Deformation history and U–Pb zircon geochronology of the high grade metamorphic rocks within the Klaeng fault zone,eastern Thailand

In eastern Thailand the Klaeng fault zone includes a high-grade metamorphic rock assemblage, named Nong Yai Gneiss, which extends about 30 km in a NW–SE direction along the fault zone. The rocks of this brittle-fault strand consist of amphibolite to granulite grade gneissic rocks. Structural analysis indicates that the rocks in this area experienced three distinct episodes of deformation (D₁–D₃). The first (D₁) formed large-scale NW–SE-trending isoclinal folds (F₁) that were reworked by small-scale tight to open folds (F₂) during the second deformation (D₂). D₁ and D₂ resulted from NE–SW shortening during the Triassic Indosinian orogeny before being cross-cut by leucogranites. D₁ and D₂ fabrics were then reworked by D₃ sinistral shearing, including shear planes (S₃) and mineral stretching lineations (L₃). LA–MC–ICP–MS U–Pb zircon dating suggested that the leucogranite intrusion and the magmatic crystallization took place at 78.6 ± 0.7 Ma followed by a second crystallization at 67 ± 1 to 72.1 ± 0.6 Ma. Both crystallizations occurred in the Late Cretaceous and, it is suggested, were tectonically influenced by SE Asian region effects of the West Burma and Shan-Thai/Sibumasu collision or development of an Andean-type margin. The sinistral ductile movement of D₃ was coeval with the peak metamorphism that occurred in the Eocene during the early phases of the India–Asia collision.     

对大冶铁矿划分为IOCG型矿床的探讨

对湖北大冶铁矿的岩浆类型、矿体形态、矿石特征、围岩蚀变、成矿物质来源等进行分析,发现湖北大冶铁矿具备IOCG(铁氧化物-铜-金)型矿床的定义性特征,即铁氧化物含量高,伴生黄铜矿,贫硫化物、低钛,广泛受Na、K蚀变的热液矿床。另外,大冶铁矿与中酸性岩浆关系密切,且成矿物质来源于岩浆。作为IOCG型的大冶铁矿,其成矿环境为与非造山岩浆有关的大陆地块内部。     

A comparative analysis of some two-dimensional orderings

Abstract

Many spatial analysis algorithms for cellular representations and data structures are based on an ordering of cells or objects to transform a two-dimensional problem to a one-dimensional one. Several orderings are available and their differing properties influence the performance of the data structures and algorithms. The relative merits of five orderings (row, row prime, Hilbert, Morton and Gray code) are assessed empirically for four paradigmatic geographical data-processing tasks in spatial analysis and data management. It is concluded that the Hilbert ordering deserves further investigation.     

Zircon U–Pb geochronology and Hf isotopic constraints on the petrogenesis of the Late Silurian Shidonggou granite from the Wulonggou area in the Eastern Kunlun Orogen,Northwest China

ABSTRACT

The Wulonggou area in the Eastern Kunlun Orogen (EKO) in Northwest China is characterized by extensive granitic magmatism, ductile faulting, and orogenic gold mineralizations. The Shidonggou granite is located in the central part of the Wulonggou area. This study investigated the major as well as trace-element compositions, zircon U–Pb dates, and zircon Hf isotopic compositions of the Shidonggou granite. Three Shidonggou granite samples yielded an average U–Pb zircon age of 416 Ma (Late Silurian). The Late Silurian Shidonggou granite is peraluminous, with high alkali contents, high Ga/Al ratios, high (K₂O + Na₂O)/CaO ratios, and high Fe₂O₃^T/MgO ratios, suggesting an A-type granite. The Shidonggou granite samples have zircon ε_Hf(t) values ranging from ?7.1 to +4.4. The Hf isotopic data suggest that the Late Silurian granite was derived from the partial melting of Palaeo- to Mesoproterozoic juvenile mantle-derived mafic lower crust. Detailed geochronological and geochemical data suggest that the Late Silurian granite was emplaced in a post-collisional environment following the closure of the Proto-Tethys Ocean. Combining data of other A-type granitic rocks with ages of Late Early Silurian to Middle Devonian, such post-collisional setting related to the Proto-Tethys Ocean commenced at least as early as ~430 Ma (Late Early Silurian), and sustained up to ~389 Ma (Middle Devonian) in the EKO.     

