• Volume 96,Issue 2,2022 Table of Contents
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    • CONTENTS

      2022, 96(2):0-0.

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    • SPECIAL PAPER FOR 100th ANNIVERSARY

      2022, 96(2):1-1.

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    • Granitic Magmatism in Eastern Tethys Domain (Western China) and their Geodynamic Implications

      2022, 96(2):401-415. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14910

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      Abstract:Western China locates in the eastern section of the Tethys domain, granitic rocks in this region with variable formation ages and geochemistry record key information about the crust-mantle structure and thermal evolution during the convergent process of Tethys. In this study, we focus on some crucial granitic magmatism in the western Yangtze, Qinling orogen, and western Sanjiang tectonic belt, where magma sequence in the convergent orogenic belt can provide important information about the crust-mantle structure, thermal condition and melting regime that related to the evolution processes from Pre- to Neo-Tethys. At first, we show some features of Pre-Tethyan magmatism, such as Neoproterozoic magmatism (ca. 870–740 Ma) in the western margin of the Yangtze Block were induced by the assembly and breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent. The complication of voluminous Neoproterozoic igneous rocks indicated that the western Yangtze Block underwent the thermodynamic evolution from hot mantle-cold crust stage (ca. 870–850 Ma) to hot mantle and crust stage (ca. 850–740 Ma). The Neoproterozoic mantle sources beneath the western Yangtze Block were progressively metasomatized by subduction-related compositions from slab fluids (initial at ca. 870 Ma), sediment melts (initial at ca. 850 Ma), to oceanic slab melts (initial at ca. 825–820 Ma) during the persistent subduction process. Secondly, the early Paleozoic magmatism can be well related to three distinctive stages (variable interaction of mantle-crust to crustal melting to variable sources) from an Andeans-type continental margin to collision to extension in response to the evolution of Proto-Tethys and final assembly of Gondwana continent. Thirdly, the Paleo-Tethys magmatism, Triassic granites in the Qinling orogenic display identical formation ages and Lu-Hf isotopic compositions with the related mafic enclaves, indicate a coeval melting event of lower continental crust and mantle lithosphere in the Triassic convergent process and a continued hot mantle and crust thermal condition through the interaction of subducted continental crust and upwelling asthenosphere. Finally, the Meso- and Neo-Tethyan magmatism: Early Cretaceous magmatism in the Tengchong Block are well responding to the subduction and closure of Bangong-Nujiang Meso-Tethys, recycled sediments metasomatized mantle by subduction since 130 Ma and subsequently upwelling asthenosphere since ca. 122 Ma that causes melting of heterogeneous continental crust until the final convergence, this process well recorded the changing thermal condition from hot mantle-cold crust to hot mantle and crust; The Late Cretaceous to Early Cenozoic magmatism well recorded the processes from Neo-Tethyan ocean slab flat subduction, steep subduction, to initial collision of India-Asia, it resulted in a series of continental arc magmatism with enriched mantle to crustal materials at Late Cretaceous, increasing depleted and/or juvenile materials at the beginning of early Cenozoic, and increasing evolved crustal materials in the final stage, implying a continued hot mantle and crust condition during that time. Then we can better understand the magmatic processes and variable melting from the mantle to crust during the evolution of Tethys, from Pre-, Paleo-, Meso-, to Neo-, both they show notably intensive interaction of crust-mantle and extensive melting of the heterogeneous continent during the final closure of Tethys and convergence of blocks, and thermal perturbation by a dynamic process in the depth could be the first mechanism to control the thermal condition of mantle and crust and associated composition of magmatism.

    • Dupal Anomaly and Identification using Nd-Hf Isotopes

      2022, 96(2):416-429. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14934

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      Abstract:The Dupal anomaly has attracted widespread attention since being discovered and is regarded as the most direct manifestation of mantle inhomogeneity at present. From the initially defined anomalies limited to the southern hemisphere to the global scale, the criteria for identifying anomalies defined by Pb isotopes have also been adjusted, providing an important method and reference for the study of the mantle evolution. Pearce and Peate (1995) proposed the method of Nd-Hf isotope and element ratio to identify the Dupal anomaly. The Nd-Hf method also offers a possible way to discriminate the mantle region of arc magmatism through the correction of Nd in the subduction process. This paper introduces the concepts and determination methods of the Dupal anomaly, and reports new Hf isotopic data of MORB-type rocks with Dupal signature in the several Tethys ophiolites. Our results of Nd-Hf method are in good agreement with those of previous Pb isotope identification. Moreover, origins and their controversy of Dupal anomaly are reviewed, and possible internal connections between Dupal anomalies and the two Large Low Shear Velocity Provinces (LLSVPs) in the lower mantle are discussed in depth. Further studies on origin and evolution of the Dupal anomaly are suggested, especially using integrated approach of Hf-Nd and Pb isotopes.

    • ORIGINAL ARTICLES

      2022, 96(2):429-429.

