Mineralogical and geochemical evolution of the Bidgol bauxite deposit,Zagros Mountain Belt,Iran: Implications for ore genesis,rare earth elements fractionation and parental affinity

The present study focuses on the Late Cretaceous Bidgol bauxite deposit in the Zagros Simply Fold Belt, SW Iran. The orebody is located in the eroded major NW–SE trending Koh-e-Hosseyn anticline and hosted as discontinuous stratified layers and lenses within the upper member of the Cenomanian–Turonian Sarvak Formation. Detailed mineralogical analysis reveals that diaspore, hematite, goethite, anatase, clinochlore, chamosite, and calcite are the major mineral components accompanied by minor amounts of detrital and REE-bearing minerals such as rutile, zircon and parisite. The ore texture suggest that the bauxite material has an authigenic origin but in some parts it has been transported short distances from a primary in situ environment and redeposited in karstic depressions. The spheroidal pisolites of the Bidgol bauxite formed under conditions of low water activity, favouring the formation of large diaspore cores and a single dry-to-wet climatic fluctuation. The mass change calculations relative to the immobile element Ti show that elements such as Si, Fe, Mg, K, Na and Sr are leached out of the weathered system; Al, Ni, Zr, Ga, Cr and Ba are concentrated in the residual system; and Hf, Ta, Co, Rb, Cs, Be, and U are relatively immobile during the bauxitisation processes. The Nb, Th, Y, V, Sc, Sn and ΣREE are relatively immobile in the initial stage of bauxitisation processes in the bauxite ores, but were slightly mobile at the later stage of bauxitisation. Geochemical data reveal progressive enrichment of the REE and intense LREE/HREE fractionation toward the lower parts of the bauxite profile. Cerium behaves differently from the other REEs (especially LREE) and show positive anomalies in the upper horizons that gradually become negative in the deeper parts of the profile. The distribution and fractionation of trace elements and REEs during the bauxitisation process in the Bidgol deposit are mainly controlled by the presence of REE-bearing minerals, fluctuations in soil solution pH, REE ionization potential and the presence of bicarbonates or organic matter. Geochemical analyses confirm a protolith contribution from the bedrock argillaceous limestone and suggest that the source material for the Bidgol bauxite was provided from a siliciclastic material derived from a continental margin. The mid-Turonian uplift led to the formation of karstic topography, rubbly breccia and a layer of ferruginous–argillaceous debris that was affected by lateritic weathering under humid tropical climate. Subsequently, mobile elements are removed from the profiles, while Al, Fe and Ti are enriched, resulting in the formation of the pristine bauxite materials. When the platform subsided into the water again, the pristine bauxitic materials were partly converted to bauxite. During the exposure of bauxite orebodies on the limbs and crests of anticlines and subsequent eroding and accumulation in the karstic depressions during folding and faulting in Oligocene–Miocene, important factors such as intensity of the weathering, drainage and floating flow may have improved the qualities of the bauxite ores.     

黔东南新元古代下江群碎屑岩地球化学特征及其大地构造意义

黔东南下江群是一套具复理石特征的陆源碎屑岩夹火山碎屑岩建造,由下向上分别为甲路组、乌叶组、番昭组、清水江组、平略组和隆里组。本文研究了该套岩石的主量元素、微量元素和Nd同位素特征。结果显示:下江群各个组样品均显示出不同程度的Co、La、Ce、Nd、Y和Lu元素的富集,Ta和Ni元素亏损以及明显的Eu负异常,ε_(Nd)(t)表现出负异常(ε_(Nd)(t):-0.35~-3.36)。岩石地球化学特征显示源岩以遭受了中等程度化学风化作用(CIA:52~79)的酸性岩为主,并混有适量的基性岩。结合已有研究成果,判断物源区主要以盆地周缘的近源沉积为主,如分布在桂北一带的花岗质岩石和基性岩。构造背景判别表明盆地处于与岛弧活动相关的活动大陆边缘背景,如此的构造背景暗示,江南造山带西段在下江群沉积期可能仍存在消减作用,扬子板块与华夏板块此时还未完全拼合。综合对比江南造山带东、西两段消减—碰撞的时间,暗示扬子板块和华夏板块之间可能具有一个"东早西晚"的碰撞造山过程。     

