Magnetite deposits near Klukwan and Haines, southeastern Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Robertson, Eugene C.

1956-01-01

Low-grade iron ore is found in magnetite-bearing pyroxenite bodies near Klukwan and Haines in Southeastern Alaska. An alluvial fan at Haines also contains magnetite-bearing rock of possible economic significance. The Haines-Klukwan area is underlain by rocks of Mesozoic Including epidote diorite, quartz diorite, and alaskite of the Coast Range batholith, metabasalt (recrystallized lava flows and pyroclastic rocks), and, in the southern part, interbedded slate and limestone. Layering and foliation, where perceptible, generally strike northwest and dip steeply northeast. The iron deposits are found at or near the contact between the metabasalt and epidote diorite; they appear to represent highly-altered lava flows that were metamorphosed during the emplacement of the batholith. Several billion tens of rock containing about 13 percent magnetic iron are included in the pyroxenite body at Klukwan. Sampling and dip-needle data suggest the presence there of two or three tabular aches in which the rock has an average magnetic iron content of 20 percent or more. Pyroxenite bodies outcropping in three areas near Haines apparently are lower in grade than the Klukwan deposit; lack of exposures prevented thorough sampling but reconnaissance traverses with a dip needle failed to reveal important zones of high-grade iron ore. An alluvial fan adjoining the pyroxenite body at Klukwan contains several hundred million tons of broken rock having a magneticiron content of about 10 percent.

Track of fluid paleocirculation in dolomite host rock at regional scale by the Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS): An example from Aptian carbonates of La Florida, Northern Spain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Essalhi, Mourad; Sizaret, Stanislas; Barbanson, Luc; Chen, Yan; Branquet, Yannick; Panis, Dominique; Camps, Pierre; Rochette, Pierre; Canals, Angels

2009-01-01

The present study aims to apply the AMS method (Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility) at a regional scale to track the fluid circulation direction that has produced an iron metasomatism within pre-existing dolomite host rock. The Urgonian formations hosting the Zn-Pb mineralizations in La Florida (Cantabria, northern Spain) have been taken as target for this purpose. Sampling was carried out, in addition to ferroan dolomite host rock enclosing the Zn-Pb mineralizations, in dolomite host rock and limestone to make the comparison possible between magnetic signals from mineralized rocks, where fluid circulation occurred, and their surrounding formations. AMS study was coupled with petrofabric analysis carried out by texture goniometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) observations and also Shape Preferred Orientation (SPO) statistics. SEM observations of ferroan dolomite host rock illustrate both bright and dark grey ribbons corresponding respectively to Fe enriched and pure dolomites. SPO statistics applied on four images from ferroan dolomite host rock give a well-defined orientation of ribbons related to the intermediate axis of magnetic susceptibility K2. For AMS data, two magnetic fabrics are observed. The first one is observed in ferroan dolomite host rock and characterized by a prolate ellipsoid of magnetic susceptibility with a vertical magnetic lineation. The magnetic susceptibility carrier is Fe-rich dolomite. These features are probably acquired during metasomatic fluid circulations. In Fe-rich dolomite host rock, ‹ c› axes are vertical. As a rule, (0001) planes (i.e. planes perpendicular to ‹ c› axes) are isotropic with respect to crystallographic properties. So, the magnetic anisotropy measured in this plane should reflect crystallographic modification due to fluid circulation. This is confirmed by the texture observed using the SEM. Consequently, AMS results show a dominant NE-SW elongation interpreted as the global circulation direction and a NW-SE secondary elongation that we have considered as sinuosities of the fluid trajectory. The second type of magnetic fabric is essentially observed in the limestone and characterized by an oblate form of the ellipsoid of magnetic susceptibility, a horizontal magnetic foliation and mixed magnetic susceptibility carriers. It is interpreted as a sedimentary fabric.

Critical elements in sediment-hosted deposits (clastic-dominated Zn-Pb-Ag, Mississippi Valley-type Zn-Pb, sedimentary rock-hosted Stratiform Cu, and carbonate-hosted Polymetallic Deposits): A review: Chapter 12

USGS Publications Warehouse

Marsh, Erin; Hitzman, Murray W.; Leach, David L.

2016-01-01

Some sediment-hosted base metal deposits, specifically the clastic-dominated (CD) Zn-Pb deposits, carbonate-hosted Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) deposits, sedimentary-rock hosted stratiform copper deposits, and carbonate-hosted polymetallic (“Kipushi type”) deposits, are or have been important sources of critical elements including Co, Ga, Ge, and Re. The generally poor data concerning trace element concentrations in these types of sediment-hosted ores suggest that there may be economically important concentrations of critical elements yet to be recognized.

Organic tissues, graphite, and hydrocarbons in host rocks of the Rum Jungle Uranium Field, northern Australia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Foster, C.B.; Robbins, E.I.; Bone, Y.

1990-01-01

The Rum Jungle Uranium field consists of at least six early Proterozoic deposits that have been mined either for uranium and/or the associated base and precious metals. Organic matter in the host rocks of the Whites Formation and Coomalie Dolomite is now predominantly graphite, consistent with the metamorphic history of these rocks. For nine samples, the mean total organic carbon content is high (3.9 wt%) and ranged from 0.33 to 10.44 wt%. Palynological extracts from the host rocks include black, filamentous, stellate (Eoastrion-like), and spherical morphotypes, which are typical of early Proterozoic microbiota. The colour, abundance, and shapes of these morphotypes reflect the thermal history, organic richness, and probable lacustrine biofacies of the host rocks. Routine analysis of rock thin sections and of palynological residues shows that mineral grains in some of the host rocks are coated with graphitized organic matter. The grain coating is presumed to result from ultimate thermal degradation of a petroleum phase that existed prior to metamorphism. Hydrocarbons are, however, still present in fluid inclusions within carbonates of the Coomalie Dolomite and lower Whites Formation. The fluid inclusions fluoresce dull orange in blue-light excitation and their hydrocarbon content is confirmed by gas chromatography of whole-rock extracts. Preliminary analysis of the oil suggests that it is migrated, and because it has escaped graphitization through metamorphism it is probably not of early Proterozoic age. The presence of live oil is consistent with fluid inclusion data that suggest subsequent, low-temperature brine migration through the rocks. The present observations support earlier suggestions that organic matter in the host formations trapped uranium to form protore. Subsequent fluid migrations probably brought additional uranium and other metals to these formations, and the organic matter provided a reducing environment for entrapment. ?? 1990.

Cross sections showing stratigraphic and depositional lithofacies of upper Cambrian rocks and the relation of lithofacies to potential for Mississippi Valley-type mineralization in the Harrison 1° x 2° quadrangle, Missouri and Arkansas (folio of the Harrison 1 degree by 2 degrees quadrangle, Missouri and Arkansas)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hayes, Timothy S.; Palmer, James R.; Pratt, Walden P.; Krizanich, Gary; Whitfield, John W.; Seeger, Cheryl M.

1997-01-01

These cross sections are the fifth publication in a folio of maps of the Harrison 1° x 2° quadrangle, Missouri and Arkansas, prepared under the Conterminous United States Mineral Assessment Program (CUSMAP). Previously published maps in this folio relate to the geochemistry of the subsurface carbonate rocks (Erickson and others, 1989), the geophysics of the basement terranes (McCafferty and others, 1989), the sedimentary rocks and mineralization of the Caulfield district (Hayes and others, 1992), the mineral resource potential of the quadrangle (Pratt and others, 1993), and the bedrock geology of the quadrangle (Middendorf and others, 1994 and in press). A final set of maps showing locations of known Mississippi Valley-type deposits and occurrences relative to Late Cambrian shaly lithofacies and other shales in the Harrison and adjoining quadrangle is in preparation (Palmer and Hayes, in press).

Lead isotopes and trace metals in dust at Yucca Mountain

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kwak, Loretta; Neymark, Leonid A.; Peterman, Zell E.

2008-01-01

Lead (Pb)-isotope compositions and trace-metal concentrations were determined for samples of dust collected from underground and surface locations at and near the proposed radioactive waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Rare earth element concentrations in the dust samples from the underground tunnels are similar to those in wholerock samples of the repository host rocks (Miocene Tiva Canyon Tuff and Topopah Spring Tuff), supporting interpretation that the subsurface dust is mainly composed of rock comminuted during tunnel construction. Other trace metals (arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, manganese, nickel, lead, antimony, thallium, and zinc) are variably enriched in the subsurface dust samples relative to the average concentrations in the host rocks. Average concentrations of arsenic and lead in dust samples, high concentrations of which can cause corrosion of waste canisters, have enrichment factors from 1.2 to 1.6 and are insignificant relative to the range of concentrations for these metals observed in the host rock samples. Most dust samples from surface sites also are enriched in many of these trace metals relative to average repository host rocks. At least some of these enrichments may be artifacts of sampling. Plotted on a 208Pb/206Pb-207Pb/206Pb graph, Pb-isotope compositions of dust samples from underground sites form a mixing line extending from host-rock Pb-isotope compositions towards compositions of many of the dust samples from surface sites; however, combined Pb concentration and isotope data indicate the presence of a Pbenriched component in the subsurface dust that is not derived from host rock or surface dust and may derive from anthropogenic materials introduced into the underground environment.

Sm-Nd and Rb-Sr isotopic systematics of the Pea Ridge Fe-P deposit and related rocks, southeast Missouri

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Marikos, M.A.; Barton, M.D.

1993-03-01

Pea ridge is a discordant Middle Proterozoic Fe-P deposit hosted in rhyolite tuffs and flows of the 1.4--1.5 Ga St. Francois terrane. Host rocks and the deposit are cut by basalt and aplite/pegmatite dikes. The deposit overlies a blind pluton which is partially surrounded by a trachytic ring complex. In the deposit, which is mined for Fe, early Qtz+Amph+Mag+Ap rock is cut by Mag+Ap+Qtz rock. Subsequently, portions of the deposit and host rocks were brecciated, oxidized and silicified to produce a complex suite of rocks enriched in Hem+Qtz+Ksp+Mu. Late breccia pipes/dikes cut the complex and were mineralized with Bar+Ksp+Flu+Chl+Cc+REE-phosphates. Sm/Ndmore » and Rb/Sr isotopic systematics have been studied to: (1) constrain source(s) of igneous rocks and deposit components, (2) refine ages of magmatism, mineralization, and later hydrothermal activity, (3) begin regional comparison of isotopic systematics in SE Missouri Fe deposits, and (4) complement ongoing Missouri DGLS/USGS studies. Fourteen combined Sm-Nd and Rb-Sr analyses were done on materials including two host rhyolites, two nearby trachytes, two gneiss samples representing plausible basement, two intramineral dikes, and six samples of mineralization.« less

Geology, Geochemistry and Geophysics of Sedimentary Rock-Hosted Au Deposits in P.R. China

USGS Publications Warehouse

Peters, Stephen G.

2002-01-01

This is the second report concerning results of a joint project between the U.S. Geological Survey and the Tianjin Geological Academy to study sedimentary rock-hosted Au deposits in P.R. China. Since the 1980s, Chinese geologists have devoted a large-scale exploration and research effort to the deposits. As a result, there are more than 20 million oz of proven Au reserves in sedimentary rock-hosted Au deposits in P.R. China. Additional estimated and inferred resources are present in over 160 deposits and occurrences, which are undergoing exploration. This makes China second to Nevada in contained ounces of Au in Carlin-type deposits. It is likely that many of the Carlin-type Au ore districts in China, when fully developed, could have resource potential comparable to the multi-1,000-tonne Au resource in northern Nevada. The six chapters of this report describe sedimentary rock-hosted Au deposits that were visited during the project. Chapters 1 and 2 provide an overview of sedimentary rock-hosted Au deposits and Carlin-type Au deposits and also provide a working classification for the sedimentary rock-hosted Au deposits. Chapters 3, 4, and 5 provide descriptions that were compiled from the literature in China in three main areas: the Dian-Qian-Gui, the Qinling fold belt, and Middle-Lower Yangtze River areas. Chapter 6 contains a weights-of-evidence (WofE), GIS-based mineral assessment of sedimentary rock-hosted Au deposits in the Qinling fold belt and Dian-Qian-Gui areas. Appendices contain scanned aeromagnetic (Appendix I) and gravity (Appendix II) geophysical maps of south and central China. Data tables of the deposits (Appendix III) also are available in the first report as an interactive database at http://geopubs.wr.usgs.gov/open-file/of98-466/. Geochemical analysis of ore samples from the deposits visited are contained in Appendix IV.

Lead isotope studies of the Guerrero composite terrane, west-central Mexico: implications for ore genesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Potra, Adriana; Macfarlane, Andrew W.

2014-01-01

New thermal ionization mass spectrometry and multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry Pb isotope analyses of three Cenozoic ores from the La Verde porphyry copper deposit located in the Zihuatanejo-Huetamo subterrane of the Guerrero composite terrane are presented and the metal sources are evaluated. Lead isotope ratios of 3 Cenozoic ores from the El Malacate and La Esmeralda porphyry copper deposits located in the Zihuatanejo-Huetamo subterrane and of 14 ores from the Zimapan and La Negra skarn deposits from the adjoining Sierra Madre terrane are also presented to look for systematic differences in the lead isotope trends and ore metal sources among the proposed exotic tectonostratigraphic terranes of southern Mexico. Comparison among the isotopic signatures of ores from the Sierra Madre terrane and distinct subterranes of the Guerrero terrane supports the idea that there is no direct correlation between the distinct suspect terranes of Mexico and the isotopic signatures of the associated Cenozoic ores. Rather, these Pb isotope patterns are interpreted to reflect increasing crustal contribution to mantle-derived magmas as the arc advanced eastward onto a progressively thicker continental crust. The lead isotope trend observed in Cenozoic ores is not recognized in the ores from Mesozoic volcanogenic massive sulfide and sedimentary exhalative deposits. The Mesozoic ores formed prior to the amalgamation of the Guerrero composite terrane to the continental margin, which took place during the Late Cretaceous, in intraoceanic island arc and intracontinental marginal basin settings, while the Tertiary deposits formed after this event in a continental arc setting. Lead isotope ratios of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic ores appear to reflect these differences in tectonic setting of ore formation. Most Pb isotope values of ores from the La Verde deposit (206Pb/204Pb = 18.674-18.719) are less radiogenic than those of the host igneous rocks, but plot within the field defined by the Huetamo Sequence, suggesting that these ores may also contain metals from the sedimentary rocks. The Pb isotope ratios of ore samples from the Zimapan deposit (206Pb/204Pb = 18.771-18.848) are substantially higher than the whole-rock Pb isotope compositions of the basement rocks. The similarity of ore Pb to igneous rock Pb in the Zimapan district (206Pb/204Pb = 18.800-18.968) may indicate that the proximal source of ore metals in the hydrothermal system was the igneous activity.

The Acasta Gneiss - a Hadean cratonic nucleus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sprung, P.; Scherer, E. E.; Maltese, A.; Bast, R.; Bleeker, W.; Mezger, K.

2016-12-01

The known terrestrial rock record lacks undisputed, chemically intact Hadean crust. Direct evidence from this eon has been restricted to zircon grains within younger rocks [1]. The Acasta Gneiss Complex (AGC; NT, CA) has yielded zircon with Hadean domains [e.g., 2,3], but the time at which AGC rocks became closed chemical systems is unclear [4,5]. Determining this `time of last disturbance' (tld) would provide a minimum protolith age, and is crucial for using radiogenic isotope compositions of bulk rocks to trace crust-mantle evolution. Recent studies mostly focused on the `low-strain' eastern AGC [e.g., 6, 7], which records an evolving, early-mid Archean cratonic nucleus [7]. We also studied the `high-strain' banded gneiss in the western AGC, which hosts >4 Ga zircon domains [2,3], too. Our focusing lay on adjoining, lithologically distinct bands [8] of two distinct chemical groups: A) Mafic, chondrite-normalized LaN/YbN ≦20, slightly HFSE- depleted, and B) TTG-like, LaN/YbN up to 145, markedly HFSE-depleted. Six adjacent bands yield a well-defined 4 Ga Sm-Nd isochron with a ɛNd4Ga of +2 and ɛHf4Ga values from +1 to +6. Within-band Sm-Nd and Lu-Hf systematics imply younger mineral re-equilibration [9]. We interpret the 4 Ga Sm-Nd isochron to date the physical juxtaposition of bands in the gneiss unit and to define tld among bands for elements less mobile and diffusive than Sm and Nd. Contrasting Sm-Nd results from the same unit [10] likely are due to sampling at too fine a scale. Digestion of metamict pre-tld zircon likely caused the scatter in Lu-Hf. Both decay systems hint at the existence of a possibly local, strongly depleted Hadean mantle domain. The TTG-like bands are 0.4 Gyr older than similar rocks in the `low-strain' eastern AGC [7]. The AGC was thus an evolved cratonic nucleus already at 4 Ga, possibly with a depleted lithospheric keel. [1] Cavosie et al. (2004) Prec. Res. 135, 251-279 [2] Bowring & Williams (1999) CMP 134, 3-16 [3] Iizuka et al. (2007) Prec. Res. 153 [4] Bowring & Housh (1995) Science 269, 1535-1540 [5] Moorbath et al. (1997) Chem. Geol. 135, 213-231 [6] Willbold et al. (2015) EPSL 419, 168-177 [7] Reimink et al. (2016) Prec. Res. 281, 453-472 [8] Scherer et al (2010) AGU Fall Meeting, #V44B-01 [9] Maltese et al. (2015) Goldschmidt Abstracts, 1988 [10] Mojzsis et al. (2014) GCA 133, 69-96

Penokean tectonics along a promontory-embayment margin in east-central Minnesota

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chandler, V.W.; Boerboom, Terrence; Jirsa, M.A.

2007-01-01

Recent geologic investigations in east-central Minnesota have utilized geophysical data, test drilling, and high-resolution geochronologic dating to produce a significantly improved map of a poorly exposed part of the 1880-1830 Ma Penokean orogen. These investigations have elucidated major changes in the structure of the orogen, as compared to its counterparts in northern Michigan and northwestern Wisconsin. Foreland basin, fold and thrust belt, and magmatic terrane components that are recognized to the east extend into east-central Minnesota, but they appear to be deflected southwards and truncated in proximity to Archean rocks of the Minnesota River Valley (MRV) subprovince. In contrast, the interior of the MRV subprovince to the southwest shows little sign of Penokean tectonism. In addition, the magmatic and metamorphic rocks of the internal zone of the orogen in east-central Minnesota are extensively invaded by ca. 1785-1770 Ma granitic rocks (the East-Central Minnesota Batholith), whereas, post-orogenic granites of this age occur sparingly to the east. These differences in orogenic structure may be related to their location near the juncture of an embayment (Becker embayment) and a promontory (MRV promontory) that formed the pre-Penokean continental margin. In this scenario, the MRV promontory, which at the surface consists chiefly of high-metamorphic-grade Mesoarchean gneisses, would have formed competent, high-standing crust that resisted deformation and did not host significantly thick continental margin sequences. In contrast, the part of the Becker Embayment adjoining the promontory would have involved relatively weak, low-standing crust that favored deposition of continental margin sequences and, during Penokean collision, would have accommodated tectonic loading of the cratonic margin through thin-skinned deformation. Thrusting of thick embayment sequences and possibly a block of Archean crust (Marshfield terrane) onto the embayment margin may have produced a greatly thickened crust that subsequently promoted crustal melting and generation of the geon 17 granites. Preliminary gravity and magnetic model studies of the present-day crust imply that rocks of the fold and thrust belt may sole out at 5-8 km depth; whereas, magmatic and high-metamorphic-grade rocks associated with the internal zone of the orogen could extend to mid-crustal depths. The tectonic model proposed here, implies that a collision between an embayment and an impinging continental mass may enhance tectonic thickening and subsequent generation of post-orogenic magmas. This and other hypotheses regarding the Penokean orogen need to be investigated further in the third dimension of depth, which will require a comprehensive suite of geophysical studies. ?? 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mercury isotope constraints on the source for sediment-hosted lead-zinc deposits in the Changdu area, southwestern China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Chunxia; Yin, Runsheng; Peng, Jiantang; Hurley, James P.; Lepak, Ryan F.; Gao, Jianfeng; Feng, Xinbin; Hu, Ruizhong; Bi, Xianwu

2018-03-01

The Lanuoma and Cuona sediment-hosted Pb-Zn deposits hosted by Upper Triassic limestone and sandstone, respectively, are located in the Changdu area, SW China. Mercury concentrations and Hg isotopic compositions from sulfide minerals and potential source rocks (e.g., the host sedimentary rocks and the metamorphic basement) were investigated to constrain metal sources and mineralization processes. In both deposits, sulfide minerals have higher mercury (Hg) concentrations (0.35 to 1185 ppm) than the metamorphic basement rocks (0.05 to 0.15 ppm) and sedimentary rocks (0.02 to 0.08 ppm). Large variations of mass-dependent fractionation (3.3‰ in δ202Hg) and mass-independent fractionation (0.3‰ in Δ199Hg) of Hg isotopes were observed. Sulfide minerals have Hg isotope signatures that are similar to the hydrothermal altered rocks around the deposit, and similar to the metamorphic basement, but different from barren sedimentary rocks. The variation of Δ199Hg suggests that Hg in sulfides was mainly derived from the underlying metamorphic basement. Mercury isotopes could be a geochemical tracer in understanding metal sources in hydrothermal ore deposits.

Proceedings of the scientific visit on crystalline rock repository development.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mariner, Paul E.; Hardin, Ernest L.; Miksova, Jitka

2013-02-01

A scientific visit on Crystalline Rock Repository Development was held in the Czech Republic on September 24-27, 2012. The visit was hosted by the Czech Radioactive Waste Repository Authority (RAWRA), co-hosted by Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), and supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The purpose of the visit was to promote technical information exchange between participants from countries engaged in the investigation and exploration of crystalline rock for the eventual construction of nuclear waste repositories. The visit was designed especially for participants of countries that have recently commenced (or recommenced) national repository programmes in crystalline host rock formations.more » Discussion topics included repository programme development, site screening and selection, site characterization, disposal concepts in crystalline host rock, regulatory frameworks, and safety assessment methodology. Interest was surveyed in establishing a %E2%80%9Cclub,%E2%80%9D the mission of which would be to identify and address the various technical challenges that confront the disposal of radioactive waste in crystalline rock environments. The idea of a second scientific visit to be held one year later in another host country received popular support. The visit concluded with a trip to the countryside south of Prague where participants were treated to a tour of the laboratory and underground facilities of the Josef Regional Underground Research Centre.« less

Total petroleum systems of the Paleozoic and Jurassic, Greater Ghawar Uplift and adjoining provinces of central Saudi Arabia and northern Arabian-Persian Gulf

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pollastro, Richard M.

2003-01-01

Oil of the Arabian Sub-Basin Tuwaiq/Hanifa-Arab TPS is sourced by organic-rich, marine carbonates of the Jurassic Tuwaiq Mountain and Hanifa Formations. These source rocks were deposited in two of three intraplatform basins during the Jurassic and, where thermally mature, have generated a superfamily of oils with distinctive geochemical characteristics. Oils were generated and expelled from these source rocks beginning in the Cretaceous at about 75 Ma. Hydrocarbon production is from 3 cyclic carbonate-rock reservoirs of the Arab Formation that are sealed by overlying anhydrite. Several giant and supergiant fields, including the world's largest oil field at Ghawar, Saudi Arabia, produce mostly from the Arab carbonate-rock reservoirs. Two assessment units are also recognized in the Arabian Sub-Basin Tuwaiq/Hanifa-Arab TPS that are similarly related to structural trap style and presence of underlying Infracambrian salt: (1) an onshore Horst-Block Anticlinal Oil AU, and (2) a mostly offshore Salt-Involved Structural Oil AU. The mean total volume of undiscovered resource for the Arabian Sub-Basin Tuwaiq/Hanifa-Arab TPS is estimated at about 49 billion barrels of oil equivalent (42 billion barrels of oil, 34 trillion feet of gas, and 1.4 billion barrels of natural gas liquids).

Geological and geotechnical properties of the medieval rock hewn churches of Lalibela, Northern Ethiopia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asrat, Asfawossen; Ayallew, Yodit

2011-01-01

Lalibela is a medieval settlement in Northern Ethiopia famous for its 11 beautifully carved rock hewn churches, registered as World Heritage Site in 1978. The rock hewn churches are grouped into three based on their proximity: the Bete Medhane Alem (Church of the Holy Saviour), Bete Gabriel-Rufael (Church of St. Gabriel-Rafael) and Bete Giorgis (Church of St. George) groups. The churches are carved out of a single, massive scoriaceous basalt hill which was deposited along an East-West extending palaeovalley in the Oligo-Miocene Trap basalt of the northwestern Ethiopian plateau. The Rock Mass Rating (RMR) classification scheme was used to classify the rock mass (assuming each church as a separate rock mass) based on their uniaxial compressive strength and the spacing and conditions of discontinuities. Though most of the churches are hewn from medium to high strength rock mass, discontinuities make them vulnerable to other deteriorating agents mainly weathering, and water infiltration. Most of the rock hewn churches are affected by pre-carving cooling joints and bedding plane discontinuities, and by mostly but not necessarily post-carving tectonic and seismic induced cracks and fractures. Material loss due to deep weathering triggered by rain water infiltration and uncontrolled groundwater seepage affects most of the churches, particularly the Bete Merqorios (Church of St. Mark) and Bete Aba Libanos (Church of Father Libanos) churches. The scoriaceous basalt which is porous and permeable allows easy passage of water while the underlying basalt is impermeable, increasing the residence time of water in the porous material, causing deep weathering and subsequent loss of material in some of the churches and adjoining courtyards.

Hydrology of some deep mines in Precambrian rocks

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yardley, D.H.

1975-10-01

A number of underground mines were investigated during the summer of 1975. All of them are in Precambrian rocks of the Lake Superior region. They represent a variety of geologic settings. The purpose of the investigations was to make a preliminary study of the dryness, or lack of dryness of these rocks at depth. In other words, to see if water was entering the deeper workings through the unmined rock by some means such as fracture or fault zones, joints or permeable zones. Water entering through old mine workings extending to, or very near to the surface, or from themore » drilling equipment, was of interest only insofar as it might mask any water whose source was through the hanging or footwall rocks. No evidence of running, seeping or moving water was seen or reported at depths exceeding 3,000 feet. At depths of 3,000 feet or less, water seepages do occur in some of the mines, usually in minor quantities but increased amounts occur as depth becomes less. Others are dry at 2,000 feet of depth. Rock movements associated with extensive mining should increase the local secondary permeability of the rocks adjoining the mined out zones. Also most ore bodies are located where there has been a more than average amount of faulting, fracturing, and folding during the geologic past. They tend to cluster along crustal flows. In general, Precambrian rocks of similar geology, to those seen, well away from zones that have been disturbed by extensive deep mining, and well away from the zones of more intense geologic activity ought to be even less permeable than their equivalents in a mining district.« less

Contrasting diagenetic histories of concretions vs. host rocks, Lion Mountain Member, Riley formation (upper Cambrian), Texas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McBride, E.F.

1988-02-01

White, elliptical, calcite-cemented concretion nuclei up to 1 m long contrast markedly in color, composition, and diagenetic history from more glauconite-rich concretion rinds and from dark-green glaucarenite host rocks. Concretion nuclei are loosely packed deposits of trilobite carapaces and minor quartz and glauconite that have intergranular volumes of 58%. The nuclei are shell-lag deposits that were cemented by calcite at the sea floor or after burial of a few meters. Concretion rinds, composed of subequal amounts of quartz and compactionally deformed glauconite, have an intergranular volume of only 32% and minor quartz overgrowths that preceded pore-occluding calcite cement. The rindsmore » underwent burial for several million years to tens of millions of years to depths of several hundred meters before they were cemented. The host rock is predominately glauconite with very minor quartz and calcite cement. Strontium isotopic ratios of host-rock calcite cement are variable (0.7084 to 0.7093), but the lowest value suggests precipitation during the Middle Ordovician. In the absence of significant amounts of carbonate cement, the host rock underwent complete dissolution of trilobite carapaces and maximum compaction with total loss of porosity through squashing of glauconite grains. Maximum burial during this stage was completed by the end of Ordovician time.« less

Modeling transient heat transfer in nuclear waste repositories.

PubMed

Yang, Shaw-Yang; Yeh, Hund-Der

2009-09-30

The heat of high-level nuclear waste may be generated and released from a canister at final disposal sites. The waste heat may affect the engineering properties of waste canisters, buffers, and backfill material in the emplacement tunnel and the host rock. This study addresses the problem of the heat generated from the waste canister and analyzes the heat distribution between the buffer and the host rock, which is considered as a radial two-layer heat flux problem. A conceptual model is first constructed for the heat conduction in a nuclear waste repository and then mathematical equations are formulated for modeling heat flow distribution at repository sites. The Laplace transforms are employed to develop a solution for the temperature distributions in the buffer and the host rock in the Laplace domain, which is numerically inverted to the time-domain solution using the modified Crump method. The transient temperature distributions for both the single- and multi-borehole cases are simulated in the hypothetical geological repositories of nuclear waste. The results show that the temperature distributions in the thermal field are significantly affected by the decay heat of the waste canister, the thermal properties of the buffer and the host rock, the disposal spacing, and the thickness of the host rock at a nuclear waste repository.

Tourmaline occurrences within the Penamacor-Monsanto granitic pluton and host-rocks (Central Portugal): genetic implications of crystal-chemical and isotopic features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

da Costa, I. Ribeiro; Mourão, C.; Récio, C.; Guimarães, F.; Antunes, I. M.; Ramos, J. Farinha; Barriga, F. J. A. S.; Palmer, M. R.; Milton, J. A.

2014-04-01

Tourmalinization associated with peraluminous granitic intrusions in metapelitic host-rocks has been widely recorded in the Iberian Peninsula, given the importance of tourmaline as a tracer of granite magma evolution and potential indicator of Sn-W mineralizations. In the Penamacor-Monsanto granite pluton (Central Eastern Portugal, Central Iberian Zone), tourmaline occurs: (1) as accessory phase in two-mica granitic rocks, muscovite-granites and aplites, (2) in quartz (±mica)-tourmaline rocks (tourmalinites) in several exocontact locations, and (3) as a rare detrital phase in contact zone hornfels and metapelitic host-rocks. Electron microprobe and stable isotope (δ18O, δD, δ11B) data provide clear distinctions between tourmaline populations from these different settings: (a) schorl-oxyschorl tourmalines from granitic rocks have variable foititic component (X□ = 17-57 %) and Mg/(Mg + Fe) ratios (0.19-0.50 in two-mica granitic rocks, and 0.05-0.19 in the more differentiated muscovite-granite and aplites); granitic tourmalines have constant δ18O values (12.1 ± 0.1 ‰), with wider-ranging δD (-78.2 ± 4.7 ‰) and δ11B (-10.7 to -9.0 ‰) values; (b) vein/breccia oxyschorl [Mg/(Mg + Fe) = 0.31-0.44] results from late, B- and Fe-enriched magma-derived fluids and is characterized by δ18O = 12.4 ‰, δD = -29.5 ‰, and δ11B = -9.3 ‰, while replacement tourmalines have more dravitic compositions [Mg/(Mg + Fe) = 0.26-0.64], close to that of detrital tourmaline in the surrounding metapelitic rocks, and yield relatively constant δ18O values (13.1-13.3 ‰), though wider-ranging δD (-58.5 to -36.5 ‰) and δ11B (-10.2 to -8.8 ‰) values; and (c) detrital tourmaline in contact rocks and regional host metasediments is mainly dravite [Mg/(Mg + Fe) = 0.35-0.78] and oxydravite [Mg/(Mg + Fe) = 0.51-0.58], respectively. Boron contents of the granitic rocks are low (<650 ppm) compared to the minimum B contents normally required for tourmaline saturation in granitic melts, implying loss of B and other volatiles to the surrounding host-rocks during the late-magmatic stages. This process was responsible for tourmalinization at the exocontact of the Penamacor-Monsanto pluton, either as direct tourmaline precipitation in cavities and fractures crossing the pluton margin (vein/breccia tourmalinites), or as replacement of mafic minerals (chlorite or biotite) in the host-rocks (replacement tourmalinites) along the exocontact of the granite. Thermometry based on 18O equilibrium fractionation between tourmaline and fluid indicates that a late, B-enriched magmatic aqueous fluid (av. δ18O ~12.1 ‰, at ~600 °C) precipitated the vein/breccia tourmaline (δ18O ~12.4 ‰) at ~500-550 °C, and later interacted with the cooler surrounding host-rocks to produce tourmaline at lower temperatures (400-450 °C), and an average δ18O ~13.2 ‰, closer to the values for the host-rock. Although B-metasomatism associated with some granitic plutons in the Iberian Peninsula seems to be relatively confined in space, extending integrated studies such as this to a larger number of granitic plutons may afford us a better understanding of Variscan magmatism and related mineralizations.

Convergence analysis of particle swarm optimization (PSO) method on the with-in host dengue infection treatment model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Handayani, D.; Nuraini, N.; Tse, O.; Saragih, R.; Naiborhu, J.

2016-04-01

PSO is a computational optimization method motivated by the social behavior of organisms like bird flocking, fish schooling and human social relations. PSO is one of the most important swarm intelligence algorithms. In this study, we analyze the convergence of PSO when it is applied to with-in host dengue infection treatment model simulation in our early research. We used PSO method to construct the initial adjoin equation and to solve a control problem. Its properties of control input on the continuity of objective function and ability of adapting to the dynamic environment made us have to analyze the convergence of PSO. With the convergence analysis of PSO we will have some parameters that ensure the convergence result of numerical simulations on this model using PSO.

Maps showing geology, structure, and geophysics of the central Black Hills, South Dakota

USGS Publications Warehouse

Redden, Jack A.; DeWitt, Ed

2008-01-01

This 1:100,000-scale digital geologic map details the complex Early Proterozoic granitic rocks, Early Proterozoic supracrustal metamorphic rocks, and Archean crystalline basement of the Black Hills. The granitic rocks host pegmatite deposits renowned for their feldspar, mica, spodumene, and beryl. The supracrustal rocks host the Homestake gold mine, which produced more than 40 million ounces of gold over a 125-year lifetime. The map documents the Laramide deformation of Paleozoic and Mesozoic cover rocks; and shows the distribution of Laramide plutonic rocks associated with precious-metals deposits. Four 1:300,000-scale maps summarize Laramide structures; Early Proterozoic structures; aeromagnetic anomalies; and gravity anomalies. Three 1:500,000-scale maps show geophysical interpretations of buried Early Proterozoic to Archean rocks in western South Dakota and eastern Wyoming.

Biostratigraphy and structure of paleozoic host rocks and their relationship to Carlin-type gold deposits in the Jerritt Canyon mining district, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Peters, S.G.; Armstrong, A.K.; Harris, A.G.; Oscarson, R.L.; Noble, P.J.

2003-01-01

The Jerritt Canyon mining district in the northern Independence Range, northern Nevada, contains multiple, nearly horizontal, thrust masses of platform carbonate rocks that are exposed in a series of north- to northeast-elongated, tectonic windows through rocks of the Roberts Mountains allochthon. The Roberts Mountains allochthon was emplaced during the Late Devonian to Early Mississippian Antler orogeny. These thrust masses contain structurally and stratigraphically controlled Carlin-type gold deposits. The gold deposits are hosted in tectonically truncated units of the Silurian to Devonian Hanson Creek and Roberts Mountains Formations that lie within structural slices of an Eastern assemblage of Cambrian to Devonian carbonate rocks. In addition, these multiply thrust-faulted and folded host rocks are structurally interleaved with Mississippian siliciclastic rocks and are overlain structurally by Cambrian to Devonian siliciclastic units of the Roberts Mountains allochthon. All sedimentary rocks were involved in thrusting, high-angle faulting, and folding, and some of these events indicate substantial late Paleozoic and/or Mesozoic regional shortening. Early Pennsylvanian and late Eocene dikes also intrude the sedimentary rocks. These rocks all were uplifted into a northeast-trending range by subsequent late Cenozoic Basin and Range faulting. Eocene sedimentary and volcanic rocks flank part of the range. Pathways of hydrothermal fluid flow and locations of Carlin-type gold orebodies in the Jerritt Canyon mining district were controlled by structural and host-rock geometries within specific lithologies of the stacked thrust masses of Eastern assemblage rocks. The gold deposits are most common proximal to intersections of northeast-striking faults, northwest-striking dikes, and thrust planes that lie adjacent to permeable stratigraphic horizons. The host stratigraphic units include carbonate sequences that contained primary intercrystalline permeability, which provided initial pathways for fluid flow and later served as precipitation sites for ore minerals. Alteration, during, and perhaps prior to mineralization, enhanced primary permeability by dissolution, by removal of calcite, and by formation of dolomite. Ore-stage sulfide minerals and alteration minerals commonly precipitated in pore spaces among dolomite grains. Microveinlets and microbrecciation in zones of intense alteration also provided networks of secondary permeability that further enhanced fluid flux and produced additional sites for ore deposition.

Polymetamorphic evolution of the granulite-facies Paleoproterozoic basement of the Kabul Block, Afghanistan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Collett, Stephen; Faryad, Shah Wali; Mosazai, Amir Mohammad

2015-08-01

The Kabul Block is an elongate crustal fragment which cuts across the Afghan Central Blocks, adjoining the Indian and Eurasian continents. Bounded by major strike slip faults and ophiolitic material thrust onto either side, the block contains a strongly metamorphosed basement consisting of some of the only quantifiably Proterozoic rocks south of the Herat-Panjshir Suture Zone. The basement rocks crop-out extensively in the vicinity of Kabul City and consist predominantly of migmatites, gneisses, schists and small amounts of higher-grade granulite-facies rocks. Granulite-facies assemblages were identified in felsic and mafic siliceous rocks as well as impure carbonates. Granulite-facies conditions are recorded by the presence of orthopyroxene overgrowing biotite in felsic rocks; by orthopyroxene overgrowing amphibole in mafic rocks and by the presence of olivine and clinohumite in the marbles. The granulite-facies assemblages are overprinted by a younger amphibolite-facies event that is characterized by the growth of garnet at the expense of the granulite-facies phases. Pressure-temperature (P-T) conditions for the granulite-facies event of around 850 °C and up to 7 kbar were calculated through conventional thermobarometry and phase equilibria modeling. The younger, amphibolite-facies event shows moderately higher pressures of up to 8.5 kbar at around 600 °C. This metamorphism likely corresponds to the dominant metamorphic event within the basement of the Kabul Block. The results of this work are combined with the litho-stratigraphic relations and recent geochronological dating to analyze envisaged Paleoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic metamorphic events in the Kabul Block.

Quasi-Steady Evolution of Hillslopes in Layered Landscapes: An Analytic Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glade, R. C.; Anderson, R. S.

2018-01-01

Landscapes developed in layered sedimentary or igneous rocks are common on Earth, as well as on other planets. Features such as hogbacks, exposed dikes, escarpments, and mesas exhibit resistant rock layers adjoining more erodible rock in tilted, vertical, or horizontal orientations. Hillslopes developed in the erodible rock are typically characterized by steep, linear-to-concave slopes or "ramps" mantled with material derived from the resistant layers, often in the form of large blocks. Previous work on hogbacks has shown that feedbacks between weathering and transport of the blocks and underlying soft rock can create relief over time and lead to the development of concave-up slope profiles in the absence of rilling processes. Here we employ an analytic approach, informed by numerical modeling and field data, to describe the quasi-steady state behavior of such rocky hillslopes for the full spectrum of resistant layer dip angles. We begin with a simple geometric analysis that relates structural dip to erosion rates. We then explore the mechanisms by which our numerical model of hogback evolution self-organizes to meet these geometric expectations, including adjustment of soil depth, erosion rates, and block velocities along the ramp. Analytical solutions relate easily measurable field quantities such as ramp length, slope, block size, and resistant layer dip angle to local incision rate, block velocity, and block weathering rate. These equations provide a framework for exploring the evolution of layered landscapes and pinpoint the processes for which we require a more thorough understanding to predict their evolution over time.

Microbiology of Low Temperature Seafloor Deposits Along a Geochemical Gradient in Lau Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

sylvan, J. B.; Sia, T. Y.; Haddad, A.; Briscoe, L. J.; Girguis, P. R.; Edwards, K. J.

2011-12-01

The East Lau Spreading Center (ELSC) and Valu Fa Ridge comprise a ridge segment in the southwest Pacific Ocean where rapid transitions in the underlying mantle lenses manifest themselves by gradients in seafloor rock geochemistry. At the spreading center in the north, basaltic host rock extrudes while the influence of subduction in the south creates mainly basaltic andesite host rock. A contuous gradient between these two end members exists along the spreading center. We studied the geology and microbial diversity of three silicate rock samples and three inactive sulfide chimney samples collected along the ELSC and Valu Fa Ridge by X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, thin section analysis and construction of bacterial 16S rRNA clone libraries. Here, we discuss the geological and biological differences between the collected rocks. We found that the bacterial community composition changed as the host rock mineralogy and chemistry changed from north to south. Also, the bacterial community composition on the silicates is distinct from those on the inactive chimneys, and the interior conduit of an inactive chimney hosts a very different community from the exterior. Basalt from the northern end of the ELSC had high proportions of Alphaproteobacteria and Bacteroidetes. These proportions decreased on the silicates collected further south. Epsilonproteobacteria were also present on the basalt, decreased further south and were absent on the basaltic andesite. Conversely, basaltic andesite rocks from the southern end had high proportions of Chloroflexi, which decreased further north and were absent on basalt. The exterior of inactive sulfide structures were dominated by lineages of sulfur oxidizing Gammaproteobacteria and Epsilonproteobacteria and were less diverse than those on the silicates. The interior of one chimney was dominated by sulfate-reducing Deltaproteobacteria and was the least diverse of all samples. These results support the Mantle to Microbe hypothesis in that different types of Bacteria are selected by the composition of the host rock as determined by the melt lens underlying the hydrothermal vent field.

Drainage morphometric analysis for assessing form and processes of the watersheds of Pachamalai hills and its adjoinings, Central Tamil Nadu, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prabhakaran, A.; Jawahar Raj, N.

2018-03-01

The present study attempts to understand the form and geomorphic/hydrologic processes of the 20 watersheds of the Pachamalai hills and its adjoinings located in Tamil Nadu State of southern India from the analysis of its drainage morphometric characteristics. Survey of India's topographic sheets of 1:50,000 is the data source from which stream networks and watersheds of the study area were demarcated followed by the analysis of their morphometric characteristics using ArcGIS software. The results of the analysis formed the basis for deducing the form and processes of the watersheds of the study area. The form of the watersheds inferred from the analysis includes shape, length, slope steepness and length, degree of branching of streams, dissection and elongation of watersheds. The geomorphic/hydrologic processes inferred include denudation rate, potential energy, intensity of erosion, mean annual run off, mean discharge, discharge rate, rock resistivity and infiltration potential, amount of sediment transported, mean annual rainfall, rainfall intensity, lagtime, flash flood potential, flood discharge per unit area, sediment yield and speed of the water flow in the streams. The understanding of variations of form and processes mentioned can be used towards prioritizing the watersheds for development, management and conservation planning.

Mineral potential modelling of gold and silver mineralization in the Nevada Great Basin - a GIS-based analysis using weights of evidence

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mihalasky, Mark J.

2001-01-01

The distribution of 2,690 gold-silver-bearing occurrences in the Nevada Great Basin was examined in terms of spatial association with various geological phenomena. Analysis of these relationships, using GIS and weights of evidence modelling techniques, has predicted areas of high mineral potential where little or no mining activity exists. Mineral potential maps for sedimentary (?disseminated?) and volcanic (?epithermal?) rock-hosted gold-silver mineralization revealed two distinct patterns that highlight two sets of crustal-scale geologic features that likely control the regional distribution of these deposit types. The weights of evidence method is a probability-based technique for mapping mineral potential using the spatial distribution of known mineral occurrences. Mineral potential maps predicting the distribution of gold-silver-bearing occurrences were generated from structural, geochemical, geomagnetic, gravimetric, lithologic, and lithotectonic-related deposit-indicator factors. The maps successfully predicted nearly 70% of the total number of known occurrences, including ~83% of sedimentary and ~60% of volcanic rock-hosted types. Sedimentary and volcanic rockhosted mineral potential maps showed high spatial correlation (an area cross-tabulation agreement of 85% and 73%, respectively) with expert-delineated mineral permissive tracts. In blind tests, the sedimentary and volcanic rock-hosted mineral potential maps predicted 10 out of 12 and 5 out of 5 occurrences, respectively. The key mineral predictor factors, in order of importance, were determined to be: geology (including lithology, structure, and lithotectonic terrane), geochemistry (indication of alteration), and geophysics. Areas of elevated sedimentary rock-hosted mineral potential are generally confined to central, north-central, and north-eastern Nevada. These areas form a conspicuous ?V?-shape pattern that is coincident with the Battle Mountain-Eureka (Cortez) and Carlin mineral trends and a segment of the Roberts Mountain thrust front, which bridges the southern ends of the trends. This pattern appears to delineate two well-defined, sub-parallel, northwest?southeast-trending crustal-scale structural zones. These features, here termed the ?Carlin? and ?Cortez? structural zones, are believed to control the regional-scale distribution of the sedimentary rock-hosted occurrences. Mineralizing processes were focused along these structural zones and significant ore deposits exist where they intersect other tectonic zones, favorable host rock-types, and (or) where appropriate physio-chemical conditions were present. The origin and age of the Carlin and Cortez structural zones are not well constrained, however, they are considered to be transcurrent features representing a long-lived, deep-crustal or mantle-rooted zone of weakness. Areas of elevated volcanic rock-hosted mineral potential are principally distributed along two broad and diffuse belts that trend (1) northwest-southeast across southwestern Nevada, parallel to the Sierra Nevada, and (2) northeast-southwest across northern Nevada, extending diagonally from the Sierra Nevada to southern Idaho. The first belt corresponds to the Walker Lane shear zone, a wide region of complex strike-slip faulting. The second, here termed the ?Humboldt shear(?) zone?, may represent a structural zone of transcurrent movement. Together, the Walker Lane and Humboldt shear(?) zones are believed to control the regional-scale distribution of volcanic rock-hosted occurrences. Volcanic rock-hosted mineralization was closely tied to the southward and westward migration of Tertiary magmatism across the region (which may have been mantle plume-driven). Both magmatic and mineralizing processes were localized and concentrated along these structural zones. The Humboldt shear(?) zone may have also affected the distribution of sedimentary rock-hosted mineralization along the Battle Mountain?Eureka (C

Time‐lapse imaging of saline‐tracer transport in fractured rock using difference‐attenuation radar tomography

USGS Publications Warehouse

Day-Lewis, Frederick D.; Lane, John W.; Harris, Jerry M.; Gorelick, Steven M.

2003-01-01

Accurate characterization of fractured‐rock aquifer heterogeneity remains one of the most challenging and important problems in groundwater hydrology. We demonstrate a promising strategy to identify preferential flow paths in fractured rock using a combination of geophysical monitoring and conventional hydrogeologic tests. Cross‐well difference‐attenuation ground‐penetrating radar was used to monitor saline‐tracer migration in an experiment at the U.S. Geological Survey Fractured Rock Hydrology Research Site in Grafton County, New Hampshire. Radar data sets were collected every 10 min in three adjoining planes for 5 hours during each of 12 tracer tests. An innovative inversion method accounts for data acquisition times and temporal changes in attenuation during data collection. The inverse algorithm minimizes a combination of two functions. The first is the sum of weighted squared data residuals. Second is a measure of solution complexity based on an a priori space‐time covariance function, subject to constraints that limit radar‐attenuation changes to regions of the tomograms traversed by high difference‐attenuation ray paths. The time series of tomograms indicate relative tracer concentrations and tracer arrival times in the image planes; from these we infer the presence and location of a preferential flow path within a previously identified zone of transmissive fractures. These results provide new insights into solute channeling and the nature of aquifer heterogeneity at the site.

Preliminary Numerical Simulations of Nozzle Formation in the Host Rock of Supersonic Volcanic Jets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wohletz, K. H.; Ogden, D. E.; Glatzmaier, G. A.

2006-12-01

Recognizing the difficulty in quantitatively predicting how a vent changes during an explosive eruption, Kieffer (Kieffer, S.W., Rev. Geophys. 27, 1989) developed the theory of fluid dynamic nozzles for volcanism, utilizing a highly developed predictive scheme used extensively in aerodynamics for design of jet and rocket nozzles. Kieffer's work shows that explosive eruptions involve flow from sub to supersonic conditions through the vent and that these conditions control the erosion of the vent to nozzle shapes and sizes that maximize mass flux. The question remains how to predict the failure and erosion of vent host rocks by a high-speed, multiphase, compressible fluid that represents an eruption column. Clearly, in order to have a quantitative model of vent dynamics one needs a robust computational method for a turbulent, compressible, multiphase fluid. Here we present preliminary simulations of fluid flowing from a high-pressure reservoir through an eroding conduit and into the atmosphere. The eruptive fluid is modeled as an ideal gas, the host rock as a simple incompressible fluid with sandstone properties. Although these simulations do not yet include the multiphase dynamics of the eruptive fluid or the solid mechanics of the host rock, the evolution of the host rock into a supersonic nozzle is clearly seen. Our simulations show shock fronts both above the conduit, where the gas has expanded into the atmosphere, and within the conduit itself, thereby influencing the dynamics of the jet decompression.

Fracturing of doleritic intrusions and associated contact zones: Implications for fluid flow in volcanic basins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Senger, Kim; Buckley, Simon J.; Chevallier, Luc; Fagereng, Åke; Galland, Olivier; Kurz, Tobias H.; Ogata, Kei; Planke, Sverre; Tveranger, Jan

2015-02-01

Igneous intrusions act as both carriers and barriers to subsurface fluid flow and are therefore expected to significantly influence the distribution and migration of groundwater and hydrocarbons in volcanic basins. Given the low matrix permeability of igneous rocks, the effective permeability in- and around intrusions is intimately linked to the characteristics of their associated fracture networks. Natural fracturing is caused by numerous processes including magma cooling, thermal contraction, magma emplacement and mechanical disturbance of the host rock. Fracturing may be locally enhanced along intrusion-host rock interfaces, at dyke-sill junctions, or at the base of curving sills, thereby potentially enhancing permeability associated with these features. In order to improve our understanding of fractures associated with intrusive bodies emplaced in sedimentary host rocks, we have investigated a series of outcrops from the Karoo Basin of the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, where the siliciclastic Burgersdorp Formation has been intruded by various intrusions (thin dykes, mid-sized sheet intrusions and thick sills) belonging to the Karoo dolerite. We present a quantified analysis of fracturing in- and around these igneous intrusions based on five outcrops at three individual study sites, utilizing a combination of field data, high-resolution lidar virtual outcrop models and image processing. Our results show a significant difference between the three sites in terms of fracture orientation. The observed differences can be attributed to contrasting intrusion geometries, outcrop geometry (for lidar data) and tectonic setting. Two main fracture sets were identified in the dolerite at two of the sites, oriented parallel and perpendicular to the contact respectively. Fracture spacing was consistent between the three sites, and exhibits a higher degree of variation in the dolerites compared to the host rock. At one of the study sites, fracture frequency in the surrounding host rock increases slightly toward the intrusion at approximately 3 m from the contact. We conclude by presenting a conceptual fluid flow model, showing permeability enhancement and a high potential for fluid flow-channeling along the intrusion-host rock interfaces.

Clay alteration and gold deposition in the genesis and blue star deposits, Eureka County, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Drews-Armitage, S. P.; Romberger, S.B.; Whitney, C.G.

1996-01-01

The Genesis and Blue Star sedimentary rock-hosted gold deposits occur within the 40-mile-long Carlin trend and are located in Eureka County, Nevada. The deposits are hosted within the Devonian calcareous Popovich Formation, the siliciclastic Rodeo Creek unit and the siliciclastic Vinini Formation. The host rocks have undergone contact metamorphism, decalcification, silicification, argillization, and supergene oxidation. Detailed characterization of the alteration patterns, mineralogy, modes of occurrence, and associated geochemistry of clay minerals resulted in the following classifications: least altered rocks, found distal to the orebody, consisting of both metamorphosed and unmetamorphosed host rock that has not been completely decalcified; and altered rocks, found proximal to the orebody that have been decalcified. Altered rocks are classified further into the following groups based on clay mineral content: silicic, 1 to 10 percent clay; silicicargillic, 10 to 35 percent clay; and argillic, 35 to 80 percent clay. Clay species identified are 1M illite, 2M1 illite, kaolinite, halloysite, and dioctahedral smectite. An early hydrothermal event resulted in the precipitation of euhedral kaolinite and at least one generation of silica. This event occurred contemporaneously with decalcification which increased rock permeability and porosity. A second clay alteration event resulted in the precipitation of hydrothermal 1M illite which replaced hydrothermal kaolinite and is associated with gold deposition. Silver and silica deposition is also associated with this phase of hydrothermal alteration. Hydrothermal alteration was followed by supergene alteration which resulted in the formation of supergene kaolinite, halloysite, and smectite as well as the oxidation of iron-bearing minerals. Supergene clays are concentrated along faults, dike margins, and within rocks containing carbonate. Gold mineralization is not associated with supergene clay minerals within the Genesis and Blue Star deposits. Rocks classified as silicic-argillic in the Popovich Formation represent the most significant gold host. Silicicargillic rocks commonly exhibit bedding-parallel alteration zones. This pattern of alteration indicates that stratigraphy as well as northwest-trending structures played a significant role in the migration of gold-bearing fluids. Based on K-Ar age determinations of hydrothermal 1M illite associated with gold, the main event of mineralization in the Genesis and Blue Star deposits occurred between 93 and 100 Ma, during mid-Cretaceous time.

Magmatic sulphides in Quaternary Ecuadorian arc magmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Georgatou, Ariadni; Chiaradia, Massimo; Rezeau, Hervé; Wälle, Markus

2018-01-01

New petrographic and geochemical data on magmatic sulphide inclusions (MSIs) are presented and discussed for 15 Quaternary volcanic centers of the Ecuadorian frontal, main and back volcanic arc. MSIs occur mostly in Fe-Ti oxides (magnetite and/or magnetite-ilmenite pair) and to a lesser extent in silicate minerals (amphibole, plagioclase, and pyroxene). MSIs are present in all volcanic centers ranging in composition from basalt to dacite (SiO2 = 50-67 wt.%), indicating that sulphide saturation occurs at various stages of magmatic evolution and independently from the volcano location along the volcanic arc. MSIs also occur in dioritic, gabbroic and hornblenditic magmatic enclaves of the volcanic rocks. MSIs display variable sizes (1-30 μm) and shapes (globular, ellipsoidal, angular, irregular) and occur mostly as polymineralic inclusions composed of Fe-rich and Cu-poor (pyrrhotite) and Cu-rich (mostly chalcopyrite) phases. Aerial sulphide relative abundances range from 0.3 to 7 ppm in volcanic host rocks and from 13 to 24 ppm in magmatic enclaves. Electron microprobe analyses of MSIs indicate maximum metal contents of Cu = 65.7 wt.%, Fe = 65.2 wt.%, Ni = 10.1 wt.% for those hosted in the volcanic rocks and of Cu = 57.7 wt.%, Fe = 60.9 wt.%, Ni = 5.1 wt.%, for those hosted in magmatic enclaves. Relationships of the sulphide chemistry to the host whole rock chemistry show that with magmatic differentiation (e.g., increasing SiO2) the Cu and Ni content of sulphides decrease whereas the Fe and S contents increase. The opposite behavior is observed with the increase of Cu in the whole rock, because the latter is anti-correlated with the SiO2 whole rock content. Laser ablation ICP-MS analyses of MSIs returned maximum values of PGEs and noble metals of Pd = 30 ppm, Rh = 8.1 ppm, Ag = 92.8 ppm and Au = 0.6 ppm and Pd = 43 ppm, Rh = 22.6 ppm, Ag = 89 ppm and Au = 1 ppm for those hosted in volcanic rocks and magmatic enclaves, respectively. These PGE contents display a different range of values with respect to those in previously investigated magmatic sulphides. MSIs that are Cu- and PGE/Cu-rich are found in less evolved rocks (i.e., lower SiO2 contents) that also display a lower amount of sulphide inclusions. Cu-rich sulphide phases (chalcopyrite ± bornite) are mostly hosted by magnetite, whereas PGE-rich ones consist of a Cu-poor phase (pyrrhotite) hosted by plagioclase. However, no systematic changes in the chemistry of the host silicate mineral are observed in coincidence with the occurrence of MSIs. We use the results of our study to draw some implications on Cu (and other chalcophile elements) behavior during arc magmatic processes potentially associated with the formation of porphyry-type deposits.

An integrated magnetic and geological study of cataclasite- dominated pseudotachylytes in the Chiapas Massif, Mexico: a snapshot of stress orientation following slip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garza, Roberto S. Molina; Geissman, John; Wawrzyniec, Tim; Weber, Bodo; Martínez, Margarita López; Aranda-Gómez, Jorge

2009-06-01

The Permian age Chiapas Massif in southeast Mexico is locally host to well-exposed pseudotachylyte vein networks. The veins are black to dark grey and aphanitic in appearance, and consist mostly of microbreccia of angular fragments of plagioclase, K-feldspar, biotite and quartz, in a cryptocrystalline (microscopically irresolvable) matrix. Evidence of melting is present in the form of glass seams, dikelets, glass clasts included in cataclasite and a distinct chemistry in the pseudotachylite veins; pristine glass represents a relatively small volume of the pseudotachylite veins. At an exposure along the Tablón River valley, where the host rock is a medium to coarse-grained equigranular quartz diorite, individual veins are consistently oriented about 280°, are up to 16 mm wide, tens of cm apart, display a consistent left-lateral offset and can be traced for several metres. Individual pseudotachylyte veins rarely cross each other, and they cannot be directly linked to a regional-scale fault. Pseudotachylytes are apparently formed by a combination of crushing, comminution and frictional melting, but they are cataclasite dominated. Textures indicate that cataclasis continued after frictional melting had ceased. A 40Ar/39Ar age determination from whole rock chips of one vein shows a climbing Ar release spectrum with a date of ~114 Ma as the most reliable age estimate for Ar retention. This result is interpreted in the context of pseudotachylyte formation, recrystallization and resetting of K-bearing minerals for the K-Ar system in the late Early Cretaceous. Ten veins were sampled for palaeomagnetic and magnetic fabric studies, with samples collected from both the veins and their host rock. Remanence data give moderate natural remanent magnetization (NRM) intensities for both the veins (e.g. NRM mean 6.6 × 10-3 A m-1 σ = 5.5) and host rock (mean 7.7 × 10-3 A m-1 σ = 10.8). Many samples of host rock yield an ill-defined east-west directed and shallow magnetization, which we interpret as a Late Permian magnetization based on previous studies of the Chiapas Massif. This magnetization resides in haematite. Veins, as well as immediately adjacent host rock, typically have well-defined, single polarity magnetizations of north-northwest declination and moderate positive inclination and these resemble the Cretaceous expected field direction. The overall mean of the veins is of Dec = 348.7° and Inc = 33.6° (k = 30.5 and α95 = 12.3° n = 6 site means). Rock magnetic parameters suggest that the remanence in the veins principally resides in low-Ti pseudo-single domain magnetite and maghemite grains, but haematite, coarse-grained magnetite, rutile, Fe-Cr-Ni oxides and ilmenite are also present in the veins. Bulk magnetic susceptibility values range between ~0.3 and 1.1 * 10-3 SI volume units, and host rock values do not differ significantly from vein values. The orientations of the principal susceptibility axes in the host rock and the veins are indistinguishable. In both, magnetic foliations are near vertical and are essentially parallel to the nearly east-west orientation of the veins. Nonetheless, host rock fabrics are predominantly prolate, whereas vein fabrics are oblate. The mean susceptibility tensors of host rocks and pseudotachylyte are characterized by P'/T values of 1.041/-0.327 and 1.033/+0.302, respectively. This result suggests that the fabric reflected by magnetic susceptibility anisotropy in the veins was formed under pure shear stress, during cooling of the veins. The lack of evidence of fabric rotation supports models that associate partial melt with viscous break during fault slip.

Modeling Thermal Pressurization Around Shallow Dikes Using Temperature-Dependent Hydraulic Properties: Implications for Deformation Around Intrusions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Townsend, Meredith R.

2018-01-01

Pressurization and flow of groundwater around igneous intrusions depend in part on the hydraulic diffusivity of the host rocks and processes that enhance diffusivity, such as fracturing, or decrease diffusivity, such as mineral precipitation during chemical alteration. Characterizing and quantifying the coupled effects of alteration, pore pressurization, and deformation have significant implications for deformation around intrusions, geothermal energy, contact metamorphism, and heat transfer at mid-ocean ridges. Fractures around dikes at Ship Rock, New Mexico, indicate that pore pressures in the host rocks exceeded hydrostatic conditions by at least 15 MPa following dike emplacement. Hydraulic measurements and petrographic analysis indicate that mineral precipitation clogged the pores of the host rock, reducing porosity from 0.25 to <0.10 and reducing permeability by 5 orders of magnitude. Field data from Ship Rock are used to motivate and constrain numerical models for thermal pore fluid pressurization adjacent to a meter-scale dike, using temperature-dependent hydraulic properties in the host rock as a proxy for porosity loss by mineral precipitation during chemical alteration. Reduction in permeability by chemical alteration has a negligible effect on pressurization. However, reduction in porosity by mineral precipitation increases fluid pressure by constricting pore volume and is identified as a potentially significant source of pressure. A scaling relationship is derived to determine when porosity loss becomes important; if permeability is low enough, pressurization by porosity loss outweighs pressurization by thermal expansion of fluids.

Alteration minerals in impact-generated hydrothermal systems - Exploring host rock variability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwenzer, Susanne P.; Kring, David A.

2013-09-01

Impact-generated hydrothermal systems have been previously linked to the alteration of Mars’ crust and the production of secondary mineral assemblages seen from orbit. The sensitivity of the resultant assemblages has not yet been evaluated as a function of precursor primary rock compositions. In this work, we use thermochemical modeling to explore the variety of minerals that could be produced by altering several known lithologies based on martian meteorite compositions. For a basaltic host rock lithology (Dhofar 378, Humphrey) the main alteration phases are feldspar, zeolite, pyroxene, chlorite, clay (nontronite, kaolinite), and hematite; for a lherzolithic host rock lithology (LEW 88516) the main alteration phases are amphibole, serpentine, chlorite, clay (nontronite, kaolinite), and hematite; and for an ultramafic host rock lithology (Chassigny) the main minerals are secondary olivine, serpentine, magnetite, quartz, and hematite. These assemblages and proportions of phases in each of those cases depend on W/R and temperature. Integrating geologic, hydrologic and alteration mineral evidence, we have developed a model to illustrate the distribution of alteration assemblages that occur in different levels of an impact structure. At the surface, hot, hydrous alteration affects the ejecta and melt sheet producing clay and chlorite. Deeper in the subsurface and depending on the permeability of the rock, a variety of minerals - smectite, chlorite, serpentine, amphiboles and hematite - are produced in a circulating hydrothermal system. These modeled mineral distributions should assist with interpretation of orbital observations and help guide surface exploration by rovers and sample return assets.

Cobalt—Styles of deposits and the search for primary deposits

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hitzman, Murray W.; Bookstrom, Arthur A.; Slack, John F.; Zientek, Michael L.

2017-11-30

Cobalt (Co) is a potentially critical mineral. The vast majority of cobalt is a byproduct of copper and (or) nickel production. Cobalt is increasingly used in magnets and rechargeable batteries. More than 50 percent of primary cobalt production is from the Central African Copperbelt. The Central African Copperbelt is the only sedimentary rock-hosted stratiform copper district that contains significant cobalt. Its presence may indicate significant mafic-ultramafic rocks in the local basement. The balance of primary cobalt production is from magmatic nickel-copper and nickel laterite deposits. Cobalt is present in several carbonate-hosted lead-zinc and copper districts. It is also variably present in Besshi-type volcanogenic massive sulfide and siliciclastic sedimentary rock-hosted deposits in back arc and rift environments associated with mafic-ultramafic rocks. Metasedimentary cobalt-copper-gold deposits (such as Blackbird, Idaho), iron oxide-copper-gold deposits, and the five-element vein deposits (such as Cobalt, Ontario) contain different amounts of cobalt. None of these deposit types show direct links to mafic-ultramafic rocks; the deposits may result from crustal-scale hydrothermal systems capable of leaching and transporting cobalt from great depths. Hydrothermal deposits associated with ultramafic rocks, typified by the Bou Azzer district of Morocco, represent another type of primary cobalt deposit.In the United States, exploration for cobalt deposits may focus on magmatic nickel-copper deposits in the Archean and Proterozoic rocks of the Midwest and the east coast (Pennsylvania) and younger mafic rocks in southeastern and southern Alaska; also, possibly basement rocks in southeastern Missouri. Other potential exploration targets include—The Belt-Purcell basin of British Columbia (Canada), Idaho, Montana, and Washington for different styles of sedimentary rock-hosted cobalt deposits;Besshi-type VMS deposits, such as the Greens Creek (Alaska) deposit and the Ducktown (Tennessee) waste and tailings; andKnown five-element vein districts in Arizona and New Mexico, as well as in the Yukon-Tanana terrane of Alaska; and hydrothermal deposits associated with ultramafic rocks along the west coast, in Alaska, and in the Appalachian Mountains.

Geologic map of the Hart Peak Quadrangle, California and Nevada: a digital database

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nielson, Jane E.; Turner, Ryan D.; Bedford, David R.

1999-01-01

The Hart Peak 1:24,000-scale quadrangle is located about 12 km southwest of Searchlight, Nevada, comprehending the eastern part of the Castle Peaks, California, and most of the Castle Mountains and the northwestern part of the Piute Range, in California and Nevada. The Castle Peaks area constitutes the northeasternmost part of the northeast-trending New York Mountains. The Castle Mountains straddle the California-Nevada State line between the Castle Peaks and north-trending Piute Range. The southern part of the Piute Range, near Civil War-era Fort Piute, adjoins Homer Mountain mapped by Spencer and Turner (1985). Adjacent and nearby 1:24,000-scale quadrangles include Castle Peaks, East of Grotto Hills, Homer Mountain, and Signal Hill, Calif.; also Tenmile Well and West of Juniper Mine, Calif. and Nev. The oldest rocks in the Hart Peak quadrangle are Early Proterozoic gneiss and foliated granite that crop out in the northern part of the quadrangle on the eastern flank of the Castle Peaks and in the central Castle Mountains (Wooden and Miller, 1990). Paleozoic rocks are uncommon and Mesozoic granitic rocks are not found in the map area. The older rocks are overlain nonconformably by several km of Miocene volcanic deposits, which accumulated in local basins. Local dikes and domes are sources of most Miocene eruptive units; younger Miocene intrusions cut all the older rocks. Upper Miocene to Quaternary gravel deposits interfinger with the uppermost volcanic flows; the contact between volcanic rocks and the gravel deposits is unconformable locally. Canyons and intermontane valleys contain dissected Quaternary alluvialfan deposits that are mantled by active drainage and alluvial fan detritus.

50 CFR 622.51 - Recordkeeping and reporting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... shrimp in the Gulf EEZ or in adjoining state waters, or that lands shrimp in an adjoining state, must... vessel, or person, that fishes for shrimp in the Gulf EEZ or in adjoining state waters, or that lands... ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE FISHERIES OF THE CARIBBEAN, GULF OF MEXICO, AND SOUTH...

Danburite in evaporites of the Paradox basin, Utah.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Raup, O.B.; Madsen, B.M.

1986-01-01

Danburite (CaB2Si2O8) has been found as nodules in Pennsylvanian age marine evaporites. The occurrence of danburite and its relation to the host rock in the Paradox basin evaporites indicates that it most likely formed by diagenetic reaction of boron-rich, high-salinity brines with constituents in the anhydrite host rock.-from Authors

Petrographic, geochemical and isotopic evidence of crustal assimilation processes in the Ponte Nova alkaline mafic-ultramafic massif, SE Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azzone, Rogério Guitarrari; Montecinos Munoz, Patricio; Enrich, Gaston Eduardo Rojas; Alves, Adriana; Ruberti, Excelso; Gomes, Celsode Barros

2016-09-01

Crustal assimilation plus crystal fractionation processes of different basanite magma batches control the evolution of the Ponte Nova cretaceous alkaline mafic-ultramafic massif in SE Brazil. This massif is composed of several intrusions, the main ones with a cumulate character. Disequilibrium features in the early-crystallized phases (e.g., corrosion and sieve textures in cores of clinopyroxene crystals, spongy-cellular-textured plagioclase crystals, gulf corrosion texture in olivine crystals) and classical hybridization textures (e.g., blade biotite and acicular apatite crystals) provide strong evidence of open-system behavior. All samples are olivine- and nepheline-normative rocks with basic-ultrabasic and potassic characters and variable incompatible element enrichments. The wide ranges of whole-rock 87Sr/86Sri and 143Nd/144Ndi ratios (0.70432-0.70641 and 0.512216-0.512555, respectively) are indicative of crustal contribution from the Precambrian basement host rocks. Plagioclase and apatite 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.70422-0.70927) obtained for the most primitive samples of each intrusion indicate disequilibrium conditions from early- to principal-crystallization stages. Isotope mixing-model curves between the least contaminated alkaline basic magma and heterogeneous local crustal components indicate that each intrusion of the massif is differentiated from the others by varied degrees of crustal contribution. The primary mechanisms of crustal contribution to the Ponte Nova massif involve the assimilation of host rock xenoliths during the development of the chamber environment and the assimilation of partial melts from the surrounding host rocks. Thermodynamic models using the melts algorithm indicate that parental alkaline basic magmas can be strongly affected by contamination processes subsequently to their initial stages of crystallization when there is sufficient energy to assimilate partial melts of crustal host rocks. The assimilation processes are considered to be responsible for the increse in the K2O/Na2O, Ba/Sr and Rb/Sr ratios. This enrichment was associated with the relevant role of biotite breakdown in the assimilated host rock partial melts. The petrological model for the Ponte Nova massif is explained as repeated influxes of antecryst-laden basanite magmas that deposited most of their suspended crystals on the floor of the upper-crust magma chamber. Each intrusion is representative of relatively primitive olivine- and clinopyroxene-phyric basanites that had assimilated different degrees of partial melts of heterogeneous host rocks. This study reveals the relevant role of crustal assimilation processes in the magmatic evolution of nepheline-normative rocks, especially in upper-crust chamber environments.

Mineral and energy resources of the BLM Roswell Resource Area, east-central New Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bartsch-Winkler, Susan B.

1992-01-01

The sedimentary formations of the Roswell Resource Area have significant mineral and energy resources. Some of the pre-Pennsylvanian sequences in the Northwestern Shelf of the Permian Basin are oil and gas reservoirs, and Pennsylvanian rocks in Tucumcari basin are reservoirs of oil and gas as well as source rocks for oil and gas in Triassic rocks. Pre-Permian rocks also contain minor deposits of uranium and vanadium, limestone, and associated gases. Hydrocarbon reservoirs in Permian rocks include associated gases such as carbon dioxide, helium, and nitrogen. Permian rocks are mineralized adjacent to the Lincoln County porphyry belt, and include deposits of copper, uranium, manganese, iron, polymetallic veins, and Mississippi-valley-type (MVT) lead-zinc. Industrial minerals in Permian rocks include fluorite, barite, potash, halite, polyhalite, gypsum, anhydrite, sulfur, limestone, dolomite, brine deposits (iodine and bromine), aggregate (sand), and dimension stone. Doubly terminated quartz crystals, called "Pecos diamonds" and collected as mineral specimens, occur in Permian rocks along the Pecos River. Mesozoic sedimentary rocks are hosts for copper, uranium, and small quantities of gold-silver-tellurium veins, as well as significant deposits of oil and gas, COa, asphalt, coal, and dimension stone. Mesozoic rocks contain limited amounts of limestone, gypsum, petrified wood, dinosaur remains, and clays. Tertiary rocks host ore deposits commonly associated with intrusive rocks, including platinum group elements, iron skarns, manganese, uranium and vanadium, molybdenum, polymetallic vein deposits, gold-silver- tellurium veins, and thorium-rare earth veins. Museum-quality quartz crystals in Lincoln County were formed in association with intrusive rocks in the Lincoln County porphyry belt. Industrial minerals in Tertiary rocks include fluorite, vein- and bedded-barite, caliche, limestone, and aggregate. Tertiary and Quaternary sediments host important placer deposits of gold and titanium, and minor silver, uranium occurrences, as well as important industrial commodities, including caliche, limestone and dolomite, and aggregate (sand). Quaternary basalt contains sub-ore-grade uranium, scoria, and clay deposits.

Mineral and energy resources of the Roswell Resource Area, East-Central New Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bartsch-Winkler, Susan B.; Donatich, Alessandro J.

1995-01-01

The sedimentary formations of the Roswell Resource Area have significant mineral and energy resources. Some of the pre-Pennsylvanian sequences in the Northwestern Shelf of the Permian Basin are oil and gas reservoirs, and Pennsylvanian rocks in Tucumcari Basin are reservoirs of oil and gas as well as source rocks for oil and gas in Triassic rocks. Pre-Permian rocks also contain minor deposits of uranium and vanadium, limestone, and gases. Hydrocarbon reservoirs in Permian rocks include associated gases such as carbon dioxide, helium, and nitrogen. Permian rocks are mineralized adjacent to the Lincoln County porphyry belt, and include deposits of copper, uranium, manganese, iron, polymetallic veins, and Mississippi-Valley-type lead-zinc. Industrial minerals in Permian rocks include fluorite, barite, potash, halite, polyhalite, gypsum, anhydrite, sulfur, limestone, dolomite, brine deposits (iodine and bromine), aggregate (sand), and dimension stone. Doubly terminated quartz crystals, called 'Pecos diamonds' and collected as mineral specimens, occur in Permian rocks along the Pecos River. Mesozoic sedimentary rocks are hosts for copper, uranium, and small quantities of gold-silver-tellurium veins, as well as significant deposits of oil and gas, carbon dioxide, asphalt, coal, and dimension stone. Mesozoic rocks contain limited amounts of limestone, gypsum, petrified wood, and clay. Tertiary rocks host ore deposits commonly associated with intrusive rocks, including platinum-group elements, iron skarns, manganese, uranium and vanadium, molybdenum, polymetallic vein deposits, gold-silver-tellurium veins, and thorium-rare-earth veins. Museum-quality quartz crystals are associated with Tertiary intrusive rocks. Industrial minerals in Tertiary rocks include fluorite, vein- and bedded-barite, caliche, limestone, and aggregate. Tertiary and Quaternary sediments host important placer deposits of gold and titanium, and occurrences of silver and uranium. Important industrial commodities include caliche, limestone and dolomite, and aggregate. Quaternary basalt contains sub-ore-grade uranium, scoria, and clay deposits.

Heritage stones and their deterioration in rock-cut monuments in India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Vinod K.

2017-04-01

India is dotted with thousands of rock- cut monuments of considerable antiquity having artwork of global importance. It is evident from the location of many of these monuments that knowledge of viable selection of site, geotechnical considerations and amenability to sculptures' chisel was vital for construction of rock-cut monuments and sculptures. These rock-cut structures also represent significant achievements of geotechnical and structural engineering and craftsmanship of contemporary period. The paper deals with some of the sites where natural rock-mass exposures were used to hew the monuments and highlight the deterioration owing to geological and climatic conditions. The Kailash temple in Ellora and Ajanta rock-cut caves are among the greatest architectural feats which owe their grandeur to amenability and consistency of basalt of Deccan Volcanic Province from which it is hewn. The Kailash Temple was created through a single, huge top-down excavation 100 feet deep down into the volcanic basaltic cliff rock. These ancient rock cut structures are amazing achievements of structural engineering and craftsmanship. The lava flows are nearly horizontal, competent rock medium facilitated the chiseling for the sculptures. The deterioration of these basalts are seen where the amygdule, vesicles and opening in rock discontinuity had the medium of construction or excavation. The monolithic rock- cut monuments of Mahabalipuram temples are constructed in the form of rathas or chriot and adjoining caves by excavating solid charnockite/granites. The large rock exposures are excavated and cut to perfection with wall decorations and sculptured art. The charnockites are the strongest and the most durable rock, yet quite amenable to fine dressing. These monolithic monuments in charnockite and are cut out of the hillock. The 7th Century monuments now exhibit somewhat rough surface probably due to weathering effect of salt laden winds from the sea side and alteration of feldspars. The Rock shelters of Bhimbetka, a World Heritage Site, are located within Vindhyan sandstone, yielded primitive tools and decorative rock paintings.The rock-cut caves in twin hills Udayagiri and Khandagiri , contain carvings sculptured in coarse grained grey to buff coloured sandstone of Gondwana group of rocks. The Badami cave temples constructed out of escarpment of the hill in sandstone represent some of the earliest known examples of Hindu temples. Utilizing in situ rock exposures, natural rocks and landscape of Deccan basalts, granites of peninsular shield, sandstones and limestone for rock cut architecture in India, thus, holds varied examples of rock-cut architectures.

10 CFR 960.3-1-2 - Diversity of rock types.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Diversity of rock types. 960.3-1-2 Section 960.3-1-2... NUCLEAR WASTE REPOSITORY Implementation Guidelines § 960.3-1-2 Diversity of rock types. Consideration... sites for characterization shall have different types of host rock. ...

10 CFR 960.3-1-2 - Diversity of rock types.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Diversity of rock types. 960.3-1-2 Section 960.3-1-2... NUCLEAR WASTE REPOSITORY Implementation Guidelines § 960.3-1-2 Diversity of rock types. Consideration... sites for characterization shall have different types of host rock. ...

10 CFR 960.3-1-2 - Diversity of rock types.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Diversity of rock types. 960.3-1-2 Section 960.3-1-2... NUCLEAR WASTE REPOSITORY Implementation Guidelines § 960.3-1-2 Diversity of rock types. Consideration... sites for characterization shall have different types of host rock. ...

10 CFR 960.3-1-2 - Diversity of rock types.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Diversity of rock types. 960.3-1-2 Section 960.3-1-2... NUCLEAR WASTE REPOSITORY Implementation Guidelines § 960.3-1-2 Diversity of rock types. Consideration... sites for characterization shall have different types of host rock. ...

Hydrogeologic features of the alluvial deposits in the Nowood River drainage area, Bighorn Basin, Wyoming

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cooley, M.E.; Head, William J.

1979-01-01

In the Nowood River drainage area, Wyoming, the principal deposits comprising the alluvial aquifer include the flood-plain and younger (generally undissected) alluvial-fan deposits and a unique boulder-fan gravel. Other deposits mapped, but virtually nonwater yielding, are the older (dissected) alluvial-fan, pediment, and terrace deposits. Terraces are capped by gravel and form levels at 30-40, 45-100, 120-150, 200-260, and 280-330 feet above the Nowood River. The thickness of the alluvial aquifer indicated from the sparse well-log data and 42 surface resistivity measurements is between 25 and 50 feet along the Nowood River and more than 60 feet along Tensleep and Paint Rock Creeks. The resistivity measurements indicate a buried bedrock ridge below the boulder-fan gravel between Paint Rock and Medicine Lodge Creeks and a buried channel filled by alluvium along Tensleep Creek. Well yields from the alluvial aquifer are estimated to be low. The most favorable areas for ground-water development are from the flood-plain alluvium along Tensleep Creek and from the boulder-fan gravel and adjoining flood-plain alluvium along Paint Rock and Medicine Creeks. Along the Nowood River the flood-plain alluvium, although its yields are small, has the best potential for ground-water development. (Kosco-USGS)

Evaluation of Five Sedimentary Rocks Other Than Salt for Geologic Repository Siting Purposes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Croff, A.G.; Lomenick, T.F.; Lowrie, R.S.

The US Department of Energy (DOE), in order to increase the diversity of rock types under consideration by the geologic disposal program, initiated the Sedimary ROck Program (SERP), whose immediate objectiv eis to evaluate five types of secimdnary rock - sandstone, chalk, carbonate rocks (limestone and dolostone), anhydrock, and shale - to determine the potential for siting a geologic repository. The evaluation of these five rock types, together with the ongoing salt studies, effectively results in the consideration of all types of relatively impermeable sedimentary rock for repository purposes. The results of this evaluation are expressed in terms of amore » ranking of the five rock types with respect to their potential to serve as a geologic repository host rock. This comparative evaluation was conducted on a non-site-specific basis, by use of generic information together with rock evaluation criteria (RECs) derived from the DOE siting guidelines for geologic repositories (CFR 1984). An information base relevant to rock evaluation using these RECs was developed in hydrology, geochemistry, rock characteristics (rock occurrences, thermal response, rock mechanics), natural resources, and rock dissolution. Evaluation against postclosure and preclosure RECs yielded a ranking of the five subject rocks with respect to their potential as repository host rocks. Shale was determined to be the most preferred of the five rock types, with sandstone a distant second, the carbonate rocks and anhydrock a more distant third, and chalk a relatively close fourth.« less

Use of structural geology in exploration for and mining of sedimentary rock-hosted Au deposits

USGS Publications Warehouse

Peters, Stephen G.

2001-01-01

Structural geology is an important component in regional-, district- and orebody-scale exploration and development of sedimentary rock-hosted Au deposits.Identification of timing of important structural events in an ore district allows analysis and classification of fluid conduits and construction of genetic models for ore formation.The most practical uses of structural geology deal with measurement and definition of various elements that comprise orebodies, which can then be directly applied to ore-reserve estimation,ground control,grade control, safety issues,and mine planning.District- and regional-scale structural studies are directly applicable to long-term strategic planning,economic analysis,and land ownership. Orebodies in sedimentary rock-hosted Au deposits are discrete, hypogene, epigenetic masses usually hosted in a fault zone,breccia mass, or lithologic bed or unit. These attributes allow structural geology to be directly applied to the mining and exploration of sedimentary rock-hosted Au deposits. Internal constituents in orebodies reflect unique episodes relating to ore formation.The main internal constituents in orebodies are ore minerals, gangue, and alteration minerals that usually are mixed with one another in complex patterns, the relations among which may be used to interpret the processes of orebody formation and control.Controls of orebody location and shape usually are due to structural dilatant zones caused by changes in attitude, splays, lithologic contacts,and intersections of the host conduit or unit.In addition,conceptual parameters such as district fabric,predictable distances, and stacking also are used to understand the geometry of orebodies.Controls in ore districts and location and geometry of orebodies in ore districts can be predicted to various degrees by using a number of qualitative concepts such as internal and external orebody plunges,district plunge, district stacking, conduit classification, geochemical, geobarometric and geothermal gradients, and tectonic warps. These concepts have practical and empirical application in most mining districts where they are of use in the exploration for ore, but are of such broad and general application that they may not represent known or inferred ore formation processes. Close spatial relation among some sedimentary rock- hosted Au deposits and their host structures suggests that the structures and the orebodies are genetically linked because they may have shared the same developmental history. Examples of probable syn-deformational genesis and structural control of sedimentary rock-hosted Au deposits are in the large Betze deposit in the Carlin trend, Nevada and in the Lannigou, Jinlongshan, and Maanqiao Au deposits, China.

Mineralogical and geochemical studies on the Central Seruyan Pb-Zn deposits in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Y.; Lee, I.; Choi, B.; KIM, Y.; Moon, I.

2017-12-01

The Central Seruyan Pb-Zn deposit is located in Seruyan, Central Kalimantan Province in Indonesia. This deposit has been developed since last year and is still being investigated. The Pb-Zn deposit consists of two formations, Pinoh and Kuayan formation. The former is a metamorphic unit hosting schist, phyllite and gneiss, and the latter is a pyroclastic and volcanic unit includes intermediate volcanic rocks such as dacite, tuff and breccia. Most host rocks of the deposit is composed of the silicified porphyritic dacite and silicified phyllite and covered by silicified tuff. The joints and fractures within the wall rock has E-W trends. The Seruyan Pb-Zn deposit is considered as hydrothermal breccia type.In this study, we observe ore minerals and host rocks to understand the genesis of the Pb-Zn deposit with geochemical data. Pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite and galena are major ore minerals and covellite and bornite are also observed as minor sulfide minerals. These ore minerals, except pyrite, usually occur within quartz or calcite veins indicating the influence of hydrothermal fluid. In the host rocks, dacite, has the altered minerals like sericite, chlorite, epidote and some clay minerals of hydrothermal origin. All minerals occur as massive form. Only some pyrites have an euhedral form. Small amount of Au, Ag and Mo are detected in major ore minerals in the EPMA (electron probe X-ray microanalyzer) analyses.

Driving forces for metamorphic vein filling during bauxite dehydration: insights from Li and Al transfer illustrated by LIBS compositional profiles (Western Alps)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verlaguet, Anne; Brunet, Fabrice; Goffé, Bruno; Menut, Denis; Findling, Nathaniel; Poinssot, Christophe

2015-04-01

In subduction zones, the significant amounts of aqueous fluid released in the course of the successive dehydration reactions occurring during prograde metamorphism are expected to strongly influence the rock rheology, as well as kinetics of metamorphic reactions and mass transfer efficiency. Mineralized veins, ubiquitous in metamorphic rocks, can be seen as preserved witnesses of fluid and mass redistribution that partly accommodate the rock deformation (lateral segregation). However, the driving forces and mechanisms of mass transfer towards fluid-filled open spaces remain somewhat unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the vein-forming processes and the modalities of mass transfer during local fluid-rock interactions, and their links with fluid production and rock deformation, with new insights from Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) profiles. This study focuses on karstic pockets (metre scale) of Triassic metabauxites embedded in thick carbonate units, that have been isolated from large-scale fluid flow during HP-LT Alpine metamorphism (W. Vanoise, French Alps). These rocks display several generations of metamorphic veins containing various Al-bearing minerals, which give particular insights into mass transfer processes. It is proposed that the internally-derived fluid (~13 vol% produced by successive dehydration reactions) has promoted the opening of fluid-filled open spaces (euhedral habits of vein minerals) and served as medium for diffusive mass transfer from rock to vein. Based on mineralogical and textural features, two vein types can be distinguished: (1) some veins are filled with newly formed products of either prograde (chloritoid) or retrograde (chlorite) metamorphic reactions; in this case, fluid-filled open spaces seem to offer energetically favourable nucleation/growth sites; (2) the second vein type is filled with cookeite (Li-Al-rich chlorite) or pyrophyllite, which were present in the host-rock prior to the vein formation. In this closed chemical system, mass transfer from rock to vein was achieved through the fluid, in a dissolution-transport-precipitation process. To investigate the modalities of mass transfer towards this second vein type, LIBS profiles were performed in the host-rock, taking Li concentration as a proxy for cookeite distribution. Cookeite is highly concentrated (45-65 vol%) in regularly spaced veins, and the LIBS profiles show that cookeite is evenly distributed in the host-rock comprised between two veins. The absence of diffusion profiles suggests that the characteristic diffusion distance for Li, Al and Si is greater than or equal to the distance separating two cookeite veins (2-4 cm). This is in agreement with characteristic diffusion lengths calculated from both grain boundary and pore fluid diffusion coefficients, for the estimated duration of the peak of metamorphism. Which driving forces are responsible for cookeite selective transfer towards veins? Chemical potential gradients between host-rock pores and veins may have developed in response to either (1) a stress difference: thermochemical calculations show that pressure-solution processes may affect preferentially cookeite and pyrophyllite; (2) a difference in interfacial energy, phyllosilicates showing very different morphologies in host-rocks (fibers) compared to veins (euhedral crystals); fluid-mineral interfacial energy may be maximal in the small host-rock pores, which can maintain higher cookeite solubility than large fluid-filled open spaces (i.e., veins).

Returning from the deep: Archean atmospheric fingerprints in modern hotspot lavas (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jackson, M. G.; Cabral, R. A.; Rose-Koga, E. F.; Koga, K. T.; Whitehouse, M. J.; Antonelli, M. A.; Farquhar, J.; Day, J. M.; Hauri, E. H.

2013-12-01

Ocean plates transport surface materials, including oceanic crust and sediment, into the mantle at subduction zones. However, the fate of the subducted package--oceanic crust and sediment--in the mantle is poorly understood. A long-standing hypothesis maintains that subducted materials reside in the mantle for an extended, but unknown, period of time and are then recycled back to the Earth's surface in regions of buoyantly upwelling mantle and melted beneath hotspots. Sulfur isotopes provide an important new tool to evaluate the presence of ancient recycled materials in hotspot lavas. Widespread terrestrial mass independently fractionated sulfur (MIF-S) isotope signatures were generated exclusively through atmospheric photochemical reactions until ~2.45 Ga. In fact, the only significant reservoirs of MIF-S containing rocks documented so far are sediments and hydrothermal rocks older than ~2.45 Ga. Armed with this insight, we examined sulfur isotopes in olivine phenocrysts and olivine-hosted sulfides in lavas from the island of Mangaia, Cook Islands. Lavas from this location host unusually radiogenic Pb-isotopic compositions--referred to as a HIMU (high U/Pb) component--and this has been attributed to ancient recycled oceanic crust in the mantle source. In Cabral et al. (2013), we report MIF-S in olivine phenocrysts and olivine-hosted sulfides. The discovery of MIF-S isotopic signatures in young hotspot lavas appears to provide a "timestamp" and "signature" for preservation of subducted Archean surface materials in the mantle sourcing Mangaia lavas. We report new sulfur isotope data on olivine-hosted sulfides from the Mangaia lavas that reinforce our discovery of MIF-S anomalies reported in Cabral et al. (2013). We also report new sulfur isotopic data on Mangaia whole rock powders, and we find no evidence of MIF-S signatures. It is not yet clear why the individual Mangaia sulfides and the olivine separates have more extreme MIF-S than the whole rocks. We consider it likely that the MIF-S anomaly measured in the olivine separates was diminished relative to the olivine-hosted sulfides by incorporation of modern sulfur into the olivine separates by low-temperature processes operating on the rocks during the 20 Ma since eruption: The absence of a MIF-S anomaly in the whole rock that has olivine-hosted sulfides with MIF-S anomalies may be a result of near-complete replacement of the magmatic sulfur (with a MIF-S anomaly) with modern sulfur (with no MIF-S anomaly) during surficial weathering over 20 Ma. The sulfur in the olivine-hosted sulfides with the largest MIF-S anomalies represents a very small proportion of the sulfur in a bulk basaltic rock and therefore do not impart a clear MIF-S anomaly on the bulk rock analysis. Very few data are available to evaluate this hypothesis. Therefore, pairing sulfur isotope measurements with whole rocks, mineral separates and olivine-hosted sulfides with careful petrographic and electron probe analyses of the samples will be critical for evaluating the origin of the sulfides--primary magmatic or secondary--and the origin and distribution of the sulfur-isotopic signatures in OIB.

Earthquake rupture at focal depth, part II: mechanics of the 2004 M2.2 earthquake along the Pretorius Fault, TauTona Mine, South Africa

USGS Publications Warehouse

Heesakkers, V.; Murphy, S.; Lockner, D.A.; Reches, Z.

2011-01-01

We analyze here the rupture mechanics of the 2004, M2.2 earthquake based on our observations and measurements at focal depth (Part I). This event ruptured the Archean Pretorius fault that has been inactive for at least 2 Ga, and was reactivated due to mining operations down to a depth of 3.6 km depth. Thus, it was expected that the Pretorius fault zone will fail similarly to an intact rock body independently of its ancient healed structure. Our analysis reveals a few puzzling features of the M2.2 rupture-zone: (1) the earthquake ruptured four, non-parallel, cataclasite bearing segments of the ancient Pretorius fault-zone; (2) slip occurred almost exclusively along the cataclasite-host rock contacts of the slipping segments; (3) the local in-situ stress field is not favorable to slip along any of these four segments; and (4) the Archean cataclasite is pervasively sintered and cemented to become brittle and strong. To resolve these observations, we conducted rock mechanics experiments on the fault-rocks and host-rocks and found a strong mechanical contrast between the quartzitic cataclasite zones, with elastic-brittle rheology, and the host quartzites, with damage, elastic–plastic rheology. The finite-element modeling of a heterogeneous fault-zone with the measured mechanical contrast indicates that the slip is likely to reactivate the ancient cataclasite-bearing segments, as observed, due to the strong mechanical contrast between the cataclasite and the host quartzitic rock.

Thermo-mechanical modelling of salt caverns due to fluctuating loading conditions.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Böttcher, N.

2015-12-01

This work summarizes the development and application of a numerical model for the thermo-mechanical behaviour of salt caverns during cyclic gas storage. Artificial salt caverns are used for short term energy storage, such as power-to-gas or compressed air energy storage. Those applications are characterized by highly fluctuating operation pressures due to the unsteady power levels of power plants based on renewable energy. Compression and expansion of the storage gases during loading and unloading stages lead to rapidly changing temperatures in the host rock of the caverns. This affects the material behaviour of the host rock within a zone that extends several meters into the rock mass adjacent to the cavern wall, and induces thermo-mechanical stresses and alters the creep response.The proposed model features the thermodynamic behaviour of the storage medium, conductive heat transport in the host rock, as well as temperature dependent material properties of rock salt using different thermo-viscoplastic material models. The utilized constitutive models are well known and state-of-the-art in various salt mechanics applications. The model has been implemented into the open-source software platform OpenGeoSys. Thermal and mechanical processes are solved using a finite element approach, coupled via a staggered coupling scheme. The simulation results allow the conclusion, that the cavern convergence rate (and thus the efficiency of the cavern) is highly influenced by the loading cycle frequency and the resulting gas temperatures. The model therefore allows to analyse the influence of operation modes on the cavern host rock or on neighbouring facilities.

50 CFR 622.26 - Recordkeeping and reporting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... fish in or from state waters adjoining the Gulf EEZ, who is selected to report by the SRD must maintain... lands such reef fish in or from state waters adjoining the Gulf EEZ, who is selected to report by the... such reef fish in or from state waters adjoining the Gulf EEZ, who is selected to report by the SRD...

Fracture trends identified by ERTS-1 imagery in Utah and Nevada

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jensen, M. L. (Principal Investigator); Smith, M. R.; Rogers, R. J.

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Structures clearly traceable through bed rock are considered most reliable. Continuity, however, is frequently traceable through ranges and across adjoining sedimentary basins where changes in drainage, erosion pattern, soil color, or vegetation suggest that the basin sediments are extremely sensitive to underlying structures. Many large and continuous trends, too smeared by erosion to be visible on the ground or from aircraft photos, become quite evident at the scale of the ERTS-1 images. The study was made with little regard for surface geology. The trends have been retraced to separate and unidirectional sets. These are now being related to surface geology, geophysical studies, volcanic and intrusive centers, and areas of mineralization.

Burial of thermally perturbed Lesser Himalayan mid-crust: Evidence from petrochemistry and P-T estimation of the western Arunachal Himalaya, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goswami-Banerjee, Sriparna; Bhowmik, Santanu Kumar; Dasgupta, Somnath; Pant, Naresh Chandra

2014-11-01

In this work, we establish a dual prograde P-T path of the Lesser Himalayan Sequence (LHS) rocks from the western Arunachal Himalaya (WAH). The investigated metagranites, garnet- and kyanite-zone metapelites of the LHS are part of an inverted metamorphic sequence (IMS) that is exposed on the footwall side of the Main Central Thrust (MCT). Integrated petrographic, mineral chemistry, geothermobarometric (conventional and isopleth intersection methods) and P-T pseudosection modeling studies reveal a near isobaric (at P ~ 8-9 kbar) peak Barrovian metamorphism with increase in TMax from ~ 560 °C in the metagranite through ~ 590-600 °C in the lower and middle garnet-zone to ~ 600-630 °C in the upper garnet- and kyanite-zone rocks. The metamorphic sequence of the LHS additionally records a pre-Barrovian near isobaric thermal gradient in the mid crust (at ~ 6 kbar) from ~ 515 °C (in the middle garnet zone) to ~ 560-580 °C (in the upper garnet- and kyanite zone, adjoining the Main Central Thrust). Further burial (along steep dP/dT gradient) to a uniform depth corresponding to ~ 8-9 kbar and prograde heating of the differentially heated LHS rocks led to the formation of near isobaric metamorphic field gradient in the Barrovian metamorphic zones of the WAH. A combined critical taper and channel flow model is presented to explain the inverted metamorphic zonation of the rocks of the WAH.

10 CFR 960.4-2-3 - Rock characteristics.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 10 Energy 4 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Rock characteristics. 960.4-2-3 Section 960.4-2-3 Energy... REPOSITORY Postclosure Guidelines § 960.4-2-3 Rock characteristics. (a) Qualifying condition. The present and expected characteristics of the host rock and surrounding units shall be capable of accommodating the...

Isotopic and trace element compositions of upper mantle and lower crustal xenoliths, Cima volcanic field, California: Implications for evolution of the subcontinental lithospheric mantle

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mukasa, S.B.; Wilshire, H.G.

1997-01-01

Ultramafic and mafic xenoliths from the Cima volcanic field, southern California, provide evidence of episodic modification of the upper mantle and underplating of the crust beneath a portion of the southern Basin and Range province. The upper mantle xenoliths include spinel peridotite and anhydrous and hydrous pyroxenite, some cut by igneous-textured pyroxenite-gabbro veins and dikes and some by veins of amphibole ?? plagioclase. Igneous-textured pyroxenites and gabbros like the dike rocks also occur abundantly as isolated xenoliths inferred to represent underplated crust. Mineral and whole rock trace element compositions among and within the different groups of xenoliths are highly variable, reflecting multiple processes that include magma-mantle wall rock reactions, episodic intrusion and it filtration of basaltic melts of varied sources into the mantle wall rock, and fractionation. Nd, Sr, and Pb isotopic compositions mostly of clinopyroxene and plagioclase mineral separates show distinct differences between mantle xenoliths (??Nd = -5.7 to +3.4; 87Sr/86Sr = 0.7051 - 0.7073; 206Pb/204Pb = 19.045 - 19.195) and the igneous-textured xenoliths (??Nd = +7.7 to +11.7; 87Sr/86Sr = 0.7027 - 0.7036 with one carbonate-affected outlier at 0.7054; and 206Pb/204Pb = 18.751 - 19.068), so that they cannot be related. The igneous-textured pyroxenites and gabbros are similar in their isotopic compositions to the host basaltic rocks, which have ??Nd of+5.1 to +9.3; 87Sr/86Sr of 0.7028 - 0.7050, and 206Pb/204Pb of 18.685 - 21.050. The igneous-textured pyroxenites and gabbros are therefore inferred to be related to the host rocks as earlier cogenetic intrusions in the mantle and in the lower crust. Two samples of peridotite, one modally metasomatized by amphibole and the other by plagioclase, have isotopic compositions intermediate between the igneous-textured xenoliths and the mantle rock, suggesting mixing, but also derivation of the metasomatizing magmas from two separate and distinct sources. Sm-Nd two-mineral "isochrons" yield apparent ages for petrographically identical rocks believed to be coeval ranging from -0 to 113 ?? 26 Ma, indicating the unreliability of dating these rocks with this method. Amphibole and plagioclase megacrysts are isotopically like the host basalts and probably originate by mechanical breakup of veins comagmatic with the host basaltic rocks. Unlike other Basin and Range localities, Cima Cr-diopside group isotopic compositions do not overlap with those of the host basalts. Copyright 1997 by the American Geophysical Union.

3.3 Ga SHRIMP U-Pb zircon age of a felsic metavolcanic rock from the Mundo Novo greenstone belt in the São Francisco craton, Bahia (NE Brazil)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peucat, J. J.; Mascarenhas, J. F.; Barbosa, J. S. F.; de Souza, S. L.; Marinho, M. M.; Fanning, C. M.; Leite, C. M. M.

2002-07-01

Felsic metavolcanics associated with supracrustal rocks provide U-Pb zircon and Sm-Nd TDM ages of approximately 3.3 Ga, which establish an Archean age of the Mundo Novo greenstone belt. A granodioritic gneiss from the Mairi complex, located on the eastern boundary of the Mundo Novo greenstone belt, exhibits a zircon evaporation minimum age of 3.04 Ga and a Nd model age of 3.2 Ga. These results constrain the occurrence of at least three major geological units in this area: the Archean Mundo Novo greenstone belt, the Archean Mairi gneisses, and the adjoining Paleoproterozoic (<2.1 Ga) Jacobina sedimentary basin. The Jacobina basin follows the same trend as the Archean structure, extending southward to the Contendas-Mirante belt, in which a similar Archean-Paleoproterozoic association appears. We postulate that during the Paleoproterozoic in the eastern margin of the Gavião block, these Archean greenstone belts constituted a zone of weakness along which a late-stage orogenic sedimentary basin developed.

