Oxygen and carbon isotope evidence for seawater-hydrothermal alteration of the Macquarie Island ophiolite

Rocks of the Miocene Macquarie Island ophiolite, south of New Zealand, have oxygen and carbon isotopic compositions comparable to those of seafloor rocks. Basalt glass and weathered basalts have δ¹⁸O values at 5.8–6.0‰ and 7.9–9.5‰, respectively, similar to drilled seafloor rocks including samples from the Leg 29 DSDP holes near Macquarie Island. Compared to the basalt glass, the greenschist to amphibolite facies metaintrusives are depleted in¹⁸O (δ¹⁸O=3.2–5.9‰) similar to dredged seafloor samples, whereas the metabasalts are enriched (δ¹⁸O=7.1–9.7‰). Although the gabbros are only slightly altered in thin-section they have exchanged oxygen with a hydrothermal fluid to a depth of at least 4.5 km. There is an approximate balance between¹⁸O depletion and enrichment in the exposed ophiolite section. The carbon isotopic composition of calcite in the weathered basalts (δ¹³C=1.0–2.0‰) is similar to those of drilled basalts, but the metamorphosed rocks have low δ¹³C values (?14.6 to 0.9‰).These data are compatible with two seawater circulation regimes. In the upper regime, basalts were weathered by cold seawater in a circulation system with high water/rock ratios (?1.0). Based on calcite compositions weathering temperatures were less than 20°C and the carbon was derived from a predominantly inorganic marine source. As previously suggested for the Samail ophiolite, it is postulated that the lower hydrothermal regime consisted of two coupled parts. At the deeper levels, seawater circulating at low water/rock ratios (0.2–0.3) and high temperatures (300–600°C) gave rise to¹⁸O-depleted gabbro and sheeted dikes via open system exchange reactions. During reaction the seawater underwent a shift in oxygen isotopic composition (δ¹⁸O=1.0–5.0‰) and subsequently caused¹⁸O enrichment of the overlying metabasalts. In the shallower part of the hydrothermal regime the metabasalts were altered at relatively high water/rock ratios (1.0–10.0) and temperatures in the range 200–300°C. The relatively low water/rock ratios in the hydrothermal regime are supported by the low δ¹³C values of calcite, interpreted as evidence of juvenile carbon in contrast to the inorganic marine carbon found in the weathered basalts.     

Quantifying the carbon source of pedogenic calcite veins in weathered limestone: implications for the terrestrial carbon cycle

The continent is the second largest carbon sink on Earth’s surface.With the diversification of vascular land plants in the late Paleozoic,terrestrial organic carbon burial is represented by massive coal formation,while the development of soil profiles would account for both organic and inorganic carbon burial.As compared with soil organic carbon,inorganic carbon burial,collectively known as the soil carbonate,would have a greater impact on the long-term carbon cycle.Soil carbonate would have multiple carbon sources,including dissolution of host calcareous rocks,dissolved inorganic carbon from freshwater,and oxidation of organic matter,but the host calcareous rock dissolution would not cause atmospheric CO2drawdown.Thus,to evaluate the potential effect of soil carbonate formation on the atmospheric p CO2level,different carbon sources of soil carbonate should be quantitatively differentiated.In this study,we analyzed the carbon and magnesium isotopes of pedogenic calcite veins developed in a heavily weathered outcrop,consisting of limestone of the early Paleogene Guanzhuang Group in North China.Based on the C and Mg isotope data,we developed a numerical model to quantify the carbon source of calcite veins.The modeling results indicate that4–37 wt%of carbon in these calcite veins was derived from atmospheric CO2.The low contribution from atmospheric CO2might be attributed to the host limestone that might have diluted the atmospheric CO2sink.Nevertheless,taking this value into consideration,it is estimated that soil carbonate formation would lower 1 ppm atmospheric CO2within 2000 years,i.e.,soil carbonate alone would sequester all atmospheric CO2within 1 million years.Finally,our study suggests the C–Mg isotope system might be a better tool in quantifying the carbon source of soil carbonate.     

