Constraints on the formation of geochemically variable plagiogranite intrusions in the Troodos Ophiolite,Cyprus

The geochemistry and petrology of tonalitic to trondhjemitic samples (n = 85) from eight different plagiogranite intrusions at the gabbro/sheeted dyke transition of the Troodos Ophiolite were studied in order to determine their petrogenetic relationship to the mafic plutonic section and the lava pile. The plagiogranitic rocks have higher SiO₂ contents than the majority of the glasses of the Troodos lava pile, but lie on a continuation of the chemical trends defined by the extrusive rocks, indicating that the shallow intrusions generally represent crystallised magmas. We define three different groups of plagiogranites in the Troodos Ophiolite based on different incompatible element contents and ratios. The first and most common plagiogranite group has geochemical similarities to the tholeiitic lavas forming the lavas and sheeted dyke complex in the Troodos crust, implying that these magmas formed at a spreading axis. The second plagiogranite group occurs in one intrusion that is chemically related to late-stage and off-axis boninitic lavas and dykes. One intrusion next to the Arakapas fault zone consists of incompatible element-enriched plagiogranites which are unrelated to any known mafic crustal rocks. The similarities of incompatible element ratios between plagiogranites, lavas and mafic plutonic rocks, the continuous chemical trends defined by plagiogranites and mafic rocks, as well as incompatible element modelling results, all suggest that shallow fractional crystallisation is the dominant process responsible for formation of the felsic magmas.     

Comprehensive chemical analyses of natural cordierites: implications for exchange mechanisms

Cordierite samples from pegmatites and metamorphic rocks have been analysed for major [electron microprobe analysis (EMPA)] and trace elements [inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), secondary ion mass spectrometry analyses (SIMS)] as well as for H₂O and CO₂ (coulometric titration), and the results evaluated in conjunction with published data in order to determine which exchange mechanisms are significant. Apart from the homovalent substitutions FeMg₋₁ and MnMg₋₁ on the octahedral site, some minor KNa₋₁ on the Ch0 channel site, and Fe³⁺Al₋₁ on the T₁1 tetrahedral site, the three most important substitution mechanisms are those for the incorporation of Li on the octahedral sites (NaLi□₋₁Mg₋₁), and of Be and other divalent cations on the tetrahedral T₁1 site (NaBe□₋₁Al₋₁ and Na(Mg,Fe²⁺)□₋₁Al₋₁). The dominant role of the last vector is clearly demonstrated. We propose a new generalized formula for cordierite: ^Ch(Na,K)_0–1 ^VI(Mg,Fe²⁺,Mn,Li)₂ ^IVSi₅ ^IVAl₃ ^IV(Al, Be, Mg, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺)O₁₈ *x^Ch(H₂O, CO₂…). Our results show that the population of (Mg, Fe²⁺) on the T₁1-site is limited to about 0.08 a.p.f.u. Other exchange mechanisms that were encountered in experiments operate only under P–T conditions or in bulk compositions that are rarely realized in nature. Routine analyses by electron microprobe in which Li and Be are not determined can be plotted as (Mg+Fe+Mn) versus (Si+Al) to assess whether significant amounts of Li and Be could be present. These amounts can be calculated as Li (a.p.f.u.)=Al+Na–4 and Be (a.p.f.u.)=10–2Al–M²⁺–Na.     

Half‐a‐billion‐year‐old microscopic treasures—the Cambrian ‘Orsten’ fossils of Sweden

The creatures that gaze back at us through the binocular microscope are so uniquely well‐preserved and life‐like that had we not known better we would have thought that they were modern. Instead they are half‐a‐billion‐year‐old arthropods extracted from Cambrian rocks of Sweden. The microscopic fossils, colloquially known as the ‘Orsten’ fossils, are now world‐famous and basking in the light of the research catwalk since their discovery in the 1970s. These fossils have provided significant insight into the long lost Cambrian biotas and early animal evolution.     

`Isotopically strange xenon' in meteoritic nanodiamonds: implantation by stellar winds?

It is argued that the cycling of the atomic nuclei of`isotopically strange xenon' through carbon stars and its implantation intometeoritic nanodiamonds by low-energy stellar wind ions of such starslessens several difficulties of earlier theories. The isotopically strangexenon might be an abundant galactic constituent today, or have been suchduring the presolar past.     

