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Abstract:The western segment of the Main Tianshan shear zone (MTSZ) branches into three major dextral strike-slip shear zones in the Borohoro Ranges, northwestern China. Mylonitic rocks within these zones exhibit vertical foliations, subhorizontal lineations, and dextral kinematics. The microstructures and CPO patterns of calcite and quartz in the tectonites suggest shearing at temperatures of 200°C to 500°C or above. The amount of dextral displacement along the zones is less than 100 km. LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of zircons from some pre-kinematic granites gave ages of 364–325 Ma and 316 Ma, and zircons from a syn-kinematic leucogranite gave an age of 291 Ma. We propose that dextral shearing along the MTSZ started in the earliest Permian. Our data indicate that collision between the Yili and Junggar plates might have finished before 325 Ma or 316 Ma, with a tectonic transformation from 325 Ma to 300 Ma, resulting in intracontinental transpression from 300 Ma or 291 Ma. We suggest that the formation of the Kazakhstan orocline (KO) took place in two stages, with the early stage of bending driven by convergence related to oblique subduction, and the late stage possibly associated with lateral disarticulation as a result of the dextral strike-slip shear zones.

Abstract:The uvarovite-andradite and uvarovite-andradite-grossular solid-solution series are rare in nature. The discovery of uvarovite-andradite in serpentinite and rodingite from the ultra-high pressure (UHP) metamorphic belt in southwestern Tianshan provided an opportunity to investigate its behavior in the subduction zone. Uvarovite (defined as chromium-garnet) from serpentinite is homogeneous in a single grain, covering compositions in the uvarovite-andradite solid solution series of Adr58–66Uv33–41, with few grossular components. Uvarovite from rodingites contain various Cr2O3 contents (1.7–17.9 wt%) and mineral compositions being in the range of Adr21–31Uv41–50Grs22–37, Adr52–90Uv5–25Grs0–21 and Adr19–67Uv3–63Grs13–42. Discontinuous chemical variation of uvarovite from core to rim indicates that uvarovite formed by consuming andradite and chromite, which could provide Ca, Cr, Al and Fe. Raman signals of water were identified for uvarovite from both serpentinite and rodingite, with high water content in uvarovite from serpentinite. The high pressure mineral assemblage, as well as the association with perovskite, indicated that the studied uvarovite from serpentinite and rodingite was formed through high pressure metamorphism, during the subduction zone serpentinization and rodingitization. High alkaline and highly reduced fluids released from serpentinization or rodingitization in the oceanic subduction zone promote the mobility of chromium and enable its long-distance migration.

Abstract:A-type granites, as an important petrologic sign to build up environmental recognition, were mainly formed in extensional tectonic settings. A biotite syenogranite from the Fenghuangshan pluton in Dandong, Liaoning Province gave SHRIMP zircon U-Pb ages of 122.5 ± 1.6 Ma, 124.9 ± 1.7 Ma and 126.9 ± 1.1 Ma. The monzogranites have SHRIMP zircon U-Pb ages of 118.2 ± 1.6 Ma, 128.1 ± 1.7 Ma and 131.6 ± 1.9 Ma, giving an emplacement age for the pluton in the Early Cretaceous. SiO2 is 65.48–74.49 wt%, whereas that of K2O is 4.16–6.44 wt%, and that of Na2O is 2.99–4.70 wt%. They also contain 13.24–15.76 wt% of Al2O3, with an A/CNK ratio of 0.92–1.10, averaging 1.02. The alkalinity rate (AR) ranges from 2.68 to 5.12, and this range is within the AR of peraluminous type rocks. The granites of Fenghuangshan pluton are characterized by high contents of Na and K and low contents of Ca (thermophile element) and Mg, which are features of A-type granites. The (Na2O + K2O) ? Fe2O3* × 5 ? (CaO + MgO) × 5 discrimination diagram also shows that Fenghuangshan pluton is an A2-type granite. The above granite has zircon εHf(t) values ranging from ?17.06 to ?9.09, with single-stage Hf model ages (TDM) of 1141 Ma to 1498 Ma and two-stage Hf crustal model ages (TDMC) of 1762 Ma to 2263 Ma. A comprehensive analysis suggests that the Fenghuangshan pluton might have been formed from the lithospheric-plate sliding during the late stages of evolution of hot rift structures and might have been closely associated with the tectonic settings of Mesozoic Eurasia and the ancient Pacific Plate.