Trace-element distribution in an active hydrothermal system, Roosevelt hot springs thermal area, Utah

Chemical interaction of thermal fluids with reservoir rock in the Roosevelt Hot Springs thermal area, Utah, has resulted in the development of characteristic trace-element dispersion patterns. Multielement analyses of surface rock samples, soil samples and drill cuttings from deep exploration wells provide a three-dimensional perspective of chemical redistribution within this structurally-controlled hot-water geothermal system.Five distinctive elemental suites of chemical enrichment are recognized, each characteristic of a particular combination of physical and chemical conditions within the geothermal system. These are: (1) concentrations of As, Sb, Be, and Hg associated with siliceous material at locations of liquid discharge, fluid mixing or boiling; (2) concentrations of Mn, Ba, W, Be, Cu, Co, As, Sb and Hg in manganese and iron oxide deposits; (3) high concentrations of Hg in argillized rock near fumaroles and lower concentrations in a broad diffuse halo surrounding the thermal center; (4) concentrations of As in sulfides and Li in silicate alteration minerals immediately surrounding high-temperature fluid flow-controlling fractures; (5) deposits of CaCO₃ at depth where flashing of brine to steam has occurred due to pressure release. The geochemical enrichments are not, in general, widespread, pervasively developed zones of regular form and dimension as are typical in many ore-forming hydrothermal systems.As the geothermal system develops, changes and eventually declines through time, the chemical deposits are developed, remobilized or superimposed upon each other, thus preserving within the rocks a record of the history of the geothermal system. Recognition of trace-element distribution patterns during the exploration of a geothermal system may aid definition of the present geometry and interpretation of the history of the system.     

碳酸盐岩孔隙结构参数构建与储层参数反演(英文)

碳酸盐岩储层孔隙结构相对碎屑岩更复杂,常用的岩石物理模型不能较好的描述其孔隙结构的变化规律,且岩石孔隙结构的差异较大程度上会影响岩石的弹性性质。本文首先利用岩石薄片分析了碳酸盐岩的微观孔隙结构。然后基于Gassmann方程和Eshelby-Walsh椭球包体裂缝理论,在合理的假设前提下给出了一种新的岩石物理建模方法,并且从中提取了一个参数来表征孔隙结构的变化规律。最后,基于全波列测井数据,我们利用该方法计算了单井的孔隙度,并与用常规方法预测的结果进行了比较,同时进行了地震储层参数反演。研究结果表明,孔隙结构对岩石的弹性性质的影响较大,且新的建模方法预测的孔隙度误差仅为0.74%。因此,该方法可有效的减小孔隙结构对计算各岩石弹性参数的影响并提高孔隙度的预测精度。     

Late Permian post‐ophiolitic trondhjemites from Central Iran: a mark of subduction role in growth of Paleozoic continental crust

Late Permian trondhjemites in the Anarak area occur as stocks and dykes, which cross cut the Anarak ophiolite and its overlying metasedimentary rocks, and are exposed along the northern Anarak east–west main faults. These leucocratic intrusive bodies have enclaves of all ophiolitic units and metamorphic rocks. They are composed of amphibole, plagioclase (oligoclase), quartz, zircon and muscovite. Secondary minerals are chlorite (pycnochlorite), epidote, albite, magnetite and calcite. Whole‐rock major‐ and trace‐element analyses reveal that they are characterized by high SiO ₂ (67.8–71.0 wt%), Al ₂ O ₃ (14.9–17.1 wt%) and Na ₂ O (5.3–8.6 wt%), low K ₂ O (0.1–1.5 wt%; average: 0.8 wt%), low Rb/Sr ratio (0.01–0.40; average: 0.09), low Y (3–6 ppm), negative Ti, Nb and Ta anomalies, slightly negative or positive Eu anomaly, LREE enrichment and fractionated HREE. These rocks present 2 to 40 times enrichment in inclined chondrite‐normalized REE patterns. Geochemical characteristics of the Anarak trondhjemites all reflect melting of a mafic protolith at more than 10 kbar. The field evidence and whole‐rock chemistry reveal that these rocks have been crystallized from magmas derived from melting of subducted Anarak oceanic crust. This study reveals that melting of garnet amphibolite was an important element of continent formation in the study area.     

