K‐Ar ages of Cainozoic volcanic suites,Bowen‐St Lawrence Hinterland,North Queensland (with some implications for petrologic models)

Thirty K‐Ar dates on Cainozoic volcanic rocks lying at the north end of the Bowen Basin suggest that several episodes of volcanism took place at major structural weaknesses. The oldest volcanism (ca 54 m.y.) was located outside the basin structure. The main volcanism (Nebo and East Clermont Provinces) extended from early Oligocene (34–35 m.y.) to mid‐Cainozoic time (21–22 m.y.?). Isolated Pliocene activity is tentatively suggested by dates on Mt St Martin (ca 3 m.y.).

Dating of the Nebo central volcano (31–33 m.y.) supports the model of Wellman &; McDougall, with volcanic activity related to migration of Australia northwards over a mantle magma source. Consideration of the Nebo dates with those of other central volcanoes in north Queensland, suggests that central felsic activity was surrounded by broad zones of peripheral eruptives, petrologically zoned from outer undersaturated basalts to inner saturated basalts. These zones (super provinces) delineate the size and profile of underlying magma sources and appear to trend back in time and space to sea‐floor spreading episodes in the Coral Sea—southeastern Papua region (55 m.y.).

The basalt dates also assist in fixing periods of lateritization (mid‐Oligocene) and in determining approximate minimum erosion rates in the northern Bowen Basin since the Eocene (3–5m/m.y.).     

Characteristics of coronal mass ejection associated with DH type II radio bursts (All and Limb events)

We have studied the characteristics of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) associated with Deca-Hectometric (DH) type II radio bursts (1–14 MHz) in the interplanetary medium during the year 1997–2005. The DH CMEs are divided into two parts: (i) DH CMEs (All) and (ii) DH CMEs (Limb). We found that 65% (177/273) of all events have the speed >900 km?s^?1 and the remaining 35% (96/273) events have the speed below 900 km?s^?1. The average speed of all and limb DH CMEs are 1230 and 1288 km?s^?1, respectively, which is nearly three times the average speed of general population of CMEs (473 km?s^?1). The average widths of all and limb DH CMEs are 105° and 106°, respectively, which is twice the average width (52°) of the general population of CMEs. We found a better correlation between the speed and width of limb DH CMEs (R=?0.61) than all DH CMEs (R=?0.53). Only 28% (177/637) of fast >900 km?s^?1 general population of CMEs are reported with DH type II bursts counterpart. The above results gives that the relation between the CME properties is better for limb events.     

Rivers turned to rock: Late Quaternary alluvial induration influencing the behaviour and morphology of an anabranching river in the Australian monsoon tropics

Late Quaternary alluvial induration has greatly influenced contemporary channel morphology on the anabranching Gilbert River in the monsoon tropics of the Gulf of Carpentaria. The Gilbert, one of a number of rivers in this region, has contributed to an extensive system of coalescing low-gradient and partly indurated riverine plains. Extensive channel sands were deposited by enhanced flow conditions during marine oxygen isotope (OI) Stage 5. Subsequent flow declined, probably associated with increased aridity, however, enhanced runoff recurred again in OI Stages 4–3 (65–50 ka). Aridity then capped these plains with 4–7 m of mud. A widespread network of sandy distributary channels was incised into this muddy surface from sometime after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) to the mid Holocene during a fluvial episode more active than the present but less so than those of OI Stages 5 and 3. This network is still partly active but with channel avulsion and abandonment now occurring largely proximal to the main Gilbert flow path.A tropical climate and reactive catchment lithology have enhanced chemical weathering and lithification of alluvium along the river resulting in the formation of small rapids, waterfalls and inset gorges, features characteristic more of bedrock than alluvial systems. Thermoluminescence (TL) and comparative optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages of the sediments are presented along with U/Th ages of pedogenic calcrete and Fe/Mn oxyhydroxide/ oxide accumulations. They show that calcrete precipitated during the Late Quaternary at times similar to those that favoured ferricrete formation, possibly because of an alternating wet–dry climate. Intense chemical alteration of the alluvium leading to induration appears to have prevailed for much of the Late Quaternary but, probably due to exceptional dryness, not during the LGM. The result has been restricted channel migration and a reduced capacity for the channel to adjust and accommodate sudden changes in bedload. Consequent avulsions have caused local stream powers to increase by an order of magnitude, inducing knickpoint erosion, local incision and the sudden influx of additional bedload that has triggered further avulsions. The Gilbert River, while less energetic than its Pleistocene ancestors, is clearly an avulsive system, and emphasizes the importance in some tropical rivers of alluvial induration for reinforcing the banks, generating nickpoints, reworking sediment and thereby developing and maintaining an indurated and anabranching river style.     

