Silicate-bearing iron meteorites and their implications for the evolution of asteroidal parent bodies

Silicate-bearing iron meteorites differ from other iron meteorites in containing variable amounts of silicates, ranging from minor to stony-iron proportions (∼50%). These irons provide important constraints on the evolution of planetesimals and asteroids, especially with regard to the nature of metal–silicate separation and mixing. I present a review and synthesis of available data, including a compilation and interpretation of host metal trace-element compositions, oxygen-isotope compositions, textures, mineralogy, phase chemistries, and bulk compositions of silicate portions, ages of silicate and metal portions, and thermal histories. Case studies for the petrogeneses of igneous silicate lithologies from different groups are provided. Silicate-bearing irons were formed on multiple parent bodies under different conditions. The IAB/IIICD irons have silicates that are mainly chondritic in composition, but include some igneous lithologies, and were derived from a volatile-rich asteroid that underwent small amounts of silicate partial melting but larger amounts of metallic melting. A large proportion of IIE irons contain fractionated alkali-silica-rich inclusions formed as partial melts of chondrite, although other IIE irons have silicates of chondritic composition. The IIEs were derived from an H-chondrite-like asteroid that experienced more significant melting than the IAB asteroid. The two stony-iron IVAs were derived from an extensively melted and apparently chemically processed L or LL-like asteroid that also produced a metallic core. Ungrouped silicate-bearing irons were derived from seven additional asteroids. Hf–W age data imply that metal–silicate separation occurred within 0–10 Ma of CAI formation for these irons, suggesting internal heating by ²⁶Al. Chronometers were partly re-set at later times, mainly earlier for the IABs and later for the IIEs, including one late (3.60 ± 0.15 Ga) strong impact that affected the “young silicate” IIEs Watson (unfractionated silicate, and probable impact melt), Netschaëvo (unfractionated, and metamorphosed), and Kodaikanal (fractionated). Kodaikanal probably did not undergo differentiation in this late impact, but the similar ages of the “young silicate” IIEs imply that relatively undifferentiated and differentiated materials co-existed on the same asteroid. The thermal histories and petrogeneses of fractionated IIE irons and IVA stony irons are best accommodated by a model of disruption and reassembly of partly molten asteroids.     

Tetrad effects in REE abundance patterns of chondrules from CM meteorites: Implications for aqueous alteration on the CM parent asteroid

Lanthanide tetrad effect in bulk chondrules from two moderately altered CM chondrites, Murchison and Yamato-793321 (Y-793321), are reported for the first time. Twenty-three chondrules were petrographically characterized and analyzed for 10 rare earth elements (REE) and other trace and major elements (Ba, Sr, Rb, K, Ca, Mg and Fe) using the precise isotope dilution technique. The results indicate systematic depletion (several times) of alkali and alkaline earths compared to CV and CO chondrules. Most of the porphyritic olivine (8 PO) and olivine-pyroxene (4 POP), porphyritic and radial pyroxene (2 PP, 1 RP), and granular olivine (1 GO) chondrules show a light-REE (L-REE) depleted, heavy-REE (H-REE) smoothly fractionated pattern composed of four (upward convex) segments possessing a relatively large negative Eu anomaly (CI-normalized La/Sm, Lu/Er and Eu/Eu* ratios = 0.3-1: Eu*, normal value). On the other hand, all barred-olivine (5 BO) chondrules, a few PO and POP indicate almost a flat L-REE pattern. In addition, regardless of their textural types, nearly half of the chondrules have a variable degree of Ce and Yb anomalies, and/or L/H-REE discontinuity, which is similar to CV and CO chondrules. The observed L- and H-convex REE patterns accompanied with the negative Eu anomaly is the first known case for chondrules as well as meteoritic materials, but have been previously reported for geological samples such as sedimentary rocks, late stage igneous and metamorphic rocks, and are explained as the lanthanide tetrad effect, which plausibly results from fluid-rock interaction. We suggest that the marked REE fractionations occurred by the selective incorporation of L-, H-REEs and Eu into alteration products in the matrix during alteration processes on the CM parent body, but that the gas/solid REE fractionation characteristics established in the nebula have basically remained unchanged. We suggest that the tetrad effects observed here represent a new index of physico-chemical conditions of fluid-rock interactions prevalent on the CM parent body.     

