Detrital modes of recent deep-sea sands and their relation to tectonic setting: a first approximation

Complete petrographic analyses of modern deep-sea sands are surprisingly rare, but are needed if problems such as the influence of tectonics on petrology, or changes in petrology due to diagenesis, are to be understood in ancient sandstones. This paper is a first attempt, using data from our own study of 80 sands plus data from the literature, to establish a baseline for modern deep-sea sands with which ancient sandstones can be compared. We assigned sands to five plate-tectonic categories, each of which has a distinct average petrologic composition: (1) basins associated with trailing-edge continental margins, Q₆₂F₂₆L₁₂; (2) with leading-edge continental margins, either subduction, Q₁₆F₅₃L₃₁, or (3) strike-slip, Q₃₄F₃₉L₂₇; (4) back-arc basins, Q₂₀F₂₉L₅₁; (5) fore-arc basins, Q₈F₁₇L₇₅. The amount and type of lithic fragments and the type of feldspar are particularly important discriminators, the amount of quartz less so. Trailing-edge and fore-arc basins have quite distinctive compositions, but back-arc basins and basins near the two types of leading-edge margins show some overlap, and thus may be hard to differentiate in ancient sandstones.     

Petrology of glacial sand: implications for the origin and mechanical durability of lithic fragments

The petrology of first cycle (unmodified) and second cycle (reworked) sand at the termini of eleven valley glaciers eroding coarse- to fine-grained bedrock types is determined in order to evaluate the origin and mechanical durability of lithic sands. First cycle sands are coarse- to medium-grained, poorly sorted, fine-skewed, non-modal lithic sands with an average composition of Q₂₁F₆L₇₃. Grain-size distributions do not vary with composition or source rock types, although sands derived from finer grained source rocks contain more lithic fragments than sands from coarser grained sources. By contrast, second cycle sands are medium-grained, poorly sorted, fine- to coarse-skewed arkosic to lithic sands with an average composition of Q₁₉F₄₀L₄₁, and contain fewer lithic fragments than do first cycle sands. We propose that the origin, mechanical durability and survival potential of lithic fragments are related to the types and abundances of their internal planes of weakness, and the particular stress field of the transporting medium. As a result of abrasion, glacial clasts and lithic fragments are subjected to shear stress so that fractures propagate along intracrystal and intercrystal planes of weakness resulting in a continuous grain-size spectrum of lithic fragments and monomineralic grains irrespective of the type of source rock. Upon subsequent aqueous transport in the proglacial environment lithic fragments are subjected to point-loading during saltation in addition to shear stress. Point-loading produces extensional fractures which preferentially propagate along intercrystal planes of weakness, so the lithic fragments break into smaller monomineralic grains and/or lithic fragments. Lithic fragments of very coarse sand-size are abundant in first cycle sands, thus refuting, at least for glacial sands, the widely held view that grains of this size are deficient in nature. The presence of fewer grains of this size in second cycle sands indicates that very coarse sand-size lithic fragments can survive recycling, but in greatly reduced proportions due to breakage.     

Provenance and tectonic setting of the Jurassic Huayacocotla Formation and Alamitos Sandstone,Central Mexico

