Glass-bearing gabbro inclusions in hyaloclastites from Tindfjallajökull,Iceland

Gabbro inclusions from Tindfjallajökull are divided into two types: I. Panidiomorphic gabbros of non-cumulative origin composed of plagioclase + olivine ± clinopyroxene and interstitil vesicular glass. They have formed in equilibrium with the host magma and may either represent a marginal facies or a highly solidified magma body. In the latter case the host magma or part of it could be mobilized interstitial liquid. II. Allotriomorphic-hypidiomorphic tholeiitic olivine gabbro and diorite xenoliths with scarce Ti-pargasite which have undergone less than 10% partial melting in the host magma forming melts of alkali basaltic or Hekla andesite-like compositions dependent on the original mineral assemblage. Such liquids, enriched in K₂O and possibly other incompatible elements, may contaminate basaltic magmas rising slowly through a gabbroic lower crust. Large scale production of andesites by partial melting of such rocks is not possible but would need more hydrous or differentiated source rocks.     

Facies differentiation caused by wrench deformation along a deep-seated fault system (León line, Cantabrian Mountains, North Spain)

The “León line” is a deep-seated fault system in the Variscan orogen of the Canta-brian Mountains. This fault system appears to have been active at least from the early Devonian to the end of the Carboniferous. Vertical as well as horizontal movements resulted in a strikingly different development of facies conditions to the north and south of the Leon line.     

Determination of hydrocarbon distributions in oils and sediment extracts by gas chromatography—high resolution mass spectrometry

The distributions of steroid and triterpenoid hydrocarbons in crude oils and sedimentary rock extracts can be routinely determined by the direct injection of the sample into a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The mass spectrometer is operated at a resolution of about 2500 (10% valley), and only the ion intensities at selected accurate mass values, diagnostic of the structural types of interest, are monitored throughout the analysis. The distributions, so obtained, find application in the assessment of the source and thermal maturity of crude oil accumulations in the subsurface. This technique eliminates chromatographic separation steps and combines two analyses in one. Thus, more geological samples and reference mixtures may be analyzed in a given time.     

Characterization of sediments in an abandoned mining area; a case study of Mansfeld region,Germany

The distribution of selected heavy metals, including some radionuclides, metalloids and non-metals was determined in stream sediments in a region influenced by abandoned copper mining and ore processing activities. A considerable amount of the ore processing waste with a very complex composition and highly elevated concentrations of zinc, sulfur, lead, copper, arsenic, and a lot of other elements in the range between 100 and 1,000 mg/kg (Sb, Mn, Ni, Cr, Cd, Hg, and Ag) was piled up on mine dumps. The dispersion of the pollutants originating from this source and their environmental impact were investigated. Both, sediments and original waste material were studied to indicate the pathways and the mobilization behavior of different pollutants. For this purpose, the process of the elution of pollutants by application of different fractionation schemes was studied. The capabilities of different analytical techniques are shown for the analysis of solid samples (X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, Gamma-spectrometry) and liquid ones (ICP-atomic emission spectrometry, ICP-mass spectrometry and different techniques of atomic absorption). Additionally, the coupling of ion chromatography and ICP-MS detection was used to study the distribution of arsenic species in the sediment cores of a lake which acts as a natural sink for the region.     

Petrogenesis of oceanic plagiogranites by partial melting of gabbros: an experimental study

