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SDLRC - Scientific Articles all years by Author - S-Sd
The Sheahan Diamond Literature Reference Compilation
The Sheahan Diamond Literature Reference Compilation is compiled by Patricia Sheahan who publishes on a monthly basis a list of new scientific articles related to diamonds as well as media coverage and corporate announcementscalled the Sheahan Diamond Literature Service that is distributed as a free pdf to a list of followers. Pat has kindly agreed to allow her work to be made available as an online digital resource at Kaiser Research Online so that a broader community interested in diamonds and related geology can benefit. The references are for personal use information purposes only; when available a link is provided to an online location where the full article can be accessed or purchased directly. Reproduction of this compilation in part or in whole without permission from the Sheahan Diamond Literature Service is strictly prohibited. Return to Diamond Resource Center
Sheahan Diamond Literature Reference Compilation - Scientific Articles by Author for all years
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Journal of Earth System Science, Vol. 128, 43, 8p. Pdf
India
geophysics, seismics
Abstract: An improved shear wave velocity (Vs) structure of the lithosphere of peninsular India using the surface wave tomography from the ambient noise and earthquake waveforms suggests its bipolar character. While most of the geological domains of India are characterised by a uniform lithospheric mantle of Vs~4.5 km/s, the three cratonic regions, eastern Dharwar, Bastar and Singhbhum, hosting most of the diamondiferous kimberlite fields, show significantly high Vs of 4.7 km/s and above in their lower lithosphere beyond ~90 km depth. The higher velocity could best be explained by the presence of diamond and/or eclogite along with peridotite in mantle. This unique relationship suggests the regional seismic image of lithosphere as a guide for exploration of diamonds.
Abstract: The ~1100 Ma CC2 and P13 lamproite dykes in the Wajrakarur Kimberlite Field (WKF), Eastern Dharwar Craton, and ~65 Ma Kodomali and Behradih lamproite diatremes in the Mainpur Kimberlite Field (MKF), Bastar Craton share a similar mineralogy, although the proportions of individual mineral phases vary significantly. The lamproites contain phenocrysts, macrocrysts and microcrysts of olivine set in a groundmass dominated by diopside and phlogopite with a subordinate amount of spinel, perovskite, apatite and serpentine along with rare barite. K-richterite occurs as inclusion in olivine phenocrysts in Kodomali, while it is a late groundmass phase in Behradih and CC2. Mineralogically, the studied intrusions are classified as olivine lamproites. Based on microtextures and compositions, three distinct populations of olivine are recognised. The first population comprises Mg-rich olivine macrocrysts (Fo89-93), which are interpreted to be xenocrysts derived from disaggregated mantle peridotites. The second population includes Fe-rich olivine macrocrysts (Fo82-89), which are suggested to be the product of metasomatism of mantle wall-rock by precursor lamproite melts. The third population comprises phenocrysts and overgrowth rims (Fo83-92), which are clearly of magmatic origin. The Mn and Al systematics of Mg-rich olivine xenocrysts indicate an origin from diverse mantle lithologies including garnet peridotite, garnet-spinel peridotite and spinel peridotite beneath the WKF, and mostly from garnet peridotite beneath the MKF. Modelling of temperatures calculated using the Al-in-olivine thermometer for olivine xenocrysts indicates a hotter palaeogeotherm of the SCLM beneath the WKF (between 41 and 43 mW/m2) at ~1100 Ma than beneath the MKF (between 38 and 41 mW/m2) at ~65 Ma. Further, a higher degree of metasomatism of the SCLM by precursor lamproite melts has occurred beneath the WKF compared to the MKF based on the extent of CaTi enrichment in Fe-rich olivine macrocrysts. For different lamproite intrusions within a given volcanic field, lower Fo olivine overgrowth rims are correlated with higher phlogopite plus oxide mineral abundances. A comparison of olivine overgrowth rims from the two fields shows that WKF olivines with lower Fo content than MKF olivines are associated with increased XMg in spinel and phlogopite and vice versa. Melt modelling indicates relatively Fe-rich parental melt for WKF intrusions compared to MKF intrusions. The Ni/Mg and Mn/Fe systematics of magmatic olivines indicate derivation of the lamproite melts from mantle source rocks with a higher proportion of phlogopite and/or lower proportion of orthopyroxene for the WKF on the Eastern Dharwar Craton compared to those for the MKF on the Bastar Craton. This study highlights how olivine cores provide important insights into the composition and thermal state of cratonic mantle lithosphere as sampled by lamproites, including clues to elusive precursor metasomatic events. Variable compositions of olivine rims testify to the complex interplay of parental magma composition and localised crystallisation conditions including oxygen fugacity variations, co-crystallisation of groundmass minerals, and assimilation of entrained material.
Abstract: Canada exhibits many of the challenges involved with exploring for coloured stones in countries with very low population densities, temperate-to-arctic climates and a lack of infrastructure hindering access to most prospective areas. Despite this, a number of discoveries have occurred, mainly during the past two decades. These include emeralds from Northwest Territories (1997) and Yukon (1998); sapphire (2002) and spinel (from 1982)—including cobalt-blue stones—from Baffin Island in Nunavut; and ruby and pink sapphire (2002) from British Columbia. Such discoveries can be assisted by undertaking scientific research into gem formation, as well as by applying exploration criteria developed elsewhere to uncharted territory. Future exploration in Canada and other countries facing similar challenges will likely benefit from additional geological studies to identify prospective areas and features; innovative means of transportation, such as boats instead of aircraft; drones for exploring rugged terrain; hyperspectral imaging for mineral sensing; surveying with UV lamps to identify minerals associated with gem mineralisation; and careful prospecting (including field mapping and collecting heavy mineral concentrates) by experienced individuals. Quaternary geology fieldwork was conducted at a reconnaissance-scale in the Kaskattama highland area to document the Quaternary stratigraphy and till composition. The diamond potential of this region was investigated using kimberlite-indicator-mineral (KIM) counts from till samples. Indicator mineral results are the focus of this report and are combined with ice-flow and till-clast-lithology data to provide a context to interpret provenance. Kimberlite-indicator minerals were recovered from glacial sediments (till) in the Kaskattama highland area and KIM counts are elevated relative to data from the surrounding area. The lowest KIM counts were from till with a high Hudson Bay Basin (carbonatedominated) and low undifferentiated greenstone and greywacke (UGG) provenance signature. The highest KIM counts are associated with till samples that have a relatively elevated UGG or elevated granitoid provenance signature. Till samples with relatively elevated UGG concentration have an interpreted east or southeast provenance, which is supported by ice-flow data and the recovery of distinct east-sourced erratics. Till samples with a relatively elevated granitoid clast concentration have a correlation with the southwest- trending Hayes streamlined-landform flowset. Considering the likely provenance for granitoid clasts is to the northwest, the presence of relatively high concentrations of granitoid clasts in the Hayes flowset could be indicative of a higher inheritance from previous ice-flow events or a palimpsest dispersal pattern. Interpretation of till-composition and ice-flow data has indicated there are likely multiple sources for the KIMs recovered during this study. Detailed work is recommended to clarify local-scale dispersal patterns.
Geocimica et Cosmochimica Acta , Vol. 260, pp. 29-48.
Mantle
melting
Abstract: Carbon content in the Earth's depleted upper mantle has been estimated in previous studies using CO2/Ba ratios of CO2 undersaturated depleted mid-ocean ridge basalt (D-MORB) glasses and melt inclusions. However, CO2/Ba ratios in CO2 undersaturated MORB may not necessarily record those of the mantle source, as they may be affected by (1) assimilation of Ba-rich plagioclase-bearing rocks in the oceanic crust and (2) CO2 degassing through partial degassing and mixing. In this study, we evaluate these effects on the CO2/Ba ratios as well as other volatile to refractory trace element ratios (H2O/Ce, F/Nd, Cl/K, and S/Dy) in D-MORBs using the compositions of olivine-hosted melt inclusions and glasses from the Siqueiros and Garrett transform faults. The Siqueiros and Garrett melt inclusions are CO2 undersaturated and highly depleted in incompatible trace elements, and their average CO2/Ba ratios show relatively large ranges of 90?±?34 and 144?±?53 respectively. A subset of melt inclusions in lavas from both transform faults show potential signatures of contamination by plagioclase-rich rocks, such as correlations between major elements contents (e.g., FeO, Al2O3, and MgO), and trace element ratios (e.g., Sr/Nd). We find that (1) assimilation fractional crystallization (AFC) of gabbro into D-MORB and (2) mixing between partial melts of gabbro and D-MORB can reproduce the observed range in Sr/Nd ratios as well as the general trends between major elements. However, we find that these processes had limited effects on the CO2/Ba ratio of the melt inclusions and it is unlikely that they can account for the observed range in the CO2/Ba ratio. On the other hand, while a partial degassing and mixing model can generate melts with large range of CO2/Ba ratios (as proposed by Matthews et al. (2017)), it cannot reproduce the Pearson correlation coefficients between CO2/trace element and 1/trace element ratios observed in the Siqueiros and Garrett melt inclusions. Instead, when analytical uncertainties on the elemental concentrations are considered, a model without partial degassing can adequately reproduce the majority of the observed range in CO2/Ba ratio and Pearson correlation coefficients. Hence, we postulate that the Siqueiros and Garrett melt inclusions are undegassed and use their average CO2/Ba ratios to estimate the Siqueiros and Garrett mantle source CO2 contents (21?±?2?ppm and 33?±?6?ppm respectively). We also evaluate the effects of shallow level crustal processes on H2O/Ce, F/Nd, Cl/K, and S/Dy ratios, and after which we filter those effects, we estimate the H2O, F, Cl and S contents in the mantle sources of the Siqueiros (40?±?8?ppm, 8?±?1?ppm, 0.22?±?0.04?ppm, and 113?±?3?ppm) and Garrett (51?±?9?ppm, 6?±?1?ppm, 0.27?±?0.07?ppm, and 128?±?7?ppm) melt inclusions.
Abstract: The study of sediment cores allows for the reconstruction of past climate and environment through physical-chemical analysis. Nevertheless, this interpretation suffers from many drawbacks that can be overcome with the newest technologies. Hyperspectral imaging is one of these and allows a fast, high resolution, and non-destructive analysis of sediment cores. In this study, we use visible and near-infrared hyperspectral imaging to predict particle size fractions and distribution (PSD) at a resolution of 200?µm on a previously well-studied sediment core taken from Lake Bourget (Western Alps, France). These predictions agree with previous studies on this core. Then, the PSD was used to estimate sedimentary deposit sources using the PSD unmixing algorithm AnalySize. It permitted estimation of the contribution of five sources (micrite, small and large bio-induced calcite crystals, diatom frustules, detrital particles), which had previously been characterized. The spatial dimension allowed for laminae to be discretized and counted, in agreement with the age-depth model previously established. We then evaluated the particle size and spectral signatures of each of these annual laminae, hence characterizing their physico-chemical composition. These high-resolution data also allowed for estimation of the accumulation rate (cm/year) of each of the main sources in the laminated unit and inferring the trophic status and the presence of instantaneous events of the lake.
The alkaline ultrabasic magmatism of the Onega peninsula Nenoksa fields - reflection (display) of the plume and subduction processes in Belomorsky region.
Vladykin, N.V., Deep Seated Magmatism: its sources and plumes, pp. 145-163.
Deep-seated magmatism, its sources and plumes, Proceedings of XIII International Workshop held 2014., Vol. 2014, pp. 178-202.
Africa, South Africa, Russia, Yakutia
Deposit - Dike Newlands, Nyurbinskaya
Abstract: Green garnets occur in concentrates of diamondiferous kimberlite bodies in Yakutia (Udachnaya, Mir, etc.), South Africa (Newlands, Bellsbank), Venezuela (Guaniamo sills), and Canada (Mud Lake field). Mantle xenoliths of rocks containing such garnets are very rare. We found peridotite xenoliths with green garnet in situ in kimberlites of the Newlands dike. Xenoliths are irregular in form, 4.5*1.9 cm, 1.5*0.8 cm, and 1.0*0.5 cm in size, and have similar modal compositions: gar(70)+ol(28)+sp(2), gar(9)+ol(90)+sp(1) and gar(50)+ol(30)+sp(20). Rock texture is medium-crystalline, while structure is massive. We also identified a garnet macrocryst of 0.5*0.4 cm in size with a pale green kelyphytic rim. Garnet composition in the studied samples is quite constant and is characterized by the high Cr2O3 content (10.94-11.99%) and CaO content (19.52-24.94%) at the reduced contents of TiO2 (0.24-0.52%). The chrome spinel is high Cr2O3 (55%) content and the low TiO2 (0.5-0.6%) content. Olivine is high-Mg (Fo95), but elevated CaO content (0.09%). Isotopic composition of oxygen in garnet (d18O = 4.05-4.25 pm) and olivine (d18O = 4.91 pm) differs drastically from the mantle values. Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd isotopic composition show the relatively "young" model age of the sample relative to the depleted mantle (1.78 billion years), the age of formation of this rocks is also relatively "young" - probable mezoproterozoic. In kimberlites and placers of the Nyurbinskaya pipe (Nakyn field, Yakutia) there are 4 green garnet grains of 0.5-2.0 mm in size, including one intergrowth gar+sp. Most garnets are characterized by the higher CaO (18.06-22.87%) and TiO2 (1.46, 1.65, 1.75%) contents not noted before for similar garnets. Studied green garnets have the similar "sine wave" type of REE distribution for low-Ti garnets and a "raised" type of REE distribution with enrichment in medium and light REE for high-Ti garnet.
All green garnets are characterized by an increased content of light REE and Sc. High-Ti garnets are characterized by an increased content of light and middle REE, as well as titanium, and a particularly sharply increased content of Zr (!). Paragenesis ol+sp is formed at 805oand 23.4 kbar, and paragenesis ol+gar is formed at 1080oand 23.8 kbar. The rocks are characterized by nonequilibrium paragenesis ol+sp+gar and formation at moderate depths (80-90 km) under conditions of high heat flow (52-55 mW/m2). Judging from modal composition of studied xenoliths (absence of clinopyroxene), variations in chemical compositions and trace element compositions, relatively "young" model age and non-mantle isotopy of oxygen in garnets, these rocks are not "wehrlites" and likely represent metasomatic rocks such as uvarovite-chromite veins or schlierens at the moderate depths of upper mantle - it is similar to uvarovite-chromite veins of the metasomatic or a hydrothermal origin in the crustal serpentinites.
