Mutual replacement reactions in alkali feldspars I: microtextures and mechanisms

Intracrystal microtextures formed by a process of mutual replacement in alkali feldspars record fluid–rock reactions that have affected large volumes of the Earth’s crust. Regular, ≤1 μm-scale ‘strain-controlled’ perthitic microtextures coarsen, by up to 10³, by a dissolution–reprecipitation process, producing microporous patch or vein perthites on scales >100 μm. We have developed earlier studies of such reactions in alkali feldspar cm-scale primocrysts in layered syenites from the Klokken intrusion, South Greenland. We present new hyperspectral CL, SEM images, and laser ICPMS analytical data, and discuss the mechanism of such replacement reactions. The feldspars grew as homogeneous sodic sanidines which unmixed and ordered by volume diffusion during cooling into the microcline field at ~450°C, giving regular, fully coherent ‘braid’ cryptoperthite. At ≤450°C the crystals reacted with a circulating post-magmatic aqueous fluid. The braid perthite behaved as a single reactant ‘phase’ which was replaced by two product phases, incoherent subgrains of low albite and microcline, with micropores at their boundaries. The driving force for the reactions was coherency strain energy, which was greater than the surface energy in the subgrain mosaic. The external euhedral crystal shapes and bulk major element composition of the primocrysts were unchanged but they became largely pseudomorphs composed of subgrains usually with the ‘pericline’ and ‘adularia’ habits (dominant {110} and subordinate {010} morphology) characteristic of low T growth. The subgrains have an epitactic relationship with parent braid perthite. Individual subgrains show oscillatory zoning in CL intensity, mainly at blue wavelengths, which correlates with tetrahedral Ti. Regular zoning is sometimes truncated by irregular, discordant surfaces suggesting dissolution, followed by resumption of growth giving regular zoning. Zones can be traced through touching subgrains, of both albite and microcline, for distances up to ~500 μm. At ≤340°C, the microcline subgrains underwent a third stage of unmixing to give straight lamellar film perthites with periodicities of ~1 μm, which with further cooling became semicoherent by the development of spaced misfit dislocations. Sub-grain growth occurred in fluid films that advanced through the elastically strained braid perthite crystals, which dissolved irreversibly. Braid perthite was more soluble than the strain-free subgrain mosaics which precipitated from the supersaturated solution. Some volumes of braid texture have sharp surfaces that suggest rapid dissolution along planes with low surface energies. Others have complex, diffuse boundaries that indicate a phase of coherent lamellar straightening by volume diffusion in response to strain relief close to a slowly advancing interface. Nucleation of strain-free subgrains was the overall rate-limiting step. To minimise surface energy subgrains grew with low energy morphologies and coarsened by grain growth, in fluid films whose trace element load (reflected in the oscillatory zoning) was dictated by the competitive advance of subgrains over a range of a few tens of mm. The cross-cutting dissolution surfaces suggest influxes of fresh fluid. Removal of feldspar to give 2 vol% porosity would require a feldspar:fluid ratio of ~1:26 (by wt). The late reversion to strain-controlled exsolution in microcline subgrains is consistent with loss of fluid above 340°C following depressurization of the intrusion. A second paper (Part II) describes trace element partitioning between the albite and microcline subgrains, and discusses the potential of trace elements as a low-T geothermometer. This paper and the Part II are dedicated in memory of J.V. Smith and W.L. Brown, both of whom died in 2007, in acknowledgement of their unrivalled contributions to the study of the feldspar minerals over more than half a century.     

