Metallogenesis of cratonic oolitic ironstone deposits in the Bled el Mass,Azzel Matti,Ahnet and Mouydir basins,Central Sahara,Algeria

The Bled el Mass, Azzel Matti, Ahnet and Mouydir areas are located in the northwest of the Touareg Shield (Central Sahara, Algeria). Within the Devonian sedimentary formations, nine oolitic ironstone occurrences of EXID type (Extensive Ironstone Deposition) are interbedded.Their mineralogical composition is characterized by four different paragenetic associations: P1 (Chamosite — magnetite — maghemite — goethite); P2 (chamosite — hematite — goethite — calcite); P3 (chamosite — hematitegoethite — quartz); and P4 (chamosite — hematite — goethite). Using textural analysis, four main ironstone facies are distinguished: FOD (ooliths scattered in a detrital groundmass); FOND (ooliths scattered in a non detrital groundmass); FOC (cemented ooliths) and FMC (microconglomeratic facies).Primarily developed in calm conditions by intrasedimentary processes within an iron-rich silicated mud, in lagoons or embayments, ooliths subsequently acquired a detrital character.The ironstone deposition seems to be induced by several pulses of sedimentation through the Devonian and is considered as indicator of sedimentary subcycles. Therefore, the oolitic ferriferous sediments indicate a cratonic sedimentation on the borders of a large epicontinental sea. The source of the iron could be a remote southern continent, probably the Pan-African mobile belt of Nigeria and the Congo Shield.The ironstones of the Central Sahara can be considered as an important branch of the North-African Oolitic Ironstone Belt, extending from Rio de Oro to Libya.

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Zusammenfassung Die Gebiete des Bled el Mass, des Azzel Matti, des Ahnet und des Mouydir, liegen im Nordwesten des Touaregschildes (Zentral Sahara, Algerian). Neun eisenoolithische Horizonte sind hier in die devonischen Sedimente eingeschaltet. Ihr Mineralinhalt kann durch vier verschiedene Paragenesen charakterisiert werden:P1=Chamosit + Magnetit + Maghemit + Goethit; P2= Chamosit + Hämatit + Goethit + Kalzit; P3=Chamosit + Hämatit + Goethit + Quartz; P4=Chamosit + Hämatit + Goethit.Vier vererzte Fazies Typen treten auf: FOD: (die Ooide sind in einer detritischen Marix eingelagert); FOND: (die Ooide sind in einer nichtdetritischen Matrix eingelagert); FOC: (die Ooide sind verfestigt); FMC: microkonglomeratische Fazies.Die Ooide entwickeln sich in ruhigen Bedingungen, in Lagunen oder Meerbusen, durch die Bildung von Konkretionen im Sediment aus einem silikatischen und eisenreichen Schlamm; sie werden dann wie detritische Komponenten aufgenommen und transportiert.Die eisenoolitischen Ablagerungen scheinen durch mehrere Sedimentationsphasen während des Devons entstanden zu sein; so können sie als Zeichen von Sedimentmikrozyklen betrachtet werden. Diese oolitischen Sedimente sind charakteristisch für eine Kratonsedimentation am Rand eines breiten, epikontinentalen Meeres.Der Usprung des Eisens ist in einem südlichen Kontinent zu suchen, wahrscheinlich in dem mobilen panafrikanischen Gebirge von Nigeria, oder auf dem kongolesischen Schild.Diese Erze der Zentralsahara können als ein wichtiger Zweig des Eisengürtels betrachtet werden, der sich in Nordafrika von Rio de Oro bis Libyen erstreckt.

