Évolution géodynamique messino-pliocène en Languedoc central : le paléo-réseau hydrographique de l’Orb et de l’Hérault (Sud de la France)

Résumé

En Languedoc central, la cartographie des sédiments formés lors de la crise messinienne et de ceux de la séquence pliocène, ainsi que les données patées paléontologiques nouvelles (Aigues-Vives et Servian) permettent de proposer une reconstitution du tracé messimeli des rivières actuelles (Orb et Hérault) transformées en rias à la suite du relèvement eustatique pliocène. L’Hérault messinien se singularise par une incision beaucoup plus faible que celle des autres rivères. En effet, la nature karstique de l’arinère-pays immédiat permet un enfouissement des eaux météoriques au profit d’aquifères profonds sous-jacents au drainage aérien du réseau hydrographique messinien. Le Languedoc central illustre, entre Roussillon et Rhône, le modèle géodynamique messino-pliocène de Clauzon. © Elsevier, Paris     

Multisite surface reaction versus transport control during the hydrolysis of a complex oxide

Dissolution experiments of a tholeiite basalt glass carried out at different pH and T (up to 300°C) using a rotatingdisc apparatus show that, depending on pH and T, dissolution can be controlled by one of the following steps: (1) surface reaction; (2) transport of reactants in solution; and (3) mixed reaction. The activation energies of these different processes were found to be 60, 9 and 15–50 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively. Taking account of these results, it appears likely that surface reactions are not rate limiting for the hydrolysis of most crystalline silicate minerals in hydrothermal and metamorphic processes, and that caution should be exercised when predicting rate of reactions at high temperatures solely on the basis of activation energies measured at low temperatures.

Comparison of experimental and theoretical potentiometric titrations of the basalt glass and its constituent oxides indicates that the adsorption of H⁺ and OH⁻ ions at the basalt surface is metal cation specific and that the net adsorption can be predicted from the sole knowledge of the acidity constants of the network-forming constituent oxides. We found that in the acidic pH region dissolution is promoted by the adsorption of H⁺ on al and Fe surface sites while in the basic region, dissolution is promoted by the adsorption of OH⁻ on Si sites. The combination of the two distinct types of surface sites, Al and Fe on the one hand, and Si on the other hand, results in a dissolution rate minimum at a pH-value between the pH_zpc of the two groups of oxide components. Linear regressions with a slope n=3.8 are observed both in acid and alkaline solutions in logarithmic plots of the rate of dissolution vs. the surface charge. The value of n, which represents the number of protonation or hydroxylation steps prior to metal detachment, has been found equal to the mean valence of the network-forming metals.

Combining concepts of surface coordination chemistry with transition state theory afforded characterisation of the activated complexes involved in basalt dissolution processes. From the values obtained for the thermodynamic properties of activation for basalt dissolution it is assumed that the activated complexes formed during the H₂O-promoted dissolution of the basalt glass are more tightly bonded than those formed during H⁺- or OH⁻-promoted dissolution.     

Spinel-olivine geothermometry in peridotites from ultramafic complexes

An empirical calibration of the spinel-olivine geothermometer (Evans and Frost, 1975) is attempted and applied to parageneses of lherzolitic rocks. In ultramafic complexes, most of the derived temperature estimates range between 700 ° and 850 °C, and appear generally lower than those given by other geothermometers, based upon Ca or Al contents of coexisting pyroxenes. A comparison of the different thermometric data in two well studied occurrences, the Ronda ultramafic complex and the San Carlos xenolith field, suggests that differential rates of diffusion and recrystalization may account for the large range of temperatures (between 700 ° and 1200 °C) determined by various mineral geothermometers in peridotites. The equilibrium exchange of Mg and Fe between spinel and olivine would be the fastest one and would continue effectively during the cooling down to relatively low temperatures, while other exchange reactions used as geothermometers in peridotites, like partitioning of Ca and Al in coexisting pyroxenes, are blocked at higher temperatures.     

