Manifestation of the Late Famennian Dasberg Event in the shelf-batial transition (Pai-Khoi sequences)

Research subject. Regional manifestations of the Dasberg eustatic event in the shelf and bathyal Pai-Khoi successions. The event appears in the Lower-Middle expansa zones interval (Upper Devonian, Famennian).Aim. To evaluate the manifestations of the event in the realm of transition from the shallow-water shoal succession of the Pai-Khoi carbonate parautokhtone towards the deep-water (bathyal) successions of the Kara shale allokhtone.Materials and methods. A number of successions comprising different facies and located in different parts of Pai-Khoi were studied: the Silova-Yakha River section and Tal’beyshor Creek section (south-western Pai-Khoi), the Lymbad’yakha section and the Peschanaya River section (northern Pai-Khoi). The interpretation of facies and the reconstruction of transgression-regression couplets were conducted based on the previously developed models of shoal and bathyal sedimentation. The stratigraphic framework comprised data on conodonts, transgression acmes, and carbonate carbon isotopic record.Results. The Pai-Khoi successions comprising Lower–Middle expansa zones demonstrate four transgression-regression cycles. The transgression acme of the third cycle marks the Dasberg eustatic event. The absence of anoxia is characteristic of this event in the region under consideration. The carbonate carbon isotope record of the Silova-Yakha River section shows a structure similar to that of North American successions. Variations in δ13Cкарб were likely to be caused by climate changes and perturbations of the global oceanic circulation.Conclusions. The stratigraphic interval comprising Lower–Middle expansa or Lower–Upper expansa (expansa s. l.) zones is detected clearly in different facies. A more detailed subdivision and correlation in the region under consideration is possible on the basis of evaluating manifestations of the Dasberg eustatic event: a characteristic eustatic succession and variations of the carbonate carbon isotopic composition.

Enhancing Stratigraphic Framework Consistency Using Spectral Gamma-Ray Data

Stratigraphic correlation is crucial for reservoir characterization; therefore, it requires more advanced methods and techniques to reduce the stratigraphic correlation uncertainty, especially when variation in lateral facies is high. The studied formations from bottom to top consist of fluvial to marginal marine X Formation, shallow marine Y Formation, and fluvial distributary channels to estuarine Z Formation. Spectral gamma-ray logs give additional consistent information on lithological composition that can support identification of boundary between formations within the stratigraphic framework. Wells with a full section of Y Formation, core, palynology, and spectral gamma-ray were selected as key wells. The top and base of the Y Formation were picked using conventional logs refined by a thorium/potassium (Th/K) ratio log and cross plot with core and palynology data as validations. The internal Y Formation markers were also picked with the aid of the Th/K cross plots. The top picking criteria from the key wells was implemented to the rest of the wells across the field with consistency. The uniform low Th/K ratio log (<3.5) across the Y Formation indicates illite as the dominant clay type, confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) data with an average of more than 80%. The character is consistent with the interpreted depositional environment. This character makes the Y Formation stand out from the overlying Z and the underlying X formations. The change from X to Y Formation is defined by the decrease of the Th/K ratio log, from high kaolinite content to illite dominated environment. Inversely, the top of the Y Formation (base of Z) is indicated by the increase of the Th/K ratio log moving from shallow marine Y Formation to the fluvial-influenced Z Formation. The Th/K cross plot indicates different clusters amongst the studied formations and the internal Y zonation. The X Formation is located in the high Th and low K area where kaolinite is predominant, related to fluvial environment. The case is similar for the Z Formation but with more influence of mixed-clay type. The Y Formation shows clear clustering along the mixed-clay and illite window. Internal Y zonation displays, from bottom to top, an increasing K value within the clusters. This method provides a semi-quantitative interpretation to define the studied formations boundaries and the Y Formation internal zonation. This study has increased the consistency of the studied formations’ stratigraphic and structural framework. This consistency has, in turn, fine-tuned the structural framework and aided field development through better geosteering and lateral well placements. These results are a valuable starting point to refine and extend the work to other areas.

