Sulfur isotope and trace element data from ore sulfides in the Noranda district (Abitibi,Canada): implications for volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit genesis

We examine models for volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) mineralization in the ~2.7-Ga Noranda camp, Abitibi subprovince, Superior Province, Canada, using a combination of multiple sulfur isotope and trace element data from ore sulfide minerals. The Noranda camp is a well-preserved, VMS deposit-rich area that is thought to represent a collapsed volcanic caldera. Due to its economic value, the camp has been studied extensively, providing a robust geological framework within which to assess the new data presented in this study. We explore previously proposed controls on mineralization within the Noranda camp and, in particular, the exceptional Au-rich Horne and Quemont deposits. We present multiple sulfur isotope and trace element compositional data for sulfide separates representing 25 different VMS deposits and “showings” within the Noranda camp. Multiple sulfur isotope data for this study have δ³⁴S_V-CDT values of between ?1.9 and +2.5?‰, and Δ³³S_V-CDT values of between ?0.59 and ?0.03?‰. We interpret the negative Δ³³S values to be due to a contribution of sulfur that originated as seawater sulfate to form the ore sulfides of the Noranda camp VMS deposits. The contribution of seawater sulfate increased with the collapse and subsequent evolution of the Noranda caldera, an inference supported by select trace and major element analyses. In particular, higher concentrations of Se occur in samples with Δ³³S values closer to 0?‰, as well as lower Fe/Zn ratios in sphalerite, suggesting lower pressures and temperatures of formation. We also report a relationship between average Au grade and Δ³³S values within Au-rich VMS deposits of the Noranda camp, whereby higher gold grades are associated with near-zero Δ³³S values. From this, we infer a dominance of igneous sulfur in the gold-rich deposits, either leached from the volcanic pile and/or directly degassed from an associated intrusion.     

Free and forced shallow-water oscillations in a rotating channel of parabolic cross-section

Free and forced oscillations of shallow water in an infinitely long rotating channel of parabolic cross-section are analyzed. The pure cross-channel oscillations ofChrystal (1905) and solutions for zero rotation first discussed byProudman (1925) andHidaka (1932) are special asymptotic solutions for the free modes of this model. However, for increasingly large, along-shore wave number, our solutions donot uniformly approach those ofReid (1958) andBall (1967) for a single shore-line and semi-infinite ocean. A method of computing eigen frequencies and eigen functions for the general problem is described, and a sufficient number of these are exhibited graphically to permit visualization of the transitions between the asymptotic regions.The forced problem consists of an incoming wave-train or surge generated at the center of the channel. Amplitude and transports near the shore are computed for a wide range of dimensionless incoming-wave frequencies and rotational frequencies.     

A Bayesian Nonparametric Approach to Unmixing Detrital Geochronologic Data

Mathematical Geosciences - Sedimentary deposits constitute the primary record of changing environmental conditions that have acted on Earth’s surface over geologic time. Clastic material is...     

Characterisation and diachronous initiation of coarse clastic deposition in the Magallanes–Austral foreland basin,Patagonian Andes

Magallanes–Austral Basin (MAB) fill is preserved along a >1000 km north–south trending outcrop belt in the southern Patagonia region of Argentina and Chile. Although the stratigraphic evolution of the MAB has been well documented in the Chilean sector (referred to as the Magallanes Basin), its northern terminus in southern Argentina (Austral Basin) is poorly constrained. We present new stratigraphic and geochronologic analyses of the early basin fill (Aptian–Turonian) from the Argentine sector (49–51°S) of the MAB to document spatial variability in stratigraphy and timing of deposition during the initial stages of basin evolution. The initiation of the retroarc foreland basin fill is marked by the transition from mudstone to coarse‐clastic deposition, which is characterised by the consistent presence of sandstone beds > ca. 20 cm thick interpreted to represent sediment gravity flows deposited in a submarine fan system. Depositional environments within the early fill of the basin range from lower to upper deep‐water fan settings as well as previously undocumented slope deposits. These facies are present as far north as El Chalten, Argentina (ca. 49°S), indicating that facies‐equivalent rocks can be traced along‐strike for at least 5 degrees of latitude, based on correlation with strata as far south as the Cordillera Darwin (ca. 54°S). Eight new U‐Pb zircon ages from ash beds reveal an overall southward younging trend in the initiation of coarse clastic deposition. Inferred depositional ages range from ca. 115 ± 1.9 Ma in the northernmost study area to not older than 92 ± 1 Ma and 89 ± 1.5 Ma in the central and southern sectors respectively. The apparent diachronous delivery of coarse detritus into the basin may reflect (1) gradual southward progradation of a deep‐water fan system from a northerly point source and/or (2) orogen‐parallel variations in the timing and magnitude of thrust‐belt deformation and erosion that provided more local sources for sediment delivery.