We performed hydrous partial melting experiments at shallow pressures (0.2 GPa) under slightly oxidizing conditions (NNO oxygen buffer) on oceanic cumulate gabbros drilled by ODP (Ocean Drilling Program) cruises to evaluate whether the partial melting of oceanic gabbro can generate SiO₂-rich melts with compositions typical of oceanic plagiogranites. The experimental melts of the low-temperature runs broadly overlap those of natural plagiogranites. At 940 °C, the normalized SiO₂ contents of the experimental melts of all systems range between 60 and 61 wt%, and at 900 °C between 63 and 68 wt%. These liquids are characterized by low TiO₂ and FeO^tot contents, similar to those of natural plagiogranites from the plutonic section of the oceanic crust, but in contrast to Fe and Ti-rich low-temperature experimental melts obtained in MORB systems at ~950 °C. The ~1,500-m-long drilled gabbroic section of ODP Hole 735B (Legs 118 and 176) at the Southwest Indian Ridge contains numerous small plagiogranitic veins often associated with zones which are characterized by high-temperature shearing. The compositions of the experimental melts obtained at low temperatures match those of the natural plagiogranitic veins, while the compositions of the crystals of low-temperature runs correspond to those of minerals from high-temperature microscopic veins occurring in the gabbroic section of the Hole 735B. This suggests that the observed plagiogranitic veins are products of a partial melting process triggered by a water-rich fluid phase. If the temperature estimations for high-temperature shear zones are correct (up to 1,000 °C), and a water-rich fluid phase is present, the formation of plagiogranites by partial melting of gabbros is probably a widespread phenomenon in the genesis of the ocean crust.Editorial responsibility: J. Hoefs     

Groundwater recharge in a sedimentary basin in semi-arid Mexico

Recharge mechanisms and the hydrochemical evolution of groundwater in a semi-arid, 6,840-km², intermountain basin in central Mexico were investigated using stable isotopes and major chemical constituents. Ionic ratio analysis helped to conceptualize and quantify in part the subsequent geochemical evolution in the aquifer system. Mass balance models (PHREEQC) were used to interpret and rectify the geochemical properties of the aquifer. The recharge conditions have not changed noticeably during the last several thousands of years. The recharge mechanisms are accompanied by leaching of meteoric salts on and near the ground surface during major rain events, which previously accumulated after minor rain events. Rapid and diffuse infiltration can be excluded. Indirect infiltration from wadis (arroyos) and depressions (playas) with little mixing in shallow groundwater contrasts with a high degree of mixing for water with deep circulation. The prevailing source of major cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺) is weathering of carbonates and albite, followed by exchange reactions on clays and hydroxides. Ca²⁺/Na⁺ exchange may interchange along the flow path with reverse (Na⁺/Ca²⁺) exchange, although the Ca²⁺/Na⁺ option is prevalent. Meteoric Ca and Mg inputs are relatively small; however, meteoric Na is insignificant. Irrigation return flow plays an important role in the western part of the study area, giving rise to elevated sulfate and chloride concentrations.

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Resumen Se han investigado los mecanismos de recarga y la evolución hidroquímica de las aguas subterráneas en una cuenca semiárida e intermontanosa de México central, de 6.840 km². Para ello, se han utilizado isótopos estables y los constituyentes químicos mayores. El análisis de las relaciones iónicas ha servido para conceptuar y cuantificar en parte su evolución geoquímica posterior dentro del sistema acuífero. Se ha recurrido a modelos de balance de masas (PHREEQC) para interpretar y rectificar las propiedades geoquímicas del acuífero. Las condiciones de recarga no han cambiado de forma apreciable durante los últimos miles de años. Los mecanismos de recarga se ven acompañados por el lixiviado de las sales meteóricas sobre y cerca de la superficie del terreno durante los episodios principales de lluvia, las cuales son acumuladas en episodios menores de lluvia. Se puede excluir la infiltración rápida y difusa. La infiltración indirecta desde arroyos ( wadis) y depresiones ( playas), que apenas se mezcla con las aguas subterráneas someras, contrasta con un elevado nivel de mezcla con el agua de circulación profunda. La fuente dominante de cationes mayores (calcio, magnesio, sodio, potasio) es la meteorización de los carbonatos y albita, mientras que las reacciones de intercambio en las arcillas e hidróxidos son menos importantes. El intercambio ión calcio-ión sodio puede ser reemplazado a lo largo de una línea de flujo por el intercambio opuesto (ión sodio-ión calcio), aunque la primera es prioritaria. Las aportaciones meteóricas de calcio y magnesio son relativamente pequeñas, mientras que la de sodio es insignificante. Los retornos de riego desempeñan un papel importante en la parte occidental del área de estudio, dando lugar a concentraciones elevadas de sulfato y cloruro.

