甘肃景泰崔家墩下奥陶统阴沟组砂岩化学组分特征及物源区构造背景判别

甘肃景泰一带早奥陶世沉积了以浊流砂岩夹板岩为主的阴沟组。崔家墩剖面阴沟组较为发育,总体分为两个岩性段,但东西向逆冲断层造成地层垂向不连续。北段（下段）为粉-细砂岩、板岩夹硅质岩;南段（上段）为岩屑含量较多的岩屑砂岩夹板岩,硅质岩少或无。对阴沟组砂岩进行主化学组分特征分析,其特征指标：Fe₂O*3+MgO值为503%～17.63%,Al₂O₃/SiO₂值为0.12%～0.28%,K₂O/Na₂O值为0.25%～1.26%及 Al₂O₃/（CaO+Na₂O）值为1.01%～3.53%。利用砂岩的化学组分特征结合岩相学分析,可以判断物源区特征及大地构造背景。研究表明:该套浊积砂岩下部物源主要来自北部的阿拉善地块及该地块上的古老造山带,为被动大陆边缘背景;上部碎屑主要来自南侧岛弧中基性火山岩,为活动大陆边缘初始弧后盆地构造背景。     

Geochemical signatures of Mesoproterozoic siliciclastic rocks of the Kaimur Group of the Vindhyan Supergroup,Central India

The Upper Kaimur Group of the Vindhyan Supergroup in Central India, primarily consists of three rock types-DhandraulSandstone, Scarp Sandstone and Bijaigarh Shale. Mineralogically and geochemically, they are quartz arenite, sublitharenite to litharenite and litharenite to shale in composition, respectively. The A-CN-K ternary plot and CIA and ICV values suggest that the similar source rocks suffered severe chemical weathering, under a hot-humid climate in an acidic environment with higher P _{CO 2}, which facilitated high sediment influx in the absence of land plants. Various geochemical discriminants, elemental ratios like K₂O/Na₂O, Al₂O₃/TiO₂, SiO₂/MgO, La/Sc, Th/Sc, Th/Cr, Gd_N/Yb_N and pronounced negative Eu anomalies indicate the rocks to be of post-Archean Proterozoic granitic source, with a minor contribution of granodioritic input, in a passive margin setting. The sediments of the Upper Kaimur Group were probably deposited in the interglacial period in between the Paleoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic glacial epochs.     

Late Vendian unfolded Molasse in the northeastern, eastern, and southwestern peripheries of the east European platform: Distinctive lithogeochemical features

The paper reports data on the lithogeochemistry of sandstones and silty mudstones from Upper Vendian sedimentary sequences in the northeastern, eastern, and southwestern peripheries of the East European Platform belonging to the so-called unfolded molasse. The sequences are dominated by wackes, arkoses, subarkoses, litharenites, and sublitharenites, i.e., chemically immature and moderately mature psammites, and can be classed with rocks produced by clastic material brought from orogens surrounding the platform. The higher TiO₂, Al₂O₃, FeO_tot, MgO, Na₂O, and K₂O concentrations of the psammites than those in the average cratonic Phanerozoic sandstone (APhSa) testify that the chemical maturing of the rocks was not completed. The silty mudstones accompanying the sandstones have a composition closer to those of the average cratonic Phanerozoic shale (APhSh), but this is likely explained by the fact that the rocks were produced of material brought from erosion territories of much greater area. The lithogeochemical data generally indicate that these territories were dominated by acid and intermediate magmatic rocks with variable fraction of sedimentary rocks when the Late Vendian sedimentary associations in question were produced. The distribution of certain indicator trace elements in the sandstones and silty mudstones show that the average composition of the eroded complexes was close to the composition of the post-Archean upper continental crust, but the erosion areas occasionally (in the Vychegorskii trough and the Shkapovsko-Shikhanskaya depression) contained relatively primitive source rocks. The data points of the great majority of the sandstones and silty mudstones plot in the SiO₂-K₂O/Na₂O and F1–F2 diagrams in the fields of sediments typical of the environments of active continental margins, which is consistent with the arrangement of the data points of these rocks in the La-Th-Sc, Th-Sc-Zr/10, and Th-Co-Zr/10 diagrams. All of these features confirm that the sedimentary rocks in question affiliate with rock associations produced at an active tectonic regime.     