中亚造山带中段南缘圆包山组碎屑锆石U-Pb年龄、物源及其构造演化意义

取自圆包山组砂岩样品中的碎屑锆石作LA-ICP-MS U-Pb定年,获得两个数据年龄区间:409~431Ma(峰值420Ma)和458~488Ma(峰值488Ma)。圆包山组底部发育的笔石化石和420Ma的锆石峰值年龄将圆包山组的时代限定为早志留世后,通过与兴蒙造山带的构造演化对比,认为圆包山组时代为早志留世至早泥盆世。对圆包山组中发育的沉积构造进行古流向分析,认为圆包山组物源区位于杭乌拉北西方向。结合区域岩浆演化资料分析,圆包山组物源区为呼和套尔盖地区。在圆包山组中还检测到继承锆石,新元古代分布于559~952Ma,中元古代分布于1011~1460Ma,古元古代分布于1629~2490Ma。从前人对西伯利亚板块南部、塔里木板块以及南蒙古微板块的相关锆石年龄结果总结发现,华北板块与周围板块最主要的区别在于没有或者很少有中元古代晚期至新元古代早期的锆石年龄记录,阿拉善地块也缺少1.0~1.2Ga锆石年龄记录。综上,认为研究区在古生代构造位置属于南蒙古微板块南部的一部分,元古代物源来自塔里木板块。另外由碎屑锆石年龄在地层中分布特征来看,研究区在早泥盆世后隆升作用明显,构造活动性增强,受到塔里木板块影响逐渐加强。     

东昆仑东段香加南山花岗岩基斜长石成分组成与岩浆演化和混合作用

东昆仑东段香加南山花岗岩基岩浆混合作用明显,斜长石作为主要造岩矿物,是研究岩石成因、示踪岩浆演化和岩浆混合过程的有效工具。对香加南山花岗岩基中寄主岩及暗色微粒包体中的斜长石进行岩相学和矿物化学研究。电子探针结果显示:寄主岩中正常环带斜长石(39~48,21~36)、包体中斜长石捕掳晶(41~49,35~36,43~49,31~47,27~38)和寄主岩矿物中包裹斜长石(29~45,14~32)具有演化的An值;部分寄主岩斜长石核部由于受到后期蚀变具有较高的An值(59~72)。包体中基质斜长石大部分具核边结构,核部(52,31)和边部(33~37,25)An值存在间断;少量斜长石核部受到蚀变,An值较低(49),幔部(55~71)An值高于边部(46~49);部分包体中基质斜长石核部呈补丁状,暗色部分An值较高(66),浅色部分An值较低(33~39)。包体中斜长石捕掳晶主要分为干净斜长石捕掳晶和含有矿物的斜长石捕掳晶两大类,干净斜长石环带明显或聚片双晶发育,An值变化范围较小(41~49,35~36);含有暗色矿物的斜长石捕掳晶An值整体也呈震荡变化(43~49,31~47,27~38),但由于受到蚀变,部分测点An值较高(78),少量斜长石具有高An值增生边(73)。以上研究显示,结晶于寄主岩的斜长石正常演化序列反映寄主岩从演化早期到晚期,岩浆逐渐从偏基性向酸性转变;包体基质斜长石为包体进入寄主岩温度、压力和水饱和度降低导致斜长石受到熔蚀后继续结晶结果;包体中斜长石捕掳晶来自寄主岩,由于进入包体后温度和压力产生变化,以及后期生长,导致斜长石的成分和构造有所不同。香加南山花岗岩基及暗色微粒包体中斜长石的复杂环带为幔源镁铁质岩浆注入长英质岩浆混合作用的结果。     

Salt tectonics and tear faulting in the central part of the Zagros Fold-Thrust Belt,Iran