Geotechnical and geological properties of Mokattam limestones: Implications for conservation strategies for ancient Egyptian stone monuments

Geotechnical and geological properties of limestone samples from the Mokattam Quarry in Cairo, Egypt, were determined in order to provide prior information for the selection of suitable methods for the conservation of stone monuments around Cairo. A commercial chemical consolidant (Wacker OH 100) was applied to fill the pore spaces and to strengthen the weathered rock. Filling of pore spaces was confirmed by the decrease of both porosity and permeability of rock samples after the application of the consolidant. Analysis by mercury porosimeter showed most effective consolidation results for pore spaces from 0.75 to 1.0 µm in diameter, which were those mainly observed in the samples. Ultrasonic velocity did not show any significant evidence but an increase in strength, observed as an increase in the point load index after the consolidation process was completed, confirmed that the filling and consolidation process worked effectively. Point load testing can thus be used in preference when the number of samples available for laboratory testing is limited. From the color analysis, it was shown that there was no noticeable color change after the application of consolidant Wacker OH 100. The combinations of laboratory tests adopted in this study can be applicable to the planning of conservation of other stone monuments.     

Effects of magnetic interactions in anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility: Models, experiments and implications for igneous rock fabrics quantification

Besides granites of the ilmenite series, in which the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) is mainly controlled by paramagnetic minerals, the AMS of igneous rocks is commonly interpreted as the result of the shape-preferred orientation of unequant ferromagnetic grains. In a few instances, the anisotropy due to the distribution of ferromagnetic grains, irrespective of their shape, has also been proposed as an important AMS source. Former analytical models that consider infinite geometry of identical and uniformly magnetized and coaxial particles confirm that shape fabric may be overcome by dipolar contributions if neighboring grains are close enough to each other to magnetically interact. On these bases we present and experimentally validate a two-grain macroscopic numerical model in which each grain carries its own magnetic anisotropy, volume, orientation and location in space. Compared with analytical predictions and available experiments, our results allow to list and quantify the factors that affect the effects of magnetic interactions. In particular, we discuss the effects of (i) the infinite geometry used in the analytical models, (ii) the intrinsic shape anisotropy of the grains, (iii) the relative orientation in space of the grains, and (iv) the spatial distribution of grains with a particular focus on the inter-grain distance distribution. Using documented case studies, these findings are summarized and discussed in the framework of the generalized total AMS tensor recently introduced by Cañon-Tapia (Cañon-Tapia, E., 2001. Factors affecting the relative importance of shape and distribution anisotropy in rocks: theory and experiments. Tectonophysics, 340, 117–131.). The most important result of our work is that analytical models far overestimate the role of magnetic interaction in rock fabric quantification. Considering natural rocks as an assemblage of interacting and non-interacting grains, and that the effects of interaction are reduced by (i) the finite geometry of the interacting clusters, (ii) the relative orientation between interacting grains, (iii) their heterogeneity in orientation, shape and bulk susceptibility, and (iv) their inter-distance distribution, we reconcile analytical models and experiments with real case studies that minimize the role of magnetic interaction onto the measured AMS. Limitations of our results are discussed and guidelines are provided for the use of AMS in geological interpretation of igneous rock fabrics where magnetic interactions are likely to occur.     

