Uraniferous bitumen nodules in the Talvivaara Ni–Zn–Cu–Co deposit (Finland): influence of metamorphism on uranium mineralization in black shales

In the central part of the Fennoscandian Shield, the Talvivaara Ni–Zn–Cu–Co deposit, hosted by Palaeoproterozoic metamorphosed black schists, contains low uranium concentrations ranging from 10 to 30 ppm. The Talvivaara black schists were deposited 2.0–1.9 Ga ago and underwent subsequent metamorphism during the 1.9–1.79 Ga Svecofennian orogeny. Anhedral uraninite crystals rimmed by bitumen constitute the main host of uranium. U–Pb secondary ion mass spectrometry dating indicates that uraninite crystals were formed between 1,878?±?17 and 1,871?±?43 Ma, during peak metamorphism. Rare earth element patterns and high Th content (average 6.38 wt%) in disseminated uraninite crystals indicate that U was concentrated during high temperature metamorphism (>400 °C). The formation of bitumen rims around uraninite may be explained by two distinct scenarios: (a) a transport of U coincident with the migration of hydrocarbons or (b) post-metamorphic formation of bitumen rims, through radiolytic polymerization of gaseous hydrocarbons at the contact with uraninite.     

A conceptual hydrogeological model of ophiolite hard-rock aquifers in Oman based on a multiscale and a multidisciplinary approach

Ophiolites are found all over the world: from the Alps to the Himalayas, in Cuba, Papua-New Guinea, New Caledonia, Newfoundland, etc. They are composed of hard rocks—basalt, dolerite, gabbro and peridotite, which are formed at the mid-oceanic ridges, with specific ridge-related tectonic fracturing and intense hydrothermal alteration. Their geological and thus their hydrogeological properties differ from those of both granite or classical gabbro and classical basaltic lava. A conceptual hydrogeological model of these hard-rock aquifers was developed based on the convergent results of a multidisciplinary approach at several spatial scales, from rock-sample (centimetre) to catchment (kilometre), on well-preserved ophiolite rocks in Oman. In ophiolite rocks, groundwater circulation takes place mostly in the fissured near-surface horizon (50 m thick), and, to a lesser degree, in the tectonic fractures. Hydrograph analysis (Water Resour Res 34:233–240, 1977), interpretation of numerous pumping tests using both classical Theis and dual porosity models [Water Resour Res 32:2733–2745, 1996; Comput Geosci J (in press)], and mercury porosity and hydraulic conductivity lab-measurements support the aquifer parameter estimates. The hydraulic conductivity K of the fissured horizon is estimated at 10^–5 to 10^–6 m/s for gabbro and dolerite, and 10^–7 m/s for peridotite. The storage coefficient S of the peridotite aquifer is estimated at 10^–3 and appears to be controlled mainly by microcracks (20 to 100 m wide). Tectonic fractures in the ophiolite have similar hydrodynamic properties regardless of lithology (10^–1<T<10^–4 m²/s and 10^–1<S<10^–3) though the probability of obtaining productive wells is two to three times greater in gabbro and dolerite than in peridotite. Some of the tectonic fractures produce small hydrothermal, hyperalkaline springs in the peridotite. The water budget and hydrochemistry of the Oman ophiolite are characterized and support the conceptual hydrogeological model. Despite low annual rainfall, a relatively low hydraulic conductivity and a significant storage coefficient explain why most of the streams in peridotite are perennial.

