Archean metaterrigenous rocks: Major geochemical constraints

The paper summarizes data on the geochemistry of metaterrigenous rocks from 26 reference Archean territories: the Pilbara and Yilgarn blocks; Isua and Akilia complexes; Wittwatersrand, Swaziland, Pongola, and Yellowknife supergroups; Khapchanskaya and Gimol’skaya groups; Kan, Sharyzhalgai, Chupa, Slyudyanka, and Onot complexes; etc. The general sets of data points and the calculated median values of the concentrations of trace elements and their ratios are compared to those of Archean and post-Archean shales. In Ce/Cr-Co/Hf, Eu/Eu*-Gd_N/Yb_N, Ce/Cr-Th/Sc, Th/Sc-Sc, Th-La, La/Sm-Sc/Th, Yb-Gd_N/Yb_N, Th/Sc-Cr, Ni-Cr, and some other diagrams, the fields in which the most data points of Archean metaterrigenous rocks group are outlined. The results of this research indicate that there are no values of geochemical parameters that are inherent only in Archean or only in post-Archean fine-grained terrigenous rocks. Within 80–85% confidence levels, most individual compositions of Archean metaterrigenous rocks are characterized by the following geochemical parameters: (1) Th/Sc < 0.6–0.7, (2) Ce/Cr < 0.6, and (3) Eu/Eu* > 0.70–0.75. If the median values are used, these ranges can be further constrained to (i) Th/Sc < 0.55, (ii) Ce/Cr < 0.4, (iii) Cr/Th > 25, and (iv) Th < 12 ppm. Compared to PAAS, Archean metaterrigenous rocks are characterized by higher median concentrations of Cr and Ni and the Eu/Eu*, Sc/Th, Cr/Th, and Co/Hf ratios, whereas the Nb, La, Ce, Yb, Hf, Th, and U concentrations and the La/Sm and Ce/Cr ratios of PAAS are, conversely, lower. The median values of the La_N/Yb_N ratios of reference Archean terranes can be either higher or lower than in PAAS, likely depending on the proportions of various rock types in the sources of the terrigenous material. The medians of the Gd_N/Yb_N ratios of ～60% of the reference Archean metaterrigenous terranes in our databank are slightly higher than the Gd_N/Yb_N ratios of PAAS. The median values of the La_N/Sm_N ratios of Archean terrigenous rocks are mostly slightly lower than the typical PAAS ratios.     

Geochemistry and mineralogy of the Al-rich shale from Baluti formation,Iraqi Kurdistan region: implications for weathering and provenance

The mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of the Upper Triassic Baluti shale from the Northern Thrust Zone (Sararu section) and High Folded Zone (Sarki section) Kurdistan Region, Iraq, have been investigated to constrain their paleoweathering, provenance, tectonic setting, and depositional redox conditions. The clay mineral assemblages are dominated by kaolinite, illite, mixed layers illite/smectite at Sararu section, and illite > smectite with traces of kaolinite at Sarki. Illite, to be noted, is within the zone of diagenesis. The non-clay minerals are dominated by calcite with minor amounts of quartz and muscovite in Sararu shale; and are dominated by dolomite with amounts of calcite and quartz in Sarki shale. Baluti shale is classified as Al-rich based on major and minor elements. The chemical index of alteration (CIA) is significantly higher in the Sararu than the Sarki shales, suggesting more intense weathering of the Sararu than the Sarki shales. The index of compositional variability (ICV) of the Sararu shale is less than 1 (suggesting it is compositionally mature and was deposited in a tectonically quiescent setting). More than 1 for Sarki shales (suggest it is less mature and deposited in a tectonically active setting). Most shale of the Baluti plot parallel and along the A-K line in A-CN-K plots suggest intense chemical weathering (high CIA) without any clear-cut evidence of K-metasomatism. Clay mineral data, Al enrichment, CIA values, and A-CN-K plot suggest that the source area experienced high degree of chemical weathering under warm and humid conditions, especially in Sararu. Elemental ratios critical of provenance (La/Sc, Th/Sc, Th/Cr, Th/Co, Ce/Ce*_PN, Eu/Eu*_PN, and Eu/Eu*_CN) shows slight difference between the Sararu and Sarki shales; and the ratios are similar to fine fractions derived from the weathering of mostly felsic rocks. The Eu/Eu^* _CN, Th/Sc, and low K₂O/Al₂O₃ ratios of most shales suggest weathering from mostly a granodiorite source rather than a granite source, consistent with a source from old upper continental crust. Discrimination diagrams based on major and trace element content point to a role of the felsic-intermediate sources for the deposition of Baluti Formation, and probably mixed with mafic source rocks at Sararu section. The chondrite-normalized rare earth elements (REE) patterns are similar to those of PAAS, with light REE enrichment, a negative Eu anomaly, and almost flat heavy REE pattern similar to those of a source rock with felsic components. The source of sediments for the Baluti Formation was likely the Rutba Uplift and/or the plutonic-metamorphic complexes of the Arabian Shield located to the southwest of the basin; whereas the Sararu shale was affected by the mafic rocks of the Bitlis-Avroman-Bisitoun Ridge to the northeast of Arabian Plate. The tectonic discrimination diagrams, as well as critical trace and REE characteristic parameters imply rift and active setting for the depositional basin of the shale of Baluti Formation. The geochemical parameters such as U/Th, V/Cr, V/Sc, and Cu/Zn ratios indicate that these shales were deposited under oxic environment and also show that Sarki shale was deposited under more oxic environment than Sararu.     