中国大陆科学钻探主孔100-2000m岩心的磁化率各向异性及其地质意义

在常温常压条件下获得了中国大陆科学钻探(CCSD)主孔331块岩心的磁化率各向异性(AMS)数据,并建立了主孔100—2000m的体积磁化率和AMS连续剖面。数据统计分析显示,主孔100—2000m岩心的磁化率(κ)介于1．05×10-4SI和0．12SI之间,几何平均值为1．855×10-3SI;磁化率各向异性度(Pj)介于1．04和2．10之间,几何平均值为1．155。该井段出露的主要岩石类型有榴辉岩、退变质榴辉岩、角闪岩、正片麻岩、副片麻岩和蛇纹石化橄榄岩,它们的垂向分布特征控制着磁化率剖面的变化。主孔的超高压变质岩石在折返过程中普遍经历了强烈的角闪岩相退变质作用的改造。其磁化率特征也发生相应的改变。蛇纹石化橄榄岩具有很高的磁化率(8．58×10-2SI)和各向异性度(1．335)。这主要源于橄榄岩蛇纹石化过程中产生的大量磁铁矿。榴辉岩、退变质榴辉岩和角闪岩代表榴辉岩从新鲜到完全退变质的三个阶段,它们的磁化率和磁化率各向异性度分别为榴辉岩(1．28×10-3SI、1．077)、退变质榴辉岩(3．19×10-3SI、1．206)、角闪岩(1．02×10-3SI、1．104)。正片麻岩的磁化率和各向异性度分别为5．34×10-3SI和1．167。副片麻岩的磁化率和各向异性度分别为3．46×10-4SI和1．150。对58个变形岩石的AMS测试结果显示,其磁化率椭球体的主轴方向与岩石组构基本一致,即最大磁化率主轴κ1平行矿物线理,最小磁化率主轴κ3垂直岩石面理。同时,这些变形岩石的AMS椭球体多呈现明显的压扁状特征,反映超高压变质岩石在折返过程中处于强烈挤压变形的构造应力环境,为苏鲁超高压变质板片的挤出折返模式提供了佐证。该研究成果也为超高压变质岩石地区磁学研究、地球物理调查和测井成果的解释提供了重要的实验约束。     

Physical properties of the triassic host strata and their relations with gold mineralization in Youjiang Rift, South China

Micro-fine disseminated gold deposits are hosted in the Triassic Baipeng Formation (argillaceous siltstone and arenaceous mudstone)in the Youjiang Rift,South China.Physical properties(grain size,specific surface,porosity and permeability)of the host rocks are studied with respect to ore-fluid cirulation,water-rock reaction and the effective volume from which ore-components could be extracted.On this basis,it is considered that the ore-fluid and oremetals were extracted mainly from the strata and hydrothermal solutions,tending to move to wards low-energy sites,depositing their gold in fault zones at the margins of the basin and in the circle fracture systems around underwater uplifts.The gold deposits resulted from the deepcirculation of hydrothermal solutions,Probably aided by multi-stage superimposition The quantites of ore-fluid necessary to form the deposits were estimated.     

Physical and chemical properties of the waters of saline lakes and their importance for deep-water renewal: Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan

The relationships between electrical conductivity, temperature, salinity, and density are studied for brackish Lake Issyk-Kul. These studies are based on a newly determined major ion composition, which for the open lake shows a mean absolute salinity of 6.06 g kg⁻¹. The conductivity-temperature relationship of the lake water was determined experimentally showing that the lake water is about 1.25 times less conductive than seawater diluted to the same absolute salinity as that of the lake water. Based on these results, an algorithm is presented to calculate salinity from in-situ conductivity measurements. Applied to the field data, this shows small but important vertical salinity variations in the lake with a salinity maximum at 200 m and a freshening of the surface water with increasing proximity to the shores. The algorithm we adopt to calculate density agrees well with earlier measurements and shows that at 20°C and 1 atm Lake Issyk-Kul water is about 530 g m⁻³ denser than seawater at the same salinity. The temperature of maximum density at 1 atm is about 0.15°C lower than that for seawater diluted to the same salinity. Despite its small variations, salinity plays an important role, together with temperature changes, in the static stability and in the production of deep-water in this lake. Changes in salinity may have had important consequences on the mixing regime and the fate of inflowing river water over geological time. Uncharged silicic acid is negligible for the stability of the water column except near an ∼15 m thick nepheloid layer observed at the bottom of the deep basin.     

