Deciphering the depositional environment of the laminated Crato fossil beds (Early Cretaceous,Araripe Basin,North‐eastern Brazil)

The laminated limestones of the Early Cretaceous Crato Formation of the Araripe Basin (North‐eastern Brazil) are world‐famous for their exceptionally well‐preserved and taxonomically diverse fossil fauna and flora. Whereas the fossil biota has received considerable attention, only a few studies have focused on the sedimentary characteristics and palaeoenvironmental conditions which prevailed during formation of the Crato Fossil Lagerstätte. The Nova Olinda Member represents the lowermost and thickest unit (up to 10 m) of the Crato Formation and is characterized by a pronounced rhythmically bedded, pale to dark lamination. To obtain information on palaeoenvironmental conditions, sample slabs derived from three local stratigraphic sections within the Araripe Basin were studied using high‐resolution multiproxy techniques including detailed logging, petrography, μ‐XRF scanning and stable isotope geochemistry. Integration of lithological and petrographic evidence indicates that the bulk of the Nova Olinda limestone formed via authigenic precipitation of calcite from within the upper water column, most probably induced and/or mediated by phytoplankton and picoplankton activity. A significant contribution from a benthonic, carbonate‐secreting microbial mat community is not supported by these results. Deposition took place under anoxic and, at least during certain episodes, hypersaline bottom water conditions, as evidenced by the virtually undisturbed lamination pattern, the absence of a benthonic fauna and by the occurrence of halite pseudomorphs. Input of allochthonous, catchment‐derived siliciclastics to the basin during times of laminite formation was strongly reduced. The δ¹⁸O values of authigenic carbonate precipitates (between ?7·1 and ?5·1‰) point to a ¹⁸O‐poor meteoric water source and support a continental freshwater setting for the Nova Olinda Member. The δ¹³C values, which are comparatively rich in ¹³C (between ?0·1 and +1·9‰), are interpreted to reflect reduced throughflow of water in a restricted basin, promoting equilibration with atmospheric CO₂, probably in concert with stagnant conditions and low input of soil‐derived carbon. Integration of lithological and isotopic evidence indicates a shift from closed to semi‐closed conditions towards a more open lake system during the onset of laminite deposition in the Crato Formation.     

REE, Mn, Fe, Mg and C, O Isotopic Geochemistry of Calcites from Furong Tin Deposit, South China: Evidence for the Genesis of the Hydrothermal Ore-forming Fluids

The Furong tin deposit in the central Nanling region, South China, consists of three main types of mineralization ores, i.e. skarn-, altered granite- and greisen-type ores, hosted in Carboniferous and Permian strata and Mesozoic granitic intrusions. Calcite is the dominant gangue mineral intergrown with ore bodies in the orefield. We have carried out REE, Mn, Fe, and Mg geochemical and C, and O isotopic studies on calcites to constrain the source and evolution of the ore-forming fluids. The calcites from the Furong deposit exhibit middle negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu*= 0.311–0.921), except for one which has an Eu/Eu* of 1.10, with the total REE content of 5.49–133 ppm. The results show that the calcites are characterized by two types of REE distribution patterns: a LREE-enriched pattern and a flat REE pattern. The LREE-enriched pattern of calcites accompanying greisen-type ore and skarn-type ore are similar to those of Qitianling granite. The REE, Mn, Fe, and Mg abundances of calcites exhibit a decreasing tendency from granite rock mass to wall rock, i.e. these abundances of calcites associated with altered granite-type and greisen-type ores are higher than those associated with skarn-type ores. The calcites from primary ores in the Furong deposit show large variation in carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions. The δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O of calcites are −0.4 to −12.7‰ and 2.8 to 16.4‰, respectively, and mainly fall within the range between mantle or magmatic carbon and marine carbonate. The calcites from greisen and altered granite ores in the Furong deposit display a negative correlation in the diagram of δ¹³C versus δ¹⁸O, probably owing to the CO₂-degassing of the ore-forming fluids. From the intrusion to wall-rock, the calcites display an increasing tendency with respect to δ¹³C values. This implies that the carbon isotopic compositions of the ore-bearing fluids have progressively changed from domination by magmatic carbon to sedimentary carbonate carbon. In combination with other geological and geochemical data, we suggest that the ore-forming fluids represent magmatic origin. We believe that the fluids exsolved from fractionation of the granitic magma, accompanying magmatism of the Qitianling granite complex, were involved in the mineralization of the Furong tin polymetallic deposit.     

