Zircon U–Pb and pyrite Re–Os age constraints on pyrite mineralization in the Yinjiagou deposit,China

We report new zircon U–Pb and pyrite Re–Os geochronological studies of the Yinjiagou poly-metallic deposit, sited along the southern margin of the North China Craton (SMNCC). In this deposit, pyrite, the most important economic mineral, is intergrown/associated with Mo, Cu, Au, Pb, Zn, and Ag. Prior to our new work, the age of chalcopyrite–pyrite mineralization was known only from its spatial relationship with molybdenite mineralization and with intrusions of known ages. The U–Pb and Re–Os isotope systems provide an excellent means of dating the mineralization itself and additionally place constraints on the ore genesis and metal source. Zircons separated from the quartz–chalcopyrite–pyrite veins include both detrital and magmatic groups. The magmatic zircons confine the maximum age of chalcopyrite–pyrite mineralization to 142.0 ± 1.5 Ma. The Re–Os results yield an age of 141.1 ± 1.1 Ma, which represents the age of the chalcopyrite–pyrite mineralization quite well. The common Os contents are notably low (0.5–20.1 ppt) in all samples. In contrast, the Re contents vary considerably (3.0–199.2 ppb), most likely depending on intensive boiling, which resulted in an increase of Re within the pyrite. This study demonstrates that the main chalcopyrite–pyrite mineralization occurred late in the magmatic history and was linked to a deeper intrusion involving dominant mantle-derived materials. This mineralization event might be related to the Early Cretaceous lithospheric destruction and thinning of the SMNCC.     

被动陆缘盆地陆隆斜坡对盐构造形成的影响 ——来自物理模拟实验的启示

被动陆缘盆地盐构造形成的影响因素及时空演化分析受到了国内外学者的高度重视.丰富的油气资源促进了被动陆缘盆地地震资料品质的不断提升,高精度地震数据的解译结果表明,被动陆缘盆地盐层下的地形往往具有大型的起伏特征,而前人在基底构造形态对盐构造形成影响方面的研究并未取得共识,仍需要深入研究和探讨.为此,本文基于前人的研究认识,...     

Intraplate geodynamics and magmatism in the evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt

The Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) was produced as a consequence of the successive closure of the Paleoasian Ocean and the accretion of structures formed within it (island arcs, oceanic islands, and backarc basins) to the Siberian continent. The belt started developing in the latest Late Neoproterozoic, and this process terminated in the latest Permian in response to the collision of the Siberian and North China continents that resulted in closure of the Paleoasian ocean (Metcalfe, 2006; Li et al., 2014; Liu et al., 2009; Xiao et al., 2010; Didenko et al., 2010). Throughout the whole evolutionary history of this Orogenic Belt, a leading role in its evolution was played by convergent processes. Along with these processes, an important contribution to the evolution of the composition and structure of the crust in the belt was made by deep geodynamic processes related to the activity of mantle plumes.Indicator complexes of the activity of mantle plumes are identified, and their major distribution patterns in CAOB structures are determined. A number of epochs and areas of intraplate magmatism are distinguished, including the Neoproterozoic one (Rodinia breakup and the origin of alkaline rock belt in the marginal part of the Siberian craton); Neoproterozoic–Early Cambrian (origin of oceanic islands in the Paleoasian Ocean); Late Cambrian–Early Ordovician (origin of LIP within the region of Early Caledonian structures in CAOB); Middle Paleozoic (origin of LIP in the Altai–Sayan rift system); Late Paleozoic–Early Mesozoic (origin of the Tarim flood-basalt province, Central Asian rift system, and a number of related zonal magmatic areas); Late Mesozoic–Cenozoic (origin of continental volcanic areas in Central Asia).Geochemical and isotopic characteristics are determined for magmatic complexes that are indicator complexes for areas of intraplate magmatism of various age, and their major evolutionary trends are discussed. Available data indicate that mantle plumes practically did not cease to affect crustal growth and transformations in CAOB in relation to the migration of the Siberian continent throughout the whole time span when the belt was formed above a cluster of hotspots, which is compared with the African superplume.     