Genesis of the Archean–Paleoproterozoic Tabletop Domain,Rudall Province,and its endemic relationship to the West Australian Craton

The Tabletop Domain of the Rudall Province has been long thought an exotic entity to the West Australian Craton. Recent re-evaluation of this interpretation suggests otherwise, but is founded on limited data. This study presents the first comprehensive, integrated U–Pb geochronology and Hf-isotope analysis of igneous and metasedimentary rocks from the Tabletop Domain of the eastern Rudall Province. Field observations, geochronology and isotope results confirm an endemic relationship between the Tabletop Domain and the West Australian Craton (WAC), and show that the Tabletop Domain underwent a similar Archean–Paleoproterozoic history to the western Rudall Province. The central Tabletop Domain comprises Archean–Paleoproterozoic gneissic rocks with three main age components. Paleo–Neoarchean (ca 3400–2800 Ma) detritus is observed in metasedimentary rocks and was likely sourced from the East Pilbara Craton. Protoliths to mafic gneiss and metasedimentary rocks are interpreted to have been emplaced and deposited during the early Paleoproterozoic (ca 2400–2300 Ma), and exhibit age and isotopic affinities to the Capricorn Orogen basement (Glenburgh Terrane). Mid–late Paleoproterozoic mafic and felsic magmatism (ca 1880–1750 Ma) is assigned to the Kalkan Supersuite, which is exposed in the western Rudall Province. The Kalkan Supersuite provided the main source of detritus for mid–late Paleoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks in the Tabletop Domain. Similarities in the age and Hf-isotope compositions of detrital zircon from these metasedimentary rocks and Capricorn Orogeny basin sediments suggests that a regionally extensive, linked basin system may have spanned the northern WAC at this time. The Tabletop Domain records evidence for two metamorphic events. Mid–late Paleoproterozoic deformation (ca 1770–1750 Ma) was high-grade, regional and involved the development of gneissic fabrics. In contrast, early Mesoproterozoic (ca 1580 Ma) high-grade deformation was localised and associated with more widespread, late-stage, greenschist facies alteration. These new findings highlight that the Tabletop Domain experienced a much higher grade of deformation than previously assumed, with a Paleoproterozoic metamorphic history similar to that of the western Rudall Province.     

Late Mesozoic topographic evolution of western Transbaikalia:Evidence for rapid geodynamic changes from the Mongol-Okhotsk collision to widespread rifting

The Mesozoic geodynamic evolution of Transbaikalia has been largely controlled by the scissors-like closure of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean that separated Siberia from Mongolia-North China continents.Following the oceanic closure,the tectonic evolution of that region was characterized by collisional uplift and subsequent extension that gave rise to the formation of metamorphic core complexes.This complex tectonic setting prevailed simultaneously between 150 Ma and 110 Ma both in Transbaikalia,North Mongolia,and within the North China Craton.Published paleobotanical and paleontological data show that the oldest Mesozoic basins had formed in western Transbaikalia before the estimated age of extension onset.However no precise geochronological age is available for the onset of extension in Transbaikalia.The Tugnuy Basin,as probably the oldest Mesozoic basin in western Transbaikalia,is a key obj ect to date the onset of extension and following changes in tectonic setting.In this study,U-Pb(LA-ICP-MS) dating of detrital zircons from three key Jurassic sediment formations of the Tugnuy Basin are used to identify the potential source areas of the sediments,understand the changes in sediment routing and provide insights on the topographic evolution of western Transbaikalia.Our results show several significant changes in tectonic regime after the closure of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean.A wide uplifted plateau formed during the closure of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean,determining the Early Jurassic drainage system reaching the AngaraVitim batholith to the north and shedding sediments to the continental margin to the South.The following collisional event at the end of the Early Jurassic led to the uplift of the collision zone,which partially inverted the drainage system toward the North.A strike-slip displacement induced by the oblique collision initiated some of the early Transbaikalian depressions,such as the Tugnuy Basin at about 168 Ma.A phase of basin inversion,marked by folding and erosion of the Upper Jurassic sediments,could correspond to the short-term collision event that took place during the latest Jurassic-earliest Cretaceous in the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt.The following inversion in tectonic regime from compression to extension is consistent with the mid-lower-crustal extension that led to the formation of the numerous metamorphic core complexes throughout northeastern continental Asia during the Early Cretaceous.     

Redescription of the elasmosaurid plesiosaurian Libonectes atlasense from the Upper Cretaceous of Morocco

The holotype of Libonectes atlasense is an almost complete skeleton from Upper Cretaceous (mid-Turonian) rocks of the Goulmima area in eastern Morocco. Initial assessment of this specimen in 2005 proposed generic referral based on stratigraphical contemporaneity with Libonectes morgani from the Cenomanian–Turonian of Texas, U.S.A. Nevertheless, relative differences in the profile of the premaxillary-maxillary tooth row, position of the external bony nasal opening, number of teeth and rostrad inclination of the mandibular symphysis, proportions of the axial neural arch, and number of cervical and pectoral vertebrae were used to distinguish between these species. As part of an on-going comparative appraisal of elasmosaurid plesiosaurian osteo-anatomy, we re-examined the type and formally referred material of both L. atlasense and L. morgani in order to establish species validity, as well as compile a comparative atlas for use in future works. Our inspections revealed that these reportedly distinct species-level fossils are in fact virtually indistinguishable in gross morphology. Indeed, the only substantial difference occurs in relative prominence of the midline keel along the mandibular symphysis, which might be explained by intraspecific variation. Furthermore, our observations permit an amendment to the published generic diagnosis of Libonectes with the confirmation of important states such as the likely presence of a pectoral bar, distocaudad expansion of the humerus, and an epipodial foramen. In addition, novel features include a prominent ‘prong-like’ ventral midline process on the coracoids, and the development of a median pelvic bar that encloses a central fenestration. The composite remains of L. morgani thus constitute one of the most complete elasmosaurid skeletal hypodigms documented worldwide, and evidence a trans-Atlantic distribution for this apparently dispersive species during the early–Late Cretaceous.     

