Rock pulverization and localization of a strike-slip fault zone in dolomite rocks (Salzach–Ennstal–Mariazell–Puchberg fault,Austria)

Detailed investigations of dolomite fault rocks, formed at shallow crustal depths along the Salzach–Ennstal–Mariazell–Puchberg (SEMP) fault system in the Northern Calcareous Alps, revealed new insights into cataclasite formation. The examined Miocene, sinistral strike-slip faults reveal grain size reduction of dolomite host rocks by tensile microfracturing at a large range of scales, producing rock fragments of centimetre to micrometre sizes. In situ fracturing leads to grain size reduction down to grain sizes <25 μm, producing mosaic breccias and fault rocks which have previously been described as “initial/embryonic” and “intermediate” cataclasites. At all scales, grain fragments display little to no rotation and no or minor evidence of shear deformation. The observed microstructures are similar to those previously described in studies on pulverized rocks. Microstructural investigations of cataclasites and mosaic breccias revealed aggregations of small dolomite grains (<50 μm) that accumulated on top of large fragments or as infillings of V-shaped voids between larger grains and show constant polarity throughout the investigated samples. Fabrics indicate deposition in formerly open pore space and subsequent polyphase cementation. The newly described tectonic geopetal fabrics (geopetal-particle-aggregates, GPA) prove that these faults temporarily passed through a stage of extremely high porosity/permeability prior to partial cementation.     

The origin of fluids and nature of fluid–rock interaction in mid-crustal auriferous mylonites of the Renco mine, southern Zimbabwe

Geothermometric constraints on auriferous shear zones of the Renco mine in the Northern Marginal Zone of the late-Archaean, granulite-facies Limpopo Belt in southern Zimbabwe indicate that deformation and associated mineralization occurred at temperatures of at least 600 °C up to more likely 700 °C. Mid- to upper-amphibolite facies conditions during mineralization correspond to the regional-scale retrogression of granulite facies wall rocks during the late-Archaean thrusting of high-grade metamorphic rocks of the Northern Marginal Zone onto low- to medium-grade granite-greenstone terrains of the Zimbabwe craton. Mineral assemblages indicate that the ore fluid was moderately oxidized with log f_O2 values between 10⁻¹⁷ and 10⁻¹⁸ bars with high H₂S activities of 0.25–0.75. Elements enriched in the shear zones include Au, S, Fe, Cu, Mo, Bi, Te, Ni, Co, and H₂O, Au and Cu being the most enriched. Geochemically, Au correlates with Cu but not with S, which, together with the fact that gold is only rarely intergrown or in direct contact with sulfides, possibly indicates a transport of gold as a chloride complex. The siting of gold along fractures or within implosion breccias suggests that gold was precipitated due to fluid immiscibility induced by catastrophic fluid pressure drops during seismic slip events. Fluid inclusions are predominantly CO₂ (±CH₄ ± N₂)-rich, but petrographic work indicates that fluid inclusions have undergone extensive post-entrapment modifications due to the pervasive recrystallization of mineral textures in the high-temperature shear zones. The mineralized shear zones are enriched in ¹⁸O compared to wall-rock enderbites, which is interpreted to represent an influx of externally derived fluids of probably metamorphic origin. Based on temporal and spatial relationships between mineralization, late-Archaean overthrusting of the Northern Marginal Zone onto the Zimbabwe craton, and coeval amphibolite-facies hydration of granulites, we suggest that the Renco mineralization formed in a mid-crustal environment from metamorphic fluids that were generated from dehydration of subcreted greenstone terrains of the Zimbabwe craton. Received: 27 October 1998 / Accepted: 13 August 1999     

Syn-thrust deformation across a transverse zone: the Grem–Vedra fault system (central Southern Alps, N Italy)

