Geochemistry of the Eocene clastic sediments (Suonahu Formation) in the North Qiangtang Basin, Tibet: implications for paleoclimate conditions, provenance and tectonic setting

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-55
Author(s):  
Lijun Shen ◽  
Jian Wang ◽  
Hualiang Shen ◽  
Xiugen Fu ◽  
Youli Wan ◽  
...  

The geochemistry of the clastic sedimentary units of the Suonahu Formation from the QD17 well in the northern Qiangtang basin, Tibet, was studied using various chemical analyses. SiO2/Al2O3 ratios indicated that compositional maturity and recycling of the sediments were low to moderate. The total rare earth element (∑REE) contents of the clastic sediments ranged from 29.28 to 191.92 ppm. Element abundances suggest that the studied clastic sediments in the northern Qiangtang Basin were mainly sourced from felsic rocks mixed with small amounts of intermediate rocks, and that they were mostly developed in a continental setting. The REE geochemistry of the clastic sediments suggests that these different lithological samples were derived from a similar terrigenous source and that the Eu anomaly was inherited from the source rocks. The paleoclimate index (C-value) varied from 0.01 to 0.36, reflecting generally arid to semiarid conditions. In addition, Rb/Sr (about 0.41) and Sr/Cu (about 37.02) ratios support the idea that arid conditions prevailed during the deposition of the Suonahu Formation. Sr/Ba ratios (0.48–3.23) suggest a paleoenvironment with variable salinity. The covariation among this factor and paleoclimate indicators suggests that variations in climatic conditions exerted a primary control on salinity. The chemical index of alteration (CIA), A–CN–K ternary diagram, and low Th/U ratios indicate that the parent rocks of the clastic sediments experienced weak chemical weathering. Two multidimensional tectonic discrimination diagrams based on major elements show that the Suonahu Formation was deposited in a rift-related basin. The TiO2 versus Zr, La/Th versus Hf, and Co/Th versus La/Sc bivariate diagrams and multi-major elements discrimination diagram indicate that the detritus was primarily derived from felsic igneous rocks with less contribution from intermediate igneous rocks.

2015 ◽  
Vol 154 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
HOSSAM A. TAWFIK ◽  
IBRAHIM M. GHANDOUR ◽  
WATARU MAEJIMA ◽  
JOHN S. ARMSTRONG-ALTRIN ◽  
ABDEL-MONEM T. ABDEL-HAMEED

AbstractCombined petrographic and geochemical methods are utilized to investigate the provenance, tectonic setting, palaeo-weathering and climatic conditions of the Cambrian Araba clastic sediments of NE Egypt. The ~ 60 m thick Araba Formation consists predominantly of sandstone and mudstone interbedded with conglomerate. Petrographically the Araba sandstones are mostly sub-mature and classified as subarkoses with an average framework composition of Q80F14L6. The framework components are dominated by monocrystalline quartz with subordinate K-feldspar, together with volcanic and granitic rock fragments. XRD analysis demonstrated that clay minerals comprise mixed-layer illite/smectite (I/S), illite and smectite, with minor kaolinite. Diagenetic features of the sandstone include mechanical infiltration of clay, mechanical and chemical compaction, cementation, dissolution and replacement of feldspars by carbonate cements and clays. The modal composition and geochemical parameters (e.g. Cr/V, Y/Ni, Th/Co and Cr/Th ratios) of the sandstones and mudstones indicate that they were derived from felsic source rocks, probably from the crystalline basement of the northern fringe of the Arabian–Nubian Shield. The study reveals a collisional tectonic setting for the sediments of the Araba Formation. Palaeo-weathering indices such as the chemical index of alteration (CIA), chemical index of weathering (CIW) and plagioclase index of alteration (PIA) of the clastic sediments suggest that the source area was moderately chemically weathered. On the northern margin of Gondwana, early Palaeozoic weathering occurred under fluctuating climatic conditions.


Minerals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 813
Author(s):  
Md Aminur Rahman ◽  
Sudeb Chandra Das ◽  
Mark I. Pownceby ◽  
James Tardio ◽  
Md Sha Alam ◽  
...  

