Cu–Ni–Co–As (U) mineralization in the Anarak area of central Iran

Cu–Ni–Co–As–U mineralization in the Anarak area of central Iran occurs at the intersection of the Uroumieh-Dokhtar magmatic belt with the Great Kavir–Doruneh fault. In the area, the volcanism associated with the magmatic belt is shoshonitic in character. Chemical analyses indicate that these are subduction related magmas. Detailed investigations in the vicinity of the Talmessi mine indicate that mineralization occurred in two separate stages: a first stage of copper sulphide mineralization with a relatively simple mineralogy and associated with the Eocene magmatism, and a second stage of Cu–Ni–Co–As–U mineralization with a complex mineralogy, which probably formed during another phase of deformation in the Upper Miocene. This later deformation reactivated previously formed faults. The mineralogy, element association and isotopic composition of carbonates for the second phase of mineralization suggest a different origin to that of the first phase. The fluids are likely to be non-magmatic in origin, possibly showing an increased input from meteoric waters. The close spatial association with basic/ultrabasic igneous rocks indicates that these may be the source through alteration and remobilization. The arsenide mineralization in the Anarak area shows many features that are similar to those of the classic five-element deposits.     

Ore Genesis of the Kalatongke Cu–Ni Sulfide Deposits, Western China: Constraints from Volatile Chemical and Carbon Isotopic Compositions

The Kalatongke Cu–Ni sulfide deposits located in the East Junggar terrane, northern Xinjiang, western China are the largest magmatic sulfide deposits in the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). The chemical and carbon isotopic compositions of the volatiles trapped in olivine, pyroxene and sulfide mineral separates were analyzed by vacuum stepwise-heating mass spectrometry. The results show that the released volatiles are concentrated at three temperature intervals of 200–400°C, 400–900°C and 900–1200°C. The released volatiles from silicate mineral separates at 400–900°C and 900–1200°C have similar chemical and carbon isotopic compositions, which are mainly composed of H2O (av. ~92 mol%) with minor H2, CO2, H2S and SO2, and they are likely associated with the ore-forming magmatic volatiles. Light δ13CCO2 values (from ?20.86‰ to ?12.85‰) of pyroxene indicate crustal contamination occurred prior to or synchronous with pyroxene crystallization of mantle-derived ore-forming magma. The elevated contents of H2 and H2O in the olivine and pyroxene suggest a deep mantle-originated ore-forming volatile mixed with aqueous volatiles from recycled subducted slab. High contents of CO2 in the ore-forming magma volatiles led to an increase in oxygen fugacity, and thereby reduced the solubility of sulfur in the magma, then triggered sulfur saturation followed by sulfide melt segregation; CO2 contents correlated with Cu contents in the whole rocks suggest that a supercritical state of CO2 in the ore-forming magma system under high temperature and pressure conditions might play a key role in the assemblage of huge Cu and Ni elements. The volatiles released from constituent minerals of intrusion 1# have more CO2 and SO2 oxidized gases, higher CO2/CH4 and SO2/H2S ratios and lighter δ13CCO2 than those of intrusions 2# and 3#. This combination suggests that the higher oxidation state of the volatiles in intrusion 1# than intrusions 2# and 3#, which could be one of key ore-forming factors for large amounts of ores and high contents of Cu and Ni in intrusion 1#. The volatiles released at 200–400°C are dominated by H2O with minor CO2, N2+CO and SO2, with δ13CCO2 values (?25.66‰ to ?22.98‰) within the crustal ranges, and are considered to be related to secondary tectonic– hydrothermal activities.     

Geochemistry and evolution of ore-forming fluids of the Yueshan Cu–Au skarn- and vein-type deposits, Anhui Province, South China