Provenance and tectonic setting of the Lower Cambrian Niutitang formation shales in the Yangtze platform,South China: Implications for depositional setting of shales

Geochemical compositions of the Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation shales in the southeastern Yangtze Platform margin were investigated for provenance, tectonic setting, and depositional environment. The shale samples are characterized by higher abundances of large ion lithophile elements (Cs, Ba, and Pb), lower abundances of high field strength elements (Cr, Sc, and Co) and transition elements (Th, Zr, Hf, Nb, and Ta) relative to average shale. North American shale composition (NASC) -normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns are observed, with negative Ce anomalies, negative Eu anomalies, and positive Y anomalies. The chemical index of alteration (CIA) varies from 68.67–74.93. Alkali and alkaline element contents and CIA values suggest that the source rocks have undergone moderate weathering. The index of compositional variability (ICV), Zr/Sc and Th/Sc ratios vary from 0.53 to 1.07, 5.31 to 8.18 and 0.52–1.02, respectively. ICV values and relationships between Zr/Sc and Th/Sc ratios indicate negligible sedimentary recycling. The Al₂O₃/TiO₂ (14–26) and TiO₂/Zr (56–77) ratios imply that the source rocks of the investigated shales had intermediate igneous compositions. However, Cr/V ratios and a La/Th–Hf discrimination diagram suggest that the intermediate compositional signal of the source rocks was derived from a mixture of 75% mafic and 25% felsic igneous rocks rather than intermediate igneous rocks. The major source was the Jiangnan continental island arc with bimodal igneous rocks, lying to the south of the study area, together with a contribution from granites and gneisses uplifted and eroded in the Yangtze Block. Discrimination of tectonic setting using major and trace elements indicates that the source rocks originated in a transitional setting from active continental to passive margin, consistent with the failed intracontinental rift model for the evolution of the South China plate. The Niutitang Formation shales were deposited in a rift basin setting under conditions of anoxic bottom water in a redox-stratified water column, with organic-rich shales prospective for shale-gas production being found in deep-water downslope and basin environments rather than the shallow-water shelf.     

北羌塘三叠系康鲁组沉积岩地球化学特征及其物源区和构造背景分析

沉积盆地中碎屑沉积岩的地球化学特征主要受物源区的制约。对北羌塘盆地三叠系康鲁组碎屑沉积岩进行全岩测试,分析表明,样品的成分变异指数(ICV)和化学蚀变指数(CIA)变化不大,反映其源区物质较新鲜,成熟度相对较低,化学风化作用较弱-中等。岩石SiO₂含量普遍较高,TFe₂O₃+MgO含量相对较高,但K₂O/Na₂O比值变化较大。微量元素标准化蛛网图与后太古代页岩和上地壳相似,且REE配分模式图显示富集LREE,δEu明显负异常以及δCe呈弱负异常。此外,Th/U、La/Sc、Th/Sc、Ba/Sr等微量元素比值以及TiO₂-Ni、La/Th-Hf、Co/Th-La/Sc和Th/Sc-La/Sc判别图表明沉积物物源具有浅源、长英质的特征。沉积岩的SiO₂-K₂O/Na₂O、La-Th、La/Y-Sc/Cr双变量图解和La-Th-Sc、Th-Sc-Zr/10、Th-Co-Zr/10三变量图解,以及Th/U、Rb/Sr等比值特征表明北羌塘三叠系康鲁组沉积砂岩的物源区构造背景以大陆岛弧为主,兼有大洋岛弧和被动大陆边缘构造背景特征。     