Abstract:New integrated geochemical studies are reported for Jurassic granites of the Xingcheng area in the northeastern North China Craton. U–Pb zircon data indicate that the Huashan and Taili monzogranites were emplaced during the Early (189 ± 2 Ma) and Late (155 ± 1 Ma) Jurassic, respectively. They are typical of high-K calc-alkaline series rocks and I-type granites, according to our whole-rock geochemical researches. Both Early and Late Jurassic monzogranites show adakitic rock characteristics because of their high Sr contents (221–347 ppm) and Sr/Y ratios (28.7–37.5), and low Y contents (7.83–14.7 ppm). The Early Jurassic monzogranite samples have an (87Sr/86Sr)i ratio of 0.7046, εNd(t) values of ?11.62 to ?11.51, and εHf(t) values of ?13.6 to ?6.4, whereas the Late Jurassic monzogranites have higher (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios of 0.7069–0.7071 and lower εNd(t) (?20.65 to ?20.46) and εHf(t) (?27.6 to ?20.0) values. We suggest that the Early Jurassic adakitic rocks were derived from partial melting of thickened lower crust contaminated with mantle-derived materials, related to subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate. The Late Jurassic adakitic rocks were derived from partial melting of thickened lower crust in an extensional tectonic setting associated with an active continental margin.

Abstract:The timing and mechanisms of lithospheric thinning and destruction of the North China Craton (NCC) remain controversial, and the overall geodynamics of the process are poorly understood. This paper documents Late Triassic igneous rocks including monzogranite, gabbro, and diorite from the Xiuyan District on the Liaodong Peninsula in the eastern NCC, which have LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb ages of 229.0 ± 0.4 Ma, 216.2 ± 0.9 Ma, and 210.6 ± 2.0 Ma, respectively. Monzogranite shows high-SiO2 adakite affinity, negative εHf(t) values (?20.6 to ?17.9), and old TDM2 ages (3.53–3.29 Ga), suggesting that their parental magma was derived from thickened Paleoarchean mafic lower crust and minor mantle materials that were also involved their generation. Gabbro is ultrapotassic, strongly enriched in LREEs and LILEs, depleted in HFSEs, and has evolved zircon Hf isotopes with negative εHf of ?10.04 to ?5.85 and old TDM2 ages (2.59–2.22 Ga). These are diagnostic signatures of a crustal component, but their high contents of MgO, Cr, Co, Ni indicate that the primary magma originated from enriched mantle. Diorite is enriched in LILEs and LREEs, depleted in HFSEs (with negative Nb, Ta, and Ti anomalies), and contains negative εHf(t) values (?13.64 to ?11.01). Compared with the gabbro, the diorite is relatively enriched in Nb, Ta and HREEs, and also contains younger TDM2 ages (2.11–1.94 Ga), suggesting that the diorite was formed by mixing between ancient lower crust-derived felsic magmas and asthenospheric mantle-derived magmas. Field observations, geochronology, geochemistry, and zircon Lu-Hf isotopes indicate that Late Triassic magmatism and tectonic activity resulted from deep subduction of the Yangtze Craton beneath the NCC in the Xiuyan area. This phase of tectonic activity was completed in the eastern NCC by the Late Triassic (216 Ma), and was subsequently followed by lithospheric thinning that began in the Late Triassic.

Abstract:The Jinghong mafic–ultramafic complex, exposed in the eastern margin of the Lancangjiang tectonic belt, is related to the subduction of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean. Its petrogenesis plays a key role in constraining the tectonic evolution of the eastern Paleo-Tethys Ocean in southwestern China. In this study, we present petrological, geochemical and geochronological results of the Jinghong complex rocks, in order to decipher their origin and tectonic significance. The Jinghong mafic–ultramafic complex was composed of peridotite, gabbro, basalt and minor plagiogranite. Whole-rock geochemical data of the mafic rocks indicate that they have both MORB and IAB affinities and plot in the back-arc basin basalt (BABB) field in the FeO*/MgO vs. TiO2 diagram. Combined with their trace element characteristics, it can be concluded that the Jinghong mafic–ultramafic complex represents an ophiolite suite that was formed in a back-arc ocean basin. Precise LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating yielded weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages of 298.4 ± 1.7 Ma, 294.3 ± 1.6 Ma, and 292.8 ± 2.0 Ma for gabbroic rocks from this complex, which indicates that the Jinghong ophiolites were formed during the early Permian (298–293 Ma). We propose that during subduction of the main Paleo-Tethys Ocean, a back-arc ocean basin was formed at the east of the Lancangjiang tectonic belt.