Geochemistry and Provenance of Maastrichtian Clastic Rocks in the Dikmendede Formation of Orhaniye in Kazan-Ankara-Turkey Region

An integrated petrographic and geochemical study of the sandstones of the Maastrichtian-aged in the Orhaniye (Kazan-Ankara-Turkey) was carried out to obtain more information on their provenance, sedimentological history and tectonic setting. Depending on their matrix and mineralogical content, the Maastrichtian sandstones are identified as lithic arenite/wacke. The Dikmendede sandstones derived from types of provenances, the recycled orogen and recycled transitional. The chemical characteristics of the Dikmendede sandstones, i.e., fairly uniform compositions, high Th/U ratios (>3.0), negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* 0.72–0.99) and Th/Sc ratios (mostly less than 1.0), favor the OUC (old upper continental crust) provenance for the Dikmendede sandstones. The SiO2/Al2O3, Th/Sc (mostly <1.0) and La/Sc (<4.0) ratios are; however, slightly lower than typical OUC, and these ratios may suggest a minor contribution of young arc-derived material. The rare earth element (REE) pattern, and La/Sc versus Th/Co plot suggests that these sediments were mainly derived from felsic source rocks. The Dikmendede sandstones have high Cr (123–294 ppm) and Ni (52–212 ppm) concentrations, Cr/Ni ratio of 1.93, and a medium correlation coefficient between Cr and Ni and corresponding medium to high correlation of both (Cr and Ni, respectively) elements with Co. These relationships indicate a significant contribution of detritus from ophiolitic rocks. As rare earth element data are available for the Dikmendede sandstones, the Eu/Eu* is compared with LaN/YbN. Samples plot in the area of overlapping between continental collision, strike-slip and continental arc basins. The predominantly felsic composition of the Dikmendede sandstones is supported by the REE plots, which show enriched light REE, negative Eu anomaly and flat or uniform heavy REE. The Dikmendede sandstones have compositions similar to those of the average upper continental crust and post-Archean Australian shales. This feature indicates that the sediments were derived mainly from the upper continental crust. The Dikmendede sandstones have chemical index of alteration (CIA) values of 28–49, with an average of 40 indicating a low degree of chemical weathering in the source area. The compositional immaturity of the analyzed sandstone samples is typical of subduction-related environments, and their SiO2/Al2O3 and K2O/Na2O ratios and Co, Sc, Th and Zr contents reflect their oceanic and continental-arc settings. The Dikmendede sandstones were developed as flysch deposits derived from mixed provenance in a collision belt.     

Thermodynamic properties of almandine-grossular garnet solid solutions

The mixing properties of Fe₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂-Ca₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂ garnet solid solutions have been studied in the temperature range 850–1100° C. The experimental method involves measuring the composition of garnet in equilibrium with an assemblage in which the activity of the Ca₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂ component is fixed. Experiments on the assemblage garnet solid solution, anorthite, Al₂SiO₅ polymorph and quartz at known pressure and temperature fix the activity of the Ca₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂ component through the equilibrium: 1 $$\begin{gathered} {\text{3CaAl}}_{\text{2}} {\text{Si}}_{\text{2}} {\text{O}}_{\text{8}} \rightleftarrows {\text{Ca}}_{\text{3}} {\text{Al}}_{\text{2}} {\text{Si}}_{\text{3}} {\text{O}}_{{\text{12}}} \hfill \\ {\text{Anorthite garnet}} \hfill \\ {\text{ + 2Al}}_{\text{2}} {\text{SiO}}_{\text{5}} {\text{ + SiO}}_{\text{2}} \hfill \\ {\text{ sillimanite/kyanite quartz}}{\text{.}} \hfill \\ \end{gathered}$$ This equilibrium, with either sillimanite or kyanite as the aluminosilicate mineral, was used to control \({\text{a}}_{{\text{Ca}}_{\text{3}} {\text{Al}}_{\text{2}} {\text{Si}}_{\text{3}} {\text{O}}_{{\text{12}}} }^{{\text{gt}}} \) . The compositions of the garnet solutions produced were determined by measurement of their unit cell edges. At 1 bar Fe₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂-Ca₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂ garnets exhibit negative deviations from ideality at the Fe-rich end of the series and positive deviations at the calcium end. With increasing pressure the activity coefficients for the Ca₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂ component increase because the partial molar volume of this component is greater than the molar volume of pure grossular. Previous studies indicate that the activity coefficients for the Ca₃Al₂Si₃O₁₂ component also increase with increasing (Mg/Mg+Fe) ratio of the garnet. The region of negative deviation from ideality implies a tendency towards formation of a stable Fe-Ca garnet component. Evidence in support of this conclusion has been found in a natural Fe-rich garnet which was found to contain two different garnet phases of distinctly different compositions.     