The alkaline ultrabasic magmatism of the Onega peninsula Nenoksa fields - reflection (display) of the plume and subduction processes in Belomorsky region.
Vladykin, N.V., Deep Seated Magmatism: its sources and plumes, pp. 145-163.
Deep-seated magmatism, its sources and plumes, Proceedings of XIII International Workshop held 2014., Vol. 2014, pp. 178-202.
Africa, South Africa, Russia, Yakutia
Deposit - Dike Newlands, Nyurbinskaya
Abstract: Green garnets occur in concentrates of diamondiferous kimberlite bodies in Yakutia (Udachnaya, Mir, etc.), South Africa (Newlands, Bellsbank), Venezuela (Guaniamo sills), and Canada (Mud Lake field). Mantle xenoliths of rocks containing such garnets are very rare. We found peridotite xenoliths with green garnet in situ in kimberlites of the Newlands dike. Xenoliths are irregular in form, 4.5*1.9 cm, 1.5*0.8 cm, and 1.0*0.5 cm in size, and have similar modal compositions: gar(70)+ol(28)+sp(2), gar(9)+ol(90)+sp(1) and gar(50)+ol(30)+sp(20). Rock texture is medium-crystalline, while structure is massive. We also identified a garnet macrocryst of 0.5*0.4 cm in size with a pale green kelyphytic rim. Garnet composition in the studied samples is quite constant and is characterized by the high Cr2O3 content (10.94-11.99%) and CaO content (19.52-24.94%) at the reduced contents of TiO2 (0.24-0.52%). The chrome spinel is high Cr2O3 (55%) content and the low TiO2 (0.5-0.6%) content. Olivine is high-Mg (Fo95), but elevated CaO content (0.09%). Isotopic composition of oxygen in garnet (d18O = 4.05-4.25 pm) and olivine (d18O = 4.91 pm) differs drastically from the mantle values. Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd isotopic composition show the relatively "young" model age of the sample relative to the depleted mantle (1.78 billion years), the age of formation of this rocks is also relatively "young" - probable mezoproterozoic. In kimberlites and placers of the Nyurbinskaya pipe (Nakyn field, Yakutia) there are 4 green garnet grains of 0.5-2.0 mm in size, including one intergrowth gar+sp. Most garnets are characterized by the higher CaO (18.06-22.87%) and TiO2 (1.46, 1.65, 1.75%) contents not noted before for similar garnets. Studied green garnets have the similar "sine wave" type of REE distribution for low-Ti garnets and a "raised" type of REE distribution with enrichment in medium and light REE for high-Ti garnet.
All green garnets are characterized by an increased content of light REE and Sc. High-Ti garnets are characterized by an increased content of light and middle REE, as well as titanium, and a particularly sharply increased content of Zr (!). Paragenesis ol+sp is formed at 805oand 23.4 kbar, and paragenesis ol+gar is formed at 1080oand 23.8 kbar. The rocks are characterized by nonequilibrium paragenesis ol+sp+gar and formation at moderate depths (80-90 km) under conditions of high heat flow (52-55 mW/m2). Judging from modal composition of studied xenoliths (absence of clinopyroxene), variations in chemical compositions and trace element compositions, relatively "young" model age and non-mantle isotopy of oxygen in garnets, these rocks are not "wehrlites" and likely represent metasomatic rocks such as uvarovite-chromite veins or schlierens at the moderate depths of upper mantle - it is similar to uvarovite-chromite veins of the metasomatic or a hydrothermal origin in the crustal serpentinites.
Volcanic rocks of the Nyurbinskaya pipe: a portrayal of regional upper mantle evolution from the Riphean to the Carboniferous time, and its geodynamic relationship.
Deep Seated Magmatism, its sources and plumes, Ed. Vladykin, N.V., 2008 pp. 71-103.
Volcanic rocks of the Nyurbinskaya pipe: a portrayal of regional upper mantle evolution from the Riphean to the Carboniferous time, and its geodynamic relationship.
Deep Seated Magmatism, its sources and plumes, Ed. Vladykin, N.V., 2008 pp. 71-103.
Journal of Geophysical Research, Vol. 120, 10, pp. 6993-7012.
Canada, Alberta
Geophysics - seismics LVZs
Abstract: Crustal low-velocity zones (LVZs) have been reported in active orogens such as the Himalayas and the Andes but rarely in stable cratonic regions. In this study, we provide compelling evidence for a significant midcrustal LVZ beneath eastern-central Alberta, an integral part of the Precambrian Canadian Shield covered by thick Phanerozoic sedimentary deposits. This 200?km wide, over 10?km thick midcrustal LVZ is well resolved by shear velocity inversions using P-to-S receiver functions from more than 4600 earthquakes. It is generally overlain by a high-velocity upper crust in the depth range of 8-15?km, especially in western-central Alberta, which coincides with the previously documented Winagami reflection sequence. We interpret the LVZ to be of granitic composition, potentially in connection with the crystallization of partially molten crust during the Paleoproterozoic eon. In addition to the Precambrian tectonic history of western Laurentia, which featured plate convergence conducive to crustal melting, our crustal model is further supported by (1) a moderate spatial correlation between the LVZ and heat flow, and (2) shear velocities consistent with that of granite. The well preserved Winagami reflection sequence and the LVZ are potential evidence of distinct episodes of magmatism and crust modification in the Precambrian basement of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin. The existence of a broad crustal LVZ suggests extensive subduction, orogenesis, and crustal melting during the Precambrian assembly of the North American craton.
Yellowknife Forum NWTgeoscience.ca, abstract volume poster p.105-106.
Canada, Northwest Territories
drift prospecting
Abstract: In the glaciated terrain of the Northwest Territories, successful diamond exploration projects depend on the implementation of drift prospecting. Drift prospecting combines surficial sediment sampling with an understanding of glacial sediment transport history so that geochemical anomalies can be properly interpreted. However, deglacial meltwater processes that may rework, erode, transport, and deposit previously emplaced till are commonly overlooked or misidentified in sample collection and data interpretation. Exactly how deglacial meltwater processes affect the concentration of kimberlite indicator minerals in glacial sediments is poorly understood. The aim of this study is to determine if syn- and post-depositional meltwater processes affect kimberlite indicator mineral concentrations and distributions. The study area is approximately 225 km2, located in the Winter Lake area, in the southern Slave region. This area was chosen for its multiple subglacial meltwater corridors with numerous meltwater related landforms adjacent to relatively unmodified till. It is a prospective area for kimberlites based on the kimberlite indicator minerals identified during previous till sampling programs. The project incorporates terrain mapping, fieldwork and geochemical analysis. Progress so far includes a desktop study using existing air photos and surficial maps of the region and fieldwork. Stereo image visualization and mapping software (Summit EvolutionTM) combined with digital air photos of the area were utilized to complete a preliminary 1:10 000 scale digital terrain map. Fieldwork was completed in the summer of 2019: the nature and distribution of surficial materials were described, ice flow indicators identified and recorded, and surficial material samples collected. Sampling targeted sediments that experienced varying degrees of meltwater modification; materials collected cover the spectrum from unmodified till to washed till to sorted glaciofluvial sand and gravel. Analysis and interpretation are ongoing. Clast shape and lithology analysis has been completed. Grain size analysis will be completed for the presentation. Samples have been sent to commercial labs for geochemical analysis of the silt and clay fraction as well as heavy mineral separation followed by picking of kimberlite, base metal and gold indicator minerals. Potential kimberlite indicator minerals will be analyzed by electron microprobe to verify the mineralogy; their chemistry will be related to diamond potential. The results of these analysis will not be available in time for the presentation. Field descriptions and photogrammetry indicate that many meltwater corridors contain hummocks and elongate ridges composed of diamicton that is sandier and contains less silt than an unmodified till. The morphology and directionality of these identified landforms suggest they are not esker segments. Comparison of grain size, clast shape and lithology data between till and modified sediments will be related to landform genesis. The observations of surficial materials, landforms and ice flow indicators are being used to update the preliminary 1:10 000 scale terrain map of the area, as well as to interpret the local glacial history of the study area. The results of this project will have significant implications in the planning and execution of diamond exploration programs in the Northwest Territories as well as in effectively interpreting the results of drift prospecting campaigns.
Drift prospecting for kimberlite in the Slave geological Province: why your KIM-bearing sediment samples may not lead you to kimberlite.
Vancouver Kimberlite Cluster, Sept. 30, 1p. Abstract
Canada, Northwest territories
geochemistry
Abstract: Drift prospecting has been used for decades in the Slave Geological Province, NWT, to identify kimberlite indicator mineral and geochemical dispersals. These dispersals, in conjunction with geophysics and drilling, have led to many kimberlite discoveries. The sources of most well-defined dispersal patterns have been identified, and exploration must now focus on inauspicious regions where primary dispersal from kimberlite has been obscured by post-depositional changes to the landscape. Detailed surficial interpretations from readily available, high-resolution imagery and digital elevation data are a powerful asset when working in these challenging environments. Interpretations tailored to exploration provide the necessary context to unravel the complexities in the surficial geology and reconcile complex dispersal patterns. This presentation will demonstrate how the understanding and recognition of unique depositional environments and post-depositional modification of sediments can provide new insight into historical data, reduce the effort and resources required to collect new high-quality samples and inform data evaluations, ultimately providing lower-risk exploration targets.
43rd Annual Yellowknife Geoscience Forum Abstracts, abstract p. 64.
Canada, Northwest Territories
Deposit - Redemption
Abstract: Surficial sediment (e.g., till) sampling is an effective tool for mineral exploration in the glaciated landscapes of Canada. Dispersal patterns identified through surficial sampling are studied and used to identify their smaller, mineralized bedrock sources. Data compiled from multiple sampling programs, such as those included in the Kimberlite Indicator and Diamond Database (KIDD), can produce misleading dispersal patterns due to variability in sampling and analysis protocols. The accurate delineation of dispersal patterns requires an understanding of the genesis, comparability and distribution of sediment samples on which the dispersal patterns are based. Using an example from a recent study of the South Coppermine indicator mineral train on the Redemption Project, we demonstrate a method for reducing the variability in the data set that utilizes property-scale surficial geology mapping to systematically filter and normalize the data. The surficial geology mapping identified the nature and distribution of sediments, as well as specific till units that have been reworked to differing degrees by a combination of glacial meltwater, modern drainage and periglacial processes, which can affect the concentration of kimberlite indicator minerals (KIMs). A derivative map depicting till sampling suitability based on basal till potential and the level of reworking was used to classify and group samples into subset populations, from which less-favourable samples were filtered. KIM counts in the remaining sample data were then leveled (normalized) according to the thickness of the sampled till unit to reduce the bias produced by higher anomalies common to thin till units. The filtered and normalized data produced a sharper, more accurate KIM dispersal pattern and a new basis for interpreting possible provenance envelopes, from which lower-risk exploration targets can be identified.
43rd Annual Yellowknife Geoscience Forum Abstracts, abstract p. 65.
Canada, Northwest Territories
Geomorphology
Abstract: The Northwest Territories Geological Survey recently funded a strategic overburden drilling program in the Lac de Gras (NTS 076D) and Alymer Lake (NTS 076C) map areas of the Slave Province, Northwest Territories. This program was designed to help stimulate mineral exploration, and to collect permafrost and geotechnical data required for future infrastructure development. To provide guidance for the drill program and a basis for interpreting the results, we compiled, analyzed and interpreted an unprecedented collection of privately-collected and public data. The data set included extensive LiDAR-derived hillshade models; regional surficial and bedrock geology mapping; and mineralogical, geochemical, grain size and sample description data from surface sediment (till) samples. Our systematic mapping of the LiDAR coverage area resulted in the identification of 649 linear features, including eskers, meltwater channels, moraines, paleo-shorelines and streamlined bedforms, which strengthened understanding of local ice flow histories and patterns of deglaciation. Based on a comprehensive review and re-evaluation of the data, we identified six important trends: (1) samples collected from till blankets have lower indicator mineral counts than those collected from till veneers and thick, hummocky till deposits; (2) indicator mineral counts from glaciofluvial sediments were lower and show more subtle anomalies than those from till; (3) the =0.5 mm size-fraction in the mineralogy data set has ~25-40% higher indicator mineral counts than the >0.5 mm size-fraction; (4) when comparing the analytical results of different size fractions, Cr and La concentrations are higher in the clay-sized fraction, while Ba concentrations are higher in the silt- and clay-sized fraction; (5) anomalous Au concentrations in the northern portion of the study area likely represent a lithological change and subsequent glacial dispersion, rather than significant mineralization; and (6) local variations in pyrope and Cr-diopside counts in the study area may affect interpretations of kimberlite indicator mineral dispersal plumes. We also delineated 60 areas of interest that present unique research opportunities, or represent important data gaps that compromise the understanding of glacial history, mineral dispersal and permafrost conditions within the region.
45th. Annual Yellowknife Geoscience Forum, p. 70 abstract
Canada, Northwest Territories
geochemistry - indicator minerals
Abstract: Kimberlite indicator mineral (KIM) concentrations in till are commonly used in glaciated areas such as Northwest Territories to identify glacial dispersal from a kimberlitic source. However, sampling of till that has been modified by post-depositional processes, or material that is not till, can obscure the original glacial dispersion and mislead exploration efforts. The recognition of subtle changes in material type or the occurrence of till modification is obstructed by periglacial processes that homogenize the landscape. Due to restrictions of scale, it is nearly impossible to identify and represent these subtle landscape variations in regional-scale surficial mapping. The uniform till cover depicted in the regional mapping does not reflect reality, and therefore does not provide the necessary surficial context to inform till sampling programs and evaluation efforts. The Northwest Territories Geological Survey and several private exploration companies have recognized the importance of identifying differences in material type and processes that can remobilize and alter the composition of till. Recent improvements in the availability of high-resolution imagery and digital elevation data have provided the means to perform more detailed surficial studies at a scale that is more applicable to diamond exploration. As a result, multiple high-resolution surficial mapping and associated sediment sample data evaluations have been initiated in and around the Lac de Gras region. These studies have reinforced that there is significant spatial variation in the suitability for till sampling, and found that subglacial meltwater corridors and glacial lakes were common. Furthermore, a many of the previously collected till samples were affected by these processes, which can have a significant influence on KIM concentrations and the shape of their dispersal patterns. Meltwater can truncate dispersals and concentrate heavy minerals. Glacial lakes can either dilute or concentrate heavy minerals depending on whether the environment was proximal or distal. Specific landform assemblages and characteristics have been documented that can be used to identify these dispersal-modifying processes, and used to produce a surficial context that is more suitable to exploration. This improved surficial context facilitates the collection of in situ till samples and the interpretation of existing surface sediment data resulting in lower-risk exploration targets.