The Fossil Record of Ray-Finned Fishes (Actinopterygii) in Greece

The nowadays hyper-diverse clade of Actinopterygii (ray-finned bony fishes) is characterized by a long evolutionary history and an extremely rich global fossil record. This work builds upon 170 years of research on the fossil record of this clade in Greece. The taxonomy and spatiotemporal distribution of the ray-finned fish record of Greece are critically revisited and placed in an updated systematic and stratigraphic framework, while some new fossil data and interpretations are also provided. Greece hosts diverse ray-finned fish assemblages, which range in age from Lower Jurassic to Quaternary. Most known assemblages are of Miocene–Pliocene age and of marine affinities. A minimum of 32 families, followed by at least 34 genera and 22 species, have been recognized in Greece. From originally two named genera and seven species, only two fossil species, established on Greek material, are accepted as valid. Additional taxonomic diversity is anticipated, pending detailed investigations. From a taxonomic perspective, previous knowledge lies on preliminary or authoritative assessments of fossils, with many decades-old treatments needing revision. Little is known about Mesozoic–early Cenozoic occurrences or freshwater assemblages. Given the proven potential of the Greek fossil record, this chapter stresses the need for additional exploration and the establishment of permanent, curated collections of fossil fishes in Greek institutions. Directions for future research are discussed.

‘Block and basin’ style rift basins: sedimentological insights from the Mississippian Fell Sandstone Formation

The block and basin tectono-stratigraphic framework for the northern Pennine (rift) Basin, within which buoyant granite intrusions core intra-basin fault-bound blocks, has long held traction. However, many of the elements of this framework are rooted in primitive tectonic models and, perhaps unsurprisingly, corresponding depositional models often reflect this. Using sedimentological and sedimentary provenance approaches, the syn-rift (Mississippian) fluvio-deltaic Fell Sandstone Formation and age-equivalent strata within the northern Pennine Basin are examined. Highlighted divergences from classically depicted models relate to occurrences of pre-Carboniferous basement domes or monoclines, which are unbound by major vertically displacing (>100 m) fault systems. Such structures in the northern Pennine Basin are all granite-cored and their origins are associated with their buoyancy and flexural isostatic processes. One such basement dome, the Cheviot Block, confined and deflected the Fell Sandstone fluvio-deltaic system from the west, causing locally elevated net sand content and variations in dominant palaeodrainage direction. Central parts of the Alston Block, which forms a regional monocline along an E-W axis, were comparatively uplifted because of flexural isostatic responses to granite intrusions. The findings presented are not just at variance with classically depicted depositional models for the region, but also with more general depictions of dominantly normal fault-driven rift basin systems.Supplementary material: [table of data locations with derivation, trace element data, and major element (oxide) data] is available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5733257

Geologically based integrated approach for zonation of a Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous carbonate reservoir; a case from Persian Gulf

In this study, our attempt is to integrate sedimentological and petrophysical data for reservoir evaluation in the sequence stratigraphic framework. Petrographic analysis of the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous Fahliyan Formation reservoirs of two oilfields in the northwest of the Persian Gulf led to recognition of twelve microfacies. They can be classified into four facies associations, including open marine, shoal, lagoon and tidal flat, which are deposited in a homoclinal ramp carbonate. Sequence stratigraphy of the studied successions led to the recognition of three third-order depositional sequences based on vertical changes in microfacies and gamma ray analysis. Except for the upper boundary of the third sequence, the other sequence boundaries are type I (SBT.1). Dissolution is the most important diagenetic feature that affected the lower depositional sequence which is caused by the development of subaerial exposure after the deposition of the Fahliyan Formation, whereas cementation is the main diagenetic feature affecting the second- and third depositional sequences, causing their lower reservoir quality. In order to identify the flow units, the flow zone index methods, porosity throat radius (R35) and modified Lorenz based on stratigraphy were applied. The key wells studied in this area have shown good correlation throughout the studied oilfields which may potentially be used for hydrocarbon exploration and field development in the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous deposits of the Persian Gulf. This study integrates geological and petrophysical data (rock typing) toward sequence stratigraphic framework.