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    • A New Family of Galeaspids (Jawless Stem-Gnathostomata) from the Early Silurian of Chongqing, Southwestern China

      2022, 96(2):430-439. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14909

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      Abstract:A new genus and species of agnathan Eugaleaspidiformes (Galeaspida), Yongdongaspis littoralis gen. et sp. nov., is described from the Llandovery (lower Silurian) Huixingshao Formation at Yongdong Town, Xiushan County, Chongqing, southwestern China. This new Telychian taxon morphologically exhibits some transitional states between Sinogaleaspidae and a cluster of higher eugaleaspidiforms containing Tridensaspidae, Eugaleaspidae, Yunnanogaleaspis, and Nochelaspis, which we term here as the ‘eugaleaspid cluster’. Phylogenetic analysis of an extended character matrix of Galeaspida reveals Yongdongaspis, on which Yongdongaspidae fam. nov. is erected, as the sister taxon of this ‘eugaleaspid cluster’, supported by two synapomorphies, the presence of one median transverse canal, and two lateral transverse canals leaving from the infraorbital canal. As the first fish described from the Llandovery Huixingshao Formation in Chongqing, Yongdongaspis provides new fossil evidence for the subdivision and correlation of the Upper Red Beds in South China.

    • New Early Cambrian Maikhanellids (Mollusca) from Zhangjiagou Section, South Shaanxi, China

      2022, 96(2):440-446. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14726

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      Abstract:A new maikhanellid genus, Totornatus gen. nov., from the Lower Cambrian (Fortunian Stage) of Zhangjiagou section at Xixiang County, southern Shaanxi Province, South China, is based on a new taxon T. strigatus gen. et sp. nov. Although showing similar morphology with a cap-shaped shell and an oval aperture to other members of the family, the new species differs from previous maikhanellids in its smooth apex. The apical field consists of dense, small, round or oval granules, which gradually merge to bigger, elongated, scale-like protrusions toward the apertural margin. On this basis, we establish Totornatus strigatus, which shows a transverse groove in two-ninths of its shell. This result enriches the diversity of the earliest mollusks and maikhanellids.

    • Two-episode Tectono-thermal Events of the Heyuan Fault in Late Cretaceous and Oligocene and their Tectonic Implications, Southernmost South China Block

      2022, 96(2):447-459. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14779

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      Abstract:The Heyuan Fault, is one of the main NE-trending faults in the southernmost South China Block and is close to the northernmost South China Sea to the south. The fault features multi-stage deformation and controlled the formation of late Cretaceous to Cenozoic basins. Based on detailed field investigations and comprehensive geochronological research, including zircon U-Pb, Rb-Sr isochron, zircon U-Th-He dating, two episodic tectono-thermal events are recognized. The first occurred during ~79 Ma to 66 Ma, which is characterized by large-scale quartz-fluid emplacement. The other occurred at ~34 Ma, which features the eruption of a set of basalts. The two events show a changing on material source from siliceous hydrotherm to basalt magma, supporting obvious lithospheric thinning of the southernmost South China Block, which shed light on the geological evolution and the interaction mechanisms between the SCB and the northern South China Sea since the Late Cretaceous.

    • Tectonic Characteristics, Evolution, and Significance of the Zhouwang Fault, Lower Yangtze Area, Eastern China

      2022, 96(2):460-476. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14724

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      Abstract:Fault geometry, kinematics, geophysics, the tectonic stress field and tectonic evolution of the Zhouwang fault in the southern Jiangnan tectonic transition zone of the Lower Yangtze region, eastern China are examined. Field observations show the fault is composed of a series of nearly E–W trending, N–S dipping faults, and four stages of tectonism (sinistral strike-slip, thrust nappe, normal fault, and dextral strike-slip) developed in turn. Geophysical data show that the fault trends almost linearly E–W along a flat, steep gravity gradient at shallow depth, with distinct gravity anomalies to the north and south and different in the north and south. Also, the deep part is characterized by northward dip and a gradual slowing down. Tectonic stress field analysis indicates that the fault experienced four tectonic movements: NNE–SSW compression, NNW–SSE compression, NEE–SWW extension, and E–W compression. Combined with regional tectonic background and previous research results, this indicates that: (1) the Zhouwang fault experienced sinistral strike-slip movement during the Indosinian Period (260–200 Ma); (2) thrust nappes developed during the early Yanshanian Period (163–145 Ma); (3) a normal fault occurred in the late Yanshanian Period (125–65 Ma); and (4) dextral strike-slip movement occurred in the Himalayan Period (ca. 50–37 Ma). The results reveal the tectonic evolution of the fault during Mesozoic deformation in the area, and also reveal the geological evolution and tectonic transformation of the Lower Yangtze region, which is key to our understanding of intracontinental deformation in eastern China.

    • Geochronology and Geochemistry of the Granite Xenolith within the Lamprophyre at the Zhenyuan Gold Deposit (Yunnan Province, SW China)