The lateral continuity of the E?CW trending thrust sheets developed within the Lower to Middle Triassic cover of the central Southern Alps (Orobic belt) is disturbed by the occurrence of several N?CS trending transverse zones, such as the poorly known Grem?CVedra Transverse Zone (GVTZ). The GVTZ developed during the emplacement of the up to six S-verging thrust sheets consisting of Lower to Middle Triassic units, occurring immediately south of the Orobic Anticlines. The transverse zone, active during thrust emplacement related to the early Alpine compressions which pre-date the Adamello intrusion, includes three major vertical shear zones, the Grem, Pezzel and Zuccone faults. The major structure of the transverse zone is the dextral Grem fault, forming a deep lateral ramp between thrust sheets 3 and 5. A similar evolution also occurred along the Zuccone and Pezzel faults, which show a left-lateral displacement of syn-thrust folds. The Grem fault was later reactivated as an oblique tear fault during the emplacement of the Orobic Anticlines, due to back-thrusting along out-of-sequence thrust surfaces (Clusone fault). Transpressional deformations along the fault zone are recorded by the rotation of major syn-thrust folds, which also suggest a horizontal offset close to 0.5?km. Records of the first stage of evolution of the Grem fault are better preserved along its northern segment, and structural relationships suggest that it propagated southward and downward in the growing thrust stack. The study of the meso and megascopic structures developed along the GVTZ constrains the evolution of the transverse zone, illustrating the complex deformational phenomena occurring in a transpressional regime. The GVTZ probably reflects the existence of pre-existing tectonic lineaments with a similar orientation. Evidence of pre-existing structures are not preserved in the exposed units, nevertheless the N?CS extensional fault systems that characterize the Norian to Jurassic rifting history of the Lombardian basin are valid candidates.     

Strain accumulation and fluid–rock interaction in a naturally deformed diamictite,Willard thrust system,Utah (USA): Implications for crustal rheology and strain softening

Structural and geochemical patterns of heterogeneously deformed diamictite in northern Utah (USA) record interrelations between strain accumulation, fluid–rock interaction, and softening processes across a major fault (Willard thrust). Different clast types in the diamictite have varying shape fabrics related to competence contrasts with estimated effective viscosity ratios relative to micaceous matrix of: ∼6 and 8 for large quartzite clasts respectively in the Willard hanging wall and footwall; ∼5 and 2 for less altered and more altered granitic clasts respectively in the hanging wall and footwall; and ∼1 for micaceous clasts that approximate matrix strain. Within the footwall, matrix X–Z strain ratios increase from ∼2 to 8 westward along a distinct deformation gradient. Microstructures record widespread mass transfer, alteration of feldspar to mica, and dislocation creep of quartz within matrix and clasts. Fluid influx along microcracks and mesoscopic vein networks increased westward and led to reaction softening and hydrolytic weakening, in conjunction with textural softening from alignment of muscovite aggregates. Consistent Si, Al, and Ti concentrations between matrix, granitic clasts, and protoliths indicate limited volume change. Mg gain and Na loss reflect alteration of feldspar to phengitic muscovite. Within the hanging wall, strain is overall lower with matrix X–Z strain ratios of ∼2 to 4. Microstructures record mass transfer and dislocation creep concentrated in the matrix. Greater Al and Ti concentrations and lower Si concentrations in matrix indicate volume loss by quartz dissolution. Na gain in granitic clasts reflects albitization. Large granitic clasts have less mica alteration and greater competence compared to smaller clasts. Differences in strain and alteration patterns across the Willard thrust fault suggest overall downward (up-temperature) fluid flow in the hanging wall and upward (down-temperature) fluid flow in the footwall.     

Disturbance versus preservation of U–Th–Pb ages in monazite during fluid–rock interaction: textural, chemical and isotopic in situ study in microgranites (Velay Dome, France)

Monazite is extensively used to date crustal processes and is usually considered to be resistant to diffusive Pb loss. Nevertheless, fluid-assisted recrystallisation is known to be capable of resetting the monazite chronometer. This study focuses on chemical and isotopic disturbances in monazite grains from two microgranite intrusions in the French Central Massif (Charron and Montasset). Petrologic data and oxygen isotopes suggest that both intrusions have interacted with alkali-bearing hydrothermal-magmatic fluids. In the Charron intrusion, regardless of their textural location, monazite grains are sub-euhedral and cover a large domain of compositions. U–Pb chronometers yield a lower intercept age of 297 ± 4 Ma. An inherited component at 320 Ma is responsible for the scattering of the U–Th–Pb ages. The Montasset intrusion was later affected by an additional F-rich crustal fluid with crystallisation of Ca-REE-fluorocarbonates, fluorite, calcite and chloritisation. Pristine monazite is chemically homogeneous and displays ²⁰⁸Pb/²³²Th and ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U concordant ages at 307 ± 2 Ma. By contrast, groundmass monazite shows dissolution-recrystallisation features associated with apatite and thorite precipitation (Th-silicate) and strong chemical reequilibration. ²⁰⁸Pb/²³²Th ages are disturbed and range between 270 and 690 Ma showing that the Th/Pb ratio is highly fractionated during the interaction with fluids. Apparent U–Pb ages are older due to common Pb incorporation yielding a lower intercept age at 312 ± 10 Ma, the age of the pristine monazite. These results show that F-rich fluids are responsible for Th mobility and incorporation of excess Pb, which thus strongly disturbed the U–Th–Pb chronometers in the monazite.     