Abstract:The Egyptian older and younger granitic rocks emplaced during pre- and post-collision stages of Neoproterozoic Pan-African orogeny, respectively, are widely distributed in the southern Sinai Peninsula, constituting 70% of the basement outcrops. The Wadi El-Akhder, southwestern Sinai, is a mountainous terrain exposing two granitoid suites, namely the Wadi El-Akhder Older Granites (AOG) and the Homra Younger Granites (HYG). The AOG (granodiorites with subordinate tonalite compositions) have geochemical characteristics of medium-K calc-alkaline, metaluminous to mildly peraluminous granitoids formed in an island-arc environment, which are conformable with well-known Egyptian older granitoids rocks, whereas the HYG display calc-alkaline to slightly alkaline nature, peraluminous syeno-, monzogranites and alkali feldspar granites matching well those of the Egyptian younger granites. With respect to the AOG granitoids, the HYG granites contain lower Al2O3, FeO*, MgO, MnO, CaO, TiO2, Sr, Ba, and V, but higher Na2O, K2O, Nb, Zr, Th, and Rb. The AOG are generally characterized by enrichment in LILE and LREE and depletion in HFSE relative to N-MORB values (e.g., negative Nb and Ta anomalies). The geochemical features of the AOG follow assimilation-fractional crystallization (AFC) trends indicative of extensive crustal contamination of magma derived from a mantle source. The chemical characteristics of the AOG are remarkably similar to those of subduction-related granitoids from the Arabian-Nubian Shield (ANS). The compositional variations from monzogranites through syenogranites to alkali feldspar granite within HYG could not be explained by fractional crystallization solely. Correlating the whole-rock composition of the HYG to melts generated by experimental dehydration melting of meta-sedimentary and magmatic rocks reveals that they appear to be derived by extended melting of psammitic and pelitic metasediments, which is similar to the most of younger granitic suites in the ANS.

Abstract:Abu Rusheid area lie in the south of the Eastern Desert of Egypt and comprises (1) ophiolitic mélange, consisting of ultramafic rocks and layered metagabbros in metasedimentary matrix (2) cataclastic group, consisting of protomylonites, mylonites, ultramylonites and silicified ultramylonites (3) monzogranites (4) pegmatite pockets, quartz veins and post-granite dykes. Focus on the monzogranites and the xenoliths of mylonite rocks from the geochemical and mineralogical points of view introduces a new view about the genesis of the related mineralization. Geochemically, the monzogranites have a metaluminous character and were crystallized under moderate water-vapor pressure around 3 kb and temperatures of 750–800°C. The monzogranites are altered along strike-slip faults exhibiting propylitic, with slightly sodic metasomatism and record high radioactive measurements. The average uranium and thorium (U and Th) contents in fresh monzogranites, mylonite xenolith and altered monzogranites are (7.3, 21.20), (40.36, 94.82), (60.34 and 347.88 ppm), respectively. These high radioactivities are attributed to the presence of kasolite, uranothorite, cerite, fluorite, zircon, apatite and columbite. The mylonite xenolith is higher in radioactivity than the surrounding fresh monzogranites, reflecting U and Th enrichment before emplacement of the monzogranites, then the latter were subjected to right lateral strike-slip faulting with producing hydrothermal solution rich in Th and U.

Abstract:The garnet muscovite granitic pegmatite of Um Solimate, in southern Egypt, represents a promising asset for strategic and economic metals, especially Bi–Ni–Ag–Nb–Ta as well as U and Th. The ore bodies occur as large masses, pockets and/or veins of very coarse-grained pegmatites, which consist mainly of K-feldspar, quartz and albite with subordinate muscovite, garnet, and biotite. Radiometric data revealed that eU- and eTh-contents of the pegmatites reach up to 39 ppm and 82 ppm, respectively. The studied pegmatites are enriched in primary U and Th minerals (uraninite, coffinite, thorianite and uranothorite) as well as Hf-rich zircon and monazite, which give rise to anomalous radioactive zones. Niobium-tantalium-bearing minerals (i.e. ferrocolumbite, microlite and uranopyrochlore), xenotime, barite, galena, fluorite, and apatite are ubiquitous, and, consequently, the studied pegmatites belong tothe Niobium–Yttrium–Fluorine-type (NYF) family. The noble metal mineralization includes argentite (Ag2S), native Ni and Bi as well as bismite and bismoclite. In addition, beryl and tourmaline are observed in pegmatites near the contact with metasediments and ultramafic bodies. The observed compositional variations of Ta/(Ta+Nb) and Mn/(Mn+Fe) ratios in columbite (0.08–0.45 and 0.11–0.57, respectively) and Hf contents in zircon (3.54–6.46 wt%) may reflectan extreme degree of magmatic fractionation leading to formation of the pegmatite orebody.

