Zircon typology, geochronology and whole rock Sr–Nd isotope systematics of the Mecsek Mountain granitoids in the Tisia Terrane (Hungary)

Summary Zircon typology and ages together with petrological data suggest similarities in the origin of the K–Mg-rich granitoids of the Mecsek Mountains (Mórágy Unit, Tisia Terrane, S Hungary) and the durbachitic to K–Mg-rich rocks of the South and Central Bohemian Batholiths. Our investigations evidence a characteristic bimodal distribution of zircon types and ages. Zircons of normal magmatic habit and a typology around S24 show an age of 354±5Ma. Zircons of tabular habit of subtype S4 indicate a possibly younger age of 339±10Ma. The ages and typology of zircons from plutonic rocks in the Mecsek Mountains strongly resemble those from the Rastenberg granodiorite in the South Bohemian Batholith (Austria). This, as well as Rb/Sr and Sm/Nd isotope systematics, support the assumption of simultaneous formation and close spatial relationship between the Mecsek Mountain granitoids and the Rastenberg granodiorite. Thus, the Mecsek Mountains granitoids likely formed in a Late Palaeozoic palaeo-position S or SSW of the Rastenberg granodiorite. Having experienced a similar metamorphic and magmatic evolution during the Carboniferous, at least the northernmost part of the Tisia Terrane, the Mórágy Unit, is therefore considered to represent a former part of the Helvetic-Moldanubian zone.     

Correlation Between Compositional Parts Based on Symmetric Balances

Correlation coefficients are most popular in statistical practice for measuring pairwise variable associations. Compositional data, carrying only relative information, require a different treatment in correlation analysis. For identifying the association between two compositional parts in terms of their dominance with respect to the other parts in the composition, symmetric balances are constructed, which capture all relative information in the form of aggregated logratios of both compositional parts of interest. The resulting coordinates have the form of logratios of individual parts to a (weighted) “average representative” of the other parts, and thus, they clearly indicate how the respective parts dominate in the composition on average. The balances form orthonormal coordinates, and thus, the standard correlation measures relying on the Euclidean geometry can be used to measure the association. Simulation studies provide deeper insight into the proposed approach, and allow for comparisons with alternative measures. An application from geochemistry (Kola moss) indicates that correlations based on symmetric balances serve as a sensitive tool to reveal underlying geochemical processes.     

Variscan deformation,microstructural zonation and extensional exhumation of the Moravian Cadomian basement

Abstract

The Cadomian Dyje Batholith, in the foot–wall of the Variscan Moravian nappe pile, has been involved in Variscan ductile deformation. The Cadomian Brunovistulian rocks were obliquely underthrusted during Carboniferous dextral transpression.

Strain intensity is inversely proportional to the distance from the contact of the Variscan thrust front. The microstructures of deformed granodiorites and quartz–diorites show a characteristic zonality marked by relatively high temperature flow in the west (550–580 °C) characterized by dynamic recrystallization of feldspars and grain boundary migration recrystallization of quartz. The size of quartz grains decreases with decreasing strain towards the east. At the easternmost part of the autochthonous Dyje massif, fracturing of feldspar and subgrain rotation recrystallization of quartz predominate. Flow stress estimates calculated from recrystallized quartz grain size show a regional increase of stress intensity from the highly strained margin towards the less deformed core of the Dyje massif. This microstructural zonation is oblique with respect to the major thrust boundary and corresponds roughly to metamorphic isogrades. The microstructural zonation reflects underthrusting of the Brunovistulian domain below the Moldanubian nappe.

The main ductile tectonic event D₁ is followed by a retrogressive brittle–ductile and brittle deformation D₂. D₂ results in the development of shear zones and faults superimposed on the D₁ mylonite fabric. D₂ is related to extension oblique to the D₁ fabric, associated with detachment and the westward movement of the Moravian nappes. © Elsevier, Paris     

Characteristics of the ionospheric correction in ULF wave diagnostics of the magnetosphere

Summary Amplitude and energy correction character istics of the vertical propagation of ULF wave from the magnetosphere through the ionosphere to the Earth's surface, necessary for micropulsation wave diagnostics of the magnetosphere by means of ground-based observations, are introduced on the basis of matrices ofR–T coefficients [1–3]. The coefficients of vertical reflexibility, penetrability, transmissibility (or limpidity) and the absorption of the electromagnetic energy flux are defined, as well as analogous coefficients in the dimensions of the magnetic amplitude of the ULF wave, propagating through the given layer of the ionosphere. An examplary model of the ionosphere is used to demonstrate the frequency variations of these characteristics in the ULF wave range.     

Crustal age domains and metamorphic reworking of the deep crust in Northern-Central Tanzania: a U/Pb zircon and monazite age study

Geochronological data are presented from Northern Tanzania, where deep-crustal terranes of different age are exposed. Stacking of these terranes was diachronous with one peak around 640 Ma, defined as East African Orogeny, and final consolidation at 550–580 Ma, that is defined as Kuunga Orogeny. This later event is predominant in the Western Granulite Belt of northern Tanzania and related to thrusting onto the Tanzanian Craton. The Tanzania Craton itself experienced a polycyclic history; age domains around 2.64 Ga prevail in the studied samples. There is no evidence of the Paleoproterozoic Usagaran Belt in northern Tanzania. Here the gneisses contain relicts of reworked Archean basement and are therefore considered part of the Western Granulites. Inliers of the Western Granulites are also found in the cores of marble antiforms that are part of the upper, sedimentary sequence of the Eastern Granulites. Those inliers formed during the Kuungan orogenic phase when the Eastern Granulites have taken their final position and were folded together with the Western Granulites.     

Palaeoflood discharge estimation using dendrogeomorphic methods,rainfall-runoff and hydraulic modelling—a case study from southern Crete

Natural Hazards - This study represents the first palaeoflood discharge estimation using dendrogeomorphic evidence from two ungauged catchments in southern Crete. Dendrogeomorphological methods,...