We present a modified model for the paleogeographic evolution of Mexico during Early and Late Jurassic time that is constrained by the tectonic setting and the weathering conditions of the Early Jurassic Huayacocotla Formation and Late Jurassic Alamitos Sandstone basins in state San Luis Potosí in central Mexico. Framework petrography constrains feldspato-quartzose sandstone (mean of Q₆₈F₂₂L₁₀) and litho-quartzose (mean of Q₇₅F₆L₁₉) sandstone compositions for the two units, respectively. The abundant lithic fragments are totally dominated by volcanic fragments. Quartz cathodoluminescence colours and textures from the Alamitos Sandstone supports a large input of volcanic material, but also indicates the presence of metamorphic quartz. Similarly, the geochemical composition is more mafic for the Huayacocotla Formation (Th/Sc: ˜0.6 and Cr/Th: ˜10) than for the Alamitos Sandstone (Th/Sc: ˜1.1 and Cr/Th: ˜48). Also the weathering conditions were less intense during the Early (CIA: ˜60, PIA: ˜61) than the Late Jurassic (CIA ˜85, PIA ˜97). Well preserved lithic fragments and feldspar grains, particularly in the Huayacocotla Formation, indicate that weathering indeed was minor for this unit. We interpret the difference between the two units as a combined result of climate change and tectonic setting. During the Early Jurassic, transport of volcanic detritus probably dominated from the active Nazas arc in the west. Later, additional sources from the metamorphic basement of Mexico were included. During Late Jurassic time strike-slip faulting related to the opening of the Gulf of Mexico may have re-directed the sediment-transport systems. Finally, the degree of weathering was affected by drastic climatic change from arid to humid tropical conditions during the Middle to Upper Jurassic, possibly related to the first incursions of Gulf of Mexico marine environments linked to the rotation of the Yucatan block.     

Petrography and geochemistry of the Upper Cretaceous Nubia sandstones,Eastern Desert,Egypt: implications for provenance,paleoweathering, and tectonic setting

The provenance of the Upper Cretaceous Nubia sandstones from four vertical sections along Qena-Safaga and Qena-Quseir roads in central Eastern Desert of Egypt was investigated based on their modal composition and geochemical data. The Nubia sandstone samples are abundant in quartz content with low feldspar and lithic fragments. Their average modal composition (Q_94.2F_1.3R_4.5) classifies them as quartz arenites with subordinate quartz wackes which is consistent with geochemistry data. The average CIA, CIW, PIA, and Th/U ratio values revealed that the intensity of weathering in the studied areas was similar, varying from moderate to intensive weathering, and may reflect low-relief and warm humid climatic conditions in the source area. The ICV (<?1) and SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratio (>?5) indicate that the Nubia sandstones are texturally and mineralogically mature. The petrographical and geochemical analyses suggest that the Nubia sandstones were mainly derived from felsic (granitic) and/or recycled sand sources. The major element-based multidimensional tectonic discrimination diagrams suggested the Nubia sandstones were deposited in a passive continental margin of a syn-rift basin. This result agreed with the general geology of central Eastern Desert of Egypt during the Upper Cretaceous.     

Petromineralogic and rock magnetic aspects of clastic sedimentation in the Surma basin, Mizoram

We present here comprehensive petromineralogic, mineral magnetic and lithologic observations from five stratigraphic sections representing the Barail Group, Middle and Upper units of Bhuban Formation, Bokabil Formation and Tipam Group in the Mizoram area. These stratigraphic units mainly display interplay of the grey and buff colored sandstones of the clast compositions varying from sub-lithic to lithic arenites (Q₇₉F₄L₁₇ to Q₅₅F₃L₄₂) including sedimentary, meta-sedimentary and subordinate igneous rock fragments. The buff sandstones with higher lithic fragments [Q₆₉F₄L₂₇ (Ls₆₁Lm₃₈Lv₁)] are dominated by recycled components with higher clast angularity (VA₁A₁₅SA₅₁SR₂₄R₈WR_0.4) relative to the grey sandstones. Mineral magnetic studies decipher bimodal (ferri- and antiferromagnetic) mineralogy with higher concentration in buff sandstones relative to the unimodal ferrimagnetic nature of the grey sandstones. The study infers that the buff sandstones mark the regressive phases driven by hinterland uplifts; whereas the growth of the grey sandstone facies is marked by transgressive basinal processes. Gradual increase in the frequency and appearance of the buff sandstones in the Surma stratigraphy, therefore, can be related to the evolution of the Indo-Burmese ranges.     