Re-thinking diamond exploration tactics in the Slave Province: a surficial geology perspective. Lac de Gras area
2018 Yellowknife Geoscience Forum , p. 66-67. abstract
Canada, Northwest Territories
geochemistry
Abstract: It took several decades to develop the necessary understanding of glaciation, geochemistry and mineralogy to refine exploration strategies and find the first kimberlite in the Northwest Territories, Canada. These fundamental drift prospecting strategies followed by geophysics and drilling have been used to locate many kimberlite occurrences over the years. Indicator minerals in surface sediments are still the primary datasets used to identify kimberlite exploration targets; however, many of the kimberlite sources for the well-defined indicator mineral dispersals have been identified. Exploration must now focus on regions with more complex surficial geology where primary dispersal patterns in till are obscured by post-depositional modification. These patterns are largely defined using data from historical “˜till' surveys that often failed to properly scrutinize the sample media; reworked tills and other surficial materials were commonly collected. The regional surficial geology maps (e.g., 1:50,000 to 1:250,000) typically published by geological surveys to stimulate reconnaissance exploration in new areas are generally incapable of providing sufficient resolution to determine the genesis and post-glacial alteration of sample media or reconcile complex dispersal patterns. Furthermore, advances in analytical methods have yielded compiled datasets with results from multiple methods that are not always comparable. Without a new, more detailed and systematic approach to evaluating surface sediment data, exploration in areas with complex glacial, deglacial and post-glacial histories will be challenged to discover kimberlite. The accessibility, quality and variety of high-resolution aerial or satellite imagery and topographic data has improved significantly over the years, affording a more detailed interpretation of the surficial environment. These detailed interpretations have allowed us to evaluate historical data with a new perspective and target the collection of new, high-quality data. Throughout the Slave Province, we have tailored surficial interpretations to distinguish in-situ till from reworked till and other materials, which have altered dispersion and indicator mineral concentrations. Using examples from the Lac de Gras area, this presentation demonstrates how a detailed surficial framework, combined with an understanding of the varied analytical methods, is applied to historical datasets to refine indicator dispersal patterns and identify new exploration targets. By standardizing the data based on sediment genesis and transport mechanisms, the dataset becomes more suitable for statistical evaluation and anomaly threshold determinations that are unique to specific data subpopulations. As a result, anomaly contrasts are improved, and complex dispersals can be unravelled. In addition, areas with insufficient data coverage are identified and the necessary framework to complete informed, efficient infill or new sampling is provided. The examples we share highlight that there is no replacement for project-scale understanding of surficial geology and its varied effects on mineral dispersals in the development and interpretation of a surface sediment dataset used to identify kimberlite exploration targets.
Veevers, J.J., Belousova, E.A., Saced, A., Sircombe, K., Cooper, A.F., Read, S.E.
Pan-Gondwanaland detrital zircons from Australia analyzed for Hf isotopes and trace elements reflect an ice covered Antartic provenance 700-500 Ma alkalinity
Abstract: In 2015, a field team from GIA visited the Indian city of Jaipur to capture the full scope of its gem and jewelry industry: colored stone cutting, wholesale trading, jewelry design, manufacturing, and retail. The authors documented the current state of the industry from a manufacturing as well as a business perspective. The results substantiated many of the team's prior assessments but also brought to light recent developments with far-reaching effects. The impact of vertical integration, consolidation, globalization, and jewelry television retail far exceeded expectations. Once known as a colored stone manufacturing center, Jaipur has rapidly climbed the value chain into jewelry manufacturing and retail by successfully incorporating experience and tradition with technology and innovation.
Koehm, D., Lindenfeld, M., Rumpker, G., Aanyu, K., Haines, S., Passchier, C.W., Sachu, T.
Active transgression faults in rift transfer zones: evidence for complex stress fields and implications for crustal fragmentation processes in the western branch
International Journal of Earth Sciences, Vol. 99, 7, pp. 1633-1642.
Sato, H., Sacks, I.S., Murase, T., Muncill, G., Fukuyama, H.
Qp-melting temperature relation in peridotite at high pressure andtemperature: attenuation mechanism And implications for the mech. prop. of The upper mantle
Journal of Geophysical Research, Vol. 94, No. B8, August 10, pp. 10, 647-10, 661
Sader, J.A., Leybourne, M.I., McClenaghan, M.B., Hamilton, S.
Low temperature serpentinization processes and kimberlite groundwater signature Kirkland Lake and Lake Timiskaming kimberlite fields: implications diamond exploration.
Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, Analysis, Vol. 7, 1, pp. 3-21.
Sader, J.S., Hamilton, S.M., Hattori, K.H., Braundedr, K.
Project unit: 07-32. Surface media geochemical sampling at the Victor kimberlite region, northern Ontario and the Kirkland Lake region northeastern Ontario.
Ontario Geological Survey Open File, No. 6213, pp. 19-1-6.
Abstract: The Oulad Dlim Massif of the Western Reguibat Shield contains several carbonatite complexes of previously unknown age. The largest and best studied are Gleibat Lafhouda, composed of magnesiocarbonatites, and Twihinate, composed of calciocarbonatites. Gleibat Lafhouda is hosted by Archean gneisses and schists. It has a SHRIMP U-Th-Pb zircon crystallization age of 1.85 ± 0.03 Ga, a Nd model age of TCR = 1.89 ± 0.03 Ga, and a Sm-Nd age of 1.85 ± 0.39 Ga. It forms part of the West Reguibat Alkaline province. Twihinate, on the other hand, is much younger. It is hosted by Late Silurian to Early Devonian deformed granites and has a zircon crystallization age of 104 ± 4 Ma, which is within error of the age of the carbonatites of the famous Richat Structure in the southwest Reguibat Shield. Like these, the Twihinate carbonatites are part of the Mid-Cretaceous Peri-Atlantic Alkaline Pulse. The Twihinate carbonatites contain abundant inherited zircons with ages that peak at ca. 420 Ma, 620 Ma, 2050 Ma, 2466 Ma, and 2830 Ma. This indicates that their substratum has West African rather than, as previously suggested, Avalonian affinities. It has, however, a Paleoproterozoic component that is not found in the neighboring western Reguibat Shield. The 421 Ma to 410 Ma gneissic granites hosting Twihinate are epidote + biotite + Ca-rich garnet deformed I-type to A-type granites derived from magmas of deep origin compatible, therefore, with being generated in a subduction environment. These granites form a body of unknown dimensions and petrogenesis, the study of which will be of key importance for understanding the geology and crustal architecture of this region.
Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A., A785, pp. 9-13.
Technology
Methodology
Abstract: A new technology for diamond detection in kimberlite based on the tagged neutron method is proposed. The results of experimental researches on irradiation of kimberlite samples with 14.1-MeV tagged neutrons are discussed. The source of the tagged neutron flux is a portable neutron generator with a built-in 64-pixel silicon alpha-detector with double-sided stripped readout. Characteristic gamma rays resulting from inelastic neutron scattering on nuclei of elements included in the composition of kimberlite are registered by six gamma-detectors based on BGO crystals. The criterion for diamond presence in kimberlite is an increased carbon concentration within a certain volume of the kimberlite sample.
Veevers, J.J., Belousova, E.A., Saeed, A., Sircombe, K., Cooper, A.F., Read, S.E.
Pan Gondwanaland detrital zircons from Australia analysed for Hf isotopes and trace elements reflect an ice covered Antarctic provenance of 700-500 Ma ...
Earth Science Reviews, Vol. 76, 3-4, June pp. 135-174.
Abstract: In less than a decade, Mozambique has become the world’s most productive source for gem-quality ruby. Since the discovery in 2009, GIA has followed these deposits from the front lines, collecting data in the field and in the laboratory. The development of the deposit in Montepuez has been extremely interesting, with different players involved and different types of material unearthed. This article provides a summary and overview of the current knowledge about Mozambican ruby, including the history of mining and the market impact, as well as a comprehensive gemological characterization and discussion of the most common treatments applied to the stones. Much of the information in this article is based on the authors’ observations in the field and market as well as several publications (Pardieu et al., 2009, 2013, 2015; Saeseaw et al., 2018).
Abstract: Over the last several decades, geographic origin determination for fine rubies has become increasingly important in the gem trade. In the gemological laboratory, rubies are generally broken down into two groups based on their trace element chemistry: marble-hosted (low-iron) rubies and high-iron rubies. High-iron rubies are usually a straightforward identification based on their inclusions and trace element profiles. Marble-hosted rubies can be more challenging, with some deposits showing overlap in some of their inclusion scenes. But many marblehosted rubies, especially Burmese stones from Mogok and Mong Hsu, can be accurately identified based on their internal features and trace element profiles. This contribution will outline the methods and criteria used at GIA for geographic origin determination for ruby.
South America, Colombia, China, Europe, Afghanistan, Africa, Zambia
emerald
Abstract: The gem trade has grown to rely on gemological laboratories to provide origin determination services for emeralds and other fine colored stones. In the laboratory, this is mostly accomplished by careful observations of inclusion characteristics, spectroscopic analysis, and trace element profile measurements by laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Inclusions and spectroscopy can often separate Colombian emeralds from other sources (although there is some overlap between Colombian, Afghan, and Chinese [Davdar] emeralds). For non-Colombian emeralds, trace element analysis by LA-ICP-MS is needed in addition to information from the stone’s inclusions. The relative chemical diversity of emeralds from worldwide deposits allows confidence in origin determination in most cases. This contribution outlines the methods and criteria used at GIA for geographic origin determination for emerald.
Geologica Carpathica ** Eng, Vol. 71, 4, pp. 343-360. pdf
Europe, Czech Republic
alkaline rocks
Abstract: Sills of hydrothermally altered alkaline magmatic rock (teschenite) of Lower Cretaceous age at the Certák and Repište sites in the Silesian Unit (Flysch Belt of the Outer Western Carpathians, Czech Republic) host leucocratic dykes and nests which contain accessory minerals enriched in Zr, Nb and REE: Zr-, Nb-rich titanite, zircon, gittinsite, pyrochlore, monazite, REE-rich apatite, epidote, and vesuvianite. Titanite forms wedge-shaped crystals or irregular aggregates enclosed in the analcime groundmass or overgrowths on Zr-rich ferropargasite and taramite or Zr-rich aegirine-augite to aegirine. Titanite crystals show oscillatory or irregular patchy to sector zoning and contain up to 17.7 wt. % ZrO2 and 19.6 wt. % Nb2O5, and =1.1 wt. % REE2O3. High-field-strength elements (HFSE) are incorporated into the structure of the studied titanite predominantly by substitutions: (i) [6]Ti4+???[6]Zr4+; (ii) [6]Ti4+?+?[6]Al3+???[6]Zr4+?+?[6]Fe3+; and (iii) [6]2Ti4+???[6]Nb5+?+?[6](Al, Fe)3+. Magmatic fractional crystallization, high-temperature hydrothermal autometasomatic overprint and low-temperature hydrothermal alterations resulted in the formation of the HFSE-rich mineral assemblages within the leucocratic teschenites. Autometamorphic processes caused by high-temperature hypersaline aqueous solutions (salinity ~50 wt. %, ~390-510 °C), which were released from the HFSE-enriched residual melt, played a major role in the crystallization of Zr-, Nb-, and REE-rich minerals. The mobilization of HFSE could have occurred either by their sequestration into a fluid phase exsolved from the crystallizing melt or by superimposed alteration processes. The distinctive positive Eu anomaly (EuCN/Eu*?=?1.85) of leucocratic dykes infers possible mixing of Eu2+-bearing magmatic fluids with more oxidized fluids.
Abstract: Phlogopite is widely accepted as a major mineral indicator of the modal metasomatism in the upper mantle within a very wide P-T range. The paper reviews data on various phlogopite-forming reactions in upper-mantle peridotites. The review includes both descriptions of naturally occurring reactions and results of experiments that model some of these reactions. Relations of phlogopite with other potassic phases, such as K-richterite, sanidine and K-titanates, are discussed. These data are taken as a basis for thermodynamic modeling of the phlogopite-forming reactions for specific mantle rocks in terms of log(aH2O) - log(aK2O) diagrams (pseudosections) using the Gibbs free energy minimization. These diagrams allow estimation of potassium-water activity relations during metasomatic transformations of mantle rocks, prediction sequences of mineral assemblages with respect to these parameters and comparison of metasomatic processes in the rocks of different composition. This approach is illustrated by examples from peridotite xenoliths from kimberlites.
Safonov, O.G., Perchuk, L.L., Litrvin, Y.A., Bindi, L.
Phase relations in the Ca Mg Si2O6 K Al Si308 join at 6 and s.5 GPa as a model for formation of some potassium bearing deep seated mineral assemblages.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 149, 3, pp. 316-337.
Melting relations in the chloride carbonate silicate systems at high pressure and model for formation of alkalic diamond forming liquids in the upper mantle.
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, in press available
Modification of mineral inclusions in garnet under high pressure conditions: experimental simulation and application to carbonate silicate rocks of Kokchetetav
Russian Geology and Geophysics, Vol. 50, 12, pp. 1153-1168.