The Yueshan mineral belt is geotectonically located at the centre of the Changjiang deep fracture zone or depression of the lower Yangtze platform. Two main types of ore deposits occur in the Yueshan orefield: Cu–Au–(Fe) skarn deposits and Cu–Mo–Au–(Pb–Zn) hydrothermal vein-type deposits. Almost all deposits of economic interest are concentrated within and around the eastern and northern branches of the Yueshan dioritic intrusion. In the vicinity of the Zongpu and Wuhen intrusions, there are many Cu–Pb–Zn–Au–(S) vein-type and a few Cu–Fe–(Au) skarn-type occurrences.Fluid inclusion studies show that the ore-forming fluids are characterised by a Cl⁻(S)–Na⁺–K⁺ chemical association. Hydrothermal activity associated with the above two deposit types was related to the Yueshan intrusion. The fluid salinity was high during the mineralisation processes and the fluid also underwent boiling and mixed with meteoric water. In comparison, the hydrothermal activity related to the Zongpu and Wuhen intrusions was characterised by low salinity fluids. Chlorine and sulphur species played an important role in the transport of ore-forming components.Hydrogen- and oxygen-isotope data also suggest that the ore-forming fluids in the Yueshan mineral belt consisted of magmatic water, mixed in various proportions with meteoric water. The enrichment of ore-forming components in the magmatic waters resulted from fluid–melt partitioning. The ore fluids of magmatic origin formed large Cu–Au deposits, whereas ore fluids of mixed magmatic-meteoric origin formed small- to medium-sized deposits.The sulphur isotopic composition of the skarn- and vein-type deposits varies from − 11.3‰ to + 19.2‰ and from + 4.2‰ to + 10.0‰, respectively. These variations do not appear to have been resulted from changes of physicochemical conditions, rather due to compositional variation of sulphur at the source(s) and by water–rock interaction. Complex water–rock interaction between the ore-bearing magmatic fluids and sedimentary wall rocks was responsible for sulphur mixing. Lead and silicon isotopic compositions of the two deposit types and host rocks provide similar indications for the sources and evolution of the ore-forming fluids.Hydrodynamic calculations show that magmatic ore-forming fluids were channelled upwards into faults, fractures and porous media with velocities of 1.4 m/s, 9.8 × 10^− 1 to 9.8 × 10^− 7 m/s and 3.6 × 10^− 7 to 4.6 × 10^− 7 m/s, respectively. A decrease of fluid migration velocity in porous media or tiny fractures in the contact zones between the intrusive rocks and the Triassic sedimentary rocks led to the deposition of the ore-forming components. The major species responsible for Cu transport are deduced to have been CuCl, CuCl₂⁻, CuCl₃²⁻ and CuClOH, whereas Au was transported as Au₂(HS)₂S²⁻, Au(HS)₂⁻, AuHS and AuH₃SiO₄ complexes. Cooling and a decrease in chloride ion concentration caused by fluid boiling and mixing were the principal causes of Cu deposition. Gold deposition was related to decrease of pH, total sulphur concentration and fO₂, which resulted from fluid boiling and mixing.Geological and geochemical characteristics of the two deposit types in the Yueshan mineral belt suggest that there is a close genetic relationship with the dioritic magmatism. Geochronological data show that the magmatic activity and the mineralisation took place between 130 and 136 Ma and represent a continuous process during the Yanshanian time. The cooling of the intrusions and the mineralisation event might have lasted about 6 Ma. The cooling rate of the magmatic intrusions was 80 to 120 °C my^− 1, which permitted sufficient heat supply by magma to the ore-forming system.     

Petrogenesis of Cretaceous adakitic and shoshonitic igneous rocks in the Luzong area, Anhui Province (eastern China): Implications for geodynamics and Cu–Au mineralization

Both adakitic and shoshonitic igneous rocks in the Luzong area, Anhui Province, eastern China are associated with Cretaceous Cu–Au mineralization. The Shaxi quartz diorite porphyrites exhibit adakite-like geochemical features, such as light rare earth element (LREE) enrichment, heavy REE (HREE) depletion, high Al₂O₃, MgO, Sr, Sr / Y and La / Yb values, and low Y and Yb contents. They have low ε_Nd(t) values (− 3.46 to − 6.28) and high (⁸⁷Sr / ⁸⁶Sr)_i ratios (0.7051–0.7057). Sensitive High-Resolution Ion Microprobe (SHRIMP) zircon analyses indicate a crystallization age of 136 ± 3 Ma for the adakitic rocks. Most volcanic rocks and the majority of monzonites and syenites in the Luzong area are K-rich (or shoshonitic) and were also produced during the Cretaceous (140–125 Ma). They are enriched in LREE and large-ion lithophile elements, and depleted in Ti, and Nb and Ba and exhibit relatively lower ε_Nd(t) values ranging from − 4.65 to − 7.03 and relatively higher (⁸⁷Sr / ⁸⁶Sr)_i ratios varying between 0.7057 and 0.7062. The shoshonitic and adakitic rocks in the Luzong area have similar Pb isotopic compositions (²⁰⁶Pb / ²⁰⁴Pb = 17.90–18.83, ²⁰⁷Pb / ²⁰⁴Pb = 15.45–15.62 and ²⁰⁸Pb / ²⁰⁴Pb = 38.07–38.80). Geological data from the Luzong area suggest that the Cretaceous igneous rocks are distributed along NE fault zones (e.g., Tanlu and Yangtze River fault zones) in eastern China and were likely formed in an extensional setting within the Yangtze Block. The Shaxi adakitic rocks were probably derived by the partial melting of delaminated lower crust at pressures equivalent to crustal thickness of > 50 km (i.e., 1.5 GPa), possibly leaving rutile-bearing eclogitic residue. The shoshonitic magmas, in contrast, originated mainly from an enriched mantle metasomatized by subducted oceanic sediments. They underwent early high-pressure (> 1.5 GPa) fractional crystallization at the boundary between thickened (> 50 km) lower crust and lithospheric mantle and late low-pressure (< 1.5 GPa) fractional crystallization in the shallow (< 50 km) crust. The adakitic and shoshonitic rocks appear to be linked to an intra-continental extensional setting where partial melting of enriched mantle and delaminated lower crust was probably controlled by lithospheric thinning and upwelling of hot asthenosphere along NE fault zones (e.g., Tanlu and Yangtze River fault zones) in eastern China. Both the shoshonitic and adakitic magmas were fertile with respect to Cu–Au mineralization.     