Dissolved inorganic carbon sourcing using δ13CDIC from a karst influenced river system

Rivers, representing the primary conduits of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) from the continents to the oceans, are important components to the global carbon cycle. To better understand the complex carbon cycling dynamics within two nested, mixed lithology watersheds, two sites were studied along the karst influenced upper Green River in south‐central Kentucky, USA. Weekly samples were collected from June 2013 through May 2014 and analyzed for δ¹³C_DIC. The mixing model IsoSource was employed to better understand source partitioning differences over seasonal time spans and across the two nested basins. In both the lithologically mixed upstream basin (53% carbonate rocks, 47% siliciclastic) and carbonate rock dominated downstream basin (96% carbonate rocks in the drainage area between Greensburg and Munfordville, 78% in the total area upstream from Munfordville), DIC was primarily derived from soil respiration. The proportion of DIC from dissolved carbonate minerals derived from the downstream carbonate rock dominated basin was similar to the upstream basin, due to carbonate mineral dissolution having such a consistent effect on the overall DIC content of the river. Seasonally, soil respiration provided the most DIC from fall to winter. Early spring precipitation, combined with limited seasonal photosynthesis, shifted groundwater to be the primary source of DIC, bringing in a flush of carbonate mineral‐rich water during higher flows. This study provides insight into carbon dynamics across multiple lithologies and the important influence of seasonality using carbon isotope sourcing to determine carbonate mineral dissolution variability and aid in understanding its contribution to global carbon flux quantification. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preliminary study on weathering and pedogenesis of carbonate rock

South China is the largest continuous distribution area of carbonate rock in the world. The origin of the soils over the bedrock carbonate rock has long been a controversial topic. Here further exploration is made by taking five soil profiles as examples, which are developed over the bedrock dolomitite and limestone and morphologically located in upland in karst terrain in the central, west and north Guizhou as well as west Hunan, and proved to be the weathering profiles of carbonate rock by the research results of acid-dissolved extraction experiment of bedrock, mineralogy and trace element geochemistry. Field, mineralogical and trace element geochemical characteristics of weathering and pedogenesis for carbonate rock are discussed in detail. It is pointed out that weathering and pedogenesis of carbonate rock are important pedogenetic mechanisms for soil resources in karst area, providing a basis for further researches on the origin of soils widely overlying bedrock carbonate rocks in South China. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 498330003) and National Key Basic Research Project (Grant No. 95pre-39).     

Cracking conditions of crude oil under different geological environments

There are mainly 3 kinds of existing states of oil generating from source rocks, that is, dispersive liquid hydrocarbon inside of source rock, dispersive liquid hydrocarbon outside of source rock and concentrated liquid hydrocarbon outside of source rock. Because of the differences in thermal history and medium conditions around, and the interaction of organic and inorganic matter, the liquid hydrocarbon with 3 kinds of existing state has different cracking conditions. The gas generation dynamics experiments of crude oil matching different mediums indicate that the distribution of activation energy of methane changes a lot according to medium difference. The carbonate has a main influence on oil cracking conditions and can largely reduce its activation energy, which reflects the lower cracking temperature of crude oil. The mudstone takes a second place and the sandstone is the smallest. The catalytic cracking function to the oil of the carbonate, of the mudstone and of the sandstone changes weaken in turn. The corresponding R _o values of main gas generation period in different mediums are as follows: 1.5%–3.8% with pure crude oil, 1.2%–3.2% with dispersive crude oil in carbonate, 1.3%～3.4% with dispersive crude oil in mudstone and 1.4%–3.6% with dispersive crude oil in sandstone. The influence of pressure to crude oil cracking is relatively complicated. In the low heating speed condition, pressure restrains the oil cracking and gas generation, but in the high heating speed condition, pressure has an indistinctive influence to the oil cracking and gas generation. Pressure also makes a different effort in different evolvement stage. Taking the middle and lower Cambrian source rocks in the Tarim Basin as an example, primary oil generating quantity is 2232.24×10⁸t, residual oil and oil cracking gas quantity is 806.21×10⁸t and 106.95×10¹²m³ respectively.     