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Résumé Les ophiolites se trouvent partout dans le monde : des Alpes à lHymalaya, à Cuba, Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinée, Nouvelle Calédonie, etc. Les ophiolites sont composées de roches dures basaltiques, de dolérites, gabbros et péridotites, qui sont formées aux rides mi-océaniques, avec, en relation avec les rides, une fracturation tectonique et une altération hydrothermale intense. Leurs propriétés géologiques et hydrogéologiques diffèrent de celles des granites ou des gabbros classiques ou des laves basaltiques classiques. Un modèle hydrogéologique conceptuel des aquifères de hard-rock a été développé sur les résultats convergents dune approche multidisciplinaire à différentes échelles spatiales, de léchantillon de roche de quelques centimètres à la taille du bassin versant en kilomètres, des ophiolites bien conservées dOman. Dans les roches ophiolitiques, la circulation des eaux souterraines est surtout localisée dans les fissures dun horizon de surface de plus dune cinquantaine de mètres et à un degré moindre dans les fractures tectoniques. Lanalyse des hydrographes (Water Resour Res 34:233–240, 1977), linterprétation des nombreux essais de pompage utilisant des modèles classiques de Theis et des modèles à double porosité (Water Resour Res 32:2733–2745, 1996; Comput Geosci J (Soumis), la porosité au mercure et la conductivité hydraulique calculée en laboratoire supportent lestimation des paramètres de laquifère. La conductivité hydraulique K de lhorizon fissuré est estimée entre 10^–5 et 10^–6 m/s pour les gabbros et les dolérites, et 10^–7 m/s pour les péridotites. Le coefficient demmagasinement S de laquifère de péridotite est estimé à 10^–3 et semble être contrôlé par les micro-fractures (20 à 100 m de largeur). Les fractures tectoniques dans les ophiolites possèdent des propriétés hydrodynamiques en regard de la lithologie (10-1<T<10-4 m²/s et 10-1/S/10-3) bien que la probabilité dobtenir des puits productifs est trois plus grand dans le grabbro et la dolérite que la péridétite. Quelques unes des fractures tectoniques produisent de petites sources hydrothermales hyperalcalines dans la péridotite. Le bilan hydrologique et hydrochimique de lophiolite dOman caractérise le modèle hydrogéologique conceptuel. Malgré des faibles précipitations annuelles, une relativement basse conductivité hydraulique et un coefficient demmagasinement significatif expliquent pourquoi la plus part des cours deau sur les péridotites ne sont jamais taris.

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Resumen Las rocas ofiolitas se encuentran en muchas partes del mundo desde los Alpes a los Himilaya, Newfoundland, Nueva Caledonia etc. Son rocas duras compuestas de basalto, dolerita, gabro y peridotita que son formadas por los cordones medio-oceánicos y por fracturación relacionada con los cordones tectónicos específicos y alteración hidrotermal intensa. La geología y los propiedades hidrogeológicas varian entre las de granito y gabro clásico y lava de basalto clásico. Se desarrolló un modelo conceptual de los acuíferos de las rocas duras Basado en los resultados convergentes de un enfoce multidisciplinario a varias escalas a partir de muestras de roca (centímetro) a cuenca kilómetro) enfocado en las rocas ofilíticas bien preservados en Oman. En las rocas ofiolíticas la circulación de agua ocurre principalmente en el horizonte de fisuras cercanas a la superficie (>50 m de espesor) y en un grado menos importante en fracturas tectónicas. Los estimados de los parámetros de estos acuíferos se basan en análisis de hidrógrafos (Water Resour Res 34:233–240, 1977), en la interpretación de pruebas de bombeo usando los modelos clásicos de Theis y de porosidad doble (Hamm y Bidaux 1996; Lods y Gouze, [en prensa]), y porosidad de mecurio y conductividad hidraúlica medida en el laboratorio. La conductividad hidraúlica K del horizonte fisurado se estima en 10E-5 a 10E-6 m-s para gabro y dolerita y 10E-7 para peridotita. El coeficiente de abastecimiento S del acuífero peridotita se estima en 10–3 y parece ser controlado principalmente por microfracturas (20 to 100 m de ancho). Las fracturas tectónicas en la ofiolita tienen propiedades hidrodinámicas similares independientes de la litología (10–1<T<10–4 m²/s and 10–1<S<10–3) pero la probabilidad de obtener pozos productivos es dos o tres veces mayor en gabro que en dolerita o peridotita. Algunas de las fracturas tectónicas producen pequeñas descargas de agua hidrotermal hiperalcalina en la peridotita. El presupuesto e hidroquímica de las ofilitas de Omán se caracteriza y apoya en el modelo conceptual hidrogeológico. La baja lluvia anual, una conductividad hidraúlica relativamente baja y un coeficiente de abastecimiento importante explican porqué la mejoría de los drenajes en peridotita es peremne.

