶结物的δ18O、δ13C均为低值,Mn离子含量低,阴极发光暗淡;晚期热液方解石胶结物具异常低的δ18O、δ13C,包裹体均一温度介于100~150℃,富含Mn离子,阴极发光明亮。研究结果表明,岩相特征、碳、氧稳定同位素组成以及包裹体测温数据是确定石灰岩沉积、成岩环境以及成因类型的重要指标。     

Architecture of coastal and alluvial deposits in an extensional basin: the Carboniferous Joggins Formation of eastern Canada

Abstract The Joggins Formation was deposited in the Cumberland Basin, which experienced rapid mid‐Carboniferous subsidence on bounding faults. A 600 m measured section of coastal and alluvial plain strata comprises cycles tens to hundreds of metres thick. The cycles commence with coal and fossiliferous limestone/siltstone intervals, interpreted as widespread flooding events. These intervals are overlain by coarsening‐upward successions capped by planar‐based sandstone mounds, up to 100 m in width that represent the progradation of small, river‐generated delta lobes into a standing body of open water developed during transgression. The overlying strata contain sand‐rich heterolithic packages, 1–8 m thick, that are associated with channel bodies 2–3 m thick and 10–50 m wide. Drifted plant debris, Calamites groves and erect lycopsid trees are preserved within these predominantly green‐grey heterolithic sediments, which were deposited on a coastal wetland or deltaic plain traversed by channel systems. The cycles conclude with red siltstones, containing calcareous nodules, that are interbedded with thin sandstones and associated with both single‐storey channel bodies (1–1·5 m thick and 2–3 m wide) and larger, multistorey channels (3–6 m thick) with incised margins. Numerous channel bodies at the same level suggest that multiple‐channel, anastomosed river systems were developed on a well‐drained floodplain. Many minor flooding surfaces divide the strata into parasequences with dominantly progradational and aggradational stacking patterns. Multistorey channel bodies are relatively thin, fine grained and modestly incised, and palaeosols are immature and cumulative. The abundance and prominence of flooding surfaces suggests that base‐level rise was enhanced, whereas the lack of evidence for abrupt basinward stepping of facies belts, coupled with the absence of strong fluvial incision and mature palaeosols, suggests that base‐level fall was suppressed. These architectural features are considered to reflect a tectonic architectural signature, in accordance with the high‐subsidence basinal setting. Evidence for restricted marine influence and variation in floral assemblages suggests modulation by eustatic and climatic effects, although their relative importance is uncertain.     

Contrast in the isotopic composition of oxygen and carbon between the Mud Tank Carbonatite and the marbles in the granulite terrane of the Strangways Range,central Australia

Three samples from the Mud Tank Carbonatite have very similar isotopic ratios, averaging δ¹³C=‐4.3 and δ¹⁸O=+7.5(SMOW). These isotope values are distinct from those of nearby highly metamorphosed Carpentarian marbles, which have marine limestone values of δ¹³C=‐1.3±0.5, and δ¹⁸O=+17.6+0.7 with n=11. Minor variations in the values for the normal marbles show no correlation with stratigraphy or geographic location; however, somewhat lighter oxygen is found in some other marbles known to be affected by low‐temperature fluids within the Woolanga Lineament. Isotopes of C and O, if discretely used in conjunction with other geochemical features, not only may discriminate between deep‐seated carbona‐tites and marbles, but may also help to identify zones of carbonate metasomatism and define the isotopic characters of the fluids.     

Quaternary aeolianites in south‐east Australia – a conceptual linkage between marine source and terrestrial deposition