Regional estimation of catchment‐scale soil properties by means of streamflow recession analysis for use in distributed hydrological models

The estimation of catchment‐scale soil properties, such as water storage capacity and hydraulic conductivity, is of primary interest for the implementation of distributed hydrological models at the regional scale. This estimation is generally performed on the basis of information provided by soil databases. However, such databases are often established for agronomic uses and generally do not document deep‐weathered rock horizons (i.e. pedologic horizons of type C and deeper), which can play a major role in water transfer and storages. Here, we define the Drainable Storage Capacity Index (DSCI), an indicator that relies on the comparison between cumulated streamflow and precipitation to assess catchment‐scale storage capacities. DSCI is found to be reliable to detect underestimation of soil storage capacities in soil databases. We also use the streamflow recession analysis methodology defined by Brutsaert and Nieber in 1977 to estimate water storage capacities and lateral saturated hydraulic conductivities of the nondocumented deep horizons. The analysis is applied to a sample of 23 catchments (0.2–291 km²) located in the Cévennes‐Vivarais region (south of France). For regionalization purposes, the obtained results are compared with the dominant catchment geology and present a clear hierarchy between the different geologies of the area. Hard crystalline rocks are found to be associated with the thickest and less conductive deep soil horizons. Schist rocks present intermediate values of thickness and of saturated hydraulic conductivity, whereas sedimentary rocks and alluvium are found to be less thick and most conductive. These results are of primary interest in view of the future set‐up of distributed hydrological models over the Cévennes‐Vivarais region. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Weathering,erosion and sediment composition in a high‐gradient river,Calabria, Italy

Source rock lithology and immediate modifying processes, such as chemical weathering and mechanical erosion, are primary controls on fluvial sediment supply. Sand composition and Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) of parent rocks, soil and fluvial sand of the Savuto River watershed, Calabria (Italy), were used to evaluate the modifications of source rocks through different sections of the basin, characterized by different geomorphic processes, in a sub‐humid Mediterranean climate. The headwaters, with gentle topography, produce a coarse‐grained sediment load derived from deeply weathered gneiss, having sand of quartzofeldspathic composition, compositionally very different from in situ degraded bedrock. Maximum estimated CIA values suggest that source rock has been affected significantly by weathering, and it testifies to a climatic threshold on the destruction of the bedrock. The mid‐course has steeper slopes and a deeply incised valley; bedrock consists of mica‐schist and phyllite with a very thin regolith, which provides large cobble to very coarse sand sediments to the main channel. Slope instability, with an areal incidence of over 40 per cent, largely supplies detritus to the main channel. Sand‐sized detritus of soil and fluvial sand is lithic. Estimated CIA value testifies to a significant weathering of the bedrock too, even if in this part of the drainage basin steeper slopes allow erosion to exceed chemical weathering. The lower course has a braided pattern and sediment load is coarse to medium–fine grained. The river cuts across Palaeozoic crystalline rocks and Miocene siliciclastic deposits. Sand‐sized detritus, contributed from these rocks and homogenized by transport processes, has been found in the quartzolithic distal samples. Field and laboratory evidence indicates that landscape development was the result of extensive weathering during the last postglacial temperature maximum in the headwaters, and of mass‐failure and fluvial erosional processes in the mid‐ and low course. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Naturally occurring radionuclides and rare earth elements in weathered Japanese soil samples

The activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra and ²²⁸Ac in weathered Japanese soils from two selected prefectures have been measured using a γ-ray spectroscopy system with high purity germanium detector. The uranium, thorium, and rare earth elements (REEs) concentrations were determined from the same soil samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). For example, granitic rocks contain higher amounts of U, Th, and light REEs compared to other igneous rocks such as basalt and andesites. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the interaction between REEs and nature of soils since soils are complex heterogeneous mixture of organic and inorganic solids, water, and gases. In this paper, we will discuss about distribution pattern of ²³⁸U and ²³²Th along with REEs in soil samples of weathered acid rock (granite) collected from two prefectures of Japan: Hiroshima and Miyagi.     

