Effects of metamorphism and metasomatism on manganese mineralogy: Examples from the Transvaal Supergroup

2019 ◽  
Vol 122 (4) ◽  
pp. 489-504 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.E. Johnson ◽  
S.M. Webb ◽  
C.B. Condit ◽  
N.J. Beukes ◽  
W.W. Fischer

AbstractManganese-bearing minerals in ancient strata provide a particularly informative record of the redox potentials of ancient Earth surface environments due to the high specificity of species that can oxidize Mn(II). However, little is known about how this sedimentary archive might have been altered by processes occurring long after lithification, including the effects of metamorphism, fluid mobilization, and metasomatism. We investigated Mn mineralization across known metamorphic gradients in the Kaapvaal craton, South Africa, in Archean and early Paleoproterozoic age carbonate-, shale-, and iron formation-bearing marine strata. We sampled contemporaneous strata that record the drowning of the Campbellrand-Malmani carbonate platform and a transition to iron formation deposition in a range of localities, from two metamorphosed (greenschist and above, affected by the intrusion of the Bushveld igneous complex) and four better-preserved (sub-greenschist) deep subsurface drill cores. To evaluate the geochemistry and mineralization tied directly to petrographic textures and cross-cutting relationships, we combined bulk geochemistry with light and electron microscopy and synchrotron microprobe X-ray absorption spectroscopy and imaging to produce Mn speciation maps at the requisite micrometer length scales for these textures. Samples with lesser degrees of post-depositional transformation contained minor amounts of Mn(II) in early diagenetic marine carbonate cements and detrital carbonate grains, while metamorphosed samples typically contained Mn concentrated into a combination of coarse-grained and vein-filling carbonate phases (ankerite, siderite, and rhodochrosite), garnet and amphibole. Chemical imaging analyses of these more metamorphosed samples show that Mn is held by phases and textures that mineralized post-deposition and lithification, demonstrating that Mn was mobilized – at least locally – by metasomatic fluids, although it is difficult to distinguish whether this Mn was original to these strata or was introduced secondarily. Our results confirm that Mn can be mobilized and therefore caution should be applied when interpreting Mn enrichments in sedimentary rocks, especially when Mn enrichment is not geographically extensive and coincides with metamorphic processes.

2020 ◽  
Vol 191 ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Marilou de Vals ◽  
Renaldo Gastineau ◽  
Amélie Perrier ◽  
Romain Rubi ◽  
Isabelle Moretti

The choice of stones by the ancient Greeks to build edifices remains an open question. If the use of local materials seems generalized, allochthonous stones are usually also present but lead to obvious extra costs. The current work aims to have an exhaustive view of the origins of the stones used in the Sanctuary of Delphi. Located on the Parnassus zone, on the hanging wall of a large normal fault related to the Corinth Rift, this Apollo Sanctuary is mainly built of limestones, breccia, marbles, as well as more recent poorly consolidated sediments generally called pôros in the literature. To overpass this global view, the different lithologies employed in the archaeological site have been identified, as well as the local quarries, in order to find their origins. The different limestones are autochthons and come from the Upper Jurassic – Cretaceous carbonate platform of the Tethys Ocean involved in the Hellenides orogen. Those limestones of the Parnassus Massif constitute the majority of the rock volume in the site; a specific facies of Maastrichtian limestone called “Profitis Ilias limestone” has been used for the more prestigious edifices such as the Apollo Temple. The corresponding ancient quarry is located few kilometers west of the sanctuary. Then, slope breccia has been largely used in the sanctuary: it crops out in and around the site and is laying on top of the carbonates. Finally, the pôros appear to be very variable and seven different facies have been documented, including travertine, oolitic grainstone, marine carbonates and coarse-grained sandstones. All these recent facies exist in the south-east shore of the Gulf of Corinth, although – except for the grainstone – the quarries are not yet known.


Author(s):  
D., S. Reka

The following research took place in the Jamprong area, Tuban Regency, East Java Province within a study area of 2 km2. Physiographically, the study area is situated in the anticlinorium of the Rembang Zone. This research aims to define the reservoir potential of outcrop samples from the Ngrayong Formation as an analogue for the subsurface. In addition, the depositional environment and the age of the rock in the research area was determined. The Ngrayong Formation is regarded as a potential reservoir in the North East Java Basin. The accumulated data consists of stratigraphy, petrographic analysisand paleontological analysis of rock samples, and geological mapping has been carried out to determine the distribution of rocks. Facies were determined based on outcrop observations and comprise predominantly arkose sandstone facies with fine – coarse grained, moderately sorted and with cross-bedding, herringbone, and lamination, and another facies namely massive carbonate grainstone. Based on these facies, the interpreted depositional environment is the transition of tidal flat to shallow marine carbonate platform with relative biostratigraphic age of Middle Miocene, Langhian to Serravallian (M6-M8 planktonic foraminiferal biozones). Rocks in the study area have porosity >20% or very good and permeability >130 or fair based on petrographic observations, and this supports the interpretation of the Ngrayong Formations as a potential reservoir of hydrocarbons.