Abstract:We report the petrology and oxygen isotopic composition, using a Cameca NanoSIMS 50L ion microprobe, of a plagioclase–olivine inclusion, C#1, found in the Ningqiang carbonaceous chondrite. In addition to major phases (plagioclase, spinel and olivine), C#1 is also surrounded by a pyroxene rim (64 vol % Ca-rich and 36 vol % Ca-poor pyroxenes). On a three-isotope oxygen diagram, δ17O vs. δ18O, the compositions of individual minerals analyzed in C#1 fall along the carbonaceous chondrite anhydrous mineral line (CCAM), and oxygen isotopic compositions in C#1 show significant variability in δ18O and δ17O. The oxygen isotopic compositions of the pyroxene rim minerals are similar to those of the other host minerals, which suggests that the rim likely formed from the same melting process as the host. The rim is considered to have formed as a result of interaction between an 16O-poor gas and a melt. Some spinel grains are typically 16O-rich and likely of relict origin, which is similar to 16O-rich Ca-, Al-rich inclusions, which are probably a precursor of C#1. The inclusion then likely melted in an 16O-poor region where chondrules form, accompanied by oxygen isotope exchange with an 16O-poor gas. Some anorthite, pyroxene and spinel might have undergone fluid-assisted thermal metamorphism on the Ningqiang chondrite parent body. The oxygen isotope data and evolution of the C#1 plagioclase–olivine inclusion are similar with those of Al-chondrules in chondrites.

Abstract:An insight on occurrence of Fe-rich spherules from the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) provides an understanding of their distribution at a water depth of >5,000 m. In the present study, Fe-rich spherules are identified to occur in two different sediment types (i.e., siliceous and pelagic) and tectonic settings (i.e. near seamounts and fracture zones). These are single spheres or aggregates, of different sizes (63 to 390 μm) and show textural variability (smooth/quenched, brickwork, corkscrew, interlocking and dendritic). A comparative study based on physical morphology and chemical composition suggests a common mechanism of formation. The association of spherules with fracture zones (FZ) and seamounts signifies that morpho-tectonic features play an important role in fluid-driven hydrovolcanism. Based on the evidence and geologic conditions existing in the basin, we conclude that molten fuel-coolant interaction (MFCI) coupled with submarine hydrothermal exhalations could be an ideal mechanism for the formation of spherules and Fe-particles. The accretion of the spherules on the surface sediments could be a result of recent volcanic phenomena, while those occurring at different depths (280–355, and 460–475 cm-bsf) within the sediment core indicate two different episodes. The study provides a global implication in understanding fluid-driven magmatism in a deep-sea intraplate environment.

Abstract:Liquid–liquid immiscibility has crucial influences on geological processes, such as magma degassing and formation of ore deposits. Sulfate, as an important component, associates with many kinds of deposits. Two types of immiscibility, including (i) fluid–melt immiscibility between an aqueous solution and a sulfate melt, and (ii) fluid–fluid immiscibility between two aqueous fluids with different sulfate concentrations, have been identified for sulfate–water systems. In this study, we investigated the immiscibility behaviors of a sulfate- and quartz-saturated Na2SO4–SiO2–H2O system at elevated temperature, to explore the phase relationships involving both types of immiscibility. The fluid–melt immiscibility appeared first when the Na2SO4–SiO2–H2O sample was heated to ~270°C, and then fluid–fluid immiscibility emerged while the sample was further heated to ~450°C. At this stage, the coexistence of one water-saturated sulfate melt and two aqueous fluids with distinct sulfate concentrations was observed. The three immiscible phases remain stable over a wide pressure–temperature range, and the appearance temperature of the fluid–fluid immiscibility increases with the increased pressure. Considering that sulfate components occur extensively in carbonatite-related deposits, the fluid–fluid immiscibility can result in significant sulfate fractionation and provides implications for understanding the formation of carbonatite-related rare earth deposits.