The central part of the Zagros Fold-Thrust Belt is characterized by a series of right-lateral and left-lateral transverse tear fault systems, some of them being ornamented by salt diapirs of the Late Precambrian–Early Cambrian Hormuz evaporitic series. Many deep-seated extensional faults, mainly along N–S and few along NW–SE and NE–SW, were formed or reactivated during the Late Precambrian–Early Cambrian and generated horsts and grabens. The extensional faults controlled deposition, distribution and thickness of the Hormuz series. Salt walls and diapirs initiated by the Early Paleozoic especially along the extensional faults. Long-term halokinesis gave rise to thin sedimentary cover above the salt diapirs and aggregated considerable volume of salt into the salt stocks. They created weak zones in the sedimentary cover, located approximately above the former and inactive deep-seated extensional faults. The N–S to NNE–SSW direction of tectonic shortening during the Neogene Zagros folding was sub-parallel with the strikes of the salt walls and rows of diapirs. Variations in thickness of the Hormuz series prepared differences in the basal friction on both sides of the Precambrian–Cambrian extensional faults, which facilitated the Zagros deformation front to advance faster wherever the salt layer was thicker. Consequently, a series of tear fault systems developed along the rows of salt diapirs approximately above the Precambrian–Cambrian extensional faults. Therefore, the present surface expressions of the tear fault systems developed within the sedimentary cover during the Zagros orogeny. Although the direction of the Zagros shortening could also potentially reactivate the basement faults as strike-slip structures, subsurface data and majority of the moderate-large earthquakes do not support basement involvement. This suggests that the tear fault systems are detached on top of the Hormuz series from the deep-seated Precambrian–Cambrian extensional faults in the basement.     

40Ar/39Ar Dating of Xuebaoding Granite in the Songpan-Garzê Orogenic Belt, Southwest China, and its Geological Significance

<正>Thus far,our understanding of the emplacement of Xuebaoding granite and the occurrence and evolution of the Songpan-Garze Orogenic Belt has been complicated by differing age spectra results.Therefore,in this study,the ~(40)Ar/~(39)Ar and sensitive high resolution ion micro-probe(SHRIMP) U-Pb dating methods were both used and the results compared,particularly with respect to dating data for Pankou and Pukouling granites from Xuebaoding,to establish ages that are close to the real emplacements.The results of SHRIMP U-Pb dating for zircon showed a high amount of U,but a very low value for Th/U.The high U amount,coupled with characteristics of inclusions in zircons,indicates that Xuebaoding granites are not suitable for U-Pb dating.Therefore,muscovite in the same granite samples was selected for ~(40)Ar/~(39)Ar dating.The ~(40)Ar/~(39)Ar age spectrum obtained on bulk muscovite from Pukouling granite in the Xuebaoding,gave a plateau age of 200.1±1.2 Ma and an inverse isochron age of 200.6±1.2 Ma.The ~(40)Ar/~(39)Ar age spectrum obtained on bulk muscovite from Pankou granite in the Xuebaoding gave another plateau age of 193.4±1.1 Ma and an inverse isochron age of 193.7±1.1 Ma. The ~(40)Ar/~(36)Ar intercept of 277.0±23.4(2σ) was very close to the air ratio,indicating that no apparent excess argon contamination was present.These age dating spectra indicate that both granites were emplaced at 200.6±1.3 Ma and 193.7±1.1 Ma,respectively.Through comparison of both dating methods and their results,we can conclude that it is feasible that the muscovite in the granite bearing high U could be used for ~(40)Ar/~(39)Ar dating without extra Ar.Based on this evidence,as well as the geological characteristics of the Xuebaoding W-Sn-Be deposit and petrology of granites,it can be concluded that the material origin of the Xuebaoding W-Sn-Be deposit might partially originate from the Xuebaoding granite group emplacement at about 200 Ma.Moreover,compared with other granites and deposits distributed in various positions in the Songpan-Garze Orogenic Belt,the Xuebaoding emplacement ages further show that the main rare metal deposits and granites in peripheral regions occurred earlier than those in the inner Songpan-Garze.Therefore,~(40)Ar/~(39)Ar dating of Xuebaoding granite will lay a solid foundation for studying the occurrence and evolution of granite and rare earth element deposits in the Songpan-Garze Orogenic Belt.     