Trends of summer daily maximum temperature extremes in Turkey

This work seeks to understand the variability of warm and cool events during summer in Turkey. Daily maximum air temperature data from 97 weather stations were analyzed to determine percentile threshold values (99th, 95th, 90th, 1st, 5th, and 10th) at each station. Trends in the percentile values were determined using the Mann–Kendall trend test. The analysis demonstrates an increase in frequency of warm, hot, and extremely hot days, whereas cool, cold, and extremely cold days show a decreasing trend. Increasing trends are statistically significant at the 0.05 and 0.01 levels for 13 and 46% of the stations, respectively. Significant decreasing trends have been detected at 0.05 and 0.01 levels for 19 and 15% of 97 stations, respectively. Analysis of the observations shows that the number of warm and hot event started to increase in the 1970s. Warm events are comparatively more numerous than cold events in western and southern parts of the country.     

Geochemistry of Archaean volcanic rocks from Iron Ore Supergroup, Singhbhum, eastern India

Mafic-ultramafic rocks of Archaean age constitute a significant component of the Eastern Indian Craton. These occur in two different modes. In the eastern belt these occur as a long, linear enclave within the Singhbhum granite and the primary banding in them is subvertical. In the more extensive western belt along the periphery of the Singhbhum granite, the disposition of the primary banding is subhorizontal. The major rock type in both the belts is meta-basalt with minor peridotitic komatiite and basaltic komatiite occurring in the eastern belt. Rare ultramafic rocks with cumulate textures are present in both the belts. The larger volume of the basaltic rocks preclude the possibility of their being derived by fractional crystallization of the high-MgO components. On the basis of trace element and REE characters the rocks may be classified into three groups. One of the groups shows a tholeiitic trend and include samples mostly from the eastern belt while the second consisting mostly of samples from the western belt shows a calc-alkaline trend. The third group includes samples having elemental ratios intermediate between these two groups. Zr/Nb ratios for the tholeiitic and calc-alkaline samples are different suggesting their sources to be different. The tholeiitic samples have been generated from a source having chondritic REE characters, while the calc-alkaline samples have been generated from a source with LREE enriched character. The high-MgO components in both the groups are suggested to represent high degrees of melting compared to the basalts in each group. It is further suggested that the tholeiitic basalts have been generated relatively early from a chondritic source. Down-buckling of this material has added LREE enriched melts to the source, thereby changing its character into a LREE enriched one. Melting of a source with such changed character has subsequently produced the calc-alkaline melts. Rocks with variable but intermediate characters between these two groups have been generated as a result of contamination between these two groups.     

Percolation of diagenetic fluids in the Archaean basement of the Franceville basin

The Palaeoproterozoic Franceville basin, Gabon, is mainly known for its high-grade uranium deposits, which are the only ones known to act as natural nuclear fission reactors. Previous work in the Kiéné region investigated the nature of the fluids responsible for these natural nuclear reactors. The present work focuses on the top of the Archaean granitic basement, specifically, to identify and date the successive alteration events that affected this basement just below the unconformity separating it from the Palaeoproterozoic basin. Core from four drill holes crosscutting the basin–basement unconformity have been studied. Dating is based on U–Pb isotopic analyses performed on monazite. The origin of fluids is discussed from the study of fluid inclusion planes (FIP) in quartz from basement granitoids. From the deepest part of the drill holes to the unconformable boundary with the basin, propylitic alteration assemblages are progressively replaced by illite and locally by a phengite + Fe chlorite ± Fe oxide assemblage. Illitic alteration is particularly strong along the sediment–granitoid contact and is associated with quartz dissolution. It was followed by calcite and anhydrite precipitation as fracture fillings. U–Pb isotopic dating outlines three successive events: a 3.0–2.9-Ga primary magmatic event, a 2.6-Ga propylitic alteration and a late 1.9-Ga diagenetic event. Fluid inclusion microthermometry suggests the circulation of three types of fluids: (1) a Na–Ca-rich diagenetic brine, (2) a moderately saline (diagenetic + meteoric) fluid, and (3) a low-salinity fluid of probable meteoric origin. These fluids are similar to those previously identified within the overlying sedimentary rocks of the Franceville basin. Overall, the data collected in this study show that the Proterozoic–Archaean unconformity has operated as a major flow corridor for fluids circulation, around 1.9 Ga.