Insights on the injection mechanisms inferred from AMS fabrics of sand injectites in a turbiditic system, the exemple of Bevon area of the SE Basin (France).

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robion, Philippe; Mehl, Caroline

2016-04-01

We propose to investigate the set up mechanisms of sands injection in the case of dykes injected in host marls of Aptian-Albian age in the Vocontian basin (SE France). Several models have been proposed for a downward injection of the dyke in the Bevons area and we guess that AMS fabric investigations can be used to infer the flow direction. 144 drill cores distributed on 14 sites were sampled, among which 8 sites in the injectites and 6 sites in the host rocks. The studied dykes are generally of a few decimeters thick and are setting up in both in vertical or oblique position with respect to the subhorizontal bedding of the host rocks. There were sampled from one side to the other in order to track the flow direction by identification of imbricated fabric. Magnetic mineralogy, i.e. unblocking temperature inferred from IRM 3 axes demagnetization, indicates that the ferromagnetics s.l. mineralogy is dominated by an assemblage of magnetite (unblocking temperature Tub=580°C) and pyrrhotite (Tub=325°C). Magnetic susceptibility is low, typical for siliciclastic rocks, ranging from 4x10-5 up to 1.7x10-4 SI. Degree of magnetic anisotropy is likely representative of AMS measurements in sedimentary rocks with weak values, below than 5 %. In marly host rocks magnetic mineralogy is dominated by pyrrhotite associated with magnetite and both the magnetic susceptibility and degree of anisotropy are slightly lower than for injectites. Regarding magnetic fabric axes distribution, despite some dispersion, the results show that minimum axes of AMS (K3) are parallel to the dyke plane, and maximum axes (K1) are roughly in horizontal position. In marly host rocks, the magnetic fabric is related to tectonic shortening. We interpret that the host rocks have recorded the regional tectonic imprint while the magnetic fabric of the injectites are related to early sedimentary processes. The mechanism of set up proposed to explain the magnetic fabric in the Bevon injectites is a step-by-step process of filling the pre-existing fractures with highly fluidized sand and a compaction direction parallel to dyke plane. A late diagenetic cementation affecting the injectites network prevents any further deformation during tectonic inversion.

No Martian soil component in shergottite meteorites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barrat, J. A.; Jambon, A.; Ferrière, L.; Bollinger, C.; Langlade, J. A.; Liorzou, C.; Boudouma, O.; Fialin, M.

2014-01-01

We report on the major and trace element geochemistry of the impact melts contained in some shergottite meteorites. It has been previously proposed that some of these impact melts formed from a mixture of the host rock and a Martian soil component (e.g., Rao et al., 1999) or from partially weathered portions of the host rock (Chennaoui Aoudjehane et al., 2012). Our results contradict both of these theories. Trace element abundances of a glass pod from the EETA 79001A meteorite are identical to those of the host lithology, and indicate that no additional component is required in this case. The impact melts in Tissint share the same trace element features as the host rock, and no secondary phases produced by Martian secondary processes are involved. The light rare earth enrichments displayed by two small samples of Tissint (Chennaoui Aoudjehane et al., 2012) are possibly the result of some contamination of small stones on desert soil before the recovery of the meteorites.

The Origin of Fibrous Calcite Veins: Aragonite?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elburg, M. A.; Bons, P. D.

2005-12-01

Truly fibrous calcite veins occur mainly in carbonaceous shales and are characterised by high length:width ratios of their fibres (>10). Previous studies on their Sr isotopic geochemistry (Elburg et al., 2002: Geol. Soc. London Spec. Publ. 200, 103-118; Hilgers and Sindern, 2005: Geofluids, in press) have shown that some of the material could be derived from the local wall rock. These studies also showed that the veins were always enriched in Sr compared to the calcite in the host rocks. Aragonite can contain significantly more Sr than calcite, while it also tends to have a fibrous crystal habit. It is therefore possible that the fibrous habit of these veins, which now consist of calcite, are a reflection of their initial aragonitic mineralogy, rather than of any special tectonic regime during their formation. This idea was investigated by analysing the major and trace element geochemistry of selected fibrous and non-fibrous calcite veins from Arkaroola (northern Flinders Ranges, Australia). The fibrous vein analysed for major elements contains less than 1% MgCO3, whereas calcite in the host rock, with which it is in Sr isotopic equilibrium, contains 18% MgCO3. Calcite can contain significant Mg, whereas the aragonitic structure cannot accomodate this ion, so this result is consistent with the idea of an original aragonitic mineralogy of the veins. The fibrous veins show an enrichment in the middle rare earth elements (REE) compared to the calcite in the host rock and blocky veins. In a Post-Archean Average Shale normalised diagram, Eu is more strongly enriched compared to its neighbouring elements in the fibrous veins, but not in the host calcite, blocky veins, or in the silicate fraction of the host rock, suggesting more reducing conditions during fibrous vein formation. This data cannot be used as direct evidence for the fibrous veins' aragonitic mineralogy. It does, however, show that significant differences exist between calcite in host rocks, blocky and fibrous calcite veins, and this data should be incorporated in any model explaining the origin of fibrous veins.

Consequences of the Thermal Transient on the Evolution of the Damaged Zone Around a Repository for Heat-Emitting High-Level Radioactive Waste in a Clay Formation: a Performance Assessment Perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Li; Weetjens, Eef; Sillen, Xavier; Vietor, Tim; Li, Xiangling; Delage, Pierre; Labiouse, Vincent; Charlier, Robert

2014-01-01

A proper evaluation of the perturbations of the host rock induced by the excavation and the emplacement of exothermic wastes is essential for the assessment of the long-term safety of high-level radioactive waste disposals in clay formations. The impact of the thermal transient on the evolution of the damaged zone (DZ) has been explored in the European Commission project TIMODAZ (thermal impact on the damaged zone around a radioactive waste disposal in clay host rocks, 2006-2010). This paper integrates the scientific results of the TIMODAZ project from a performance assessment (PA) point of view, showing how these results support and justify key PA assumptions and the values of PA model parameters. This paper also contextualises the significance of the thermal impact on the DZ from a safety case perspective, highlighting how the project outcomes result into an improved understanding of the thermo-hydro-mechanical behaviour of the clay host rocks. The results obtained in the TIMODAZ project strengthen the assessment basis of the safety evaluation of the current repository designs. There was no evidence throughout the TIMODAZ experimental observations of a temperature-induced additional opening of fractures nor of a significant permeability increase of the DZ. Instead, thermally induced plasticity, swelling and creep seem to be beneficial to the sealing of fractures and to the recovery of a very low permeability in the DZ, close to that of an undisturbed clay host rock. Results from the TIMODAZ project indicate that the favourable properties of the clay host rock, which guarantee the effectiveness of the safety functions of the repository system, are expected to be maintained after the heating-cooling cycle. Hence, the basic assumptions usually made in PA calculations so far are expected to remain valid, and the performance of the system should not be affected in a negative way by the thermal evolution of the DZ around a radioactive waste repository in clay host rock.

Pore water colloid properties in argillaceous sedimentary rocks.

PubMed

Degueldre, Claude; Cloet, Veerle

2016-11-01

The focus of this work is to evaluate the colloid nature, concentration and size distribution in the pore water of Opalinus Clay and other sedimentary host rocks identified for a potential radioactive waste repository in Switzerland. Because colloids could not be measured in representative undisturbed porewater of these host rocks, predictive modelling based on data from field and laboratory studies is applied. This approach allowed estimating the nature, concentration and size distributions of the colloids in the pore water of these host rocks. As a result of field campaigns, groundwater colloid concentrations are investigated on the basis of their size distribution quantified experimentally using single particle counting techniques. The colloid properties are estimated considering data gained from analogue hydrogeochemical systems ranging from mylonite features in crystalline fissures to sedimentary formations. The colloid concentrations were analysed as a function of the alkaline and alkaline earth element concentrations. Laboratory batch results on clay colloid generation from compacted pellets in quasi-stagnant water are also reported. Experiments with colloids in batch containers indicate that the size distribution of a colloidal suspension evolves toward a common particle size distribution independently of initial conditions. The final suspension size distribution was found to be a function of the attachment factor of the colloids. Finally, calculations were performed using a novel colloid distribution model based on colloid generation, aggregation and sedimentation rates to predict under in-situ conditions what makes colloid concentrations and size distributions batch- or fracture-size dependent. The data presented so far are compared with the field and laboratory data. The colloid occurrence, stability and mobility have been evaluated for the water of the considered potential host rocks. In the pore water of the considered sedimentary host rocks, the clay colloid concentration is expected to be very low (<1ppb, for 10-100nm) which restricts their relevance for radionuclide transport. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Geologic setting, genesis and transformation of sulfide deposits in the northern part of Khetri copper belt, Rajasthan, India — an outline

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarkar, S. C.; Dasgupta, Somnath

1980-07-01

The present study is confined to the northern part of the Khetri copper belt that extends for about 100 km in northern Rajasthan. Mineralization is more or less strata-bound and is confined to the garnetiferous chlorite schist and banded amphibolite quartzite, occurring towards the middle of the Proterozoic Delhi Supergroup. Preserved sedimentary features and re-estimation of the composition of the pre-metamorphic rocks suggest that the latter were deposited in shallow marine environment characterized by tidal activity. Cordierite-orthoamphibole-cummingtonite rock occurring in the neighbourhood of the ores is discussed, and is suggested to be isochemically metamorphosed sediment. The rocks together with the ores were deformed in two phases and metamorphosed in two progressive and one retrogressive events of metamorphism. Study of the host rocks suggests that the maximum temperature and pressure attained during metamorphism are respectively 550 600°C and < 5.5 kb. Principal ore minerals in Madan Kudan are chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, pyrite and locally magnetite. In Kolihan these are chalcophyrite, pyrrhotite and cubanite. Subordinate phases are sphalerite, ilmenite, arsenopyrite, mackinawite, molybdenite, cobaltite and pentlandite. The last two are very rare. Gangue minerals comprise quartz, chlorite, garnet, amphiboles, biotite, scapolite, plagioclase and graphite. The ores are metamorphosed at temperatures > 491°C. Sulfide assemblages are explained in terms of fS 2 during metamorphism. Co-folding of the ore zone with the host rocks, confinement of the ores to the carbonaceous pelites or semi-pelitic rocks, strata-bound and locally even stratiform nature of the orebodies, lack of finite ‘wall rock alteration’, metamorphism of the ores in the thermal range similar to that for the host rocks, absence of spatial and temporal relationship with the granitic rocks of the region led the authors to conclude that the entire mineralization was originally sedimentary-diagenetic. Any loss of primitive features and development of incongruency are due to subsequent deformation and metamorphism to which the ores and their hosts were together subjected.

New data on carbonatites of the Il'mensky-Vishnevogorsky alkaline complex, the southern Urals, Russia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nedosekova, I. L.

2007-04-01

Carbonatites that are hosted in metamorphosed ultramafic massifs in the roof of miaskite intrusions of the Il’mensky-Vishnevogorsky alkaline complex are considered. Carbonatites have been revealed in the Buldym, Khaldikha, Spirikha, and Kagan massifs. The geological setting, structure of carbonatite bodies, distribution of accessory rare-metal mineralization, typomorphism of rock-forming minerals, geochemistry, and Sr and Nd isotopic compositions are discussed. Dolomite-calcite carbonatites hosted in ultramafic rocks contain tetraferriphlogopite, richterite, accessory zircon, apatite, magnetite, ilmenite, pyrrhotite, pyrite, and pyrochlore. According to geothermometric data and the composition of rock-forming minerals, the dolomite-calcite carbonatites were formed under K-feldspar-calcite, albite-calcite, and amphibole-dolomite-calcite facies conditions at 575-300°C. The Buldym pyrochlore deposit is related to carbonatites of these facies. In addition, dolomite carbonatites with accessory Nb and REE mineralization (monazite, aeschynite, allanite, REE-pyrochlore, and columbite) are hosted in ultramafic massifs. The dolomite carbonatites were formed under chlorite-sericite-ankerite facies conditions at 300-200°C. The Spirikha REE deposit is related to dolomite carbonatite and alkaline metasomatic rocks. It has been established that carbonatites hosted in ultramafic rocks are characterized by high Sr, Ba, and LREE contents and variable Nb, Zr, Ti, V, and Th contents similar to the geochemical attributes of calcio-and magnesiocarbonatites. The low initial 87Sr/86Sr = 0.7044-0.7045 and ɛNd ranging from 0.65 to -3.3 testify to their derivation from a deep mantle source of EM1 type.

Sub-diffraction Imaging via Surface Plasmon Decompression

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-08

of the local wavelength of a surface plasmon polariton supported by two adjoining curved metal surfaces. The views, opinions and/or findings...adiabatic decompression of the local wavelength of a surface plasmon polariton supported by two adjoining curved metal surfaces. Conference Name...diffraction imaging based on a process of adiabatic decompression of the local wavelength of a surface plasmon polariton supported by two adjoining curved

Field type, trap type and field-edge characteristics affect Rhagoletis mendax captures in lowbush blueberries.

PubMed

Renkema, Justin M; Cutler, G Christopher; Gaul, Sonia O

2014-11-01

Blueberry maggot, Rhagoletis mendax Curran (Diptera: Tephritidae), is the most important pest of blueberries in eastern North America. Insecticide use in fruit-bearing lowbush blueberry fields could be reduced with management strategies focused on vegetative fields. Fly distribution and fruit infestation levels were assessed where fruit-bearing and vegetative fields adjoin and along forested edges of vegetative fields. Along adjoining edges, immature female flies were captured in fruiting fields and mature females in vegetative fields throughout the season. Male fly captures and fruit infestation levels were greater at 5 m than at 30 m from the edge. Along forested edges, fly captures were best predicted by densities of ripe lowbush blueberries and large coniferous trees. Maggot infestation level in lowbush blueberries was best predicted by blueberry density and small deciduous trees. Bunchberry, Cornus canadensis L., was the only non-crop host in which blueberry maggot was found. We have shown that relatively high numbers of flies occur in vegetative fields and at edges of fruiting fields. Ripe blueberries and certain vegetation in forested edges affect fly distribution and probably maintain populations. These results may help to predict where controls for blueberry maggot should be targeted and suggest that management strategies focused on vegetative fields and field edges may be worthwhile. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry.

Fan-structure wave as a source of earthquake instability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarasov, Boris

2015-04-01

Today frictional shear resistance along pre-existing faults is considered to be the lower limit on rock shear strength at confined compression corresponding to the seismogenic layer. This determines the lithospheric strength and the primary earthquake mechanism associated with frictional stick-slip instability on pre-existing faults. This paper introduces a recently identified shear rupture mechanism providing a paradoxical feature of hard rocks - the possibility of shear rupture propagation through the highly confined intact rock mass at shear stress levels significantly less than frictional strength. In the new mechanism the rock failure, associated with consecutive creation of small slabs (known as 'domino-blocks') from the intact rock in the rupture tip, is driven by a fan-shaped domino structure representing the rupture head. The fan-head combines such unique features as: extremely low shear resistance (below the frictional strength), self-sustaining stress intensification in the rupture tip (providing easy formation of new domino-blocks), and self-unbalancing conditions in the fan-head (making the failure process inevitably spontaneous and violent). An important feature of the fan-mechanism is the fact that for the initial formation of the fan-structure an enhanced local shear stress is required, however, after completion of the fan-structure it can propagate as a dynamic wave through intact rock mass at shear stresses below the frictional strength. Paradoxically low shear strength of pristine rocks provided by the fan-mechanism determines the lower limit of the lithospheric strength and favours the generation of new faults in pristine rocks in preference to frictional stick-slip instability along pre-existing faults. The new approach reveals an alternative role of pre-existing faults in earthquake activity: they represent local stress concentrates in pristine rock adjoining the fault where special conditions for the fan-mechanism nucleation are created, while further dynamic propagation of the new fault (earthquake) occurs at low field stresses even below the frictional strength. However, the proximity of the pre-existing discontinuities to the area of instability caused by the fan mechanism creates the illusion of stick-slip instability on the pre-existing faults, thus concealing the real situation.

Steady evolution of hillslopes in layered landscapes: self-organization of a numerical hogback

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glade, R.; Anderson, R. S.

2017-12-01

Landscapes developed in layered sedimentary or igneous rocks are common across Earth, as well as on other planets. Features such as hogbacks, exposed dikes, escarpments and mesas exhibit resistant rock layers in tilted, vertical, or horizontal orientation­s adjoining more erodible rock. Hillslopes developed in the erodible rock are typically characterized by steep, linear-to-concave slopes or "ramps" mantled with material derived from the resistant layers, often in the form of large blocks. Our previous work on hogbacks has shown that feedbacks between weathering and transport of the blocks and underlying soft rock are fundamental to their formation; our numerical model incorporating these feedbacks explain the development of commonly observed concave-up slope profiles in the absence of rilling processes. Here we employ an analytic approach to describe the steady behavior of our model, in which hillslope form and erosion rates remain constant in the reference frame of the retreating feature. We first revisit a simple geometric analysis that relates structural dip to erosion rates. We then explore the mechanisms by which our numerical model of hogback evolution self-organizes to meet these geometric expectations. Autogenic adjustment of soil depth, slope and erosion rates enables efficient transport of resistant blocks; this allows erosion of the resistant layer to keep up with base level fall rate, leading to steady evolution of the feature. Analytic solutions relate easily measurable field quantities such as ramp length, slope, block size and resistant layer dip angle to local incision rate, block velocity, and block weathering rate. These equations provide a framework for exploring the evolution of layered landscapes, and pinpoint the processes for which we require a more thorough understanding to predict the evolution of such signature landscapes over time.

Trace elements reconnaissance investigations in New Mexico and adjoining states in 1951

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bachman, George O.; Read, Charles B.

1952-01-01

In the summer and fall of 1951, a reconnaissance search was made in New Mexico and adjacent states for uranium in coal and carbonaceous shale, chiefly of Mesozoic age, and black marine shale of Paleozoic age. Tertiary volcanic rocks, considered to be a possible source for uranium in the coal and associated rocks, were examined where the volcanic rocks were near coal-bearing strata. Uranium in possibly commercial amounts was found at La Ventana Mesa, Sandoval County, New Mexico. Slightly uranifeous coal and carbonaceous shale were found near San Ysidro, Sandoval County, and on Beautiful Mountain, San Juan County, all in New Mexico, and at Keams Canyon, Navajo County, and near Tuba City, Coconino County, in Arizona. Except for La Ventana deposit, none appeared to be of economic importance at the time this report was written, but additional reconnaissance investigations have been underway this field season, in the area where the deposits occur. Marine black shale of Sevonian age was examined in Otero and Socorro Counties, New Mexico and Gila County, Arizona. Mississippian black shale in Socorro County and Pennsylvanian black shale in Taos County, New Mexico were also tested. Equivalent uranium content of samples of these shales did not exceed 0.004 percent. Rhyolitic tuff from the Mount Taylor region is slightly radioactive as is the Bandelier tuff in the Nacimiento region and in the Jemez Plateau. Volcanic rocks in plugs and dikes in the northern Chuska Mountains and to the north in New Mexico as well as in northeastern Arizona and southeastern Utah are slightly radioactive. Coal and carbonaceous rocks in the vicinity of these and similar intrusions are being examined.

Differential thermal response within inshore vs. offshore congeneric scleractinian coral species in Palau.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoadley, K. D.; Lewis, A.; Wham, D.; Pettay, D. T.; Kemp, D.; Warner, M.; Lajeunesse, T.

2016-02-01

The rock island reef habitats of Palau are an ideal location to study climate change effects to reefs, as corals there are exposed to average temperature and pCO2 conditions well above levels experienced at offshore reef locations. We examined the response of 6 coral species, Acropora muricata, Goniastrea sp, Porities rus, Cyphastrea sp, Porites cylindrical and Pachyseris sp, from both rock island and offshore habitats to high temperature (32 Celsius) for 15 days. With the exception of P. rus and P. cylindrica which harbored Symbiodinium C15 at both locations, other rock island corals harbored the thermally tolerant species Symbiodinium trenchii, whereas offshore colonies harbored clade C symbionts. A total of 15 separate host and symbiont physiological variables were utilized to assess thermal acclimation/stress response within each host/symbiont combination. Differences in photophysiology, algal cell volume and biochemical composition were observed for Symbiodinium trenchii within different host species, reflecting the importance of the host organism in mitigating the symbiont response. Similarly, the host thermal response was also dependent on symbiont type, with greater reductions in symbiont density occurring within the offshore colonies. Overall, prior exposure to warmer temperatures, elevated nutrient and pCO2 conditions, along with association with more robust symbionts allowed rock island corals to exhibit greater thermal tolerance toward high temperature. Importantly, the results herein for Symbiodinium trenchii physiological plasticity and thermal mitigation provides useful insight into the potential of scleractinian corals to acclimatize under future climate change scenarios.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Perry, Frank Vinton; Kelley, Richard E.

The DOE Spent Fuel and Waste Technology (SWFT) R&D Campaign is supporting research on crystalline rock, shale (argillite) and salt as potential host rocks for disposal of HLW and SNF in a mined geologic repository. The distribution of these three potential repository host rocks is limited to specific regions of the US and to different geologic and hydrologic environments (Perry et al., 2014), many of which may be technically suitable as a site for mined geologic disposal. This report documents a regional geologic evaluation of the Pierre Shale, as an example of evaluating a potentially suitable shale for siting amore » geologic HLW repository. This report follows a similar report competed in 2016 on a regional evaluation of crystalline rock that focused on the Superior Province of the north-central US (Perry et al., 2016).« less

Tracking hydrothermal alteration and mineralization in rock-forming and accessory minerals from the Lyon Mountain Granite and related iron oxide apatite (IOA) ores from the Adirondack Mountains, New York State

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buchanan, A.; Hanchar, J. M.; Steele-MacInnis, M. J.; Crowley, J. L.; Valley, P. M.; Fisher, C. M.; Fedo, C.; Piccoli, P. M.; Fournelle, J.

2012-12-01

The Lyon Mountain granite (LMG) is located in the northeastern Adirondack Mountains in New York State and hosts several low-titanium iron oxide apatite (IOA) ore deposits. The ores are predominately hosted by perthite bearing granite, which has been extensively altered to albite and microcline granite by Na and K metasomatism. This alteration results in several distinct groups of rocks that are dominated by either K or Na addition and a group composed of mixed Na and K addition. The different groups of altered perthite also lie on a trend suggestive of addition of Fe to each, consistent with a secondary mineralization origin. Previous work showed that the host rocks of the IOA ores have zircon with ~1150 Ma cores and 1060-1050 Ma rims and whole grains. This study aims to further constrain the timing of LMG emplacement, subsequent hydrothermal alteration, and Fe mineralization through geochemical analysis of the major, minor, and accessory phases and geochronology of accessory phases. SIMS analyses of zircon from several of the IOA ores reveal at least two periods of growth after LMG magmatism, at 1039 +/- 4.4 Ma and 1016 +/- 7 Ma to 1000 +/- 9 Ma. In situ EMPA and LA-ICPMS trace element analyses of the zircon rims and cores reveal that in two samples the zircon rims are enriched in rare earth elements (REE) compared to their cores, potentially pointing to a hydrothermal origin. Apatite has unusually high REE and Y concentrations (some total REE2O3 > 20 wt. % oxide and up to 8 wt. % oxide Y2O3), as does titanite, which allowed for the in situ analysis of Sm-Nd in apatite and titanite by LA-MC-ICP-MS. Initial Nd isotopic composition of both ore and host rock apatite and host rock titanite are consistent with published Adirondack initial Nd whole rock data, suggesting a local source for REE in these ores. EMPA and LA-ICPMS trace-element analyses of the major rock-forming minerals indicate that the feldspar have undergone Na-metasomatism and are depleted in REEs, perhaps signifying the "local source" and the mechanism of the REE enrichment in the LMG apatite in the IOA ores and host rocks. In contrast, the minor- and trace-element compositions of the other major rock-forming minerals (e.g., clinopyroxene and fayalite) as well as the zircon, and fluorite in the LMG have average igneous granitic trace- and minor-element compositions. To better understand the timing and origin of these post ~1050 Ma events, U-Pb ID-TIMS dating of apatite and titanite, and in situ LA-MC-ICPMS Sm-Nd analysis were done on the ore and host rock samples. Apatite dates range from 1050 to 850 Ma and titanite dates range from ~1015 to 970 Ma. There is significant age variation within samples and within grains. Titanite does not have sufficient spread for accurate Sm-Nd isochron dating and two ore-apatite samples have homogenous initial Nd isotopic and Sm-Nd elemental ratios, precluding calculation of Sm-Nd dates. A third ore sample shows a large spread in Sm-Nd and yields a Sm-Nd isochron date of ~850 Ma, in close agreement with U-Pb apatite dates. The Sm-Nd isochron and U-Pb apatite dates may reflect cooling recorded in these minerals or a younger hydrothermal mineralization event.

Structural controls and evolution of gold-, silver-, and REE-bearing copper-cobalt ore deposits, Blackbird district, east-central Idaho: Epigenetic origins

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lund, K.; Tysdal, Russell G.; Evans, Karl V.; Kunk, Michael J.; Pillers, Renee M.

2011-01-01

Textural data at all scales indicate that the host sites for veins and the tectonic evolution of both host rocks and mineral deposits were kinematically linked to Late Cretaceous regional thrust faulting. Heat, fluids, and conduits for generation and circulation of fluids were part of the regional crustal thickening. The faulting also juxtaposed metaevaporite layers in the Mesoproterozoic Yellowjacket Formation over Blackbird district host rocks. We conclude that this facilitated chemical exchange between juxtaposed units resulting in leaching of critical elements (Cl, K, B, Na) from metaevaporites to produce brines, scavenging of metals (Co, Cu, etc) from rocks in the region, and, finally, concentrating metals in the lower-plate ramp structures. Although the ultimate source of the metals remains undetermined, the present Cu-Co ± Au (± Ag ± Ni ± REE) Blackbird ore deposits formed during Late Cretaceous compressional deformation.

Self-Organizing Fluid Convection Patterns in an en Echelon Fault Array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patterson, James W.; Driesner, Thomas; Matthai, Stephan K.

2018-05-01

We present three-dimensional numerical simulations of natural convection in buried, vertical en echelon faults in impermeable host rock. Despite the fractures being hydraulically disconnected, convection within each fracture alters the temperature field in the surrounding host rock, altering convection in neighboring fractures. This leads to self-organization of coherent patterns of upward/downward flow and heating/cooling of the host rock spanning the entire fault array. This "synchronization" effect occurs when fracture spacing is less than the width of convection cells within the fractures, which is controlled by fracture transmissivity (permeability times thickness) and heterogeneity. Narrow fracture spacing and synchronization enhance convective fluid flow within fractures and cause convection to initiate earlier, even lowering the critical transmissivity necessary for convection initiation. Heat flow through the en echelon region, however, is enhanced only in low-transmissivity fractures, while heat flow in high-permeability fractures is reduced due to thermal interference between fractures.

Changes in geophysical properties caused by fluid injection into porous rocks: analytical models: Geophysical changes in porous rocks

DOE PAGES

Pride, Steven R.; Berryman, James G.; Commer, Michael; ...

2016-08-30

Analytical models are provided that describe how the elastic compliance, electrical conductivity, and fluid-flow permeability of rocks depend on stress and fluid pressure. In order to explain published laboratory data on how seismic velocities and electrical conductivity vary in sandstones and granites, the models require a population of cracks to be present in a possibly porous host phase. The central objective is to obtain a consistent mean-field analytical model that shows how each modeled rock property depends on the nature of the crack population. We describe the crack populations by a crack density, a probability distribution for the crack aperturesmore » and radii, and the averaged orientation of the cracks. The possibly anisotropic nature of the elasticity, conductivity, and permeability tensors is allowed for; however, only the isotropic limit is used when comparing to laboratory data. For the transport properties of conductivity and permeability, the percolation effect of the crack population linking up to form a connected path across a sample is modeled. But, this effect is important only in crystalline rock where the host phase has very small conductivity and permeability. In general, the importance of the crack population to the transport properties increases as the host phase becomes less conductive and less permeable.« less

Changes in geophysical properties caused by fluid injection into porous rocks: analytical models: Geophysical changes in porous rocks

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pride, Steven R.; Berryman, James G.; Commer, Michael

Analytical models are provided that describe how the elastic compliance, electrical conductivity, and fluid-flow permeability of rocks depend on stress and fluid pressure. In order to explain published laboratory data on how seismic velocities and electrical conductivity vary in sandstones and granites, the models require a population of cracks to be present in a possibly porous host phase. The central objective is to obtain a consistent mean-field analytical model that shows how each modeled rock property depends on the nature of the crack population. We describe the crack populations by a crack density, a probability distribution for the crack aperturesmore » and radii, and the averaged orientation of the cracks. The possibly anisotropic nature of the elasticity, conductivity, and permeability tensors is allowed for; however, only the isotropic limit is used when comparing to laboratory data. For the transport properties of conductivity and permeability, the percolation effect of the crack population linking up to form a connected path across a sample is modeled. But, this effect is important only in crystalline rock where the host phase has very small conductivity and permeability. In general, the importance of the crack population to the transport properties increases as the host phase becomes less conductive and less permeable.« less

15 CFR 922.102 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... genetic matter, or genetic matter from another species, has been transferred in order that the host organism acquires the genetic traits of the transferred genes. Live rock means any Coral, basalt rock, or...

15 CFR 922.102 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... genetic matter, or genetic matter from another species, has been transferred in order that the host organism acquires the genetic traits of the transferred genes. Live rock means any Coral, basalt rock, or...

40Ar/39Ar mica ages from marble mylonites: a cautionary tale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rogowitz, Anna; Huet, Benjamin; Schneider, David; Grasemann, Bernhard

2014-05-01

40Ar/39Ar geochronology on white mica is a popular method to date deformation under moderate (brittle-ductile) temperatures. In particular, deformation events preserved in greenschist facies shear zones have been successfully dated with this method. A consequence of strain localization in many tectonic settings that bear calcitic marbles is the formation of marble mylonites and ultramylonites. Little is known, however, about the behaviour of the K/Ar systems and the influence of deformation on the ages in such rocks. We studied an extremely localized shear zone (2 cm thick) in marble from Syros (Cyclades, Greece) and performed microstructural, chemical and isotopic analysis on samples from the host rock and the shear zone. The host rock is composed of coarse-grained (300 µm) calcite with only minor undulatory extinction and slightly curved grain boundaries. This initial large grain size is likely to have formed during the Eocene high-pressure - low-temperature event that is well documented in the Cyclades. In contrast, the marble within the shear zone shows evidence of strong intracrystalline deformation and recrystallization resulting in grain size reduction and the formation of an ultramylonite. Both microstructures and kinematics are consistent with the low grade evolution described on Syros. White mica (100's microns in size) are preferentially orientated parallel to the foliation. In both samples there is no clear evidence for crystal plastic deformation of the mica grains. Bigger grains behave brittle resulting in grain size reduction. A deformation mechanism map for calcite at 300 °C indicates that the host rock deformed at strain rates of around 10-12.5 s-1 whereas within the shear zone strain rates of up to 10-9.5 s-1 are attained. We performed laser-heating 40Ar/39Ar analysis on white mica located in the host rock and the shear zone. The low-strain host rock yielded a ca. 40 Ma age, and the shear zone recorded a ca. 37 Ma age; both ages are statistically indistinguishable when errors are considered. These dates correspond to the regional Eocene high-pressure - low-temperature event and not the later low grade deformation event that is responsible for the formation of the studied shear zone. Although the marble within the shear zone was deformed at extremely fast strain rates, we observe no resetting in the isotopic system. Moreover, mineral chemistry demonstrates that (1) white mica is homogeneous and (2) there is no compositional difference between the host rock and the shear zone. This is in agreement with thermodynamical modelling, which indicates that the observed assemblage (calcite + dolomite + quartz + white mica) is stable without any composition change along the pressure-temperature path followed by the metamorphic rocks of Syros. Our case study emphasizes it is not the amount of strain the rock suffered but the degree of mica recrystallization that is important for resetting of the K/Ar system at low temperatures.

Hydrology and Water Quality near Bromide Pavilion in Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Murray County, Oklahoma, 2000

USGS Publications Warehouse

Andrews, William J.; Burrough, Steven P.

2002-01-01

The Bromide Pavilion in Chickasaw National Recreation Area drew many thousands of people annually to drink the mineral-rich waters piped from nearby Bromide and Medicine Springs. Periodic detection of fecal coliform bacteria in water piped to the pavilion from the springs, low yields of the springs, or flooding by adjacent Rock Creek prompted National Park Service officials to discontinue piping of the springs to the pavilion in the 1970s. Park officials would like to resume piping mineralized spring water to the pavilion to restore it as a visitor attraction, but they are concerned about the ability of the springs to provide sufficient quantities of potable water. Pumping and sampling of Bromide and Medicine Springs and Rock Creek six times during 2000 indicate that these springs may not provide sufficient water for Bromide Pavilion to supply large numbers of visitors. A potential problem with piping water from Medicine Spring is the presence of an undercut, overhanging cliff composed of conglomerate, which may collapse. Evidence of intermittent inundation of the springs by Rock Creek and seepage of surface water into the spring vaults from the adjoining creek pose a threat of contamination of the springs. Escherichia coli, fecal coliform, and fecal streptococcal bacteria were detected in some samples from the springs, indicating possible fecal contamination. Cysts of Giardia lamblia and oocysts of Cryptosporidium parvum protozoa were not detected in the creek or the springs. Total culturable enteric viruses were detected in only one water sample taken from Rock Creek.

Metallogeny of the midcontinent rift system of North America

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nicholson, S.W.; Cannon, W.F.; Schulz, K.J.

1992-01-01

The 1.1 Ga Midcontinent rift system of North America is one of the world's major continental rifts and hosts a variety of mineral deposits. The rocks and mineral deposits of this 2000 km long rift are exposed only in the Lake Superior region. In the Lake Superior region, the rift cuts across Precambrian basement terranes ranging in age from ??? 1850 Ma to more than 3500 Ma. Where exposed, the rift consists of widespread tholeiitic basalt flows with local interlayered rhyolite and clastic sedimentary rocks. Beneath the center of Lake Superior the volcanic and sedimentary rocks are more than 30 km deep as shown by recent seismic reflection profiles. This region hosts two major classes of mineral deposits, magmatic and hydrothermal. All important mineral production in this region has come from hydrothermal deposits. Rift-related hydrothermal deposits include four main types: (1) native copper deposits in basalts and interflow sediments; (2) sediment-hosted copper sulfide and native copper; (3) copper sulfide veins and lodes hosted by rift-related volcanic and sedimentary rocks; and (4) polymetallic (five-element) veins in the surrounding Archean country rocks. The scarcity of sulfur within the rift rocks resulted in the formation of very large deposits of native metals. Where hydrothermal sulfides occur (i.e., shale-hosted copper sulfides), the source of sulfur was local sedimentary rocks. Magmatic deposits have locally supported exploration and minor production, but most are subeconomic presently. These deposits occur in intrusions exposed near the margins of the rift and include CuNiPGE and TiFe (V) in the Duluth Complex, U-REE-Nb in small carbonatites, and breccia pipes resulting from local hydrothermal activity around small felsic intrusions. Mineralization associated with some magmatic bodies resulted from the concentration of incompatible elements during fractional crystallization. Most of the sulfide deposits in intrusions, however, contain sulfur derived from country rocks; the interaction between magma and country rocks was important in generation of the magmatic CuNi sulfide deposits. A mantle plume origin has been proposed for the formation of the Midcontinent rift. More than 1 million km3 of mafic magma was erupted in the rift and a comparable volume of mafic intrusions are inferred beneath the rift, providing a ready and structurally confined supply of mafic source rocks that were available for leaching of metals by basinal brines. These brines were heated by a steep geothermal gradient that resulted from the melting and underplating of magma derived from the plume. Hydrothermal deposits were emplaced for at least 30-40 m.y. after rift magmatism and extension ceased. This time lag may reflect either the time required to heat deeply buried rocks and fluids within the rift, or may be due to the timing of post-rift compression that may have provided the driving mechanism for expulsion of hydrothermal fluids from deep portions of the rift. ?? 1992.

Magmatic evolution of lunar highland rocks estimated from trace elements in plagioclase: A new bulk silicate Moon model with sub-chondritic Ti/Ba, Sr/Ba, and Sr/Al ratios

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Togashi, Shigeko; Kita, Noriko T.; Tomiya, Akihiko; Morishita, Yuichi

2017-08-01

The compositions of host magmas of ferroan anorthosites (FAN-host magmas) were estimated from secondary ion mass spectrometry analyses of plagioclase in lunar highland rocks. The evolution of the magmas was investigated by considering phase relations based on the MELTS algorithm and by re-examining partition coefficients for trace elements between plagioclase and melts. Data little affected by post-magmatic processes were selected by using plagioclase with relatively primitive Sc and Co contents. The FAN-host magma contained 90-174 ppm Sr, 40-119 ppm Ba and 0.5-1.3% TiO2, and had sub-chondritic Sr/Ba and Ti/Ba ratios. It is difficult to account for the formation of FAN-host magma on the basis of magma evolution processes of previously proposed bulk silicate Moon models with chondritic ratios for refractory elements at global scale. Therefore, the source of the FAN-host magma must have had primordial sub-chondritic Sr/Ba and Ti/Ba ratios. The FAN-host magmas were consistent in refractory elements with the estimated host mafic magma for feldspathic crust based on lunar meteorites, and some very-low-Ti mare rocks from lunar meteorites. Here, we propose an alternative bulk silicate Moon model (the cBSM model), which is enriched in crustal components of proto-bodies relative to the present whole Earth-Moon system.

Excavation Induced Hydraulic Response of Opalinus Clay - Investigations of the FE-Experiment at the Mont Terri URL in Switzerland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vogt, T.; Müller, H. R.; Garitte, B.; Sakaki, T.; Vietor, T.

2013-12-01

The Full-Scale Emplacement (FE) Experiment at the Mont Terri underground research laboratory in Switzerland is a full-scale heater test in a clay-rich formation (Opalinus Clay). Based on the Swiss disposal concept it simulates the construction, emplacement, backfilling, and post-closure thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) evolution of a spent fuel / vitrified high-level waste (SF / HLW) repository tunnel in a realistic manner. The main aim of this experiment is to investigate SF / HLW repository-induced THM coupled effects mainly in the host rock but also in the engineered barrier system (EBS), which consists of bentonite pellets and blocks. A further aim is to gather experience with full-scale tunnel construction and associated hydro-mechanical (HM) processes in the host rock. The entire experiment implementation (in a 50 m long gallery with approx. 3 m diameter) as well as the post-closure THM evolution will be monitored using a network of several hundred sensors (state-of-the-art sensors and measurement systems as well as fiber-optic sensors). The sensors are distributed in the host rock's near- and far-field, the tunnel lining, the EBS, and on the heaters. The heater emplacement and backfilling has not started yet, therefore only the host rock instrumentation is installed at the moment and is currently generating data. We will present the instrumentation concept and rationale as well as the first monitoring results of the excavation and ventilation phase. In particular, we investigated the excavation induced hydraulic response of the host rock. Therefore, the spatiotemporal evolution of porewater-pressure time series was analyzed to get a better understanding of HM coupled processes during and after the excavation phase as well as the impact of anisotropic geomechanic and hydraulic properties of the clay-rich formation on its hydraulic behavior. Excavation related investigations were completed by means of inclinometer data to characterize the non-elastic and time-dependent deformations. In addition, we evaluated the effect of drainage and suction processes during the ventilation phase on the pressure distribution in the host rock. Based on our results the conceptual models of HM processes and hydraulic behavior of clay rich formations during excavation and ventilation phases could be improved.

Occurrence of Mesocestoides canislagopodis (Rudolphi, 1810) (Krabbe, 1865) in mammals and birds in Iceland and its molecular discrimination within the Mesocestoides species complex.

PubMed

Skirnisson, Karl; Jouet, Damien; Ferté, Hubert; Nielsen, Ólafur K

2016-07-01

The life cycle of Mesocestoides tapeworms (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea: Mesocestoididae) requires three hosts. The first intermediate host is unknown but believed to be an arthropod. The second intermediate host is a vertebrate. The primary definitive host is a carnivore mammal, or a bird of prey, that eats the tetrathyridium-infected second intermediate host. One representative of the genus, Mesocestoides canislagopodis, has been reported from Iceland. It is common in the arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) and has also been detected in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) and cats (Felis domestica). Recently, scolices of a non-maturing Mesocestoides sp. have also been detected in gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) intestines, and tetrathyridia in the body cavity of rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta). We examined the taxonomic relationship of Mesocestoides from arctic fox, gyrfalcon, and rock ptarmigan using molecular methods, both at the generic level (D1 domain LSU ribosomal DNA) and at the specific level (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 12S mitochondrial DNA). All stages belonged to Mesocestoides canislagopodis. Phylogenetic analysis of the combined 12S-COI at the specific level confirmed that M. canislagopodis forms a distinct clade, well separated from three other recognized representatives of the genus, M. litteratus, M. lineatus, and M. corti/vogae. This is the first molecular description of this species. The rock ptarmigan is a new second intermediate host record, and the gyrfalcon a new primary definitive host record. However, the adult stage seemed not to be able to mature in the gyrfalcon, and successful development is probably restricted to mammalian hosts.

Demarcation of mineral rich zones in areas adjoining to a copper prospect in Rajasthan, India using ASTER, DEM (ALOS) and spaceborne gravity data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sengar, Vivek K.; Champati Ray, P. K.; Chattoraj, Shovan L.; Venkatesh, A. S.; Sajeev, R.; Konwar, Purnima; Thapa, Shailaja

2017-10-01

The objective of this work is to identify the potential zones for detailed mineral exploration studies in areas adjoining to a copper prospect using Remotely Sensed data sets. In this study visualization of ASTER data has been enhanced to highlight the mineral-rich areas using various remote sensing techniques such as colour composites and band ratios. VNIR region of ASTER is significant to detect iron oxides while, clay minerals, carbonates and chlorites have characteristic absorption in the SWIR wavelength region. Therefore, an attempt has been made to target the mineral abundant regions through ASTER data processing. Height based information was extracted using high-resolution ALOSDEM to analyse the topographical controls in the region considering the fact that mineral deposits often found associated with geological structures and geomorphological units. Gravity data was used to generate gravity anomaly map which gives clues about subsurface density differences. In this context, base metal ores may show anomalous (high) gravity values in comparison to the non-mineralised areas. Outputs from all the data sets were analysed and correlated with the geological map and available literature. Final validation of results has been done through proper ground checks and laboratory analysis of rock samples collected from the litho-units present in the study area. Based on this study some new areas have been successfully demarcated which may be potential for base metal exploration.

Geologic Site Characterization of the North Korean Nuclear Test Site at Punggye-Ri: A Reconnaissance Mapping Redux

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-11-30

at the “South Portal”) is evidently located in host rock that is similar to that used in association with the latter two tests (but perhaps having... using image processing algorithms). As the authors point out: “Drainage patterns can provide substantial information on the nature of rock ... metamorphic rocks , with lesser amounts of sedimentary rocks . The metamorphic rocks are mostly schists, fewer types of gneiss, and some

Post-collisional magmatism in the Late Miocene Rodna-Bârgău district (East Carpathians, Romania): Geochemical constraints and petrogenetic models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fedele, Lorenzo; Seghedi, Ioan; Chung, Sun-Lin; Laiena, Fabio; Lin, Te-Hsien; Morra, Vincenzo; Lustrino, Michele

2016-12-01

Post-collisional magmatism in the Late Miocene Rodna-Bârgău subvolcanic district (East Carpathians) gave rise to a wide variety of rock compositions, allowing recognition of four groups of calcalkaline rocks with distinctive petrography, mineral chemistry, whole-rock geochemistry and Sr-Nd-Hf isotope features. New U-Pb zircon datings, together with literature data, indicate that the emplacement of the four rock groups was basically contemporaneous in the 11.5-8 Ma time span. The low potassium group (LKG) includes the most abundant lithotypes of the area, ranging from basaltic andesite to dacite, characterized by K-poor tschermakitic amphibole, weak enrichment in LILE and LREE, relatively low 87Sr/86Sr, coupled with relatively high 143Nd/144Nd and 176Hf/177Hf. The high potassium group (HKG) includes amphibole-bearing microgabbro, amphibole andesite and amphibole- and biotite dacite, with K-richer magnesio-hastingsite to hastingsite amphibole, more marked enrichments in incompatible elements, higher 87Sr/86Sr and lower 143Nd/144Nd and 176Hf/177Hf. These two main rock groups seem to have originated from similar juxtaposed mantle sources, with the HKG possibly related to slightly more enriched domains (with higher H2O reflected by the higher modal amphibole) with respect to LKG (with higher plagioclase/amphibole ratios). The evolution of the two rock series involved also open-system processes, taking place mainly in the upper crust for the HKG, in the lower crust for LKG magmas. In addition, limited occurrences of generally younger strongly evolved peraluminous rhyolites and microgranites (Acid group) and sialic-dominated "leucocratic" andesites and dacites (LAD group) were also recognized to the opposite outermost areas of the district. These two latter rock groups were generated by the melting of a basic metamorphic crustal source (respectively in hydrous and anhydrous conditions), favored by the heat released by mantle melts from the adjoining central area. The peculiar distribution of the products of the four rock groups in well defined sectors argues for a strong control of the local crustal tectonic regime on magmatism, influenced by the change from a transpressional to trastensional stage.

Host rocks and their alterations as related to uranium-bearing veins in the United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Walker, George W.

1956-01-01

This paper, dealing with the different kinds of host rocks and their alterations associated with uranium-bearing veins in the United States, is a chapter of a comprehensive report entitled , "Geology of uranium-bearing vein deposits in the United States," in preparation by George W. Walker, Frank W. Osterwald, and others. The comprehensive report will include detailed information on tectonic and structural setting, kinds of host rocks, wall-rock alteration, mineralogy, physical characteristics, processes of deposition, and concepts of origin of uraniferous veins; but, because it will not be completed until sometime in the future, some chapters of the report are being transmitted as they are finished. Part of an introductory chapter to the comprehensive report entitled, "Classification and distribution of uranium-bearing veins in the United States" (Walker and Osterwald, 1956) has already been transmitted; several of the terms used herein are defined in the introductory chapter. Data included in this chapter demonstrate that uranium-bearing veins are: 1) in rocks of nearly all textural, chemical, and mineralogic types; 2) most abundant in holocrystalline, commonly equigranular, igeneous and metamorphic rocks characterized by a moderate to high silica content and and by similar physical properties. Although some of the physiochemical properties of the host rocks are discussed in terms of favorability or nonfavoribility for uranium deposition, the principal purpose of this chapter is to establish the petroloic environment in which uranium-bearing veins have been found. Because favorability or nonfavorability of host rocks is related complexly to the chemistry of ore solutions and to methods or uranium transport and deposition, several hypothetical processes of transport and deposition have been referred to briefly; these and other hypotheses will be outlines and discussed in greater detail in a subsequent chapter. The compilation of data leading to this report and its preparation by a member of the Uranium Research and Resource Section, U.S. Geological Survey, was done on behalf of the Division of Raw Materials, U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. The report is based on both published and unpublished information collected principally by personnel of the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission or its predecessor organization, the Manhattan Engineer District, and to a lesser extent by staff members of other Federal or State agencies and by geologists in private industry. Information concerning foreign uranium-bearing vein deposits has been extracted almost exclusively from published reports; references to these and other data are included at appropriate places.

Sulfur mass-independent fractionation in subsurface fracture waters indicates a long-standing sulfur cycle in Precambrian rocks.

PubMed

Li, L; Wing, B A; Bui, T H; McDermott, J M; Slater, G F; Wei, S; Lacrampe-Couloume, G; Lollar, B Sherwood

2016-10-27

The discovery of hydrogen-rich waters preserved below the Earth's surface in Precambrian rocks worldwide expands our understanding of the habitability of the terrestrial subsurface. Many deep microbial ecosystems in these waters survive by coupling hydrogen oxidation to sulfate reduction. Hydrogen originates from water-rock reactions including serpentinization and radiolytic decomposition of water induced by decay of radioactive elements in the host rocks. The origin of dissolved sulfate, however, remains unknown. Here we report, from anoxic saline fracture waters ∼2.4 km below surface in the Canadian Shield, a sulfur mass-independent fractionation signal in dissolved sulfate. We demonstrate that this sulfate most likely originates from oxidation of sulfide minerals in the Archaean host rocks through the action of dissolved oxidants (for example, HO · and H 2 O 2 ) themselves derived from radiolysis of water, thereby providing a coherent long-term mechanism capable of supplying both an essential electron donor (H 2 ) and a complementary acceptor (sulfate) for the deep biosphere.

Wind Carved Rock

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-10-19

The distinctively fluted surface and elongated hills in this image in Medusae Fossae are caused by wind erosion of a soft fine-grained rock. Called yardangs, these features are aligned with the prevailing wind direction. This wind direction would have dominated for a very long time to carve these large-scale features into the exposed rock we see today. Yardangs not only reveal the strength and direction of historic winds, but also reveal something of the host rock itself. Close inspection by HiRISE shows an absence of boulders or rubble, especially along steep yardang cliffs and buttresses. The absence of rubble and the scale of the yardangs tells us that the host rock consists only of weakly cemented fine granules in tens of meters or more thick deposits. Such deposits could have come from extended settling of volcanic ash, atmospheric dust, or accumulations of wind deposited fine sands. After a time these deposits became cemented and cohesive, illustrated by the high standing relief and exposed cliffs. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA21111

Sulfur mass-independent fractionation in subsurface fracture waters indicates a long-standing sulfur cycle in Precambrian rocks

PubMed Central

Li, L.; Wing, B. A.; Bui, T. H.; McDermott, J. M.; Slater, G. F.; Wei, S.; Lacrampe-Couloume, G.; Lollar, B. Sherwood

2016-01-01

The discovery of hydrogen-rich waters preserved below the Earth's surface in Precambrian rocks worldwide expands our understanding of the habitability of the terrestrial subsurface. Many deep microbial ecosystems in these waters survive by coupling hydrogen oxidation to sulfate reduction. Hydrogen originates from water–rock reactions including serpentinization and radiolytic decomposition of water induced by decay of radioactive elements in the host rocks. The origin of dissolved sulfate, however, remains unknown. Here we report, from anoxic saline fracture waters ∼2.4 km below surface in the Canadian Shield, a sulfur mass-independent fractionation signal in dissolved sulfate. We demonstrate that this sulfate most likely originates from oxidation of sulfide minerals in the Archaean host rocks through the action of dissolved oxidants (for example, HO· and H2O2) themselves derived from radiolysis of water, thereby providing a coherent long-term mechanism capable of supplying both an essential electron donor (H2) and a complementary acceptor (sulfate) for the deep biosphere. PMID:27807346

Air and groundwater flow at the interface between fractured host rock and a bentonite buffer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dessirier, B.; Jarsjo, J.; Frampton, A.

2014-12-01

Designs of deep geological repositories for spent nuclear fuel include several levels of confinement. The Swedish and Finnish concept KBS-3 targets for example sparsely fractured crystalline bedrock as host formation and would have the waste canisters embedded in an engineered buffer of compacted MX-80 bentonite. The host rock is a highly heterogeneous dual porosity material containing fractures and a rock matrix. Bentonite is a complex expansive porous material. Its water content and mechanical properties are interdependent. Beyond the specific physics of unsaturated flow and transport in each medium, the interface between them is critical. Detailed knowledge of the transitory two-phase flow regime, induced by the insertion of the unsaturated buffer in a saturated rock environment, is necessary to assess the performance of planned KBS-3 deposition holes. A set of numerical simulations based on the equations of two-phase flow for water and air in porous media were conducted to investigate the dynamics of air and groundwater flow near the rock/bentonite interface in the period following installation of the unsaturated bentonite buffer. We assume state of the two-phase flow parameter values for bentonite from laboratory water uptake tests and typical fracture and rock properties from the Äspö Hard rock laboratory (Sweden) gathered under several field characterization campaigns. The results point to desaturation of the rock domain as far as 10 cm away from the interface into matrix-dominated regions for up to 160 days. Similar observations were made during the Bentonite Rock Interaction Experiment (BRIE) at the Äspö HRL, with a desaturation sustained for even longer times. More than the mere time to mechanical and hydraulic equilibrium, the occurrence of sustained unsaturated conditions opens the possibility for biogeochemical processes that could be critical in the safety assessment of the planned repository.

Gamma-ray spectrometry in the field: Radioactive heat production in the Central Slovakian Volcanic Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harley, Thomas L.; Westaway, Rob; McCay, Alistair T.

2017-05-01

We report 62 sets of measurements from central-southern Slovakia, obtained using a modern portable gamma-ray spectrometer, which reveal the radioactive heat production in intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks of the Late Cenozoic Central Slovakian Volcanic Zone. Sites in granodiorite of the Štiavnica pluton are thus shown to have heat production in the range 2.2-4.9 μW m- 3, this variability being primarily a reflection of variations in content of the trace element uranium. Sites in dioritic parts of this pluton have a lower, but overlapping, range of values, 2.1-4.4 μW m- 3. Sites that have been interpreted in adjoining minor dioritic intrusions of similar age have heat production in the range 1.4-3.3 μW m- 3. The main Štiavnica pluton has zoned composition, with potassium and uranium content and radioactive heat production typically increasing inward from its margins, reflecting variations observed in other granodioritic plutons elsewhere. It is indeed possible that the adjoining dioritic rocks, hitherto assigned to other minor intrusions of similar age, located around the periphery of the Štiavnica pluton, in reality provide further evidence for zonation of the same pluton. The vicinity of this pluton is associated with surface heat flow 40 mW m- 2 above the regional background. On the basis of our heat production measurements, we thus infer that the pluton has a substantial vertical extent, our preferred estimate for the scale depth for its downward decrease in radioactive heat production being 8 km. Nonetheless, this pluton lacks any significant negative Bouguer gravity anomaly. We attribute this to the effect of the surrounding volcanic caldera, filled with relatively low-density lavas, 'masking' the pluton's own gravity anomaly. We envisage that emplacement occurred when the pluton was much hotter, and thus of lower density, than at present, its continued uplift, evident from the local geomorphology, being the isostatic consequence of localized erosion. The heat production in this intrusion evidently plays a significant role, hitherto unrecognized, in the regional geothermics.

Magmatic Enclaves in Granitic Rocks: Paragons or Parasites?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clemens, John; Stevens, Gary; Elburg, Marlina

2017-04-01

Granitic rocks form the fundamental building blocks of Earth's continents and provide us with a wide range of resources, so their formation is worth trying to understand. Fine-grained, igneous-textured microgranular enclaves of tonalitic to monzogranitic composition (ME) are common in granitic rocks and their origins have been hotly debated, with some workers suggesting that ME are not igneous. These ME have been studied intensively enough that we are now certain that they are of igneous origin - globules of mingled and quenched magma. Although a mantle connection is evident in many cases, their ultimate origin (including where in the lithosphere they originate) is still debated. This contribution explores the systematics of chemical variation in ME and their host granites, with the aim of uncovering any systematics in their behaviour and modelling the processes that have led to the variations that we measure, comparing host-rock series to their respective ME series. As always, the hope is that the study of ME may lead to improved understanding and modelling of the processes that are responsible for the formation of the host granitic magmas. Using variations between the molecular quantities Ti and M (Fe+Mn+Mg), we demonstrate that the petrogenetic processes that operated within a diverse group of S- and I-type granitic host magmas and their ME suites are dissimilar. Variations within the granitic series result from a variety of what might be called 'orderly' processes, resulting in linear or curvilinear trends in chemical variation diagrams. In contrast, processes that affected the ME series commonly resulted in scattered, chaotic variations. Even in cases in which an ME series displays more orderly variation, it can be shown that the hypothesis of simple mixing between a parent enclave magma and its host granitic magma, to produce the overall variations, cannot be supported. ME magmas had vastly smaller volumes compared with their host granitic magmas. Thus, they have commonly undergone hybridisation through mixing with deep crustal melts and both chemical and mechanical interactions with wall rocks and their host granitic magmas. As a result of this complex and chaotic set of processes, it remains extremely difficult to unravel the precise mechanisms that produced a given suite of ME magmas. Due to the similarities between the studied granites and their ME with occurrences worldwide, we suggest that our findings are likely to be generally applicable.

Use of petrophysical data for siting of deep geological repository of radioactive waste

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrenko, Liliana; Shestopalov, Vyacheslav

2017-11-01

The paper is devoted to analyzing the petrophysical properties and petrographical characteristics of Volyn region with the view to choosing the least permeable and so the most suitable geological formation for the radioactive waste disposal. On a basis of the petrophysical estimations of the granitoids properties the argumentation of permeability has been developed for the petrotypes of Volyn region. Also method of classification of the petrotypes with their relative rate of suitability for radioactive waste disposal was developed. As a result of studying the perspectives were shown of the zhytomyr and korosten types of the granitoids as host rock for the radioactive waste disposal. According to the results of investigations performed by Swedish researchers a comparative analysis of rocks based on the age of formation, composition, structural features and some petrophysical properties of granitoids as host rocks for repository of radioactive waste was performed. Detail comparison the data of the granitoids of the Forsmark site in Sweden and the data of the granitoids of the Volyn megablock can be one of the next steps in researching the host rocks for the development of the RW disposal system in Ukraine.

Characterizing Excavation Damaged Zone and Stability of Pressurized Lined Rock Caverns for Underground Compressed Air Energy Storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hyung-Mok; Rutqvist, Jonny; Jeong, Ju-Hwan; Choi, Byung-Hee; Ryu, Dong-Woo; Song, Won-Kyong

2013-09-01

In this paper, we investigate the influence of the excavation damaged zone (EDZ) on the geomechanical performance of compressed air energy storage (CAES) in lined rock caverns. We conducted a detailed characterization of the EDZ in rock caverns that have been excavated for a Korean pilot test program on CAES in (concrete) lined rock caverns at shallow depth. The EDZ was characterized by measurements of P- and S-wave velocities and permeability across the EDZ and into undisturbed host rock. Moreover, we constructed an in situ concrete lining model and conducted permeability measurements in boreholes penetrating the concrete, through the EDZ and into the undisturbed host rock. Using the site-specific conditions and the results of the EDZ characterization, we carried out a model simulation to investigate the influence of the EDZ on the CAES performance, in particular related to geomechanical responses and stability. We used a modeling approach including coupled thermodynamic multiphase flow and geomechanics, which was proven to be useful in previous generic CAES studies. Our modeling results showed that the potential for inducing tensile fractures and air leakage through the concrete lining could be substantially reduced if the EDZ around the cavern could be minimized. Moreover, the results showed that the most favorable design for reducing the potential for tensile failure in the lining would be a relatively compliant concrete lining with a tight inner seal, and a relatively stiff (uncompliant) host rock with a minimized EDZ. Because EDZ compliance depends on its compressibility (or modulus) and thickness, care should be taken during drill and blast operations to minimize the damage to the cavern walls.

Porosity and Permeability Evolution in Cemented Rock Cores under Reactive Flowing Conditions: Comparative Analysis between Limestone and Sandstone Host Rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, P.; Karpyn, Z.; Li, L.

2013-12-01

CO2-brine has the potential to alter wellbore cement in depleted oil and gas reservoirs under geological CO2 sequestration conditions. A better understanding of CO2-brine-cement-rock interaction is needed to evaluate the seal integrity of candidate sequestration formation in the long run. This work investigates possible alteration of wellbore cement when bonded by different host formation rock upon exposure to CO2-saturated brine. Composite cement-sandstone and cement-limestone core samples were created to perform reactive coreflood experiments. After an eight-day dynamic flow-through period, both cores had a similar extent of porosity increase, while the cement-limestone core experienced a ten-fold higher increase in permeability. With the aid of X-ray Micro-CT imaging and Scanning Electron Microscopy, it is observed that cement underwent greater degradation at the cement-sandstone interface. Degradation of cement-limestone core mainly took place on the host rock matrix. Worm holes were developed and a solution channel was formed in the limestone, creating a dominant flow path that altered both flow and reaction behavior. Limestone buffered the injected acidic brine preventing further deterioration of cement near the core outlet. Changes in fluid chemistry of limestone and sandstone coreflood effluents are compared. Results from this work are aimed at assisting the development and validation of robust reactive transport models through direct measurement of cemented rock core porosity and permeability evolution as well as the effluent aqueous chemistry change. This will subsequently improve predictive capabilities of reactive transport models associated with CO2 sequestration in geologic environments. Permeability Evolution of Cement-Rock Core Sample during Dynamic Flow of CO2-Brine

Genesis of sediment-hosted stratiform copper cobalt deposits, central African Copperbelt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cailteux, J. L. H.; Kampunzu, A. B.; Lerouge, C.; Kaputo, A. K.; Milesi, J. P.

2005-07-01

The Neoproterozoic central African Copperbelt is one of the greatest sediment-hosted stratiform Cu-Co provinces in the world, totalling 140 Mt copper and 6 Mt cobalt and including several world-class deposits (⩾10 Mt copper). The origin of Cu-Co mineralisation in this province remains speculative, with the debate centred around syngenetic-diagenetic and hydrothermal-diagenetic hypotheses. The regional distribution of metals indicates that most of the cobalt-rich copper deposits are hosted in dolomites and dolomitic shales forming allochthonous units exposed in Congo and known as Congolese facies of the Katangan sedimentary succession (average Co:Cu = 1:13). The highest Co:Cu ratio (up to 3:1) occurs in ore deposits located along the southern structural block of the Lufilian Arc. The predominantly siliciclastic Zambian facies, exposed in Zambia and in SE Congo, forms para-autochthonous sedimentary units hosting ore deposits characterized by lower a Co:Cu ratio (average 1:57). Transitional lithofacies in Zambia (e.g. Baluba, Mindola) and in Congo (e.g. Lubembe) indicate a gradual transition in the Katangan basin during the deposition of laterally correlative clastic and carbonate sedimentary rocks exposed in Zambia and in Congo, and are marked by Co:Cu ratios in the range 1:15. The main Cu-Co orebodies occur at the base of the Mines/Musoshi Subgroup, which is characterized by evaporitic intertidal-supratidal sedimentary rocks. All additional lenticular orebodies known in the upper part of the Mines/Musoshi Subgroup are hosted in similar sedimentary rocks, suggesting highly favourable conditions for the ore genesis in particular sedimentary environments. Pre-lithification sedimentary structures affecting disseminated sulphides indicate that metals were deposited before compaction and consolidation of the host sediment. The ore parageneses indicate several generations of sulphides marking syngenetic, early diagenetic and late diagenetic processes. Sulphur isotopic data on sulphides suggest the derivation of sulphur essentially from the bacterial reduction of seawater sulphates. The mineralizing brines were generated from sea water in sabkhas or hypersaline lagoons during the deposition of the host rocks. Changes of Eh-pH and salinity probably were critical for concentrating copper-cobalt and nickel mineralisation. Compressional tectonic and related metamorphic processes and supergene enrichment have played variable roles in the remobilisation and upgrading of the primary mineralisation. There is no evidence to support models assuming that metals originated from: (1) Katangan igneous rocks and related hydrothermal processes or; (2) leaching of red beds underlying the orebodies. The metal sources are pre-Katangan continental rocks, especially the Palaeoproterozoic low-grade porphyry copper deposits known in the Bangweulu block and subsidiary Cu-Co-Ni deposits/occurrences in the Archaean rocks of the Zimbabwe craton. These two sources contain low grade ore deposits portraying the peculiar metal association (Cu, Co, Ni, U, Cr, Au, Ag, PGE) recorded in the Katangan sediment-hosted ore deposits. Metals were transported into the basin dissolved in water. The stratiform deposits of Congo and Zambia display features indicating that syngenetic and early diagenetic processes controlled the formation of the Neoproterozoic Copperbelt of central Africa.

Deformation of host rocks and flow of magma during growth of minette dikes and breccia-bearing intrusions near Ship Rock, New Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Delaney, Paul T.; Pollard, David D.

1981-01-01

We have studied a small group of minette dikes and plugs that crop out within a flat-lying sequence of siltstone and shale near Ship Rock, a prominent volcanic throat of tuff breccia in northwestern New Mexico. Seven dikes form a radial pattern about Ship Rock we describe in detail the northeastern dike, which has an outcrop length of about 2,900 m, an average thickness of 2.3 m, and a maximum thickness of 7.2 m. The dike is composed of 35 discrete segments arranged in echelon; orientation. of dike segments ranges systematically from N. 52? E. to N. 66? E. A prominent joint set strikes parallel to the segments and is localized within several tens of meters of the dike. Regional joint patterns display no obvious relation to dike orientation. Small offsets of segment contacts, as well as wedge-shaped bodies of crumpled host rock within segments mark the sites of coalescence of smaller segments during dike growth. Bulges in the dike contact, which represent a nondilational component of growth, indicate that wall rocks were brecciated and eroded during the flow of magma. Breccias make up about 9 percent of the 7,176-m 2 area of the dike, are concentrated in its southwest half, and are commonly associated with its thickest parts. We also describe three subcircular plugs; each plug is smaller than 30 m in diameter, is laterally associated with a dike, and contains abundant breccias. Field evidence indicates that these plugs grew from the dikes by brecciation and erosion of wallrocks and that the bulges in the contact of the northeastern dike represent an initial stage of this process. From continuum-mechanical models of host-rock deformation, we conclude that dike propagation was the dominant mechanism for creating conduits for magma ascent where the host rock was brittle and elastic. At a given driving pressure, dikes dilate to accept greater volumes of magma than plugs, and for a given dilation, less work is done on the host rocks. In addition, the pressure required for dike growth decreases with dike length. From numerical solutions for dilation of cracks oriented like segments of the northeastern dike, we find that we can best model the form of the dike by treating it as composed of 10 cracks rather than 35. We attribute this result to coalescence of adjacent segments below the present outcrop and to inelastic deformation at segment ends. Using a driving pressure of 2 MPa (20 bars), we estimate a shear modulus of about 10^3 MPa for the host rocks, in agreement with laboratory tests on soft shale. A propagation criterion based on stress intensity at the segment ends indicates a fracture toughness of the host rocks of about 100 MPa-m^? , a hundredfold greater than values reported from laboratory tests. Segmentation of fractures is common in many materials and has been observed during fissure eruptions at Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii. At the northeastern dike, we attribute segmentation to local rotation of the direction of least principal compressive stress. From continuum-mechanical models of magma and heat flow in idealized conduits, we conclude that magma flows far more rapidly and with less relative heat loss in plugs than in dikes. Although dikes are the preferred form for emplacement, plugs are the preferred form for the flow of magma. We present a numerical solution for volumetric flow rate and wall heat flux for the northeastern dike and find that although the flow rate is extremely sensitive to conduit geometry, the rate of heat loss to wall rocks is not. During emplacement of the northeastern dike, local flow rate increased where wall rocks were eroded and reached a maximum of about 45 times the mean initial rate, whereas the maximum rate of heat loss to wallrocks increased to only 1.6 times the mean initial rate. An inferred progression from continuous magma flow along a dike to flow from a plug agrees well with observations of volcanic eruptions that begin from fissures and later are localized at discrete vents. We

EPITHERMAL GOLD-SILVER MINERALIZATION RELATED TO VOLCANIC SUBSIDENCE IN THE CUSTER GRABEN, CUSTER COUNTY, IDAHO.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Johnson, Kathleen M.; McIntyre, David H.

1984-01-01

The Custer graben is a 13 by 32 km northeast-trending volcano-tectonic graben in the Challis volcanic field of central Idaho. Andesites, rhyolites, and associated pyroclastic rocks host vein and disseminated gold-silver deposits that are localized along discrete northeast- and northwest-trending fracture zones. Ore minerals in vein deposits are electrum, native gold and silver, chalcopyrite, and various sulfosalts in a gangue of pyrite and fine-grained quartz. At the Sunbeam Mine, near the center of the graben, vein and disseminated gold-silver mineralization occurred in hydrothermally altered rhyolite and pyroclastic rocks. The host rock has been pervasively silicified, and the feldspars altered to clay minerals. Analyses of surface and drill-core samples show that altered rocks are variably enriched in gold, silver, molybdenum, arsenic, zirconium, and selenium. Intense silicification is shown by SiO//2 values at high as 93%.

A deposit model for magmatic iron-titanium-oxide deposits related to Proterozoic massif anorthosite plutonic suites

USGS Publications Warehouse

Woodruff, Laurel G.; Nicholson, Suzanne W.; Fey, David L.

2013-01-01

This descriptive model for magmatic iron-titanium-oxide (Fe-Ti-oxide) deposits hosted by Proterozoic age massif-type anorthosite and related rock types presents their geological, mineralogical, geochemical, and geoenvironmental attributes. Although these Proterozoic rocks are found worldwide, the majority of known deposits are found within exposed rocks of the Grenville Province, stretching from southwestern United States through eastern Canada; its extension into Norway is termed the Rogaland Anorthosite Province. This type of Fe-Ti-oxide deposit dominated by ilmenite rarely contains more than 300 million tons of ore, with between 10- to 45-percent titanium dioxide (TiO2), 32- to 45-percent iron oxide (FeO), and less than 0.2-percent vanadium (V). The origin of these typically discordant ore deposits remains as enigmatic as the magmatic evolution of their host rocks. The deposits clearly have a magmatic origin, hosted by an age-constrained unique suite of rocks that likely are the consequence of a particular combination of tectonic circumstances, rather than any a priori temporal control. Principal ore minerals are ilmenite and hemo-ilmenite (ilmenite with extensive hematite exsolution lamellae); occurrences of titanomagnetite, magnetite, and apatite that are related to this deposit type are currently of less economic importance. Ore-mineral paragenesis is somewhat obscured by complicated solid solution and oxidation behavior within the Fe-Ti-oxide system. Anorthosite suites hosting these deposits require an extensive history of voluminous plagioclase crystallization to develop plagioclase-melt diapirs with entrained Fe-Ti-rich melt rising from the base of the lithosphere to mid- and upper-crustal levels. Timing and style of oxide mineralization are related to magmatic and dynamic evolution of these diapiric systems and to development and movement of oxide cumulates and related melts. Active mines have developed large open pits with extensive waste-rock piles, but because of the nature of the ore and waste rock, the major environmental impacts documented at the mine sites are reported to be waste disposal issues and somewhat degraded water quality.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nelson-Moore, J.L.; Collins, D.B.; Hornbaker, A.L.

This two-part report provides an essentially complete listing of radioactive occurrences in Colorado, with a comprehensive bibliography and bibliographic cross-indexes. Part 1 lists approximately 3000 known radioactive occurrences with their locations and brief accounts of the geology, mineralogy, radioactivity, host rock, production data, and source of data for each. The occurrences are classified by host rock and plotted on U.S. Geological Survey 1/sup 0/ x 2/sup 0/ topographic quadrangle maps with a special 1 : 100,000-scale base map for the Uravan mineral belt. Part 2 contains the bibliography of approximately 2500 citations on radioactive mineral occurrences in the state, withmore » cross-indexes by county, host rock, and the special categories of ''Front Range,'' ''Colorado Plateau,'' and ''thorium.'' The term ''occurrence'' as used in this report is defined as any site where the concentration of uranium or thorium is at least 0.01% or where the range of radioactivity is greater than twice the background radioactivity. All citations and occurrence data are stored on computer diskettes for easy retrieval, correction, and updating.« less

Vein deposits hosted by plutonic rocks in the Croesus Stock and Hailey gold belt mineralized areas, Blaine County, Idaho

USGS Publications Warehouse

Worl, Ronald G.; Lewis, Reed S.

2001-01-01

Mineral deposits in the Croesus and Hailey gold belt mineralized areas in Blaine County, south-central Idaho, are preciousand base-metal quartz veins that are part of a family of vein deposits spatially and temporally associated with the Idaho batholith. Historic production from these veins has been mainly gold and silver. Host rocks are older border phase plutons of the Idaho batholith that are characterized by more potassium and less sodium as compared to rocks from the main body of the batholith to the west. Host structures are reverse faults that have moderate to shallow dips to the northeast and high-angle normal faults that also strike northwest. The veins are characterized by several generations of quartz and generally sparse sulfide minerals; gold is associated with late-stage comb quartz. The precious-metal ore bodies are in a series of shoots, each of which is as much as 8 ft in width, 400 ft in breadth, and 1,000 ft in pitch length.

Spatial variability of damage around faults in the Joe Lott Tuff Member of the Mount Belknap Volcanics, southwestern Utah

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okubo, C. H.

2012-12-01

In order to yield new insight into the process of faulting in fine-grained, poorly indurated volcanic ash, the distribution of strain around faults in the Miocene-aged Joe Lott Tuff Member of the Mount Belknap Volcanics, Utah, is investigated. Several distinct styles of inelastic strain are identified. Deformation bands are observed in tuff that is porous and granular in nature, or is inferred to have been so at the time of deformation. Where silicic alteration is pervasive, fractures are the dominant form of localized strain. Non-localized strain within the host rock is manifest as pore space compaction, including crushing of pumice clasts. Distinct differences in fault zone architecture are observed at different magnitudes of normal fault displacement, in the mode II orientation. A fault with cm-scale displacements is manifest as a single well-defined surface. Off-fault damage occurs as pore space compaction near the fault tips and formation of deformation band damage zones that are roughly symmetric about the fault. At a fault with larger meter-scale displacements, a fault core is present. A recognizable fault-related deformation band damage zone is not observed here, even though large areas of the host rock remain porous and granular and deformation bands had formed prior to faulting. The host rock is instead fractured in areas of pervasive alteration and shows possible textural evidence of fault pulverization. The zones of localized and distributed strain have notably different spatial extents around the causative fault. The region of distributed deformation, as indicated by changes in gas permeability of the macroscopically intact rock, extends up to four times farther from the fault than the highest densities of localized deformation (i.e., fractures and deformation bands). This study identifies a set of fault-related processes that are pertinent to understanding the evolution of fault systems in poorly indurated tuff. Not surprisingly, the type of structural discontinuity that forms in the fault environment is found to be a function of the porosity and granularity of the host rock. Non-localized deformation in the form of pore space compaction of the host rock is found to be prominent around the fault tips at First Spring Hollow. Interestingly, the spatial distribution of host rock compaction and the occurrences of dilational deformation bands around this fault do not correlate with the classic pattern of compression and dilation generally anticipated for slipped normal faults when viewed in mode II. Therefore, while broad generalities regarding the types of discontinuities that form around faults in tuff can be drawn based on current principles, additional work is needed to better understand the genesis of the observed spatial distributions of strain.

The geology of asbestos in the United States and its practical applications

USGS Publications Warehouse

Van Gosen, B. S.

2007-01-01

Recently, naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) has drawn the attention of numerous health and regulatory agencies and citizen groups. NOA can be released airborne by (1) the disturbance of asbestos-bearing bedrocks through human activities or natural weathering, and (2) the mining and milling of some mineral deposits in which asbestos occurs as an accessory mineral(s). Because asbestos forms in specific rock types and geologic conditions, this information can be used to focus on areas with the potential to contain asbestos, rather than devoting effort to areas with minimal NOA potential. All asbestos minerals contain magnesium, silica, and water as essential constituents, and some also contain major iron and/or calcium. Predictably, the geologic environments that host asbestos are enriched in these components. Most asbestos deposits form by metasomatic replacement of magnesium-rich rocks. Asbestos-forming environments typically display shear or evidence for a significant influx of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids. Asbestos-forming processes can be driven by regional metamorphism, contact metamorphism, or magmatic hydrothermal systems. Thus, asbestos deposits of all sizes and styles are typically hosted by magnesium-rich rocks (often also iron-rich) that were altered by a metamorphic or magmatic process. Rock types known to host asbestos include serpentinites, altered ultramafic and some mafic rocks, dolomitic marbles and metamorphosed dolostones, metamorphosed iron formations, and alkalic intrusions and carbonatites. Other rock types appear unlikely to contain asbestos. These geologic insights can be used by the mining industry, regulators, land managers, and others to focus attention on the critical locales most likely to contain asbestos.

Genetic Aspects of Gold Mineralization at Some Occurrences in the Eastern Desert of Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abd El Monsef, M.; Slobodník, M.; Salem, I. A.

2012-04-01

The Eastern Desert of Egypt is well known as a gold-mining area since ancient times, there're more than 95 gold deposits and occurrences spread the whole area covered by the basement rocks of Precambrian age. The basement rocks of the Eastern Desert of Egypt constitute the Nubian Shield that has formed a continuous part of the Arabian-Nubian Shield before the opening of Red Sea (Oligocene-Early Miocene). Commonly, the system of gold-bearing quartz veins in the Eastern Desert is clearly structural controlled related to brittle-ductile shear zones that mostly developed during late deformational stages of the evolution history for basement rocks in the Eastern Desert. This running study principally aims to contribute the mineral resource potential of the gold deposits in Egypt, so particularly Fatira, Gidami and Atalla occurrences have been involved into a comprehensive study based on field, structural, mineralogical, geochemical and genetic investigations. It is intended to better understanding for the characteristics, distribution controls, conditions and age of mineralization in relation to the age of the hosting rocks intrusion to find if there're genetic links between the gold mineralization and the evolution of the host intrusive complex. Several authors suggested that the gold mineralization was related to the intrusion of the (postorogenic) Younger granites. Other authors interpret these deposits as products of hydrothermal activity induced either by metamorphism or cooling effects of early Paleozoic magmatism or as combined metamorphic/magmatic episodes. The prime focus will be directed to the ore itself and the associated hydrothermal alteration zones based on detailed maps and well-distributed samples network and geochemical anomalies distribution. The laboratory studies included microscopic examination (reflecting and transmitting microscopy) to allow for determination of the hosting rocks types and mineralogical changes related to the gold mineralization in each area and revealing the ore mineralogy and the ore textures, geochemical analyses (including rare earth elements) are to be used in order to determine the tectonic setting and magmatic evolution of the host intrusions, scanning electron microscope, microprobe analysis, stable isotopes and fluid inclusions will serve as a new part of this study in detection of the origin and the physico-chemical conditions (P-T condition) for the gold precipitation, Age dating of the host intrusion and mineralization will be based on K-Ar for dating potassium-bearing minerals in fresh host rocks and hydrothermal mineral phases.

Age and origin of the Merrimack terrane, southeastern New England: A detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sorota, Kristin

Metasedimentary rocks of the Merrimack terrane (MT) originated as a thick cover sequence on Ganderia consisting of sandstones, calcareous sandstones, pelitic rocks and turbidites. In order to investigate the age, provenance and stratigraphic order of these rocks and correlations with adjoining terranes, detrital zircon suites from 7 formations across the MT along a NNE-trending transect from east-central Massachusetts to SE New Hampshire were analyzed by U-Pb LA-ICP-MS methods on 90-140 grains per sample. The youngest detrital zircons in the western units, the Worcester, Oakdale and Paxton Formations, are ca. 438 Ma while those in the Kittery, Eliot and Berwick Formations in the northeast are ca. 426 Ma. The Tower Hill Formation previously interpreted to form the easternmost unit of the MT in MA, has a distinctly different zircon distribution with its youngest zircon population in the Cambrian. All samples except for the Tower Hill Formation have detrital zircon age distributions with significant peaks in the mid-to late Ordovician, similar abundances of early Paleozoic and late Neoproterozoic zircons, significant input from ˜1.0 to ˜1.8 Ga sources and limited Archean grains. The similarities in zircon provenance suggest that all units across the terrane, except for the Tower Hill Formation, belong to a single sequence of rocks, with similar sources and with the units in the NE possibly being somewhat younger than those in east-central Massachusetts. The continuous zircon age distributions observed throughout the Mesoproterozoic and late Paleoproterozoic are consistent with an Amazonian source. All samples, except the Tower Hill Formation, show sedimentary input from both Ganderian and Laurentian sources and suggest that Laurentian input increases as the maximum depositional age decreases.

Petrochemical and Tectonogenesis of Granitoids in the Wuyo-Gubrunde Horst, Northeastern Nigeria: Implication for Uranium Enrichment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bolarinwa, Anthony Temidayo, E-mail: atbola@yahoo.com; Bute, Saleh Ibrahim

The Wuyo-Gubrunde Horst in the northeastern Nigeria consists of migmatite gneiss, unaltered, altered, and sheared porphyritic granites, pegmatites, aplites, basalts, and sandstone. Uranium has been reported in rhyolite, sheared rocks, and sandstone within the area. The petrogenesis of the granitoids and associated rocks in the area was evaluated in the light of new geochemical data, which showed that the U content of altered porphyritic granite is highest and hydrothermal-related. The granitoids are metaluminous, sub-alkaline, and S-type granite, and have evolved by partial melting of crustal material emplaced at moderate depth of 20–30 km in a syn-to late-collisional within-plate tectonic setting.more » The negative Eu/Eu* anomaly and high (La/Yb){sub N} ratio of the granitoids indicate magma fractionation. The low SiO{sub 2} (<53%) and high Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} (10%) of the altered porphyritic granite compared to other similar rock units suggest pervasive alteration. The associated basalts are tholeiitic, emplaced within continental plate tectonic setting, and enriched in Ni, V, Nb, Sr, and light rare earth elements, and they have SiO{sub 2}, Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}, V, Th, and Co contents that are similar to those of the altered porphyritic granites. The U occurrence in the Wuyo-Gubrunde Horst is believed to be sourced from the adjoining Bima sandstone in the Benue Trough, which locally contains carbonaceous zones with anomalously high concentrations of U. The Fe{sup 2+}/Fe{sup 3+} redox fronts formed by alteration of the iron-rich basalts provided the requisite geochemical barrier for U-bearing hydrothermal fluid, causing enrichment of U leached and mobilized from the sandstone through fractures in the rocks.« less

40 CFR 312.27 - Visual inspections of the facility and of adjoining properties.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... inspection of adjoining properties, from the subject property line, public rights-of-way, or other vantage... accessible vantage point (such as the property line or public road for small properties); (2) Documentation...

Multiple genotypes within aecial clusters in Puccinia graminis and Puccinia coronata: improved understanding of the biology of cereal rust fungi.

PubMed

Berlin, Anna; Samils, Berit; Andersson, Björn

2017-01-01

Cereal rust fungi ( Puccinia spp.) are among the most economically important plant pathogens. These fungi have a complex life cycle, including five spore stages and two hosts. They infect one grass host on which they reproduce clonally and cause the cereal rust diseases, while the alternate host is required for sexual reproduction. Although previous studies clearly demonstrate the importance of the alternate host in creating genetic diversity in cereal rust fungi, little is known about the amount of novel genotypes created in each successful completion of a sexual reproduction event. In this study, single sequence repeat markers were used to study the genotypic diversity within aecial clusters by genotyping individual aecial cups. Two common cereal rusts, Puccinia graminis causing stem rust and Puccinia coronata the causal agent of crown rust were investigated. We showed that under natural conditions, a single aecial cluster usually include several genotypes, either because a single pycnial cluster is fertilized by several different pycniospores, or because aecia within the cluster are derived from more than one fertilized adjoining pycnial cluster, or a combination of both. Our results imply that although sexual events in cereal rust fungi in most regions of the world are relatively rare, the events that occur may still significantly contribute to the genetic variation within the pathogen populations.

Characterization of seismic properties across scales: from the laboratory- to the field scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grab, Melchior; Quintal, Beatriz; Caspari, Eva; Maurer, Hansruedi; Greenhalgh, Stewart

2016-04-01

When exploring geothermal systems, the main interest is on factors controlling the efficiency of the heat exchanger. This includes the energy state of the pore fluids and the presence of permeable structures building part of the fluid transport system. Seismic methods are amongst the most common exploration techniques to image the deep subsurface in order to evaluate such a geothermal heat exchanger. They make use of the fact that a seismic wave caries information on the properties of the rocks in the subsurface through which it passes. This enables the derivation of the stiffness and the density of the host rock from the seismic velocities. Moreover, it is well-known that the seismic waveforms are modulated while propagating trough the subsurface by visco-elastic effects due to wave induced fluid flow, hence, delivering information about the fluids in the rock's pore space. To constrain the interpretation of seismic data, that is, to link seismic properties with the fluid state and host rock permeability, it is common practice to measure the rock properties of small rock specimens in the laboratory under in-situ conditions. However, in magmatic geothermal systems or in systems situated in the crystalline basement, the host rock is often highly impermeable and fluid transport predominately takes place in fracture networks, consisting of fractures larger than the rock samples investigated in the laboratory. Therefore, laboratory experiments only provide the properties of relatively intact rock and an up-scaling procedure is required to characterize the seismic properties of large rock volumes containing fractures and fracture networks and to study the effects of fluids in such fractured rock. We present a technique to parameterize fractured rock volumes as typically encountered in Icelandic magmatic geothermal systems, by combining laboratory experiments with effective medium calculations. The resulting models can be used to calculate the frequency-dependent bulk modulus K(ω) and shear modulus G(ω), from which the P- and S-wave velocities V P(ω) and V S(ω) and the quality factors QP(ω) and QS(ω) of fluid saturated fractured rock volumes can be estimated. These volumes are much larger and contain more complex structures than the rock samples investigated in the laboratory. Thus, the derived quantities describe the elastic and anelastic (energy loss due to wave induced fluid flow) short-term deformation induced by seismic waves at scales that are relevant for field-scale seismic exploration projects.

10 CFR 960.4-2-2 - Geochemistry.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

.... Considering the likely chemical interactions among radionuclides, the host rock, and the ground water, the... the rock matrix, or sorption of radionuclides; inhibit the formation of particulates, colloids... transport of radionuclides by particulates, colloids, or complexes. (3) Mineral assemblages that, when...

10 CFR 960.4-2-2 - Geochemistry.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

.... Considering the likely chemical interactions among radionuclides, the host rock, and the ground water, the... the rock matrix, or sorption of radionuclides; inhibit the formation of particulates, colloids... transport of radionuclides by particulates, colloids, or complexes. (3) Mineral assemblages that, when...

Magnetic properties of frictional volcanic materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kendrick, Jackie E.; Lavallée, Yan; Biggin, Andrew; Ferk, Annika; Leonhardt, Roman

2015-04-01

During dome-building volcanic eruptions, highly viscous magma extends through the upper conduit in a solid-like state. The outer margins of the magma column accommodate the majority of the strain, while the bulk of the magma is able to extrude, largely undeformed, to produce magma spines. Spine extrusion is often characterised by the emission of repetitive seismicity, produced in the upper <1 km by magma failure and slip at the conduit margins. The rheology of the magma controls the depth at which fracture can occur, while the frictional properties of the magma are important in controlling subsequent marginal slip processes. Upon extrusion, spines are coated by a carapace of volcanic fault rocks which provide insights into the deeper conduit processes. Frictional samples from magma spines at Mount St. Helens (USA), Soufriere Hills (Montserrat) and Mount Unzen (Japan) have been examined using structural, thermal and magnetic analyses to reveal a history of comminution, frictional heating, melting and cooling to form volcanic pseudotachylyte. Pseudotachylyte has rarely been noted in volcanic materials, and the recent observation of its syn-eruptive formation in dome-building volcanoes was unprecedented. The uniquely high thermal conditions of volcanic environments means that frictional melt remains at elevated temperatures for longer than usual, causing slow crystallisation, preventing the development of some signature "quench" characteristics. As such, rock-magnetic tests have proven to be some of the most useful tools in distinguishing pseudotachylytes from their andesite/ dacite hosts. In volcanic pseudotachylyte the mass normalised natural remanent magnetisation (NRM) when further normalised with the concentration dependent saturation remanence (Mrs) was found to be higher than the host rock. Remanence carriers are defined as low coercive materials across all samples, and while the remanence of the host rock displays similarities to an anhysteretic remanent magnetisation (ARM), as expected for a thermal origin, the remanence of volcanic pseudotachylyte has been found to be comparable to an isothermal remanent magnetisation (IRM). Thus, the pseudotachylyte has experienced a strong magnetic field that overwrote the previous thermoremanent magnetisation of the magma, such as the strong local electric current that occurs in faults (e.g. Ferré et al., 2005). Additionally, the pseudotachylyte seems more often to comprise of uniaxial non-interacting single-domain particles compared to pseudo-single in the host, and to have a single Curie temperature whereas the host more commonly exhibits multiple phases. Differences in rock-magnetic parameters between the pseudotachylyte and host are significant, but not as high as those observed in granites by Nakamura et al. (2002) or Ferré et al. (2005), probably because granitic host rocks do not already carry a strong and stable remanence as do these extrusive volcanic rocks. The application of rock-magnetic tests in volcanology will undoubtedly continue to be a "go-to" tool for identification of pseudotachylytes, which are increasingly being recognised to play an important role in dome-building eruptions. Refs: Ferré, E.C., Zechmeister, M.S., Geissman, J.W., MathanaSekaran, N. and Kocak, K., 2005. The origin of high magnetic remanence in fault pseudotachylites: Theoretical considerations and implication for coseismic electrical currents. Tectonophysics, 402(1-4): 125-139. Nakamura, N., Hirose, T. and Borradaile, G.J., 2002. Laboratory verification of submicron magnetite production in pseudotachylytes: relevance for paleointensity studies. . Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 201(1): 13-18.

Incremental growth of an upper crustal, A-type pluton, Argentina: Evidence of a re-used magma pathway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alasino, Pablo H.; Larrovere, Mariano A.; Rocher, Sebastián; Dahlquist, Juan A.; Basei, Miguel A. S.; Memeti, Valbone; Paterson, Scott; Galindo, Carmen; Macchioli Grande, Marcos; da Costa Campos Neto, Mario

2017-07-01

Carboniferous igneous activity in the Sierra de Velasco (NW Argentina) led to the emplacement of several magmas bodies at shallow levels (< 2 kbar). One of these, the San Blas intrusive complex formed over millions of years (≤ 2-3 m.y.) through three periods of magma additions that are characterized by variations in magma sources and emplacement style. The main units, mostly felsic granitoids, have U-Pb zircon crystallization ages within the error range. From older to younger (based on cross-cutting relationships) intrusive units are: (1) the Asha unit (340 ± 7 Ma): a tabular to funnel-shaped intrusion emplaced during a regional strain field dominated by WSW-ENE shortening with contacts discordant to regional host-rock structures; (2) the San Blas unit (344 ± 2 Ma): an approximate cylindrical-shaped intrusion formed by multiple batches of magmas, with a roughly concentric fabric pattern and displacement of the host rock by ductile flow of about 35% of shortening; and (3) the Hualco unit (346 ± 6 Ma): a small body with a possible mushroom geometry and contacts concordant to regional host-rock structures. The magma pulses making up these units define two groups of A-type granitoids. The first group includes the peraluminous granitic rocks of the Asha unit generated mostly by crustal sources (εNdt = - 5.8 and εHft in zircon = - 2.9 to - 4.5). The second group comprises the metaluminous to peraluminous granitic rocks of the youngest units (San Blas and Hualco), which were formed by a heterogeneous mixture between mantle and crustal sources (εNdt = + 0.6 to - 4.8 and εHft in zircon = + 3 to - 6). Our results provide a comprehensive view of the evolution of an intrusive complex formed from multiple non-consanguineous magma intrusions that utilized the same magmatic plumbing system during downward transfer of host materials. As the plutonic system matures, the ascent of magmas is governed by the visco-elastic flow of host rock that for younger batches include older hot magma mush. The latter results in ductile downward flow of older, during rise of younger magma. Such complexes may reflect the plutonic portion of volcanic centers where chemically distinct magmas are erupted.

Central Antarctic provenance of Permian sandstones in Dronning Maud Land and the Karoo Basin: Integration of U Pb and TDM ages and host-rock affinity from detrital zircons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veevers, J. J.; Saeed, A.

2007-12-01

In conjugate SE Africa and Antarctica, Early Permian sandstones of the Swartrant Formation of the Ellisras Basin, Vryheid Formation of the Karoo Basin, and Amelang Plateau Formation of Dronning Maud Land (DML) were deposited after Gondwanan glaciation on a westward paleoslope. We analysed detrital zircons for U-Pb ages by a laser ablation microprobe-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (LAM-ICPMS) and attached age significance only to clusters of three or more overlapping analyses. We analysed Hf-isotope compositions by a multi-collector spectrometer (LAM-MC-ICPMS) and trace elements by electron microprobe (EMP) and ICPMS. These analyses indicate the rock type and source (whether crustal or juvenile mantle) of the host magma, and a "crustal" model age ( TDMC). The integrated analysis gives a more distinctive, and more easily interpreted, picture of crustal evolution in the provenance area than age data alone. Zircons from the Ellisras Basin are aged 2700-2540 Ma with minor populations about 2815 Ma and 2040 Ma, which correspond with the ages of the upslope parts of the proximal Kaapvaal Craton and Limpopo Belt. Mafic rock is the dominant host rock, and it reflects the Archean granite-greenstone terrane of the Kaapvaal Craton. The three Karoo Basin samples and the two DML samples have zircons with these common properties: (1) 1160-880 Ma, host magma mafic granitoid (< 65% SiO 2) derived from juvenile depleted mantle sources ( ɛHf positive) at 1.65 Ga and 1.35 Ga, with TDMC of 2.0-0.9 Ga; (2) 760 to 480 Ma, host magma granitoid and low-heavy rare earth element rock (?alkaline rock-carbonatite), derived from mixed crustal and juvenile depleted mantle sources ( ɛHf positive and negative) at 1.50 Ga and 1.35 Ga, with TDMC of 2.0-0.9 Ga. Together with similar detrital zircons in Triassic sandstone of SE Australia, these properties reflect those in upslope central Antarctica, indicating a provenance of ˜ 1000 Ma (Grenville) cratons embedded in 700-500 Ma (Pan-Gondwanaland) fold belts. Detrital zircons in Cambrian sediments of the Ellsworth-Whitmore Mountains block and Cambrian metasediments of the Welch Mountains with comparable properties suggest that the central Antarctic provenance operated also in the ˜ 500 Ma Cambrian.

Local equilibrium of mafic enclaves and granitoids of the Turtle pluton, southeast California: Mineral, chemical, and isotopic evidence

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Allen, C.M.

Major element and trace element compositions of whole rocks, mineral compositions, and Rb-Sr isotopic compositions of enclave and host granitoid pairs from the Early Cretaceous, calc-alkaline Turtle pluton of southeastern California suggest that the local environmental profoundly affects some enclave types. In the Turtle pluton, where the source of fine-grained, mafic enclaves can be deduced to be magmatic by the presence of partially disaggregated basaltic dikes, mineral chemistry suggests partial or complete local equilibrium among mineral species in the enclave and its host granitoid. Because of local Rb-Sr isotopic equilibration between fine-grained enclaves and host granitoid, one cannot use Srmore » isotopes to distinguish an enclave source independent of its host rocks from an enclave source related to the enclosing pluton. However, preliminary Nd isotopic data suggest an independent, mantle source for enclaves.« less

Nectonema zealandica n. sp. (Nematomorpha: Nectonematoidea) parasitising the purple rock crab Hemigrapsus edwardsi (Brachyura: Decapoda) in New Zealand, with notes on the prevalence of infection and host defence reactions.

PubMed

Poinar, G; Brockerhoff, A M

2001-10-01

A new species of marine hairworm, Nectonema zealandica (Nematomorpha: Nectonematoidea), is described from the purple rock crab Hemigrapsus edwardsi Hilgendorf from the South Island, New Zealand. This is the first record of Nectonema in the South Pacific Ocean and the southernmost locality for the genus. The description is based on juveniles and pre-adults taken from crabs. The new species is characterised by its stomal structure, presence of four cephalic papillae, mesenchyme arranged in eight lobes in pre-adults, insertion of muscle layer increasing body diameter at the septum and translucent anterior chamber. Data on the prevalence of infection over a three-year period, rates of parasitism in relation to host sex and size, and host defence reactions are presented. A list of all reported hosts of nectonematids is included.

A computerized aircraft battery servicing facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glover, Richard D.

1992-01-01

The latest upgrade to the Aerospace Energy Systems Laboratory (AESL) is described. The AESL is a distributed digital system consisting of a central system and battery servicing stations connected by a high-speed serial data bus. The entire system is located in two adjoining rooms; the bus length is approximately 100 ft. Each battery station contains a digital processor, data acquisition, floppy diskette data storage, and operator interfaces. The operator initiates a servicing task and thereafter the battery station monitors the progress of the task and terminates it at the appropriate time. The central system provides data archives, manages the data bus, and provides a timeshare interface for multiple users. The system also hosts software production tools for the battery stations and the central system.

Arsenic contamination in the Kanker district of central-east India: geology and health effects.

PubMed

Pandey, P K; Sharma, R; Roy, M; Roy, S; Pandey, M

2006-10-01

This paper identifies newer areas of arsenic contamination in the District Kanker, which adjoins the District Rajnandgaon where high contamination has been reported earlier. A correlation with the mobile phase episodes of arsenic contamination has been identified, which further hinges on the complex geology of the area. Arsenic concentrations in both surface and groundwater, aquatic organisms (snail and water weeds) soil and vegetation of Kanker district and its adjoining area have been reported here. The region has been found to contain an elevated level of arsenic. All segments of the ecoysystem are contaminated with arsenic at varying degrees. The levels of arsenic vary constantly depending on the season and location. An analysis of groundwater from 89 locations in the Kanker district has shown high values of arsenic, iron and manganese (mean: 144, 914 and 371 microg L(-1), respectively). The surface water of the region shows elevated levels of arsenic, which is influenced by the geological mineralised zonation. The most prevalent species in the groundwater is As(III), whereas the surface water of the rivers shows a significant contamination with the As(V) species. The analysis shows a bio-concentration of the toxic metals arsenic, nickel, copper and chromium. Higher arsenic concentrations (groundwater concentrations greater than 50 microg L(-1)) are associated with sedimentary deposits derived from volcanic rocks, hence mineral leaching appears to be the source of arsenic contamination. Higher levels of arsenic and manganese in the Kanker district have been found to cause impacts on the flora and fauna. A case study of episodic arsenical diarrhoea is presented.

Evaluation of magma mixing in the subvolcanic rocks of Ghansura Felsic Dome of Chotanagpur Granite Gneiss Complex, eastern India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gogoi, Bibhuti; Saikia, Ashima; Ahmad, Mansoor; Ahmad, Talat

2018-06-01

The subvolcanic rocks exposed in the Ghansura Felsic Dome (GFD) of the Bathani volcano-sedimentary sequence at the northern fringe of the Rajgir fold belt in the Proterozoic Chotanagpur Granite Gneiss Complex preserves evidence of magma mixing and mingling in mafic (dolerite), felsic (microgranite) and intermediate (hybrid) rocks. Structures like crenulated margins of mafic enclaves, felsic microgranular enclaves and ocelli with reaction surfaces in mafic rocks, hybrid zones at mafic-felsic contacts, back-veining and mafic flows in the granitic host imply magma mingling phenomena. Textural features like quartz and titanite ocelli, acicular apatite, rapakivi and anti-rapakivi feldspar intergrowths, oscillatory zoned plagioclase, plagioclase with resorbed core and intact rim, resorbed crystals, mafic clots and mineral transporting veins are interpreted as evidence of magma mixing. Three distinct hybridized rocks have formed due to varied interactions of the intruding mafic magma with the felsic host, which include porphyritic diorite, mingled rocks and intermediate rocks containing felsic ocelli. Geochemical signatures confirm that the hybrid rocks present in the study area are mixing products formed due to the interaction of mafic and felsic magmas. Physical parameters like temperature, viscosity, glass transition temperature and fragility calculated for different rock types have been used to model the relative contributions of mafic and felsic end-member magmas in forming the porphyritic diorite. From textural and geochemical investigations it appears that the GFD was a partly solidified magma chamber when mafic magma intruded it leading to the formation of a variety of hybrid rock types.

Origins of igneous microgranular enclaves in granites: the example of Central Victoria, Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clemens, J. D.; Elburg, M. A.; Harris, C.

