Thermal history of the Sichuan Basin,SW China:Evidence from deep boreholes

The Sichuan Basin is a superimposition basin composed of terrestrial and marine sediments that is well known for its abundant petroleum resources. Thermal history reconstruction using paleogeothermal indicators, including vitrinite reflectance and thermochronological data, shows that different structural subsections of the Sichuan Basin have experienced various paleogeothermal episodes since the Paleozoic. The lower structural subsection comprising the Lower Paleozoic to Middle Permian(Pz–P_2) successions experienced a high paleogeothermal gradient(23.0–42.6°C/km) at the end of the Middle Permian(P_2), whereas the upper structural subsection comprising Late Permian to Mesozoic strata underwent a relatively lower paleogeothermal gradient(13.2–26.9°C/km) at the beginning of the denudation(Late Cretaceous or Paleocene in the different regions). During the denudation period, the Sichuan Basin experienced a successive cooling episode. The high paleogeothermal gradient resulted from an intensive thermal event correlated to the Emeishan mantle plume. The heat flow value reached 124.0 m W/m~2 in the southwestern basin near the center of the Emeishan large igneous province. The low geothermal gradient episode with heat flow ranging from 31.2 to 70.0 m W/m~2 may be related to the foreland basin evolution. The cooling event is a result of the continuous uplift and denudation of the basin.     

The thermal history of the Sichuan Basin,SW China: Evidence from the deep boreholes

The Sichuan Basin is a superimposition basin composed of terrestrial and marine sediments that is well known for its abundant petroleum resources. Thermal history reconstruction using paleogeothermal indicators, including vitrinite reflectance and thermochronological data, shows that different structural subsections of the Sichuan Basin have experienced various paleogeothermal episodes since the Paleozoic. The lower structural subsection comprising the Lower Paleozoic to Middle Permian (Pz-P₂ successions experienced a high paleogeothermal gradient (23.0–42.6°C/km) at the end of the Middle Permian (P₂, whereas the upper structural subsection comprising Late Permian to Mesozoic strata underwent a relatively lower paleogeothermal gradient (13.2–26.9°C/km) at the beginning of the denudation (Late Cretaceous or Paleocene in the different regions). During the denudation period, the Sichuan Basin experienced a successive cooling episode. The high paleogeothermal gradient resulted from an intensive thermal event correlated to the Emeishan mantle plume. The heat flow value reached 124.0 mW/m² in the southwestern basin near the center of the Emeishan large igneous province. The low geothermal gradient episode with heat flow ranging from 31.2 to 70.0 mW/m² may be related to the foreland basin evolution. The cooling event is a result of the continuous uplift and denudation of the basin.     

川东南焦石坝页岩气区现今地温场特征

四川盆地是我国重要的含油气区,关于盆地现今地温场的工作,前人已经做过一些研究.而对于近年来页岩气勘探取得突破性进展的川东南焦石坝地区,现今地温场的研究工作甚少.本文基于川东南高陡褶皱带焦石坝页岩气区新增的3口钻井的稳态测温数据和118块岩石样品热导率数据,计算了研究区的地温梯度和大地热流值.结合前人的研究成果,编制了研究区大地热流等值线图.结果表明,焦石坝页岩气区地温梯度介于24~34℃/km,大地热流值介于60~70 mW·m^-2之间,与川中古隆起相似,属于地温高异常区.地温高异常缘于隆起区相对高的岩石热导率引起的浅部热流的重新分配.其次,与位于研究区东侧边界的齐岳山大断裂在燕山和喜山期的构造引起的热液活动有关.焦石坝页岩气区地温高异常对页岩气的解吸附速率具有促进作用,对提高采收率具有一定意义.