Sediments from stable sand bars along a 40 km section of the Brahmaputra River in northern Bangladesh were analyzed for their major, trace and rare earth element contents to determine their provenance, compositional maturity, source area weathering and tectonic setting. Geochemically, the sediments were classified as litharenites and the Index of Compositional Variability (ICV) varied between 1.4 and 2.0, indicating low compositional and mineralogical maturity. A high mean SiO2 concentration (72.9 wt.%) and low Al2O3 (11.1 wt.%) were consistent with a low abundance of shale and clay components. The depletion of the oxide components Na2O, CaO and K2O relative to average upper crustal compositions (UCC) reflected loss of feldspar during chemical weathering in the source region. Average TiO2 values for most samples were higher than average crustal levels, consistent with the northern section of the Brahmaputra River being a potential resource for valuable Fe-Ti oxide heavy minerals. Major and trace element ratios indicated the sediments represented erosional products from typical felsic upper continental crustal materials with contamination (30%–40%) from more intermediate/mafic compositions. The rare earth element patterns showed negative Eu anomalies (0.57–0.71), indicating they were derived mainly from fractionated felsic rocks. Resemblance of the sediment compositions to mean compositions from Higher Himalaya crystalline rocks pointed to these being potential source rocks but with components from a mafic source also present. Major element chemistries and low to intermediate weathering indices for all sediments indicated a lack of substantial chemical weathering. Evidence from tectonic discrimination diagrams suggested the Brahmaputra River sediments were derived from rock types that formed in a transitional tectonic setting ranging from an ancient passive margin to an active continental margin. Deposition occurred under cool to semi-arid climatic conditions in an oxic environment.


2011 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Berry Lyons ◽  
Kathleen A. Welch ◽  
Christopher B. Gardner ◽  
Chris Jaros ◽  
Daryl L. Moorhead ◽  
...  

AbstractThe McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica are the largest ice-free region on the continent. These valleys contain numerous water bodies that receive seasonal melt from glaciers. For forty years, research emphasis has been placed on the larger water bodies, the permanent ice-covered lakes. We present results from the first study describing the geochemistry of ponds in the higher elevations of Taylor Valley. Unlike the lakes at lower elevations, the landscape on which these ponds lie is among the oldest in Taylor Valley. These upland ponds wax and wane in size depending on the local climatic conditions, and their ionic concentrations and isotopic composition vary annually depending on the amount of meltwater generated and their hydrologic connectivity. This study evaluates the impact of changes in summer climate on the chemistry of these ponds. Although pond chemistry reflects the initial meltwater chemistry, dissolution and chemical weathering within the stream channels, and possibly permafrost fluid input, the primary control is the dilution effect of glacier melt during warmer summers. These processes lead to differences in solute concentrations and ionic ratios between ponds, despite their nearby proximity. The change in size of these ponds over time has important consequences on their geochemical behaviour and potential to provide water and solutes to the subsurface.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 279
Author(s):  
G. U. Ozulu ◽  
A. U. Okoro ◽  
V. O. Ndubueze

The petrography and geochemistry of major and trace elements distribution pattern for the Lokoja Sandstones, Southern Bida Basin, Nigeria; were used to interpret their provenance, weathering conditions and paleotectonic setting. A total of seven (7) representative sandstone samples were selected for petrographic, heavy minerals and inorganic geochemical analyses; that is X- ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Results of the petrographic analysis showed 52.14 % quartz, 39.29 % feldspar, 2.00 % rock fragments, 5.14 % matrix and cement fraction as well as 1.43 % unfilled voids. Results of major elements and oxides suggests intermediate to felsic source rocks while the dominance of Na-rich feldspar to the k-feldspar and high value of Fe2O3+MgO shows contribution from ferromagnesian minerals of mafic igneous source provenance and oceanic island arc region. Average concentrations of designated trace elements in the studied sandstones are low in concentrations. The lower concentrations of Cr, Co, and Ni and higher concentrations of Zr, Ba, and Sr suggest a felsic progenitor rock. But significantly high values of Ni (7.02 ppm), La/Co (7.99), and Ni/Co (3.28) as well as the low concentration value of Y, (3.23 ppm) suggests contributions from mafic source rocks. Low average ratios for La/Co, Th/Co, Th/Sc, Ni/Co, Cr/Ni, Cr/Sc, Cr/Th, Ni/Co, Cr/Ni, Cr/Th, Cr/Sc, Th/Sc, La/Co and Th/Co also suggest a felsic source provenance. An average CIA value of 78.04% is indicative of an intense recycling in the source area while an average MIA value of 56.13% suggests a moderate degree of weathering. The high clay matrix and feldspar content have been used to classify the sandstones as feldspathic greywackes deposited in dry arid climatic conditions under a basement uplifted tectonic setting.   