2017-10-01

To investigate their genesis and relations with their host rocks, we study igneous microgranular enclaves (IMEs) in the c. 370 Ma, post-orogenic, high-level, felsic plutons and volcanic rocks of Central Victoria, Australia. The IMEs are thermally quenched magma globules but are not autoliths, and they do not form mixing series with their host magmas. These IMEs generally represent hybrids between mantle-derived magmas and very high- T crust-derived melts, modified by fractionation, ingestion of host-derived crystals and, to a lesser extent, by chemical interactions with their hosts. Isotopic and elemental evidence suggests that their likely mafic progenitors formed by partial melting of subcontinental mantle, but that the IME suites from different felsic host bodies did not share a common initial composition. We infer that melts of heterogeneous mantle underwent high- T hybridisation with melts from a variety of crustal rocks, which led to a high degree of primary variability in the IME magmas. Our model for the formation of the Central Victorian IMEs is likely to be applicable to other occurrences, especially in suites of postorogenic granitic magmas emplaced in the shallow crust. However, there are many different origins for the mingled magma globules that we call IMEs, and different phenomena seem to occur in differing tectonic settings. The complexity of IME formation means that it is difficult to unravel the petrogenesis of these products of chaotic magma processes. Nevertheless, the survival of fine-grained, non-equilibrium mineralogy and texture in the IMEs suggests that their tenure in the host magmas must have been geologically brief.

Metamorphism and gold mineralization in the Blue Ridge, Southernmost Appalachians

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stowell, H.H.; Lesher, C.M.; Green, N.L.; Sha, P.; Guthrie, G.M.; Sinha, A.K.

1996-01-01

Lode gold mineralization in the Blue Ridge of the southernmost Appalachians is hosted by metavolcanic rocks (e.g., Anna Howe mine, AL; Royal Vindicator mine, GA), metaplutonic rocks (e.g., Hog Mountain mine, AL), and metasedimentary rocks (e.g., Lowe, Tallapoosa, and Jones Vein mines, AL). Most gold occurs in synkinematic quartz ?? plagioclase ?? pyrite ?? pyrrhotite ?? chlorite veins localized along polydeformational faults that juxtapose rocks with significantly different peak metamorphic mineral assemblages. Mineralogy, chemistry, and O and H isotope studies suggest that the three types of host rocks have undergone differing amounts and types of alteration during mineralization. Limited wall-rock alteration in metavolcanic- and metasediment-hosted deposits, and relatively extensive wall-rock alteration in granitoid-hosted deposits, suggests that most deposits formed from fluids that were close to equilibrium with metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks. Stable isotope compositions of the fluids calculated from vein minerals and vein selvages are consistent with a predominantly metasedimentary fluid source, but vary from deposit to deposit (-22 to -47??? ??D, 4-5??? ??18O, and 5-7??? ??34S at Anna Howe and Royal Vindicator; -48 to -50??? ??D, 9-13??? ??18O, and ca. 19??? ??34S at Lowe and Jones Vein; and -22 to -23??? ??D, 8-11??? ??18O, 9-10??? ??34S, and -6 ??13C at Hog Mountain). Silicate mineral thermobarometry of vein, vein selvage, and wall-rock mineral assemblages indicate that mineralization and regional metamorphism occured at greenschist to amphibolite facies (480?? ?? 75??C at Anna Howe, 535?? ?? 50??C at 6.4 ?? 1 kbars at Lowe, 530?? ?? 50??C at 6.9 ?? 1 kbars at Tallapoosa, and 460?? ?? 50??C at 5.5 ?? 1 kbars at Hog Mountain). Oxygen isotope fractionation between vein minerals and selvage minerals consistently records equilibration temperatures that are similar to or slightly lower than those estimated from silicate thermometry. Auriferous veins contain numerous fluid inclusions that were emplaced in several stages and can be subdivided into five compositional types based on salt and CO2 concentrations. Fluid inclusion isochores for early formed inclusions from these veins intercept the pressure and temperature conditions estimated from silicate mineral thermobarometry and stable isotope thermometry, and are compatible with entrapment at those conditions. These fluids exhibit significant variation in salinity (XNaClequiv = 0.0-0.2) and CO2 (XCO2 = 0.0-0.2), suggesting variation in fluid-wall-rock interaction that accompanied gold deposition during declining temperatures. Less abundant and later fluids within the veins are dominantly CO2. The association of gold mineralization with structurally controlled concordant and discordant quartz sulfide veins, and the temperatures and pressures of wall-rock alteration and regional metamorphism indicate that the present distribution of gold is a result of metamorphism during progressive D2-D3 deformation. Isotopic data for alteration envelopes date this event as Alleghanian: 279 ?? 14 Ma (K-Ar whole rock) and 343 ?? 18 Ma (K-Ar biotite) at Lowe; and 315 ?? 18 Ma (Rb-Sr whole-rock isochron; 87Sr/86Sr, = 0.7061 ?? 0.0008) and 294 ?? 16 Ma (K-Ar whole-rock) at Hog Mountain. Available data are compatible with development of the lodes during early Alleghanian overthrusting of allochthons over sedimentary rocks of the autochthonous North American margin. The implication is that the fluids were derived from metasedimentary and/or metavolcanic formations in the lower parts of the crystalline thrust stack (or possibly from underlying autochthonous sedimentary formations), ascended along permeable fault zones, and were emplaced as veins into dilatent areas in and adjacent to the fault zones.

Finite-element modeling of magma chamber-host rock interactions prior to caldera collapse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kabele, Petr; Žák, Jiří; Somr, Michael

2017-06-01

Gravity-driven failure of shallow magma chamber roofs and formation of collapse calderas are commonly accompanied by ejection of large volumes of pyroclastic material to the Earth's atmosphere and thus represent severe volcanic hazards. In this respect, numerical analysis has proven as a key tool in understanding the mechanical conditions of caldera collapse. The main objective of this paper is to find a suitable approach to finite-element simulation of roof fracturing and caldera collapse during inflation and subsequent deflation of shallow magma chambers. Such a model should capture the dominant mechanical phenomena, for example, interaction of the host rock with magma and progressive deformation of the chamber roof. To this end, a comparative study, which involves various representations of magma (inviscid fluid, nearly incompressible elastic, or plastic solid) and constitutive models of the host rock (fracture and plasticity), was carried out. In particular, the quasi-brittle fracture model of host rock reproduced well the formation of tension-induced radial and circumferential fractures during magma injection into the chamber (inflation stage), especially at shallow crustal levels. Conversely, the Mohr-Coulomb shear criterion has shown to be more appropriate for greater depths. Subsequent magma withdrawal from the chamber (deflation stage) results in further damage or even collapse of the chamber roof. While most of the previous studies of caldera collapse rely on the elastic stress analysis, the proposed approach advances modeling of the process by incorporating non-linear failure phenomena and nearly incompressible behaviour of magma. This leads to a perhaps more realistic representation of the fracture processes preceding roof collapse and caldera formation.

Petrographic and geochemical data for Cenozoic volcanic rocks of the Bodie Hills, California and Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

du Bray, Edward A.; John, David A.; Box, Stephen E.; Vikre, Peter G.; Fleck, Robert J.; Cousens, Brian L.

2013-04-23

Petrographic and geochemical data for Cenozoic volcanic rocks of the Bodie Hills, California and Nevada // // This report presents petrographic and geochemical data for samples collected during investigations of Tertiary volcanism in the Bodie Hills of California and Nevada. Igneous rocks in the area are principally 15–6 Ma subduction-related volcanic rocks of the Bodie Hills volcanic field but also include 3.9–0.1 Ma rocks of the bimodal, post-subduction Aurora volcanic field. Limited petrographic results for local basement rocks, including Mesozoic granitoid rocks and their metamorphic host rocks, are also included in the compilation. The petrographic data include visual estimates of phenocryst abundances as well as other diagnostic petrographic criteria. The geochemical data include whole-rock major oxide and trace element data, as well as limited whole-rock isotopic data.

Karst in Wadi Bani Khalid, Oman

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdelaziz, Ramadan

2017-04-01

There are several important in Oman. The main aquifer is surficial aquifer and fractured rocks. In fact, the geology of Oman is complex whichmake the hydraulic continuity of bedrock is limited and formaing localized aquifers. caves in Oman are varying types and length, size and geographic formations. Many caves and valleys founded in Oman. Wadi Bani Khalid hosts complex network of fractured rock. Karst in Wadi Bani Kalid made upof Limestone(Calcium, which is dissolve in water.A rain water pass through the rock it is erode the rock and form caves. The cave located in Miqil. The karst was formed in Calcium Carbonate rocks.

Damage-plasticity model of the host rock in a nuclear waste repository

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Koudelka, Tomáš; Kruis, Jaroslav, E-mail: kruis@fsv.cvut.cz

The paper describes damage-plasticity model for the modelling of the host rock environment of a nuclear waste repository. Radioactive Waste Repository Authority in Czech Republic assumes the repository to be in a granite rock mass which exhibit anisotropic behaviour where the strength in tension is lower than in compression. In order to describe this phenomenon, the damage-plasticity model is formulated with the help of the Drucker-Prager yield criterion which can be set to capture the compression behaviour while the tensile stress states is described with the help of scalar isotropic damage model. The concept of damage-plasticity model was implemented inmore » the SIFEL finite element code and consequently, the code was used for the simulation of the Äspö Pillar Stability Experiment (APSE) which was performed in order to determine yielding strength under various conditions in similar granite rocks as in Czech Republic. The results from the performed analysis are presented and discussed in the paper.« less

Major magmatic events in Mt Meredith, Prince Charles Mountains: First evidence for early Palaeozoic syntectonic granites

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gongurov, N.A.; Laiba, A.A.; Beliatsky, B.V.

2007-01-01

Precambrian rocks at Mt Meredith underwent granulite-facies metamorphism M1. Zircon isotope dating for two orthogneisses revealed the following age signatures: 1294±3 and 957±4Ma; 1105±5 and 887±2Ma. The oldest ages could reflect the time of orthogneiss protolith crystallization and the latest age determinations date Grenvillian metamorphism. The metamorphic rocks were intruded by two-mica and garnet-biotite granites. The granites and host rocks underwent amphibolite-facies metamorphism M2. Zircon isotope analysis of the two-mica granites showed age estimation within 550-510Ma and zircon dating of the garnet-biotite granites revealed the ages of 1107±5, 953±8, and 551±4Ma. As Pan-African age signatures were obtained from only the granite samples, it is possible to suggest that the granites were formed at the time of 510-550Ma and the zircons with greater age values were captured by granites from the host rocks.

The Role of Tectonic Stress in Triggering Large Silicic Caldera Eruptions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cabaniss, Haley E.; Gregg, Patricia M.; Grosfils, Eric B.

2018-05-01

We utilize 3-D temperature-dependent viscoelastic finite element models to investigate the mechanical response of the host rock supporting large caldera-size magma reservoirs (volumes >102 km3) to local tectonic stresses. The mechanical stability of the host rock is used to determine the maximum predicted repose intervals and magma flux rates that systems may experience before successive eruption is triggered. Numerical results indicate that regional extension decreases the stability of the roof rock overlying a magma reservoir, thereby promoting early-onset caldera collapse. Alternatively, moderate amounts of compression (≤10 mm/year) on relatively short timescales (<104 years) increases roof rock stability. In addition to quantifying the affect of tectonic stresses on reservoir stability, our models indicate that the process of rejuvenation and mechanical failure is likely to take place over short time periods of hundreds to thousands of years. These findings support the short preeruption melt accumulation timescales indicated by U series disequilibrium studies.

Multiple metasomatic events recorded in Kilbourne Hole peridotite xenoliths: the relative contribution of host basalt interaction vs. silicate metasomatic glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hammond, S. J.; Yoshikawa, M.; Harvey, J.; Burton, K. W.

2010-12-01

Stark differences between bulk-rock lithophile trace element budgets and the sum of the contributions from their constituent minerals are common, if not ubiquitous in peridotite xenoliths [1]. In the absence of modal metasomatism this discrepancy is often attributed to the “catch-all”, yet often vague process of cryptic metasomatism. This study presents comprehensive Sr-Nd isotope ratios for variably metasomatized bulk-rock peridotites, host basalts, constituent peridotite mineral phases and interstitial glass from 13 spinel lherzolite and harzburgite xenoliths from the Kilbourne Hole volcanic maar, New Mexico, USA. Similar measurements were also made on hand-picked interstitial glass from one of the most highly metasomatized samples (KH03-16) in an attempt to unravel the effects of multiple metasomatic events. In all Kilbourne Hole peridotites analysed, hand-picked, optically clean clinopyroxenes preserve a more primitive Sr isotope signature than the corresponding bulk-rock; a pattern preserved in all but one sample for Nd isotope measurements. Reaction textures, avoided during hand-picking, around clinopyroxene grains are evident in the most metasomatized samples and accompanied by films of high-SiO2 interstitial glass. The margins of primary minerals appear partially resorbed and trails of glassy melt inclusions similar in appearance to those previously reported from the same locality [2], terminate in these films. Hand-picked glass from KH03-16 reveals the most enriched 87Sr/86Sr of any component recovered from these xenoliths (87Sr/86Sr = 0.708043 ± 0.00009; [Sr] = 81 ppm). Similarly, the 143Nd/144Nd of the glass is amongst the most enriched of the peridotite components (143Nd/144Nd = 0.512893 ± 0.000012; [Nd] = 10 ppm). However, the host basalt (87Sr/86Sr = 0.703953 ± 0.00012; 143Nd/144Nd = 0.512873 ± 0.000013), similar in composition to nearby contemporaneous Potrillo Volcanic Field basalts [3], contains nearly an order of magnitude more Sr and more than three times more Nd ([Sr] = 655 ppm; [Nd] = 34 ppm) than the interstitial glass. While the enriched nature of the host basalt, combined with high [Sr] and [Nd], makes it the most likely candidate for the enrichment of the peridotite bulk rocks, mixing between clinopyroxenes and the host basalt cannot account for the full range of bulk-rock Sr-Nd isotope ratios and nearly half of the xenoliths require an additional component that could involve varying amounts of interstitial glass. Moreover, three bulk-rock samples require a further, as yet unidentified component in order to explain the bulk-rock Sr-Nd isotope composition fully, implying that at least three episodes of metasomatism/refertilization must have occurred prior to the arrival of the xenoliths at the surface in their host lava. References: [1] Bedini & Bodinier (1999) Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 63, 3883-3900. [2] Schiano & Clocchiatti (1994) Nature 368, 622-624. [3] Thompson et al., (2005) J. Petrol. 46, 1603-1643.

Characterization of Geologic Structures and Host Rock Properties Relevant to the Hydrogeology of the Standard Mine in Elk Basin, Gunnison County, Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Caine, Jonathan S.; Manning, Andrew H.; Berger, Byron R.; Kremer, Yannick; Guzman, Mario A.; Eberl, Dennis D.; Schuller, Kathryn

2010-01-01

The Standard Mine Superfund Site is a source of mine drainage and associated heavy metal contamination of surface and groundwaters. The site contains Tertiary polymetallic quartz veins and fault zones that host precious and base metal sulfide mineralization common in Colorado. To assist the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in its effort to remediate mine-related contamination, we characterized geologic structures, host rocks, and their potential hydraulic properties to better understand the sources of contaminants and the local hydrogeology. Real time kinematic and handheld global positioning systems were used to locate and map precisely the geometry of the surface traces of structures and mine-related features, such as portals. New reconnaissance geologic mapping, field and x-ray diffraction mineralogy, rock sample collection, thin-section analysis, and elemental geochemical analysis were completed to characterize hydrothermal alteration, mineralization, and subsequent leaching of metallic phases. Surface and subsurface observations, fault vein and fracture network characterization, borehole geophysical logging, and mercury injection capillary entry pressure data were used to document potential controls on the hydrologic system.

Black shale source rocks and oil generation in the Cambrian and Ordovician of the central Appalachian Basin, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ryder, R.T.; Burruss, R.C.; Hatch, J.R.

1998-01-01

Nearly 600 million bbl of oil (MMBO) and 1 to 1.5 trillion ft3 (tcf) of gas have been produced from Cambrian and Ordovician reservoirs (carbonate and sandstone) in the Ohio part of the Appalachian basin and on adjoining arches in Ohio, Indiana, and Ontario, Canada. Most of the oil and gas is concentrated in the giant Lima-Indiana field on the Findlay and Kankakee arches and in small fields distributed along the Knox unconformity. Based on new geochemical analyses of oils, potential source rocks, bitumen extracts, and previously published geochemical data, we conclude that the oils in both groups of fields originated from Middle and Upper Ordovician blcak shale (Utica and Antes shales) in the Appalachian basin. Moroever, we suggest that approximately 300 MMBO and many trillions of cubic feet of gas in the Lower Silurian Clinton sands of eastern Ohio originated in the same source rocks. Oils from the Cambrian and Ordovician reservoirs have similar saturated hydrocarbon compositions, biomarker distributions, and carbon isotope signatures. Regional variations in the oils are attributed to differences in thermal maturation rather than to differences in source. Total organic carbon content, genetic potential, regional extent, and bitument extract geochemistry identify the balck shale of the Utica and Antes shales as the most plausible source of the oils. Other Cambrian and Ordovician shale and carbonate units, such as the Wells Creek formation, which rests on the Knox unconformity, and the Rome Formation and Conasauga Group in the Rome trough, are considered to be only local petroleum sources. Tmax, CAI, and pyrolysis yields from drill-hole cuttings and core indicate that the Utica Shale in eastern and central Ohio is mature with respect to oil generation. Burial, thermal, and hydrocarbon-generation history models suggest that much of the oil was generated from the Utica-Antes source in the late Paleozoic during the Alleghanian orogeny. A pervasive fracture network controlled by basement tectonics aided in the distribution of oil from the source to the trap. This fracture network permitted oil to move laterally and stratigraphically downsection through eastward-dipping, impermeable carbonate sequences to carrier zones such as the Middle Ordovician Knox unconformity, and to reservoirs such as porous dolomite in the Middle Ordovician Trenton Limestone in the Lima-Indiana field. Some of the oil and gas from the Utica-Antes source escaped vertically through a partially fractured, leaky Upper Ordovician shale seal into widespread Lower Silurian sandstone reservoirs.Nearly 600 million bbl of oil (MMBO) and 1 to 1.5 trillion ft3 (tcf) of gas have been produced from Cambrian and Ordovician reservoirs (carbonate and sandstone) in the Ohio part of the Appalachian basin and on adjoining arches in Ohio, Indiana, and Ontario, Canada. Most of the oil and gas is concentrated in the giant Lima-Indiana field on the Findlay and Kankakee arches and in small fields distributed along the Knox unconformity. Based on new geochemical analyses of oils, potential source rocks, bitumen extracts, and previously published geochemical data, we conclude that the oils in both groups of fields originated from Middle and Upper Ordovician black shale (Utica and Antes shales) in the Appalachian basin. Moreover, we suggest that approximately 300 MMBO and many trillions of cubic feet of gas in the Lower Silurian Clinton sands of eastern Ohio originated in these same source rocks.

Thermohydrologic modeling of the large-block test in partially saturated fractured tuff at Yucca Mountain, Nevada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, K.; Buscheck, T. A.; Glascoe, L. G.; Gansemer, J.; Sun, Y.

2002-12-01

In support of the characterization of Yucca Mountain as a potential site for as a geologic repository for high-level nuclear waste, the US Department of Energy conducted the Large Block Test (LBT) at nearby Fran Ridge. The LBT was conducted in an excavated 3x 3x 4.5m block of partially saturated, fractured nonlithophysal Topopah Spring tuff, which is one of the host-rock units for the potential repository at Yucca Mountain. The LBT was one of a series of field-scale thermohydrologic tests conducted in the repository host-rock units. The LBT was heated by line heaters installed in five boreholes lying in a horizontal plane 2.75 m below the upper surface of the block. The field-scale thermal tests were designed to help investigators better understand the coupled thermohydrologic-mechanical-chemical processes that would occur in the host rock in response to the radioactive heat of decay from emplaced waste packages. The tests also provide data for the calibration and validation of numerical models used to analyze the thermohydrologic response of the near-field host rock and Engineered Barrier System (EBS). Using the NUFT code and the dual-permeability approach to representing fracture-matrix interaction, we simulated the thermohydrologic response of the block to a heating and cooling cycle. The primary goals of the analysis were to study the heat-flow mechanisms and water redistribution patterns in the boiling and sub-boiling zones, and to compare model results with measured temperature and liquid saturation data, and thereby evaluate two rock property data sets available for modeling thermohydrologic behavior in the rock. Model results were also used for model calibration and validation. We obtained a good to excellent match between model and observed temperatures, and found that the distinct dryout and condensation zones modeled above and below the heater level agreed fairly well with the liquid-saturation measurements. We identified the best-fit data set by using a statistical analysis to compare model and field temperatures, and found that heat flow in the block was dominated by conduction.

Simulation of Mechanical Processes in Gas Storage Caverns for Short-Term Energy Storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Böttcher, Norbert; Nagel, Thomas; Kolditz, Olaf

2015-04-01

In recent years, Germany's energy management has started to be transferred from fossil fuels to renewable and sustainable energy carriers. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power are subjected by fluctuations, thus the development and extension of energy storage capacities is a priority in German R&D programs. This work is a part of the ANGUS+ Project, funded by the federal ministry of education and research, which investigates the influence of subsurface energy storage on the underground. The utilization of subsurface salt caverns as a long-term storage reservoir for fossil fuels is a common method, since the construction of caverns in salt rock is inexpensive in comparison to solid rock formations due to solution mining. Another advantage of evaporate as host material is the self-healing behaviour of salt rock, thus the cavity can be assumed to be impermeable. In the framework of short-term energy storage (hours to days), caverns can be used as gas storage reservoirs for natural or artificial fuel gases, such as hydrogen, methane, or compressed air, where the operation pressures inside the caverns will fluctuate more frequently. This work investigates the influence of changing operation pressures at high frequencies on the stability of the host rock of gas storage caverns utilizing numerical models. Therefore, we developed a coupled Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical (THM) model based on the finite element method utilizing the open-source software platform OpenGeoSys. The salt behaviour is described by well-known constitutive material models which are capable of predicting creep, self-healing, and dilatancy processes. Our simulations include the thermodynamic behaviour of gas storage process, temperature development and distribution on the cavern boundary, the deformation of the cavern geometry, and the prediction of the dilatancy zone. Based on the numerical results, optimal operation modes can be found for individual caverns, so the risk of host rock damage can be minimized. Furthermore, the model can be used to design efficient monitoring programs to detect possible variations of the host rock due construction and operation of the storage facility. The developed model will be used by public authorities for land use planning issues.

Complicated secondary textures in zircon record evolution of the host granitic rocks: Studies from Western Tauern Window and Ötztal-Stubai Crystalline Complex (Eastern Alps, Western Austria)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovaleva, Elizaveta; Harlov, Daniel; Klötzli, Urs

2017-07-01

Samples of metamorphosed and deformed granitic rocks were collected from two Alpine complexes with well-constrained metamorphic history: Western Tauern Window and Ötztal-Stubai Crystalline Complex. Zircon grains from these samples were investigated in situ by a combination of scanning electron microscope techniques, cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging and Raman spectroscopy. The aims were: to describe and interpret complicated secondary textures and microstructures in zircon; based on cross-cutting relationships between secondary microstructures, reconstruct the sequence of processes, affecting zircon crystals; link the evolution of zircon with the history of the host rocks. The results indicate that zircon in the sampled granitic rocks forms growth twins and multi-grain aggregates, which are unusual for this mineral. Moreover, various secondary textures have been found in the sampled zircon, often cross-cutting each other in a single crystal. These include: distorted oscillatory CL zoning with inner zones forming inward-penetrating, CL-bright embayments, which are the evidence of dry recrystallization via annealing/lattice recovery; CL mosaicism with no preservation of growth zoning, but abundant nano- and micro-scale pores and mineral inclusions, which are the evidence of recrystallization by coupled dissolution-reprecipitation and/or leaching; embayed zircon boundaries filled with apatite, monazite, epidote and mylonitic matrix, indicating mineral-fluid reactions resulting in zircon dissolution and fragmentation; overgrowth CL-dark rims, which contain nano-pores and point to transport and precipitation of dissolved zircon matter. We conclude that zircon in our meta-granites is sensitive to metamorphism/deformation events, and was reactive with metamorphic fluids. Additionally, we have found evidence of crystal-plastic deformation in the form of low angle boundaries and bent grain tips, which is a result of shearing and ductile deformation of the host rock. We suggest that the observed complicated secondary textures in zircon can be linked to the evolutionary stages of the host rocks such as magmatic crystallization, prograde metamorphism, peak of amphibolite-facies metamorphism, post-peak cooling and exhumation, formation of ductile shear zones and final cooling to 250 °C.

Geochemical and isotopic study of impact melts and spherules from the Lonar impact crater, India, indicate melting of the Precambrian basement beneath the 'target' Deccan basalts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chakrabarti, R.; Goderis, S.; Banerjee, A.; Gupta, R. D.; Claeys, P.; Vanhaecke, F. F.

2016-12-01

The 1.88 km diameter Lonar impact Crater, with age estimates ranging from 52 -570 ka, is located in the Buldana district of Maharashtra, India. It is an almost circular depression hosted entirely in the 65Ma old basalt flows of the Deccan Traps and is the best-known terrestrial analogue for impact craters in the Inner Solar System. Isotopic studies indicate that the basalts around Lonar correlate with the Poladpur suite, one of the mid-section volcano-stratigraphic units of the Deccan traps. Recently collected samples of the host basalt and impact melts, were analyzed for major and trace element concentrations using ICPMS, as well as for Nd and Sr isotope ratios using TIMS. Relatively more radiogenic Sr and less radiogenic Nd isotopic composition of the melt rocks compared to earlier measurements of similar rocks from Lonar are consistent with melting of the Precambrian basement beneath the Deccan basalt. Spherules ranging in size from 100 mm to 1 mm, were hand-picked under a binocular microscope from unconsolidated soil samples, collected from the south-eastern rim of the crater. Thirty-five spherule samples, screened for surface alteration using SEM were analyzed for major and trace element concentrations including PGEs using LA-ICPMS. The spherules were further classified into two groups using the Chemical Index of Alteration(CIA). Iridium and Cr concentrations of the spherules are consistent with mixing of a chondritic impactor (with 2-8% contribution) with the target rock(s). On a Nb (fluid immobile) -normalized binary plot of Th versus Cr, the composition of the spherules can be explained by mixing between the host basalt and a chondritic impactor with a definite, but minor contribution of the basement beneath Lonar, the composition of which is approximated using the average composition of the upper continental crust (UCC). Variability in the light-REE fractionation of the spherules (La/Sm(N)) can also be explained by a similar three component mixing. Overall, our geochemical data for both the melt rocks and spherules suggest mixing between the chondritic impactor, the Deccan host basalt and the basement rocks at Lonar.

Nature and origin of mineral coatings on volcanic rocks of the Black Mountain, Stonewall Mountain, and Kane Springs Wash volcanic centers, Southern Nevada

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taranik, James V.; Hsu, Liang C.; Spatz, David

1988-01-01

Comparative lab spectra and Thematic Mapper imagery investigations at 3 Tertiary calderas in southern Nevada indicate that desert varnish is absorbant relative to underlying host rocks below about 0.7 to 1.3 microns, depending on mafic affinity of the sample, but less absorbant than mafic host rocks at higher wavelengths. Desert varnish occurs chiefly as thin impregnating films. Distribution of significant varnish accumulations is sparse and localized, occurring chiefly in surface recesses. These relationships result in the longer wavelength bands and high 5/2 values over felsic units with extensive desert varnish coatings. These lithologic, petrochemical, and desert varnish controlled spectral responses lead to characteristic TM band relationships which tend to correlate with conventionally mappable geologic formations. The concept of a Rock-Varnish Index (RVI) is introduced to help distinguish rocks with a potentially detectable varnish. Felsic rocks have a high RVI, and those with extensive desert varnish behave differently, spectrally, from those without extensive varnish. The spectrally distinctive volcanic formations at Stonewall Mountain provide excellent statistical class segregation on supervised classification images. A binary decision rule flow-diagram is presented to aid TM imagery analysis over volcanic terrane in semi-arid environments.

An experimental study of the carbonation of serpentinite and partially serpentinised peridotites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lacinska, Alicja M.; Styles, Michael T.; Bateman, Keith; Hall, Matthew; Brown, Paul D.

2017-06-01

In situ sequestration of CO2 in mantle peridotites has been proposed as a method to alleviate the amount of anthropogenic CO2 in the atmosphere. This study presents the results of eight-month long laboratory fluid-rock experiments on representative mantle rocks from the Oman-United Arab Emirates ophiolite to investigate this process. Small core samples (3 cm long) were reacted in wet supercritical CO2 and CO2-saturated brine at 100 bar and 70°C. The extent of carbonate formation, and hence the degree of carbon sequestration, varied greatly depending on rock type, with serpentinite (lizardite-dominated) exhibiting the highest capacity, manifested by the precipitation of magnesite MgCO3 and ferroan magnesite (Mg,Fe)CO3. The carbonate precipitation occurred predominantly on the surface of the core and subordinately within cross-cutting fractures. The extent of the CO2 reactions appeared to be principally controlled by the chemical and mineralogical composition of the rock, as well as the rock texture, with all these factors influencing the extent and rate of mineral dissolution and release of Mg and Fe for subsequent reaction with the CO2. It was calculated that ≈ 0.7 g of CO2 was captured by reacting ≈ 23 g of serpentinite, determined by the mass of magnesite formed. This equates to ≈ 30 kg CO2 per tonne of host rock, equivalent to ≈ 3% carbonation in half a year. However, recycling of carbonate present in veins within the original rock sample could mean that the overall amount is around 2%. The increased reactivity of serpentinite was associated with preferential dissolution of more reactive types of serpentine minerals and brucite, that were mainly present in the cross-cutting veins. The bulk of the serpentinite rock was little affected. This study, using relatively short term experiments, suggests that serpentinite might be a good host rock for CO2 sequestration, although long term experiments might prove that dunite and harzburgite could be an effective in an engineered system of CCSM. Wet scCO2 proved to be chemically aggressive than CO2-saturated brine and its ingress along fractures and grain boundaries resulted in greater host rock dissolution and subsequent carbonate precipitation.

Effects of shallow basaltic intrusion into pyroclastic deposits, Grants Ridge, New Mexico, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

WoldeGabriel, Giday; Keating, Gordon N.; Valentine, Greg A.

1999-10-01

A localized aureole up to 10 m wide developed around a 150-m-wide, 2.6 Ma basaltic plug at Grants Ridge, New Mexico. The plug intruded into nonwelded, pumice-rich compositionally homogenous tuff and volcaniclastic sediments of similar age (3.3 Ma). Color variation (pinkish to orange), strong local contact welding, brecciation, partial melting, and stoping characterize the host rock within the contact zone. Despite the high-temperature basaltic intrusion, there is no indication of extensive fluid-driven convective heat transfer and pervasive hydrothermal circulation and alteration of the country rock. The proportion of volcanic glass, loss on ignition (LOI), fluorine, iron, and some trace and rare earth element contents in the host rocks are somewhat depleted at the contact of the intrusion. Conversely, the degree of devitrification and the potassium content are higher along the contact. Vapor-phase expulsion of elemental species as complexes of fluoride, chloride, hydroxide, sulfide, and carbon dioxide may have been responsible for the minor depletion of the elements during the devitrification of silicic glass at near-solidus temperature related to the basaltic intrusion. The results of finite-difference numerical modeling of the intrusion as a dry, conduction-dominated system agree well with geochemical and mineralogical data. Contact welding of the host rocks apparently occurred at temperatures >700°C under a density-driven lateral load of approximately 1 MPa, corresponding to the observed depth below the former ground surface of ˜100 m. Other physical changes in the first 10 m of host rock, represented by partial devitrification and color changes, apparently occurred at temperatures of 500-600°C, which probably persisted for up to 55 years after the emplacement of the basaltic plug. Devitrification is generally enhanced by the presence of aqueous fluids; however, the abundance of volcanic glass within a short distance (˜10 m) from the plug is consistent with our inference that the plug intruded into a dry (unsaturated) environment.

Reproducing early Martian atmospheric carbon dioxide partial pressure by modeling the formation of Mg-Fe-Ca carbonate identified in the Comanche rock outcrops on Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berk, Wolfgang; Fu, Yunjiao; Ilger, Jan-Michael

2012-10-01

The well defined composition of the Comanche rock's carbonate (Magnesite0.62Siderite0.25Calcite0.11Rhodochrosite0.02) and its host rock's composition, dominated by Mg-rich olivine, enable us to reproduce the atmospheric CO2partial pressure that may have triggered the formation of these carbonates. Hydrogeochemical one-dimensional transport modeling reveals that similar aqueous rock alteration conditions (including CO2partial pressure) may have led to the formation of Mg-Fe-Ca carbonate identified in the Comanche rock outcrops (Gusev Crater) and also in the ultramafic rocks exposed in the Nili Fossae region. Hydrogeochemical conditions enabling the formation of Mg-rich solid solution carbonate result from equilibrium species distributions involving (1) ultramafic rocks (ca. 32 wt% olivine; Fo0.72Fa0.28), (2) pure water, and (3) CO2partial pressures of ca. 0.5 to 2.0 bar at water-to-rock ratios of ca. 500 molH2O mol-1rock and ca. 5°C (278 K). Our modeled carbonate composition (Magnesite0.64Siderite0.28Calcite0.08) matches the measured composition of carbonates preserved in the Comanche rocks. Considerably different carbonate compositions are achieved at (1) higher temperature (85°C), (2) water-to-rock ratios considerably higher and lower than 500 mol mol-1 and (3) CO2partial pressures differing from 1.0 bar in the model set up. The Comanche rocks, hosting the carbonate, may have been subjected to long-lasting (>104 to 105 years) aqueous alteration processes triggered by atmospheric CO2partial pressures of ca. 1.0 bar at low temperature. Their outcrop may represent a fragment of the upper layers of an altered olivine-rich rock column, which is characterized by newly formed Mg-Fe-Ca solid solution carbonate, and phyllosilicate-rich alteration assemblages within deeper (unexposed) units.

Rare earth element content of cryptocrystalline magnesites of Konya, Turkey

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zedef, Veysel, E-mail: vzedef@selcuk.edu.tr; Russell, Michael

We examined the rare earth element content of several cryptocrystalline magnesites as well as hydromagnesite, host rock serpentinites, lake water and hot spring water from Turkey. Southwestern Turkey hosts cryptocrystalline magnesites, sedimentary magnesites with presently forming, biologically mediated hydromagnesites and travertines. Our results show the REE content of the minerals, rocks and waters are well below detection limits. One hydromagnesite sample from Lake Salda has slightly high La (2.38ppb), Ce (3.91 ppb) and Nd (1.68 ppb) when compared to other samples, but these are also still below detection limits of the method we followed.

Geomorphic domains and linear features on Landsat images, Circle Quadrangle, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Simpson, S.L.

1984-01-01

A remote sensing study using Landsat images was undertaken as part of the Alaska Mineral Resource Assessment Program (AMRAP). Geomorphic domains A and B, identified on enhanced Landsat images, divide Circle quadrangle south of Tintina fault zone into two regional areas having major differences in surface characteristics. Domain A is a roughly rectangular, northeast-trending area of relatively low relief and simple, widely spaced drainages, except where igneous rocks are exposed. In contrast, domain B, which bounds two sides of domain A, is more intricately dissected showing abrupt changes in slope and relatively high relief. The northwestern part of geomorphic domain A includes a previously mapped tectonostratigraphic terrane. The southeastern boundary of domain A occurs entirely within the adjoining tectonostratigraphic terrane. The sharp geomorphic contrast along the southeastern boundary of domain A and the existence of known faults along this boundary suggest that the southeastern part of domain A may be a subdivision of the adjoining terrane. Detailed field studies would be necessary to determine the characteristics of the subdivision. Domain B appears to be divisible into large areas of different geomorphic terrains by east-northeast-trending curvilinear lines drawn on Landsat images. Segments of two of these lines correlate with parts of boundaries of mapped tectonostratigraphic terranes. On Landsat images prominent north-trending lineaments together with the curvilinear lines form a large-scale regional pattern that is transected by mapped north-northeast-trending high-angle faults. The lineaments indicate possible lithlogic variations and/or structural boundaries. A statistical strike-frequency analysis of the linear features data for Circle quadrangle shows that northeast-trending linear features predominate throughout, and that most northwest-trending linear features are found south of Tintina fault zone. A major trend interval of N.64-72E. in the linear feature data, corresponds to the strike of foliations in metamorphic rocks and magnetic anomalies reflecting compositional variations suggesting that most linear features in the southern part of the quadrangle probably are related to lithologic variations brought about by folding and foliation of metamorphic rocks. A second important trend interval, N.14-35E., may be related to thrusting south of the Tintina fault zone, as high concentrations of linear features within this interval are found in areas of mapped thrusts. Low concentrations of linear features are found in areas of most igneous intrusives. High concentrations of linear features do not correspond to areas of mineralization in any consistent or significant way that would allow concentration patterns to be easily used as an aid in locating areas of mineralization. The results of this remote sensing study indicate that there are several possibly important areas where further detailed studies are warranted.

More than Meets the Ear: A Factor Analysis of Student Impressions of Television Talk Show Hosts.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walker, James R.

To identify the descriptors most frequently associated with four popular television talk show hosts and to isolate the fundamental dimensions of the images of those talk show hosts, a study surveyed 209 students from Memphis State University and the University of Arkansas (Little Rock) about their impressions of Johnny Carson, David Letterman,…

Iron-nickel alloys as canister material for radioactive waste disposal in underground repositories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Apps, J. A.

1982-09-01

Canisters containing high-level radioactive waste must retain their integrity in an underground waste repository for at least one thousand years after burial (Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 1981). Since no direct means of verifying canister integrity is plausible over such a long period, indirect methods must be chosen. A persuasive approach is to examine the natural environment and find a suitable material which is thermodynamically compatible with the host rock under the environmental conditions with the host rock under the environmental conditions expected in a waste repository. Several candidates have been proposed, among them being iron-nickel alloys that are known to occur naturally in altered ultramafic rocks. The following review of stability relations among iron-nickel alloys below 3500 C is the initial phase of a more detailed evaluation of these alloys as suitable canister materials.

Compositional variation in the chevkinite group: new data from igneous and metamorphic rocks

USGS Publications Warehouse

Belkin, Harvey E.; MacDonald, R.; Wall, F.; Baginski, B.

2009-01-01

Electron microprobe analyses are presented of chevkinite-group minerals from Canada, USA, Guatemala, Norway, Scotland, Italy and India. The host rocks are metacarbonates, alkaline and subalkaline granitoids, quartz-bearing pegmatites, carbonatite and an inferred K-rich tuff. The analyses extend slightly the range of compositions in the chevkinite group, e.g. the most MgO-rich phases yet recorded, and we report two further examples where La is the dominant cation in the A site. Patchily- zoned crystals from Virginia and Guatemala contain both perrierite and chevkinite compositions. The new and published analyses are used to review compositional variation in minerals of the perrierite subgroup, which can form in a wide range of host rock compositions and over a substantial pressure- temperature range. The dominant substitutions in the various cation sites and a generalized substitution scheme are described.

Age and geodynamic setting of the formation of the dess gold-silver deposit (North Stanovoi metallogenic zone, southeastern fringes of the North Asian Craton)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buchko, I. V.; Sorokin, A. A.; Ponomarchuk, V. A.; Travin, A. V.; Sorokin, A. P.; Buchko, Ir. V.

2010-12-01

This article discusses the results of 40Ar/39Ar geochronological studies on the age of the gold-silver mineralization of the Dess occurrence hosted by the granitoids of the Tynda-Bakaran rock complex, which is 129-128 Ma. This estimate coincides with the time of the formation of the Mo mineralization (125-122 Ma) hosted by the rocks of the same rock complex. This allows dating the Au-Ag and Mo mineralizations from the same ore formation period that manifests itself in the granitoids of the North Stanovoi metallogenic belt that were formed in the environment of a transform continental margin. There exists the following sequence of changes in the mineral occurrences from the south to the north: Au-Ag-Au-Mo(Au).

TESTING OF INDOOR RADON REDUCTION TECHNIQUES IN BASEMENT HOUSES HAVING ADJOINING WINGS

EPA Science Inventory

The report gives results of tests of indoor radon reduction techniques in 12 existing Maryland houses, with the objective of determining when basement houses with adjoining wings require active soil depressurization (ASD) treatment of both wings, and when treatment of the basemen...

Natural fault and fracture network versus anisotropy in the Lower Paleozoic rocks of Pomerania (Poland)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haluch, Anna; Rybak-Ostrowska, Barbara; Konon, Andrzej

2017-04-01

Knowledge of the anisotropy of rock fabric, geometry and distribution of the natural fault and fracture network play a crucial role in the exploration for unconventional hydrocarbon recourses. Lower Paleozoic rocks from Pomerania within the Polish part of Peri-Baltic Basin, as prospective sequences, can be considered a laboratory for analysis of fault and fracture arrangement in relation to the mineral composition of the host rocks. A microstructural study of core samples from five boreholes in Pomerania indicate that the Silurian succession in the study area is predominantly composed of claystones and mudstones interbedded with thin layers of tuffites. Intervals with a high content of detrital quartz or diagenetic silica also occur. Most of the Silurian deposits are abundant in pyrite framboids forming layers or isolated small concretions. Early diagenetic carbonate concretions are also present. The direction and distribution of natural faults and fractures have resulted not only from paleostress. Preliminary study reveals that the fault and fracture arrangement is related to the mechanical properties of the host rocks that depend on their fabric and mineralogical composition: subvertical fractures in mudstones and limestones show steeper dips than those within the more clayey intervals; bedding-parallel fractures occur within organic-rich claystones and along the boundaries between different lithologies; tuffites and radiolaria-bearing siliceous mudstones are more brittle and show denser nets of fractures or wider mineral apertures; and, fracture refraction is observed at competence contrast or around spherical concretions. The fault and fracture mineralization itself is prone to the heterogenity of the rock profile. Thus, fractures infilled with calcite occur in all types of the studied rocks, but mineral growth is syntaxial within marly mudstones because of chemical uniformity, and antitaxial within sillicous mudstones. Fractures infilled with quartz are restricted to tuffites and claystones with biogenic silica. Matching the complex microstructural and mineralogical data with the geomechanical analysis of the host rocks will be the base for further studies on induced fault and fracture development. The study was supported by grant no.: 13-03-00-501-90-472946, funded by the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBiR)

Characteristics and origin of agates from Płóczki Górne (Lower Silesia, Poland): A combined microscopic, micro-Raman, and cathodoluminescence study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dumańska-Słowik, Magdalena; Powolny, Tomasz; Sikorska-Jaworowska, Magdalena; Gaweł, Adam; Kogut, Lucyna; Poloński, Krzysztof

2018-03-01

Agates from Płóczki Górne hosted by Permian basaltic rocks are predominantly made of length-fast chalcedony, and subordinately megaquartz and quartzine. Moganite occurs in traces mainly in transparent, outer, darker regions of white-grey coloured agates. Silica matrix of agates comprises a wide variety of solid inclusions represented by celadonite, plagioclases, hematite, goethite, barite, calcite, heulandite-clinoptyloite, nontronite-saponite, and Mn-dioxides (ramsdellite). Mineral phases are locally accompanied by black aggregations of carbonaceous matter, which gives a Raman signature of disordered carbon. These organic components were probably deposited from a hydrothermal fluids at low-temperature conditions and originated from sedimentary rocks found in the surrounding area of Płóczki Górne. The abundance of various SiO2 phases, mineral inclusions as well as various micro-textures (colloform, comb, feathery, and jigsaw-puzzle) in agates resulted from physicochemical fluctuations of SiO2-bearing mineralizing solutions at various stages of these gems formation. Agates from Płóczki Górne formed during post-magmatic stage of basaltic host rocks evolution. Not only were the hydrothermal fluids enriched in silica, but also they contained other elements such as Na, Ca, Al, Mg, Mn, Fe, Ba, SO4, and CO2, which were mobilized from host rocks or surrounding area.

Contributions to the gold metallogeny of northern Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tosdal, Richard M.

1998-01-01

Nevada is one of the Earth's premier gold producing regions, accounting for approximately 64 percent of the U.S and nine percent of the world total. The impact of these mines on nearby local economies and on our national balance of payments is profound, and will continue well into the next century. Of principal importance in this region are giant sedimentary-rock-hosted (Carlin-type) deposits. These are some of the world's largest deposits, but yet are poorly understood. Other sedimentary-rock hosted deposits in the region, the distal-disseminated Ag-Au type, are genetically related to shallow plutonic complexes. Hot-spring gold-silver systems associated with Tertiary volcanic rocks represent a third type of precious metal deposit in northern Nevada. These deposits, despite being generally smaller than sedimentary-rock-hosted gold deposits, are also important gold-silver resources. Aspects about the geologic and metallogenic setting of gold-silver deposits in northern Nevada are addressed in the twenty-two chapters that compose this volume. The volume is organized along four themes: (1) crustal structure; (2) Carlin-type deposits; (3) pluton-related gold-silver deposits near Battle Mountain; and (4) hot-spring gold-silver deposits. This Open-File Report, the result of ongoing geologic and mineral-resource investigations, provides a basis for mineral exploration, for land-use planning decisions, and for environmental questions in northern Nevada.

Enigmatic diamonds in Archean calc-alkaline lamprophyres of Wawa, southern Ontario, Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Stefano, Andrea; Lefebvre, Nathalie; Kopylova, Maya

2006-02-01

A suite of 80 macrodiamonds recovered from volcaniclastic breccia of Wawa (southern Ontario) was characterized on the basis of morphology, nitrogen content and aggregation, cathodoluminescence (CL), and mineral inclusions. The host calc-alkaline lamprophyric breccias were emplaced at 2.68-2.74 Ga, contemporaneously with voluminous bimodal volcanism of the Michipicoten greenstone belt. The studied suite of diamonds differs from the vast majority of diamond suites found worldwide. First, the suite is hosted by calc-alkaline lamprophyric volcanics rather than by kimberlite or lamproite. Second, the host volcanic rock is amongst the oldest known diamondiferous rocks on Earth, and has experienced regional metamorphism and deformation. Finally, most diamonds show yellow-orange-red CL and contain mineral inclusions not in equilibrium with each other or their host diamond. The majority of the diamonds in the Wawa suite are colorless, weakly resorbed, octahedral single crystals and aggregates. The diamonds contain 0-740 ppm N and show two modes of N aggregation at 0-30 and 60-95% B-centers suggesting mantle storage at 1,100-1,170°C. Cathodoluminescence and FTIR spectroscopy shows that emission peaks present in orange CL stones do not likely result from irradiation or single substitutional N, in contrast to other diamonds with red CL. The diamonds contain primary inclusions of olivine (Fo92 and Fo89), omphacite, orthopyroxene (En93), pentlandite, albite, and An-rich plagioclase. These peridotitic and eclogitic minerals are commonly found within single diamonds in a mixed paragenesis which also combines shallow and deep phases. This apparent disequilibrium can be explained by effective small-scale mixing of subducted oceanic crust and mantle rocks in fast “cold” plumes ascending from the top of the slabs in convergent margins. Alternatively, the diamonds could have formed in the pre-2.7-2.9 Ga cratonic mantle and experienced subsequent alteration of syngenetic inclusions related to host magmatism and ensuing metamorphism. Neither orogenic nor cratonic model of the diamond origin fully explains all of the observed characteristics of the diamonds and their host rocks.

50 CFR 622.374 - Recordkeeping and reporting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... from state waters adjoining the Gulf or South Atlantic EEZ, who is selected to report by the SRD must... or from state waters adjoining the Gulf or South Atlantic EEZ, who is selected to report by the SRD... ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE FISHERIES OF THE CARIBBEAN, GULF OF MEXICO, AND SOUTH...

Predation of stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) by a complex of predators and adjoining soybean habitats in Georgia, USA

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Molecular gut-content analysis was used to examine predation on stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) by arthropod predators in habitats of soybean with and without buckwheat and adjoining cotton. Nezara viridula (L.), Euschistus servus (Say), Chinavia hilaris (Say), and Euschistus quadrator Rolston,...

Age and geochemistry of host rocks of the Cobre Panama porphyry Cu-Au deposit, central Panama: Implications for the Paleogene evolution of the Panamanian magmatic arc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baker, Michael J.; Hollings, Peter; Thompson, Jennifer A.; Thompson, Jay M.; Burge, Colin

2016-04-01

The Cobre Panama porphyry Cu-Au deposit, located in the Petaquilla district of central Panama, is hosted by a sequence of medium- to high-K calc-alkaline volcanic and sub-volcanic rocks. New crystallisation ages obtained from a granodiorite Petaquilla batholith and associated mineralised diorite to granodiorite porphyry stocks and dikes at Cobre Panama indicate that the batholith was emplaced as a multi-phase intrusion, over a period of 4 million years from 32.20 ± 0.76 Ma to 28.26 ± 0.61 Ma, while the porphyritic rocks were emplaced over a 2 million year period from 28.96 ± 0.62 Ma to 27.48 ± 0.68 Ma. Both the volcanic to sub-volcanic host rocks and intrusive rocks of the Cobre Panama deposit evolved via fractional crystallisation processes, as demonstrated by the major elements (e.g. Al2O3, Fe2O3, TiO2 and MgO) displaying negative trends with increasing SiO2. The Petaquilla intrusive rocks, including the diorite-granodiorite porphyries and granodiorite batholith, are geochemically evolved and appear to have formed from more hydrous magmas than the preceding host volcanic rocks, as evidenced by the presence of hornblende phenocrysts, higher degrees of large-ion lithophile element (LILE) and light rare earth element (LREE) enrichment and heavy rare earth element (HREE) depletion, and higher Sr/Y and La/Yb values. However, the degree of LREE enrichment, HREE depletion and La/Yb values are insufficient for the intrusive rocks to be considered as adakites. Collectively, the volcanic and intrusive rocks have LILE, REE and mobile trace element concentrations similar to enriched Miocene-age Cordilleran arc magmatism found throughout central and western Panama. Both the Petaquilla and Cordilleran arc magmatic suites are geochemically more evolved than the late Cretaceous to Eocene Chagres-Bayano arc magmas from northeastern Panama, as they display higher degrees of LILE and LREE enrichment. The geochemical similarities between the Petaquilla and Cordilleran arc magmas suggest that evolved calc-alkaline arc magmatism may extend to the late Eocene, at least 10 million years earlier than previously estimated. The crystallisation ages for intrusive rocks associated with mineralisation at Cobre Panama imply that the deposit formed in the early Oligocene, between a period of late Cretaceous to Eocene magmatism (ca. 66-42 Ma; Chagres-Bayano arc) and Cordilleran arc magmatism (22-7 Ma). Similarities in the timing of intrusive suite emplacement and the fingerprinting of magmatic fractionation processes between the Cobre Panama porphyry deposit and the Cerro Colorado porphyry deposit in western Panama (ca. 5.3 Ma) suggest that these features provide favourable geodynamic and geochemical prerequisites for the formation of porphyry deposits along the Panamanian magmatic arc during the Cenozoic.

Geological Studies of the Salmon River Suture Zone and Adjoining Areas, West-Central Idaho and Eastern Oregon

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kuntz, Mel A.; Snee, Lawrence W.

2007-01-01

The papers in this volume describe petrologic, structural, and geochemical studies related to geographic areas adjacent to and including the Salmon River suture zone. We therefore start this volume by defining and giving a general description of that suture zone. The western margin of the North American continent was the setting for complex terrane accretion and large-scale terrane translation during Late Cretaceous and Eocene time. In western Idaho, the boundary that separates the Paleozoic-Mesozoic accreted oceanic, island-arc rocks on the west from Precambrian continental metamorphic and sedimentary rocks on the east is called the Salmon River suture zone (SRSZ). Readers will note that the term 'Salmon River suture zone' is used in the title of this volume and in the text of several of the papers and the term 'western Idaho suture zone' is used in several other papers in this volume. Both terms refer to the same geologic feature and reflect historical usage and custom; thus no attempt has been made by the editors to impose or demand a single term by the various authors of this volume. The suture zone is marked by strong lithologic and chemical differences. Rocks adjacent to the suture zone are characterized by high-grade metamorphism and much structural deformation. In addition, the zone was the locus of emplacement of plutons ranging in composition from tonalite to monzogranite during and after the final stages of accretion of the oceanic terrane to the North American continent. The contents of this paper consists of seven chapters.

Geologic map of the East of Grotto Hills Quadrangle, California: a digital database

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nielson, Jane E.; Bedford, David R.

1999-01-01

The East of Grotto Hills 1:24,000-scale quadrangle of California lies west of the Colorado River about 30 km southwest of Searchlight, Nevada, near the boundary between the northern and southern parts of the Basin and Range Province. The quadrangle includes the eastern margin of Lanfair Valley, the southernmost part of the Castle Mountains, and part of the northwest Piute Range. The generally north-trending Piute Range aligns with the Piute and Dead Mountains of California and the Newberry and Eldorado Mountains and McCullough Range of Nevada. The southern part of the Piute Range adjoins Homer Mountain (Spencer and Turner, 1985) near Civil War-era Fort Piute. Adjacent 1:24,000-scale quadrangles include Castle Peaks, Homer Mountain, and Signal Hill, Calif.; also Hart Peak, Tenmile Well, and West of Juniper Mine, Calif. and Nev. The mapped area contains Tertiary (Miocene) volcanic and sedimentary rocks, interbedded with and overlain by Tertiary and Quaternary surficial deposits. Miocene intrusions mark conduits that served as feeders for the Miocene volcanic rocks, which also contain late magma pulses that cut the volcanic section. Upper Miocene conglomerate deposits interfinger with the uppermost volcanic flows. Canyons and intermontane valleys contain dissected Quaternary alluvial-fan deposits, mantled by active alluvial-fan deposits and detritus of active drainages. The alluvial materials were derived largely from Early Proterozoic granite and gneiss complexes, intruded by Mesozoic granite, dominate the heads of Lanfair Valley drainages in the New York Mountains and Mid Hills (fig. 1; Jennings, 1961). Similar rocks also underlie Tertiary deposits in the Castle Peaks, Castle Mountains, and eastern Piute Range.

Generic Argillite/Shale Disposal Reference Case

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zheng, Liange; Colon, Carlos Jové; Bianchi, Marco

Radioactive waste disposal in a deep subsurface repository hosted in clay/shale/argillite is a subject of widespread interest given the desirable isolation properties, geochemically reduced conditions, and widespread geologic occurrence of this rock type (Hansen 2010; Bianchi et al. 2013). Bianchi et al. (2013) provides a description of diffusion in a clay-hosted repository based on single-phase flow and full saturation using parametric data from documented studies in Europe (e.g., ANDRA 2005). The predominance of diffusive transport and sorption phenomena in this clay media are key attributes to impede radionuclide mobility making clay rock formations target sites for disposal of high-level radioactivemore » waste. The reports by Hansen et al. (2010) and those from numerous studies in clay-hosted underground research laboratories (URLs) in Belgium, France and Switzerland outline the extensive scientific knowledge obtained to assess long-term clay/shale/argillite repository isolation performance of nuclear waste. In the past several years under the UFDC, various kinds of models have been developed for argillite repository to demonstrate the model capability, understand the spatial and temporal alteration of the repository, and evaluate different scenarios. These models include the coupled Thermal-Hydrological-Mechanical (THM) and Thermal-Hydrological-Mechanical-Chemical (THMC) models (e.g. Liu et al. 2013; Rutqvist et al. 2014a, Zheng et al. 2014a) that focus on THMC processes in the Engineered Barrier System (EBS) bentonite and argillite host hock, the large scale hydrogeologic model (Bianchi et al. 2014) that investigates the hydraulic connection between an emplacement drift and surrounding hydrogeological units, and Disposal Systems Evaluation Framework (DSEF) models (Greenberg et al. 2013) that evaluate thermal evolution in the host rock approximated as a thermal conduction process to facilitate the analysis of design options. However, the assumptions and the properties (parameters) used in these models are different, which not only make inter-model comparisons difficult, but also compromise the applicability of the lessons learned from one model to another model. The establishment of a reference case would therefore be helpful to set up a baseline for model development. A generic salt repository reference case was developed in Freeze et al. (2013) and the generic argillite repository reference case is presented in this report. The definition of a reference case requires the characterization of the waste inventory, waste form, waste package, repository layout, EBS backfill, host rock, and biosphere. This report mainly documents the processes in EBS bentonite and host rock that are potentially important for performance assessment and properties that are needed to describe these processes, with brief description other components such as waste inventory, waste form, waste package, repository layout, aquifer, and biosphere. A thorough description of the generic argillite repository reference case will be given in Jové Colon et al. (2014).« less

Characterization of carbon in sediment-hosted disseminated gold deposits, north central Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Leventhal, Joel; Hofstra, Albert; ,

1990-01-01

The gray, dark gray and black colors of the sediments and the presence of pyrite in the Carlin, Jerritt Canyon, Horse Canyon, Betze, and Gold Acres sediment-hosted disseminated gold (SHDG) deposits indicate that these rocks are not oxidized with respect to carbon and iron sulfide. The organic matter in the host rocks of SHDG deposits in north-central Nevada is cryptocrystalline graphite with dimensions of 30 to 70 A (0.003 to 0.007 ??) that was formed at temperatures of 250 to 300??C. These results indicate that north-central Nevada was subjected to pumpellyite-actinolite to lowermost greenschist facies conditions prior to mineralization. The hydrothermal fluids that produced the gold deposits had little, if any, effect on the thermal maturity and crystallinity of the cryptocrystalline graphite produced by the earlier thermal event.

Paralavas in the Cretaceous Paraná volcanic province, Brazil - A genetic interpretation of the volcanic rocks containing phenocrysts and glass.

PubMed

Baggio, Sérgio B; Hartmann, Léo A; Bello, Rosa M S

2016-01-01

The occurrences of glassy rocks containing long and curved phenocrysts in the Paraná volcanic province, South America, are here interpreted as paralavas. The large number of thin (0.1-0.5 m) dikes and sills of glassy volcanic rocks with hopper, hollow or curved, large crystals of clinopyroxene (up to 10 cm), plagioclase (up to 1 cm), magnetite and apatite are contained in the core of thick (>70 m) pahoehoe flows. They are strongly concentrated in the state of Paraná, coincident with the presence of the large number of dikes in the Ponta Grossa arch. These rocks were previously defined as pegmatites, although other names have also been used. A paralava is here interpreted as the product of melting of basaltic rocks following varied, successive processes of sill emplacement in high-kerogen bituminous shale and ascent of the resultant methane. As the gas reached the lower portion of the most recent lava flow of the volcanic pile, the methane reacted with the silicate and oxide minerals of the host volcanic rock (1,000 ºC) and thus elevated the local temperature to 1,600 ºC. The affected area of host rock remelted (possibly 75 wt.%) and injected buoyantly the central and upper portion of the core. This methane-related mechanism explains the evidence found in the paralavas from this volcanic province, one of the largest in the continents.

Geochemistry, Nd-Pb Isotopes, and Pb-Pb Ages of the Mesoproterozoic Pea Ridge Iron Oxide-Apatite–Rare Earth Element Deposit, Southeast Missouri

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ayuso, Robert A.; Slack, John F.; Day, Warren C.; McCafferty, Anne E.

2016-01-01

Iron oxide-apatite and iron oxide-copper-gold deposits occur within ~1.48 to 1.47 Ga volcanic rocks of the St. Francois Mountains terrane near a regional boundary separating crustal blocks having contrasting depleted-mantle Sm-Nd model ages (TDM). Major and trace element analyses and Nd and Pb isotope data were obtained to characterize the Pea Ridge deposit, improve identification of exploration targets, and better understand the regional distribution of mineralization with respect to crustal blocks. The Pea Ridge deposit is spatially associated with felsic volcanic rocks and plutons. Mafic to intermediate-composition rocks are volumetrically minor. Data for major element variations are commonly scattered and strongly suggest element mobility. Ratios of relatively immobile elements indicate that the felsic rocks are evolved subalkaline dacite and rhyolite; the mafic rocks are basalt to basaltic andesite. Granites and rhyolites display geochemical features typical of rocks produced by subduction. Rare earth element (REE) variations for the rhyolites are diagnostic of rocks affected by hydrothermal alteration and associated REE mineralization. The magnetite-rich rocks and REE-rich breccias show similar REE and mantle-normalized trace element patterns.Nd isotope compositions (age corrected) show that: (1) host rhyolites have ɛNd from 3.44 to 4.25 and TDM from 1.51 to 1.59 Ga; (2) magnetite ore and specular hematite rocks display ɛNd from 3.04 to 4.21 and TDM from 1.6 to 1.51 Ga, and ɛNd from 2.23 to 2.81, respectively; (3) REE-rich breccias have ɛNd from 3.04 to 4.11 and TDM from 1.6 to 1.51 Ga; and (4) mafic to intermediate-composition rocks range in ɛNd from 2.35 to 3.66 and in TDM from 1.66 to 1.56. The ɛNd values of the magnetite and specular hematite samples show that the REE mineralization is magmatic; no evidence exists for major overprinting by younger, crustal meteoric fluids, or by externally derived Nd. Host rocks, breccias, and magnetite ore shared a common origin from a similar source.Lead isotope ratios are diverse: (1) host rhyolite has 206Pb/204Pb from 24.261 to 50.091; (2) Pea Ridge and regional galenas have 206Pb/204Pb from 16.030 to 33.548; (3) REE-rich breccia, magnetite ore, and specular hematite rock are more radiogenic than galena; (4) REE-rich breccias have high 206Pb/204Pb (38.122–1277.61) compared to host rhyolites; and (5) REE-rich breccias are more radiogenic than magnetite ore and specular-hematite rock, having 206Pb/204Pb up to 230.65. Radiogenic 207Pb/206Pb age estimates suggest the following: (1) rhyolitic host rocks have ages of ~1.50 Ga, (2) magnetite ore is ~1.44 Ga, and (3) REE-rich breccias are ~1.48 Ga. These estimates are broadly consistent and genetically link the host rhyolite, REE-rich breccia, and magnetite ore as being contemporaneous.Alteration style and mineralogical or textural distinctions among the magnetite-rich rocks and REE-rich breccias do not correlate with different isotopic sources. In our model, magmatic fluids leached metals from the coeval felsic rocks (rhyolites), which provided the metal source reflected in the compositions of the REE-rich breccias and mineralized rocks. This model allows for the likelihood of contributions from other genetically related felsic and intermediate to more mafic rocks stored deeper in the crust. The deposit thus records an origin as a magmatic-hydrothermal system that was not affected by Nd and Pb remobilization processes, particularly if these processes also triggered mixing with externally sourced metal-bearing fluids. The Pea Ridge deposit was part of a single, widespread, homogeneous mixing system that produced a uniform isotopic composition, thus representing an excellent example of an igneous-dominated system that generated coeval magmatism and REE mineralization. Geochemical features suggest that components in the Pea Ridge deposit originated from sources in an orogenic margin. Basaltic magmatism produced by mantle decompression melting provided heat for extracting melts from the middle or lower crust. Continual addition of mafic magmas to the base of the subcontinental lithosphere, in a back-arc setting, remelted calc-alkaline rocks enriched in metals that were stored in the crust.The St. Francois Mountains terrane is adjacent to the regional TDM line (defined at a value of 1.55 Ga) that separates ~1600 Ma basement to the west, from younger basements to the east. Data for Pea Ridge straddle the TDM values proposed for the line. The Sm-Nd isotope system has been closed since formation of the deposit and the original igneous signatures have not been affected by cycles of alteration or superimposed mineralizing events. No evidence exists for externally derived Nd or Sm. The source region for metals within the Pea Ridge deposit had a moderate compositional variation and the REE-rich breccias and mineralized rocks are generally isotopically homogeneous. The Pea Ridge deposit thus constitutes a distinctive isotopic target for use as a model in identifying other mineralized systems that may share the same metal source in the St. Francois Mountains terrane and elsewhere in the eastern Granite-Rhyolite province.

Mathematical Models of Seafloor Hydrothermal Systems Driven by Serpentinization of Peridotite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lowell, R. P.; Rona, P. A.; Germanovich, L. N.

2001-12-01

Most seafloor hydrothermal systems are driven by heat transfer from subsurface magma bodies. At slow spreading ridges of the Atlantic and Indian oceans, however, magma supply is low; and tectonic activity brings mantle rocks to shallow depths in the crust. Then, the heat of formation released upon serpentinization of peridotite provides the energy source for hydrothermal circulation. This latter class of system has been relatively unstudied, but recent discoveries of peridotite-hosted hydrothermal systems along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge suggest that such systems may play an important role in geochemical cycling and biogeochemical processes. The likelihood that peridotite-hosted hydrothermal systems was more prevalent during the Archean further suggests that such systems may have played a role in the origin of life. We present the first mathematical models of seafloor hydrothermal systems driven by heat released upon serpentinization of peridotite. We assume seawater circulates through a major crack network in the host-peridotite and that cooling of the host-rock leads to the formation of microcracks through which the fluid infiltrates. Reaction of the fluid in microcracks with the host rock results in serpentinization and the heat released upon serpentinization is transported to the seafloor by the fluid circulating in the main crack network. The temperature and heat output of the resulting hydrothermal system is a function of the main network permeability and the rate at which the serpentinization reaction proceeds via diffusion and propagation of the microcracks. Although the temperature of such a system can be quite variable, vent temperatures between 10° C and 100° C are likely for typical crustal parameters.

Diagenesis and clay mineral formation at Gale Crater, Mars

PubMed Central

Bridges, J C; Schwenzer, S P; Leveille, R; Westall, F; Wiens, R C; Mangold, N; Bristow, T; Edwards, P; Berger, G

2015-01-01

The Mars Science Laboratory rover Curiosity found host rocks of basaltic composition and alteration assemblages containing clay minerals at Yellowknife Bay, Gale Crater. On the basis of the observed host rock and alteration minerals, we present results of equilibrium thermochemical modeling of the Sheepbed mudstones of Yellowknife Bay in order to constrain the formation conditions of its secondary mineral assemblage. Building on conclusions from sedimentary observations by the Mars Science Laboratory team, we assume diagenetic, in situ alteration. The modeling shows that the mineral assemblage formed by the reaction of a CO2-poor and oxidizing, dilute aqueous solution (Gale Portage Water) in an open system with the Fe-rich basaltic-composition sedimentary rocks at 10–50°C and water/rock ratio (mass of rock reacted with the starting fluid) of 100–1000, pH of ∽7.5–12. Model alteration assemblages predominantly contain phyllosilicates (Fe-smectite, chlorite), the bulk composition of a mixture of which is close to that of saponite inferred from Chemistry and Mineralogy data and to that of saponite observed in the nakhlite Martian meteorites and terrestrial analogues. To match the observed clay mineral chemistry, inhomogeneous dissolution dominated by the amorphous phase and olivine is required. We therefore deduce a dissolving composition of approximately 70% amorphous material, with 20% olivine, and 10% whole rock component. PMID:26213668

Oxygen isotope thermometry of quartz-Al2SiO5veins in high-grade metamorphic rocks on Naxos island (Greece)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Putlitz, Benita; Valley, John; Matthews, Alan; Katzir, Yaron

2002-04-01

Diffusion models predict that peak metamorphic temperatures are best recorded by the oxygen isotope fractionation between minerals in a bi-mineralic rock in which a refractory accessory mineral with slow oxygen diffusion rate is modally minor to a mineral with a faster diffusion rate. This premise is demonstrated for high-grade metamorphism on the island of Naxos, Greece, where quartz-kyanite oxygen isotope thermometry from veins in high-grade metamorphic pelites gives temperatures of 635-690 °C. These temperatures are in excellent agreement with independent thermometry for the regional M2 peak metamorphic conditions and show that the vein minerals isotopically equilibrated at the peak of metamorphism. Quartz-sillimanite fractionations in the same veins give similar temperatures (680+/-35 °C) and suggest that the veins grew near to the kyanite-sillimanite boundary, corresponding to pressures of 6.5 to 7.5 kbar for temperatures of 635-685 °C. By contrast, quartz-kyanite and quartz-biotite pairs in the host rocks yield lower temperature estimates than the veins (590-600 and 350-550 °C, respectively). These lower apparent temperatures are also predicted from calculations of diffusional resetting in the polyphase host-rock system. The data demonstrate that bimineralic vein assemblages can be used as accurate thermometers in high-temperature rocks whereas retrograde exchange remains a major problem in many polymineralic rocks.

Diagenesis and clay mineral formation at Gale Crater, Mars

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bridges, J. C.; Schwenzer, S. P.; Leveille, R.

The Mars Science Laboratory rover Curiosity found host rocks of basaltic composition and alteration assemblages containing clay minerals at Yellowknife Bay, Gale Crater. On the basis of the observed host rock and alteration minerals, we present results of equilibrium thermochemical modeling of the Sheepbed mudstones of Yellowknife Bay in order to constrain the formation conditions of its secondary mineral assemblage. Building on conclusions from sedimentary observations by the Mars Science Laboratory team, we assume diagenetic, in situ alteration. The modeling shows that the mineral assemblage formed by the reaction of a CO₂-poor and oxidizing, dilute aqueous solution (Gale Portage Water)more » in an open system with the Fe-rich basaltic-composition sedimentary rocks at 10–50°C and water/rock ratio (mass of rock reacted with the starting fluid) of 100–1000, pH of ~7.5–12. Model alteration assemblages predominantly contain phyllosilicates (Fe-smectite, chlorite), the bulk composition of a mixture of which is close to that of saponite inferred from Chemistry and Mineralogy data and to that of saponite observed in the nakhlite Martian meteorites and terrestrial analogues. To match the observed clay mineral chemistry, inhomogeneous dissolution dominated by the amorphous phase and olivine is required. We therefore deduce a dissolving composition of approximately 70% amorphous material, with 20% olivine, and 10% whole rock component.« less

Diagenesis and clay mineral formation at Gale Crater, Mars

DOE PAGES

Bridges, J. C.; Schwenzer, S. P.; Leveille, R.; ...

2015-01-18

The Mars Science Laboratory rover Curiosity found host rocks of basaltic composition and alteration assemblages containing clay minerals at Yellowknife Bay, Gale Crater. On the basis of the observed host rock and alteration minerals, we present results of equilibrium thermochemical modeling of the Sheepbed mudstones of Yellowknife Bay in order to constrain the formation conditions of its secondary mineral assemblage. Building on conclusions from sedimentary observations by the Mars Science Laboratory team, we assume diagenetic, in situ alteration. The modeling shows that the mineral assemblage formed by the reaction of a CO₂-poor and oxidizing, dilute aqueous solution (Gale Portage Water)more » in an open system with the Fe-rich basaltic-composition sedimentary rocks at 10–50°C and water/rock ratio (mass of rock reacted with the starting fluid) of 100–1000, pH of ~7.5–12. Model alteration assemblages predominantly contain phyllosilicates (Fe-smectite, chlorite), the bulk composition of a mixture of which is close to that of saponite inferred from Chemistry and Mineralogy data and to that of saponite observed in the nakhlite Martian meteorites and terrestrial analogues. To match the observed clay mineral chemistry, inhomogeneous dissolution dominated by the amorphous phase and olivine is required. We therefore deduce a dissolving composition of approximately 70% amorphous material, with 20% olivine, and 10% whole rock component.« less

Sampling the oxidative weathering products and the potentially acidic permafrost on Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burns, Roger G.

1988-01-01

Large areas of Mars' surface are covered by oxidative weathering products containing ferric and sulfate ions having analogies to terrestrial gossans derived from sulfide mineralization associated with iron-rich basalts. Chemical weathering of such massive and disseminated pyrrhotite-pentlandite assemblages and host basaltic rocks in the Martian environment could have produced metastable gossaniferous phases (limonite containing poorly crystalline hydrated ferric sulfates and oxyhydroxides, clay silicates and opal). Underlying groundwater, now permafrost on Mars, may still be acidic due to incomplete buffering reactions by wall-rock alteration of unfractured host rock. Such acidic solutions stabilize temperature-sensitive complex ions and sols which flocculate to colloidal precipitates at elevated temperatures. Sampling procedures of Martian regolith will need to be designed bearing in mind that the frozen permafrost may be corrosive and be stabilizing unique complex ions and sols of Fe, Al, Mg, Ni and other minor elements.

Compositional variation in the chevkinite group: New data from igneous and metamorphic rocks

USGS Publications Warehouse

Macdonald, R.; Belkin, H.E.; Wall, F.; Baginski, B.

2009-01-01

Electron microprobe analyses are presented of chevkinite-group minerals from Canada, USA, Guatemala, Norway, Scotland, Italy and India. The host rocks are metacarbonates, alkaline and subalkaline granitoids, quartz-bearing pegmatites, carbonatite and an inferred K-rich tuff. The analyses extend slightly the range of compositions in the chevkinite group, e.g. the most MgO-rich phases yet recorded, and we report two further examples where La is the dominant cation in the A site. Patchilyzoned crystals from Virginia and Guatemala contain both perrierite and chevkinite compositions. The new and published analyses are used to review compositional variation in minerals of the perrierite subgroup, which can form in a wide range of host rock compositions and over a substantial pressure-temperature range. The dominant substitutions in the various cation sites and a generalized substitution scheme are described. ?? 2009 The Mineralogical Society.

Safety-relevant hydrogeological properties of the claystone barrier of a Swiss radioactive waste repository: An evaluation using multiple lines of evidence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gautschi, Andreas

2017-09-01

In Switzerland, the Opalinus Clay - a Jurassic (Aalenian) claystone formation - has been proposed as the first-priority host rock for a deep geological repository for both low- and intermediate-level and high-level radioactive wastes. An extensive site and host rock investigation programme has been carried out during the past 30 years in Northern Switzerland, comprising extensive 2D and 3D seismic surveys, a series of deep boreholes within and around potential geological siting regions, experiments in the international Mont Terri Rock Laboratory, compilations of data from Opalinus Clay in railway and motorway tunnels and comparisons with similar rocks. The hydrogeological properties of the Opalinus Clay that are relevant from the viewpoint of long-term safety are described and illustrated. The main conclusions are supported by multiple lines of evidence, demonstrating consistency of conclusions based on hydraulic properties, porewater chemistry, distribution of natural tracers across the Opalinus Clay as well as small- and large-scale diffusion models and the derived conceptual understanding of solute transport.

Newly discovered sediment rock-hosted disseminated gold deposits in the People's Republic of China

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cunningham, Charles G.; Ashley, Roger P.; Chou, I. -Ming; Huang, Zushu; Chaoyuan, Wan; Li, Wenkang

1988-01-01

Five deposits discovered in Guizhou Province, Yata, Getang, Sanchahe, Ceyang, and Banqi are described for the first time in Western literature. The deposits have geologic features and geochemical signatures that are remarkably similar to those of sedimentary rock-hosted precious metal deposits in the United States. The sizes of the deposits are as yet undetermined, but they each contain significant reserves at average grades of 4 to 5 g of gold per metric ton. Exploration and drilling are in progress at all of the deposits, and other areas where the geologic setting and geochemical anomalies are similar are being tested.

50 CFR 622.203 - Recordkeeping and reporting.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE FISHERIES OF THE CARIBBEAN, GULF OF MEXICO, AND SOUTH... shrimp in the South Atlantic EEZ or in adjoining state waters, or that lands shrimp in an adjoining state... issued a Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit, as required under § 622.200(c)(1), must make available to...

AERIAL SHOWING COMPLETED REMOTE ANALYTICAL FACILITY (CPP627) ADJOINING FUEL PROCESSING ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

AERIAL SHOWING COMPLETED REMOTE ANALYTICAL FACILITY (CPP-627) ADJOINING FUEL PROCESSING BUILDING AND EXCAVATION FOR HOT PILOT PLANT TO RIGHT (CPP-640). INL PHOTO NUMBER NRTS-60-1221. J. Anderson, Photographer, 3/22/1960 - Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho Chemical Processing Plant, Fuel Reprocessing Complex, Scoville, Butte County, ID

Effects of Host-rock Fracturing on Elastic-deformation Source Models of Volcano Deflation.

PubMed

Holohan, Eoghan P; Sudhaus, Henriette; Walter, Thomas R; Schöpfer, Martin P J; Walsh, John J

2017-09-08

Volcanoes commonly inflate or deflate during episodes of unrest or eruption. Continuum mechanics models that assume linear elastic deformation of the Earth's crust are routinely used to invert the observed ground motions. The source(s) of deformation in such models are generally interpreted in terms of magma bodies or pathways, and thus form a basis for hazard assessment and mitigation. Using discontinuum mechanics models, we show how host-rock fracturing (i.e. non-elastic deformation) during drainage of a magma body can progressively change the shape and depth of an elastic-deformation source. We argue that this effect explains the marked spatio-temporal changes in source model attributes inferred for the March-April 2007 eruption of Piton de la Fournaise volcano, La Reunion. We find that pronounced deflation-related host-rock fracturing can: (1) yield inclined source model geometries for a horizontal magma body; (2) cause significant upward migration of an elastic-deformation source, leading to underestimation of the true magma body depth and potentially to a misinterpretation of ascending magma; and (3) at least partly explain underestimation by elastic-deformation sources of changes in sub-surface magma volume.

Tracking Down Batholith Construction Through Time Using Lobes From The Tuolumne Batholith, Sierra Nevada, CA.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Memeti, V.; Paterson, S. R.

2006-12-01

Data gained using various geologic tools from large, composite batholiths, such as the 95-85 Ma old Tuolumne Batholith (TB), Sierra Nevada, CA, indicate complex batholithic processes at the chamber construction site, in part since they record different increments of batholith construction through time. Large structural and compositional complexity generally occurs throughout the main batholith such as (1) geochemistry, (2) internal contacts between different units (Bateman, 1992; Zak &Paterson, 2005), (3) batholith/host rock contacts, (4) geochronology (Coleman et al., 2004; Matzel et al., 2005, 2006), and (5) internal structures such as schlieren layering and fabrics (Bateman, 1992; Zak et al., 2006) leading to controversies regarding batholith construction models. By using magmatic lobes tongues of individual batholithic units that extend into the host rock away from the main batholith we avoid some of the complexity that evolved over longer times within the main batholith. Magmatic lobes are "simpler" systems, because they are spatially separated from other units of the batholith and thus ideally represent processes in just one unit at the time of emplacement. Furthermore, they are shorter lived than the main batholith since they are surrounded by relatively cold host rock and "freeze in" (1) "snapshots" of batholith construction, and (2) relatively short-lived internal processes and resulting structures and composition in each individual unit. Thus, data from lobes of all batholith units representing different stages of a batholith's lifetime, help us to understand internal magmatic and external host rock processes during batholith construction. Based on field and analytic data from magmatic lobes of the Kuna Crest, Half Dome, and the Cathedral Peak granodiorites, we conclude that (1) the significance of internal processes in the lobes (fractionation versus mixing versus source heterogeneity) is unique for each individual TB unit; (2) emplacement mechanisms such as stoping, downward flow or ductile deformation of host rock act in a very short period of time (only a few 100,000 yrs); and (3) a variety of different magmatic fabrics, formed by strain caused by magma flow, marginal effects, or regional stress, can be found in each lobe. These data lead to the conclusion that the size of the studied lobes indicate the minimum pulse size for TB construction and that fractionation crystallization, even though slightly varying in its magnitude, is an important internal process in each individual TB unit.

Aqueous Alteration of Endeavour Crater Rim Apron Rocks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mittlefehldt, David W.; Ming, Douglas W.; Gellert, Ralf; Clark, Benton C.; Morris, Richard V.; Yen, Albert S.; Arvidson, Raymond E.; Crumpler, Larry S.; Farrand, William H.; Grant, John A.;

Aqueous Alteration of Endeavour Crater Rim Apron Rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ming, D. W.; Mittlefehldt, D. W.; Gellert, R.; Clark, B. C.; Morris, R. V.; Yen, A. S.; Arvidson, R. E.; Crumpler, L. S.; Farrand, W. H.; Grant, J. A., III; Jolliff, B. L.; Parker, T. J.; Peretyazhko, T.

2014-12-01

Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity is exploring Noachian age rocks of the rim of 22 km diameter Endeavour crater. Overlying the pre-impact lithologies and rim breccias is a thin apron of fine-grained sediments, the Grasberg fm, forming annuli on the lower slopes of rim segments. Hesperian Burns fm sandstones overly the Grasberg fm. Grasberg rocks have major element compositions that are distinct from Burns fm sandstones, especially when comparing interior compositions exposed by the Rock Abrasion Tool. Grasberg rocks are also different from Endeavour rim breccias, but have general compositional similarities to them. Grasberg sediments are plausibly fine-grained materials derived from the impact breccias. Veins of CaSO4 transect Grasberg fm rocks demonstrating post-formation aqueous alteration. Minor/trace elements show variations consistent with mobilization by aqueous fluids. Grasberg fm rocks have low Mn and high Fe/Mn ratios compared to the other lithologies. Manganese likely was mobilized and removed from the Grasberg host rock by redox reactions. We posit that Fe2+ from acidic solutions associated with formation of the Burns sulfate-rich sandstones acted as an electron donor to reduce more oxidized Mn to Mn2+. The Fe contents of Grasberg rocks are slightly higher than in other rocks suggesting precipitation of Fe phases in Grasberg materials. Pancam spectra show that Grasberg rocks have a higher fraction of ferric oxide minerals than other Endeavour rim rocks. Solutions transported Mn2+ into the Endeavour rim materials and oxidized and/or precipitated it in them. Grasberg has higher contents of the mobile elements K, Zn, Cl, and Br compared to the rim materials. Similar enrichments of mobile elements were measured by the Spirit APXS on West Spur and around Home Plate in Gusev crater. Enhancements in these elements are attributed to interactions of hydrothermal acidic fluids with the host rocks. Interactions of fluids with the Grasberg fm postdate the genesis of the Endeavour rim phyllosilicates. The aqueous alteration history of Endeavour rim rocks is complicated by different styles of alteration that have spanned the Noachian and Hesperian. Late stage acidic aqueous alteration of Grasberg fm materials is likely penecontemporaneous with the diagenesis of the sulfate-rich sediments of Meridiani Planum.

Frictional processes during flank motion at Mount Etna (Italy): experimental characterisation of slip on similar and dissimilar volcanic and sedimentary rocks.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rozanski, Wojciech; Lavallee, Yan; Kendrick, Jackie; Castagna, Angela; Mitchell, Thomas; Heap, Michael; Vinciguerra, Sergio; Hirose, Takehiro; Dingwell, Donald

2015-04-01

The edifice of Mount Etna (Italy) is structurally unstable, exhibiting a near continuous ESE seaward sliding along a set of faults due to interplay between regional tectonics, gravity instability and magma intrusion. Continuous seismic and ground deformation monitoring reveals the resulting large-scale flank motion at variable rates. The mechanisms controlling this faulting kinetic remains, however, poorly constrained. Examination of the fault zones reveals a range of rock types along the different fault segments: fresh and altered basalt, clay and limestone. As lithological contrasts can jeopardise the structural stability of an edifice, we experimentally investigate the frictional properties of these rocks using low- to high-velocity-rotary shear tests on similar and dissimilar rocks to better understand episodes of slow flank motion as well as rapid and catastrophic sector collapse events. The first set of experiments was performed at velocities up to 1.2 m/s and at normal stresses of 1.5 MPa, commensurate with depths of the contacts seen in the Etna edifice. Friction experiments on clay gouge shows the strong rate-weakening dependence of slip in this material as well as the release of carbon dioxide. Friction experiments on solid rocks show a wider range of mechanical behaviour. At high velocity (>0.6 m/s) volcanic rocks tend to melt whereas the clay and limestone do not; rather they decarbonate, which prevents the rock from achieving the temperature required for melting. Experiments on dissimilar rocks clearly show that composition of host rocks affects the composition and viscosity of the resultant frictional melt, which can have a dramatic effect on shear stress leading to fault weakening or strengthening depending on the combination of host rock samples. A series of low- to moderate-slip velocity experiments is now being conducted to complement our dataset and provide a more complete rock friction model applicable to Mount Etna.

Hydrothermal alteration of kimberlite by convective flows of external water.

PubMed

Afanasyev, A A; Melnik, O; Porritt, L; Schumacher, J C; Sparks, R S J

Kimberlite volcanism involves the emplacement of olivine-rich volcaniclastic deposits into volcanic vents or pipes. Kimberlite deposits are typically pervasively serpentinised as a result of the reaction of olivine and water within a temperature range of 130-400 °C or less. We present a model for the influx of ground water into hot kimberlite deposits coupled with progressive cooling and serpentisation. Large-pressure gradients cause influx and heating of water within the pipe with horizontal convergent flow in the host rock and along pipe margins, and upward flow within the pipe centre. Complete serpentisation is predicted for wide ranges of permeability of the host rocks and kimberlite deposits. For typical pipe dimensions, cooling times are centuries to a few millennia. Excess volume of serpentine results in filling of pore spaces, eventually inhibiting fluid flow. Fresh olivine is preserved in lithofacies with initial low porosity, and at the base of the pipe where deeper-level host rocks have low permeability, and the pipe is narrower leading to faster cooling. These predictions are consistent with fresh olivine and serpentine distribution in the Diavik A418 kimberlite pipe, (NWT, Canada) and with features of kimberlites of the Yakutian province in Russia affected by influx of ground water brines. Fast reactions and increases in the volume of solid products compared to the reactants result in self-sealing and low water-rock ratios (estimated at <0.2). Such low water-rock ratios result in only small changes in stable isotope compositions; for example, δO 18 is predicted only to change slightly from mantle values. The model supports alteration of kimberlites predominantly by interactions with external non-magmatic fluids.

Temperature and composition of carbonate cements record early structural control on cementation in a nascent deformation band fault zone: Moab Fault, Utah, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hodson, Keith R.; Crider, Juliet G.; Huntington, Katharine W.

2016-10-01

Fluid-driven cementation and diagenesis within fault zones can influence host rock permeability and rheology, affecting subsequent fluid migration and rock strength. However, there are few constraints on the feedbacks between diagenetic conditions and structural deformation. We investigate the cementation history of a fault-intersection zone on the Moab Fault, a well-studied fault system within the exhumed reservoir rocks of the Paradox Basin, Utah, USA. The fault zone hosts brittle structures recording different stages of deformation, including joints and two types of deformation bands. Using stable isotopes of carbon and oxygen, clumped isotope thermometry, and cathodoluminescence, we identify distinct source fluid compositions for the carbonate cements within the fault damage zone. Each source fluid is associated with different carbonate precipitation temperatures, luminescence characteristics, and styles of structural deformation. Luminescent carbonates appear to be derived from meteoric waters mixing with an organic-rich or magmatic carbon source. These cements have warm precipitation temperatures and are closely associated with jointing, capitalizing on increases in permeability associated with fracturing during faulting and subsequent exhumation. Earlier-formed non-luminescent carbonates have source fluid compositions similar to marine waters, low precipitation temperatures, and are closely associated with deformation bands. The deformation bands formed at shallow depths very early in the burial history, preconditioning the rock for fracturing and associated increases in permeability. Carbonate clumped isotope temperatures allow us to associate structural and diagenetic features with burial history, revealing that structural controls on fluid distribution are established early in the evolution of the host rock and fault zone, before the onset of major displacement.

Natural factors and mining activity bearings on the water quality of the Choapa basin, North Central Chile: insights on the role of mafic volcanic rocks in the buffering of the acid drainage process.

PubMed

Parra, Amparo; Oyarzún, Jorge; Maturana, Hugo; Kretschmer, Nicole; Meza, Francisco; Oyarzún, Ricardo

2011-10-01

This contribution analyzes water chemical data for the Choapa basin, North Central Chile, for the period 1980-2004. The parameters considered are As, Cu Fe, pH, EC, SO₄⁻², Cl⁻¹, and HCO[Formula: see text], from samples taken in nine monitoring stations throughout the basin. Results show rather moderate contents of As, Cu, and Fe, with the exception of the Cuncumén River and the Aucó creek, explained by the influence of the huge porphyry copper deposit of Los Pelambres and by the presence of mining operations, respectively. When compared against results obtained in previous researches at the neighboring Elqui river basin, which host the El Indio Au-Cu-As district, a much reduced grade of pollution is recognized for the Choapa basin. Considering the effect of acid rock drainage (ARD)-related Cu contents on the fine fraction of the sediments of both river basins, the differences recorded are even more striking. Although the Los Pelambres porphyry copper deposit, on the headwaters of the Choapa river basin, is between one and two orders of magnitude bigger than El Indio, stream water and sediments of the former exhibit significantly lower copper contents than those of the latter. A main factor which may explain these results is the smaller degree of H( + )-metasomatism on the host rocks of the Los Pelambres deposit, where mafic andesitic volcanic rocks presenting propylitic hydrothermal alteration are dominant. This fact contrast with the highly altered host rocks of El Indio district, where most of them have lost their potential to neutralize ARD.

Multi-element analysis of emeralds and associated rocks by k(o) neutron activation analysis

PubMed

Acharya; Mondal; Burte; Nair; Reddy; Reddy; Reddy; Manohar

2000-12-01

Multi-element analysis was carried out in natural emeralds, their associated rocks and one sample of beryl obtained from Rajasthan, India. The concentrations of 21 elements were assayed by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis using the k0 method (k0 INAA method) and high-resolution gamma ray spectrometry. The data reveal the segregation of some elements from associated (trapped and host) rocks to the mineral beryl forming the gemstones. A reference rock standard of the US Geological Survey (USGS BCR-1) was also analysed as a control of the method.

Alpha Recoil Flux of Radon in Groundwater and its Experimental Measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mehta, N.; Harvey, C. F.; Kocar, B. D.

2016-12-01

Groundwater Radon (Rn222) activity is primarily controlled by alpha recoil process (radioactive decay), however, evaluating the rate and extent of this process, and its impact on porewater radioactivity, remains uncertain. Numerous factors contribute to this uncertainty, including the spatial distribution of parent radionuclides (e.g. U238, Th232 , Ra226 and Ra228) within native materials, differences in nuclide recoil length in host matrix and the physical structure of the rock strata (pore size distribution and porosity). Here, we experimentally measure Radon activities within porewater contributed through alpha recoil, and analyze its variations as a function of pore structure and parent nuclide distribution within host matrices, including Marcellus shale rock and Serrie-Copper Pegmatite. The shale cores originate from the Marcellus formation in Mckean, Pennsylvania collected at depths ranging from 1000-7000 feet, and the U-Th-rich Pegmatite is obtained from South Platte District, Colorado. Columns are packed with granulated rock of varying surface area (30,000-60,000 cm2/g) and subjected to low salinity sodium chloride solution in a close loop configuration. The activity of Radon (Rn222) and radium (Ra226) in the saline fluid is measured over time to determine recoil supply rates. Mineralogical and trace element data for rock specimens are characterized using XRD and XRF, and detailed geochemical profiles are constructed through total dissolution and analysis using ICP-MS and ICP-OES. Naturally occurring Radium nuclides and its daughters are quantified using a low-energy Germanium detector. The parent nuclide (U238 and Th232) distribution in the host rock is studied using X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS). Our study elucidates the contribution of alpha recoil on the appearance and distribution of Radon (Rn222) within porewater of representative rock matrices. Further, we illustrate the effects of chemical and physical heterogeneity on the rate of this process, which may inform models predicting the fate and transport of radionuclides in subsurface environments.

Aerial radiometric and magnetic reconnaissance survey of portions of Arizona, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, South Dakota and Washington. Volume 2-F. Lewistown Quadrangle. Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1979-06-01

Results of a high-sensitivity, aerial, gamma-ray spectrometer and magnetometer survey of the Lewistown Quadrangle, Montana, are presented. Instrumentation and methods are described in Volume 1 of this final report. Statistical and geological analysis of the radiometric data revealed 58 uranium anomalies worthy of field-checking as possible prospects. One anomaly may be associated with the Cambrian Flathead Quartzite that may contain deposits similar to the Blind River and Rand uranium deposits. Three anomalies may be indicative of sandstone-type deposits in Jurassic rocks, particularly the Morrison Formation, which hosts uranium mineralization elsewhere. One of the latter anomalies is also related to rocksmore » of the Mississippian Madison Group, and this suggests the possible presence of uranium in limestones of the Mission Canyon Formation. There are 45 anomalies related to the Cretaceous rocks. Lignite in the Hell Creek and Judith River formations and Eagle Sandstone may have caused the formation of 22 epigenetic uranium deposits. Many anomalies occur in the Bearpaw Shale and Claggett Formation. However, only five are considered significant of the remainder are expected to be caused by large amounts of radioactive bentonite or bentonitic shale. Two other Cretaceous units that may host sandstone-type deposits are the Colorado Shale and Kootenai Formation that register 16 and two anomalies respectively. Only one anomaly pertains to Tertiary rocks, and it may be indicative of vein-type deposits in the intrusives of the Judith Mountains. These rocks may also act as source rocks for deposits surrounding the Judith Mountains. Eight anomalies related only to Quaternary units may be demonstrative of uranium-rich source rocks that could host uranium mineralization.Several anomalies are located close to oil fields and may have been cause by radium-rich oil-field brines.« less

Geology, mineralization, and hydrothermal alteration and relationships to acidic and metal-bearing surface waters in the Palmetto Gulch area, southwestern Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bove, Dana J.; Kurtz, Jeffrey P.; Wright, Winfield G.

2002-01-01

The Palmetto Gulch area is affected by low pH and metal-bearing drainage from abandoned mines, and perhaps, from natural weathering around vein zones. To investigate these anthropogenic and potential natural sources of acidity and metals, we mapped the geology, veins, and hydrothermally altered areas; conducted mine dump leachate studies; and collected reconnaissance water quality data. Several small abandoned mines are present in the Palmetto Gulch area that produced small amounts of relatively high-grade silver ore from fault-controlled polymetallic vein deposits. These veins are hosted in lavas, breccias, and related volcaniclastic sediments that ponded within the 28 Ma San Juan-Uncompahgre caldera complex. These rock units generally have conformable contacts and have shallow dips to the northwest. Lava flows of pyroxene andesite, which host the Roy-Pray mine, are massive near their base and typically grade upward into tightly jointed rock with 2-15 cm joint spacing. In general, most hydrothermally altered rock within the Palmetto Gulch area is restricted to envelopes surrounding the mineralized veins and faults. Composite zones of vein-related alteration vary from about 50 to 80 m wide along the high ridgelines and narrow to less than 10 to 15 m beneath an elevation of about 5,462 m. Where unaffected by surficial oxidation, these altered zones contain as much as 7 to 10 volume percent finely-disseminated pyrite. The majority of rocks in the area were affected by regional and vein-related propylitic alteration. These greenish-colored rocks have alteration products consisting of chlorite, illite, and calcite; and feldspars are typically weakly altered. Most of these rocks have detectable amounts of calcite, while as much as 11 percent by weight was detected in samples collected during this study. The Palmetto Gulch area is affected by low pH and metal-bearing drainage from abandoned mines, and perhaps, from natural weathering around vein zones. To investigate these anthropogenic and potential natural sources of acidity and metals, we mapped the geology, veins, and hydrothermally altered areas; conducted mine dump leachate studies; and collected reconnaissance water quality data. Several small abandoned mines are present in the Palmetto Gulch area that produced small amounts of relatively high-grade silver ore from fault-controlled polymetallic vein deposits. These veins are hosted in lavas, breccias, and related volcaniclastic sediments that ponded within the 28 Ma San Juan-Uncompahgre caldera complex. These rock units generally have conformable contacts and have shallow dips to the northwest. Lava flows of pyroxene andesite, which host the Roy-Pray mine, are massive near their base and typically grade upward into tightly jointed rock with 2-15 cm joint spacing. In general, most hydrothermally altered rock within the Palmetto Gulch area is restricted to envelopes surrounding the mineralized veins and faults. Composite zones of vein-related alteration vary from about 50 to 80 m wide along the high ridgelines and narrow to less than 10 to 15 m beneath an elevation of about 5,462 m. Where unaffected by surficial oxidation, these altered zones contain as much as 7 to 10 volume percent finely-disseminated pyrite. The majority of rocks in the area were affected by regional and vein-related propylitic alteration. These greenish-colored rocks have alteration products consisting of chlorite, illite, and calcite; and feldspars are typically weakly altered. Most of these rocks have detectable amounts of calcite, while as much as 11 percent by weight was detected in samples collected during this study.

Whole-rock and mineral compositional constraints on the magmatic evolution of the Ni-Cu-(PGE) sulfide ore-bearing Kevitsa intrusion, northern Finland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luolavirta, Kirsi; Hanski, Eero; Maier, Wolfgang; Santaguida, Frank

2018-01-01

The 2.06 Ga mafic-ultramafic Kevitsa intrusion is located in the Central Lapland greenstone belt. The lower ultramafic part of the intrusion hosts a large disseminated Ni-Cu-(PGE) sulfide deposit with Ni tenors ranging widely from < 4 wt% (uneconomic false ore and contact mineralization) to 4-7 wt% (regular ore) and up to 40 wt% (Ni-PGE ore). The stratigraphy of the ultramafic cumulates is divided into the basal pyroxenite-gabbro (Basal series), olivine pyroxenite (OLPX), pyroxenite, and plagioclase-bearing (ol) websterite (pOLWB), of which the latter occurs together with minor microgabbros in the ore-bearing domain of the intrusion. Around the ore domain, the ultramafic cumulate succession records a simple lithological stratigraphy and modest and predictable variations in whole-rock and mineral compositions. The ore-bearing domain, in contrast, is characterized by a complex internal architecture, variations in whole-rock and mineral compositions, and the presence of numerous inclusions and xenoliths. The OLPXs are mainly composed of cumulus olivine (Fo77-89) and clinopyroxene (Mg#81-92) with variable amounts of oikocrystic orthopyroxene (Mg#79-84). They comprise the bulk of the ultramafic cumulates and are the dominant host rocks to the sulfide ore. The host rocks to the regular and false ore type are mineralogically and compositionally similar (Fo 80-83, mostly) and show mildly LREE-enriched REE patterns (CeN/YbN 2), characteristic for the bulk of the Kevitsa ultramafic cumulates. The abundance of orthopyroxene and magnetite is lowest in the host rocks to the Ni-PGE ore type, being in line with the mineral compositions of the silicates, which are the most primitive in the intrusion. However, it contrasts with the LREE-enriched nature of the ore type (CeN/YbN 7), indicating significant involvement of crustal material in the magma. The contrasting intrusive stratigraphy in the different parts of the intrusion likely reflects different emplacement histories. It is proposed that the Kevitsa magma chamber was initially filled by stable continuous flow ("single" input) of basaltic magma followed by differentiation in an at least nearly closed system. In the following stage, new magma pulses were repeatedly emplaced into the interior of the intrusion in a dynamic (open) system forming the sulfide ore bodies. To gain the peculiar compositional and mineralogical characteristics of the Ni-PGE ore type, the related magma probably interacted with different country rocks en route to the Kevitsa magma chamber.

Geochemical Analysis for Sedimentary Emerald Mineralization in Western Emerald belt, Colombia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nino Vasquez, Gabriel Felipe; Song, Sheng-Rong

2017-04-01

1Gabriel Felipe Nino Vasquez and 1Sheng-Rong Song 1Department of Geosciences, National Taiwan University Colombia hosts a large quantity of mineral resources due to its complex tectonic arrangement, and emerald deposits are one of the most representatives for the country. Emeralds in Colombia occur mainly in black shale, and are located in eastern Andes Cordillera with two parallel belts separated by approximately 130 Km: the Western belt (WB) and the Eastern belt (EB). The geological, mineralogical and tectonic features from these belts are quite similar (Buenaventura 2002). Previous researchers concluded that emeralds in Colombia came from hydrothermal sedimentary processes without any magmatic influence, and suggested that the source of Cr, V and Be (which are important components of the beryl) was the host rock. According to their results, the process which allowed the shale to release these cations was the metasomatism (albitization and carbonization), which was resulted from the interaction between the rocks and the alkaline brines. Fractures and fault planes originated by these tectonic movements were fulfilled by enriched fluids, which they allowed emeralds and the other minerals precipitation with decreasing alkalinity and pressure (Giuliani et al. 1994). However, there were several pitfalls of conclusions drawn from previous researches. Firstly, Cr and V were widely distributed and come from mafic and ultramafic rocks, and Be was mostly found in pegmatites, finding these elements in sedimentary rocks suggest that probably the ultramafic rocks occurred not far from the deposits. Secondly, there was an inconsistency in the estimated temperatures of emeralds formation, i.e. temperature of hydrothermal sedimentary deposits was only 200° C, while laboratory analysis showed that the formation of emeralds was higher than 300° C. Therefore, there might still be an allocthonus influence on emerald formation that significantly increases the temperature. This research is going to contribute information in order to clarify these inconsistencies, We have done the O and C isotopes in calcite and S isotope in pyrite and shale from different mines along the (WB) in order to determine the main fluid source of the mineralization. Selected samples will also be analyzed with EDS, RAMAN and ICP-MS methods to obtain the exact compositions of elements with extremely low concentrations in host rock, metazomatized host rock and mineralization (productive and not productive veins); the main purpose is to measure how strong were the fluid-rock interaction to leach elements out from the black shale. Thin sections from the altered shale and vein have been analyzed with the purpose of identify paragenesis and microstructures in the mineralization. Finally, we would like to gather the results from different sectors and compare it with the previous studies.