华北北部中元古界洪水庄组页岩地球化学特征： 物源及其风化作用

华北北部洪水庄组黑色页岩是中元古代的富有机质沉积,它可能记录了当时重要的地球化学信息。通过对洪水庄组页岩中的常量和微量元素特征的分析,研究了洪水庄组的物源及其风化作用。高Th/Sc、Al2O3/TiO2、La/Sc、La/Cr、La/Co、Th/Cr和Th/Co值,低Cr/Zr和TiO2/Zr比值,Euan值、Co/Y Ti/Zr关系和La Th Sc组成表明洪水庄组页岩物源主要为上地壳中的长英质花岗闪长岩。洪水庄组页岩的Al、Ca、Na和K组成表明其具有较高的化学蚀变指数（CIA）,同时,元素组成的化学风化作用轨迹反映了洪水庄组页岩受到钾交代作用的影响,可能导致CIA值被低估,其原始CIA值应在90以上。高的原始CIA、化学风化指数（CIW）和斜长石蚀变指数（PIA）表明洪水庄组物源区经历了强烈的化学风化作用。化学风化作用强度以及微量元素组成特征揭示了中元古代洪水庄组沉积时期可能处于温暖潮湿的气候条件,这与中元古代时期大气高CO2浓度以及华北板块古大陆当时位于低纬度地区重建的结果不谋而合。     

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

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

Geochemical characteristics of sandstones from Cretaceous Garudamangalam area of Ariyalur,Tamilnadu, India: Implications of provenance and tectonic setting

The Trichinopoly Group (later redesignated as Garudamangalam) has unconformable relationship with underlying Uttatur Group and is divided into lower Kulakanattam Formation and upper Anaipadi Formation. These calcareous sandstones are analysed major, trace and rare earth elements (REEs) to find out CIA, CIW, provenance and tectonic setting. The silica content of fossiliferous calcareous sandstone show wide variation ranging from 12.93 to 42.56%. Alumina content ranged from 3.49 to 8.47%. Higher values of Fe₂O₃ (2.29–22.02%) and low MgO content (0.75–2.44%) are observed in the Garudamangalam Formation. CaO (23.53–45.90) is high in these sandstones due to the presence of calcite as cementing material. Major element geochemistry of clastic rocks (Al₂O₃ vs. Na₂O) plot and trace elemental ratio (Th/U) reveal the moderate to intense weathering of the source rocks. The Cr/Zr ratio of clastic rocks reveal with an average of 1.74 suggesting of felsic provenance. In clastic rocks, high ratios of \(\sum \)LREE/\(\sum \)HREE, La/Sc, Th/Sc, Th/Co, La/Co and low ratios of Cr/Zr, and positive Eu anomaly ranges from (Eu/Eu* = 1.87–5.30) reveal felsic nature of the source rocks.     

Geochemical tracers of source rocks in a Cretaceous to Quaternary sedimentary sequence (Eastern Sierras Pampeanas,Argentina)

Metamorphic rocks, granitic rocks, and sediments from the Eastern Sierras Pampanas, Argentina, were analyzed for major and trace element concentrations, including rare earth elements (REE). Parental rocks exhibit distinctive REE normalized diagram patterns and elemental ratios, and some elemental ratios reveal significant differences between rock sources. For example, ratios such as Th/Sc, Cr/Th, and La/Cr have a mean value of 0.7, 8.4 and 0.4 in metamorphic rocks, whereas granitic rocks exhibit means of 1.4, 0.7 and 4.9, respectively. These ratios are also useful in linking detrital materials with the corresponding parental rocks. Metamorphic sources yield sediments with lower Th/Sc and La/Cr, and higher Cr/Th ratios than sediments derived from granitic sources. REE and other elements are enriched in the silt-size fraction, whereas they are diluted by quartz in the sand-size fraction.The size of the Eu/Eu* anomaly can be used as a stratigraphical correlation tool in the sedimentary record: Cretaceous rocks show a mean value of 0.9±0.1, whereas Tertiary rocks have a mean value of 2.9±0.3. The Eu anomaly in Quaternary and modern sediments ranges from 0.5 to 0.8.     