A Re–Os isotope and PGE study of kimberlite-derived peridotite xenoliths from Somerset Island and a comparison to the Slave and Kaapvaal cratons

The concentrations of platinum-group elements (PGE; Os, Ir, Ru, Pd and Pt) and Re, and the Os isotopic compositions were determined for 33 lithospheric mantle peridotite xenoliths from the Somerset Island kimberlite field. The Os isotopic compositions are exclusively less radiogenic than estimates of bulk-earth (¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os as low as 0.1084) and require a long-term evolution in a low Re–Os environment. Re depletion model ages (T_RD) indicate that the cratonic lithosphere of Somerset Island stabilised by at least 2.8 Ga, i.e. in the Neoarchean and survived into the Mesozoic to be sampled by Cretaceous kimberlite magmatism. An Archean origin also is supported by thermobarometry (Archean lithospheric keels are characterised by >150 km thick lithosphere), modal mineralogy and mineral chemistry observations. The oldest ages recorded in the lithospheric mantle beneath Somerset Island are younger than the Mesoarchean (>3 Ga) ages recorded in the Slave craton lithospheric mantle to the southwest [Irvine, G.J., et al., 1999. Age of the lithospheric mantle beneath and around the Slave craton: a Rhenium–Osmium isotopic study of peridotite xenoliths from the Jericho and Somerset Island kimberlites. Ninth Annual V.M. Goldschmidt Conf., LPI Cont., 971: 134–135; Irvine, G.J., et al., 2001. The age of two cratons: a PGE and Os-Isotopic study of peridotite xenoliths from the Jericho kimberlite (Slave craton) and the Somerset Island kimberlite field (Churchill Province). The Slave–Kaapvaal Workshop, Merrickville, Ontario, Canada]. Younger, Paleoproterozoic, T_RD model ages for Somerset Island samples are generally interpreted as the result of open system behaviour during metasomatic and/or magmatic processes, with possibly the addition of new lithospheric material during tectono-thermal events related to the Taltson–Thelon orogen. PGE patterns highly depleted in Pt and Pd generally correspond to older Archean T_RD model ages indicating closed system behaviour since the time of initial melt extraction. Younger Proterozoic T_RD model ages generally correspond to more complex PGE patterns, indicating open system behaviour with possible sulfide or melt addition. There is no correlation between the age of the lithosphere and depth, at Somerset Island.     

Forced regressive deposits of a deglaciation sequence: Example from the Late Quaternary succession in the Lake Saint‐Jean basin (Québec,Canada)

Differentiating between forced regressive deposits from deglacial periods in high latitude domains and forced regressive deposits from the onset of glacial periods in low latitude domains is fundamental for the accurate interpretation of glacial cycles within the geological record and then for the reconstruction of palaeogeography and palaeo‐climate. A forced regressive deglacial sequence is documented from the Lake Saint‐Jean basin (Québec, Canada). In this area, the Late Pleistocene to Holocene sediments have recorded the Laurentide ice sheet retreat accompanied by the invasion of marine waters (Laflamme Gulf) from ca 12·9 cal kyr bp . Subsequently, fluvio‐deltaic and coastal prograding wedges were deposited; they followed the base‐level fall due to glacio‐isostatic rebound. This succession, representing a transition from glacial to post‐glacial periods within a previously glaciated area, was investigated through recent mapping, preserved landforms, facies analysis, and new optical stimulated luminescence and radiocarbon dates. Three basin‐scale geological sections share a common lower part made of isolated ice‐contact fan deposits overlying bedrock. Throughout the entire basin, ice‐contact fans are capped by glacimarine muds. Above, fluvial and coastal prograding systems were deposited and evolved through four steps: (i) deltaic systems progressively increased in width; (ii) coastal influence on sedimentation increased; (iii) hydrographic drainage systems became more organised; and (iv) deltas graded from steep (Gilbert delta) to low‐angle foresets (mouth‐bar delta). Deposited during the base‐level fall from glacio‐isostatic rebound, the complete succession has been designated as a single falling stage system tract referred to as a deglacial falling stage system tract. It is representative of a deglaciation sequence in areas previously covered by ice during glacial periods (i.e. medium to high latitude domains). Diagnostic criteria are provided to identify such a deglacial falling stage system tract in the geological record, which may aid identification of previously unknown glacial cycles.     