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Résumé Les régions du Bled el Mass, de l'Azzel Matti, de l'Ahnet et du Mouydir sont situées au Nord-Ouest du Bouclier Touareg (Sahara Central, Algérie). Neuf niveaux de minerai de fer oolithique sont interstratifiés dans les formations sédimentaires du Dévonien.Quatre différentes paragenèses caractérisent la composition minéralogique de ces minerais. P1 (chamosite — magnétite — maghémite — goethite); P2 (chamosite — hématite — goethite — calcite); P3 (chamosite — hématite — goethite — quartz) et P4 (chamosite — hématite — goethite). Quatre facies minéralisés ont été en évidence: FOD (oolithes dispersées dans une matrice détrìtique); FOND (oolithes dispersées dans une matrice non détritique); FOC (oolithes cimentées) et FMC (faciès microconglomératique).Développées dans des conditions calmes par concrétionnement intrasédimentaire dans une boue silicatée riche en fer, dans des lagons ou des baies, les oolithes vont acquérir par la suite un comportement détritique.Les dépôts de minerai oolithique semblent avoir été induits par plusieurs pulsations sédimentaires durant le Dévonien et peuvent être ainsi considérés comme des marqueurs de microcycles sédimentaires.Ces sédiments oolithiques sont caractéristiques d'une sédimentation cratonique, sur les bords d'une mer épicontinentale étendue. La source du fer est à rechercher dans un continent situé au Sud, probablement dans la chaîne mobile Pan-Africaine du Nigeria et le Bouclier du Congo.Ces minerais de fer oolithiques du Sahara Central peuvent être considérés comme une branche importante de la ceinture ferrifère Nord africaine, qui s'étend du Rio de Oro à la Libye.

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Lithospheric extension and the opening of the Red Sea: sediment-basalt relationships in Yemen*

This paper analyses new field and radiometric age data on the timing of extension, sedimentation and magmatism related to the opening of the Red Sea. The first evidence of widespread extension is found in synsedimentary fissures in the fluviatile to shallow marine Tawilah Formation of Cretaceous to early Tertiary age. The first indication of magmatism is the eruption of alkaline basalts (43.5–21.2 Ma) on to marine and non-marine sandstones of lower to middle Tertiary age. The lack of an angular unconformity at the sediment-basalt contact, over a period of 25 Myr, corroborates a diachronous relationship between the Tawilah sandstones and the Yemen Volcanics. These data also indicate that the onset of volcanism in Yemen was in the Eocene, as is the case in Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia. A passive rifting model is supported by early extension and sedimentation followed by syn- and post-tectonic magmatism.     

Geotechnical study of landslides resulting from a highway construction in Jordan

Landslides in Jordan have caused numerous problems during the past 40 years. The most critical slides occurred during the period of 1991/1992 after exceptional heavy rain and snowfall. Many disastrous landslides occurred along the newly reconstructed international highway that links Amman, Jerash and Irbid. Causes for these slides are attributed mainly to the lack of a comprehensive overview and geotechnical understanding of the problem.Many investigators have been interested in this problem of finding an adequate solution to such landslides in Jordan either by using theoretical analysis or by using computer software to solve the slope instability problems. A detailed study was conducted at the Jordan University of Science and Technology to investigate the potential causes and measures for this problem. Seven landslides along the mountainous section of this international highway were reviewed. One of these landslides was thoroughly investigated using a three-dimensional computer program called JUST-SLOPE introduced at the Jordan University of Science and Technology campus. Results of this study indicate that landslides at this site could have been predicted had this technique been applied prior to the occurrence of this slide.     

Application of LA-ICP-MS to sedimentary phosphatic particles from Tunisian phosphorite deposits: Insights from trace elements and REE into paleo-depositional environments

Laser ablation ICP-MS was used to determine trace (TE) and rare earth element (REE) contents of sedimentary phosphatic pellets and coprolites collected from late Paleocene-early Eocene phosphorite deposits in Tunisia. TE and REE contents in the investigated deposits exhibit a close relationship with grain types and paleogeography. Phosphatic pellets seem to concentrate more TE and REE than co-existing coprolites. Both particle types display modern oxic-suboxic seawater patterns. In most coprolites, ∑REE, Y, Cr, Ni, Th, and V show an increase from core to rim, whereas Ba, Cd, Cu, and U abundances decrease from core to rim, reflecting adsorption processes during early diagenesis consistent with changing redox and productivity conditions.The northern basins (Sra Ouertane) within open marine and platform settings tended to be more oxic-suboxic with relative high organic matter flux, while the eastern basins (Jebel Jebs) and Gafsa-Metlaoui basin are characterized by semi-restricted situation associated with suboxic-oxic conditions. This result is consistent with previous reconstructions which suggest that phosphorites of northern basins had a more direct connection to the open ocean than those to the south and east of the emerged area.This study highlights the potential for using laser ablation ICP-MS as a tool to reconstruct phosphorite depositional paleoenvironments.     