1980 ◽  
Vol 28 (11) ◽  
pp. 1233-1241 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Hedman

An immunocytochemical staining method for light and electron microscopy was developed to permit adequate penetration of staining conjugates with high specificity, while preserving acceptable ultrastructure. For this purpose an indirect immunoperoxidase method with Staphylococcal protein A-peroxidase conjugates was used in the presence of saponin on aldehyde-saponin-fixed cells. As the first application, fibronectin was localized intracellularly in human embryonic skin fibroblasts. Fibronectin was detected in large amounts in the cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum and in 200 nm (secretory?) vesicles. Little fibronectin was present in the Golgi complex; the stacked Golgi cisternae were conspicuously devoid of this protein. The 200 nm vesicles were mostly distributed on the mature side of the Golgi apparatus. These results indicate that fibronectin is exclusively localized to intracellular structures involved in secretory function and suggest that fibronectin may not be processed in significant amounts within the cisternal stacks of the Golgi complex.


Author(s):  
Oliver Zöhrer ◽  
Gawlick Hans-Jürgen ◽  
George Ples ◽  
Milan Sudar ◽  
Divna Jovanovic

In the late Middle to early Late Jurassic carbonate-clastic Sirogojno M?lange in the Zlatibor Mountain there is one roughly 35 m thick overturned block with an intact Late Triassic fore-reefal Dachstein Limestone succession that was studied here for its biostratigraphic age, faunal content and microfacies characteristics. The succession starts with coarse-grained rudstones followed by meter-sized reefal blocks intercalated in partly layered resedimented grainstones and packstones with abundant reef-building organisms like calcareous sponges, corals and encrusting organisms. Inside this part of the succession open-marine influenced layers are rare. The succession continues with a partly turbiditic sequence and chaotic rudstones, densely packed with reef-derived material like broken reef-building organisms and shallow-water material like gastropods, bivalves and foraminifers. Grainstones with clear open-marine influence (e.g., thin-shelled bivalves, crinoids, conodonts) appear in between those rudstones, in cases lumachelle layers consisting of halobiids were deposited. To the end of the succession some layers show turbiditic bedding with mixed shallow- water and deep-marine grains and organisms, i.e. filaments and crinoids. On base of conodonts, foraminifers, calcareous algae, holothurians and halobiids throughout the whole studied succession, a Middle Norian (Alaunian) to Rhaetian 1, most probably a Late Norian (Sevatian) age can be assigned to this forereefal Dachstein Limestone succession, with a similar sedimentation pattern like Late Triassic Dachstein fore-reef limestone facies, e.g., in the Northern Calcareous Alps or the eastern Southern Alps. The study of this block in the Sirogojno M?lange closes an important gap in knowledge about the extent, facies and stratigraphy of the Dachstein Carbonate Platform evolution in the Dinarides.


Author(s):  
N. Hicks ◽  
D.J.C. Gold ◽  
M. Ncume ◽  
L. Hoyer

Abstract A revised lithostratigraphic framework for Mozaan Group-equivalent strata within the Nkandla sub-basin is presented based on new field data, remote sensing and genetic sequence stratigraphic interpretations. Although previous literature has suggested that no Mozaan Group lithologies were deposited within the sub-basin, reinterpretations presented here indicate that 90% of the lithostratigraphy developed within the main basin occurs within the Nkandla and Mhlatuze inliers. Mozaan Group units previously defined as the Vutshini and Ekombe formations are correlated with stratigraphy from the lowermost Sinqeni Formation to the Gabela Formation. Although thinner than units within the type area in the main basin, thicknesses of the Sinqeni Formation are comparable to those observed within the White Mfolozi Inlier. A ~1 000 m composite reference profile is measured within the Mdlelanga Syncline of the Nkandla Inlier. Further profiles were measured for sequences in the Gem-Vuleka Syncline of the Nkandla Inlier, as well as within the Mhlatuze Inlier. These latter profiles, however, host only lower Mozaan Group strata. In all sections the basal portion of the sequence comprises two quartz arenite units, separated by a ferruginous shale, which hosts minor iron formation interbeds. This predominantly coarse-grained lower sequence is overlain by a shale-dominated succession with multiple sandstone interbeds. A prominent coarse-grained quartz arenite unit forms a distinct marker in the middle portion of the sequence. This is overlain by a sequence of shales and sandstones with two prominent igneous units present. Genetic sequence stratigraphic interpretations indicate cyclical deposition of dominantly shallow marine sediments with condensed sections, marked by iron formations or ferruginous shales, denoting periods of marine highstand along the southeastern margin of the Kaapvaal Craton. The evidence of Mozaan Group stratigraphy within the Nkandla sub-basin supports a passive margin tectonic model whereby deposition occurred in an arcuate shallow continental margin which opened to the southeast. The extension of Mozaan Group strata into the Nkandla sub-basin suggests that the Mozaan Basin likely formed a single depository rather than separate sub-basins as previously proposed.