U–Pb Dating of Hydrothermal Zircons from the Neoproterozoic Liushanyan VMS Cu–Zn Deposit,Central China: Evidence for a Triassic Deformation Event

The Liushanyan deposit is an important volcanic‐host massive sulfide (VMS) Cu–Zn deposit in the Qinling‐Tongbai‐Dabie orogenic belt, central China, with reserve of 2.38 Mt Cu and 16.11 Mt Zn. Orebodies occur in the meta‐quartz keratophyre of the Liushanyan formation. In this paper, we present textural features and laser ablation ICP‐MS U–Pb dating results of zircons from the ore‐bearing mylonitized meta‐quartz keratophyre. The hydrothermal zircons are distinct from metamorphic zircons in this rock, showing low cathodoluminescence (CL) response and hydrothermal rims (black in CL images). They have relatively flat light rare earth element patterns and high La content and low (Sm/La)_N and Ce/Ce* values. These features are typical of hydrothermal zircons. The cores of metamorphic zircons yield a weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 900 ± 26 Ma, interpreted as the volcanic and related VMS mineralizing age. Two much younger events are also recorded by zircons in this rock: (i) the Early Silurian amphibolites–greenschist facies metamorphism at 435 ± 26 Ma; and (ii) the growth of hydrothermal zircons at ca. 241 ± 1 Ma, associated with the ductile shear deformation. The Silurian metamorphic event is probably associated with the arc–continent collision, while the Triassic ductile deformation event formed in the final continent–continent collision setting.     

Multiphase origin of the Cu–Co ore deposits in the western part of the Lufilian fold-and-thrust belt, Katanga (Democratic Republic of Congo)

A multiphase origin of the Cu–Co ores in the western part of the Lufilian fold-and-thrust belt in Central Africa is proposed based on literature, satellite image interpretations and petrographic and fluid inclusion analyses on samples from the stratiform mineralization of Kamoto and Musonoi (DR Congo). The various mineral occurrences in the Katanga Copperbelt can be classified in distinct categories: stratiform, supergene enrichment and vein-type. The stratiform mineralization form the largest group and can be found mainly in Lower Roan (R-2) rocks, which can be identified as ridges on satellite imagery. Ore deposits outside the R-2 occur along lineaments and result often from supergene enrichment.The main phase of the stratiform mineralization in the Katanga Copperbelt occurred during diagenesis preceding the Lufilian orogeny. Petrographic observation identified various mineralizing phases, which played a role in the formation of these stratiform mineralization. Mineralization started during early diagenesis, but mainly occurred during further burial. After the formation of early diagenetic pyrite, the circulation of diagenetic Cu–Co-rich fluids resulted in the formation of the main mineralization. Preliminary microthermometric investigation of primary inclusions in authigenic quartz, associated with the main stage of stratiform mineralization, indicates that an H₂O–NaCl fluid with a minimum temperature between 80 and 195 °C and a salinity between 8.4 and 18.4 eq. wt% NaCl circulated during the main phase of mineralization.Numerous faults and fractures formed during the Lufilian orogeny cut the stratiform mineralization. They are, however, at Kamoto and Musonoi only associated with minor sulphides. Supergene alteration along faults and fractures resulted in an enrichment of the mineralization, with the formation of secondary Cu-oxides, -carbonates and -silicates.The importance of the interaction of various processes for the formation of economic Cu–Co ore deposits is confirmed by the straightforward relationship on satellite imagery between the location of economic mineral occurrences and faults, which acted as pathway for descending waters that caused the supergene enrichment and upgrading of the primary mineralization.     

Laser microprobe sulphur isotope analysis of arsenopyrite: experimental calibration and application to the Boliden Au–Cu–As massive sulphide deposit

Metamorphic remobilization of arsenopyrite-rich ores is a globally important process which can lead to significant concentrations of gold. In order to understand this and related processes, relations of sulphur isotopes can give a number of important clues. To resolve such relations in detail, we have successfully calibrated and applied a laser combustion system for in situ analysis of sulphur isotopic compositions of arsenopyrite. Experimental calibration of the laser fractionation factor (+0.4‰) was obtained by using compositionally and isotopically homogeneous natural samples from ore deposits at Boliden (Sweden) and Freiberg (Germany); subsequent to detailed microscopic study, the S isotope ratios of these samples were measured by conventional and laser combustion techniques.The present application to different types of arsenopyrite in the Palaeoproterozoic metamorphosed VHMS ores of the Boliden Au–Cu–As deposit, Skellefte district, northern Sweden, shows that the sulphur isotope composition of arsenopyrite is essentially unmodified during medium-grade metamorphic recrystallization and remobilization. Here, massive arsenopyrite ore is crosscut by later veins that carry a complex quartz–sulphosalt–sulphide assemblage. The latter ore type is markedly Au-rich compared to the host ore, and thus of significant economic interest. We find that both ore types exhibit very similar sulphur isotope compositions, ca. +2‰ to +3‰ (V-CDT), which is similar to most massive sulphide deposits in the Skellefte district. Thus, the crosscutting Au-rich vein ore has inherited the sulphur isotope composition from sulphur liberated by metamorphic reactions affecting the massive ore, and most likely also inherited the Au through this mechanism. The latter finding clearly has important implications both for the general discussion on, and the prospecting for, similar high-grade Au ores in this world-class mining region.     