Provenance,tectonic setting and source-area weathering of the lower Cambrian sediments of the Parahio valley in the Spiti basin,India

The geochemical study of siliciclastic rocks from the Lower Cambrian of Parahio Valley has been studied to describe the provenance, chemical weathering and tectonic setting. The K₂O/Al₂O₃ ratio and positive correlation of Co (r=0.85), Ni (r=0.86), Zn (r=0.82), Rb (r=0.98) with K₂O reflects that the presence of clay minerals control the abundances of these elements and suggests a warm and humid climate for this region. The chondrite normalized REE pattern of the samples is equivalent to upper continental crust, which reflects enriched LREE and flat HREE with negative Eu anomaly. The tectonic setting discriminant diagram log[K₂O/Na₂O] vs. SiO₂; [SiO₂/Al₂O₃] vs. log[K₂O/Na₂O]; [SiO₂/20] – [K₂O+Na₂O] – [TiO₂+Fe₂O₃+MgO] indicates transitional tectonic setting from an active continental margin to a passive margin. The discriminant function plot indicates quartzose sedimentary provenance, and to some extent, the felsic igneous provenance, derived from weathered granite, gneissic terrain and/or from pre-existing sedimentary terrain. The CIA value indicates low to moderate degree of chemical weathering and the average ICV values suggests immature sediments deposited in tectonically active settings. The A–CN–K diagram indicates that these sediments were generated from source rocks of the upper continental crust.     

Geochemistry of Carboniferous Sandstones (Sardar Formation), East‐Central Iran: Implication for Provenance and Tectonic Setting

Geochemical analysis of sandstones from the Sardar Formation (from two stratigraphic successions) in east-central Iran were used for identification of geochemical characterization of sandstones, provenance and tectonic setting. Sandstones in the two lithostratigraphic successions have similar chemical compositions suggesting a common provenance. Bulk-rock geochemistry analysis of Carboniferous sandstones from Sardar Formation indicates that they are mainly quartz dominated and are classified as quartzarenites, sublitharenites and subarkoses, derived from acid igneous to intermediate igneous rocks. Discrimination function analysis indicates that the sandstones of Sardar Formation were derived from quartzose sedimentary provenance in a recycled orogenic setting. Also, major and trace elements in sandstones of Sardar Formation (e.g., K2O/Na2O vs. SiO2) indicate deposition in a stable passive continental margin (PM). Chemical index of alteration (CIA) for these rocks (> 65%) suggests a moderate to relatively high degree of weathering in the source area.     

Stabilitätsbeziehungen zwischen Chlorit,Cordierit und Almandin bei der Metamorphose

The stability relations between cordierite and almandite in rocks, having a composition of CaO poor argillaceous rocks, were experimentally investigated. The starting material consisted of a mixture of chlorite, muscovite, and quartz. Systems with widely varying Fe²⁺/Fe²⁺+Mg ratios were investigated by using two different chlorites, thuringite or ripidolite, in the starting mixture. Cordierite is formed according to the following reaction: $${\text{Chlorite + muscovite + quartz}} \rightleftharpoons {\text{cordierite + biotite + Al}}_{\text{2}} {\text{SiO}}_{\text{5}} + {\text{H}}_{\text{2}} {\text{O}}$$ . At low pressures this reaction characterizes the facies boundary between the albite-epidotehornfels facies and the hornblende-hornfels facies, at medium pressures the beginning of the cordierite-amphibolite facies. Experiments were carried out reversibly and gave the following equilibrium data: 505±10°C at 500 bars H₂O pressure, 513±10°C at 1000 bars H₂O pressure, 527±10°C at 2000 bars H₂O pressure, and 557±10°C at 4000 bars H₂O pressure. These equilibrium data are valid for the Fe-rich starting material, using thuringite as the chlorite, as well as for the Mg-rich starting mixture with ripidolite. At 6000 bars the equilibrium temperature for the Mg-rich mixture is 587±10°C. In the Fe-rich mixture almandite was formed instead of cordierite at 6000 bars. The following reaction was observed: $${\text{Thuringite + muscovite + quartz}} \rightleftharpoons {\text{almandite + biotite + Al}}_{\text{2}} {\text{SiO}}_{\text{5}} {\text{ + H}}_{\text{2}} {\text{O}}$$ . Experiments with the Fe-rich mixture, containing Fe²⁺/Fe²⁺+Mg in the ratio 8∶10, yielded three stability fields in a P,T-diagram (Fig.1):

1. Above 600°C/5.25 kb and 700°C/6.5 kb almandite+biotite+Al₂SiO₅ coexist stably, cordierite being unstable.
2. The field, in which almandite, biotite and Al₂SiO₅ are stable together with cordierite, is restricted by two curves, passing through the following points:
   1. 625°C/5.5 kb and 700°C/6.5 kb,
   2. 625°C/5.5 kb and 700°C/4.0 kb.
3. At conditions below curves 1 and 2b, cordierite, biotite, and Al₂SiO₅ are formed, but no garnet.

An appreciable MnO-content in the system lowers the pressures needed for the formation of almandite garnet, but the quantitative influence of the spessartite-component on the formation of almandite could not yet be determined. the Mg-rich system with Fe²⁺/Fe²⁺+Mg=0.4 garnet did not form at pressures up to 7 kb in the temperature range investigated. Experiments at unspecified higher pressures (in a simple squeezer-type apparatus) yielded the reaction: $${\text{Ripidolite + muscovite + quartz}} \rightleftharpoons {\text{almandite + biotite + Al}}_{\text{2}} {\text{SiO}}_{\text{5}} {\text{ + H}}_{\text{2}} {\text{O}}$$ . Further experiments are needed to determine the equilibrium data. The occurence of garnet in metamorphic rocks is discussed in the light of the experimental results.     