Analysis of deformation fabric in an Alkaline Complex (Koraput): Implications for time relationship between emplacement,fabric development and regional tectonics

The Koraput Alkaline Complex (KAC) lies on the NE-SW trending Sileru Shear Zone (SSZ) separating the Proterozoic Eastern Ghats Province from the Archaean Indian craton. The core of the KAC is made of hornblende gabbro, which is rimmed by a band of nepheline syenite in the east and syenodiorite in the west. The timing of magmatism with respect to the SSZ is disputed. The KAC was deformed during emplacement, and a magmatic foliation related to the syn-emplacement deformation, D ₁ , is present in the gabbroic core. The dominant D ₂ -related field fabric strikes NESW and is penetrative in parts of the gabbro and marginal lithologies. E-W trending D ₃ shear zones cut across the complex. Distinct textural domains resulted from strain partitioning during deformation. Parts of the complex with magmatic textures constitute Domain-1, while D ₂ and D ₃ fabric zones comprise Domains-2 and 3 respectively. Temperatures in the KAC initially decreased following D ₁ , but increased through D ₂ and D ₃ . Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) studies show that the magnetic fabric generally follows S ₁ in Domain-1. While the magnetic fabric in Domain-2 is dominantly parallel to S ₂ , some of it parallels S ₁ . The latter is a relict D ₁ fabric that is recognized from AMS analysis but is obliterated in the field, which confirms that the KAC pre-dates the SSZ. The response of magnetic fabrics to temperature and implications of the study for Indo-Antarctica amalgamation are discussed.     

Magnetic fabric study of the SE Rhenohercynian Zone (Bohemian Massif): Implications for dynamics of the Paleozoic accretionary wedge

The progressive deformation recorded in the magnetic fabric of sedimentary rocks was studied in the SE Rhenohercynian Zone (RHZ), eastern margin of the Bohemian Massif, Czech Republic. Almost 800 oriented samples of the Lower Carboniferous mudstones and graywackes were collected from the SSE part of the Czech RHZ, so-called the Drahany Upland. The anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) is predominantly controlled by the preferred orientation of paramagnetic phyllosilicates, mainly iron-bearing chlorites. A regional distribution of the magnetic fabric within the Drahany Upland revealed an increasing deformation from the SSE to the NNW. In the SE, the magnetic fabric is bedding-parallel with magnetic lineation scattered in the bedding plane or trending N–S to NNE–SSW. Further to the NW, the magnetic foliation rotates from the bedding-parallel orientation to the orientation parallel to the evolving cleavage. This rotation is accompanied by a decrease of the anisotropy degree and the prolate nature of the anisotropy ellipsoids. The magnetic lineation is parallel to the strike of the bedding, bedding/cleavage intersection, pencil structure or the fold axes on a regional scale. In the NW part of the Drahany Upland, the magnetic foliation becomes parallel to the cleavage accompanied by an increase of the anisotropy degree and the oblate nature of the anisotropy ellipsoids. The increasing trend of deformation corresponds to the SSE–NNW increase in the degree of anchimetamorphism; both trends being oblique to the main lithostratigraphic formations as typically observed in the sedimentary rocks of the accretionary wedges. The SSE–NNW increase in deformation and anchimetamorphism continues to the Nízký Jeseník Mts., representing the northern part of the same accretionary wedge. The kinematics of deformation could not be unambiguously assessed. The observed magnetic fabric may reflect either lateral shortening or horizontal simple shear or a combination of both mechanisms. Regarding the subduction process, it seems that the sedimentary sequences of the Drahany Upland were subducted, partly offscraped and accreted frontally or partly underplated as opposed to the Nízký Jeseník Mts. where some return flow must have occurred.     