Investigation of fractal distribution law for the trace number of random and grouped fractures in a geological mass

A fractal study method of the number of geological mass fractures is introduced in detail in this paper. Three main aspects of the problem were studied: (1) The random distribution of fractures in a geological mass was in good agreement with the fractal law. The size scale of the studied geological mass ranged from 2400 m to 1 mm for the length of each side, and the geological mass samples were taken from 13 coal areas in China. (2) The geological mass fractures were evidently directional and anisotropic, having originated from tectonic movement. Observation and statistics for the data from the Xuangang, Fenxi and Dongshan coal areas in Shanxi, China, demonstrated that the fracture distribution of each group, classified by the strike of the strata, still follow the fractal law, even though the fractal dimension varies to a certain extent with different strikes. (3) The sedimentary strata containing the coal seams, as a geological mass, underwent almost similar tectonic movements in their geological history. The mechanical experiments on geological mass samples from Fenxi and Jiexiu in Shanxi demonstrated that the fractal dimension of the number of fractures in the same strata is in good power function with the product of strength and elastic modulus. The larger the product of the strength of the elastic modulus is, the larger is the fractal dimension, and vice versa.     

河南桐柏围山城地区主要侵入岩年代学与地球化学特征

河南省桐柏围山城地区位于华北板块与扬子板块之间的秦岭造山带与大别造山带的衔接部位,本文对产于该区的主要侵入岩体开展了锆石SHRIMP测年和岩石地球化学特征研究。总共对8件样品开展了SHRIMP测年,其中产于破山银矿区的云斜煌岩获得的锆石SHRIMP测年结果为461.8 ± 9.7 Ma,MSWD＝1.10,表明其形成于加里东中期。在桃园岩体及其南部混染带内产出的变辉长岩、石英闪长岩、花岗闪长岩和黑云母花岗岩共获得了6组年龄数据,分别是431.7 ± 8.3 Ma （MSWD＝0.76）、432.3 ± 7.5Ma （MSWD＝0.45）、470.3 ± 8.3Ma（MSWD＝1.3）、431.5 ± 8.2 Ma（MSWD＝1.6）、433 ± 11 Ma（MSWD＝1.8）和426.7 ± 9.1 Ma（MSWD＝1.6）,说明桃园岩体是加里东晚期岩浆侵位产物。梁湾岩体花岗闪长岩和二长花岗岩的锆石SHRIMP测年结果分别为132.5 ± 2.3Ma （MSWD＝1.5）和137.0 ± 3.4Ma （MSWD＝1.9）,为燕山中期。锆石SHRIMP测年结果表明,围山城地区主要侵入岩的岩浆活动集中在三个时期,分别是460-470Ma,430Ma和135Ma。侵入岩体的岩石地球化学研究结果表明,与加里东晚期花岗岩相比,燕山中期花岗岩明显富K、Nb和Rb贫Na和Y。Pb-Sr-Nd同位素示踪研究表明,加里东晚期花岗岩明显富含放射性成因Pb,其206Pb/204Pb值为19.342～19.712,平均值19.512,（87Sr/86Sr）i值较低,变化于0.70211~0.704899,εNd (t)值均为正值,变化范围为+3.55～+7.53,显示成岩物质来源较深,可能来自亏损地幔;而燕山中期花岗岩的放射性成因Pb含量低,206Pb/204Pb值为17.278～17.492,平均值17.370, （87Sr/86Sr）i值相对较高,为0.707004~0.716968,εNd (t)值均为较大负值,变化范围为-16.95～-9.76,显示成岩物质来源较浅,可能来自下地壳。围山城地区加里东晚期花岗岩与燕山中期花岗岩岩石地球化学特征上的差别与它们形成时所处的大地构造环境有关,加里东晚期花岗岩形成于弧后环境,而燕山中期花岗岩则形成于华北与扬子两大板块碰撞后的岩石圈减薄与伸展构造环境。     