     

Magnetostratigraphy of the Permo-Triassic boundary section at Shangsi (Guangyuan, Sichuan Province, China)

Continous marine sedimentation characterizes many Late Permian to Early Triassic sections on the Yangtze terrane in South China. The Permo-Triassic (P/Tr) boundary section at Shangsi (Sichuan Province) consists of limestones intercalated with clays and mudstones which belong to the Wuchiapingian and Changxingian (Upper Permian) and the Griesbachian and Dienerian (Lower Triassic) stages. The P/Tr boundary is formed by a clay horizon with an unusually high iridium concentration. The intensity of natural remanent magnetization is very low with a mean of 0.15 mA m⁻¹. About 40% of the samples contain secondary or unstable magnetization components only, whereas the remaining samples carry a characteristic remanent magnetization thought to reflect the polarity of the geomagnetic field during deposition with sufficient accuracy. Normal and reversed polarity of the characteristic magnetization constitute a pattern of at least six polarity zones, the P/Tr boundary being situated very close to the transition from a reversed to a normal polarity zone. The Shangsi polarity sequence represents part of the Illawarra interval of mixed polarity, the exact beginning of which has still to be determined.     

Discovery of Cu-Zn,Cu-Sn intermetallic minerals and its significance for genesis of the Mianning-Dechang REE Metallogenic Belt,Sichuan Province,China

The Mianning-Dechang REE metallogenetic belt is among the most important of its kind in China. The typical geologic features and multiple economically- valuable components in this belt have caught attention from more and more geologists. Wide investigations from petrology, petrochemistry to rare earth and trace element geochemistry, have been carried out recently, and a large quantity of geochemical data have already been obtained[1―11]. Maoniuping REE deposit is the largest of this belt,…     

Petrology and geochemistry of potassic rocks in the Gölcük area (Isparta, SW Turkey): genesis of enriched alkaline magmas

The Lower Pliocene volcanic rocks occurring in the Gölcük area of SW Turkey exhibit alkaline major element trends with a general potassic character. The development of volcanism can be divided into 2 major stages such as trachytic ancient lavas/domes and tephriphonolitic, trachyandesitic to trachytic Gölcük eruptions (ignimbrites, lava/dome extrusions, phreatomagmatic deposits, and finally, young domes). Volcanic rocks consist primarily of plagioclase, clinopyroxene (which ranges in composition from diopside to augite and are commonly zoned), biotite, and phlogopite. Amphibole phenocrysts are restricted to the pyroclastic deposits. Pseudoleucites are also seen only in the lava/dome extrusions. Oxides and apatites are common accessory phenocryst phases. As would be expected from their potassic–alkaline nature, the volcanic rocks of the Gölcük area contain high amounts of LILE (Ba, Sr, Rb and K), LREE, and Zr. Concentrations of compatible elements such as Cr, Ni and V are very low, possibly indicating fractionation of olivine and clinopyroxene. Correlation of SiO₂, Rb/Sr and MgO with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (0.703506–0.704142) exhibit an increasing trend in the direction of crustal contamination. However, the isotopic compositions of Sr are not as high to indicate a high level of crustal contamination. Geochemical data are consistent with the derivation of Gölcük volcanic rocks from a metasomatized and/or enriched lithospheric mantle source during crustal extension in the area. This metasomatism was probably occurred by fluids released from the northward subduction between African and Eurasian plates during Tertiary, as the Gölcük volcanic rocks display features of island-arc magmas with having high Ba/Nb (>28) ratios, and Nb and Ti depletions. Lower Pliocene volcanism in the Gölcük was response to extensional tectonics.     

Discovery of seismites in Upper Sinian stratiform lead-zinc deposits in Dadu River valley, Sichuan, China: Implication for ore genesis

A number of lead-zinc sulphide deposits have been discovered in recent years in dolo- mitic rocks of the Upper Sinian Dengying Formation in the Dadu River valley region, Sichuan Province, China. The lead-zinc mineralization is closely associated with a black siliceous exhalite that has been traced over 50 km of strike. This makes Dadu River valley the most extensive stratiform non-ferrous sulphide horizon having been discovered to date in China. In a previous study by the first author (LIN), these deposits were recognised as belonging to the broad spectrum of lead-zinc sedimentary exhala- tive (SEDEX) deposits. In this paper, seismites and seismogenetic structures occurring in close association with the Dadu River valley mineralized zone are described. The close spatial and temporal relationship between the seismites and mineralization provides strong evidence for the hypothesis that the lead-zinc SEDEX deposits formed in direct response to earthquake activities around the Sinian-Cambrian boundary. The earthquakes are postulated to be an effective dynamic mechanism for triggering the upward migration of deep circulating ore fluids along synsedimentary growth faults and their exhalation onto the sea-floor to form the extensive deposits of stratiform lead-zinc sulphide ore.     