The effects of a lateral variation in lithospheric strength on foredeep evolution: Implications for the East Carpathian foredeep

Lateral variations in lithospheric strength have been adopted often in flexural modeling (both 2D and 3D) to better fit the observed basement deflections, typically supported by gravity data. This approach provides essentially a “snap-shot” of the role of lithosphere strength in determining the present day geometry.In contrast, we investigate and quantify the effects of a lateral change in lithospheric strength on the evolution of the foredeep in front of an advancing orogen. Transitions in lithospheric strength are common in the foreland of orogens and show large variations in the width of the transition zone and the strength difference. Former passive margins, for instance, will display strength changes distributed over several tens to hundreds of kilometers. Other transitions may originate from juxtaposition or accretion of pieces of lithosphere with different properties and may be characterized by a much smaller width than former passive margins.In our modeling, a constant load, representing an advancing orogenic belt, is displaced towards and across a transition from a weak to a strong plate in a 2D elastic thin plate model. The effect of different transition widths and strength contrasts on foredeep geometry and bending stress is investigated. Interference of flexural wavelengths across the transition affects foredeep geometry by causing rapid basin widening, oscillation of the bulge and volume increase. The bending stresses are found to concentrate and amplify around the strength transition. Large transition gradients, i.e. large strength contrast or small transition width, cause the highest rates of change.Basin widening caused by the orogenic load advancing towards the transition between the East European Craton and the Moesian Platform, appears to control the Sarmatian transgression over the East Carpathian foreland in Romania.     

Transverse zones controlling the structural evolution of the Zipaquira Anticline (Eastern Cordillera,Colombia): Regional implications

We report paleomagnetic, magnetic fabric and structural results from 21 sites collected in Cretaceous marine mudstones and Paleogene continental sandstones from the limbs, hinge and transverse zones of the Zipaquira Anticline (ZA). The ZA is an asymmetrical fold with one limb completely overturned by processes like gravity and salt tectonics, and marked by several axis curvatures. The ZA is controlled by at least two (2) transverse zones known as the Neusa and Zipaquira Transverse Zones (NTZ and ZTZ, respectively). Magnetic mineralogy methods were applied at different sites and the main carriers of the magnetic properties are paramagnetic components with some sites being controlled by hematite and magnetite. Magnetic fabric analysis shows rigid-body rotation for the back-limb in the ZA, while the forelimb is subjected to internal deformation. Structural and paleomagnetic data shows the influence of the NTZ and ZTZ in the evolution of the different structures like the ZA and the Zipaquira, Carupa, Rio Guandoque, Las Margaritas and Neusa faults, controlling several factors as vergence, extension, fold axis curvature and stratigraphic detatchment. Clockwise rotations unraveled a block segmentation following a discontinuos model caused by transverse zones and one site reported a counter clockwise rotation associated with a left-lateral strike slip component for transverse faults (e.g. the Neusa Fault). We propose that diverse transverse zones have been active since Paleogene times, playing an important role in the tectonic evolution of the Cundinamarca sub-basin and controlling the structural evolution of folds and faults with block segmentation and rotations.     

Quartz types in the Upper Pennsylvanian organic-rich Cline Shale (Wolfcamp D), Midland Basin,Texas: Implications for silica diagenesis,porosity evolution and rock mechanical properties

The origin and form of quartz in mudrocks has significant implications for interpretation of depositional environments, diagenetic pathways, mechanisms of porosity reduction and rock mechanical-property evolution. Quartz types in the Upper Pennsylvanian Cline Shale, Midland Basin, Texas, were examined using a combination of field-emission scanning electron microscopy-based energy-dispersive spectroscopy elemental mapping (to determine mineralogy) and scanning electron microscopy-based cathodoluminescence imaging (to determine quartz types) with the goal of elucidating a high-resolution imaging protocol at the micrometre scale for shale petrology. Also, the unconfined compressive rock strength of shale samples with contrasting proportions of different quartz types was measured using Equotip Bambino analyses. The results suggest that extrabasinal detrital quartz, which accounts for an average of 26 vol.% of the rock in all analyzed samples, is the dominant form of quartz in the Cline Shale. The intergranular clay-size microquartz, which accounts for an average of 10 vol.% of the rock in all analyzed samples, is the dominant form of authigenic quartz. Dissolved radiolarians and sponge spicules are likely sources of silica for clay-size microquartz and other authigenic quartz showing pale-mauve to dark greyish cathodoluminescence colour. Some authigenic quartz in the form of intragranular pore filling and mollusc skeletal replacement displays bright-reddish cathodoluminescence colour, which may be associated with silica released at a different time in the rock's diagenetic history, such as during smectite illitization. Porosity reduction in the Cline Shale predominantly resulted from compaction because of extremely low intergranular volume and the general lack of early cementation. Quartz form significantly impacts rock mechanical properties in the Cline Shale: widely distributed intergranular clay-size microquartz cement is a major factor controlling rock strength. This correlation also applies to other mudrock successions of various geological ages, tectonic histories and lithologies.     