Trace element characteristics of graywackes and tectonic setting discrimination of sedimentary basins

The graywackes of Paleozoic turbidite sequences of eastern Australia show a large variation in their trace element characteristics, which reflect distinct provenance types and tectonic settings for various suites. The tectonic settings recognised are oceanic island arc, continental island arc, active continental margin, and passive margins. Immobile trace elements, e.g. La, Ce, Nd, Th, Zr, Nb, Y, Sc and Co are very useful in tectonic setting discrimination. In general, there is a systematic increase in light rare earth elements (La, Ce, Nd), Th, Nb and the Ba/Sr, Rb/Sr, La/Y and Ni/Co ratios and a decrease in V, Sc and the Ba/Rb, K/Th and K/U ratios in graywackes from oceanic island arc to continental island arc to active continental margin to passive margin settings. On the basis of graywacke geochemistry, the optimum discrimination of the tectonic settings of sedimentary basins is achieved by La-Th, La-Th-Sc, Ti/Zr-La/Sc, La/Y-Sc/Cr, Th-Sc-Zr/10 and Th-Co-Zr/10 plots. The analysed oceanic island arc graywackes are characterised by extremely low abundances of La, Th, U, Zr, Nb; low Th/U and high La/Sc, La/Th, Ti/Zr, Zr/Th ratios. The studied graywackes of the continental island arc type setting are characterised by increased abundances of La, Th, U, Zr and Nb, and can be identified by the La-Th-Sc and La/Sc versus Ti/Zr plots. Active continental margin and passive margin graywackes are discriminated by the Th-Sc-Zr/10 and Th-Co-Zr/10 plots and associated parameters (e.g. Th/Zr, Th/Sc). The most important characteristic of the analysed passive margin type graywackes is the increased abundance of Zr, high Zr/Th and lower Ba, Rb, Sr and Ti/Zr ratio compared to the active continental margin graywackes.     

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

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

Geochemistry of Lower Cretaceous limestones of the Alisitos Formation,Baja California,México: Implications for REE source and paleo-redox conditions

Measurement of the major and trace elements were carried out on the Lower Cretaceous limestones interbedded in the volcano-sedimentary Alisitos Formation, northwestern México to understand the source of rare earth elements (REEs) and paleo-redox conditions. The five limestone beds (from the base up, Unit 5 to Unit 9) of the Alisitos Formation show large variations in SiO₂ content (0.9–27.9%). A low concentration of CaO is observed in Unit 6 and Unit 8, and high content of CaO is observed in Unit 5, Unit 7 and Unit 9. The limestones are depleted in many trace elements with respect to Post-Archaean Australian Shale (PAAS), whereas Sr shows slight enrichment when compared to PAAS. The concentrations of ΣREE are higher in Unit 6 and Unit 8 (37.4 ± 7.5; 46.6 ± 19.4; respectively) than Unit5, Unit7, and Unit 9 (9.1 ± 3.2; 11.3 ± 9.4; 4.2 ± 2.5; respectively). The limestones of the Alisitos Formation show a non-seawater-like REE + Y pattern with positive Eu anomalies relative to PAAS (0.95–2.47). Variations in ΣREE, Al₂O₃, Zr, Sc, REE + Y patterns, and Y/Ho ratios are influenced mainly by the amount of terrigenous materials. The variations in the Eu/Eu*, La/Sc and La/Co suggest that the terrigenous materials included in the lower four limestone beds (from Unit 5, Unit 6, Unit 7 and Unit 8) were likely contributed by intermediate to felsic rocks whereas terrigenous materials from Unit 9 were derived from mafic to intermediate source rocks. The slightly negative to slightly positive Ce anomalies in the studied limestones resulted from variations in the bottom water oxygenation. This was also corroborated by V/Cr and Ni/Co ratios suggesting that the depositional environments experienced large fluctuations in oxygenation conditions ranging from oxic to anoxic conditions during the deposition of limestones of the Alisitos Formation.     

