PGE mineralization in Archean volcanic systems: geochemical evidence from thick, differentiated mafic-ultramafic flows, Abitibi greenstone belt, Ontario, and implications for exploration

PGE-rich disseminated zones with discrete platinum-group minerals (Pd, Pt and Rh mineral phases) have been discovered in three thick (80–130 m), differentiated (peridotite-gabbro) mafic-ultramafic flows of the Archean Abitibi greenstone belt, Ontario. Three mineralization zones (whole-rock ∑PGE + Au = up to 1000 ppb) occur along four stratigraphic cross sections through a 2 km strike-length of the Boston Creek Flow ferropicritic basalt. Their occurrence most strikingly correlates with lenticular-podiform concentrations of disseminated chalcopyrite (1 %) and clinopyroxene + interstitial magnetite-ilmenite intergrowths (15–20% oxide), high concentrations of related metals (3000 ppm Cu, 3000 ppm S, 1200 ppb Ag, and 1000 ppm V), strong PGE depletion in adjacent rocks and along strike, and lithological and textural complexity in the margins of the central gabbro-diorite layer. The mineralization zone (whole-rock Ir + Pt + Pd + Au = 110 ppb) within Theo's Flow tholeiitic basalt is somewhat similar in occurrence, style, and composition to those within the Boston Creek Flow. In contrast, the mineralization zone (whole-rock Ir + Pt + Pd + Au = 340 ppb) in Fred's Flow komatiitic basalt most strikingly correlates with vesicle-filling intergrowths of pyrrhotite + pentlandite ± chalcopyrite (2 modal %) and high whole-rock concentrations of Ni (2500 ppm), Cu (700 ppm), and S (1.1%) in the upper chilled margin of the flow.Although apparently uneconomic, these flow-hosted PGE mineralization zones are of interest in exploration, because they are more similar in stratigraphie setting, style, and composition to PGE-rich disseminated Fe-Cu sulfide mineralization zones within thick differentiated intrusions than to mineralization zones in other Archean volcanic rocks. The characteristics of the mineralization zones and their host rocks, especially high degrees of PGE enrichment, vertical and horizontal patterns of PGE depletion, and accumulation of clinopyroxene + magnetite-ilmenite intergrowths, indicate a critical genetic role for variations in the regime of melt flowage. The mineralization zones in the Boston Creek and Theo's Flows are interpreted to have formed by simultaneous in situ formation of PGE-rich Fe-Cu sulfide and Fe-Ti oxide from flowing silicate liquid in the margins of internal lava channels. The mineralization zone in Fred's Flow is interpreted to have formed by ponding and coalescence of PGE-enriched sulfurous vapor bubbles in the upper chilled margin during olivine accumulation on the base of a dynamic lava channel. The relative abundance of PGE mineralization zones and high degree of PGE enrichment in the Boston Creek Flow suggest that the most favorable exploration targets are rocks crystallized from late-stage, highly fractionated derivative liquids in large differentiated terropicritic units.     

Upper Maastrichtian ammonite biostratigraphy of the Gulf Coastal Plain (Mississippi Embayment,southern USA)

The Cretaceous outcrop belt of the Mississippi Embayment in the Gulf Coastal Plain (GCP) spans the Cretaceous/Paleogene (K/Pg) boundary. A detailed reconstruction of this time interval is critical for understanding the nature of biotic and environmental changes preceding the end-Cretaceous Mass Extinction event and for deciphering the likely extinction mechanism (i.e., bolide impact versus volcanism). Eight sections encompassing the K/Pg succession across the Mississippi Embayment were analyzed using biostratigraphic sampling of ammonites, dinoflagellates, and nannofossils. An upper Maastrichtian ammonite zonation is proposed as follows, from oldest to youngest: Discoscaphites conradi Zone, D. minardi Zone, and D. iris Zone. Our study documents that the ammonite zonation established in the Atlantic Coastal Plain (ACP) extends to the GCP. This zonation is integrated with nannofossil and dinoflagellate biostratigraphy to provide a framework to more accurately determine the age relationships in this region. We demonstrate that ammonites and dinoflagellates are more reliable stratigraphic indicators in this area than nannofossils because age-diagnostic nannofossils are not consistently present within the upper Maastrichtian in the GCP. This biostratigraphic framework has the potential to become a useful tool for correlation of strata both within the GCP and between the GCP, Western Interior, and ACP. The presence of the uppermost Maastrichtian ammonite D. iris, calcareous nannofossil Micula prinsii, and dinoflagellates Palynodinium grallator and Disphaerogena carposphaeropsis suggests that the K/Pg succession in the GCP is nearly complete. Consequently, the GCP is an excellent setting for investigating fine scale temporal changes across the K/Pg boundary and ultimately elucidating the mechanisms causing extinction.     