Detrital carbonate grains as provenance indicators in the Upper Cretaceous Pietraforte Formation (northern Apennines)

The Upper Cretaceous Pietraforte Formation, an allochthonous unit of the Ligurian domain in the northern Apennines, provides a case study of the importance of detrital carbonate grains for provenance determination in sandstones. The Pietraforte Formation is composed of turbidite sandstones with subordinate conglomerate, deposited in an external sector of the Ligurian ocean, close to the Adriatic margin. The sandstones have a lithic composition, characterized by abundant sedimentary and metasedimentary rock fragments (35–56% of the terrigenous framework), little feldspar (<7%) that is almost exclusively plagioclase, and a high ratio of fine- to coarse-grained polycrystalline quartzose grains to total quartzose grains (average Q_p/Q_t=0.37). Carbonate rock fragments dominate the lithic association of both sandstones and conglomerates and provide the most detailed information for provenance determination. They are composed primarily of dolostones and a wide variety of limestones containing identifiable age-diagnostic microfossils. Fossils and rock textures of carbonate clasts document the erosion of Upper Triassic to Lower Cretaceous shelf and pelagic carbonate units which can be matched with Mesozoic rock types present in the Tuscan domain of the northern Apennines. Compositional results constrain the source of the Pietraforte Formation sandstones to the western margin of the Adriatic plate, from uplifted sedimentary and metasedimentary rocks of the Tuscan domain and its low-grade metamorphic basement. Coeval intrabasinal sources provided additional supplies to the depositional basin of the Pietraforte Formation; this intrabasinal supply consists of shelf carbonate allochems, planktonic foraminifera and argillaceous rip-up clasts. The presence of carbonate grains from shallow-water environments may indicate the existence during deposition of marginal shelf areas favourable for carbonate allochem production.     

柴北缘西段古近纪物源体系分析

沉积区物源分析对研究造山带构造演化、盆地沉积过程及划分油气区带等方面具有重要的意义。为了查明柴达木盆地北缘构造带古近纪物源方向,通过对古近系碎屑岩的碎屑组成、岩屑成分、重矿物组合特征和ZTR指数的研究,并结合前人的研究成果,初步确定古近纪柴北缘西段发育五大主力物源区:(1)牛东物源主要来自阿尔金山东段,重矿物组合以稳定且含量较高的电气石区别于邻区,碎屑组分中以石英和含量较高的长石为特征,岩屑中含有少量的碳酸盐岩岩屑;(2)冷北物源主要来自小赛什腾山方向,重矿物组合中榍石和赤铁矿的含量明显偏高,碎屑组分中以高岩屑为特征;(3)赛西物源主要来自赛什腾山西段,电气石和角闪石含量较高,碎屑组分较为均一,母岩以变质岩和火成岩为主,含少量碳酸盐岩岩屑;(4)赛东物源主要来自赛什腾山东段,其白钛矿含量明显高于邻区,碎屑组分以较高含量的石英和长石为主,岩屑类型主要为变质岩、火成岩和沉积岩岩屑;(5)九龙山物源主要来自九龙山和绿梁山地区,石榴石含量高且稳定,碎屑组分较为均一,母岩以变质岩和火成岩为主,含少量的非碳酸盐岩类沉积岩岩屑。     

Mineralogy of arc-derived sediment: siliciclastic sediment on the insular shelf of Puerto Rico

Siliciclastic sediments on the insular shelf of Puerto Rico are derived from a volcanic arc. The sands are feldspatholithic and subquartzose. They confirm predictions about sandstones of arc derivation in the following ways. The quartz content is low, usually less than 25 %. Feldspar is more abundant than quartz, but less so than lithic fragments. If mud rip-up clasts are excluded from the lithic suite, the ratio V/L (volcanic lithic grains to total unstable lithic grains) assumes values near 0.75. Most of the volcanic lithic grains have textures suggesting intermediate volcanics as source rocks. Ratios of plagioclase to total feldspar are high. Values of the parameter C/Q (stable lithic fragments to total lithic grains) are higher than expected for sandstones of volcanic provenance. Four compositionally and areally distinct assemblages of clay minerals are recognized. Clay suites characterized by major concentrations of both halloysite and smectite are found off the north-west coast. Sediments off the north-central and north-east coasts contain major concentrations of halloysite and lesser amounts of smectite, illite and chlorite. Major concentrations of kaolinite are present off the south-east coast. An assemblage of poorly crystallized smectite with lesser amounts of illite and chlorite occurs off the south-west and south-central coasts. Variation in the mineralogic composition of clays around the perimeter of the island reflects changes in the intensity of chemical weathering and the type of rock exposed in the immediate source area and, in instances, either early diagenetic alteration or, more likely, sorting within the clay fraction by currents on the shelf.     