Lithogeochemistry of Carlin-type gold mineralization in the Gold Bar district, Battle Mountain-Eureka trend, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Yigit, O.; Hofstra, A.H.

2003-01-01

The Gold Bar district contains five Carlin-type gold deposits and four resources for a combined gold endowment of 1.6 M oz [50 t]. The gold deposits are hosted in Devonian carbonate rocks below parautochthonous and allochthonous Paleozoic siliciclastic rocks emplaced during the Early Mississippian Antler orogeny. The district is in the Battle Mountain-Eureka trend, a long-lived structural feature that localized intrusions and ore deposits of different types and ages. The whole-rock geochemistry of four different mineralized and unmineralized Devonian carbonate rock units (two favorable and two unfavorable) were determined and interpreted in the context of the regional geology. A combination of basic statistics, R-mode factor analysis, isocon plots, and alteration diagrams were utilized to (1) identify favorable geochemical attributes of the host rocks, (2) characterize alteration and associated element enrichments and depletions, and (3) identify the mechanism of gold precipitation. This approach also led to the recognition of other types of alteration and mineralization in host rocks previously thought to be solely affected by Carlin-type mineralization. Unit 2 of the Upper Member of the Denay Formation, with the highest Al2O3, Fe2O3 and SiO2 contents and the lowest CaO content, is the most favorable host rock. Based on the high regression coefficients of data arrays on X-Y plots that project toward the origin, Al2O3 and TiO2 were immobile and K2O and Fe2O3 were relatively immobile during alteration and mineralization. Specific element associations identified by factor analysis are also prominent on isocon diagrams that compare the composition of fresh and altered equivalents of the same rock units. The most prominent associations are: Au, As, Sb, SiO2, TI, -CaO and -LOI, the main gold mineralizing event and related silicification and decalcification; Cd, Zn, Ag, P, Ni and Tl, an early base metal event; and MgO, early dolomitization. Alteration diagrams, consisting of X-Y plots of SiO2/Al2O3, K2O/Al2O3, CO2/Al2O3, that documented in classic Carlin-type gold deposits in the region, but the size of the deposits and the intensity of alteration and mineralization are less. The presence of other types of mineralization in the Gold Bar district is also common to most of the other Carlin-type districts located in major mineral belts. The approach used in this study is well suited to the interpretation of multi-element geochemical data from other study areas with superimposed alteration and mineralization. ?? 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Experimental thermomechanical damage as first approach to understand the petrophysical behavior of the granitic host-rocks from an active fractured-geothermal system (Liquiñe, Chile - 39º S)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molina Piernas, E.; Sepúlveda, J.; Arancibia, G.; Roquer, T.; Morata, D.; Bracke, R.; Vázquez, P.

2017-12-01

Chile's location along an active subduction zone has endowed it with a high geothermal potential. However, a better understanding of the thermomechanical and fluid transport properties of rocks is required to assess the potential of geothermal systems and thereby enhance the possibilities for their use. We have focused in the area surrounding Liquiñe, in the Southern Andean Volcanic Zone (Chile, 39º S). This area hosts several recent thermal manifestations, predominantly hot springs, and it is affected by the Liquiñe-Ofqui Fault Zone (LOFZ), which controls the position of the modern volcanic arc in southern Chile and cuts the Patagonian batholith. We have carried out experimental analyzes in order to understand this geothermal system and the influence of the thermomechanical features over the granitic host-rocks (low-porous crystalline rocks). To do this, physical properties such as capillary water absorption coefficient, Vp-wave velocity and compressive resistance were evaluated before and after heating rock samples at 150 ºC and 210 ºC (at ambient pressure) in an oven at a heating rate of 6 °C/min and maintaining the maximum temperature for 4 hours. The cooling rate was less than 2 °C/min to avoid shrinkage phenomena. The results show that the damage by heat was greater at 210 ºC than 150 ºC, likely due to an increased capillary coefficient ( 30% and 25%). On the contrary, Vpvelocity ( -19% and -13%) and compressive resistance ( -27% in both cases) decreased, with respect to unheated samples. Consequently, we can infer an inherent effect on the later fracture process due to the thermal stress when this granitic body was at depth. After that, and considering the local and regional strain-stress state, both factors have facilitated the fluid flow, increasing the permeability of this granitic host-rock allowing the presence of hot-springs. Future work will be to acquire complementary petrophysical parameters, such as porosity, permeability, thermal properties and to conduct tests under confined pressure, in order to improve the knowledge about both fluid and heat transport properties in this active fractured-geothermal system. Acknowledgements: This work is a contribution to FONDAP-CONICYT Project 15090013, Research Center for Nanotecnology and Advanced Materials "CIEN-UC", and VRI-PUENTE P1703/2017 Project.

The influence of normal fault geometry on porous sandstone deformation: Insights from mechanical models into conditions leading to Coulomb failure and shear-enhanced compaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allison, K.; Reinen, L. A.

2011-12-01

Slip on non-planar faults produces stress perturbations in the surrounding host rock that can yield secondary faults at a scale too small to be resolved on seismic surveys. Porosity changes during failure may affect the ability of the rock to transmit fluids through dilatant cracking or, in porous rocks, shear-enhanced compaction (i.e., cataclastic flow). Modeling the mechanical behavior of the host rock in response to slip on non-planar faults can yield insights into the role of fault geometry on regions of enhanced or inhibited fluid flow. To evaluate the effect of normal fault geometry on deformation in porous sandstones, we model the system as a linear elastic, homogeneous, whole or half space using the boundary-element modeling program Poly3D. We consider conditions leading to secondary deformation using the maximum Coulomb shear stress (MCSS) as an index of brittle deformation and proximity to an elliptical yield envelope (Y), determined experimentally for porous sandstone (Baud et al., JGR, 2006), for cataclastic flow. We model rectangular faults consisting of two segments: an upper leg with a constant dip of 60° and a lower leg with dips ranging 15-85°. We explore far-field stress models of constant and gradient uniaxial strain. We investigate the potential damage in the host rock in two ways: [1] the size of the damage zone, and [2] regions of enhanced deformation indicated by elevated MCSS or Y. Preliminary results indicate that, along a vertical transect passing through the fault kink, [1] the size of the damage zone increases in the footwall with increasing lower leg dip and remains constant in the hanging wall. [2] In the footwall, the amount of deformation does not change as a function of lower leg dip in constant stress models; in gradient stress models, both MCSS and Y increase with dip. In the hanging wall, Y decreases with increasing lower leg dip for both constant and gradient stress models. In contrast, MCSS increases: as lower leg dip increases for constant stress models, and as the difference between lower leg dip and 60° increases for gradient stress models. These preliminary results indicate that the dip of the lower fault segment significantly affects the amount and style of deformation in the host rock.

Rocks and geology in the San Francisco Bay region

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stoffer, Philip W.

2002-01-01

The landscape of the San Francisco Bay region is host to a greater variety of rocks than most other regions in the United States. This introductory guide provides illustrated descriptions of 46 common and important varieties of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rock found in the region. Rock types are described in context of their identification qualities, how they form, and where they occur in the region. The guide also provides discussion about of regional geology, plate tectonics, the rock cycle, the significance of the selected rock types in relation to both earth history and the impact of mineral resources on the development in the region. Maps and text also provide information where rocks, fossils, and geologic features can be visited on public lands or in association with public displays in regional museums, park visitor centers, and other public facilities.

Modeling deformation processes of salt caverns for gas storage due to fluctuating operation pressures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Böttcher, N.; Nagel, T.; Goerke, U.; Khaledi, K.; Lins, Y.; König, D.; Schanz, T.; Köhn, D.; Attia, S.; Rabbel, W.; Bauer, S.; Kolditz, O.

2013-12-01

In the course of the Energy Transition in Germany, the focus of the country's energy sources is shifting from fossil to renewable and sustainable energy carriers. Since renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, are subjected to annual, seasonal, and diurnal fluctuations, the development and extension of energy storage capacities is a priority in German R&D programs. Common methods of energy storage are the utilization of subsurface caverns as a reservoir for natural or artificial fuel gases, such as hydrogen, methane, or the storage of compressed air. The construction of caverns in salt rock is inexpensive in comparison to solid rock formations due to the possibility of solution mining. Another advantage of evaporite as a host material is the self-healing capacity of salt rock. Gas caverns are capable of short-term energy storage (hours to days), so the operating pressures inside the caverns are fluctuating periodically with a high number of cycles. This work investigates the influence of fluctuating operation pressures on the stability of the host rock of gas storage caverns utilizing numerical models. Therefore, we developed a coupled Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical (THM) model based on the finite element method utilizing the open-source software platform OpenGeoSys. Our simulations include the thermodynamic behaviour of the gas during the loading/ unloading of the cavern. This provides information on the transient pressure and temperature distribution on the cavern boundary to calculate the deformation of its geometry. Non-linear material models are used for the mechanical analysis, which describe the creep and self-healing behavior of the salt rock under fluctuating loading pressures. In order to identify the necessary material parameters, we perform experimental studies on the mechanical behaviour of salt rock under varying pressure and temperature conditions. Based on the numerical results, we further derive concepts for monitoring THM quantities in the vicinity of the cavern. These programs will allow detecting changes of the host rock properties during the construction and operation of the storage facility. The developed model will be used by public authorities for land use planning issues.

Preliminary Result of Geophysical Some Studieson the Nariinsukhait Coal Deposit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Norov, B.; Purevjav, N.; Roy, D. K., Sr.

2017-12-01

Nariinsukhait coal deposit has a strategic importance on Mongolian national economic development. The deposit is located in Gurvan-tes of the Umnu-gobi province, as 849 km south-west away from Ulaanbaatar. The deposit in geographically, belongs to Gobi Altai region region of the Altai mountain region. The area contains Permian, Cretaceous, Jurassic, Triassic age of sediments. Sediments are red or sedimentary cover on some part of area (Minjin. Ch., Batnyam. D., Rentsendorj. S (Baatarkhuyag. A., Altantsetseg. D., 2015). The coal deposit is located in the center portion of the Nariinsukhait basin. The age of coal hosted sedimentary rock is Jurassic estimated by Paleo-botanic methodology, using examination of a total 59 kind of plants, 288 pollen grains (Baatarkhuyag. A., Altantsetseg. D., 2015). The thickness of coal hosted sedimentary sequence is approximately 1105.5m and named as Orgilohbulag formation. In case of geophysical exploration, preliminary interpretation of the coal basin has been done by 3 geophysical methodologies which commonly applying during exploration stage of coal. The interpretations are given below. Natural Gamma Sonde /NGRS 4140/: use to determine natural gamma activation on rock by radionuclides content (238U; 235U; 232Th; 40K). During measurements well contrasted coal bedding and, value indicate between 0-15cps. And depending on the rock type it has been changed, in case of siltstone, argillite, conglomerate value fluctuated between 15-40cps. However, those rocks natural gamma values are difference little, therefore not showing much contrast between rock types. Formation Density Sonde Version B /FDSB 4036/: The Nariinsukhait coal deposit Open holes and protective pipes of density is 0.5-1.5 g/cm3, 1.2-2.3 g/cm3 respectively. Not well contrasted during measurement due to some of sedimentary rock density range is so low as such sandstone, siltstone, and conglomerate. Therefore, applied resistivity methodology and done interpretation. DLL3 Resistivity Sonde /DLL3 4160/: Resistivity can fluctuations depend upon the compact, porosity, holes satisfaction, cement composition and clay material mixture. Goal has contrast on indicating high value of electrical resistivity comparatively host rock.

Fluid evolution during burial and Variscan deformation in the Lower Devonian rocks of the High-Ardenne slate belt (Belgium): sources and causes of high-salinity and C-O-H-N fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kenis, I.; Muchez, Ph.; Verhaert, G.; Boyce, A.; Sintubin, M.

2005-08-01

Fluid inclusions in quartz veins of the High-Ardenne slate belt have preserved remnants of prograde and retrograde metamorphic fluids. These fluids were examined by petrography, microthermometry and Raman analysis to define the chemical and spatial evolution of the fluids that circulated through the metamorphic area of the High-Ardenne slate belt. The earliest fluid type was a mixed aqueous/gaseous fluid (H2O-NaCl-CO2-(CH4-N2)) occurring in growth zones and as isolated fluid inclusions in both the epizonal and anchizonal part of the metamorphic area. In the central part of the metamorphic area (epizone), in addition to this mixed aqueous/gaseous fluid, primary and isolated fluid inclusions are also filled with a purely gaseous fluid (CO2-N2-CH4). During the Variscan orogeny, the chemical composition of gaseous fluids circulating through the Lower Devonian rocks in the epizonal part of the slate belt, evolved from an earlier CO2-CH4-N2 composition to a later composition enriched in N2. Finally, a late, Variscan aqueous fluid system with a H2O-NaCl composition migrated through the Lower Devonian rocks. This latest type of fluid can be observed in and outside the epizonal metamorphic part of the High-Ardenne slate belt. The chemical composition of the fluids throughout the metamorphic area, shows a direct correlation with the metamorphic grade of the host rock. In general, the proportion of non-polar species (i.e. CO2, CH4, N2) with respect to water and the proportion of non-polar species other than CO2 increase with increasing metamorphic grade within the slate belt. In addition to this spatial evolution of the fluids, the temporal evolution of the gaseous fluids is indicative for a gradual maturation due to metamorphism in the central part of the basin. In addition to the maturity of the metamorphic fluids, the salinity of the aqueous fluids also shows a link with the metamorphic grade of the host-rock. For the earliest and latest fluid inclusions in the anchizonal part of the High-Ardenne slate belt the salinity varies respectively between 0 and 3.5 eq.wt% NaCl and between 0 and 2.7 eq.wt% NaCl, while in the epizonal part the salinity varies between 0.6 and 17 eq.wt% NaCl and between 3 and 10.6 eq.wt% for the earliest and latest aqueous fluid inclusions, respectively. Although high salinity fluids are often attributed to the original sedimentary setting, the increasing salinity of the fluids that circulated through the Lower Devonian rocks in the High-Ardenne slate belt can be directly attributed to regional metamorphism. More specifically the salinity of the primary fluid inclusions is related to hydrolysis reactions of Cl-bearing minerals during prograde metamorphism, while the salinity of the secondary fluid inclusions is rather related to hydration reactions during retrograde metamorphism. The temporal and spatial distribution of the fluids in the High-Ardenne slate belt are indicative for a closed fluid flow system present in the Lower Devonian rocks during burial and Variscan deformation, where fluids were in thermal and chemical equilibrium with the host rock. Such a closed fluid flow system is confirmed by stable isotope study of the veins and their adjacent host rock for which uniform δ180 values of both the veins and their host rock demonstrate a rock-buffered fluid flow system.

First findings of monocrystalline aragonite inclusions in garnet from diamond-grade UHPM rocks (Kokchetav Massif, Northern Kazakhstan).

PubMed

Korsakov, Andrey V; Vandenabeele, Peter; Perraki, Maria; Moens, Luc

2011-10-01

The presence of aragonite inclusions in garnet from diamond-grade metamorphic rocks from the Kokchetav Massif, Northern Kazakhstan was identified for the first time by means of Raman analyses and mapping. Aragonite appears within the inclusions up to 50 μm in size as a single crystal. These inclusions have rounded shape. The grain boundary between the host-garnet is smooth. No cracks occur around the aragonite inclusions. No significant shift in the main aragonite Raman band was measured. These observations indicate that residual pressure within the inclusion is minor. These findings imply either non-UHPM origin of the host garnet or significant plastic deformation of host minerals during retrograde stage. These features should be taken into account for recovery peak metamorphic conditions and modeling of exhumation processes of UHPM complexes. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Impact melting of the Cachari eucrite 3.0 Gy ago

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bogard, D. D.; Taylor, G. J.; Keil, K.; Smith, M. R.; Schmitt, R. A.

1985-01-01

The chemical compositions and Ar-isotope gas-retention ages of host phase and glass veins in the Cachari eucrite are determined by microprobe and neutron-activation analysis and mass spectrometry, respectively. The results are presented in tables, graphs, and back-scattered electron images and characterized in detail. The compositions are found to support the thesis that the glass formed by shock melting of the host rock (or of rock having the same composition). The Ar-39/Ar-40 ages of host and glass are given as 3.04 + or - 0.07 Gyr and 3.47 + or - 0.04 Gyr, respectively; the former value is taken as the true data of melting, and the latter is attributed to incomplete postmelt degassing of Ar from the glass phase. The implications of the relative youth of this and other eucrites and howardites for the regolith history of the parent body are considered.

Regional framework and geology of iron oxide-apatite-rare earth element and iron oxide-copper-gold deposits of the Mesoproterozoic St. Francois Mountains Terrane, southeast Missouri

USGS Publications Warehouse

Day, Warren C.; Slack, John F.; Ayuso, Robert A.; Seeger, Cheryl M.

2016-01-01

This paper provides an overview on the genesis of Mesoproterozoic igneous rocks and associated iron oxide ± apatite (IOA) ± rare earth element, iron oxide-copper-gold (IOCG), and iron-rich sedimentary deposits in the St. Francois Mountains terrane of southeast Missouri, USA. The St. Francois Mountains terrane lies along the southeastern margin of Laurentia as part of the eastern granite-rhyolite province. The province formed during two major pulses of igneous activity: (1) an older early Mesoproterozoic (ca. 1.50–1.44 Ga) episode of volcanism and granite plutonism, and (2) a younger middle Mesoproterozoic (ca. 1.33–1.30 Ga) episode of bimodal gabbro and granite plutonism. The volcanic rocks are predominantly high-silica rhyolite pyroclastic flows, volcanogenic breccias, and associated volcanogenic sediments with lesser amounts of basaltic to andesitic volcanic and associated subvolcanic intrusive rocks. The iron oxide deposits are all hosted in the early Mesoproterozoic volcanic and volcaniclastic sequences. Previous studies have characterized the St. Francois Mountains terrane as a classic, A-type within-plate granitic terrane. However, our new whole-rock geochemical data indicate that the felsic volcanic rocks are effusive derivatives from multicomponent source types, having compositional similarities to A-type within-plate granites as well as to S- and I-type granites generated in an arc setting. In addition, the volcanic-hosted IOA and IOCG deposits occur within bimodal volcanic sequences, some of which have volcanic arc geochemical affinities, suggesting an extensional tectonic setting during volcanism prior to emplacement of the ore-forming systems.The Missouri iron orebodies are magmatic-related hydrothermal deposits that, when considered in aggregate, display a vertical zonation from high-temperature, magmatic ± hydrothermal IOA deposits emplaced at moderate depths (~1–2 km), to magnetite-dominant IOA veins and IOCG deposits emplaced at shallow subvolcanic depths. The shallowest parts of these systems include near-surface, iron oxide-only replacement deposits, surficial epithermal sediment-hosted replacement deposits, synsedimentary ironstone deposits, and Mn-rich exhalite deposits. Alteration associated with the IOA and IOCG mineralizing systems of the host volcanic rocks dominantly produced potassic with lesser amounts of calcic- and sodic-rich mineral assemblages. No deposits are known to be hosted in granite, implying that the mineralizing systems were operative during a relatively short, postvolcanic period yet prior to intrusion of the granitoids.Companion studies in this special issue on mineral chemistry, stable isotopes, and iron isotopes suggest that the magnetite within the IOA deposits formed from high-temperature fluids of magmatic or magmatic-hydrothermal origin. However, the data do not discriminate between a magmatic-hydrothermal source fluid exsolved from an Fe-rich immiscible liquid or an Fe-rich silicate magma. Mineral chemical, fluid inclusion, and stable isotope data from these new studies record the effects of metasomatic fluids that interacted with crustal reservoirs such as volcanic rocks or seawater.

Negative differential conductance in InAs wire based double quantum dot induced by a charged AFM tip

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhukov, A. A., E-mail: azhukov@issp.ac.ru; Volk, Ch.; Winden, A.

We investigate the conductance of an InAs nanowire in the nonlinear regime in the case of low electron density where the wire is split into quantum dots connected in series. The negative differential conductance in the wire is initiated by means of a charged atomic force microscope tip adjusting the transparency of the tunneling barrier between two adjoining quantum dots. We confirm that the negative differential conductance arises due to the resonant tunneling between these two adjoining quantum dots. The influence of the transparency of the blocking barriers and the relative position of energy states in the adjoining dots onmore » a decrease of the negative differential conductance is investigated in detail.« less

Magma emplacement in 3D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorczyk, W.; Vogt, K.

2017-12-01

Magma intrusion is a major material transfer process in Earth's continental crust. Yet, the mechanical behavior of the intruding magma and its host are a matter of debate. In this study, we present a series of numerical thermo-mechanical experiments on mafic magma emplacement in 3D.In our model, we place the magmatic source region (40 km diameter) at the base of the mantle lithosphere and connect it to the crust by a 3 km wide channel, which may have evolved at early stages of magmatism during rapid ascent of hot magmatic fluids/melts. Our results demonstrate continental crustal response due to magma intrusion. We observe change in intrusion geometries between dikes, cone-sheets, sills, plutons, ponds, funnels, finger-shaped and stock-like intrusions as well as injection time. The rheology and temperature of the host-rock are the main controlling factors in the transition between these different modes of intrusion. Viscous deformation in the warm and deep crust favours host rock displacement and magma pools along the crust-mantle boundary forming deep-seated plutons or magma ponds in the lower to middle-crust. Brittle deformation in the cool and shallow crust induces cone-shaped fractures in the host rock and enables emplacement of finger- or stock-like intrusions at shallow or intermediate depth. A combination of viscous and brittle deformation forms funnel-shaped intrusions in the middle-crust. Low-density source magma results in T-shaped intrusions in cross-section with magma sheets at the surface.

Stratigraphic and hydrogeologic framework of the Alabama Coastal Plain

USGS Publications Warehouse

Davis, M.E.

1988-01-01

Tertiary and Cretaceous sand aquifers of the Southeastern United States Coastal Plain comprise a major multlstate aquifer system informally defined as the Southeastern Coastal Plain aquifer system, which is being studied as part of the U.S. Geological Survey's Regional Aquifer System Analysis (RASA) program. The major objectives of each RASA study are to identify, delineate, and map the distribution of permeable clastlc rock, to examine the pattern of ground-water flow within the regional aquifers, and to develop digital computer simulations to understand the flow system. The Coastal Plain aquifers in Alabama are being studied as a part of this system. This report describes the stratlgraphlc framework of the Cretaceous, Tertiary, and Quaternary Systems in Alabama to aid in delineating aquifers and confining units within the thick sequence of sediments that comprises the Southeastern Coastal Plain aquifer system in the State. Stratigraphlc units of Cretaceous and Tertiary age that make up most of the aquifer system in the Coastal Plain of Alabama consist of clastlc deposits of Early Cretaceous age; the Coker and Gordo Formations of the Tuscaloosa Group, Eutaw Formation, and Selma Group of Late Cretaceous age; and the Midway, Wilcox, and Clalborne Groups of Tertiary age. However, stratigraphlc units of late Eocene to Holocene age partially overlie and are hydraulically connected to clastic deposits in southern Alabama. These upper carbonate and clastlc stratlgraphic units also are part of the adjoining Florldan and Gulf Coastal Lowlands aquifer systems. The Coastal Plain aquifer system is underlain by pre-Cretaceous rocks consisting of low-permeabillty sedimentary rocks of Paleozolc, Triassic, and Jurassic age, and a complex of metamorphic and igneous rocks of Precambrian and Paleozolc age similar to those found near the surface in the Piedmont physiographic province. Twelve hydrogeologlc units in the Alabama Coastal Plain are defined--slx aquifers and six confining units. Aquifers of the Coastal Plain aquifer system are composed of fine to coarse sand, gravel, and limestone; confining beds are composed of clay, shale, chalk, marl, and metamorphic and igneous rocks.

Geological and geographical investigations of an Apollo 9 photo anomaly near Point of Pines, Arizona

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bromfield, Calvin S.; Eaton, G.P.; Peterson, D.L.; Ratte, J.C.

1972-01-01

An infrared photograph of southeastern Arizona, taken during the Apollo 9 multispectral terrain photography experiment in 1969, reveals a ringlike feature, some 3-4 miles (5-6 kin) in diameter, on the Natanes Plateau, 35 miles (56 kin) north of the town of Safford. Because the feature occurs in an area of nearly flat lying Tertiary volcanic rocks, the possibilities of its being a small collapse caldera or an exposed circular intrusive body were considered. Geological and geophysical studies of the area were made to test these hypotheses. The local stratigraphic section consists of approximately 1,500 feet (457 m) of Oligocene and perhaps older volcanic rocks, resting on a moderately irregular basement surface carved from nearly flat lying trending Basin-and-Range faults define a broad horst within which two arcuate cross faults, with 300-600 feet (91-183 m) of displacement, bound a downdropped area. Deep erosion along these faults has created a polygonal network of canyons which constitutes the 'ring' seen on the photograph. A mild arching of the volcanic rocks within the ring is suggested by structure contours on the base of the youngest flows. A sharp 350-gamma positive aeromagnetic anomaly is centered within the ring. In its southwest quadrant the anomaly has an elongate extension that trends northwest along an adjoining Basin-and-Range fault. Associated with both is a subtle gravity low. The geophysical data thus suggest the presence of a small blind silicic pluton, possibly of middle Tertiary or younger age. Although it can be argued that the arcuate faults and mild arching of the volcanic pile are related to this postulated pluton, no evidence of hydrothermal alteration or thermal metamorphism of the country rocks was seen. Thus if a pluton is present and of postvolcanic age, it must have been emplaced as a relatively cool dry body; or alternatively, it is older than the surface volcanic rocks. In either instance, its magnetic expression contrasts with that of the known mineralized Laramide porphyry intrusive bodies of the region.

Heavy metal contamination and ecological risk of farmland soils adjoining steel plants in Tangshan, Hebei, China.

PubMed

Yang, Liyun; Yang, Maomao; Wang, Liping; Peng, Fei; Li, Yuan; Bai, Hao

2018-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the heavy metal concentrations and ecological risks to farmland soils caused by atmospheric deposition adjoining five industrial steel districts in Tangshan, Hebei, China. A total of 39 topsoil samples from adjoining these plants were collected and analyzed for Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, and As. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and potential ecological risk index (PERI) were calculated to assess the heavy metal pollution level in soils. The results showed that the levels of Pb and As in farmland soils adjoining all steel plants were more than the background value, with the As content being excessively high. The Cr and Cu contents of some samples were over the background values, but the Zn content was not. In all the research areas, the largest Igeo value of the heavy metals was for As, followed by Pb, and the largest monomial PERI ([Formula: see text]) was As, which showed that the pollution of As in farmland soils was significant and had considerable ecological risk. Additionally, the heavy metal sequential extraction experiments showed that Pb and Cr, which exceeded the background value, were present in about 20% of the exchangeable and carbonate-bound fractions in the soils surrounding some steel plants. This would imply the risk of these heavy metals being absorbed and accumulated by the crops. Therefore, the local government needs to control the pollution of heavy metals in the farmland soils adjoining the steel plant as soon as possible, in order to avoid possible ecological and food safety risks.

Use of high-resolution ground-penetrating radar in kimberlite delineation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kruger, J.M.; Martinez, A.; Berendsen, P.

1997-01-01

High-resolution ground-penetrating radar (GPR) was used to image the near-surface extent of two exposed Late Cretaceous kimberlites intruded into lower Permian limestone and dolomite host rocks in northeast Kansas. Six parallel GPR profiles identify the margin of the Randolph 1 kimberlite by the up-bending and termination of limestone reflectors. Five radially-intersecting GPR profiles identify the elliptical margin of the Randolph 2 kimberlite by the termination of dolomite reflectors near or below the kimberlite's mushroom-shaped cap. These results suggest GPR may augment magnetic methods for the delineation of kimberlites or other forceful intrusions in a layered host rock where thick, conductive soil or shale is not present at the surface.

Stability of Magnesium Sulfate Minerals in Martian Environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marion, G. M.; Kargel, J. S.

2005-01-01

Viking Lander, Pathfinder, and Mars Exploration Rover missions to Mars have found abundant sulfur in surface soils and rocks, and the best indications are that magnesium sulfates are among the key hosts. At Meridiani Planum, MgSO4 salts constitute 15 to 40 wt.% of sedimentary rocks. Additional S is hosted by gypsum and jarosite. Reflectance and thermal emission spectroscopy is consistent with the presence of kieserite (MgSO4 H2O) and epsomite (MgSO4*7H2O). Theoretically, the dodecahydrate (MgSO4*12H2O) should also have precipitated. We first examine theoretically which MgSO4 minerals should have precipitated on Mars, and then how dehydration might have altered these minerals.

The new Wallula CO2 project may revive the old Columbia River Basalt (western USA) nuclear-waste repository project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwartz, Michael O.

2018-02-01

A novel CO2 sequestration project at Wallula, Washington, USA, makes ample use of the geoscientific data collection of the old nuclear waste repository project at the Hanford Site nearby. Both projects target the Columbia River Basalt (CRB). The new publicity for the old project comes at a time when the approach to high-level nuclear waste disposal has undergone fundamental changes. The emphasis now is on a technical barrier that is chemically compatible with the host rock. In the ideal case, the waste container is in thermodynamic equilibrium with the host-rock groundwater regime. The CRB groundwater has what it takes to represent the ideal case.

Melt Inclusions Record Extreme Compositional Variability in Primitive Magmas at Mauna Loa Volcano, Hawaii

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamenetsky, V. S.; Norman, M. D.; Garcia, M. O.

2002-12-01

Melt inclusions carry potentially unique information about magmatic processes and the compositional evolution of erupted lavas. Major element compositions of olivine-hosted melt inclusions in submarine tholeiitic picrites from the southwest rift zone of Mauna Loa volcano have been studied to examine the compositional variability of primitive magmas feeding the world's largest volcano. Approximately 600 naturally quenched inclusions were examined from 8 samples with 3-25 vol% olivine phenocrysts and 9-22 wt% MgO. Olivine compositions ranged from Fo91-Fo82. The inclusions show a continuous variation in FeO contents from near-magmatic values (9 to 11 wt%) in the most evolved olivines to extremely low values (3.5 to 7.0 wt%) in the most primitive olivines. This appears to reflect a complex magmatic history for these crystals involving extensive re-equlibration of melts trapped by early formed phenocrysts with their host olivine. Extreme compositional variability also characterizes incompatible elements that would not be affected by equilibration with the host olivine. Inclusions trapped in relatively primitive olivines (Fo88-91) show a large range of K2O contents (0.1 to 2.1 wt%), whereas inclusions in more evolved olivines converge on whole rock compositions with 0.3 to 0.4 wt% K2O. Similarly, TiO2/K2O, Na2O/K2O, and K2O/P2O5 ratios of inclusions in primitive olivines span a much larger range than do inclusions hosted by more evolved olivines, with TiO2/K2O ratios extending from enriched to depleted compositions (1.2 to 24.7) in primitive olivines, and converging on whole rock compositions (TiO2/K2O = 6-9) in more evolved host olivine. This points toward extreme compositional variability in melts feeding Mauna Loa, and effective mixing of these melt parcels in the shallower summit reservoir to produce the restricted range of whole rock compositions sampled by erupted lavas. Whole rock compositions, therefore provide an integrated view of melting and high-level mixing processes, whereas melt inclusions provide more detailed information about source characteristics.

Exotic Members of Southern Alaska's Jurassic Arc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Todd, E.; Jones, J. V., III; Karl, S. M.; Box, S.; Haeussler, P. J.

2017-12-01

The Jurassic Talkeetna arc and contemporaneous plutonic rocks of the Alaska-Aleutian Range batholith (ARB) are key components of the Peninsular terrane of southern Alaska. The Talkeetna arc, considered to be a type example of an intra-oceanic arc, was progressively accreted to northwestern North America in the Jurassic to Late Cretaceous, together with associated components of the Wrangellia Composite terrane. Older Paleozoic and Mesozoic rock successions closely associated with the ARB suggest that at least part of the Peninsular terrane might be an overlap succession built on pre-existing crust, possibly correlative with the Wrangellia terrane to the east. However, the relationship between the Talkeetna arc, ARB, and any pre-existing crust remains incompletely understood. Field investigations focused on the petrogenesis of the ARB near Lake Clark National Park show that Jurassic to Late Cretaceous plutonic rocks commonly host a diverse range of mineralogically distinct xenolith inclusions, ranging in size from several cm to hundreds of meters. The modal fraction of these inclusions ranges from <1% to >50% in some outcrops. They are generally mafic in composition and, with few exceptions, are more mafic than host plutonic rocks, although they are observed as both igneous (e.g., gabbro cumulate, diorite porphyry) and metamorphic types (e.g., amphibolite, gneiss and quartzite). Inclusion shapes range from angular to rounded with sharp to diffuse boundaries and, in some instances, are found as planar, compositionally distinct bands or screens containing high-temperature ductile shear fabrics. Other planar bands are more segmented, consistent with lower-temperature brittle behavior. Comparison of age, geochemical fractionation trends, and isotope systematics between the inclusions and host plutons provides a critical test of whether they are co-genetic with host plutons. Where they are related, mafic inclusions provide clues about magmatic evolution and fractionation history of the Jurassic arc. In cases where they are not related, inclusion composition and texture provides important clues about of pre-existing basement and insights into its possible tectonic affinities, and some host-inclusion textures provide evidence for both partial melting of, and physical mingling with, preexisting crust.

Impact of silica diagenesis on the porosity of fine-grained strata: An analysis of Cenozoic mudstones from the North Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wrona, Thilo; Taylor, Kevin G.; Jackson, Christopher A.-L.; Huuse, Mads; Najorka, Jens; Pan, Indranil

2017-04-01

Silica diagenesis has the potential to drastically change the physical and fluid flow properties of its host strata and therefore plays a key role in the development of sedimentary basins. The specific processes involved in silica diagenesis are, however, still poorly explained by existing models. This knowledge gap is addressed by investigating the effect of silica diagenesis on the porosity of Cenozoic mudstones of the North Viking Graben, northern North Sea through a multiple linear regression analysis. First, we identify and quantify the mineralogy of these rocks by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. Mineral contents and host rock porosity data inferred from wireline data of two exploration wells are then analyzed by multiple linear regressions. This robust statistical analysis reveals that biogenic opal-A is a significant control and authigenic opal-CT is a minor influence on the porosity of these rocks. These results suggest that the initial porosity of siliceous mudstones increases with biogenic opal-A production during deposition and that the porosity reduction during opal-A/CT transformation results from opal-A dissolution. These findings advance our understanding of compaction, dewatering, and lithification of siliceous sediments and rocks. Moreover, this study provides a recipe for the derivation of the key controls (e.g., composition) on a rock property (e.g., porosity) that can be applied to a variety of problems in rock physics.

Direct dating and characterization of the Pope's Hill REE Deposit, Labrador

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chafe, A. N.; Hanchar, J. M.; Fisher, C.; Piccoli, P. M.; Crowley, J. L.; Dimmell, P. M.

2012-12-01

The Pope's Hill rare earth element (REE) trend (PHT) is located approximately 100 km southwest of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, along the Trans Labrador Highway, in central Labrador. Whole-rock geochemical analyses of the main REE-bearing unit indicate total rare earth element contents ranging from 1 to 22 weight percent (wt%) REE3+. The REE-enriched unit is hosted within a hydrothermally altered syenite, trending northeast and traceable for approximately 2.8km. Samples of ore, host rock, and country rock, were collected from throughout the trend in order to: 1) quantify which phases concentrate the REE and their abundances and distribution in the ore; and 2) use in situ LA-ICPMS and ID-TIMS U-Pb geochronology and in situ Sm-Nd isotopes using LA-MC-ICPMS in monazite from the ore and host rock to constrain the timing of mineralization and determine the source of the REE. These data will help develop predictive models for this type of mineral deposit elsewhere. The PHT is defined as the host syenite and REE-enriched segregations; two contrasting lithologies. The rare earth element minerals (REE) occur in millimeter- to centimeter-scale pods that are locally discontinuous. The REE are hosted in a variety of silicate, phosphate, carbonate, and niobate phases; with a majority hosted in allanite(-Ce), titanite(-Ce), monazite(-Ce), britholite(-Ce); and a minor percentage in REE-carbonates and fergusonite(-Nd). Both apatite and titanite occur in two different compositional forms that range in chemistry from end-member stoichiometric apatite and titanite to highly REE-enriched - apatite-britholite and titanite(-Ce), where chemical substitutions, such as Si4+ + REE3+ substitute for Ca2+ + P5+ in apatite and REE3+ + Fe3+ substitute for Ca2+ + Ti4+ in titanite in order to incorporate up to ~40 wt% REE2O3 in both minerals. The U-Pb geochronology indicate that allanite, titanite(-Ce), monazite and fergusonite crystallized from ~1060 to ~940 Ma, a period spanning ~120 Ma. Sm-Nd tracer isotope data from the same minerals indicate that the syenite and ore have initial Nd within a single ɛNd unit. This combined with their field relationship to the foliation and the microtextures observed in thin section suggests that the REE minerals experienced syndeformational growth from a hydrothermal fluid, acting on both host and ore, where REEs in aqueous hard ligand complexes became saturated in silicate, phosphate, carbonate, and niobate minerals through the changing T, P and chemical conditions brought on by deformation.

Publications - PIR 2015-6 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical

Science.gov Websites

content DGGS PIR 2015-6 Publication Details Title: Geologic map of the Talkeetna Mountains C-4 Quadrangle ., Freeman, L.K., and Lande, L.L., 2015, Geologic map of the Talkeetna Mountains C-4 Quadrangle and adjoining Sheets Sheet 1 Geologic map of the Talkeetna Mountains C-4 Quadrangle and adjoining areas, central Alaska

Interagency wilderness fire management

Treesearch

Jim Desmond

1995-01-01

Wilderness fire managers are often confronted with natural fire ignitions that start and/or burn near an adjoining agency’s wilderness area boundary. Management strategies for prescribed natural fires (PNF) are often developed using the adjoining agency’s wilderness boundary as the maximum allowable perimeter (control line) for the PNF. When this occurs, fire’s natural...

The experimental determination of the coefficient of hydraulic resistance of a perforated plate with a layer of balls adjoining to it

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smorchkova, Yu V.; Varava, A. N.; Dedov, A. V.; Zakharenkov, A. V.; Komov, A. T.

2017-10-01

The results of an experimental study of the hydrodynamics of a perforated plate with a layer of balls adjoining to it are presented herein. The experiments were carried out in the fluid flow range from 0.1 to 0.6 kg/s, at a fluid temperature of 19 °C.

PERMEABILITY CHANGES IN CRYSTALLINE ROCKS DUE TO TEMPERATURE: EFFECTS OF MINERAL ASSEMBLAGE.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Morrow, C.A.; Moore, Diane E.; Byerlee, J.D.; ,

1985-01-01

The change in permeability with time of granite, quartzite, anorthosite and gabbro was measured while these rocks were subjected to a temperature gradient. Permeability reductions of up to two orders of magnitude were observed, with the greatest reactions occurring in the quartzite. These changes are thought to be caused by dissolution of minerals at high temperatures, and redeposition of the dissolved material at lower temperatures. Quartz appears to be an important mineral in this self-sealing process. If very low permeability is desired around a nuclear waste repository in crystalline rocks, then a quartz-rich rock may be the most appropriate host.

10 CFR Appendix IV to Part 960 - Types of Information for the Nomination of Sites as Suitable for Characterization

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... temperature in the host rock and surrounding rock units. Section 960.4-2-4Climatic changes. Description of the climatic conditions of the site region, in context with global and regional patterns of climatic changes during the Quaternary Period, in order to project likely future changes in climate such that potential...

10 CFR Appendix IV to Part 960 - Types of Information for the Nomination of Sites as Suitable for Characterization

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... temperature in the host rock and surrounding rock units. Section 960.4-2-4Climatic changes. Description of the climatic conditions of the site region, in context with global and regional patterns of climatic changes during the Quaternary Period, in order to project likely future changes in climate such that potential...

10 CFR Appendix IV to Part 960 - Types of Information for the Nomination of Sites as Suitable for Characterization

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... temperature in the host rock and surrounding rock units. Section 960.4-2-4Climatic changes. Description of the climatic conditions of the site region, in context with global and regional patterns of climatic changes during the Quaternary Period, in order to project likely future changes in climate such that potential...

Diversity of Cryptosporidium in brush-tailed rock-wallabies (Petrogale penicillata) managed within a species recovery programme

PubMed Central

Vermeulen, Elke T.; Ashworth, Deborah L.; Eldridge, Mark D.B.; Power, Michelle L.

2015-01-01

Host–parasite relationships are likely to be impacted by conservation management practices, potentially increasing the susceptibility of wildlife to emerging disease. Cryptosporidium, a parasitic protozoan genus comprising host-adapted and host-specific species, was used as an indicator of parasite movement between populations of a threatened marsupial, the brush-tailed rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata). PCR screening of faecal samples (n = 324) from seven wallaby populations across New South Wales, identified Cryptosporidium in 7.1% of samples. The sampled populations were characterised as captive, supplemented and wild populations. No significant difference was found in Cryptosporidium detection between each of the three population categories. The positive samples, detected using 18S rRNA screening, were amplified using the actin and gp60 loci. Multi-locus sequence analysis revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium fayeri, a marsupial-specific species, and C. meleagridis, which has a broad host range, in samples from the three population categories. Cryptosporidium meleagridis has not been previously reported in marsupials and hence the pathogenicity of this species to brush-tailed rock-wallabies is unknown. Based on these findings, we recommend further study into Cryptosporidium in animals undergoing conservation management, as well as surveying wild animals in release areas, to further understand the diversity and epidemiology of this parasite in threatened wildlife. PMID:25834789

Permeability and seismic velocity anisotropy across a ductile-brittle fault zone in crystalline rock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wenning, Quinn C.; Madonna, Claudio; de Haller, Antoine; Burg, Jean-Pierre

2018-05-01

This study characterizes the elastic and fluid flow properties systematically across a ductile-brittle fault zone in crystalline rock at the Grimsel Test Site underground research laboratory. Anisotropic seismic velocities and permeability measured every 0.1 m in the 0.7 m across the transition zone from the host Grimsel granodiorite to the mylonitic core show that foliation-parallel P- and S-wave velocities systematically increase from the host rock towards the mylonitic core, while permeability is reduced nearest to the mylonitic core. The results suggest that although brittle deformation has persisted in the recent evolution, antecedent ductile fabric continues to control the matrix elastic and fluid flow properties outside the mylonitic core. The juxtaposition of the ductile strain zone next to the brittle zone, which is bounded inside the two mylonitic cores, causes a significant elastic, mechanical, and fluid flow heterogeneity, which has important implications for crustal deformation and fluid flow and for the exploitation and use of geothermal energy and geologic waste storage. The results illustrate how physical characteristics of faults in crystalline rocks change in fault zones during the ductile to brittle transitions.

Magma feeding system of Kutcharo and Mashu calderas, Hokkaido, Japan: Evidence of a common basaltic magma evolving into two distinct rock series

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyagi, I.; Itoh, J.; Nguyen, H.

2009-12-01

Kutcharo and its adjacent Mashu volcanoes are located in NE Hokkaido, about 150 km west of the Kurile trench. The latest major activity of Kutcharo was 35 thousand years ago (termed KP I) produced about 50 km3 D.R.E, Mashu meanwhile became active after KP I. To understand the magma feeding system of adjoining but distinct Kutcharo (medium-K) and Mashu (low-K) volcanoes, we examined major and trace element, and Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopic compositions of whole rocks. We also studied phenocryst chemical zoning and chemical compositions of melt inclusions in phenocryst. The chemical results of melt inclusions show no distinction between medium- and low-K as being recognized in bulk rock chemistry of the volcanoes. Instead, the results form a smooth trend between low-K rock series and high-K rhyolitic melt end-member (as high as 5 wt. % K2O). There is no significant difference Sr, Nd and Pb isotopes between basalt and rhyolite suggesting genetic relationship. Moreover, the trace element distribution patterns show enrichment increasing gradually from the basalt to rhyolite via andesite indicating fractional crystallization evolution. Chemical zoning in plagioclase phenocryst in KP I (An 80-40) suggest that basaltic magma injected repeatedly into a voluminous felsic magma chamber of Kutcharo volcano. Chemical compositions of olivine phenocryst show that Kutcharo (Fo 86) was hotter as compared to Mashu (Fo 75). Application of MELTS program (Ghiorso and Sack, 1995) on composition of the basaltic melt end-member suggests that crystallization or subsequent re-melting of the basalt may produce medium- to high-K rhyolite melt, and mixing of the rhyolite with basalt may form the observed medium-K Kutcharo and low-K Mashu rock series. It is estimated that total volume of the basaltic magma supplied intermittently beneath the volcanoes was several folds to 10 times larger than the erupted rhyolite magma. And that the basalt injection may be more intensive beneath Kutcharo, leading to the formation of a thermal structure that has a peak at Kutcharo and lowers gradually toward Mashu. The thermal structure may explain the observed difference in erupted volumes and rock series between two volcanoes. This research project has been conducted under the research contract with Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA).

Field measurements of incision rates following bedrock exposure: Implications for process controls on the long profiles of valleys cut by rivers and debris flows

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stock, Jonathan D.; Montgomery, David R.; Collins, Brian D.; Dietrich, William E.; Sklar, Leonard

2005-01-01

Until recently, published rates of incision of bedrock valleys came from indirect dating of incised surfaces. A small but growing literature based on direct measurement reports short-term bedrock lowering at geologically unsustainable rates. We report observations of bedrock lowering from erosion pins monitored over 1–7 yr in 10 valleys that cut indurated volcanic and sedimentary rocks in Washington, Oregon, California, and Taiwan. Most of these channels have historically been stripped of sediment. Their bedrock is exposed to bed-load abrasion, plucking, and seasonal wetting and drying that comminutes hard, intact rock into plates or equant fragments that are removed by higher flows. Consequent incision rates are proportional to the square of rock tensile strength, in agreement with experimental results of others. Measured rates up to centimeters per year far exceed regional long-term erosion-rate estimates, even for apparently minor sediment-transport rates. Cultural artifacts on adjoining strath terraces in Washington and Taiwan indicate at least several decades of lowering at these extreme rates. Lacking sediment cover, lithologies at these sites lower at rates that far exceed long-term rock-uplift rates. This rate disparity makes it unlikely that the long profiles of these rivers are directly adjusted to either bedrock hardness or rock-uplift rate in the manner predicted by the stream power law, despite the observation that their profiles are well fit by power-law plots of drainage area vs. slope. We hypothesize that the threshold of motion of a thin sediment mantle, rather than bedrock hardness or rock-uplift rate, controls channel slope in weak bedrock lithologies with tensile strengths below ∼3–5 MPa. To illustrate this hypothesis and to provide an alternative interpretation for power-law plots of area vs. slope, we combine Shields' threshold transport concept with measured hydraulic relationships and downstream fining rates. In contrast to fluvial reaches, none of the hundreds of erosion pins we installed in steep valleys recently scoured to bedrock by debris flows indicate any postevent fluvial lowering. These results are consistent with episodic debris flows as the primary agent of bedrock lowering in the steepest parts of the channel network above ∼0.03–0.10 slope.

Characterization of Possible Carbonatites in Southeast Missouri

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shavers, E. J.; Wulamu, A.; Encarnacion, J. P.; Luetkemeyer, P. B.

2014-12-01

Carbonatite is an igneous rock containing greater than 50% carbonate minerals. These rocks are the most common host of REE mineralization and may contain other economic deposits such as uranium, fluorine and niobium. Several researchers have mentioned the presence of a carbonatite phase interspersed among the olivine melilitite-alnöite dikes and diatremes of southeast Missouri, yet a comprehensive validation of this occurrence has, so far, remained elusive. Here we present petrographic, cathodoluminescence, stable isotope and Vis-NIR analysis which support the presence of a carbonatite magma. We identify apparently single generation calcite groundmass surrounding country rock xenoliths and olivine-cored mafic spheroids altered to carbonate and opaque minerals. We present stable isotope data for twenty samples of intrusive and country rock from across the study area. δ18O values for all rock types exhibit little variation with values between 21.9 ‰ and 28.1 ‰ (VSMOW), possibly the result of outgassing during emplacement. Measured δ13C values of (1) carbonate country rocks are between -0.1 ‰ and -2.9 ‰ (VPDB), (2) ultramafic and carbonate-rich mafic rocks range from -3.0 ‰ to -4.6 ‰ (VPDB) and (3) carbonate-rich rocks with volcanic textures, as well as carbonate veins within mafic rocks, fall between -5.4 ‰ to -8.2 ‰ (VPDB). We suggest that this data and initial petrographic observations indicate (1) limited fluid-rock interaction as the host rock clasts have retained their original isotopic signature, (2) an initial ultramafic phase enriched in 13C by a small amount of sedimentary rock due to low initial C content, (3) mantle sourced carbonate fluids entraining fragments of the ultramafic phase and xenoliths. However, future electron microprobe studies may allow us to further constrain the causes for the observed isotopic shifts. We compare laboratory reflectance measurements of a dolomitic intrusive and adjacent dolomite country rock. Absorption bands in the 0.42-1.35 and 2.2-2.4 μm regions indicate unique Si, Fe, Mg, Al and possibly Cr mineralization in the intrusive rock. These features may indicate higher chemical content in addition to, or alternately, intrusive specific mineralogy. This data may allow for future carbonatite identification using remote imaging spectroscopy.

Three-dimensional distribution of igneous rocks near the Pebble porphyry Cu-Au-Mo deposit in southwestern Alaska: constraints from regional-scale aeromagnetic data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Anderson, Eric D.; Zhou, Wei; Li, Yaoguo; Hitzman, Murray W.; Monecke, Thomas; Lang, James R.; Kelley, Karen D.

2014-01-01

Aeromagnetic data helped us to understand the 3D distribution of plutonic rocks near the Pebble porphyry copper deposit in southwestern Alaska, USA. Magnetic susceptibility measurements showed that rocks in the Pebble district are more magnetic than rocks of comparable compositions in the Pike Creek–Stuyahok Hills volcano-plutonic complex. The reduced-to-pole transformation of the aeromagnetic data demonstrated that the older rocks in the Pebble district produce strong magnetic anomaly highs. The tilt derivative transformation highlighted northeast-trending lineaments attributed to Tertiary volcanic rocks. Multiscale edge detection delineated near-surface magnetic sources that are mostly outward dipping and coalesce at depth in the Pebble district. The total horizontal gradient of the 10-km upward-continued magnetic data showed an oval, deep magnetic contact along which porphyry deposits occur. Forward and inverse magnetic modeling showed that the magnetic rocks in the Pebble district extend to depths greater than 9 km. Magnetic inversion was constrained by a near-surface, 3D geologic model that is attributed with measured magnetic susceptibilities from various rock types in the region. The inversion results indicated that several near-surface magnetic sources with moderate susceptibilities converge with depth into magnetic bodies with higher susceptibilities. This deep magnetic source appeared to rise toward the surface in several areas. An isosurface value of 0.02 SI was used to depict the magnetic contact between outcropping granodiorite and nonmagnetic sedimentary host rocks. The contact was shown to be outward dipping. At depths around 5 km, nearly the entire model exceeded the isosurface value indicating the limits of nonmagnetic host material. The inversion results showed the presence of a relatively deep, northeast-trending magnetic low that parallels lineaments mapped by the tilt derivative. This deep low represents a strand of the Lake Clark fault.

Metallogeny of the nikolai large igneous province (LIP) in southern alaska and its influence on the mineral potential of the talkeetna mountains

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schmidt, J.M.; Rogers, R.K.

2007-01-01

Recent geologic mapping has identified areas of extrusive basalts of the Middle to Late Triassic Nikolai Greenstone within the Wrangellia terrane that extend at least 80 km southwest of their previously known extent. Abundant dolerite sills of similar composition intrude Paleozoic and Mesozoic stratigraphy below the Nikolai throughout the central Talkeetna Mountains. The Talkeetna Mountains, therefore, have newly identified potential for copper, nickel, and platinum-group elements (PGEs) as disseminated, net-textured, or massive magmatic sulfide deposits hosted in mafic and ultramafic sill-form complexes related to emplacement of the Nikolai. Because of their potential high grades, similar magmatic sulfide targets have been the focus of increasing mineral exploration activity over the last decade in the Amphitheater Mountains and central Alaska Range, 100-200 km to the northeast. The Nikolai Greenstone, associated intrusions, and their metamorphosed equivalents also have potential to host stratabound disseminated "basaltic copper" deposits. Sedimentary and metasedimentary rocks overlying the Nikolai have the potential to host stratabound, disseminated, or massive "reduced-facies" type Cu-Ag deposits. Ultramafic rocks have been identified only in the extreme northeastern Talkeetna Mountains to date. However, coincident gravity and magnetic highs along the leading (northwestern) edge of and within Wrangellia in the Talkeetna and Clearwater Mountains suggest several areas that are highly prospective for ultramafic rocks related to extrusion of Nikolai lavas. In particular, the distribution, geometry, and composition of sills within the pre-Nikolai stratigraphy and the structural and tectonic controls on intrusive versus extrusive rock distribution deserve serious examination. Copyright ?? 2007 The Geological Society of America.

Origin of dolomitic rocks in the lower Permian Fengcheng formation, Junggar Basin, China: evidence from petrology and geochemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Shifa; Qin, Yi; Liu, Xin; Wei, Chengjie; Zhu, Xiaomin; Zhang, Wei

2017-04-01

Although dolomitization of calcite minerals and carbonatization of volcanic rocks have been studied widely, the extensive dolomitic rocks that originated from altered volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks have not been reported. The dolomitic rocks of the Fengcheng Formation in the Junggar Basin of China appear to be formed under unusual geologic conditions. The petrological and geochemical characteristics indicate that the dolomitizing host rock is devitrified volcanic tuff. After low-temperature alteration and calcitization, these tuffaceous rocks are replaced by Mg-rich brine to form massive dolomitic tuffs. We propose that the briny (with -2 ‰ 6 ‰ of δ13CPDB and -5 ‰ 4 ‰ of δ18OPDB) and Mg-rich marine formation water (with 0.7060 0.7087 of 87Sr/86Sr ratio), the thick and intermediate-mafic volcanic ashes, and the tectonically compressional movement may have favored the formation of the unusual dolomitic rocks. We conclude that the proposed origin of the dolomitic rocks can be extrapolated to other similar terranes with volcaniclastic rocks, seabed tuffaceous sediment, and fracture filling of sill.

Isotopic composition of Pb in ore deposits of the Betic Cordillera, Spain; origin and relationship to other European deposits

USGS Publications Warehouse

Arribas , Antonio; Tosdal, Richard M.

1994-01-01

The Betic Cordillera in southern Spain is a complex Alpine fold belt that resulted from the Cretaceous through Cenozoic collision of Africa with Europe. The region is illustrative of one of the characteristics of the Alpine-Mediterranean orogen: the occurrence over a limited area of mineral deposits with a wide variety of host rocks, mineralization ages, and styles. The metamorphic basement in the Betic zone is characterized by a nappe structure of superimposed tectonostratigraphic units and consists of lower Paleozoic to Lower Triassic clastic metasedimentary rocks. This is overlain by Middle to Upper Triassic platform carbonate rocks with abundant strata-bound F-Pb-Zn-(Ba) deposits (e.g., Sierra de Gador, Sierra Alhamilla). Cretaceous to Paleogene subduction-related compression in southeastern Spain was followed by Miocene postcollisional extension and resulted in the formation of the Almeria-Cartagena volcanic belt and widespread hydrothermal activity and associated polymetallic mineralization. Typical Miocene hydrothermal deposits include volcanic-hosted Au (e.g., Rodalquilar) and Ag-rich base metal (e.g., Cabo de Gata, Mazarron) deposits as well as complex polymetallic veins, mantos, and irregular replacement bodies which are hosted by Paleozoic and Mesozoic metamorphic rocks and Neogene sedimentary and volcanic rocks (e.g., Cartagena, Sierra Almagrera, Sierra del Aguilon, Loma de Bas).Lead isotope compositions were measured on sulfide samples from nine ore districts and from representative fresh samples of volcanic and basement rock types of the region. The results have been used to evaluate ore-forming processes in southeastern Spain with emphasis on the sources of metals. During a Late Triassic mineralizing event, Pb was leached from Paleozoic clastic metasedimentary rocks and incorporated in galena in strata-bound F-Pb-Zn-(Ba) deposits ( 206 Pb/ 204 Pb = 18.332 + or - 12, 207Pb/ 204 Pb = 15.672 + or - 12, 208 Pb/ 204 Pb = 38.523 + or - 46). The second episode of mineralization was essentially contemporaneous (late Miocene) throughout the region and did not involve remobilization of less radiogenic Triassic ore Pb. Lead isotope data indicate a dominantly Paleozoic metasedimentary source for polymetallic vein- and manto-type deposits that formed by hydrothermal circulation through the Betic basement, driven by Miocene intrusions ( 206 Pb/ 204 Pb = 18.747 + or - 20, 207 Pb/ 204Pb = 15.685 + or - 9, 208 /Pb/ 204 Pb = 39.026 + or - 37). Lead in Au-(Cu-Te-Sn) ores is isotopically indistinguishable from that of the calc-alkalic volcanic host ( 206 Pb/ 204 Pb = 18.860 + or - 9, 207 Pb/ 204 Pb = 15.686 + or - 8, 208 Pb/ 204 Pb = 38.940 + or - 27). In contrast, the Pb in volcanic-hosted Pb-Zn-Cu-(Ag-Au) veins was derived from Paleozoic metamorphic and Miocene volcanic rocks ( 206 Pb/ 204 Pb = 18.786 + or - 5, 207 Pb/ 204 Pb = 15.686 + or - 2, 208 Pb/ 204 Pb = 38.967 + or - 9).A comparison of the Pb isotope data from southeastern Spain with published data from selected Pb-Zn deposits in southern Europe (including Les Malines, L'Argentiere, and the Alpine, Iglesiente-Sulcis, and Montagne Noire districts) indicates the importance of a metasedimentary basement as a common source of ore Pb.

Numerical simulation for the coupled thermo-mechanical performance of a lined rock cavern for underground compressed air energy storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Shu-Wei; Xia, Cai-Chu; Zhao, Hai-Bin; Mei, Song-Hua; Zhou, Yu

2017-12-01

Compressed air energy storage (CAES) is a technology that uses compressed air to store surplus electricity generated from low power consumption time for use at peak times. This paper presents a thermo-mechanical modeling for the thermodynamic and mechanical responses of a lined rock cavern used for CAES. The simulation was accomplished in COMSOL Multiphysics and comparisons of the numerical simulation and some analytical solutions validated the thermo-mechanical modeling. Air pressure and temperatures in the sealing layer and concrete lining exhibited a similar trend of ‘up-down-down-up’ in one cycle. Significant temperature fluctuation occurred only in the concrete lining and sealing layer, and no strong fluctuation was observed in the host rock. In the case of steel sealing, principal stresses in the sealing layer were larger than those in the concrete and host rock. The maximum compressive stresses of the three layers and the displacement on the cavern surface increased with the increase of cycle number. However, the maximum tensile stresses exhibited the opposite trend. Polymer sealing achieved a relatively larger air temperature and pressure compared with steel and air-tight concrete sealing. For concrete layer thicknesses of 0 and 0.1 m and an initial air pressure of 4.5 MPa, the maximum rock temperature could reach 135 °C and 123 °C respectively in a 30 day simulation.

Mineral resource potential map of the Fossil Ridge Wilderness Study Area, Gunnison County, Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

DeWitt, Ed; Stoneman, R.J.; Clark, J.R.; Kluender, S.E.

1985-01-01

Areas that immediately adjoin the Fossil Ridge Wilderness Study Area have a high potential for molybdenum in large deposits, lead in medium-size deposits, and zinc -in small- to medium-size deposits. Depending on the extraction of base metals, parts of the adjoining areas could have a low resource potential for bismuth and cadmium as byproducts in medium-size deposits.

Biotic and abiotic effects of human settlements in the wildland-urban interface

Treesearch

Avi Bar-Massada; Volker C. Radeloff; Susan I. Stewart

2014-01-01

The wildland-urban interface (WUI) is the area in which human settlements adjoin or intermix with ecosystems. Although research on the WUI has been focused on wildfire risk to settlements, we argue here that there is a need to quantify the extent of areas in which human settlements interact with adjoining ecosystems, regardless of their ability to support fire spread....

Pennsylvanian and Early Permian paleogeography of east-central California: Implications for the shape of the continental margin and the timing of continental truncation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stone, Paul; Stevens, Calvin H.

1988-04-01

Pennsylvanian and Early Permian paleogeographic features in east-central California include a southeast-trending carbonate shelf edge and turbidite basin that we infer paralleled a segment of the western margin of the North American continent. This segment of the continental margin was oblique to an adjoining segment on the north that trended southwestward across Nevada into easternmost California. We propose that the southeast-trending segment of the margin originated by tectonic truncation of the originally longer southwest-trending segment in Early or Middle Pennsylvanian to late Early Permian time, significantly earlier than a previously hypothesized Late Permian or Early Triassic continental truncation event. We interpret the truncating structure to have been a sinistral transform fault zone along which a continental fragment was removed and carried southeastward into the Caborca-Hermosillo region of northern Mexico, where it is now represented by exposures of Late Proterozoic and Paleozoic miogeoclinal rocks.

Science is the first step to siting nuclear waste repositories

USGS Publications Warehouse

Neuzil, Christopher E.

2014-01-01

As Shaw [2014] notes, U.S. research on shale as a repository host was halted before expending anything close to the effort devoted to studying crystalline rock, salt, and - most notably - tuff at Yucca Mountain. The new political reality regarding Yucca Mountain may allow reconsideration of the decision to abandon research on shale as a repository host.

Lead isotopes in iron and manganese oxide coatings and their use as an exploration guide for concealed mineralization

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gulson, B.L.; Church, S.E.; Mizon, K.J.; Meier, A.L.

1992-01-01

Lead isotopes from Fe and Mn oxides that coat stream pebbles from around the Mount Emmons porphyry molybdenum deposit in Colorado were studied to assess the feasibility of using Pb isotopes to detect concealed mineral deposits. The Fe/Mn oxide coatings were analyzed to determine their elemental concentrations using ICP-AES. The Pb isotope compositions of solutions from a selected suite of samples were measured, using both thermal ionization and ICP mass spectrometry, to compare results determined by the two analytical methods. Heavy mineral concentrates from the same sites were also analyzed to compare the Pb isotope compositions of the Fe/Mn coatings with those found in panned concentrates. The Fe/Mn and 206Pb/204Pb ratios of the oxide coatings are related to the lithology of the host rocks; Fe/Mn oxide coatings on pebbles of black shale have higher Fe/Mn values than do the coatings on either sandstone or igneous rocks. The shale host rocks have a more radiogenic signature (e.g. higher 206Pb/ 204Pb) than the sandstone or igneous host rocks. The Pb isotope data from sandstone and igneous hosts can detect concealed mineralized rock on both a regional and local scale, even though there are contributions from: (1) metals from the main-stage molybdenite ore deposit; (2) metals from the phyllic alteration zone which has a more radiogenic Pb isotope signature reflecting hydrothermal leaching of Pb from the Mancos Shale; (3) Pb-rich base metal veins with a highly variable Pb isotope signature; and (4) sedimentary country rocks which have a more radiogenic Pb isotope signature. An investigation of within-stream variation shows that the Pb isotope signature of the molybdenite ore zone is retained in the Fe/Mn oxide coatings and is not camouflaged by contributions from Pb-rich base-metal veins that crop out upstream. In another traverse, the Pb isotope data from Fe/Mn oxide coatings reflect a complex mixing of Pb from the molybdenite ore zone and its hornfels margin, Pb-rich base-metal veins, and sedimentary country rocks. Stream-sediment anomalies detected using oxalic acid leaches can be evaluated using Pb isotope analysesof selected geochemical anomalies. Such an evaluation procedure, given regional target Pb isotope signatures for concealed mineralization, can greatly reduce the cost of exploration for undiscovered ore deposits concealed beneath barren overburden. Lead isotope measurements on aliquots of the same solutions showed that ICP-MS determinations are of low precision and vary non-systematically when compared with the Pb isotope values of the higher precision thermal ionization method. These variations and lower precision of the ICP-MS measurements are attributed to matrix effects. ?? 1992.

Rare earth elements geochemistry in springs from Taftan geothermal area SE Iran

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shakeri, Ata; Ghoreyshinia, Sayedkazem; Mehrabi, Behzad; Delavari, Morteza

2015-10-01

Concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs) were determined in springs and andesitic-dacitic rocks of Taftan geothermal field. Hydrochemical results of major ions indicate that thermal springs are Na-SO4-Cl and Ca-SO4-Cl types. Concentrations of REEs are in ranges of 10- 4 to 1.2 and 49 to 62 times of chondrite for springwater and rock samples, respectively. The thermal (STS and TTS) and the cold (APS) springs with low pH values exhibit a very high REE contents (0.64 to 3.15 mg/l). Saturation index indicates that Fe and Al phases can control dissolved REE concentration in FTS and PF cold springs. The speciation of REE complexes indicates dominant presence of LnSO4+ and free ion in the Taftan thermal springs. In APS cold spring with pH 4, fluoride complexes are dominate over the free ion and sulfate species, while in PF and FTS cold springs with pH 6.4 and 7, respectively, carbonate complexes (LnCO3+) are predominant species. Chondrite-normalized pattern for the low-pH waters show very distinctive gull-wing patterns, characteristic feature of acid-sulfate geothermal systems, and are similar to those of the host rocks. Chemical characteristics of rare earth elements in spring and volcanic rock samples indicate that REEs are originated from the andesitic-dacitic host rocks. Whole-rock-normalized REE patterns and petrographic evidences show that rare earth elements leached mainly from marginal alteration of minerals and matrix decomposition in volcanic rocks. In chondrite-normalized REE patterns, significant negative Eu anomaly in the cold springs compare to the thermal and acidic springs indicates that alteration of plagioclase is more intense in the later, corresponding to increasing in temperature and acidic state of reactant water.

Effects of mother lode-type gold mineralization on 187Os/188Os and platinum group element concentrations in peridotite: Alleghany District, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Walker, R.J.; Böhlke, J.K.; McDonough, W.F.; Li, Ji

2007-01-01

Osmium isotope compositions and concentrations of Re, platinum group elements (PGE), and Au were determined for host peridotites (serpentinites and barzburgites) and hydrothermally altered ultramafic wall rocks associated with Mother Lode-type hydrothermal gold-quartz vein mineralization in the Alleghany district, California. The host peridotites have Os isotope compositions and Re, PGE, and Au abundances typical of the upper mantle at their presumed formation age during the late Proterozoic or early Paleozoic. The hydrothermally altered rocks have highly variable initial Os isotope compositions with ??os, values (% deviation of 187OS/188OS from the chondritic average calculated for the approx. 120 Ma time of mineralization) ranging from -1.4 to -8.3. The lowest Os isotope compositions are consistent with Re depletion of a chondritic source (e.g., the upper mantle) at ca. 1.6 Ga. Most of the altered samples are enriched in Au and have depleted and fractionated abundances of Re and PGE relative to their precursor peridotites. Geoehemical characteristics of the altered samples suggest that Re and some PGE were variably removed from the ultramafic rocks during the mineralization event. In addition to Re, the Pt and Pd abundances of the most intensely altered rocks appear to have been most affected by mineralization. The 187Os-depleted isotopic compositions of some altered rocks are interpreted to be a result of preferential 187Os loss via destruction of Re-rich phases during the event. For these rocks, Os evidently is not a useful tracer of the mineralizing fluids. The results do, however, provide evidence for differential mobility of these elements, and mobility of 187Os relative to the initial bulk Os isotope composition during hydrothermal metasomatic alteration of ultramafic rocks. ?? 2007 Society of Economic Geologists, Inc.

Did the Kiruna iron ores form as a result of a metasomatic or igneous process? New U-Pb and Nd data for the iron oxide apatite ores and their host rocks in the Norrbotten region of northern Sweden

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Westhues, A.; Hanchar, J. M.; Whitehouse, M. J.; Fisher, C. M.

2012-12-01

A number of iron deposits near Kiruna in the Norrbotten region of northern Sweden are of the iron oxide apatite (IOA) type of deposits; also referred to as Kiruna-type deposits. They are commonly considered a subgroup or end-member of iron oxide copper gold (IOCG) deposits, containing no economic grades of copper or gold. Both IOCG and IOA deposits are characterized by abundant low-Ti Fe oxides, an enrichment in REE, and intense sodium and potassium wall-rock alteration adjacent to the ores. Deposits of these types are of a great economic importance, not only for iron, but also for other elements such as rare earth elements (REE) or uranium. Kiruna, the type locality of the IOA type of mineral deposits, is the focus of this study. Despite a century-long mining history and 2500 Mt of iron ore produced in the region to date (with grades of 30 to 70 wt.% Fe), the genesis of these deposits is poorly understood: theories of a magmatic vs. a hydrothermal or metasomatic origin have been debated, and the timing of mineralization of the ores in the Norbotten region has never been directly dated. The results anticipated from this study will provide a better understanding of the nature of the IOA type of mineral deposits and their relation to IOCG deposits such as Olympic Dam in Australia. An array of geochemical methods is used in order to gain insights on the emplacement history of the host rocks, their subsequent alteration, and the ore genesis of these deposits. This includes in situ U/Pb geochronology of zircon, monazite, and titanite to constrain the timing between host rock emplacement, alteration and mineralization. Isotopic data from whole rocks and in situ at mineral scale will provide constraints on the involvement of hydrothermal fluids and their possible sources, as well as on the sources of Fe, U, and the REE. Newly obtained Sm-Nd isotopic data points to distinct source differences between host rocks, ore and alteration related samples. Preliminary in situ U-Pb dating of zircon from both host rock and ore samples confirms a previously documented event around 1880 - 1900 Ma in the Norrbotten region. However, U-Pb in monazite from an ore sample suggests a further event at ca. 1650 Ma, a period of known activity in Fennoscandia. Further investigation and more U-Pb data are needed to confirm those dates and how the iron mineralization is related to those two events. The combination of U-Th-Pb ages, tracer isotopes and trace element abundances at mineral scale (e.g., Lu-Hf in zircon, and Sm-Nd in monazite, apatite, titanite), along with the O isotopic composition of zircon, will be used to decipher whether the Kiruna iron ore deposits are of metasomatic or igneous origin. Overall, the study also intends to develop a predictive model for exploration of similar iron oxide apatite deposits worldwide.

The influence of spreading rate, basement composition, fluid chemistry and chimney morphology on the formation of gold-rich SMS deposits at slow and ultraslow mid-ocean ridges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knight, Robert D.; Roberts, Stephen; Webber, Alexander P.

2018-01-01

Seafloor massive sulphide (SMS) deposits are variably enriched in precious metals including gold. However, the processes invoked to explain the formation of auriferous deposits do not typically apply to mid-ocean ridge settings. Here, we show a statistically significant, negative correlation between the average gold concentration of SMS deposits with spreading rate, at non-sedimented mid-ocean ridges. Deposits located at slow spreading ridges (20-40 mm/a) have average gold concentrations of between 850 and 1600 ppb; however, with increasing spreading rate (up to 140 mm/a), gold concentrations gradually decrease to between 50 and 150 ppb. This correlation of gold content with spreading rate may be controlled by the degree and duration of fluid-rock interaction, which is a function of the heat flux, crustal structure (faulting) and the permeability of the source rocks. Deposits at ultraslow ridges, including ultramafic-hosted deposits, are particularly enriched in gold. This is attributed to the higher permeability of the ultramafic source rocks achieved by serpentinisation and the inherent porosity of serpentine minerals, combined with relatively high gold concentrations in peridotite compared with mid-ocean ridge basalt. Variations in fluid chemistry, such as reducing conditions and the potential for increased sulphur availability at ultramafic-hosted sites, may also contribute to the high concentrations observed. Beehive chimneys, which offer more favourable conditions for gold precipitation, may be more prevalent at ultramafic-hosted sites due to diffuse low-velocity venting compared with more focussed venting at basalt-hosted sites.

Mississippi Valley-Type Lead-Zinc Deposit Model

USGS Publications Warehouse

Leach, David L.; Taylor, Ryan D.

2009-01-01

Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) lead-zinc (Pb+Zn) deposits are found throughout the world, and these deposits are characteristically distributed over hundreds of square kilometers that define individual ore districts. The median size of individual MVT deposits is 7.0 million tonnes with grades of about 7.9 percent Pb+Zn metal. However, MVT deposits usually occur in extensive districts consisting of several to as many as 400 deposits. Nearly one-quarter of the world's sedimentary and volcanic rock-hosted Pb+Zn resources are found in these deposits, with by-product commodities including silver (Ag), copper (Cu), and indium (In) for some deposits. Environmentally, MVT deposits are less of a concern than other types of mineral deposits since the carbonate-host rocks mitigate many environmental concerns.

Geochemical bioenergetics during low-temperature serpentinization: An example from the Samail ophiolite, Sultanate of Oman

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Canovas, Peter A.; Hoehler, Tori; Shock, Everett L.

2017-07-01

Various classes of microbial and biomolecular evidence from global studies in marine and continental settings are used to identify a set of reactions that appear to support microbial metabolism during serpentinization of ultramafic rocks. Geochemical data from serpentinizing ecosystems in the Samail ophiolite of Oman are used to evaluate the extent of disequilibria that can support this set of microbial metabolisms and to provide a ranking of potential metabolic energy sources in hyperalkaline fluids that are direct products of serpentinization. Results are used to construct hypotheses for how microbial metabolism may be supported in the subsurface for two cases: ecosystems hosted in rocks that have already undergone significant serpentinization and those hosted by deeper, active serpentinization processes.

Asphaltene-bearing mantle xenoliths from Hyblean diatremes, Sicily

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scirè, Salvatore; Ciliberto, Enrico; Crisafulli, Carmelo; Scribano, Vittorio; Bellatreccia, Fabio; Ventura, Giancarlo Della

2011-08-01

Microscopic blebs of sulfur-bearing organic matter (OM) commonly occur between the secondary calcite grains and fibrous phyllosilicates in extensively serpentinized and carbonated mantle-derived ultramafic xenoliths from Hyblean nephelinite diatremes, Sicily, Italy. Rarely, coarse bituminous patches give the rock a blackish color. Micro Fourier transform infrared spectra (μ-FTIR) point to asphaltene-like structures in the OM, due to partially condensed aromatic rings with aliphatic tails consisting of a few C atoms. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis indicates the occurrence of minor S═O (either sulphonyl or sulphoxide) functional groups in the OM. Solubility tests in toluene, thermo-gravimetric (TGA) and differential thermal (DTA) analyses confirm the presence of asphaltene structures. It is proposed that asphaltenes derive from the in situ aromatization (with decrease in H/C ratio) of previous light aliphatic hydrocarbons. Field evidence excludes that hydrocarbon from an external source percolated through the xenolith bearing tuff-breccia. The discriminating presence of hydrocarbon in a particular type of xenolith only and the lack of hydrocarbon in the host breccia matrix, are also inconsistent with an interaction between the ascending eruptive system and a supposed deep-seated oil reservoir. Assuming that the Hyblean unexposed basement consists of mantle ultramafics and mafic intrusive rocks having hosted an early abyssal-type hydrothermal system, one can put forward the hypothesis that the hydrocarbon production was related to hydrothermal activity in a serpentinite system. Although a bacteriogenesis or thermogenesis cannot be ruled out, the coexisting serpentine, Ni-Fe ores and hydrocarbon strongly suggest a Fischer-Tropsch-type (FTT) synthesis. Subsequent variations in the chemical and physical conditions of the system, for example an increase in the water/rock ratio, gave rise to partial oxidation and late carbonation of the serpentinite hosted hydrocarbon. Admitting an authigenic origin for most of the modal calcite (30-50% by volume) in these rocks, one can conclude as a general rule that un-carbonated serpentinites tectonically emplaced at shallow crustal levels are potential reservoir rocks (as well putative source rocks) for exploitable petroleum reserves.

Lithologically controlled invisible gold, Yukon, Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

MacKenzie, Doug; Craw, Dave; Finnigan, Craig

2015-02-01

The newly discovered Cretaceous Coffee orogenic gold deposit (>4 Moz resource) consists of an extensive oxidised zone developed on primary sulphidic rock. The primary mineralised rock is characterised by invisible gold in arsenian pyrite that has replaced biotite in selected host rocks. The deposit has a cryptic surface expression and is an example of an extremely subtle exploration target. Hydrothermal emplacement was controlled by extensional fractures, with breccias, but most mineralisation was focused on biotite-bearing granitic gneiss, metasedimentary gneisses, and younger biotite granite. Fine-grained (<0.1 mm) arsenian pyrite replaced biotite along mineral cleavage planes and followed biotite-rich metamorphic and post-metamorphic structural fabrics. Arsenian pyrite also formed overgrowths on earlier coarse-grained (up to 2 mm) barren hydrothermal pyrite. Arsenian pyrite is concentrically zoned on the 1-10-μm scale with respect to As, Sb, and Au contents and typically contains ˜5 wt% As, ˜500 mg/kg Sb, and ˜500 mg/kg Au, in solid solution. Biotite replacement was accompanied by sericitisation, silicification, and ankerite impregnation. Hydrothermal alteration involved dilution and localised depletion of K, Na, and Al in silicified host rocks, but most Ca, Mg, and Fe concentrations remained broadly constant. Magnesium-rich ultramafic host rocks were only weakly mineralised with auriferous arsenian pyrite and have fuchsite and magnesite alteration. Near-surface oxidation has liberated nanoparticulate and microparticulate supergene gold, which remains essentially invisible. Varying degrees of oxidation extend as deep as 250 m below the present subdued topographic surface, well beyond the present vadose zone, and this deep oxidation may have occurred during post-mineralisation uplift and erosion in the Cretaceous. Oxidation has leached some As from the surficial mineralised rocks, decreasing the geochemical signal, which is also obscured by the localised presence of high background As (up to 100 mg/kg) in metasedimentary quartzites in the region. Antimony provides more reliable soil anomalies than As, but most Sb anomalies are <100 mg/kg. The persistence of invisible gold into the extensive supergene zone, with little gold particle size enhancement, has ensured that no placer deposits have formed in nearby streams, further restricting the surface footprint and Au dispersal halo of this subtle exploration target.

Stratigraphic distribution of veins in the Murray and Stimson formations, Gale crater, Mars: Implications for ancient groundwater circulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nachon, M.; Sumner, D. Y.; Borges, S. R.; Stack, K.; Stein, N.; Watkins, J. A.; Banham, S.; Rivera-Hernandez, F.; Wiens, R. C.; l'Haridon, J.; Rapin, W.; Kronyak, R. E.

2017-12-01

Since landing at Gale crater, Mars, in August 2012, the Curiosity rover has driven through more than 300m of stratigraphy. From the first to the most recent sedimentary rocks explored, light-toned veins have been observed cutting the host-rock and were interpreted as diagenetic features emplaced by hydraulic fracturing. Chemical and mineralogical analyses show they consist of Ca-sulfate. Here we report on the veins' distribution within two geological formations explored more recently by the rover: (a) the Murray Formation that consists mainly of fine-grained laminated rocks that have been interpreted as having been deposited in a former lacustrine environment [1], and (b) the Stimson Formation, which lies unconformably above the Murray, and consists of cross bedded sandstones interpreted as being deposited in a aeolian environment [2]. We have performed a systematic observation of the veins within the MastCam images, from the base of the Murray (Sol 750) up to Sol 1515 [3], described their main geometrical characteristics (e.g. orientation to laminae, relative density, branching). Five veins facies were defined based on veins' geometrical properties, abundance, and host-rock grain size. The distribution of veins facies was placed within the broader stratigraphic context. The distribution of veins within the Murray and Stimson Formations shows strong rheological controls. In the Murray, light-toned veins are present from the basal part of the section up to the most recently explored exposures. Several dense vein outcrops are associated with local variations in host-rock type, suggesting rheological control of fluid circulation. In Stimson sandstones, light-toned veins are also present though much rarer, again possibly due to rheological properties. The light-toned veins represent post depositional fluid circulation, occurring after accumulation of the lacustrine Murray rocks; at least some veins formed after Murray's burial, erosion, and the deposition and lithification of the overlying Stimson aeolian rocks. Given the distribution of veins, ground water was likely present during an extended time interval, spanning a duration of at least millions of years. [1]Grotzinger et al., 2015, DOI: 10.1126/science.aac7575 [2]Banham et al., 2017, this meeting [3]Nachon et al., 2017, AbSciCon #3667

Use of variations in unit cell length, reflectance and hardness for determining the origin of Fe disulphides in sedimentary rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dill, H. G.; Eberhard, E.; Hartmann, B.

1997-01-01

Fe disulphides are common opaque accessories in sedimentary rocks. Both marcasite and pyrite may shed some light on the depositional environment and help determine the diagenesis of their host rocks. Quantitative ore microscopy (reflectance measurements, Vickers hardness numbers) and X-ray diffraction methods, supplemented with scanning electron microscopy and chemical analyses, were applied to pyrite (and some marcasite) hosted by sedimentary rocks spanning the interval from the Devonian to the Pliocene, and formed in various marine and continental environments. Quantitative ore microscopy of pyrites of sedimentary origin does not seem to be an efficient tool for analyzing the environment owing to the inhomogeneous nature of sulphide aggregates when viewed under the ore microscope, and the variable amounts of minor elements (e.g., As, Ni, and Co) that control the reflectance values (RV) and Vickers hardness numbers (VHN) of the host sulphides. However, such parameters as crystal habit and unit cell length of pyrite, which correlate with FeS x, are useful for environmental analysis. The redox conditions and the presence of organic remains during formation are the main factors determining these crystallographic parameters. Differences in these parameters from those of pure, ideal FeS 2 can be related to substitution of, e.g., wustite in the pyrite lattice, reflecting moderate oxidation (i.e. in the microenvironment). As far as crystal habit and length of the cell edge are concerned, late stage diagenesis is obviously less important than the microenvironment attending initial formation. The environment of deposition (i.e. the macroenvironment) of pyrite-bearing rocks has no influence on the crystal morphology or the length of the unit cell of Fe disulphide. X-ray diffraction measurements demonstrate that this method provides useful evidence on the microenvironment of sulphide precipitation around a single, equant pyrite, as well as around pyritized fossils.

Photovoltaic Cell Having A P-Type Polycrystalline Layer With Large Crystals

DOEpatents

Albright, Scot P.; Chamberlin, Rhodes R.

1996-03-26

A photovoltaic cell has an n-type polycrystalline layer and a p-type polycrystalline layer adjoining the n-type polycrystalline layer to form a photovoltaic junction. The p-type polycrystalline layer comprises a substantially planar layer portion having relatively large crystals adjoining the n-type polycrystalline layer. The planar layer portion includes oxidized impurities which contribute to obtainment of p-type electrical properties in the planar layer portion.

Metal transports and enrichments in iron depositions hosted in basaltic rocks. II: Metal rich fluids and Fe origin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Ronghua; Zhang, Xuetong; Hu, Shumin

2015-12-01

This study focuses on revealing the mechanism of metal transport, enrichment and Fe origin of iron deposition during water basalt interactions occurred in basaltic rocks. Observations of the iron deposits (anhydrite-magnetite-pyroxene type deposits) hosted in K-rich basaltic rocks in the Mesozoic volcanic area of the Middle-Lower Yangtze River valley, China, indicate that the mechanism of metal transport and enrichment for those deposits are significant objective to scientists, and the Fe origin problem is not well resolved. Here the metal transport, enrichment and iron origin have been investigated in high temperature experiments of water basaltic interactions. These deposits were accompanying a wide zone with metal alteration. The effects of hydrothermal alteration on major rock-forming element concentrations in basaltic rock were investigated by systematically comparing the chemical compositions of altered rocks with those of fresh rocks. In the deposits, these metals are distributed throughout altered rocks that exhibit vertical zoning from the deeper to the shallow. Then, combined with the investigations of the metal-alterations, we performed kinetic experiments of water-basaltic rock interactions using flow-through reactors in open systems at temperatures from 20 °C to 550 °C, 23-34 MPa. Release rates for the rock-forming elements from the rocks have been measured. Experiments provide the release rates for various elements at a large temperature range, and indicate that the dissolution rates (release rates) for various elements vary with temperature. Si, Al, and K have high release rates at temperatures from 300 °C to 500 °C; the maximum release rates (RMX) for Si are reached at temperatures from 300 °C to 400 °C. The RMXs for Ca, Mg, and Fe are at low temperatures from 20 °C to 300 °C. Results demonstrate that Fe is not released from 400 °C to 550 °C, and indicate that when deep circling fluids passed through basaltic rocks, Fe was not mobile, and fixed in the rocks at temperatures from 400 °C to 550 °C. Significance of the results is to provide evidence that the Fe of ores originated from basalt, and Fe-oxides precipitated across the critical state of water. Simultaneously, Ca, Mg and Fe are fixed in the deeper altered rocks (mafic minerals). But, Fe was dissolved at relatively low temperatures (100-300 °C). Si, Al, and K were easily mobile from basalt by upward flowing fluids from 300 °C to 400 °C and transported to the upper part (silicified and argillized rock).

Life in a rock pool: Radiation and population genetics of myxozoan parasites in hosts inhabiting restricted spaces.

PubMed

Bartošová-Sojková, Pavla; Lövy, Alena; Reed, Cecile C; Lisnerová, Martina; Tomková, Tereza; Holzer, Astrid S; Fiala, Ivan

2018-01-01

Intertidal rock pools where fish and invertebrates are in constant close contact due to limited space and water level fluctuations represent ideal conditions to promote life cycles in parasites using these two alternate hosts and to study speciation processes that could contribute to understanding the roles of parasitic species in such ecosystems. Gall bladder and liver samples from five clinid fish species (Blenniiformes: Clinidae) were morphologically and molecularly examined to determine the diversity, prevalence, distribution and host specificity of Ceratomyxa parasites (Cnidaria: Myxozoa) in intertidal habitats along the coast of South Africa. Phylogenetic relationships of clinid ceratomyxids based on the SSU rDNA, LSU rDNA and ITS regions were assessed additionally to the investigation of population genetic structure of Ceratomyxa cottoidii and subsequent comparison with the data known from type fish host Clinus cottoides. Seven Ceratomyxa species including previously described Ceratomyxa dehoopi and C. cottoidii were recognized in clinids. They represent a diverse group of rapidly evolving, closely related species with a remarkably high prevalence in their hosts, little host specificity and frequent concurrent infections, most probably as a result of parasite radiation after multiple speciation events triggered by limited host dispersal within restricted spaces. C. cottoidii represents the most common clinid parasite with a population structure characterized by young expanding populations in the south west and south east coast and by older populations in equilibrium on the west coast of its distribution. Parasite and fish host population structures show overlapping patterns and are very likely affected by similar oceanographic barriers possibly due to reduced host dispersal enhancing parasite community differentiation. While fish host specificity had little impact on parasite population structure, the habitat preference of the alternate invertebrate host as well as tidal water exchange may be additional crucial variables affecting the dispersal and associated population structure of C. cottoidii.

Life in a rock pool: Radiation and population genetics of myxozoan parasites in hosts inhabiting restricted spaces

PubMed Central

Reed, Cecile C.; Lisnerová, Martina; Tomková, Tereza; Holzer, Astrid S.; Fiala, Ivan

2018-01-01

Introduction Intertidal rock pools where fish and invertebrates are in constant close contact due to limited space and water level fluctuations represent ideal conditions to promote life cycles in parasites using these two alternate hosts and to study speciation processes that could contribute to understanding the roles of parasitic species in such ecosystems. Material and methods Gall bladder and liver samples from five clinid fish species (Blenniiformes: Clinidae) were morphologically and molecularly examined to determine the diversity, prevalence, distribution and host specificity of Ceratomyxa parasites (Cnidaria: Myxozoa) in intertidal habitats along the coast of South Africa. Phylogenetic relationships of clinid ceratomyxids based on the SSU rDNA, LSU rDNA and ITS regions were assessed additionally to the investigation of population genetic structure of Ceratomyxa cottoidii and subsequent comparison with the data known from type fish host Clinus cottoides. Results and discussion Seven Ceratomyxa species including previously described Ceratomyxa dehoopi and C. cottoidii were recognized in clinids. They represent a diverse group of rapidly evolving, closely related species with a remarkably high prevalence in their hosts, little host specificity and frequent concurrent infections, most probably as a result of parasite radiation after multiple speciation events triggered by limited host dispersal within restricted spaces. C. cottoidii represents the most common clinid parasite with a population structure characterized by young expanding populations in the south west and south east coast and by older populations in equilibrium on the west coast of its distribution. Parasite and fish host population structures show overlapping patterns and are very likely affected by similar oceanographic barriers possibly due to reduced host dispersal enhancing parasite community differentiation. While fish host specificity had little impact on parasite population structure, the habitat preference of the alternate invertebrate host as well as tidal water exchange may be additional crucial variables affecting the dispersal and associated population structure of C. cottoidii. PMID:29561884

Evaluation of frictional melting on the basis of trace element analyses of fault rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishikawa, T.; Ujiie, K.

2016-12-01

Pseudotachylytes (solidified frictional melts produced during seismic slip) found in exhumed accretionary complexes are considered to have formed originally at seismogenic depths, and help our understanding of the dynamics of earthquake faulting in subduction zones. The frictional melting should affect rock chemistry. Actually, major element compositions of unaltered pseudotachylyte matrix in the Shimanto accretionary complex are reported to be similar to that of illite, implying disequilibrium melting in the slip zone (Ujiie et al., 2007). Bulk-rock trace element analyses of the pseudotachylyte-bearing fault rocks also revealed their shift to the clay-mineral-like compositions (Honda et al., 2011). Toward better understanding of the frictional melting using chemical means, we carried out detailed major and trace element analyses for pseudotachylyte-bearing dark veins and surrounding host rocks from the Mugi area of the Shimanto accretionary complex (Ujiie et al., 2007). About one milligram each of samples was collected from a rock chip along the microstructure by using the PC-controlled micro-drilling apparatus, and then analyzed by ICP-MS. Host rocks showed a series of compositional trends controlled by mixing of detrital sedimentary components. Unaltered part of the pseudotachylyte vein, on the other hand, showed striking enrichment of fluid-immobile trace elements, consistent with selective melting of fine-grained, clay-rich matrix of the fault rock. Importantly, completely altered parts of the dark veins exhibit essentially the same characteristics as the unaltered part, indicating that the trace element composition of the pseudotachylyte is well preserved even after considerable alteration in the later stages. These results demonstrate that trace element and structural analyses are useful to detect preexistence of pseudotachylytes resulting from selective frictional melting of clay minerals. It has been controversial that pseudotachylytes are rarely formed or rarely preserved. Trace element analyses on clay-rich localized slipping zones shed light on this topic. References: Ujiie et al. (2007) J. Struct. Geol. 29, 599-613; Honda et al. (2011) GRL 38, L06310.

Raman spectra of carbonaceous materials in a fault zone in the Longmenshan thrust belt, China; comparisons with those of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kouketsu, Yui; Shimizu, Ichiko; Wang, Yu; Yao, Lu; Ma, Shengli; Shimamoto, Toshihiko

2017-03-01

We analyzed micro-Raman spectra of carbonaceous materials (CM) in natural and experimentally deformed fault rocks from Longmenshan fault zone that caused the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, to characterize degree of disordering of CM in a fault zone. Raman spectral parameters for 12 samples from a fault zone in Shenxigou, Sichuan, China, all show low-grade structures with no graphite. Low crystallinity and δ13C values (-24‰ to -25‰) suggest that CM in fault zone originated from host rocks (Late Triassic Xujiahe Formation). Full width at half maximum values of main spectral bands (D1 and D2), and relative intensities of two subbands (D3 and D4) of CM were variable with sample locations. However, Raman parameters of measured fault rocks fall on established trends of graphitization in sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. An empirical geothermometer gives temperatures of 160-230 °C for fault rocks in Shenxigou, and these temperatures were lower for highly sheared gouge than those for less deformed fault breccia at inner parts of the fault zone. The lower temperature and less crystallinity of CM in gouge might have been caused by the mechanical destruction of CM by severe shearing deformation, or may be due to mixing of host rocks on the footwall. CM in gouge deformed in high-velocity experiments exhibits slight changes towards graphitization characterized by reduction of D3 and D4 intensities. Thus low crystallinity of CM in natural gouge cannot be explained by our experimental results. Graphite formation during seismic fault motion is extremely local or did not occur in the study area, and the CM crystallinity from shallow to deep fault zones may be predicted as a first approximation from the graphitization trend in sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. If that case, graphite may lower the friction of shear zones at temperatures above 300 °C, deeper than the lower part of seismogenic zone.

Numerical modelling of fluid-rock interactions: Lessons learnt from carbonate rocks diagenesis studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nader, Fadi; Bachaud, Pierre; Michel, Anthony

2015-04-01

Quantitative assessment of fluid-rock interactions and their impact on carbonate host-rocks has recently become a very attractive research topic within academic and industrial realms. Today, a common operational workflow that aims at predicting the relevant diagenetic processes on the host rocks (i.e. fluid-rock interactions) consists of three main stages: i) constructing a conceptual diagenesis model including inferred preferential fluids pathways; ii) quantifying the resulted diagenetic phases (e.g. depositing cements, dissolved and recrystallized minerals); and iii) numerical modelling of diagenetic processes. Most of the concepts of diagenetic processes operate at the larger, basin-scale, however, the description of the diagenetic phases (products of such processes) and their association with the overall petrophysical evolution of sedimentary rocks remain at reservoir (and even outcrop/ well core) scale. Conceptual models of diagenetic processes are thereafter constructed based on studying surface-exposed rocks and well cores (e.g. petrography, geochemistry, fluid inclusions). We are able to quantify the diagenetic products with various evolving techniques and on varying scales (e.g. point-counting, 2D and 3D image analysis, XRD, micro-CT and pore network models). Geochemical modelling makes use of thermodynamic and kinetic rules as well as data-bases to simulate chemical reactions and fluid-rock interactions. This can be through a 0D model, whereby a certain process is tested (e.g. the likelihood of a certain chemical reaction to operate under specific conditions). Results relate to the fluids and mineral phases involved in the chemical reactions. They could be used as arguments to support or refute proposed outcomes of fluid-rock interactions. Coupling geochemical modelling with transport (reactive transport model; 1D, 2D and 3D) is another possibility, attractive as it provides forward simulations of diagenetic processes and resulting phases. This contribution is based on several studies that were undertaken on carbonate rocks diagenesis in some of the major reservoir rocks in the Middle East and outcrop analogues in Europe. Here, the main processes at hand are related to fracture-related dolomitization and carbonate dissolution. We would like to present the workflows we have followed and the questioning that resulted for a series of case studies. The way forward, seems evident as the integration of workflows and numerical modelling tools at different scales, bringing better constrains on the boundary data and less uncertainty.

Volcano-sedimentary characteristics in the Abu Treifiya Basin, Cairo-Suez District, Egypt: Example of dynamics and fluidization over sedimentary and volcaniclastic beds by emplacement of syn-volcanic basaltic rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalaf, E. A.; Abdel Motelib, A.; Hammed, M. S.; El Manawi, A. H.

2015-12-01

This paper describes the Neogene lava-sediment mingling from the Abu Treifiya Basin, Cairo-Suez district, Egypt. The lava-sediment interactions as peperites have been identified for the first time at the study area and can be used as paleoenvironmental indicators. The identification of peperite reflects contemporaneous time relationship between volcanism and sedimentation and this finding is of primary importance to address the evolutional reconstruction of the Abu Treifiya Basin. Characterization of the facies architecture and textural framework of peperites was carried out through detailed description and interpretation of their outcrops. The peperites and sedimentary rocks are up to 350 m thick and form a distinct stratigraphic framework of diverse lithology that is widespread over several kilometers at the study area. Lateral and vertical facies of the peperites vary from sediment intercalated with the extrusive/intrusive basaltic rocks forming peperitic breccias to lava-sediment contacts at a large to small scales, respectively. Peperites encompass five main facies types ascribed to: (i) carbonate sediments-hosted fluidal and blocky peperites, (ii) lava flow-hosted blocky peperites, (iii) volcaniclastics-hosted fluidal and blocky peperites, (iv) sandstone/siltstone rocks-hosted blocky peperites, and (iv) debris-flows-hosted blocky peperites. Soft sediment deformation structures, vesiculated sediments, sediments filled-vesicles, and fractures in lava flows indicate that lava flows mingled with unconsolidated wet sediments. All the peperites in this study could be described as blocky or fluidal, but mixtures of different clast shapes occur regardless of the host sediment. The presence of fluidal and blocky juvenile clasts elucidates different eruptive styles, reflecting a ductile and brittle fragmentation. The gradual variation from fluidal to blocky peperite texture, producing the vertical grading is affected by influencing factors, e.g., the viscosity, magma temperature, confining pressure, sediment fluidization, and vapor film at the magma-sediment interactions. Peperites in the study area record deposition within a shallow marine and fluvio-lacustrine environment accumulated in a rift-related basin developed during pre- to syn-rift phase, respectively. The facies transitions (peperites) in this area resulted from the explosive and sediment depositional processes, which were mingled separately by volcanism under contrast geological conditions. The development of such contrast in the depositional sequences reflects variation in the accommodation to sediment supply in the same accumulation space inside the depocenters during the rifting of the Abu Treifiya Basin. Hydrothermal mineralizations comprising quartz and carbonate are restricted to peperites and lava flows.

A gene-specific non-enhancer sequence is critical for expression from the promoter of the small heat shock protein gene αB-crystallin

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Deciphering of the information content of eukaryotic promoters has remained confined to universal landmarks and conserved sequence elements such as enhancers and transcription factor binding motifs, which are considered sufficient for gene activation and regulation. Gene-specific sequences, interspersed between the canonical transacting factor binding sites or adjoining them within a promoter, are generally taken to be devoid of any regulatory information and have therefore been largely ignored. An unanswered question therefore is, do gene-specific sequences within a eukaryotic promoter have a role in gene activation? Here, we present an exhaustive experimental analysis of a gene-specific sequence adjoining the heat shock element (HSE) in the proximal promoter of the small heat shock protein gene, αB-crystallin (cryab). These sequences are highly conserved between the rodents and the humans. Results Using human retinal pigment epithelial cells in culture as the host, we have identified a 10-bp gene-specific promoter sequence (GPS), which, unlike an enhancer, controls expression from the promoter of this gene, only when in appropriate position and orientation. Notably, the data suggests that GPS in comparison with the HSE works in a context-independent fashion. Additionally, when moved upstream, about a nucleosome length of DNA (−154 bp) from the transcription start site (TSS), the activity of the promoter is markedly inhibited, suggesting its involvement in local promoter access. Importantly, we demonstrate that deletion of the GPS results in complete loss of cryab promoter activity in transgenic mice. Conclusions These data suggest that gene-specific sequences such as the GPS, identified here, may have critical roles in regulating gene-specific activity from eukaryotic promoters. PMID:24589182

Multiscale pore networks and their effect on deformation and transport property alteration associated with hydraulic fracturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daigle, Hugh; Hayman, Nicholas; Jiang, Han; Tian, Xiao; Jiang, Chunbi

2017-04-01

Multiple lines of evidence indicate that, during a hydraulic fracture stimulation, the permeability of the unfractured matrix far from the main, induced tensile fracture increases by one to two orders of magnitude. This permeability enhancement is associated with pervasive shear failure in a large region surrounding the main induced fracture. We have performed low-pressure gas sorption, mercury intrusion, and nuclear magnetic resonance measurements along with high-resolution scanning electron microscope imaging on several preserved and unpreserved shale samples from North American basins before and after inducing failure in confined compressive strength tests. We have observed that the pore structure in intact samples exhibits multiscale behavior, with sub-micron-scale pores in organic matter connected in isolated, micron-scale clusters which themselves are connected to each other through a network of microcracks. The organic-hosted pore networks are poorly connected due to a significant number of dead-end pores within the organic matter. Following shear failure, we often observe an increase in pore volume in the sub-micron range, which appears to be related to the formation of microcracks that propagate along grain boundaries and other planes of mechanical strength contrast. This is consistent with other experimental and field evidence. In some cases these microcracks cross or terminate in organic matter, intersecting the organic-hosted pores. The induced microcrack networks typically have low connectivity and do not appreciably increase the connectivity of the overall pore network. However, in other cases the shear deformation results in an overall pore volume decrease; samples which exhibit this behavior tend to have more clay minerals. Our interpretation of these phenomena is as follows. As organic matter is converted to hydrocarbons, organic-hosted pores develop, and the hydrocarbons contained in these pores are overpressured. The disconnected nature of these clusters of organic-hosted pores prevents the overpressure from dissipating, resulting in localized overpressure at the micron scale. When the rock is subjected to a hydraulic fracture stimulation, the rock surrounding the main induced fracture experiences shear deformation. Those parts of the rock that contain overpressured fluids in the organic-hosted pores will be more likely to experience dilatancy in the form of brittle deformation; the portions of the rock lacking in organic-hosted pores will tend to experience compactive shear failure since the effective normal stresses are larger. The microcrack networks that propagate into the regions of organic-hosted porosity allow the hydrocarbons resident in those pores to migrate to the main induced tensile fractures. The disconnected nature of the microcrack networks causes only a slight increase in permeability, which is consistent with other observations. Our work illustrates how multiscale pore networks in shale interact with in situ stresses to affect the bulk shale rheology.