The influence of the carbonate dissolution rate on the growth and composition of Co-rich ferromanganese crusts from Central Pacific seamount areas

The metal composition of oceanic ferromanganese deposits occurring in seamount regions (Line Islands chain and Mid-Pacific Mountains) varies with water depth and age. The results of metal determinations of carbonate plankton samples suggest that carbonate dissolution in the water column might have an important influence on the accretion and composition of hydrogenetic precipitates. Two ferromanganese crust generations of different age have been observed The precipitation of the older crust took probably place during early Oligocene, the younger crust began to form during middle Miocene. Between the two crust generations periods of carbonate sedimentation and of phosphorite deposition occur. The hydrogenetic formation of the crusts is controlled by the metal supply from the water column, according to the laws of colloidal surface chemistry.Dissolution experiments with carbonate plankton samples show that the main Fe source for the hydrogenetic crust formation are colloidal Fe-hydroxide particles being released in the water column from the dissolution of carbonate plankton skeletons. In the case of Mn, maximum dissolved Mn occurs in the oxygen minimum zone as the result of in-situ break-down of organic matter and the in-situ reduction of Mn-bearing solid phases. Closely beneath the oxygen minimum zone a Fe supply, mobilized within the oxygen minimum zone, has also to be taken into account. In the water column below the oxygen minimum zone, a mixture of colloidal particles of MnFe-oxyhydroxide and colloidal AlFe-silicate, precipitate together on the surface of substratum rocks. The mixing ratio of these colloidal phases controlling the metal composition of the ferromanganese precipitates, is depth-dependent and shows also temporal variations. In general, Mn/Fe ratio, Ni, and Co contents decrease with depth down to the calcite compensation depth.The most probable mechanism for the ultimate removal of Co and Ni from the water column might be a surface reaction. δ-MnO₂ is specifically able to absorb hydrous Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions. Because of the surface enrichment of Co and the strong electrical field of Mn(IV), a subsequent oxidation of Co²⁺ to Co³⁺ takes place leading to higher enrichment of Co in comparison to Ni. The most important factor governing the high Co enrichment in the ferromanganese crusts is the growth rate: the lower the growth rate, the higher the Co content. Maximum values of up to 2% Co occurring in samples from water depths between 1500 and 1100 m [1] are related to lower carbonate dissolution rates and corresponding lower Fe supply.The metal supply from the water column is strongly related to distinct environmental factors such as bio-productivity, range of lysocline and calcite compensation depth, rate of carbonate dissolution, and activity of the Antarctic bottom water. Thus, our model shows that the growth periods and the metal composition of hydrogenetic seamount crusts are controlled by changes in the paleoceanography and reflect distinct environmental conditions.     

Occurrence and chemical composition of the Eoarchean carbonate rocks of the Nulliak supracrustal rocks in the Saglek Block of northeastern Labrador,Canada

The Eoarchean Nulliak supracrustal rocks in the Saglek Block of northeastern Labrador, Canada, contain some of the world's oldest carbonate rocks. This work attempted to reveal the origin of the carbonate rocks and estimate the surface environmental conditions of the early Earth based on their occurrence and geochemistry. They occur together with mafic and ultramafic rocks in Pangertok Inlet and St. John's Harbour South, whereas they are interlayered with pelitic rock layers with quartzofeldspathic mineral assemblages in St. John's Harbour East and Big Island. The geological occurrence suggests that the formers were formed around hydrothermal fields, whereas the latters were deposited near a continental margin. Some carbonate rocks have high SiO₂, Al₂O₃, and Zr contents, indicating that the silicification and involvement of detrital materials influenced their composition; thus, pure carbonate rocks were selected using a combined filter of the SiO₂, TiO_2, Al₂O₃, Zr, and Ba contents. The selected carbonate rocks have positive La, Eu, Gd, Y, U, Pb, and Sr anomalies, negative Nb, Zr, and Hf anomalies, and relatively small enrichment in heavy rare earth elements (HREEs). The La and Y anomalies suggest that they originated from chemical sediments precipitated from seawater. On the other hand, the small HREE-enrichment suggests that REEs were mainly dissolved as REE-carbonate complexes in seawater or that the riverine influxes were dominated by the detritus of Eoarchean continental crusts, presumably composed of HREE-depleted TTG. The U anomaly suggests that uranium was more dissolved than Th as U-bearing carbonate complexes in seawater. The Nulliak carbonate rocks also show a positive correlation between Y and Eu anomaly values, suggesting that the precipitation of iron-oxyhydroxide causing the Y anomaly was more significant near the hydrothermal fields than the continental margin, consistent with an alkaline hydrothermal model.     