Strontium and neodymium isotopic study of Libyan Desert Glass: Inherited Pan‐African age signatures and new evidence for target material

Abstract— Libyan Desert Glass (LDG) is an impact‐related, natural glass of still unknown target material. We have determined Rb‐Sr and Sm‐Nd isotopic ratios from seven LDG samples and five associated sandstones from the LDG strewn field in the Great Sand Sea, western Egypt. Planar deformation features were recently detected in quartz from these sandstones. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios and ?‐Nd values for LDG range between 0.71219 and 0.71344, and between –16.6 and –17.8, respectively, and hence are distinct from the less radiogenic ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.70910–0.71053 and ?‐Nd values from –6.9 to –9.6 for the local sandstones from the LDG strewn field. Previously published isotopic ratios from the Libyan BP and Oasis crater sandstones are generally incompatible with our LDG values. LDG formation undoubtedly occurred at 29 Ma, but neither the Rb‐Sr nor the Sm‐Nd isotopic system were rehomogenised during the impact event, as we can deduce from Pan‐African ages of ?540 Ma determined from the regression lines from a total of 14 LDG samples from this work and the literature. Together with similar Sr and Nd isotopic values for LDG and granitoid rocks from northeast Africa west of the Nile, these findings point to a sandy matrix target material for the LDG derived from a Precambrian crystalline basement, ruling out the Cretaceous sandstones of the former “Nubian Group” as possible precursors for LDG.     

A note on the magnetic perfect fluid Bianchi type-VIo solutions

We make some comments concerning the magnetic perfect fluid Bianchi type-VI_o solutions given recently by Royet al. (1985a).     

QUARTZ AND FELDSPAR GLASSES PRODUCED BY NATURAL AND EXPERIMENTAL SHOCK

Refractive index, density and infrared absorption studies of naturally and experimentally shocked-produced glasses formed from quartz, plagioclase, and alkali-feldspar confirm the existence of two main groups of amorphous forms of the framework silicates: solid-state and liquid-state glasses. These were apparently formed as metastable release products of high-pressure-phases above and below the glass transition temperatures. Solid-state glasses exhibit a series of structural states with increasing disorder caused by increasing shock pressures and temperatures. They gradually merge into the structural state of fused minerals similar to that of synthetic glasses quenched from a melt. Shock-fused alkali feldspars can, however, be distinguished from their laboratory-fused counterparts by infrared absorption and by higher density. It is concluded from recovery shock experiments on single crystals that solid-state glasses are formed by shock pressures between about 300 and 450 kb (feldspars) and 350 and 500 kb (quartz), whereas pressures exceeding some 430 kb (feldspars) and 500 kb (quartz) are necessary to produce liquid-state glasses     

SODIUM-22, 26AI,AND 10Be IN 3He-RICH FLARES

The theory of ³He-rich flares by Colgate, Audouze, and Fowler implies that the composition of the solar cosmic ray-event associated with a ³He-rich flare is grossly non-solar. The relative abundances (relative to hydrogen) of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, as well as those of heavier elements are significantly reduced, and the isotopic compositions of virtually all elements are bound to be strongly anomalous. In addition, the abundances of ²²Na, ²⁶Al, and ¹⁰Be (of which there are approximately 10²⁵atoms each in a ³He-rich flare) are at least comparable to the abundances of stable isotopes of these elements. Conditions for the detectability of the three radioactive species are discussed.     

The main problem of lunar theory solved by the method of Brown

Brown's method for solving the main problem of lunar theory has been adapted for the computation by machine. The computations are carried out with the help of an algebraic processor called POLYPAK, which can manipulate power series in several real or complex variables. Brown's result have been recovered and refined first and the solution, in Cartesian coordinates to the sixth order, has been compared to the work of Eckert (see Gutzwiller, 1979). The solution has then been expanded to include most terms through order nine. This order is necessary to get an accuracy of 0.00001 for the terms in longitude and latitude and of 0.000001 for the terms in the sine parallax. A preliminary comparison with the theories of Chapront and Henrard (1980) indicates that the solution has an accuracy which is close to the one desired. For details see Schmidt (1980).The next step in developing a complete lunar theory requires the computation of the partial derivatives of the solution with respect to the primary parameters. Since Brown's method gives a semianalytical solution only the derivative with respect ton, the mean motion of the Moon, is difficult to compute. It is possible to find this derivative with one quadrature from the other derivatives if one takes into account that the Jacobian has to be a symplectic matrix when a canonical set of primary parameters is used.The mean motions of the perigee and node often exhibit the largest discrepancies among the different theories. Therefore it is not too surprising that also their derivatives show significant differences. It is hoped by providing another independent computation of the derivatives by a different method their accuracy can be improved.Proceedings of the Conference on Analytical Methods and Ephemerides: Theory and Observations of the Moon and Planets. Facultés universitaires Notre Dame de la Paix, Namur, Belgium, 28–31 July, 1980.     