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Résumé Les mécanismes de recharge et lévolution hydrochimique de leau souterraine dans un bassin de montagne de 6 840 km² en zone semi-aride, dans le centre du Mexique, ont été étudiés au moyen des isotopes stables et des composés chimiques majeurs. Lanalyse des rapports ioniques a aidé à conceptualiser et à quantifier en partie lévolution géochimique qui en résulte, dans le système aquifère. Des modèles de bilan de masse (PHREEQC) ont été utilisés pour interpréter et corriger les propriétés de laquifère. Les conditions de recharge nont pas changé notablement au cours des derniers millénaires. Les mécanismes de recharge sont accompagnés, durant les épisodes majeurs de précipitation, dun lessivage, à la surface du sol et à son voisinage, de sels météoriques accumulés auparavant pendant les petits épisodes de pluie. Linfiltration rapide et diffuse peut être exclue. Linfiltration indirecte à partir des oueds (arroyos) et des dépressions (playas) avec un faible mélange dans la nappe superficielle contraste avec le degré élevé de mélange de leau avec les circulations profondes. La source prépondérante des cations majeurs (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺) est laltération des carbonates et des feldspaths ; léchange de cations avec les argiles et les hydroxydes est moins important. Léchange de Ca²⁺ avec Na⁺ peut sinverser le long des axes découlements pour donner un échange de Na⁺ avec Ca²⁺, bien que le cas Ca²⁺/Na⁺ soit prépondérant. Les apports météoriques de Ca et de Mg sont relativement faibles, cependant que celui de Na météorique est insignifiant. Lécoulement par retour dirrigation joue un rôle important dans la partie occidentale de la région étudiée, produisant un accroissement des concentrations élevées en sulfate et en chlorure.

     

Experimental constraints on the storage conditions of phonolites from the Kerguelen Archipelago

Phase relations of a phonolite (K1) and a tephri-phonolite (K2) from the Upper Miocene lavas in the Southeast Province of the Kerguelen Archipelago have been investigated in the P/T range 100–500 MPa and 700–900 °C at two fO₂ conditions (~ NNO and ~ NNO+2.3) to clarify the differentiation and pre-eruptive conditions of these magmas. Crystallization experiments were performed in cold seal pressure vessels (CSPV) and internally heated pressure vessels (IHPV) at various X_H2O, under reducing (log fO₂ ~ NNO) and oxidizing conditions (log fO₂ ~ NNO+2.3). Under reducing conditions, the resulting phase assemblage for K1 was: titanomagnetite, nepheline, alkali feldspar, clinopyroxene and biotite; under oxidizing conditions, the assemblage was: magnetite, plagioclase, alkali feldspar, nepheline, titanite (minerals given in the order of appearance with decreasing T at 200 MPa for 4 wt% water in the melt). It is emphasized that an effect of fO₂ on the phase stability of feldspars and feldspathoides was observed. Comparison of the natural and experimental phase assemblages shows that the pre-eruptive conditions for K1 must have been in the log fO₂ range NNO+1–NNO+2, at pressures above 200–250 MPa. Assuming a temperature of 800 °C, the water content of the melt is constrained to be between 4 and 6 wt% H₂O. The pre-eruptive fO₂ conditions for the less evolved sample K2 are more oxidizing with log fO₂ close to NNO+2.3. The experimental results show that the enrichment of alkalis in residual melts during differentiation of tephri-phonolites is enhanced at high fO₂.Editorial responsibility: J. Hoefs     

Capture zone,travel time,and solute-transport predictions using inverse modeling and different geological models