内蒙古大苏计斑岩钼矿床花岗质杂岩年代学、地球化学、Hf同位素组成及其地质意义

内蒙古卓资县大苏计斑岩钼矿化与区内花岗质杂岩(石英斑岩、正长花岗斑岩和花岗斑岩)有密切的成因联系。LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb定年获得石英斑岩、正长花岗斑岩和花岗斑岩的结晶年龄分别为(234±3)Ma、(225±4)Ma和(220±4)Ma。杂岩体富硅(w(SiO_2)=70.37%~78.84%)、富碱(w(Na_2O+K_2O)=4.52%~8.77%),均属高钾钙碱性系列,普遍具有低的w(Na_2O)(0.15%~2.69%)和高的铝指数(ASI介于1.13~3.35)。稀土元素总量介于48.2×10~(-6)~527.0×10~(-6),石英斑岩稀土元素含量(48.2×10~(-6)~83.1×10~(-6))最低,正长花岗斑岩稀土元素含量(272.1×10~(-6)~527.0×10~(-6))最高,花岗斑岩稀土元素含量为162.5×10~(-6)~236.8×10~(-6);杂岩体δEu介于0.15~0.93之间,(La/Yb)N介于3.0~65.5,自正长花岗斑岩、花岗斑岩到石英斑岩,其Eu负异常逐渐増大,而(La/Yb)N逐渐减小。岩体普遍富集Rb、Th、U、K、Nd、Zr、Hf等,强烈亏损Sr、P、Ti等。正长花岗斑岩具有中等Ba、Ta、Nb亏损。石英斑岩和花岗斑岩均属于高分异花岗岩,而正长花岗斑岩属于I型花岗岩。主量、稀土和微量元素特征表明,杂岩体具有后碰撞或后造山花岗岩特征,形成于后碰撞或后造山环境。杂岩体锆石的Hf同位素显示,3种岩石的εHf(t)值介于-21.1~-8.1,二阶段模式年龄tDM2介于1775~2587 Ma。石英斑岩来自于古元古代地壳物质的部分熔融;正长花岗斑岩来自于古元古代晚期地壳物质的部分熔融;花岗斑岩也主要来自于古元古代地壳物质的部分熔融,但有少量新太古代地壳物质参与。     

Structure and tectonic evolution of the Southern Eurasia Basin, Arctic Ocean

Multichannel seismic reflection data acquired by Marine Arctic Geological Expedition (MAGE) of Murmansk, Russia in 1990 provide the first view of the geological structure of the Arctic region between 77–80°N and 115–133°E, where the Eurasia Basin of the Arctic Ocean adjoins the passive-transform continental margin of the Laptev Sea. South of 80°N, the oceanic basement of the Eurasia Basin and continental basement of the Laptev Sea outer margin are covered by 1.5 to 8 km of sediments. Two structural sequences are distinguished in the sedimentary cover within the Laptev Sea outer margin and at the continent/ocean crust transition: the lower rift sequence, including mostly Upper Cretaceous to Lower Paleocene deposits, and the upper post-rift sequence, consisting of Cenozoic sediments. In the adjoining Eurasia Basin of the Arctic Ocean, the Cenozoic post-rift sequence consists of a few sedimentary successions deposited by several submarine fans. Based on the multichannel seismic reflection data, the structural pattern was determined and an isopach map of the sedimentary cover and tectonic zoning map were constructed. A location of the continent/ocean crust transition is tentatively defined. A buried continuation of the mid-ocean Gakkel Ridge is also detected. This study suggests that south of 78.5°N there was the cessation in the tectonic activity of the Gakkel Ridge Rift from 33–30 until 3–1 Ma and there was no sea-floor spreading in the southernmost part of the Eurasia Basin during the last 30–33 m.y. South of 78.5°N all oceanic crust of the Eurasia Basin near the continental margin of the Laptev Sea was formed from 56 to 33–30 Ma.     