Abstract: Although kimberlite magma carries large amounts of mantle-derived xenocrysts and xenoliths (with sizes up to meters), this magma ascends from the Earth's mantle (> 150-250 km) to the surface in a matter of hours or days, which enables diamonds to survive. The recently proposed assimilation-fuelled buoyancy model for kimberlite magma ascent emphasizes the importance of fluid CO2 that is produced via the reactive dissolution of mantle-derived orthopyroxene xenocrysts into kimberlite melt, which initially has carbonatitic composition. Here, we use a series of high-pressure experiments to test this model by studying the interaction of orthopyroxene (Opx) with an alkali-dolomitic melt (simplified to 0.7Na2CO3 + 0.3K2CO3 + 2CaMg(CO3)2), which is close to the melt that is produced by the partial melting of a kimberlite source, at P = 3.1-6.5 GPa and T = 1200-1600 °C, i.e., up to pressures that correspond to depths (~ 200 km) from where the ascent of kimberlite magma would start. During the first set of experiments, we study the reaction between powdered Opx and model carbonate melt in a homogeneous mixture. During the second set of experiments, we investigate the mechanism and kinetics of the dissolution of Opx crystals in alkali-dolomitic melt. Depending on the P-T conditions, Opx dissolves in the alkali-dolomitic melt (CL) either congruently or incongruently via the following reactions: Mg2Si2O6 (Opx) + CaMg(CO3)2 (CL) = CaMgSi2O6 (clinopyroxene) + 2MgCO3 (CL) and Mg2Si2O6 (Opx) = Mg2SiO4 (olivine) + SiO2 (CL). The experiments confirm that the dissolution of Opx causes gradual SiO2 enrichment in the initial carbonate melt, as previously suggested. However, the assimilation of Opx by carbonate melt does not produce fluid CO2 in the experiments because the CO2 is totally dissolved in the evolved melt. Thus, our results clearly demonstrate the absence of exsolved CO2 fluid at 3.1-6.5 GPa in ascending kimberlite magma and disprove the assimilation-fuelled buoyancy model for kimberlite magma ascent in the lithospheric mantle. We alternatively suggest that the extreme buoyancy of kimberlite magma at depths of 100-250 km is an exclusive consequence of the unique physical properties (i.e., low density, ultra-low viscosity and, thus, high mobility) of the kimberlite melt, which are dictated by its carbonatitic composition.
Abstract: Mechanisms of Precambrian orogeny and their contribution to the origin of ultrahigh temperature granulites, granite-greenstone terranes and net crustal growth remain debatable. Here, we use 2D numerical models with 150 °C higher mantle temperatures compared to present day conditions to investigate physical and petrological controls of Precambrian orogeny during forced continental plates convergence. Numerical experiments show that convergence between two relatively thin blocks of continental lithosphere with fertile mantle creates a short-lived cold collisional belt that later becomes absorbed by a long-lived thick and flat ultra-hot accretionary orogen with Moho temperatures of 700–1100 °C. The orogen underlain by hot partially molten depleted asthenospheric mantle spreads with plate tectonic rates towards the incoming lithospheric block. The accretionary orogeny is driven by delamination of incoming lithospheric mantle with attached mafic lower crust and invasion of the hot partially molten asthenospheric wedge under the accreted crust. A very fast convective cell forms atop the subducting slab, in which hot asthenospheric mantle rises against the motion of the slab and transports heat towards the moving orogenic front. Juvenile crustal growth during the orogeny is accompanied by net crustal loss due to the lower crust subduction. Stability of an ultra-hot orogeny is critically dependent on the presence of relatively thin and warm continental lithosphere with thin crust and dense fertile mantle roots subjected to plate convergence. Increased thickness of the continental crust and subcontinental lithospheric mantle, pronounced buoyancy of the lithospheric roots, and decreased mantle and continental Moho temperature favor colder and more collision-like orogenic styles with thick crust, reduced magmatic activity, lowered metamorphic temperatures, and decreased degree of crustal modification. Our numerical modeling results thus indicate that different types of orogens (cold, mixed-hot and ultra-hot) could be created at the same time in the Early Earth, depending on compositional and thermal structures of interacting continental blocks.
Abstract: Although kimberlite magma carries large amounts of mantle-derived xenocrysts and xenoliths (with sizes up to meters), this magma ascends from the Earth's mantle (> 150–250 km) to the surface in a matter of hours or days, which enables diamonds to survive. The recently proposed assimilation-fuelled buoyancy model for kimberlite magma ascent emphasizes the importance of fluid CO2 that is produced via the reactive dissolution of mantle-derived orthopyroxene xenocrysts into kimberlite melt, which initially has carbonatitic composition. Here, we use a series of high-pressure experiments to test this model by studying the interaction of orthopyroxene (Opx) with an alkali-dolomitic melt (simplified to 0.7Na2CO3 + 0.3K2CO3 + 2CaMg(CO3)2), which is close to the melt that is produced by the partial melting of a kimberlite source, at P = 3.1–6.5 GPa and T = 1200–1600 °C, i.e., up to pressures that correspond to depths (~ 200 km) from where the ascent of kimberlite magma would start. During the first set of experiments, we study the reaction between powdered Opx and model carbonate melt in a homogeneous mixture. During the second set of experiments, we investigate the mechanism and kinetics of the dissolution of Opx crystals in alkali-dolomitic melt. Depending on the P-T conditions, Opx dissolves in the alkali-dolomitic melt (CL) either congruently or incongruently via the following reactions: Mg2Si2O6 (Opx) + CaMg(CO3)2 (CL) = CaMgSi2O6 (clinopyroxene) + 2MgCO3 (CL) and Mg2Si2O6 (Opx) = Mg2SiO4 (olivine) + SiO2 (CL). The experiments confirm that the dissolution of Opx causes gradual SiO2 enrichment in the initial carbonate melt, as previously suggested. However, the assimilation of Opx by carbonate melt does not produce fluid CO2 in the experiments because the CO2 is totally dissolved in the evolved melt. Thus, our results clearly demonstrate the absence of exsolved CO2 fluid at 3.1–6.5 GPa in ascending kimberlite magma and disprove the assimilation-fuelled buoyancy model for kimberlite magma ascent in the lithospheric mantle. We alternatively suggest that the extreme buoyancy of kimberlite magma at depths of 100–250 km is an exclusive consequence of the unique physical properties (i.e., low density, ultra-low viscosity and, thus, high mobility) of the kimberlite melt, which are dictated by its carbonatitic composition.
Abstract: How the Earth's continental crust was formed in the Hadean eon is a subject of considerable debates [1-4]. For example, shallow hydrous peridotites [2,5], in particular the Hadean Earth's serpentinites [6], are potentially important ingredients in the creation of the continental ptoto-crust, but the mechanisms of this formation remain elusive. In this work, experiments to explore serpentinite-basalt interaction under conditions of the Hadean Earth were conducted. Kinetic runs lasting 0.5 to 48 hours at 0.2 to 1.0 GPa and 1250 to 1300°C reveal dehydration of serpentinite and release of a Si-Al-Na-K-rich aqueous fluid. For the first time, generation of heterogeneous hydrous silicic melts (56 to 67 wt% SiO2) in response to the fluid-assisted fertilisation and the subsequent partial melting of the dehydrated serpentinite has been discovered. The melts produced at 0.2 GPa have compositions similar to those of the bulk continental crust [2,3]. These new findings imply that the Earth's sialic proto-crust may be generated via fluid-assisted melting of serpentinized peridotite at shallow depths (=7 km) that do not require plate subduction during the Hadean eon. Shallow serpentinite dehydration and melting may be the principal physico-chemical processes affecting the earliest lithosphere.
Making Earth's continental crust from serpentinite and basalt.
Abstract: Mechanisms of Precambrian orogeny and their contribution to the origin of ultrahigh temperature granulites, granite-greenstone terranes and net crustal growth remain debatable. Here, we use 2D numerical models with 150 °C higher mantle temperatures compared to present day conditions to investigate physical and petrological controls of Precambrian orogeny during forced continental plates convergence. Numerical experiments show that convergence between two relatively thin blocks of continental lithosphere with fertile mantle creates a short-lived cold collisional belt that later becomes absorbed by a long-lived thick and flat ultra-hot accretionary orogen with Moho temperatures of 700-1100 °C. The orogen underlain by hot partially molten depleted asthenospheric mantle spreads with plate tectonic rates towards the incoming lithospheric block. The accretionary orogeny is driven by delamination of incoming lithospheric mantle with attached mafic lower crust and invasion of the hot partially molten asthenospheric wedge under the accreted crust. A very fast convective cell forms atop the subducting slab, in which hot asthenospheric mantle rises against the motion of the slab and transports heat towards the moving orogenic front. Juvenile crustal growth during the orogeny is accompanied by net crustal loss due to the lower crust subduction. Stability of an ultra-hot orogeny is critically dependent on the presence of relatively thin and warm continental lithosphere with thin crust and dense fertile mantle roots subjected to plate convergence. Increased thickness of the continental crust and subcontinental lithospheric mantle, pronounced buoyancy of the lithospheric roots, and decreased mantle and continental Moho temperature favor colder and more collision-like orogenic styles with thick crust, reduced magmatic activity, lowered metamorphic temperatures, and decreased degree of crustal modification. Our numerical modeling results thus indicate that different types of orogens (cold, mixed-hot and ultra-hot) could be created at the same time in the Early Earth, depending on compositional and thermal structures of interacting continental blocks.
Abstract: The results of experiments on the synthesis of exotic titanates (priderite and yimengite) simulating metasomatic conditions of alteration of the mantle minerals (chromite and ilmenite) are reported. Ba-free Cr-bearing priderite was synthesized for the first time. Experiments showed the possibility of crystallization of this mineral as a product of the reaction of high-Cr spinel and rutile with hydrous-carbonate fluid (melt) under the conditions of the upper mantle. In particular, the experimental data obtained provide an interpretation of the relationships between K?Cr priderite and carbonate-silicate inclusions in chromites from garnet peridotite of the Bohemian massif. Experimental study of the reaction of chromite and ilmenite with potassic hydrous-carbonate fluid (melt) shows the presence of both titanate phases (priderite and yimengite), the mineral indicators of mantle metasomatism. This provides direct evidence for the formation of yimengite and K?Cr priderite, as well as other titanates, due to mantle metasomatism of the upper mantle peridotite under the conditions of the highest activities of potassium.
Abstract: The results of experimental studies are presented for reactions in the orthopyroxene-garnet-phlogopite system in the presence of H2O-KCl fluid at 3-5 GPa and 900-1000°C, which model the processes of phlogopite formation in garnet peridotites and pyroxenites during alkaline metasomatism of the upper mantle. The experiments demonstrated regular variations in the composition of garnet, pyroxenes, and phlogopite depending on the KCl content of the fluid. With increasing KCl content of the fluid, enstatite and garnet become unstable, the Al2O3 content of enstatite decreases, and the amount of grossular and knorringite components in garnet are maximum at a KCl content of ~10 mol %. Our results illustrate well the regular variations in the compositions of the coexisting minerals and their zoning in phlogopite-bearing peridotites of the lithospheric mantle.
American Mineralogist, Vol. 105, pp. 1662-1671. pdf
Mantle
melting
Abstract: Zircon is the most frequently used mineral for dating terrestrial and extraterrestrial rocks. However, the system of zircon in mafic/ultramafic melts has been rarely explored experimentally and most existing models based on the felsic, intermediate and/or synthetic systems are probably not applicable for prediction of zircon survival in terrestrial shallow asthenosphere. In order to determine the zircon stability in such natural systems, we have performed high-temperature experiments of zircon dissolution in natural mid-ocean ridge basaltic and synthetic haplobasaltic melts coupled with in situ electron probe microanalyses of the experimental products at high current.
Taking into account the secondary fluorescence effect in zircon glass pairs during electron microprobe analysis, we have calculated zirconium diffusion coefficient necessary to predict zircon survival in asthenospheric melts of tholeiitic basalt composition. The data imply that typical 100 micron zircons dissolve rapidly (in 10 hours) and congruently upon the reaction with basaltic melt at mantle pressures. We observed incongruent (to crystal ZrO2 and SiO2 in melt) dissolution of zircon in natural mid-ocean ridge basaltic melt at low pressures and in haplobasaltic melt at elevated pressure. Our experimental data raise questions about the origin of zircons in mafic and ultramafic rocks, in particular, in shallow oceanic asthenosphere and deep lithosphere, as well as the meaning of the zircon-based ages estimated from the composition of these minerals. Large size zircon megacrysts in kimberlites, peridotites, alkali basalts and other magmas suggest the fast transport and short interaction between zircon and melt.The origin of zircon megacrysts is likely related to metasomatic addition of Zr into mantle as any mantle melting episode should obliterate them.
Generation of hydrous plumes in the mantle transition zone linked to the tectonic erosion of continental crust.
V.S. Sobolev Institute of Geology and Mineralogy Siberian Branch Russian Academy of Sciences International Symposium Advances in high pressure research: breaking scales and horizons ( Courtesy of N. Poikilenko), Held Sept. 22-26, 3p. Abstract
Abstract: The paper presents new petrographic, major element and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy data and PT-estimates of whole-rock samples and minerals of a collection of 19 relatively fresh peridotite xenoliths from the Udachnaya kimberlite pipe, which were recovered from its deeper levels. The xenoliths are non-deformed (granular), medium-deformed and highly deformed (porphyroclastic, mosaic-porphyroclastic, mylonitic) lherzolites, harzburgite and dunite. The lherzolites yielded equilibration temperatures (T) and pressures (P) ranging from 913 to 1324 °C and from 4.6 to 6.3 GPa, respectively. The non-deformed and medium-deformed peridotites match the 35 mW/m2 conductive continental geotherm, whereas the highly deformed varieties match the 45 mW/m2 geotherm. The content of water spans 2 ± 1-95 ± 52 ppm in olivine, 1 ± 0.5-61 ± 9 ppm in orthopyroxene, and 7 ± 2-71 ± 30 ppm in clinopyroxene. The amount of water in garnets is negligible. Based on the modal proportions of mineral phases in the xenoliths, the water contents in peridotites were estimated to vary over a wide range from < 1 to 64 ppm. The amount of water in the mantle xenoliths is well correlated with the deformation degree: highly deformed peridotites show highest water contents (64 ppm) and those medium-deformed and non-deformed contain ca. 1 ppm of H2O. The high water contents in the deformed peridotites could be linked to metasomatism of relatively dry diamondiferous cratonic roots by hydrous and carbonatitic agents (fluids/melts), which may cause hydration and carbonation of peridotite and oxidation and dissolution of diamonds. The heterogeneous distribution of water in the cratonic mantle beneath the Udachnaya pipe is consistent with the models of mantle plume or veined mantle structures proposed based on a trace element study of similar xenolithic suits. Mantle metasomatism beneath the Siberian Craton and its triggered kimberlite magmatism could be induced by mantle enrichment in volatiles (H2O, CO2) supplied by numerous subduction zones which surrounded the Siberian continent in Neoproterozoic-Cambrian time.