Calcareous aeolianites are an integral part of many carbonate platforms and ramps. Such limestones are particularly common in heterozoan, Late Cenozoic carbonate systems, and it has been postulated that they could contain a particularly sensitive record of their offshore source. This hypothesis is tested herein by documenting and interpreting part of the most extensive and temporally longest such system in the modern world. The deposits are a combination of extraclasts and biofragments. Extraclasts are detrital quartz, relict allochems, older Pleistocene particles and Oligocene–Miocene limestone clasts. Biofragments are penecontemporaneous coralline algae, echinoderms, small benthic foraminifera, molluscs and bryozoans. The aeolianites differ in composition from distant, open shelf sediments because they contain more mollusc fragments and many fewer bryozoans. This difference is interpreted to be due to (i) most sediment was derived from near‐shore seagrass meadows and macroalgal reefs; (ii) all sediments were modified by hydrodynamics in near‐shore and beach environments; and (iii) fragments of infaunal, beach‐dwelling bivalves were added to the sediment at the strandline. Extraclasts should be expected in older Pleistocene and Cenozoic heterozoan deposits, because the limestones are poorly lithified, largely due to the lack of meteoric cementation, and so easily eroded. Thus, cool‐water aeolianites ought to contain more extraclasts than their warm‐water, tropical cousins. Seagrasses in temperate environments are more productive than in the tropics and thus potentially might contribute many more particles to the beach and dunes than do tropical systems. Although particle breakage in the surf zone cannot be proven, herein the abundance of whole benthic foraminifera and delicate bryozoans implies that suspension and flotsam shoreward transport was an essential process. The similarity of Pleistocene aeolianites over such a long time period herein suggests that the combination of postulated sedimentological, biogenic and hydrodynamic processes could be universally important.     

Multiproxy approach to understanding the origin of Cretaceous pelagic limestone–marl alternations (DSDP site 391, Blake-Bahama Basin)

Limestone–marl alternations are usually directly interpreted to reflect cyclic palaeoenvironmental signals. However, uncertainty in such interpretations stems from the differential diagenesis that most limestone–marl alternations have undergone. Differential diagenesis results in markedly different alterations between limestones and marls and in the loss of comparability of many measurable parameters. For an unequivocal interpretation of the origin of rhythmic alternations, diagenetically robust parameters or parameters that clearly indicate the degree of diagenetic bias are required. The present study uses a multiproxy approach (independent biotic, sedimentary and geochemical parameters) in order to unravel the palaeoenvironmental signal recorded in Valanginian (Early Cretaceous) limestone–marl alternations from the Blake‐Bahama Basin (DSDP site 391). Using this approach, terrestrial and marine influences can be distinguished, changes in nutrient levels estimated and prediagenetic differences in the non‐carbonate fraction constrained. Surprisingly, no systematic variations in any of these parameters were observed between limestone and marl layers, implying that none of these was directly responsible for the formation of the rhythmic alternation. Hence, none of the current models of sedimentary formation of limestone–marl rhythmites is applicable here. Calcareous nannofossils are equally well preserved in limestone and marl layers, ruling out their dissolution in marl layers as a source of the calcite cement in the limestone beds. Sr values of 700–900 p.p.m. indicate that aragonite may have been present in the original, pelagic sediment. The assumption of fine‐grained sedimentary aragonite imported from nearby carbonate platforms as the source of the cement would explain a number of otherwise enigmatic features in these rhythmites, including the source of the calcite cement observed in the limestones, the equally good preservation of calcareous nannofossils in limestones and marls and the higher concentration of calcareous nannofossils in marl layers. The study demonstrates that examination of diagenetically inert parameters or parameters in which diagenetic effects can be filtered can yield unexpected results. Clearly, careful analysis of such parameters needs to be undertaken in order to make reliable palaeoenvironmental interpretations from rhythmite successions.     

基于RS与GIS的碳酸盐岩遥感影像特征研究——以黔南地区为例

文章利用Landsat8卫星影像数据,结合黔南碳酸盐岩岩性图、黔南构造要素图等地质资料,以石灰岩、白云岩以及石灰岩与白云岩互层三类岩组地层作为切入点,获取并分析了黔南地区碳酸盐岩的空间分布特征及其在遥感影像上的表现特征。结果发现:①石灰岩地层在影像上总体显示为色调单一、地形高差大,基本无水系和建设用地分布;白云岩地层在影像上总体表现为色调丰富、水系发育、建设用地分布多;石灰岩与白云岩互层地层总体影像特征介于二者之间。②分布于不同构造发育区域的碳酸盐岩岩组地层在遥感影像上的表现特征差异较大,即使是同种岩性的地层也会由于受到节理、断层、向斜和背斜等构造的影响形成形态各异的影像。      

Early pleistocene lake deposits and Lower Paleolithic finds in Nahal (wadi) Zihor, Southern Negev desert, Israel