CCSD主孔高Ti榴辉岩非耦合的高Ti、低Nb（Zr）特征：对玄武质岩浆房中磁铁矿分离结晶作用的指示

利用XRF和HR-ICP-MS对中国大陆科学钻探工程(CCSD)主孔<700m深度高Ti榴辉岩进行了准确分析研究。结果表明高Ti榴辉岩以TFeO和Eu异常之间的相关性及非耦合的高TiO2(2.4-5.7%)、低Nb(<5.5μg/g)和Zr(<98μg/g)为特征。而且,这些榴辉岩的TiO2、V和TFeO之间正相关。高场强元素(Ti、Nb、Zr等)在不同矿物和玄武岩/安山岩熔体之间的分配系数研究表明,高Ti和低Nb、Zr之间的非耦合变化必须有磁铁矿结晶作用的参与才能够出现。斜长石的密度(p=2.61-2.76g/cm3)低于正常玄武岩熔体(p=2.8-3.0g/cm3),因此玄武岩岩浆房中结晶出的斜长石在岩浆演化早期不会和熔体分离而形成堆晶岩。磁铁矿的密度(p=5.1-5.2g/cm3)远远高于玄武岩熔体。磁铁矿的结晶分离会显著降低玄武岩熔体的局部密度而诱发斜长石晶体分离下沉并形成富集斜长石的高Fe堆晶岩。这种机制很好地解释了高Ti榴辉岩所具有的TFeO和Eu异常之间的相关性及非耦合的高TiO2(2.4-5.7%)、低Nb(<5.5μg/g)和Zr(<98μg/g)特征。本文研究表明在CCSD中的高Ti榴辉岩原岩应是由同一玄武岩岩浆房中富磁铁矿结晶作用形成的堆晶岩。高Ti榴辉岩的Ti矿化本质上源于磁铁矿结晶作用,而与其经历的超高压变质作用无关。     

Niobium-tantalum Fractionation During Slab Subduction:Implications for the Formation of Continental Crust

Compared with the oceanic crust, knowledge about the formation of the continental crust (CC) is relatively poor. Although melting of subducted slabs in the early history of the Earth has been considered as the major way that shaped the chemical characteristics of the CC by most geologists, as the CC shares many characteristics with modern adakites, some geologists argued that Archean TTG was formed in the same way as modern arcs rather than slab melting, whereas others proposed that melting at the bottom of the thickened oceanic crust was more important. Recently,the debate is mainly focused on the unique subchondritic Nb/Ta value of the CC, and particularly, how Nb and Ta fractionated from each other and consequently how, in detail, the CC was built.     

The melt rocks of the Vredefort impact structure - Vredefort Granophyre and pseudotachylitic breccias: Implications for impact cratering and the evolution of the Witwatersrand Basin