Abstract: The paper presents new petrographic, major element and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy data and PT-estimates of whole-rock samples and minerals of a collection of 19 relatively fresh peridotite xenoliths from the Udachnaya kimberlite pipe, which were recovered from its deeper levels. The xenoliths are non-deformed (granular), medium-deformed and highly deformed (porphyroclastic, mosaic-porphyroclastic, mylonitic) lherzolites, harzburgite and dunite. The lherzolites yielded equilibration temperatures (T) and pressures (P) ranging from 913 to 1324 °C and from 4.6 to 6.3 GPa, respectively. The non-deformed and medium-deformed peridotites match the 35 mW/m2 conductive continental geotherm, whereas the highly deformed varieties match the 45 mW/m2 geotherm. The content of water spans 2 ± 1-95 ± 52 ppm in olivine, 1 ± 0.5-61 ± 9 ppm in orthopyroxene, and 7 ± 2-71 ± 30 ppm in clinopyroxene. The amount of water in garnets is negligible. Based on the modal proportions of mineral phases in the xenoliths, the water contents in peridotites were estimated to vary over a wide range from < 1 to 64 ppm. The amount of water in the mantle xenoliths is well correlated with the deformation degree: highly deformed peridotites show highest water contents (64 ppm) and those medium-deformed and non-deformed contain ca. 1 ppm of H2O. The high water contents in the deformed peridotites could be linked to metasomatism of relatively dry diamondiferous cratonic roots by hydrous and carbonatitic agents (fluids/melts), which may cause hydration and carbonation of peridotite and oxidation and dissolution of diamonds. The heterogeneous distribution of water in the cratonic mantle beneath the Udachnaya pipe is consistent with the models of mantle plume or veined mantle structures proposed based on a trace element study of similar xenolithic suits. Mantle metasomatism beneath the Siberian Craton and its triggered kimberlite magmatism could be induced by mantle enrichment in volatiles (H2O, CO2) supplied by numerous subduction zones which surrounded the Siberian continent in Neoproterozoic-Cambrian time.
Relationships between the crystallography of diamonds and their SOURCE[ In: Industrieminerale. Vortaege des berg und hutten maennischem tages @Freiberger Forschungshefts, Reihe
In: Industrieminerale. Vortaege des berg und huttenmaennischem tages, Mineralogie-geochemie, Vol. 296, pp.19-30. *Ger
Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, Vol. 19, 3, pp. 595-620.
Mantle
peridotites
Abstract: We present phase equilibria experiments on a depleted peridotite (Mg# 92) fluxed with variable proportions of a slab-derived rhyolitic melt (with 9.4 wt.% H2O, 5 wt.% CO2), envisaging an interaction that could occur during formation of continents by imbrication of slabs/accretion of subarc mantles. Experiments were performed with 5 wt.% (Bulk 2) and 10 wt.% (Bulk 1) melt at 950-1175°C and 2-4 GPa using a piston-cylinder and a multi-anvil apparatus, to test the hypothesis that volatile-bearing mineral-phases produced during craton formation can cause reduction in aggregate shear-wave velocities (VS) at mid-lithospheric depths beneath continents. In addition to the presence of olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, and garnet/spinel, phlogopite (Bulk 1: 3-7.6 wt.%; Bulk 2: 2.6-5 wt.%) at 2-4 GPa, and amphibole (Bulk 1: 3-9 wt.%; Bulk 2: 2-6 wt.%) at 2-3 GPa (=1050°C) are also present. Magnesite (Bulk 1: ~1 wt.% and Bulk 2: ~0.6 wt.%) is present at 2-4 GPa (<1000°C at 3 and?100 km depth.
Abstract: A novel structure of calcium orthocarbonate Ca2CO4-Pnma has been discovered using ab-initio crystal structure prediction methods (AIRSS and USPEX) based on the density functional theory. This phase appears above 13 GPa and remains stable to at least 50 GPa and 2000 K according to the calculations within quasi-harmonic approximation. Thus, the discovered phase can be stable at Earth's transition zone and lower mantle P-T conditions. The carbon atoms in the discovered phase are presented in 4-fold coordination, and its structure is similar to the high-pressure and high-temperature a'H-Ca2SiO4 phase.
Abstract: A novel structure of calcium orthocarbonate Ca2CO4-Pnma has been discovered using ab-initio crystal structure prediction methods (AIRSS and USPEX) based on the density functional theory. This phase appears above 13 GPa and remains stable to at least 50 GPa and 2000 K according to the calculations within quasi-harmonic approximation. Thus, the discovered phase can be stable at Earth's transition zone and lower mantle P-T conditions. The carbon atoms in the discovered phase are presented in 4-fold coordination, and its structure is similar to the high-pressure and high-temperature a'H-Ca2SiO4 phase.
Abstract: A novel structure of calcium orthocarbonate Ca2CO4-Pnma has been discovered using ab-initio crystal structure prediction methods (AIRSS and USPEX) based on the density functional theory. This phase appears above 13 GPa and remains stable to at least 50 GPa and 2000 K according to the calculations within quasi-harmonic approximation. Thus, the discovered phase can be stable at Earth's transition zone and lower mantle P-T conditions. The carbon atoms in the discovered phase are presented in 4-fold coordination, and its structure is similar to the high-pressure and high-temperature a'H-Ca2SiO4 phase.
Abstract: A novel structure of calcium orthocarbonate Ca2CO4-Pnma has been discovered using ab-initio crystal structure prediction methods (AIRSS and USPEX) based on the density functional theory. This phase appears above 13 GPa and remains stable to at least 50 GPa and 2000 K according to the calculations within quasi-harmonic approximation. Thus, the discovered phase can be stable at Earth's transition zone and lower mantle P-T conditions. The carbon atoms in the discovered phase are presented in 4-fold coordination, and its structure is similar to the high-pressure and high-temperature a'H-Ca2SiO4 phase.
Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, Vol. 105, pp. 300-319.
India
Boninites
Abstract: High MgO volcanic rocks having elevated concentrations of Ni and Cr are potential hosts for platinum group elements (PGE) owing to their primitive mantle origin and eruption at high temperatures. Though their higher PGE abundance is economically significant in mineral exploration studies, their lower concentrations are also valuable geochemical tools to evaluate petrogenetic processes. In this paper an attempt has been made to evaluate the PGE geochemistry of high MgO volcanic rocks from two greenstone belts of western and eastern Dharwar Craton and to discuss different mantle processes operative at diverse geodynamic settings during the Neoarchean time. The Bababudan greenstone belt of western and Gadwal greenstone belt of eastern Dharwar Cratons are dominantly composed of high MgO volcanic rocks which, based on distinct geochemical characteristics, have been identified as komatiites and boninites respectively. The Bababudan komatiites are essentially composed of olivine and clinopyroxene with rare plagioclase tending towards komatiitic basalts. The Gadwal boninites contain clinopyroxene, recrystallized hornblende with minor orthopyroxene, plagioclase and sulphide minerals. The Bababudan komatiites are Al-undepleted type (Al2O3/TiO2 = 23-59) with distinctly high MgO (27.4-35.8 wt.%), Ni (509-1066 ppm) and Cr (136-3036 ppm) contents. These rocks have low SPGE (9-42 ppb) contents with 0.2-2.4 ppb Iridium (Ir), 0.2-1.4 ppb Osmium (Os) and 0.4-4.4 ppb Ruthenium (Ru) among Iridium group PGE (IPGE); and 1.4-16.2 ppb Platinum (Pt), 2.8-19 ppb Palladium (Pd) and 0.2-9.8 ppb Rhodium (Rh) among Platinum group PGE (PPGE). The Gadwal boninites are high-Ca boninites with CaO/Al2O3 ratios varying between 0.8 and 1.0, with 12-24 wt.% MgO, 821-1168 ppm Ni and 2307-2765 ppm Cr. They show higher concentration of total PGE (82-207 ppb) with Pt concentration ranging from 13 to 19 ppb, Pd between 65 and 180 ppb and Rh in the range of 1.4-3 ppb compared to the Bababudan komatiites. Ir, Os and Ru concentrations range from 0.6 to 2.2 ppb, 0.2 to 0.6 ppb and 1.4 to 2.6 ppb respectively in IPGE. The PGE abundances in Bababudan komatiites were controlled by olivine fractionation whereas that in Gadwal boninites were influenced by fractionation of chromite and sulphides. The Al-undepleted Bababudan komatiites are characterized by low CaO/Al2O3, (Gd/Yb)N, (La/Yb)N, with positive Zr, Hf, Ti anomalies and high Cu/Pd, Pd/Ir ratios at low Pd concentrations suggesting the derivation of parent magma by high degrees (>30%) partial melting of mantle under anhydrous conditions at shallow depth with garnet as a residual phase in the mantle restite. The komatiites are geochemically analogous to Al-undepleted Munro type komatiites and their PGE compositions are consistent with Alexo and Gorgona komatiites. The S-undersaturated character of Bababudan komatiites is attributed to decompression and assimilation of lower crustal materials during magma ascent and emplacement. In contrast, the higher Al2O3/TiO2, lower (Gd/Yb)N, for Gadwal boninites in combination with negative Nb, Zr, Hf, Ti anomalies and lower Cu/Pd at relatively higher Pd/Ir and Pd concentrations reflect high degree melting of refractory mantle wedge under hydrous conditions in an intraoceanic subduction zone setting. Higher Pd/Ir ratios and S-undersaturation of these boninites conform to influx of fluids derived by dehydration of subducted slab resulting into high fluid pressure and metasomatism of mantle wedge.
Abstract: The Samchampi (26° 13'N: 93° 18'E)-Samteran (26° 11'N: 93° 25'E) alkaline complex (SSAC) occurs as an intrusion within Precambrian basement gneisses in the Karbi-Anglong district of Assam, Northeastern India. This intrusive complex comprises a wide spectrum of lithologies including syenite, ijolite-melteigite, alkali pyroxenite, alkali gabbro, nepheline syenite and carbonatite (nepheline syenites and carbonatites are later intrusives). In this paper, we present new major, trace, REE and Sr-Nd isotope data for different lithologies of SSAC and discuss integrated petrological and whole rock geochemical observations with Sr-Nd isotope systematics to understand the petrogenetic evolution of the complex. Pronounced LILE and LREE enrichment of the alkaline-carbonatite rocks together with steep LREE/HREE profile and flat HREE-chondrite normalized patterns provide evidence for parent magma generation from low degree partial melting of a metasomatized garnet peridotite mantle source. LILE, HFSE and LREE enrichments of the alkaline-silicate rocks and carbonatites are in agreement with the involvement of a mantle plume in their genesis. Nb-Th-La systematics with incompatible trace element abundance patterns marked by positive Nb-Ta anomalies and negative K, Th and Sr anomalies suggest contribution from plume-derived OIB-type mantle with recycled subduction component and a rift-controlled, intraplate tectonic setting for alkaline-carbonatite magmatism giving rise to the SSAC. This observation is corroborated by enriched 87Sr/86Srinitial (0.705562 to 0.709416) and 143Nd/144Ndinitial (0.512187 to 0.512449) ratios for the alkaline-carbonatite rocks that attest to a plume-related enriched mantle (~ EM II) source in relation to the origin of Samchampi-Samteran alkaline complex. Trace element chemistry and variations in isotopic data invoke periodic melting of an isotopically heterogeneous, metasomatized mantle and generation of isotopically distinct melt batches that were parental to the different rocks of SSAC. Various extents of plume-lithosphere interaction also accounts for the trace element and isotopic variations of SSAC. The Srinitial and Ndinitial (105 Ma) isotopic compositions (corresponding to eNd values of - 6.37 to - 1.27) of SSAC are consistent with those of Sung Valley, Jasra, Rajmahal tholeiites (Group II), Sylhet Traps and Kerguelen plateau basalts.
Abstract: The Ongole Domain in the southern Eastern Ghats Belt of India formed during the final stages of Columbia amalgamation at ca. 1600 Ma. Yet very little is known about the protolith ages, tectonic evolution or geographic affinity of the region. We present new detrital and igneous U-Pb-Hf zircon data and in-situ monazite data to further understand the tectonic evolution of this Columbia-forming orogen. Detrital zircon patterns from the metasedimentary rocks are dominated by major populations of Palaeoproterozoic grains (ca. 2460, 2320, 2260, 2200-2100, 2080-2010, 1980-1920, 1850 and 1750 Ma), and minor Archaean grains (ca. 2850, 2740, 2600 and 2550 Ma). Combined U-Pb ages and Lu-Hf zircon isotopic data suggest that the sedimentary protoliths were not sourced from the adjacent Dharwar Craton. Instead they were likely derived from East Antarctica, possibly the same source as parts of Proterozoic Australia. Magmatism occurred episodically between 1.64 and 1.57 Ga in the Ongole Domain, forming felsic orthopyroxene-bearing granitoids. Isotopically, the granitoids are evolved, producing eHf values between - 2 and - 12. The magmatism is interpreted to have been derived from the reworking of Archaean crust with only a minor juvenile input. Metamorphism between 1.68 and 1.60 Ga resulted in the partial to complete resetting of detrital zircon grains, as well as the growth of new metamorphic zircon at 1.67 and 1.63 Ga. In-situ monazite geochronology indicates metamorphism occurred between 1.68 and 1.59 Ga. The Ongole Domain is interpreted to represent part of an exotic terrane, which was transferred to proto-India in the late Palaeoproterozoic as part of a linear accretionary orogenic belt that may also have included south-west Baltica and south-eastern Laurentia. Given the isotopic, geological and geochemical similarities, the proposed exotic terrane is interpreted to be an extension of the Napier Complex, Antarctica, and may also have been connected to Proterozoic Australia (North Australian Craton and Gawler Craton).
Journal of Earth System Science, Vol. 128, 43, 8p. Pdf
India
geophysics, seismics
Abstract: An improved shear wave velocity (Vs) structure of the lithosphere of peninsular India using the surface wave tomography from the ambient noise and earthquake waveforms suggests its bipolar character. While most of the geological domains of India are characterised by a uniform lithospheric mantle of Vs~4.5 km/s, the three cratonic regions, eastern Dharwar, Bastar and Singhbhum, hosting most of the diamondiferous kimberlite fields, show significantly high Vs of 4.7 km/s and above in their lower lithosphere beyond ~90 km depth. The higher velocity could best be explained by the presence of diamond and/or eclogite along with peridotite in mantle. This unique relationship suggests the regional seismic image of lithosphere as a guide for exploration of diamonds.