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

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

The effects of diagenesis on the reservoir characters in sandstones of the Late Cretaceous Pab Formation,Kirthar Fold Belt,southern Pakistan

The Maastrichtian Pab Formation in the southern part of Pakistan is composed of fine- to very coarse-grained texturally mature quartz arenite and subordinate sublitharenite varieties. The sandstones have undergone intense and complex diagenetic episodes due to burial and uplift. Diagenetic modifications were dependent mainly on the clastic composition of sandstone, burial depth and thrust tectonics. Diagenetic events identified include compaction, precipitation of calcite, quartz, clay minerals and iron oxide/hydroxide, dissolution and alteration of unstable clastic grains as feldspar and volcaniclithic fragments as well as tectonically induced grain fracturing. The unstable clastic grains like feldspar and lithic volcanic fragments suffered considerable alteration to kaolinite and chlorite. Dissolution and alteration of feldspar and volcanic lithic fragments and pressure solution were the main sources of quartz cements. Mechanical compaction and authigenic cements like calcite, quartz and iron oxide/hydroxide reduced the primary porosity, whereas dissolution of clastic grains and cements has produced secondary porosity. Chlorite coatings on clastic grains have prevented quartz cementation. Coarse-grained, thick bedded packages of fluviodeltaic, shelf delta lobe and submarine channels facies have higher average porosity than fine-grained, thin bedded and bioturbated sandstone of deeper shelf and abyssal plain environments and these facies are concluded to be possible future hydrocarbon prospects.     

Modern sands of South America: composition,provenance and global significance

Standard petrographic methods were used to study 604 modern sands from South America, of which 351 came from rivers and 253 from beaches. In spite of the wide geomorphic contrasts, these sands belong to only three great families: (1) an immature Andean family of lithic arenites rich in volcanic and metamorphic grains that covers about 30% of South America; (2) a cratonic association rich in quartz that covers about 62% of the continent; and (3) a transitional, molasse association, which occurs between these two and covers only about 8% of the continent. The grand arithmetic average Q:F: Rf ratio for the entire continent is 60:11:29 and the area-weighted, carbonate-free average Q_a:F_a:Rf_a is 68:10:22, a superior continental estimate, and the first ever for an entire continent.Rock fragments are the most informative of all the provenance indicators and in South America they range from tropical alterites of the cratonic family through the dominant volcanic and metamorphic grains of the Andean family to biogenic carbonate in beach sands. Carbonate grains are almost totally absent in modern South American rivers because of present day tropical weathering and a long geological evolution that has favored sand production. They are present in many of the beach sands, however, and are most abundant along the tropical Brazilian and Caribbean coasts. Metamorphic grains rival volcanics as earmarks of the Andean family and survive tropical weathering far better than volcanic grains.There is a strong association between continental soil types and the composition of river sand, but the ultimate controls are tectonic history — the ancient landscapes preserved on the Gondwana shields of South America versus the tectonically young landscapes of the Andes — and climate. Climate can either cause leaks to a far distant ocean where weathering is retarded by aridity or it can serve as a barrier to continental sand dispersion, where tropical weathering eliminates unstable grains in transit to the sea.When provenance studies are conducted across an entire, unglaciated continent, events in the far distant past need to be considered when seeking fundamental explanations of its contemporary, surficial sands.     