The role of metasomatism in the balance of halogens in ore-forming process at porphyry Cu-Mo deposits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berzina, A. N.

2009-04-01

Volatile components play an important role in the evolution of ore-magmatic systems and their ore potential. Of special interest are fluorine and chlorine compounds that principally control the transportation of ore elements by the fluid in a magmatic process and under high-temperature hydrothermal conditions. Study of the evolution of fluorine-chlorine activity in the ore-forming process and their source is usually based on analysis of their magmatic history, whereas the additional source of fluorine and chlorine released during metasomatic alteration of rocks hosting mineralization is poorly discussed in the existing literature. Based on microprobe data on Cl and F abundances in halogen-containing minerals (biotite, amphibole, apatite, titanite) in intrusive rocks and their hydrothermally altered varieties, the role of metasomatic processes in the balance of volatiles in the ore-forming system is discussed by the example of porphyry Cu-Mo deposits of Siberia (Russia) and Mongolia. Two groups of the deposits are considered: copper-molybdenum (Erdenetiin Ovoo, Mongolia and Aksug, Russia) with prevailing propylitic and phyllic alteration and molybdenum-copper (Sora, Russia), with predominant potassic alteration. All types of hydrothermal alterations have led to drastic decrease in Cl contents in metasomatic minerals as compared with halogen-containing magmatic minerals. All studied deposits (particularly those where propylitic and phyllic alteration were developed) show a nearly complete chlorine removal from altered halogen-containing rock-forming minerals (biotite and amphibole). The Cl content in amphibole decreases several times at the stage of replacement with actinolite in the process of propylitization. In the later chlorites (ripidolite and brunsvigite) that replace amphibole, actinolite, and biotite, chlorine is not detected by microprobe (detection limit 0.01-0.02% Cl). Chlorine was also not detected in white micas (muscovite-phengite series) in quartz-sericite alteration zones. No Cl-bearing minerals were revealed in ore-metasomatic assemblages with the exception of extremely low Cl contents in secondary biotite and very rare low-Cl apatite in the early potassic alteration zone. In contrast, fluorine concentrates in chlorites and white micas; however, the F content in them is commonly lower than in dark minerals, especially in biotite from altered rocks. The highest F contents are typical of biotites related to potassic alteration (K-feldspar + biotite + quartz assemblage). For example, the F content at the Sora deposit ranges from 2.5-2.7 wt.% in the metasomatic biotite to 0.44-1.63 wt.% in the rock-forming biotite of host granitoids. At this deposit, fluorite is a major mineral of the ore-metasomatic assemblage. The Mo-rich Sora deposit drastically differs from the Cu-rich Erdenetiin Ovoo and Aksug deposits by extremely low (0.02-0.08 wt.%) Cl contents in dark minerals from all of the host rocks. The considerable quantity of chlorine released as a result of large-scale propylitic and phyllic alteration from halogen-bearing dark minerals at Cu-rich deposits considerably affected the general Cl budget in the ore-metasomatic system. This could significantly promote the generation of Cl-rich (up to 50-70 wt.% NaCl-equiv.) ore-forming solutions at such deposits. At the Sora deposit characterized by less concentrated ore-bearing solutions (12-20 wt.% NaCl-equiv.), the metasomatic alteration of host rocks was not accompanied by an appreciable removal of Cl. At the studied deposits, huge volumes of enclosing rocks were involved in metasomatism. The large amounts of halogens released during the metasomatic alteration of host rocks might have significantly influenced the balance of volatiles in the ore forming system, including the increase in the salinity of hydrothermal solutions.

Neodymium isotopic study of rare earth element sources and mobility in hydrothermal Fe-oxide (Fe-P-REE) systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gleason, James D.; Marikos, Mark A.; Barton, Mark D.; Johnson, David A.

2000-03-01

Rare earth element (REE)-enriched, igneous-related hydrothermal Fe-oxide hosted (Fe-P-REE) systems from four areas in North America have been analyzed for their neodymium isotopic composition to constrain REE sources and mobility in these systems. The Nd isotopic results evidence a common pattern of REE concentration from igneous sources despite large differences in age (Proterozoic to Tertiary), tectonic setting (subduction vs. intraplate), and magmatic style (mafic vs. felsic). In the Middle Proterozoic St. Francois Mountains terrane of southeastern Missouri, ɛ Nd for Fe-P-REE (apatite, monazite, xenotime) deposits ranges from +3.5 to +5.1, similar to associated felsic to intermediate igneous rocks of the same age (ɛ Nd = +2.6 to +6.2). At the mid-Jurassic Humboldt mafic complex in western Nevada, ɛ Nd for Fe-P-REE (apatite) mineralization varies between +1.1 and +2.4, similar to associated mafic igneous rocks (-1.0 to +3.5). In the nearby Cortez Mountains in central Nevada, mid-Jurassic felsic volcanic and plutonic rocks (ɛ Nd = -2.0 to -4.4) are associated with Fe-P-REE (apatite-monazite) mineralization having similar ɛ Nd (-1.7 to -2.4). At Cerro de Mercado, Durango, Mexico, all assemblages analyzed in this Tertiary rhyolite-hosted Fe oxide deposit have identical isotopic compositions with ɛ Nd = -2.5. These data are consistent with coeval igneous host rocks being the primary source of REE in all four regions, and are inconsistent with a significant contribution of REE from other sources. Interpretations of the origin of these hydrothermal systems and their concomitant REE mobility must account for nonspecialized igneous sources and varied tectonic settings.

Neodymium isotopic study of rare earth element sources and mobility in hydrothermal Fe oxide (Fe-P-REE) systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gleason, J.D.; Marikos, M.A.; Barton, M.D.

2000-03-01

Rare earth element (REE)-enriched, igneous-related hydrothermal Fe-oxide hosted (Fe-P-REE) systems from four areas in North America have been analyzed for their neodymium iosotopic composition to constrain REE sources and mobility in these systems. The Nd isotopic results evidence a common pattern of REE concentration from igneous sources despite large differences in age (Proterozoic to Tertiary), tectonic setting (subduction vs. intraplate), and magmatic style (mafic vs. felsic). In the Middle Proterozoic St. Francois Mountains terrane of southeastern Missouri, {epsilon}{sub Nd} for Fe-P-REE (apatite, monazite, xenotime) deposits ranges from +3.5 to +5.1, similar to associated felsic to intermediate igneous rocks of themore » same age ({epsilon}{sub Nd} = +2.6 to +6.2). At the mid-Jurassic Humboldt mafic complex in western Nevada, {epsilon}{sub Nd} for Fe-P-REE (apatite) mineralization varies between +1.1 and +2.4, similar to associated mafic igneous rocks ({minus}1.0 to +3.5). In the nearby Cortez Mountains in central Nevada, mid-Jurassic felsic volcanic and plutonic rocks ({epsilon}{sub Nd} = {minus}2.0 to {minus}4.4) are associated with Fe-P-REE (apatite-monazite) mineralization having similar {epsilon}{sub Nd}({minus}1.7 to {minus}2.4). At Cerro de Mercado, Durango, Mexico, all assemblages analyzed in this Tertiary rhyolite-hosted Fe oxide deposit have identical isotopic compositions with {epsilon}{sub Nd} = {minus}2.5. These data are consistent with coeval igneous host rocks being the primary source of REE in all four regions, and are inconsistent with a significant contribution of REE from other sources. Interpretations of the origin of these hydrothermal systems and their concomitant REE mobility must account for nonspecialized igneous sources and varied tectonic settings.« less

The Later Paleozoic granites of the Greater Caucasus Fore Range zone: geochemistry, magnetic properties and the structural and metamorphic evolution.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamzolkin, Vladimir; Latyshev, Anton; Ivanov, Stanislav; Vidjapin, Jury

2017-04-01

Clarification of the position of the granitic intrusions associated with the Blyb Metamorphic Complex is the important problem of the reconstruction of the structural evolution of the Greater Caucasus Fore Range zone. Based of the rock geochemistry we found out that the quartz diorites, granodiorites and syeno-granites of the BMC formed in suprasubduction conditions and refer to I-type granites. However, their emplacement was multistage coinciding with the various stages of the BMC evolution. We detected the mineral associations typical for the epidote-amphibolite facies in the Balkan massif, but these metamorphic features are absent in the granodiorite intrusions in the southern part of the Fore Range zone. Thus, quartz diorites of the Balkan intrusion intruded after the high-pressure metamorphism of the host rocks, but before the epidote-amphibolite stage, and the Southern granodiorite intrusions are younger. The measurements of the anisotropy of the magnetic susceptibility (AMS) in the Balkan intrusion indicated the shallow orientation of the minimal (north-eastern strike) and maximal (north-western strike) axes of the AMS ellipsoid. This result is compatible with the idea of the north-east compression fixed in the fold deformation structures of the BMC host rocks (Vidyapin, Kamzolkin, 2015). However, the macroscopic foliation in the granites dips to the east steeply. The discrepancy of the texture orientation of the granites, the host rock structure and the magnetic fabric can be explained as a result of the repeated changes of the stress field during the evolution of the Fore Range nappe structures. The reported study was partially supported by RFBR, research projects No. 16-35-00571mol_a; 16-05-01012a.

ARNOLD MESA ROADLESS AREA, ARIZONA.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wolfe, Edward W.; McColly, Robert A.

1984-01-01

Geologic geochemical, and aeromagnetic investigations and a survey of mines and prospects in the Arnold Mesa Roadless Area, Arizona, provide little evidence for the occurrence of mineral or energy resources. Buried Proterozoic basement rocks are possible hosts of porphyry-type copper and massive sulfide deposits but the thick cover of Paleozoic sedimentary rocks and upper Cenozoic volcanic rocks precluded assessment of this possibility. Chemistry and temperature of spring and well waters suggest that a geothermal resource may exist near the eastern margin of the roadless area, but the anomaly has not been tested by drilling and this resource remains unverified. No other energy resources were identified.

A new analysis of Monturaqui Meteorites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaniansky, S.; Molnár, K.

2015-01-01

The Monturaqui meteorite crater, located in the Andes Mountains, is known to host corroded iron meteorites (Koch and Buchwald, 1994), of probable IAB type. Over three hundred suspicious rocks with an exterior appearance were collected during the two expeditions to Monturaqui crater. A sample has been analyzed in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Canada. The analyses support the conclusion that the Monturaqui rocks are corroded iron meteorites.

Effects of life-history traits on parasitism in a monogamous mammal, the eastern rock sengi ( Elephantulus myurus)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lutermann, Heike; Medger, Katarina; Horak, Ivan G.

2012-02-01

The distribution of parasites is often characterised by substantial aggregation with a small proportion of hosts harbouring the majority of parasites. This pattern can be generated by abiotic and biotic factors that affect hosts and determine host exposure and susceptibility to parasites. Climate factors can change a host's investment in life-history traits (e.g. growth, reproduction) generating temporal patterns of parasite aggregation. Similarly, host age may affect such investment. Furthermore, sex-biased parasitism is common among vertebrates and has been linked to sexual dimorphism in morphology, behaviour and physiology. Studies exploring sex-biased parasitism have been almost exclusively conducted on polygynous species where dimorphic traits are often correlated. We investigated the effects of season and life-history traits on tick loads of the monogamous eastern rock sengi ( Elephantulus myurus). We found larger tick burdens during the non-breeding season possibly as a result of energetic constraints and/or climate effects on the tick. Reproductive investment resulted in increased larval abundance for females but not males and may be linked to sex-specific life-history strategies. The costs of reproduction could also explain the observed age effect with yearling individuals harbouring lower larval burdens than adults. Although adult males had the greatest larval tick loads, host sex appears to play a minor role in generating the observed parasite heterogeneities. Our study suggests that reproductive investment plays a major role for parasite patterns in the study species.

Preliminary report of the uranium favorability of shear zones in the crystalline rocks of the southern Appalachians

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Penley, H.M.; Schot, E.H.; Sewell, J.M.

1978-11-01

Three sheared areas in the crystalline Piedmont and Blue Ridge provinces, from which uranium occurrences or anomalous radioactivity have been reported, were studied to determine their favorability for uranium mineralization. The study, which involved a literature review, geologic reconnaissance, ground radiometric surveys, and sampling of rock outcrops for petrographic and chemical analyses, indicates that more-detailed investigations of these and similar areas are warranted. In each area, surface leaching and deep residual cover make it difficult to assess the potential for uranium mineralization on the basis of results from chemical analyses for U/sub 3/O/sub 8/ and the radiometric surveys. Although anomalousmore » radioactivity and anomalous chemical uranium values were noted in only a few rock exposures and samples from the shear zones, the potential for uranium mineralization at depth could be much greater than indicated by these surface data. The study indicates that shear zones within Precambiran granitic basement complexes (such as the Wilson Creek Gneiss of western North Carolina, the Cranberry Gneiss of eastern Tennessee, and the Toxaway Gneiss of western South Carolina) are favorable as hosts for uranium and may contain subsurface deposits. Mylonitized graphitic schists immediately north of the Towaliga fault in Alabama and Georgia may be favorable host rocks for uranium.« less

Highly contaminated areas as sources of pollution for adjoining ecosystems: The case of Augusta Bay (Central Mediterranean).

PubMed

Di Leonardo, R; Mazzola, A; Tramati, C D; Vaccaro, A; Vizzini, S

2014-12-15

An assessment of trace element and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination based on surface sediments collected in summer 2012 was carried out in Priolo Bay adjoining one of the most polluted areas of the Mediterranean Sea, the industrial Augusta harbour (Italy, Central Mediterranean). Inorganic and organic contaminants were generally not remarkable. Occasional elevated concentrations of Hg, Cd, Ni and PAHs exceeding sediment quality guidelines were detected in the northern sector of Priolo Bay, close to Augusta harbour, possibly as a result of water drainage of industrialised and urbanised areas and/or potential direct export of contaminated material from Augusta harbour, whose influence on the adjoining Priolo Bay ecosystem cannot be ruled out. By domino effect, Priolo sediments may therefore become a potential source of pollutants and may represent a threat to the biota. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sulfur-, oxygen-, and carbon-isotope studies of Ag-Pb-Zn vein-breccia occurrences, sulfide-bearing concretions, and barite deposits in the north-central Brooks Range, with comparisons to shale-hosted stratiform massive sulfide deposits: A section in Geologic studies in Alaska by the U.S. Geological Survey, 1998

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kelley, Karen D.; Leach, David L.; Johnson, Craig A.

2000-01-01

Stratiform shale-hosted massive sulfide deposits, sulfidebearing concretions and vein breccias, and barite deposits are widespread in sedimentary rocks of Late Devonian to Permian age in the northern Brooks Range. All of the sulfide-bearing concretions and vein breccias are hosted in mixed continental-marine clastic rocks of the Upper Devonian to Lower Mississippian Endicott Group. The clastic rocks and associated sulfide occurrences underlie chert and shale of Mississippian-Pennsylvanian(?) age that contain large stratiform massive sulfide deposits like that at Red Dog. The relative stratigraphic position of the vein breccias, as well as previously published mineralogical, geochemical, and lead-isotope data, suggest that the vein breccias formed coevally with overlying shale-hosted massive sulfide deposits and that they may represent pathways of oreforming hydrothermal fluids. Barite deposits are hosted either in Mississippian chert and limestone (at essentially the same stratigraphic position as the shale-hosted massive sulfide deposits) or Permian chert and shale. Although most barite deposits have no associated base-metal mineralization, barite occurs with massive sulfide deposits at the Red Dog deposit.Galena and sphalerite from most vein breccias have δ34S values from –7.3 to –0.7‰ (per mil) and –5.1 to 3.6‰, respectively; sphalerite from sulfide-bearing concretions have δ34S values of 0.7 and 4.7‰. This overall range in δ34S values largely overlaps with the range previously determined for galena and sphalerite from shale-hosted massive sulfide deposits at Red Dog and Drenchwater. The Kady vein-breccia occurrence is unusual in having higher δ34S values for sphalerite (12.1 to 12.9‰) and pyrite (11.3‰), consistent with previously published values for the shale-hosted Lik deposit. The correspondence in sulfur isotopic compositions between the stratiform and vein-breccia deposits suggests that they share a common source of reduced sulfur, or derived reduced sulfur by similar geochemical processes. Most likely, the reduced sulfur was derived by biogenic sulfate reduction (BSR) or thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) of seawater sulfate during Devonian-Mississippian time.The δ18O values of quartz from the vein breccias are between 16.6 and 19.9‰. Using the sphalerite-galena sulfur isotopic temperature of 188°±25°C, the calulated hydrothermal fluids had δ18O values of 4.2 to 7.5‰. The calculated range of δ18O values of the fluids is similar to that of pore fluids in equilibrium with sedimentary rocks during diagenesis at 100°– 190°C.

A reconnaissance Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, U-Pb, and K-Ar study of some host rocks and ore minerals in the West Shasta Cu- Zn district, California ( USA).

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kistler, R.W.; McKee, E.H.; Futa, K.; Peterman, Z.E.; Zartman, R.E.

1985-01-01

The Copley Greenstone, Balaklala Rhyolite, and Mule Mountain stock in the West Shasta Cu-Zn district, California, have Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, U-Pb, and K-Ar systematics that indicate they are a cogenetic suite of ensimatic island-arc rocks about 400 Ma. Pervasive alteration and mineralization of these rocks, for the most part, was syngenetic and the major component of the mineralizing fluid was Devonian seawater. K-Ar ages of quarz-sericite concentrates from ore horizons and Rb-Sr systematics of a few rock and ore specimens record a later thermal and mineralizing event in the district of about 260 Ma. Contamination of some rocks with pelagic sediments is indicated by the Sm-Nd data. -Authors

Isotopic evidence for the infiltration of mantle and metamorphic CO2-H2O fluids from below in faulted rocks from the San Andreas Fault System

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pili, E.; Kennedy, B.M.; Conrad, M.E.

To characterize the origin of the fluids involved in the San Andreas Fault (SAF) system, we carried out an isotope study of exhumed faulted rocks from deformation zones, vein fillings and their hosts and the fluid inclusions associated with these materials. Samples were collected from segments along the SAF system selected to provide a depth profile from upper to lower crust. In all, 75 samples from various structures and lithologies from 13 localities were analyzed for noble gas, carbon, and oxygen isotope compositions. Fluid inclusions exhibit helium isotope ratios ({sup 3}He/{sup 4}He) of 0.1-2.5 times the ratio in air, indicatingmore » that past fluids percolating through the SAF system contained mantle helium contributions of at least 35%, similar to what has been measured in present-day ground waters associated with the fault (Kennedy et al., 1997). Calcite is the predominant vein mineral and is a common accessory mineral in deformation zones. A systematic variation of C- and O-isotope compositions of carbonates from veins, deformation zones and their hosts suggests percolation by external fluids of similar compositions and origin with the amount of fluid infiltration increasing from host rocks to vein to deformation zones. The isotopic trend observed for carbonates in veins and deformation zones follows that shown by carbonates in host limestones, marbles, and other host rocks, increasing with increasing contribution of deep metamorphic crustal volatiles. At each crustal level, the composition of the infiltrating fluids is thus buffered by deeper metamorphic sources. A negative correlation between calcite {delta}{sup 13}C and fluid inclusion {sup 3}He/{sup 4}He is consistent with a mantle origin for a fraction of the infiltrating CO{sub 2}. Noble gas and stable isotope systematics show consistent evidence for the involvement of mantle-derived fluids combined with infiltration of deep metamorphic H{sub 2}O and CO{sub 2} in faulting, supporting the involvement of deep fluids percolating through and perhaps weakening the fault zone. There is no clear evidence for a significant contribution from meteoric water, except for overprinting related to late weathering.« less

10 CFR 960.5-2 - Technical guidelines.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

..., operation, and closure. The first group includes conditions on population density and distribution, site... the surface characteristics of the site, the characteristics of the host rock and surrounding strata...

10 CFR 960.5-2 - Technical guidelines.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

..., operation, and closure. The first group includes conditions on population density and distribution, site... the surface characteristics of the site, the characteristics of the host rock and surrounding strata...

10 CFR 960.5-2 - Technical guidelines.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

..., operation, and closure. The first group includes conditions on population density and distribution, site... the surface characteristics of the site, the characteristics of the host rock and surrounding strata...

10 CFR 960.5-2 - Technical guidelines.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

..., operation, and closure. The first group includes conditions on population density and distribution, site... the surface characteristics of the site, the characteristics of the host rock and surrounding strata...

Effects of Space Weathering on Lunar Rocks: Scanning Electron Microscope Petrography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wentworth, Susan J.; Keller, Lindsay P.; McKay, David S.

1998-01-01

Lunar rocks that have undergone direct exposure to the space weathering environment at the surface of the Moon commonly have patinas on their surfaces. Patinas are characterized by visible darkening and other changes in spectral properties of rocks. They form as a result of bombardment by micrometeorites, solar wind, and solar flares. Processes of space weathering and patina production have clearly been significant in the formation and history of the lunar regolith. It is very likely that other planetary bodies without atmospheres have undergone similar alteration processes; therefore, it is critical to determine the relationship between patinas and their host rocks in view of future robotic and remote-sensing missions to the Moon and other planetary bodies.

Geochemical constraints on sources of metabolic energy for chemolithoautotrophy in ultramafic-hosted deep-sea hydrothermal systems.

PubMed

McCollom, Thomas M

2007-12-01

Numerical models are employed to investigate sources of chemical energy for autotrophic microbial metabolism that develop during mixing of oxidized seawater with strongly reduced fluids discharged from ultramafic-hosted hydrothermal systems on the seafloor. Hydrothermal fluids in these systems are highly enriched in H(2) and CH(4) as a result of alteration of ultramafic rocks (serpentinization) in the subsurface. Based on the availability of chemical energy sources, inferences are made about the likely metabolic diversity, relative abundance, and spatial distribution of microorganisms within ultramafic-hosted systems. Metabolic reactions involving H(2) and CH(4), particularly hydrogen oxidation, methanotrophy, sulfate reduction, and methanogenesis, represent the predominant sources of chemical energy during fluid mixing. Owing to chemical gradients that develop from fluid mixing, aerobic metabolisms are likely to predominate in low-temperature environments (<20-30 degrees C), while anaerobes will dominate higher-temperature environments. Overall, aerobic metabolic reactions can supply up to approximately 7 kJ of energy per kilogram of hydrothermal fluid, while anaerobic metabolic reactions can supply about 1 kJ, which is sufficient to support a maximum of approximately 120 mg (dry weight) of primary biomass production by aerobic organisms and approximately 20-30 mg biomass by anaerobes. The results indicate that ultramafic-hosted systems are capable of supplying about twice as much chemical energy as analogous deep-sea hydrothermal systems hosted in basaltic rocks.

Monitoring water content in Opalinus Clay within the FE-Experiment: Test application of dielectric water content sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakaki, T.; Vogt, T.; Komatsu, M.; Müller, H. R.

2013-12-01

The spatiotemporal variation of water content in the near field rock around repository tunnels for radioactive waste in clay formations is one of the essential quantities to be monitored for safety assessment in many waste disposal programs. Reliable measurements of water content are important not only for the understanding and prediction of coupled hydraulic-mechanic processes that occur during tunnel construction and ventilation phase, but also for the understanding of coupled thermal-hydraulic-mechanical (THM) processes that take place in the host rock during the post closure phase of a repository tunnel for spent fuel and high level radioactive waste (SF/HLW). The host rock of the Swiss disposal concept for SF/HLW is the Opalinus Clay formation (age of approx. 175 Million years). To better understand the THM effects in a full-scale heater-engineered barrier-rock system in Opalinus Clay, a full-scale heater test, namely the Full-Scale Emplacement (FE) experiment, was initiated in 2010 at the Mont Terri underground rock laboratory in north-western Switzerland. The experiment is designed to simulate the THM evolution of a SF/HLW repository tunnel based on the Swiss disposal concept in a realistic manner during the construction, emplacement, backfilling, and post-closure phases. The entire experiment implementation (in a 50 m long gallery with approx. 3 m diameter) as well as the post-closure THM evolution will be monitored using a network of several hundred sensors. The sensors will be distributed in the host rock, the tunnel lining, the engineered barrier, which consists of bentonite pellets and blocks, and on the heaters. The excavation is completed and the tunnel is currently being ventilated. Measuring water content in partially saturated clay-rich high-salinity rock with a deformable grain skeleton is challenging. Therefore, we use the ventilation phase (before backfilling and heating) to examine the applicability of commercial water content sensors and to design custom-made TDR sensors. The focus of this study is mainly on dielectric-based commercial water content sensors. Unlike soils for which the sensors were originally designed, it requires significantly more attention to properly install it onto rock (i.e., a good contact with the sensor and rock). The results will be used to select and design the instrumentation set-up for monitoring water content during the heating phase where sensors have to withstand harsh conditions (high salinity, high temperature, high pressures, high clay content and long term monitoring up to 10 years). The sensor tests are beneficial also in the sense that the water content data generated during these tests provide insights into drainage processes after tunnel construction and seasonal water content variations in the near field rock around the test gallery. We will present results from the tests and measurements performed during the first year.

Sources of metals in the Porgera gold deposit, Papua New Guinea: Evidence from alteration, isotope, and noble metal geochemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richards, Jeremy P.; McCulloch, Malcolm T.; Chappell, Bruce W.; Kerrich, Robert

1991-02-01

The Porgera gold deposit is spatially and temporally associated with the Late Miocene, mafic, alkalic, epizonal Porgera Intrusive Complex (PIC), located in the highlands of Papua New Guinea (PNG). The highlands region marks the site of a Tertiary age continent-island-arc collision zone, located on the northeastern edge of the Australasian craton. The PIC was emplaced within continental crust near the Lagaip Fault Zone, which represents an Oligocene suture between the craton and volcano-sedimentary rocks of the Sepik terrane. Magmatism at Porgera probably occurred in response to the Late Miocene elimination of an oceanic microplate, and subsequent Early Pliocene collision between the craton margin and an arc system located on the Bismarck Sea plate. Gold mineralization occurred within 1 Ma of the time of magmatism. Metasomatism accompanying early disseminated Au mineralization in igneous host rocks resulted in additions of K, Rb, Mn, S, and CO 2, and depletions of Fe, Mg, Ca, Na, Ba, and Sr; rare-earth and high-field-strength elements remained largely immobile. Pervasive development of illite-K-feldspar-quartz-carbonate alteration assemblages suggests alteration by mildly acidic, 200 to 350°C fluids, at high water/ rock ratios. Strontium and lead isotopic compositions of minerals from early base-metal sulphide veins associated with K-metasomatism, and later quartz-roscoelite veins carrying abundant free gold and tellurides, are remarkably uniform (e.g., 87Sr /86Sr = 0.70745 ± 0.00044 [n = 10] , 207Pb /204Pb = 15.603 ± 0.004 [n = 15] ). These compositions fall between those of unaltered igneous and sedimentary host rocks, and specifically sedimentary rocks from the Jurassic Om Formation which underlies the deposit (igneous rocks: 87Sr /86Sr ≈ 0.7035 , 207Pb /204Pb ≈ 15.560 ; Om Formation: 87Sr /86Sr |t~ 0.7153 , 207Pb /204Pb ≈ 15.636 ). It is therefore suggested that the hydrothermal fluids acquired their Sr and Pb isotopic signatures by interaction with, or direct derivation from, a plutonic root of the PIC and host sedimentary rocks of the Om Formation. It is likely that Au was also derived from one or both of these two sources. Concentrations of Au in unaltered igneous and sedimentary rocks from Porgera (≤10 ppb Au) do not indicate that either lithology represents a significantly enriched protore, although Au and platinum-group element (PGE) abundances in the igneous rocks suggest a mild primary magmatic enrichment of Au relative to the PGE (average [ Au/( Pt + Pd)] mantlenormalized = 14.0 ± 6.5 [ n = 8]). Evidence that the Porgera magmas were rich in volatiles permits speculation that Au may have been concentrated in a magmatic fluid phase, but alternative possibilities such as derivation of Au by hydrothermal leaching of solidified igneous materials or sedimentary rocks cannot be excluded at this time.

Scattering of plane transverse waves by spherical inclusions in a poroelastic medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xu; Greenhalgh, Stewart; Zhou, Bing

2009-03-01

The scattering of plane transverse waves by a spherical inclusion embedded in an infinite poroelastic medium is treated for the first time in this paper. The vector displacement wave equations of Biot's theory are solved as an infinite series of vector spherical harmonics for the case of a plane S-wave impinging from a porous medium onto a spherical inclusion which itself is assumed to be another porous medium. Based on the single spherical scattering theory and dynamic composite elastic medium theory, the non-self-consistent shear wavenumber is derived for a porous rock having numerous spherical inclusions of another medium. The frequency dependences of the shear wave velocity and the shear wave attenuation have been calculated for both the patchy saturation model (inclusions having the same solid frame as the host but with a different pore fluid from the host medium) and the double porosity model (inclusions having a different solid frame than the host but the same pore fluid as the host medium) with dilute concentrations of identical inclusions. Unlike the case of incident P-wave scattering, we show that although the fluid and the heterogeneity of the rock determine the shear wave velocity of the composite, the attenuation of the shear wave caused by scattering is actually contributed by the heterogeneity of the rock for spherical inclusions. The scattering of incident shear waves in the patchy saturation model is quite different from that of the double porosity model. For the patchy saturation model, the gas inclusions do not significantly affect the shear wave dispersion characteristic of the water-filled host medium. However, the softer inclusion with higher porosity in the double porosity model can cause significant shear wave scattering attenuation which occurs at a frequency at which the wavelength of the shear wave is approximately equal to the characteristic size of the inclusion and depends on the volume fraction. Compared with analytic formulae for the low frequency limit of the shear velocity, our scattering model yields discrepancies within 4.0 per cent. All calculated shear velocities of the composite medium with dilute inclusion concentrations approach the high frequency limit of the host material.

Making a black shale shine: the interaction of hydrothermal fluids and diagenetic processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gleeson, Sarah; Magnall, Joe; Reynolds, Merilie

2016-04-01

Hydrothermal fluids are important agents of mass and thermal transfer in the upper crust. This is exemplified by shale-hosted massive sulphide deposits (SHMS), which are anomalous accumulations of Zn and Pb sulphides (± barite) in sedimentary basins created by hydrothermal fluids. These deposits occur in passive margin settings and, typically, there is no direct evidence of magmatic input. Recent studies of Paleozoic deposits in the North American Cordillera (MacMillan Pass and Red Dog Districts) have shown that the deposits are formed in a sub-seafloor setting, where the potential for thermal and chemical gradients is high. Mineralization is characterized by the replacement and displacement of unconsolidated, partially lithified and lithified biosiliceous mudstones (± carbonates), and commonly the sulphide mineralization post-dates, and replaces, bedded barite units in the sediments. The Red Dog District (Alaska, USA) contain some of the largest Zn-Pb deposits ever discovered. The host-rocks are dominantly carbonaceous mudstones, with carbonate units and some radiolarites. The ore forms massive sulphide bodies that replace pyritized mudstones, barite and carbonate units. Lithological and textural relationships provide evidence that much of the ore formed in bioturbated, biosiliceous zones that may have had high primary porosity and/or permeability. Sediment permeability may have been further modified by aging of the silica rich sediments and the dissolution/replacement of carbonate and barite beds. At the Tom and Jason deposits (MacMillan Pass, Yukon) the fault-controlled hydrothermal upflow zone is uniquely preserved as an unequivocal vent complex. Here, the metal bearing fluids are hot (300°C), low salinity (6 wt% NaCl equiv.) and acidic (pH < 4.5). These fluids were initially in thermal and chemical disequilibrium with a partially lithified organic rich host-rock but cooled rapidly during fluid rock interaction and the input of diagenetic pore fluids. Paragenetically-constrained sulphur isotope analyses provide evidence that at MacMillan Pass and in the Red Dog deposits, reduced sulphur was generated during open system diagenesis and euxinic conditions were not present at the time of mineralization. Furthermore, the formation of diagenetic barite provided an important mechanism of sulphur concentration into the host rock. Both features combined to produce an effective metal trap in the sub-surface. Ultimately, interactions between hydrothermal and diagenetic fluids within a permeable, chemically reactive medium contribute to the formation of SHMS deposits. Where these factors align, it is possible to produce world-class ore deposits (e.g. in the Red Dog district). The complex textures that are commonly encountered in these systems are the result of hydrothermal fluids interacting with their host-rocks in a heterogeneous and dynamic physical and chemical environment.

Enticed by the punschrulle: Preliminary investigation of the Seve Nappe Complex's incorporation into the Scandinavian Caledonides via 'vacuum-cleaner' exhumation.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barnes, Chris; Majka, Jaroslaw; Schneider, David; Bukala, Michal; Walczak, Katarzyna

2017-04-01

Recent discoveries of ultra-high pressure (UHP) metamorphism in the Seve Nappe Complex (SNC) of the Scandinavian Caledonides provide the basis for new investigations into the subduction - exhumation dynamics of the Baltoscandian margin during Caledonian tectonism. Specifically, exhumation of (U)HP complexes during subduction remains enigmatic. The recently proposed 'vacuum-cleaner' model details a method of exhumation for the SNC driven by conditions of underpressure within the subduction channel. This model, however, still requires extensive testing. Metasedimentary rocks hosting eclogite boudins of the SNC in Norrbotten, Sweden, preserve both metre-scale folding and a pervasive foliation which were developed during exhumation, as purposed by previous studies. Thus, the SNC host-rock offers an excellent region to test the vacuum-cleaner exhumation model. Preliminary investigation of the host-rock reveals a regional mineral assemblage of Qz + Ms + Grt + Bt + Ksp + Pl + Czo + Aln + Ttn (+ Tur + St). Garnet inclusions (Qz + Rt + Ms) are interpreted to represent the peak pressure assemblage. Chemical profiles of Grt show homogenization of the cores with thin retrogressive rims. Homogenization of Grt requires temperatures >700°C, interpreted to represent peak temperature conditions. Field observations of exhumation-related folds uncovered an axial-planar alignment of mica within the fold hinges, and an abundance of Aln and Czo requires upper-greenschist to lower-amphibolite facies conditions and presence of fluids. The current host-rock mineral assemblage is representative of retrogressive metamorphism at <550-600°C contemporaneous with deformation. Microstructures of the metasedimentary rocks are variable and strongly correlated with competency of the rock. Competent domains abundant in e.g. Qz, Grt, Czo, Ksp etc. exhibit coarse-grained subgrain and bulging-grain recrystallized Qz and development of micrometer-scale shear bands. Less competent domains, dominated by micas, are characterized by very fine-grained recrystallized Qz, mica (Ms) fish bundles and rotated, pre-kinematic Grt and Tur, illustrating strain localization which accommodated the exhumation of eclogite boudins. Kinematic orientations determined from mica-rich shear zones are variable; rigid eclogite boudins are likely controlling local shear sense. Compositional mapping of white mica reveals a narrow range of composition (61-73% XMs/27-39% XCel) regardless of degree of deformation experienced by the crystal. However, individual grains show patchy Mg-depleted/Al-enriched zones (70-84% XMs/16-30% XCel), which are spatially correlated with Bt-after-Ms reactions. Graphical representation of total Mg + Fe-content vs. excess Si-content of white mica illustrates a strong Tschermak substitution towards Ms end-member composition, with moderate Prl and Ti substitutions also contributing to the overall excess Si-content. Growth of Bt-after-Ms and the associated Tschermak substitution towards Ms-composition suggests a decrease in temperature during retrogressive metamorphism, perhaps marking the transition from lower-amphibolite to upper-greenschist facies. Future work on resolving the timing of exhumation of the SNC will involve in-situ 40Ar/39Ar dating of white mica and U-Pb depth profiling of zircon. This preliminary study regarding the petrology, mineral chemistry, and microstructures of the SNC host-rock in Norrbotten will be crucial for interpreting the geo/thermochronological results and will be instrumental for evaluating the vacuum-cleaner model. This work is financially supported by NCN "CALSUB" research project no. 2014/14/E/ST10/00321.

Peralkaline- and calc-alkaline-hosted volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits of the Bonnifield District, East-Central Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dusel-Bacon, Cynthia; Foley, Nora K.; Slack, John E.; Koenig, Alan E.; Oscarson, Robert L.

2012-01-01

Volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag-Au deposits of the Bonnifield mining district formed during Late Devonian-Early Mississippian magmatism along the western edge of Laurentia. The largest deposits, Dry Creek and WTF, have a combined resource of 5.7 million tonnes at 10% Zn, 4% Pb, 0.3% Cu, 300 grams per tonne (g/t) Ag, and 1.6 g/t Au. These polymetallic deposits are hosted in high field strength element (HFSE)- and rare-earth element (REE)-rich peralkaline (pantelleritic) metarhyolite, and interlayered pyritic argillite and mudstone of the Mystic Creek Member of the Totatlanika Schist Formation. Mystic Creek metarhyolite and alkali basalt (Chute Creek Member) constitute a bimodal pair that formed in an extensional environment. A synvolcanic peralkaline quartz porphyry containing veins of fluorite, sphalerite, pyrite, and quartz intrudes the central footwall at Dry Creek. The Anderson Mountain deposit, located ~32 km to the southwest, occurs within calc-alkaline felsic to intermediate-composition metavolcanic rocks and associated graphitic argillite of the Wood River assemblage. Felsic metavolcanic rocks there have only slightly elevated HFSEs and REEs. The association of abundant graphitic and siliceous argillite with the felsic volcanic rocks together with low Cu contents in the Bonnifield deposits suggests classification as a siliciclastic-felsic type of VMS deposit. Bonnifield massive sulfides and host rocks were metamorphosed and deformed under greenschist-facies conditions in the Mesozoic. Primary depositional textures, generally uncommon, consist of framboids, framboidal aggregates, and spongy masses of pyrite. Sphalerite, the predominant base metal sulfide, encloses early pyrite framboids. Galena and chalcopyrite accompanied early pyrite formation but primarily formed late in the paragenetic sequence. Silver-rich tetrahedrite is a minor late phase at the Dry Creek deposit. Gold and Ag are present in low to moderate amounts in pyrite from all of the deposits; electrum inclusions occur in Dry Creek sphalerite. Contents and ratios of trace elements in graphitic argillite that serve as proxies for the redox state of the bottom waters in the basin indicate that Dry Creek mineralization took place in suboxic to periodically anoxic bottom waters. Trace element data show higher contents of Tl-Mn-As in pyrite from the Anderson Mountain deposit compared to the Dry Creek or WTF deposits and thus suggest that Anderson Mountain may have formed at lower temperatures or under slightly more oxidizing conditions. No exact modern analogue for the tectonic setting of the Bonnifield VMS deposits is known, although the back-arc regions of the Okinawa Trough and Woodlark Basin satisfy the requirement for a submarine, extensional setting adjacent to a continental margin. Limited occurrences of peralkaline volcanic rocks occur in these two potential analogues, but the peralkalinity of those rocks is much less than that of the Mystic Creek Member metarhyolites in the Bonnifield district. The highly elevated trace element (e.g., Zr, Nb) contents of Mystic Creek metarhyolites suggest that a better analogue may be a submarine rifted continental margin. The calc-alkaline composition of the host rocks to the Anderson Mountain deposit suggests that mineralization there formed in a continental margin arc, outboard of the extended continental margin setting of the peralkaline-hosted Dry Creek and WTF deposits.

A comparative study of discrete fracture network and equivalent continuum models for simulating flow and transport in the far field of a hypothetical nuclear waste repository in crystalline host rock

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hadgu, Teklu; Karra, Satish; Kalinina, Elena

One of the major challenges of simulating flow and transport in the far field of a geologic repository in crystalline host rock is related to reproducing the properties of the fracture network over the large volume of rock with sparse fracture characterization data. Various approaches have been developed to simulate flow and transport through the fractured rock. The approaches can be broadly divided into Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) and Equivalent Continuum Model (ECM). The DFN explicitly represents individual fractures, while the ECM uses fracture properties to determine equivalent continuum parameters. In this paper, we compare DFN and ECM in termsmore » of upscaled observed transport properties through generic fracture networks. The major effort was directed on making the DFN and ECM approaches similar in their conceptual representations. This allows for separating differences related to the interpretation of the test conditions and parameters from the differences between the DFN and ECM approaches. The two models are compared using a benchmark test problem that is constructed to represent the far field (1 × 1 × 1 km 3) of a hypothetical repository in fractured crystalline rock. The test problem setting uses generic fracture properties that can be expected in crystalline rocks. The models are compared in terms of the: 1) effective permeability of the domain, and 2) nonreactive solute breakthrough curves through the domain. The principal differences between the models are mesh size, network connectivity, matrix diffusion and anisotropy. We demonstrate how these differences affect the flow and transport. Finally, we identify the factors that should be taken in consideration when selecting an approach most suitable for the site-specific conditions.« less

A comparative study of discrete fracture network and equivalent continuum models for simulating flow and transport in the far field of a hypothetical nuclear waste repository in crystalline host rock

DOE PAGES

Hadgu, Teklu; Karra, Satish; Kalinina, Elena; ...

2017-07-28

One of the major challenges of simulating flow and transport in the far field of a geologic repository in crystalline host rock is related to reproducing the properties of the fracture network over the large volume of rock with sparse fracture characterization data. Various approaches have been developed to simulate flow and transport through the fractured rock. The approaches can be broadly divided into Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) and Equivalent Continuum Model (ECM). The DFN explicitly represents individual fractures, while the ECM uses fracture properties to determine equivalent continuum parameters. In this paper, we compare DFN and ECM in termsmore » of upscaled observed transport properties through generic fracture networks. The major effort was directed on making the DFN and ECM approaches similar in their conceptual representations. This allows for separating differences related to the interpretation of the test conditions and parameters from the differences between the DFN and ECM approaches. The two models are compared using a benchmark test problem that is constructed to represent the far field (1 × 1 × 1 km 3) of a hypothetical repository in fractured crystalline rock. The test problem setting uses generic fracture properties that can be expected in crystalline rocks. The models are compared in terms of the: 1) effective permeability of the domain, and 2) nonreactive solute breakthrough curves through the domain. The principal differences between the models are mesh size, network connectivity, matrix diffusion and anisotropy. We demonstrate how these differences affect the flow and transport. Finally, we identify the factors that should be taken in consideration when selecting an approach most suitable for the site-specific conditions.« less

A comparative study of discrete fracture network and equivalent continuum models for simulating flow and transport in the far field of a hypothetical nuclear waste repository in crystalline host rock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hadgu, Teklu; Karra, Satish; Kalinina, Elena; Makedonska, Nataliia; Hyman, Jeffrey D.; Klise, Katherine; Viswanathan, Hari S.; Wang, Yifeng

2017-10-01

One of the major challenges of simulating flow and transport in the far field of a geologic repository in crystalline host rock is related to reproducing the properties of the fracture network over the large volume of rock with sparse fracture characterization data. Various approaches have been developed to simulate flow and transport through the fractured rock. The approaches can be broadly divided into Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) and Equivalent Continuum Model (ECM). The DFN explicitly represents individual fractures, while the ECM uses fracture properties to determine equivalent continuum parameters. We compare DFN and ECM in terms of upscaled observed transport properties through generic fracture networks. The major effort was directed on making the DFN and ECM approaches similar in their conceptual representations. This allows for separating differences related to the interpretation of the test conditions and parameters from the differences between the DFN and ECM approaches. The two models are compared using a benchmark test problem that is constructed to represent the far field (1 × 1 × 1 km3) of a hypothetical repository in fractured crystalline rock. The test problem setting uses generic fracture properties that can be expected in crystalline rocks. The models are compared in terms of the: 1) effective permeability of the domain, and 2) nonreactive solute breakthrough curves through the domain. The principal differences between the models are mesh size, network connectivity, matrix diffusion and anisotropy. We demonstrate how these differences affect the flow and transport. We identify the factors that should be taken in consideration when selecting an approach most suitable for the site-specific conditions.

Genesis of the hydrothermal gold deposits in the Canan area, Lepaguare District, Honduras

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mattioli, Michele; Menichetti, Marco; Renzulli, Alberto; Toscani, Lorenzo; Salvioli-Mariani, Emma; Suarez, Pedro; Murroni, Alessandro

2014-04-01

The Canan area (Honduras) is characterized by a gold-bearing ore deposit that is associated with quartz-veined shear zones. Gold mineralization occurs in low-to medium-grade metamorphic host-rocks (graphitic and sericitic schists). Hydrothermal fluids, which are associated with the emplacement of Cretaceous-Tertiary granodioritic intrusions, are responsible for the formation of quartz veins and the hydrothermal alteration of wall-rocks. Three main altered zones have been detected in the wall-rocks as far as 150 cm from the quartz veins. The distal zone (up to 50-cm thick) contains quartz, chlorite and illite. The intermediate zone is the thickest (up to 80 cm) and is marked by quartz, muscovite, sulphides, kaolinite and native elements such as Au and Ag. The proximal zone, which is close to the quartz veins, is rather thin (up to 25 cm) and contains clay minerals, Al-oxides-hydroxides and sulphides. The transition from the distal to the proximal zone is accompanied by the enrichment of SiO2 and the depletion of all other major elements, except for Fe2O3(tot). Precious metals occur in the highest concentrations in the intermediate zone (Au up to 7.6 ppm and Ag up to 11 ppm). We suggest that gold was transported as a reduced sulphur complex and was precipitated from the hydrothermal solution by the reaction of the sulphur complexes with Fe2+ from the alteration of the mafic minerals of the host-rock. Fluid-wall-rock interactions seem to be the main cause of gold mineralization. Genetic relationships with a strike-slip fault system, hydrothermal alteration zones within the metamorphic wall-rocks, and an entire set of geochemical anomalies are consistent with orogenic-type gold deposits of the epizonal class.

Selected physical properties of rocks from the Baid al Jimalah West tungsten deposit, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and recommendations for geophysical surveys

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gettings, M.E.

1983-01-01

Bulk density and magnetic susceptibility of 11 outcrop samples representing the Proterozoic lithologic units at the Baid al Jimalah West tungsten deposit, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were measured. Induced polarization response, apparent resistivity, and electromagnetic conductivity were determined for four specimens of the sample suite. Measurements show that there is a negative density contrast of about -0.17 g-cm^-3 between metasedimentary rocks of the Murdama group and the Bald al Jimalah graaite and that this contrast decreases with increasing mineralization of the granite. Similarly, the bulk magnetic susceptibility of the granite is about one-third that of the Murdama rocks for this sample suite; however, magnetic susceptibility increases with increasing mineralization in the granite specimens. Electromagnetic conductivities are uniformly low, in part because the specimens are weathered, but probably also because intense silicification accompanies the mineralization. Induced polarization chargeability increases in the granitic specimens with increasing mineralization and reflects higher percentages of sulfide minerals. Chargeability for the mineralized rocks is about four times higher than for the Murdama host rocks, and apparent resistivity values are about one-fifth the values of host rocks. Based on these results, it is recommended that during reconnaissance exploration of the area 15 detailed high-precision gravity profiles at 10 m to 50 m station spacing and eight induced polarization dipole-dipole profiles at 25 m dipole spacing and maximum 'n' of 6 be measured. To help define subsurface structure, a high-precision, ground-magnetic survey (map at 2-gamma contour interval) and a four-channel gamma ray spectrometric survey on a 25x50 m grid covering the area of the profiles are recommended.

Quantifying porosity and permeability of fractured carbonates and fault rocks in natural groundwater reservoirs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pirmoradi, Reza; Wolfmayr, Mariella; Bauer, Helene; Decker, Kurt

2017-04-01

This study presents porosity and permeability data for a suite of different carbonate rocks from two major groundwater reservoirs in eastern Austria that supply more than 60% of Vienna`s drinking water. Data includes a set of lithologically different, unfractured host rocks, fractured rocks with variable fracture intensities, and fault rocks such as dilation breccias, different cataclasites and dissolution-precipitation fault rocks. Fault rock properties are of particular importance, since fault zones play an important role in the hydrogeology of the reservoirs. The reservoir rocks are exposed at two major alpine karst plateaus in the Northern Calcareous Alps. They comprise of various Triassic calcareous strata of more than 2 km total thickness that reflect facies differentiation since Anisian times. Rocks are multiply deformed resulting in a partly dense network of fractures and faults. Faults differ in scale, fault rock content, and fault rock volumes. Methods used to quantify the porosity and permeability of samples include a standard industry procedure that uses the weight of water saturated samples under hydrostatic uplift and in air to determine the total effective (matrix and fracture) porosity of rocks, measurements on plugs with a fully automated gas porosity- and permeameter using N2 gas infiltrating plugs under a defined confining pressure (Coreval Poro 700 by Vinci technologies), and percolation tests. The latter were conducted in the field along well known fault zones in order to test the differences in fractured rock permeability in situ and on a representative volume, which is not ensured with plug measurements. To calculate hydraulic conductivity by the Darcy equation the measured elapsed time for infiltrating a standard volume of water into a small borehole has been used. In general, undisturbed host rock samples are all of low porosity (average around 1%). The open porosity of the undisturbed rocks belonging to diverse formations vary from 0.18% to 2.35%. Klinkenberg permeabilities of plugs range from 0.001mD to about 0.6mD thus spreading over three orders of magnitude. Fractured rocks show significantly higher porosities (3% average) with respect to the undeformed country rocks. Plug measurements reveal quite low permeabilities (< 1mD) for this type of rock, which is owed to the measuring technique, where fractures are closed under confining pressure. A second important point is that intensely fractured rocks are underrepresented in the data as they cannot be plugged adequately. Percolation tests give better information for fractured rock permeabilities and revealed hydraulic conductivities of 10-6 m/sec for little fractured to 5x10-5 m/sec for intensely fractured rocks. Plug and rock sample data show that cataclastic fault rocks can have quite high porosities (up to 4.1%). However, plug permeabilities down to 0.03mD demonstrate that pores are too small to result in any significant permeability. Breccias show high porosities of 4% in average and very variable permeabilities between 2.2mD and 2214mD depending mainly on the degree of cementation.

Relation between Fabric Anisotropy of Host-Rock vis-à-vis Far-Field Stress, and the Emplacement Of Pegmatite Dikes - an example from the Dharwar Craton (South India)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhatt, S.; Rana, V.; Mamtani, M. A.

2017-12-01

Dikes are known to control magma transport within the lithosphere. They (dikes) usually form by the fracturing of host rock and propagate orthogonal to the minimum principal stress direction and/or may follow the pre-existing anisotropy depending on the magnitude of fluid pressure and the tensile strength of the host rock. Pegmatite veins/dikes are often associated with hydraulic fracturing and high magmatic fluid pressure, which is attributed to volatile rich hydrous melt. The Koppal Pluton (KP) is a syenite body that lies to the East of the Chitradurga Shear Zone, which separates the Dharwar Craton into East and West Dharwar Craton. The KP is visually isotropic and profusely permeated by pegmatite dikes. Orientation data of the pegmatite dikes (n=357) were collected for geometric and paleostress analysis. The orientation of anisotropy with respect to the maximum principal stress and fluid pressure dictates whether a new fracture will form or a pre-existing anisotropy will be reactivated/dilated. To understand the relationship between the pre-existing anisotropy and orientation of pegmatite dikes, anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) analysis was performed on the samples of KP. AMS analysis reveals NNE-SSW oriented magnetic fabric ascribed to regional D3 deformational event (NW-SE compression). Mean orientation of the magnetic fabric (NNE-SSW) is oblique to the mean orientation of the pegmatite dikes (NNW-SSE). It is envisaged that pegmatite dikes emplaced syntectonically as mode-I crack during regional D3 deformation event (pure shear dominated transpression) and developed oblique to the magnetic fabric of the pluton. The present study leads to a better understanding about the influence and interaction of principle stress, magmatic fluid pressure, and host-rock anisotropy on the ascent and emplacement of pegmatite dikes that intrude the visually isotropic KP. Acknowledgments: SB acknowledges INSPIRE Fellowship Programme (Award no: IF131138) of DST (New Delhi). VR and MAM thank Ministry of Earth Sciences (project no: MoES/P.O.(Geosci)/1/2013).

Tracking the source of the enriched martian meteorites in olivine-hosted melt inclusions of two depleted shergottites, Yamato 980459 and Tissint

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peters, T. J.; Simon, J. I.; Jones, J. H.; Usui, T.; Moriwaki, R.; Economos, R. C.; Schmitt, A. K.; McKeegan, K. D.

2015-05-01

The apparent lack of plate tectonics on all terrestrial planets other than Earth has been used to support the notion that for most planets, once a primitive crust forms, the crust and mantle evolve geochemically-independent through time. This view has had a particularly large impact on models for the evolution of Mars and its silicate interior. Recent data indicating a greater potential that there may have been exchange between the martian crust and mantle has led to a search for additional geochemical evidence to support the alternative hypothesis, that some mechanism of crustal recycling may have operated early in the history of Mars. In order to study the most juvenile melts available to investigate martian mantle source(s) and melting processes, the trace element compositions of olivine-hosted melt inclusions for two incompatible-element-depleted olivine-phyric shergottites, Yamato 980459 (Y98) and Tissint, and the interstitial glass of Y98, have been measured by Secondary Ionization Mass Spectrometry (SIMS). Chondrite-normalized Rare Earth Element (REE) patterns for both Y98 and Tissint melt inclusions, and the Y98 interstitial glass, are characteristically light-REE depleted and parallel those of their host rock. For Y98, a clear flattening and upward inflection of La and Ce, relative to predictions based on middle and heavier REE, provides evidence for involvement of an enriched component early in their magmatic history; either inherited from a metasomatized mantle or crustal source, early on and prior to extensive host crystallization. Comparing these melt inclusion and interstitial glass analyses to existing melt inclusion and whole-rock data sets for the shergottite meteorite suite, defines mixing relationships between depleted and enriched end members, analogous to mixing relationships between whole rock Sr and Nd isotopic measurements. When considered in light of their petrologic context, the origin of these trace element enriched and isotopically evolved signatures represents either (1) crustal assimilation during the final few km of melt ascent towards the martian surface, or (2) assimilation soon after melt segregation, through melt-rock interaction with a portion of the martian crust recycled back into the mantle.

Trace element abundances in megacrysts and their host basalts - Constraints on partition coefficients and megacryst genesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Irving, A. J.; Frey, F. A.

1984-01-01

Rare earth and other trace element abundances are determined in megacrysts of clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, amphibole, mica, anorthoclase, apatite and zircon, as well as their host basalts, in an effort to gather data on mineral/melt trace element partitioning during the high pressure petrogenesis of basic rocks. Phase equilibria, major element partitioning and isotopic ratio considerations indicate that while most of the pyroxene and amphibole megacrysts may have been in equilibrium with their host magmas at high pressures, mica, anorthoclase, apatite, and zircon megacrysts are unlikely to have formed in equilibrium with their host basalts. It is instead concluded that they were precipitated from more evolved magmas, and have been mixed into their present hosts.

Worse survival after curative resection in patients with pathological stage I non-small cell lung cancer adjoining pulmonary cavity formation

PubMed Central

Kimura, Hiroyuki; Miyazawa, Tomoyuki; Sakai, Hiroki; Tsuda, Masataka; Wakiyama, Yoichi; Marushima, Hideki; Kojima, Koji; Nakamura, Haruhiko

2017-01-01

Background A few investigators have suggested an association between lung cancer and pulmonary cavity. However, this clinical association and its carcinogenic correlations are not well recognized. This study aimed to clarify the clinical features and to demonstrate the associated survival outcomes after curative surgery in patients with early non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) adjoining pulmonary cavity formation. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 275 patients with pathological stage I NSCLC by re-evaluating their chest computed tomography images. Among them, we detected NSCLC adjoining pulmonary cavity formation in 12 (4.4%) patients. Results The median follow-up period for all 275 patients was 43.2 (range, 6.0–86.0) months. Of these patients, 6 (50.0%) in group CF (patients with NSCLC adjoining pulmonary cavity formation) and 19 (7.2%) in group C (the control group, n=263) died during the study period. Besides, 6 (50.0%) and 32 (12.2%) patients in groups CF and C, respectively, exhibited recurrence of the primary lung cancer. The cumulative overall survival (OS) in groups CF and C at 5 years was 37.0% and 91.7%, respectively (P<0.0001); the recurrence-free survival (RFS) in these groups at 5 years was 55.0% and 86.7%, respectively (P=0.001). Univariate analysis showed that male sex, smoking habits, non-adenocarcinoma, and presence of pulmonary cavity formation were associated with poor OS (P=0.008, P=0.001, P<0.0001, and P<0.0001, respectively). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that smoking, non-adenocarcinoma, and pulmonary cavity formation were independent prognostic factors predicting poor survival (P=0.043, P=0.004 and P<0.0001, respectively). Conclusions Our results suggest that patients with early-stage NSCLC adjoining pulmonary cavity formation have an increased risk of poor OS and RFS after surgical resection. Further prospective, multi-institutional investigations and substantial clinical studies are warranted. PMID:29221277

Mineral-resource assessments in Alaska; background information to accompany maps and reports about the geology and undiscovered-mineral-resource potential of the Mount Katmai Quadrangle and adjacent parts of the Naknek and Afognak quadrangles, Alaska Peninsula

USGS Publications Warehouse

Riehle, J.R.; Church, S.E.; Detterman, R.L.; Miller, J.W.

1994-01-01

Geologic and geochemical field studies were carded out from 1983 to 1987 in the Mount Katmai l?x2 ? quadrangle and adjoining region, at the northeast end of the Alaska Peninsula. The region is nearly entirely within Katmai National Park and Preserve and has had almost no mineral production, so prior to this study there were few data by which to assess the mineral potential of the region. This report describes the folio of publications that have resulted from the study: geologic maps, geochemical results, fossil identifications, radiometric rock ages, and an assessment of the undiscovered-mineral-resource potential of the region. The Katmai region is inferred to potentially have three types of undiscovered mineral deposits: porphyry copper (molybdenum), precious-metal vein, and hot-springs gold. These deposit types occur elsewhere on the Alaska Peninsula in similar geologic units. Evidence suggesting their occurrence in the Katmai region is the presence of trace amounts of metals typically associated with these kinds of deposits in bedrock of certain tracts and in sediments of streams draining those tracts. Magma to provide heat, fractures to provide pathways for mineralizing fluids, and altered rock are required by genetic models of these deposit types. Such features do occur in the Katmai tracts. Confirmation of any mineral deposit in the Katmai region requires detailed follow-up sampling and acquisition of subsurface information, which is beyond the scope of this study. However, producing porphyry deposits are unknown elsewhere on the Alaska Peninsula in similar rocks, so if any such deposits occur in the Katmai region, they are likely to be few in number. Conversely, vein deposits are typically small in size so there may be several of such deposits. The properties and thermal history of the sedimentary rocks that could serve as reservoirs for oil or gas are unfavorable in adjacent regions. Thus the potential of the Katmai region for producible quantities of fossil fuels is low. In theory the region has shallow concentrations of geothermal fluids, but specific evidence for their presence is obscured by heavy precipitation and cold young rocks or deposits. Small volumes of coal occur at tidewater sites on the Pacific coast.

Petrology of Impact-Melt Rocks at the Chicxulub Multiring Basin, Yucatan, Mexico

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schuraytz, Benjamin C.; Sharpton, Virgil L.; Marin, Luis E.

1994-01-01

Compositions and textures of melt rocks from the upper part of the Chicxulub structure are typical of melt rocks at other large terrestrial impact structures. Apart from variably elevated iridium concentrations (less than 1.5 to 13.5 +/- 0.9 ppb) indicating nonuniform dissemination of a meteoritic component, bulk rock and phenocryst compositions imply that these melt rocks were derived exclusively from continental crust and platform-sediment target lithologies. Modest differences in bulk chemistry among samples from wells located approximately 40 km apart suggest minor variations in relative contributions of these target lithologies to the melts. Subtle variations in the compositions of early-formed pyroxene and plagioclase also support minor primary differences in chemistry between the melts. Evidence for pervasive hydrothermal alteration of the porous mesostasis includes albite, K-feldspar, quartz, epidote, chlorite, and other phyllosilicates, as well as siderophile element-enriched sulfides, suggesting the possibility that Chicxulub, like Sudbury, may host important ore deposits.

A Gem of a Find

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2008-01-01

[figure removed for brevity, see original site] Click on image for larger annotated version

NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has revealed Martian rocks containing a hydrated mineral similar to opal. The rocks are light-toned and appear cream-colored in this false-color image taken by the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera. Images acquired by the orbiter reveal that different layers of rock have different properties and chemistry. The opal minerals are located in distinct beds of rock outside of the large Valles Marineris canyon system and are also found in rocks within the canyon. The presence of opal in these relatively young rocks tells scientists that water, possibly as rivers and small ponds, interacted with the surface as recently as two billion years ago, one billion years later than scientists had expected. The discovery of this new category of minerals spread across large regions of Mars suggests that liquid water played an important role in shaping the planet's surface and possibly hosting life.

Hydrogeologic information on the Glorieta Sandstone and the Ogallala Formation in the Oklahoma Panhandle and adjoining areas as related to underground waste disposal

USGS Publications Warehouse

Irwin, James Haskell; Morton, Robert B.

1969-01-01

The Oklahoma Panhandle and adjacent areas in Texas, Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico have prospered because of the development of supplies of fresh water and of oil and gas. The Ogallala and, in places, Cretaceous rocks produce fresh water for irrigation, public supply, and domestic and stock use through approximately 9,000 irrigation and public supply wells and a large but undetermined number of other wells. Disposal of oil-field brine and other wastes into the Glorieta Sandstone is of concern to many local residents because of the possibility of pollution of the overlying fresh-water aquifers, particularly the Ogallala Formation. Permits for 147 disposal wells into the Glorieta have been issued in this area. This report summarizes the data on geology, hydrology, and water development currently available to the U.S. Geological Survey. Geologic information indicates that, in the report area, the Glorieta Sandstone lies at depths ranging from about 500 to 1,600 feet below the base of the Ogallala Fox, nation. The rocks between those two formations are of relatively impermeable types, but solution and removal of salt has resulted in collapse of the rocks in some places. Collapse and fracturing of the rocks could result in increased vertical permeability. This might result in movement of brine under hydrostatic head from the Glorieta Sandstone into overlying fresh-water aquifers, in places where an upward hydraulic gradient exists or is created by an increase in pressure within the Glorieta. Abandoned or inadequately sealed boreholes also are possible conduits for such fluids. The mixing of water in the fresh-water aquifers with brines injected into the Glorieta is not known to have occurred anywhere in the report area, but the information available is not adequate to show positively whether or not this may have occurred locally. Much additional information on the stratigraphy and hydrology--particularly, data on the potentiometric surface of water in the Glorieta--needs to be collected and analyzed before conclusions can be drawn regarding the possibility of vertical movement of oil-field brines from the Glorieta to fresh-water aquifers above.

Trace element composition and cathodoluminescence of kyanite and its petrogenetic implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Müller, Axel; van den Kerkhof, Alfons M.; Selbekk, Rune S.; Broekmans, Maarten A. T. M.

2016-09-01

Kyanite crystals from fourteen localities worldwide were analysed for their abundances of the trace elements Na, Mg, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, and Fe and cathodoluminescence (CL) properties. Based on protolith type, metamorphic setting, and distinctive trace element fingerprints, a genetic classification of kyanite-bearing rocks is suggested: (A) Al-rich metasediments which commonly contain coarse-grained quartz-kyanite segregations; (B) metamorphosed granitic rocks, specifically granulites; (C) metamorphosed argillic alteration zones hosted originally in felsic igneous rocks; (D) metamorphosed argillic alteration zones hosted originally in mafic igneous rocks; and (E) metamorphosed mafic to ultramafic rocks, specifically eclogites. Vanadium and Cr concentrations reflect both protolith and host rock compositions and therefore may provide a geochemical fingerprint for the nature of the protolith. The incorporation of Fe into kyanite is largely controlled by oxygen fugacity during kyanite formation, and therefore, in most cases, its concentration cannot be related to that of the protolith. From our results, Ti concentration appears to be related to metamorphic grade, particularly formation temperature. If proven by further studies, Ti-in-kyanite may provide a useful geothermometer. Correlation of trace element abundances with CL spectra confirms that common red CL, which is composed of the spectral bands centred at 1.69 eV (734 nm), 1.75 eV (708 nm), and 1.80 eV (689 nm), is related to Cr3+ defects. CL spectra of most kyanites show in addition a low-intensity blue emission centred at 2.56 eV (485 nm). Correlation of the intensity of the blue emission with Ti suggests that it is related to or sensitized by Ti4+ or Ti3+ defects. Kyanites with >3200 µgg-1 Fe show generally no detectable CL due to the CL-quenching effect of Fe2+. Our findings provide new criteria in the exploration for and quality assessment of new kyanite deposits. The Ti content, one of the critical contaminants of kyanite products, besides Fe, Ca, and Mg, appears predictable from the observed correlation of Ti with formation temperature. Iron will be hard to predict because its incorporation is mainly controlled by the oxidizing conditions during kyanite formation and the estimation of these conditions requires advanced analytical methods. Magnesium and Ca are consistently low in all investigated samples. From a regional exploration viewpoint, group C and D kyanites have the lowest Ti and relative low Fe and, therefore, will be most refractory. Due to their attractive blue colour, kyanite-bearing rocks of group C have potential as ornamental or dimension stone.

Establishing The Intelligence Required By The Fire Department City Of New York For Tactical And Strategic Decision Making

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-01

separate but adjoining structures that have a common cockloft (attic). d. Type 4 Construction—Heavy Timber Heavy timber construction has masonry...such as in separate but adjoining structures that have a common cockloft (attic). Type 4 Construction—Heavy Timber Heavy timber construction has...information would be of some use to the FS as a whole. A secondary purpose for this thesis is that by documenting the basic structure of the FDNY CTDP

Origin and history of chondrite regolith, fragmental and impact-melt breccias from Spain

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Casanova, I.; Keil, K.; Wieler, R.; San Miguel, A.; King, E. A.

1990-01-01

Six ordinary chondrite breccias from the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Madrid (Spain), are described and classified as follows: the solar gas-rich regolith breccia Oviedo (H5); the premetamorphic fragmental breccias Cabezo de Mayo (type 6, L-LL), and Sevilla (LL4); the fragmental breccias Canellas (H4) and Gerona (H5); and the impact melt breccia, Madrid (L6). It is confirmed that chondrites with typical light-dark structures and petrographic properties typical of regolith breccias may (Oviedo) or may not (Canellas) be solar gas-rich. Cabezo de Mayo and Sevilla show convincing evidence that they were assembled prior to peak metamorphism and were equilibrated during subsequent reheating. Compositions of olivine and low-Ca pyroxene in host chondrite and breccia clasts in Cabezo de Mayo are transitional between groups L and LL. It is suggested, based on mineralogic and oxygen isotopic compositions of host and clasts, that the rock formed on the L parent body by mixing, prior to peak metamorphism. This was followed by partial equilibrium of two different materials: the indigenous L chondrite host and exotic LL melt rock clasts.

Origin and history of chondrite regolith, fragmental and impact-melt breccias from Spain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Casanova, I.; Keil, K.; Wieler, R.; San Miguel, A.; King, E. A.

1990-06-01

Six ordinary chondrite breccias from the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Madrid (Spain), are described and classified as follows: the solar gas-rich regolith breccia Oviedo (H5); the premetamorphic fragmental breccias Cabezo de Mayo (type 6, L-LL), and Sevilla (LL4); the fragmental breccias Canellas (H4) and Gerona (H5); and the impact melt breccia, Madrid (L6). It is confirmed that chondrites with typical light-dark structures and petrographic properties typical of regolith breccias may (Oviedo) or may not (Canellas) be solar gas-rich. Cabezo de Mayo and Sevilla show convincing evidence that they were assembled prior to peak metamorphism and were equilibrated during subsequent reheating. Compositions of olivine and low-Ca pyroxene in host chondrite and breccia clasts in Cabezo de Mayo are transitional between groups L and LL. It is suggested, based on mineralogic and oxygen isotopic compositions of host and clasts, that the rock formed on the L parent body by mixing, prior to peak metamorphism. This was followed by partial equilibrium of two different materials: the indigenous L chondrite host and exotic LL melt rock clasts.

A hitchhiker's guide to parasite transmission: The phoretic behaviour of feather lice.

PubMed

Harbison, Christopher W; Jacobsen, Matthew V; Clayton, Dale H

2009-04-01

Transmission to new hosts is a fundamental challenge for parasites. Some species meet this challenge by hitchhiking on other, more mobile parasite species, a behaviour known as phoresis. For example, feather-feeding lice that parasitise birds disperse to new hosts by hitchhiking on parasitic louse flies, which fly between individual birds. Oddly, however, some species of feather lice do not engage in phoresis. For example, although Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) "wing" lice (Columbicola columbae) frequently move to new hosts phoretically on louse flies (Pseudolynchia canariensis), Rock Pigeon "body" lice (Campanulotes compar) do not. This difference in phoretic behaviour is puzzling because the two species of lice have very similar life cycles and are equally dependent on transmission to new hosts. We conducted a series of experiments designed to compare the orientation, locomotion and attachment capabilities of these two species of lice, in relation to louse flies. We show that wing lice use fly activity as a cue in orientation and locomotion, whereas body lice do not. We also show that wing lice are more capable of remaining attached to active flies that are walking, grooming or flying. The superior phoretic ability of wing lice may be related to morphological adaptations for life on wing feathers, compared to body feathers.

Stable-isotope studies of rocks and secondary minerals in a vapor-dominated hydrothermal system at The Geysers, Sonoma County, California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lambert, Steven J.; Epstein, Samuel

1992-11-01

The Geysers, a vapor-dominated hydrothermal system, is developed in host rock of the Franciscan Formation, which contains veins of quartz and calcite whose δ 18O values record the temperatures and isotopic compositions of fluids prevailing during at least two different episodes of rock-fluid interaction. The first episode took place at about 200°C, during which marine silica and carbonate apparently interacted with ocean water entrapped in the sediments to form veins of quartz and calcite whose δ 18O values were around +19 and +16%, respectively. The calculated water/mineral ratios were less than unity. The water may have profoundly influenced the δ 18O values of spilitic basalts during their metamorphism to greenstones. Serpentinization and structural emplacement of ophiolite slabs were isotopically unrelated to this episode, which was essentially a low-grade (post-Cretaceous?) burial metamorphism. D/H ratios of actinolite, chlorite, and micas in host rocks were more profoundly altered during this episode than were 18O/ 16O ratios. A paleogeothermal gradient of about 53°C/km has been inferred for this episode, from δ 18O-depth distributions of vein minerals. The second episode, in part recorded by cogenetic vein quartz and calcite δ 18O values of +4 to +6% and +1 to +3%, respectively, began with large quantities of meteoric water circulating in fractures in the rock at temperatures of 160-180°C in response to the initiation of the Pliocene-Pleistocene Clear Lake magmatism. The temperature rose, and with the restricted circulation of fluids the ancestral hot-water system evolved into the presently active vapor-dominated system, which according to the cogenetic vein quartz and calcite δ 18O values involved temperatures as high as 320°C and fluid/mineral ratios near unity. The change in the oxygen-isotopic composition of the serpentinite within the host rock during this later activity was negligible. The δ 13C values of vein calcite at The Geysers reflect both a marine carbonate and organic component of carbon, but carbon-isotope exchange has been facilitated by the vapor-dominated hydrothermal fluid to a greater degree than in any other episode or in other hot-water systems.

Fracture distribution and porosity in a fault-bound hydrothermal system (Grimsel Pass, Swiss Alps)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Egli, Daniel; Küng, Sulamith; Baumann, Rahel; Berger, Alfons; Baron, Ludovic; Herwegh, Marco

2017-04-01

The spatial distribution, orientation and continuity of brittle and ductile structures strongly control fluid pathways in a rock mass by joining existing pores and creating new pore space (fractures, joints) but can also act as seals to fluid flow (e.g. ductile shear zones, clay-rich fault gouges). In long-lived hydrothermal systems, permeability and the related fluid flow paths are therefore dynamic in space and time. Understanding the evolution and behaviour of naturally porous and permeable rock masses is critical for the successful exploration and sustainable exploitation of hydrothermal systems and can advance methods for planning and implementation of enhanced geothermal systems. This study focuses on an active fault-bound hydrothermal system in the crystalline basement of the Aar Massif (hydrothermal field Grimsel Pass, Swiss Alps) that has been exhumed from few kilometres depth and which documents at least 3 Ma of hydrothermal activity. The explored rock unit of the Aar massif is part of the External Crystalline Massifs that hosts a multitude of thermal springs on its southern border in the Swiss Rhône valley and furthermore represents the exhumed equivalent of potentially exploitable geothermal reservoirs in the deep crystalline subsurface of the northern Alpine foreland basin. This study combines structural data collected from a 125 m long drillhole across the hydrothermal zone, the corresponding drill core and surface mapping. Different methods are applied to estimate the porosity and the structural evolution with regard to porosity, permeability and fracture distribution. Analyses are carried out from the micrometre to decametre scale with main focus on the flow path evolution with time. This includes a large variety of porosity-types including fracture-porosity with up to cm-sized aperture down to grain-scale porosity. Main rock types are granitoid host rocks, mylonites, paleo-breccia and recent breccias. The porosity of the host rock as well as the cemented paleo-hydrothermal breccia is typically very low with values <1%. The high volume of mineralized fractures in the paleo-breccia indicates high porosity in former times, which is today closed by newly developed cements. The preservation of such paleo-breccias allow the investigation of contrasts between the fossil porosity/permeability and the present day active flow path, which is defined by fracture porosity that generally follows the regional deformation pattern and forms a wide network of interconnected fractures of variable orientation.

Gas Hydrate Estimation Using Rock Physics Modeling and Seismic Inversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, J.; Dutta, N.; Xu, H.

2006-05-01

ABSTRACT We conducted a theoretical study of the effects of gas hydrate saturation on the acoustic properties (P- and S- wave velocities, and bulk density) of host rocks, using wireline log data from the Mallik wells in the Mackenzie Delta in Northern Canada. We evaluated a number of gas hydrate rock physics models that correspond to different rock textures. Our study shows that, among the existing rock physics models, the one that treats gas hydrate as part of the solid matrix best fits the measured data. This model was also tested on gas hydrate hole 995B of ODP leg 164 drilling at Blake Ridge, which shows adequate match. Based on the understanding of rock models of gas hydrates and properties of shallow sediments, we define a procedure that quantifies gas hydrate using rock physics modeling and seismic inversion. The method allows us to estimate gas hydrate directly from seismic information only. This paper will show examples of gas hydrates quantification from both 1D profile and 3D volume in the deepwater of Gulf of Mexico.

Radioactive occurrences in veins and igneous and metamorphic rocks of New Mexico with annotated bibliography. [Over 600 citations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McLemore, V. T.

1982-01-01

From an extensive literature search and field examination of 96 nonsandstone radioactive occurrences, the author compiled an annotated bibliography of over 600 citations and a list of 327 radioactive occurrences in veins and igneous and metamorphic rocks of New Mexico. The citations are indexed by individual radioactive occurrence, geographic area, county, fluorspar deposits and occurrences, geochemical analyses, and geologic maps. In addition, the geology, mineralization, and uranium and thorium potential of 41 geographic areas in New Mexico containing known radioactive occurrences in veins and igneous and metamorphic rocks or that contain host rocks considered favorable for uranium or thorium mineralizationmore » are summarized. A list of aerial-radiometric, magnetic, hydrogeochemical, and stream-sediment survey reports is included.« less

Clastic dikes of Heart Mountain fault breccia, northwestern Wyoming, and their significance

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pierce, W.G.

1979-01-01

Structural features in northwestern Wyoming indicate that the Heart Mountain fault movement was an extremely rapid, cataclysmic event that created a large volume of carbonate fault breccia derived entirely from the lower part of the upper plate. After fault movement had ceased, much of the carbonate fault breccia, here called calcibreccia, lay loose on the resulting surface of tectonic denudation. Before this unconsolidated calcibreccia could be removed by erosion, it was buried beneath a cover of Tertiary volcanic rocks: the Wapiti Formation, composed of volcanic breccia, poorly sorted volcanic breccia mudflows, and lava flows, and clearly shown in many places by inter lensing and intermixing of the calcibreccia with basal volcanic rocks. As the weight of volcanic overburden increased, the unstable water-saturated calcibreccia became mobile and semifluid and was injected upward as dikes into the overlying volcanic rocks and to a lesser extent into rocks of the upper plate. In some places the lowermost part of the volcanic overburden appears to have flowed with the calcibreccia to form dike like bodies of mixed volcanic rock and calcibreccia. One calcibreccia dike even contains carbonized wood, presumably incorporated into unconsolidated calcibreccia on the surface of tectonic denudation and covered by volcanic rocks before moving upward with the dike. Angular xenoliths of Precambrian rocks, enclosed in another calcibreccia dike and in an adjoining dikelike mass of volcanic rock as well, are believed to have been torn from the walls of a vent and incorporated into the basal part of the Wapiti Formation overlying the clastic carbonate rock on the fault surface. Subsequently, some of these xenoliths were incorporated into the calcibreccia during the process of dike intrusion. Throughout the Heart Mountain fault area, the basal part of the upper-plate blocks or masses are brecciated, irrespective of the size of the blocks, more intensely at the base and in places extending upward for several tens of meters. North of Republic Mountain a small 25-m-high upper-plate mass, brecciated to some degree throughout, apparently moved some distance along the Heart Mountain fault as brecciated rock. Calcibreccia dikes intrude upward from the underlying 2 m of fault breccia into the lower part of the mass and also from its top into the overlying volcanic rocks; an earthquake-related mechanism most likely accounts for the observed features of this deformed body. Calcibreccia dikes are more common within the bedding-plane phase of the Heart Mountain fault but also occur in its transgressive and former land-surface phases. Evidence that the Wapiti Formation almost immediately buried loose, unconsolidated fault breccia that was the source of the dike rock strongly suggests a rapid volcanic deposition over the area in which clastic dikes occur, which is at least 75 km long. Clastic dikes were injected into both the upper-plate and the volcanic rocks at about the same time, after movement on the Heart Mouuntain fault had ceased, and therefore do not indicate a fluid-flotation mechanism for the Heart Mountain fault. The difference between contacts of the clastic dikes with both indurated and unconsolidated country rock is useful in field mapping at localities where it is difficult to distinguish between volcanic rocks of the Cathedral Cliffs and Lamar River Formations, and the Wapiti Formation. Thus, calcibreccia dikes in the Cathedral Cliffs and Lamar River Formations show a sharp contact because the country rock solidified prior to fault movement, whereas calcibreccia dikes in the Wapiti Formation in many instances show a transitional or semifluid contact because the country rock was still unconsolidated or semifluid at the time of dike injection.

A possible terrestrial analogue for haematite concretions on Mars.

PubMed

Chan, Marjorie A; Beitler, Brenda; Parry, W T; Ormö, Jens; Komatsu, Goro

2004-06-17

Recent exploration has revealed extensive geological evidence for a water-rich past in the shallow subsurface of Mars. Images of in situ and loose accumulations of abundant, haematite-rich spherical balls from the Mars Exploration Rover 'Opportunity' landing site at Meridiani Planum bear a striking resemblance to diagenetic (post-depositional), haematite-cemented concretions found in the Jurassic Navajo Sandstone of southern Utah. Here we compare the spherical concretions imaged on Mars to these terrestrial concretions, and investigate the implications for analogous groundwater-related formation mechanisms. The morphology, character and distribution of Navajo haematite concretions allow us to infer host-rock properties and fluid processes necessary for similar features to develop on Mars. We conclude that the formation of such spherical haematite concretions requires the presence of a permeable host rock, groundwater flow and a chemical reaction front.

High-pressure polymorphs in Yamato-790729 L6 chondrite and their significance for collisional conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kato, Yukako; Sekine, Toshimori; Kayama, Masahiko; Miyahara, Masaaki; Yamaguchi, Akira

2017-12-01

Shock pressure recorded in Yamato (Y)-790729, classified as L6 type ordinary chondrite, was evaluated based on high-pressure polymorph assemblages and cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra of maskelynite. The host-rock of Y-790729 consists mainly of olivine, low-Ca pyroxene, plagioclase, metallic Fe-Ni, and iron-sulfide with minor amounts of phosphate and chromite. A shock-melt vein was observed in the hostrock. Ringwoodite, majorite, akimotoite, lingunite, tuite, and xieite occurred in and around the shock-melt vein. The shock pressure in the shock-melt vein is about 14-23 GPa based on the phase equilibrium diagrams of high-pressure polymorphs. Some plagioclase portions in the host-rock occurred as maskelynite. Sixteen different CL spectra of maskelynite portions were deconvolved using three assigned emission components (centered at 2.95, 3.26, and 3.88 eV). The intensity of emission component at 2.95 eV was selected as a calibrated barometer to estimate shock pressure, and the results indicate pressures of about 11-19 GPa. The difference in pressure between the shock-melt vein and host-rock might suggest heterogeneous shock conditions. Assuming an average shock pressure of 18 GPa, the impact velocity of the parent-body of Y-790729 is calculated to be 1.90 km s-1. The parent-body would be at least 10 km in size based on the incoherent formation mechanism of ringwoodite in Y-790729.

Chemical and boron isotopic composition of tourmaline from the Mariinsky emerald deposit, Central Urals, Russia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baksheev, Ivan A.; Trumbull, Robert B.; Popov, Mikhail P.; Erokhin, Yuri V.; Kudryavtseva, Olesya E.; Yapaskurt, Vasily O.; Khiller, Vera V.; Vovna, Galina M.; Kiselev, Vladimir I.

2018-04-01

Tourmaline is abundant at the Mariinsky schist-hosted emerald deposit in the Central Urals, Russia, both in emerald-bearing phlogopite veins (type 1) and later, emerald-free pockets, lenses, and veinlets cutting the phlogopite veins (type 2). The Ca content in tourmaline is influenced by the host rocks (ultramafic and mafic rocks), associated minerals, and minerals crystallized before tourmaline (amphibole, fluorite, margarite). The Na concentration in tourmaline depends on the presence or absence of paragonite, and the association with micas also strongly influences the contents of Li, Zn, Ni, and Co in tourmaline. Type 1 tourmalines associated with phlogopite are relatively depleted in these elements, whereas type 2 tourmalines associated with margarite or paragonite are enriched. Some differences in isomorphic substitutions along with the trace element composition (Zn, V, Sr, Co, REE) may have value in exploration of emerald-bearing and emerald-free veins in schist-hosted emerald deposits. The δ11B values in tourmaline of all types fall in a narrow total range from -11.3 to -8.4‰. These values, combined with a mineralization temperature of 420-360 °C, yield an estimated δ11B fluid composition of -7.4 to -6.8‰ suggesting a mixed source of boron, likely dominated from the granitic rocks surrounding the emerald belt. The narrow range of B-isotope compositions in tourmaline from throughout the Mariinsky deposit suggests a well-mixed hydrothermal system.

Spatial distribution of damage around faults in the Joe Lott Tuff Member of the Mount Belknap Volcanics, Utah: A mechanical analog for faulting in pyroclastic deposits on Mars

USGS Publications Warehouse

Okubo, Chris H.

2012-01-01

Volcanic ash is thought to comprise a large fraction of the Martian equatorial layered deposits and much new insight into the process of faulting and related fluid flow in these deposits can be gained through the study of analogous terrestrial tuffs. This study identifies a set of fault-related processes that are pertinent to understanding the evolution of fault systems in fine-grained, poorly indurated volcanic ash by investigating exposures of faults in the Miocene-aged Joe Lott Tuff Member of the Mount Belknap Volcanics, Utah. The porosity and granularity of the host rock are found to control the style of localized strain that occurs prior to and contemporaneous with faulting. Deformation bands occur in tuff that was porous and granular at the time of deformation, while fractures formed where the tuff lost its porous and granular nature due to silicic alteration. Non-localized deformation of the host rock is also prominent and occurs through compaction of void space, including crushing of pumice clasts. Significant off-fault damage of the host rock, resembling fault pulverization, is recognized adjacent to one analog fault and may reflect the strain rate dependence of the resulting fault zone architecture. These findings provide important new guidelines for future structural analyses and numerical modeling of faulting and subsurface fluid flow through volcanic ash deposits on Mars.

Field characterization of elastic properties across a fault zone reactivated by fluid injection

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jeanne, Pierre; Guglielmi, Yves; Rutqvist, Jonny

In this paper, we studied the elastic properties of a fault zone intersecting the Opalinus Clay formation at 300 m depth in the Mont Terri Underground Research Laboratory (Switzerland). Four controlled water injection experiments were performed in borehole straddle intervals set at successive locations across the fault zone. A three-component displacement sensor, which allowed capturing the borehole wall movements during injection, was used to estimate the elastic properties of representative locations across the fault zone, from the host rock to the damage zone to the fault core. Young's moduli were estimated by both an analytical approach and numerical finite differencemore » modeling. Results show a decrease in Young's modulus from the host rock to the damage zone by a factor of 5 and from the damage zone to the fault core by a factor of 2. In the host rock, our results are in reasonable agreement with laboratory data showing a strong elastic anisotropy characterized by the direction of the plane of isotropy parallel to the laminar structure of the shale formation. In the fault zone, strong rotations of the direction of anisotropy can be observed. Finally, the plane of isotropy can be oriented either parallel to bedding (when few discontinuities are present), parallel to the direction of the main fracture family intersecting the zone, and possibly oriented parallel or perpendicular to the fractures critically oriented for shear reactivation (when repeated past rupture along this plane has created a zone).« less

Field characterization of elastic properties across a fault zone reactivated by fluid injection

DOE PAGES

Jeanne, Pierre; Guglielmi, Yves; Rutqvist, Jonny; ...

2017-08-12

In this paper, we studied the elastic properties of a fault zone intersecting the Opalinus Clay formation at 300 m depth in the Mont Terri Underground Research Laboratory (Switzerland). Four controlled water injection experiments were performed in borehole straddle intervals set at successive locations across the fault zone. A three-component displacement sensor, which allowed capturing the borehole wall movements during injection, was used to estimate the elastic properties of representative locations across the fault zone, from the host rock to the damage zone to the fault core. Young's moduli were estimated by both an analytical approach and numerical finite differencemore » modeling. Results show a decrease in Young's modulus from the host rock to the damage zone by a factor of 5 and from the damage zone to the fault core by a factor of 2. In the host rock, our results are in reasonable agreement with laboratory data showing a strong elastic anisotropy characterized by the direction of the plane of isotropy parallel to the laminar structure of the shale formation. In the fault zone, strong rotations of the direction of anisotropy can be observed. Finally, the plane of isotropy can be oriented either parallel to bedding (when few discontinuities are present), parallel to the direction of the main fracture family intersecting the zone, and possibly oriented parallel or perpendicular to the fractures critically oriented for shear reactivation (when repeated past rupture along this plane has created a zone).« less

Tectonic setting and metallogenesis of volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits in the Bonnifield Mining District, Northern Alaska Range: Chapter B in Recent U.S. Geological Survey studies in the Tintina Gold Province, Alaska, United States, and Yukon, Canada--results of a 5-year project

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dusel-Bacon, Cynthia; Aleinikoff, John N.; Premo, Wayne R.; Paradis, Suzanne; Lohr-Schmidt, Ilana; Gough, Larry P.; Day, Warren C.

2007-01-01

This paper summarizes the results of field and laboratory investigations, including whole-rock geochemistry and radiogenic isotopes, of outcrop and drill core samples from volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits and associated metaigneous rocks in the Wood River area of the Bonnifield mining district, northern Alaska Range (see fig. 1 of Editors’ Preface and Overview). U-Pb zircon igneous crystallization ages from felsic rocks indicate a prolonged period of Late Devonian to Early Mississippian (373±3 to 357±4 million years before present, or Ma) magmatism. This magmatism occurred in a basinal setting along the ancient Pacific margin of North America. The siliceous and carbonaceous compositions of metasedimentary rocks, Precambrian model ages based on U-Pb dating of zircon and neodymium ages, and for some units, radiogenic neodymium isotopic compositions and whole-rock trace-element ratios similar to those of continental crust are evidence for this setting. Red Mountain (also known as Dry Creek) and WTF, two of the largest VMS deposits, are hosted in peralkaline metarhyolite of the Mystic Creek Member of the Totatlanika Schist. The Mystic Creek Member is distinctive in having high concentrations of high-field-strength elements (HFSE) and rare-earth elements (REE), indicative of formation in a within-plate (extensional) setting. Mystic Creek metarhyolite is associated with alkalic, within-plate basalt of the Chute Creek Member; neodymium isotopic data indicate an enriched mantle component for both members of this bimodal (rhyolite-basalt) suite. Anderson Mountain, the other significant VMS deposit, is hosted by the Wood River assemblage. Metaigneous rocks in the Wood River assemblage span a wide compositional range, including andesitic rocks, which are characteristic of arc volcanism. Our data suggest that the Mystic Creek Member likely formed in an extensional, back-arc basin that was associated with an outboard continental-margin volcanic arc that included rocks of the Wood River assemblage. We suggest that elevated HFSE and REE trace-element contents of metavolcanic rocks, whose major-element composition may have been altered, are an important prospecting tool for rocks of VMS deposit potential in east-central Alaska.

Volcanic-plutonic connections and metal fertility of highly evolved magma systems: A case study from the Herberton Sn-W-Mo Mineral Field, Queensland, Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Yanbo; Spandler, Carl; Chang, Zhaoshan; Clarke, Gavin

2018-03-01

Understanding the connection between the highly evolved intrusive and extrusive systems is essential to explore the evolution of high silicic magma systems, which plays an important role in discussions of planetary differentiation, the growth of continents, crustal evolution, and the formation of highly evolved magma associated Sn-W-Mo mineral systems. To discern differences between "fertile" and "non-fertile" igneous rocks associated with Sn-W-Mo mineralization and reveal the genetic links between coeval intrusive and extrusive rocks, we integrate whole rock geochemistry, geochronology and Hf isotope signatures of igneous zircons from contemporaneous plutonic and volcanic rocks from the world-class Herberton Mineral Field of Queensland, Australia. The 310-300 Ma intrusive rocks and associated intra-plutonic W-Mo mineralization formed from relatively oxidized magmas after moderate degrees of crystal fractionation. The geochemical and isotopic features of the coeval volcanic succession are best reconciled utilizing the widely-accepted volcanic-plutonic connection model, whereby the volcanic rocks represent fractionated derivatives of the intrusive rocks. Older intrusions emplaced at 335-315 Ma formed from relatively low fO2 magmas that fractionated extensively to produce highly evolved granites that host Sn mineralization. Coeval volcanic rocks of this suite are compositionally less evolved than the intrusive rocks, thereby requiring a different model to link these plutonic-volcanic sequences. In this case, we propose that the most fractionated magmas were not lost to volcanism, but instead were effectively retained at the plutonic level, which allowed further localized build-up of volatiles and lithophile metals in the plutonic environment. This disconnection to the volcanism and degassing may be a crucial step for forming granite-hosted Sn mineralization. The transition between these two igneous regimes in Herberton region over a ∼30 m.y. period is attributed to a change from an early compressive tectonic environment with a thickened crust, to conditions of crustal thinning and lithospheric extension due to progressive slab rollback. Such tectonic transitions may provide favorable conditions for intrusion-related mineralization. Given the common occurrence of volcanic and plutonic rocks associated with Sn-W-Mo mineralization worldwide, we suggest that a combined understanding of temporal tectonic evolution and plutonic-volcanic connections can assist in assessment of regional-scale mineralization potential, which in turn can aid strategies for future ore deposit exploration.

Age and speciation of iodine in groundwater and mudstones of the Horonobe area, Hokkaido, Japan: Implications for the origin and migration of iodine during basin evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Togo, Yoko S.; Takahashi, Yoshio; Amano, Yuki; Matsuzaki, Hiroyuki; Suzuki, Yohey; Terada, Yasuko; Muramatsu, Yasuyuki; Ito, Kazumasa; Iwatsuki, Teruki

2016-10-01

This paper reports the concentration, speciation and isotope ratio (129I/127I) of iodine from both groundwater and host rocks in the Horonobe area, northern Hokkaido, Japan, to clarify the origin and migration of iodine in sedimentary rocks. Cretaceous to Quaternary sedimentary rocks deposited nearly horizontally in Tenpoku Basin and in the Horonobe area were uplifted above sea level during active tectonics to form folds and faults in the Quaternary. Samples were collected from the Pliocene Koetoi and late Miocene Wakkanai formations (Fms), which include diatomaceous and siliceous mudstones. The iodine concentration in groundwater, up to 270 μmol/L, is significantly higher than that of seawater, with the iodine enrichment factor relative to seawater reaching 800-1500. The iodine concentration in the rocks decreases from the Koetoi to Wakkanai Fms, suggesting that iodine was released into the water from the rocks of deeper formations. The iodine concentration in the rocks is sufficiently high for forming iodine-rich groundwater as found in this area. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) analysis shows that iodine exists as organic iodine and iodide (I-) in host rocks, whereas it exists mainly as I- in groundwater. The isotope ratio is nearly constant for iodine in the groundwater, at [0.11-0.23] × 10-12, and it is higher for iodine in rocks, at [0.29-1.1] × 10-12, giving iodine ages of 42-60 Ma and 7-38 Ma, respectively. Some iodine in groundwater must have originated from Paleogene and even late Cretaceous Fms, which are also considered as possible sources of oil and gas, in view of the old iodine ages of the groundwater. The iodine ages of the rocks are older than the depositional ages, implying that the rocks adsorbed some iodine from groundwater, which was sourced from greater depths. The iodine concentration in groundwater decreases with decreasing chlorine concentration due to mixing of iodine-rich connate water and meteoric water. A likely scenario is that iodine-rich brine formed during the long-term basin evolution from the Cretaceous to Quaternary and that this brine was diluted by mixing with meteoric water during uplifting and denudation of the area.

Contrasting Granite Metallogeny through the Zircon Record: A Case Study from Myanmar.

PubMed

Gardiner, Nicholas J; Hawkesworth, Chris J; Robb, Laurence J; Whitehouse, Martin J; Roberts, Nick M W; Kirkland, Christopher L; Evans, Noreen J

2017-04-07

Granitoid-hosted mineral deposits are major global sources of a number of economically important metals. The fundamental controls on magma metal fertility are tectonic setting, the nature of source rocks, and magma differentiation. A clearer understanding of these petrogenetic processes has been forged through the accessory mineral zircon, which has considerable potential in metallogenic studies. We present an integrated zircon isotope (U-Pb, Lu-Hf, O) and trace element dataset from the paired Cu-Au (copper) and Sn-W (tin) magmatic belts in Myanmar. Copper arc zircons have juvenile εHf (+7.6 to +11.5) and mantle-like δ 18 O (5.2-5.5‰), whereas tin belt zircons have low εHf (-7 to -13) and heavier δ 18 O (6.2-7.7‰). Variations in zircon Hf and U/Yb reaffirm that tin belt magmas contain greater crustal contributions than copper arc rocks. Links between whole-rock Rb/Sr and zircon Eu/Eu* highlight that the latter can monitor magma fractionation in these systems. Zircon Ce/Ce* and Eu/Eu* are sensitive to redox and fractionation respectively, and here are used to evaluate zircon sensitivity to the metallogenic affinity of their host rock. Critical contents of Sn in granitic magmas, which may be required for the development of economic tin deposits, are marked by zircon Eu/Eu* values of ca. ≤0.08.

Fault rock mineralogy and fluid flow in the Coso Geothermal Field, CA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davatzes, N. C.; Hickman, S. H.

2005-12-01

The minerals that comprise fault rock, their grain shapes, and packing geometry are important controls on fault zone properties such as permeability, frictional strength, and slip behavior. In this study we examine the role of mineralogy and deformation microstructures on fluid flow in a fault-hosted, fracture-dominated geothermal system contained in granitic rocks in the Coso Geothermal Field, CA. Initial examination of the mineralogy and microstructure of fault rock obtained from core and surface outcrops reveals three fault rock types. (1) Fault rock consisting of kaolinite and amorphous silica that contains large connected pores, dilatant brittle fractures, and dissolution textures. (2) Fault rock consisting of foliated layers of chlorite and illite-smectite separated by slip surfaces. (3) Fault rock consisting of poorly sorted angular grains, characterized by large variations in grain packing (pore size), and crack-seal textures. These different fault rocks are respectively associated with a high permeability upper boiling zone for the geothermal system, a conductively heated "caprock" at moderate to shallow depth associated with low permeability, and a deeper convectively heated region associated with enhanced permeability. Outcrop and hand-sample scale mapping, XRD analysis, and SEM secondary electron images of fault gouge and slip surfaces at different stages of development (estimated shear strain) are used to investigate the processes responsible for the development and physical properties of these distinct fault rocks. In each type of fault rock, mineral dissolution and re-precipitation in conjunction with the amount and geometry of porosity changes induced by dilation or compaction are the key controls on fault rock development. In addition, at the contacts between slip surfaces, abrasion and resulting comminution appear to influence grain size, sorting, and packing. Macroscopically, we expect the frictional strength of these characteristic fault rocks to differ because the processes that accommodate deformation depend strongly on mineralogy. Frictional strength of quartz-dominated fault rocks in the near surface and in the reservoir should be greater (~0.6) than that in the clay-dominated cap rock (~0.2-0.4). Similarly, permeability should be much lower in foliated clay-rich fault rocks than in quartz-rich fault rocks as evidenced by larger, more connected pores imaged in quartz-rich gouge. Mineral stability is a function of loading, strain rate, temperature, and fluid flow conditions. Which minerals form, and the rates at which they grow is also a key element in determining variations in the magnitude and anisotropy of fault zone properties at Coso. Consequently, we suggest that the development of fault-zone properties depends on the feedback between deformation, resulting changes in permeability, and large-scale fluid flow and the leading to dissolution/precipitation of minerals in the fault rock and adjacent host rock. The implication for Coso is that chemical alteration of otherwise low-porosity crystalline rocks appears to determine the distribution and temporal evolution of permeability in the actively deforming fracture network at small to moderate scales as well as along major, reservoir-penetrating fault zones.

Preliminary biological sampling of GT3 and BT1 cores and the microbial community dynamics of existing subsurface wells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kraus, E. A.; Stamps, B. W.; Rempfert, K. R.; Ellison, E. T.; Nothaft, D. B.; Boyd, E. S.; Templeton, A. S.; Spear, J. R.