Saha, L., Pant, N.C., Pati, J.K., Upadhyay, D., Berndt, J., Bhattacharya, A., Satynarayanan, M.
Neoarchean high pressure margarite phengite muscovite chlorite corona mantle corundum in quartz free high Mg, Al phlogopite chlorite schists from the Bundelkhand
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, in press available, 20p.
Geological Magazine, Rapid communication Oct. 14p.
India
Tectonics, geochronology
Abstract: A comprehensive study based on U-Pb and Hf isotope analyses of zircons from gneisses has been conducted along the western part (Babina area) of the E–W-trending Bundelkhand Tectonic Zone in the central part of the Archaean Bundelkhand Craton. 207Pb-206Pb zircon ages and Hf isotopic data indicate the existence of a felsic crust at ~ 3.59 Ga, followed by a second tectonothermal event at ~ 3.44 Ga, leading to calc-alkaline magmatism and subsequent crustal growth. The study hence suggests that crust formation in the Bundelkhand Craton occurred in a similar time-frame to that recorded from the Singhbhum and Bastar cratons of the North Indian Shield.
Abstract: A comprehensive study based on U-Pb and Hf isotope analyses of zircons from gneisses has been conducted along the western part (Babina area) of the E-W-trending Bundelkhand Tectonic Zone in the central part of the Archaean Bundelkhand Craton. 207Pb-206Pb zircon ages and Hf isotopic data indicate the existence of a felsic crust at ~ 3.59 Ga, followed by a second tectonothermal event at ~ 3.44 Ga, leading to calc-alkaline magmatism and subsequent crustal growth. The study hence suggests that crust formation in the Bundelkhand Craton occurred in a similar time-frame to that recorded from the Singhbhum and Bastar cratons of the North Indian Shield.
Abstract: The Tanzania-North Mozambique continental margin is a transform segment associated with Davie Fracture Zone (DFZ). The DFZ is described as an elongated linear oceanic fracture zone, commonly linked with the breakup between Eastern and Western Gondwana. We conducted a synthesized study using gravity, magnetic and seismic data presenting the crustal architecture, geometry and the kinematic nature of continental breakup along a transform margin. The Crustal nature of DFZ, its role in forming kinematic linkage between two extensional margins during continental breakup processes is focus of our study. The two extensional margins, Somalia-Majunga and North Mozambique-Antarctica were linked via a 2600 km long dextral transform segment, partially overlapping with DFZ. Absence of classical rift indicators, weak signs of hyperextension, abrupt ocean-continent boundary (OCB) suggests transform margin architecture. We redefined this feature as the Davie Transform System (DTS). The nature of deformation varies form transtensional pull-apart in Tanzania to almost pure strike-slip in North Mozambique. The southern transform segment exhibits abrupt change in ocean continent transition with a narrow zone of continental extension. This variation is recognized through the newly interpreted OCB along this entire transform segment. Notably, within large pull-apart systems in the north, presence of fossilized incipient spreading center suggest that the extension had reached at quite advanced stages, characterized by significant thermal weakening as a consequence of strong magmatic activity. Through a series of reconstruction snapshots, we show the geodynamic evolution along the Tanzania-North Mozambique margin explaining the role of DTS in the southward movement of Madagascar.
Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, Vol. 124, 10, pp. 10089-10106.
Mantle
peridotite
Abstract: We present phase-equilibria experiments of a K-bearing, depleted peridotite (Mg# 92) fluxed with a mixed CO2-H2O fluid (0.5 wt.% CO2 and 0.94 wt.% H2O in the bulk) to gain insight into the stability of volatile-bearing partial melts versus volatile-bearing mineral phases in a depleted peridotite system. Experiments were performed at 850-1150 °C and 2-4 GPa using a piston-cylinder and a multianvil apparatus. Olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, and spinel/garnet are present at all experimental conditions. Textural confirmation of partial melt is made at temperatures as low as 1000 °C at 2 GPa, 950 °C at 3 GPa, and 1000 °C at 4 GPa marking the onset of melting at 900-1000 °C at 2 GPa, 850-950 °C at 3 GPa, and 950-1000 °C at 3 GPa. Phlogopite and magnesite breakdown at 900-1000 °C at 2 GPa, 950-1000 °C at 3 GPa, and 1000-1050 °C at 4 GPa. Comparison with previously published experiments in depleted peridotite system with identical CO2-H2O content introduced via a silicic melt show that introduction of CO2-H2O as fluid lowers the temperature of phlogopite breakdown by 150-200 °C at 2-4 GPa and stabilizes partial melts at lower temperatures. Our study thus, shows that the volatile-bearing phase present in the cratonic mantle is controlled by bulk composition and is affected by the process of volatile addition during craton formation in a subduction zone. In addition, volatile introduction via melt versus aqueous fluid, leads to different proportion of anhydrous phases such as olivine and orthopyroxene. Considering the agent of metasomatism is thus critical to evaluate how the bulk composition of depleted peridotite is modified, leading to potential stability of volatile-bearing phases as the cause of anomalously low shear wave velocity in mantle domains such as mid lithospheric discontinuities beneath continents.
Abstract: The Proterozoic cratonic basins of peninsular India preserve records of repeated opening and closing of rifts along the zone of Neoarchean sutures and/or along the weak zones. These sedimentary basins, ranging in age from late Palaeoproterozoic through Neoproterozoic are traditionally referred to as Purana basins in Indian literature. The successions of each of the basins may be represented by successive unconformity-bound sequences, which represent several cycles of fluvialshallow marine to shelf-slope-basin sedimentation punctuated by local hiatuses and/or volcanic upheavals. The advance retreat of ancient seaways and their complex are recorded in the sedimentary successions of Purana basins. Papaghni-Chitravati; Kaladgi-Badami; Lower Vindhyan record the oldest cycle of sedimentation. These basins opened after 2.0 Ga and closed by 1.55 Ga. The Chattisgarh and its satellite basins, namely Indravati; Khariar; Ampani opened after the 1.6 Ga. and closed shortly after the 1000 Ma. Albaka; Mallampalli; Kurnool; Bhima preserve Neoproterozoic sedimentation history. The upper Vindhyan basin likely opened after 1.4 Ga. and continued through the Neoproterozoic. The sequence of events indicates a close relationship of craton interior histories with plate tectonics and variations in the heat flow regime underneath the continental crust. Periods of formation of the cratonic basins are coincident with the amalgamation or fragmentation of supercontinents further indicates genetic linkage between the two processes. Synchronous development of the cratonic basins with closely comparable stratigraphy and basin development events, in different small continents, strengthens the view that basin formation processes operated on a global scale, and stratigraphic basin analysis on a regional scale is a significant tool in evaluating the basins’ history. The available stratigraphic, geochronologic or palaeomagnetic data from India is still inadequate, and further information is required to constrain its definite position in the context of global tectonics.
Earth and Planetary Letters, Vol.. 553, 116602, 12p. Pdf
Mantle
cratons
Abstract: A number of possible hypotheses have been proposed to explain the origin of mid-lithospheric discontinuities (MLDs), typically characterized by ~2-6% reductions in seismic shear wave velocity (VS) at depths of 60 km to ~150 km in the cratonic sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). One such hypothesis is the presence of low-shear wave velocity, hydrous and carbonate mineral phases. Although, the presence of hydrous silicates and carbonates can cause a reduction in the shear wave velocity of mantle domains, the contribution of volatile metasomatism to the origins of MLDs has remained incompletely evaluated. To assess the metasomatic origin of MLDs, we compiled experimental phase assemblages, phase proportions, and phase compositions from the literature in peridotite + H2O, peridotite + CO2, and peridotite + H2O + CO2 systems at P-T conditions where hydrous silicate and/or carbonate minerals are stable. By comparing the experimental assemblages with the compiled bulk peridotite compositions for cratons, we bracket plausible proportions and compositions of hydrous silicate and carbonate mineral phases that can be expected in cratonic SCLMs. Based on the CaO and K2O contents of cratonic peridotite xenoliths and the estimated upper limit of CO2 content in SCLM, =~10 vol.% pargasitic amphibole, =~2.1 vol.% phlogopite and =~0.2 vol.% magnesite solid solution can be stable in the SCLM. We also present new elasticity data for the pargasite end member of amphibole based on first principles simulations for more accurate estimates of aggregate VS for metasomatized domains in cratonic mantle. Using the bracketed phase compositions, phase proportions, and updated values of elastic constants for relevant mineral end members, we further calculate aggregate VS at MLD depths for three seismic stations in the northern continental U.S. Depending on the choice of background wave speeds of unmetasomatized peridotite and the cratonic geotherm, the composition and abundance of volatile-bearing mineral phases bracketed here can explain as much as 2.01 to 3.01% reduction in VS. While various craton formation scenarios allow formation of the amphibole and phlogopite abundances bracketed here, presence of volatile-bearing phases in an average cratonic SCLM composition cannot explain the entire range of velocity reductions observed at MLDs. Other possible velocity reduction mechanisms thus must be considered to explain the full estimated range of shear wave speed reduction at MLD depths globally.
Balasubramani, S., Sahoo, P., Bhattacharya, D., Rengarajan, M., Thangavel, S., Bhatt, A.K., Verma, M.B., Nanda, L.K.
A note on anomalous concentration of scandium in the Pakkanadu alkaline complex, Salem District, Tamil Nadu, India.
Carbonatite-alkaline rocks and associated mineral deposits , Dec. 8-11, abstract p. 46.
India
alkaline rocks
Abstract: Pakkanadu Alkaline complex (PAC) of Neoproterozoic age is located at the southwestern end of Dharmapuri rift/shear zone on the northern part of southern granulitic terrain in Tamil Nadu, India. PAC mainly comprises carbonatite-syenitepyroxenite suite of rocks. Syenite is the predominant rock exposed on the eastern and western part of the explored area with enclaves of pyroxenite and dunite. The carbonatite (sovite) occurs as thin veins/bands and discontinuous lenticular bodies intrusive into highly deformed biotite schist that is considered as the fenitised product of pyroxenite traceable over a strike length of 1.5 km. Petromineralogical study of the biotite schist, pyroxenite containing carbonatite rock and carbonatite indicated presence of monazite, allanite, sphene and betafite as the main radioactive minerals occurring as inclusion within biotite or as discrete mineral grains. Other ore minerals are apatite, thorite, titanite, rutile and barite. Chloritisation, hematitisation, silicification and calcitisation are the main wall rock alteration observed in pyroxenite and syenite. Sub-surface exploration carried out by Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) in PAC revealed that biotite schist (n=166) contains anomalously high concentration of Scandium (11-1275 ppm, av.161 ppm), REE (67-58275 ppm, av. 14836 ppm,) and V (5-620 ppm, av. 127 ppm, with carbonatite veins and syenite (n=149) contain scandium (10-462 ppm, av.71 ppm,), REE (18-57510 ppm, av. 4106 ppm) and V (1-285 ppm, av. 48 ppm). In these rocks, LREE (12.5-57670 ppm, av. 9617 ppm, n=315) shows enrichment over HREE (7.1-774 ppm, av. 173 ppm, n=315). The concentration of Scandium (Av. 166 and 71 ppm in biotite schist and syenite respectively) is anomalous as compared to its crustal abundance (22 ppm). Geochemical analyses of the rock indicate that the radioactive biotite schist, pyroxenite containing carbonatite veins generally shows higher Sc and REE concentrations as compared to those of the other rocks (syenite). However, there is no significant correlation between REE and Sc. The higher concentration of scandium in PAC is possibly due to selective partitioning of it into minerals like apatite, pyrochlore, allanite, monazite and other REE bearing phases, apart from its concentration in the ferromagnesian minerals. Scandium rarely concentrates in nature as independent ore mineral. The demand for the metal is very high due to multiple high value commercial uses as an alloy with aluminum, specifically in aerospace and automobile industry, besides, in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) in electrical industries. Eight boreholes drilled as part of the preliminary subsurface exploration in PAC, covering an area of 0.05 sq. km, indicated an elevated Scandium content of about 6 times that of the average crustal abundance.
Chalapathi Rao, N.V., Kumar, A., Sahoo, S., Dongre, A.N., Talukdar, D.
Petrology and petrogenesis of Mesoproterozoic lamproites from the Ramadugu field NW margin of the Cuddapah basin, eastern Dharwar craton, southern India.
Abstract: We report mineral chemistry and whole-rock major and trace-element geochemistry for a recent find of Mesoproterozoic (~1.4 Ga) lamproites from the Garledinne (Banganapalle) cluster, south-western part of the Paleo-Mesoproterozoic Cuddapah Basin, southern India. The Garledinne lamproites occur as WNW-ESE-trending dykes that have undergone varying degree of pervasive silicification and carbonate alteration. Nevertheless, their overall texture and relict mineralogy remain intact and provide important insights into the nature of their magmas. The lamproite dykes have porphyritic to weakly porphyritic textures comprising pseudomorphed olivine macrocrysts and microphenocrysts, titanian phlogopite microphenocrysts, spinel having a compositional range from chromite to rarely magnesiochromite, Sr-rich apatite and niobian rutile. The Garledinne and other Cuddapah Basin lamproites (Chelima and Zangamarajupalle) collectively lack sanidine, clinopyroxene, potassic richterite, and titanite and are thus mineralogically distinct from the nearby Mesoproterozoic lamproites (Krishna and Ramadugu) in the Eastern Dharwar Craton, southern India. The strong correlation between various major and trace elements coupled with high abundances of incompatible and compatible trace elements imply that alteration and crustal contamination have had a limited effect on the whole-rock geochemistry (apart from K2O and CaO) of the Garledinne lamproites and that olivine fractionation played an important role in their evolution. The Garledinne lamproites represent small-degree partial melts derived from a refractory (previously melt extracted) peridotitic mantle source that was subsequently metasomatised (enriched) by carbonate-rich fluids/melts within the garnet stability field. The involvement of multiple reservoirs (sub-continental lithospheric mantle and asthenosphere) has been inferred in their genesis. The emplacement of the Garledinne lamproites is linked to extensional events, across the various Indian cratons, related to the break-up of the Proterozoic supercontinent of Columbia.
Mineralogy and Petrology, in press available, 25p.