An Early Pleistocene fluvio-lacustrine sequence from the extremely arid southern Negev desert, Israel, indicates that climatic conditions during that period were humid enough to support the formation of a lake (Lake Zihor) there. The lacustrine sediments were deposited in a tectonic valley that developed along the Zihor tectonic line after the deposition of the Pliocene Arava Formation. They intercalate with fluvial sediments that contain several horizons of reddish calcic paleosols. The lacustrine sequence comprises three sedimentary cycles. Each starts with a dark clay layer overlain by a white limestone unit, both of which contain abundant freshwater fauna, and terminates with a green detrital limestone that contains only one type of brackish-water ostracod. The top of each green limestone unit is characterized by pedogenic features and microrelief, indicating desiccation of the lake and soil development. Isotope data support the hypothesis that the white limestone was deposited in an open, freshwater lake. The incision of the present channel of Nahal (wadi) Zihor in the lacustrine sediments is manifested by a series of rock-cut and fluvial terraces (Q1–Q4) capped by gypsic-salic soils, which reflect the onset of the present, extremely arid climate. Over 100 find-spots and larger occurrences of prehistoric artifacts assigned to the Lower Paleolithic were discovered near Lake Zihor. On the basis of techno-typological and stratigraphic considerations, these assemblages are divided into two groups, the first of which may be contemporaneous with the lake, while the second is found mainly on the younger Q1 and Q2 terraces. It is estimated that the lake existed for more than 100,000 years. The climate during this period was probably semiarid, but water budget calculations suggest that, in addition to surface runoff, seepage of groundwater along the Zihor Line contributed a considerable amount of water to the lake.     

An evaluation of the engineering properties of some Nigerian limestones as construction materials for highway pavements

Several hundred limestone samples representing eight different deposits within Nigeria have been evaluated and results indicate that some of the deposi highway pavement construction materials. The evaluation included tests on index properties, strength, chemical, petrographic and resistance-to-attritio

The suitability or adverse features of the eight limestone deposits have been evaluated and the various engineering characteristics are discussed. base recommendations are made for the use of selected limestones as pavement materials in Nigeria.     

Ocean current intensification during the Cretaceous oceanic anoxic event 2 – evidence from the northern Tethys

Mesozoic Oceanic Anoxic Events (OAEs) are expressions of major physical oceanographic changes at times of perturbation of the global carbon cycle. A northern Tethyan record of OAE2 is preserved in expanded Cenomanian–Turonian pelagic limestone sections (Seewen Formation) in Eastern Switzerland. The new carbonate carbon‐isotope stratigraphy extracted from these limestones demonstrates that the OAE2 is condensed in all the studied successions and only the onset of the δ¹³C excursion (5.0‰) is present. The condensed interval is characterized by dissolution features, which are filled by a glauconite quartz sandstone. This bed is overlain by a well‐sorted sandstone with intercalated limestone pebbles (Götzis Member), which can be compared with palimpsest sands forming today along current‐swept shelves. The wide distribution of this thin sandstone layer within OAE2 indicates that an intense, erosive, east‐west trending shelf current was active during the highest sea level and most extreme carbon‐cycle perturbation of the OAE2.     

西藏雅鲁藏布江缝合带二叠纪灰岩体的动物群及其古地理意义

西藏雅鲁藏布江缝合带含有从砾石级到几十平方千米大小的二叠纪灰岩体，它们没有完整的地层层序，与围岩形成混杂或滑杂堆积，长期以来对其来源的解释存在争论。本文通过对灰岩体的动物群类型、古生物地理区系及其岩石学特征等方面进行研究和比较，认为雅鲁藏布江缝合线一带的二叠纪灰岩体总体上都呈现出冈瓦纳冷水型与华夏暖水型动物群混生特点，应形成于相同或类似的沉积环境。根据珊瑚、筵、腕足类等动物群大致分为与南方冈瓦纳大陆北缘内陆棚相动物群比较接近和与更靠近古赤道区的拉萨地块动物群较为接近两种类型，其时代从早二叠世晚期至长兴期不等。灰岩体主要由肉红色或灰色纯生物碎屑灰岩组成，不含或含有很少的陆源碎屑，均孤立地分散于中生代地层中，与围岩往往呈断层接触，断层带或灰岩夹层中经常有玄武岩或其他火山岩。因此，灰岩体可能为位于冈瓦纳大陆北缘外陆棚上小型碳酸盐台地或新特提斯洋最初裂解带上的海山型碳酸盐岩沉积，受后期印度-欧亚大陆板块碰撞作用而成为外来体夹于缝合带的其他海相沉积中。