Trace element and isotopic fingerprints in HP–LT metamorphic rocks as a result of fluid–rock interactions (Ile de Groix,France)

Whole rock trace element and isotopic compositions of different HP–LT metamorphic rocks of the Ile de Groix were analysed to characterise geochemical fingerprints during subduction and exhumation in a late Palaeozoic HP metamorphic terrain. Massive metabasites of hydrothermally altered enriched mid-ocean ridge basalt (E-MORB) origin are in association with banded metabasic rocks of volcano-sedimentary origin and metapelites. Fluid-rock interactions that likely occurred during seafloor hydrothermal alteration and early subduction metasomatism increased δ¹⁸O values, as well as K₂O, Na₂O, MgO, and LILE contents and decreased CaO contents of metabasites. Most metabasites have retained their early-subduction and pre-HP trace element and isotopic composition, even for rocks metamorphosed to lower eclogite-facies P–T conditions. Micaschists also preserved apparent pelitic protolith trace element values and oxygen isotopic compositions. During retrograde metamorphism related to the exhumation, metabasites were rehydrated by fluids in equilibrium with the host rock compositions, which were likely derived from the basic rocks. This style of fluid–rock interaction formed a greenschist facies mineral assemblage. Metabasites that underwent pervasive alteration by seafloor hydrothermal and metasomatism processes prior to peak metamorphism, show greater effects of retrogression and albitisation, probably because they were richer in H₂O and Na₂O. The variety of metamorphic assemblages on the Ile de Groix is thus directly related to the pre-HP rock composition. The extent of retrogression in the western part of the Ile de Groix primarily reflects stronger metasomatic intensities than in the eastern part.     

Relationship between footwall composition,crustal contamination,and fluid–rock interaction in the Platreef,Bushveld Complex,South Africa

In the northern limb of the 2.06-Ga Bushveld Complex, the Platreef is a platinum group elements (PGE)-, Cu-, and Ni-mineralized zone of pyroxenite that developed at the intrusion margin. From north to south, the footwall rocks of the Platreef change from Archaean granite to dolomite, hornfels, and quartzite. Where the footwall is granite, the Sr-isotope system is more strongly perturbed than where the footwall is Sr-poor dolomite, in which samples show an approximate isochron relationship. The Nd-isotope system for samples of pyroxenite and hanging wall norite shows an approximate isochron relationship with an implied age of 2.17 ± 0.2 Ga and initial Nd-isotope ratio of 0.5095. Assuming an age of 2.06 Ga, the ɛNd values range from −6.2 to −9.6 (ave. −7.8, n = 17) and on average are slightly more negative than the Main Zone of the Bushveld. These data are consistent with local contamination of an already contaminated magma of Main Zone composition. The similarity in isotope composition between the Platreef pyroxenites and the hanging wall norites suggests a common origin. Where the country rock is dolomite, the Platreef has generally higher plagioclase and pyroxene δ ¹⁸O values, and this indicates assimilation of the immediate footwall. Throughout the Platreef, there is considerable petrographic evidence for sub-solidus interaction with fluids, and the Δ _{plagioclase–pyroxene} values range from −2 to +6, which indicates interaction at both high and low temperatures. Whole-rock and mineral δD values suggest that the Platreef interacted with both magmatic and meteoric water, and the lack of disturbance to the Sr-isotope system suggests that fluid–rock interaction took place soon after emplacement. Where the footwall is granite, less negative δD values suggest a greater involvement of meteoric water. Consistently higher values of Δ _{plagioclase–pyroxene} in the Platreef pyroxenites and hanging wall norites in contact with dolomite suggest prolonged interaction with CO₂-rich fluid derived from decarbonation of the footwall rocks. The overprint of post crystallization fluid–rock interaction is the probable cause of the previously documented lack of correlation between PGE and sulfide content on the small scale. The Platreef in contact with dolomite is the focus of the highest PGE grades, and this suggests that dolomite contamination played a role in PGE concentration and deposition, but the exact link remains obscure. It is a possibility that the CO₂ produced by decarbonation of assimilated dolomite enhanced the process of PGE scavenging by sulfide precipitation.     