MVT矿床中与成矿有关热液方解石的地球化学判据——以青海多才玛超大型铅锌矿床为例

碳酸盐矿物是MVT型铅锌矿床最为常见的热液蚀变矿物,记录了成矿流体特征,其元素或同位素组成对示踪和定位矿体具有一定的指示意义,但由于该类矿床中碳酸盐矿物成因多样,单一的岩相学观察往往难以准确识别与成矿有关和无关的方解石,需要辅以地球化学手段来确定方解石成因。本文利用钻孔编录、岩相学观察、C-O-Sr同位素和原位微量与稀土元素组成分析等手段,探讨了青海多才玛超大型MVT铅锌矿床中与成矿有关和无关两期方解石的矿物化学特征。结果表明,多才玛矿床成矿前方解石(Cal1)空间上与矿体无相关关系,遍布于中二叠统九十道班组灰岩内,阴极发光呈暗棕色至棕黄色,无明显生长环带;成矿期方解石(Cal2)主要产于铅锌矿体内及其上盘围岩中,多呈砂糖粒状-皮壳状充填于围岩裂隙和溶孔内,阴极发光呈暗黄色至亮橙色,常发育生长环带。相对于Cal2, Cal1与围岩的C-O-Sr同位素组成更为接近,这表明水岩反应期间,Cal1组成受围岩影响更大,Cal2组成受影响更小;相比于Cal1,Cal2具有较高的Mn、Fe、Zn、Pb含量和U/Th、V/Cr值以及较低的LREE/HREE值、Mg、Sr含量和弱的Ce负异常,指示成矿...     

Geochronology, Geochemistry, Fluid Inclusion and C, O Isotope Compositions of Calcite Veins in the Paleogene of the Jiangling Basin, South China: Implications for Fluid Evolution and Brine Potash Mineralization

Deep-seated potassium-rich brines were identified in the Jiangling Basin, South China. Although magmatic-hydrothermal sources have been proposed, the relationship between brine-type potash mineralization and volcanism remains unclear. In this study, U-Pb geochronology, geochemistry, fluid inclusion and C-O isotopic compositions of hydrothermal vein minerals in the Jiangling Basin are examined. Laser ablation U-Pb dating of calcite veins indicates that the ages are slightly younger than the formation age of the Balingshan basalt. Fluid inclusions in hydrothermal minerals show medium–low homogenization temperatures (160–220°C) and low salinities (0.14 to 4.9 wt% NaCl eqv.) and densities (0.882–0.944 g/cm3). The liquid compositions of fluid inclusions in calcite veins from sedimentary strata have higher contents of potassium, compared with those from basalt. The coupled negative δ13CPDB (?10.3‰ to ?8.0‰) and positive δ18OSMOW (17.4‰ to 20.7‰) values imply that calcite precipitation resulted from CO2 degassing of the basaltic magmatic fluids, as indicated by the gas composition of these inclusions in hydrothermal minerals. Rare earth element patterns indicate that water-rock interaction between hydrothermal fluids and sedimentary wall rocks contributed to the calcite precipitation in sedimentary strata. It is proposed that high-temperature water-rock interaction between magmatic fluids and sedimentary strata resulted in the potassium enrichment in fluids, interpreted as one of the sources of potassium-rich brines in the Jiangling Basin.     

Distribution Patterns of Calcite Cement in the Turbidite Sandstones of the Shahejie Formation in the Dongying Depression, Eastern China

Calcite cements are volumetrically dominant among the most diagenetic constituents in turbidite sandstones of the Paleogene Shahejie Formation in the Dongying Depression. The results show carbonate cements mainly occur in three phases: Calcite I (pre-compaction), Calcite II (post-compaction) and ankerite in the turbidite sandstone. The isotopic composition of Calcite I and Calcite II range from ?4.3‰ to 4.4‰, ?3.5‰ to 4.3‰ PDB, respectively, suggesting that the calcite cements are mainly derived from the interbedded shales. The early calcite cement precipitated from the mixing of lacustrine and meteoric waters at 38–69°C. The late-phase calcite precipitated from pore waters modified by water-rock interactions at 64–126°C. Two distribution patterns of calcite cements can be identified, depending on their position within the sandstone. The peripheral cementation of the sandstones is near the sand-shale contact. The development of cement is controlled by sandstone thickness and the properties of the interbedded shale. For scattered cementation, the distribution of the calcite cement is not controlled by the sand-shale contact. Calcite cement was preferentially distributed in coarse-grained sandstones, indicating that sandstones with high original permeability are the preferred pathway for the migration of early diagenetic fluids.     