Seismic wave scattering effects under different canyon topographic and geological conditions

Based on our numerical model for wave scattering problems due to P and SV wave incidences and the frequency domain analysis procedure, the effect of canyon topographic and geologic conditions on ground motion due to P and SV earthquake wave incidences has been extensively studied in this paper. The numerical results from this research illustrated that: (1) canyon topographic and geologic conditions can dramatically affect both peak value and frequency contents of the free field motion along the canyon surface during an earthquake; (2) a canyon may be subjected to stronger ground motion when its predominant frequency is in coincidence with the predominant frequency of the incident earthquake wave; (3) a stronger wave mode conversion effect can be induced by a steeper canyon bank or a softer weathered stratum on the canyon surface in the case of an earthquake wave incidence; (4) compared with harmonic wave incidences, the amplification effect of a canyon on the incident earthquake wave is a little weaker due to the average self-healing effect of the earthquake wave.     

Multi-Stage Modification of the Northern Slave Mantle Lithosphere: Evidence from Zircon- and Diamond-Bearing Eclogite Xenoliths Entrained in Jericho Kimberlite, Canada

The Jericho kimberlites are part of a small Jurassic kimberlitecluster in the northern Slave craton, Canada. A variety of datingtechniques were applied to constrain the nature and age of twoJericho kimberlites, JD-1 (170·2 ± 4·3Ma Rb–Sr phlogopite megacrysts, 172·8 ±0·7 Ma U–Pb eclogite rutile, 178 ± 5 MaU–Pb eclogite zircon lower intercept) and JD-3 (173 ±2 Ma Rb–Sr phlogopite megacryst; 176·6 ±3·2 Ma U–Pb perovskite), and all yielded identicalresults within analytical uncertainty. As there is no discernibledifference in the radiometric ages obtained for these two pipes,the composite Rb–Sr phlogopite megacryst date of 173·1± 1·3 Ma is interpreted as the best estimate forthe emplacement age of both Jericho pipes. The initial Sr isotopecomposition of 0·7053 ± 0·0003 derivedfrom phlogopite megacrysts overlaps the range (0·7043–0·7084)previously reported for Jericho whole-rocks. These strontiumisotope data, combined with the radiogenic initial ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pbratio of 18·99 ± 0·33 obtained in thisstudy, indicate that the Jericho kimberlites are isotopicallysimilar to Group 1 kimberlites as defined in southern Africa.The Jericho kimberlites are an important new source of mantlexenoliths that hold clues to the nature of the Slave cratonsubcontinental mantle. A high proportion (30%) of the Jerichomantle xenolith population consists of various eclogite typesincluding a small number (2–3%) of apatite-, diamond-,kyanite- and zircon-bearing eclogites. The most striking aspectof the Jericho zircon-bearing eclogite xenoliths is their peculiargeochemistry. Reconstructed whole-rock compositions indicatethat they were derived from protoliths with high FeO, Al₂O₃and Na₂O contents, reflected in the high-FeO (22·6–27·5wt %) nature of garnet and the high-Na₂O (8·47–9·44wt %) and high-Al₂O₃ (13·12–14·33 wt %)character of the clinopyroxene. These eclogite whole-rock compositionsare highly enriched in high field strength elements (HFSE) suchas Nb (133–1134 ppm), Ta (5–28 ppm), Zr (1779–4934ppm) and Hf (23–64 ppm). This HFSE enrichment is linkedto growth of large (up to 2 mm) zircon and niobian rutile crystals(up to 3 modal %) near the time of eclogite metamorphism. Thediamond-bearing eclogites on the other hand are characterizedby high-MgO (19·6–21·3 wt %) garnet andultralow-Na₂O (0·44–1·50 wt %) clinopyroxene.Paleotemperature estimates indicate that both the zircon- anddiamond-bearing eclogites have similar equilibration temperaturesof 950–1020°C and 990–1030°C, respectively,corresponding to mantle depths of 150–180 km. Integrationof petrographic, whole-rock and mineral geochemistry, geochronologyand isotope tracer techniques indicates that the Jericho zircon-bearingeclogite xenoliths have had a complex history involving Paleoproterozoicmetamorphism, thermal perturbations, and two or more episodesof Precambrian mantle metasomatism. The oldest metasomatic event(Type 1) occurred near the time of Paleoproterozoic metamorphism(1·8 Ga) and is responsible for the extreme HFSE enrichmentand growth of zircon and high-niobian rutile. A second thermalperturbation and concomitant carbonatite metasomatism (Type2) is responsible for significant apatite growth in some xenolithsand profound light rare earth element enrichment. Type 2 metasomatismoccurred in the period 1·0–1·3 Ga and isrecorded by relatively consistent whole-rock eclogite modelNd ages and secondary U–Pb zircon upper intercept dates.These eclogite xenoliths were derived from a variety of protoliths,some of which could represent metasomatized pieces of oceaniccrust, possibly linked to east-dipping subduction beneath theSlave craton during construction of the 1·88–1·84Ga Great Bear continental arc. Others, including the diamond-bearingeclogites, could be cumulates from mafic or ultramafic sillcomplexes that intruded the Slave lithospheric mantle at depthsof about 150–180 km. KEY WORDS: zircon- and diamond-bearing eclogites; Jericho kimberlite, geochronology; Precambrian metasomatism, northern Slave Craton     