Tremolite–calcite veins in the footwall of the Simplon Fault,Antigorio Valley,Lepontine Alps (Italy)

The lowermost units of the nappe pile of the Lepontine Alps crop out in the Antigorio valley in the footwall of the Simplon Fault. The whole orthogneiss section of the Antigorio Unit is exposed on both sides of the valley, sandwiched between the Mesozoic metasedimentary sequences of the Baceno unit below and the Tèggiolo unit above. The petrography and mineral composition of tremolite–calcite veins occurring in dolomite marble in both metasedimentary sequences were investigated. Tremolite–calcite (with lesser talc and minor phlogopite) veins have rhythmic banded texture. Banding is due to cyclic differences in modal abundances and fabric of tremolite and calcite. These veins are very similar to those occurring in dolomite rafts within the Bergell granite and it is inferred that they formed by the same “fracture-reaction-seal” mechanism. Veins formed by reaction of a silica-rich aqueous fluid with the host dolomite marble along fractures. According to thermo-barometric calculations, based on electron microprobe analyses, reaction occurred at temperatures between 450 and 490°C and minimum pressure of 2–3 kbar. Such temperature conditions occurred in this footwall region of the Simplon Fault Zone around 15 Ma, during exhumation and cooling of the nappe pile and a transition to brittle behaviour. Aqueous, silica-rich fluids concentrated along fractures, forming tremolite–calcite veins in the dolomite marbles and quartz veins in the orthogneiss.     

Fluid-induced breakdown of white mica controls nitrogen transfer during fluid–rock interaction in subduction zones

ABSTRACT

In order to determine the effects of fluid–rock interaction on nitrogen elemental and isotopic systematics in high-pressure metamorphic rocks, we investigated three different profiles representing three distinct scenarios of metasomatic overprinting. A profile from the Chinese Tianshan (ultra)high-pressure–low-temperature metamorphic belt represents a prograde, fluid-induced blueschist–eclogite transformation. This profile shows a systematic decrease in N concentrations from the host blueschist (~26 μg/g) via a blueschist–eclogite transition zone (19–23 μg/g) and an eclogitic selvage (12–16 μg/g) towards the former fluid pathway. Eclogites and blueschists show only a small variation in δ¹⁵N_air (+2.1 ± 0.3‰), but the systematic trend with distance is consistent with a batch devolatilization process. A second profile from the Tianshan represents a retrograde eclogite–blueschist transition. It shows increasing, but more scattered, N concentrations from the eclogite towards the blueschist and an unsystematic variation in δ¹⁵N values (δ¹⁵N = + 1.0 to +5.4‰). A third profile from the high-P/T metamorphic basement complex of the Southern Armorican Massif (Vendée, France) comprises a sequence from an eclogite lens via retrogressed eclogite and amphibolite into metasedimentary country rock gneisses. Metasedimentary gneisses have high N contents (14–52 μg/g) and positive δ¹⁵N values (+2.9 to +5.8‰), and N concentrations become lower away from the contact with 11–24 μg/g for the amphibolites, 10–14 μg/g for the retrogressed eclogite, and 2.1–3.6 μg/g for the pristine eclogite, which also has the lightest N isotopic compositions (δ¹⁵N = + 2.1 to +3.6‰).

Overall, geochemical correlations demonstrate that phengitic white mica is the major host of N in metamorphosed mafic rocks. During fluid-induced metamorphic overprint, both abundances and isotopic composition of N are controlled by the stability and presence of white mica. Phengite breakdown in high-P/T metamorphic rocks can liberate significant amounts of N into the fluid. Due to the sensitivity of the N isotope system to a sedimentary signature, it can be used to trace the extent of N transport during metasomatic processes. The Vendée profile demonstrates that this process occurs over several tens of metres and affects both N concentrations and N isotopic compositions.     