      2022, 96(2):477-489. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14899

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      Abstract:The xenoliths in host rocks of hydrothermal gold deposits can generally provide much geochemical information of the deep rocks, which may have an implication for the sources of ore-forming materials. Geochronology and geochemical characteristics are reported for a granite xenolith, which is enclosed by the lamprophyre in the Zhenyuan gold deposit (Yunnan Province, SW China). This granite xenolith mainly consists of K-feldspar, quartz, and plagioclase with trace amounts of magnetite, titanite, apatite, zircon, and sulfides. Zircons from the granite xenolith yield a weighted average U-Pb age of 281.1 ± 1.3 Ma (MSWD = 2.1), which could represent the crystallization age of this granite xenolith. The Ti-in-zircon geothermometer and the Mn concentration in apatite calculate that this granite xenolith formed at 685 ± 43°C with the logfO2 values ranging from NNO + 3.7 to NNO + 6.4. The zircons in the granite xenolith have a restricted range of positive εHf(t) values ranging from +9.4 to +10.8, and the corresponding Hf TDM2 model ages range from 588 to 678 Ma. The zircon U-Pb age and the Hf isotopic compositions indicate this granite xenolith within the lamprophyre is mainly derived from partial melting of juvenile crustal rocks before the completed closure of the Ailaoshan Ocean. The pyrites in the granite xenolith have higher Bi concentrations, and lower As, Sb, and Tl concentrations than the gold-bearing pyrites of the ores in the Zhenyuan gold deposit. The low Au concentrations of the pyrites together with the ore-forming age of the Zhenyuan gold deposit (Oligocene) indicate the granite xenolith may have limited contribution to the gold mineralization of the Zhenyuan gold deposit.

    • Mineralogical Characteristics and Short-wave Infrared Spectra of Chlorite as Indicators of Hydrothermal Centers: A Case Study of the Giant Porphyry Copper-Molybdenum Deposit at Qulong, Tibet

      2022, 96(2):490-505. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14809

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      Abstract:The Qulong deposit in Tibet is one of the largest porphyry copper-molybdenum deposits in China. We used short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectroscopy to examine the spectral characteristics of the extensively developed chlorite in this deposit. X-ray diffraction and electron microprobe analyses were used for phase identification and to obtain the chemical composition, ion substitution relationships, and formation environment of the chlorite. SWIR spectral parameters were applied to detect the hydrothermal centers. The results indicate that the wavelength of the absorption feature for Qulong chlorite Fe-OH (Pos2250) range from 2240 to 2268.4 nm; the chlorite substitution relationships are dominated by Mg-Fe substitution at the octahedral sites together with AlⅣ-Si substitution at the tetrahedral sites; the chlorite formation temperatures range within the medium-low temperature hydrothermal alteration range from 164 to 281°C, with an average value of 264°C; the wavelength of the chlorite peak position for Fe-OH (2250 nm) absorption and its chemical composition are positively correlated with AlⅥ, Fe + AlⅥ, Fe/(Fe + Mg), Fe, and Fe + AlⅣ but negatively correlated with Mg and Mg/(Fe + Mg); and the wavelength associated with the chlorite Fe-OH (2250 nm) absorption feature is positively correlated with the temperature at which the chlorite formed. These correlations indicate that more Fe and AlⅥ ions and fewer Mg ions at the octahedral sites of chlorite lead to a longer the wavelength of the chlorite Fe-OH (2250 nm) absorption feature and a higher chlorite formation temperature. The wavelength of the Qulong chlorite Fe-OH (2250 nm) absorption feature (>2252 nm) can thus serve as an exploration indicator to guide the detection of hydrothermal centers in porphyry copper deposits. The results of the study indicate that the mineralogical and SWIR spectral characteristics of chlorite are significant indicators for locating hydrothermal centers within porphyry deposits.

    • Stable Isotopes and Halogen Geochemistry of the Huayuan Carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn Ore District, South China: Implications for the Salt Source of Ore-forming Fluids

      2022, 96(2):506-516. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14857

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      Abstract:The Huayuan Pb-Zn ore district in China, located in western Hunan Province, is a giant carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn ore district. The source of ore-forming brines in this ore district remains poorly constrained. Whether the highly saline brines are derived from evaporated seawater or dissolved evaporates continues to be intensely debated. Carbonate minerals associated with Pb-Zn mineralization have δ13CV-PDB and δ18OV-SMOW values ranging from ?5.55‰ to +1.35‰ (mean value of ?0.69‰; n = 14) and +16.28‰ to +25.05‰ (mean value of +20.22‰; n = 14), respectively. This indicates that carbonate minerals are dominantly formed from dissolved ore-hosted carbonate rocks. The δ34S values of sulfides range from +20.2‰ to +36.8‰, with an average value of +30.0‰ (n = 27). These results suggest that sulfur is predominantly derived from the thermochemical sulfate reduction of marine sulfate. The crush-leach analyzed solute data of fluid inclusions in sphalerite show the ore-forming fluids have Cl/Br molar ratios range from 118 to 384, and Na/Br molar ratios from 39 to 160 (n = 8). These Cl/Br ratios of hydrothermal fluid are much lower than those of seawater (657 to 564), but are consistent with bittern brines through early halite precipitation. We propose that ore-forming fluids are mainly derived from evaporitic basin brines, which leached base metals from the basement and/or country rocks. The brine then migrated to the basin margins through clastic rocks of basement and then precipitated sul?des by thermochemical sulfate reduction.