Geotechnical and environmental considerations in highway layouts: an integrated GIS assessment approach

Highway route layout design typically relies on aerial photographs, topographic maps and geologic maps. In this paper, a GIS platform, which incorporates the main digital data needed for evaluating route layouts, is used in a computer-based approach for highway layout assessment. Possible layouts are evaluated based on two sets of criteria. First, traditional evaluation criteria focussing on geometric design factors and impact on man-made features are considered. Next, the developed assessment framework builds on the GIS platform to generate specific environmental and geotechnical criteria for route layout evaluation. The developed approach integrates highway design, slope stability, and traffic noise modeling packages and specifically written codes with the GIS packages ARC/INFO and ArcView. A prototypical application of the assessment framework for a proposed highway south of the city of Beirut, Lebanon is presented. The results demonstrate the potential of the developed approach in incorporating new evaluation criteria at the route layout design stage and in automating the route layout assessment procedure.     

Geology,mineralogy and fluid inclusion study of Oued Jebs Pb–Zn–Sr deposit; comparison with the Bou Grine deposit (diapirs zone,Tunisian atlas)

The Oued Jebs Pb–Zn–Sr deposit is situated on the south edge of the Mourra Triassic diapir, in the Diapir Zone of the Tunisian Atlas. Tow orebody-type are recognized: (1) lens-chapped orebodies hosted in the Dolomitic cap rock that marks the transition zone between the Triassic gypsum cap rock and the overlaying Late Cretaceous series. Mineralization is composed of epigenetic celestite and minor Pb–Zn sulfides. (2) Vein-type and massive-type orebodies crosscutting the Late Cenomanian and Turonian limestone. Mineralization is composed of high-grade ore ranging from 10 to 25 % combined Pb–Zn. Fluid inclusion data for celestite indicate that deposition took place between 70 and 100 °C, or more cooler conditions as indicated by the presence of single-phase inclusions, from mixed NaCl–CaCl₂-bearing brines (12–19 wt% NaCl equiv). For the vein-type and massive-type fluid inclusion, data recorded in sphalerite indicate that sulfide deposition took place between 125 and 130 °C mixed NaCl–CaCl₂-bearing brines (10–15 wt% NaCl equiv). At least three dilution and cooling trends are also observed that indicate the involvement of more than one fluid in the Oued Jebs hydrothermal system. The epigenetic character of the ores, the host rock nature and the fluid inclusion together permitted to include the Oued Jebs deposit in the large class of MVT deposits and preciously in the sub-class of MVTs associated with salt diapirs environment. The new discovered Oued Jebs deposit is similar in many aspects to the economic Bou Grine deposit. This may point to significant other potential for economic Pb–Zn concentrations that may be located at depth alongside or above many other unexplored Triassic diapirs in the Diapirs zone of the Tunisian Atlas.     

Modeling of soil penetration resistance using multiple linear regression (MLR)

In agricultural areas, the use of machinery leads to improved yields. Nevertheless, its inadequate implementation and excessive utilization can seriously affect the soil efficiency. In fact, latter can be generated by increasing the penetration resistance and subsequently, it results in the compaction phenomenon. This problem becomes considerable with the increasing report wheel/soil. The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficiency through the prediction of soil penetration resistance (Rp) using a statistical model based on moisture content, density, tractor weight, number of passes, and the wheel inflation pressure. Experimental works (211 measurements) were analyzed and the penetration resistance was modeled using multiple linear regressions (MLR). Besides, the developed model elucidates the variables affecting the accentuation of soil Rp and allows the investigation of equations for novel sampled soils. Our results showed that the parameters related to soil and tractors were significant to explain Rp. The adopted model in the MLR analysis emphasizes that the mechanical parameters of ground measurements are statistically significant in estimating and evaluating Rp. The statistical calculation of the R ² expresses 83% of the variance in Rp generated by the various parameters related to soil and tractor. In view of the importance of estimating the penetration resistance (Rp), the regression equation shows that the weight of the tractor and the number of passages contributed the most to the proposed model for the soil.     

