Astrometric results of observations at Russian observatories of mutual occultations and eclipses of Jupiter’s Galilean satellites in 2009

In 2009, in five Russian observatories photometric observations of Jupiter’s Galilean satellites during their mutual occultations and eclipses were carried out. Based on these observations, an original method was used to ascertain astrometric results such as the difference between the coordinates of pairs of satellites. Fifty-three phenomena were successfully observed. A total of 94 light curves of satellites were measured. The error in the coordinates of satellites due to random errors in photometry, calculated on all data obtained, was 0.041″ in right ascension and 0.046″ in declination. The discrepancies between the theory and observations in these coordinates was found to be 0.060″ and 0.057″, respectively. The results were uploaded to the common database for all observations of natural satellites of planets at the Natural Satellites Data Center (NSDC), which is available online at http://www.sai.msu.ru/neb/nss/index.htm. For the first time in the practice of photometric observations of satellites in epochs of mutual occultations and eclipses a new method of observation was tested, which eliminates from astrometric results the major systematic errors caused by an inaccurate account of the background level. The tests were conducted in the Terskol Observatory and the observatory of the Crimean laboratory of the Sternberg State Astronomical Institute of the Moscow State University. The application of the new method showed that the elimination of the background level at these observatories was carried out correctly.     

Average composition of basic magmas and mantle sources of island arcs and active continental margins estimated from the data on melt inclusions and quenched glasses of rocks

Based on the generalization of data on melt inclusions and quenched glasses, the average compositions of subduction (island arc and active continental margin settings) basic magmas were estimated. The main geochemical features of the average composition of these magmas are significant depletion in Nb and Ta, less significant depletion in Ti, Zr, and Sm, and enrichment in Cl, H₂O, F, and P in the primitive mantlenormalized patterns. The average normalized contents of moderately incompatible HREE in these magmas are close to those in the basic magmas of other geodynamic settings. Subduction basic magmas exhibit negative correlation of Li, Y, Dy, Er, Yb, Lu, and Ti contents with MgO content. Most of incompatible elements (Nb, Ta, U, Th, LREE) do not correlate with MgO, but correlate with each other and K₂O. Variations in element contents are related to crystallization differentiation, magma mixing, and possibly, participation of several sources. The water content in the island arc basic magmas varies from almost zero value to more than 6 wt %. Most compositions are characterized by weak negative correlation between H₂O and MgO contents, but some compositions define a negative correlation close to that in magmas of mid-ocean ridges (MOR). Considered magmas demonstrate distinct positive correlation between MgO content and homogenization temperature, practically coinciding with that of MOR magmas. Modeling of phase equilibria revealed widening of crystallization field of olivine in the magmas of subduction zones compared to MOR magmas. This can be related to the high water content in subduction magmas. Simultaneous liquidus crystallization of olivine and clinopyroxene in subduction magmas occurs at pressure approximately 5 kbar higher than that of MOR magmas. Based on the average ratios of trace element to K2O content, we determined the average compositions for subduction magma sources. Relative to depleted mantle, they are enriched in all incompatible elements, with positive anomalies of U, Rb, Ba, B, Pb, Cl, H₂O, F, and S, and negative anomalies of Th, K, Be, Nb, Ta, Li, Nd, Pb, and Ti. A general elevated content of incompatible elements indicates a reworking of the rocks of mantle wedge by fluids and melts that were released from the upper layers of subducted plate.     