2017-12-01

Subsurface microbial life is poorly understood but potentially very important to the search for life on other planets as well as increasing our understanding of Earth's geobiological processes. Fluids and rocks of actively serpentinizing subsurface environments are a recent target of biological study due to their apparent ubiquity across the solar system. Areas of serpentinization can contain high concentrations of molecular hydrogen, H2, that can serve as the dominant fuel source for subsurface microbiota. Working with the Oman Drilling Project, DNA and RNA were extracted from fluids of seven alkaline wells and two rock cores from drill sites GT3 and BT1 within the Samail ophiolite. DNA and cDNA (produced via reverse transcription from the recovered RNA) were sequenced using universal primers to identify microbial life across all three domains. Alkaline subsurface fluids support a microbial community that changes with pH and host-rock type. In peridotite with pH values of >11, wells NSHQ 14 and WAB 71 have high relative abundances of Meiothermus, Methanobacterium, the family Nitrospiraceae, and multiple types of the class Dehalococcoidia. While also hosted in peridotite but at pH 8.5, wells WAB 104 and 105 have a distinct, more diverse microbial community. This increased variance in community make-up is seen in wells that sit near/at the contact of gabbro and peridotite formations as well. Core results indicate both sampled rock types host a very low biomass environment subject to multiple sources of contamination during the drilling process. Suggestions for contaminant reduction, such as having core handlers wear nitrile gloves and flame-sterilizing the outer surfaces of core rounds for biological sampling, would have minimal impact to overall ODP coreflow and maximize the ability to better understand in situ microbiota in this low-biomass serpentinizing subsurface environment. While DNA extraction was successful with gram amounts of crushed rock, much can be done to improve yields and reduce contamination sources for Phase II drilling.

Explanations of grouping in immediate ordered recall.

PubMed

Frick, R W

1989-09-01

This article is about grouping in immediate ordered recall. The following findings are reported: (1) grouping a presentation improves recall, even when steps are taken to prevent rehearsal; (2) grouping primarily improves recall of the items adjoining the grouping, creating primacy and recency within groups; and (3) this primacy and recency are found even when single, isolated errors in recall are considered. These results suggest that the effects of grouping cannot be fully explained by rehearsal, chunking, or the number of directions in which an item can be transposed. It is suggested instead that (1) the auditory short-term store contains an unparsed and uncategorized representation that must be parsed and categorized just prior to recall, in a process of recovery; (2) items adjoining the boundary of a presentation are more easily recovered; and (3) grouping creates a boundary within the presentation. To support this explanation, a final experiment demonstrates an interaction between type of stimuli and serial position, with grouping most improving recall of adjoining phonemes.

Heterogeneities of mechanical properties in potential geothermal reservoir rocks of the North German Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reyer, D.; Philipp, S. L.

2012-04-01

Heterogeneous rock properties in terms of layering and complex infrastructure of fault zones are typical phenomena in sedimentary basins such as the North German Basin. To be able to model reservoir stimulation in layered stratifications and to better adapt the drilling strategy to the rock mechanical conditions it is important to have knowledge about the effects of heterogeneous rock properties on fracture propagation and fault zone infrastructure for typical sedimentary reservoir rocks in the North German Basin. Therefore we aim at quantifying these properties by performing structural geological field studies in outcrop analogues combined with laboratory analyses. The field studies in Rotliegend sandstones (Lower Permian), the sandstones of the Middle Bunter (Lower Triassic) and the sandstones of the Upper Keuper (Upper Triassic) focus on 1) host rock fracture systems and 2) fault zone infrastructure. We analyse quantitatively the dimension, geometry, persistence and connectivity of fracture systems separately for host rocks and fault damage zones. The results show that in rocks with distinctive layering (sandstones and shales) natural fractures are often restricted to individual layers, that is, they are stratabound. The probability of fracture arrest seems to depend on the stiffness contrast between the two layers and on the thickness of the softer layer. The field studies are complemented by systematic sampling to obtain mechanical property variations caused by the layering. For the samples we measure the parameters Young's modulus, compressive and tensile strengths, elastic strain energy, density and porosity. The results show that the mechanical properties vary considerably and many samples are clearly anisotropic. That is, samples taken perpendicular to layering commonly have higher strengths but lower stiffnesses than those taken parallel to layering. We combine the results of laboratory analyses and field measurements to specify the mechanical heterogeneities of the sedimentary reservoir rocks of the North German Basin and of the mechanical units of fault zones therein. To estimate the in situ rock properties at different depths it is further important to understand how rocks from outcrops differ from rocks at depth (for example due to alteration and removal of the overburden load). To answer these questions we analyse samples from drill cores from depths relevant for the use as geothermal reservoirs which are stratigraphically and lithologically equivalent to those taken in outcrop analogues. The results from drill-core sample analyses are then compared with the results from the outcrop samples. Another approach is to analyse how rock mechanical properties correlate with petrographic properties (e.g., mineral content, cementation, fabric, porosity) to use this knowledge to extrapolate the data to depth. Altogether these results will be very useful to make better assumptions on natural reservoir permeabilities and to better adapt the drilling and reservoir stimulation strategy to the rock mechanical conditions.

Genesis of Middle Miocene Yellowstone hotspot-related bonanza epithermal Au-Ag deposits, Northern Great Basin, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saunders, J. A.; Unger, D. L.; Kamenov, G. D.; Fayek, M.; Hames, W. E.; Utterback, W. C.

2008-09-01

Epithermal deposits with bonanza Au-Ag veins in the northern Great Basin (NGB) are spatially and temporally associated with Middle Miocene bimodal volcanism that was related to a mantle plume that has now migrated to the Yellowstone National Park area. The Au-Ag deposits formed between 16.5 and 14 Ma, but exhibit different mineralogical compositions, the latter due to the nature of the country rocks hosting the deposits. Where host rocks were primarily of meta-sedimentary or granitic origin, adularia-rich gold mineralization formed. Where glassy rhyolitic country rocks host veins, colloidal silica textures and precious metal-colloid aggregation textures resulted. Where basalts are the country rocks, clay-rich mineralization (with silica minerals, adularia, and carbonate) developed. Oxygen isotope data from quartz (originally amorphous silica and gels) from super-high-grade banded ores from the Sleeper deposit show that ore-forming solutions had δ 18O values up to 10‰ heavier than mid-Miocene meteoric water. The geochemical signature of the ores (including their Se-rich nature) is interpreted here to reflect a mantle source for the “epithermal suite” elements (Au, Ag, Se, Te, As, Sb, Hg) and that signature is preserved to shallow crustal levels because of the similar volatility and aqueous geochemical behavior of the “epithermal suite” elements. A mantle source for the gold in the deposits is further supported by the Pb isotopic signature of the gold ores. Apparently the host rocks control the mineralization style and gangue mineralogy of ores. However, all deposits are considered to have derived precious metals and metalloids from mafic magmas related to the initial emergence of the Yellowstone hotspot. Basalt-derived volatiles and metal(loid)s are inferred to have been absorbed by meteoric-water-dominated geothermal systems heated by shallow rhyolitic magma chambers. Episodic discharge of volatiles and metal(loid)s from deep basaltic magmas mixed with heated meteoric water to create precious metal ore-forming fluids. Colloidal nanoparticles of Au-Ag alloy (electrum), naumannite (Ag2Se), silica, and adularia, likely nucleated at depth, traveled upward, and deposited where they grew large enough to aggregate along vein walls. Silica and gold colloids have been reported in hot springs from Yellowstone National Park, suggesting that such processes may continue to some extent to the present. However, it is possible that the initial development of the mantle plume led to a major but short-lived “distillation” process which led to the mid-Miocene bonanza ore-forming event.

Utilizing ERTS-A imagery for tectonic analysis through study of Big Horn Mountains region

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoppin, R. A. (Principal Investigator)

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. MSS scene 1085-17294 of the Big Horn region has been subjected to detailed structural analysis. Band 7 is particularly good for revealing structural and drainage patterns because of enhance topographic detail and the subdued vegetational contrasts. Considerable stereo coverage through sidelap with adjoining scenes adds to the effectiveness of the study and has been used on both positive transparencies and enlarged prints. Negative prints of Band 7 positive transparencies have proven to be much more useful than positive prints because the higher resolution of the positive transparencies can be maintained. The Bighorn Mountains are crisscrossed by a number of prominent topographic linears, most of which can be correlated with known fault and shear zones in the Precambrian crystalline core. Many of these do not appear to continue into the flanking sedimentary rocks and a few that do (Tensleep, Tongue River lineaments) are very difficult to trace farther out into the basins. The Tongue River lineament, long a source of speculation and uncertainty as to its existence, appears as a very prominent discontinuity in the imagery.

Mont Terri Underground Rock Laboratory, Switzerland-Research Program And Key Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nussbaum, C. O.; Bossart, P. J.

2012-12-01

Argillaceous formations generally act as aquitards because of their low hydraulic conductivities. This property, together with the large retention capacity of clays for cationic contaminants and the potential for self-sealing, has brought clay formations into focus as potential host rocks for the geological disposal of radioactive waste. Excavated in the Opalinus Clay formation, the Mont Terri underground rock laboratory in the Jura Mountains of NW Switzerland is an important international test site for researching clay formations. Research is carried out in the underground facility, which is located adjacent to the security gallery of the Mont Terri motorway tunnel. Fifteen partners from European countries, USA, Canada and Japan participate in the project. The objectives of the research program are to analyze the hydrogeological, geochemical and rock mechanical properties of the Opalinus Clay, to determine the changes induced by the excavation of galleries and by heating of the rock formation, to test sealing and container emplacement techniques and to evaluate and improve suitable investigation techniques. For the safety of deep geological disposal, it is of key importance to understand the processes occurring in the undisturbed argillaceous environment, as well as the processes in a disturbed system, during the operation of the repository. The objectives are related to: 1. Understanding processes and mechanisms in undisturbed clays and 2. Experiments related to repository-induced perturbations. Experiments of the first group are dedicated to: i) Improvement of drilling and excavation technologies and sampling methods; ii) Estimation of hydrogeological, rock mechanical and geochemical parameters of the undisturbed Opalinus Clay. Upscaling of parameters from laboratory to in situ scale; iii) Geochemistry of porewater and natural gases; evolution of porewater over time scales; iv) Assessment of long-term hydraulic transients associated with erosion and thermal scenarios and v) Evaluation of diffusion and retention parameters for long-lived radionuclides. Experiments related to repository-induced perturbations are focused on: i) Influence of rock liner on the disposal system and the buffering potential of the host rock; ii) Self-sealing processes in the excavation damaged zone; iii) Hydro-mechanical coupled processes (e.g. stress redistributions and pore pressure evolution during excavation); iv) Thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical coupled processes (e.g. heating of bentonite and host rock) and v) Gas-induced transport of radionuclides in porewater and along interfaces in the engineered barrier system. A third research direction is to demonstrate the feasibility of repository construction and long-term safety after repository closure. Demonstration experiments can contribute to improving the reliability of the scientific basis for the safety assessment of future geological repositories, particularly if they are performed on a large scale and with a long duration. These experiments include the construction and installation of engineered barriers on a 1:1 scale: i) Horizontal emplacement of canisters; ii) Evaluation of the corrosion of container materials; repository re-saturation; iii) Sealing of boreholes and repository access tunnels and iv) Long-term monitoring of the repository. References Bossart, P. & Thury, M. (2008): Mont Terri Rock Laboratory. Project, Programme 1996 to 2007 and Results. - Rep. Swiss Geol. Surv. 3.

Influence of age and composition of shelterbelts plants on enzyme activity and auxine - phytophormone IAA concentrations in soils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wojciech Szajdak, Lech; Gaca, Wioletta; Meysner, Teresa; Styła, Katarzyna; Maryganova, Victoria

2010-05-01

The investigations were carried out in Dezydery Chlapowski Agroecological Landscape Park in Turew (40 km South-West of Poznań, West Polish Lowlands, 16° 45 E and 52° 01 N). The soil samples were taken from two shelterbelts differing the age and the composition of trees. First 200-years-old shelterbelt is consisting mainly by Robinia pseudacacia and small admixture of Quercus robur and Larix deciduas. It has 2 kilometers of length and 36 meters of width. The second one new shelterbelt (many species) was created in 1993 and consists of several species of plants such as: Quercus pertraea and Quercus robur, Larix decidua, Pinus silvestris, Sorbus aucuparia, Sorbus intermedia and Tilia cordata. Its length is 340 meters and its width is 17.5 meters. All shelterbelts and adjoining cultivated fields were introduced on Hapludalfs soils (according to FAO classification). In soil under two shelterbelts and adjoining cultivated fields the activity of the following enzymes nitrate reductase, urease, xanthine oxidase, phenol oxidase, peroxidase activity were measured. In addition, the concentrations of iron ions, indole-3-acetic acids, total organic carbon, dissolved organic carbon, total nitrogen, ammonium and nitrates were determined. In soils under shelterbelts compared to adjoining cultivated fields higher content of organic matter was observed, because the accumulation of soil organic matter under shelterbelts is suggested to be the main mechanism of long-term withdrawal of various chemical elements from cycling in the agroecosystems. However, many chemical, biochemical, physical and biological processes control conversions of organic compounds in soils and finally these processes depend on the organic matter content and particularly on humic substances. Due to a very good developed root system of trees in shelterbelts than cultivated plants, they transpire more than 34% water than cultivated fields and intensively take up nutrients and finally improve quality of ground and surface water. The acidity of the soil under the 200-years-old shelterbelt was the highest and during the entire vegetation season pH ranged from 3.19 to 3.51, while for the soil of adjoining cultivated field pH values were much higher (5.03-5.65). However, there are not much differences between pH of the soil under young shelterbelt (created in 1993) and the soil of adjoining cultivated field (3.73-5.25 and 3.72-4.15, respectively). The activities of enzymes and all chemical compounds were the highest in soil under 200-years-old shelterbelt than in soil under young shelterbelt and two adjoining cultivated fields to both shelterbelts.

Mineral growth in rocks: kinetic-rheological models of replacement, vein formation, and syntectonic crystallization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fletcher, Raymond C.; Merino, Enrique

2001-11-01

We model three cases of coupling between mineral growth kinetics and mechanical response of the rock: (i) dispersed spherical crystals growing by replacement in a hydrostatically stressed elastic rock; (ii) growth of veins or vein networks accommodated by viscous relaxation of surrounding rock; and (iii) syntectonic crystallization in a rock undergoing bulk pure shear. Such models for the microscopic environment of mineral growth, together with additional assumptions or knowledge about rheological behavior and aggregate geometry, provide refined estimates of the behavior of a macroscopic volume element, which could be combined with geochemical reaction-transport models. Crucial in the models are the various consequences-pressure solution, creep, fracturing-of the local stress that is necessarily generated by mineral growth in rocks (other than in pores). In the first model, the dispersed spherical crystals of mineral A are assumed to grow within a spherical volume of rock consisting of mineral B, the ;mineralized zone; (MZ), itself embedded in elastic rock. The macroscopic stress in the MZ and the far-field stress in the surrounding rock are uniform and hydrostatic. Mineral growth of the A crystals is driven by supersaturation with respect to mineral A, is accommodated by replacement of B grains, and leads to an expansion of the MZ described by an infinitesimal strain. The radial growth rate of a spherical crystal of mineral A, with replacement of mineral B, is da/dt=kARTln(ΩA)[kBV0B/(kBV0B+kAV0A)], where kA and kB are kinetic constants, R is the gas constant, T the temperature in kelvin, and V0A and V0B are specific volumes. Reference saturation states of mineral A, ΩA > 1, and host mineral B, ΩB = 1, are specified at the far-field hydrostatic stress, σ0. The microscopic environment of each crystal of A is modeled by a representative volume element (RVE) consisting of a sphere of mineral A embedded in a spherical shell of mineral B. In each RVE, stress is neither uniform nor hydrostatic. The model links the local microscopic stress with the macroscopic stress in the MZ and surrounding rock. The second model refers to veins that make room for themselves by growing, not to veins that form by cementation of previously opened, or opening, cracks. If the growth of mineral A as propagating veins or as an interconnected vein network takes place by deformation and expansion of the MZ-with the deformation itself driven by the stress arising from the supersaturation-driven growth-the surrounding rock undergoes deformation and is treated as viscous. The rate of growth in vein width, w, is dw/dt=2kA[RTln(ΩA)-SV0A]/(1+M), where M = 16ηkAV0Ac2/(3b3), η is the medium viscosity, c is the vein radius, and each vein is treated as centered in a spherical RVE of radius b. S is an effective tensile stress required for vein propagation. For a vein network, in which veins surround equant polyhedra of rock of radius b, we set c = b and drop the term in S for simplicity. Veins may also widen by replacement. The ratio of vein widening by expansion to that by replacement is (dw/dt)expansion/(dw/dt)replacement={(3b/16η)/[(3b/16η)+kAV0A]}/[kBV0B/(KBV0B+kAV0A)]. Both mechanisms of accommodation contribute equally when η = 3b/(16kBV0B); at higher viscosity, replacement is dominant. The incipient growth of a cylindrical crystal with circular cross section in a medium deforming in pure shear simulates syntectonic crystallization. Both dissolution and deformation of the host accommodate growth. In the model, the crystal tends to grow faster in the direction of maximum rate of extension. In this direction, the host mineral may either dissolve to accommodate growth, or precipitate to form a pressure shadow. Accommodation by host dissolution is greatest in the direction of maximum rate of shortening.

Geochronology and Structural Studies in the Northern Ritter Range: Implications for the Tectonic History of Mesozoic Sierra Nevada Arc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Black, C. J.; Whitesides, A. S.; Anderson, J. L.; Culbert, K. N.; Vandeveer, M.; Cox, I. V.; Cardamone, J.; Torrez, G.; Quirk, M.; Memeti, V.; Cao, W.; Paterson, S. R.

2010-12-01

Field mapping in the Northern Ritter Range pendant, central Sierra Nevada reveals four different lithotectonic units. Unit 1, east of Gem Lake, consists of Paleozoic passive margin metasedimentary rocks. Unit 2 lies unconformably above and west and is composed of Late Triassic to Middle Jurassic rhyolitic to andesitic, clast-rich, metavolcanic rocks that are typically massive, thick bedded, relatively homogeneous. Breccias and millimeter sized plagioclase phenocrysts are common in these beds. Unit 3 west of and structurally higher than unit 2 and is composed of thinly bedded metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks of same age. Unit 2 and Unit 3 both steeply dipping and NW striking bedding and bedding parallel foliations. Unit 4 is composed of less deformed, Cretaceous, rhyolitic to andesitic breccias and rare volcaniclastic units that are west of and unconformably above unit 3. All units are now separated by faults. The Cretaceous dextral, oblique Gem Lake shear zone reactivated the uncomformity between units 1 and 2. West of the shear zone, both the shearing and strain intensity gradually decrease, the later from >60% to 40% shortening. Unit 2 and 3 are separated by a thrust fault, with local pseudotachelite now overprinted by ductile deformation. Unit 3 and 4 are now juxtaposed along a deformed unconformity west of which strain decreases to shortening values > 30%. These host rocks are intruded by granitic to dioritic plutons preserving a wide range of internal characteristics and emplacement styles. The oldest pluton is the 100 Ma Rush Creek Granodiorite, which intruded into unit 2. The Kuna Crest (KC, 94.6 Ma), the Waugh Lake (WL, 93.6 Ma), and the Thousand Island Lake leucogranodiorites (TIL) (~94 Ma) all intrude into the unit 3. The TIL cut the unconformity between units 3 and 4. The WL pluton is possibly cut by movement between units 2 and 3. The typically NW striking steeply dipping bedding in host rock units is dramatically deflected to EW orientations along the SW margin of the KC lobe. Within the nearby WL Granodiorite, hundreds of andesitic host rock blocks, some up to hundred meter lengths suggest that stoping was an important emplacement process. Migmatitic zones occur along several pluton margins. Our observations are consistent with aspects of the Tobisch et al. (2000) paper suggesting early brittle thrusting led to rotation of beds to steep dips. However our results indicate that beds were already at near vertical dips prior to ductile shortening and well before pluton emplacement. And although regional downward flow of extrusive volcanics has certainly occurred we see evidence against previous suggestions that this downward flow was localized in pluton aureoles as plutons typically cut discordantly across already steeply dipping beds and in turn are deformed by the younger ductile deformation. Although ductile shortening may play a minor role in rotation of beds, much of the ductile deformation had to occur after beds were steeply dipping as the 100-93.5 m.y. plutons have fabrics that are continuous with ductile deformation in the host rocks.

Geochemistry of the Nsuta Mn deposit in Ghana: Implications for the Paleoproterozoic atmosphere and ocean chemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goto, K. T.; Ito, T.; Suzuki, K.; Kashiwabara, T.; Takaya, Y.; Shimoda, G.; Nozaki, T.; Kiyokawa, S.; Tetteh, G. M.; Nyame, F. K.

2013-12-01

Oxygenation of the atmosphere and oceans has influenced the evolution of ocean chemistry and diversification of early life. A number of large manganese (Mn) deposits are distributed in the Paleoproterozoic sedimentary successions that were formed during the great oxidation event (GOE) around 2.4-2.2 Ga (Meynard, 2010). Due to the high redox potential of Mn, occurrences of Mn deposits have been regarded as important evidence for a highly oxidized environment during the Paleoproterozoic (Kirschvink et al., 2000). Furthermore, because Mn oxides strongly adsorb various elements, including bioessential elements such as Mo, formation of large Mn deposits may have affected the seawater chemical composition and ecology during the Paleoproterozoic. However, the genesis of each Mn deposit is poorly constrained, and the relationships among the formation of Mn deposits, the evolution of atmospheric and ocean chemistry, and the diversification of early life are still ambiguous. In this study, we report the Re-Os isotope compositions, rare earth element (REE) compositions, and abundance of manganophile elements in the Mn carbonate ore and host sedimentary rock samples collected from the Nsuta Mn deposit of the Birimian Supergroup, Ghana. The Nsuta deposit is one of the largest Paleoproterozoic Mn deposits, although its genesis remains controversial (Melcher et al., 1995; Mucke et al., 1999). The composite Re-Os isochron age (2149 × 130 Ma) of the Mn carbonate and sedimentary rock samples was consistent with the depositional age of the sedimentary rocks (~2.2 Ga) presumed from the U-Pb zircon age of volcanic rocks (Hirdes and Davis, 1998), suggesting that the timing of Mn ore deposition was almost equivalent to the host rock sedimentation. The PAAS-normalized REE pattern showed a positive Eu anomaly in all samples and a positive Ce anomaly only in the Mn carbonate ore. These REE patterns indicate the possible contribution of Eu-enriched fluids derived from hydrothermal activity and Ce enrichment due to the oxidation of Ce(III) by Mn(IV) during an ore formation. Among the manganophile elements, merely Mo is enriched in the Mn carbonate ore compared with the host sedimentary rocks. The profile of manganophile elements was similar to that of modern hydrothermal Mn oxide (Kuhn et al., 2003), although the exact Mo concentration was much lower. These geochemical lines of evidence provide the following plausible genetic model for the Nsuta deposits: (1) Mn(II) was derived from hydrothermal vents, (2) Mn(II) was oxidized to Mn(IV) oxide by the oxygenated seawater, (3) the precipitation of Mn oxide is almost concurrent with the deposition of the host sedimentary rocks, (4) Mn oxide was diagenetically transformed to be a Mn carbonate ore. The geochemical features of the Nsuta deposits suggest that, as in the present oxic oceans, Mn oxide was a potential sink for several trace elements in the Paleoproterozoic oceans. The low-Mo concentration in the Mn carbonate ore probably reflects the large difference between the chemical compositions of Paleoproterozoic and present seawater, implying the prevalence of reduced marine conditions even during the GOE (Scott et al., 2008)

Geometry of the Nojima fault at Nojima-Hirabayashi, Japan - II. Microstructures and their implications for permeability and strength

USGS Publications Warehouse

Moore, Diane E.; Lockner, D.A.; Ito, H.; Ikeda, R.; Tanaka, H.; Omura, K.

2009-01-01

Samples of damage-zone granodiorite and fault core from two drillholes into the active, strike-slip Nojima fault zone display microstructures and alteration features that explain their measured present-day strengths and permeabilities and provide insight on the evolution of these properties in the fault zone. The least deformed damage-zone rocks contain two sets of nearly perpendicular (60-90?? angles), roughly vertical fractures that are concentrated in quartz-rich areas, with one set typically dominating over the other. With increasing intensity of deformation, which corresponds generally to increasing proximity to the core, zones of heavily fragmented rock, termed microbreccia zones, develop between prominent fractures of both sets. Granodiorite adjoining intersecting microbreccia zones in the active fault strands has been repeatedly fractured and locally brecciated, accompanied by the generation of millimeter-scale voids that are partly filled with secondary minerals. Minor shear bands overprint some of the heavily deformed areas, and small-scale shear zones form from the pairing of closely spaced shear bands. Strength and permeability measurements were made on core collected from the fault within a year after a major (Kobe) earthquake. Measured strengths of the samples decrease regularly with increasing fracturing and fragmentation, such that the gouge of the fault core and completely brecciated samples from the damage zone are the weakest. Permeability increases with increasing disruption, generally reaching a peak in heavily fractured but still more or less cohesive rock at the scale of the laboratory samples. Complete loss of cohesion, as in the gouge or the interiors of large microbreccia zones, is accompanied by a reduction of permeability by 1-2 orders of magnitude below the peak values. The core samples show abundant evidence of hydrothermal alteration and mineral precipitation. Permeability is thus expected to decrease and strength to increase somewhat in active fault strands between earthquakes, as mineral deposits progressively seal fractures and fill pore spaces. ?? Birkh??user Verlag, Basel 2009.

Mineralization, alteration, and hydrothermal metamorphism of the ophiolite-hosted Turner-Albright sulfide deposit, southwestern Oregon

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zierenberg, R.A.; Shanks, Wayne C.; Seyfried, W.E.; Koski, R.A.; Strickler, M.D.

1988-01-01

The Turner-Albright sulfide deposit, part of the Josephine ophiolite, formed on and below the seafloor during Late Jurassic volcanism at a back arc spreading center. Ore fluids were probably localized by faults which were active on the seafloor at the time of sulfide deposition. The uppermost massive sulfide formed on the seafloor at hydrothermal vents. The bulk of the sulfide mineralization formed below the seafloor within olivine basalt hyaloclastite erupted near the time of mineralization. Infiltration of hydrothermal fluid into the hyaloclastite altered the rock. The fluid responsible for the hydrothermal alteration was evolved seawater with low pH and Mg and high Fe. The average value of sulfide and the difference between sulfide and contemporaneous seawater sulfate values are similar to ophiolite-hosted sulfide deposits in Cyprus. Mudstone and clinopyroxene basalt above the sulfide horizons were not altered by the ore-transporting hydrothermal fluid, but these rocks were hydrothermally metamorphosed by altered seawater heated by deep circulation into hot oceanic crust. This subseafloor metamorphism produced a mineral assemblage typical of prehnite-pumpellyite facies metamorphism. Exchange with altered seawater increased the whole-rock ??18O of the basalts to values of 9.4-11.2%. -from Authors

Spatial and size distributions of garnets grown in a pseudotachylyte generated during a lower crust earthquake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clerc, Adriane; Renard, François; Austrheim, Håkon; Jamtveit, Bjørn

2018-05-01

In the Bergen Arc, western Norway, rocks exhumed from the lower crust record earthquakes that formed during the Caledonian collision. These earthquakes occurred at about 30-50 km depth under granulite or amphibolite facies metamorphic conditions. Coseismic frictional heating produced pseudotachylytes in this area. We describe pseudotachylytes using field data to infer earthquake magnitude (M ≥ 6.6), low dynamic friction during rupture propagation (μd < 0.1) and laboratory analyses to infer fast crystallization of microlites in the pseudotachylyte, within seconds of the earthquake arrest. High resolution 3D X-ray microtomography imaging reveals the microstructure of a pseudotachylyte sample, including numerous garnets and their corona of plagioclase that we infer have crystallized in the pseudotachylyte. These garnets 1) have dendritic shapes and are surrounded by plagioclase coronae almost fully depleted in iron, 2) have a log-normal volume distribution, 3) increase in volume with increasing distance away from the pseudotachylyte-host rock boundary, and 4) decrease in number with increasing distance away from the pseudotachylyte -host rock boundary. These characteristics indicate fast mineral growth, likely within seconds. We propose that these new quantitative criteria may assist in the unambiguous identification of pseudotachylytes in the field.

Nature and origin of secondary mineral coatings on volcanic rocks of the Black Mountain, Stonewall Mountain, and Kane Springs Wash volcanic centers, southern, Nevada

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taranik, James V.; Hsu, Liang C.; Spatz, David M.; Chenevey, Michael J.

1989-01-01

The following subject areas are covered: (1) genetic, spectral, and LANDSAT Thematic Mapper imagery relationship between desert varnish and tertiary volcanic host rocks, southern Nevada; (2) reconnaissance geologic mapping of the Kane Springs Wash Volcanic Center, Lincoln County, Nevada, using multispectral thermal infrared imagery; (3) interregional comparisons of desert varnish; and (4) airborne scanner (GERIS) imagery of the Kane Springs Wash Volcanic Center, Lincoln County, Nevada.

40Ar/39Ar Dating of Zn-Pb-Ag Mineralization in the Northern Brooks Range, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Werdon, Melanie B.; Layer, Paul W.; Newberry, Rainer J.

2004-01-01

The 40Ar/39Ar laser step-heating method potentially can be used to provide absolute ages for a number of formerly undatable, low-temperature ore deposits. This study demonstrates the use of this method by determining absolute ages for Zn-Pb-Ag sediment-hosted massive sulfide deposits and vein-breccia occurrences found throughout a 300-km-long, east-west-trending belt in the northern Brooks Range, Alaska. Massive sulfide deposits are hosted by Mississippian to Pennsylvanian(?) black carbonaceous shale, siliceous mudstone, and lesser chert and carbonate turbidites of the Kuna Formation (e.g., Red Dog, Anarraaq, Lik (Su), and Drenchwater). The vein-breccia occurrences (e.g., Husky, Story Creek, West Kivliktort Mountain, Vidlee, and Kady) are hosted by a deformed but only weakly metamorphosed package of Upper Devonian to Lower Mississippian mixed continental and marine clastic rocks (the Endicott Group) that stratigraphically underlie the Kuna Formation. The vein-breccias are mineralogically similar to, but not spatially associated with, known massive sulfide deposits. The region's largest shale-hosted massive sulfide deposit is Red Dog; it has reserves of 148 Mt grading 16.6 percent zinc, 4.5 percent lead, and 77 g of silver per tonne. Hydrothermally produced white mica in a whole-rock sample from a sulfide-bearing igneous sill within the Red Dog deposit yielded a plateau age of 314.5 Ma. The plateau age of this whole-rock sample records the time at which temperatures cooled below the argon closure temperature of the white mica and is interpreted to represent the minimum age limit for massive sulfide-related hydrothermal activity in the Red Dog deposit. Sulfide-bearing quartz veins at Drenchwater crosscut a hypabyssal intrusion with a maximum biotite age of 337.0 Ma. Despite relatively low sulfide deposition temperatures in the vein-breccia occurrences (162°-251°C), detrital white mica in sandstone immediately adjacent to large vein-breccia zones was partially to completely recrystallized. The 40Ar/39Ar age spectra and inverse isochron plots of the multicomponent whole-rock sandstone samples are more complex than those of single minerals. However, different minerals have different Ca/K and Cl/K ratios and closure temperatures, and these properties were used to identify portions of spectra dominated by argon release from specific minerals. 40Ar/39Ar laser step-heating analyses of Late Devonian sandstone whole rocks produced spectra that record a two-stage resetting history: a Carboniferous hydrothermal event first and later Mesozoic to Tertiary events, which are in agreement with geologic constraints. The 40Ar/39Ar ages and the similar mineralogy, lead isotope composition, and relative stratigraphic positions support the interpretation that the shale-hosted massive sulfide deposits and most vein-breccia occurrences are temporally and genetically related, and that they are different expressions of Carboniferous basinal dewatering.

BARN IN SETTING FROM ADJOINING FIELD, LOOKING NORTHEAST. The photograph ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

BARN IN SETTING FROM ADJOINING FIELD, LOOKING NORTHEAST. The photograph was taken from the east side of the hedgerow along Fort Casey Road. Also shown are the mechanic’s shop, to the west of the barn; the tractor shed, directly south of the shop; and the monitor-roofed hay and lambing barn to the east. The Hugh Crockett house sat between the tractor shed and the hay and lambing barn. Only its chimney remains. - Boyer Farm, 711 South Fort Casey Road, Coupeville, Island County, WA

The Rho Kinases: Critical Mediators of Multiple Profibrotic Processes and Rational Targets for New Therapies for Pulmonary Fibrosis

PubMed Central

Knipe, Rachel S.; Tager, Andrew M.

2015-01-01

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by progressive lung scarring, short median survival, and limited therapeutic options, creating great need for new pharmacologic therapies. IPF is thought to result from repetitive environmental injury to the lung epithelium, in the context of aberrant host wound healing responses. Tissue responses to injury fundamentally involve reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton of participating cells, including epithelial cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and macrophages. Actin filament assembly and actomyosin contraction are directed by the Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase (ROCK) family of serine/threonine kinases (ROCK1 and ROCK2). As would therefore be expected, lung ROCK activation has been demonstrated in humans with IPF and in animal models of this disease. ROCK inhibitors can prevent fibrosis in these models, and more importantly, induce the regression of already established fibrosis. Here we review ROCK structure and function, upstream activators and downstream targets of ROCKs in pulmonary fibrosis, contributions of ROCKs to profibrotic cellular responses to lung injury, ROCK inhibitors and their efficacy in animal models of pulmonary fibrosis, and potential toxicities of ROCK inhibitors in humans, as well as involvement of ROCKs in fibrosis in other organs. As we discuss, ROCK activation is required for multiple profibrotic responses, in the lung and multiple other organs, suggesting ROCK participation in fundamental pathways that contribute to the pathogenesis of a broad array of fibrotic diseases. Multiple lines of evidence therefore indicate that ROCK inhibition has great potential to be a powerful therapeutic tool in the treatment of fibrosis, both in the lung and beyond. PMID:25395505

Clumped isotope thermometry in deeply buried sedimentary carbonates: The effects of C-O bond reordering and recrystallization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Passey, B. H.; Shenton, B.; Grossman, E. L.; Henkes, G. A.; Laya, J. C.; Perez-Huerta, A.

2014-12-01

Constraining the thermal histories of sedimentary basins is fundamental to a range of geologic applications including tectonics, petroleum system analysis, and the genesis of ore deposits. Carbonate rocks can serve as archives of basin thermal histories through solid-state reordering of their 13C-18O, or 'clumped isotope', bonds at elevated burial temperatures. Here we present one of the first applied studies of carbonate clumped isotope reordering to explore the diagenetic and thermal histories of exhumed brachiopods, crinoids, cements, and host rock in the Permian Palmarito Formation, Venezuela and the Carboniferous Bird Spring Formation, Nevada, USA. Carbonate components in the Palmarito Formation, buried to ~4 km depth, yield statistically indistinguishable clumped isotope temperatures (T(Δ47)) ranging from 86 to 122 °C. Clumped isotope temperatures of components in the more deeply buried Bird Spring Formation (>5 km), range from ~100 to 165 °C and differ by component type, with brachiopods and pore-filling cements yielding the highest T(Δ47) (mean = 153 and 141 °C, respectively) and crinoids and host rock yielding significantly cooler T(Δ47) (mean = 103 and 114 °C). New high-resolution thermal histories are coupled with kinetic models to predict the extent of solid-state C-O bond reordering during burial and exhumation for both sites. Application of these models suggests that brachiopods in the Palmarito Formation experienced partial bond reordering without complete equilibration of clumped isotopes at maximum burial temperature. In contrast, clumped isotope bonds of brachiopods from the Bird Spring Formation appear to have completely equilibrated at maximum burial temperature, and now reflect blocking temperatures 'locked-in' during cooling. The 40-50 °C cooler clumped isotope temperatures measured in Bird Spring Formation crinoids and host rock can be explained by both recrystallization and cementation during shallow burial and a greater inherent resistance to solid-state reordering than brachiopods.

In situ trace metal analysis of Neoarchaean--Ordovician shallow-marine microbial-carbonate-hosted pyrites.

PubMed

Gallagher, M; Turner, E C; Kamber, B S

2015-07-01

Pre-Cambrian atmospheric and oceanic redox evolutions are expressed in the inventory of redox-sensitive trace metals in marine sedimentary rocks. Most of the currently available information was derived from deep-water sedimentary rocks (black shale/banded iron formation). Many of the studied trace metals (e.g. Mo, U, Ni and Co) are sensitive to the composition of the exposed land surface and prevailing weathering style, and their oceanic inventory ultimately depends on the terrestrial flux. The validity of claims for increased/decreased terrestrial fluxes has remained untested as far as the shallow-marine environment is concerned. Here, the first systematic study of trace metal inventories of the shallow-marine environment by analysis of microbial carbonate-hosted pyrite, from ca. 2.65-0.52 Ga, is presented. A petrographic survey revealed a first-order difference in preservation of early diagenetic pyrite. Microbial carbonates formed before the 2.4 Ga great oxygenation event (GOE) are much richer in pyrite and contain pyrite grains of greater morphological variability but lesser chemical substitution than samples deposited after the GOE. This disparity in pyrite abundance and morphology is mirrored by the qualitative degree of preservation of organic matter (largely as kerogen). Thus, it seems that in microbial carbonates, pyrite formation and preservation were related to presence and preservation of organic C. Several redox-sensitive trace metals show interpretable temporal trends supporting earlier proposals derived from deep-water sedimentary rocks. Most notably, the shallow-water pyrite confirms a rise in the oceanic Mo inventory across the pre-Cambrian-Cambrian boundary, implying the establishment of efficient deep-ocean ventilation. The carbonate-hosted pyrite also confirms the Neoarchaean and early Palaeoproterozoic ocean had higher Ni concentration, which can now more firmly be attributed to a greater proportion of magnesian volcanic rock on land rather than a stronger hydrothermal flux of Ni. Additionally, systematic trends are reported for Co, As, and Zn, relating to terrestrial flux and oceanic productivity. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Alteration geochemistry of the volcanic-hosted Dedeninyurdu, Yergen and Fındıklıyar Cu-Fe mineralization, Northern part of Gökçedoǧan Village, Çorum-Kargi Region, Turkey: Implications for the rare earth elements geochemical characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozturk, Sercan; Gumus, Lokman; Abdelnasser, Amr; Yalçin, Cihan; Kumral, Mustafa; Hanilçi, Nurullah

2016-04-01

This study deals with the rare earth element (REE) geochemical behavior the alteration zonesassociated with the volcanic-hosted Cu-Femineralization at the northern part of Gökçedoǧan village, Çorum-Kargi region (N Turkey) which are Dedeninyurdu, Yergen and Fındıklıyar mineralization. The study areacomprises Bekirli Formation, Saraycık Formation, Beşpınar Formation, and Ilgaz Formation. Saraycık Formation consists ofUpper Cretaceous KargıOphiolites, pelagic limestone, siltstone, chert and spilitic volcanic rocks. Fe-Cu mineralization occurred in the spiliticvolcanic rocks of Saraycık Formation representing the host rockand is related with the silicification and sericitizationalteration zones. Dedeninyurdu and Yergen mineralization zone directed nearly N75-80oEis following structural a line but Fındıklıyar mineralization zone has nearly NW direction. The ore mineralogy in these zonesinclude pyrite, chalcopyrite, covellite, hematite with malachite, goethite and a limonite as a result of oxidation. The geochemical characteristics of REE of the least altered spiliticbasalt show flat light and heavy REE with slight positive Eu- and Sr-anomalies according to their chondrite-, N-type MORB, and primitive mantle-normalized REE patterns. While the REE geochemical features of the altered rocks collected from the different alteration zones show that there are negative Eu and Sr anomalies as a result of leaching during the alteration processes.There are positive and negative correlations between K2O index with LREE and HREE, respectively. This is due to the additions of K and La during the alteration processes referring to the pervasive sericitization alteration is the responsible for the Cu-Fe mineralization at the study area. Keywords: Cu-Fe mineralization, Spilitic volcanic rocks, alteration, Rare earth elements (REE) geochemistry.

Constraints on the Chief Joseph Dike Swarm of the Columbia River Flood Basalts from the legacy dataset of William H. Taubeneck

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasholds, M. W.; Karlstrom, L.; Morriss, M. C.

2016-12-01

The Chief Joseph dike swarm, spanning northeastern OR, southeastern WA, and parts of western ID, is one of the primary dike swarms feeding the mid-Miocene Columbia River Basalt Group (CRBG) (e.g. Reidel et al. 2013). William H. Taubeneck (1923-2016) mapped these and other CRBG feeder dikes over 40 years, generating an expansive dataset with locations and characteristics of dike segments, primarily centered within the Wallowa Mountains, extending as far north as Lewiston, ID, and as far south as Farewell Bend, OR. Taubeneck is credited with originally defining the Chief Joseph swarm, but his data was not made available until his death. Using ArcMap, we are in the process of digitizing, field checking, and making available relevant data from Taubeneck's annotated maps and notebooks. We extract dike locations, orientations, thicknesses, and host rock characteristics. We present an overview of the Taubeneck data, relating to Chief Joseph dikes in WA, ID, and newer field measurements in the Wallowas, OR. Strikes of the 4410 dike segments range from NNW to NNE, with outliers that define smaller clusters with distinct orientations. The dikes have primarily near-vertical dips, paleo-depths ranging from 2 km to 0.3 km, and limited observations indicate widths from <5 m to 40 m. A majority of dikes are exposed in uplifted granites of the Wallowa batholith and metamorphosed host: 1606 dikes occur in quartz diorite, 60 occur in the Hurwal Formation, 139 occur in metavolcanics, while 401 occur in CRBG basalt. The other 2204 dikes are not in the Chief Joseph area. There does not seem to be a significant relation between host rock composition and dike orientation, although wall rock interactions are more dramatic in non-granitic Tertiary rocks. This dataset may provide further insight into both dike emplacement dynamics and the plumbing system of the CRBG.

Fault evolution in volcanic tuffs and quartz-rich eolian sandstone as mechanical analogs for faulting in Martian pyroclastic deposits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okubo, C. H.

2014-12-01

In order to establish a foundation for studies of faulting in Martian rocks and soils in volcanic terrain, the distribution of brittle strain around faults within the North Menan Butte Tuff in the eastern Snake River Plain, Idaho and the Joe Lott Tuff Member of the Mount Belknap Volcanics, Utah, has been recently described. These studies employed a combination of macroscopic and microscopic observations, including measurements of in situ permeability as a proxy for non-localized brittle deformation of the host rock. In areas where the tuff retained its primary granular nature at the time of deformation, initial plastic yielding in both tuffs occurred along deformation bands. Both compactional and dilational types of deformation bands were observed, and faulting occurred along clusters of deformation bands. Where secondary alteration processes imparted a massive texture to the tuff, brittle deformation was accommodated along fractures. Host-rock permeability exhibits little variation from non-deformed values in the North Menan Butte Tuff, whereas host rock permeability is reduced by roughly an order of magnitude through compaction alone (no alteration) in the Joe Lott Tuff. To create a bridge between these observations in tuff and the more substantial body of work centered on deformation band formation and faulting in quartz-rich sandstones, the same techniques employed in the North Menan Butte Tuff and the Joe Lott Tuff have also been applied to a kilometer-scale fault in the Jurassic Navajo Sandstone in the Waterpocket Fold, Utah. These observations demonstrate that the manifestation of strain and evolution of faulting in the Mars-analog tuffs are comparable to that in quartz-rich sandstones. Therefore, current understanding of brittle deformation in quartz-rich sandstones can be used to inform investigations into fault growth within porous tuffs on Mars. A discussion of these observations, practical limitations, and directions for future work are presented here.

Weakly shocked and deformed CM microxenoliths in the Pułtusk H chondrite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

KrzesińSka, Agata; Fritz, JöRg

2014-04-01

The Pułtusk meteorite is a brecciated H4-5 chondrite cut by darkened cataclastic zones. Within the breccia, relict type IA, IB, and IIA chondrules, and microxenoliths of carbonaceous CM chondrite lithology occur. This is the first description of foreign clasts in the Pułtusk meteorite. The matrix of the xenoliths was identified by usage of microprobe and Raman spectroscopic analyses. Raman spectra show distinct bands related to the presence of slightly ordered carbonaceous matter at approximately 1320 and 1580-1584 cm-1. Bands related to serpentine group minerals are also visible, especially a peak at 692 cm-1 and moreover other weak bands are interpreted as evidence for tochilinite. We decipher the metamorphic and deformational history of the xenoliths. They experienced aqueous alteration before being incorporated into the unaltered and well-equilibrated parent rock of the Pułtusk chondrite. The xenoliths are weakly shocked as indicated by defects in the crystal structure of silicates and carbonates, but hydrated minerals (serpentine and tochilinite) are still present in the matrix. The carbonaceous matter within the clasts' matrix displays first order D and G Raman bands that suggests it is only slightly ordered as a result of mild thermal processing. Distinct shear bands are present in both the xenoliths and the surrounding rock, which testifies that the xenoliths were affected by a deformational event along with host rock. The host rock was brittly deformed, but the clasts experienced more ductile deformation revealed by semibrittle faulting of minerals, kinking of the tochilinite-cronstedtite matrix, and injections of xenolithic material into the adjacent breccia. We argue that both processes, the high strain-rate shear deformation and the incorporation of the xenoliths into the host Pułtusk breccia, could have been impact-related. The Pułtusk xenoliths are, thus, rather spalled collisional fragments, than trapped fossil micrometeorites.

10 CFR 60.122 - Siting criteria.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... with low horizontal and vertical permeability; (ii) Downward or dominantly horizontal hydraulic... permeability and low hydraulic gradient between the host rock and the surrounding hydrogeologic units. (3... REGULATORY COMMISSION (CONTINUED) DISPOSAL OF HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES IN GEOLOGIC REPOSITORIES...

Explosive Deep Sea Volcanism Produces Composite Volcanoes (Stratocones) with Predominantly Diffuse Flow Hydrothermal Ecosystems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rubin, K. H.; Chadwick, W. C.; Embley, R. W.; Butterfield, D. A.

2018-05-01

Newly-discovered extensive explosive deep sea volcanism produces distinct stratovolcano structures and physical rock characteristics, and host primarily diffuse flow hydrothermal activity, unlike focused flow systems at effusive submarine volcanoes.

Apollo 16 impact-melt splashes - Petrography and major-element composition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

See, Thomas H.; Horz, Friedrich; Morris, Richard V.

1986-01-01

Petrographic and major-element analyses are applied to 50 Apollo 16 impact-melt splash (IMS) samples in order to determine their origin and assess the nature of the subregolith source. The macroscopic analyses reveal that the IMSs exhibit a glassy appearance, but the textures range from holohyaline to hyalopilitic. Schlieren-rich glasses dominate the holohyaline areas, and the crystalline areas are mainly spherulitic. It is observed that most IMSs contain feldspathic monomineralic and lithic clasts and no regolithic materials. It is detected that the chemistry of most IMSs is not like the local regolith and appears to represent varied mixtures of VHA impact-melt breccias and anorthosite; the host rocks are mainly dimict breccias. It is concluded that the Cayley Formation is a polymict deposit composed of VHA impact-melt breccias and anorthosites. Tables revealing the macroscopic characteristics of the IMSs and the major-element composition of IMSs and various host rock are presented.

Hard-rock GMPEs versus Vs30-Kappa Host-to-Target Adjustment Techniques : Why so Large Differences in High Frequency Hard-Rock Motion ?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bard, P. Y.; Laurendeau, A.; Hollender, F.; Perron, V.; Hernandez, B.; Foundotos, L.

2016-12-01

Assessment of local seismic hazard on hard rock sites (1000 < VS30 < 3000 m/s) is needed either for installations built on such hard rock, or as a reference motion for site response computation. Empirical ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs) are the traditional basis for estimating ground motion, but most of them are poorly constrained for VS30 larger than 1000 m/s. The presently used approach for estimating hard rock hazard consists of "host-to-target" adjustment techniques (HTTA) based on VS30 and κ0 values. Recent studies have investigated alternative methods to estimate reference motions on very hard rock through an original processing of the Japanese KiK-net recordings from stiff sites (500 < VS30 < 1350 m/s). The pairs of recordings at surface and depth, together with the knowledge of the velocity profile, allowed to derive two sets of "virtual" outcropping, hard-rock motion data for sites having velocities in the range [1000 - 3000 m/s]. The corrections are based either on a transformation of deep, within-motion to outcropping motion, or on a deconvolution of surface recordings using the velocity profile and 1D simulation, which has been performed both in the response spectrum and Fourier domains. Each of these virtual "outcropping hard-rock motion" data sets has then been used to derive GMPEs with simple functional forms, using as site condition proxy the S-wave velocity at depth (VSDH), ranging from 1000 to 3000 m/s. Both sets provide very similar predictions, which are much smaller at high frequencies (f > 10 Hz) than those estimated with the traditional HTTA technique - by a factor up to 3-4,. These differences decrease for decreasing frequency, and become negligible at low frequency (f < 1 Hz). The main focus will be to discuss the possible reasons of such differences, in relation with the implicit or explicit assumptions of either approach. Our present interpretation is related to the existence of a significant, high-frequency amplification on stiff soils and standard rocks, due to thin, shallow, moderate velocity layers. Not only this resonant amplification is not correctly accounted for by the quarter-wavelength approach used in the traditional HTTA adjustment techniques, but it may also significantly impact and bias the κ measurements, and the (VS30- κ0) relationships implicitly used in HTTA techniques.

Can Inclusions Survive To The Ends Of The Earth?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, R.

2017-12-01

Many petrological, geochemical, and paleomagnetic studies are now focussing on the inclusions that are hosted within other minerals. This approach comes with the benefit that the inclusion can be protected or `armoured' from further external influences subsequent to its encapsulation within a host phase. An armoured inclusion may retain genuine primary information, rather than secondary information resulting from alteration by agents such as aqueous fluids. A key player in the role of the host mineral is zircon, being regarded as "ultrastable" with both physical and chemical resilience. Most importantly zircon is common in many rock types and is widely considered our primary U-­Pb geochronometer in ancient rocks. However this blessing is also its curse, U-decay can result in the accumulation of severe radiation damage over extreme lengths of time, potentially rendering the ultrastable host incapable of protecting its inclusions. Magnetic inclusions, such as magnetite, in zircon are pushing back the boundaries of our understanding of the Earth's magnetic field. The oldest zircon grains from Western Australia predate the most ancient rock record by c. 500 Myr, meaning that magnetic data from inclusions in such grains can push our paleomagnetic record into the Hadean. However few studies thus far have focussed on nature of the Fe-bearing inclusions in terms of their susceptibility to secondary alteration during their long history. Here we present 2D, 3D and isotopic data from inclusions and other internal features of the host zircon and investigate the characteristic features of primary vs secondary Fe-bearing material that may hold clues to early Earth history. Archean grains up to 3 Ga from NW Scotland are used as analogues for the rare Jack Hills material, and allow investigation of Fe alteration from source to sink. Inclusions and potential fluid infiltration networks are imaged in 3D by synchrotron x-ray micro computed tomography. These 3D images are compared to high-resolution 2D SEM images using CL, BSE and EDS. Chemical analyses of internal features using Fe-isotopes are able to characterise the primary and secondary nature of inclusions and determine whether zircon is truly the ideal single crystal paleomagnetic recorder.

Approach of automatic 3D geological mapping: the case of the Kovdor phoscorite-carbonatite complex, NW Russia.

PubMed

Kalashnikov, A O; Ivanyuk, G Yu; Mikhailova, J A; Sokharev, V A

2017-07-31

We have developed an approach for automatic 3D geological mapping based on conversion of chemical composition of rocks to mineral composition by logical computation. It allows to calculate mineral composition based on bulk rock chemistry, interpolate the mineral composition in the same way as chemical composition, and, finally, build a 3D geological model. The approach was developed for the Kovdor phoscorite-carbonatite complex containing the Kovdor baddeleyite-apatite-magnetite deposit. We used 4 bulk rock chemistry analyses - Fe magn , P 2 O 5 , CO 2 and SiO 2 . We used four techniques for prediction of rock types - calculation of normative mineral compositions (norms), multiple regression, artificial neural network and developed by logical evaluation. The two latter became the best. As a result, we distinguished 14 types of phoscorites (forsterite-apatite-magnetite-carbonate rock), carbonatite and host rocks. The results show good convergence with our petrographical studies of the deposit, and recent manually built maps. The proposed approach can be used as a tool of a deposit genesis reconstruction and preliminary geometallurgical modelling.

Regional setting and characteristics of the Neoproterozoic Wadi Hamama Zn-Cu-Ag-Au prospect: evidence for an intra-oceanic island arc-hosted volcanogenic hydrothermal system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abd El-Rahman, Yasser; Surour, Adel A.; El-Manawi, Abdel Hamid W.; El-Dougdoug, Abdel-Monem A.; Omar, Sayed

2015-04-01

The Wadi Hamama area is a volcanogenic Zn-Cu-Au-Ag prospect. It is hosted by a Neoproterozoic bimodal-mafic sequence, which comprises basalt, dacite and rhyolite along with volcaniclastic rocks. The rocks have a low-K tholeiitic affinity and are enriched in large ion lithophile elements over high field strength elements, which indicated their formation in an intra-oceanic island arc tectonic setting. The area was intruded by a tonalite-trondhjemite body, which has an intra-oceanic island arc affinity and later by diorite, which has a cordilleran-margin geochemical affinity. These rock units were intruded by post-tectonic granite dykes, which have a within-plate geochemical signature. There is a quartz-carbonate horizon extending along the contact between the basalt and the volcaniclastic rocks, mainly banded and lapilli tuffs. This horizon is of exhalative origin and is underlain by a mushroom-shaped alteration zone extending from the horizon down to the massive basalt. The footwall alteration is characterized by a silica-rich core surrounded by a thick chlorite sheath. Both the quartz-carbonate horizon and the footwall-altered rocks enclose historical trenches and pits. Sulfide-rich core samples are enriched in Zn, relative to Cu, and in Ag, which indicates the low-temperature nature of the hydrothermal system. The prospect was affected by supergene processes, which led to the widespread occurrence of secondary copper minerals and gold enrichment relative to the leached base metals, especially Zn. The prospect formed through a limited rifting of an intra-oceanic island arc which resulted in the formation of a small-scale volcanogenic Zn-Cu-Ag-Au prospect.

Diatremes of the Hopi Buttes, Arizona; chemical and statistical analyses

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wenrich, K.J.; Mascarenas, J.F.

1982-01-01

Lacustrine sediments deposited in maar lakes of the Hopi Buttes diatremes are hosts for uranium mineralization of as much as 1500 ppm. The monchiquites and limburgite turfs erupted from the diatremes are distinguished from normal alkalic basalts of the Colorado Plateau by their extreme silica undersaturation and high water, TiO2, and P2O5 contents. Many trace elements are also unusually abundant, including Ag, As, Ba, Be, Ce, Dy, Eu, F, Gd, Hf, La, Nd, Pb, Rb, Se, Sm, Sn, Sr, Ta, Tb, Th, U, V, Zn, and Zr. The lacustrine sediments, which consist predominantly of travertine and clastic rocks, are the hosts for syngenetic and epigenetic uranium mineralization of as much as 1500 ppm uranium. Fission track maps show the uranium to be disseminated within the travertine and clastic rocks, and although microprobe analyses have not, as yet, revealed discrete uranium-bearing phases, the clastic rocks show a correlation of high Fe, Ti, and P with areas of high U. Correlation coefficients show that for the travertines, clastics, and limburgite ruffs, Mo, As, Sr, Co, and V appear to have the most consistent and strongest correlations with uranium. Many elements, including many of the rare-earth elements, that are high in these three rocks are also high in the monchiquites, as compared to the average crustal abundance for the respective rock type. This similar suite of anomalous elements, which includes such immobile elements as the rare earths, suggests that Fluids which deposited the travertines were related to the monchiquitic magma. The similar age of about 5 m.y. for both the lake beds and the monchiquites also appears to support this source for the mineralizing fluids.

Using synchrotron X-ray microtomography to characterize the pore network of reservoir rocks: A case study on carbonates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arzilli, F.; Cilona, A.; Mancini, L.; Tondi, E.

2016-09-01

In this work we propose a new methodology to calculate pore connectivity in granular rocks. This method is useful to characterize the pore networks of natural and laboratory compaction bands (CBs), and compare them with the host rock pore network. Data were collected using the synchrotron X-ray microtomography technique and quantitative analyses were carried out using the Pore3D software library. The porosity was calculated from segmented tridimensional images of deformed and pristine rocks. A process of skeletonization of the pore space was used to obtain the number of connected pores within the rock volume. By analyzing the skeletons the differences between natural and laboratory CBs were highlighted. The natural CB has a lower porosity than to the laboratory one. In natural CBs, the grain contacts appear welded, whereas laboratory CBs show irregular pore shape. Moreover, we assessed for the first time how pore connectivity evolves as a function of deformation, documenting the mechanism responsible for pore connectivity drop within the CBs.

Modeling coupled thermal-hydrological-chemical processes in theunsaturated fractured rock of Yucca Mountain, Nevada: Heterogeneity andseepage

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mukhopadhyay, Sumit; Sonnenthal, Eric L.; Spycher, Nicolas

An understanding of processes affecting seepage intoemplacement tunnels is needed for correctly predicting the performance ofunderground radioactive waste repositories. It has been previouslyestimated that the capillary and vaporization barriers in the unsaturatedfractured rock of Yucca Mountain are enough to prevent seepage underpresent day infiltration conditions. It has also been thought that asubstantially elevated infiltration flux will be required to causeseepage after the thermal period is over. While coupledthermal-hydrological-chemical (THC) changes in Yucca Mountain host rockdue to repository heating has been previously investigated, those THCmodels did not incorporate elements of the seepage model. In this paper,we combine the THC processes inmore » unsaturated fractured rock with theprocesses affecting seepage. We observe that the THC processes alter thehydrological properties of the fractured rock through mineralprecipitation and dissolution. We show that such alteration in thehydrological properties of the rock often leads to local flow channeling.We conclude that such local flow channeling may result in seepage undercertain conditions, even with nonelevated infiltrationfluxes.« less

Widespread abiotic methane in chromitites.

PubMed

Etiope, G; Ifandi, E; Nazzari, M; Procesi, M; Tsikouras, B; Ventura, G; Steele, A; Tardini, R; Szatmari, P

2018-06-07

Recurring discoveries of abiotic methane in gas seeps and springs in ophiolites and peridotite massifs worldwide raised the question of where, in which rocks, methane was generated. Answers will impact the theories on life origin related to serpentinization of ultramafic rocks, and the origin of methane on rocky planets. Here we document, through molecular and isotopic analyses of gas liberated by rock crushing, that among the several mafic and ultramafic rocks composing classic ophiolites in Greece, i.e., serpentinite, peridotite, chromitite, gabbro, rodingite and basalt, only chromitites, characterized by high concentrations of chromium and ruthenium, host considerable amounts of 13 C-enriched methane, hydrogen and heavier hydrocarbons with inverse isotopic trend, which is typical of abiotic gas origin. Raman analyses are consistent with methane being occluded in widespread microfractures and porous serpentine- or chlorite-filled veins. Chromium and ruthenium may be key metal catalysts for methane production via Sabatier reaction. Chromitites may represent source rocks of abiotic methane on Earth and, potentially, on Mars.

Intrusion of Magmatic Bodies Into the Continental Crust: 3-D Numerical Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorczyk, Weronika; Vogt, Katharina

2018-03-01

Magma intrusion is a major material transfer process in the Earth's continental crust. Yet the mechanical behavior of the intruding magma and its host are a matter of debate. In this study we present a series of numerical thermomechanical simulations on magma emplacement in 3-D. Our results demonstrate the response of the continental crust to magma intrusion. We observe change in intrusion geometries between dikes, cone sheets, sills, plutons, ponds, funnels, finger-shaped and stock-like intrusions, and injection time. The rheology and temperature of the host are the main controlling factors in the transition between these different modes of intrusion. Viscous deformation in the warm and deep crust favors host rock displacement and plutons at the crust-mantle boundary forming deep-seated plutons or magma ponds in the lower to middle crust. Brittle deformation in the cool and shallow crust induces cone-shaped fractures in the host rock and enables emplacement of finger- or stock-like intrusions at shallow or intermediate depth. Here the passage of magmatic and hydrothermal fluids from the intrusion through the fracture pattern may result in the formation of ore deposits. A combination of viscous and brittle deformation forms funnel-shaped intrusions in the middle crust. Intrusion of low-density magma may more over result in T-shaped intrusions in cross section with magma sheets at the surface.

The Permo-Triassic uranium deposits of Gondwanaland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

le Roux, J. P.; Toens, P. D.

The world's uranium provinces are time bound and occur in five distinct periods ranging from the Proterozoic to the Recent. One of these periods embraces the time of Gondwana sedimentation and probably is related to the proliferation of land plants from the Devonian on-ward. Decaying vegetal matter produced reducing conditions that enhanced uranium precipitation. The association of uranium with molassic basins adjacent to uplifted granitic and volcanic arcs suggests that lithospheric plate subduction, leading to anatexis of basement rocks and andesitic volcanism, created favorable conditions for uranium mineralization. Uranium occurrences of Gondwana age are of four main types: sandstone-hosted, coal-hosted, pelite-hosted, and vein-type deposits. Sandstone-hosted deposits commonly occur in fluviodeltaic sediments and are related to the presence of organic matter. These deposits commonly are enriched in molybdenum and other base metal sulfides and have been found in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Angola, Niger, Madagascar, India, Australia, Argentina, and Brazil. Coalhosted deposits contain large reserves of uranium but are of low grade. In Africa they are mostly within the Permian Ecca Group and its lateral equivalents, as in the Springbok Flats, Limpopo, Botswana, and Tanzania basins. Uraniferous black shales are present in the Gabon and Amazon basins but grades are low. Vein-type uranium is found in Argentina, where it occurs in clustered veins crosscutting sedimentary rocks and quartz porphyries.

Zebra textures in carbonate rocks: Fractures produced by the force of crystallization during mineral replacement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wallace, Malcolm W.; Hood, Ashleigh v. S.

2018-06-01

Zebra textures are enigmatic banded fabrics that occur in many carbonate-hosted ore deposits, dolomite hydrocarbon reservoirs and carbonate successions globally. They consist of a variety of minerals and are characterised by parallel light and dark bands that occur at a millimetre- to centimetre-scale. Based on petrological evidence, there is general consensus that the dark bands formed by replacement of the carbonate host rock. Historically, more contention surrounds the origin of the light bands, but the dominant view is that these are mineral-filled cavities, which is supported by overwhelming textural evidence. Overall, the feature common to all versions of zebra textures is mineral replacement of the original carbonate host. We suggest that mineral replacement (and the force of crystallization) in association with open space generation is a viable mechanism for the development of zebra cavity systems. Dissolution and open space generation in either evaporites or carbonates adjacent to the site of replacement reactions is necessary to remove the confining pressure from the rock and to allow the development of fractures. The pressure of the growing replacement crystals within the carbonate pervasively splits the carbonate apart, producing thin strips of carbonate surrounded by open space. The fractures may then be subject to dissolution and are later filled by cements. Very regular stratabound zebra textures (as found in ore deposits like Cadjebut, Australia and San Vicente, Peru) may be related to stratabound dissolution (of evaporites or carbonates), whereas irregularly distributed zebra textures are more likely to be associated with irregular carbonate dissolution.

The Rheological Evolution of Brittle-Ductile Transition Rocks During the Earthquake Cycle: Evidence for a Ductile Precursor to Pseudotachylyte in an Extensional Fault System, South Mountains, Arizona

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stewart, Craig A.; Miranda, Elena A.

2017-12-01

We investigate how the rheological evolution of shear zone rocks from beneath the brittle-ductile transition (BDT) is affected by coeval ductile shear and pseudotachylyte development associated with seismicity during the earthquake cycle. We focus our study on footwall rocks of the South Mountains core complex, and we use electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analyses to examine how strain is localized in granodiorite mylonites both prior to and during pseudotachylyte development beneath the BDT. In mylonites that are host to pseudotachylytes, deformation is partitioned into quartz, where quartz exhibits crystallographic-preferred orientation patterns and microstructures indicative of dynamic recrystallization during dislocation creep. Grain size reduction during dynamic recrystallization led to the onset of grain boundary sliding (GBS) accommodated by fluid-assisted grain size-sensitive (GSS) creep, localizing strain in quartz-rich layers prior to pseudotachylyte development. The foliation-parallel zones of GBS in the host mylonites, and the presence of GBS traits in polycrystalline quartz survivor clasts indicate that GBS zones were the ductile precursors to in situ pseudotachylyte generation. During pseudotachylyte development, strain was partitioned into the melt phase, and GSS deformation in the survivor clasts continued until crystallization of melt impeded flow, inducing pseudotachylyte development in other GBS zones. We interpret the coeval pseudotachylytes with ductile precursors as evidence of seismic events near the BDT. Grain size piezometry yields high differential stresses in both host mylonites ( 160 MPa) and pseudotachylyte survivor clasts (> 200 MPa), consistent with high stresses during interseismic and coseismic phases of the earthquake cycle, respectively.

Reappraisal of hydrocarbon biomarkers in Archean rocks

PubMed Central

French, Katherine L.; Hallmann, Christian; Hope, Janet M.; Schoon, Petra L.; Zumberge, J. Alex; Hoshino, Yosuke; Peters, Carl A.; George, Simon C.; Love, Gordon D.; Brocks, Jochen J.; Buick, Roger; Summons, Roger E.

2015-01-01

Hopanes and steranes found in Archean rocks have been presented as key evidence supporting the early rise of oxygenic photosynthesis and eukaryotes, but the syngeneity of these hydrocarbon biomarkers is controversial. To resolve this debate, we performed a multilaboratory study of new cores from the Pilbara Craton, Australia, that were drilled and sampled using unprecedented hydrocarbon-clean protocols. Hopanes and steranes in rock extracts and hydropyrolysates from these new cores were typically at or below our femtogram detection limit, but when they were detectable, they had total hopane (<37.9 pg per gram of rock) and total sterane (<32.9 pg per gram of rock) concentrations comparable to those measured in blanks and negative control samples. In contrast, hopanes and steranes measured in the exteriors of conventionally drilled and curated rocks of stratigraphic equivalence reach concentrations of 389.5 pg per gram of rock and 1,039 pg per gram of rock, respectively. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and diamondoids, which exceed blank concentrations, exhibit individual concentrations up to 80 ng per gram of rock in rock extracts and up to 1,000 ng per gram of rock in hydropyrolysates from the ultraclean cores. These results demonstrate that previously studied Archean samples host mixtures of biomarker contaminants and indigenous overmature hydrocarbons. Therefore, existing lipid biomarker evidence cannot be invoked to support the emergence of oxygenic photosynthesis and eukaryotes by ∼2.7 billion years ago. Although suitable Proterozoic rocks exist, no currently known Archean strata lie within the appropriate thermal maturity window for syngenetic hydrocarbon biomarker preservation, so future exploration for Archean biomarkers should screen for rocks with milder thermal histories. PMID:25918387

Compositional Variation of Tourmaline from the Paleoproterozoic Bhukia Gold Prospect of Aravalli Supergroup, Western India: Implications for the Provenance and Gold Metallogeny

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukherjee, R.; Venkatesh, A. S.; Fareeduddin, F.

2016-12-01

Bhukia is a unique gold prospect in terms of its host lithologies such as albitite and carbonates with respect to greenstone hosted Archean gold deposits from India. Tourmaline occurs along with apatite, magnetite, graphite, chalcopyrite and gold-sulfide association in Bhukia gold prospect preserve geochemical record of changing physico-chemical conditions during its growth. Tourmalinization is one of the distinct hydrothermal alterations present in the study area. Chemical composition of two varieties of tourmalines presents as significant amounts within albitite and carbonate rocks from Bhukia gold prospect. EPMA analysis of two varieties of tourmalines viz. 1) rounded to sub-rounded, euhedral, green colored tourmalines and 2) elongated, zoned, brown colored tourmalines unlocks their chemical compositions as well as variations from core to rim. In some albitite litho-units, tourmaline occurs as major constituents (>15%), present as layers, termed as tourmalinites. Al-Fe-Mg and Na/ (Na+Ca) vs Fe/ (Fe+Mg) suggests that tourmalines from the Bhukia gold prospect are Mg-rich dravite to Fe-rich schrol in composition. Tourmalines present within the albitite rocks show variations in iron and sodium content from core to rim whereas similarity exist from core to rim in case of carbonate rocks. Presence of albite confirms the role of Na-rich fluids during the formation of tourmalines. Tourmalines present in Bhukia gold prospect is mainly influenced by boron influx and the source may be boron bearing hydrothermal fluid or boron bearing minerals. Dewatering of original un-metamorphosed rock during progressive metamorphism may remove boron from the metasedimentary rocks. Due to the mobile nature of boron, it dispersed and mixed with hydrothermal fluids and alumina that is required for the formation of the tourmaline might have been leached from metasedimentary rocks present in Bhukia gold prospect. Presence of hydrothermal alterations such as tourmalinization and albitization along with Au-Cu-graphite-magnetite association suggest this deposit to be an IOCG (Iron oxide copper gold) type.

Tourmaline orbicules in peraluminous monzogranites of Argentina: A study case of fluid-rock interaction between leucogranite and country-rock metasediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lira, Raúl; Poklepovic, María F.

2017-12-01

Tourmaline orbicules hosted in peraluminous granites are documented worldwide. Seven occurrences were identified in Argentina. Petrography, mineral chemistry, whole-rock geochemistry mass balance and microthermometric studies were performed in orbicules formed at the cupola of a peraluminous A-type leucogranite (Los Riojanos pluton), as well as complementary investigation was achieved in other orbicules of similar geological setting. Mass balance computations in zoned orbicules consistently confirmed immobility of Si both in core and halo, immobility of K and little loss of Al during halo reactions. Elements gained and lost in the schorl-rich core are Fe, Al, Mg, Ti, Ba, Sr, Y and Zr, and Na, K, Rb and Nb, respectively; in the halo, K, Ba, Sr, Y, Zr and locally CaO, were gained, and Fe, Mg, Na, Al, Rb and Nb were lost. The schorl-rich core is enriched in LREE relative to the leucogranite host. A temperature-salinity plot from fluid inclusion data delineates a magmatic-meteoric mixing trend of diluting salinity with descending temperature. Computed δDH20 values from Los Riojanos orbicule schorl suggest magmatic and magmatic-meteoric mixed origins. In Los Riojanos, mass balance constraints suggest that Fe, Mg, Ba, Sr and metallic traces like Zn and V (±Pb) were most likely derived from country-rock schists and gneisses through fluid-rock exchange reactions. A late magmatic-, volatile-rich- fluid exsolution scenario for the formation of orbicules is envisaged. Schorl crystallization was likely delayed to the latest stages of leucogranite consolidation, not only favored by the high diffusivity of B2O3 preferentially partitioned into the exsolved aqueous-rich fluid, but also likely limited to the low availability of Fe and Mg from the scarce granitic biotite, and to the high F- content of the melt. The spatial confination of orbicules to the contact zone granite-metasediments suggests that orbicules were not formed until exsolved fluids reached the boundary with the biotite-rich country-rock.

Environmental effects of hydrothermal alteration and historical mining on water and sediment quality in Central Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Church, S.E.; Fey, D. L.; Klein, T.L.; Schmidt, T.S.; Wanty, R.B.; deWitt, E.H.; Rockwell, B.W.; San, Juan C.A.

2009-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey conducted an environmental assessment of 198 catchments in a 54,000-km2 area of central Colorado, much of which is on Federal land. The Colorado Mineral Belt, a northeast-trending zone of historical base- and precious-metal mining, cuts diagonally across the study area. The investigation was intended to test the hypothesis that degraded water and sediment quality are restricted to catchments in which historical mining has occurred. Water, streambed sediment, and aquatic insects were collected from (1) catchments underlain by single lithogeochemical units, some of which were hydrothermally altered, that had not been prospected or mined; (2) catchments that contained evidence of prospecting, most of which contain hydrothermally altered rock, but no historical mining; and (3) catchments, all of which contain hydrothermally altered rock, where historical but now inactive mines occur. Geochemical data determined from catchments that did not contain hydrothermal alteration or historical mines met water quality criteria and sediment quality guidelines. Base-metal concentrations from these types of catchments showed small geochemical variations that reflect host lithology. Hydrothermal alteration and mineralization typically are associated with igneous rocks that have intruded older bedrock in a catchment. This alteration was regionally mapped and characterized primarily through the analysis of remote sensing data acquired by the ASTER satellite sensor. Base-metal concentrations among unaltered rock types showed small geochemical variations that reflect host lithology. Base-metal concentrations were elevated in sediment from catchments underlain by hydrothermally altered rock. Classification of catchments on the basis of mineral deposit types proved to be an efficient and accurate method for discriminating catchments that have degraded water and sediment quality. Only about 4.5 percent of the study area has been affected by historical mining, whereas a larger part of the study area is underlain by hydrothermally altered rock that has weathered to produce water and sediment with naturally elevated geochemical baselines. 

Ecomorphology of parasite attachment: experiments with feather lice.

PubMed

Bush, Sarah E; Sohn, Edward; Clayton, Dale H

2006-02-01

The host specificity of some parasites can be reinforced by morphological specialization for attachment to mobile hosts. For example, ectoparasites with adaptations for attaching to hosts of a particular size might not be able to remain attached to larger or smaller hosts. This hypothesis is suggested by the positive correlation documented between the body sizes of many parasites and their hosts. We adopted an ecomorphological approach to test the attachment hypothesis. We tested the ability of host-specific feather lice (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) to attach to 6 novel species of pigeons and doves that vary in size by nearly 2 orders of magnitude. Surprisingly, Rock Pigeon lice (Columbicola columbae) remained attached equally well to all 6 novel host species. We tested the relative importance of 3 factors that could facilitate louse attachment: whole-body insertion, tarsal claw use, and mandible use. Insertion, per se, was not necessary for attachment. However, insertion on coarse feathers of large hosts allowed lice to access feather barbules with their mandibles. Mandible use was a key component of attachment regardless of feather size. Attachment constraints do not appear to reinforce host specificity in this system.

Light Material Ripped Up Older Dark Vein Material

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-11-11

This view from the Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) on the arm of NASA's Curiosity Mars rover shows a combination of dark and light material within a mineral vein at a site called "Garden City" on lower Mount Sharp. The image was taken on April 4, 2015, during the 946th Martian day, or sol, of Curiosity's work on Mars. The area shown is roughly 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) wide. Differences in textures of light-toned veins in the Garden City complex of crisscrossing mineral veins are clues that these veins may result from distinct fluid events. This example shows where a later addition of light-toned material into a vein ripped up prior dark material, suggesting both high fluid pressure and potentially explosive release of high pressures. Different examples are at PIA19925 and PIA19926. Mineral veins often form where fluids move through fractured rocks, depositing minerals in the fractures and affecting chemistry of the surrounding rock. At Garden City, the veins have been more resistant to erosion than the surrounding host rock. The fluid movement through fractures at Garden City occurred later than wet environmental conditions in which the host rock formed, before it hardened and cracked. Malin Space Science Systems, San Diego, built and operates MAHLI. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, manages the Mars Science Laboratory Project for the NASA Science Mission Directorate, Washington. JPL designed and built the project's Curiosity rover. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA19927

Crystal Growth Texture in Light Vein at Garden City

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-11-11

This view from the Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) on the arm of NASA's Curiosity Mars rover shows texture within a light-toned vein at a site called "Garden City" on lower Mount Sharp. The area shown is roughly 0.9 inch (2.2 centimeters) wide. It was taken during the 946th Martian day, or sol, of Curiosity's work on Mars (April 4, 2015). Differences in textures of light-toned veins in the Garden City complex of crisscrossing mineral veins are clues that these veins may result from distinct fluid events. This vein's texture shows indications of crystal growth, suggesting that crystallization may have exerted a force for opening the fracture filled by the vein. Different examples are at PIA19926 and PIA19927. Mineral veins often form where fluids move through fractured rocks, depositing minerals in the fractures and affecting chemistry of the surrounding rock. At Garden City, the veins have been more resistant to erosion than the surrounding host rock. The fluid movement through fractures at Garden City occurred later than wet environmental conditions in which the host rock formed, before it hardened and cracked. Malin Space Science Systems, San Diego, built and operates MAHLI. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, manages the Mars Science Laboratory Project for the NASA Science Mission Directorate, Washington. JPL designed and built the project's Curiosity rover. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA19925

A Seafloor Microbial Biome Hosted within Incipient Ferromanganese Crusts

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Templeton, Alexis S.; Knowles, A. S.; Eldridge, D. L.

2009-11-15

Unsedimented volcanic rocks exposed on the seafloor at ridge systems and Seamounts host complex, abundant and diverse microbial communities that are relatively cosmopolitan in distribution (Lysnes, Thorseth et al. 2004; Mason, Stingl et al. 2007; Santelli, Orcutt et al. 2008). The most commonly held hypothesis is that the energy released by the hydration, dissolution and oxidative alteration of volcanic glasses in seawater drives the formation of an ocean crust biosphere (Thorseth, Furnes et al. 1992; Fisk, Giovannoni et al. 1998; Furnes and Staudigel 1999). The combined thermodynamically favorable weathering reactions could theoretically support anywhere from 105 to 109 cells/gram ofmore » rock depending upon the metabolisms utilized and cellular growth rates and turnover (Bach and Edwards 2003; Santelli, Orcutt et al. 2008). Yet microbially-mediated basalt alteration and energy conservation has not been directly demonstrated on the seafloor. By using synchrotron-based x-ray microprobe mapping, x-ray absorption spectroscopy and high-resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopy observations of young volcanic glasses recovered from the outer flanks of Loihi Seamount, we intended to identify the initial rates and mechanisms of microbial basalt colonization and bioalteration. Instead, here we show that microbial biofilms are intimately associated with ferromanganese crusts precipitating onto basalt surfaces from cold seawater. Thus we hypothesize that microbial communities colonizing seafloor rocks are established and sustained by external inputs of potential energy sources, such as dissolved and particulate Fe(II), Mn(II) and organic matter, rather than rock dissolution.« less

Diffusive loss of argon in response to melt vein formation in polygenetic impact melt breccias

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mercer, Cameron M.; Hodges, Kip V.

2017-08-01

Many planetary surfaces in the solar system have experienced prolonged bombardment. With each impact, new rocks can be assembled that incorporate freshly generated impact melts with fragments of older rocks. Some breccias can become polygenetic, containing multiple generations of impact melt products, and can potentially provide important insights into the extensive bombardment history of a region. However, the amount of chronological information that can be extracted from such samples depends on how well the mineral isotopic systems of geochronometers can preserve the ages of individual melt generations without being disturbed by younger events. We model the thermal evolution of impact melt veins and the resulting loss of Ar from K-bearing phases common in impact melt breccias to assess the potential for preserving the 40Ar/39Ar ages of individual melt generations. Our model results demonstrate that millimeter-scale, clast-free melt veins cause significant heating of adjacent host rock minerals and can cause detectable Ar loss in contact zones that are generally thinner than, and at most about the same thickness as, the vein width. The incorporation of cold clasts in melt veins reduces the magnitudes of heating and Ar loss in the host rocks, and Ar loss can be virtually undetectable for sufficiently clast-rich veins. Quantitative evidence of the timing of impacts, as measured with the 40Ar/39Ar method, can be preserved in polygenetic impact melt breccias, particularly for those containing millimeter-scale bodies of clast-bearing melt products.

Isotope Geochemistry of Possible Terrestrial Analogue for Martian Meteorite ALH84001

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mojzsis, Stephen J.

2000-01-01

We have studied the microdomain oxygen and carbon isotopic compositions by SIMS of complex carbonate rosettes from spinel therzolite xenoliths, hosted by nepheline basanite, from the island of Spitsbergen (Norway). The Quaternary volcanic rocks containing the xenoliths erupted into a high Arctic environment and through relatively thick continental crust containing carbonate rocks. We have attempted to constrain the sources of the carbonates in these rocks by combined O-18/O-16 and C-13/C-12 ratio measurements in 25 micron diameter spots of the carbonate and compare them to previous work based primarily on trace-element distributions. The origin of these carbonates can be interpreted in terms of either contamination by carbonate country rock during ascent of the xenoliths in the host basalt, or more probably by hydrothermal processes after emplacement. The isotopic composition of these carbonates from a combined delta.18O(sub SMOW) and delta.13C(sub PDB) standpoint precludes a primary origin of these minerals from the mantle. Here a description is given of the analysis procedure, standardization of the carbonates, major element compositions of the carbonates measured by electron microprobe, and their correlated C and O isotope compositions as measured by ion microprobe. Since these carbonate rosettes may represent a terrestrial analogue to the carbonate "globules" found in the martian meteorite ALH84001 interpretations for the origin of the features found in the Spitsbergen may be of interest in constraining the origin of these carbonate minerals on Mars.

Painful lumbar spondylolysis among pediatric sports players: a pilot MRI study.

PubMed

Sairyo, Koichi; Sakai, Toshinori; Mase, Yasuyoshi; Kon, Tamiyo; Shibuya, Isao; Kanamori, Yasuo; Kosugi, Tatsuo; Dezawa, Akira

2011-11-01

For children and adolescents who are very active athletes, fresh lumbar spondylolysis is the main pathologic cause of lower back pain (LBP). However, regarding the terminal-stage spondylolysis (pars defect), there have been few studies to clarify the pathomechanism of LBP. The purpose of this study is to clarify the cause of LBP associated with pars defects in athletes. This is the first report showing a possible pathomechanism of LBP in active athletes with painful pars defect. Six pediatric athletes (5 boys and 1 girl) below 18 years old with painful bilateral lumbar spondylolysis were evaluated. In all cases, spondylolysis was identified as terminal stage (pseudoarthrosis) on CT scan. To evaluate the inflammation around the pars defects, short time inversion recovery (STIR) MRI was performed along with the sagittal section. Fluid collection, which is an indicator of inflammatory events, was evaluated in 12 pars defects as well as in 12 cranial and caudal adjoining facet joints. Inflammation (i.e., fluid collection) was observed in all 12 pars defects in six subjects at the pseudoarthrotic pars defects. In terms of facet joints, 7 of 12 (58%) pars defects showed fluid collection at the cranial and/or caudal adjoining joints on STIR MRI. The present study showed that inflammation was always present at the pars defects and in some cases at the adjoining facet joints. Thus, it is not difficult to understand how, during sports activity, inflammation may first occur at the pseudoarthrotic site and then spread to the adjoining facet joints. This mechanism could cause LBP associated with terminal-stage (pseudoarthrotics) spondylolysis in athletes.

National Uranium Resource Evaluation: Newcastle Quadrangle, Wyoming and South Dakota

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Santos, E S; Robinson, K; Geer, K A

1982-09-01

Uranium resources of the Newcastle 1/sup 0/x2/sup 0/ Quadrangle, Wyoming and South Dakota were evaluated to a depth of 1500 m (5000 ft) using available surface and subsurface geologic information. Many of the uranium occurrences reported in the literature and in reports of the US Atomic Energy Commission were located, sampled and described. Areas of anomalous radioactivity, interpreted from an aerial radiometric survey, were outlined. Areas favorable for uranium deposits in the subsurface were evaluated using gamma-ray logs. Based on surface and subsurface data, two areas have been delineated which are underlain by rocks deemed favorable as hosts for uraniummore » deposits. One of these is underlain by rocks that contain fluvial arkosic facies in the Wasatch and Fort Union Formations of Tertiary age; the other is underlain by rocks containing fluvial quartzose sandstone facies of the Inyan Kara Group of Early Cretaceous age. Unfavorable environments characterize all rock units of Tertiary age above the Wasatch Formation, all rock units of Cretaceous age above the Inyan Kara Group, and most rock units of Mesozoic and Paleozoic age below the Inyan Kara Group. Unfavorable environments characterize all rock units of Cretaceous age above the Inyan Kara Group, and all rock units of Mesozoic and Paleozoic age below the Inyan Kara Group.« less

Understanding Crystal Populations: The Role of Textural Analysis in Determining Magmatic Timescales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jerram, D. A.

2006-12-01

Crystal populations in igneous rocks that erupt at the Earths surface act as records of magma chamber processes at depth, predominantly recording episodes of growth/nucleation and geochemical changes within the host body. Detailed inspection of such crystal populations, however, reveals a complex crystal cargo that comprises crystals which have grown directly from the host, crystals that have spent one or more protracted periods being isolated from the host magma and crystals that originated from a completely different magma body and/or country rock. To further interrogate this crystal cargo we can use textural analysis techniques to fully quantify the crystal population and gather important information about the population, such as crystal morphology, spatial distribution and size relationships. When quantified, such data can be used to better constrain the different components of the resultant crystal population and how they relate to each other. Additionally, by combining textural analysis information with geochemical analysis, a powerful measure of magma timescales and magma chamber processes results. In this contribution the different types of textural analysis techniques in 2D and 3D are introduced with examples from both plutonic and volcanic systems presented to highlight the roll of this approach to quantifying magma timescales.

Preservation of overmature, ancient, sedimentary organic matter in carbonate concretions during outcrop weathering.

PubMed

Loyd, S J

2017-01-01

Concretions are preferentially cemented zones within sediments and sedimentary rocks. Cementation can result from relatively early diagenetic processes that include degradation of sedimentary organic compounds or methane as indicated by significantly 13 C-depleted or enriched carbon isotope compositions. As minerals fill pore space, reduced permeability may promote preservation of sediment components from degradation during subsequent diagenesis, burial heating and outcrop weathering. Discrete and macroscopic organic remains, macro and microfossils, magnetic grains, and sedimentary structures can be preferentially preserved within concretions. Here, Cretaceous carbonate concretions of the Holz Shale are shown to contain relatively high carbonate-free total organic carbon (TOC) contents (up to ~18.5 wt%) compared to the surrounding host rock (with <2.1 wt%). TOC increases with total inorganic carbon (TIC) content, a metric of the degree of cementation. Pyrite contents within concretions generally correlate with organic carbon contents. Concretion carbonate carbon isotope compositions (δ 13 C carb ) range from -22.5 to -3.4‰ (VPDB) and do not correlate strongly with TOC. Organic carbon isotope compositions (δ 13 C org ) of concretions and host rock are similar. Thermal maturity data indicate that both host and concretion organic matter are overmature and have evolved beyond the oil window maturity stage. Although the organic matter in general has experienced significant oxidative weathering, concretion interiors exhibit lower oxygen indices relative to the host. These results suggest that carbonate concretions can preferentially preserve overmature, ancient, sedimentary organic matter during outcrop weathering, despite evidence for organic matter degradation genetic mechanisms. As a result, concretions may provide an optimal proxy target for characterization of more primary organic carbon concentrations and chemical compositions. In addition, these findings indicate that concretions can promote delayed oxidative weathering of organic carbon in outcrop and therefore impact local chemical cycling. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Gusev-Meridiani-Type Soil Component Dissolved in Some Shock Glasses in Shergottites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ross, D. K.; Rao, M. N.; Nyquist, L. E.; Shi, C. Y.; Sutton, S.; Harrison, D. H.

2015-01-01

Modal analysis, based on APXS, MiniTES and Mossbauer results obtained at Gusev and Meridiani sites on Mars, indicates that Martian soils consist predominantly of igneous minerals such as olivine, pyroxene and feldspar (approximately70 - 80%), with the balance consisting of alteration minerals such as sulfates, silica and chlorides]. These studies also showed that soil alteration did not occur in-situ and igneous and alteration components are derived from different sources. Below, we analyse the chemical abundance data obtained from shock glasses in shergottites using mass balance mixing models. In these models, the two main end members used are (a) host rock chemical composition and (b) the GM soils average composition as the second component. Here, we consider the S-bearing phases as indicators of added alteration phases in the shock glasses and GM soils. Although the S-bearing phase in shock glasses occurs as micron sized sulfide blebs, we showed in earlier abstracts that sulfur was originally present as sulfate in impact glass-precursor materials and was subsequently reduced to sulfide during shock melting. This conclusion is based on results obtained from S-K XANES studies, Fe/S atomic ratios in sulfide blebs and 34S/32S isotopic measurements in these sulfide blebs. Additionally, sulfur in several EET79001 Lith. A glasses is found to correlate positively with Al2O3 and CaO (and negatively with FeO and MgO), suggesting the presence of Al- and Ca- sul-fate-bearing phases. The distribution of the 87Sr/86Sr iso-topic ratios determined in Lith. A glasses (,27 &,188 and,54) indicate that Martian soil gypsum and host rock material were mixed with each other in the glass precursors. In some vugs in Lith A glass,27 detected gypsum laths. Furthermore, the Martian regolith-de-rived component (where sulfur typically occurs as sul-fate) is identified in these glasses by determining neutron produced isotopic excesses/deficits in 80Kr and 149Sm isotopes. Moreover, the suggestion that the large amount of sulfur found in,507 was sourced from pyrrhotite in the host rock, would require that excessive quantities of host rock would need to be stripped of sulfur to make this sulfide-rich glass. These results provide ample evidence that S occurred as sulfate and was added to glass precursor materials prior to impact shock.

Cracking the Stoping Paradigm: Field and Modeling Constraints From the Sierra Nevada Batholith

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pignotta, G. S.; Paterson, S. R.; Okaya, D.

2001-12-01

The significance of stoping during pluton emplacement remains a controversial issue. This mechanism has fallen out of favor recently largely due to the apparent lack of stoped blocks preserved in plutons. Our field studies in plutons in a variety of tectonic settings clearly show evidence of stoping. This is not surprising since stoping should be favored when large thermal gradients exist at magma-host rock boundaries. Preservation of stoped blocks is uncommon however, since the rate at which blocks sink is much greater than the rate at which magmas crystallize (Paterson and Okaya, 1999). Thus, only during final crystallization when magmatic yield strength is high, should stoped blocks be trapped. The Mitchell Peak granodiorite, Sierra Nevada is a rare example of a pluton that preserves abundant stoped blocks, with the youngest intrusive phase preserving >25% stoped blocks, and locally, near the margins >50% of exposed surface area is stoped blocks. Thus stoping is an important process here, at least during the final stages of emplacement. This area is ideal to study the mechanisms of block formation and disintegration using both field and modeling techniques, because of abundant stoped blocks, excellent exposure, and nature of host rock. The host rock is a slightly older, coarse grained, granodioritic intrusion that preserves extremely weak to no magmatic fabric, and thus can be treated as a "homogeneous and isotropic" medium for the purposes of thermal-mechanical modeling. Detailed mapping indicates that preserved stoped blocks range in size from hundreds of m's to xenocrystic feldspars, and there is abundant evidence for mechanical disintegration of blocks. Thermal-mechanical models, using detailed maps from the Mitchell Peak area, further support field observations. Rates at which thermal stresses develop and exceed host rock tensile strength are extremely rapid (hours to days) compared to onset of crystal plastic flow and/or melting. The calculated pattern of thermal stresses (i.e. high magnitudes at block corners) strongly supports rapid mechanical breakdown of stoped blocks. We suggest that rapid disintegration coupled with rapid rates of sinking of blocks explains the lack of observable blocks in plutons, and is an effective way to contaminate magmas thermally, mechanically and chemically. Furthermore, lack of observable stoped blocks in plutons should not be used as evidence that stoping did not occur.

Gold deposits of the Carolina Slate Belt, southeastern United States--Age and origin of the major gold producers

USGS Publications Warehouse

Foley, Nora K.; Ayuso, Robert A.

2012-01-01

Gold- and iron sulfide-bearing deposits of the southeastern United States have distinctive mineralogical and geochemical features that provide a basis for constructing models of ore genesis for exploration and assessment of gold resources. The largest (historic) deposits, in approximate million ounces of gold (Moz Au), include those in the Haile (~ 4.2 Moz Au), Ridgeway (~1.5 Moz Au), Brewer (~0.25 Moz Au), and Barite Hill (0.6 Moz Au) mines. Host rocks are Late Proterozoic to early Paleozoic (~553 million years old) metaigneous and metasedimentary rocks of the Carolina Slate Belt that share a geologic affinity with the classic Avalonian tectonic zone. The inferred syngenetic and epithermal-subvolcanic quartz-porphyry settings occur stratigraphically between sequences of metavolcanic rocks of the Persimmon Fork and Uwharrie Formations and overlying volcanic and epiclastic rocks of the Tillery and Richtex Formations (and regional equivalents). The Carolina Slate Belt is highly prospective for many types of gold ore hosted within quartz-sericite-pyrite altered volcanic rocks, juvenile metasedimentary rocks, and in associated shear zones. For example, sheared and deformed auriferous volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits at Barite Hill, South Carolina, and in the Gold Hill trend, North Carolina, are hosted primarily by laminated mudstone and felsic volcanic to volcaniclastic rocks. The high-sulfidation epithermal style of gold mineralization at Brewer and low-sulfidation gold ores of the Champion pit at Haile occur in breccias associated with subvolcanic quartz porphyry and within crystal-rich tuffs, ash flows, and subvolcanic rhyolite. The Ridgeway and Haile deposits are primarily epithermal replacements and feeder zones within (now) metamorphosed crystal-rich tuffs, volcaniclastic sediments, and siltstones originally deposited in a marine volcanic-arc basinal setting. Recent discoveries in the region include (1) extensions of known deposits, such as at Haile where drilling has identified an extensive gold-rich feeder system; and (2) newly discovered prospects like the porphyry-style gold-copper-molybdenum occurrence reported at Deep River, N.C. Gold ores at Ridgeway and Haile represent the low-sulfidation, disseminated, shallow subaqueous tuffaceous equivalents of intrusion-related high-sulfidation ores such as those at Brewer. Haile also has mineralogical features that support a stockwork disseminated model of pyrite-gold-sericite mineralization in which a significant amount of ore was deposited in sediments at or near the surface. The potential is high for gold-rich ore at depth in the funnel-shaped feeder zones that likely underlie such surface variants of high sulfidation–low sulfidation epithermal systems and for new discoveries of similar deposits in areas undercover. Exploration strategies for large-scale gold-mineralizing systems applied to rocks of the Carolina Slate Belt, and by extension, the Carolinian-Avalonian tectonic zone of North America, benefit from applying subvolcanic and basinal epithermal models for gold mineralization.

Elastic geobarometry: uncertainties arising from the geometry of the host-inclusion system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazzucchelli, Mattia L.; Burnley, Pamela; Angel, Ross J.; Chiara Domeneghetti, M.; Nestola, Fabrizio; Alvaro, Matteo

2017-04-01

Ultra-high-pressure metamorphic (UHPM) rocks are the only rocks that can provide insights into the detailed processes of deep and ultra-deep subduction. The application of conventional geobarometry to these rocks can be extremely challenging. Elastic geobarometry is an alternative and complementary method independent of chemistry and chemical equilibria. Minerals trapped as inclusions within other host minerals develop residual pressure (Pinc) on exhumation as a result of the differences between the thermo-elastic properties of the host and the inclusion. If correctly interpreted, measurement of the Pinc allows for a good estimate of the entrapment pressure. The solution for isotropic non-linear elasticity has been recently incorporated into the classic host-inclusion model [1; 2] and is now available in the EoSFit7c software [3]. However, this solution assumes a simple geometry for the host inclusion system with a small spherical inclusion located at the center of an infinite host. To verify the results of the analytical solution and to extend the analysis beyond the existing geometrical assumptions we performed numerical calculations using Finite Element Modelling (FEM). This approach has allowed us to evaluate the deviation from the pressure calculated with the isotropic solution if applied to real host-inclusion systems where the geometry is far from ideal, for example when the inclusion is not small, not at the center of the host and not spherical. In order to determine the effects of shape alone, we performed calculations with isotropic elasticity. Our results show that the deviations from the analytical solution arising from the geometry of the system are smaller than 1% if a spherical inclusion has a radius smaller than 1/4 of that of the host and is located at more than two inclusion radii from the external surface of the host. Deviations produced by changes in the shape of the inclusions include two contributions. First, the effect of edges and corners is small and introduces deviations of less than 2%. Second, the aspect ratio of the inclusion gives rise to large deviations in Pinc with shifts in the calculated pressures of more than 10% for platy inclusions (i.e. aspect ratio 1:5:5). The exact effect on Pinc is a complex function of both the values of the bulk and shear moduli of both host and inclusion, and the contrast in these values. For a soft quartz-like inclusion, the influence of the aspect ratio and of the presence of edges and corners becomes greater as the host is made softer and approaches the bulk modulus of the inclusion, provided a contrast in shear moduli remains. These deviations from the analytical solution induced by the shape are smaller than 1% only when inclusions are approximately spherical (i.e. ellipsoids with aspect ratios of less than 1:2:2) and the host is significantly stiffer than the inclusion. This work is supported by MIUR-SIR grant "MILE DEEp" (RBSI140351) to M. Alvaro, and ERC starting grant 307322 to F. Nestola. References: [1] Angel, R.J et al. (2014a) Am Mineral,99, 2146-2149 [2] Angel R.J et al. (2015) J. Metamorph. Geol.33, 801-813. [3] Angel RJ et al. (2014b) Z Kristallogr,229, 405-419.

Geoengineering Research for a Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory in Sedimentary Rock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mauldon, M.

2004-12-01

A process to identify world-class research for a Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory (DUSEL) in the USA has been initiated by NSF. While allowing physicists to study, inter alia, dark matter and dark energy, this laboratory will create unprecedented opportunities for biologists to study deep life, geoscientists to study crustal processes and geoengineers to study the behavior of rock, fluids and underground cavities at depth, on time scales of decades. A substantial portion of the nation's future infrastructure is likely to be sited underground because of energy costs, urban crowding and vulnerability of critical surface facilities. Economic and safe development of subsurface space will require an improved ability to engineer the geologic environment. Because of the prevalence of sedimentary rock in the upper continental crust, much of this subterranean infrastructure will be hosted in sedimentary rock. Sedimentary rocks are fundamentally anisotropic due to lithology and bedding, and to discontinuities ranging from microcracks to faults. Fractures, faults and bedding planes create structural defects and hydraulic pathways over a wide range of scales. Through experimentation, observation and monitoring in a sedimentary rock DUSEL, in conjunction with high performance computational models and visualization tools, we will explore the mechanical and hydraulic characteristics of layered rock. DUSEL will permit long-term experiments on 100 m blocks of rock in situ, accessed via peripheral tunnels. Rock volumes will be loaded to failure and monitored for post-peak behavior. The response of large rock bodies to stress relief-driven, time-dependent strain will be monitored over decades. Large block experiments will be aimed at measurement of fluid flow and particle/colloid transport, in situ mining (incl. mining with microbes), remediation technologies, fracture enhancement for resource extraction and large scale long-term rock mass response to induced stresses - with parallel geophysical imaging of the rock mass (and subsequent verification) flow and transport processes, and time-dependent stress and strain. An experimental advantage of sedimentary rock is the presence of pervasive mechanical interfaces (bedding planes), which suggest a host of experimental designs on large rock blocks and slabs (induced flexure, shear strength of interfaces, etc). Thus DUSEL will enable fundamental research about the behavior of a layered rock mass - the dominant structural architecture in near-surface environments worldwide. A further benefit is the natural suitability of sedimentary rocks for experiments related to oil and gas production, or to CO2 sequestration. For example, fluid-induced fracturing of sedimentary rock has long been used by the hydrocarbon industry to improve oil and coal bed methane recovery. Since some fracturing agents are potential contaminants, a major concern and legal responsibility in the US is ensuring the integrity of nearby aquifers. Hydraulic fracturing from a sedimentary rock DUSEL will be followed by injection of low viscosity grout. The rock mass will then be mined back to expose network characteristics of the induced hydraulic fractures. Key questions related to hydrocarbon extraction, CO2 sequestration, waste isolation, and remediation of subsurface contaminants depend critically on the connectivity and architecture of fractures and on coupled thermal, hydrological, mechanical and chemical processes. Fluid flow, particle transport and reaction transport processes are coupled to the stress across fractures, and to thermal, chemical and hydraulic gradients. All can best be studied via large block tests in a subterranean laboratory, ideally in a sedimentary environment.

Resource potential for commodities in addition to Uranium in sandstone-hosted deposits: Chapter 13

USGS Publications Warehouse

Breit, George N.

2016-01-01

Sandstone-hosted deposits mined primarily for their uranium content also have been a source of vanadium and modest amounts of copper. Processing of these ores has also recovered small amounts of molybdenum, rhenium, rare earth elements, scandium, and selenium. These deposits share a generally common origin, but variations in the source of metals, composition of ore-forming solutions, and geologic history result in complex variability in deposit composition. This heterogeneity is evident regionally within the same host rock, as well as within districts. Future recovery of elements associated with uranium in these deposits will be strongly dependent on mining and ore-processing methods.

