Paleoproterozoic (2155–1970 Ma) evolution of the Guiana Shield (Transamazonian event) in the light of new paleomagnetic data from French Guiana

We present a comprehensive paleomagnetic study on Paleoproterozoic (2173–2060 Ma) plutonic and metamorphic rocks from French Guiana, representative of the full range of the main Transamazonian tectonothermal steps. Twenty-seven groups of directions and poles were obtained from combination of 102 sites (613 samples) based on age constraint, similar lithology and/or geographical proximity. Paleomagnetic results show variations between rocks of different ages which are supposed to be characteristic of magnetizations acquired during uplift and cooling of successive plutonic pulses and metamorphic phases. This is also reinforced by positive field tests (baked contact and reversal tests). Recent U/Pb and Pb/Pb on zircon and complementary ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar on amphibole and biotite allow questioning the problem of magnetic ages relative to rock formation ages. Estimated magnetic ages, based on amphibole dating as a proxy, enable us to construct a Guiana Shield apparent polar wander path for the 2155–1970 Ma period. It is also possible to present paleolatidudinal evolution and continental drift rates related to specific Transamazonian tectonic regimes.French Guiana and probably the Guiana Shield were located at the Equator from ca. 2155 to 2130 Ma during the Meso-Rhyacian D1 magmatic accretion phase, related to subduction of Eorhyacian oceanic crust. After closure of the Eorhyacian Ocean and collision of West African and Amazonian plates, the Guiana Shield moved. The first evolution towards 60° latitude, occurs after 2080 Ma, during the Neorhyacian D2a post collisional sinistral transcurrent phase. During the Late Rhyacian D2b phase, up to 2050 Ma, the Guiana Shield reaches the pole and starts to move to lower latitudes on an opposite meridian. By the Orosirian D2c phase, from ca. 2050 to 1970 Ma, the Guiana Shield reaches the Equator.Based on the amphibole ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dates, we estimate the continental drift between 12 and 16 cm/y for the Meso to Late Rhyacian period followed by a lower rate between 9 and 14 cm/y up to Orosirian time. This study highlights rock ages and magnetic ages are prerequisite to any continental reconstruction especially when it is shown continental drift is important for a 100–200 Ma time period. Our results confirm the possibility of APWP construction on Paleoproterozoic plutonic rocks but suggest improvement will rely on the combination with multidisciplinary approaches such as structural geology and multi-method radiometric dating.     

Statistical evaluation of methods for the calculation of static formation temperatures in geothermal and oil wells using an extension of the error propagation theory

The feasibility of using the more sophisticated weighted least-squares (WLS) model, as opposed to the traditional ordinary least-squares (OLS), in linear regressions of BHT data to estimate the static formation temperatures (SFT) was investigated. The most commonly used analytical methods (line-source; spherical and radial heat flow; and cylindrical heat source) were applied. Error propagation equations were derived to calculate errors in the time function of each method. These errors were combined with the BHT measurement errors to compute weighting factors for applying the WLS. Intercept uncertainties were estimated for all regressions using sets of synthetic and actual borehole logs taken from geothermal and oil applications. SFT computed with the spherical and radial heat flow method were generally greater than those from the other two methods.     

Temperature–composition–time (T–X–t) data from authigenic K-feldspar: An integrated methodology for dating fluid flow events

Integration of fluid inclusion analysis with high spatial resolution Ar–Ar dating of K-feldspar cements has been used to resolve and reconstruct palaeo-fluid flow. Fluid inclusion analysis allows discrimination of distinct cement phases, thereby identifying discrete episodes of fluid flow. Ar–Ar dating of the same cements via high spatial resolution laserprobe establishes absolute age constraints on the framework previously constructed. Integration of these two datasets yields temperature–composition–time data.     

Composition and applied sedimentology of salt from brines of the Mamfe Basin, Cameroon

Salts produced using brines of the Mamfe Basin were analysed by XRD for their mineral composition and ICP-MS for minor element composition. Halite (NaCl) and dolomite (CaMg (CO₃)₂) constitute the major minerals with minor impurities from Mo and Cd in the chlorides and Sc and Cu in the carbonates. The mineral composition is evidence of dissolution of evaporites with parent brine of marine origin. Other elements analysed are suggested to be adsorbed to these salts and result from water–rock interaction. The elements partitioned based on their correlation to other elements are suggested to derive from sulphates including barite for Ba, sulphides for Pb, Zn, silicates for Zr, Mn and oxides for V, Cr. The electrical conductance of the brines is related to the salt yield by the equation; M = 9 × 10^− 4E− 3.27, and it can be used to estimate salt yield throughout the year. Over 1200 tons of salt consisting dominantly of grade I halite are lost annually as brines across the basin. Purification is required for some minor elements including Ba, Pb, Hg and Cd for use as a condiment. A genetic relation between the parent brine, sulphide minerals and organic matter-rich sediments is proposed.