Geochemistry and provenance of the Miocene sandstones of the Surma group from the Sitapahar anticline,Southeastern Bengal Basin,Bangladesh

Geochemical composition (major and trace elements) of Miocene sandstones of the Surma Group exposed in Sitapahar anticline, Southeastern Bengal Basin was determined to reveal their provenance, tectonic setting and source area weathering conditions. The sandstones are sub-arkosic, sub-lithic and greywacke in composition with abundant low-grade metamorphic, sedimentary lithics (mainly chert with some shale fragments), low feldspars and little volcanic detritus. Compared to the average sandstone value, the Surma Group sandstones are depleted in CaO and enriched in Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃ and Na₂O. The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) values for the Miocene Surma Group sandstones vary from 57 to 73 with an average of 65, indicating low to moderate weathering of the source areas. The geochemical characteristics suggest an active continental margin to passive margin setting for the Surma Group sandstones; preserve the signatures of a recycled provenance that is agreement with sandstone petrography and derivation of these sandstones from felsic source rocks.     

Petrography and geochemistry of Silurian Niur sandstones,Derenjal Mountains,East Central Iran: implications for tectonic setting,provenance and weathering

Petrographical and geochemical studies of Silurian Niur sandstones, Derenjal Mountains, Central Iran, were carried out to infer their provenance and tectonic setting. Modal analysis data of 37 medium sand size and well-sorted samples revealed that most quartz is composed of monocrystalline grains with straight to slightly undulos extinction and about 3 % polycrystalline quartz has inclusions, such as rutile needles. The sandstones are classified as quartzarenite, sublitharenite, and subarkose types based on framework composition and geochemistry. Petrographic studies reveal that these sandstones contain quartz, feldspars, and fragments of sedimentary rocks. The detrital modes of these sandstones indicate that they were derived from recycled orogen and stable cratonic source. Major and trace element contents of them are generally depleted (except SiO₂) relative to upper continental crust which is mainly due to the presence of quartz and absence of Al-bearing minerals. Modal composition (e.g., quartz, feldspar, and lithic fragments) and discrimination diagrams based on major elements, trace elements (Ti, La, Th, Sc, and Zr), and also such ratios as La/Sc, Th/Sc, La/Co, and Th/Co, in sandstones suggest a felsic igneous source rock and quartzose polycyclic sedimentary provenance in a passive continental margin setting. Furthermore, high Zr/Sc values in these sandstones are considered as a sign of recycling. We indicated paleo-weathering conditions by modal compositions, the CIA index and Al₂O₃?+?K₂O?+?Na₂O% vs. SiO₂% bivariate for these sandstones. Based on these results, although recycling is important to increase the maturity of the Niur sandstones, humid climate conditions in the source area have played a decisive role.     

Experimental determination of the reaction paragonite=jadeite+kyanite+H2O,and internally consistent thermodynamic data for part of the system Na2O−Al2O3−SiO2−H2O,with applications to eclogites and blueschists

Hydrothermal reversal experiments have been performed on the upper pressure stability of paragonite in the temperature range 550–740 ° C. The reaction $$\begin{gathered} {\text{NaAl}}_{\text{3}} {\text{Si}}_{\text{3}} {\text{O}}_{{\text{1 0}}} ({\text{OH)}}_{\text{2}} \hfill \\ {\text{ paragonite}} \hfill \\ {\text{ = NaAlSi}}_{\text{2}} {\text{O}}_{\text{6}} + {\text{Al}}_{\text{2}} {\text{SiO}}_{\text{5}} + {\text{H}}_{\text{2}} {\text{O}} \hfill \\ {\text{ jadeite kyanite vapour}} \hfill \\ \end{gathered}$$ has been bracketed at 550 ° C, 600 ° C, 650 ° C, and 700 ° C, at pressures 24–26 kb, 24–25.5 kb, 24–25 kb, and 23–24.5 kb respectively. The reaction has a shallow negative slope (? 10 bar °C^?1) and is of geobarometric significance to the stability of the eclogite assemblage, omphacite+kyanite. The experimental brackets are thermodynamically consistent with the lower pressure reversals of Chatterjee (1970, 1972), and a set of thermodynamic data is presented which satisfies all the reversal brackets for six reactions in the system Na₂O-Al₂O₃-SiO₂-H₂O. The Modified Redlich Kwong equation for H₂O (Holloway, 1977) predicts fugacities which are too high to satisfy the reversals of this study. The P-T stabilities of important eclogite and blueschist assemblages involving omphacite, kyanite, lawsonite, Jadeite, albite, chloritoid, and almandine with paragonite have been calculated using thermodynamic data derived from this study.     