Diagenesis impact on a deeply buried sandstone reservoir (Es1 Member) of the Shahejie Formation,Nanpu Sag,Bohai Bay Basin,East China

Diagenesis has a significant impact on reservoir quality in deeply buried formations. Sandstone units of the Shahejie Formation (Es₁ Member) of Nanpu Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, East China is a typical deeply buried sandstone with large hydrocarbon accumulations. The methodology includes core observations and thin section studies, using fluorescence, scanning electron microscope (SEM), cathodoluminescence (CL), fluid inclusion and isotope and electron probing analysis as well as the numerical determination of reservoir characteristics. The sandstones consist of medium to coarse-grained, slight to moderate sorted lithic arkose and feldspathic litharenite. Porosity and permeability values range from 0.5 to 30% and 0.006 to 7000 mD, respectively. The diagenetic history reveals mixed episodes of diagenesis and deep burial followed by uplift. The main diagenetic events include compaction, cementation alteration, dissolution of unstable minerals and grain fracturing. Compaction resulted in densification and significantly reduced the primary porosity. Quartz, calcite and clay are the dominant pore-occluding cement and occur as euhedral to subhedral crystals. Alteration and dissolution of volcanic lithic fragments and pressure solution of feldspar grains were the key sources of quartz cement whereas carbonate cement is derived from an external source. Clay minerals resulted from the alteration of feldspar and volcanic lithic fragments. Porosity and permeability data predict a good inverse relationship with cementation whereas leaching of metastable grains, dissolution of cement and in some places formation of pore-lining chlorite enhanced the reservoir quality. The best reservoir is thicker sandstone bodies that are medium to coarse-grained, well-sorted sandstone with low primary ductile grains with a minor amount of calcite cement. The present study shows several diagenetic stages in the Es₁ Member, but the overall reservoir quality is preserved.     

巴基斯坦苏来曼地区多克帕坦组碎屑岩沉积特征初探

巴基斯坦苏来曼地区上新统的多克帕坦组是著名的西瓦利克岩系的中部岩性段，它由一套灰白、灰黄色的含中粗粒岩屑砂岩、长石岩屑砂岩和灰黄、棕红色的粉砂岩，泥岩组成，呈稳定的南北向展布。物源分析结果表明：多克帕坦组的物源主要是由造山带蚀源区所提供，即来源于一直处于降隆升阶段的喜马拉雅山褶皱带。     

Oxygen isotope study of the Suzhou granite

Oxygen isotope studies of the Suzhou granite have been made based on drill-hole samples. In the inner part, the δ¹⁸O values are less variable either in the whole-rock, quartz or in feldspar. Oxygen isotopic compositions are in equilibrium between coexisting quartz and feldspar. Data points from the inner part are plotted in a small area in the δ¹⁸O_Q-δ¹⁸O_f diagram, indicating that this part has not been affected by meteoric hydrothermal fluids. But the whole-rock δ¹⁸O values of the marginal part vary greatly. Oxygen isotopic compositions are in extreme disequilibrium between quartz and feldspar. Data points from the marginal part are displayed with a nearly vertical slope in the δ¹⁸O_Q-δ¹⁸O_f diagram, implying that rocks of this part are affected by the meteoric hydrothermal fluids. Extreme water-rock interactions lead to mineralizations of rare-elements (Nb, Ta, as well as Zr, Hf, Th) in the marginal part. Source materials of the Suzhou granite are also discussed in this paper.     

Petrography and provenance of subsurface Neogene sandstones of Bengal Basin, Bangladesh

This study deals with petrography and provenance of the Neogene reservoir sandstones encountered in the Kailas Tila, Titas, Bakhrabad and Shahbazpur Gas Fields of Bengal Basin. Framework grains are sand-sized to silt-sized particles of mainly detrital origin. The most common detrital grains are quartz, feldspars, and rock fragments. Mica occurred as minor and non-opaque heavy minerals found as minor accessories. Among the main detrital framework grains, quartz constitutes 51–60%, feldspar 3–15%, lithic fragments 8–22%. Sandstones encountered in the studied wells have been classified as sublithic arenite, feldspathic arenite and lithic arenite in order of abundance. Different triangular plots reveal that the Neogene sandstones of the studied wells exhibit a quartzolithic composition, low feldspar, very low volcanic grains and abundant sedimentary and low grade metamorphic lithic clasts indicating that the sands were derived from quartzose recycled orogen province, such as a fold thrust province or a collision suture zone. This study suggests that either the eastern Himalayas or Indo-Burman Ranges might act as the source of the sandstones of the studied wells of the Bengal Basin.     