2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-22
Author(s):  
Salam Ranjeeta Devi

The present paper deals with the study of the depositional environment and tectonic setting during the sedimentation of the Barail Group of rocks of the Indo-Myanmar Ranges (IMR). The Barail Group (Oligocene) consist of sandstone intercalated with shale and siltstone. Geochemical study suggests low to high degree of chemical weathering. ICV vs. CIA, Al2O3 vs. TiO2 diagrams indicate that the sediments were derived from the multiple source rocks dominantly of mafic composition. Arid to semi-arid/semi-humid climate prevailed during the deposition of the Barail Group sediments. Sedimentation occurred in a tectonic setting of overlap of passive to active continental margin under marine environment.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 32
Author(s):  
Fahmi Hakim ◽  
Yanuardi Satrio Nugroho ◽  
Cendi Diar Permata Dana ◽  
Anastasia Dewi Titisari

Batur paleovolcano is located in Wediombo Beach area, Gunungkidul Regency, Yogyakarta and is being part of Wuni Formation. Several volcanic products including lava flow, autoclastic breccia and volcanic breccia can be found associated with diorite intrusions. This research is aimed to characterize geological, mineralogical andgeochemical variations of igneous rocks from Batur paleovolcano to understand its petrogenesis. Detailed geological mapping with scale of 1:12,500 is conducted to identify geological aspects and delineate igneous rocks distributions. Igneous rocks and selected wall rocks samples were prepared for laboratory analysis including 8 samples for petrography and 5 samples for ICP-AES (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry) analysis. Several geochemical data from previous study are also added to investigate the geochemical variations. Geological condition of the research area consists of four rock units including colluvial deposit, limestone, andesite lava and diorite intrusion. Geological structures found are normal fault and shear joint where the main stress direction is north–south. Petrography analysis showed that igneous rocks in this research area consist of diorite intrusion and andesite lava with phorphyritic texture. Plagioclase become the most abundant minerals found both as phenocryst phase and groundmass. Hornblende only occur as phenocryst phase in minor amounts as accesory mineral. Major elementsgeochemistry analysis showed the rocks are characterized by intermediate silica with low alkali content. They are can be categorized as calc-alkaline series. However, some samples are fall into tholeiitic series. Major elements variation and textural study also indicate the magma is experienced differentiation process by fractional crystallization mechanism. This study suggests that igneous rocks from Batur paleovolcano is formed by two phases of formation. Earlier phase is the formation of andesite lava in island arc tholeiitic tectonic setting then at the later phase is formation of diorite intrusion in the calc-alkaline basalts tectonic setting.


Lithosphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 150-165
Author(s):  
Xiaohu He ◽  
Zheng Liu ◽  
Guochang Wang ◽  
Nicole Leonard ◽  
Wang Tao ◽  
...  

Abstract As a result of the evolution of Meso-Tethys, Early Cretaceous granitoids are widespread in the eastern Tengchong terrane, SW China, which is considered as the southern extension of the Tibetan Plateau. These igneous rocks are therefore very important for understanding the tectonic setting of Meso-Tethys and the formation of the Tibetan Plateau. In this paper, we present new zircon U-Pb dating, whole-rock elemental, and Nd isotopic data of granitoids obtained from the eastern Tengchong terrane. Our results show that these granitoids are composed of monzogranites and granodiorites and formed at ca. 124 Ma in the Early Cretaceous. Mineralogically and geochemically, these granitoids display metaluminous nature and affinity to I-type granites, which are derived from preexisting intracrustal igneous source rocks. The predominantly negative whole-rock εNd(t) values (−10.86 to −8.64) for all samples indicate that they are derived mainly from the partial melting of the Mesoproterozoic metabasic rocks in the lower crust. Integrating previous studies with the data presented in this contribution, we propose that the Early Cretaceous granitic rocks (135–110 Ma) also belong to I-type granites with minor high fractionation. Furthermore, in discriminant diagrams for source, granitoids are mainly derived from the partial melting of metaigneous rocks with minor sediments in the lower crust. The new identification of the Myitkyina Meso-Tethys ophiolitic suite in eastern Myanmar and mafic enclaves indicate that these Cretaceous igneous rocks were the products of the tectonic evolution of the Myitkyina Tethys Ocean, which was related to post-collisional slab rollback. Moreover, the Tengchong terrane is probably the southern extension of the South Qiangtang terrane.