New data on mineral composition of noble metal mineralization of the stoilo iron ore deposit of KMA,Central Russia

Doklady Earth Sciences -     

Petrology and origin of amoeboid olivine aggregates in CR chondrites

Abstract— Amoeboid olivine aggregates (AOAs) are irregularly shaped, fine‐grained aggregates of olivine and Ca, Al‐rich minerals and are important primitive components of CR chondrites. The AOAs in CR chondrites contain FeNi metal, and some AOAs contain Mn‐rich forsterite with up to 0.7 MnO and Mn:Fe ratios greater than one. Additionally, AOAs in the CR chondrites do not contain secondary phases (nepheline and fayalitic olivine) that are found in AOAs in some CV chondrites. The AOAs in CR chondrites record a complex petrogenetic history that included nebular gas‐solid condensation, reaction of minerals with the nebular gas, small degrees of melting, and sintering of the assemblage. A condensation origin for the Mn‐rich forsterite is proposed. The Mn‐rich forsterite found in IDPs, unequilibrated ordinary chondrite matrix, and AOAs in CR chondrites may have had a similar origin. A type A calcium, aluminum‐rich inclusion (CAI) with an AOA attached to its Wark‐Lovering rim is also described. This discovery reveals a temporal relationship between AOAs and type A inclusions. Additionally, a thin layer of forsterite is present as part of the Wark‐Lovering rim, revealing the crystallization of olivine at the end stages of Wark‐Lovering rim formation. The Ca, Al‐rich nodules in the AOAs may be petrogenetically related to the Ca, Al‐rich minerals in Wark‐Lovering rims on type A CAIs. AOAs are chondrite components that condensed during the final stage of Wark‐Lovering rim formation but, in general, were temporally, spatially, or kinetically isolated from reacting with the nebula vapor during condensation of the lower temperature minerals that were commonly present as chondrule precursors.     