Groundwater resources evaluation in calcareous limestone using geoelectrical and VLF-EM surveys (El Salloum Basin,Egypt)

Understanding and developing groundwater resources in arid regions such as El Salloum basin, along the northwestern coast of Egypt, remains a challenging issue. One-dimensional (1D) electrical sounding (ES), two-dimensional (2D) electrical resistivity imaging (ERI), and very low frequency electromagnetic (VLF-EM) measurements were used to investigate the hydrogeological framework of El Salloum basin with the aim of determining the potential for extraction of potable water. 1D resistivity sounding models were used to delineate geoelectric sections and water-bearing layers. 2D ERI highlighted decreases in resistivity with depth, attributed to clay-rich limestone combined with seawater intrusion towards the coast. A depth of investigation (DOI) index was used to constrain the information content of the images at depths up to 100 m. The VLF-EM survey identified likely faults/fractured zones across the study area. A combined analysis of the datasets of the 1D ES, 2D ERI, and VLF-EM methods identified potential zones of groundwater, the extent of seawater intrusion, and major hydrogeological structures (fracture zones) in El Salloum basin. The equivalent geologic layers suggest that the main aquifer in the basin is the fractured chalky limestone middle Miocene) south of the coastal plain of the study area. Sites likely to provide significant volumes of potable water were identified based on relatively high resistivity and thickness of laterally extensive layers. The most promising locations for drilling productive wells are in the south and southeastern parts of the region, where the potential for potable groundwater increases substantially.

     

Accurate and Efficient Regularized Inversion Approach for the Interpretation of Isolated Gravity Anomalies

A very fast and efficient approach for gravity data inversion based on the regularized conjugate gradient method has been developed. This approach simultaneously inverts for the depth (z), and the amplitude coefficient (A) of a buried anomalous body from the gravity data measured along a profile. The developed algorithm fits the observed data by a class of some geometrically simple anomalous bodies, including the semi-infinite vertical cylinder, infinitely long horizontal cylinder, and sphere models using the logarithms of the model parameters [log(z) and log(|A|)] rather than the parameters themselves in its iterative minimization scheme. The presented numerical experiments have shown that the original (non-logarithmed) minimization scheme, which uses the parameters themselves (z and |A|) instead of their logarithms, encountered a variety of convergence problems. The aforementioned transformation of the objective functional subjected to minimization into the space of logarithms of z and |A| overcomes these convergence problems. The reliability and the applicability of the developed algorithm have been demonstrated on several synthetic data sets with and without noise. It is then successfully and carefully applied to seven real data examples with bodies buried in different complex geologic settings and at various depths inside the earth. The method is shown to be highly applicable for mineral exploration, and for both shallow and deep earth imaging, and is of particular value in cases where the observed gravity data is due to an isolated body embedded in the subsurface.     

Attempt to identify seismic sources in the eastern Mitidja basin using gravity data and aftershock sequence of the Boumerdes (May 21, 2003; Algeria) earthquake

In order to try to identify the seismogenic sources in the epicentral area, we interpreted data collected from gravity and aftershocks in the eastern part of the Mitidja basin after the occurrence of the 21 May 2003 Boumerdes earthquake (Mw = 6.8). The residual gravity anomaly and the horizontal gradient maps revealed the basement shape and density discontinuities. A seismotectonic model obtained from the aftershocks distribution and gravity data is proposed. This model highlights three active faults: one offshore and two onshore. The offshore reverse fault striking NE-SW, parallel to the coast, is consistent with the USGS focal mechanism of the main event, which is assumed to have the most moment release. The two onshore dipping blind active faults are postulated at crossing angles near the SW tip of the main fault. The interpretation is based mainly on the re-location and distribution of aftershocks, and their focal solutions. It is also supported by the basin structures obtained from the inversion and interpretation of residual gravity anomalies, as well as by additional compiled information such as the pattern of coastal co-seismic uplift. This configuration puts forward the failure mode complexity during the main shock. The topography of the basement obtained from 3D gravity inversion shows that all the onshore located aftershocks occurred in the basement, and the area between the two onshore faults rose as a consequence of their sliding.