Tectonic setting of the Balaram-Kui-Surpagla-Kengora granulites of the South Delhi Terrane of the Aravalli Mobile Belt,NW India and its implication on correlation with the East African Orogen in the Gondwana assembly

Granulites are developed in various tectonic settings and during different geological periods, and have been used for continental correlation within supercontinent models. In this context the Balaram-Kui-Surpagla-Kengora granulites of the South Delhi Terrane of the Aravalli Mobile Belt of northwestern India are significant. The granulites occur as shear zone bounded lensoidal bodies within low-grade rocks of the South Delhi Terrane and comprise pelitic and calcareous granulites, a gabbro-norite-basic granulite suite and multiple phases of granites of the Ambaji suite. The granulites have undergone three major phases of folding and shearing. The F₁ and F₂ folds are coaxial along NE-SW axis, and F₃ folds are developed across the former along NW-SE axis. Thus, various types of interference patterns are produced. The granulite facies metamorphism is marked by a spinel–cordierite–garnet–sillimanite–quartz assemblage with melt phase and is synkinematic to the F₁ phase of folding. The peak thermobarometric condition is set at ≥850 °C and 5.5–6.8 kb. The granulites have been exhumed through thrusting along multiple ductile shear zones during syn- to post-F₂ folding. Late-stage shearing has produced cataclasites and pseudotachylites. Sensitive High Resolution Ion MicroProbe (SHRIMP) U–Pb dating of zircon from pelitic granulites and synkinematically emplaced granites indicate that: (1) the sedimentary succession of the South Delhi Terrane was deposited between 1240 and 860 Ma with detritus derived from magmatic sources with ages between 1620 and 1240 Ma; (2) folding and granulite metamorphism have taken place between ca. 860 and 800 Ma, and exhumation at around ca. 800–760 Ma; and (3) the last phase of granitic activity occurred at ca. 759 Ma. This shows, for the first time, that the granulites of the South Delhi Terrane are much younger than those of the Sandmata Granulite Complex of the northern part of the Aravalli Mobile Belt, the Saussar granulites of the Central India Mobile Belt and the Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt. Instead, they show similarities to the Neoproterozoic granulites of the Circum Indian Orogens that include the East African Orogen (East Africa and Madagascar), the Southern Granulite Terrane of India and much of Sri Lanka. We suggest that the South Delhi Basin probably marks a trace of the proto-Mozambique Ocean in NW India within Gondwana, that closed when the Marwar Craton, arc fragments (Bemarivo Belt in Madagascar and the Seychelles) and components of the Arabian-Nubian Shield collided with the Aravalli-Bundelkhand Protocontinent at ca. 850–750 Ma.     

Sedimentary geology of the Palaeoarchaean Buck Ridge (South Africa) and Kittys Gap (Western Australia) volcano-sedimentary complexes

The two Palaeoarchaean volcano-sedimentary complexes of the Buck Ridge (Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa) and Kittys Gap (Coppin Gap Greenstone Belt, East Pilbara, Australia) have a similar geological setting and age (∼3.45 Ga). The predominantly volcaniclastic sediments are concentrated at the top of these complexes, and experienced thorough, (very) early diagenetic silicification. In many places the silicification process has led to excellent preservation of the primary sedimentary structures. Elsewhere it has resulted in their obliteration or replacement by diagenetic structures. The Buck Ridge chert forms a regressive-transgressive succession, deposited around base level, with lacustrine and littoral marine facies. Deposition of the Kittys Gap Chert was also close to base level, almost exclusively subaqueous, with tidal influence and a regressive sequential trend.     

Immobile elements and mass changes geochemistry at Sar-Faryab bauxite deposit,Zagros Mountains,Iran

The Sar-Faryab bauxite deposit is located in 250 km east of Ahvaz city in southwestern Iran. Structurally the deposit located in the Zagros Simply Folded Mountain Belt. Outcrops of the bauxite horizons in the area are distributed irregularly over an area of about 20 km² but have fairly uniform thickness averaging 1 to 1.5 m. The Sar-Faryab bauxite is situated in NW–SE trending Mandan anticline and occurs in karst horizons near or at the boundary between the Sarvak and Ilam Formations. Based on field observation, mineralogy and stratigraphy an unconformity during Cenomanian–Turonian times has exposed the Sarvak Limestone to karst weathering and the layers of Marly Limestone, Argillite, Oolitic–Pisolitic, Yellow, Red and White Bauxite were formed and accumulated in the karstic areas.     