Abstract:The Dongjun Pb-Zn-Ag deposit in the northern part of the Great Xing’an Range (NE China) consists of quartz-sulfide vein-type and breccia-type mineralization, related to granite porphyry. Hydrothermal alteration is well-developed and includes potassic-silicic-sericitic alteration, phyllic alteration and propylitic alteration. Three stages of mineralization are recognized on the basis of field evidence and petrographic observation, demarcated by assemblages of quartz-pyrite-arsenopyrite (early stage), quartz-polymetallic sulfide (intermediate stage) and quartz-carbonate-pyrite (late stage). Zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating indicates that the granite porphyry was emplaced at 146.7 ± 1.2 Ma (Late Jurassic). Microthermometry and laser Raman spectroscopy shows that ore minerals were deposited in conditions of intermediate temperatures (175–359°C), low salinity (0.5–9.3 wt% NaCl eqv.) and low density (0.60–0.91 g/cm3). Ore-forming fluids were derived largely from magmatic hydrothermal processes, with late-stage addition of meteoric water, belonging to a H2O-NaCl-CO2 ± CH4 system. The δ34SV-CDT values range from 0.75‰ to 4.70‰. The 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb values of the ore minerals are in the ranges of 18.240–18.371, 15.542–15.570, and 38.100–38.178, respectively. Data for the S and Pb isotopic systems indicate that the ore-forming metals and sulfur were derived from Mesozoic magma. Based on the geological characteristics and geochemical signatures documented in this study, we conclude that the Dongjun deposit is a mesothermal magmatic hydrothermal vein-type Pb-Zn-Ag deposit controlled by fractures and related to granite porphyry, in response to Late Jurassic tectonic–magmatic–hydrothermal activity. We further conclude that fluid immiscibility, fluid mixing and fluid-rock interactions were the dominant mechanisms for deposition of the ore-forming materials.

Abstract:Two stratigraphic sections (Arjooieh and Firoozabad) of the Mymand anticline, located in the Interior Fars sub-basin of the Zagros Mountains, were measured and sampled, in order to document sedimentological characteristics, microfacies types and paleo-seagrasses indicators of the Oligocene succession (Asmari Fm.). Planktonic and benthic foraminifera and coralline red algae are the principal fossils from these strata. Foraminifera are represented by the following families: Soritidae, Peneroplidae, Austrotrillinidae, Alveolinidae, Planorbulinidae, Discorbidae, Lepidocyclinidae, Amphisteginidae, Rotaliidae, Nummulitidae and Globigerinidae. Nine microfacies types were recognized, namely planktonic foraminifera-peloidal packstone (MF1), bioclast nummulitid/Nerorotalia/Amphistegina?packstone-grainstone-rudstone-floatstone (MF2),?Neorotalia-echinoid coralline red algae packstone-grainstone (MF3), coral boundstone (MF4), coral/coralline red algae rudstone-floatstone-packstone-grainstone (MF5), diverse imperforate foraminifera bioclast packstone-grainstone (MF6), peloid wackestone-packstone-grainstone (MF7), fenestrated mudstone and microbial mats (MF8) and anhydrite (MF9). MF1 indicates an outer ramp, MFs 2-4 represent a mid-ramp and MFs 5–9 are interpreted as inner ramp environment. Paleo-seagrass indicators consisting of foraminifera, hooked and tabular forms of coralline red algae and corals. They were identified in MFs 5 and 6, reflecting the presence of vegetated environments within the mid/inner ramp setting.?The Mymand anticline was dominated by the outer ramp environment at the start of the Rupelian. Mid to inner ramp environments prevailed during the Rupelian. The Chattian corresponds to the spread of the inner ramp setting over the Mymand anticline.