    • Titanium Isotope Analysis of Igneous Reference Materials using a Double-spike MC-ICP-MS Method

      2022, 96(2):517-524. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14728

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      Abstract:Ti separation was achieved by ion-exchange chromatography using Bio-Rad AG 1-X8 anion-exchange and DGA resins. For high-Fe/Ti and high-Mg/Ti igneous samples, a three-column procedure was required, whereas a two-column procedure was used for low-Fe/Ti and low-Mg/Ti igneous samples. The Ti isotopes were analysed by MC-ICP-MS, and instrumental mass bias was corrected using a 47Ti-49Ti double-spike technique. The 47Ti-49Ti double-spike and SRM 3162a were calibrated using SRM 979-Cr, certificated value 53Cr/52Crtrue = 0.11339. Isobaric interference was evaluated by analysing Alfa-Ti doped with Na, Mg, Ca, and Mo, and results indicate that high concentrations of Na and Mg have no significant effect on Ti isotope analyses; however, Ca and Mo interferences lead to erroneous δ49/47Ti values when Ca/Ti and Mo/Ti ratios exceed 0.01 and 0.1, respectively. Titanium isotopic compositions were determined for 12 igneous reference materials, BCR-2, BHVO-2, GBW07105, AGV-1, AGV-2, W-2, GBW07123, GBW07126, GBW07127, GBW07101, JP-1, and DTS-2b. Samples yield δ49/47Ti (‰) of ?0.035 ± 0.022, ?0.038 ± 0.031, 0.031 ± 0.022, 0.059 ± 0.038, 0.044 ± 0.037, 0.000 ± 0.015, 0.154 ± 0.044, ?0.044 ± 0.018, 0.010 ± 0.022, 0.064 ± 0.043, 0.169 ± 0.034, and ?0.047 ± 0.025 (relative to OL-Ti, ±2SD), respectively; of which isotopic compositions of DTS-2b, JP-1, GBW07101, GBW07105, GBW07123, GBW07126, and GBW07127 are reported for the first time. Standard Alfa-Ti was analysed repeatedly over a ten-month period, indicating a reproducibility of ±0.047 (2SD) for δ49/47Ti, similar to the precisions obtained for geochemical reference materials.

    • Rhenium-Osmium Isotope Constraints on the Origin of the Tianyu Cu-Ni Deposit in the East Tianshan Orogenic Belt, Xinjiang, NW China

      2022, 96(2):525-535. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14866

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      Abstract:The Tianyu Cu-Ni sulfide deposit occurs in the north margin of the Central Tianshan Arc in East Tianshan orogenic belt, Xinjiang, NW China. The intrusions consist of gabbro, peridotite, and olivine pyroxenite. The peridotite and pyroxenite are the main host rock for the Cu-Ni ores. Rhenium and osmium isotopic analyses of Ni- and Cu-bearing sulfide minerals from the deposit have been used to determine the source of osmium, and by inference, the sources of ore metals. Sulfide ore samples have Os and Re concentrations varying in the ranges 1.85 to 4.58 ppb and 93.56 to 146.00 ppb, respectively. An initial 187Os/188Os ratio ranges from 0.86 to 1.23 for the ores and the γOs values from 592 to 2227. Osmium isotopic data suggest that the Tianyu intrusion and associated Cu-Ni mineralization has derived from crustal-contaminated mantle melts. The intrusions early show island-arc geochemical signatures, which indicate that the Hulu mafic–ultramafic intrusions, along with the Cu-Ni deposit, formed as a result of subduction of oceanic crust in the Early Permian.

    • Source and Enrichment Mechanism of Lithium in the Triassic Argillaceous Marine Sediments from Huangjinkou, Sichuan, China

      2022, 96(2):536-545. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14898

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      Abstract:In the Triassic marine sediments, an obvious enrichment of lithium has been found. The source and enrichment mechanism of lithium is unknown. Here, we report trace and rare earth element and isotope analyses for Triassic sedimentary samples from core ZK601, recovered from the Huangjinkou anticline in the Xuanhan basin. Lithium concentrations from the Leikoupo and Jialingjiang formations are much higher than the average concentrations in the crust of eastern China and in other marine sediments. Lithium concentrations are highest at depths of 3300–3360 m (in argillaceous marine sediments), and Li is positively correlated with Rb, Ga, Zr, Nb and other trace elements. The range of δ7Li values in our samples is consistent with that in other Triassic marine carbonate rocks. Lithium concentrations and isotope ratios are negatively correlated in the argillaceous dolomite samples at depths of 3300–3360 m. We compared the results in this study with trace and rare earth elements in the clay from Sichuan and Chongqing, and propose that the clay in the argillaceous marine evaporites from Huangjinkou formed via the hydrolysis of volcanic ash during Early–Middle Triassic volcanic eruptions into brine basins, during which clay adsorbed Li from the brine and formed Li-rich argillaceous dolomites. The addition and hydrolysis of volcanic ash in the evaporative brine is also related to the formation of a new type of polyhalite.