India
Lamproites - Nuapada field
Abstract: We report the mineralogy, bulk-rock geochemistry, 40Ar/39Ar (whole-rock) age and radiogenic (Sr and Nd) isotope composition of an ultrapotassic dyke from Sakri (Nuapada lamproite field) located at the tectonic contact between the easternmost margin of the Bastar craton and Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt, India. The Sakri dyke has a mineralogy which strongly resembles a lamproite sensu stricto (viz.,Ti-rich phlogopite, Na-poor diopside, Fe-rich sanidine, ulvospinel trend and Sr-rich apatite). However, its bulk-rock major element geochemical characteristics (viz., extreme silica-undersaturated nature) resemble sensu lato kamafugite from Toro Ankole, Uganda, East African Rift, and Alto Paranaiba Province, Brazil. The Sakri dyke also displays certain compositional peculiarities (viz., high degree of evolution of mica composition from phlogopite to biotite, elevated titanium and aluminum in clinopyroxene and significantly lower bulk Mg#) when compared to the ultrapotassic rocks from various Indian cratons. 40Ar/39Ar dating gave a plateau age of 1045?±?9 Ma which is broadly similar to that of other Mesoproterozoic (i) lamproites from the Bastar and Bundelkhand cratons, and (ii) kimberlites from the Eastern Dharwar craton. Initial bulk-rock Sr (0.705865-0.709024) and Nd (0.511063-0.511154) isotopic ratios reveal involvement of an ‘enriched’ source region with long-term incompatible element enrichment and a depleted mantle (TDM) Nd model age of 2.56 Ga straddling the Archaean-Proterozoic chronostratigraphic boundary. The bulk-rock incompatible trace element ratios (Ta/Yb, Th/Yb, Rb/Ba and Ce/Y) of the Sakri ultrapotassic dyke negate any significant influence of crustal contamination. Small-degree melting (1 to 1.5 %) of a mixed garnet-facies and spinel-facies phlogopite lherzolite can account for its observed REE concentrations. Whereas the emplacement of the Sakri ultrapotassic dyke is related to the amalgamation of the supercontinent of Rodinia, its overlapping geochemical characteristics of lamproite and kamafugite (also displayed by two other lamproites of the Nuapada field at Amlidadar and Parkom) are linked to the emplacement in a unique geological setting at the craton-mobile belt contact and hence of geodynamic significance.
Mineralogy and Petrology, in press available, 25p.
India
Deposit - Sakri Nuapada
Abstract: We report the mineralogy, bulk-rock geochemistry, 40Ar/39Ar (whole-rock) age and radiogenic (Sr and Nd) isotope composition of an ultrapotassic dyke from Sakri (Nuapada lamproite field) located at the tectonic contact between the easternmost margin of the Bastar craton and Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt, India. The Sakri dyke has a mineralogy which strongly resembles a lamproite sensu stricto (viz.,Ti-rich phlogopite, Na-poor diopside, Fe-rich sanidine, ulvospinel trend and Sr-rich apatite). However, its bulk-rock major element geochemical characteristics (viz., extreme silica-undersaturated nature) resemble sensu lato kamafugite from Toro Ankole, Uganda, East African Rift, and Alto Paranaiba Province, Brazil. The Sakri dyke also displays certain compositional peculiarities (viz., high degree of evolution of mica composition from phlogopite to biotite, elevated titanium and aluminum in clinopyroxene and significantly lower bulk Mg#) when compared to the ultrapotassic rocks from various Indian cratons. 40Ar/39Ar dating gave a plateau age of 1045?±?9 Ma which is broadly similar to that of other Mesoproterozoic (i) lamproites from the Bastar and Bundelkhand cratons, and (ii) kimberlites from the Eastern Dharwar craton. Initial bulk-rock Sr (0.705865-0.709024) and Nd (0.511063-0.511154) isotopic ratios reveal involvement of an ‘enriched’ source region with long-term incompatible element enrichment and a depleted mantle (TDM) Nd model age of 2.56 Ga straddling the Archaean-Proterozoic chronostratigraphic boundary. The bulk-rock incompatible trace element ratios (Ta/Yb, Th/Yb, Rb/Ba and Ce/Y) of the Sakri ultrapotassic dyke negate any significant influence of crustal contamination. Small-degree melting (1 to 1.5 %) of a mixed garnet-facies and spinel-facies phlogopite lherzolite can account for its observed REE concentrations. Whereas the emplacement of the Sakri ultrapotassic dyke is related to the amalgamation of the supercontinent of Rodinia, its overlapping geochemical characteristics of lamproite and kamafugite (also displayed by two other lamproites of the Nuapada field at Amlidadar and Parkom) are linked to the emplacement in a unique geological setting at the craton-mobile belt contact and hence of geodynamic significance.
Journal of the Geological Society of India, Vol. 91, pp. 395-399.
India
Alkaline - Mundwara
Abstract: The occurrence of a rare mantle-derived chrome-diopside megacryst (~8 mm), containing inclusions of olivine, in a lamprophyre dyke from the late Cretaceous polychronous (~100 - 68 Ma) Mundwara alkaline complex of NW India is reported. The olivine inclusions are forsteritic (Fo: 85.23) in composition, and their NiO (0.09 wt%) and CaO (0.13 wt%) contents imply derivation from a peridotitic mantle source. The composition of the chrome diopside (Cr2O3: 0.93 wt ) (Wo45.27 En48.47 Fs5.07 and Ac1.18) megacryst is comparable to that occurring in the garnet peridotite xenoliths found in diamondiferous kimberlites from Archaean cratons. Single pyroxene thermobarometry revealed that this chrome diopside megacryst was derived from a depth range of ~100 km, which is relatively much deeper than that of the chrome-diopside megacrysts (~40-50 km) reported in spinellherzolite xenoliths from the alkali basalts of Deccan age (ca. 66- 67 Ma) from the Kutch, NW India. This study highlights that pre- Deccan lithosphere, below the Mundwara alkaline complex, was at least ~100 km thick and, likely, similar in composition to that of the cratonic lithosphere.
Journal of the Indian Institute of Science, 15p. available in press
India
magmatism
Abstract: We report rare occurrence of lamprophyre xenoliths within a host lamprophyre from the Dongargaon area, Deccan Large Igneous Province, NW India. The lamprophyre xenoliths are distinct in texture (grain size) as well in mineralogy from those of their host rock. The clinopyroxene (diopside) in the xenoliths is depleted in Ca and Mg but substantially enriched in Fe compared to those in the host lamprophyre. Mica in the xenoliths is a phlogopite whereas that present in the host rock is compositionally a biotite; spinels in the host lamprophyre are relatively enriched in TiO2. As the host lamprophyre dyke has been dated to be of Eocene (ca. 55 Ma) age, the entrained lamprophyre xenoliths are inferred to represent an earlier pulse of lamprophyre emplacement. The recurrent lamprophyre emplacement in this domain is consistent with the recently brought out polychronous nature of Late Cretaceous alkaline magmatism at the Mundwara and Sarnu Dandali complexes in the NW India and is related to the extensional events linked with the reactivation of the Narmada rift zone.
Abstract: Lamprophyres from the greenstone belts play a crucial role in deciphering tectonic and geodynamic processes operating during the Archean. This study presents a comprehensive mineralogical and geochemical study of three lamprophyre dykes with calc-alkaline to shoshonitic affinities from the Neoarchean Kadiri schist belt, eastern Dharwar craton, southern India. These rocks display porphyritic-panidiomorphic texture, typical of the lamprophyres with amphibole (magnesio-hornblende) as phenocrysts, biotite as microphenocrysts and feldspar, epidote, titanite and apatite confined to the groundmass. Alteration of biotite to chlorite is observed along with mild deformation in the amphibole phenocrysts. Based on mineralogy and major oxide geochemistry, these rocks are classified as the calc-alkaline lamprophyres. Higher Ba/Nb and low Nb/La points to their derivation from an enriched lithospheric mantle source and higher Th/Yb ratio along with negative TNT (Ti-Nb-Ta) and Zr-Hf anomalies on the primitive mantle (PM) normalized multi-element diagram indicates dehydrated fluids from the foundering slab could be the possible metasomatic agent. Fractionated HREE ratios (GdN/YbN >1.9) and higher SmN/YbN suggests that the source region lies in the garnet stability field. Higher than PM Rb/Sr along with positive correlation between K/La and Rb/La reveals presence of metasomatic phlogopite in the source region. Strong negative initial eNd along with radiogenic 87Sr/86Sr ratios further support an enriched mantle reservoir involved in their genesis. Non-modal batch melting (1-5%) of a mixed source (phlogopite-garnet peridotite) assuming 5% mixing of subducted sediment with ambient mantle wedge (depleted mantle) satisfies the multi-element concentration pattern shown by the Kadiri lamprophyres. The source enrichment can be linked to the accretion-related growth of Dharwar craton and its schist belts during Neoarchean. Our study shows that a majority of lamprophyres associated with the Archean greenstone belts display a shoshonitic character; this highlights the role of subduction-related processes in the growth and evolution of the greenstone belts .
Precambrian Research, in press available, 17p. Pdf
India
craton
Abstract: The geodynamic evolution of the eastern Dharwar craton, southern India, is widely debated with a number of contrasting models ranging from uniformitarian plate convergence to the mantle plume and their combination. We report here the petrology and geochemistry of two undeformed and unmetamorphosed lamprophyre dykes from the Mudigubba area located immediately towards the western margin of the Paleo-Mesoproterozoic Cuddapah basin from this craton. The Mudigubba lamprophyres are free from crustal xenoliths, and have a typical porphyritic-panidiomorphic texture predominated by phenocrysts of amphibole. Clinopyroxene occurs as microphenocrysts with feldspar essentially confined to the groundmass. F-rich apatite and sphene are the other accessories. Mineral chemistry reveals that the amphiboles are of calcic variety (dominantly magnesio-hornblende), the clinopyroxene to be a diopside (Wo45.01-50.40 En36.74-44.58 Fs6.79-12.73 Ac0.42-2.24) and the albitic (Or1.12 Ab91.17 An7.70) nature of the feldspar. The lower abundance of TiO2 in both the amphibole and clinopyroxene, suggest a calc-alkaline nature of the magma. High Mg# (76.8-79.3), Ni (140-240 ppm) and Cr (380-830 ppm) contents along with (i) depletion in U, and Th, (ii) variable Ba/La and (iii) low Nb/La as well as Th/La strikes out possibility of crustal contamination and supports the primary nature of the lamprophyre magma. The presence of significant Nb-Ta, Zr-Hf and Ti negative anomalies in the primitive mantle normalized multi-element plots and their striking similarity with the global calc-alkaline lamprophyres imply the involvement of subduction-related mantle source modification. Various geochemical ratios (e.g., Hf/Sm, Ta/La, Th/Yb, Nb/Yb, La/Nb, Ba/Nb) demonstrate the source enrichment was caused by a fluid-related, rather than silicate-melt related, subduction metasomatism. Binary-mixing calculations assuming average upper crust and N-MORB as the two end members reveals ~10-30% influx of subducted component in the generation of the Mudigubba lamprophyres. A re-examination of the limited geochemical data available for the co-spatial Paleoproterozoic (2200-1600 Ma) alkaline plutons suggests this Neoarchaean subduction-event in this domain could in fact be a regional feature - all along the western margin of the Cuddapah basin and represents a hitherto unrecognised suture zone in the eastern Dharwar craton with the Paleoproterozoic (?) emplacement of Mudigubba lamprophyres post-dating this collisional event. Our findings provide significant geochemical support to the models invoking convergence towards the evolution of the Eastern Dharwar craton and impose important constraints on the geodynamics of the southern peninsular India.
Earth and Planetary Letters, Vol. 550, 116507, 11p. Pdf
Russia, Canada
geophysics - magnetics
Abstract: A simplified two-fold pattern of convection in the Earth's core is often used to explain the non-axisymmetric magnetic flux concentrations in the present day geomagnetic field. For large lateral variations in the lower mantle heat flux, however, a substantial east-west dichotomy in core convection may be expected. This study examines the effect of a large lateral variation in heat flux at the outer boundary in cylindrical annulus experiments that achieve approximate geostrophy of the convection as well as in rapidly rotating spherical shell simulations. In either geometry, the imposed boundary heat flux is derived from the seismic shear wave velocity in the lowermost mantle. The pattern of large-scale convection in the simulations closely follows that in the annulus experiments, which suggests that the lateral buoyancy at the equator essentially determines the structure of core convection. In particular, the location of a coherent downwelling that forms beneath Canada in mildly driven convection entirely switches over to the Siberian region in strongly driven states. Spherical dynamo models in turn show that this eastward migration of convection causes the relative instability or even the disappearance of the high-latitude magnetic flux in the Western hemisphere. Finally, large radial buoyancy causes homogenization of convection, which may place an upper bound for the Rayleigh number in the core.
Modified ion exchange separation for tungsten isotopic measurements from kimberlite samples using multi-collector inductivity coupled plama mass spectrometry.
Analyst, ( Royal Society of Chemistry), Vol. 131, 3, pp. 434-439.
Petrology of lamproites from the Nuapada lamproite field, Bastar craton, India.
Proceedings of the 10th. International Kimberlite Conference, Vol. 1, Special Issue of the Journal of the Geological Society of India,, Vol. 1, pp. 137-165.
Journal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth, doi.org/10.1029/ 2017JB015349
Mantle
core mantle boundary
Abstract: The juxtaposition of a liquid iron-dominant alloy against a mixture of silicate and oxide minerals at Earth's core-mantle boundary is associated with a wide range of complex seismological features. One category of observed structures is ultralow-velocity zones, which are thought to correspond to either aggregates of partially molten material or solid, iron-enriched assemblages. We measured the phonon dispersion relations of (Mg,Fe) O magnesiowüstite containing 76 mol % FeO, a candidate ultralow-velocity zone phase, at high pressures using high-energy resolution inelastic X-ray scattering. From these measurements, we find that magnesiowüstite becomes strongly elastically anisotropic with increasing pressure, potentially contributing to a significant proportion of seismic anisotropy detected near the base of the mantle.
Geophysical Journal International, Vol. 203, pp. 910-926.