Petrography and geochemistry of clastic sedimentary rocks as evidences for provenance of the Lower Cambrian Lalun Formation, Posht-e-badam block, Central Iran

Petrography and geochemistry (major, trace and rare earth elements) of clastic rocks from the Lower Cambrian Lalun Formation, in the Posht-e-badam block, Central Iran, have been investigated to understand their provenance. Petrographical analysis suggests that the Lalun conglomerates are dominantly with chert clasts derived from a proximal source, probably chert bearing Precambrian Formations. Similarly, purple sandstones are classified as litharenite (chertarenite) and white sandstones as quartzarenite types. The detrital modes of purple and white sandstones indicate that they were derived from recycled orogen (uplifted shoulders of rift) and stable cratonic source. Most major and trace element contents of purple sandstones are generally similar to upper continental crust (UCC) values. However, white sandstones are depleted in major and trace elements (except SiO₂, Zr and Co) relative to UCC, which is mainly due to the presence of quartz and absence of other Al-bearing minerals. Shale samples have considerably lower content in most of the major and trace elements concentration than purple sandstones, which is possibly due to intense weathering and recycling. Modal composition (e.g., quartz, feldspar, lithic fragments) and geochemical indices (Th/Sc, La/Sc, Co/Th, Cr/Th, Cr/V and V/Ni ratios) of sandstones, and shales (La/Sc and La/Cr ratios) indicate that they were derived from felsic source rocks and deposited in a passive continental margin. The chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns of the studied samples are characterized by LREE enrichment, negative Eu anomaly and flat HREE similar to an old upper continental crust composed chiefly of felsic components in the source area. The study of paleoweathering conditions based on modal composition, chemical index of alteration (CIA), plagioclase index of alteration (PIA) and A–CN–K (Al₂O₃ − CaO + Na₂O − K₂O) relationships indicate that probably chemical weathering in the source area and recycling processes have been more important in shale and white sandstones relative to purple sandstones. The results of this study suggest that the main source for the Lalun Formation was likely located in uplifted shoulders of a rifted basin (probably a pull-apart basin) in its post-rift stage (Pan-African basement of the Posht-e-badam block).     

Geochemistry and petrogenetic evolution of metasedimentary rocks in Bunu Area,part of Kabba-Lokoja-Igarra schist belt,SW Nigeria

Field and geochemical studies of the Bunu area, SW Nigeria, were carried out on gneiss-metasedimentary rocks that consist of migmatised gneiss, quartz-mica schist, and foliated and massive quartzites. These gneiss-metasedimentary rocks are interbedded with meta-igneous rock (amphibolite), all of which are intruded by granitoid and cut by basic and felsic dykes. Geochemical data on major, trace, and rare Earth elements of these rocks from the area were used to speculate on the petrogenetic and geodynamic evolution of the rocks in the area. Compositionally, the metasedimentary rocks in the area have a restricted range of major oxides such as SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ with low average values of Fe₂O₃, MnO, CaO, and P₂O₅. Concentrations of average values of HSFE such as Zr, Nb, and Y are moderately high in migmatitic gneiss, quartz-mica schist, and low in both massive and foliated quartzite. ∑LREE average values are 124.25, 132.41, and 18.64 ppm respectively for migmatite gneiss, quartz-mica schist, and low in both massive and foliated quartzite. These rocks are also generally enriched in Ba, Cs, Pb, U, Cr, Rb, and Zr and depleted in Be, Sr, Ti, Mo, Th, and W. This enrichment–depletion in major oxides and trace elements of the rocks in this area is probably a consequence of the movement of metamorphic remobilized fluids within the rocks in the area during the Pan-African or earlier events as noted in the adjacent Egbe-Isanlu Schist belt. A further geochemical characterisation of the rocks in the area using Log (Na₂O/K₂O) vs Log (SiO₂/Al₂O₃ indicates that while the protolith of migmatised gneiss and quartz-mica schist are greywackes to litharenite in compositions that of quartzites are sublitharenite to quartz arenite. On the ternary plot of Al₂O₃-(CaO + Na₂O)-K₂O for metasedimentary rocks in the area, most migmatitic gneiss and quartz-mica schist rocks plot close to average shale while quartzites mostly tend to illite compositions and almost toward the Al₂O₃-apex of the diagram attesting to depletion of CaO and NaO with the removal of K₂O. CIA vs PIA plot of the rocks in the area shows that while migmatitic-gneiss and quartz-mica schist are moderately weathered, both massive and foliated quartzites are high to extremely weathered. They are all derived mostly from predominantly felsic igneous to quartzose sedimentary provenance and mostly emplaced in passive continental margins. These nature of the protoliths suggests gradual subsidence of the basin during its genesis, and/or tectonic stable or inactive environment from which the sediments were derived.