    • Geochemical Investigation of the Cretaceous Crude Oil Reservoirs and Source Rock Samples in One of the Abadan Plain Oilfields, SW Iran

      2022, 96(2):546-558. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14699

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      Abstract:Crude oil and source rock samples from one of the main oilfields of the Abadan Plain, Zagros, Iran were analyzed geochemically. Rock-Eval pyrolysis was conducted on Kazhdumi (Upper Cretaceous) and Gadvan (Lower Cretaceous) formations, which are the probable source rocks for the oil in the region. The results indicated that the Kazhdumi Formation can be classified as a fair-to-excellent source rock, while the Gadvan Formation can be identified as having poor-to-good source rock in the basin. Based on the cross-plots of HI versus OI and S2 versus TOC, types II and III kerogen were identified from studied source samples in the area. Determination of the main fraction percentages of the Sarvak and Fahliyan crude oils represented that the oils from the Sarvak reservoir are paraffinic-naphthenic and aromatic-intermediate, whilst that from the Fahliyan reservoir is paraffinic and paraffinic-naphthenic. Biomarker ratios of the saturated fractions of oil from both reservoirs indicate that the source rocks formed in reducing marine environments with carbonate-shale lithology. Furthermore, biomarker data helped to distinguish the degree of biodegradation in the studied oils. According to geochemical analysis, oil samples from the Fahliyan reservoir were generated at a higher thermal maturity than the Sarvak reservoir samples.

    • Quantitative Gas-in-place Comparison of Original and Bitumen-free Lacustrine Shale

      2022, 96(2):559-570. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14680

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      Abstract:Residual bitumen in organic-rich shale of oil windows exists widely, and its effect on the gas storage capacity of shale could be two-fold. Bitumen could occupy and block the nanopores of shale, thereby reducing the gas storage capacity. On the other hand, gas could be dissolved in bitumen in shale gas reservoirs, leading to enhanced gas storage capacity. To quantify the effect of bitumen on the gas-in-place (GIP) estimation of lacustrine organic-rich shale, the micropore characteristics and methane sorption capacity of original and bitumen-free shale from the Triassic Yangchang Formation of the Ordos Basin, combined with the methane dissolution capacity for the isolated bitumen, were analyzed and compared. GIP for the original and bitumen-free shale in the depth range of 500–2500 m was evaluated. The results show that micropores in the shale samples were mainly related to organic matter. Clay mineral-hosted pores contributed slightly to microporosity. Bitumen significantly reduced the micropore surface area and volume of the original shale, with average percentages of 28.09% and 51.26%, respectively. The methane sorption capacity decreased after bitumen removal. When normalized to the original shale mass, the sum of the methane sorption capacity for bitumen-free shale and the methane dissolution capacity for isolated bitumen was similar to the methane sorption capacity of the original shale, indicating that the lack of methane absorbed on bitumen is the main reason for the decrease in methane sorption capacity after bitumen removal. The contribution of absorbed methane on bitumen to sorbed methane in shale could be higher than 36.23%. Dual effects of bitumen on shale GIP were observed. A high content of bitumen (1.12%) increased the GIP of the shale samples, with an average percentage of 23.5% in the depth range of 500–2500 m, while a low content of bitumen (0.06%) decreased the GIP, with an average percentage of 13.6%.

    • Application of Optically Stimulated Luminescence Technique in Exploring a Concealed Sandstone-type Uranium Deposit

      2022, 96(2):571-581. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14687

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      Abstract:Identifying ore-induced geochemical anomalies at the surface that indicate concealed deposits in buried areas remains a significant challenge in geochemical exploration. In this study, in order to trace the source of the geochemical anomalies, systematic luminescence intensity analyses were conducted on quartz grains from the Quaternary regolith at the Hadatu sandstone-type uranium deposit in the Erenhot Basin. The optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages were much older than the depositional ages of the Quaternary regolith. Moreover, quartz OSL ages were closely related to both borehole grades and sampling depths. Thus, the abnormal mineral OSL ages from near-surface sediments were ultimately controlled by the sandstone-type uranium deposits. This is identical to the rapid changes of quartz OSL ages (0.063 ka/cm) and equivalent doses (0.19 Gy/cm) with depths in a given sampling site. The instantaneous soil radon concentration was positively correlated with the quartz OSL apparent age, indicating their ore-induced origin and, as a result, their effectiveness in the exploration of concealed uranium deposits. Other parameters, including mobile-state uranium and 210Po contents, were poorly correlated with quartz OSL ages and therefore should only be used with caution for geochemical exploration. This is the first time an attempt has been made to discriminate the ore-induced sources for different surface anomaly parameters, including instantaneous soil radon, mobile-state uranium and 210Po contents for concealed sandstone-type uranium deposits.

    • Geothermal Model of the Fore-Yenisey Sedimentary Basin―Transitional Structure between the Ancient Siberian Platform and the Young West Siberian Plate

      2022, 96(2):582-590. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14799

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      Abstract:Results of the investigation into the geothermal regime of the Fore-Yenisey sedimentary basin, formed during the collision and subsidence of the Kas-Turukhan microcontinent and the western margin of the Siberian craton in the late Neoproterozoic and early Paleozoic are reported. It was established that the structural and geothermal conditions of the upper Precambrian–Paleozoic sections are similar to those in the western regions of the Siberian platform and are characterized by rather low geothermal gradients (12.5–25.5 °С/km). In the western parts of the basin, formation temperatures in the uppermost pre-Jurassic sediments are 50°С–85°С, decreasing eastward to 30°С–55°С. For the first time, the detailed geothermal model of the basin sedimentary fill was developed. This model allows predictions of the geothermal conditions of Earth’s interior.