Current states of stress in the northern Andes as indicated by focal mechanisms of earthquakes

Systematic inversion of double couple focal mechanisms of shallow earthquakes in the northern Andes reveals relatively homogeneous patterns of crustal stress in three main regions. The first region, presently under the influence of the Caribbean plate, includes the northern segment of the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia and the western flank of the Central Cordillera (north of 4°N). It is characterized by WNW–ESE compression of dominantly reverse type that deflects to NW–SE in the Merida Andes of Venezuela, where it becomes mainly strike–slip in type. A major bend of the Eastern thrust front of the Eastern Cordillera, near its junction with the Merida Andes, coincides with a local deflection of the stress regime (SW–NE compression), suggesting local accommodation of the thrust belt to a rigid indenter in this area. The second region includes the SW Pacific coast of Colombia and Ecuador, currently under the influence of the Nazca plate. In this area, approximately E–W compression is mainly reverse in type. It deflects to WSW–ENE in the northern Andes south of 4°N, where it is accommodated by right-lateral displacement of the Romeral fault complex and the Eastern front of the northern Andes. The third, and most complex, region is the area of the triple junction between the South American, Nazca and Caribbean plates. It reveals two major stress regimes, both mainly strike–slip in type. The first regime involves SW–NE compression related to the interaction between the Nazca and Caribbean plates and the Panama micro-plate, typically accommodated in an E–W left-lateral shear zone. The second regime involves NW–SE compression, mainly related to the interaction between the Caribbean plate and the North Andes block which induces left-lateral displacement on the Uramita and Romeral faults north of 4°N.Deep seismicity (about 150–170 km) concentrates in the Bucaramanga nest and Cauca Valley areas. The inversion reveals a rather homogeneous attitude of the minimum stress axis, which dips towards the E. This extension is consistent with the present plunge of the Nazca and Caribbean slabs, suggesting that a broken slab may be torn under gravitational stresses in the Bucaramanga nest. This model is compatible with current blocking of the subduction in the western northern Andes, inhibiting the eastward displacement of slabs, which are forced to break and sink in to the asthenosphere under their own weight.     

Soulèvement et plissement tectoniques révélés par analyse mathématique empirique de profils longitudinaux de rivières : un cas à TaiwanEmpirical mathematical analysis of longitudinal river profiles reveals tectonic uplift and folding: a case in Taiwan

We analyse longitudinal river profiles in southwestern Taiwan. As all necessary data are not available, a physical modelling of river erosion would be subject to large uncertainties. We thus shortcut this modelling and adopt simple empirical exponential equations giving riverbed elevation as a function of downstream distance. We identify a positive altimetric anomaly, which reveals active uplift of an anticline at the front of the fold-and-thrust belt. To cite this article: J. Angelier, R.-F. Chen, C. R. Geoscience 334 (2002) 1103–1111.     

Provenance of buried esker groundwater: the case of Vars-Winchester esker aquifer,Eastern Ontario,Canada

An innovative mode of groundwater recharge to a buried esker aquifer is considered. The current conceptual model affords a natural safeguard to underlying aquifers from the overlying muds. A hypothesis of groundwater recharge to a buried esker aquifer via preferential pathways across its overlying muds is tested here by heuristic numerical one-dimensional and two-dimensional modeling simulations. The hypothesis has been tested against two other conventionally accepted scenarios involving: (1) distal esker outcrop areas and (2) remote shallow-bedrock recharge areas. The main evidence comes from documented recharge pressure pulses in the overlying mud aquitard and in the underlying esker hydraulic-head time series for the Vars-Winchester esker aquifer in Eastern Ontario, Canada. These perturbations to the potentiometric surface are believed to be the aquifer response to recharge events. The migration rate of these pressure pulses is directly related to the hydraulic diffusivity of the formation. The measured response time and response amplitude between singular radar precipitation events and well hydrographs constituted the heuristic model calibration targets. The main evidence also includes mud-layering deformation (water escape features) which was observed in seismic surveys of the over-esker muds. These disturbed stratigraphic elements provide a realistic mechanism for migrating water to transit through the muds. The effective hydraulic conductivities of these preferential pathways in the muds were estimated to be between 2?×?10^?6 and 7?×?10^?6 m/s. The implications of these findings relate to the alleged natural safeguard of these overlying muds.     