Chemical composition,volatile components,and trace elements in the magmatic melt of the Kurama mining district,Middle Tien Shan: Evidence from the investigation of inclusions in quartz

Melt and fluid inclusions were investigated in six quartz phenocryst samples from the igneous rocks of the extrusive (ignimbrites and rhyolites) and subvolcanic (granite porphyries) facies of the Lashkerek Depression in the Kurama mining district, Middle Tien Shan. The method of inclusion homogenization was used, and glasses from more than 40 inclusions were analyzed on electron and ion microprobes. The chemical characteristics of these inclusions are typical of silicic magmatic melts. The average composition is the following (wt %): 72.4 SiO₂, 0.06 TiO₂, 13.3 Al₂O₃, 0.95 FeO, 0.03 MnO, 0.01 MgO, 0.46 CaO, 3.33 Na₂O, 5.16K₂O, 0.32 F, and 0.21 Cl. Potassium strongly prevails over sodium in all of the inclusions (K₂O/Na₂O averages 1.60). The average total of components in melt inclusions from five samples is 95.3 wt %, which indicates a possible average water content in the melt of no less than 3–4 wt %. Water contents of 2.0 wt % and 6.6 wt % were determined in melt inclusions from two samples using an ion microprobe. The analyses of ore elements in the melt inclusions revealed high contents of Sn (up to 970 ppm), Th (19–62 ppm, 47 ppm on average), and U (9–26 ppm, 18 ppm on average), but very low Eu contents (0.01 ppm). Melt inclusions of two different compositions were detected in quartz from a granite porphyry sample: silicate and chloride, the latter being more abundant. In addition to Na and K chlorides, the salt inclusions usually contain one or several anisotropic crystals and an opaque phase. The homogenization temperatures of the salt inclusions are rather high, from 680 to 820°C. In addition to silicate inclusions with homogenization temperatures of 820–850°C, a primary fluid inclusion of aqueous solution with a concentration of 3.7 wt % NaCl eq. and a very high density of 0.93 g/cm³ was found in quartz from the ignimbrite. High fluid pressure values of 6.5–8.3 kbar were calculated for the temperature of quartz formation. These estimates are comparable with values obtained by us previously for other regions of the world: 2.6–4.3 kbar for Italy, 3.7 kbar for Mongolia, 3.3–8.7 kbar for central Slovakia, and 3.3–9.6 kbar for eastern Slovakia. Unusual melt inclusions were investigated in quartz from another ignimbrite sample. In addition to a gas phase and transparent glass, they contain spherical Feoxide globules (81.2 wt % FeO) with high content of SiO₂ (9.9 wt %). The globules were dissolved in the silicate melt within a narrow temperature range of 1050–1100°C, and the complete homogenization of the inclusions was observed at temperatures of 1140°C or higher. The combined analysis of the results of the investigation of these inclusions allowed us to conclude that immiscible liquids were formed in the high-temperature silicic magma with the separation of iron oxide-dominated droplets.     

The stages and duration of formation of gold mineralization at copper-skarn deposits (Altai–Sayan folded area)

Gold mineralization at copper-skarn deposits (Tardanskoe, Murzinskoe, Sinyukhinskoe, Choiskoe) in the Altai–Sayan folded area is related to different hydrothermal-metasomatic formations. It was produced at 400–150 ºC in several stages spanning 5–6 Myr, which determined the diversity of its mineral assemblages. Gold mineralization associated with magnetite bodies is spatially correlated with magnesian and calcareous skarns, whereas gold mineralization in crushing zones and along fault sutures in moderate- and low-temperature hydrothermal-metasomatic rocks (propylites, beresites, serpentinites, and argillizites) is of postskarn formation. Different stages were manifested with different intensities at gold deposits. For example, the Sinyukhinskoe deposit abounds in early high-temperature mineral assemblages; the Choiskoe deposit, in low-temperature ones; and the Tardanskoe and Murzinskoe deposits are rich in both early and late gold minerals. Formation of commercial gold mineralization at different copper-skarn deposits is due to the combination of gold mineralization produced at different stages as a result of formation of intricate igneous complexes (Tannu-Ola, Ust’-Belaya, and Yugala) composed of differentiated rocks from gabbros to granites.     