    • The Relationship between Fe Mineralization and Magnetic Basement Faults using Multifractal Modeling in the Esfordi and Behabad Areas (BMD), Central Iran

      2022, 96(2):591-606. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14765

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      Abstract:Multifractal modeling is a mathematical method for the separation of a high potential mineralized background from a non-mineralized background. The Concentration-Distance to Fault structures (C-DF) fractal model and the distribution of the known iron (Fe) deposits/mines seen in the Esfordi and Behabad 1:100,000 sheets from the Bafq region of central Iran are used to distinguish Fe mineralization based on their distance to magnetic basement structures and surface faults, separately, using airborne geophysical data and field surveys. Application of the C-DF fractal model for the classification of Fe mineralizations in the Esfordi and Behabad areas reveals that the main ones show a correlation with their distance from magnetic basement structures. Accordingly, the distances of Fe mineralizations with grades of Fe higher than 55% )43% < Fe ≤ 60%) are located at a distance of less than 1 km, whereas for surfacial faults with grades of 43% ≤ Fe ≤ 60%, the distances are 3162< DF ≤ 4365 m from the faults. Thus, there is a positive relationship between Fe mineralization and magnetic basement structures. Also, the proximity evidence of Precambrian high-grade Fe mineralization related to magnetic basement structures indicates syn-rifting tectonic events. Finally, this C-DF fractal model can be used for exploration of magmatic and hydrothermal ore deposits.

    • Early Diagenetic Dolomite as a Potential Archive of Paleo-redox Fluctuations in an Early Tonian Marine Basin?

      2022, 96(2):607-620. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14911

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      Abstract:The Tonian Period witnessed important environmental changes and critical evolutionary innovations. Published iron speciation data suggest a global redox transition of mid-depth seawaters from euxinic to ferruginous in early Tonian, but details of this transition remain unknown. This study explores Tonian stromatolitic carbonates as a possible archive of paleoenvironmental changes, through the investigation of dolomitic limestones and dolostones associated with stromatolites of the Weiji Formation in the Huaibei region of North China. Three types of dolomitization are recognized on the basis of petrographic and geochemical data. Type I and II dolomitization resulted in dolomitic limestones characterized by LREE depletions, MREE enrichments, positive yttrium anomalies, and a lack of europium anomalies, indicating early diagenetic dolomitization, possibly in the iron reduction zone and under the influence of bottom seawater. The lack of cerium anomalies in these carbonates suggests anoxia in shallow marine environments. The coexistence of ferroan/non-ferroan dolomite crystals and overgrowth bands is interpreted as possible evidence for rapid fluctuations between iron-rich and iron-depleted conditions in pore-waters or seawaters. In contrast, type III dolomitization resulted in pervasively dolomitized stromatolitic carbonates and likely represents late diagenetic processes. This study highlights the potential of early diagenetic dolomite as an archive for paleoenvironmental investigations.

    • P-wave Velocity Structure of Crustal and Upper Mantle beneath South China and its Tectonic Implications

      2022, 96(2):621-630. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14854

      Abstract (241) HTML (0) PDF 4.77 M (318) Comment (0) Favorites

      Abstract:The 3D P-wave velocity structure beneath the South China Block was determined by applying arrival times from 269 teleseismic events recorded by 240 seismic stations within the study region. Our tomographic results reveal the deep structural characteristics of major tectonic units and ore concentration areas. There are distinct high velocity anomalies beneath the ancient Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks, with the lithosphere of the Cathaysia Block being thinner than the Yangtze Block; the Jiangnan orogenic belt, located in the combined zone of two blocks, is a high and low velocity anomaly conversion zone; the famous metallogenic belts of Edongnan, the Youjiang Basin and the Cathaysia Block are obviously low velocity areas with different metallogenic mechanisms. The deep ore-forming material source in the Edongnan metallogenic belt is different from that of the Cathaysia Block. The low velocity anomaly under the Cathaysia Block related to mineralization results from the upwelling of mantle material, caused by the joint action of the Paleo-Tethys tectonic domain, the Paleo-Pacific tectonic domain and the Hainan mantle plume migration and erosion, which has been occurring from northeast to southwest since 80 Ma. The low-temperature mineralization mechanism of Youjiang Basin should be considered not only in terms of the influence of the Emeishan mantle plume in the west and the Paleo-Tethys tectonic domain in the south, but also in the context of the influence of the upwelling of asthenospheric material from the Paleo-Pacific tectonic domain in the east.

    • Geodetic Analysis inside the South Korean Peninsula and Impact of the 2011 Tohoku–Oki (TO) Earthquake

      2022, 96(2):631-647. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14885

      Abstract (195) HTML (0) PDF 4.33 M (315) Comment (0) Favorites

      Abstract:The most powerful Tohoku–Oki (TO) earthquake that occurred in Japan on 11 March 2011 affected Japan as well as South Korea. In the current study, we investigated contemporary geodetic deformation inside South Korea before and after the TO earthquake using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements from 01 January 2008 to 31 December 2017. Measured velocities of GNSS sites are modeled by Auto-regressive moving average (ARMA) method to analyze the long-term GNSS time-series variation and to investigate the secular tectonic crustal deformation. We found that the maximum co-seismic displacements during the TO earthquake reached up to 36.82 ± 0.21 mm in the east and 5.90 ± 0.08 mm in the north directions. The geometric model of the co-seismic thrust surface was characterized by a rectangular plane with a dip of 12.0° and strike 200°. The thrust is situated at 25 km hypocenter depth, with an area roughly ~470 km long and ~120 km wide. The seismicity pattern after the earthquake indicated that the compressional strain started to be replaced by the extensional strain during the post TO earthquake period from 2011 to 2014. Further, the strain became predominantly extensional during the period 2015 to 2017, revealing an effective rotational change that occurred inside the Korean Peninsula.