The Yorktown Formation: Improved Stratigraphy, Chronology, and Paleoclimate Interpretations from the U.S. Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain

The Yorktown Formation records paleoclimate conditions along the mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain during the mid-Piacenzian Warm Period (3.264 to 3.025 Ma), a climate interval of the Pliocene in some ways analogous to near future climate projections. To gain insight into potential near future changes, we investigated Yorktown Formation outcrops and cores in southeastern Virginia, refining the stratigraphic framework. We analyzed 485 samples for alkenone-based sea surface temperature (SST) and productivity estimates from the Holland and Dory cores, an outcrop at Morgarts Beach, Virginia, and the lectostratotype of the Yorktown Formation at Rushmere, Virginia, and analyzed planktonic foraminferal assemblage data from the type section. Using the structure of the SST record, we improved the chronology of the Yorktown Formation by establishing the maximum age ranges of the Rushmere (3.3–3.2 Ma) and Morgarts Beach (3.2–3.15 Ma) Members. SST values for these members average ~26 °C, corroborating existing sclerochronological data. Increasing planktonic foraminifer abundance, productivity, and species diversity parallel increasing SST over the MIS M2/M1 transition. These records constitute the greatest temporal concentration of paleoecological estimates within the Yorktown Formation, aiding our understanding of western North Atlantic temperature patterns, seasonality and ocean circulation during this interval. We provide a chronologic framework for future studies analyzing ecological responses to profound climate change.

Aspects of the petrology and geochemistry of the Huckleberry Ridge Tuff, Yellowstone

<p>Silicic (i.e. dacitic-rhyolitic) magmatic systems have the potential to generate large, explosive caldera-forming eruptions which have global effects and consequences. How, and over what timescale, magma accumulates and is stored in the upper crust are key aspects in understanding such systems and their associated hazards. The absence of such eruptions in the historical record, however, has forced understanding of these systems to be developed through numerical models or the study of the deposits in the geological record. Numerical models primarily focus on the long-term generation but instantaneous eruption of single magma (i.e. melt-dominant) bodies. In contrast, the stratigraphic and geochemical nature of eruption deposits often show features more consistent with complex magmatic systems comprising multiple melt-dominant bodies that may have formed rapidly but erupted episodically. Further studies of past eruption deposits are valuable, therefore, in reconstructing silicic magmatic systems and highlighting the nature of melt-dominant body generation and storage. To this end, this thesis examines the 2.08 Ma, ∼2,500 km³ Huckleberry Ridge Tuff (HRT), Yellowstone Plateau volcanic field (YPVF), U.S.A, the deposit of the first and largest of three caldera-forming eruptions in the YPVF. The HRT comprises an initial fall deposit followed by three ignimbrite members (A, B and C) with a second fall deposit between members B and C. Despite emanating from an archetypal silicic volcanic field, minimal previous work has been undertaken on the geochemical nature of the HRT but it is thought to conform to traditional, unitary magma body ideas. A revised stratigraphic framework, detailing an episodic and prolonged initial fall deposit, identification of a weeks-months time gap between members A and B, and a similar but longer years-decades hiatus in activity between members B and C provides the context for this geochemical investigation. A large sample suite representative of the diverse range of physical characteristics of clasts and material found in the HRT was analysed. In situ micro-analysis of matrix glass (major and trace elements) and crystals (major elements) in the initial fall deposit are coupled with major and trace element, and isotopic compositions of single silicic clasts (i.e. pumice/fiamme) from all three ignimbrite members, supplemented by in situ analysis of their crystals and groundmass glass. These data are used to reconstruct the silicic magmatic system. Furthermore, major and trace element, andisotopic compositions of rare mafic (i.e. basaltic to andesitic) material found in members A and B provide an insight into the thermal and chemical drivers of HRT silicic volcanism. This macro- and micro-analytical investigation using multiple techniques reveals remarkable complexity within the large-scale HRT magmatic complex. Four geochemically distinct magmatic systems are differentiated on single clast elemental and isotopic characteristics that are further reflected in crystal and glass compositions. Two of these systems (1 and 2) were active in the initial fall deposit and member A. Magmatic system 1 is volumetrically dominant in the HRT and is characterised by moderate-high Ba single clast (450-3540 ppm) and glass (100-3360 ppm) compositions, in contrast to the distinctly low-Ba (≤250 ppm single clast, <65 ppm glass Ba contents) magmatic system 2. Both these magmatic systems exhibit clustered glass compositions, indicating multiple, laterally-adjacent melt-dominant bodies were present, and shared moderate isotopic compositions (e.g. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶SrAC = 0.70950-0.71191) are explicable by a multi-stage partial melting-fractional crystallisation petrogenesis. The time break between members A and B is associated with mixing and mingling within magmatic system 1, related to a renewed influx of mafic material, and a cessation of activity of system 2, which is absent from member B. The time break between members B and C reflects significant changes within the magmatic complex. Magmatic system 2 is rejuvenated and melt-dominant bodies associated with two new magmatic systems (3 and 4) are formed, with at least system 3 comprising multiple bodies. These latter two magmatic systems strongly differ in their elemental characteristics (system 3: high SiO₂ [75-78 wt% SiO₂]; system 4: dacite-rhyolite [66-75 wt% SiO₂]). Despite this, they have similar and highly radiogenic (e.g. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶SrAC = 0.72462-0.72962) isotopic compositions indicating shared extensive incorporation of Archean crust. They also contrast in their relation to mafic compositions, with system 4 associated with olivine tholeiitic compositions erupted prior to and following the HRT in the YPVF. In contrast, system 3, like systems 1 and 2, is associated with high-Ba, high-Zr mafic compositions found co-erupted in HRT members A and B. These compositions are similar to lava flows erupted further west at the Craters of the Moon field, and are interpreted as representing partial melts from regions in the lithospheric mantle enriched by high-T, P fluids emanating from the subducted Farallon slab. Overall, the HRT magmatic complex was remarkably heterogeneous. Two contemporaneous mafic root zones drove four silicic magmatic systems, episodically active throughout the eruption. At least three of these systems comprised multiple laterally-adjacent melt-dominant bodies. Intra-eruption time breaks are associated with broad-scale reorganisation of the magmatic complex. This complexity highlights the utility of a detailed, systematic, multi-technique geochemical investigation, within a stratigraphic framework, of the deposits of large silicic caldera-forming eruptions, and breaks new ground in the understanding of such systems.</p>