Impact of urbanization on storm response of White Rock Creek,Dallas, TX

This study documents hydrological changes resulting from urbanization of the upper sub-basin of White Rock Creek watershed in Collin and Dallas counties, Texas. The 172-km² watershed was transformed from 87% rural in 1961 to 95% urban in 2002, following construction of the Dallas suburbs of Richardson, Addison, Plano and Frisco. The objective of the study was to investigate changes in the storm response of White Rock Creek in terms of peak storm flow, storm flow volume and lag time. The approach employed to compare pre- and post-urbanization hydrology was to develop average unit hydrographs for each time period and use them to generate the creek’s storm flow response to a set of six hypothetical precipitation events. The results suggest that substantial hydrological changes have occurred. The average infiltration capacity of the watershed was reduced by about 60% so that storm flow was generated at lower precipitation intensities in the post-urbanization period. Storm flow peak discharge and volume were more than doubled for a hypothetical 10-year precipitation event. Average lag time was about 49 min shorter in the post-urbanization period. Urbanization has significantly impacted the storm response of the creek and increased the potential for flooding. It is anticipated that similar hydrological changes will occur in other rapidly urbanizing watersheds in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan region. Watershed managers should take likely changes in storm response into account when planning future storm water management needs.     

水位变化影响下的河水-地下水侧向交互带地球化学动态

为了解不同水位变化影响下的河水与地下水侧向交互带地球化学特征动态,以重庆市马鞍溪为研究对象,选取丰水期向枯水期过渡的10-12月为研究期,对河水、地下水及交互带的水位、水温、溶解氧（DO）、pH值、电导率（EC）进行监测,结合对水体主要离子浓度的分析。结果表明,随枯水期到来,侧向交互带水位发生较大变化,交互带与河水间的水位梯度缩小,河水入渗动力逐渐减弱。水位的变化及入渗水温的降低,使交互带微生物活动减弱,pH值上升且变幅减小,DO上升。在其影响下,交互带EC下降,变幅减小,交互带对NO₃-、SO₄2-的净化能力降低,对Mn、Zn等重金属固定能力增强。通过分析交互带地球化学特征的变化,可推断出随马鞍溪枯水期的到来,侧向交互带边界由距河岸30~50 cm移动至距河岸30 cm以内。     

Estimating depth‐averaged velocities in rough ­channels

Profiles of streamwise velocity obtained from North Boulder Creek, Colorado, typically are non‐logarithmic in form and exhibit the strong influence of form drag associated with coarse bed roughness. The spatially averaged profile is consistent with recent theoretical profile forms suggested for rough channels that are based on a partitioning of the total stress between a fluid part and a part associated with form drag on bed particles. Estimates of local depth‐averaged velocity using algorithms that are based on several measurements in the flow column improve with explicit Riemann averaging, versus simple averaging, of the measurements. Estimates based on a single‐point measurement at 0·6 of the flow depth, assuming a logarithmic or approximately logarithmic velocity profile, are the least reliable. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Magnitude of deviatoric terms in vertically averaged flow equations