     

Moon—An albite depleted giant Skaergaard?

The chemical composition of 2188 terrestrial igneous rocks ranging from ultrabasic to granitic composition was analyzed statistically using the method of factor analysis (principal components). The resultant first and second factors were: $$\begin{gathered} {\text{ }}F_1 = 0.933{\text{ Na}}_{\text{2}} {\text{O + 0}}{\text{.143 SiO}}_{\text{2}} + 0.206{\text{ K}}_{\text{2}} {\text{O}} - 0.346{\text{ CaO}} - 0.263{\text{ MgO}} - \hfill \\ .203{\text{ FeO}} \pm \cdot \cdot \cdot \hfill \\ {\text{ }}F_2 = 0.979{\text{ Al}}_{\text{2}} {\text{O}}_{\text{3}} - 0.269{\text{ MgO}} - 0.151{\text{ SiO}}_{\text{2}} - 0.112{\text{ FeO}} \pm \cdot \cdot \cdot \hfill \\ \end{gathered} $$ where oxides are in weight percent. A plot of the first factor against the second results in a useful igneous variation diagram. When the compositions of the 2188 terrestrial rocks and 604 lunar rocks are plotted on this diagram, the two groups of rocks are clearly separated within an albite-anorthite-forsterite-fayalite-quartz polygon. None of the terrestrial differentiation trends are significant for lunar rocks. The major difference in the chemistry of lunar and terrestrial rocks lies in the former being albite poor. Removal of most of the albite from the compositions of terrestrial layered intrusives such as the Skaergaard results in an excellent match between the compositions of the two groups of rocks. Albite subtracted compositions of Skaergaard rocks in particular cover the entire range of chemical variation in the lunar rocks. The statistical results prompt us to speculate further on the similarity of the moon and Skaergaard. We note that the average composition of the moon (Wanke et al., 1974) is similar to the albite subtracted composition of the Skaergaard magma. The lunar crust and a significant part of the lunar interior may match the albite subtracted and somewhat Mg enriched Skaergaard magma.     

Some geobarometers involving cordierite in the FeO-Al2O3-SiO2(±H2O) system: refinements,thermodynamic calibration,and applicability in granulite facies rocks

Five geobarometers involving cordierite have been formulated for quantitative pressure sensing in high grade metapelites. The relevant reactions in the FeO-Al₂O₃-SiO₂ (±H₂O) system are based on the assemblages (A) cordierite-garnet-sillimanite-quartz, (B) cordierite-spinel-quartz, (C) cordierite-garnet-spinel-sillimanite, (D) cordierite-garnet-orthopyroxene-quartz and (E) cordierite-orthopyroxene-sillimanite-quartz. Application of the barometric formulations to a large number of granulite grade rocks indicates that the cordierite-garnet-sillimanite-quartz equilibrium is widely applicable and registers pressures which are in good agreement with the “consensus” pressure estimates. The dispersion in the computed P values, expressed as one standard deviation, is within ±1.2 kbar. The geobarometers (B) and (C) also yield pressures which are reasonable and compare well with those computed from equilibrium (A). The estimated pressures from (D) and (E), both involving orthopyroxene, are at variance with these estimates. It has been argued that the discrepancy in pressures obtained from these geobarometers stems from an inadequate knowledge of activity-composition relations and/or errors in input thermodynamic data of aluminous orthopyroxene. The convergence of pressure values estimated from the barometric formulations, especially (A), (B) and (C), implies that the present formulations are more dependable than the existing formulations and are also capable of setting limits on P values in response to varying $$\begin{gathered} {\text{1/2Fe}}_{\text{2}} {\text{Al}}_{\text{4}} {\text{Si}}_{\text{5}} {\text{O}}_{{\text{18}}} \hfill \\ {\text{ = 1/3Fe}}_{\text{3}} {\text{Al}}_{\text{2}} {\text{Si}}_{\text{3}} {\text{O}}_{{\text{12}}} {\text{ + 2/3Al}}_{\text{2}} {\text{SiO}}_{\text{5}} {\text{ + 5/6SiO}}_{\text{2}} {\text{. (A)}} \hfill \\ {\text{1/2Fe}}_{\text{2}} {\text{Al}}_{\text{4}} {\text{Si}}_{\text{5}} {\text{O}}_{{\text{18}}} {\text{ = FeAl}}_{\text{2}} {\text{O}}_{\text{4}} {\text{ + 5/2SiO}}_{\text{2}} {\text{. (B)}} \hfill \\ {\text{Fe}}_{\text{2}} {\text{Al}}_{\text{4}} {\text{Si}}_{\text{5}} {\text{O}}_{{\text{18}}} {\text{ + FeAl}}_{\text{2}} {\text{O}}_{\text{4}} \hfill \\ = {\text{Fe}}_{\text{3}} {\text{Al}}_{\text{2}} {\text{Si}}_{\text{3}} {\text{O}}_{{\text{12}}} {\text{ + 2Al}}_{\text{2}} {\text{SiO}}_{\text{5}} {\text{. (C)}} \hfill \\ {\text{1/2Fe}}_{\text{2}} {\text{Al}}_{\text{4}} {\text{Si}}_{\text{5}} {\text{O}}_{{\text{18}}} {\text{ + Fe}}_{\text{2}} {\text{Si}}_{\text{2}} {\text{O}}_{\text{6}} \hfill \\ = {\text{Fe}}_{\text{3}} {\text{Al}}_{\text{2}} {\text{Si}}_{\text{3}} {\text{O}}_{{\text{12}}} {\text{ + 3/2SiO}}_{\text{2}} .{\text{ (D)}} \hfill \\ {\text{1/2Fe}}_{\text{2}} {\text{Al}}{}_{\text{4}}{\text{Si}}_{\text{5}} {\text{O}}_{{\text{18}}} \hfill \\ = 1/2{\text{Fe}}_{\text{2}} {\text{Si}}_{\text{2}} {\text{O}}_{\text{6}} {\text{ + Al}}_{\text{2}} {\text{SiO}}_{\text{5}} {\text{ + 1/2SiO}}_{\text{2}} .{\text{ (E)}} \hfill \\ \end{gathered}$$ . The present communication addresses the calibration, applicability and reliability of these barometers with reference to granulite facies metapelites.     

