The strontium isotopic composition and origin of burial cements in the Lincolnshire Limestone (Bajocian) of central Lincolnshire, England

Strontium isotopic composition (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr) of two petrographically, chemically and isotopically (δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C) distinct phases of burial calcites from the Lincolnshire Limestone are indistinguishable (0.70820± 26). The mean ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio of these phases is considerably more radiogenic than ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of Bajocian marine waters (～0.70725). Neither Bajocian marine waters nor meteoric waters buffered by host marine carbonate in the Limestone could have precipitated the burial spars. Radiogenic strontium may have been contributed from K-feldspar dissolution and/or clay recrystallization, either within clastic portions of the Limestone itself, or from major clastic units adjacent to the Limestone. Alternatively, Palaeozoic marine waters or remobilized Palaeozoic marine carbonate and/or sulphate could have supplied the necessary radiogenic strontium.     

Soils – past and present

'Lying at the interface of the geosphere, biosphere and hydrosphere, soils occupy a central place in ecosystems, and because of this they are sensitive and detailed indicators of past and present environments.'     

GEOCHEMICAL STANDARD REFERENCE SAMPLES GSD 9–12, GSS 1–8 AND GSR 1–6

The 18 Chinese geochemical standard reference samples GSD 9-12 (stream sediments), GSS 1-8 (soils) and GSR 1-6 (rocks) were prepared after GSD 1-8 (stream sediments) for even wider and increasing needs of geology, exploration geochemistry and geochemical analysis. Usable values of 41 trace, minor and major elements of the 18 samples were published in 1984. In the following two years, efforts were concentrated on the determination of other elements, most of which are more difficult to determine accurately and hence not many data were available in the literature. At the same time, additional data on the 41 elements already evaluated were also submitted. In all, 155 234 results were available along with the 35 284 analytical data submitted. The processing of samples, the examination of sample homogeneity, the plan of collaborative analysis of the samples, and the criteria for defining the recommended values are described. The recommended or reference values of the 72 constituents, to-gether with the 35 284 analytical data of the 18 samples are published in this paper.     

Tenerife – the big pyramid

There is nothing like a good controversy in geology, when vehemently held conflicting opinions set the adrenaline running. The debate over hot spots or mantle plumes is developing in this way; as such it is pertinent to look at the Canary Islands archipelago where hot spot ideas have been in place for some time.     

Crystal Geyser – Utah's cold one

A cold geyser appears to be a contradiction in terms. But a combination of carbon dioxide, effervescing groundwater and a fortuitous oil exploration well can create a very spectacular water fountain.     

An Ipswichian fluvial deposit at Fulbeck,Lincolnshire and the chronology of the Trent terraces

Mammalian fossils recently discovered near Fulbeck in Lincolnshire, include abundant hippopotamus, suggesting an Ipswichian date for the Fulbeck Sand and Gravel (new name). These deposits mark a former course of the River Witham; clasts indicate derivation from outcrops of Jurassic rocks and chalky till to the south and south-east. The relationship of the Fulbeck Sand and Gravel to the terrace deposits of the River Trent necessitates a revised chronology. The Balderton Sand and Gravel (new name), laid down by the Trent along its former course to the Lincoln Gap, is shown to be older than the Ipswichian Fulbeck Sand and Gravel, and was probably deposited during the Wolstonian Stage. The Eagle Moor Sand and Gravel (new name), probably glaciofluvial outwash from the chalky tills of the region, is considerably older than the Balderton Sand and Gravel and, together with the tills, is assigned to the early part of the Wolstonian, or the Anglian glacial Stage. It is suggested that the Balderton and Eagle Moor terraces equate with the lower and upper facets of the composite Hilton Terrace of the Middle Trent.     

William Buckland (1784–1856)

This year marks the 150th anniversary of William Buckland's death. One of the liveliest characters in the early history of our science, Buckland was a keen observer, indefatigable scholar, enthusiastic field geologist, inspirational communicator and possessed of an innovative mind which could quickly embrace, process and apply new ideas. His influence on an emerging discipline during its arguably most formative years in the early nineteenth century, and upon subsequent generations of Earth science scholars, should not be underestimated.