Stable isotopic signatures of superposed fluid events in granulite facies marbles of the Rauer Group, East Antarctica

The role of volatiles in the stabilization of the lower (granulite facies) crust is contentious. Opposing models invoke infiltration of CO₂-rich fluids or generally vapour-absent conditions during granulite facies metamorphism. Stable isotope and petrological studies of granulite facies metacarbonates can provide constraints on these models. In this study data are presented from metre-scale forsteritic marble boudins within Archaean intermediate to felsic orthogneisses from the Rauer Group, East Antarctica. Forsteritic marble layers and associated calcsilicates preserve a range of ¹³C- and ¹⁸O-depleted calcite isotope values (δ¹³C= -9.9 to -3.0% PDB, δ¹⁸O = 4.0 to 12.1% SMOW). A coupled trend of ¹³C and ¹⁸O depletion (～2%, ～5%, respectively) from core to rim across one marble layer is inconsistent with pervasive CO₂ infiltration during granulite facies metamorphism, but does indicate localized fluid-rock interaction. At another locality, more pervasive fluid infiltration has resulted in calcite having uniformly low, carbonatite-like δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C values. A favoured mechanism for the low δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C values of the marbles is infiltration by fluids that were derived from, or equilibrated with, a magmatic source. It is likely that this fluid-rock interaction occurred prior to high-grade metamorphism; other fluid-rock histories are not, however, ruled out by the available data. Coupled trends of ¹³C and ¹⁸O depletion are modified to even lower values by the superposed development of small-scale metasomatic reaction zones between marbles and internally folded mafic (?) interlayers. The timing of development of these layers is uncertain, but may be related to Archaean high-temperature (>1000d?C) granulite facies metamorphism.     

Geochemical constraints on the modes of carbonate precipitation in peridotites from the Logatchev Hydrothermal Vent Field and Gakkel Ridge

The ultramafic-hosted Logatchev Hydrothermal Field (LHF) at 15°N on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the Arctic Gakkel Ridge (GR) feature carbonate precipitates (aragonite, calcite, and dolomite) in voids and fractures within different types of host rocks. We present chemical and Sr isotopic compositions of these different carbonates to examine the conditions that led to their formation. Our data reveal that different processes have led to the precipitation of carbonates in the various settings. Seawater-like ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios for aragonite in serpentinites (0.70909 to 0.70917) from the LHF are similar to those of aragonite from the GR (0.70912 to 0.70917) and indicate aragonite precipitation from seawater at ambient conditions at both sites. Aragonite veins in sulfide breccias from LHF also have seawater-like Sr isotope compositions (0.70909 to 0.70915), however, their rare earth element (REE) patterns show a clear positive europium (Eu) anomaly indicative of a small (< 1%) hydrothermal contribution. In contrast to aragonite, dolomite from the LHF has precipitated at much higher temperatures (~ 100 °C), and yet its ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.70896 to 0.70907) are only slightly lower than those of aragonite. Even higher temperatures are calculated for the precipitation of deformed calcite veins in serpentine–talc fault schists form north of the LHF. These calcites show unradiogenic ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.70460 to 0.70499) indicative of precipitation from evolved hydrothermal fluids. A simple mixing model based on Sr mass balance and enthalpy conservation indicates strongly variable conditions of fluid mixing and heat transfers involved in carbonate formation. Dolomite precipitated from a mixture of 97% seawater and 3% hydrothermal fluid that should have had a temperature of approximately 14 °C assuming that no heat was transferred. The much higher apparent precipitation temperatures based on oxygen isotopes (~ 100 °C) may be indicative of conductive heating, probably of seawater prior to mixing. The hydrothermal calcite in the fault schist has precipitated from a mixture of 67% hydrothermal fluid and 33% seawater, which should have had an isenthalpic mixing temperature of ~ 250 °C. The significantly lower temperatures calculated from oxygen isotopes are likely due to conductive cooling of hydrothermal fluid discharging along faults. Rare earth element patterns corroborate the results of the mixing model, since the hydrothermal calcite, which formed from waters with the greatest hydrothermal contribution, has REE patterns that closely resemble those of vent fluids from the LHF. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, that (1) precipitation from pure seawater, (2) conductive heating of seawater, and (3) conductive cooling of hydrothermal fluids in the sub-seafloor all can lead to carbonate precipitation within a single ultramafic-hosted hydrothermal system.     

Abiotic versus biotic controls on the development of the Fairmont Hot Springs carbonate deposit, British Columbia, Canada