Damaged beyond repair? Characterising the damage zone of a fault late in its interseismic cycle,the Alpine Fault,New Zealand

X-ray computed tomography (CT) scans of drill-core, recovered from the first phase of the Deep Fault Drilling Project (DFDP-1) through New Zealand's Alpine Fault, provide an excellent opportunity to study the damage zone of a plate-bounding continental scale fault, late in its interseismic cycle. Documentation of the intermediate-macro scale damage zone structures observed in the CT images show that there is no increase in the density of these structures towards the fault's principal slip zones (PSZs), at least within the interval sampled, which is 30 m above and below the PSZs. This is in agreement with independent analysis using borehole televiewer data. Instead, we conclude the density of damage zone structures to correspond to lithology. We find that 72% of fractures are fully healed, by a combination of clays, calcite and quartz, with an additional 24% partially healed. This fracture healing is consistent with the Alpine Fault's late interseismic state, and the fact that the interval of damage zone sampled coincides with an alteration zone, an interval of extensive fluid-rock interaction. These fractures do not impose a reduction of P-wave velocity, as measured by wireline methods. Outside the alteration zone there is indirect evidence of less extensive fracture healing.     

Mesozoic and Cenozoic structural deformation in the NW Tarim Basin,China: a case study of the Piqiang–Selibuya Fault

The Piqiang–Selibuya Fault is the most significant fault in the NW Tarim Basin, China. It has attracted increasing attention because of the discovery of a series of oil (gas) fields in and around the fault zone. The structural characteristics and evolution of the Piqiang–Selibuya Fault remain controversial. Field geological surveys and seismic data interpretation reveal that the fault has experienced three stages of activity. The thicknesses of the Permian and Miocene strata on opposing sides of the fault are clearly different, and these reveal that the fault has experienced two stages of significant thrusting. The first stage took place at the end of the Triassic and was associated with the Qiangtang Block amalgamated to the south margin of Eurasia. The second stage occurred at the end of the Miocene and might have been caused by the northwards overthrusting of the Pamir. These two stages of thrusting led to the lower–middle Cambrian detachment layer in the eastern part of the Keping thrust belt being 2 km shallower than in the western part. Since the Pliocene, the southern Tien Shan orogenic belt has been reactivated and thrust towards the interior of the Tarim Basin, and a series of ENE–WSW-trending thrust sheets have formed in the Keping thrust belt. Because of the different depth of the detachment layer on the opposing sides of the Piqiang–Selibuya Fault, the number and spacing of thrust sheets formed to the east of the fault differ from those to the west. This dissimilar deformation led to the strike–slip displacement on the Piqiang–Selibuya Fault. The three stages of fault activity record three important tectonic events in the NW Tarim Basin. Qualitative analysis of this activity helps us better understand the influence of the far-field effect of the collisions that occurred on the southern margin of the Eurasia plate on the structural deformation of the NW Tarim Basin.     

U–Pb–Hf zircon study of two mylonitic granite complexes in the Talas-Fergana fault zone,Kyrgyzstan, and Ar–Ar age of deformations along the fault

A 2000 km long dextral Talas-Fergana strike–slip fault separates eastern terranes in the Kyrgyz Tien Shan from western terranes. The aim of this study was to constrain an age of dextral shearing in the central part of the fault utilizing Ar–Ar dating of micas. We also carried out a U–Pb–Hf zircon study of two different deformed granitoid complexes in the fault zone from which the micas for Ar dating were separated. Two samples of the oldest deformed Neoproterozoic granitoids in the area of study yielded U–Pb zircon SHRIMP ages 728 ± 11 Ma and 778 ± 11 Ma, characteristic for the Cryogenian Bolshoi Naryn Formation, and zircon grains analyzed for their Lu–Hf isotopic compositions yielded εHf(t) values from −11.43 to −16.73, and their calculated tHfc ages varied from 2.42 to 2.71 Ga. Thus varying Cryogenian ages and noticeable heterogeneity of Meso- to Paleoproterozoic crustal sources was established for mylonitic granites of the Bolshoi Naryn Formation. Two samples of mylonitized pegmatoidal granites of the Kyrgysh Complex yielded identical ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of 279 ± 5 Ma corresponding to the main peak of Late-Paleozoic post-collisional magmatism in the Tien Shan (Seltmann et al., 2011), and zircon grains analyzed for their Lu–Hf isotopic compositions yielded εHf(t) values from −11.43 to −16.73, and calculated tHfc ages from 2.42 to 2.71 Ga indicating derivation from a Paleoproterozoic crustal source. Microstructural studies showed that ductile/brittle deformation of pegmatoidal granites of the Kyrgysh Complex occurred at temperatures of 300–400 °C and caused resetting of the K–Ar isotope system of primary muscovite. Deformation of mylonitized granites of the Bolshoi Naryn Formation occurred under high temperature conditions and resulted in protracted growth and recrystallization of micas. The oldest Ar–Ar muscovite age of 241 Ma with a well defined plateau from a pegmatoidal granite of the Kyrgysh Complex is considered as a “minimum” age of dextral motions along this section of the fault in the Triassic while younger ages varying from 227 Ma to 199 Ma with typical staircase patterns indicate protracted growth and recrystallization of micas during ductile deformations which continued until the end of the Triassic.     