酸不溶物对碳酸盐岩风化壳发育程度的影响

通过对贵州岩溶区（包括湘西）不同地层系统碳酸盐岩发育的红色风化壳、以及结合本区和处于同一气候带的邻区不同岩类红色风化壳的对比研究,结果表明：（1）碳酸盐岩红色风化壳的发育程度明显受基岩酸不溶物成分的控制,酸不溶物的风化成熟度越高,红色风化壳的发育程度一般也越强。由于不同地层系统碳酸盐岩的酸不溶物组成不同,在此基础上发育的红色风化壳的风化强度自然存在着差异;（2）风化壳相对于母岩的进一步风化潜力或空间,随着基岩酸不溶物风化成熟度的增大而降低,从而更容易达到风化平衡;（3）在碳酸盐岩风化壳突变的岩-土界面,伴随碳酸盐的充分淋失、酸不溶物的地球化学指标发生了突变。因此,碳酸盐的溶解不但未阻滞和延缓了硅酸盐组分的分解,而且促进其快速风化。（4）在达到高岭石化甚至弱红土化阶段的酸不溶物基础上,发育的风化壳比结晶岩类风化壳具有更高的风化起点,也就表现出更高的风化强度。因此,笼统地把碳酸盐岩风化壳看作是弱于玄武岩及花岗岩等结晶岩类风化壳发育程度的弱风化类型是不妥的。     

Relationships between radium and radon occurrence and hydrochemistry in fresh groundwater from fractured crystalline rocks, North Carolina (USA)

Naturally-occurring radionuclides (uranium, radium, and radon), major dissolved constituents, and trace elements were investigated in fresh groundwater in 117 wells in fractured crystalline rocks from the Piedmont region (North Carolina, USA). Chemical variations show a general transition between two water types: (1) slightly acidic (pH 5.0–6.0), oxic, low-total dissolved solids (TDS) waters, and (2) near neutral, oxic to anoxic, higher-TDS waters. The uranium, radium, and radon levels in groundwater associated with granite (Rolesville Granite) are systematically higher than other rock types (gneiss, metasedimentary, and metavolcanic rocks). Water chemistry plays a secondary role on radium and radon distributions as the ²²²Rn/²²⁶Ra activity ratio is correlated with redox-sensitive solutes such as dissolved oxygen and Mn concentrations, as well as overall dissolved solids content including major divalent cations and Ba. Since ²²⁴Ra/²²⁸Ra activity ratios in groundwater are close to 1, we suggest that mobilization of Ra and Rn is controlled by alpha recoil processes from parent nuclides on fracture surfaces, ruling out Ra sources from mineral dissolution or significant long-distance Ra transport. Alpha recoil is balanced by Ra adsorption that is influenced by redox conditions and/or ion concentrations, resulting in an approximately one order of magnitude decrease (~ 20,000 to ~ 2000) in the apparent Ra distribution coefficient between oxygen-saturated and anoxic conditions and also across the range of dissolved ion concentrations (up to ~ 7 mM). Thus, the U and Th content of rocks is the primary control on observed Ra and Rn activities in groundwater in fractured crystalline rocks, and in addition, linked dissolved solids concentrations and redox conditions impart a secondary control.     

REE-HFSE distribution/partitioning between garnetiferous restites and TTG from Nademavinapura area,Western Dharwar craton

The major part of the Peninsular Gneiss in Dharwar craton is made up of Trondjhemite-Tonalite-Granodiorite (TTG) emplaced at different periods ranging from 3.60 to 2.50 Ga. The sodic-silicic magma precursors of these rocks have geochemical features characteristic of partial melting of hydrated basalt. In these TTGs, enclaves of amphibolites (± garnet) are abundant. These restites are considered to be the residue of a basaltic crust after its partial melting. A detailed study of these (residue) enclaves reveals textures formed due to the process of partial melting. Major, trace and REE analysis of these residue enclaves and the melt TTGs and microprobe analysis of the coexisting minerals show partitioning of REE and HFSE between the precursor melt of TTGs and the upper amphibolite facies residues. Formation of garnetiferous amphibolites with biotite, Cpx and plagioclase consequent to melting, has squeezed the original MORB type of basaltic crust and given rise to the TTGs, depleted in Y, Yb, K₂O, MgO, FeO, TiO₂ and enriched in La, Th, U, Zr and Hf. Coevally during the process of melting, the hydrated basalt was depleted in Na₂O, Al₂O₃, LREE, Th, U and enriched in K₂O, MgO, Nb, Ti, Yb, Y, Sc, Ni, Cr and Co. Mineral chemistry of co-existing garnet-biotite and amphibole-plagioclase in these amphibolitic (restite) enclaves indicates an average temperature of 700 ± 50° C and pressure of 5 ± 1 Kbar. These data are inferred to indicate that during the garnet stability field metamorphism, effective fractionation of HREE and HFSE has taken place between the restites having Fe-Mg silicates, ilmenites and the extracted melt generated from the MORB type of hydrated basalt. These results are strongly substantiated by the reported melting experiments on hydrated basalts.     