Gold in the weathering crust at the Suzdal' deposit (Kazakhstan)

A comparative analysis of morphology and geochemistry was made for gold from the primary ores and weathering crust of the Suzdal' gold deposit, Eastern Kazakhstan. The deposit is localized in Carboniferous carbonaceous-terrigenous strata and is of gold-sulfide type. Study of gold from primary ores showed that it occurs mainly in two species: free and so-called invisible. Free gold is crystallomorphic segregations and irregular-shaped grains up to tens of microns in size; it occurs in intergrowths with sulfides, quartz, carbonate, and mica-chlorite aggregate. Most of gold particles have a fineness of 930–980‰, with some grains showing wide variations in composition. Invisible gold (probably chemically combined) is present in fine-acicular arsenopyrite and, less frequently, pyrite.Being transported to the weathering crust, all this gold served as a source for “neogenic” gold of diverse morphologic forms. We recognized crystalline (isometric, prismatic, acicular, and tabular) particles and drusoid gold aggregates in the form of exotic intergrowths of crystallomorphic and sinter-shelly grains. The grains tend to coarsen from bottom to top of the weathering crust. Several generations of gold of different granulometric classes are observed. We have revealed seed and layer growth and dissolution structures in crystals of early generations overgrown with fine grains. All these gold varieties are associated with hypergene minerals. Most of this gold is of high fineness (on the average, 995‰). The hypergene gold particles are chemically homogeneous high-grade, without rims.The results of studies suggest that the high-grade hypergene gold formed in the weathering crust as a result of the dissolution of invisible gold of sulfides and its local redistribution and deposition in oxidizing media. This is also evidenced from the tendency of gold to coarsen from bottom to top of the weathering crust. A distinctive feature of secondary gold is well-expressed crystals and their great diversity.     

Mean concentrations of volatile components,major and trace elements in magmatic melts in major geodynamic environments on Earth. I. Mafic melts

Mean concentrations of major components, trace elements, and volatile components in magmatic melts from Earth’s major geodynamic environments are estimated using our database (which comprises more than 1200000 analyses for 75 chemical elements—state for the beginning of 2016) on melt inclusions and quench glasses of rocks). The geodynamic environments are classified into (I) environments of oceanic plate spreading (mid-oceanic ridges), (II) areas affected by mantle plumes in oceanic plates (oceanic islands and lava plateaus), (III and IV) subduction-related environments (III are magmatic zones in island arcs, and IV are magmatic zones in active continental margins, in which magma-generating processes involve the continental crust), (V) continental rifts in areas with continental hotspots, and (VI) backarc spreading zones. The distribution of SiO₂ concentrations (>71000 analyses) in natural magmatic melts in all geodynamic environments is obviously bimodal, with maxima at 50–52 and 72–76 wt % SiO₂. Herein we discuss only mafic melts (40–54 wt % SiO₂). Mean concentrations and confidence levels are calculated for each geodynamic environment for the first time in three variants: from melt inclusions in minerals, from quench glasses in rocks, and from all data. Systematic variations in the mean compositions of melt inclusions and glasses in rocks are detected for all geodynamic environments. Primitive mantle-normalized multielemental patterns for mean concentrations of elements are constructed for magmatic melts from all geodynamic environments, and the mean ratios and their variations are calculated for trace incompatible and volatile components (H₂O/Ce, K₂O/Cl, La/Y, Nb/U, Ba/Rb, Ce/Pb, etc.) in melts from all environments.     

Physicochemical parameters of the origin of hydrothermal mineral deposits: Evidence from fluid inclusions. IV. Copper and molybdenum deposits

Physicochemical parameters of the origin of Cu and Mo deposits are reviewed based on an original database that currently includes information from more than 21000 publications on fluid and melt inclusions hosted in various minerals. The deposits are classified into three types: (i) Cu–Mo (usually porphyry), (ii) Cu (usually without Mo but often with base metals), and (iii) Mo (without Cu but often with Be and W). For these deposits, the temperature and pressure of their origin and the density, salinity, and gas composition of the fluids are discussed. The average composition of the dominant volatile components of natural fluids is reported for Cu and Mo deposits and is compared with the composition of volatiles in fluids at Au, Sn, W, Pb, and Zn deposits. Data on individual inclusions are used to evaluate the Cu and Mo concentrations in the magmatic silicate melts and mineral-forming fluids.     

