δ60Ni and δ13C Composition of Serpentinites and Carbonates of the Tekirova Ophiolite, Turkey, and Meatiq Ophiolite, Egypt

Nickel isotope fractionation patterns in continental ultramafic environments generally show a depletion of δ60Ni in weathered rocks and an enrichment in bedrock samples. The present study focuses on stable Ni isotope fractionation patterns in carbonate-rich, ultramafic ophiolite samples with concomitant fluids at an active serpentinization site in southwestern Turkey, with a comparison to results from an inactive serpentinization site in the Eastern Desert of Egypt with carbonate-rich samples. All solid phase data from the inactive serpentinization area are consistent with previously reported values from serpentinites, whereas the solid precipitates in the active area (SW Turkey) give values slightly heavier than previously reported data. However, the Ni isotopic signatures in the active serpentinization system likely reflect the scavenging of light Ni by iron oxide and carbonate precipitation, as has been previously demonstrated in laboratory coprecipitation experiments. It is also possible that the active system results resemble previous laboratory experimental results that show a relatively strong initial fractionation between fluids and solids, which then diminishes with time due to aging of the precipitates.

Distribution of Arsenic in Fresh and Weathered Rocks in Sri Lanka

This study was carried out to determine the distribution of arsenic, which may slowly harm human health, in the weathered rocks of different parent rocks in the country. 293 samples were collected from different crystalline rocks and in-situ weathered formations above the particular parent rock in 50 localities. Selected minor elements (including arsenic) were analysed by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry on RIGAKU KG-X system (Japan). Results indicated that the maximum arsenic amount in the fresh rock was 12 and 48 ppm in completely weathered rocks. About 86.9% of fresh rocks showed less than 5 ppm of arsenic, while 89.8% of their weathered grades showed the arsenic concentration to be less than 10 ppm. Average arsenic in all fresh rock samples was 3.5ppm (lowest); it was 7.6 ppm (highest) in residual soils. This is the normal condition of arsenic distribution worldwide. Under this condition, the arsenic concentration in natural groundwater in the residual soil areas should be below the acceptable limit. Therefore, the amount of arsenic released from parent rocks and their weathered products due to natural geological processes is very low in Sri Lanka.

Characterization of Weathering Processes of the Giant Copper Deposit of Tizert (Igherm Inlier, Anti-Atlas, Morocco)

The giant Tizert copper deposit is considered as the largest copper resource in the western Anti-Atlas (Morocco). The site is characterized by Cu mineralization carried by malachite, chalcocite, covellite, bornite and chalcopyrite; azurite is not observed. The host rocks are mainly limestones (Formation of Tamjout Dolomite) and sandstones/siltstones (Basal Series) of the Ediacaran/Cambrian transition. The supergene enrichment is most likely related to episodes of uplift/doming (last event since 30 Ma), which triggered the exhumation of primary/hypogene mineralization (chalcopyrite, pyrite, galena, chalcocite I and bornite I), generating their oxidation and the precipitation of secondary/supergene sulfides, carbonates and Fe-oxyhydroxides. The Tizert supergene deposit mainly consists of (i) a residual patchwork of laterite rich in Fe-oxyhydroxides; (ii) a saprolite rich in malachite, or “green oxide zone” where primary structures such as stratification are preserved; (iii) a cementation zone containing secondary sulfides (covellite, chalcocite II and bornite II). The abundance of Cu carbonates results from the rapid neutralization of acidic meteoric fluids, due to oxidation of primary sulfides, by carbonate host rocks. Chlorite is also involved in the neutralization processes in the sandstones/siltstones of the Basal Series, in which supergene clays, such as kaolinite and smectites, subsequently precipitated. At Tizert, as can be highlighted in other supergene Cu-deposits around the world, azurite is absent due to low pCO2 and relatively high pH conditions. In addition to copper, Ag enrichment is also observed in weathered rocks; Fe-oxyhydroxides contain high Zn, As, and Pb contents. However, these secondary enrichments are quite low compared to Cu in the whole Tizert site, which is therefore, considered as relatively homogeneous.

Detecting Coastal Atmosphere Weathering Process on Andesite Rock Using Magnetic Susceptibility and Fe3O4/Fe2O3 Ratio

Weathering is a geological phenomenon that is often an important considered because of its destructive properties, mainly in subsurface. Many parameters are used to measure the presence of weathering indications. This study focuses on testing of magnetic susceptibility (c), compound oxide content and Fe3O4/Fe2O3 ratio that have been selected as an indicators of weathering process. This study explains in detail the quantitative analysis of weathering based on these parameters in basaltic andesite rocks found in coastal atmospheric areas. The results obtained for weathered rocks, magnetic susceptibility, compound oxide content such as CaO and the Fe3O4/Fe2O3 ratio has decreased significantly. In the coastal atmosphere, the weathering of basaltic andesite rocks also marked by the distribution of magnetic minerals which tend to be in the domain of pseudo single domain (PSD) or single domain (SD). Thus it can be concluded that both of low frequency magnetic susceptibility (clf), CaO and Fe2O3 content and also the Fe3O4/Fe2O3 ratio can be used as weathering level indicators.

The Influence of Structural Structures on Slope Stability at PT. Energi Batubara Lestari, South Kalimantan)

PT. Energi Batubara Lestari (EBL) is a coal mine that uses an open pit mining system, so it requiresslope security to create a safe and conducive mining environment. This study aims to analyze slopestability, the method used in this study is the boundary equilibrium method. The geological structure atPT. EBL has solids, sand lithology, loose sand, clay and coal, has a strong impact on slope stabilitybecause the more gaps, the more incoming water it will more easily affect weathered rocks so thatthey experience landslides. Slope stability analysis on the highwall side of the A-A side gets the FK1,851 value, the B-B side highwall side obtained by FK 1,676 and the highwall side of the C-obtainedside FK 1.54 indicates that the highwall slope is safe. And on the lowwall side the A-A side is obtainedFK 1,198, on the B-B side lowwall 'FK values obtained 0.94, and the C-C side lowwall side' is obtainedFK 1.27, indicating that on lowwall slopes in critical conidi. To make a stable or safe slope the slopegeometry is designed in lowwall areas with a high change and overall slope so that FK results areobtained: A-A design side 'lowwall slope 1,478, B-B design side' 1,447 lowwall slope while design sideC-C 'slope lowwall 1,497.

Detecting Carbonates on the Surface of Mars

A new study shows how a warm, wet climate weathered rocks on early Mars.