     

Chloride transfer in cement‐based materials. Part 2. Experimental study and numerical simulations

This second part of the work deals firstly with carrying out materials characterization, mainly mercury intrusion porosimetry and chloride electrodiffusion tests on two cement pastes. Experimental data allowed fixing the perturbation parameter ? and other dimensionless numbers highlighted in part I of this work. Secondly, a series of parametric simulations were performed in order to compute the chloride diffusion coefficient through a gradual complexity of the elementary cell, approaching as close as possible the real microstructure of the cement pastes tested. Results highlighted that taking into account microstructure parameters (porosity, tortuosity and constrictivity) allows to approach the experimental diffusion coefficient. However, they also showed that electrochemical interactions between ions and the liquid‐solid interface, and the multi‐scale character of cementitious material microstructure, must be considered. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hydrogeologic productivity in response to a conjugate compressive strike-slip relay: example of Sidi Bou Krime-Jalta area (northern Tunisia)

Bore holes were drilled in the Senonian limestone of the Hedils-Jalta area (northern Tunisia) in order to determine their potential as an aquifer. Structural, tectonic and hydrogeologic data compilation shows the discrimination of productive and not productive zones. Differential hydraulic productivity was recognised with four distinct productive geological zones separated by a sterile corridor trending NW–SE. The structure consists of two compressional dihedrons, limited by two conjugate strike-slip faults, trending NNE–SSW and nearly E–W. The reduction of the (1) potential reservoir, (2) the low hydraulic productivity of the central band, (3) the torsion of the fold axis in eccentric arcs on both sides of the compressive relay and (4) the differential hydrogeological zonation are all related to the distribution of stress in the interference zone between conjugate strike-slip faults and to the reorientation of the stress field in their vicinity. This study constitutes a main database in establishing strategies for groundwater exploration in the similar zones.     

Line-broadening effects in the powder infrared spectrum of apatite

The crystallinity of natural and synthetic apatite samples is often determined from the broadening of ν ₄ PO₄ infrared absorption bands. However, various physical mechanisms contribute to the observed linewidth. In the present study, the factors determining the linewidth in the powder spectrum of synthetic fluorapatite and hydroxyapatite samples are investigated. The temperature dependence of the infrared spectrum (10–270 K) is used to assess the respective contributions of homogeneous broadening, related to the decay of phonons through anharmonic coupling, and heterogeneous broadening related to elastic strain and macroscopic electrostatic effects. This latter contribution is dominant in the investigated samples and depends on the shape of powder particles. It is discussed under the light of the theoretical modeling of the low-frequency dielectric properties of apatite based on first-principles density functional theory calculations. The linewidth of the weak ν ₁ PO₄ absorption band provides a reliable information on microscopic sources of broadening, i.e., apatite crystallinity. In comparison, the other more intense PO₄ bands are more sensitive to long-range electrostatic effects.     