    • The 2014 Northern Thailand Mw 6.1 Earthquake and its Seismogenic Tectonics

      2022, 96(2):648-660. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14775

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      Abstract:On May 5, 2014, an earthquake with a magnitude of Mw 6.1 (the largest earthquake in Thailand so far) occurred in Chiang Rai of the Golden Triangle area in northern Thailand. We had an opportunity to conduct field survey immediately after the earthquake. Serious damage to buildings and casualties of lives were observed, and the estimated Maximum Mercalli Intensity (MMI) of the earthquake is VIII (evaluated according to the MMI scale of the Chinese Standard). No long continuous ground ruptures were produced during the earthquake,??but in the epicenter (commonly within MMI VIII extent), massive small linear ruptures (usually several tens of meters long) developed and displayed intriguing structural features, offsetting many roads several centimeters left laterally on NE trending cracks or offsetting right laterally on NW trending ones. The focal mechanism solution of earthquake shows that this is a pure strike-slip event, and two nodal planes in NW and NE directions had the same motion senses respectively as those of breakage associated with the earthquake. The long axis of the isoseismals and aftershock distributions are in NE direction,which is consistent with the strike of Luang Namtha fault. The 230-km-long Luang Namtha fault which starts from the border of China and Laos, runs through northern Laos, and terminates at Chiang Rai of Thailand is predominated by left-lateral strike-slip and active in late Quaternary, and two earthquakes over Ms 6.0 occurred along the fault in 1925 and 2007 respectively. This Mw 6.1 earthquake occurred at the southwestern end of the fault. All related features such as evident structural rupturing, elongated orientation of MMI and aftershock distribution,as well as the location of the epicenter,suggest that the Luang Namtha fault may be responsible for the 2014 Northern Thailand earthquake.

    • SPECIAL SECTION

      2022, 96(2):660-660.

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      Abstract:

    • Preface: Special Topics on Study Progress of Natural Gas Hydrate

      2022, 96(2):661-662. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14933

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      Abstract:

    • Economic Critical Resources for the Industrial Exploitation of Natural Gas Hydrate

      2022, 96(2):663-673. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14927

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      Abstract:Since the implementation of several pilot production tests were in natural gas hydrate (NGH) reservoirs in terrestrial and marine settings, the study of NGH has entered a new stage of technological development for industrial exploitation. Prior to the industrial exploitation of any given NGH reservoir, the economic feasibility should be examined. The first step of economic evaluation of a NGH reservoir is to know whether its resource amount meets the requirement for industrial exploitation. Unfortunately, few relevant studies have been conducted in this regard. In this study, the net present value (NPV) method is employed to estimate the economic critical resources required for the industrial exploitation of NGHs under different production scenarios. Sensitivity analysis is also performed in order to specify the effects of key factors, such as the number of production wells, gas price, technological improvement and tax incentive, on the economic critical resources. The results indicate that China requires the lowest economic critical resource for a NGH reservoir to be industrially exploited, ranging from 3.62 to 24.02 billion m3 methane. Changes in gas price and tax incentives also play significant roles in affecting the threshold and timeline for the industrial exploitation of NGH.

    • Raman Micro-Imaging of the Coexistence of sI and sII Hydrates Formed from a Mixed Methane-Propane Gas in a Confined Space

      2022, 96(2):674-679. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14931

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      Abstract:Natural gas hydrate contains a specific amount of heavy hydrocarbons, such as ethane, propane, etc., aside from the primary guest gas of methane. Although the coexistence of two or even three hydrate structures has been discovered at several hydrate sites, the requisite formation mechanism is still not well understood. In-situ observation of the formation process of mixed methane-propane hydrate in a confined space was conducted using confocal Raman imaging microscopy. The Raman imaging results reveal that sI methane hydrate and sII mixed methane-propane hydrate are formed and coexist in the reaction system. In the confined space, the sI hydrate originates from the dissolved gas in water, while the sII hydrate is formed from free gas. The results obtained can help explain the coexistence of sI and sII hydrates found in natural hydrate samples, as well as providing insights into a possible dynamic scenario of hydrate reservoirs in geological history.

