Analysis of anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility in iron-oolitic beds: a potential tool for paleocurrent identification

A combined sedimentological, shape-preferred orientation and anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) analysis has been performed at the Arroyofrío Bed (Callovian–Oxfordian boundary level) in the locality of Moneva (Iberian Range, NE Spain). The Arroyofrío bed is a widespread iron-ooid limestone interval forming a condensed sequence. The present study has focused on the analysis of the potential presence of a preferred ooid orientation at the Arroyofrío bed. The obtained data show that ooids were originally ellipsoidal and had an imbricate disposition with respect to the bedding/lamination surface. The main ooid orientation within the bedding plane shows a NNE–SSW trend. Results of AMS analyses show a magnetic foliation parallel or slightly imbricated with respect to bedding and magnetic lineation parallel to the main ooid orientation. Magnetic mineralogy of studied samples shows that AMS is mainly controlled by magnetite with minor contributions of hematite and paramagnetic minerals (that can reach contributions of 35 %). The analyzed ooids show axial ratios between 1.4 and 2.8 (intrinsic anisotropy), while the anisotropy of their distribution shows lower anisotropies (e.g., Rs = 1.15) or very low values of the anisotropic magnetic parameters (e.g., P′ < 1.01). Sedimentary texture, matrix features, bioturbation and fossil content influenced both ooid main orientation and the magnetic fabric. Magnetic lineation and main orientation of long ooid axes are transverse to the inferred coastline in the studied area and parallel to the expected paleocurrent direction with respect to the Ejulve-Maestrazgo paleogeographic high. The direct correlation between AMS magnetic lineation and the ooid analysis permits to demonstrate that the paleocurrent imprint can be recorded by means of AMS despite the highly ferromagnetic context fabric and at coarse deposits. Obtained results support the interest and reliability of AMS to unravel paleocurrent imprints for paleogeographic reconstructions.     

Photometric activity of the Herbig Be star MWC 297 over 25 years

The photometric behavior of the hot, young Herbig Be starMWC 297 on various time scales is studied using published data, as well as new observations. The series of photometric observations covers about 25 years. Over this time, the star showed low-amplitude (ΔV ≈ 0.3 ^m ) irregular variabilitymodulated by large-scale cyclic variabilitywith an amplitude close to 0.2 ^m and a period (or quasi-period) of 5.4±0.1 yr. A detailed seasonal analysis of the data shows that the light curve of MWC 297 displays two types of photometric features: low-amplitude Algol-like fading with an amplitude close to 0.2 ^m and low-amplitude flares resembling the flares of UV Ceti stars, but being more powerful and having longer durations. The variations of the stellar brightness are accompanied by variations of the B-V and V -R colors: when the brightness decreases, B-V decreases, while V -R increases (the star reddens). The reddening law is close to the standard interstellar reddening law. Although the character of the brightness variability ofMWC 297 resembles the photometric activity of UX Ori type stars, which is due to variations of their circumstellar extinction, its scale is very far from the scales observed for UX Ori stars. It is difficult to reconcile the level of photometric activity with the idea that MWC 297 is observed through its own gas-dust disk viewed almost edge-on, as has been suggested in several studies.     

Nature of Co-bearing ferromanganese crusts of the Magellan Seamounts (Pacific Ocean): Communication 2. Ion exchange properties of ore minerals

The results of experimental studies of ion exchange properties of Co-bearing ferromanganese crusts in the Magellan Seamounts (Pacific Ocean) are discussed. Maximum reactivity in reactions with the participation of manganese minerals (Fe-vernadite, vernadite) is typical of Na⁺, K⁺, and Ca²⁺ cations, whereas minimum activity is recorded for cations Pb²⁺ and Co²⁺. The exchange complex of ore minerals in crusts is composed of Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Mn²⁺ cations. The exchange capacity of manganese minerals increases from the alkali metal cations to rare and heavy metal cations. Peculiarities of the affiliation of Co²⁺, Mn²⁺, and Mg²⁺ cations in manganese minerals of crusts are discussed. In manganese minerals, Co occurs as Co²⁺ and Co³⁺ cations. Metal cations in manganese minerals occur in different chemical forms: sorbed (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mn²⁺, Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Pb²⁺); sorbed and chemically bound (Mg²⁺, Ni²⁺, Y³⁺, La³⁺, and Mo⁶⁺); and only chemically bound (Co³⁺). It is shown that the age of crust, its preservation time in the air-dry state, and type of host substrate do not affect the ion exchange indicators of manganese minerals. It has been established that alkali metal cations are characterized by completely reversible equivalent sorption, whereas heavy metal cations are sorbed by a complex mechanism: equivalent ion exchange for all metal cations; superequivalent, partly reversible sorption for Ba²⁺, Pb²⁺, Co²⁺, and Cu²⁺ cations, relative to exchange cations of manganese minerals. The obtained results refine the role of ion exchange processes during the hydrogenic formation of Co-bearing ferromanganese crusts.     