Aspects of the petrology and geochemistry of the Huckleberry Ridge Tuff, Yellowstone

<p>Silicic (i.e. dacitic-rhyolitic) magmatic systems have the potential to generate large, explosive caldera-forming eruptions which have global effects and consequences. How, and over what timescale, magma accumulates and is stored in the upper crust are key aspects in understanding such systems and their associated hazards. The absence of such eruptions in the historical record, however, has forced understanding of these systems to be developed through numerical models or the study of the deposits in the geological record. Numerical models primarily focus on the long-term generation but instantaneous eruption of single magma (i.e. melt-dominant) bodies. In contrast, the stratigraphic and geochemical nature of eruption deposits often show features more consistent with complex magmatic systems comprising multiple melt-dominant bodies that may have formed rapidly but erupted episodically. Further studies of past eruption deposits are valuable, therefore, in reconstructing silicic magmatic systems and highlighting the nature of melt-dominant body generation and storage. To this end, this thesis examines the 2.08 Ma, ∼2,500 km³ Huckleberry Ridge Tuff (HRT), Yellowstone Plateau volcanic field (YPVF), U.S.A, the deposit of the first and largest of three caldera-forming eruptions in the YPVF. The HRT comprises an initial fall deposit followed by three ignimbrite members (A, B and C) with a second fall deposit between members B and C. Despite emanating from an archetypal silicic volcanic field, minimal previous work has been undertaken on the geochemical nature of the HRT but it is thought to conform to traditional, unitary magma body ideas. A revised stratigraphic framework, detailing an episodic and prolonged initial fall deposit, identification of a weeks-months time gap between members A and B, and a similar but longer years-decades hiatus in activity between members B and C provides the context for this geochemical investigation. A large sample suite representative of the diverse range of physical characteristics of clasts and material found in the HRT was analysed. In situ micro-analysis of matrix glass (major and trace elements) and crystals (major elements) in the initial fall deposit are coupled with major and trace element, and isotopic compositions of single silicic clasts (i.e. pumice/fiamme) from all three ignimbrite members, supplemented by in situ analysis of their crystals and groundmass glass. These data are used to reconstruct the silicic magmatic system. Furthermore, major and trace element, andisotopic compositions of rare mafic (i.e. basaltic to andesitic) material found in members A and B provide an insight into the thermal and chemical drivers of HRT silicic volcanism. This macro- and micro-analytical investigation using multiple techniques reveals remarkable complexity within the large-scale HRT magmatic complex. Four geochemically distinct magmatic systems are differentiated on single clast elemental and isotopic characteristics that are further reflected in crystal and glass compositions. Two of these systems (1 and 2) were active in the initial fall deposit and member A. Magmatic system 1 is volumetrically dominant in the HRT and is characterised by moderate-high Ba single clast (450-3540 ppm) and glass (100-3360 ppm) compositions, in contrast to the distinctly low-Ba (≤250 ppm single clast, <65 ppm glass Ba contents) magmatic system 2. Both these magmatic systems exhibit clustered glass compositions, indicating multiple, laterally-adjacent melt-dominant bodies were present, and shared moderate isotopic compositions (e.g. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶SrAC = 0.70950-0.71191) are explicable by a multi-stage partial melting-fractional crystallisation petrogenesis. The time break between members A and B is associated with mixing and mingling within magmatic system 1, related to a renewed influx of mafic material, and a cessation of activity of system 2, which is absent from member B. The time break between members B and C reflects significant changes within the magmatic complex. Magmatic system 2 is rejuvenated and melt-dominant bodies associated with two new magmatic systems (3 and 4) are formed, with at least system 3 comprising multiple bodies. These latter two magmatic systems strongly differ in their elemental characteristics (system 3: high SiO₂ [75-78 wt% SiO₂]; system 4: dacite-rhyolite [66-75 wt% SiO₂]). Despite this, they have similar and highly radiogenic (e.g. ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶SrAC = 0.72462-0.72962) isotopic compositions indicating shared extensive incorporation of Archean crust. They also contrast in their relation to mafic compositions, with system 4 associated with olivine tholeiitic compositions erupted prior to and following the HRT in the YPVF. In contrast, system 3, like systems 1 and 2, is associated with high-Ba, high-Zr mafic compositions found co-erupted in HRT members A and B. These compositions are similar to lava flows erupted further west at the Craters of the Moon field, and are interpreted as representing partial melts from regions in the lithospheric mantle enriched by high-T, P fluids emanating from the subducted Farallon slab. Overall, the HRT magmatic complex was remarkably heterogeneous. Two contemporaneous mafic root zones drove four silicic magmatic systems, episodically active throughout the eruption. At least three of these systems comprised multiple laterally-adjacent melt-dominant bodies. Intra-eruption time breaks are associated with broad-scale reorganisation of the magmatic complex. This complexity highlights the utility of a detailed, systematic, multi-technique geochemical investigation, within a stratigraphic framework, of the deposits of large silicic caldera-forming eruptions, and breaks new ground in the understanding of such systems.</p>

The Early Quaternary Marine to Terrestrial Transition of the Southeastern Wairarapa, New Zealand

<p>This study examines the final emergence of the southeastern Wairarapa within a sequence stratigraphic framework. New exposures of the Pleistocene marginalmarine Hautotara Formation, and non-marine Te Muna Formation allow facies to be detailed and sequence architecture to be analysed. Cyclicity observed within the facies successions of the Hautotara and Te Muna formations are placed in a series of four motifs. These motifs record 40 kyr glacioeustatic cyclicity superimposed upon the basinward to landward progression of the environments, showing the region shallowing through time. The positions of the top of the Pukenui Limestone and the base of the Hautotara Formation are revised, and are now at the top of the “Pukenui C” - a widespread marker bed, which also removes a historical nomenclatural gap. The recognition of the significance of the coccolith Gephyrocapsa sinuosa within the underlying Pukenui Limestone allows this contact to be dated at 1.73 Ma. The ~1.6 Ma age limit provided by a number of tephra within the lower sediments of the Te Muna Formation allow the ages of the examined formations to be constrained further. The eight 40 ka cycles identified within the Hautotara Formation suggests deposition between 1.73 and 1.42 Ma. The Hautotara - Te Muna Formation is revealed to be diachronous, with the base of the Te Muna Formation type section shown to be much younger, 1.12 Ma, than the 1.58 Ma age of the lower contact observed elsewhere in the region. A series of palaeogeographic reconstructions at 1.73, 1.58 and 1.57 Ma demonstrate how closely related sedimentation patterns are to structural growth, with marginal-marine Hautotara Formation sedimentation persisting in the centre of the study area well after the initiation of Te Muna Formation terrestrial deposition to the north and south of this site.</p>