Comprehensive physicochemical study of dioctahedral palygorskite-rich clay from Marrakech High Atlas (Morocco)

This study is devoted to the physicochemical and mineralogical characterizations of palygorskite from Marrakech High Atlas, Morocco. The raw clay and its Na⁺-saturated <2 μm fraction were characterized using chemical, structural, and thermal analytical techniques. Measurements of specific surface area and porous volume are reported. The clay fraction was found to be made up of 95 % of palygorskite and 5 % of sepiolite. An original feature of this palygorskite is its deficiency in zeolitic H₂O. The half-cell structural formula of its dehydrated form was determined on the basis of 21 oxygens to be (Si_7.92Al_0.08)(Mg_2.15Al_1.4Fe_0.4Ti_0.05 $ \square_{1} $ )(Ca_0.03Na_0.08K_0.04)O₂₁, while the hydrated form could be formulated as (Si_7.97Al_0.03)(Mg_2.17Al_1.46Fe_0.40Ti_0.05)(Ca_0.03Na_0.07K_0,03)O_20.18(OH)_1.94(OH₂)_3.88·2.43 H₂O. These formulas show that the (Al³⁺+Fe³⁺)/Mg²⁺ ratio is around 0.84, revealing a pronounced dioctahedral character. Further, inside its octahedral sheet, it was determined that the inner M₁ sites are occupied by vacancies, whereas the M₂ sites are shared between 90 % of trivalent cations (78 % for Al³⁺ and 22 % for Fe³⁺), 7.5 % of Mg²⁺, and 2.5 % of Ti⁴⁺, all of them linked to 1.94 of structural hydroxyls. The two remaining Mg²⁺ by half-cell occupy edge M₃ sites and are coordinated to 3.88 molecules of OH₂. Channels of this palygorskite are deficient in zeolitic H₂O since they contain only 2.43 H₂O molecules. A correlation was found between these results and the observation of very intense and well-resolved FTIR bands arising from dioctahedral domains (mainly Al₂OH, Fe₂OH, and AlFeOH) along with very small responses from a trioctahedral domain (Mg₃OH). Accordingly, a schematic representation of the composition of the octahedral sheet was proposed. The cation exchange capacity, specific surface area, and total pore volume were also assessed to be ca. 21.2 meq/100 g, 116 m²/g, and 0.458 cm³/g, respectively.     

River flow regime and snow cover of the Pamir Alay (Central Asia) in a changing climate

Abstract

The Vakhsh and Pyandj rivers, main tributaries of the Amu Darya River in the mountainous region of the Pamir Alay, play an important role in the water resources of the Aral Sea basin (Central Asia). In this region, the glaciers and snow cover significantly influence the water cycle and flow regime, which could be strongly modified by climate change. The present study, part of a project funded by the European Commission, analyses the hydrological situation in six benchmark basins covering areas of between 1800 and 8400 km², essentially located in Tajikistan, with a variety of topographical situations, precipitation amounts and glacierized areas. Four types of parameter are discussed: temperature, glaciation, snow cover and river flows. The study is based mainly on a long-time series that ended in the 1990s (with the collapse of the Soviet Union) and on field observations and data collection. In addition, a short, more recent period (May 2000 to May 2002) was examined to better understand the role of snow cover, using scarce monitored data and satellite information. The results confirm the overall homogeneous trend of temperature increase in the mountain range and its impacts on the surface water regime. Concerning the snow cover, significant differences are noted in the location, elevation, orientation and morphology of snow cover in the respective basins. The changes in the river flow regime are regulated by the combination of the snow cover dynamics and the increasing trend of the air temperature.

Editor Z.W. Kundzewicz     

Large-Scale Mapping of Hard-Rock Aquifer Properties Applied to Burkina Faso

A country-scale (1:1,000,000) methodology has been developed for hydrogeologic mapping of hard-rock aquifers (granitic and metamorphic rocks) of the type that underlie a large part of the African continent. The method is based on quantifying the “useful thickness” and hydrodynamic properties of such aquifers and uses a recent conceptual model developed for this hydrogeologic context. This model links hydrodynamic parameters (transmissivity, storativity) to lithology and the geometry of the various layers constituting a weathering profile. The country-scale hydrogeological mapping was implemented in Burkina Faso, where a recent 1:1,000,000-scale digital geological map and a database of some 16,000 water wells were used to evaluate the methodology.