Organic geochemistry and petrology of barren and Mo–Ni–PGE mineralized marine black shales of the Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation (South China)

Marine black shales of the Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation in southern China host Mo–Ni–platinum group elements (PGE) mineralization confined to a phosphate- and pyrite-rich stratiform body (max. 20-cm thick). The H/C atomic ratio, carbon isotopic composition, FTIR spectra of bulk organic matter, and spectra of extractable part of organic matter indicate similar sources and thermal evolution of organic matter in barren and mineralized black shales.The morphology and relative abundance of organic particles in barren and mineralized shales are different. In barren black shales, organic particles comprise only elongated bodies and laminae 2–10 μm across or elongated larger bodies (> 10 μm) with R_max = 2.96–5.21% (Type I particles). Mineralized black shales contain Type I particles in rock matrix (90–95 vol%), small veinlets or irregular organic accumulations (Type II particles, 1–5 vol%) that display weak to well developed mosaic texture and a variable reflectance (R_max = 3.55–8.65%), and small (< 1 to 5 μm) rounded or irregular Type III organic particles (1–4 vol%) distributed within phosphate nodules and sulphide rip-up clasts. Type III particles show similar reflectance as particles of Type I in rock matrix. Type I particles are interpreted as remnants of in situ bacterially reworked organic matter of cyanobacteria/algal type, Type II as solidified products or oil-derived material (migrabitumen), and Type III particles as remnants of original organic matter in phosphatized or sulphidized algal/microbial oncolite-like bodies. Equivalent vitrinite reflectances of Type I and III particles in barren and mineralized rocks are similar and correspond to semi-anthracite and anthracite. Micro-Raman spectra of organic particles in rocks display a wide belt in the area of 1600 cm^− 1 (G belt) and approximately the same belt in the area of 1350 cm^− 1 (D belt). The ratio of integrated areas of the two belts correlate with R_max values.The Mo–Ni–PGE mineralized body is interpreted as to represent a remnant of phosphate- and sulphide-rich subaquatic hardground supplied with organic material derived from plankton and benthic communities as well as with algal/microbial oncolite-like bodies that originated in wave-agitated, shallow-water, nearshore environment.     

吉林东部地区与火山岩-斑岩有关的金(铜银)矿成矿地质特征及其成矿模式

吉林东部地区与火山岩-斑岩有关的金(铜银)矿床可分为浅成低温热液型金(银)矿和浅成中温斑岩。热液型金(铜)矿两个亚类。浅成低温热液型矿床的特征矿物组合为黄铁矿、石英、方解石、冰长石和重晶石,成因上与高钾的钙碱性火山岩。斑岩(137～177Ma)有关,成矿流体属浅成低温氧化流体,在成矿过程中大气降水混入的程度大。浅成中温斑岩,热液型矿床的特征矿物组合为黄铁矿、黄铜矿、磁黄铁矿和石英,成因上与钙碱性火山岩。斑岩(130～140Ma)有关,成矿流体属浅成中温还原流体,在成矿过程中大气降水混入的程度相对较小。由于火山岩,斑岩的来源深度不同,斑岩体在矿床的形成中所起的作用不同,成矿流体的性质不同,造成金矿床的类型不尽相同。     

Lithogeochemical,Re–Os and U–Pb Geochronological,Hf–Lu and S–Pb Isotope Data of the Ga'erqiong‐Galale Cu–Au Ore‐Concentrated Area: Evidence for the Late Cretaceous Magmatism and Metallogenic Event in the Bangong‐Nujiang Suture Zone,Northwestern Tibet,China

The Ga'erqiong‐Galale skarn–porphyry copper–gold ore‐concentrated area is located in the western part of the Bangong‐Nujiang suture zone north of the Lhasa Terrane. This paper conducted a systematic study on the magmatism and metallogenic effect in the ore‐concentrated area using techniques of isotopic geochronology, isotopic geochemistry and lithogeochemistry. According to the results, the crystallization age of quartz diorite (ore‐forming mother rock) in the Ga'erqiong deposit is 87.1 ± 0.4 Ma, which is later than the age of granodiorite (ore‐forming mother rock) in the Galale deposit (88.1 ± 1.0 Ma). The crystallization age of granite porphyry (GE granite porphyry) in the Ga'erqiong deposit is 83.2 ± 0.7 Ma, which is later than the age of granite porphyry (GL granite porphyry) in the Galale deposit (84.7 ± 0.8 Ma).The quartz diorite, granodiorite, GE granite porphyry and GL granite porphyry both main shows positive ε_Hf(t) values, suggesting that the magmatic source of the main intrusions in the ore‐concentrated area has the characteristics of mantle source region. The Re–Os isochron age of molybdenite in the Ga'erqiong district is 86.9 ± 0.5 Ma, which is later than the mineralization age of the Galale district (88.6 ± 0.6 Ma). The main intrusive rocks in the ore‐concentrated area have similar lithogeochemical characteristics, for they both show the relative enrichment in large‐ion lithophile elements(LILE: Rb, Ba, K, etc.), more mobile highly incompatible lithophile elements(HILE: U, Th) and relatively depleted in high field strength elements (HFSE: Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, etc.), and show the characteristics of magmatic arc. The studies on the metal sulfides' S and Pb isotopes and Re content of molybdenite indicate that the metallogenic materials of the deposits in the ore‐concentrated area mainly come from the mantle source with minor crustal source contamination. Based on the regional tectonic evolution process, this paper points out that the Ga'erqiong‐Galale copper–gold ore‐concentrated area is the typical product of the Late Cretaceous magmatism and metallogenic event in the collision stage of the Bangong‐Nujiang suture zone.     