Impacts Of Management Practices On Groundwater Conditions In The Eastern Province,Saudi Arabia

Insufficient attention has been given to management issues of groundwater in desertic aquifers, especially pumping policies and the proper design of well fields, i.e., the spatial distribution among wells and among well fields. In Saudi Arabia, many wells have been drilled in small areas, and in some parts of the Kingdom, groundwater pumping has increased drastically during the last two decades. Heavy pumping from large numbers of clustered wells in closely spaced well fields has resulted in unacceptable impacts on water levels and water quality in these areas. Numerical techniques were used to assess the impacts of this practice in parts of the Eastern Province. If the existing water-management policies and trend of increased pumping continue, a considerable additional drawdown will occur. Therefore, proper groundwater-management and conservation schemes need to be adopted. The approaches include optimization of well-field designs and well operations, and the implementation of effective irrigation-scheduling techniques. The implementation of a comprehensive irrigation water-management system in a large irrigation project has resulted in significant recovery of groundwater in the project area in the Eastern Province. RÉSUMÉ: Trop peu d'attention a été accordée aux questions de gestion des eaux dans les aquifères désertiques, particulièrement en ce qui concerne la règlementation des pompages et le groupement judicieux des puits, i.e., la répartition en surface des puits et des champs de puits. En Arabie Saoudite, de nombreux puits ont été forés sur des surfaces réduites, et, dans certaines parties du Royaume, le pompage des eaux s'est accru de façon spectaculaire dans les deux dernières déciennes. Un pompage important à partir d'un grand nombre de puits concentrés dans des ensembles rapprochés les uns des autres a eu des effets inacceptables sur le niveau et la qualité des eaux. Des techniques d'analyse numériques ont été employées pour évaluer les conséquences de ces modes de gestion dans certaines parties de la Province de L'Est. Si l'actuelle gestion des eaux se poursuit et le pompage continue de croître, il en résultera un abaissement considérable du niveau d'eau. Il est donc nécessaire d'adopter dans ces régions des méthodes de gestion et de conservation appropriées. Ces méthodes consistent, entre autres, à optimiser l'agencement des groupements de puits et de l'opération des puits, ainsi qu'à adopter des techniques efficaces pour programmer les horaires d'irrigation. L'adoption d'un sytème intégré de gestion des eaux dans un grand programme d'irrigation a provoqué une remontée substantielle des eaux souterraines dans la partie de la Province de L'Est correspondant à la zone du projet. RESUMEN: Los problemas de gestión de las aguas subterráneas en acuíferos desérticos no han recibido suficiente atención, especialmente en lo que respecta a las políticas de captaciones y al diseño adecuado de los campos de pozos, es decir, la distribución espacial de los pozos y de los campos de pozos. En Arabia Saudita, muchos pozos se han excavado en áreas pequeñas, y en algunas partes del Reino, el bombeo de agua se ha incrementado drásticamente durante las dos últimas décadas. El fuerte bombeo en un gran número de pozos de bombeo agrupados, situados en campos de extracción próximos, ha dado lugar impactos inaceptables en los niveles y en la calidad del agua en estas áreas. Se usaron técnicas numéricas para evaluar los impactos de esta política de extracción en partes de la Provincia Oriental. Si la política de gestión del agua actual y el incremento en el bombeo se mantienen, darán lugar a un descenso de niveles adicional considerable. Por tanto, en estas áreas es necesario adoptar esquemas apropiados de gestón y conservación de las aguas subterráneas. Esto incluiría la optimización de los diseños y de los criterios de operación de los campos de pozos y la adopción de técnicas de riego efectivas. La puesta en marcha de un sistema de gestión de aguas de riego, dentro de un gran proyecto de irrigación, ha dado como resultado una recuperación significativa de los niveles de agua en el área de proyecto, situada en la Provincia Oriental.     

Salinity problem of groundwater in the Wadi Tharad Basin, Saudi Arabia

In Wadi Tharad the groundwater has been subjected to hydrochemical study to identify the process (s) that led to the formation of relatively highly saline water in shallow alluvial aquifer. The chemical analyses results show that the groundwater salinity was highly variable and randomly distributed along the wadi course. This variation could be attributed to intensive evaporation on effluent prone surface irrigation water that led to precipitation of evaporates (e.g., calcite, dolomite, gypsum and probably halite). The intensive irrigation practice through mineral dissolution recharged the groundwater with a marked increase in the salinity. The local hydrogeological condition is also involved in determining the risk of the groundwater salinity as a consequence of irrigation practice. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.