Multistage Svecofennian metamorphism: Evidence from the composition and U-Pb age of titanite from eclogites of the Belomorian Mobile Belt

The first geochemical study of titanite from eclogites and associated rocks of the Belomorian Mobile Belt (BMB) by secondary ion mass spectrometry made it possible to establish the compositional features of this mineral in the garnet-bearing and garnet-free assemblages. Titanite from garnet-bearing assemblages is characterized by upward convex REE pattern and lowered HREE content relative to LREE, as well as the average Gd_N/Yb_N ratio around 16.5. Titanite from metaultrabasic rock inherits the specific features of the host rock, which should be taken into account when comparing with titanite from metagabbro. Results of U-Pb (TIMS) dating of titanite confirms the identification of the early and late stages of the Svecofennian metamorphism in the studied areas of BMB: early metamorphism with the peak eclogite facies conditions at around 1900 Ma, retrograde amphibolite facies metamorphism at 1870–1880 Ma, and late allochemical metamorphism accompanied by the pegmatite formation with an age of 1840 Ma.     

Stratigraphy and tectonics of a time-transgressive ophiolite obduction onto the eastern margin of the Pelagonian platform from Late Bathonian until Valanginian time,exemplified in northern Evvoia,Greece

The obduction of an ophiolite sheet onto the eastern Pelagonian carbonate platform complex of the Hellenides began during the Late Bathonian and ended with the final emplacement of the ophiolite during Valanginian time. The early stages of obduction caused subaerial exposure of the platform, recorded by an unconformity of Callovian age, which is marked by laterites overlying folded and faulted, karstic substrates. The laterites have distinct ophiolitic geochemical signatures, indicating that emergent ophiolite had been undergoing lateritic weathering. This unconformity coincides with widespread western Tethyan, Callovian gaps, indicating that the obduction in the Hellenides was probably related to far-reaching plate tectonic processes. Resumed gravitational pull and rollback of the subducted, oceanic leading edge of the temporarily exposed ophiolite. Platform drowning continued into Tithonian–Valanginian time, documented initially by reefal carbonates and then by below-CCD, carbonate-free radiolarian cherts and shales. Subsequently, siliciclastic turbidites, which apparently originated from uplifted Variscan basement, were deposited together with and over the radiolarite as the ophiolite nappe sheet advanced. The nappe substrate underwent tectonic deformations of varying intensity, while polymictic mélange and syntectonic sedimentary debris accreted beneath the ophiolite and at the nappe front. The provenience of the ophiolite nappe complexes of northern Evvoia most probably has to be looked for in the Vardar ocean.     

New data on the structure of the sedimentary section on the Ita Mai Tai Guyot (Magellan Seamounts,Pacific Ocean)

The geological-prospecting investigations carried out by scientists from the Yuzhmorgeologiya State Scientific Center in the eastern segment of the Magellan Seamounts of the Pacific during the cruise of the R/V Gelendzhik in 2003–2010 brought new data on the topography of the Ita Mai Tai Guyot and its Lower Cretaceous-Pleistocene sedimentary section. The guyot is characterized by its complex irregular morphology with angular outlines being complicated by numerous relief mesoforms: spurs, scarps, and volcanic cones and domes. It is shown that the sedimentary cover was formed during a long period. The analysis of the organic macro- and microfaunal remains from the sedimentary rocks made it possible to define transgressive phases in the guyot’s development: the Albian-Cenomanian, the Late Campanian-Maastrichtian, and the late Paleocene-early Eocene. The oolitic limestone sequence recovered by DSDP Hole 202 is determined to be the Albian in age. Based on the original and published data, the geological development of the guyot was analyzed in comparison with other similar structures of the Magellan Seamounts.     

Morphostructural features of the Butakov Guyot (Magellan Seamounts, Pacific Ocean)

The structural features of the Butakov Guyot are interpreted based on the comparison of telephoto-profiling (approximately 8000 photos of the oceanic floor) and multibeam echo sounding data. The network of linear structures of the guyot is outlined and their regular orientation is visualized in rose charts. Several structural steps complicating the slopes and summit plateau of the guyot are identified, and a scenario of its possible initiation and evolution is suggested. The data imply elevated tectonic activity of the Butakov Guyot relative to other guyots and its subdivision into the northern and southern bocks. It is shown that the main systems of the linear structures in the Butakov Guyot are oriented in consistence with four global fracture networks.