1992 ◽  
Vol 29 (12) ◽  
pp. 2677-2694 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawrence Bernstein

The Lower – lower Middle Ordovician Beekmantown Group of the St. Lawrence Lowlands is a variably thick pertitidal succession of dolostone, limestone, quartzose carbonate, and subordinate siltstone and shale that is gradationally bound by the Potsdam Group below and unconformably to conformably by the Chazy Group above. It is here considered to include three regionally extensive formations, a basal Theresa, a middle Beauharnois, and an upper, redefined Carillon. A principal reference section is established in the subsurface. The Theresa Formation is a transgressive succession, above Potsdam Group siliciclastics and below Beauharnois Formation carbonates. It is dominated by quartz arenite and quartzose dolostone; skeletal fossils are rare (usually gastropods), whereas trace fossils are abundant. The Beauharnois Formation is divided into two members, a basal Ogdensburg and an upper Huntingdon. The Ogdensburg Member is sandy, especially in its lower part, and relatively more fossiliferous than the Huntingdon Member. Both members include fossiliferous and nonfossiliferous, stromatolitic and oolitic, coarse-grained dolostone and subordinate limestone and reflect the development of a relatively wide peritidal carbonate platform. The Carillon Formation is a widespread unit that marks the onset of Middle Ordovician Taconic orogeny at the continental margin. It consists mostly of cyclic packages of laminated and burrowed, fine-grained dolostone and limestone, and as well siltstone and shale. Thin fossiliferous beds are dispersed in its upper part.


2020 ◽  
Vol 90 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-101
Author(s):  
Robert S. Tye ◽  
Donald R. Lowe ◽  
J.J. Hickey

ABSTRACT Ediacaran-age (635–542 Ma) oil-bearing strata in the Yarakta Horizon at the Verkhnechonskoye and Yaraktinskoye fields, East Siberia, consist of conglomerate, sandstone, dolomitic sandstone, and mudstone overlying and onlapping igneous to metasedimentary highlands of the East Siberia craton. Initial drainage networks formed within structurally defined valleys, and early deposition occurred in localized alluvial to shallow-marine depositional systems. Base-level-controlled depositional cycles aggraded the valleys; thus, as valleys aggraded, they buried interfluves and coalesced forming broad alluvial and coastal plains. Three to seven bedsets of variable net-to-gross content constitute a genetic cycle. Depositional cycles varied locally, as nine and eight cycles separated by decimeter- to multi-meter-thick mudstones are defined at Verknechonskoye and Yaraktinskoye, respectively. Within one genetic cycle, facies associations grade basinward from alluvial (channel-bar, channel-fill, floodplain, playa, and crevasse-splay) to shallow marine (sabkha, tidal-flat, estuarine-channel, and poorly developed shoreface). Coarse-grained lithofacies are typically arranged in decimeter- to meter-scale bedsets with sharp to scoured bases. Bedsets commonly, but not always, show an upward decrease in grain size, bed thickness, and scale of sedimentary structure. Typically, medium-grained sandstones exhibit low-angle cross bedding and are gradationally overlain by fine-grained sandstones exhibiting scour-and-fill, cuspate-ripple lamination, climbing-ripple lamination, and parallel lamination. Clay clasts and small pebbles are accessories. Interbedded mudstones, siltstones, and sandstones show ripple cross bedding, wavy to lenticular bedding, abundant soft-sediment deformation (e.g., shear, fluid-escape, slump features), and slickensides. Thin-bedded sandstones are micaceous and contain granule-size mud chips. Some mudstones exhibit crinkled to parallel laminae indicative of algal growth. Sandstone fills mudcracks. Interbedded green and black mudstones, plus pyrite and siderite cements, indicate alternating redox conditions. Alluvial facies have patchy quartz, anhydrite, and carbonate cements. Marine-influenced facies show early and well-developed quartz cement as well as abundant halite. Gypsum and halite dissolution formed secondary pores. Calculated estimates of fluvial-channel dimensions and sinuosities indicate that despite the lack of vegetation, fluvial channels in the Yarakta Horizon were shallow and relatively narrow, moderately sinuous, and exhibited varying degrees of mud-prone overbank deposition. Recognition and correlation of flooding surfaces and channel diastems bounding genetically related strata identified multiple stratigraphic compartments in each field. Porosity loss at chronostratigraphic boundaries accounts for complex water, oil, and gas contacts. Economic field development is hampered by locally varying reservoir quality and sandstone continuity caused by its channelized and onlapping stratigraphy and diagenesis. Reservoir simulation of varying geostatistical models demonstrate that differing porosity-distribution methods had little effect on estimates of in-place hydrocarbon volumes. Model differences in porosity and permeability distribution and lithofacies connectivity show large variations in recovery factor and productivity/injectivity.