Provenance of sandstones from the Neoproterozoic Bombouaka Group of the Volta Basin,northeastern Ghana

The provenance and tectonic setting of sandstones from the Bombouaka Group of the Voltaian Supergroup, in the northeastern part of Ghana, have been constrained from their petrography and whole-rock geochemistry. Modal analysis carried out by point-counting sandstone samples indicates that they are quartz arenites. The index of compositional variability values and SiO₂/Al₂O₃, Zr/Sc, and Th/Sc values indicates that the sediments are mature. The sandstones are depleted in CaO and Na₂O. They are, however, enriched in K₂O, Ba, and Rb relative to average Neoproterozoic upper crust. These characteristics reflect intense chemical weathering in the source region as proven by high weathering indices (i.e., CIA, PIA, and CIW). In comparison with average Neoproterozoic upper crust, the sandstones show depletion by transition metals and enrichment by high field strength elements. They generally show chondrite-normalized fractionated light rare-earth element (LREE) patterns (average La_N/Sm_N = 4.40), negative Eu anomalies (average Eu/Eu* = 0.61), and generally flat heavy rare-earth elements (HREE) (average Gd_N/Yb_N = 1.13). The sandstones have La/Sc, Th/Sc, La/Co, Th/Co, Th/Cr, and Eu/Eu* ratios similar to those of sandstones derived from felsic source. Mixing calculations using the rare-earth elements (REE) suggests 48% tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite and 52% granite as possible proportions for the source of the sandstones. Both the petrographic and whole-rock geochemical data point to a passive margin setting for the sandstones from the Bombouaka Group.     

Mineralogical and chemical changes of soil and stream sediment formed by intense weathering of the Danburg granite, Georgia, U.S.A.

A series of soil and stream sediments developed during intense weathering on the metaluminous Danburg granite, northeastern Georgia, U.S.A., have been analyzed mineralogically and chemically. The concentrations of Ba, Na, Rb and Cs in the silt and coarser fractions are controlled mainly by feldspars and biotite. Hf is controlled by zircon, and the REE (rare-earth elements) and Th are largely controlled by sphene. Variations in feldspar, sphene and zircon may produce small variations in Eu/Sm and La/Lu ratios. Ferromagnesian minerals control Ta, Fe, Co, Sc and Cr concentrations.

The mineralogical and chemical composition of the Danburg granite is more closely reflected in the silt than in the sand or gravel fractions of stream sediments. In the silt, the contents of Rb, REE, Th, Ta, Fe, Co and Sc and the ratios of La/Sc, Th/Sc, La/Co, Th/Co, Eu/Sm and La/Lu are similar to those in the unweathered granite. In contrast, these element contents or ratios in the sands and gravels are 0.05−3× the concentration in the unweathered granite. Ta and Ba contents are an exception to the above. The Ta and Ba contents of the sands and gravels are similar to those of the granite.

In the kaolinite-halloysite clays, the content of Na is depleted relative to the source. Rb, Cs, Ba, Hf and Ta are depleted or enriched in the clays relative to the source, while the REE, Th, Fe, Co, Sc and Cr are enriched. The Eu/Sm (Eu anomaly size) and La/Lu ratios, and the REE patterns of the clays are similar to those of the source.

Thus, the mineralogy and element contents of a siltstone developed from metaluminous, granitic sources during intense weathering would be expected to be more similar to the source rock than the sandstones and conglomerates. Claystones should contain similar REE patterns and Eu/Sm ratios as the source rock, but such fine-grained sediments might represent much larger areas of source rocks than the more locally derived sandstones or conglomerates.     

广西来宾栖霞组缺氧沉积环境的地球化学特征

地层的岩石地球化学特征是判断其形成环境氧化还原条件的重要手段之一，笔者对广西来宾铁桥剖面栖霞组中层纹状灰岩和含泥质灰岩进行岩石地球化学分析，结合栖霞组积学和古生态学特征，对栖霞组沉积环境进行了探讨，岩石微量元素含量、黄铁矿矿化程的DOP值、痕量元素V/Cr、Ni/Co、U/Th、V/（V Ni)等比值的研究结果显示，研究区具有缺氧沉积成因地球化学特征，是由温度引起的季节性盆氧。     