Determining CO_2 consumption from elemental change in soil profiles developed on carbonate and silicate rocks

To further understand the roles of carbonate and silicate rocks in regulating the atmosphere/soil CO_2level,the flux of CO_2 consumed by the chemical weathering of silicate and carbonate rocks was determined from the elemental change in soil profiles.Results showed that the chemical weathering of carbonate rocks mainly occurred at the rock-regolith interface,and that the further weathering of the residua soil on the carbonate rocks was similar to that of the granite profile.Chemical weathering of the silicate rocks occurred through the whole profiles.Therefore,CO_2 consumed per volume by the silicate profiles[M_(sr)(CO_2)]and the residues on carbonate rocks[M_(cr)(CO2)]were calculated based on the elemental weathering gradients.CO_2 consumed by carbonate protolith[M_(cp)(CO_2)]was calculated from the elemental change at the rock-regolith interface.The M_(sr)(CO_2) were about tens to thousands orders of magnitude greater than M_(cr)(CO_2).Even so,this demonstrated that the residues on carbonate rocks could be a sink of CO2_ on long-term scales.The M_(cp)(CO_2) was about four times larger than M_(sr)(CO_2),which demonstrated that carbonate rocks played a more important role in regulating the CO_2 level than the silicate rocks did during the pedogenic process of the profiles.     

Element geochemistry of weathering profile of dolomitite and its implications for the average chemical composition of the upper-continental crust--Case studies from the Xinpu profile,northern Guizhou Province,China

Geochemical behavior of chemical elements is studied in a dolomitite weathering profile in upland of karst terrain in northern Guizhou.Two stages can be recognized during the process of in situ weathering of dolomitite:the stage of sedentary accumulation of leaching residue of dolomitite and the stage of chemical weathering evolution of sedentary soil.Ni,Cr,Mo,W and Ti are the least mobile elements with reference to Al.The geochemical behavior of REE is similar to that observed in weathering of other types of rocks.Fractionation of REE is noticed during weathering,and the two layers of REE enrichments are thought to result from downward movement of the weathering front in response to changes in the environment.It is considered that the chemistry of the upper part of the profile,which was more intensively weathered,is representative of the mobile components of the upper curst at the time the dolomitite was formed,while the less weathered lower profile is chemically representative of the immobile constitution.Like glacial till and loess,the "insoluble" materials in carbonate rocks originating from chemical sedimentation may also provide valuable information about the average chemical composition of the upper continental crust.     

乌拉嘎金矿主要控矿因素与激电法找金效果

乌拉嘎金矿主要控矿因素是构造破碎带及裂隙带、斜长花岗斑岩体和老基底变质杂岩.其中构造破碎带是最主要控矿因素.矿化富集与含金玉髓状石英细脉或细网脉、黄铁一白铁矿脉和碳酸盐脉的发育程度密切相关.含金热液脉体的形态产状受构造破碎带和裂隙带控制,经过多期次叠加,往往造成矿化的进一步富集.矿体呈脉状、复脉状、扁豆状等形态.上述特点为该区电法找金提供了先决条件.金矿石是本区主要极化体.在乌拉嘎金矿区的张才沟靶区获得低阻高极化和高阻高极化异常,可望找到含金石英脉及含矿破碎带.     