Abstract:The Sarvak Formation is a carbonate sequence of Late Albian–Early Turonian age in Zagros Basin in Iran. In this investigation, the Sarvak Formation at the Pyun Anticline section (Izeh Zone) has been studied. It consists of 797 m thick limestone which overlies the Kazhdumi Formation conformably and underlies the Gurpi Formation unconformably at the Pyun Anticline. A very rich fossil association (85 genera and 132 species) characterizes the Pyun section. Based on the stratigraphic distribution of diagnosed foraminifera, five biozones are established: 1, Muricohedbergella-Globigerinelloides sp. assemblage zone (Late Albian); 2, Praealveolina iberica-Chrysalidina gradata interval zone (Early Cenomanian); 3, Chrysalidina gradata-Cisalveolina fraasi (fallax) and C. lehneri interval zone (Middle Cenomanian); 4, C. fraasi (fallax) and C. lehneri-Praetaberina bingistani assemblage zone (Late Cenomanian); 5, Nezzazatinella picardi-Mangashtia- Dicyclina assemblage zone (Early Turonian). Based on the petrographic and sedimentological analyses, some 13 carbonate microfacies were identified. The investigated microfacies confirm a ramp-type paleoenvironment. These microfacies, from distal to proximal environments, consist of: MF1: planktonic foraminifera wackestone-packstone; MF2: Oligostegina planktonic foraminifera wackestone to packstone; MF3: planktonic-benthic foraminifers sponge spicules wackestone-packstone; MF4: rudist floatstone; MF5: rudist rudstone; MF6: bioclast intraclast grainstone; MF7: peloid intraclast grainstone; MF8: benthic foraminifers rudist grainstone-packstone; MF9: peloid bioclast grainstone-packstone; MF10: bioclast (benthic foraminifers) wackestone-packstone; MF11: peloid bioclast packstone; MF12: dacycladacea benthic foraminifera packstone-wackestone; MF13: miliolids wackestone-packstone.

Abstract:Carbonate rocks contain prolific hydrocarbon reserves all over the world, particularly in the Middle East. For exploration and production strategies, it is essential to understand carbonate reservoirs in terms of their internal characteristics, depositional environment, relative age, diagenetic processes and impact on petrophysical properties. This study has been performed on exposed Cretaceous, Paleocene and Miocene marine carbonate sedimentary sequences in two localities (Maghdoucheh and Qennarit) near the city of Sidon (Southern Lebanon). It represents the first comprehensive study that takes into consideration the carbonate reservoir facies, diagenetic history and reservoir quality in the area. Rocks at Maghdoucheh are mainly dominated by limestone beds showing sedimentary structures and erosive bases alternating with microfossil-rich silty marls, related to a shallowing upward sequence in a restricted marine platform environment. Shells of benthic foraminifera and mollusks dominate the fossil assemblage extracted from the studied rocks. The microfossil and nannofossil assemblage detected in the Maghdoucheh sections indicates a middle Miocene age. Rocks at Qennarit are composed of mudstone/wackestone limestone beds rich in planktonic foraminifera and nannofossils related to open marine conditions. Based on the nannofossil content, rocks from Qennarit 1 and 2 are Paleocene and Cretaceous in age, respectively. Four main types of microfacies have been identified, i.e. (1) microbioclastic peloidal calcisiltite, (2) pelagic lime mudstone and wackestone with planktonic microfossils, (3) grainstone/packstone with abundant foraminifera and (4) fenestral bindstones, mudstones and packstones with porostromate microstructures. The porosity-permeability (poro-perm) analysis of representative samples reveals moderate to good porosity but very low permeability. This is mainly due to the presence of large moldic pores that are isolated in nature. The diagenetic features are dominated by micritization and dissolution (both fabric selective and non-fabric selective). Among all diagenetic features, dissolution in both localities contributes to porosity enhancement, while micritization, cementation, compaction and the filled fractures have negative impacts on permeability; hence the overall reservoir quality.

Abstract:This study highlights the response of the periodic variation of the geochemical behavior of elements to the thermal metamorphism of coal by considering the differentiation mode and differentiation degree of elements of the C2 coal seam in the Fengfeng mining area of the Handan Coalfield in Hebei, China. The periodic variation of the geochemical behavior of elements was observed to change towards a certain direction as the degree of metamorphism of a geological body increased. Based on the coincidence degree (or similarity degree) between the geochemical behavior of elements and periodic variation of elements, the 57 elements in this study were divided into two levels. The periodic variation of the geochemical behavior of first-level elements was largely synchronous with that of their first ionization energy, suggesting that only one differentiation mode exists and the elements are mainly inorganically associated. The differentiation mode of the second-level elements deviated to a certain extent from their first ionization energy; the larger the deviation, the more complicated and diverse was the differentiation mode. Among the second-level elements, the grade of coal metamorphism has evident and intuitive effects on the proportion of elements with particular structural features, such as the 4q+3 type of elements and the odd-odd elements. In addition, the distribution of elements in organic and inorganic matter within coal are subject to the structural features of the elements. The differentiation mode and differentiation intensity of elements could be characterized by the hierarchical parameter and differentiation intensity. The hierarchical parameter and differentiation intensity of certain elements showed a good positive or negative correlation with Rmax in coal. The 57 elements in this study were quantitatively ordered according to the degree of magmatic hydrothermal fluid influence and thermal metamorphism of coal through graphs depicting the goodness of fit, correlation coefficient with Rmax, and differentiation intensity. The results of this study are consistent with the results of previous field research, illustrating the scientific significance and application value of this study on the periodic variation of the geochemical behavior of elements.