Crustal Thinning of the Northern Continental Margin of the South China Sea

Magnetic data suggest that the distribution of the oceanic crust in the northern South China Sea (SCS) may extend to about 21 °N and 118.5 °E. To examine the crustal features of the corresponding continent–ocean transition zone, we have studied the crustal structures of the northern continental margin of the SCS. We have also performed gravity modeling by using a simple four-layer crustal model to understand the geometry of the Moho surface and the crustal thicknesses beneath this transition zone. In general, we can distinguish the crustal structures of the study area into the continental crust, the thinned continental crust, and the oceanic crust. However, some volcanic intrusions or extrusions exist. Our results indicate the existence of oceanic crust in the northernmost SCS as observed by magnetic data. Accordingly, we have moved the continent–ocean boundary (COB) in the northeastern SCS from about 19 °N and 119.5 °E to 21 °N and 118.5 °E. Morphologically, the new COB is located along the base of the continental slope. The southeastward thinning of the continental crust in the study area is prominent. The average value of crustal thinning factor of the thinned continental crust zone is about 1.3–1.5. In the study region, the Moho depths generally vary from ca. 28 km to ca. 12 km and the crustal thicknesses vary from ca. 24 km to ca. 6 km; a regional maximum exists around the Dongsha Island. Our gravity modeling has shown that the oceanic crust in the northern SCS is slightly thicker than normal oceanic crust. This situation could be ascribed to the post-spreading volcanism or underplating in this region.     

Influence of upwelling and river runoff interaction on phytoplankton assemblages in a Middle Galician Ria and Comparison with northern and southern rias (NW Iberian Peninsula)

The first oceanographic research (hydrography, nutrient salts, chlorophyll, primary production and phytoplankton assemblages) in a Middle Galician Ria was carried out in Corme-Laxe during 2001, just a year before the Prestige oil spill, being the only reference to evaluate eventual changes in the phytoplankton community. Due to the small size of this ria (6.5 km²), oceanographic processes were driven by the continental water supplied by Anllons River during the wet season (20–30 m³ s⁻¹ in winter), and the strong oceanic influence from the nearby shelf during the dry season. The annual cycle showed a spring bloom with high levels of chlorophyll (up to 14 μg Chl-a L⁻¹) and primary production (3 g C m⁻² d⁻¹) and a summer upwelling bloom (up to 8 μg Chl-a L⁻¹ and 10 g C m⁻² d⁻¹) where the proximity of the Galician upwelling core (<13.5 °C at sea surface) favors the input of upwelled seawater (up to 9 μM of nitrate and silicate) to the bottom ria layer, even during summer stratification events (primary production around 2 g C m⁻² d⁻¹). Thus, phytoplankton assemblages form a “continuum” from spring to autumn with a predominance of diatoms and overlapping species between consecutive periods; only in autumn dinoflagellates and flagellates characterized the phytoplankton community. In the Middle Rias as Corme-Laxe, the nutrient values, Chl-a, primary production and phytoplankton abundance for productive periods were higher than those reported for the Northern (Ria of A Coruña) and Southern Rias (Ria of Arousa) for year 2001; this suggests the importance of the hydrographic events occurring in the zone of maximum upwelling intensity of the Western Iberian Shelf, where a lack of annual cycles studies exists.     

Southern Segment of the European Geotraverse — a wide-angle seismic refraction experiment in the Sardinia Channel

The Sardinia Channel dataset was collected as part of the European Geotraverse (EGT)—a 4000 km seismic refraction line running from Northern Norway to the Sahara, designed to investigate the structure of the lithosphere beneath Europe. Wideangle seismic data recorded by ocean bottom seismometers deployed in the Sardinia Channel as part of the Southern Segment of the EGT, together with gravity data, were used to constrain the final crustal model. In the centre of the Channel the crust is identified as thinned continental in nature, with a crystalline thickness of 10 km overlain by 4 km of sediments and 2.5 km of water in the most extended region. High velocities in the lower crust in the central region are thought to represent an area of underplating or intrusion by igneous material caused by extension related to the opening of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The crust overlies an anomalously low velocity upper mantle.     