豫西伊川地区中元古界兵马沟组泥质岩地球化学特征及其环境与物源示踪

华北克拉通南缘古-中元古代构造-沉积演化的俯冲说、裂解说之争由来已久,兵马沟组作为熊耳群形成后的第一套碎 屑沉积岩层,对解释上述过程有重要意义。该文通过对豫西伊川地区的兵马沟组泥质岩微量及稀土元素的地球化学特征分析, 探讨了其沉积环境、物源,进而揭示了其发育的大地构造背景。结果表明：（1）兵马沟组泥质岩稀土元素含量高,球粒陨石标准 化后轻重稀土分异明显,δEu负异常,δCe异常不明显,富集Rb、Th、La、Ce、Nd、Zr、Hf 等,较上地壳平均值富集Sc、V、Cr、Co、Ni、 Rb;（2）Ceanom指数、V/V + Ni反映了泥质岩沉积时的还原环境,Sr/Ba、B/Ga表明其为由陆相至海相的过渡型沉积;（3）Cr/Zr、Th/U 等元素比值关系反应其物源无深部物质加入,La/Yb-Ce、Co/Th-La/Sc图解表明物源为中酸性火山岩及少量稳定陆壳物质; （4）Th-Sc-Zr/10、Th-Co-Zr/10图解表明其物源主要来自大陆岛弧。综合上述分析结果,结合区域地质信息,可以得出中元古界 兵马沟组形成于大陆岛弧弧后盆地,熊耳群分布区为中元古代俯冲成因的大陆岛弧区。     

Petrography and geochemistry of Jurassic sandstones from the Jhuran Formation of Jara dome,Kachchh basin,India: Implications for provenance and tectonic setting

Sandstones of Jhuran Formation from Jara dome, western Kachchh, Gujarat, India were studied for major, trace and rare earth element (REE) geochemistry to deduce their paleo-weathering, tectonic setting, source rock characteristics and provenance. Petrographic analysis shows that sandstones are having quartz grains with minor amount of K-feldspar and lithic fragments in the modal ratio of Q ₈₉:F ₇:L ₄. On the basis of geochemical results, sandstones are classified into arkose, sub-litharenite, wacke and quartz arenite. The corrected CIA values indicate that the weathering at source region was moderate to intense. The distribution of major and REE elements in the samples normalized to upper continental crust (UCC) and chondrite values indicate similar pattern of UCC. The tectonic discrimination diagram based on the elemental concentrations and elemental ratios of Fe₂O₃ + MgOvs. TiO₂, SiO₂ vs. log(K₂O/Na₂O), Sc/Cr vs. La/Y, Th–Sc–Zr/10, La–Th–Sc plots Jhuran Formation samples in continental rift and collision settings. The plots of Ni against TiO₂, La/Sc vs. Th/Co and V–Ni–Th ?10 reveals that the sediments of Jhuran Formation were derived from felsic rock sources. Additionally, the diagram of (Gd/Yb) _N against Eu/Eu ^? suggest the post-Archean provenance as source possibly Nagar Parkar complex for the studied samples.     

Geochemistry of the Eocene limestones of the Jaisalmer basin,Rajasthan, India: Implications on depositional conditions and sources of rare earth elements

Major, trace and rare earth elements (REE) concentration of the Eocene limestones, Jaisalmer Basin, Rajasthan, India are analysed to reconstruct the depositional conditions and to identify sources of REEs. Among the major oxides, CaO is the dominant oxide followed by SiO₂ in the studied limestones. Trace element Ba dominates over the other trace elements and it shows negative correlation with CaO. The Sr, occurring in small concentration, shows positive correlation with CaO. Other trace elements such as V, Zr, Sc, Y, Rb, Ni, Pb Co, Cu, U occur in small concentrations. The studied limestones show a positive correlation of ΣREE with Fe₂O₃, Ni, Th, Sc, and Y. These limestones possess sea-water like shale-normalized REE + Y pattern with light REE depletion, slight Gd enrichment, slightly positive La anomaly, positive Y anomaly, positive Eu anomaly, negative Ce anomaly and superchondritic Y/Ho ratio from 23.12 to 28.57. The dominance of CaO and low percentage of MgO suggest that mineral phase is calcite and there is absence of dolomitization. The occurrence of SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ in appreciable percentages may be because of the siliciclastic input during the limestone precipiatetion. The low concentration of Uranium (0.4-3.7) and authigenic Uranium (Average Total U-Th/3 value = 0.74) indicate that the studied limestones were precipitated in oxic condition from seawater. The depletion of LREE suggests that the limestones were precipitated from the seawater. The positive correlation of ΣREE with Al₂O₃ Fe₂O₃, Ni, Th, Sc, and Y and negative correlation with CaO suggest an input of siliciclastic sediments from the land during limestone precipitation. The negative Ce anomaly, slightly positive La anomaly, slight Gd enrichment, positive Y anomaly, and positive Eu anomaly also suggest that the limestone was precipitated from the seawater with some siliciclastic input from continent. The low values of the Y/Ho ratio (23.12 to 28.57) in the studied limestones suggest some modification of the seawater by the input of freshwater in a coastal environment. The REEs of the studied limestones are correlable with the shallow sea water REEs with exception of a few elements. We envisage a coastal/shallow marine depositional environment where mixing of the continental material in sea water appears feasible.     