Geology and Mineral Resources of the North Absaroka Wilderness and Vicinity, Park County, Wyoming, with Sections on Mineralization of the Sunlight Mining Region and Geology and Mineralization of the Cooke City Mining District, and a Section on Aeromagnetic Survey

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nelson, Willis H.; Prostka, Harold J.; Williams, Frank E.; Elliott, James E.; Peterson, Donald L.

1980-01-01

SUMMARY The North Absaroka Wilderness is approximately 560 square miles (1,450 km 2 ) of rugged scenic mountainous terrain that adjoins the eastern boundary of Yellowstone National Park in northwestern Wyoming. The area was studied during 1970, 1971, and 1972 by personnel of the U. S. Geological Survey and the U. S. Bureau of Mines to evaluate its mineral-resource potential as required by the Wilderness Act of 1964. This evaluation is based on a search of the literature courthouse and production records, geologic field mapping, field inspection of claims and prospects, analyses of bedrock and stream-sediment samples, and an aeromagnetic survey. The North Absaroka Wilderness is underlain almost entirely by andesitic and basaltic volcanic rocks of Eocene age. These volcanics rest on deformed sedimentary rocks of Paleozoic and, locally, of Mesozoic age that are exposed at places along the northern and eastern edges of the wilderness. Dikes and other igneous intrusive bodies cut both the volcanic and sedimentary rocks. A nearly flat detachment fault, the Heart Mountain fault, and a related steep break-away fault have displaced middle and upper Paleozoic rocks and some of the older part of the volcanic sequence to the southeast. A much greater thickness of volcanic rocks was found to be involved in Heart Mountain faulting than had previously been recognized; however, most of the volcanic rocks and many of the intrusives were emplaced after Heart Mountain faulting. Local folding and high-angle faulting in mid-Eocene time have deformed all but the youngest part of the volcanic sequence in the southeastern part of the wilderness. This deformation is interpreted as the last pulse of Laramide orogeny. The results of this study indicate that the mineral-resource potential of the wilderness is minimal. Bentonite, petroleum, low-quality coal, and localized deposits of uranium and chromite have been produced in the surrounding region from rocks that underlie the volcanic rocks; but such deposits, if present in the wilderness, would be too deeply buried, too small, or too sporadically distributed to be profitably located and exploited. Copper and gold mines and prospects are present on the fringes of the wilderness, but otherwise the area seems to be devoid of economically valuable concentrations of metallic minerals. No surface evidence of geothermal-energy potential was found. Known mineral deposits in the vicinity of the North Absaroka Wilderness are associated with intrusive rocks. From the Cooke City mining district, just north of the wilderness, replacement deposits in Upper Cambrian carbonate rocks may extend a short distance into the north edge of the wilderness, In the Sunlight mining region, an enclave nearly surrounded by the wilderness, mineralization occurs in veins and is disseminated in volcanic and plutonic rocks. Richer concentrations of metallic minerals may occur in carbonate rocks adjacent to intrusive bodies at depth beneath the volcanic rocks in the Sunlight region. A few small intrusive bodies occur in the wilderness, but no significant associated mineralization was detected. Aeromagnetic data indicate that other intrusives not exposed by erosion may occur in the wilderness; however, no significant metamorphism or alteration is evident at the surface to indicate their presence. Although most of the rocks of the wilderness are of igneous origin, they are all so old (Eocene) that it is unlikely that they retain any original heat. The Pleistocene rhyolitic ash-flow tuffs in the southwestern part of the wilderness were erupted from sources in Yellowstone National Park just to the west; however, in the wilderness these tuffs are too thin to contain any residual heat.

Application of kinematic vorticity and gold mineralization for the wall rock alterations of shear zone at Dungash gold mining, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kassem, Osama M. K.; Abd El Rahim, Said H.; El Nashar, EL Said R.; AL Kahtany, Kaled M.

2016-11-01

The use of porphyroclasts rotating in a flowing matrix to estimate mean kinematic vorticity number (Wm) is important for quantifying the relative contributions of pure and simple shear in wall rocks alterations of shear zone at Dungash gold mine. Furthermore, it shows the relationship between the gold mineralization and deformation and also detects the orientation of rigid objects during progressive deformation. The Dungash gold mine area is situated in an EW-trending quartz vein along a shear zone in metavolcanic and metasedimentary host rocks in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. These rocks are associated with the major geologic structures which are attributed to various deformational stages of the Neoproterozoic basement rocks. We conclude that finite strain in the deformed rocks is of the same order of magnitude for all units of metavolcano-sedimentary rocks. The kinematic vorticity number for the metavolcanic and metasedimentary samples in the Dungash area range from 0.80 to 0.92, and together with the strain data suggest deviations from simple shear. It is concluded that nappe stacking occurred early during the underthrusting event probably by brittle imbrication and that ductile strain was superimposed on the nappe structure during thrusting. Furthermore, we conclude that disseminated mineralization, chloritization, carbonatization and silicification of the wall rocks are associated with fluids migrating along shearing, fracturing and foliation of the metamorphosed wall rocks.

Nature and origin of mineral coatings on volcanic rocks of the Black Mountain, Stonewall Mountain and Kane Springs Wash volcanic centers, southern Nevada

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taranik, J. V.; Noble, D. C.; Hsu, L. C.; Hutsinpiller, A.; Spatz, D.

1986-01-01

Surface coatings on volcanic rock assemblages that occur at select tertiary volcanic centers in southern Nevada were investigated using LANDSAT 5 Thematic Mapper imagery. Three project sites comprise the subject of this study: the Kane Springs Wash, Black Mountain, and Stonewall Mountain volcanic centers. LANDSAT 5 TM work scenes selected for each area are outlined along with local area geology. The nature and composition of surface coatings on the rock types within the subproject areas are determined, along with the origin of the coatings and their genetic link to host rocks, geologic interpretations are related to remote sensing units discriminated on TM imagery. Image processing was done using an ESL VAX/IDIMS image processing system, field sampling, and observation. Aerial photographs were acquired to facilitate location on the ground and to aid stratigraphic differentiation.

Trondhjemite-granodiorite intrusive magmatism of the Losevo lithotectonic zone of the Voronezh crystalline massif

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skryabin, V. Yu.; Terentiev, R. A.

2014-10-01

The mineralogical-petrographic, petrochemical, and geochemical characteristics of the trondhjemite-granodiorite intrusions widespread among the volcanoterrigenous rocks of the eastern part of the Voronezh crystalline massif are studied. The rocks are characterized by cotectic quartz-plagioclase differentiation and differentiated (La/Yb = 31) REE pattern and are enriched in LILE with a decrease in the K/Rb and Zr/Hf ratios and an increase in the Th/U ratio by 1.5-2 times relative to subduction trondhjemites and their volcanic analogs from the modern and young island arcs. These data allow us to conclude that generation of the trondhjemite magma is a result of melting of the rocks of the continental crust during collision. The concordant (SHRIMP) age of trondhjemites is 2047 ± 11 Ma, and the age of zircon cores probably entrapped from the host rocks by the trondhjemitic melt is 2172 ± 17 Ma.

Recent Opportunity Microscopic Imager Results from the Western Rim of Endeavour Crater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herkenhoff, K. E.; Arvidson, R. E.; Jolliff, B. L.; Mittlefehldt, D. W.; Sullivan, R. J., Jr.; Gellert, R.; Sims, M. H.

2016-12-01

The Athena science payload on the Mars Exploration Rover Oppor­tunity includes the Microscopic Imager (MI), a fixed-focus close-up camera mounted on the instrument arm. The MI acquires images at a scale of 31 µm/pixel over a broad spectral range (400 to 700 nm) using only natural illumination of target surfaces. Opportunity has been exploring exposures of Noachian-age rocks along the rim of Endeavour crater since August 2011, moti­vated by orbital spectral evidence for phyllosilicates at multiple locations along the crater's rim. Because Opportunity can no longer directly sense phyllosilicate mineralogy with the MiniTES or Mössbauer spectrometers, the rover mis­sion is focusing on characterizing outcrop multispectral reflectance with Pancam, elemental chemistry with the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) and microtexture with the MI of potential phyllosilicate host rocks. In addition, the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) gives an indication of rock hardness. After traversing more than 42 km (26 miles) since landing in 2004, the rover entered "Marathon Valley" to investigate rock exposures in which phyllosili­cates were detected by the CRISM instrument on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Where clastic textures are resolved, the outcrop pavement in Marathon Valley consists of poorly-sorted dark, sub-rounded to sub-angular clasts in a soft (based on RAT grind data), fine-grained, brighter matrix (see Figure showing 5x5 cm post-grind MI mosaic of "Pierre Pinaut3," acquired on Sol 4373 when target was fully shadowed). These observations are consistent with high-energy emplacement due to impact cratering. The soft, recessive, altered appearance of the matrix material suggests that it is the likely host of phyllosilicate alteration in these rocks. The bedrock appears to have been aqueously altered, but APXS measurements of major elements indicate that the alteration was isochemical, unlike in other Endeavour rim rocks. Also, MI views of a small patch of dark sand (dubbed "Joseph Collin") shed from the top of the rover's solar panels indicate that they were emplaced by active saltation of wind-driven, well-sorted fine sand grains in the current surface environment. The latest Opportunity MI results will be presented at the conference.

A reconnaissance view of tungsten reservoirs in some crustal and mantle rocks: Implications for interpreting W isotopic compositions and crust-mantle W cycling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jingao; Pearson, D. Graham; Chacko, Thomas; Luo, Yan

2018-02-01

High-precision measurements of W isotopic ratios have enabled increased exploration of early Earth processes. However, when applying W isotopic data to understand the geological processes, it is critical to recognize the potential mobility of W and hence evaluate whether measured W contents and isotopic compositions reflect the primary petrogenetic processes or instead are influenced by the effects of secondary inputs/mobility. Furthermore, if we are to better understand how W is partitioned between different minerals during melting and metasomatic processes it is important to document the likely sinks for W during these processes. In addition, an understanding of the main hosts for W in the crust and mantle is critically important to constrain how W is cycled and stored in the crust-mantle geochemical cycle. As a first step to investigate these issues, we have carried out in situ concentration measurements of W and other HFSEs in mineral phases within a broad spectrum of crustal and mantle rocks, along with whole-rock concentration measurements. Mass balance shows that for tonalitic gneiss and amphibolite, the major rock-forming minerals can adequately account for the bulk W budget, and for the pristine ultramafic rocks, olivine and orthopyroxene are the major controlling phases for W whereas for metasomatized ultramafic rocks, significant W is hosted in Ti-bearing trace phases (e.g., rutile, lindsleyite) along grain boundaries or is inferred to reside in cryptic W-bearing trace phases. Formation or decomposition of these phases during secondary processes could cause fractionation of W from other HFSEs, and also dramatically modify bulk W concentrations in rocks. For rocks that experienced subsequent W enrichment/alteration, their W isotopic compositions may not necessarily represent their mantle sources, but could reflect later inputs. The relatively small suite of rocks analyzed here serves as a reconnaissance study but allows some preliminary speculations on their significance for crust-mantle HFSE and siderophile element budgets - to be tested in future studies. The significant concentration of W, as well as Nb and Ta hosted in rutile and titanite has interesting implications for the budget of W during crust-mantle recycling. Crust-mantle recycling models invoking the recycling of rutile-bearing eclogites to satisfy the mantle Nb/Ta ratio carry the penalty that the very high W/U and W/Th ratios of these rocks results in a concomitant large deviation from the primitive mantle-like ratios estimated for bulk continental crust. Similarly, data from the single amphibolite sample investigated in this study are inconsistent with models implicating the partial melting of amphibolite-bearing subducted slabs as a major process for formation of continental crust in the Earth's early history. Either the current widely accepted estimates for bulk continental crust W/U and W/Th ratios are in error, or partial melting or other processes lowers the W/U or W/Th of melt residues during their return to the mantle. The present small dataset cannot properly evaluate this, requiring further investigation. Finally, the lithospheric mantle has the potential to store substantial amounts of W, for example via infiltration by W-rich melts/fluids, and thus may act as a source for W mineralization in the crust.

Geology of the De Queen and Caddo Gap quadrangles, Arkansas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Miser, Hugh D.; Purdue, Albert Homer

1929-01-01

The field study of the geology of the De Queen and Caddo Gap quadrangles extended over a period of many years, and although the scientific and economic results from the study are here set forth fully for the first time in a single report, a number of publications have been issued that have presented some of the more important results.The field work was begun in 1907 and continued intermittently until 1925. The work in 1907 was done under a cooperative agreement between the United States Geological Survey and the Arkansas Geological Survey and involved primarily an investigation of the slate deposits of west-central Arkansas but also the mapping of the rocks in the mountainous part of the Caddo Gap quadrangle. In that year A. H. Purdue, State geologist of Arkansas, had charge of the work and was assisted by R. D. Mesler and H. D. Miser. All the subsequent work in the Caddo Gap quadrangle, as well as all in the De Queen quadrangle, was done by the United States Geological Survey. The work since 1907 is briefly outlined below. In 1908 Mr. Purdue, assisted by Mr. Miser, completed the mapping of the rocks of the Caddo Gap quadrangle with the aid of valuable suggestions from C. W. Hayes, chief geologist, J. A. Taff, and E. O. Ulrich, who visited the field for several days. In 1910 Mr. Purdue, assisted by Mr. Miser, reviewed a part of the previous work in the Caddo Gap quadrangle and mapped the rocks in most of the mountainous portion of the De Queen quadrangle. In 1911 these geologists did additional work in both the De Queen and Caddo Gap quadrangles, and in 1912 Mr. Miser, assisted by Mr. Mesler, completed the mapping of the rocks in the De Queen quadrangle and then reviewed some of the earlier work in the Caddo Gap quadrangle. In 1913 Arthur Keith, and Messrs. Purdue and Miser spent several days in a field conference in the Caddo Gap quadrangle. During the conference the first identifiable fossils in the Blaylock sandstone, of Silurian age, were discovered. In 1914 Mr. Miser obtained a small collection of fossil plants from the Stanley shale near Gillham, Ark., also the first fossils from the Arkansas novaculite. In 1916 he made a special study of some of the mineral deposits of the quadrangles, including the deposits of diamonds, manganese ore, gravel, and asphalt, and in 1917 he revisited the diamond mines. An investigation of the volcanic ash and tuff in the "Bingen formation," of Upper Cretaceous age, in the Caddo Gap quadrangle and adjoining areas to the south and southwest was made in 1923 by Clarence S. Ross and Mr. Miser.Also in that year other fossil plants were collected from the Stanley shale at the earlier discovered locality near Gillham by Mr. Miser. (See pl. 9, A.) The aggregate time spent in collecting fossils at this locality was eight days, so scare are the fossils and so difficult are the conditions for collecting them. Besides the above work the authors made frequent reconnaissance studies of adjoining areas, and Mr. Miser was joined in 1923 by C. W. Honess for a field conference of a few days in the De Queen and Caddo Gap quadrangles. In 1925 Mr. Miser joined in the field Messrs. L. W. Stephenson and C. H. Dane for a few days in a study of the " Bingen " (Woodbine and Tokio) and other formations of Upper Cretaceous age in and near the Caddo Gap quadrangle. Mr. Dane was making at that time a special study of the deposits of Upper Cretaceous age in southwestern Arkansas under a cooperative agreement between the United States Geological Survey and the Arkansas Geological Survey. For some of the information on the Tokio formation the present writers are indebted to Mr. Dane.

Tertiary volcanic rocks of the Mineral Mountain and Teapot Mountain quadrangles, Pinal County, Arizona

USGS Publications Warehouse

Keith, William J.; Theodore, Ted G.

1979-01-01

The widespread distribution of Tertiary volcanic rocks in south-central Arizona is controlled in part by prevolcanic structures along which volcanic vents were localized. Volcanic rocks in the Mineral Mountain and Teapot Mountain quadrangles mark the site of a major northwest-trending structural hingeline. This hingeline divides an older Precambrian X terrane on the west from intensely deformed sequences of rock as young as Pennsylvanian on the east, suggesting increased westerly uplift. The volcanic rocks consist of a pile of complexly interlayered rhyolite, andesite, dacite, flows and intrusive rocks, water-laid tuffs, and very minor olivine basalt. Although the rocks erupted from several different vents, time relations, space relations, and chemistry each give strong evidence of a single source for all the rocks. Available data (by the K-Ar dating method) on hornblende and biotite separates from the volcanic rocks range from 14 to 19 m.y. and establish the pre-middle Miocene age of major dislocations along the structural hingeline. Most of the volcanic rocks contain glass, either at the base of the flows or as an envelope around the intrusive phases. One of the intrusive rhyolites, however, seems to represent one of the final eruptions. Intense vesiculation of the intrusive rhyolite suggests a large content of volatiles at the time of its eruption. Mineralization is associated with the more silicic of these middle Miocene volcanic rocks; specifically, extensive fissure quartz veins contain locally significant amounts of silver, lead, and zinc and minor amounts of gold. Many of the most productive deposits are hosted by the volcanic rocks, although others occur in the Precambrian rocks. Magnetic data correspond roughly to the geology in outlining the overall extent of the volcanic rocks as a magnetic low.

Hyper-localized carbon mineralization in diffusion-limited basalt fractures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Menefee, A. H.; Giammar, D.; Ellis, B. R.

2017-12-01

Basalt formations could enable secure carbon sequestration through mineral trapping. CO2 injection acidifies formation brines and drives dissolution of the host rock, which releases divalent metal cations that combine with dissolved carbonate ions to form stable carbonate minerals. Here, a series of high-pressure flow-through experiments was conducted to evaluate how transport limitations and geochemical gradients drive microscale carbonation reactions in fractured basalts. To isolate advection- and diffusion-controlled zones, surfaces of saw-cut basalt cores were milled to create one primary flow channel adjoined by four dead-end fracture pathways. In the first experiment, a representative basalt brine (6.3 mM NaHCO3) equilibrated with CO2 (100ºC, 10 MPa) was injected at 1 mL/h under 20 MPa confining stress. The second experiment was conducted under the same physical conditions but [NaHCO3] was elevated to 640 mM, and in the third, temperature was also raised to 150ºC. Effluent chemistry was monitored via ICP-MS to infer dissolution trends and calibrate reactive transport models. Reacted cores were characterized using x-ray computed tomography (xCT), optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Carbonation occurred in all experiments but increased in experiments with higher alkalinity and higher temperature. At low [NaHCO3], secondary precipitate coatings formed distinct reaction fronts that varied with distance into dead-end fractures. Reactive transport modeling demonstrated that these reactions fronts were due to sharp gradients in pH and dissolved inorganic carbon. Carbonation was restricted to transport-limited vugs and pores between the confined core surfaces and was highly localized on reactive primary mineral grains (e.g. pyroxene) that contributed major divalent cations. Increasing [NaHCO3] by two orders of magnitude significantly enhanced carbonation and promoted Mg and Fe uptake into carbonates. While xCT scans revealed clays filling the advective path, no permeability changes were measured. Our coupled experiment-modeling approach further elucidates the geochemical conditions controlling carbonation reactions and extends unique microstructural observations to implications for long-term CO2 mineralization in basalt reservoirs.

Identification of sulfur sources and isotopic equilibria in submarine hot-springs using multiple sulfur isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDermott, Jill M.; Ono, Shuhei; Tivey, Margaret K.; Seewald, Jeffrey S.; Shanks, Wayne C.; Solow, Andrew R.

2015-07-01

Multiple sulfur isotopes were measured in metal sulfide deposits, elemental sulfur, and aqueous hydrogen sulfide to constrain sulfur sources and the isotopic systematics of precipitation in seafloor hydrothermal vents. Areas studied include the Eastern Manus Basin and Lau Basin back-arc spreading centers and the unsedimented basalt-hosted Southern East Pacific Rise (SEPR) and sediment-hosted Guaymas Basin mid-ocean ridge spreading centers. Chalcopyrite and dissolved hydrogen sulfide (H2S) δ34S values range from -5.5‰ to +5.6‰ in Manus Basin samples, +2.4‰ to +6.1‰ in Lau Basin samples, and +3.7‰ to +5.7‰ in SEPR samples. Values of δ34S for cubic cubanite and H2S range from -1.4‰ to +4.7‰ in Guaymas Basin samples. Multiple sulfur isotope systematics in fluid-mineral pairs from the SEPR and Lau Basin show that crustal host rock and thermochemical reduction of seawater-derived dissolved sulfate (SO4) are the primary sources of sulfur in mid-ocean ridge and some back-arc systems. At PACMANUS and SuSu Knolls hydrothermal systems in the Eastern Manus Basin, a significant contribution of sulfur is derived from disproportionation of magmatic sulfur dioxide (SO2), while the remaining sulfur is derived from crustal host rocks and SO4 reduction. At the sedimented Guaymas Basin hydrothermal system, sulfur sources include crustal host rock, reduced seawater SO4, and biogenic sulfide. Vent fluid flow through fresher, less-mature sediment supplies an increased quantity of reactant organic compounds that may reduce 34S-enriched SO4, while fluid interaction with more highly-altered sediments results in H2S characterized by a small, but isotopically-significant input of 34S-depleted biogenic sulfides. Near-zero Δ33S values in all samples implicate the abiotic processes of SO4 reduction and leaching of host rock as the major contributors to sulfur content at a high temperature unsedimented mid-ocean ridge and at a back-arc system. Δ33S values indicate that SO2 disproportionation is an additional process that contributes sulfur to a different back-arc system and to acid spring-type hydrothermal fluid circulation. At the sedimented Guaymus Basin, near-zero Δ33S values are also observed, despite negative δ34S values that indicate inputs of biogenic pyrite for some samples. In contrast with previous studies reporting isotope disequilibrium between H2S and chalcopyrite, the δ34S values of chalcopyrite sampled from the inner 1-2 mm of a chimney wall are within ±1‰ of δ34S values for H2S in the paired vent fluid, suggesting equilibrium fluid-mineral sulfur isotope exchange at 300-400 °C. Isotopic equilibrium between hydrothermal fluid H2S and precipitating chalcopyrite implies that sulfur isotopes in the chalcopyrite lining across a chimney wall may accurately record past hydrothermal activity.

Kinematics of Cone-In-Cone Growth, with Implications for Timing and Formation Mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hooker, J. N.; Cartwright, J. A.

2015-12-01

Cone-in-cone is an enigmatic structure. Similar to many fibrous calcite veins, cone-in-cone is generally formed of calcite and present in bedding-parallel vein-like accumulations within fine-grained rocks. Unlike most fibrous veins, cone-in-cone contains conical inclusions of host-rock material, creating nested, parallel cones throughout. A long-debated aspect of cone-in-cone structures is whether the calcite precipitated with its conical form (primary cone-in-cone), or whether the cones formed afterwards (secondary cone-in-cone). Trace dolomite within a calcite cone-in-cone structure from the Cretaceous of Jordan supports the primary hypothesis. The host sediment is a siliceous mud containing abundant rhombohedral dolomite grains. Dolomite rhombohedra are also distributed throughout the cone-in-cone. The rhombohedra within the cones are randomly oriented yet locally have dolomite overgrowths having boundaries that are aligned with calcite fibers. Evidence that dolomite co-precipitated with calcite, and did not replace calcite, includes (i) preferential downward extension of dolomite overgrowths, in the presumed growth-direction of the cone-in-cone, and (ii) planar, vertical borders between dolomite crystals and calcite fibers. Because dolomite overgrows host-sediment rhombohedra and forms fibers within the cones, it follows that the host-sediment was included within the growing cone-in-cone as the calcite precipitated, and not afterward. The host-sediment was not injected into the cone-in-cone along fractures, as the secondary-origin hypothesis suggests. This finding implies that cone-in-cone in general does not form over multiple stages, and thus has greater potential to preserve the chemical signature of its original precipitation. Because cone-in-cone likely forms before complete lithification of the host, and because the calcite displaces the host material against gravity, this chemical signature can preserve information about early overpressures in fine-grained sediments.

Tweed Extinct Volcano, Australia, Stereo Pair of SRTM Shaded Relief and Colored Height

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-01-06

Australia is the only continent without any current volcanic activity, but it hosts one of the world largest extinct volcanoes, the Tweed Volcano. Rock dating methods indicate that eruptions here lasted about three million years.

10 CFR 63.43 - License specification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

...: (1) Restrictions as to the physical and chemical form and radioisotopic content of radioactive waste..., considering the physical characteristics of both the waste and the host rock. (4) Requirements relating to... the provisions relating to organization and management, procedures, recordkeeping, review and audit...

Uranium in the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative study area, southwestern Wyoming

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wilson, Anna B.

2015-10-20

In the WLCI study area, all uranium areas except Poison Basin and Ketchum Buttes contain roll-front deposits in Eocene (56–34 Ma) sedimentary rocks. Tabular sandstone-hosted uranium deposits are also recognized within the study area.

High manganese concentrations in rocks at Gale crater, Mars

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lanza, Nina L.; Fischer, Woodward W.; Wiens, Roger C.; Grotzinger, John P.; Ollila, Ann M.; Anderson, Ryan B.; Clark, Benton C.; Gellert, Ralf; Mangold, Nicolas; Maurice, Sylvestre; Le Mouélic, Stéphane; Nachon, Marion; Schmidt, Mariek E.; Berger, Jeffrey; Clegg, Samuel M.; Forni, Olivier; Hardgrove, Craig; Melikechi, Noureddine; Newsom, Horton E.; Sautter, Violaine

2014-01-01

The surface of Mars has long been considered a relatively oxidizing environment, an idea supported by the abundance of ferric iron phases observed there. However, compared to iron, manganese is sensitive only to high redox potential oxidants, and when concentrated in rocks, it provides a more specific redox indicator of aqueous environments. Observations from the ChemCam instrument on the Curiosity rover indicate abundances of manganese in and on some rock targets that are 1–2 orders of magnitude higher than previously observed on Mars, suggesting the presence of an as-yet unidentified manganese-rich phase. These results show that the Martian surface has at some point in time hosted much more highly oxidizing conditions than has previously been recognized.

Paleomagnetic record of a geomagnetic field reversal from late miocene mafic intrusions, southern nevada.

PubMed

Ratcliff, C D; Geissman, J W; Perry, F V; Crowe, B M; Zeitler, P K

1994-10-21

Late Miocene (about 8.65 million years ago) mafic intrusions and lava flows along with remagnetized host rocks from Paiute Ridge, southern Nevada, provide a high-quality paleomagnetic record of a geomagnetic field reversal. These rocks yield thermoremanent magnetizations with declinations of 227 degrees to 310 degrees and inclinations of -7 degrees to 49 degrees , defining a reasonably continuous virtual geomagnetic pole path over west-central Pacific longitudes. Conductive cooling estimates for the intrusions suggest that this field transition, and mafic magmatism, lasted only a few hundred years. Because this record comes principally from intrusive rocks, rather than sediments or lavas, it is important in demonstrating the longitudinal confinement of the geomagnetic field during a reversal.

Photovoltaic building sheathing element with anti-slide features

DOEpatents

Keenihan, James R.; Langmaid, Joseph A.; Lopez, Leonardo C.

2015-09-08

The present invention is premised` upon an assembly that includes at least a photovoltaic building sheathing element capable of being affixed on a building structure, the photovoltaic building sheathing element. The element including a photovoltaic cell assembly, a body portion attached to one or more portions of the photovoltaic cell assembly; and at feast a first and a second connector assembly capable of directly or indirectly electrically connecting the photovoltaic cell assembly to one or more adjoining devices; wherein the body portion includes one or more geometric features adapted to engage a vertically adjoining device before installation.

Bonded and Stitched Composite Structure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zalewski, Bart F. (Inventor); Dial, William B. (Inventor)

2014-01-01

A method of forming a composite structure can include providing a plurality of composite panels of material, each composite panel having a plurality of holes extending through the panel. An adhesive layer is applied to each composite panel and a adjoining layer is applied over the adhesive layer. The method also includes stitching the composite panels, adhesive layer, and adjoining layer together by passing a length of a flexible connecting element into the plurality of holes in the composite panels of material. At least the adhesive layer is cured to bond the composite panels together and thereby form the composite structure.

From vein precipitates to deformation and fluid rock interaction within a SSZ: Insights from the Izu-Bonin-Mariana fore arc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Micheuz, Peter; Quandt, Dennis; Kurz, Walter

2017-04-01

International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) expeditions 352 and 351 drilled through oceanic crust of the Philippine Sea plate. The two study areas are located near the outer Izu-Bonin-Mariana (IBM) fore arc and in the Amami Sankaku Basin. The primary objective was to improve our understanding of supra-subduction zones (SSZ) and the process of subduction initiation. The recovered drill cores during IODP expedition 352 represent approximately 50 Ma old fore arc basalts (FAB) and boninites revealing an entire volcanic sequence of a SSZ. Expedition 351 drilled FAB like oceanic crust similar in age to the FABs of expedition 352. In this study we present data on vein microstructures, geochemical data and isotopic signatures of vein precipitates to give new insights into fluid flow and precipitation processes and deformation within the Izu-Bonin fore arc. Veins formed predominantly as a consequence of hydrofracturing resulting in the occurrence of branched vein systems and brecciated samples. Along these hydrofractures the amount of altered host rock fragments varies and locally alters the host rock completely to zeolites and carbonates. Subordinately extensional veins released after the formation of the host rocks. Cross-cutting relationships of different vein types point to multiple fracturing events subsequently filled with minerals originating from a fluid with isotopic seawater signature. Based on vein precipitates, their morphology and their growth patterns four vein types have been defined. Major vein components are (Mg-) calcite and various zeolites determined by Raman spectra and electron microprobe analyses. Zeolites result from alteration of volcanic glass during interaction with a seawaterlike fluid. Type I veins which are characterized by micritic infill represent neptunian dykes. They predominantly occur in the upper levels of drill cores being the result of an initial volume change subsequently to crystallization of the host rocks. Type II veins are characterized by blocky carbonates and idiomorphic to blocky zeolites. Blocky carbonates locally exhibit zonation patterns. Type III and type IV veins are both assumed to be extensional veins. Type III is characterized by syntaxial growth and elongate blocky carbonate minerals. They predominantly occur as asymmetric syntaxial veins, locally exhibiting more than one crack-seal event. Type IV veins are defined as antitaxial fibrous carbonates. Type II veins commonly show deformation microstructures like twinning (type I/II twins), slightly curved twins, and subgrain boundaries indicative of incipient plastic deformation. Based on these observations differential stresses around 50 MPa were needed to deform vein minerals, presumably related to IBM fore arc extension due to the retreat of the subducted Pacific plate. We acknowledge financial support by the Austrian Research Fund (P27982-N29) to W. Kurz

Permeameter studies of water flow through cement and clay borehole seals in granite, basalt and tuff

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

South, D.L.; Daemen, J.J.K.

1986-10-01

Boreholes near a repository must be sealed to prevent rapid migration of radionuclide-contaminated water to the accessible environment. The objective of this research is to assess the performance of borehole seals under laboratory conditions, particularly with regard to varying stress fields. Flow through a sealed borehole is compared with flow through intact rock. Cement or bentonite seals have been tested in granite, basalt, and welded tuff. The main conclusion is that under laboratory conditions, existing commercial materials can form high quality seals. Triaxial stress changes about a borehole do not significantly affect seal performance if the rock is stiffer thanmore » the seal. Temperature but especially moisture variations (drying) significantly degrade the quality of cement seals. Performance partially recovers upon resaturation. A skillfully sealed borehole may be as impermeable as the host rock. Analysis of the influence of relative seal-rock permeabilities shows that a plug with permeability one order of magnitude greater than that of the rock results in a flow increase through the hole and surrounding rock of only 1-1/2 times compared to the undisturbed rock. Since a borehole is only a small part of the total rock mass, the total effect is even less pronounced. The simplest and most effective way to decrease flow through a rock-seal system is to increase the seal length, assuming it can be guaranteed that no dominant by-pass flowpath through the rock exists.« less

Analysis of magnetotelluric profile data from the Ruby Mountains metamorphic core complex and southern Carlin Trend region, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wannamaker, Philip E.; Doerner, William M.; Stodt, John A.; Sodergen, Timothy L.; Rodriguez, Brian D.

2002-01-01

We have collected about 150 magnetotelluric (MT) soundings in northeastern Nevada in the region of the Ruby Mountains metamorphic core complex uplift and southern Carlin mineral trend, in an effort to illuminate controls on core complex evolution and deposition of world-class gold deposits. The region has experienced a broad range of tectonic events including several periods of compressional and extensional deformation, which have contributed to the total expression of electrical resistivity. Most of the soundings are in three east-west profiles across increasing degrees of core uplift to the north (Bald Mountain, Harrison Pass and Secret Pass latitudes). Two shorter lines cross a prominent east-west structure to the north of the northern profile. MT impedance tensor and vertical magnetic field rotations imply a N-NNE average regional geoelectric strike, similar to surface geologic trends. Model resistivity cross sections were derived using a 2-D inversion algorithm, which damps departures of model parameters from an a priori structure, emphasizing the transverse magnetic (TM) mode and vertical magnetic field data. Geological interpretation of the resistivity combines previous seismic, potential field and isotope models, structural and petrological models for regional compression and extension, and detailed structural/stratigraphic interpretations incorporating drilling for petroleum and mineral exploration. To first order, the resistivity structure is one of a moderately conductive, Phanerozoic sedimentary section fundamentally disrupted by intrusion and uplift of resistive crystalline rocks. Late Devonian and early Mississippian shales of the Pilot and Chainman Formations together form an important conductive marker sequence in the stratigraphy and show pronounced increases in conductance (conductivity-thickness product) from east to west. These increases in conductance are attributed to graphitization caused by Elko-Sevier era compressional shear deformation and possibly by intrusive heating. The resistive crystalline central massifs adjoin the host stratigraphy across crustal-scale, subvertical fault zones. These zones provide electric current pathways to the lower crust for heterogeneous, upper crustal induced current flow. Resistive core complex crust may be steeply bounded under the middle of the neighboring grabens and not deepen at a shallow angle to arbitrary distances to the west. The numerous crustal breaks imaged with MT may contribute to the low effective elastic thickness estimated regionally for the Great Basin and exemplify the mid-crustal, steeply dipping slip zones in which major earthquakes nucleate. An east-west oriented conductor in the crystalline upper crust spans the East Humboldt Range and northern Ruby Mountains. The conductor may be related to an inferred ArcheanProterozoic suture or nearby graphitic metasediments, with possible alteration by middle Tertiary magmatic activity. Lower crustal resistivity everywhere under the profiles is low and appears quasi one-dimensional. It is consistent with a low rock porosity (

The Tuscarora Au-Ag district: Eocene volcanic-hosted epithermal deposits in the Carlin gold region, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Castor, S.B.; Boden, D.R.; Henry, C.D.; Cline, J.S.; Hofstra, A.H.; McIntosh, W.C.; Tosdal, R.M.; Wooden, J.P.

2003-01-01

The Tuscarora mining district contains the oldest and the only productive Eocene epithermal deposits in Nevada. The district is a particularly clear example of association of low-sulfidation deposits with igneous activity and structure, and it is unusual in that it consists of two adjoining but physically and chemically distinct types of low-sulfidation deposits. Moreover, Tuscarora deposits are of interest because they formed contemporaneously with nearby, giant Carlin-type gold deposits. The Tuscarora deposits formed within the 39.9 to 39.3 Ma Tuscarora volcanic field, along and just outside the southeastern margin of the caldera-like Mount Blitzen volcanic center. Both deposit types formed at 39.3 Ma, contemporaneous with the only major intrusive activity in the volcanic field. No deposits are known to have formed during any of the intense volcanic phases of the field. Intrusions were the apparent heat source, and structures related to the Mount Blitzen center were conduits for hydrothermal circulation. The ore-forming fluids interacted dominantly with Eocene igneous rocks. The two deposit types occur in a northern silver-rich zone that is characterized by relatively high Ag/Au ratios (110-150), narrow alteration zones, and quartz and carbonate veins developed mostly in intrusive dacite, and in a southern gold-rich zone that is typified by relatively low Ag/Au ratios (4-14), more widespread alteration, and quartz-fissure and stockwork veins commonly developed in tuffaceous sedimentary rocks. The deposit types have similar fluid inclusion and Pb and S isotope characteristics but different geochemical signatures. Quartz veins from both zones have similar thermal and paragenetic histories and contain fluid inclusions that indicate that fluids cooled from between 260?? and 230??C to less than 200??C. Fluid boiling may have contributed to precious-metal deposition. Veins in both zones have relatively high As and Sb and low Bi, Te, and W. The silver zone has high Ca, Pb, Mn, Zn, Cd, Tl, and Se. The gold zone has high Hg and Mo. A few samples from an area of overlap between the two zones share chemical characteristics of both deposit types. The deposit types could represent a single zoned or evolving system in which hydrothermal fluids rose along structures within the silver zone, preferentially deposited Ag and base metals, and then spread into the gold zone. Alternatively, the deposit types could represent two distinct but temporally indistinguishable hydrothermal cells that only narrowly overlapped spatially. As noted in previous studies, the hydrothermal fluids that generated the Tuscarora and other epithermal deposits could have evolved from Carlin-type fluids by boiling and mixing with meteoric water. If so, the Tuscarora deposit may represent epithermal conditions above Carlin-type deposits, and Carlin-type deposits may lie beneath the district.

Unraveling multiple phases of sulfur cycling during the alteration of ancient ultramafic oceanic lithosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwarzenbach, Esther M.; Gill, Benjamin C.; Johnston, David T.

2018-02-01

Ultramafic-hosted hydrothermal systems - characterized by ongoing serpentinization reactions - exert an important influence on the global sulfur cycle. Extensive water-rock interaction causes elemental exchange between seawater and the oceanic lithosphere, effectively removing sulfate from seawater through both abiogenic and biogenic processes. Here, we use bulk rock multiple sulfur isotope signatures (32S, 33S, 34S) and in situ sulfide analyses together with petrographic observations to track the sulfur cycling processes and the hydrothermal evolution of ancient peridotite-hosted hydrothermal systems. We investigate serpentinized peridotites from the Northern Apennine ophiolite in Italy and the Santa Elena ophiolite in Costa Rica and compare those with the Iberian Margin (Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Leg 149 and 173) and the 15°20‧N Fracture Zone along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (ODP Leg 209). In situ measurements of sulfides in the Northern Apennine serpentinites preserve a large range in δ34Ssulfide of -33.8 to +13.3‰ with significant heterogeneities within single sulfide grains and depending on mineralogy. Detailed mineralogical investigation and comparison with bulk rock Δ33Ssulfide and in situ δ34Ssulfide data implies a thermal evolution of the system from high temperatures (∼350 °C) that allowed thermochemical sulfate reduction and input of hydrothermal sulfide to lower temperatures (<120 °C) that permitted microbial activity. The change in temperature regime is locally preserved in individual samples and correlates with the progressive uplift and exposure of mantle rock associated with detachment faulting along a mid-ocean ridge spreading center. The Santa Elena peridotites preserve distinct signatures for fluid circulation at high temperatures with both closed system thermochemical sulfate reduction and input of mafic-derived sulfur. In addition, the peridotites provide strong evidence that low Ca2+ concentrations in peridotite-hosted systems can limit sulfate removal during anhydrite precipitation at temperatures above 150 °C. This may play a central role for the availability of sulfate to microbial communities within these systems. Overall, the combined application of in situ and bulk rock multiple sulfur isotope measurements with petrographic observations allows us to resolve the different episodes of sulfur cycling during alteration of the oceanic lithosphere and the temporal changes between abiogenic and biogenic processes that control the sulfur cycling in these systems.

Influence of Melting and Hydrothermal Alteration on Lead in Abyssal Peridotites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warren, J. M.; D'Errico, M. E.; Godard, M.; Coble, M. A.; Horan, M.

2017-12-01

The lead isotopic system is a key tracer of mantle convection, yet the abundance and mineralogical hosts of Pb in the upper mantle are poorly constrained. To address this, we analyzed the concentration of Pb in minerals and bulk rock powders of abyssal peridotites. These samples represent the oceanic upper mantle following melt extraction. They can be used to explore the mantle Pb budget, assuming that the amount of Pb lost during mantle melting and gained during seafloor alteration can be determined. We performed in situ analysis of the three main silicate phases (olivine, orthopyroxene, and clinopyroxene), which yield Pb concentrations of 2-30 ppb. Olivine is the main mineralogical host of Pb, unlike other trace elements, which are predominantly hosted in clinopyroxene. Sulfide contains an average of 3 ppm Pb, but these high concentrations are offset by low modal abundances (<0.01%), making this mineral a minor source of peridotite Pb. Whole rock Pb concentrations of abyssal peridotites measured by thermal ionization mass spectrometry range from 3 to 38 ppb. These values are close to the reconstructed whole rock values of 2 to 14 ppb, calculated from the mineral concentrations of Pb multiplied by their modes. In contrast, the average value among literature data for whole rock abyssal peridotites is >100 ppb [1, 2], measured by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The higher values among literature data may reflect a combination of lower analytical sensitivity and effects of alteration. Samples in this study include an unaltered peridotite from the Gakkel Ridge, which shows the closest agreement between reconstructed and measured whole rock values. We estimate that our peridotites have undergone 5 to 9% melting [3], based on non-modal fractional melt modeling of rare earth element abundances. Assuming 18 to 23 ppb Pb in the depleted source mantle [4, 5], expected concentrations in abyssal peridotites after melting are <1 ppb. However, as suggested by [5], mantle Pb abundance is poorly constrained by the Ce/Pb ratio of mid-ocean ridge basalt and the amount of Pb in the depleted mantle may be higher than current estimates. [1] Niu, 2004, J. Pet.; [2] Paulick et al., 2006, Chem. Geol.; [3] D'Errico et al., 2016, GCA; [4] Salters and Stracke, 2004, G-Cubed; [5] Workman and Hart, 2005 EPSL.

Geohydrologic reconnaissance of Lake Mead National Recreation Area; Las Vegas Wash to Opal Mountain, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Laney, R.L.

1981-01-01

The study is a geohydrologic reconnaissance of about 170 square miles in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area from Las Vegas Wash to Opal Mountain, Nevada. The study is one of a series that describes the geohydrology of the recreation area and that indentifies areas where water supplies can be developed. Precipitation in this arid area is about 5 inches per year. Streamflow is seasonal and extremely variable except for that in the Colorado River, which adjoins the area. Pan evaporation is more than 20 times greater than precipitation; therefore, regional ground-water supplies are meager except near the Colorado River, Lake Mead, and Lake Mohave. Large ground-water supplies can be developed near the river and lakes, and much smaller supplies may be obtained in a few favorable locations farther from the river and lakes. Ground water in most of the areas probably contains more than 1,000 milligrams per liter of dissolved solids, but water that contains less than 1,000 milligrams per liter of dissolved solids can be obtained within about 1 mile of the lakes. Crystalline rocks of metamorphic, intrusive and volcanic origin crop out in the area. These rocks are overlain by conglomerate and mudstone of the Muddy Creek Formation, gravel and conglomerate of the older alluvium, and sand and gravel of the Chemehuevi Formation and younger alluvium. The crystalline rocks, where sufficiently fractured, yield water to springs and would yield small amounts of water to favorably located wells. The poorly cemented and more permeable beds of the older alluvium, Chemehuevi Formation, and younger alluvium are the better potential aquifers, particularly along the Colorado River and Lakes Mead and Mohave. Thermal springs in the gorge of the Colorado River south of Hoover Dam discharge at least 2,580 acre-feet per year of water from the volcanic rocks and metamorphic and plutonic rocks. The discharge is much greater than could be infiltrated in the drainage basin above the springs. Transbasin movement of ground water probably occurs , and perhaps the larger part of the spring discharge is underflow from Eldorado Valley. The more favorable sites for ground-water development are along the shores of Lakes Mead and Mohave and are the Fire Mountain, Opal Mountain to Aztec Wash, and Hemenway Wash sites. Wells yielding several hundred gallons per minute of water of acceptable chemical quality can be developed at these sites. (USGS)

Acid neutralizing capacity and leachate results for igneous rocks, with associated carbon contents of derived soils, Animas River AML site, Silverton, Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Yager, Douglas B.; Stanton, Mark R.; Choate, LaDonna M.; Burchell,

2009-01-01

Mine planning efforts have historically overlooked the possible acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) that local igneous rocks can provide to help neutralize acidmine drainage. As a result, limestone has been traditionally hauled to mine sites for use in neutralizing acid drainage. Local igneous rocks, when used as part of mine life-cycle planning and acid mitigation strategy, may reduce the need to transport limestone to mine sites because these rocks can contain acid neutralizing minerals. Igneous hydrothermal events often introduce moderately altered mineral assemblages peripheral to more intensely altered rocks that host metal-bearing veins and ore bodies. These less altered rocks can contain ANC minerals (calcite-chlorite-epidote) and are referred to as a propylitic assemblage. In addition, the carbon contents of soils in areas of new mining or those areas undergoing restoration have been historically unknown. Soil organic carbon is an important constituent to characterize as a soil recovery benchmark that can be referred to during mine cycle planning and restoration.
This study addresses the mineralogy, ANC, and leachate chemistry of propylitic volcanic rocks that host polymetallic mineralization in the Animas River watershed near the historical Silverton, Colorado, mining area. Acid titration tests on volcanic rocks containing calcite (2 – 20 wt %) and chlorite (6 – 25 wt %), have ANC ranging from 4 – 146 kg/ton CaCO₃ equivalence. Results from a 6-month duration, kinetic reaction vessel test containing layered pyritic mine waste and underlying ANC volcanic rock (saturated with deionized water) indicate that acid generating mine waste (pH 2.4) has not overwhelmed the ANC of propylitic volcanic rocks (pH 5.8). Sequential leachate laboratory experiments evaluated the concentration of metals liberated during leaching. Leachate concentrations of Cu-Zn-As-Pb for ANC volcanic rock are one-to-three orders of magnitude lower when compared to leached solution from mine waste used in the kinetic reaction vessel test. This finding suggests that mine waste and not ANC rock may generate the majority of leachable metals in a field scenario.
The organic carbon content of naturally reclaimed soils derived from weathering of propylitically-altered andesite was determined in catchments where ANC studies were initiated. Soils were found to have total carbon concentrations (TOC) that exceed global average soil TOC abundances by as much as 1.5 – 5 times. These data support an environmental management system involving use of ANC rocks as part of life-cycle mine planning to reduce post-mine closure acid mitigation measures. Carbon contents of undisturbed soils in mined catchments can possibly be used to validate post-reclamation success and help quantify carbon sequestration for CO₂ emission offset trading as carbon markets mature.

Nd, Sr and O isotopic study of the petrogenesis of two syntectonic members of the New Hampshire Plutonic Series

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lathrop, A. S.; Blum, Joel D.; Chamberlain, C. Page

1996-07-01

Nd, Sr and O isotope systematics were used to investigate the petrogenesis of two adjacent plutons of the Bethlehem Gneiss (BG) and the Kinsman Quartz Monzonite (KQM), exposed within the Central Maine Terrane (CMT) of New England. Both are Acadian-aged (≈413 Ma) synmetamorphic and syntectonic members of the New Hampshire Plutonic Series (NHPS). Potential source rocks analyzed for this study include Silurian and Devonian metasedimentary rocks of the CMT, and Ordovician metasedimentary rocks and granitic gneisses of the Bronson Hill Anticlinorium (BHA), which border the CMT to the west. The ɛSr(413), ɛNd(413) and δ18O values for the KQM range from 56.3 to 120.0, 2.8 to -6.4, and 7.6‰ to 12.9‰, respectively; values for the BG range from 7.4 to 144.7, 0.6 to -9.3, and 8.3‰ to 11.3‰, respectively; and values for possible source rocks range from 38.1 to 654.2, -10.7 to 5.4, and 6.2‰ to 14.1‰, respectively. Both the BG and KQM have extremely heterogeneous initial isotopic compositions consistent with mixing of multiple crustal source rocks, and neither contains a volumetrically significant (i.e., ≥10%) mantlederived component. Overlapping values of ɛNd(413), ɛSr(413) and δ18O values for both the BG and KQM samples resemble values for metasedimentary host rocks of the CMT and BHA. We observe no systematic correlations between ɛNd and ɛSr values for either the BG or the KQM. The ɛSr and δ18O values for the BG do not form any simple mixing trends, nor is there any direct correlation between the isotopic compositions of contact BG samples and their adjacent host rocks, in contrast to our observations for the KQM (Lathrop et al. 1994). We propose that the KQM and BG magmas were generated through anatexis of metasedimentary rocks from both the BHA and CMT in response to crystal thickening during the Acadian orogeny. Melting may have been initiated within CMT metasediments in response to high heat production in these mid-crustal rocks combined with crustal thickening, whereas melting of BHA rocks with normal crustal heat production, which were located at lower-crustal levels than CMT rocks, is likely to have been driven by crustal thickening alone. Following upward advection of mobile BHA magmas, BHA- and CMT-derived magmas may have mingled during complex Acadian deformation in the CMT, thus accounting for the isotopic similarities we observe between the BG and the KQM.

Study of thermo-hydro-mechanical processes at a potential site of an Indian nuclear waste repository

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maheshwar, Sachin; Verma, A. K.; Singh, T. N.; Bajpai, R. K.

2015-12-01

A detailed scientific study is required for the disposal of high-level radioactive wastes because they generate extremely high heat during their half-life period. Although, several methods have been proposed for the disposal of nuclear wastes, deep underground repository is considered to be a suitable option. In this paper, field investigation has been done near to Bhima basin of peninsular India. Detailed fracture analysis near the borehole shows very prominent maxima of fractures striking N55∘E coinciding with the trace of master basement cover metasediment fault. Physico-mechanical properties of rocks have been determined in the laboratory. The host rock chosen is granite and engineered barrier near the canister is proposed to be clay. A thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) analysis has been done to study the effect of heat on deformations, stresses and pore-pressure variation in granite and clay barriers. For this purpose, finite difference method has been used. Suitable rheological models have been used to model elastic canister and elasto-plastic engineered barrier and host rock. It has been found that both temperature and stresses at any point in the rockmass is below the design criteria which are 100∘C for temperature and 0.2 for damage number.

Multiphase groundwater flow near cooling plutons

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hayba, D.O.; Ingebritsen, S.E.

1997-01-01

We investigate groundwater flow near cooling plutons with a computer program that can model multiphase flow, temperatures up to 1200??C, thermal pressurization, and temperature-dependent rock properties. A series of experiments examines the effects of host-rock permeability, size and depth of pluton emplacement, single versus multiple intrusions, the influence of a caprock, and the impact of topographically driven groundwater flow. We also reproduce and evaluate some of the pioneering numerical experiments on flow around plutons. Host-rock permeability is the principal factor influencing fluid circulation and heat transfer in hydrothermal systems. The hottest and most steam-rich systems develop where permeability is of the order of 10-15 m2. Temperatures and life spans of systems decrease with increasing permeability. Conduction-dominated systems, in which permeabilities are ???10-16m2, persist longer but exhibit relatively modest increases in near-surface temperatures relative to ambient conditions. Pluton size, emplacement depth, and initial thermal conditions have less influence on hydrothermal circulation patterns but affect the extent of boiling and duration of hydrothermal systems. Topographically driven groundwater flow can significantly alter hydrothermal circulation; however, a low-permeability caprock effectively decouples the topographically and density-driven systems and stabilizes the mixing interface between them thereby defining a likely ore-forming environment.

A salt diapir-related Mississippi Valley-type deposit: the Bou Jaber Pb-Zn-Ba-F deposit, Tunisia: fluid inclusion and isotope study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouhlel, Salah; Leach, David L.; Johnson, Craig A.; Marsh, Erin; Salmi-Laouar, Sihem; Banks, David A.

2016-08-01

The Bou Jaber Ba-F-Pb-Zn deposit is located at the edge of the Bou Jaber Triassic salt diapir in the Tunisia Salt Diapir Province. The ores are unconformity and fault-controlled and occur as subvertical column-shaped bodies developed in dissolution-collapse breccias and in cavities within the Late Aptian platform carbonate rocks, which are covered unconformably by impermeable shales and marls of the Fahdene Formation (Late Albian-Cenomanian age). The host rock is hydrothermally altered to ankerite proximal to and within the ore bodies. Quartz, as fine-grained bipyramidal crystals, formed during hydrothermal alteration of the host rocks. The ore mineral assemblage is composed of barite, fluorite, sphalerite, and galena in decreasing abundance. The ore zones outline distinct depositional events: sphalerite-galena, barite-ankerite, and fluorite. Fluid inclusions, commonly oil-rich, have distinct fluid salinities and homogenization temperatures for each of these events: sphalerite-galena (17 to 24 wt% NaCl eq., and Th from 112 to 136 °C); ankerite-barite (11 to 17 wt% NaCl eq., and Th from 100 to 130 °C); fluorite (19 to 21 wt% NaCl eq., Th from 140 to 165 °C). The mean temperature of the ore fluids decreased from sphalerite (125 °C) to barite (115 °C) and increased during fluorite deposition (152 °C); then decreased to ˜110 °C during late calcite precipitation. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analyses of fluid inclusions in fluorite are metal rich (hundreds to thousands ppm Pb, Zn, Cu, Fe) but the inclusions in barite are deficient in Pb, Zn, Cu, Fe. Inclusions in fluorite have Cl/Br and Na/Br ratios of several thousand, consistent with dissolution of halite while the inclusions analysed in barite have values lower than seawater which are indicative of a Br-enriched brine derived from evaporation plus a component of halite dissolution. The salinity of the barite-hosted fluid inclusions is less than obtained simply by the evaporation of seawater to halite saturation and requires a dilution of more than two times by meteoric water. The higher K/Na values in fluid inclusions from barite suggest that the brines interacted with K-rich rocks in the basement or siliciclastic sediments in the basin. Carbonate gangue minerals (ankerite and calcite) have δ13C and δ18O values that are close to the carbonate host rock and indicate fluid equilibrium between carbonate host rocks and hydrothermal brines. The δ34S values for sphalerite and galena fall within a narrow range (1 to 10 ‰) with a bulk value of 7.5 ‰, indicating a homogeneous source of sulfur. The δ34S values of barite are also relatively homogeneous (22 ‰), with 6 ‰ higher than the δ34S of local and regional Triassic evaporites (15 ‰). The latter are believed to be the source of sulfate. Temperature of deposition together with sulfur isotope data indicate that the reduced sulfur in sulfides was derived through thermochemical sulfate reduction of Triassic sulfate via hydrocarbons produced probably from Late Cretaceous source rocks. The 87Sr/86Sr ratio in the Bou Jaber barite (0.709821 to 0.711408) together with the lead isotope values of Bou Jaber galena (206Pb/204Pb = 18.699 to 18.737; 207Pb/204Pb = 15.635 to 15.708 and 208Pb/204Pb = 38.321 to 38.947) show that metals were extracted from homogeneous crustal source(s). The tectonic setting of the Bou Jaber ore deposit, the carbonate nature of the host rocks, the epigenetic style of the mineralization and the mineral associations, together with sulfur and oxygen isotope data and fluid inclusion data show that the Bou Jaber lead-zinc mineralization has the major characteristics of a salt diapir-related Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) deposit with superimposed events of fluorite and of barite deposition. Field relations are consistent with mineral deposition during the Eocene-Miocene Alpine orogeny from multiple hydrothermal events: (1) Zn-Pb sulfides formed by mixing of two fluids: one fluid metal-rich but reduced sulfur-poor and a second fluid reduced sulfur-rich; (2) barite precipitation involved the influx of a meteoric water component that mixed with a barium-rich fluid; and (3) fluorite precipitated from a highly saline fluid with higher temperatures.

The geology of the Morro Velho gold deposit in the Archean Rio das Velhas greenstone belt, Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Brazil

USGS Publications Warehouse

Vial, Diogenes Scipioni; DeWitt, Ed; Lobato, Lydia Maria; Thorman, Charles H.

2007-01-01

The Morro Velho gold deposit, Quadrilátero Ferrífero region, Minas Gerais, Brazil, is hosted by rocks at the base of the Archean Rio das Velhas greenstone belt. The deposit occurs within a thick carbonaceous phyllite package, containing intercalations of felsic and intermediate volcaniclastic rocks and dolomites. Considering the temporal and spatial association of the deposit with the Rio das Velhas orogeny, and location in close proximity to a major NNW-trending fault zone, it can be classified as an orogenic gold deposit. Hydrothermal activity was characterized by intense enrichment in alteration zones of carbonates, sulfides, chlorite, white mica±biotite, albite and quartz, as described in other Archean lode-type gold ores. Two types of ore occur in the deposit: dark gray quartz veins and sulfide-rich gold orebodies. The sulfide-rich orebodies range from disseminated concentrations of sulfide minerals to massive sulfide bodies. The sulfide assemblage comprises (by volume), on average, 74% pyrrhotite, 17% arsenopyrite, 8% pyrite and 1% chalcopyrite. The orebodies have a long axis parallel to the local stretching lineation, with continuity down the plunge of fold axis for at least 4.8 km. The group of rocks hosting the Morro Velho gold mineralization is locally referred to as lapa seca. These were isoclinally folded and metamorphosed prior to gold mineralization. The lapa seca and the orebodies it hosts are distributed in five main tight folds related to F1 (the best examples are the X, Main and South orebodies, in level 25), which are disrupted by NE- to E-striking shear zones. Textural features indicate that the sulfide mineralization postdated regional peak metamorphism, and that the massive sulfide ore has subsequently been neither metamorphosed nor deformed. Lead isotope ratios indicate a model age of 2.82 ± 0.05 Ga for both sulfide and gold mineralization. The lapa seca are interpreted as the results of a pre-gold alteration process and may be divided into carbonatic, micaceous and quartzose types. The carbonatic lapa seca is subdivided into gray and brown subtypes. Non-mineralized, gray carbonatic lapa seca forms the hanging wall to the orebodies, and is interpreted as the product of extreme CO2 metasomatism during hydrothermal alteration. This dolomitic lapa seca ranges in composition from relatively pure limestone and dolomite to silty limestone and dolomite. The brown carbonatic and micaceous lapa secas are the host rocks to gold. These units are interpreted to correspond to the sheared and hydrothermal products of metamorphosed volcaniclastic and/or volcanic rocks of varying composition from dacitic to andesitic, forming various types of schists and phyllites. The high-grade, massive sulfide orebodies occur at the base of the gray carbonatic lapa seca. Both disseminated mineralization and quartz veins are hosted by micaceous lapa seca. The data are consistent with a model of epigenetic mineralization for the lapa seca, from a hydrothermal fluid derived in part from the Archean basement or older crust material.

The giant Upper Yangtze Pb-Zn province in SW China: Reviews, new advances and a new genetic model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Jia-Xi; Xiang, Zhen-Zhong; Zhou, Mei-Fu; Feng, Yue-Xing; Luo, Kai; Huang, Zhi-Long; Wu, Tao

2018-04-01

In the western margin of the Yangtze Block, SW China, the Emeishan large igneous province (ELIP) is spatially associated with >400 carbonate-hosted epigenetic Pb-Zn deposits. These deposits form the giant Upper Yangtze Pb-Zn metallogenic province with >20 Mt base metals. In the southeastern part of this province, the important Pb-Zn deposits include those of the Yinchangpo, Yunluhe, Maozhachang, Tianqiao, Banbanqiao, Mangdong, Shaojiwan, Liangyan, Qingshan, Shanshulin, Nayongzhi and Guanziyao deposits. Sulfide ore bodies in these deposits are (i) hosted in late Ediacaran to middle Permian limestone, dolomitic limestone and dolostone; (ii) structurally controlled by reverse fault-anticline tectonic systems; and (iii) spatially associated with the ELIP flood basalts and mafic dikes, and early Permian, early Carboniferous and early Cambrian organic matter-rich black shales. C-O isotopic compositions suggest that dolostone and limestone, mantle-derived rocks of the ELIP, and sedimentary organic matters supplied C-O to the hydrothermal systems through water/rock (W/R) interaction. New and existing S isotopic compositions of sulfides imply multiple sources of S and the reduction of sulfate through both abiotic thermochemical (TSR) and bacterially mediated (BSR) processes. Zn isotopes indicate that the sources of Zn were most likely related to the ELIP with various contributions from sediments and basements locally. Pb isotope signatures are suggestive of derivation of Pb from basements and sedimentary rocks with variable influences from the ELIP. Sr isotopes support that mantle-derived rocks, sediments and basements were involved in Pb-Zn mineralization, and they have various contributions in different deposits. We consider that the Pb-Zn deposits in the Upper Yangtze province are the mixed products of multiple S species-bearing solutions and metal-rich fluids, both of which were derived from, flowed through or interacted with multiple lithostratigraphic units in the western Yangtze Block. The change of tectonic regimes from extension to compression after eruption of basalts of the ELIP, and then to extension during Early Mesozoic, facilitated extraction, migration, and excretion of ore-forming metals and associated fluids. Mixing of fluids and reduction geochemical barrier activated TSR, causing cyclical carbonate dissolution, CO2 degassing and recrystallization (namely carbonate buffer). All these processes triggered continuous precipitation of huge amounts of hydrothermal minerals. Underplating and eruption of ELIP basalts provided heat flow, fluids and volatiles, whereas the basalts acted as an impermeable and protective layer, and even as ore-hosting rocks. These Pb-Zn deposits have spatial and genetic association with igneous activities of the ELIP, and are characterized by high ore grades (>10 wt% Pb + Zn), high concentrations of associated metals (e.g. Cu, Ag, Ge, and Cd), and medium-low temperatures (usually < 300 °C) and salinities (commonly < 20 wt% NaCl equiv.), all of which are significantly different from those of typical Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) deposits. Hence, the carbonate-hosted epigenetic Pb-Zn deposits in the Upper Yangtze metallogenic province representing to a new type of Pb-Zn deposits that are hosted in platform carbonate sequences and formed within compressional zones of passive margin tectonic settings.

The metallogeny of Late Triassic rifting of the Alexander terrane in southeastern Alaska and northwestern British Columbia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Taylor, C.D.; Premo, W.R.; Meier, A.L.; Taggart, J.E.

2008-01-01

A belt of unusual volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) occurrences is located along the eastern margin of the Alexander terrane throughout southeastern Alaska and northwestern British Columbia and exhibits a range of characteristics consistent with a variety of syngenetic to epigenetic deposit types. Deposits within this belt include Greens Creek and Windy Craggy, the economically most significant VMS deposit in Alaska and the largest in North America, respectively. The occurrences are hosted by a discontinuously exposed, 800-km-long belt of rocks that consist of a 200- to 800-m-thick sequence of conglomerate, limestone, marine elastic sedimentary rocks, and tuff intercalated with and overlain by a distinctive unit of mafic pyroclastic rocks and pillowed flows. Faunal data bracket the age of the host rocks between Anisian (Middle Triassic) and late Norian (late Late Triassic). This metallogenic belt is herein referred to as the Alexander Triassic metallogenic belt. The VMS occurrences show systematic differences in degree of structural control, chemistry, and stratigraphic setting along the Alexander Triassic metallogenic belt that suggest important spatial or temporal changes in the tectonic environment of formation. At the southern end of the belt, felsic volcanic rocks overlain by shallow-water limestones characterize the lower part of the sequence. In the southern and middle portion of the belt, a distinctive pebble conglomerate marks the base of the section and is indicative of high-energy deposition in a near slope or basin margin setting. At the northern end of the belt the conglomerates, limestones, and felsic volcanic rocks are absent and the belt is composed of deep-water sedimentary and mafic volcanic rocks. This northward change in depositional environment and lithofacies is accompanied by a northward transition from epithermal-like structurally controlled, discontinuous, vein- and pod-shaped, Pb-Zn-Ag-Ba-(Cu) occurrences with relatively simple mineralogy, to sulfosalt-enriched VMS occurrences exhibiting characteristics of vein, diagenetic replacement, and exhalative styles of mineralization, and finally to Cu-Zn-(Co-Au) occurrences with larger and more clearly stratiform orebody morphologies. Occurrences in the middle of the belt are transitional in nature between structurally controlled types of mineralization that formed in a shallow-water, near-arc setting, to those having a more stratiform appearance, formed in a deeper water, rift-basin setting. The geologic setting in the south is consistent with shallow subaqueous emplacement on the flanks of the Alexander terrane. Northward, the setting changes to an increasingly deeper back- or intra-arc rift basin. Igneous activity in the Alexander Triassic metallogenic belt is characterized by a bimodal suite of volcanic rocks and a previously unrecognized association with mafic-ultramafic hypabyssal intrusions. Immobile trace and rare earth element (BEE) geochemical data indicate that felsic rocks in the southern portion of the belt are typical calc-alkaline rhyolites, which give way in the middle of the belt to peralkaline rhyolites. Rhyolites are largely absent in the northern part of the belt. Throughout the belt, the capping basaltic rocks have transitional geochemical signatures. Radiogenic isotope data for these rocks are also transitional (basalts and gabbros: ??-Nd = 4-9 and 87Sr/86Sr initial at 215 Ma = 0.7037-0.7074). Together these data are interpreted to reflect variable assimilation of mature island-arc crust by more primitive melts having the characteristics of either mid-ocean ridge (MORB) or intraplate (within-plate) basalts (WPB). The ore and host-rock geochemistry and the sulfosalt-rich mineralogy of the deposits are strikingly similar to recent descriptions of active sea-floor hydrothermal (white smoker) systems in back arcs of the southwest Pacific Ocean. These data, in concert with existing faunal ages, record the formation of a belt of VMS deposits

10 CFR 960.5-2-10 - Hydrology.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... the host rock and the land surface. (2) Absence of surface-water systems that could potentially cause flooding of the repository. (3) Availability of the water required for repository construction, operation, and closure. (c) Potentially adverse condition. Ground-water conditions that could require complex...

Subsidence and collapse sinkholes in soluble rock: a numerical perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaufmann, Georg; Romanov, Douchko; Hiller, Thomas

2016-04-01

Soluble rocks such as limestone, gypsum, anhydrite, and salt are prone to subsidence and the sudden creation of collapse sinkholes. The reason for this behaviour stems from the solubility of the rock: Water percolating through fissures and bedding partings can remove material from the rock walls and thus increase the permeability of the host rock by orders of magnitudes. This process occurs on time scales of 1,000-100,000 years, resulting in enlarged fractures, voids and cavities, which then carry flow efficiently through the rock. The enlargement of sub-surface voids to the meter-size within such short times creates mechanical conditions prone to collapse. The collapse initiates at depth, but then propagates to the surface. By means of numerical modelling, we discuss the long-term evolution of secondary porosity in gypsum rocks, resulting in zones of sub-surface voids, which then become mechanically unstable and collapse. We study two real-world case scenarios, in which we can relate field observations to our numerical model: (i) A dam-site scenario, where flow around the dam caused widespread dissolution of gypsum and subsequent subsidence of the dam and a nearby highway. (ii) A natural collapse sinkhole forming as a result of freshwater inflow into a shallow anhydrite formation with rapid evolution of voids in the sub-surface.

Geochemistry of shale and sedimentary pyrite as a proxy for gold fertility in the Selwyn basin area, Yukon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sack, Patrick J.; Large, Ross R.; Gregory, Daniel D.

2018-01-01

Selwyn basin area strata contain sedimentary pyrite with Au above background levels when analyzed by laser ablation-inductively coupled mass spectrometry. Hyland Group rocks contain framboidal pyrite contents of 670 ppb Au, 1223 ppm As, and 5.3 ppm Te; the mean of all types of sedimentary pyrite in the Hyland Group is 391 ppb Au, 1489 ppm As, and 3.8 ppm Te. These levels are similar to sedimentary pyrite in host lithologies from major orogenic gold districts in New Zealand and Australia. Comparison of whole rock and pyrite data show that rocks deposited in continental slope settings with significant terrigenous input contain pyrite that is consistently enriched in Au, As, Te, Co, and Cu. Although data are limited, whole rock samples of stratigraphic units containing Au-rich pyrite also contain high Au, indicating that most of the Au is within sedimentary pyrite. Based on geologic characteristics and comparison of pyrite chemistry data with whole rock chemistry, Selwyn basin area strata have the necessary ingredients to form orogenic gold deposits: Au-enriched source rocks, metamorphic conditions permissive of forming a metamorphic ore fluid, and abundant structural preparation for channeling fluids and depositing ore.

Self-Healing Characteristics of Damaged Rock Salt under Different Healing Conditions

PubMed Central

Chen, Jie; Ren, Song; Yang, Chunhe; Jiang, Deyi; Li, Lin

2013-01-01

Salt deposits are commonly regarded as ideal hosts for geologic energy reservoirs. Underground cavern construction-induced damage in salt is reduced by self-healing. Thus, studying the influencing factors on such healing processes is important. This research uses ultrasonic technology to monitor the longitudinal wave velocity variations of stress-damaged rock salts during self-recovery experiments under different recovery conditions. The influences of stress-induced initial damage, temperature, humidity, and oil on the self-recovery of damaged rock salts are analyzed. The wave velocity values of the damaged rock salts increase rapidly during the first 200 h of recovery, and the values gradually increase toward stabilization after 600 h. The recovery of damaged rock salts is subjected to higher initial damage stress. Water is important in damage recovery. The increase in temperature improves damage recovery when water is abundant, but hinders recovery when water evaporates. The presence of residual hydraulic oil blocks the inter-granular role of water and restrains the recovery under triaxial compression. The results indicate that rock salt damage recovery is related to the damage degree, pore pressure, temperature, humidity, and presence of oil due to the sealing integrity of the jacket material. PMID:28811444

Self-Healing Characteristics of Damaged Rock Salt under Different Healing Conditions.

PubMed

Chen, Jie; Ren, Song; Yang, Chunhe; Jiang, Deyi; Li, Lin

2013-08-12

Salt deposits are commonly regarded as ideal hosts for geologic energy reservoirs. Underground cavern construction-induced damage in salt is reduced by self-healing. Thus, studying the influencing factors on such healing processes is important. This research uses ultrasonic technology to monitor the longitudinal wave velocity variations of stress-damaged rock salts during self-recovery experiments under different recovery conditions. The influences of stress-induced initial damage, temperature, humidity, and oil on the self-recovery of damaged rock salts are analyzed. The wave velocity values of the damaged rock salts increase rapidly during the first 200 h of recovery, and the values gradually increase toward stabilization after 600 h. The recovery of damaged rock salts is subjected to higher initial damage stress. Water is important in damage recovery. The increase in temperature improves damage recovery when water is abundant, but hinders recovery when water evaporates. The presence of residual hydraulic oil blocks the inter-granular role of water and restrains the recovery under triaxial compression. The results indicate that rock salt damage recovery is related to the damage degree, pore pressure, temperature, humidity, and presence of oil due to the sealing integrity of the jacket material.

Modeling Coupled Thermal-Hydrological-Chemical Processes in the Unsaturated Fractured Rock of Yucca Mountain, Nevada: Heterogeneity and Seepage

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

S. Mukhopadhyay; E.L. Donnenthal; N. Spycher

An understanding of processes affecting seepage into emplacement tunnels is needed for correctly predicting the performance of underground radioactive waste repositories. It has been previously estimated that the capillary and vaporization barriers in the unsaturated fractured rock of Yucca Mountain are enough to prevent seepage under present day infiltration conditions. It has also been thought that a substantially elevated infiltration flux will be required to cause seepage after the thermal period is over. While coupled thermal-hydrological-chemical (THC) changes in Yucca Mountain host rock due to repository heating has been previously investigated, those THC models did not incorporate elements of themore » seepage model. In this paper, we combine the THC processes in unsaturated fractured rock with the processes affecting seepage. We observe that the THC processes alter the hydrological properties of the fractured rock through mineral precipitation and dissolution. We show that such alteration in the hydrological properties of the rock often leads to local flow channeling. We conclude that such local flow channeling may result in seepage under certain conditions, even with nonelevated infiltration fluxes.« less

Carbonate hosted fault rocks: A review of structural and microstructural characteristic with implications for seismicity in the upper crust

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delle Piane, Claudio; Clennell, M. Ben; Keller, Joao V. A.; Giwelli, Ausama; Luzin, Vladimir

2017-10-01

The structure, frictional properties and permeability of faults within carbonate rocks exhibit a dynamic interplay that controls both seismicity and the exchange of fluid between different crustal levels. Here we review field and experimental studies focused on the characterization of fault zones in carbonate rocks with the aim of identifying the microstructural indicators of rupture nucleation and seismic slip. We highlight results from experimental research linked to observations on exhumed fault zones in carbonate rocks. From the analysis of these accumulated results we identify the meso and microstructural deformation styles in carbonates rocks and link them to the lithology of the protolith and their potential as seismic indicators. Although there has been significant success in the laboratory reproduction of deformation structures observed in the field, the range of slip rates and dynamic friction under which most of the potential seismic indicators is formed in the laboratory urges caution when using them as a diagnostic for seismic slip. We finally outline what we think are key topics for future research that would lead to a more in-depth understanding of the record of seismic slip in carbonate rocks.

Distribution of manganese between coexisting biotite and hornblende in plutonic rocks

USGS Publications Warehouse

Greenland, L.P.; Gottfried, D.; Tilling, R.I.

1968-01-01

The distribution of manganese between coexisting biotite and hornblende for 80 mineral pairs from igneous rocks of diverse provenance (including Southern California, Sierra Nevada, Boulder, and Boulder Creek batholiths and the Jemez Mountains volcanics) has been determined by neutron activation analysis. Data on the distribution ratio (Kd = Mnhornblende Mnbiotite) indicate that an equilibrium distribution of Mn is closely approached, though not completely attained, in most samples from plutonic environments. Comparison of Kd values of mineral pairs with bulk chemical composition of host rocks reveals no correlation. Because initial crystallization temperatures vary with rock composition, the lack of correlation of composition with Kd suggests that the equilibrium distribution of Mn between biotite and hornblende reflects exchange at subsolidus temperatures rather than initial crystallization temperatures. The highest Kd values are for volcanic rocks, in which rapid quenching prevents subsolidus redistribution of Mn. For sample pairs from the Southern California and Sierra Nevada batholiths there is a positive correlation of Kd with TiO2 content of biotite. Though the evidence is not compelling, Kd may also correlate with the rate of cooling and/or the presence or absence of sphene in the rock. ?? 1968.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Trofanenko, J.; Williams-Jones, A. E.; Simandl, G. J.

The Wicheeda carbonatite is a deformed plug or sill that hosts relatively high grade light rare earth elements (LREE) mineralization in the British Columbia alkaline province. It was emplaced within metasedimentary rocks belonging to the Kechika Group, which have been altered to potassic fenite near the intrusion and sodic fenite at greater distances from it. The intrusion comprises a ferroan dolomite carbonatite core, which passes gradationally outward into calcite carbonatite. The potentially economic REE mineralization is hosted by the dolomite carbonatite. We recognized three types of dolomite. Dolomite constitutes the bulk of the dolomite carbonatite, dolomite replaced dolomite near veinsmore » and vugs, and dolomite occurs in veins and vugs together with the REE mineralization. Carbon and oxygen isotope ratios indicate that the calcite carbonatite crystallized from a magma of mantle origin, that dolomite is of primary igneous origin, that dolomite has a largely igneous signature with a small hydrothermal component, and that dolomite is of hydrothermal origin. Furthermore, the REE minerals comprise REE fluorocarbonates, ancylite-(Ce), and monazite-(Ce). In addition to dolomite, they occur with barite, molybdenite, pyrite, and thorite. Minor concentrations of niobium are present as magmatic pyrochlore in the calcite carbonatite. model is proposed in which crystallization of calcite carbonatite preceded that of dolomite carbonatite. During crystallization of the latter, an aqueous-carbonic fluid was exsolved, which mobilized the REE as chloride complexes into vugs and fractures in the dolomite carbonatite, where they precipitated mainly in response to the increase in pH that accompanied fluid-rock interaction and, in the case of the REE fluorocarbonates, decreasing temperature. These fluids altered the host metasedimentary rock to potassic fenite adjacent to the carbonatite and, distal to it, they mixed with formational waters to produce sodic fenite.« less

A complex magma mixing origin for rocks erupted in 1915, Lassen Peak, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Clynne, M.A.

1999-01-01

The eruption of Lassen Peak in May 1915 produced four volcanic rock types within 3 days, and in the following order: (1) hybrid black dacite lava containing (2) undercooled andesitic inclusions, (3) compositionally banded pumice with dark andesite and light dacite bands, and (4) unbanded light dacite. All types represent stages of a complex mixing process between basaltic andesite and dacite that was interrupted by the eruption. They contain disequilibrium phenocryst assemblages characterized by the co-existence of magnesian olivine and quartz and by reacted and unreacted phenocrysts derived from the dacite. The petrography and crystal chemistry of the phenocrysts and the variation in rock compositions indicate that basaltic andesite intruded dacite magma and partially hybridized with it. Phenocrysts from the dacite magma were reacted. Cooling, cyrstallization, and vesiculation of the hybrid andesite magma converted it to a layer of mafic foam. The decreased density of the andesite magma destabilized and disrupted the foam. Blobs of foam rose into and were further cooled by the overlying dacite magma, forming the andesitic inclusions. Disaggregation of andesitic inclusions in the host dacite produced the black dacite and light dacite magmas. Formation of foam was a dynamic process. Removal of foam propagated the foam layer downward into the hybrid andesite magma. Eventually the thermal and compositional contrasts between the hybrid andesite and black dacite magmas were reduced. Then, they mixed directly, forming the dark andesite magma. About 40-50% andesitic inclusions were disaggregated into the host dacite to produce the hybrid black dacite. Thus, disaggregation of inclusions into small fragments and individual crystals can be an efficient magma-mixing process. Disaggregation of undercooled inclusions carrying reacted host-magma phenocrysts produces co-existing reacted and unreacted phenocrysts populations.

Chemistry of diagenetic features analyzed by ChemCam at Pahrump Hills, Gale crater, Mars

DOE PAGES

Nachon, M.; Mangold, N.; Forni, O.; ...

2017-09-01

The Curiosity rover's campaign at Pahrump Hills provides the first analyses of lower Mount Sharp strata. We report ChemCam elemental composition of a diverse assemblage of post-depositional features embedded in, or cross-cutting, the host rock. ChemCam results demonstrate their compositional diversity, especially compared to the surrounding host rock: (i) Dendritic aggregates and relief enhanced features, characterized by a magnesium enhancement and sulfur detection, and interpreted as Mg-sulfates; (ii) A localized observation that displays iron enrichment associated with sulfur, interpreted as Fe-sulfate; (iii) Dark raised ridges with varying Mg- and Ca-enriched compositions compared to host rock; (iv) Several dark-toned veins withmore » calcium enhancement associated with fluorine detection, interpreted as fluorite veins. (v) Light-toned veins with enhanced calcium associated with sulfur detection, and interpreted as Ca-sulfates. The diversity of the Pahrump Hills diagenetic assemblage suggests a complex post-depositional history for fine-grained sediments for which the origin has been interpreted as fluvial and lacustrine. Assessment of the spatial and relative temporal distribution of these features shows that the Mg-sulfate features are predominant in the lower part of the section, suggesting local modification of the sediments by early diagenetic fluids. Conversely, light-toned Ca-sulfate veins occur in the whole section and cross-cut all other features. A relatively late stage shift in geochemical conditions could explain this observation. The Pahrump Hills diagenetic features have no equivalent compared to targets analyzed in other locations at Gale crater. Only the light-toned Ca-sulfate veins are present elsewhere, along Curiosity's path, suggesting they formed through a common late-stage process that occurred at over a broad area.« less

Chemistry of diagenetic features analyzed by ChemCam at Pahrump Hills, Gale crater, Mars

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nachon, M.; Mangold, N.; Forni, O.

The Curiosity rover's campaign at Pahrump Hills provides the first analyses of lower Mount Sharp strata. We report ChemCam elemental composition of a diverse assemblage of post-depositional features embedded in, or cross-cutting, the host rock. ChemCam results demonstrate their compositional diversity, especially compared to the surrounding host rock: (i) Dendritic aggregates and relief enhanced features, characterized by a magnesium enhancement and sulfur detection, and interpreted as Mg-sulfates; (ii) A localized observation that displays iron enrichment associated with sulfur, interpreted as Fe-sulfate; (iii) Dark raised ridges with varying Mg- and Ca-enriched compositions compared to host rock; (iv) Several dark-toned veins withmore » calcium enhancement associated with fluorine detection, interpreted as fluorite veins. (v) Light-toned veins with enhanced calcium associated with sulfur detection, and interpreted as Ca-sulfates. The diversity of the Pahrump Hills diagenetic assemblage suggests a complex post-depositional history for fine-grained sediments for which the origin has been interpreted as fluvial and lacustrine. Assessment of the spatial and relative temporal distribution of these features shows that the Mg-sulfate features are predominant in the lower part of the section, suggesting local modification of the sediments by early diagenetic fluids. Conversely, light-toned Ca-sulfate veins occur in the whole section and cross-cut all other features. A relatively late stage shift in geochemical conditions could explain this observation. The Pahrump Hills diagenetic features have no equivalent compared to targets analyzed in other locations at Gale crater. Only the light-toned Ca-sulfate veins are present elsewhere, along Curiosity's path, suggesting they formed through a common late-stage process that occurred at over a broad area.« less

Temporal evolution of mineralization events in the Bohemian Massif inferred from the Re-Os geochronology of molybdenite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ackerman, Lukáš; Haluzová, Eva; Creaser, Robert A.; Pašava, Jan; Veselovský, František; Breiter, Karel; Erban, Vojtěch; Drábek, Milan

2017-06-01

Molybdenite is a common mineral accompanying Sn-W, Au, and base metal mineralizations located in different geotectonic units of the Bohemian Massif, but it is also widespread in granitoids and/or related quartz veins/pegmatites forming disseminated Mo mineralization. Thirty Re-Os ages were obtained for molybdenite samples from the Bohemian Massif to provide constraints on the timing and duration of mineralization event(s) within the framework of previously published geochronological data for the host and/or associated rocks. The obtained data for Sn-W-(Li) deposits in the Erzgebirge metallogenetic province indicate the predominance of one and/or multiple short-time mineralization events taking place between ˜319 and 323 Ma, with the exception of the Krupka deposit associated with the Altenberg-Teplice caldera where the data may suggest prolonged activity until ˜315 Ma. The ages of the Pb-Zn-(Au-Mo) Hůrky u Rakovníka and Fe-Cu-As Obří důl mineralizations from the exocontacts of the Čistá pluton and Krkonoše-Jizera Plutonic Complex, respectively, provide evidence for synchronous emplacement of the ore and the associated granitic rocks. In contrast, the Padrť Fe-As-Mo mineralization postdates the age of the associated Padrť granite. Disseminated Mo mineralization in Cadomian and Variscan granitoids and/or related to quartz veins/pegmatites provides Re-Os ages that overlap with the previously published geochronological data for the host rocks, suggesting coeval evolution. Molybdenite samples from the Sázava suite granites of the Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex (CBPC) have resolvable younger ages than their host granites, but similar to the age of spatially related Au mineralization which is associated with the latest evolution of the CBPC.

Mineral chemistry of magnetite from magnetite-apatite mineralization and their host rocks: examples from Kiruna, Sweden, and El Laco, Chile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Broughm, Shannon G.; Hanchar, John M.; Tornos, Fernando; Westhues, Anne; Attersley, Samuel

2017-12-01

Interpretation of the mineralizing environment of magnetite-apatite deposits remains controversial with theories that include a hydrothermal or magmatic origin or a combination of those two processes. To address this controversy, we have analyzed the trace element content of magnetite from precisely known geographic locations and geologic environments from the Precambrian magnetite-apatite ore and host rocks in Kiruna, Sweden, and the Pliocene-Holocene El Laco volcano in the Atacama desert of Chile. Magnetite samples from Kiruna have low trace element concentrations with little chemical variation between the ore, host, and related intrusive rocks. Magnetite from andesite at El Laco, and dacite from the nearby Láscar volcano, has high trace element concentrations typical of magmatic magnetite. El Laco ore magnetite have low trace element concentrations and displays growth zoning in incompatible elements (Si, Ca, and Ce), compatible elements (Mg, Al, and Mn), large-ion lithophile element (Sr), and high field strength element (Y, Nb, and Th). The El Laco ore magnetite are similar in composition to magnetite that has been previously interpreted to have crystallized from hydrothermal fluids; however, there is a significant difference in the internal zoning patterns. At El Laco, each zoned element is either enriched or depleted in the same layers, suggesting the magnetite crystallized from a volatile-rich, iron-oxide melt. In general, the compositions of magnetite from these two deposits plot in very wide fields that are not restricted to the proposed fields in published discriminant diagrams. This suggests that the use of these diagrams and genetic models based on them should be used with caution.

Comparative anatomy of epithermal precious- and base-metal districts hosted by volcanic rocks: A talk presented at the GAC/MSC/GGU Joint Annual Meeting, May 11-13, 1983, Victoria, British Columbia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Heald-Wetlaufer, Pamela; Hayba, Daniel O.; Foley, Nora K.; Goss, J.A.

1983-01-01

In order to distinguish dissimilar from similar features of epithermal districts, lithotectonic, mineralogical and geochemical traits are compiled for 15 such districts. The districts occur in structurally complex settings associated with silicic to intermediate volcanics. Affiliation with subduction environments on a continental scale and caldera settings on a regional scale is common but is not demonstrable for all districts. Most deposits formed near the end of major volcanism, but some formed considerably later. Paleodepth to the top of the ore is 300-600m for most districts, although Au-rich districts appear to be shallower. The lateral extent of the ore zone is highly variable and far exceeds the limited vertical range (300-800m). Most ore was deposited from dominantly meteoric fluids ranging in temperature from 220°-290°C. Salinities ranged from 0-13 wt% NaCl equiv., and typical values were 1-3 wt%. Although noted for eight deposits, boiling is clearly associated with precious-metal deposition in only two deposits. Four districts, typified by Goldfield, Nev., are characterized by a highly sulfidized mineral assemblage, advanced argillic alteration, and ore deposition closely following emplacement of the host rock. The remaining eleven districts highlight a second, discrete type of deposit. They contain adularia, exhibit sericitic ± argillic alteration, and were mineralized significantly after emplacement of the host rock. The latter category includes two subgroups: Ag- and base-metal-rich deposits (e.g., Creede, Colo.), and Au-rich, base-metal-poor deposits (e.g., Round Mtn., Nev.).

Noble gases fingerprint a metasedimentary fluid source in the Macraes orogenic gold deposit, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goodwin, Nicholas R. J.; Burgess, Ray; Craw, Dave; Teagle, Damon A. H.; Ballentine, Chris J.

2017-02-01

The world-class Macraes orogenic gold deposit (˜10 Moz resource) formed during the late metamorphic uplift of a metasedimentary schist belt in southern New Zealand. Mineralising fluids, metals and metalloids were derived from within the metasedimentary host. Helium and argon extracted from fluid inclusions in sulphide mineral grains (three crush extractions from one sample) have crustal signatures, with no evidence for mantle input (R/Ra = 0.03). Xenon extracted from mineralised quartz samples provides evidence for extensive interaction between fluid and maturing organic material within the metasedimentary host rocks, with 132Xe/36Ar ratios up to 200 times greater than air. Similarly, I/Cl ratios for fluids extracted from mineralised quartz are similar to those of brines from marine sediments that have interacted with organic matter and are ten times higher than typical magmatic/mantle fluids. The Macraes mineralising fluids were compositionally variable, reflecting either mixing of two different crustal fluids in the metasedimentary pile or a single fluid type that has had varying degrees of interaction with the host metasediments. Evidence for additional input of meteoric water is equivocal, but minor meteoric incursion cannot be discounted. The Macraes deposit formed in a metasedimentary belt without associated coeval magmatism, and therefore represents a purely crustal metamorphogenic end member in a spectrum of orogenic hydrothermal processes that can include magmatic and/or mantle fluid input elsewhere in the world. There is no evidence for involvement of minor intercalated metabasic rocks in the Macraes mineralising system. Hydrothermal fluids that formed other, smaller, orogenic deposits in the same metamorphic belt have less pronounced noble gas and halogen evidence for crustal fluid-rock interaction than at Macraes, but these deposits also formed from broadly similar metamorphogenic processes.

Interpretation of zircon coronae textures from metapelitic granulites of the Ivrea-Verbano Zone, northern Italy: two-stage decomposition of Fe-Ti oxides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovaleva, Elizaveta; Austrheim, Håkon O.; Klötzli, Urs S.

2017-07-01

In this study, we report the occurrence of zircon coronae textures in metapelitic granulites of the Ivrea-Verbano Zone. Unusual zircon textures are spatially associated with Fe-Ti oxides and occur as (1) vermicular-shaped aggregates 50-200 µm long and 5-20 µm thick and as (2) zircon coronae and fine-grained chains, hundreds of micrometers long and ≤ 1 µm thick, spatially associated with the larger zircon grains. Formation of such textures is a result of zircon precipitation during cooling after peak metamorphic conditions, which involved: (1) decomposition of Zr-rich ilmenite to Zr-bearing rutile, and formation of the vermicular-shaped zircon during retrograde metamorphism and hydration; and (2) recrystallization of Zr-bearing rutile to Zr-depleted rutile intergrown with quartz, and precipitation of the submicron-thick zircon coronae during further exhumation and cooling. We also observed hat-shaped grains that are composed of preexisting zircon overgrown by zircon coronae during stage (2). Formation of vermicular zircon (1) preceded ductile and brittle deformation of the host rock, as vermicular zircon is found both plastically and cataclastically deformed. Formation of thin zircon coronae (2) was coeval with, or immediately after, brittle deformation as coronae are found to fill fractures in the host rock. The latter is evidence of local, fluid-aided mobility of Zr. This study demonstrates that metamorphic zircon can nucleate and grow as a result of hydration reactions and mineral breakdown during cooling after granulite-facies metamorphism. Zircon coronae textures indicate metamorphic reactions in the host rock and establish the direction of the reaction front.

The Nature and Origin of the REE Mineralization in the Wicheeda Carbonatite, British Columbia, Canada

DOE PAGES

Trofanenko, J.; Williams-Jones, A. E.; Simandl, G. J.; ...

2016-01-01

The Wicheeda carbonatite is a deformed plug or sill that hosts relatively high grade light rare earth elements (LREE) mineralization in the British Columbia alkaline province. It was emplaced within metasedimentary rocks belonging to the Kechika Group, which have been altered to potassic fenite near the intrusion and sodic fenite at greater distances from it. The intrusion comprises a ferroan dolomite carbonatite core, which passes gradationally outward into calcite carbonatite. The potentially economic REE mineralization is hosted by the dolomite carbonatite. We recognized three types of dolomite. Dolomite constitutes the bulk of the dolomite carbonatite, dolomite replaced dolomite near veinsmore » and vugs, and dolomite occurs in veins and vugs together with the REE mineralization. Carbon and oxygen isotope ratios indicate that the calcite carbonatite crystallized from a magma of mantle origin, that dolomite is of primary igneous origin, that dolomite has a largely igneous signature with a small hydrothermal component, and that dolomite is of hydrothermal origin. Furthermore, the REE minerals comprise REE fluorocarbonates, ancylite-(Ce), and monazite-(Ce). In addition to dolomite, they occur with barite, molybdenite, pyrite, and thorite. Minor concentrations of niobium are present as magmatic pyrochlore in the calcite carbonatite. model is proposed in which crystallization of calcite carbonatite preceded that of dolomite carbonatite. During crystallization of the latter, an aqueous-carbonic fluid was exsolved, which mobilized the REE as chloride complexes into vugs and fractures in the dolomite carbonatite, where they precipitated mainly in response to the increase in pH that accompanied fluid-rock interaction and, in the case of the REE fluorocarbonates, decreasing temperature. These fluids altered the host metasedimentary rock to potassic fenite adjacent to the carbonatite and, distal to it, they mixed with formational waters to produce sodic fenite.« less

U-Pb zircon geochronologycal investigation on the Morro dos Seis Lagos Carbonatite Complex and associated Nb deposit (Amazonas, Brazil)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rossoni, Marco B.; Bastos Neto, Artur C.; Souza, Valmir S.; Marques, Juliana C.; Dantas, Elton; Botelho, Nilson F.; Giovannini, Arthur L.; Pereira, Vitor P.

2017-12-01

We present results of U-Pb dating (by MC-ICP-MS) of zircons from samples that cover all of the known lithotypes in the Seis Lagos Carbonatite Complex and associated lateritic mineralization (the Morro dos Seis Lagos Nb deposit). The host rock (gneiss) yielded an age of 1828 ± 09 Ma interpreted as the crystallization time of this unit. The altered feldspar vein in the same gneiss yielded an age of 1839 ± 29 Ma. Carbonatite samples provided 3 groups of ages. The first group comprises inherited zircons with ages compatible with the gneissic host rock: 1819 ± 10 Ma (superior intercept), 1826 ± 5 Ma (concordant age), and 1812 ± 27 Ma (superior intercept), all from the Orosirian. The second and the third group of ages are from the same carbonatite sample: the superior intercept age of 1525 ± 21 Ma (MSWD = 0.77) and the superior intercept age of 1328 ± 58 Ma (MSWD = 1.4). The mineralogical study indicates that the ∼1.3 Ga zircons have affinity with carbonatite. It is, however, a tendence rather than a well-defined result. The data allow state that the age of 1328 ± 58 Ma represents the maximum age of the carbonatite. Without the same certainty, we consider that the data suggest that this age may be the carbonatite age, whose emplacement would have been related to the evolution of the K'Mudku belt. The best age obtained in laterite samples (a superior intercept age of 1828 ± 12 Ma) is considered the age of the main source for the inherited zircons related to the gneissic host rock.

Chemistry of diagenetic features analyzed by ChemCam at Pahrump Hills, Gale crater, Mars

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nachon, Marion; Mangold, Nicolas; Forni, Olivier; Kah, Linda C.; Cousin, Agnes; Wiens, Roger C.; Anderson, Ryan; Blaney, Diana L.; Blank, Jen G.; Calef, Fred J.; Clegg, Samuel M.; Fabre, Cecile; Fisk, Martin R.; Gasnault, Olivier; Grotzinger, John P.; Kronyak, Rachel; Lanza, Nina L.; Lasue, Jeremie; Le Deit, Laetitia; Le Mouelic, Stephane; Maurice, Sylvestre; Meslin, Pierre-Yves; Oehler, D. Z.; Payre, Valerie; Rapin, William; Schroder, Susanne; Stack, Katherine M.; Sumner, Dawn

2017-01-01

The Curiosity rover's campaign at Pahrump Hills provides the first analyses of lower Mount Sharp strata. Here we report ChemCam elemental composition of a diverse assemblage of post-depositional features embedded in, or cross-cutting, the host rock. ChemCam results demonstrate their compositional diversity, especially compared to the surrounding host rock: (i) Dendritic aggregates and relief enhanced features, characterized by a magnesium enhancement and sulfur detection, and interpreted as Mg-sulfates; (ii) A localized observation that displays iron enrichment associated with sulfur, interpreted as Fe-sulfate; (iii) Dark raised ridges with varying Mg- and Ca-enriched compositions compared to host rock; (iv) Several dark-toned veins with calcium enhancement associated with fluorine detection, interpreted as fluorite veins. (v) Light-toned veins with enhanced calcium associated with sulfur detection, and interpreted as Ca-sulfates. The diversity of the Pahrump Hills diagenetic assemblage suggests a complex post-depositional history for fine-grained sediments for which the origin has been interpreted as fluvial and lacustrine. Assessment of the spatial and relative temporal distribution of these features shows that the Mg-sulfate features are predominant in the lower part of the section, suggesting local modification of the sediments by early diagenetic fluids. In contrast, light-toned Ca-sulfate veins occur in the whole section and cross-cut all other features. A relatively late stage shift in geochemical conditions could explain this observation. The Pahrump Hills diagenetic features have no equivalent compared to targets analyzed in other locations at Gale crater. Only the light-toned Ca-sulfate veins are present elsewhere, along Curiosity's path, suggesting they formed through a common late-stage process that occurred at over a broad area.

Mesoproterozoic graphite deposits, New Jersey Highlands: Geologic and stable isotopic evidence for possible algal origins

USGS Publications Warehouse

Volkert, R.A.

2000-01-01

Graphite deposits of Mesoproterozoic age are locally abundant in the eastern New Jersey Highlands, where they are hosted by sulphidic biotite-quartz-feldspar gneiss, metaquartzite, and anatectic pegmatite. Gneiss and metaquartzite represent a shallow marine shelf sequence of locally organic-rich sand and mud. Graphite from massive deposits within metaquartzite yielded ??13C values of -26 ?? 2??? (1??), and graphite from massive deposits within biotite-quartz-feldspar gneiss yielded ??13C values of -23 ??4???. Disseminated graphite from biotite-quartz-feldspar gneiss country rock was -22 ??3???, indistinguishable from the massive deposits hosted by the same lithology. Anatectic pegmatite is graphitic only where generated from graphite-bearing host rocks; one sample gave a ??13C value of -15???. The ??34S values of trace pyrrhotite are uniform within individual deposits, but vary from 0 to 9??? from one deposit to another. Apart from pegmatitic occurrences, evidence is lacking for long-range mobilization of carbon during Grenvillian orogenesis or post-Grenvillian tectonism. The field, petrographic, and isotope data suggest that massive graphite was formed by granulite-facies metamorphism of Proterozoic accumulations of sedimentary organic matter, possibly algal mats. Preservation of these accumulations in the sedimentary environment requires anoxic basin waters or rapid burial. Anoxia would also favour the accumulation of dissolved ferrous iron in basin waters, which may explain some of the metasediment-hosted massive magnetite deposits in the New Jersey Highlands. ?? 2000 NRC.

Evolution and tectonic setting of the Malani - Nagarparkar Igneous Suite: A Neoproterozoic Silicic-dominated Large Igneous Province in NW India-SE Pakistan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Wall, Helga; Pandit, Manoj K.; Donhauser, Ines; Schöbel, Stefan; Wang, Wei; Sharma, Kamal K.

2018-07-01

The Neoproterozoic Malani Igneous Suite (MIS) in NW India, along with analogous magmatic rocks from the adjoining Nagarparkar region in SE Pakistan can be collectively classified as a Silicic-dominated Large Igneous Province (SLIP). This magmatic event includes bimodal (predominantly felsic) volcanism, granite emplacement and felsic and mafic dyke intrusions. Felsic rocks have typical A-type affinity as indicated by high abundance of silica, alkali, high field strength and large ion lithophile element concentrations and low CaO and MgO contents. Their Nb negative anomalies and Zr-saturation parameters indicate significant crustal input and high temperature melting. Mafic volcanics and dykes show geochemical homogeneity and derivation from a depleted continental mantle source without any significant crustal contamination (low U and Th contents and no visible Nb anomaly). The region extending from the Mount Abu batholith in the east to Jaswantpura in the west (2700 km2), representing a transition from the metamorphic Sirohi terrane to the undeformed MIS, was evaluated through an integrated structural (including satellite image analysis), geochemical and geochronological study. During the initial stage (prior to 760 Ma) the granitic basement (Erinpura granites) and overlying Sirohi metasediments behaved in a brittle manner that led to development of linear fractures and NNE trending rift structures, and bimodal volcanic activity. Emplacement of voluminous granitic bodies in response to progressive extension of the crust is inferred during the more evolved second stage (younger than 760 Ma). Mirpur Granite, a representative of this younger granitic suite (Jalor type pink granite) has yielded 753 ± 9 Ma zircon, U-Pb, crystallization age. Granitic plutons mark regions of crustal extension, as seen in parallel alignment of plutonic bodies (Jaswantpura granitic belt) and parallel mafic dyke swarms (340°) transecting the granites. Structural analysis further identified an episode of crustal convergence which is documented in folding and faulting of the Sindreth Basin sequence and in tectonic overprint of early stage mafic rocks. Rifting and bimodal magmatic activity in MIS is coeval with similar rock types in Nagarparkar in SE Pakistan, further traceable into the Seychelles microplate and Central Madagascar. Considering the Neoproterozoic paleogeography and our observations, an extensional setting and an active continental margin position for MIS is inferred.

Preliminary Geologic Map of Mount Pagan Volcano, Pagan Island, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Trusdell, Frank A.; Moore, Richard B.; Sako, Maurice K.