    • Geochemical Characteristics and Gas-to-Gas Correlation of Two Leakage-type Gas Hydrate Accumulations in the Western Qiongdongnan Basin, South China Sea

      2022, 96(2):680-690. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14931

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      Abstract:In recent years, a series of highly saturated leakage-type gas hydrates have been discovered in the western Qiongdongnan Basin (QDNB), South China Sea. Based on the molecular compositional and isotopic characteristics of the gas samples relevant to the gas hydrates collected from the two leakage-type gas hydrate accumulations in the GMGS5 and GMGS6 drilling zones, a detailed geochemical gas-to-gas correlation was conducted in this study, in order to further understand the geochemical characteristics and possible hydrocarbon sources of these gas hydrates. The natural gas relevant to the gas hydrates in the GMGS5 block is characterized by wet gas (67.96% < %C1 < 98.58%, C1/C1+ < 0.9) and significant molecular and carbon isotope fractionation within the depth profile, whereas the gas samples from the GMGS6 block exhibit the characteristics of dry gas (99.25% < %C1 < 99.81%, C1/C1+ > 0.9) and lack molecular and carbon isotope fractionation. Approximately 40%?60% of the methane within the gas hydrate is of microbial origin, while the C2+ gas components are typical coal-type gas that are derived from thermogenic source rocks or deeply-buried natural gas fields. In addition, typical in situ primary microbial methane (?80.6‰ < δ13C-C1 < ?67.7‰) was discovered in well Wb, which was applied to estimate the contribution of the microbial gas to the gas hydrates. The gas-to-gas correlation results show that the hydrate gases within the two leakage-type gas hydrate accumulations in the GMGS5 and GMGS6 blocks are geochemically different, suggesting that they may have been derived from different source kitchens. Our results further indicate that the deeply-buried thermogenic gas significantly contributed to the shallowly-buried gas hydrates in the western QDNB and multiple effective thermogenic source kitchens provided the hydrocarbon gas in the gas hydrate accumulations.

    • Intact Polar and Core Tetraether Lipids in Sediments from the Haiyang 4 Cold-seep of the Northern South China Sea and their Implications

      2022, 96(2):691-700. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14928

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      Abstract:A number of cold seeps have been discovered in the northern South China Sea (SCS) including the Haiyang 4 cold-seep area where Core 973-5 was collected. Intact polar lipids (IPLs) and core lipids (CLs) were analyzed separately in sediments from Core 973-5. The most abundant lipid biomarkers were isoprenoidal GDGTs (isoGDGTs), with Crenarchaeol and GDGT-0 predominating. IPL-isoGDGTs and CL-isoGDGTs were mainly derived from Thaumarchaeota. IPL-isoGDGTs were mainly produced and retained in situ thus containing most of the in situ microbiological information. Branched GDGTs were predominantly derived from generated in marine production, and mixed with some terrestrial inputs. All IPLs groups presented a high value in the sulfate-methane transition zone (SMTZ). Furthermore, IPL and CL-MI, IPL-R0/4 showed the highest values within the SMTZ, while IPL and CL-R4/i had the lowest values at the SMTZ, suggesting that the contribution of Methanophila and methanogenic to GDGTs increased, while the contribution of ammonia-oxidizing Archaea to GDGTs decreased at the SMTZ.

    • Numerical Simulation Study on the Effect of Horizontal Well Reservoir Stimulation for Gas Hydrate Production

      2022, 96(2):701-712. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14930

      Abstract (263) HTML (0) PDF 6.38 M (411) Comment (0) Favorites

      Abstract:A new gas hydrate reservoir stimulation method of in-situ fracturing with transient heating is proposed, in line with analysis of the technological bottlenecks faced by marine gas hydrate production. This method injects the developed chemical reagents into a hydrate reservoir through hydraulic fracturing, releasing heat during the chemical reaction to increase the hydrate decomposition rate. The chemical reaction product furthermore has a honeycomb structure to support fractures and increase reservoir permeability. Based on the geological model of natural gas hydrate in the South China Sea, three development methods are simulated to evaluate hydrate production capacity, consisting of horizontal well, fractured horizontal well and in-situ fracturing with transient heating well. Compared with the horizontal well, the simulation results show that the cumulative gas production of the fractured horizontal well in one year is 7 times that of the horizontal well, while the cumulative gas production of in-situ fracturing with transient heating well is 12 times that of the horizontal well, which significantly improves daily efficiency and cumulative gas production. In addition, the variation patterns of hydrate saturation and temperature-pressure fields with production time for the three exploitation plans are presented, it being found that three sensitive parameters of fracture conductivity, fracture half-length and fracture number are positively correlated with hydrate production enhancement. Through the simulations, basic data and theoretical support for the optimization of gas hydrate reservoir stimulation scheme has been provided.

    • Influence of Gas Hydrate on the Acoustic Properties of Sediment: A Comprehensive Review with a Focus on Experimental Measurements

      2022, 96(2):713-726. DOI: 10.1111/1755-6724.14932

      Abstract (213) HTML (0) PDF 7.38 M (309) Comment (0) Favorites

      Abstract:In recent years, natural gas hydrate has attracted increasing attention worldwide as a potential alternative energy source due to its attributes of wide distribution, large reserves, and low carbon. Since the acoustic characteristics of hydrate-bearing reservoirs clearly differ from those of adjacent formations, an acoustic approach, using seismic and acoustic logging, is one of the most direct, effective and widely used methods among the identification and characterization techniques for hydrate reservoir exploration. This review of research on the influence of hydrate (content and distribution) on the acoustic properties (velocity and attenuation) of sediments in the past two decades includes experimental studies based on different hydrate formation methods and measurements, as well as rock physics models. The main problems in current research are also pointed out and future prospects discussed.

Chief Editor:HOU Zengqian

Governing Body:China Association for Science and Technology

Organizer:Geological Society of China

start publication :1922

ISSN:ISSN 1000-9515

CN:CN 11-2001/P

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