Iron ore of the Lahn-Dill type formed by diagenetic seeping of pyroclastic sequences — a case study on the Schalstein section at Gänsberg (Weilburg)

Investigations on the reconstruction of processes and facies relationships from submarine volcanics of Devonian age in the Lahn syncline (Rhenish Mountains, Western Germany) reveal a complex development of secondary alteration. This is well illustrated by a mafic pyroclastic sequence (»Schalstein«) at the Gänsberg near Weilburg where alteration processes are visible by petrographic and geochemical means and can be further classified by cathodoluminescence. Iron ore formation of Lahn-Dill type is recognized as part of this alteration process, resulting from diagenetic seeping. Until recently a direct magmatic source for the Lahn-Dill type iron ore has been the generally accepted model. These bodies have therefore been viewed as a rather unique stratiform deposit, whose occurrence was virtually confined to this type area. However, it is here considered that the formation of the iron ore corresponds well with existing models of alteration processes within recent oceanic environments which are of a more universal occurrence.

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Zusammenfassung Untersuchungen zur Rekonstruktion der Abläufe an und in den submarinen Vulkangebäuden des Devons (Givet/Adorf-Phase) der Lahnmulde (südliches Rheinisches Schiefergebirge) schließen die sekundäre Alteration mit ein und werden an dem ausschließlich aus basischen Pyroklastiten (Schalstein) aufgebauten Profil am Gänsberg bei Weilburg exemplarisch vorgestellt. Diese anhand petrographischer und geochemischer Kriterien erkennbaren sekundären Prozesse zeigen eine mehrphasige Entwicklung auf, die durch Kathodenlumineszenz-Untersuchungen der Karbonatzemente bestätigt und zeitlich geordnet werden kann. Die an die pyroklastische Abfolge gebundene Roteisensteinvererzung vom Lahn-Dill-Typ läßt sich mit der bei diesen Vorgängen erfolgten Wanderung verschiedener Elemente korrelieren. Damit wird die Vererzung zu einem Produkt der diagenetischen Alteration und nicht der magmatischen Differentiation, wodurch sie mit rezent im ozeanischen Raum beobachteten Prozessen vergleichbar ist. Diese Vorstellungen fügen die Lahn-Dill-Erze in aktualistisch begründete Modelle zur Genese von Erzen ein. Damit erscheint die Besonderheit und fast nur auf den rhenoherzynischen Raum beschränkte Verbreitung dieses Typus hinfällig.

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Résumé L'étude de la succession des phénomènes et des relations facielles dans les volcanites sous-marines d'âge dévonien du synclinal de la Lahn (Massif schisteux rhénan) fait apparaître des processus complexes d'altération secondaire. Ceci est particulièrement bien illustré par la séquence pyroclastique («Schalstein») du Gänsberg près de Weilburg: les processus secondaires, identifiables par des critères pétrographiques et géochimiques y présentent un développement polyphasé dont l'histoire peut être reconstituée par application de la cathodo-luminescence au ciment carbonaté. Les minéralisations en fer associées à la série pyroclastique peuvent être corrélées avec les migrations de divers éléments impliqués dans ces processus. Ces minéralisations apparaissent ainsi comme le produit d'une altération diagénétique et ne correspondent donc pas au modèle généralement admis d'une différenciation magmatique. Cette genèse par altération est d'ailleurs conforme à ce qu'on observe dans les domaines océaniques récents de sorte que les gisements de la région Lahn-Dill doiventêtre considérés non pas comme une singularité du massif schisteux rhénan, mais comme l'expression d'un phénomène plus général à caractère actualiste.

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