北京周边二叠系山西组泥岩地球化学特征及其地质意义

对采自北京周边的二叠系山西组露头及钻井泥岩样品进行了岩石学和地球化学研究,结果表明：岩石主要由粘土矿物和石英组成,兼有少量碳酸盐岩和长石;岩石中碳酸盐岩含量的高低与CaO、MgO含量有很好的对应关系;SiO₂、Na₂O和K₂O亏损,TiO₂和Fe₂O₃^T富集,反映了基性物源的存在;微量元素特征比值显示源区母岩为非单一物源,稀土元素总量较高,轻稀土元素富集,重稀土元素平坦,铕大部分具明显负异常、少部分微弱正异常,Ce基本无异常,显示为多物源,各样品稀土元素配分模式与大陆上地壳一致,显示了沉积物具有同源性。源岩应为来自于华北地块北缘的大陆上地壳的沉积岩、花岗岩和碱性玄武岩的混合。二叠系山西组泥岩沉积于覆水较深的还原环境,源区构造背景为大陆岛弧与活动大陆边缘。     

Source and origin of glacial paleovalley-fill sediments (Upper Ordovician) of Sarah Formation in central Saudi Arabia

A study was carried out on the combination of petrographies, geochemistry (major and trace), weathering and the digenesis of 31 sandstones samples to determine their provenance and depositional tectonic setting of sedimentary basins. Based on the composition of Detrital grains (point counting), most of the Sarah sandstones were classified as quartz arenites types (99% on an average). The petrographic data indicated that the resultant mature sandstones are derived from recycled and craton interior tectonic provenance. Tectonic setting discrimination diagrams based on major elements suggest that sandstones were deposited in a passive margin and polycyclic continental tectonic setting. The relationship between K₂O/Na₂O ratio and SiO₂ showed that the Sarah sandstone samples fall into the passive margin field. The chemical index of alteration (CIA?=?63.84%) of sandstones suggested moderate weathering or reworking in the area. The concentration of trace elements indicates that the sediments were probably derived from the mixed sedimentary-meta sedimentary provenance and changes in sedimentary process due to climatic variations. The main diagenetic events were in the form of cements, which occur as grain coats and as pore fillings. An integrated approach showed that the parent area of paleovalley-fill sediment is probably a complex of granite, metasedimentary and pre-existing sedimentary rocks.     

Integrated petrographic,mineralogical, and geochemical study of the upper Kaimur Group of rocks,Son Valley,India: Implications for provenance,source area weathering and tectonic setting

The upper Kaimur Group (UKG) of the Vindhyan Supergroup in central India, primarily consists of three rock types-Dhandraul sandstone, Scarp sandstone and Bijaigarh shale. The present study aims to reconstruct the parent rock assemblages, their tectonic provenance, mineralogy, weathering intensity, hydraulic sorting and depositional tectonic setting. Samples from the UKG rocks representing the Dhandraul sandstone, Scarp sandstone and Bijaigarh shale were studied using a combination of petrographic, mineralogical, and geochemical techniques. Texturally, medium to coarse grained UKG sandstones are mature and moderate to well sorted. Deficiency of feldspars in these sandstones indicates that the rocks are extensively recycled from distant sources. Their average modal composition for Scarp (avg. Qt₉₉ F₀.₂L_0.8) and Dhandraul (avg. Qt₉₉ F_0.1L_0.8) sandstones, classifies them as quartz arenite to sub-litharenite types, which is consistent with geochemical study. Major element concentrations revealed that sandstones have high SiO₂, K₂O < Na₂O, and low Fe₂O₃, which are supported by the modal data. On the other hand, sandstone samples are enriched in most trace elements such as Ce, Sr, V, Sc and Zr and depleted in U and Th. The CIA values (43.17–76.48) of the UKG rocks indicate low to moderate weathering, either of the original source or during transport before deposition, which may have related to low-relief and humid climatic conditions in the source area. Further, petrographic and geochemical interpretations indicate that they are derived from craton interior to quartzose recycled sedimentary rocks and deposited in a passive continental margin. Therefore, granitic and low grade metamorphic rocks of Mahakoshal Group and Chotanagpur granite-gneiss, situated on the southern and south-eastern side of the Vindhyan basin are suggested as possible provenance for the UKG rocks.     