A seismic gap on the Anninghe fault in western Sichuan,China

Through integrated analyses of time-varying patterns of regional seismicity, occurrence background of strong and large historical earthquakes along active faults, and temporal-spatial distribution of accu- rately relocated hypocenters of modern small earthquakes, this paper analyzes and discusses the im- plication of a 30-year-lasting seismic quiescence in the region along and surrounding the Anninghe and Zemuhe faults in western Sichuan, China. It suggests that the seismic quiescence for ML≥4.0 events has been lasting in the studied region since January, 1977, along with the formation and evaluation of a seismic gap of the second kind, the Anninghe seismic gap. The Anninghe seismic gap has the background of a seismic gap of the first kind along the Anninghe fault, and has resulted from evident fault-locking and strain-accumulating along the fault during the last 30 years. Now, two fault sections either without or with less small earthquakes exist along the Anninghe fault within the An- ninghe seismic gap. They indicate two linked and locked fault-sections, the northern Mianning section and the Mianning-Xichang section with lengths of 65 km and 75 km and elapsed time from the latest large earthquakes of 527 and 471 years, respectively. Along the Anninghe fault, characteristics of both the background of the first kind seismic gap and the seismicity patterns of the second seismic gap, as well as the hypocenter depth distribution of modern small earthquakes are comparable, respectively, to those appearing before the M=8.1 Hoh Xil earthquake of 2001 and to those emerging in the 20 years before the M=7.1 Loma Prieta, California, earthquake of 1989, suggesting that the Anninghe seismic gap is tending to become mature, and hence its mid- to long-term potential of large earthquakes should be noticeable. The probable maximum magnitudes of the potential earthquakes are estimated to be as large as 7.4 for both the two locked sections of the Anninghe fault.     

Long-chain n-alkenes in recent sediment of Lake Lugu (SW China) and their ecological implications

Long-chain n-alkenes showing a predominance of n-C_25:1 and n-C_27:1 were detected in recent sediment of Lake Lugu, an oligotrophic alpine lake in Yunnan Province, SW China. The abundances of n-C_25:1 and n-C_27:1 alkenes varied considerably in the sediment core, most obviously in showing higher values during the period of 1821–1982, followed by a significant decrease between 1982 and 2012. Such variations were similar to those of long-chain 1,15-alkyl diols, biomarkers of eustigmatophytes, and a significant correlation was observed between n-C_25:1 (or n-C_27:1) alkene and C₃₂ 1,15-alkyl diol in the sediment core. This correlation and the fact that long-chain n-alkenes in some eustigmatophytes (e.g., Nannochloropsis sp.) were dominated by C₂₅ and C₂₇ compounds indicates that eustigmatophytes were the most likely contributor of the long-chain n-alkenes (especially the n-C_25:1 and n-C_27:1 alkenes) in Lake Lugu sediment. Chlorophytes, on the other hand, cannot be excluded as a possible contributor of the long-chain n-alkenes because these algae are common in Lake Lugu and they are known to biosynthesize n-C_27:1 alkene. Productivities for some species of eustigmatophytes and chlorophytes considerably decreased when the lake water was heavily influenced by catchment soil erosion and anthropogenic sewage inputs.     

Continental hydrothermal sedimentary siliceous rock and genesis of superlarge germanium (Ge) deposit hosted in coal: A study from the Lincang Ge deposit,Yunnan, China

The study on marine hydrothermal sedimentationtends to be perfect at present, and a suit of hydrother-mal sedimentary distinguishing criterions (includingstructure, conformation, geochemistry, etc.) has beenfound[1—12]. While it is unsubstantial on the study ofhydrothermal sedimentation in continental deposi-tional environment, and little was known about therelation between continental hydrothermal sedimenta-tion and metal mineralization. The Lincang Ge deposit,hosted in coal with independent…     

3-D crustal structure in the Agadir region (SW High Atlas,Morocco)