Recent sediment transport and accumulation on the NW Iberian margin

Five transects across the NW Iberian margin were studied in the framework of the EU-funded Ocean Margin EXchange II (OMEX II) project, to determine and establish recent sediment and organic carbon transport and accumulation processes and fluxes.On the Galician shelf and shelf edge, resuspension of sediments resulting in well-developed bottom nepheloid layers was observed at all stations, but transport of suspended sediment appears largely confined to the shelf. On the continental slope, only very dilute bottom nepheloid layers were present, and intermediate nepheloid layers were only occasionally seen. This suggests that cross-slope transfer of particles is limited by the prevailing northerly directed shelf and slope currents.Optical backscatter and ADCP current measurements by the BOBO lander, deployed at 2152 m depth on the Galician slope, indicated that particles in the bottom boundary layer were kept in suspension by tidal currents with highest speeds between 15–25 cm s⁻¹. Net currents during the recording period August 6th–September 10th 1998, were initially directed along-slope toward the NNW, but later turned off-slope toward the SW.The separation of the water masses on the slope from the sediment-laden shelf water by the along-slope current regime is reflected in the recent sedimentary deposits of the Galician shelf and slope. Apart from compositional differences, shelf deposits differ from those on the slope by their higher flux of excess ²¹⁰Pb (0.57–5.37 dpm cm⁻²y⁻¹ versus 0.11–3.00 dpm cm⁻²y⁻¹), a much higher sediment accumulation rate (315.6–2295.9 g m⁻²y⁻¹ versus 10.9–124.7 g m⁻²y⁻¹) and organic carbon burial rate (1.01–34.30 g m⁻²y⁻¹ versus 0.01–0.69 g m⁻²y⁻¹).In contrast to the observations on the Galician margin, pronounced nepheloid layers occurred in the Nazaré Canyon, which extended to considerably greater water depths. This indicates that significantly greater transport of fine-grained particles in both the INL and the BNL was occurring within the canyon, as reflected in the exceptionally high ²¹⁰Pb excess flux (up to 34.09 dpm cm⁻²y⁻¹), mass accumulation rates (maximum 9623.1 g m⁻²y⁻¹) and carbon burial fluxes (up to 180.91 g m⁻²y⁻¹) in the sediment. However, radioisotope fluxes in the lower canyon were only slightly higher than at comparable depths on the Galician margin. This suggests that transport and rapid accumulation is focused on the upper and middle part of the canyon, from where it is episodically released to the deep sea. Compared to the Galician margin, the Nazaré Canyon may be considered as an important organic carbon depocenter on short time-scales, and a major conduit for particulate matter transport to the deep sea on >100 y time-scales.     

南海北部陆缘地壳结构探测结果分析

深部地震和重力资料反演揭示了南海北部陆缘地壳结构在总体上由北部的华南沿海（厚约30km）向南部的洋盆（5──8km）逐渐减薄。南海的近SN向拉张不仅造成南北方向地壳结构的巨大变化，也造成东西向的明显变化。在南海北部陆缘的西部，局部拉张产生了一系列裂谷构造。西沙海槽作为一条狭窄的陆内裂谷向西延伸，海槽南北两侧地壳厚度超过25km，海槽中部地壳减薄至不足10km。西端的莺歌海盆地地壳厚仅5km，缺少明显的壳内反射－折射。在珠江口盆地中部，地壳厚度在下陆坡明显减薄，地壳下部存在较薄的（3──4km）高速层（地震波速7．2──7．5km·s－1）；在珠江口盆地东部，地壳底部存在约 10km厚、300km宽的高速层。在台湾地区，由于弧陆碰撞，曾经减薄的陆壳在碰撞带增厚，莫霍面深度超过30km。南海北部陆缘在裂谷拉张和海底扩张期间岩浆活动平静，表明南海北部陆缘为非火山型陆缘。