Geotechnical characterization of the upper Pleistocene–Holocene alluvial deposits of Roma (Italy) by means of multivariate geostatistics: Cross-validation results

We are presenting an attempt to evaluate the spatial variability of geotechnical parameters in the upper Pleistocene–Holocene alluvial deposits of Roma (Italy) by means of multivariate geostatistics.The upper Pleistocene–Holocene alluvial deposits of Roma are sensitive to high levels of geohazard. They occupy a sizable and significant part of the city, being the foundation for many monuments, historical neighborhoods, and archaeological areas, and the main host of the present and future subway lines. We have stored information from more than 2000 geotechnical boreholes crossing the alluvial deposits into a relational database. For the present study, only the boreholes with lithologic/textural interpretation and geotechnical information were selected. The set includes 283 boreholes and 719 samples, which have a set of geotechnical information comprising physical properties and mechanical parameters.Techniques of multivariate statistics and geostatistics were combined and compared to evaluate the estimation methods of the mechanical parameters, with special reference to the drained friction angle from direct shear test (φ′). Principal Component Analysis was applied to the dataset to highlight the relationships between the geotechnical parameters. Through cross-validation analysis, multiple linear regression, kriging, and cokriging were tested as estimators of φ′. Cross-validation demonstrates that the cokriging with granulometries as auxiliary variables is the most suitable method to estimate φ′. In addition to proving that cokriging is a good estimator of φ′, cross-validation demonstrates that input data are coherent and this allows us to use them for estimation of geotechnical parameters, although they come from different laboratories and different vintages.Nevertheless, to get the same good results of cross-validation in estimation, it is necessary for granulometries to be available at grid points. Since this information being not available at all grid points, it is expected that, in the future, textural information can be derived in an indirect way, i.e., from lithologic/textural spatial reconstructions.     

Role of volatiles and metasomatized subcontinental lithospheric mantle in the genesis of magmatic Ni–Cu–PGE mineralization: insights from in situ H,Li, B analyses of hydromagmatic phases from the Valmaggia ultramafic pipe,Ivrea‐Verbano Zone (NW Italy)

In situ trace element and isotopic data of hydromagmatic phases from the Valmaggia peridotite pipe provide insights into the origin of the metasomatic fluids that affected the Ivrea‐Verbano Zone (NW Italy) during the late Carboniferous and shed new light on genetic models for the formation of Ni–Cu–PGE deposits. Volatiles implicated in the formation of hydromagmatic phases are not hydrothermal and did not derive from crustal assimilation. Low boron concentrations exclude the implication of fluids derived from dehydration of a subducted slab and indicate an origin from mantle‐derived juvenile water. Metasomatism introduced elevated contents of alkalis, Cu, PGEs and S into the depleted mantle of the Ivrea‐Verbano Zone. Increased water activity caused the harzburgite to undergo partial melting, thus producing pockets of volatile‐rich sulphide‐bearing ultramafic magma that evolved to form independent intrusions that host Ni–Cu–PGE mineralization.     

Sediment hosted lead–zinc deposits of the Neoproterozoic Bambuí Group and correlative sequences, São Francisco Craton, Brazil: A review and a possible metallogenic evolution model

The Proterozoic sediment-hosted Zn–(Pb) sulfide and non-sulfide deposits of the São Francisco Craton, Brazil, are partially syn-diagenetic and epigenetic and were probably formed during extensional events. The majority of the deposits occur within shallow water dolomites. The Pb isotopic data of sulfides are relatively homogeneous for individual deposits and plot above the upper crust evolution curve of the Plumbotectonic model. Some of the deposits are characterized by highly radiogenic lead (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ≥ 21) originating from the highly radioactive crust of the São Francisco Craton. Pb and S isotopic data suggest the sources of metal and sulfur for the deposits to be the basement rocks and seawater sulfates in the sediments, respectively. The relatively high temperatures of formation (100 to 250 °C) and moderate salinity (3% to 20% NaCl equiv.) of the primary fluid inclusions in the sphalerite crystals suggest the participation of basinal mineralizing fluids in ore formation. The steep paleo-geothermal gradient generated by the radioactively enriched basement rocks probably assisted in heating up the circulating mineralizing fluids.     

The Aguablanca Cu–Ni ore deposit (Extremadura, Spain), a case of synorogenic orthomagmatic mineralization: age and isotope composition of magmas (Sr, Nd) and ore (S)

The Aguablanca Cu–Ni orthomagmatic ore deposit is hosted by mafic and ultramafic rocks of the Aguablanca stock, which is part of the larger, high-K calc-alkaline Santa Olalla plutonic complex. This intrusive complex, ca. 338 Ma in age, is located in the Ossa-Morena Zone (OMZ) of the Iberian Variscan Belt. Mineralization consists mainly of pyrrhotite, pentlandite and chalcopyrite resulting from the crystallization of an immiscible sulphide-rich liquid. Isotope work on the host igneous rocks (Sr, Nd) and the ore (S) suggests that contamination with an upper-crustal component took place at some depth before final emplacement of the plutons (Nd₃₃₈=−6 to −7.5; Sr₍₃₃₈₎=0.7082 to 0.7100; δ³⁴S_(sulphides) near +7.4‰). Assimilation–fractional crystallization (AFC) processes are invoked to explain early cumulates and immiscible sulphide-magma formation. Intrusion took place at the beginning of the type-A oblique subduction of the South Portuguese Zone under the Ossa-Morena Zone and was probably driven by transpressive structures (strike-slip faults). The mineralization is thus synorogenic.Aguablanca is probably the first case referred to in the literature of a magmatic Cu–Ni ore deposit hosted by calc-alkaline igneous rocks.     