中国华南渝东北城口地区下寒武统烃源岩发育环境与形成机制

上扬子地台北缘发育下寒武统黑色页岩,沉积厚度大、有机碳含量高,是一套重要的烃源岩,具有重要的勘探价值。恢复其发育环境和碎屑物源,对烃源岩分布预测具有重要意义。通过对华南渝东北城口地区野外露头系统取样并开展地球化学测试,研究了黑色页岩的形成环境与物源供应,探讨气候变化与陆源输入对黑色页岩形成的控制作用,重建优质烃源岩的形成过程。分析结果表明,黑色页岩具有高的Al₂O₃含量（7.38%~13.90%）、K₂O含量（1.01%~2.93%）、Na₂O含量（1.98%~2.88%）和总Fe₂O₃含量（2.35%~5.36%）,富集V（平均值为242 μg/g）、Cr（平均值为83 μg/g）、Ni（平均值为58 μg/g）等微量元素。CIA、K/Al和Rb/Al指示黑色页岩沉积期气候为温暖湿润,V/Cr、U/Th、Ce/Ce*、Mo_EF?U_EF指沉积水体经历缺氧→次氧化→缺氧→次氧化四个阶段,正Eu/Eu*异常指示早期存在海底热水活动,Th/Sc?Zr/Sc图表明黑色页岩沉积组分未经历再循环过程,可以有效判别源区;Co/Th?La/Sc图和La/Th?Hf图确定黑色页岩存在长英质和铁镁质两种源岩类型,并且汉南古陆是有效物源区。     

Trace and rare earth element geochemistry of the Upper Triassic mudstones in the southern Ordos Basin,Central China

Oil‐source correlation studies have demonstrated that the crude oils in the Ordos Basin were mainly derived from organic‐rich lacustrine mudstones of the Yanchang Formation. The sedimentology, petrology and organic geochemistry of these mudstones have been studied intensively, but their trace and rare earth element (REE) characteristics have received little attention. In this paper, we present trace and rare earth element data of the Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation mudstones in the southern Ordos Basin to constrain the palaeoenvironment, provenance and depositional setting. Our results show that the REE and trace element concentrations of the Yanchang Formation mudstones are higher than those of the upper continental crust (UCC). The Sr contents and Sr/Ba and Y/Ho ratios of these mudstones indicate the absence of a marine transgression during the sedimentation of the Upper Triassic mudstones. The depositional environment of the Upper Triassic mudstones was slightly oxic as evidenced by the values of Eu/Eu*, Ce/Ce*, Ce_anom, δU, U/Th, V/Cr and Ni/Co. The UCC‐normalized distribution pattern of REEs, spider diagrams, the ratios of related elements, the bivariate diagrams of Th/Sc–Zr/Sc and La/Th–Hf and the ternary plots of La–Th–Sc and Th–Sc–Zr/10 signify that the provenances of the Chang9–7 mudstones were mainly derived from a continental island arc, whereas the provenances of the Chang6–3 mudstones were mainly derived from a mixture of continental island arc and active continental margin, and the latter contain less recycled materials. Combined with the previous studies of detrital zircon dating and petrography of the Yanchang Formation sandstones in the southern Ordos basin, we propose that the Qinling orogenic belt served as one of the primary source regions occurring between the Chang7 and Chang6 periods, corresponding to the initial uplift of the west Qinling Mountains due to the collision between the Yangtze and North China blocks. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.