Present activity and seismogenic potential of a low-angle normal fault system (Città di Castello,Italy): Constraints from surface geology,seismic reflection data and seismicity

We present new constraints on an active low-angle normal fault system in the Città di Castello–Sansepolcro basin (CSB) of the northern Apennines of Italy. New field data from the geological survey of the Carta Geologica d'Italia (CARG project) define the surface geometry of the normal fault system and lead to an interpretation of the CROP 03 deep-crust seismic reflection profile (Castiglion Fiorentino–Urbania segment), with particular attention paid to the geometry of the Plio-Quaternary extensional structures. Surface and sub-surface geological data are integrated with instrumental and historical seismicity in order to define the seismotectonics of the area.Low-angle east-dipping reflectors are the seismic expression of the well-known Altotiberina Fault (AF), a regional extensional detachment on which both east- and west-dipping high-angle faults, bounding the CSB, sole out. The AF breakaway zone is located ～ 10 km west of the CSB. Within the extensional allochthon, synthetic east-dipping planes prevail. Displacement along the AF is ～ 4.5 km, which agrees with the cumulative offset due to its synthetic splays. The evolution of the CSB has mainly been controlled by the east-dipping fault system, at least since Early Pleistocene time; this system is still active and responsible for the seismicity of the area. A low level of seismic activity was recorded instrumentally within the CSB, but several damaging earthquakes have occurred in historical times. The instrumental seismicity and the intensity data points of the largest historical earthquakes (5 events with maximum MCS intensity of IX to IX–X) allow us to propose two main seismogenic structures: the Monte Santa Maria Tiberina (Mmax = 5.9) and Città di Castello (Mmax up to 6.5) normal faults. Both are synthetic splays of the AF detachment, dipping to the NE at moderate (45–50°) to low (25–30°) angles and cutting the upper crust up to the surface. This study suggests that low-angle normal faults (at least with dips of 25–30°) may be seismogenic.     

Strontium isotope composition of the Arno River Valley waters （Tuscany, Italy） as a natural tracer of water-rock interaction and mixing processes

Sr isotope studies of surficial waters have highlighted that differences in the ^87Sr/^86Sr ratio and Sr concentration are primarily caused by mixing of waters of various origins with specific isotopic and chemical characteristics, resulting from water-rock interaction processes. In this paper we reported the first Sr isotopic ratios, coupled with water chemistry, the measurement was carried out on samples related to （1） the Amo River （Tuscany, central-northern Italy）, between the source and the mouth, （2） the most important tributaries and to （3） the thermal water discharges seeping out in the southern part of the basin. The main goals are： a） to use the ^87Sr/^86Sr ratio as a discriminative parameter of source areas, b） to define its variation along both the main course and principal tributaries, and c） to estimate the effects of the mixing process of the different end-embers. The outcropping rocks in the Amo River Basin are predominantly sedimentary, mainly made up of Mesozoic limestones, Oligocene sandstones and Plio-Pleistocene marine-lacustrine formations. Triassic and Mesosinian evaporites crop out in the Elsa and Era reaches, whereas Paleozoic quartzitic formations occur in the Mrs. Pisani area. Strontium isotopic composition is generally controlled by lithology and does not seem to be affected by anthropic input and flow rate. The ^87Sr/^86Sr ratios in the Arno Basin vary between 0.707963 and 0.712743, the highest ratios being related to waters circulating in the Palezoic rocks and Oligocene sandstone formations. Less radiogenic values pertain to the Elsa and Era tributaries where contributions related to the dissolution of evaporitic sequences, and mixing processes with the thermal discharges have been distinguished. The tributaries show that water samples in the pristine area have higher ^87Sr/^86Sr ratios than the respective tributaries from which water samples were collected near the confluence. Eventually, water samples collected along the Arno River, close to the mouth, tend to have Sr isotopic ratios similar to those of the present seawater.     