Evolution of mineralizing fluids in the Zn–Pb–Cu(–Ag ± Au) skarn and epithermal deposits of the world-class San Martín district, Zacatecas, Mexico

Mineralizing fluids at the San Martín skarn show an evolution characterized by prograde and retrograde associations. The prograde mineral associations consist of (1) a massive garnet zone, (2) a tremolite ± garnet zone, and (3) a late association of quartz, sphalerite, calcite and fluorite lining the vugs in the garnet zone. The fluids of the prograde associations exhibit decreasing temperatures of homogenization (Th) and variable salinities. The fluids of the massive garnet zone have salinities of 36 wt.% NaCl equiv. and Th of 645 to 570 °C, corresponding to pressures of 1055 bar. At the tremolite ± garnet zone, Th range from 438 to 354 °C. In the late association at the endoskarn, the following evolution can be drawn: (a) salinities of 50 to 42 wt.% NaCl equiv., and Th of 455 to 346 °C in quartz, (b) salinities of 46 wt.% NaCl equiv., and Th of 415 to 410 °C in sphalerite, (c) salinities of 50 to 37 wt.% NaCl equiv., and Th of 479 to 310 °C in calcite, (d) salinities of 33 to 28 wt.% NaCl equiv. and of 24 to 22 wt.% KCl in fluorite, and (e) two types of fluids with salinities of 2 and 39 wt.% NaCl equiv. and Th 344 and 300 °C, respectively, in later saccharoidal quartz segregations. The retrograde mineral associations comprise pervasive propylitic alteration to carbonization, and mantos with sulfides. Fluids in epidote have salinities of 7.6 wt.% NaCl equiv. and Th of 287 to 252 °C, and in calcite have salinities of 9.2 to 1 wt.% NaCl equiv. and Th of 188 to 112 °C. Fluids in the sulfide assemblages in the mantos have salinities of 8 to 3 wt.% NaCl equiv. and Th 300 °C, with corresponding pressures of 94 bar. Fluids in late epithermal veins close to the intrusive body have salinities of 10 to 5 wt.% NaCl equiv. and Th of 275 to 200 °C, and distal veins show salinities of 2 to 1 wt.% NaCl equiv. and Th of 160 °C.     

Biostratigraphic and isotopic record of the Cenomanian–Turonian deposits in the Ohaba-Ponor section (SW Haţeg, Romania)

The middle Cenomanian–lower Turonian deposits of Ohaba-Ponor section (Southern Carpathians) were studied from biostratigraphic and isotopic points of view. Both the qualitative and semiquantitative nannofloral analyses, as well as the stable isotope (δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O) data support significant palaeoenvironmental changes in the investigated interval. Two δ¹³C positive excursions were recognized: (1) an excursion up to 1.8‰ (PDB) within the middle/late Cenomanian boundary; (2) an excursion up to 2.2‰ (PDB) in the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary interval. The oldest δ¹³C positive excursion recorded (placed within the Acanthoceras jukes-brownei/Eucalycoceras pentagonum Ammonite Zone boundary interval, and in the NC11 Calcareous Nannofossil Zone respectively) could be assigned to the middle Cenomanian Event II (MCEII). During the above-mentioned event, significant increase in abundance of Watznaueria barnesae, followed by successive blooms of Biscutum constans and Eprolithus floralis, were observed. The youngest δ¹³C positive excursion was identified in the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary interval (in the NC12 and lower part of the NC13 Calcareous Nannofossil Zones). Even the amplitude of this δ¹³C positive excursion is lower in the Ohaba-Ponor section, as generally reported, this may represent the regional record of the OAE2. The successive peaks of the nannofossils Biscutum constans, Zeugrhabdotus erectus and Eprolithus floralis indicate episodes of cooler surface water and high fertility, which preceded and lasted the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary event. Additionally, fluctuations of δ¹⁸O values between −2 and −6‰ suggest also cooler conditions within the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary interval.     