2006-01-01

Pagan Island is the subaerial portion of two adjoining Quaternary stratovolcanoes near the middle of the active Mariana Arc, [FAT1]north of Saipan. Pagan and the other volcanic islands that constitute part of the Arc form the northern half of the East Mariana Ridge[FAT2], which extends about 2-4 km above the ocean floor. The > 6-km-deep Mariana Trench adjoins the East Mariana Ridge on the east, and the Mariana Trough, partly filled with young lava flows and volcaniclastic sediment, lies on the west of the Northern Mariana Islands (East Mariana Ridge. The submarine West Mariana Ridge, Tertiary in age, bounds the western side of the Mariana Trough. The Mariana Trench and Northern Mariana Islands (East Mariana Ridge) overlie an active subduction zone where the Pacific Plate, moving northwest at about 10.3 cm/year, is passing beneath the Philippine Plate, moving west-northwest at 6.8 cm/year. Beneath the Northern Mariana Islands, earthquake hypocenters at depths of 50-250 km identify the location of the west-dipping subduction zone, which farther west becomes nearly vertical and extends to 700 km depth. During the past century, more than 40 earthquakes of magnitude 6.5-8.1 have shaken the Mariana Trench. The Mariana Islands form two sub-parallel, concentric, concave-west arcs. The southern islands comprise the outer arc and extend north from Guam to Farallon de Medinilla. They consist of Eocene to Miocene volcanic rocks and uplifted Tertiary and Quaternary limestone. The nine northern islands extend from Anatahan to Farallon de Pajaros and form part of the inner arc. The active inner arc extends south from Anatahan, where volcanoes, some of which are active, form seamounts west of the older outer arc. Other volcanic seamounts of the active arc surmount the East Mariana Ridge in the vicinity of Anatahan and Sarigan and north and south of Farallon de Pajaros. Six volcanoes (Farallon de Pajaros, Asuncion, Agrigan, Mount Pagan, Guguan, and Anatahan) in the northern islands have erupted during the past century, and Ruby Seamount erupted in 1996.

Semi-automatic mapping of fault rocks on a Digital Outcrop Model, Gole Larghe Fault Zone (Southern Alps, Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vho, Alice; Bistacchi, Andrea

2015-04-01

A quantitative analysis of fault-rock distribution is of paramount importance for studies of fault zone architecture, fault and earthquake mechanics, and fluid circulation along faults at depth. Here we present a semi-automatic workflow for fault-rock mapping on a Digital Outcrop Model (DOM). This workflow has been developed on a real case of study: the strike-slip Gole Larghe Fault Zone (GLFZ). It consists of a fault zone exhumed from ca. 10 km depth, hosted in granitoid rocks of Adamello batholith (Italian Southern Alps). Individual seismogenic slip surfaces generally show green cataclasites (cemented by the precipitation of epidote and K-feldspar from hydrothermal fluids) and more or less well preserved pseudotachylytes (black when well preserved, greenish to white when altered). First of all, a digital model for the outcrop is reconstructed with photogrammetric techniques, using a large number of high resolution digital photographs, processed with VisualSFM software. By using high resolution photographs the DOM can have a much higher resolution than with LIDAR surveys, up to 0.2 mm/pixel. Then, image processing is performed to map the fault-rock distribution with the ImageJ-Fiji package. Green cataclasites and epidote/K-feldspar veins can be quite easily separated from the host rock (tonalite) using spectral analysis. Particularly, band ratio and principal component analysis have been tested successfully. The mapping of black pseudotachylyte veins is more tricky because the differences between the pseudotachylyte and biotite spectral signature are not appreciable. For this reason we have tested different morphological processing tools aimed at identifying (and subtracting) the tiny biotite grains. We propose a solution based on binary images involving a combination of size and circularity thresholds. Comparing the results with manually segmented images, we noticed that major problems occur only when pseudotachylyte veins are very thin and discontinuous. After having tested and refined the image analysis processing for some typical images, we have recorded a macro with ImageJ-Fiji allowing to process all the images for a given DOM. As a result, the three different types of rocks can be semi-automatically mapped on large DOMs using a simple and efficient procedure. This allows to develop quantitative analyses of fault rock distribution and thickness, fault trace roughness/curvature and length, fault zone architecture, and alteration halos due to hydrothermal fluid-rock interaction. To improve our workflow, additional or different morphological operators could be integrated in our procedure to yield a better resolution on small and thin pseudotachylyte veins (e.g. perimeter/area ratio).

Geologic map of the Dusar area, Herat Province, Afghanistan; Modified from the 1973 original map compilations of V.I. Tarasenko and others

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tucker, Robert D.; Stettner, Will R.; Masonic, Linda M.; Bogdanow, Anya K.

2017-10-24

The geologic maps and cross sections presented in this report are redrafted and modified versions of the Geologic map and map of useful minerals of the Dusar area (scale 1:50,000) and Geologic sketch map of the Dusar and Namak-sory ore occurrences (scale 1:10,000), located in the Herat Province, Afghanistan. The original maps and cross sections are contained in unpublished Soviet report no. 0290 (Tarasenko and others, 1973) prepared in cooperation with the Ministry of Mines and Industries of the Royal Government of Afghanistan, in Kabul during 1973 under contract no. 50728. The redrafted maps and cross sections (modified from Tarasenko and others, 1973) illustrate the geological structure and mineral occurrences of the Dusar copper-gold-silver-lead-zinc prospect area of western Afghanistan, located within the Dusar-Shaida copper and tin area of interest (AOI), Herat Province, Afghanistan.Mineralization in the Dusar area is hosted within Early Jurassic to Early Cretaceous stratified volcanic and sedimentary rocks associated with numerous diabase and gabbro-diabase intrusive bodies and is generally near a major northeast-trending system of faults and quartz veins. Host rocks consist of quartz keratophyre and quartz-feldspar porphyry, with layers of schist, phyllite, and quartz-chlorite and chlorite-sericite slate; and limestone and shale, with schist and carbonate-chlorite and chlorite slate. Known mineralization includes an extensive quartz vein system, shown on the map as the “northern occurrence,” as well as the Dusar and Namak-sory gossan zones, interpreted to have formed from remnant pyrite mineralization. The veins of the northern occurrence and their altered host rocks are known to contain anomalous to economic concentrations of precious and base metals, with concentrations locally in excess of 2 parts per million gold, 100 parts per million silver, 5 percent copper, and 1 percent lead. These veins occur in swarms, and are hosted along structures that are approximately concordant with the plane of the metamorphic fabric. The veins consist mostly of quartz, with minor carbonate and sulfide minerals, and display weak alteration halos along their margins. The gossans are locally anomalous in these metals, but their size and extent makes them attractive exploration targets for potential massive sulfide mineralization.The Dusar gossan zone is a massive, ochreous, and siliceous limonitic rock, approximately 2,200 meters long, 30 to 250 meters wide, and 2.0 to 7.2 meters thick. Drilling below the Dusar gossan intersected a siliceous, sericitic, and limonitic rock underlain by quartz keratophyre with abundant disseminated pyrite. Mineralized sections grade 0.06 weight percent copper and up to 0.05 weight percent zinc. The Namak-sory gossan zone contains a similar deposit with anomalous concentrations of copper, zinc, and gold.The redrafted maps and cross sections reproduce the topology of rock units, contacts, and faults of the original Soviet maps and cross sections, and include minor modifications based on examination of the originals and observations made during two brief field visits by USGS staff in August, 2010, and June, 2013.

Geology of the epithermal Ag-Au Huevos Verdes vein system and San José district, Deseado massif, Patagonia, Argentina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dietrich, Andreas; Gutierrez, Ronald; Nelson, Eric P.; Layer, Paul W.

2012-03-01

The San José district is located in the northwest part of the Deseado massif and hosts a number of epithermal Ag-Au quartz veins of intermediate sulfidation style, including the Huevos Verdes vein system. Veins are hosted by andesitic rocks of the Bajo Pobre Formation and locally by rhyodacitic pyroclastic rocks of the Chon Aike Formation. New 40Ar/39Ar constraints on the age of host rocks and mineralization define Late Jurassic ages of 151.3 ± 0.7 Ma to 144.7 ± 0.1 Ma for volcanic rocks of the Bajo Pobre Formation and of 147.6 ± 1.1 Ma for the Chon Aike Formation. Illite ages of the Huevos Verdes vein system of 140.8 ± 0.2 and 140.5 ± 0.3 Ma are 4 m.y. younger than the volcanic host rock unit. These age dates are among the youngest reported for Jurassic volcanism in the Deseado massif and correlate well with the regional context of magmatic and hydrothermal activity. The Huevos Verdes vein system has a strike length of 2,000 m, with several ore shoots along strike. The vein consists of a pre-ore stage and three main ore stages. Early barren quartz and chalcedony are followed by a mottled quartz stage of coarse saccharoidal quartz with irregular streaks and discontinuous bands of sulfide-rich material. The banded quartz-sulfide stage consists of sulfide-rich bands alternating with bands of quartz and bands of chlorite ± illite. Late-stage sulfide-rich veinlets are associated with kaolinite gangue. Ore minerals are argentite and electrum, together with pyrite, sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, minor bornite, covellite, and ruby silver. Wall rock alteration is characterized by narrow (< 3 m) halos of illite and illite/smectite next to veins, grading outward into propylitic alteration. Gangue minerals are dominantly massive quartz intergrown with minor to accessory adularia. Epidote, illite, illite/smectite, and, preferentially at deeper levels, Fe-chlorite gangue indicate near-neutral pH hydrothermal fluids at temperatures of >220°C. Kaolinite occurring with the late sulfide-rich veinlet stage indicates pH < 4 and a temperature of <200°C. The Huevos Verdes system has an overall strike of 325°, dipping on average 65° NE. The orientations of individual ore shoots are controlled by vein strike and intersecting north-northwest-striking faults. We propose a structural model for the time of mineralization of the San José district, consisting of a conjugate shear pair of sinistral north-northwest- and dextral west-northwest-striking faults that correspond to R and R' in the Riedel shear model and that are related to master faults (M) of north-northeast-strike. Veins of 315° strike can be interpreted as nearly pure extensional fractures (T). Variations in vein strike predict an induced sinistral shear component for strike directions of >315°, whereas strike directions of <315° are predicted with an induced dextral strike-slip movement. The components of the structural model appear to be present on a regional scale and are not restricted to the San José district.

FLUID EVOLUTION AND MINERAL REACTIONS DURING SHEAR ZONE FORMATION AT NUSFJORD, LOFOTEN, NORWAY (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kullerud, K.

2009-12-01

At Nusfjord in Lofoten, Norway, three 0.3 - 3 m thick shear zones occur in a gabbro-anorthosite. During deformation, the shear zones were infiltrated by a hydrous fluid enriched in Cl. In the central parts of the shear zones, fluid-rock interaction resulted in complete break-down of the primary mafic silicates. Complete hydration of these minerals to Cl-free amphibole and biotite suggests that the hydrous fluid was present in excess during deformation in these parts of the shear zones. Along the margins of the shear zones, however, the igneous mafic silicates (Cpx, Bt, Opx) were only partly overgrown by hydrous minerals. Here, Cl-enriched minerals (Amph, Bt, Scp, Ap) can be observed. Amphibole shows compositions covering the range 0.1 - 4.0 wt % Cl within single thin sections. Mineral textures and extreme compositional variations of the Cl-bearing minerals indicate large chemical gradients of the fluid phase. Relics of primary mafic silicates and compositionally zoned reaction coronas around primary mafic silicates suggest that the free fluid was totally consumed before the alteration of the primary phases were completed. The extreme variations in the Cl-content of amphibole are inferred to monitor a gradual desiccation of the Cl-bearing grain-boundary fluid during fluid-mineral reactions accordingly: 1) The first amphibole that formed during the reactions principally extracted water from the fluid, resulting in a slight increase in the Cl content of the fluid. 2) Continued amphibole-forming reactions resulted in gradual consumption of the free fluid phase, principally by extracting water from the fluid, resulting in an increase in its Cl-content. Higher Cl-content of the fluid resulted in higher Cl-content of the equilibrium amphibole. 3) The most Cl-enriched amphibole (4 wt % Cl) formed in equilibrium with the last volumes of the grain-boundary fluid, which had evolved to a highly saline solution. Mineral reactions within a 1-2 thick zone of the host rock along the contact to the shear zones indicate a more complicated involvement of fluids during shear zone formation than described above. Apparently, fluids have been transported laterally from the outer parts of the shear zones into the gabbro-anorthosite along thin recrystallized zones of plagioclase. The fluid that infiltrated the undeformed host rock of the shear zones resulted in formation of Cl-free amphibole and garnet between the primary mafic minerals and plagioclase. A working hypothesis is that narrow fractures formed within the host rock, outside the sheared rock during shear zone formation. During shear zone formation, the central parts of the shear zones were completely hydrated by an externally derived Cl-bearing hydrous fluid. Some of the fluid migrated to the marginal parts of the shear zones and evolved to a highly saline solution. However, during desiccation of the fluid along the marginal parts of the shear zones, some of the fluid escaped along narrow fractures into the host rock of the shear zones. The Cl-free amphibole that formed from this fluid suggests that the narrow pathways of the fluid provided a path for water transport, but acted as a filter for the much larger ions of Cl.

Study of Deformation Bands in Ignimbrites in Shihtiping, Eastern Taiwan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, S. T.; Huang, W. J.

2014-12-01

Shihtiping is located at the coast of eastern Taiwan, where rocks are the products of subaerial eruption by Chimei Volcano in late Miocene. The major lithology is ignimbrite along with pyroclasts in various sizes. Deformation bands ubiquitously appear in such loose, high-porosity, rocks. This study aims at documenting the occurrence of the deformation bands, understanding their formation mechanism and discussing their tectonic implications. There are two sets of deformation bands with orientations of N60°~80°E and N50°~70°W, respectively, in Shihtiping. The dip angles of both range from 70° to 90°. Commonly, the deformation bands are exposed as single trace or braided trace composed of several individuals. They can be traced easily because they are protruding owning to more weathering-resistant than the host rock. Thickness and separation of single deformation band are in the order of millimeter and millimeter to centimeter, respectively. Thickness of zone of deformation band ranges from few mm to tens of cm and total separation is commonly tens of cm. Based on microscopic examination, mineral assemblages in deformation bands usually include plagioclase, hornblende and augite. Although mineral assemblages are the same as host rock, clasts in deformation bands are rounder and smaller. Thus, it results in closed packing and porosity reduction within deformation bands. Summed up the observations, the deformation bands in Shihtiping were formed by cataclasis and can be classified as cataclastic band. They may reflect the regional paelostress state but not accompanied with any tectonic fault.

Igneous sills record far-field and near-field stress interactions during volcano construction: Isle of Mull, Scotland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stephens, T. L.; Walker, R. J.; Healy, D.; Bubeck, A.; England, R. W.; McCaffrey, K. J. W.

2017-11-01

Sill emplacement is typically associated with horizontally mechanically layered host rocks in a near-hydrostatic far-field stress state, where contrasting mechanical properties across the layers promote transitions from dykes, or inclined sheets, to sills. We used detailed field observations from the Loch Scridain Sill Complex (Isle of Mull, UK), and mechanical models to show that layering is not always the dominant control on sill emplacement. The studied sills have consistently shallow dips (1°-25°) and cut vertically bedded and foliated metamorphic basement rocks, and horizontally bedded cover sedimentary rocks and lavas. Horizontal and shallowly-dipping fractures in the host rock were intruded with vertical opening in all cases, whilst steeply-dipping discontinuities within the sequence (i.e. vertical fractures and foliation in the basement, and vertical polygonal joints in the lavas) were not intruded during sill emplacement. Mechanical models of slip tendency, dilation tendency, and fracture susceptibility for local and overall sill geometry data, support a radial horizontal compression during sill emplacement. Our models show that dykes and sills across Mull were emplaced during NW-SE horizontal shortening, related to a far-field tectonic stress state. The dykes generally accommodated phases of NE-SW horizontal tectonic extension, whereas the sills record the superposition of the far-field stress with a near-field stress state, imposed by emplacement of the Mull Central Volcano. We show that through detailed geometric characterisation coupled with mechanical modelling, sills may be used as an indication of fluctuations in the paleostress state.

Interaction of Rock Minerals with Carbon Dioxide and Brine: A Hydrothermal Investigation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sass, Bruce M.; Gupta, Neeraj; Ickes, Jennifer A.

2002-02-02

This paper presents interim results of a feasibility study on carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}) sequestration in deep saline formations. The focus of the investigation is to examine factors that may affect chemical sequestration of CO{sub 2} in deep saline formations. Findings of the first phase of this investigation were presented in a topical report (Sass et al., 1999a). Preliminary results of the second phase, now underway, have been reported elsewhere (Sass et al., 1999b; 2001). Evaluations of the suitability of Mt. Simon formation for sequestering CO{sub 2} and economic issues are reported by Gupta et al., 1999; 2001; Smith etmore » al., 2001. This study is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) under a Novel Concepts project grant. The overall objectives of Phase II experiments were to determine: (1) the potential for long-term sequestration of CO{sub 2} in deep, regional host rock formations; and (2) the effectiveness of overlying caprock as a barrier against upward migration of the injected CO{sub 2}. To meet these goals, experiments were conducted using rock samples from different potential host reservoirs and overlying rocks. In addition, pure mineral samples were used in some experimental runs to investigate specific mineralogical reactions. Due to space limitations, the scope of this paper will be limited to two types of equilibration experiments using pure minerals. Implications for more complex natural systems will be discussed in the report for Phase II being finalized at this time.« less

Geochemical characteristics of igneous rocks associated with epithermal mineral deposits—A review

USGS Publications Warehouse

du Bray, Edward A.

2017-01-01

Newly synthesized data indicate that the geochemistry of igneous rocks associated with epithermal mineral deposits varies extensively and continuously from subalkaline basaltic to rhyolitic compositions. Trace element and isotopic data for these rocks are consistent with subduction-related magmatism and suggest that the primary source magmas were generated by partial melting of the mantle-wedge above subducting oceanic slabs. Broad geochemical and petrographic diversity of individual igneous rock units associated with epithermal deposits indicate that the associated magmas evolved by open-system processes. Following migration to shallow crustal reservoirs, these magmas evolved by assimilation, recharge, and partial homogenization; these processes contribute to arc magmatism worldwide.Although epithermal deposits with the largest Au and Ag production are associated with felsic to intermediate composition igneous rocks, demonstrable relationships between magmas having any particular composition and epithermal deposit genesis are completely absent because the composition of igneous rock units associated with epithermal deposits ranges from basalt to rhyolite. Consequently, igneous rock compositions do not constitute effective exploration criteria with respect to identification of terranes prospective for epithermal deposit formation. However, the close spatial and temporal association of igneous rocks and epithermal deposits does suggest a mutual genetic relationship. Igneous systems likely contribute heat and some of the fluids and metals involved in epithermal deposit formation. Accordingly, deposit formation requires optimization of source metal contents, appropriate fluid compositions and characteristics, structural features conducive to hydrothermal fluid flow and confinement, and receptive host rocks, but not magmas with special compositional characteristics.

Permissive tracts for sediment-hosted lead-zinc-silver deposits in Mauritania (phase V, deliverable 72): Chapter J1 in Second projet de renforcement institutionnel du secteur minier de la République Islamique de Mauritanie (PRISM-II)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mauk, Jeffrey L.; Horton, John D.

2012-01-01

This report contains the USGS results of the PRISM-II Mauritania Minerals Project and is presented in cooperation with the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy, and Mines of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. The Report is composed of separate chapters consisting of multidisciplinary interpretive reports with accompanying plates on the geology, structure, geochronology, geophysics, hydrogeology, geochemistry, remote sensing (Landsat TM and ASTER), and SRTM and ASTER digital elevation models of Mauritania. The syntheses of these multidisciplinary data formed the basis for additional chapters containing interpretive reports on 12 different commodities and deposit types known to occur in Mauritania, accompanied by countrywide mineral resource potential maps of each commodity/deposit type. The commodities and deposit types represented include: (1) Ni, Cu, PGE, and Cr deposits hosted in ultramafic rocks; (2) orogenic, Carlin-like, and epithermal gold deposits; (3) polymetallic Pb-Zn-Cu vein deposits; (4) sediment-hosted Pb-Zn-Ag deposits of the SEDEX and Mississippi Valley-type; (5) sediment-hosted copper deposits; ( 6) volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits; (7) iron oxide copper-gold deposits; (8) uranium deposits; (9) Algoma-, Superior-, and oolitic-type iron deposits; (10) shoreline Ti-Zr placer deposits; (11) incompatible element deposits hosted in pegmatites, alkaline rocks, and carbonatites, and; (12) industrial mineral deposits. Additional chapters include the Mauritanian National Mineral Deposits Database are accompanied by an explanatory text and the Mauritania Minerals Project GIS that contains all of the interpretive layers created by USGS scientists. Raw data not in the public domain may be obtained from the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy, and Mines in Nouakchott, Mauritania.

Origin of magnetic highs at ultramafic hosted hydrothermal systems: Insights from the Yokoniwa site of Central Indian Ridge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujii, Masakazu; Okino, Kyoko; Sato, Taichi; Sato, Hiroshi; Nakamura, Kentaro

2016-05-01

High-resolution vector magnetic measurements were performed on an inactive ultramafic-hosted hydrothermal vent field, called Yokoniwa Hydrothermal Field (YHF), using a deep-sea manned submersible Shinkai6500 and an autonomous underwater vehicle r2D4. The YHF has developed at a non-transform offset massif of the Central Indian Ridge. Dead chimneys were widely observed around the YHF along with a very weak venting of low-temperature fluids so that hydrothermal activity of the YHF was almost finished. The distribution of crustal magnetization from the magnetic anomaly revealed that the YHF is associated with enhanced magnetization, as seen at the ultramafic-hosted Rainbow and Ashadze-1 hydrothermal sites of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The results of rock magnetic analysis on seafloor rock samples (including basalt, dolerite, gabbro, serpentinized peridotite, and hydrothermal sulfide) showed that only highly serpentinized peridotite carries high magnetic susceptibility and that the natural remanent magnetization intensity can explain the high magnetization of Yokoniwa. These observations reflect abundant and strongly magnetized magnetite grains within the highly serpentinized peridotite. Comparisons with the Rainbow and Ashadze-1 suggest that in ultramafic-hosted hydrothermal systems, strongly magnetized magnetite and pyrrhotite form during the progression of hydrothermal alteration of peridotite. After the completion of serpentinization and production of hydrogen, pyrrhotites convert into pyrite or nonmagnetic iron sulfides, which considerably reduces their levels of magnetization. Our results revealed origins of the magnetic high and the development of subsurface chemical processes in ultramafic-hosted hydrothermal systems. Furthermore, the results highlight the use of near-seafloor magnetic field measurements as a powerful tool for detecting and characterizing seafloor hydrothermal systems.

Controls on the Mobility of Antimony in Mine Waste from Three Deposit Types

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jamieson, H.; Radková, A. B.; Fawcett, S.

2017-12-01

Antimony can be considered both a critical metal and an environmental hazard, with a toxicity similar to arsenic. It is concentrated in stibnite deposits, but also present in polymetallic and precious metal ores, frequently accompanied by arsenic. We have studied the mineralogical controls on the mobility of antimony in three types of mine waste: stibnite tailings from an antimony mine, tetrahedrite-bearing waste rock from copper mining, and gold mine tailings and ore roaster waste. Our results demonstrate that the tendency of antimony to leach into the aqueous environment or remain sequestered in solid phases depends on the primary host minerals and conditions governing the precipitation of secondary antimony-hosting phases. In tailings at the Beaver Brook antimony mine in Newfoundland, Canada, stibnite oxidizes rapidly, and secondary minerals such as the relatively insoluble Sb-Fe tripuhyite-like phase and Sb-bearing goethite. However, under dry conditions, the most important secondary Sb host is the Mg-Sb hydroxide brandholzite, but this easily soluble mineral disappears when it rains. Antimony that was originally hosted in tetrahedrite, a complex multi-element sulfosalt, in the historic waste rock piles at Špania Dolina-Piesky, Slovakia, is not as mobile as Cu and As during weathering but reprecipiates to a mixture of tripuhyite and romeite. Finally, the original antimony-hosting minerals, both stibnite and sulphosalts, in the gold ore at Giant Mine, Yellowknife, Canada were completely destroyed during ore roasting. In tailings-contaminated sediments, antimony persists in roaster-generated iron oxide phases, except under reducing conditions where some of the antimony forms a Sb-S phase. The combined presence of antimony and arsenic in mine waste complicates risk assessment but in general, our findings suggest that antimony is less mobile than arsenic in the environment.

Distribution and compositions of magmatic inclusions in the Mount Helen dome, Lassen Volcanic Center, California: Insights into magma chamber processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feeley, T. C.; Wilson, L. F.; Underwood, S. J.

2008-11-01

Variations in spatial abundances, compositions, and textures of undercooled magmatic inclusions were determined in a glaciated Pleistocene lava dome (Mt. Helen; ~ 0.6 km 3) at the Lassen volcanic center (LVC), southernmost Cascades. Spatial variations were determined by point-counting at 86 locations separated by ~ 100 m on the dome. Major and trace element compositions of host rocks and inclusions at 12 locations along the flow length of the dome were obtained. Important results include the following. (1) Inclusion abundances range from 3-19 vol.%, with the highest values generally located along the little eroded northwestern margin and flow front of the dome. (2) Host rock compositions are markedly uniform across the dome (65.4 +/- 0.4 wt.% SiO 2) indicating that the degree of inclusion disaggregation was uniform, despite large spatial variations in inclusion abundances. (3) Inclusion sizes range from a maximum of ~ 1 m across to mm-sized crystal clots of phenocrysts plus adhering Ca-rich plagioclase microphenocrysts. (4) Inclusions have variable macroscopic textures indicating that partial undercooling both prior to and following entrapment in cooler dacitic host magma were important processes. (5) Inclusions are variably fractionated magmas with large variations in Ni (79-11 ppm) and Cr (87-7 ppm) contents that are lower than presumed mantle-derived melts. Furthermore, large ranges in incompatible trace elements indicate that inclusion compositions also reflect deep processes involving either melting of variable mantle source rocks or assimilation-fractional crystallization. (6) Inclusions are variably mixed magmas (56-61 wt.% SiO 2) that contain up to 50% host dacitic magma. (7) Correlations between Ni and Cr contents in hosts and inclusions from individual outcrops indicate that the effect of inclusion disaggregation and magma mingling on host dacitic magma was local (e.g., < 50 m). These features are interpreted to reflect protracted recharge of diverse composition mafic magmas into the base of a shallow magma reservoir containing a lower layer of compositionally evolving hybrid mafic magma and an upper layer of rhyodacitic magma. Complex interactions among magmas in the upper and lower layers resulted in formation of mafic inclusions by both pre- and post-entrapment undercooling mechanisms, followed by buoyant rise and accumulation near the roof of the reservoir. The main stage of inclusion disaggregation probably occurred in the conduit during eruptive ascent and largely ceased upon surface eruption. We infer that endogenous growth concentrated inclusions along the margins and top of the dome as more inclusion-poor dacite was progressively tapped from deeper regions of the reservoir.

Publications - SR 53 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys

Science.gov Websites

Group; Lead; Limestone; Lode; Marble; Mercury; Mesozoic; Metallurgy; Metamorphic Rocks; Mineral Pluton; Nickel; Nikolai Greenstone; Noatak Sandstone; Nome Group; Nuggets; Orca Group; Ordovician; Ores ; Paleozoic; Palladium; Pennsylvanian; Placer; Platinum; Platinum Group Elements; Plutonic; Plutonic Hosted

Publications - SR 57 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys

Science.gov Websites

; Kanayut Conglomerate; Kayak Shale; Kuskokwim Group; Lead; Limestone; Lode; Marble; Massive Sulfides ; Noatak Sandstone; Nome Group; Nuggets; Orca Group; Ordovician; Ores; Paleozoic; Palladium; Pennsylvanian ; Placer; Platinum; Platinum Group Elements; Plutonic; Plutonic Hosted; Plutonic Rocks; Polymetallic Vein

Potential Aquifer Vulnerability in Regions Down-Gradient from Uranium In Situ Recovery (ISR) Sites

EPA Science Inventory

Sandstone-hosted roll-front uranium ore deposits originate when U(VI) dissolved in groundwater is reduced and precipitated as insoluble U(IV) minerals. Groundwater redox geochemistry, aqueous complexation, and solute migration are instrumental in leaching uranium from source rock...

Raman imaging of fluid inclusions in garnet from UHPM rocks (Kokchetav massif, Northern Kazakhstan).

PubMed

Korsakov, Andrey V; Dieing, Thomas; Golovin, Aleksandr V; Toporski, Jan

2011-10-01

Confocal Raman imaging of fluid inclusions in garnet porphyroblasts from diamond-grade metamorphic calc-silicate rocks from the Kumdy-Kol microdiamond deposit (Kokchetav Massif, Northern Kazakhstan) reveals that these fluid inclusions consist of almost pure water with different step-daughter phases (e.g., calcite, mica and rare quartz). These fluid inclusions are characterized by negative crystal shape of the host-garnet and they exclusively occur within the core of garnet porphyroblasts. These observations are consistent with their primary origin, most likely at ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic conditions. The euhedral newly formed garnet, different in color and composition, was found to be associated with these fluid inclusions. It is proposed that newly formed garnet and water fluid inclusions appear by reaction between the hydrous fluid and the garnet-host. These fluid inclusions provide an unequivocal record of almost pure H(2)O fluids, indicating water-saturated conditions within subducted continental crust during prograde stage and/or ultrahigh-P metamorphism. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Thermohydrological conditions and silica redistribution near high-level nuclear wastes emplaced in saturated geological formations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verma, A.; Pruess, K.

1988-02-01

Evaluation of the thermohydrological conditions near high-level nuclear waste packages is needed for the design of the waste canister and for overall repository design and performance assessment. Most available studies in this area have assumed that the hydrologic properties of the host rock are not changed in response to the thermal, mechanical, or chemical effects caused by waste emplacement. However, the ramifications of this simplifying assumption have not been substantiated. We have studied dissolution and precipitation of silica in liquid-saturated hydrothermal flow systems, including changes in formation porosity and permeability. Using numerical simulation, we compare predictions of thermohydrological conditions with and without inclusion of silica redistribution effects. Two cases were studied, namely, a canister-scale problem, and a repository-wide thermal convection problem and different pore models were employed for the permeable medium (fractures with uniform or nonuniform cross sections). We find that silica redistribution in water-saturated conditions does not have a sizeable effect on host rock and canister temperatures, pore pressures, or flow velocities.

Origin, mode of emplacement, and trace element geochemistry of albertite at the type locality, Albert Mines, southeastern New Brunswick, Canada

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Farrell, K.P.J.; Mossman, D.J.

1995-07-01

Fracturing of oil shale was coeval with albertite vein formation at Albert Mines early in the diagenetic history of the Lower Carboniferous (Tourmasian) Albert Formation. Albertite of this type locality is a pre-oil bitumen produced as a result of overpressuring due to a high rate of hydrocarbon generation and, as such, is largely preserved in an immature source rock. Dolomite precipitated in albertite during emplacement of the latter, and was sourced from an accompanying CO{sub 2}-rich fluid phase. Trace element contents of albertite are within the range of selected other major bitumen occurrences and, except for nickel, are lower thanmore » those of the host rock. Ratios of Ni/V are elevated in comparison with the host oil shale and with other bitumen occurrences. Carbon isotope values for albertite range from 27.92 to 30.80 {per_thousand}, {delta} {sup 13}C, within the range of most conventional crudes.« less

Extreme variation of sulfur isotopic compositions in pyrite from the Qiuling sediment-hosted gold deposit, West Qinling orogen, central China: An in situ SIMS study with implications for the source of sulfur

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chen, Lei; Li, Xian-hua; Li, Jian-wei; Hofstra, Albert H.; Liu, Yu; Koenig, Alan E.

2015-01-01

High spatial resolution textural (scanning electron microscope (SEM)), chemical (electron microprobe (EMP)) and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spec- trometry (LA-ICP-MS)), and sulfur isotopic (secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS)) analyses of pyrite from the Qiuling sediment-hosted gold deposit (232±4 Ma) in the West Qinling orogen, central China were conducted to distinguish pyrite types and gain insights into the source and evolution of sulfur in hydrothermal fluids. The results reveal an enormous variation (−27.1 to +69.6‰) in sulfur isotopic composition of pyrite deposited during three paragenetic stages. Pre-ore framboidal pyrite, which is characterized by low concentra- tions of As, Au, Cu, Co, and Ni, has negative δ34S values of −27.1 to −7.6‰ that are interpreted in terms of bacterial re- duction of marine sulfate during sedimentation and diagenesis of the Paleozoic carbonate and clastic sequences, the predom- inant lithologies in the deposit area, and the most important hosts of many sediment-hosted gold deposits throughout the West Qinling orogen. The ore-stage hydrothermal pyrite con- tains high concentrations of Au, As, Cu, Sb, Tl, and Bi and hasa relatively narrow range of positive δ34S values ranging from +8.1 to +15.2‰. The sulfur isotope data are comparable to those of ore pyrite from many Triassic orogenic gold deposits and Paleozoic sedimentary exhalative (SEDEX) Pb-Zn de- posits in the West Qinling orogen, both being hosted mainly in the Devonian sequence. This similarity indicates that sulfur, responsible for the auriferous pyrite at Qiuling, was largely derived from the metamorphic devolatization of Paleozoic marine sedimentary rocks. Post-ore-stage pyrite, which is sig- nificantly enriched in Co and Ni but depleted in Au and As, has unusually high δ34S values ranging from +37.4 to +69.6 ‰, that are interpreted to result from thermochemical reduc- tion of evaporite sulfates in underlying Cambrian sedimentary rocks with very high δ34S values. The variations in Au content and sulfur isotopic compositions across a single ore-stage py- rite grain may reflect displacement of indigenous groundwater with low δ34S values by auriferous metamorphic fluids with high δ34S values. The very low-grade metamorphism of the host rocks and the metamorphic derivation of sulfur for the ore pyrite indicate that the Qiuling sediment-hosted gold deposit is an epizonal manifestation of an orogenic gold system in the West Qinling orogen.

Geology and geochemistry of the Arctic prospect, Ambler District, Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidt, J. M.

The Arctic volcanogenic massive sulfide prospect is the largest known (40 million ton) deposit hosted by the low greenschist grade, latest Devonian Ambler Sequence of bimodal, basaltic and rhyolitic volcanic and volcanoclastic rocks, pelitic, graphitic and calcareous metasediments. Detailed field mapping, core logging, petrography, X-ray diffractometry, electron microprobe analyses and whole-rock major element analyses of hydrothermally altered rocks were used to determine the emplacement history and setting of sulfide deposition. Low greenschist grade metamorphism was essentially isochemical on a macroscopic scale, and preserved volcanic compositions, the major element chemistry of alteration and the compositions of individual metamorphic, alteration and relict igneous minerals. Mineralization at Arctic was formed along a synvolcanic fault in a tectonically and volcanically active basin within a rifted continental margin, possibly related to an actively spreading oceanic rift.

Morphological characteristics of Mesocestoides canislagopodis (Krabbe 1865) tetrathyridia found in rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) in Iceland.

PubMed

Skirnisson, Karl; Sigurðardóttir, Ólöf G; Nielsen, Ólafur K

2016-08-01

Necropsies of 1010 rock ptarmigans (Lagopus muta) sampled in autumn 2006-2015 in northeast Iceland revealed Mesocestoides canislagopodis tetrathyridia infections in six birds (0.6 %), two juvenile birds (3 month old), and four adult birds (15 months or older). Four birds had tetrathyridia in the body cavity, one bird in the liver, and one bird both in the body cavity and the liver. There were more tetrathyridia in the body cavity of the two juveniles (c. 50 in each) than in three adults (10-40), possibly indicating a host-age-related tetrathyridia mortality. Approximately, half of tetrathyridia in the body cavity were free or loosely attached to the serosa, the other half were encapsulated in a thin, loose connective tissue stroma, frequently attached to the lungs and the liver. Tetrathyridia in the liver parenchyma incited variably intense inflammation. Tetrathyridia from the juvenile hosts were whitish, heart-shaped, and flattened, with unsegmented bodies with a slightly pointed posterior end. In the adult hosts, tetrathyridia were sometimes almost rectangular-shaped, slightly wider compared to those in the juveniles, but more than twice as long as the younger-aged tetrathyridia. Tetrathyridia infections are most likely acquired during the brief insectivorous feeding phase of ptarmigan chicks, and the tetrathyridia persist throughout the lifespan of the birds.

Field aided characterization of a sandstone reservoir: Arroyo Grande Oil Field, California, USA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Antonellini, M.; Aydin, A.

1995-08-01

The Arroyo Grande Oil Field in Central California has been productive since 1905 from the miopliocene Edna member of the Pismo formation. The Edna member is a massive poorly consolidated sandstone unit with an average porosity of 0.2 and a permeability of 1000-5000 md; the producing levels are shallow, 100 to 500 m from the ground surface. Excellent surface exposures of the same formation along road cuts across the field and above the reservoir provide an opportunity to study reservoir rocks at the surface and to relate fracture and permeability distribution obtained from cores to folds and faults observed inmore » outcrops. We mapped in outcrops the major structures of the oil field and determine the statistical distribution and orientation of small faults (deformation bands) that have been observed both in cores and outcrop. The relation between deformation bands and major structures has also been characterized with detailed mapping. By using synthetic logs it is possible to determine the log signature of structural heterogeneities such as deformation bands in sandstone; these faults cause a neutron porosity drop respect to the host rock in the order of 1-4%. Image analysis has been used to determine the petrophysical properties of the sandstone in outcrop and in cores; permeability is three orders of magnitude lower in faults than in the host rock and capillary pressure is 1-2 orders of magnitude larger in faults than in the host rock. Faults with tens of meters offsets are associated with an high density of deformation bands (10 to 250 m{sup -1}) and with zones of cement precipitation up to 30 m from the fault. By combining well and field data, we propose a structural model for the oil field in which high angle reverse faults with localized deformation bands control the distribution of the hydrocarbons on the limb of a syncline, thereby explaining the seemingly unexpected direction of slope of the top surface of the reservoir which was inferred by well data only.« less

Geological and Geochemical Controls on Subsurface Microbial Life in the Samail Ophiolite, Oman.

PubMed

Rempfert, Kaitlin R; Miller, Hannah M; Bompard, Nicolas; Nothaft, Daniel; Matter, Juerg M; Kelemen, Peter; Fierer, Noah; Templeton, Alexis S

2017-01-01

Microbial abundance and diversity in deep subsurface environments is dependent upon the availability of energy and carbon. However, supplies of oxidants and reductants capable of sustaining life within mafic and ultramafic continental aquifers undergoing low-temperature water-rock reaction are relatively unknown. We conducted an extensive analysis of the geochemistry and microbial communities recovered from fluids sampled from boreholes hosted in peridotite and gabbro in the Tayin block of the Samail Ophiolite in the Sultanate of Oman. The geochemical compositions of subsurface fluids in the ophiolite are highly variable, reflecting differences in host rock composition and the extent of fluid-rock interaction. Principal component analysis of fluid geochemistry and geologic context indicate the presence of at least four fluid types in the Samail Ophiolite ("gabbro," "alkaline peridotite," "hyperalkaline peridotite," and "gabbro/peridotite contact") that vary strongly in pH and the concentrations of H 2 , CH 4 , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], trace metals, and DIC. Geochemistry of fluids is strongly correlated with microbial community composition; similar microbial assemblages group according to fluid type. Hyperalkaline fluids exhibit low diversity and are dominated by taxa related to the Deinococcus-Thermus genus Meiothermus , candidate phyla OP1, and the family Thermodesulfovibrionaceae. Gabbro- and alkaline peridotite- aquifers harbor more diverse communities and contain abundant microbial taxa affiliated with Nitrospira , Nitrosospharaceae, OP3, Parvarcheota, and OP1 order Acetothermales. Wells that sit at the contact between gabbro and peridotite host microbial communities distinct from all other fluid types, with an enrichment in betaproteobacterial taxa. Together the taxonomic information and geochemical data suggest that several metabolisms may be operative in subsurface fluids, including methanogenesis, acetogenesis, and fermentation, as well as the oxidation of methane, hydrogen and small molecular weight organic acids utilizing nitrate and sulfate as electron acceptors. Dynamic nitrogen cycling may be especially prevalent in gabbro and alkaline peridotite fluids. These data suggest water-rock reaction, as controlled by lithology and hydrogeology, constrains the distribution of life in terrestrial ophiolites.

Thermal Analysis of a Nuclear Waste Repository in Argillite Host Rock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hadgu, T.; Gomez, S. P.; Matteo, E. N.

2017-12-01

Disposal of high-level nuclear waste in a geological repository requires analysis of heat distribution as a result of decay heat. Such an analysis supports design of repository layout to define repository footprint as well as provide information of importance to overall design. The analysis is also used in the study of potential migration of radionuclides to the accessible environment. In this study, thermal analysis for high-level waste and spent nuclear fuel in a generic repository in argillite host rock is presented. The thermal analysis utilized both semi-analytical and numerical modeling in the near field of a repository. The semi-analytical method looks at heat transport by conduction in the repository and surroundings. The results of the simulation method are temperature histories at selected radial distances from the waste package. A 3-D thermal-hydrologic numerical model was also conducted to study fluid and heat distribution in the near field. The thermal analysis assumed a generic geological repository at 500 m depth. For the semi-analytical method, a backfilled closed repository was assumed with basic design and material properties. For the thermal-hydrologic numerical method, a repository layout with disposal in horizontal boreholes was assumed. The 3-D modeling domain covers a limited portion of the repository footprint to enable a detailed thermal analysis. A highly refined unstructured mesh was used with increased discretization near heat sources and at intersections of different materials. All simulations considered different parameter values for properties of components of the engineered barrier system (i.e. buffer, disturbed rock zone and the host rock), and different surface storage times. Results of the different modeling cases are presented and include temperature and fluid flow profiles in the near field at different simulation times. Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC., a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International, Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA-0003525. SAND2017-8295 A.

Geological and geochemical controls on subsurface microbial life in the Samail Ophiolite, Oman

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rempfert, Kaitlin R.; Miller, Hannah M.; Bompard, Nicolas

Microbial abundance and diversity in deep subsurface environments is dependent upon the availability of energy and carbon. However, supplies of oxidants and reductants capable of sustaining life within mafic and ultramafic continental aquifers undergoing low-temperature water-rock reaction are relatively unknown. We conducted an extensive analysis of the geochemistry and microbial communities recovered from fluids sampled from boreholes hosted in peridotite and gabbro in the Tayin block of the Samail Ophiolite in the Sultanate of Oman. The geochemical compositions of subsurface fluids in the ophiolite are highly variable, reflecting differences in host rock composition and the extent of fluid-rock interaction. Principal component analysis of fluid geochemistry and geologic context indicate the presence of at least four fluid types in the Samail Ophiolite (“gabbro,” “alkaline peridotite,” “hyperalkaline peridotite,” and “gabbro/peridotite contact”) that vary strongly in pH and the concentrations of H 2, CH 4, Ca 2+, Mg 2+, NO 3 more » $-$, SO$$2-\\atop{4}$$, trace metals, and DIC. Geochemistry of fluids is strongly correlated with microbial community composition; similar microbial assemblages group according to fluid type. Hyperalkaline fluids exhibit low diversity and are dominated by taxa related to the Deinococcus-Thermus genus Meiothermus, candidate phyla OP1, and the family Thermodesulfovibrionaceae. Gabbro- and alkaline peridotite- aquifers harbor more diverse communities and contain abundant microbial taxa affiliated with Nitrospira, Nitrosospharaceae, OP3, Parvarcheota, and OP1 order Acetothermales. Wells that sit at the contact between gabbro and peridotite host microbial communities distinct from all other fluid types, with an enrichment in betaproteobacterial taxa. Together the taxonomic information and geochemical data suggest that several metabolisms may be operative in subsurface fluids, including methanogenesis, acetogenesis, and fermentation, as well as the oxidation of methane, hydrogen and small molecular weight organic acids utilizing nitrate and sulfate as electron acceptors. Dynamic nitrogen cycling may be especially prevalent in gabbro and alkaline peridotite fluids. As a result, these data suggest water-rock reaction, as controlled by lithology and hydrogeology, constrains the distribution of life in terrestrial ophiolites.« less

Geological and Geochemical Controls on Subsurface Microbial Life in the Samail Ophiolite, Oman

PubMed Central

Rempfert, Kaitlin R.; Miller, Hannah M.; Bompard, Nicolas; Nothaft, Daniel; Matter, Juerg M.; Kelemen, Peter; Fierer, Noah; Templeton, Alexis S.

2017-01-01

Microbial abundance and diversity in deep subsurface environments is dependent upon the availability of energy and carbon. However, supplies of oxidants and reductants capable of sustaining life within mafic and ultramafic continental aquifers undergoing low-temperature water-rock reaction are relatively unknown. We conducted an extensive analysis of the geochemistry and microbial communities recovered from fluids sampled from boreholes hosted in peridotite and gabbro in the Tayin block of the Samail Ophiolite in the Sultanate of Oman. The geochemical compositions of subsurface fluids in the ophiolite are highly variable, reflecting differences in host rock composition and the extent of fluid-rock interaction. Principal component analysis of fluid geochemistry and geologic context indicate the presence of at least four fluid types in the Samail Ophiolite (“gabbro,” “alkaline peridotite,” “hyperalkaline peridotite,” and “gabbro/peridotite contact”) that vary strongly in pH and the concentrations of H2, CH4, Ca2+, Mg2+, NO3-, SO42-, trace metals, and DIC. Geochemistry of fluids is strongly correlated with microbial community composition; similar microbial assemblages group according to fluid type. Hyperalkaline fluids exhibit low diversity and are dominated by taxa related to the Deinococcus-Thermus genus Meiothermus, candidate phyla OP1, and the family Thermodesulfovibrionaceae. Gabbro- and alkaline peridotite- aquifers harbor more diverse communities and contain abundant microbial taxa affiliated with Nitrospira, Nitrosospharaceae, OP3, Parvarcheota, and OP1 order Acetothermales. Wells that sit at the contact between gabbro and peridotite host microbial communities distinct from all other fluid types, with an enrichment in betaproteobacterial taxa. Together the taxonomic information and geochemical data suggest that several metabolisms may be operative in subsurface fluids, including methanogenesis, acetogenesis, and fermentation, as well as the oxidation of methane, hydrogen and small molecular weight organic acids utilizing nitrate and sulfate as electron acceptors. Dynamic nitrogen cycling may be especially prevalent in gabbro and alkaline peridotite fluids. These data suggest water-rock reaction, as controlled by lithology and hydrogeology, constrains the distribution of life in terrestrial ophiolites. PMID:28223966

Lithium elemental and isotopic disequilibrium in minerals from peridotite xenoliths from far- east Russia: product of recent melt/fluid-rock reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rudnick, R. L.; Ionov, D. A.

2006-12-01

Peridotite xenoliths from the Tok and Barhatny localities in far-east Russia are characterized by strong Li elemental and isotopic disequilibria caused by addition of Li to the rocks via diffusion from a small-volume grain boundary fluid or melt. Because Li diffuses rapidly at mantle temperatures, the disequilibrium is a transient feature and its preservation in these samples indicates that Li addition occurred shortly before or even during the entrainment of the xenoliths in the host basalts. δ&^{7}Licpx is consistently lower than that of coexisting olivines and Δ&^{7}Liol-cpx, which ranges from 2.8 to 22.9‰,correlates with bulk rock composition. The most refractory samples experienced the greatest overall Li addition and most closely approximate elemental and isotopic equilibrium due to longer equilibration times and probably also greater infiltration of the Li-bearing melt or fluid. The variable but often extreme isotopic compositions produced by this process (δ&^{7}Licpx down to -15 and δ&^{7}Liol up to +12) do not reflect the presence of an isotopically exotic recycled component, as has been previously inferred for xenoliths from this region. The best estimate for the δ&^{7}Li of the source of the Li in the Tok xenoliths is δ&^{7}Li = +1.4, which is identical to that of the host basalt. A single sample from the Koppy locality, which is situated closest to the paleo-Pacific subduction zone, shows both elemental and isotopic equilibration of Li and has a "normal" δ&^{7}Licpx of +3.5. The analytically identical δ&^{7}Li of olivine and cpx from this sample, coupled with its relatively low equilibration temperature of 990°C suggests that there is no discernible Li isotopic fractionation between coexisting minerals at mantle temperatures. This study highlights the very large isotopic effects that can be produced via kinetic fractionation in peridotite xenoliths at high temperatures and associated with host-rock xenolith interactions.

Explaining the discrepancy between forced fold amplitude and sill thickness.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoggett, Murray; Jones, Stephen M.; Reston, Timothy; Magee, Craig; Jackson, Christopher AL

2017-04-01

Understanding the behaviour of Earth's surface in response to movement and emplacement of magma underground is important because it assists calculation of subsurface magma volumes, and could feed into eruption forecasting. Studies of seismic reflection data have observed that the amplitude of a forced fold above an igneous sill is usually smaller than the thickness of the sill itself. This observation implies that fold amplitude alone provides only a lower bound for magma volume, and an understanding of the mechanism(s) behind the fold amplitude/sill thickness discrepancy is also required to obtain a true estimate of magma volume. Mechanisms suggested to explain the discrepancy include problems with seismic imaging and varying strain behaviour of the host rock. Here we examine the extent to which host-rock compaction can explain the fold amplitude/sill thickness discrepancy. This mechanism operates in cases where a sill is injected into the upper few kilometres of sedimentary rock that contain significant porosity. Accumulation of sediment after sill intrusion reduces the amplitude of the forced fold by compaction, but the sill itself undergoes little compaction since its starting porosity is almost zero. We compiled a database of good-quality 2D and 3D seismic observations where sill thickness has been measured independently of forced fold geometry. We then backstripped the post-intrusion sedimentary section to reconstruct the amplitude of the forced fold at the time of intrusion. We used the standard compaction model in which porosity decays exponentially below the sediment surface. In all examples we studied, post-sill-emplacement compaction can explain all of the fold amplitude/sill thickness discrepancy, subject to uncertainty in compaction model parameters. This result leads directly to an improved method of predicting magma volume from fold amplitude, including how uncertainty in compaction parameters maps onto uncertainty in magma volume. Our work implies that host-rock deformation at the time of magma intrusion is less important than post-intrusion pure-shear compaction in response to ongoing sediment accumulation. This inference could be tested in cases where an independent direct measurement of the porosity-depth profile overlying the sill is available to better constrain compaction model parameters.

ROCK1 and LIM kinase modulate retrovirus particle release and cell-cell transmission events.

PubMed

Wen, Xiaoyun; Ding, Lingmei; Wang, Jaang-Jiun; Qi, Mingli; Hammonds, Jason; Chu, Hin; Chen, Xuemin; Hunter, Eric; Spearman, Paul

2014-06-01

The assembly and release of retroviruses from the host cells require dynamic interactions between viral structural proteins and a variety of cellular factors. It has been long speculated that the actin cytoskeleton is involved in retrovirus production, and actin and actin-related proteins are enriched in HIV-1 virions. However, the specific role of actin in retrovirus assembly and release remains unknown. Here we identified LIM kinase 1 (LIMK1) as a cellular factor regulating HIV-1 and Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (M-PMV) particle release. Depletion of LIMK1 reduced not only particle output but also virus cell-cell transmission and was rescued by LIMK1 replenishment. Depletion of the upstream LIMK1 regulator ROCK1 inhibited particle release, as did a competitive peptide inhibitor of LIMK1 activity that prevented cofilin phosphorylation. Disruption of either ROCK1 or LIMK1 led to enhanced particle accumulation on the plasma membrane as revealed by total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM). Electron microscopy demonstrated a block to particle release, with clusters of fully mature particles on the surface of the cells. Our studies support a model in which ROCK1- and LIMK1-regulated phosphorylation of cofilin and subsequent local disruption of dynamic actin turnover play a role in retrovirus release from host cells and in cell-cell transmission events. Viruses often interact with the cellular cytoskeletal machinery in order to deliver their components to the site of assembly and budding. This study indicates that a key regulator of actin dynamics at the plasma membrane, LIM kinase, is important for the release of viral particles for HIV as well as for particle release by a distantly related retrovirus, Mason-Pfizer monkey virus. Moreover, disruption of LIM kinase greatly diminished the spread of HIV from cell to cell. These findings suggest that LIM kinase and its dynamic modulation of the actin cytoskeleton in the cell may be an important host factor for the production, release, and transmission of retroviruses. Copyright © 2014, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Geological and geochemical controls on subsurface microbial life in the Samail Ophiolite, Oman

DOE PAGES

Rempfert, Kaitlin R.; Miller, Hannah M.; Bompard, Nicolas; ...

2017-02-07

Microbial abundance and diversity in deep subsurface environments is dependent upon the availability of energy and carbon. However, supplies of oxidants and reductants capable of sustaining life within mafic and ultramafic continental aquifers undergoing low-temperature water-rock reaction are relatively unknown. We conducted an extensive analysis of the geochemistry and microbial communities recovered from fluids sampled from boreholes hosted in peridotite and gabbro in the Tayin block of the Samail Ophiolite in the Sultanate of Oman. The geochemical compositions of subsurface fluids in the ophiolite are highly variable, reflecting differences in host rock composition and the extent of fluid-rock interaction. Principal component analysis of fluid geochemistry and geologic context indicate the presence of at least four fluid types in the Samail Ophiolite (“gabbro,” “alkaline peridotite,” “hyperalkaline peridotite,” and “gabbro/peridotite contact”) that vary strongly in pH and the concentrations of H 2, CH 4, Ca 2+, Mg 2+, NO 3 more » $-$, SO$$2-\\atop{4}$$, trace metals, and DIC. Geochemistry of fluids is strongly correlated with microbial community composition; similar microbial assemblages group according to fluid type. Hyperalkaline fluids exhibit low diversity and are dominated by taxa related to the Deinococcus-Thermus genus Meiothermus, candidate phyla OP1, and the family Thermodesulfovibrionaceae. Gabbro- and alkaline peridotite- aquifers harbor more diverse communities and contain abundant microbial taxa affiliated with Nitrospira, Nitrosospharaceae, OP3, Parvarcheota, and OP1 order Acetothermales. Wells that sit at the contact between gabbro and peridotite host microbial communities distinct from all other fluid types, with an enrichment in betaproteobacterial taxa. Together the taxonomic information and geochemical data suggest that several metabolisms may be operative in subsurface fluids, including methanogenesis, acetogenesis, and fermentation, as well as the oxidation of methane, hydrogen and small molecular weight organic acids utilizing nitrate and sulfate as electron acceptors. Dynamic nitrogen cycling may be especially prevalent in gabbro and alkaline peridotite fluids. As a result, these data suggest water-rock reaction, as controlled by lithology and hydrogeology, constrains the distribution of life in terrestrial ophiolites.« less

The role of topography and surface cover upon soil formation along hillslopes in arid climates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yair, Aaron

1990-09-01

Two north-facing soil toposequences were selected from within the northern Negev desert, Israel, where average annual rainfall ranges from 70 to 200 mm. Both slopes are composed of an upper rocky and a lower colluvial section. Similar trends were found along both slopes. A high salt content was characteristic of soils at the top of the slope; salinity decreased downslope within the rocky slope section. The opposite occurred along the colluvial slopes, with salinity increasing sharply downslope. At any location along the slopes the northernmost soil toposequence site (160 mm average annual rainfall) represents, from a pedological point of view, an environment which is far more arid than its climatologically drier, more southern counterpart. The explanation provided for the variation of soil proporties at the scale of single hillslopes and at the regional scale is the same. It is contended that water input into the soil, and therefore leaching intensity, is positively related to the ratio of bedrock/soil cover. Rocky areas have limited infiltration, thus yielding high runoff rates into adjoining soil-covered areas, and contribute to water concentration, deeper infiltration and leaching intensity. Soil or sediment-covered areas having relatively high absorption capacities will experience reduced runoff, shallow infiltration and decreased water availability for leaching. This leads over time to salt accumulation at a shallow depth. The decrease in rock/soil ratio downslope within the colluvium is therefore held responsible for the corresponding increase in salinity. Similarly, the greater salinity of the soils in the northern site is explained by the fact that its rock/soil ratio is lower than in the southern area. The theoretical and practical implications regarding the relationship between climatic change and landscape evolution in arid areas are briefly discussed.

Origin Of Extreme 3He/4He Signatures In Icelandic Lavas: Insights From Melt Inclusion Studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harlou, R.; Kent, A. J.; Breddam, K.; Davidson, J. P.; Pearson, D. G.

2003-12-01

Helium isotopes are considered a powerful tool for tracking different mantle domains. Yet, the origin of He isotope variations in many basaltic suites remains enigmatic and often difficult to link with more lithophile chemical and isotopic tracers. One problem is that He isotope ratios are measured from crushed olivines and thus reflect prior fluid and melt fluxes trapped in inclusions within the olivine grains, whereas the lithophile elements mainly reflect the host lava. In an attempt to link He and lithophile element variations, we have characterized the major and trace element composition including volatile elements, of olivine-hosted melt inclusions from three ankaramitic lavas from Vestfirdir, NW-Iceland. Previous studies have reported extreme 3He/4He ratios from NW-Iceland and one ankaramite (SEL97) has been suggested to provide the most precise estimate of the radiogenic (Sr-Nd-Pb) isotopic composition of a relatively undegassed (high 3He/4He) mantle component (C or FOZO) common to several ocean islands (Hilton et al. 1999, EPSL 173, 53-60). The samples investigated here exhibit amongst the highest 3He/4He ratios observed in terrestrial rocks (42.9 and 34.8 R/Ra). A detailed account of the trace element signature of melt inclusions in these samples may thus help explain the origin of FOZO. One sample of similar composition to these, has a lower He content and a relatively poorly defined He isotope composition of 8.15 +/- 5.1 R/Ra (Breddam & Kurz, 2001, EOS, 82, F1315). In terms of major elements, the whole rock data reflect olivine accumulation, whereas the melt inclusion data reflect ol + cpx fractionation. The melt inclusions are generally basaltic (Mg#: 52-62), with primitive mantle normalised trace element concentrations that are broadly parallel the host lavas. There is little compositional difference between melt inclusion populations from high and low 3He/4He lavas, although inclusions of the low 3He/4He lava have lower S and moderately lower Cl. The observed range of trace element ratios: [La/Sm]N 1-4, [La/Yb]N 1-5, Sr/Nd 14-24, Ba/Rb 9-23, and Ce/Pb 5-46, covers much of the range observed in Icelandic alkali basalts. The compositional similarities between inclusions and host lavas suggests that bulk rock compositions are petrogenetically related to the melts sampled by melt inclusions. If He predominantly resides in these inclusions, it suggests that the whole rock composition is an aggregate derived from the same melts that contain the measured He.

Algoma-, Superior-, and oolitic-type iron deposits of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania (phase V, deliverable 83): Chapter O in Second projet de renforcement institutionnel du secteur minier de la République Islamique de Mauritanie (PRISM-II)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Taylor, Cliff D.; Finn, Carol A.; Anderson, Eric D.; Joud, M. Y.; Taleb, M. A.; Horton, John D.

2015-01-01

Phanerozoic oolitic ironstones are hosted in the upper Silurian and lower Devonian rocks of the Gara Bouya Ali Group and the Zemmour Group in the Tindouf Basin in northern Mauritania and in the end Ordovician Tichit Group, the Silurian Oued Chig Group, and the lower Devonian Tenemouj Group in the Taoudeni Basin near Tidjikja. These rock groups define 11 permissive tracts for Algoma-, Superior-, and oolitic-type iron deposits in Mauritania.

Stress in recrystallized quartz by electron backscatter diffraction mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Llana-Fúnez, S.

2017-07-01

The long-term state of stress at middle and lower crustal depths can be estimated through the study of the microstructure of exhumed rocks from active and/or ancient shear zones. Constitutive equations for deformation mechanisms in experimentally deformed rocks relate differential stress to the size of recrystallized grains. Cross et al. (2017) take advantage of electron backscatter diffraction mapping to systematically separate new recrystallized grains from host grains on the basis of the measurable lattice distorsion within the grains. They produce the first calibrated piezometer for quartz with this technique, reproducing within error a previous calibration based on optical microscopy.

Compositional gradients in large reservoirs of silicic magma as evidenced by ignimbrites versus Taylor Creek Rhyolite lava domes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duffield, Wendell A.; Ruiz, Joaquin

1992-04-01

The Taylor Creek Rhyolite of southwest New Mexico consists of 20 lava domes and flows that were emplaced during a period of a few thousand years or less in late Oligocene time. Including genetically associated pyroclastic deposits, which are about as voluminous as the lava domes and flows, the Taylor Creek Rhyolite represents roughly 100 km3 of magma erupted from vents distributed throughout an area of several hundred square kilometers. Major-element composition is metaluminous to weakly peraluminous high-silica rhyolite and is nearly constant throughout the lava field. The magma reservoir for the Taylor Creek Rhyolite was vertically zoned in trace elements, 87Sr/86Sr, and phenocryst abundance and size. Mean trace-element concentrations, ranges in concentrations, and element-pair correlations are similar to many subalkaline silicic ignimbrites. However, the polarity of the zonation was opposite that in reservoirs for ignimbrites, for most constituents. For example, compared to the Bishop Tuff, only 87Sr/86Sr and Sc increased upward in both reservoirs. Quite likely, a dominant but nonerupted volume of the magma reservoir for the Taylor Creek Rhyolite was zoned like that for the Bishop Tuff, whereas an erupted, few-hundred-meter-thick cap on the magma body was variably contaminated by roof rocks whose contribution to this part of the magma system moderated relatively extreme trace-element concentrations of uncontaminated Taylor Creek Rhyolite but did not change the sense of correlation for most element pairs. The contaminant probably was a Precambrian rock of broadly granitic composition and with very high 87Sr/86Sr. Although examples apparently are not yet reported in the literature, evidence for a similar thin contaminated cap on reservoirs for large-volume silicic ignimbrites may exist in the bottom few meters of ignimbrites or perhaps only in the pumice fallout that normally immediately precedes ignimbrite emplacement. 87Sr/86Sr in sanidine phenocrysts of the Taylor Creek Rhyolite is higher than that of their host whole rocks. Covariation of this isotope ratio with sanidine abundance and size indicates positive correlations for all three features with decreasing distance to the roof of the magma reservoir. The sanidine probably is more radiogenic than host whole rock because growing phenocrysts partly incorporated Sr from the first partial melt of roof rocks, which contained the highly radiogenic Sr of Precambrian biotite ± hornblende, whereas diffusion was too slow for sanidine to incorporate much of the Sr from subsequently produced less radiogenic partial melt of roof rocks, before eruption quenched the magma system. Disequilibrium between feldspar phenocrysts and host groundmass is fairly common for ignimbrites, and a process of contamination similar to that for the Taylor Creek Rhyolite may help explain some of these situations.

Compositional gradients in large reservoirs of silicic magma as evidenced by ignimbrites versus Taylor Creek Rhyolite lava domes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Duffield, W.A.; Ruiz, J.

1992-01-01

The Taylor Creek Rhyolite of southwest New Mexico consists of 20 lava domes and flows that were emplaced during a period of a few thousand years or less in late Oligocene time. Including genetically associated pyroclastic deposits, which are about as voluminous as the lava domes and flows, the Taylor Creek Rhyolite represents roughly 100 km3 of magma erupted from vents distributed throughout an area of several hundred square kilometers. Major-element composition is metaluminous to weakly peraluminous high-silica rhyolite and is nearly constant throughout the lava field. The magma reservoir for the Taylor Creek Rhyolite was vertically zoned in trace elements, 87Sr/86Sr, and phenocryst abundance and size. Mean trace-element concentrations, ranges in concentrations, and element-pair correlations are similar to many subalkaline silicic ignimbrites. However, the polarity of the zonation was opposite that in reservoirs for ignimbrites, for most constituents. For example, compared to the Bishop Tuff, only 87Sr/86Sr and Sc increased upward in both reservoirs. Quite likely, a dominant but nonerupted volume of the magma reservoir for the Taylor Creek Rhyolite was zoned like that for the Bishop Tuff, whereas an erupted, few-hundred-meter-thick cap on the magma body was variably contaminated by roof rocks whose contribution to this part of the magma system moderated relatively extreme trace-element concentrations of uncontaminated Taylor Creek Rhyolite but did not change the sense of correlation for most element pairs. The contaminant probably was a Precambrian rock of broadly granitic composition and with very high 87Sr/86Sr. Although examples apparently are not yet reported in the literature, evidence for a similar thin contaminated cap on reservoirs for large-volume silicic ignimbrites may exist in the bottom few meters of ignimbrites or perhaps only in the pumice fallout that normally immediately precedes ignimbrite emplacement. 87Sr/86Sr in sanidine phenocrysts of the Taylor Creek Rhyolite is higher than that of their host whole rocks. Covariation of this isotope ratio with sanidine abundance and size indicates positive correlations for all three features with decreasing distance to the roof of the magma reservoir. The sanidine probably is more radiogenic than host whole rock because growing phenocrysts partly incorporated Sr from the first partial melt of roof rocks, which contained the highly radiogenic Sr of Precambrian biotite ?? hornblende, whereas diffusion was too slow for sanidine to incorporate much of the Sr from subsequently produced less radiogenic partial melt of roof rocks, before eruption quenched the magma system. Disequilibrium between feldspar phenocrysts and host groundmass is fairly common for ignimbrites, and a process of contamination similar to that for the Taylor Creek Rhyolite may help explain some of these situations. ?? 1992 Springer-Verlag.

Magmatic ore deposits in layered intrusions - Descriptive model for reef-type PGE and contact-type Cu-Ni-PGE deposits

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zientek, Michael L.

2012-01-01

Layered, ultramafic to mafic intrusions are uncommon in the geologic record, but host magmatic ore deposits containing most of the world's economic concentrations of platinum-group elements (PGE) (figs. 1 and 2). These deposits are mined primarily for their platinum, palladium, and rhodium contents (table 1). Magmatic ore deposits are derived from accumulations of crystals of metallic oxides, or immiscible sulfide, or oxide liquids that formed during the cooling and crystallization of magma, typically with mafic to ultramafic compositions. "PGE reefs" are stratabound PGE-enriched lode mineralization in mafic to ultramafic layered intrusions. The term "reef" is derived from Australian and South African literature for this style of mineralization and used to refer to (1) the rock layer that is mineralized and has distinctive texture or mineralogy (Naldrett, 2004), or (2) the PGE-enriched sulfide mineralization that occurs within the rock layer. For example, Viljoen (1999) broadly defined the Merensky Reef as "a mineralized zone within or closely associated with an unconformity surface in the ultramafic cumulate at the base of the Merensky Cyclic Unit." In this report, we will use the term PGE reef to refer to the PGE-enriched mineralization, not the host rock layer. Within a layered igneous intrusion, reef-type mineralization is laterally persistent along strike, extending for the length of the intrusion, typically tens to hundreds of kilometers. However, the mineralized interval is thin, generally centimeters to meters thick, relative to the stratigraphic thickness of layers in an intrusion that vary from hundreds to thousands of meters. PGE-enriched sulfide mineralization is also found near the contacts or margins of layered mafic to ultramafic intrusions (Iljina and Lee, 2005). This contact-type mineralization consists of disseminated to massive concentrations of iron-copper-nickel-PGE-enriched sulfide mineral concentrations in zones that can be tens to hundreds of meters thick. The modes and textures of the igneous rocks hosting the mineralization vary irregularly on the scale of centimeters to meters; autoliths and xenoliths are common. Mineralization occurs in the igneous intrusion and in the surrounding country rocks. Mineralization can be preferentially localized along contact with country rocks that are enriched in sulfur-, iron-, or CO2-bearing lithologies. Reef-type and contact-type deposits, in particular those in the Bushveld Complex, South Africa, are the world's primary source of platinum and rhodium (tables 2 and 3; fig. 2). Reef-type PGE deposits are mined only in the Bushveld Complex (Merensky Reef and UG2), the Stillwater Complex (J-M Reef), and the Great Dyke (Main Sulphide Layer). PGE-enriched contact-type deposits are only mined in the Bushveld Complex. The other deposits in tables 2 and 3 are undeveloped; some are still under exploration.

Geomechanical Modeling of Deformation Banding in the Navajo Sandstone, San Rafael Monocline, Utah

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gutierrez, M.; Sundal, A.; Petrie, E. S.

2017-12-01

Deformation bands are ubiquitous geological features in many types of rocks. Depending on their micro-structure, they can act either as conduits or barriers to fluid flow. Given the significant roles deformation bands play in fluid flow and chemical transport in rocks, it is important to develop fundamental understanding of their origin, and their characteristics as they relate with the host rock properties and their depositional and structural-geological history. We present a forward-modeling technique based on the geomechanical Bifurcation Theory (BT) to predict the formation of deformation bands in sandstone. According to BT, the formation of deformation bands is a result of strain location, which in turn stems from instability in the stress-strain response of materials during loading. Due to bifurcation, a material which undergoes homogeneous deformation can reach a point at which the material experiences instability and deformation starts to become non-homogenous. We implemented BT in the commercially-available geomechanical code FLAC (Fast Langragian Analysis of Continua) and applied it in the field-scale modeling of deformation banding in the Navajo Sandstone in the San Rafael Monocline in Utah induced by fault propagation folding. The results show that geomechanical modeling using BT has a powerful potential to simulate the physical processes in the formation of deformation banding in rocks. Predicted deformation bands, specifically the pervasive bedding-parallel bands in the Navajo sandstone formation, normal faulting in the upper limb and reverse faulting in the lower limb, are generally in agreement with field observations. Predictions indicate that the pervasive bedding-parallel bands in the Navajo Sandstone are transitional compaction-shear bands with alternating zones of volumetric compaction and dilation. These predictions are consistent with petrographic analysis of thin sections of rock samples from the Navajo Sandstone. The most important parameter in the geomechanical modeling is the dilation angle in relation to the friction angle of the host rock. These parameters, as well the elastic properties, should evolve during the geologic history of a site, thus, the main challenge in the modeling is how to calibrate these parameters to yield consistent results.

Fluid evolution of Au-Cu zones in Um Balad area, North Eastern Desert of Egypt: Implications from mineral chemistry and fluid inclusions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abd El Monsef, Mohamed; Salem, Ibrahim; Slobodník, Marek; Ragab, Ahmed

2018-07-01

Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Electron microprobe (EMPA) and fluid inclusion studies of the ore body, as well as geochemical analyses of country rocks were performed to determine the nature and characteristics of the mineralizing fluid responsible for Au-Cu deposits in Um Balad area, Northern Eastern Desert of Egypt. The Um Balad Au-Cu deposits are confined to well developed-quartz veins and veinlets cutting through the hosting country rocks. Petrographic and geochemical investigations of the hosting rocks distinguished between two main rock units; 1) metagabbro-diorite rocks with tholeiitic nature derived in island arc/continental margin tectonic regime, and 2) granodiorite rocks formed from calc-alkaline magma in continental margin regime. Wallrock alterations are represented by propylitic and argillic types. The mineralized quartz veins are striking in NE-SW direction and dipping between (35°-45°) in SE direction, other mineralized mafic dykes enriched with auriferous quartz veinlets are trending NE-SW and dipping 70°/SE. The main ore minerals are represented by gold, chalcopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite, malachite, covellite and goethite. While, geffroyite, cuprite, chrysocolla, pseudomalachite, britholite, wolframite, scheelite, hematite and rutile are detected as minor constituents. Fluid inclusions microthermometry and isochore calculations combined with chlorite geothermometry revealed that the Um Balad deposits were formed at temperature ranging from 305 °C to 325 °C and pressure between (100-500 bar). The mineralization had been developed in the shallow levels, beneath the water table at depth of 350-1760 m, rather than common mesothermal vein-type deposits in Egypt. Magmatic water have been suggested as the main source for the mineralized fluid. The transportation of the gold metal seems to be happen as bisulfide complexes in moderately acidic environment. The deposition was resulted from combination of changes in physico-chemical parameters, temperature and pressure plus the instability of the reduced sulfur complexes. A contamination with metamorphic and/or meteoric water was also proposed that has strong influence during the depositional process.

Characterization of frictional melting processes in subduction zone faults by trace element and isotope analyses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishikawa, T.; Ujiie, K.

2017-12-01

Pseudotachylytes found in exhumed accretionary complexes, which are considered to be formed originally at seismogenic depths, are of great importance for elucidating frictional melting and concomitant dynamic weakening of the fault during earthquake in subduction zones. However, fluid-rich environment of the subduction zone faults tends to cause extensive alteration of the pseudotachylyte glass matrix in later stages, and thus it has been controversial that pseudotachylytes are rarely formed or rarely preserved. Chemical analysis of the fault rocks, especially on fluid-immobile trace elements and isotopes, can be a useful means to identify and quantify the frictional melting occurred in subduction zone faults. In this paper, we report major and trace element and Sr isotope compositions for pseudotachylyte-bearing dark veins and surrounding host rocks from the Mugi area of the Shimanto accretionary complex (Ujiie et al., J. Struct. Geol. 2007). Samples were collected from a rock chip along the microstructure using a micro-drilling technique, and then analyzed by ICP-MS and TIMS. Major element compositions of the dark veins showed a clear shift from the host rock composition toward the illite composition. The dark veins, either unaltered or completely altered, were also characterized by extreme enrichment in some of the trace elements such as Ti, Zr, Nb and Th. These results are consistent with disequilibrium melting of the fault zone. Model calculations revealed that the compositions of the dark veins can be produced by total melting of clay-rich matrix in the source rock, leaving plagioclase and quartz grains almost unmolten. The calculations also showed that the dark veins are far more enriched in melt component than that expected from the source rock compositions, suggesting migration and concentration of frictional melt during the earthquake faulting. Furthermore, Sr isotope data of the dark veins implied the occurrence of frictional melting in multiple stages. These results demonstrate that trace element and isotope analyses are useful not only to detect preexistence of pseudotachylytes but also to evaluate the frictional melting in subduction zone faults quantitatively.

Clumped isotopologue constraints on the origin of methane at seafloor hot springs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, David T.; Reeves, Eoghan P.; McDermott, Jill M.; Seewald, Jeffrey S.; Ono, Shuhei

2018-02-01

Hot-spring fluids emanating from deep-sea vents hosted in unsedimented ultramafic and mafic rock commonly contain high concentrations of methane. Multiple hypotheses have been proposed for the origin(s) of this methane, ranging from synthesis via reduction of aqueous inorganic carbon (∑CO2) during active fluid circulation to leaching of methane-rich fluid inclusions from plutonic rocks of the oceanic crust. To further resolve the process(es) responsible for methane generation in these systems, we determined the relative abundances of several methane isotopologues (including 13CH3D, a "clumped" isotopologue containing two rare isotope substitutions) in hot-spring source fluids sampled from four geochemically-distinct hydrothermal vent fields (Rainbow, Von Damm, Lost City, and Lucky Strike). Apparent equilibrium temperatures retrieved from methane clumped isotopologue analyses average 310-42+53 °C, with no apparent relation to the wide range of fluid temperatures (96-370 °C) and chemical compositions (pH, [H2], [∑CO2], [CH4]) represented. Combined with very similar bulk stable isotope ratios (13C/12C and D/H) of methane across the suite of hydrothermal fluids, all available geochemical and isotopic data suggest a common mechanism of methane generation at depth that is disconnected from active fluid circulation. Attainment of equilibrium amongst methane isotopologues at temperatures of ca. 270-360 °C is compatible with the thermodynamically-favorable reduction of CO2 to CH4 at temperatures at or below ca. 400 °C under redox conditions characterizing intrusive rocks derived from sub-ridge melts. Collectively, the observations support a model where methane-rich aqueous fluids, known to be trapped in rocks of the oceanic lithosphere, are liberated from host rocks during hydrothermal circulation and perhaps represent the major source of methane venting with thermal waters at unsedimented hydrothermal fields. The results also provide further evidence that water-rock reactions occurring at temperatures lower than 200 °C do not contribute significantly to the quantities of methane venting at mid-ocean ridge hot springs.

Metamorphic core complexes: Expression of crustal extension by ductile-brittle shearing of the geologic column

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, G. H.

1985-01-01

Metamorphic core complexes and detachment fault terranes in the American Southwest are products of stretching of continental crust in the Tertiary. The physical and geometric properties of the structures, fault rocks, and contact relationships that developed as a consequence of the extension are especially well displayed in southeastern Arizona. The structures and fault rocks, as a system, reflect a ductile-through-brittle continuum of deformation, with individual structures and faults rocks showing remarkably coordinated strain and displacement patterns. Careful mapping and analysis of the structural system has led to the realization that strain and displacement were partitioned across a host of structures, through a spectrum of scales, in rocks of progressively changing rheology. By integrating observations made in different parts of the extensional system, especially at different inferred depth levels, it has been possible to construct a descriptive/kinematic model of the progressive deformation that achieved continental crustal extension in general, and the development of metamorphic core complexes in particular.

Emsian synorogenic paleogeography of the Maine Applachians

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bradley, D.; Tucker, R.

2002-01-01

The Acadian deformation front in the northern Appalachians of Maine and New Hampshire can now be closely located during the early Emsian (Early Devonian; 408-406 Ma). Tight correlations between paleontologically and isotopically dated rocks are possible only because of a new 408-Ma time scale tie point for the early Emsian. The deformation front lay between a belt of Lower Devonian flysch and molasse that were deposited in an Acadian foreland basin and had not yet been folded and a belt of early Emsian plutons that intruded folded Lower Devonian rocks. This plutonic belt includes the newly dated Ore Mountain gabbro (U/Pb; 406 Ma), which hosts magmatic-sulfide mineralization. Along the deformation front, a 407-Ma pluton that locally truncates Acadian folds (Katahdin) was the feeder to volcanic rocks (Traveler Rhyolite; 406-407 Ma) that are part of the foreland-basin succession involved in these same folds. The Emsian igneous rocks thus define a syncollisional magmatic province that straddled the deformation front. These findings bear on three alternative subduction geometries for the Acadian collision.

Heterogeneous arsenic enrichment in meta-sedimentary rocks in central Maine, United States.

PubMed

O'Shea, Beth; Stransky, Megan; Leitheiser, Sara; Brock, Patrick; Marvinney, Robert G; Zheng, Yan

2015-02-01

Arsenic is enriched up to 28 times the average crustal abundance of 4.8 mg kg(-1) for meta-sedimentary rocks of two adjacent formations in central Maine, USA where groundwater in the bedrock aquifer frequently contains elevated As levels. The Waterville Formation contains higher arsenic concentrations (mean As 32.9 mg kg(-1), median 12.1 mg kg(-1), n=38) than the neighboring Vassalboro Group (mean As 19.1 mg kg(-1), median 6.0 mg kg(-1), n=38). The Waterville Formation is a pelitic meta-sedimentary unit with abundant pyrite either visible or observed by scanning electron microprobe. Concentrations of As and S are strongly correlated (r=0.88, p<0.05) in the low grade phyllite rocks, and arsenic is detected up to 1944 mg kg(-1) in pyrite measured by electron microprobe. In contrast, statistically significant (p<0.05) correlations between concentrations of As and S are absent in the calcareous meta-sediments of the Vassalboro Group, consistent with the absence of arsenic-rich pyrite in the protolith. Metamorphism converts the arsenic-rich pyrite to arsenic-poor pyrrhotite (mean As 1 mg kg(-1), n=15) during de-sulfidation reactions: the resulting metamorphic rocks contain arsenic but little or no sulfur indicating that the arsenic is now in new mineral hosts. Secondary weathering products such as iron oxides may host As, yet the geochemical methods employed (oxidative and reductive leaching) do not conclusively indicate that arsenic is associated only with these. Instead, silicate minerals such as biotite and garnet are present in metamorphic zones where arsenic is enriched (up to 130.8 mg kg(-1) As) where S is 0%. Redistribution of already variable As in the protolith during metamorphism and contemporary water-rock interaction in the aquifers, all combine to contribute to a spatially heterogeneous groundwater arsenic distribution in bedrock aquifers. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ancient microbial activity recorded in fracture fillings from granitic rocks (Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory, Sweden).

PubMed

Heim, C; Lausmaa, J; Sjövall, P; Toporski, J; Dieing, T; Simon, K; Hansen, B T; Kronz, A; Arp, G; Reitner, J; Thiel, V

2012-07-01

Fracture minerals within the 1.8-Ga-old Äspö Diorite (Sweden) were investigated for fossil traces of subterranean microbial activity. To track the potential organic and inorganic biosignatures, an approach combining complementary analytical techniques of high lateral resolution was applied to drill core material obtained at -450 m depth in the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory. This approach included polarization microscopy, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), confocal Raman microscopy, electron microprobe (EMP) and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The fracture mineral succession, consisting of fluorite and low-temperature calcite, showed a thin (20-100 μm), dark amorphous layer lining the boundary between the two phases. Microscopic investigations of the amorphous layer revealed corrosion marks and, in places, branched tubular structures within the fluorite. Geochemical analysis showed significant accumulations of Si, Al, Mg, Fe and the light rare earth elements (REE) in the amorphous layer. In the same area, ToF-SIMS imaging revealed abundant, partly functionalized organic moieties, for example, C(x)H(y)⁺, C(x)H(y)N⁺, C(x)H(y)O⁺. The presence of such functionalized organic compounds was corroborated by Raman imaging showing bands characteristic of C-C, C-N and C-O bonds. According to its organic nature and the abundance of relatively unstable N- and O- heterocompounds, the organic-rich amorphous layer is interpreted to represent the remains of a microbial biofilm that established much later than the initial cooling of the Precambrian host rock. Indeed, δ¹³C, δ¹⁸O and ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr isotope data of the fracture minerals and the host rock point to an association with a fracture reactivation event in the most recent geological past. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Episodic growth of a Late Cretaceous and Paleogene intrusive complex of pegmatitic leucogranite, Ruby Mountains core complex, Nevada, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Howard, Keith A.; Wooden, J.L.; Barnes, C.G.; Premo, W.R.; Snoke, A.W.; Lee, S.-Y.

2011-01-01

Gneissic pegmatitic leucogranite forms a dominant component (>600 km3) of the midcrustal infrastructure of the Ruby Mountains–East Humboldt Range core complex (Nevada, USA), and was assembled and modified episodically into a batholithic volume by myriad small intrusions from ca. 92 to 29 Ma. This injection complex consists of deformed sheets and other bodies emplaced syntectonically into a stratigraphic framework of marble, calc-silicate rocks, quartzite, schist, and other granitoids. Bodies of pegmatitic granite coalesce around host-rock remnants, which preserve relict or ghost stratigraphy, thrusts, and fold nappes. Intrusion inflated but did not disrupt the host-rock structure. The pegmatitic granite increases proportionally downward from structurally high positions to the bottoms of 1-km-deep canyons where it constitutes 95%–100% of the rock. Zircon and monazite dated by U-Pb (sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe, SHRIMP) for this rock type cluster diffusely at ages near 92, 82(?), 69, 38, and 29 Ma, and indicate successive or rejuvenated igneous crystallization multiple times over long periods of the Late Cretaceous and the Paleogene. Initial partial melting of unexposed pelites may have generated granite forerunners, which were remobilized several times in partial melting events. Sources for the pegmatitic granite differed isotopically from sources of similar-aged interleaved equigranular granites. Dominant Late Cretaceous and fewer Paleogene ages recorded from some pegmatitic granite samples, and Paleogene-only ages from the two structurally deepest samples, together with varying zircon trace element contents, suggest several disparate ages of final emplacement or remobilization of various small bodies. Folded sills that merge with dikes that cut the same folds suggest that there may have been in situ partial remobilization. The pegmatitic granite intrusions represent prolonged and recurrent generation, assembly, and partial melting modification of a batholithic volume even while the regional tectonic environment varied dramatically from contractile thickening to extension and mafic underplating.

Heterogeneous arsenic enrichment in meta-sedimentary rocks in central Maine, United States

PubMed Central

O’Shea, Beth; Stransky, Megan; Leitheiser, Sara; Brock, Patrick; Marvinney, Robert G.; Zheng, Yan

2014-01-01

Arsenic is enriched up to 28 times the average crustal abundance of 4.8 mg kg−1 for meta-sedimentary rocks of two adjacent formations in central Maine, USA where groundwater in the bedrock aquifer frequently contains elevated As levels. The Waterville Formation contains higher arsenic concentrations (mean As 32.9 mg kg−1, median 12.1 mg kg−1, n=36) than the neighboring Vassalboro Group (mean As 19.1 mg kg−1, median 6.0 mg kg−1, n=36). The Waterville Formation is a pelitic meta-sedimentary unit with abundant pyrite either visible or observed by scanning electron microprobe. Concentrations of As and S are strongly correlated (r=0.88, p<0.05) in the low grade phyllite rocks, and arsenic is detected up to 1,944 mg kg−1 in pyrite measured by electron microprobe. In contrast, statistically significant (p<0.05) correlations between concentrations of As and S are absent in the calcareous meta-sediments of the Vassalboro Group, consistent with the absence of arsenic-rich pyrite in the protolith. Metamorphism converts the arsenic-rich pyrite to arsenic-poor pyrrhotite (mean As 1 mg kg−1, n=15) during de-sulfidation reactions: the resulting metamorphic rocks contain arsenic but little or no sulfur indicating that the arsenic is now in new mineral hosts. Secondary weathering products such as iron oxides may host As, yet the geochemical methods employed (oxidative and reductive leaching) do not conclusively indicate that arsenic is associated only with these. Instead, silicate minerals such as biotite and garnet are present in metamorphic zones where arsenic is enriched (up to 130.8 mg kg−1 As) where S is 0%. Redistribution of already variable As in the protolith during metamorphism and contemporary water-rock interaction in the aquifers, all combine to contribute to a spatially heterogeneous groundwater arsenic distribution in bedrock aquifers. PMID:24861530

Low-Temperature Thermochronology for Unraveling Thermal Processes and Dating of Fault Zones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tagami, T.

2016-12-01

Thermal signatures as well as timing of fault motions can be constrained by thermochronological analyses of fault-zone rocks (e.g., Tagami, 2012). Fault-zone materials suitable for such analyses are produced by tectocic and geochemical processes, such as (1) mechanical fragmentation of host rocks, grain-size reduction of fragments and recrystallization of grains to form mica and clay minerals, (2) secondary heating/melting of host rocks by frictional fault motions, and (3) mineral vein formation as a consequence of fluid advection associated with fault motions. The geothermal structure of fault zones are primarily controlled by the following three factors: (a) regional geothermal structure around the fault zone that reflect background thermo-tectonic history of studied province, (b) frictional heating of wall rocks by fault motions and resultant heat transfer into surrounding rocks, and (c) thermal influences by hot fluid advection in and around the fault zone. Thermochronological methods widely applied in fault zones are K-Ar (40Ar/39Ar), fission-track (FT), and U-Th methods. In addition, OSL, TL, ESR and (U-Th)/He methods are applied in some fault zones, in order to extract temporal imformation related to low temperature and/or very recent fault activities. Here I briefly review the thermal sensitivity of individual thermochronological systems, which basically controls the response of each method against faulting processes. Then, the thermal sensitivity of FTs is highlighted, with a particular focus on the thermal processes characteristic to fault zones, i.e., flash and hydrothermal heating. On these basis, representative examples as well as key issues, including sampling strategy, are presented to make thermochronologic analysis of fault-zone materials, such as fault gouges, pseudotachylytes and mylonites, along with geological, geomorphological and seismological implications. Finally, the thermochronologic analyses of the Nojima fault are overviewed, as an example of multidisciplinary investigations of an active seismogenic fault system. References: T. Tagami, 2012. Thermochronological investigation of fault zones. Tectonophys., 538-540, 67-85, doi:10.1016/j.tecto.2012.01.032.

Hydrothermal Alteration in an Acid-Sulphate Geothermal Field: Sulphur Springs, Saint Lucia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joseph, E. P.; Barrett, T. J.

2017-12-01

Sulphur Springs is a vigorous geothermal field associated with the Soufrière Volcanic Centre in southern Saint Lucia. Bubbling hydrothermal pools are rich in sodium-calcium sulphate, with pHs of 3-7 and temperatures of 41-97ºC. Fumaroles have temperatures up to, and at times above, 100°C. Gases from bubbling pools and fumaroles have high contents of CO2 (601-993 mmol/mol) and H2S (3-190 mmol/mol). To investigate the nature and extent of hydrothermal alteration, detailed chemical analysis was carried out on 25 altered rocks, 10 sediments from pools and creeks in the main discharge area, and 15 little-altered rocks up to 2 km away from geothermal field. Eight altered samples were also analysed for stable isotope compositions, with mineralogy determined by X-ray diffraction and mineral liberation analysis. Least-altered host rocks comprise calc-alkaline feldspar-quartz-porphyritic dacites of near-uniform composition that form massive domes and volcaniclastic units. These rocks were emplaced 10-30 Ka ago (Lindsay et al. 2013). Within the geothermal field, the dacites have been highly altered to kaolinite, quartz, cristobalite, alunite, natroalunite, smectite, native sulphur, jarosite, gypsum and amorphous compounds. Muds from grey to blackish hydrothermal pools additionally contain iron sulphides, mainly pyrite. Despite intense alteration of the original dacites, Zr and Ti have remained essentially immobile, allowing the calculation of mass changes. Major depletions of Fe, Mg, Ca, Na and commonly Si occur over an area of at least 200 x 400 m. The most altered rocks also show losses of Al, light REE and Y, implying leaching by highly acidic waters. A few altered rocks have, however, gained Al together with Si and P. Also present are m-scale zones of silica + native sulphur, wherein the silica appears to represent a residue from the leaching of dacite, rather than a hydrothermal addition. Delta-34S values of samples containing mixtures of sulphates, native sulphur and iron sulphides are all notably negative (-5 to -16 ‰), consistent with derivation of sulphur from acidic magmatic gases that reacted with oxidized groundwater. Despite the strongly acidic alteration of the host rocks, most hydrothermal pools are neutral or only mildly acidic, suggesting that they contain a notable component of meteoric water.

Multiple stable isotope fronts during non-isothermal fluid flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fekete, Szandra; Weis, Philipp; Scott, Samuel; Driesner, Thomas

2018-02-01

Stable isotope signatures of oxygen, hydrogen and other elements in minerals from hydrothermal veins and metasomatized host rocks are widely used to investigate fluid sources and paths. Previous theoretical studies mostly focused on analyzing stable isotope fronts developing during single-phase, isothermal fluid flow. In this study, numerical simulations were performed to assess how temperature changes, transport phenomena, kinetic vs. equilibrium isotope exchange, and isotopic source signals determine mineral oxygen isotopic compositions during fluid-rock interaction. The simulations focus on one-dimensional scenarios, with non-isothermal single- and two-phase fluid flow, and include the effects of quartz precipitation and dissolution. If isotope exchange between fluid and mineral is fast, a previously unrecognized, significant enrichment in heavy oxygen isotopes of fluids and minerals occurs at the thermal front. The maximum enrichment depends on the initial isotopic composition of fluid and mineral, the fluid-rock ratio and the maximum change in temperature, but is independent of the isotopic composition of the incoming fluid. This thermally induced isotope front propagates faster than the signal related to the initial isotopic composition of the incoming fluid, which forms a trailing front behind the zone of transient heavy oxygen isotope enrichment. Temperature-dependent kinetic rates of isotope exchange between fluid and rock strongly influence the degree of enrichment at the thermal front. In systems where initial isotope values of fluids and rocks are far from equilibrium and isotope fractionation is controlled by kinetics, the temperature increase accelerates the approach of the fluid to equilibrium conditions with the host rock. Consequently, the increase at the thermal front can be less dominant and can even generate fluid values below the initial isotopic composition of the input fluid. As kinetics limit the degree of isotope exchange, a third front may develop in kinetically limited systems, which propagates with the advection speed of the incoming fluid and is, therefore, traveling fastest. The results show that oxygen isotope signatures at thermal fronts recorded in rocks and veins that experienced isotope exchange with fluids can easily be misinterpreted, namely if bulk analytical techniques are applied. However, stable isotope microanalysis on precipitated minerals may - if later isotope exchange is kinetically limited - provide a valuable archive of the transient thermal and hydrological evolution of a system.

How can fluid overpressures be developed and maintained in crustal fault zones ?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

LECLÈRE, H.; Cappa, F.; Faulkner, D. R.; Armitage, P. J.; Blake, O. O.; Fabbri, O.

2013-12-01

The presence of fluid overpressure in crustal fault zones is known to play a key role on the stability of faults and it has often been invoked to explain the triggering of earthquakes and the apparent weakness of misoriented faults. However, the mechanisms allowing the development and maintenance of fluid overpressures in fault remain unresolved. We investigate how fluid overpressures can be developed and maintained in complex fault zones with hydraulic and elastic heterogeneities. Here we address this question combining geological observations, laboratory experiments and hydromechanical models of an active crustal fault zone in the Ubaye-Argentera area (southeastern France). The fault zone studied is located in the Argentera external crystalline massif and is connected to regional NW-SE steeply-dipping dextral strike-slip faults with an offset of several kilometers. The fault zone cuts through migmatitic gneisses composed of quartz, K-feldspar, plagioclase, biotite and muscovite. It exposes several anastomosing core zones surrounded by damage zones with a pluri-decametric total width. The core zones are made up of centimetric to pluridecimetric phyllosilicate-rich gouge layers while the damage zones are composed of pluri-metric phyllonitic rock derived from mylonite. The determination of fault structure in the field and its hydraulic and mechanical properties in the lab are key aspects to improve our understanding of the role of fluids in fault mechanics and earthquake triggering. Here, the permeability and elastic moduli of the host rock, damage zone and fault core were measured from natural plugs with a diameter of 20 mm and lengths between 26 to 51 mm, using a high-pressure hydrostatic fluid-flow apparatus. Measurements were made with confining pressures ranging from 30 to 210 MPa and using argon pore fluid pressure of 20 MPa. Data show a reduction of the permeability values of one order of magnitude between host rock and fault damage zone and a decrease of 50% of the elastic properties between host rock and core zone. Data also show a higher dependence of the permeability on the effective pressure for the host rock compared with the damage zone and core zone. This heterogeneity of properties is related to the development of different microstructures such as microcracks, S-C structures and microbreccia across the fault zone achieved during the tectonic history of the fault. From these physical property values and the fault zone architecture, we then analyzed the effects of sudden mechanical loading approximating to static normal-stress transfer following an earthquake on a neighbouring fault, on the development of fluid overpressures. A series of 1-D hydromechanical numerical models was used to show that sudden normal stress increase is a viable mechanism for fluid overpressuring in the studied fault-zone. The models also showed that fluid overpressures can be temporarily maintained in the studied fault zone and that the maintenance of fluid overpressures is controlled by the structure and fluid-flow properties of the fault zone.

Geochemical and isotopic constraints on the role of juvenile crust and magma mixing in the UDMA magmatism, Iran: evidence from mafic microgranular enclaves and cogenetic granitoids in the Zafarghand igneous complex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarjoughian, Fatemeh; Lentz, David; Kananian, Ali; Ao, Songjian; Xiao, Wenjiao

2018-04-01

The Zafarghand Igneous Complex is composed of granite, granodiorite, diorite, and gabbro that contain many mafic microgranular enclaves. This complex was emplaced during the late Oligocene (24.6 Ma) to form part of the Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic arc of Central Iran. The enclaves have spheroidal to elongated/lenticular shapes and are quenched mafic melts in felsic host magma as evidenced by fine-grained sinuous margins and (or) locally transitional and diffuse contacts with the host rocks, as well as having disequilibrium textures. These textures including oscillatory zoning with resorption surfaces on plagioclase, feldspar megacrysts with poikilitic and anti-rapakivi textures, mafic clots, acicular apatites, and small lath-shaped plagioclase in larger plagioclase crystals all indicate that the enclaves crystallized from mafic magma that was injected into and mixing/mingling with the host felsic magma. The studied rocks have calc-alkaline, metaluminous compositions, with an arc affinity. They are enriched in large ion lithophile elements, light rare-earth elements, and depleted in high field strength elements with significant negative Eu anomalies. The Sr-Nd isotopic data for all of the samples are similar and display ISr = 0.705123-0.705950 and ɛNd (24.6 Ma) = - 1.04-1.03 with TDM 0.9-1.1 Ga. The host granites and enclaves are of mixed/mingled origin and most probably formed by the interaction between the juvenile lower crust with a basaltic composition and old lower or middle continental crust as a major component and lithospheric mantle as a minor component; this was followed by fractional crystallization and possibly minor crustal assimilation. The source seems to be comprised of about 90-80% of the basaltic magma and about 10-20% of lower/middle-crust-derived magma. Geochemical characteristics indicate that the intrusion of these rocks from a subduction zone setting below the Central Iran micro-continent was related to an active continental margin, although was transitional to a transtensional setting possibly due oblique convergence to slab rollback or break-off.

The Deep Crust Magmatic Refinery, Part 1: A Coupled Thermodynamic and Two-phase Flow Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riel, N., Jr.; Bouilhol, P.; Van Hunen, J.; Velic, M.; Magni, V.

2016-12-01

Metamorphic and magmatic processes occurring in the deep crust ultimately control the chemical and physical characteristic of the continental crust. A complex interplay between magma intrusion, crystallization, and reaction with the pre-existing crust provide a wide range of differentiated magma and cumulates (and / or restites) that will feed the upper crustal levels with evolved melt while constructing the lower crust. With growing evidence from field and experimental studies, it becomes clearer that crystallization and melting processes are non-exclusive but should be considered together. Incoming H2O bearing mantle melts will start to fractionate to a certain extent, forming cumulates but also releasing heat and H2O to the intruded host-rock allowing it to melt in saturated conditions. The end-result of such dynamic system is a function of the amount and composition of melt input, and extent of reaction with the host which is itself dependent on the migration mode of the melts. To assess the dynamics of this deep magmatic system we developed a new 2-D two-phase flow code using finite volume method. Our formulation takes into account: (i) melt flow through a viscous porous matrix with temperature- and melt-content dependent host-rock viscosity, (ii) heat transfer, assuming local thermal equilibrium between solid and liquid, (iii) thermodynamic modelling of stable phases, (iv) injection of fractionated melt from crystallizing basalt at the Moho and (v) chemical advection of both the solid and liquid compositions. Here we present the core of our modelling approach, especially the petrological implementation. We show in details that our thermodynamic model can reproduce well both the sub- and supra solidus phase relationship and composition of the host-rock. We apply our method to an idealized amphibolite lower crust that is affected by a magmatic event represented by the intrusion of a wet mantle melt into the crust at Moho depth. The models [see Bouilhol et al. associated abstract for results] allow calculating the different proportion of phases present in the system through time.

Amphibole megacrysts as a probe into the deep plumbing system of Merapi volcano, Central Java, Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peters, Stefan T. M.; Troll, Valentin R.; Weis, Franz A.; Dallai, Luigi; Chadwick, Jane P.; Schulz, Bernhard

2017-04-01

Amphibole has been discussed to potentially represent an important phase during early chemical evolution of arc magmas, but is not commonly observed in eruptive arc rocks. Here, we present an in-depth study of metastable calcic amphibole megacrysts in basaltic andesites of Merapi volcano, Indonesia. Radiogenic Sr and Nd isotope compositions of the amphibole megacrysts overlap with the host rock range, indicating that they represent antecrysts to the host magmas rather than xenocrysts. Amphibole-based barometry suggests that the megacrysts crystallised at pressures of >500 MPa, i.e., in the mid- to lower crust beneath Merapi. Rare-earth element concentrations, in turn, require the absence of magmatic garnet in the Merapi feeding system and, therefore, place an uppermost limit for the pressure of amphibole crystallisation at ca. 800 MPa. The host magmas of the megacrysts seem to have fractionated significant amounts of amphibole and/or clinopyroxene, because of their low Dy/Yb ratios relative to the estimated compositions of the parent magmas to the megacrysts. The megacrysts' parent magmas at depth may thus have evolved by amphibole fractionation, in line with apparently coupled variations of trace element ratios in the megacrysts, such as e.g., decreasing Zr/Hf with Dy/Yb. Moreover, the Th/U ratios of the amphibole megacrysts decrease with increasing Dy/Yb and are lower than Th/U ratios in the basaltic andesite host rocks. Uranium in the megacrysts' parent magmas, therefore, may have occurred predominantly in the tetravalent state, suggesting that magmatic fO2 in the Merapi plumbing system increased from below the FMQ buffer in the mid-to-lower crust to 0.6-2.2 log units above it in the near surface environment. In addition, some of the amphibole megacrysts experienced dehydrogenation (H2 loss) and/or dehydration (H2O loss), as recorded by their variable H2O contents and D/ H and Fe3+/Fe2+ ratios, and the release of these volatile species into the shallow plumbing system may facilitate Merapi's often erratic eruptive behaviour.