Processes of high-T fluid–rock interaction during gold mineralization in carbonate-bearing metasediments: the Navachab gold deposit,Namibia

The Navachab gold deposit in the Damara belt of central Namibia is hosted by a near-vertical sequence of amphibolite facies shelf-type metasediments, including marble, calc-silicate rock, and biotite schist. Petrologic and geochemical data were collected in the ore, alteration halos, and the wall rock to evaluate transport of elements and interaction between the wall rock and the mineralizing fluid. The semi-massive sulfide lenses and quartz–sulfide veins are characterized by a complex polymetallic ore assemblage, comprising pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and arsenopyrite, native bismuth, gold, bismuthinite, and bismuth tellurides. Mass balance calculations indicate the addition of up to several orders of magnitude of Au, Bi, As, Ag, and Cu. The mineralized zones also record up to eightfold higher Mn and Fe concentrations. The semi-massive sulfide lenses are situated in the banded calc-silicate rock. Petrologic and textural data indicate that they represent hydraulic breccias that contain up to 50 vol.% ore minerals, and that are dominated by a high-temperature (T) alteration assemblage of garnet–clinopyroxene–K-feldspar–quartz. The quartz–sulfide veins crosscut all lithological units. Their thickness and mineralogy is strongly controlled by the composition and rheological behavior of the wall rocks. In the biotite schist and calc-silicate rock, they are up to several decimeters thick and quartz-rich, whereas in the marble, the same veins are only a few millimeters thick and dominated by sulfides. The associated alteration halos comprise (1) an actinolite–quartz alteration in the biotite schist, (2) a garnet–clinopyroxene–K-feldspar–quartz alteration in the marble and calc-silicate rock, and (3) a garnet–biotite alteration that is recorded in all rock types except the marble. The hydrothermal overprint was associated with large-scale carbonate dissolution and a dramatic increase in CO₂ in the ore fluid. Decarbonation of wall rocks, as well as a low REE content of the ore fluid resulted in the mobilization of the REE, and the decoupling of the LREE from the HREE. The alteration halos not only parallel the mineralized zones, but may also follow up single layers away from the mineralization. Alteration is far more pronounced facing upward, indicating that the rocks were steep when veining occurred. The petrologic and geochemical data indicate that the actinolite–quartz– and garnet–clinopyroxene–K-feldspar–quartz alterations formed in equilibrium with a fluid (super-) saturated in Si, and were mainly controlled by the composition of the wall rocks. In contrast, the garnet–biotite alteration formed by interaction with a fluid undersaturated in Si, and was mainly controlled by the fluid composition. This points to major differences in fluid–rock ratios and changes in fluid composition during alteration. The alteration systematics and geometry of the hydrothermal vein system are consistent with cyclic fluctuations in fluid pressure during fault valve action. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Formation of chlorite during thrust fault reactivation. Record of fluid origin and P–T conditions in the Monte Perdido thrust fault (southern Pyrenees)

The chemical and isotopic compositions of clay minerals such as illite and chlorite are commonly used to quantify diagenetic and low-grade metamorphic conditions, an approach that is also used in the present study of the Monte Perdido thrust fault from the South Pyrenean fold-and-thrust belt. The Monte Perdido thrust fault is a shallow thrust juxtaposing upper Cretaceous–Paleocene platform carbonates and Lower Eocene marls and turbidites from the Jaca basin. The core zone of the fault, about 6 m thick, consists of intensely deformed clay-bearing rocks bounded by major shear surfaces. Illite and chlorite are the main hydrous minerals in the fault zone. Illite is oriented along cleavage planes while chlorite formed along shear veins (<50 μm in thickness). Authigenic chlorite provides essential information about the origin of fluids and their temperature. δ¹⁸O and δD values of newly formed chlorite support equilibration with sedimentary interstitial water, directly derived from the local hanging wall and footwall during deformation. Given the absence of large-scale fluid flow, the mineralization observed in the thrust faults records the P–T conditions of thrust activity. Temperatures of chlorite formation of about 240°C are obtained via two independent methods: chlorite compositional thermometers and oxygen isotope fractionation between cogenetic chlorite and quartz. Burial depth conditions of 7 km are determined for the Monte Perdido thrust reactivation, coupling calculated temperature and fluid inclusion isochores. The present study demonstrates that both isotopic and thermodynamic methods applied to clay minerals formed in thrust fault are useful to help constrain diagenetic and low-grade metamorphic conditions.