The 1960 Agadir earthquake (Mw 6.0) constitutes the most damaging earthquake event in Morocco. With the expansion of seismic networks during the last decade in Morocco, new seismic data have been collected in this region. The P and S arrivals at 19 stations located in Southern Morocco are used to investigate the lithosphere in the Agadir region. In this study, we use a linearized inversion procedure comprising two steps: (1) finding the minimal 1-D model and simultaneous relocation of hypocentres and (2) determination of local velocity structure using linearized inversion. The model parameterization in this method assumes a continuous velocity field. The resolution tests indicate that the calculated images give near true structure for the studied region from 0- to 45-km depth. The results show that the total crust thickness varies from 30 to 40 km in SW High Atlas and confirm the modest crustal tectonic shortening and thickening in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. The inferred geological structure reconstructed from the calculated image illustrates the existence of fault-related folding. The evidence for coseismic ruptures in 1960 on the Kasbah anticline combined with the 1960 earthquake hypocentre located in the tomographic image determines the seismic potential of the active fault and related fold. The resulting tomographic image shows a high-velocity anomalies that could be associated with the location of deep active fault (10–30 km) associated with the fold structure. In the South Atlas, theses anomalies could be associated with the South atlas thrust front structure.     

REE geochemistry of some alkali-rich intrusive rocks in China

Based on the REE analyses of about 300 samples from 40 alkali-rich intrusive rocks, a systematic study on the features of REE composition was made, and the major factors controlling the REE distribution are discussed. According to REE, trace elements composition and Sr, Nd isotopic characteristics, the source materials and petrogenetic process of the alkali-rich intrusive rocks were studied. The petrogenetic models of Zijinshan, Sairna, Nianzishan and Shanhaiguan alkali-rich intrusive rocks were calculated using multisequence fractional crystallization and assimilation fractional crystallization models. Project supported by the President Foundation of Chinese Academy of Sciences.     

Miocene emplacement and deformation of the Konga Shan granite (Xianshui He fault zone, west Sichuan, China): Geodynamic implications

The presently active sinistral Xianshui He strike-slip fault (XSH) is a lithospheric scale strike-slip fault in the eastern Himalaya. In the study area this fault affects the eastern edge of the Konga Shan granitic massif, where it has caused both brittle and ductile deformation. A RbSr isochron and Nd and Pb isotope study of three samples, and a UPb zircon study of a single sample, were completed on the granite.

UPb data indicate a granite emplacement age of 12.8 ± 1.4 Ma. The RbSr isochrons show that the granite emplacement and the deformational event were synchronous, at around 12-10 Ma (minimum age for deformation). The Nd and Pb isotope compositions of whole rocks and K-feldspars indicate the involvement of Proterozoic continental crust, which is confirmed by UPb systematics indicating inherited zircons.

Sinistral faulting along the XSH began at the latest at 12 Ma and marks the extrusion toward the east of the West Sichuan and South China blocks, following their extrusion along the Red River fault zone between 50 and 21 Ma.     

Subaqueous eruption and emplacement of the Shinjima Pumice, Shinjima (Moeshima) Island, Kagoshima Bay, SW Japan

The Shinjima Pumice is a fines-depleted pumice lapilli tuff emplaced several thousands years ago at about 100–140 m below sea level. This 40-m-thick deposit comprises many poorly defined flow units, which are 1–10 m thick, diffusely stratified and showing upward-coarsening of pumice clasts with a sharp to transitional base. Parallel to wavy diffuse stratifications are commonly represented by alignment of pumice clasts, especially in the lower half of the flow units. Pumice clasts of block to coarse-lapilli size commonly have thermal-contraction cracks best developed on the surfaces, demonstrating that they were hot but cooled down to the ambient temperatures prior to their emplacement. These features are suggestive of the direct origin of the Shinjima Pumice from subaqueous eruptions. A theoretical consideration on the behavior of subaqueous eruption plumes and hot and cold pumice clasts suggests that subaqueous eruption plumes commonly collapse by turbulent mixing with the ambient water and are transformed into water-logged mass flows.     