Six regional-scale flow models are compared to gain insight into how different representations of hydraulic-conductivity distributions affect model calibration and predictions. Deterministic geological models were used to define hydraulic-conductivity distributions in two steady-state flow models that were calibrated to heads and baseflow estimates using inverse techniques. Optimized hydraulic-conductivity estimates from the two models were used to calculate layer and model mean hydraulic-conductivity values. Despite differences in the two geological models, inverse calibration produced mean hydraulic-conductivity values for the entire model domain that are quite similar. The layer and model mean hydraulic-conductivity values were used to generate four additional flow models and forward runs were performed. All of the models adequately simulate the observed heads and total baseflow. The six flow models were used to predict the steady-state impact of a proposed well field, and the flow solutions were used in simulating particle tracking and solute transport. Results of the predictive simulations show that, for this example, simple models of heterogeneity produce capture zones similar to more complex models, but with very different travel times and breakthroughs. Inverse modeling combined with different geological models can provide a measure of capture zone and breakthrough reliability.

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Resumen Se compara seis modelos de flujo a escala regional para conocer cómo afecta a la calibración y a la predicción del modelo diversas representaciones de la distribución de la conductividad hidráulica. Se ha utilizado modelos geológicos deterministas para definir las distribuciones de la conductividad hidráulica en dos modelos de flujo permanente, calibrados mediante técnicas inversas con niveles piezométricos y estimaciones del flujo de base. Se ha adoptado estimaciones optimizadas de la conductividad hidráulica de los dos modelos para calcular las cotas de las capas y sus conductividades hidráulicas medias. A pesar de las diferencias entre ambos modelos geológicos, con la calibración inversa se obtiene valores similares de conductividad hidráulica en todo el dominio. Estos valores de las capas y de las conductividades hidráulicas medias han servido para generar cuatro modelos adicionales de flujo y realizar predicciones. Todos los modelos simulan de forma adecuada los niveles observados y los caudales de base. Los seis modelos han sido aplicados a la predicción del impacto estacionario de un campo de pozos, y las soluciones del flujo permiten simular el transporte de partículas y de solutos. Los resultados de estas predicciones muestran que, para este ejemplo, los modelos sencillos de la heterogeneidad dan lugar a zonas de captura similares a las generadas por modelos más complejos, pero aparecen grandes diferencias en los tiempos de tránsito y en las curvas de llegada. Una combinación de modelación inversa y de modelos geológicos diferentes puede proporcionar una medida de la fiabilidad de la zona de captura y de las curvas de llegada.

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Résumé Six modèles d'écoulement à l'échelle régionale sont comparés afin d'avoir un aperçu de la manière dont les différentes représentations de la distribution de la conductivité hydraulique affectent la calibration et les prédictions de modèles. Des modèles géologiques déterministes ont été utilisés pour définir les distributions de la conductivité hydraulique dans deux modèles d'écoulement en régime permanent qui ont été calibrés avec des estimations des charges et des écoulements de base faites par des techniques inverses. Les estimations optimisées de la conductivité hydraulique de ces deux modèles ont servi à calculer les valeurs de conductivité hydraulique moyenne des couches et du modèle. Malgré des différences entre les deux modèles géologiques, la calibration inverse a donné des valeurs de conductivité hydraulique moyenne pour le domaine complet du modèle qui sont complètement semblables. Les valeurs de la conductivité moyenne des couches et du modèle ont été utilisées pour générer quatre modèles d'écoulement supplémentaires et des traitements ont été effectués. Tous les modèles simulent correctement les charges observées et l'écoulement de base total. Les six modèles ont servi à prédire l'impact en régime permanent d'un champ captant projeté et les solutions d'écoulement ont été utilisées dans une simulation par suivi de particules et de transport de soluté. Les résultats de simulations prédictives montrent que, pour cet exemple, de simples modèles d'hétérogénéité fournissent des zones de capture semblables aux modèles plus complexes, mais pour des temps de parcours et des restitutions très différents. Une modélisation inverse combinée à différents modèles géologiques peut assurer une mesure de la zone de capture et une fiabilité de la restitution.

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