Experimental study of the joins forsterite–diopside–leucite– and forsterite–leucite–åkermanite up to 2.3 GPa [P(H2O) = P(Total)] and variable temperatures: Its petrological significance

We conducted a series of melting experiments in the join forsterite–diopside–leucite under 0.1 and 2.3 GPa and in the join forsterite–leucite–åkermanite under 2.3 GPa to understand paragenetic relationships amongst different types of lamproitic and lamprophyric magmas with K-rich mafic and ultramafic volcanic (kamafugitic) rocks. Both the joins were studied in the presence of excess water. The experimental results of the join forsterite–diopside–leucite at 0.1 GPa show that the five-phase point of forsterite (Fo)_ss + diopside (Di)_ss + leucite (Lc)_ss + liquid (Liq) + vapour (V) (equivalent to ugandite lava) occurs at Fo₂Di₅₀Lc₄₈ at 880 ± 5 °C. Phlogopite appears as the last phase at 830 ± 15 °C. The final crystalline assemblage of forsterite_ss + diopside_ss + leucite_ss + phlogopite is similar to the phenocryst assemblage of missourite lava. Present study suggests that an olivine leucitite (ugandite) can be derived from an olivine italite, a slightly potassic peridotite and a leucitite magma.

A study of the join Fo–Di–Lc [P(H₂O) = P(Total)] at 2.3 GPa shows that liquid compositions penetrate the primary phase volumes of forsterite_ss, phlogopite_ss, kalsilitess, K-feldspar_ss and diopside_ss. It has the following three five-phase points: 1) one occurring at Fo₉Di₄₉Lc₄₂ and 1005 ± 5 °C, where liquid and vapour coexists with forsterite_ss, phlogopite_ss and diopside_ss (phlogopite-bearing madupite), 2) the second one at Fo₄Di₅₀Lc₄₆ and 990 ± 10 °C, where diopside_ss, K-feldspar_ss and phlogopite_ss coexist with liquid and vapour (pyroxene-bearing minette), and 3) the third one at Fo₃Di₂₁Lc₇₆ and 775 ± 5 °C, where phlogopite_ss, kalsilite_ss and K-feldspar_ss are in equilibrium with liquid plus vapour (kalsilite-bearing minette).

The experimental results of the join Fo–Lc–åkermanite (Ak) show that the join 40 penetrates the primary phase volumes of forsterite_ss, phlogopite_ss, kalsilite, K-feldspar_ss, diopside_ss and merwinite_ss. The data indicate the presence of four five-phase points: 1) one occurring at Fo₇Lc₄₂Ak₅₁ and 1165 ± 5 °C, where phlogopite_ss, forsterite_ss, diopside_ss coexists with liquid and vapour (olivine-bearing madupite), 2) the second one at Fo₃Lc₄₉Ak₄₈ and 1140 ± 10 °C, where a liquid is in equilibrium with phlogopite_ss, K-feldspar_ss, diopside_ss and vapour (pyroxene-bearing minette), 3) the third one at Fo₁₈Lc₂₁Ak₆₁ and 1255 ± 10 °C, where merwinite_ss, forsterite_ss and diopside_ss are in equilibrium with liquid and vapour (merwinite-bearing wherlite), and 4) the fourth one at Fo₅Lc_73.5Ak_21.5 and 770 ± 5 °C, where kalsilite_ss, phlogopite_ss and K-feldspar coexist with liquid and vapour (kalsilite-bearing minette). The present data suggest that high pressure heteromorphic equivalent of a katungite magma is represented by a kalsilite-bearing minette, a pyroxene-bearing minette, or an olivine-bearing madupite.     

The uppermost deposits of the stratigraphic succession of the Farafra Depression (Western Desert,Egypt): Evolution to a Post-Eocene continental event

This paper gives insight into continental sedimentary deposits that occur at the uppermost part of the stratigraphic succession present in the north-eastern sector of the Farafra Depression (Western Desert, Egypt). Using space imagery to complete the field work, the geology of the area has been mapped and the presence of a N–S oriented fault system is documented. The analysis of the morphotectonic features related to this fault system allows reconstructing the structural and sedimentological evolution of the area. The study indicates that the continental deposits were accumulated in alluvial systems that unconformably overlie shale and evaporitic rocks attributable to the Paleocene–Eocene Esna Formation. The deposits of the Esna Formation show soft-sediment deformation features, which include slump associated to dish and pillar sedimentary structures and provide evidence of syndepositional tectonic activity during the sedimentation of this unit. The outcrops are preserved in two areas on separated fault-bounded blocks. Proximal alluvial fan facies crop out in a dowthrown block close to the depression boundary. The proximal facies are made up mostly by polymictic conglomerates which occasionally contain boulders. The conglomerate clasts are mainly quartz, carbonate, anhydrite satin spar vein, mudrock, ironstone and nummulite fossils. The mid-fan facies consist of trough cross-bedded, rippled and cross-laminated quartzarenites with reworked glauconite grains and carbonate rock fragments, interpreted as deposited by distributary streams. The distal alluvial fan deposits consist of sandy marls that evolve toward the top of the sections into root-bioturbated lacustrine limestone beds that are locally silicified. The limestones are biomicrites containing characea, ostracods and gastropods with fenestral porosity.A number of features, including clast provenance (mainly from marine Paleocene and Eocene rocks), the observed fractural pattern (N–S direction related to the opening of the Red Sea), and the sedimentary relationships, suggests that the continental deposits were accumulated during the Oligocene–Miocene interval.