Petrological features of a Numidian section in the Lucanian Apennine (southern Italy)

A continuous section of Numidian sandstones cropping out along the eastern margin of the Lucanian Apennine (southern Italy) has been studied in relation to its petrographic and geochemical aspects. Owing to their simple mineralogy, both chemical and petrographic classifications indicate that the sandstones are subarkoses. They are characterized by high mineralogical maturity, poor sorting, abundant siliciclastic matrix and subangular quartz grains. The principal composition is Q_80–94 F_6–20 L_0–1 corresponding to SiO₂/Al₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃/K₂O ratios ranging from 37·216 to 17·124 and from 1·182 to 0·514 respectively. Two quartz grain types were distinguished: deformed and undeformed quartz grains, the former generally subangular in shape and the latter rounded. Two distinct origins of detritus can be suggested; (i) the undeformed and rounded quartz grains derive from arenaceous continental sequences; (ii) the siliciclastic matrix, the deformed subangular quartz grains, the heavy minerals and the large crystals of K-feldspar probably derive from a crystalline basement formed by low–medium–high grade metamorphic rocks and granitoids. The Numidian subarkoses represent the mixing of these two components. Both kinds of detritus can be referred to the African Craton where crystalline basement is extensively overlain by Palaeozoic and Mesozoic sandstones. The different proportions of the two components in the mixture account for the variability of the sandstone composition and might explain the mixed Numidian successions cropping out in various sectors of the Mediterranean area. Copyright © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

鄂尔多斯盆地伊金霍洛旗附近二叠系石千峰组岩石学、地球化学特征及其固碳能力分析

鄂尔多斯盆地是我国CO2地下埋藏的潜在目标区,位于伊金霍洛旗附近的中神监X井与CO2地下注入井中神注1井相邻,两者钻遇地层系统和岩石组合一致。为对示范区储层的固碳潜力和泥岩改造状况做出预测,为CO2地质储存的数值模拟研究提供基础地质信息和相关数据,通过偏光显微镜、扫描电镜、X射线衍射、X射线荧光等多种技术手段,开展了中神监X井石千峰组的岩石学和地球化学特征研究。结果表明石千峰组的砂岩岩石类型主要为长石岩屑砂岩和岩屑长石砂岩;泥岩主要由石英、粘土矿物和长石组成,其中,粘土矿物主要为伊利石,其次为蒙皂石、高岭石和绿泥石。预测在CO2注入后的流体-砂岩长期相互作用过程中,石千峰组砂岩可以通过形成片钠铝石、方解石、铁白云石和菱铁矿等固碳矿物,形成对CO2泄露而言的矿物圈闭,进而实现CO2的长期和安全封存;红色泥岩夹层将发生金属离子活化,导致泥岩褪色。     

Compositional variations,chemical weathering,and provenance of sands from the Cox’s Bazar and Kuakata beach areas,Bangladesh

The modal and chemical composition of sands from Cox’s Bazar beach (CBB) and Kuakata beach (KB) areas of Bangladesh has been investigated to infer their maturity, chemical weathering, and provenance signatures. The CBB and KB sands are typically high quartz, low feldspar, and lithic fragments, representing a recycled orogen source. Major element compositions of CBB sands are characterized by high SiO₂ (83.52–89.84 wt%) and low Al₂O₃ (4.39–6.39 wt%), whereas KB sands contained relatively low SiO₂ (63.28–79.14 wt%) and high Al₂O₃ (9.00–11.33 wt%) contents. The major, trace and rare earth element (REE) compositions of beach sands display comparable distribution patterns with enriched Th and SiO₂ for both sands relative to upper continental crust (UCC). Pb, Rb, Y, and Fe for KB sands are little higher than UCC and the rest of the elements are marked depleted for both suites reflecting destruction of plagioclase and K-feldspar during fluvial transportation. The CBB and KB sands are compositionally low mature to immature in nature subsequently classified as subarkose and litharenite, respectively. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns for CBB and KB sands show LREE enrichment and nearly flat HREE (La_N/Yb_N, 7.64–9.38 and 5.48–8.82, respectively) coupled with prominent Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*, 0.51–0.72 and 0.52–0.76, respectively), suggesting felsic source provenance. The provenance discrimination diagrams, immobile trace element ratios (Th/Sc, Zr/Sc, Ce/Sc, and Ti/Zr), and REE (∑LREE/HREE, Eu/Eu* and Gd_N/Yb_N) parameters indicate that CBB and KB sands were largely derived from felsic source rocks, with compositions close to average rhyolite, granodiorite, granite, and UCC.     