Abstract:A systematic petrographic and geochemical studies of 92 representative sandstone samples from exploration wells E-AH1, E-AJ1, E-BA1, E-BB1 and E-D3 in the southern part of the Bredasdorp Basin was undertaken to classify the sandstones as well as unravel the main diagenetic processes and their time relations. Petrographic study shows that the sandstones are largely subarkosic arenite and arkosic litharenite, which have underwent series of diagenetic processes as a result burial, rifting and subsequent uplift. The main diagenetic processes that have affected the reservoir properties of the sandstones are cementation by authigenic clay, carbonate and silica, growth of authigenic glauconite, dissolution of minerals and load compaction. The major diagenetic processes reducing the porosity are calcite cementation in the subarkosic arenite, and compaction and quartz cementation in arkosic litharenite. On the other hand, the formation of secondary porosity due to the partial to complete dissolution of early calcite cement, feldspars and minor grain fracturing has improved the reservoir property of the sandstone to some extent. The clay minerals in the sandstones commonly acts as pore choking cement, which reduces porosity. In general, there is no particular diagenetic process that exclusively controls the type or form of porosity evolution in the sandstones.

Abstract:Two different evaporitic sequences occurred in the latest Cretaceous–Early Paleocene in Yarkand Basin, southwestern Tarim Basin, Xinjiang Province, China: one is characterized by poor gypsum and some small, lenticular-shaped halite layers in the Tuyiluoke Formation of the latest Cretaceous, the other is characterized by very thick gypsum and halite layers in the Aertashen Formation of the early Paleocene. In the early developmental stage of the Tuyiluoke Formation, the Yarkand ancient saline lake was a long, strip-shaped depression, NW–SE oriented, along the West Kunlun piedmont, with its eastern boundary to the line along bores Ys1-T1-Ks101, the concentrated center located in the area of borehole S1. In the later developmental stage, the depositional scope was shifted inch by inch to the NW of this saline lake, forming a triangular depositional area, with apices at boreholes Wx1, Ak2 and S1, the concentrated center of the saline lake gradually migrating from borehole S1 region to the northwestern area of the lake, developing four small, evaporated-concentrated sub-depressions, depositing lenticular-shaped halite. In the early Paleocene, the ancient saline lake was stretched from the West Kunlun piedmont in the west, to the Markit slope in the east, from the South Tianshan piedmont in the north, to the Hotan area in the south, accompanied by giant thicknesses of halite and large-scale gypsum layers, mainly interbedded with limestone in the Aertashen Formation. The evaporites in the latest Cretaceous-early Paleocene were controlled by the marine transgression-regression geological background in the Yarkand Basin. Generally, integrated evaporitic depositional sequences, such as clasolite-gypsum-halite-potash, usually occur in the presence of persistent seawater through evaporation, but this is not the case in the Tuyiluoke Formation. In contrast, very thick gypsum layers are common in the early Paleocene. Typically, adequate mineral sources for evaporites are found within seawater, such as in large basins undergoing long-term marine transgression-regression cycles, where adequate seawater remains, even though the basin was going through a marine regression stage. In the latest Cretaceous, thin gypsum layers indicate a lack of mineral sources. In contrast, the early Paleocene has far larger evaporites, both in width and thickness. This suggests a short-term marine regression stage must have occurred during the spatiotemporal evolution of the evaporites in the latest Cretaceous–Early Paleocene in the basin, meaning that a rapid marine regressive episode has been identified at the end of the Cretaceous.