新疆博格达造山带晚古生代构造-岩浆演化过程:火山岩组合及地球化学证据

最近,笔者在博格达山东段北部的西地-伊齐-小红柳峡一带的地质调查中发现,该区发育有大量晚石炭世柳树沟组双峰式火山岩及早二叠世卡拉岗组酸性火山岩建造,但双峰式火山岩性质及成因有别于其南侧七角井早石炭世双峰式火山岩。玄武岩富钠贫钾(K_2O=0.18%～0.45%,Na_2O=2.24%～3.63%),属拉斑系列;TiO_2=1.6%～1.7%,略高于MORB,较高的Al(Al_2O_3=16.2%～16.7%)、高Mg(MgO=8.12%～9.54%,Mg~#=61～64),以及低K_2O/TiO_2和K_2O/P_2O_5比值(分别为0.1～0.27、0.63～1.68),反映了在岩浆演化过程中分离结晶作用不明显;Rb/Sr比值0.01～0.02,Zr/Nb=21.6～39.7,Zr/Y=5.38～7.47,以及不相容元素Ba、Zr、Hf相对略富集、Nb-Ta和Th相对亏损,显示岩石具有板内玄武岩的特点;稀土元素球粒陨石标准化配分图上整体接近于平坦型,(La/Yb)_N=1.8～1.9,Eu无异常至轻微正异常(δEu=1.07～1.12),正ε_(Nd)(t)值(+5.63～+5.89),(~(143)Nd/~(144)Nd)_I=0.512927～0.512944,Th/Yb0.2,Ta/Yb=0.1,表明玄武岩浆源于亏损软流圈地幔,且在演化过程中不曾发生过斜长石的分离结晶作用,并暗示当时的大陆地壳可能由于拉张而变得较薄,玄武岩浆形成后快速上升至地表喷发。双峰式火山岩中的流纹岩Rb-Sr等时线年龄为296±2Ma(1σ),具高Si(SiO_2=76%～80%),富钾贫钠(K_2O=5.1%～5.7%,Na_2O=0.94%～2.03%);低Al(Al_2O_3=7.9%～10.4%);低Ti、Ca和P含量,属高钾钙碱性系列;微量元素Rb、Th、Zr、Hf、K相对富集,Ba、Sr、P、Ti、Nb、Ta为显著亏损;轻稀土元素适度富集且轻、重稀土分馏程度低,(La/Yb)_N=5.1～7.1,(La/Sm)_N=2、(Gd/Yb)_N=1.6～2.2,以及强烈的负Eu异常(δEu=0.17～0.2),(~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr)_I=0.7051～0.7052,δ~(18)O=11.6‰,指示岩石源于地壳物质的部分熔融,源区存在有斜长石残留,形成于大陆裂谷环境。早二叠世末流纹岩(Rb-sr等时线年龄为278±2Ma)具高Si(SiO_2=74%),富钾贫钠(K_2O/Na_2O2),低Al(Al_2O_3=11.0%)以及较低的Ti和P含量的特征,岩石为高钾钙碱性系列;微量元素PM标准化图解上表现为Rb、Ba、Th、U、K、La、Ce不相容元素相对富集,高场强元素Nb、Ta、P、Ti以及Sr为明显的负异常;轻稀土轻度富集,(La/Yb)_N=5～6,(La/Sm)_N=3,(Gd/Yb)_N=1.3～1.4,以及强烈的负Eu异常(δEu=0.31～0.39),(~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr)_I为0.7069,δ~(18)O=11.97‰,指示源于地壳物质部分熔融的产物,形成于伸展垮塌的构造环境。综合研究结果表明,博格达山前身裂谷岩浆作用始于早石炭世,结束于晚石炭世末期,早二叠世末进入后造山伸展的演化阶段。