The depth‐integrated momentum and kinetic energy equations contain velocity correlation terms that involve products of local deviations in velocity components about depth‐averaged values. Based on velocity data obtained from North Boulder Creek, Colorado, a simple scaling analysis suggests that certain of these terms, which normally can be neglected in the case of smooth channels, can be significant parts of the momentum and energy balances in steep, rough channels owing to the occurrence of non‐logarithmic velocity profiles. A linearized version of the kinetic energy equation suggests that, for flow accelerations over small‐amplitude bed forms, the energy of the mean motion is spatially partitioned between a form involving the depth‐averaged velocity and a form involving the deviatoric part of the velocity profile; this partitioning is associated with spatial variations in the uniformity of the vertical profile of the streamwise velocity. These points are consistent with published flume measurements involving flow over sand‐roughened dunes, and with published field measurements of flow over a gravel bar. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Understanding mass fluvial erosion along a bank profile: using PEEP technology for quantifying retreat lengths and identifying event timing

This study provides fundamental examination of mass fluvial erosion along a stream bank by identifying event timing, quantifying retreat lengths, and providing ranges of incipient shear stress for hydraulically driven erosion. Mass fluvial erosion is defined here as the detachment of thin soil layers or conglomerates from the bank face under higher hydraulic shear stresses relative to surface fluvial erosion, or the entrainment of individual grains or aggregates under lower hydraulic shear stresses. We explore the relationship between the two regimes in a representative, US Midwestern stream with semi‐cohesive bank soils, namely Clear Creek, IA. Photo‐Electronic Erosion Pins (PEEPs) provide, for the first time, in situ measurements of mass fluvial erosion retreat lengths during a season. The PEEPs were installed at identical locations where surface fluvial erosion measurements exist for identifying the transition point between the two regimes. This transition is postulated to occur when the applied shear stress surpasses a second threshold, namely the critical shear stress for mass fluvial erosion. We hypothesize that the regimes are intricately related and surface fluvial erosion can facilitate mass fluvial erosion. Selective entrainment of unbound/exposed, mostly silt‐sized particles at low shear stresses over sand‐sized sediment can armor the bank surface, limiting the removal of the underlying soil. The armoring here is enhanced by cementation from the presence of optimal levels of sand and clay. Select studies show that fluvial erosion strength can increase several‐fold when appropriate amounts of sand and clay are mixed and cement together. Hence, soil layers or conglomerates are entrained with higher flows. The critical shear stress for mass fluvial erosion was found to be an order of magnitude higher than that of surface fluvial erosion, and proceeded with higher (approximately 2–4 times) erodibility. The results were well represented by a mechanistic detachment model that captures the two regimes. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

从地理学视角看广州河涌治理

广州市政府决定投入486亿元治理水环境,要求2010年6月底前实现水环境的根本好转.笔者从亲身经历的玉带濠、黄埔涌和赤岗涌3条河涌的实例,从地理学视角,分析广州河涌治理的"通"与"堵"、宏观与微观、长期性与阶段性,以及必须充分考虑全球气候变暖--海平面上升的大环境变化趋势对河涌治理的重大影响.     

Gold-bearing Quartz Veins and Hydrothermal Alteration of the Paleozoic Epithermal System in the Francis Creek Area, North Queensland, Australia

Abstract. The Francis Creek area located at the Sybil graben in North Queensland, Australia, has some features of epithermal gold mineralization such as gold-bearing quartz vein and silica body hosted in rhyodacitic rocks of the Late Carboniferous Hells Gate Formation. In order to understand the nature of the paleo-hydrothermal activity in this area and to aid exploration for an economic gold deposit in this area, we carried out hydrothermal alteration mapping surrounding the veins and silica body, over an area of about 7 times 5 km².
We defined two alteration zones and inferred the center of hydrothermal activity. Fluid inclusion shows the boiling feature, and the microthermometry analysis resulted in the trapping temperature of 240°C and low salinity. This temperature is consistent with the formation temperature of clay mineral in the host rocks. On the basis of whole-rock composition, the silica body was identified as silicified rocks. Precious metal minerals such as electrum and acanthite coexist with sulfide minerals. Iodagylite was identified as a product of weathering. The sulfide minerals imply that the low-sulfidation epithermal gold mineralization occurred in the Francis Creek area.