Provenance, diagenesis, tectonic setting and geochemistry of Tawil Sandstone (Lower Devonian) in Central Saudi Arabia

The Tawil Sandstone (Lower Devonian) in Central Saudi Arabia overlies the Sharwara Member of the Tayyarat Formation (Silurian) and succeeded conformly by the Shaiba Member of the Jauf Formation. Petrographical data reveal that the Tawil Sandstone comprises 96% quartz, 3% feldspar, and 1% rock fragments and all samples are classified as quartz arenites. The presence of well sorted, altered to fresh feldspar, and discriminate function analysis suggests that the sediments have been subjected to substartial reworking resulting in a high level of maturity. Modal analysis data (Q–F–L) suggest a stable cratonic provenance for the sediments and accumulation in a passive margin basin is indicated (binary plot of SiO₂ vs K₂O/Na₂O). Diagenetic features include dissolution of feldspar and rock fragments, compaction, reduction of the existing pore space through rearrangements, and rotation and fragmentation of grains resulting in dissolution of quartz grains and cementation.     

Provenance, tectonics and source weathering of modern fluvial sediments of the Brahmaputra–Jamuna River, Bangladesh: Inference from geochemistry

This present study describes the elemental geochemistry of fluvial sediments in the Kurigram (upstream) to Sirajganj–Tangail (downstream) section of the Brahmaputra–Jamuna River, Bangladesh, with the aim of evaluating their provenance, weathering and tectonic setting. Petrographically, the sediments are rich in quartz (68%), followed by feldspars (8.5%) and lithic grains (7%). The bulk sediment chemistry is influenced by grain size. Concentrations of TiO₂, Fe₂O₃, MgO, K₂O, P₂O₅, Rb, Nb, Cr, V, Y, and, Ce, Th and Ga slightly decrease with increasing SiO₂/Al₂O₃ and grain size, suggesting clay matrix control. In contrast, concentrations of CaO, Na₂O, Sr and Pb increase with increasing SiO₂/Al₂O₃ and grain size, suggesting residence of these substances in feldspar. Decrease in Zr as grain size increases is likely controlled both by clay matrix and heavy minerals. In addition, heavy minerals' sorting also influences Ce, Th, Y and Cr abundances in some samples. The sediments are predominantly quartzose in composition with abundant low-grade metamorphic and sedimentary lithics, low feldspars and trace volcanic detritus, indicating a quartzose recycled orogen province as a source of the sediments. Discriminant diagrams together with immobile element ratio plots show that, the Brahmaputra–Jamuna River sediments are mostly derived from rocks formed in an active continental margin. Moreover, the rare earth element ratios as well as chondrite-normalized REE patterns with flat HREE, LREE enrichment, and negative Eu anomalies indicate derivation of the sediments of Brahmaputra–Jamuna River from felsic rock sources of upper continental crust (UCC). The chemical indices of alteration suggest that Brahmaputra–Jamuna River sediments are chemically immature and experienced low chemical weathering effects. In the A–CN–K ternary diagram, most of the samples close to the plagioclase–K-feldspar join line and to the UCC plot, and in the field of various lithologies of Higher Himalayan Crystalline Series, suggesting that rocks in these series are likely source rocks. Therefore, the elemental geochemistry of the Brahmaputra–Jamuna River sediments is controlled mostly by mechanical breakdown of lithic fragments and subsequent preferential attrition of muscovite > albite > quartz.