Environmental impact of an urban landfill on a coastal aquifer (El Jadida, Morocco)

The El Jadida landfill is one among many uncontrolled dumping sites in Morocco with no bottom liner. About 150 tons/day of solid wastes from mixed urban and industrial origins are placed directly on the ground. At the site of this landfill, the groundwaters circulate deeply (10–15 m) in the Cenomanian rock (calcareous–marl), which is characterised by an important permeability from cracks. The soil is sand–clay characterized by a weak coefficient of retention.The phreatic water ascends to the bottom of three quarries, which are located within the landfill. These circumstances, along with the lack of a leachate collection system, worsen the risks for a potential deterioration of the aquifer.To evaluate groundwater pollution due to this urban landfill, piezometric level and geochemical analyses have been monitored since 1999 on 60 wells. The landfill leachate has been collected from the three quarries that are located within the landfill. The average results of geochemical analyses show an important polluant charge vehiculed by landfill leachate (chloride = 5680 mg l⁻¹, chemical oxygen demand = 1000 mg l⁻¹, iron = 23 000 μg l⁻¹). They show also an important qualitative degradation of the groundwater, especially in the parts situated in the down gradient area and in direct proximity to the landfill. In these polluted zones, we have observed the following values: higher than 4.5 mS cm⁻¹ in electric conductivity, 1620 and 1000 mg l⁻¹ respectively in chlorides and sulfate (), 15–25 μg l⁻¹ in cadmium, and 60–100 μg l⁻¹ in chromium. These concentrations widely exceed the standard values for potable water.Several determining factors in the evolution of groundwater contamination have been highlighted, such as (1) depth of the water table, (2) permeability of soil and unsaturated zone, (3) effective infiltration, (4) humidity and (5) absence of a system for leachate drainage. So, to reduce the pollution risks of the groundwater, it is necessary to set a system of collection, drainage and treatment of landfill leachates and to emplace an impermeable surface at the site of landfill, in order to limit the infiltration of leachate.     

Record of enhanced late Pliocene tectono‐volcanic activity in the Lesser Antilles forearc basin: Insights into the long‐term behaviour of the Lesser Antilles subduction zone

In this study, we investigate the Lesser Antilles forearc basin, focusing on the late Pliocene to Pleistocene sedimentary archives in order to track the occurrence of extreme events triggered by enhanced subduction‐related tectono‐volcanic activity. We identify late Piacenzian deposits covering a major regional erosional surface, displaying sedimentary dykes and large marine boulders embedded in a mixed continental–marine matrix, characteristic of tsunamites. We interpret this episode of platform emersion and the successive cataclysmic deposits as resulting from enhanced tectonic activity at the interface of the subduction zone, synchronous with the initiation of the Lesser Antilles volcanic arc. We then discuss the implications in terms of the mechanical behaviour of the Lesser Antilles subduction zone.     

Comparative studies of the kinetic parameters of various algaenans and kerogens via open-system pyrolyses

Kinetic parameters were determined for the first time, via open-system pyrolyses, on algaenans (highly resistant biomacromolecules that are selectively preserved during kerogen formation) isolated from extant microalgae. Parallel studies were also carried out on 10 kerogens exhibiting, with one exception, a low level of maturity. These kerogens included samples chiefly derived from the selective preservation of the above algaenans and samples mainly, or almost exclusively, derived from the “natural vulcanization” pathway. Important differences in activation energy (E_a) distributions were observed between the four algaenans investigated and correlated with their chemical structures. The kerogens predominantly derived from algaenan-selective preservation (Pula alginite, NE 70 and BJ 248 Torbanites, Rundle Oil Shale) also exhibited pronounced differences in E_a distributions. These distributions provided: (i) information on the diversity of the source materials; and (ii) reflected the occurrence of important differences in chemical structures and thermal behaviour between three of the tested kerogens, even though they are all classified as low maturity type I. The Kimmeridge Clay samples and the Lorca Oil Shale showed broad E_a distributions shifted to low energies when compared with the above algaenans and kerogens. Such shifts reflect an important (or even almost exclusive for some of these kerogens) contribution of materials originating from sulphur incorporation into various lipids during early diagenesis. Finally, the kinetic data derived for the nine low maturity fossil samples were extrapolated to a very low, geological heating rate of 3°C Ma⁻¹ and the generation rate curves and cumulative yield curves thus obtained were compared.