2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan P. Badalamenti ◽  
Zarath M. Summers ◽  
Chi Ho Chan ◽  
Jeffrey A. Gralnick ◽  
Daniel R. Bond

ABSTRACTReaching a depth of 713 m below the surface, the Soudan Underground Iron Mine (Soudan, Minnesota, USA) transects a massive Archaean (2.7 Ga) banded iron formation, providing a remarkably accessible window into the terrestrial deep biosphere. Despite carbon limitation, metal-reducing microbial communities are present in potentially ancient anoxic brines continuously emanating from exploratory boreholes on Level 27. Using graphite electrodes deposited in situ as bait, we enriched and isolated a novel halophilic iron-reducing Deltaproteobacterium, Desul-furomonas soudanensis strain WTL, from an acetate-fed three-electrode bioreactor poised at +0.24 V (vs. standard hydrogen electrode). Cyclic voltammetry revealed that D. soudanensis releases electrons at redox potentials approximately 100 mV more positive than the model freshwater surface isolate Geobacter sulfurreducens, suggesting that its extracellular respiration is tuned for higher potential electron acceptors. D. soudanensis contains a 3,958,620-bp circular genome, assembled to completion using single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing reads, which encodes a complete TCA cycle, 38 putative multiheme c-type cytochromes, one of which contains 69 heme-binding motifs, and a LuxI/LuxR quorum sensing cassette that produces an unidentified N-acyl homoserine lactone. Another cytochrome is predicted to lie within a putative prophage, suggesting that horizontal transfer of respiratory proteins plays a role in respiratory flexibility among metal reducers. Isolation of D. soudanensis underscores the utility of electrode-based approaches for enriching rare metal reducers from a wide range of habitats.


2003 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 537-547 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Shepherd ◽  
A. MacGregor ◽  
K. Bush ◽  
J. Wakefield

AbstractThe Fife Field and its smaller satellite the Fergus Field are the southernmost of the cluster of oil fields within the UK Central North Sea. The Fife Field lies at the intersection of four blocks, 31/26a, 31/27a, 39/la and 39/2a. It is a small to moderate size offshore field with reserves of 48.3 MMSTB and is produced by five sub-sea wells through a Floating, Production, Storage, Offloading (FPSO) vessel. The field was discovered in 1991 and the first oil was produced in 1995. The Fergus Field, located in Block 39/2a, is a satellite located 5 km SE of the Fife Field. It is produced by a single well tied-back by a sub-sea flowline to the Fife Field infrastructure. The Fergus Field was discovered in 1994 and first oil was produced in 1996. Reserves are estimated as 11.3 MMSTBThe main reservoir interval in both fields comprises fine-grained, heavily bioturbated, shallow marine shelf sandstones of Upper Jurassic age. Significant volumes of chert and carbonate cements, both banded and nodular, occlude porosity and impart reservoir layering within an otherwise thick sandy, mud deficient reservoir interval. Sandstone porosity is in the range 19-31%. Permeabilities are low in the Fife Field reservoir sandstones, typically less than lOOmD. By contrast, better permeabilities (average 500 mD) are seen in the Fergus Field, where a more proximal shelf sandstone facies is present within the oil leg. Two thin intervals of pebbly, very coarse-grained sandstone are intercalated with the shelf sandstones in the crest of the Fife Field. These may represent submarine toes of fan deltas sourced from an active fault system located to the north of the field. The pebbly sandstones show permeabilities in excess of a Darcy and have caused early water breakthrough problems in production wellsA subsidiary reservoir is present within the Tor Formation of the Chalk Group in the Fife Field, but is not oil bearing within the Fergus Field. This comprises white to grey, intensely bioturbated, stylolitized chalk with an average porosity of 24.5% and an average air permeability of slightly less than a millidarcy. Both the Fife and Fergus Fields are defined by simple four-way dip closure at top Jurassic. An episode of structural inversion at the end of the Jurassic created both structures. The overlying Chalk oil pool in the Fife Field has a trap defined by dip closure on three sides and a probable diagenetic trapping element to the south


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