Observation of solar radio emission by the 22-m radio telescope at the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory at 2.25 mm and 8.15 mm wavelengths

The results are given of observation of solar radio emission of the S-component at 8.15 mm-, and 2.25 mm- made with the 22 m radio telescope of the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory. Solar radio images are obtained at both wavelengths. The data are presented of radio emission intensity and brightness temperatures of 10 sources of the S-component as well as the result of a flare observed. The sources of the S-component appear to be opaque at millimetre wavelengths.     

Compositions of magmatic melts and evolution of mineral-forming fluids in the banska Stiavnica epithermal Au-Ag-Pb-Zn deposit, Slovakia: A study of inclusions in minerals

Melt and fluid inclusions were investigated in minerals from igneous rocks and ore (Au-Ag-Pb-Zn) veins of the Stiavnica ore field in Central Slovakia. High H₂O (7.1–12.0 wt %) and Cl (0.32–0.46 wt %) contents were found in silicate melt inclusions (65–69 wt % SiO₂ and 5.2–5.6 wt % K₂O) in plagioclase phenocrysts (An 68–36) from biotite-homblende andesites of the eastern part of the caldera. Similar high water contents are characteristic of magmatic melts (71–76 wt % SiO₂ and 3.7–5.1 wt % K₂O) forming the sanidine rhyolites of the Vyhne extrusive dome in the northwestern part of the Stiavnica caldera (up to 7.1 wt %) and the rhyolites of the Klotilda dike in the eastern part of the ore field (up to 11.5 wt %). The examination of primary inclusions in quartz and sanidine from the Vyhne rhyolites revealed high concentrations of N₂ and CO₂ in magmatic fluid (8.6 g/kg H₂O and 59 g/kg H₂O, respectively). Fluid pressure was estimated as 5.0 kbar on the basis of primary CO₂ fluid inclusions in plagioclase phenocrysts from the Kalvari basanites. This value corresponds to a depth of 18 km and may be indicative of a deep CO₂ source. Quartz from the granodiorites of the central part of the Stiavnica-Hodrusa complex crystallized from a melt with 4.2–6.1 wt % H₂O and 0.24–0.80 wt % Cl. Magmatic fluid cogenetic with this silicate melt was represented by a chloride brine with a salinity of no less than 77–80 wt % NaCl equiv. Secondary inclusions in quartz of the igneous rocks recorded a continuous trend of temperature, pressure, and solution salinity, from the parameters of magmatic fluids to the conditions of formation of ore veins. The gold mineralization of the Svyatozar vein system was formed from boiling low-salinity fluids (0.3–8.0 wt % NaCl equv.) at temperatures of 365–160°C and pressures of 160–60 bar. The Terezia, Bieber, Viliam, Spitaler, and Rozalia epithermal gold-silver-base metal veins were also formed from heterogeneous low-salinity fluids (0.3–12.1 wt %) at temperatures of 380–58°C and pressures of 240–10 bar. It was found that the salt components of the solutions were dominated by chlorides (high content of fluorine, up to 0.45 mol/kg H₂O, was also detected), and sulfate solutions appeared in the upper levels. The dissolved gas of ore-forming solutions was dominated by CO₂ (0.1–8.4 mol %, averaging 1.3 wt %) and contained minor nitrogen (0.00–0.85 mol %, averaging 0.05 mol %) and negligible methane admixtures (0.00–0.05 mol %, averaging 0.004 mol %). These data allowed us to conclude that the magmatic melts could be sources of H₂O, Cl, CO₂, and N₂. The formation of the epithermal mineralization of the Stiavnica ore field was associated with the mixing of magmatic fluid with low-concentration meteoric waters, and the fluid was in a heterogeneous state.