The relict Fairmont Hot Springs deposit, formed largely of carbonates, covers an area of 0·5 km², and is up to 16 m thick. The triangle‐shaped discharge apron, which broadens down‐valley, is divided into a proximal part with beds dipping at <10° and a distal part with beds dipping at 10° to 15°. The deposit is formed of the: (1) Basal Macrophyte; (2) Lower Carbonate; (3) Middle Clastic; (4) Upper Carbonate; and (5) Upper Clastic Sequences. Two charcoal samples embedded in the Lower Carbonate Sequence yielded dates of 8690 ± 90 and 8270 ± 70 cal yr bp , indicating that much of the deposit formed post‐glacially during the Early to Mid‐Holocene. Deposit aggradation ceased in the Mid to Late Holocene when the Fairmont Creek valley was incised. The Lower and Upper Carbonate Sequences, which are the thickest sequences, are composed of nearly equal parts of travertine (abiotic) and tufa (biotic), with feather dendrite travertine, radiating dendrite travertine and stromatolite tufa dominating. Competition between calcite precipitation rates and biotic growth rates controlled the distribution of tufa and travertine across the discharge apron. Calcite and biotic growth rates were controlled largely by flow velocity across the apron which, in turn, was controlled by topography and regular fluctuations in spring water discharge volume. During times of high spring discharge, slow sheet flow over the proximal part of the apron promoted stromatolite growth, whereas fast, turbulent flow on the distal part of the apron induced rapid feather dendrite formation. During times of low spring discharge, quiescent, shallow evaporative pools, conducive to radiating dendrite formation, formed on the proximal part of the apron, whereas slow flow on the distal part promoted stromatolite growth. Facies with high calcite supersaturation experienced rapid abiotic dendrite growth that precluded most biotic growth.     

The biogenic origin of needle fibre calcite

Needle fibre calcite is one of the most ubiquitous habits of calcite in vadose environments (caves deposits, soil pores, etc.). Its origin, either through inorganic, indirect or direct biological processes, has long been debated. In this study, investigations at 11 sites in Europe, Africa and Central America support arguments for its biogenic origin. The wide range of needle morphologies is the result of a gradual evolution of the simplest type, a rod. This rod is the elementary brick which, by aggregation and welding, builds more complex needles. The absence of cross‐welded needles implies that they are welded in a mould, or under a longitudinal and unidirectional constraint, before being released inside the soil pores. The difference between the lengthening of the needles and the c axis can be explained by the existence of needles observed under a scanning electron microscope in organic sleeves, which can act as a mould during rod growth. Complex morphologies with epitaxial outgrowths on straight rods cannot have grown entirely inside organic microtubes; they must result from soil diagenesis after the release of straight rods in a soil‐free medium. Whisker crystals are interpreted as the result of growth and coalescence of euhedral crystals on a rod. Rhomb chains are considered to be the consequence of successive epitaxial growth steps on a needle during variations in growth conditions. Isotopic signatures for needle fibre calcite vary from ?16·63‰ to +1·10‰ and from ?8·63‰ to ?2·25‰ for δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O, respectively. The absence of high δ¹⁸O values for needle fibre calcite precludes a purely physicochemical origin (evaporative) for this particular habit of calcite. As epitaxial growth cannot precipitate in the same conditions as initial needles, needle fibre calcite stable isotopic signatures should be used with caution as a proxy for palaeoenvironmental reconstructions. In addition, it is suggested that the term needle fibre calcite should be kept for the original biogenic form. The other habit should be referred to as epitaxial forms of needle fibre calcite.     

沙漠微生物矿化覆膜及其稳定性的现场试验研究

将微生物诱导矿化技术应用于原位沙漠覆膜的形成,使得流动沙丘经结皮固定而成为半固定、固定沙丘,从根本上阻断沙尘暴的源头。在内蒙古乌兰布和沙漠腹地选择两个微生物矿化试验区域（TP1和TP3）,分别用于两种不同矿化菌种诱导生成碳酸钙覆膜。研究沙漠微生物矿化覆膜的现场试验方法及工艺,对原位矿化覆膜的强度及其在沙漠环境中的长期稳定性进行跟踪检测。采用沙漠土中自行提取的葡萄球菌和传统的巴氏芽孢杆菌两种不同的微生物矿化菌种,通过现场贯入试验检测7、14、28、60、210 d后矿化覆膜沿深度发展的贯入阻力,并将覆膜厚度为2 cm处的平均贯入阻力换算成覆膜层强度,总结覆膜强度随时间的发展变化规律。现场观测结果显示,不同微生物菌种诱导生成的矿化覆膜均在试验的第4天开始形成,到第7天覆膜层具有稳定的强度和厚度,现场检测覆膜的平均厚度为2.0～2.5 cm,经自源葡萄球菌诱导生成的矿化覆膜（TP1）的强度是巴氏芽孢杆菌诱导生成的矿化覆膜（TP3）强度的1.05倍。当经历冬春交替后覆膜层强度都有不同程度的降低,明显地TP3较TP1区域表面剥落更为严重,第210天检测TP3的平均厚度为0.7～1.0 cm,覆膜强度较第7天时降低19%,覆膜内碳酸钙含量较第7天检测时降低15%～30%。而TP1在第210天时的强度较第7天时强度降低仅2%。因此,微生物诱导矿化技术可以应用于沙漠原位覆膜的形成,且沙漠自源葡萄球菌经诱导生成的矿化覆膜层具有更好的强度表现和稳定性。