Geochemistry of Proterozoic Radioactive Arkoses in Khammam District,Andhra Pradesh,India: Evidence for K-rich Evolved Granitoid Upper Crust in the Late Archaean

Geochemical studies on radioactive arkoses (43–153 ppm U and 387–862 ppm Th) of the Proterozoic Pakhal Supergroup from Bangaruchilka, Khammam district, Andhra Pradesh, India, indicate that their gross major and trace element chemistry reflect their mineral composition. Chemically, arkoses are rich in silica (83% to 88% SiO₂) and potassium (3% to 5% K₂O), with consistently high Al₂O₃/Na₂O (36 to 50) and K₂O/Na₂O (18 to 25) ratios, which indicate that they are chemically mature sediments. The arkoses also show higher concentrations of Ti, V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Y, Zr, Nb, La and Pb.The values (60% to 68%) of chemical alteration index (CIA) of studied arkoses are moderate, and indicate that the source rocks have undergone lesser degree of chemical weathering. Tectonic setting discriminate plots of Fe₂O₃ (total)/MgO vs. TiO₂ and Al₂O₃/SiO₂, and K₂O/Na₂O vs. SiO₂ and SiO₂/Al₂O₃ indicate that the Bangaruchilka arkoses represent the sediments that were deposited in passive continental margin (PM), which is further supported by association of platformal type of sediments (quartzites and phyllites) with them. Unlike middle Archaean sedimentary rocks, the studied arkoses are depleted in Na₂O, MgO and CaO, and distinctly enriched in SiO₂ and K₂O. These geochemical features match with post-Archaean clastic sediments, which argues for the involvement of late Archaean granitic crust in supply of detritus of studied arkoses. Enrichment of potassium alongwith abundant microcline and elevated concentrations of Y, Zr, Nb, U, Th, La, etc. in arkoses indicate K-rich evolved granitoid upper crust in the provenance during the late Archaean-early Proterozoic period.Dominance of mechanical weathering over chemical weathering favoured arkose formation, and also transfer of radio-elements with clastic sediments into the Pakhal basin. After sedimentation, uranium seems to have been remobilised from the rocks of Archaean-Pakhal system, consequent to post-sedimentation structural disruptions, and concentrated along suitable structural loci. Therefore, it is likely to encounter significant concentration of uranium in close proximity of unconformable Archaean and Pakhal contacts and tectonic zones, thereby making Pakhal basin and its environs a suitable terrain to search for concealed uranium mineralisation.     

Aluminum partitioning between olivine and ultrabasic silicate liquid to 6 GPa

Trace element analyses of 1-atm and high-pressure experiments show that in komatiite and peridotite, the olivine (OL)/liquid (L) distribution coefficient for Al₂O₃ ( ) increases with pressure and temperature. Olivine in equilibrium with liquid accepts as much as 0.2 wt% Al₂O₃ in solution at 6 GPa. Convergence to equilibrium compositions at this high level is shown by cation diffusion of Al into synthetic forsterite crystals of low-Al contents in the presence of melt. Convergence to low-Al equilibrium compositions at lower P and T is shown by diffusion of Al out of synthetic forsterite with high initial Al content. Isobaric and isothermal experimental data subsets reveal that temperature and pressure variations both have real effects on . Variation in silicate melt composition has no detectable effect on within the limited range of experimentally investigated mixtures. Least-squares regression for 24 experiments, using komatiite and peridotite, performed at 1 atm to 6 GPa and 1300 to 1960°C, gives the best fit equation: Increase in with increasingly higher-pressure melting is consistent with incorporation of a spinel-like component of low molar volume into olivine, although other substitutions possibly involving more complex coupling cannot be ruled out. High P-T ultrabasic melting residues, if pristine, may be recognized by the high calculated from microprobe analyses of Al₂O₃ concentrations in residual olivines and estimated Al₂O₃ concentration in the last liquid removed. In general the low levels of Al in natural olivine from mantle xenoliths suggest that pristine residues are rarely recovered.