Comparative study on CO2 sources in soil developed on carbonate rock and non-carbonate rock in Central Guizhou

In this paper, by using concentration and carbon stable isotope the CO2 sources of soil profiles developed on limestone, dolostone and claystone basements in Central Guizhou, China are comparatively studied. The results show that CO2 concentration of soil profiles developed on different basements is different, having the following sequence: limestone>dolostone>claystone. Below the soil depth of 20 cm from the surface the ? 13C value of CO2 in soil profile developed on limestone ranges from -12.811‰ - -13.492‰(PDB), that in soil profile developed on dolostone varys from -13.212‰ - -14.271‰(PDB) and that in soil profile developed on claystone is about -20.234‰ - -21.485‰(PDB). Taking the carbon isotope of soil organic matter and carbonate rock as two isotopic endmembers, the proportion of soil CO2 generated by dissolution of carbonate rock is calculated, about 21%-25% for soil profile developed on limestone basement, 19%-21% for soil profile developed on dolostone basement. There is almost no influx of CO2 generated by the dissolution of carbonate rock in soil profile developed on claystone basement.     

F-phlogopites in the Alban Hills Volcanic District (Central Italy): indications regarding the role of volatiles in magmatic crystallisation

A systematic analysis of micas contained in effusive, pyroclastic and hypabyssal rocks of the Alban Hills Volcanic District (AHVD) (Central Italy) was made in order to characterise minerals of pyroclastic units for tephrostratigraphy and to obtain as much information as possible on the activity of volatiles in this magmatic system. The phlogopite shows a large range of F contents (between 0.50 and 7.50 wt%) that make it possible to discriminate different AHVD lithologies; in particular, micas of lava groundmass are characterised by extremely high F (up to 7.50 wt%) and Ba (up to 9.70 wt%) contents, seldom or never found in other magmatic ultrapotassic rocks. Moreover, the micas of pyroclastics, ultramafic cumulates and holocrystalline inclusions made up of leucite, clinopyroxene and phlogopite (hereafter italites) show Mg/(Mg+Fe) values between 0.65 and 0.90 that are not correlated with F contents. The variations in F contents observed in the AHVD micas do not appear to be due to a “temperature” effect or pressure changes, but they may be due to variations in the H₂O and CO₂ activities in the magma chamber. They make it possible to differentiate three crystallisation environments in the AHVD magmatic system. The first one had elevated CO₂ activity and formed the italites near the carbonate contact; these rocks represent, at least those enriched in clinopyroxene without skarn-minerals, the hypabyssal crystallisation of the AHVD magmas at the periphery of magma chamber. The second one, characterised by a higher water activity, is represented by the micas of the ultramafic cumulates and pyroclastic scorias, and is located in the inner part of magma chamber. The third environment, the groundmass of the lavas, it is not related with the previous ones and is characterised by the absence of water and by a high F activity. In general, our results suggest that the compositional variations observed in the micas (Al, Si, Ti, Ba) reflect different H₂O activities (inversely correlated with F activity) in the magma chamber.     

A Waste Treatment/Disposal Site Evaluation Process for Areas Underlain by Carbonate Aquifers

Fractured carbonate or karst aquifers are highly susceptible to contamination. In Minnesota, the areas underlain by karst aquifers are often characterized by thin soil cover, poorly cased wells and/or collapse features. When coupled with improper land use decisions these aquifers have become extensively contaminated.
Evaluation of existing or potentially contaminated sites has required development of unique site evaluation techniques or combinations of techniques. Shallow geophysics have been used successfully to determine subsurface karst features, pinpoint locations for additional investigations and evaluate pump-test data. Soil texture, density and relative moisture content have been closely examined and criteria established to evaluate subsurface erosion susceptibility. Percent rock core recovery, mechanical response of drilling and drilling fluid loss have been used to characterize the secondary porosity and potential contamination susceptibility of the carbonate rock. Dye tracing via surface sinks and well injection have determined primary flow paths and have been useful in estimating flow times.
These techniques used solely or in conjunction have been very useful in evaluating contamination existing in the aquifers and as a predictive tool to evaluate the proposed land uses impacts.