Assessment of bacterial biomass in the highly contaminated urban Nanming River,Guiyang,SW China

High anthropogenic N loads and abundant bacteria are characteristic of highly contaminated urban rivers.To better understand the dispersal and accumulation of bacteria, we determined contents and isotopic compositions of suspended particulate organic matter(SPOM) and bacteria in a highly contaminated urban river(the Nanming)and effluents in winter and summer of 2013. Relative to SPOM, bacterial biomass in the river was depleted in ~(13)C and ~(15)N and its C/N ratio was lower(δ~(13)C:-33.2% ± 3.1%; δ~(15)N:-1.5% ± 1.2%; C/N:4.8 ± 0.6), while effluents showed higher ~(13)C and ~(15)N contents and C/N ratios(δ~(13)C:-25% ± 2.1%; δ ~(15)N:-8.5% ± 1.1%; C/N: 8.1 ± 1.2). Source recognition of SPOM was based on carbon isotopes because they are conservative and distinct between end-members(effluent detritus and bacterial biomass). Using a mixing model,bacterial biomass in the river was calculated to account for 20% and 56% of bulk suspended particulate organic nitrogen in winter and summer, respectively. An N budget showed that bacterial N was a small proportion of total nitrogen(7.4%) in the riverwater.     

Characteristics and genesis of microbial lumps in the Maozhuang Stage(Cambrian Series 2),Shandong Province,China

Microbial lumps have been found in the Maozhuang Stage(Cambrian Series 2) in the Liangcheng section,Shandong Province,China.Their macro-and micro-scale features distinguish them from other carbonate particles such as intraclasts and oncoids.Most lumps have a coarse sand to pebble size.They were mostly rounded during sedimentation or combined to form irregular shapes.A distinct boundary is present between the lumps and the surrounding cement of sparry calcite.The lumps contain either no core at all or several irregular "cores",without a distinct inner texture.They are composed mainly of calcified(micritized) microbes,most likely cyanobacteria.The microbes drilled holes in carbonate grains,after which lumps formed by micritization,cementation,and agglutination by an extracellular polymeric substance(EPS) in a high-energy shallow-marine,subtidal environment.As the lumps are directly related to microbes,they should be considered as microbialites.     

四川汶川8.0级地震震源过程

2008年5月12日在青藏高原与四川盆地交界的龙门山山脉发生了M_s8.0级强烈地震,引发山体滑坡等地质灾害,造成了巨大的人员伤亡和经济损失.本文利用远场体波波形记录结合近场同震位移数据,根据地质资料和地震形成的地表破裂轨迹,构造了一个双“铲状”有限地震断层模型,利用反演技术重建地震的破裂过程.结果显示汶川大地震主要是沿龙门山构造带的映秀-北川断裂和灌县-江油断裂发生的逆冲兼右旋走滑破裂事件.断层面上的滑动分布显示两个高滑动区先后发生在地震破坏最为严重的映秀和北川地区,最大滑动量高达1200～1250 cm,且破裂过程也显示一定的复杂性.地震破裂的平均走滑量略大于平均倾滑量,与多种观测资料获得的震前龙门山断裂带构造变形相一致,推断是由于长期区域应力场作用和龙门山地区特殊的物质组成和结构孕育了这次千年尺度的强烈地震.     

Petrogenesis of the Mesozoic intrusive rocks in the Tongling area,Anhui Province,China and their constraint on geodynamic process

TheTonglingarea,whichiscalledtheChineseCopperCapital,isoneofthemostimportantnon-ferrousmetalproducersinChina(e.g.Cu,AuandAg,especiallyCu).ManyresearchershavenotedthatthemetaldepositsarecloselyrelatedtotheMesozoicintrusiverocksinthisarea.Therefore,theTongl…     

Emplacement age and PGE geochemistry of lamprophyres in the Laowangzhai gold deposit,Yunnan, SW China

Widely-distributed lamprophyres in the Laowangzhai gold deposit were associated closely with gold ores. Phlogopite⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating suggests that the emplacement age of lamprophyric magma ranges from (30.8±0.4) to (34.3±0.2) Ma, and gold mineralization took place at (26.4±0.2) Ma. PGE geochemical tracing indicates that gold in the gold deposit did not come from the primitive lamprophyric magma. The tempo-spatial paragenesis between lamprophyres and mesothermal gold deposits along the Jinsha-Red River belt may be attributed to the fact that they formed in the same tectonic setting.