Geochemistry of granitoids of Bilgi area,northern part of eastern Dharwar craton,southern India — Example of transitional TTGs derived from depleted source

Mildly deformed granitoids exposed around Bilgi in the northernmost part of the eastern Dharwar craton are divided into two groups viz. granodiorites and monzogranites. The granodiorites contain microgranular enclaves and amphibolite xenoliths, and show low-Al TTG affinity with high SiO₂ (71–74 %), Na₂O, Y and Sr/Y, moderate to moderately high Mg#, Cr and Ni, low to moderate LILE, and low Nb and Ta. However, compared to similar TTGs from different cratons the Bilgi granodiorites have distinctly higher K₂O, K₂O/Na₂O, Rb and lower REE and Th. The amphibolite xenoliths are characterized by variable enrichment of K₂O, Rb, Ba and Th and depletion of Ti, Zr and P compared to MORB. The microgranular enclaves are quartz diorite to granodiorite in composition with high Mg, Ni and Cr, and compared to MORB, are enriched in LILE and depleted in Ti and Y. The monzogranites, compared to the granodiorites, display higher SiO₂, K₂O and Rb with lower Mg#, although still maintaining the high Na₂O, Ni and Cr and low REE character. The Bilgi granodiorites are explained as transitional TTGs late synkinematic with respect to regional deformation. Geochemical signatures and regional geological set up suggest that they are probably derived from partial melting of a highly depleted slab material (metabasalt) followed by variable contamination or assimilation of intermediate crustal rocks in a subduction zone set up. Late stage fluid activity on the granodioritic magma is probably responsible for the generation of monzogranites. The amphibolite xenoliths predate the granodiorites and possibly represent fragments of a schist belt carried away by the granitic magma. They are probably island arc basalt derived from mantle source that has been metasomatized by slab-derived fluids. The microgranular enclaves are coeval with the Bilgi granodiorites and also likely to be island arc magmas derived from mantle variably enriched in slab-derived and within-plate components.     

对磺基苯偶氮变色酸分光光度法测定岩石样品中的氟

采用对磺基苯偶氮变色酸分光光度法对岩石样品中氟的含量进行测定。确定的最佳测定条件为:测定波长570 nm,放置2 h后测定,盐酸介质浓度0.84 mol/L,显色剂用量5.0 mL。氟离子浓度在0~1.4 mg/L时符合比尔定律,方法检出限为0.06μg/g。以岩石标准物质代替氟标准溶液制作标准曲线,可有效降低杂质元素的干扰。对国家一级标准物质和日本玄武岩标准物质6次测定的相对标准偏差(RSD)为2.37%~6.32%。     

准噶尔盆地天然气成藏体系和成藏过程分析

准噶尔盆地目前已发现的天然气以中—小型的中浅层晚期次生气藏为主。研究表明,以区域盖层上三叠统白碱滩组泥岩为界可划分为下部近源原生天然气成藏体系和上部远源次生天然气成藏体系,前者一般具有异常高压的特征,后者则具有正常的压力系统。通过对盆地东部地区、腹部地区、西北缘地区、莫索湾凸起天然气成藏过程的解剖获得了比较一致的认识,即上部次生天然气是在下部原生天然气的改造和调整的基础上形成的,下部天然气成藏体系的原生大—中型天然气藏是未来准噶尔盆地天然气的勘探方向。值得注意的是南缘冲断带的上部成藏体系既有源自侏罗系煤系烃源岩的原生天然气聚集,又伴随有次生天然气藏的形成。