Author(s):  
Nura Abdulmumini Yelwa ◽  
Khairul Azlan Mustapha ◽  
Mimonitu Opuwari ◽  
Azharuddin Abd Aziz

AbstractAptian to Campanian sediments from the Western offshore to Central Orange Basin were studied by integrating molecular geochemistry, inorganic and isotopic studies to recognize their geochemical characteristics via the reconstruction of the Orange basin’s paleoweathering, paleosalinity, paleovegetation, paleoclimate, and tectonic records. Molecular analyses of both aliphatic and aromatic compounds reveal an input dominantly from a marine source. The source rocks accumulated in a reduced, anoxic, saline water column. Based on various biomarker proxies and vitrinite reflectance data, some samples are thermally mature to produce petroleum, while others are not. According to the V/Ni ratio, samples from the Orange Basin in South Africa are mainly anoxic, with only a few samples ranging from suboxic to anoxic. This is congruent with biomarker and isotope analyses that further indicate the presence of marine-derived source rocks with some terrestrial remains generating hydrocarbons. The investigated sediments are made up of intermediate igneous rocks that have undergone moderate chemical weathering. Geochemical figures on tectonic setting discriminant function diagrams revealed a continental rift of passive margin settings. As a result, the extrapolated crustal processes are directly analogous to the genesis and evolution of the Orange Basin, demonstrating Gondwana’s breaking up and the opening of the Atlantic Ocean Margin.


2020 ◽  
Vol 60 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Pradip Kumar Biswas ◽  
M. Shafiqul Alam ◽  
A.S.M. Mehedi Hasan ◽  
Syed Samsuddin Ahmed ◽  
Mohammad Nazim Zaman

Petrography and geochemical composition of sediments is a sensitive indicator which archives the signature of a previous record of a source rock and depositional environments in a basin.  This study deals with the elemental geochemistry of recent bar deposits of the Tista river in the north western part of Bangladesh to evaluate their provenance, paleoweathering and tectonic setting. Petrographically, the sediments are rich in quartz (70%), whereas feldspar and lithic fragments are found about 8% and 3%, respectively. The geochemical composition of the samples exhibits dominantly quartzose litharenites with low grade sedimentary and metasedimentary lithics, low feldspar indicates tectonic provenance field of recycled orogeny. Discrimination functions revels that the sediments of the Tista river are the derivation of active continental margin. The analyses also reflect that the sediments are dominantly a mixture of felsic (e.g., granitic/Gneiss, quartzite, amphibolite, granulite facies rock types) and some of mafic source (e.g., alkali-basalt/greenschist facies). It may occur, since 60% of the sedimentary flux carried out by the river from low-grade metamorphic rock and the rest from high-grade rock (in the west and north Sikkim Himalaya respectively). The weathering indices highlight that the source rocks have not undergone significant chemical weathering. The immature sorting status and petrographic evidences indicate that the sediments deposited in the Tista river basin are simply the product of mechanically weathered rocks.


1985 ◽  
Vol 76 (4) ◽  
pp. 411-449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter C. van de Kamp ◽  
Bernard Elgey Leake

ABSTRACTThis study attempts to ascertain whether the differing provenance sources and plate tectonic settings of deposition of clastic sediments and rocks can be identified by chemical means, thus opening the increased use of these rocks and their metamorphosed derivatives in plate tectonic modelling. Mineralogically immature feldspathic and mafic sands, muds, sandstones and shales from Mesozoic, Cenozoic and Holocene clastic deposits in California, Oregon, Alaska and Colorado have been both modally and chemically analysed providing a valuable data base (217 samples; 216 samples chemically analysed, many for 28 elements).There is significant upward chemical variation in the Great Valley sequence of California which mimics previously described petrographic variation and in turn reflects provenance changes with igneous episodes and erosional stripping of the Sierra Nevada in late Mesozoic time. Differing sandstone petrofacies result in varying chemical signatures and while the provenances of monomict sediments are easiest to identify, polymict sources involving granitoid or ophiolitic material can often be identified by potassium feldspar or Cr contents. The distinction of K which is derived from detrital potassium feldspar from K derived from detrital illite, micas or other sheet minerals, is best made by a Niggli al–alk plot against k. Mafic sandstones derived from mafic volcanic or plutonic rocks preserve essentially mafic igneous chemistry and could be possible parent sources of some amphibolites which grade into metasediments. The lithified erosion products of the Sierra Nevada calc-alkaline igneous rocks have higher Niggli al–alk and higher average Niggli si at any given mg value than the fresh igneous rocks enabling meta-arkoses to be distinguished from meta-igneous rocks.Applying previously published chemical criteria gives the actual plate tectonic setting of deposition of most of the sandstones studied. This suggests that the chemical composition of sandstones can yield much more information about the provenance and plate tectonic setting than hitherto recognised.


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