Abstract:To understand the thermal evolution of lacustrine sedimentary n-alkane hydrogen isotopic composition (δD), especially bacterially derived n-alkanes, anhydrous thermal simulation experiments were performed with sediments from Lake Gahai (Gannan, China). We analyzed the original and pyrolysis-generated n-alkanes and their δD values. The results showed that thermal maturity and n-alkane origins significantly affected the distribution of pyrolysis-generated n-alkanes. In immature to post-mature sediments, the bacterial-derived medium-chain n-alkanes generally had depleted δD values. The maximum difference in average δD values between the bacterial-and herbaceous plant-derived medium-chain n-alkanes was 32‰, and the maximum difference in δD values among individual n-alkanes was 59‰. We found that the average δD value of pyrolysis-generated n-alkanes from different latitude was significantly different in immature to highly mature sediments, but similar in post-mature ssediments. The hydrogen isotopes of sedimentary n-alkanes can be used as indicators for paleoclimate/paleo-environment conditions only when sediments are immature to highly mature. During thermal evolution, the δD value of generated individual n-alkanes and the average δD value increased with thermal maturity, indicating that hydrogen isotopes of sedimentary n-alkanes can be used as an index of organic matter maturity. We established mathematical models of average δD values of generated n-alkanes from immature to post-mature sediments using nC21?/nC21+ and average chain lengths. These results improve our understanding of the distribution and δD value of sedimentary n-alkanes derived from herbaceous plants in mid-latitude plateau cold regions.

Abstract:Hydrous pyrolysis (HP) practiced on type-II kerogen-bearing oil shale samples from the Sargelu Formation in the Ghali-Kuh Area, western Iran, using a specially designed apparatus was performed at different temperatures (250–350°C), with hydrocarbon generation evaluated at each temperature. For comparison, the samples subjected to Rock-Eval pyrolysis before proceeding to HP resulted in Tmax = 418°C, HI = 102, and TOC = 4.33%, indicating immaturity and hence remarkable hydrocarbon (especially oil) generation potential, making them appropriate for HP. Moreover, the samples were deposited in a low-energy reductive marine environment, with maximum oil and gas generation (739 mg and 348 mg out of 50 g of rock sample, respectively) observed at 330°C and 350°C, respectively. The oil generated at 330°C was subjected to gas chromatography (GC) and isotopic analyses to assess hydrocarbon quality and composition. The hydrocarbon generation data was devised to estimate kinetic indices of the Arrhenius equation and to investigate the gas–oil ratio (GOR) and overall conversion yield. Based on the producible hydrocarbon quantity and quality, the findings contribute to the economic assessment of oil shales across the study area. The developed kinetic model indicates the history of hydrocarbon generation and organic matter (OM) maturity.

Abstract:This study focuses on the heterogeneity of the middle Miocene syn-rift Belayim nullipore (reefal) marine sequences in the Gulf of Suez and its impacts on reservoir quality. The sequences consist of coralline algal reef limestones with a highly complex dual-porosity system of primary and secondary porosities of widely varying percentages. To achieve a precise mathematical modeling of these reservoir sequences, a workflow protocol was applied to separate these sequences into a number of hydraulic flow units (HFUs) and reservoir rock types (RRTs). This has been achieved by conducting a conventional core analysis on the nullipore marine sequence. To illustrate the heterogeneity of the nullipore reservoir, the Dykstra-Parsons coefficient (V) has been estimated (V = 0.91), indicating an extremely heterogeneous reservoir. A slight to high anisotropy (λk) has been assigned for the studied nullipore sequences. A stratigraphic modified Lorenz plot (SMLP) was applied to define the optimum number of HFUs and barriers/baffles in each of the studied wells. Integrating the permeability-porosity, reservoir quality index-normalized porosity index (RQI-NPI) and the RQI-flow zone indicator (RQI-FZI) plots, the discrete rock types (DRT) and the R35 techniques enable the discrimination of the reservoir sequences into 4 RRTs/HFUs. The RRT4 packstone samples are characterized by the best reservoir properties (moderate permeability anisotropy, with a good-to-fair reservoir quality index), whereas the RRT1 mudstone samples have the lowest flow and storage capacities, as well as the tightest reservoir quality.

Abstract:This article presents a research study of complex limestone karst engineering-geological conditions in the municipality Valaská near Banská Bystrica in Slovakia. The aim of the study is to demonstrate the impossibility of spatial identification of cave spaces using surface geophysical methods due to the specific engineering-geological conditions of a thick surface layer of anthropogenic fill containing highly heterogeneous anthropogenic material. Its maximum thickness is 3 m. Another specificific condition of the study area is its location in the built-up area, due to which the applicability of geophysical methods was limited. The article contains methodological recommendations to be used in analogous geological conditions with karst structures topped with anthropogenic fill, which complicates the identification of cave spaces. The recommended solution herein is the identification of the cave system using underground mapping of the karst and its projection onto the surface for which surface geophysical methods have been combined.

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