The unique combination of its large size (250-300 km diameter), deep levels of erosion (>7 km), and widespread regional mining activity make the Vredefort impact structure in South Africa an exceptional laboratory for the study of impact-related deformation phenomena in the rocks beneath giant, complex impact craters. Two types of impact-generated melt rock occur in the Vredefort Structure: the Vredefort Granophyre - impact melt rock - and pseudotachylitic breccias. Along the margins of the structure, mining and exploration drilling in the Witwatersrand goldfields has revealed widespread fault-related pseudotachylitic breccias linked to the impact event. There, volumetrically limited melt breccia occurs in close association with cataclasite or mylonitic zones associated with bedding-parallel normal dip-slip faults that formed during inward slumping of the crater walls, and in rare subvertical faults oriented radially to the center of the structure. This association is consistent with formation of pseudotachylites by frictional melting. On the other hand, rocks in the Vredefort Dome - the central uplift of the impact structure - contain ubiquitous melt breccias that range in size from sub-millimeter pods and veinlets to dikes up to tens of meters wide and hundreds of meters long. Like fault-related pseudotachylites in the goldfields and elsewhere in the world, they display a close geochemical relationship to their wallrocks, indicating local derivation. However, although mm/cm- to, rarely, dm-scale offsets are commonly found along their margins, they do not appear to be associated with broader fault zones, are commonly considerably more voluminous than most known fault-related pseudotachylites, and show no consistent relationship between melt volumes and slip magnitude. Recent petrographic observations indicate that at least some of these melt breccias formed by shock melting, with or without frictional melting. Consequently, the non-genetic term “pseudotachylitic breccia” has been adopted for these Vredefort occurrences. These breccias formed during the impact in rocks at temperatures ranging from greenschist to granulite facies, and were subsequently annealed to varying degrees during cooling of the central uplift.In addition to the pseudotachylitic breccias, nine clast-laden impact melt dikes (Vredefort Granophyre), each up to several kilometers long, occur in vertical radial and tangential fractures in the Vredefort Dome. Unlike the pseudotachylitic breccias, they display a remarkably uniform bulk composition and clast populations that are largerly independent of their wallrocks, and they contain geochemical traces of the impactor. They represent intrusive offshoots of the homogenized impact melt body that originally lay within the crater. U-Pb single zircon and Ar-Ar dating indicates that the Vredefort Granophyre and pseudotachylitic breccias, and the Witwatersrand pseudotachylites all formed at 2020±5 Ma - the age of the impact event, making the breccias a convenient time marker in the evolution of the structurally complex Witwatersrand basin with its unique gold deposits.     

新疆库鲁克塔格南华系砂岩碎屑组成对其物源及盆地演化的指示

库鲁克塔格南华系记录了塔里木北缘同期的火山-沉积事件和蚀源区物质组成及演化的信息。该区不同剖面内南华系各组砂岩碎屑组分的统计分析显示,贝义西组砂岩在不同剖面内组成差异显著:西山口剖面以岩屑砂岩为主,且岩屑为火山岩岩屑与沉积岩岩屑,物源为再旋回地层,而依格孜塔格剖面以长石砂岩和岩屑长石砂岩为主,岩屑主要为变质岩岩屑,物源为下伏古元古代高级变质岩。砂岩碎屑组成在剖面上垂向的变化表明贝义西组沉积期与照壁山组沉积期间（725 Ma±）存在一个沉积转型事件,导致贝义西组之上的照壁山组、阿勒通沟组及特瑞艾肯组砂岩组成在不同区域趋于一致,转变为代表基底隆起-过渡大陆区物源的典型“长石砂岩”。南华系砂岩碎屑组成与大陆裂谷盆地沉积砂岩相似,且物源区存在由前裂谷地层-过渡裂谷肩部-切割裂谷肩部-克拉通内部的连续演化过程,是库满凹陷早期裂解的岩相学记录。     

江汉盆地沉积物微量元素特征与长江上游水系拓展

江汉盆地是长江出三峡后第一个大型卸载区,近2.77 Ma以来堆积了近300 m的碎屑沉积物,主要由河流相和湖沼相组成,形成了多个沉积旋回。选择江汉盆地中心位置的ZL钻孔,利用ICP-MS方法,展开微量元素组成分析,研究了新近纪以来江汉盆地沉积物物源的变化。结果表明,上新世以来微量元素化学组成的离散程度逐渐减小,且趋近上部陆壳平均值,可能反映了物源供应区范围的扩展过程。1.25 Ma B.P.以来,多种微量元素含量及Th/Sc、Co/Th、La/Sc、Cr/Cu等比值变化很小,显示长江可能形成于1.25 Ma B.P.以后。