India
Geophysics - seismics
Abstract: We present a comprehensive study of thickness and composition of the crust; and the nature of crust-mantle boundary beneath Southern India using P-wave receiver function from 119 seismic stations. Data from distributed network of seismograph location encompass geological domains like mid to late Archean Dharwar craton, Archean and Proterozoic metamorphic terrains, Proterozoic basin, rifted margins and escarpments, and Deccan volcanics. Except for the mid to lower crust exhumed Archean terrains (of West Dharwar and Southern Granulite) all other geological domains have crustal thickness in the range 33-40 km. In the western Dharwar, crustal thickness increases from ~40 km in the north to over 50 km in the south. The Archean domain of granulite terrain is thicker (40-45 km) and more mafic compared to its counterpart in south deformed at 550 Ma. Most of the crustal blocks have low to moderate Vp/Vs (1.72-1.76) representing a felsic to intermediate composition. Exception to the above include Archean granulite terrain with high Vp/Vs (1.76–1.81) suggestive of more mafic crust beneath them. When accounted for the paleo burial depth of 15-25 km, the study suggests a possible Himalaya-Tibet like scenario beneath the mid-late Archean in southwestern Dharwar and north granulite terrain whose deeper crust has progressively densified. This led to a gradational crust-mantle transition that is otherwise sharp elsewhere. The study suggests a more homogenized and felsic nature of the Precambrian crust beneath the terrains formed after 2.6 Ga, possibly due to delamination of the mafic lower crust. Our study does not suggest any distinction between late Archean and Proterozoic crust. The Deccan volcanism at 65 Ma does not appear to have altered the crustal character beneath it and is similar to the adjoining late Archean east Dharwar craton. The western Ghat escarpment and the coastal plain formed due to separation of India from Madagascar are underlain by mafic lower crust.
Abstract: Upper mantle anisotropy investigated using 172 core-refracted (SKS, SKKS) seismic phases along a ~660?km long profile at 10 to 20?km intervals from the west to the east coast of South India reveals significant lateral variations in its magnitude and direction. This profile, with 38 broadband seismic stations, covers mid-Archean Western Dharwar craton (WDC), late-Archean Eastern Dharwar Craton (EDC), Proterozoic Cuddapah Basin (CB) and the passive continental margins along the west and east coast. The observed fast polarization directions (FPDs) show lateral variability: NW50o to NW5o beneath the WDC, NW40o to NE30o beneath the EDC and N5o to N85o beneath the CB and further east. The delay time varies between 0.4 and 2.0?s with an average of 1?s. However, we are unable to fit a two layers anisotropy model for the region due to sparse azimuth coverage. Beneath the WDC, the direction of the fast axis follows trends of shear zones and faults, suggesting “frozen-in” anisotropy in the lithosphere, possibly established during the lithospheric evolution in mid-late Archean. In the EDC, the fast axis does not only follow the plate motion direction but it deviates, manifesting late Archean to Proterozoic deformation may still be present as fossil mantle anisotropy. The splitting trend beneath the CB and Eastern Ghat (EG) follows the strike of the rift along with plate motion direction, indicating anisotropy is influenced by the combination of “frozen” anisotropy due to continental rifting along the eastern margin of Indian plate and active asthenospheric flow.
Abstract: In the central part of the European part of Russia in the southeastern part of the Kursk tectonic block, some deposits and occurrences of apatite genetically related to the alkaline-carbonatite complex have been revealed. The results of U-Pb analysis of titanite provided the first confident age estimate of silicate-carbonate (phoscorite) rocks in the Dubravin alkaline-ultramafic-carbonatite massif: they formed no later than 2080 ±13 Ma, which indicates their crystallization in the pre-Oskol time during the final stage of the Early Paleoproterozoic (post-Kursk time) stabilization phase of the Kursk block of Sarmatia (about 2.3-2.1 Ga).
Abstract: Two end-member scenarios have been proposed for the tectonic situation along the eastern margins of Gondwanaland before Zealandia was formed ca. 100 million years ago (Ma), namely: (1) A subduction zone located far from the eastern margin of Zealandia, wherein Zealandia may have separated from Gondwanaland by plume push of an active hotspot plume.; (2) A subduction zone located along the eastern margin of Gondwanaland, wherein Zealandia possibly separated from Gondwanaland via trench/subduction retreat. Assuming that the thermal structure of the deep mantle and source of hotspot plumes remained relatively stationary over the last hundred million years, major hotspot plumes with a large buoyancy flux did not exist under Zealandia; the eastern margins of Gondwanaland were far from two large low-shear-velocity provinces under the Africa-Atlantic and South Pacific regions. Herein, through numerical studies of three-dimensional global mantle convection, we examined the mantle convection and surface tectonic patterns at ~100 Ma. The present model considered the real configuration of Gondwanaland at the model surface to observe long-term variations of mantle convection and the resulting surface tectonic conditions. The results demonstrate that the extensive subduction zones developed preferentially along the eastern margin of Gondwanaland when the temperature anomaly of the lower mantle was primarily dominated by high-temperature regions under present-day Africa-Atlantic and South Pacific regions. The results of this study support one of the proposed hypotheses, where the breakup at the eastern margins of Gondwanaland at ~100 Ma occurred via trench/subduction retreat.
Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Vol. 43, pp. 273-298.
Mantle
Carbon
Abstract: Pyrogenic carbon (PyC; includes soot, char, black carbon, and biochar) is produced by the incomplete combustion of organic matter accompanying biomass burning and fossil fuel consumption. PyC is pervasive in the environment, distributed throughout the atmosphere as well as soils, sediments, and water in both the marine and terrestrial environment. The physicochemical characteristics of PyC are complex and highly variable, dependent on the organic precursor and the conditions of formation. A component of PyC is highly recalcitrant and persists in the environment for millennia. However, it is now clear that a significant proportion of PyC undergoes transformation, translocation, and remineralization by a range of biotic and abiotic processes on comparatively short timescales. Here we synthesize current knowledge of the production, stocks, and fluxes of PyC as well as the physical and chemical processes through which it interacts as a dynamic component of the global carbon cycle.
High temperature, high pressure granulites ( retrogressed eclogites) in the central region of the Lewisian NW Scotland: crustal scale subduction in the Neoarchean.
Abstract: The present study contributes new constraints on, and definitions of, the reconstructed plate margins of India and Madagascar based on flexural isostasy along the Western Continental Margin of India (WCMI) and the Eastern Continental Margin of Madagascar (ECMM). We have estimated the nature of isostasy and crustal geometry along the two margins, and have examined their possible conjugate structure. Here we utilize elastic thickness (Te) and Moho depth data as the primary basis for the correlation of these passive margins. We employ the flexure inversion technique that operates in spatial domain in order to estimate the spatial variation of effective elastic thickness. Gravity inversion and flexure inversion techniques are used to estimate the configuration of the Moho/Crust-Mantle Interface that reveals regional correlations with the elastic thickness variations. These results correlate well with the continental and oceanic segments of the Indian and African plates. The present study has found a linear zone of anomalously low-Te (1-5 km) along the WCMI (~1680 km), which correlates well with the low-Te patterns obtained all along the ECMM. We suggest that the low-Te zones along the WCMI and ECMM represent paleo-rift inception points of lithosphere thermally and mechanically weakened by the combined effects of the Marion hotspot and lithospheric extension due to rifting. We have produced an India-Madagascar paleo-fit representing the initial phase of separation based on the Te estimates of the rifted conjugate margins, which is confirmed by a close-fit correlation of Moho geometry and bathymetry of the shelf margins. The matching of tectonic lineaments, lithologies and geochronological belts between India and Madagascar provide an additional support for the present plate reconstruction.
Abstract: The Kumta and Mercara suture zones welding together Archean crustal blocks in western peninsular India offer critical insights into Precambrian continental juxtapositions and the crustal evolution of eastern Gondwana. Here we present the results from an integrated study of the structure, geology, petrology, mineral chemistry, metamorphic P-T conditions, zircon U-Pb ages and Lu-Hf isotopes of metasedimentary rocks from the two sutures. The dominant rocks in the Kumta suture are greenschist- to amphibolite-facies quartz-phengite schist, garnet-biotite schist, chlorite schist, fuchsite schist and marble. The textural relations, mineral chemistry and thermodynamic modelling of garnet-biotite schist from the Kumta suture indicate peak metamorphic P-T conditions of ca. 11 kbar at 790 °C, with detrital SHRIMP U-Pb zircon ages ranging from 3420 to 2547 Ma, eHf (t) values from - 9.2 to 5.6, and TDMc model ages from 3747 to 2792 Ma. The K-Ar age of phengite from quartz-phengite schist is ca. 1326 Ma and that of biotite from garnet-biotite schist is ca. 1385 Ma, which are interpreted to broadly constrain the timing of metamorphism related to the suturing event. The Mercara suture contains amphibolite- to granulite-facies mylonitic quartzo-feldspathic gneiss, garnet-kyanite-sillimanite gneiss, garnet-biotite-kyanite-gedrite-cordierite gneiss, garnet-biotite-hornblende gneiss, calc-silicate granulite and metagabbro. The textural relations, mineral chemistry and thermodynamic modelling of garnet-biotite-kyanite-gedrite-cordierite gneiss from the Mercara suture indicate peak metamorphic P-T conditions of ca. 13 kbar at 825 °C, followed by isothermal decompression and cooling. For pelitic gneisses from the Mercara suture, LA-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon ages vary from 3249 to 3045 Ma, eHf (t) values range from - 18.9 to 4.2, and TDMc model ages vary from 4094 to 3314 Ma. The lower intercept age of detrital zircons in the pelitic gneisses from the Mercara suture ranges from 1464 to 1106 Ma, indicating the approximate timing of a major lead-loss event, possibly corresponding to metamorphism, and is broadly coeval with events in the Kumta suture. Synthesis of the above results indicates that the Kumta and Mercara suture zones incorporated sediments from Palaeoarchean to Mesoproterozoic sources and underwent high-pressure metamorphism in the late Mesoproterozoic. The protolith sediments were derived from regions containing juvenile Palaeoarchean crust, together with detritus from the recycling of older continental crust. Integration of the above results with published data suggests that the Mesoproterozoic (1460-1100 Ma) Kumta and Mercara suture zones separate the Archean (3400-2500 Ma) Karwar-Coorg block and Dharwar Craton in western peninsular India. Based on regional structural and other geological data we interpret the Kumta and Mercara suture zones as extensions of the Betsimisaraka suture of eastern Madagascar into western India.
Abstract: Harzburgites with high modal orthopyroxene (generally >23?vol%) in Archean craton, mantle wedge and oceanic lithospheric mantle are considered to be produced by the interaction between Si-rich liquids and rocks. However, the absence of samples from continental margin hinders the recognition whether this process is prevalent. Mantle xenoliths entrained in Miocene basalts from the Thrace Basin, the margin of Eurasian continent, are dominated by harzburgites with anomalously high orthopyroxene modes. These orthopyroxene grains closely associate with spinel and occasionally with clinopyroxene. In these orthopyroxene-spinel associations, orthopyroxene grains can be up to 1?cm in diameter and display high Al2O3 contents (1.41-4.61?wt%) and Mg# values (89.6-92.4), while spinel crystals are anhedral and bud-shaped and are commonly foliated, with a wide variation in Cr# values ranging from 7.8 to 52.7. The Fe2+/Fe3+ vs. TiO2 diagram shows lots of these spinels are “magmatic” (i.e. spinel crystallized from melts). The orthopyroxene grains have LREE diverging from the modelled melting trends, indicating possible metasomatism following partial melting. They are present in elongated shape, cutting across olivine grains and also replacing olivine as surrounding rims. Fine-grained olivine is occasionally enclosed in the orthopyroxene-spinel association. We, therefore, propose that the association of orthopyroxene and spinel developed from the melt/fluid-rock interaction. These features indicate mineral phase transformation from olivine to orthopyroxene, which can be expressed by the equation: ‘Mg2SiO4 (Ol)?+?SiO2?=?Mg2Si2O6 (Opx)’. The observed Al-rich rim of spinel and bud-shaped Al-spinel, suggest sufficient amount of Al in the Si-rich liquids. The mechanism involved here is the consumption of olivine to produce orthopyroxene and spinel as in the equation: ‘Mg2SiO4 (Ol)?+?Al2O3?=?MgSiO3 (Opx)?+?MgAl2O4 (Sp)’. The Si and Al were enriched in the percolating liquids. Both the high-Cr# and low-Cr# spinels with ‘magmatic’ features imply the percolating liquids were multi-staged or inhomogeneous Cr contents in the liquids. This melt/fluid-rock interaction may account for the formation of abundant harzburgites with high orthopyroxene modes in the Eurasian continental margin. Thus, it indicates the reacting harzburgites are prevalent in the lithospheric mantle beneath oceanic crust, Archean craton and mantle wedge, as well as in the continental margin.
Abstract: Harzburgites with high modal orthopyroxene (generally >23?vol%) in Archean craton, mantle wedge and oceanic lithospheric mantle are considered to be produced by the interaction between Si-rich liquids and rocks. However, the absence of samples from continental margin hinders the recognition whether this process is prevalent. Mantle xenoliths entrained in Miocene basalts from the Thrace Basin, the margin of Eurasian continent, are dominated by harzburgites with anomalously high orthopyroxene modes. These orthopyroxene grains closely associate with spinel and occasionally with clinopyroxene. In these orthopyroxene-spinel associations, orthopyroxene grains can be up to 1?cm in diameter and display high Al2O3 contents (1.41-4.61?wt%) and Mg# values (89.6-92.4), while spinel crystals are anhedral and bud-shaped and are commonly foliated, with a wide variation in Cr# values ranging from 7.8 to 52.7. The Fe2+/Fe3+ vs. TiO2 diagram shows lots of these spinels are “magmatic” (i.e. spinel crystallized from melts). The orthopyroxene grains have LREE diverging from the modelled melting trends, indicating possible metasomatism following partial melting. They are present in elongated shape, cutting across olivine grains and also replacing olivine as surrounding rims. Fine-grained olivine is occasionally enclosed in the orthopyroxene-spinel association. We, therefore, propose that the association of orthopyroxene and spinel developed from the melt/fluid-rock interaction. These features indicate mineral phase transformation from olivine to orthopyroxene, which can be expressed by the equation: ‘Mg2SiO4 (Ol)?+?SiO2?=?Mg2Si2O6 (Opx)’. The observed Al-rich rim of spinel and bud-shaped Al-spinel, suggest sufficient amount of Al in the Si-rich liquids. The mechanism involved here is the consumption of olivine to produce orthopyroxene and spinel as in the equation: ‘Mg2SiO4 (Ol)?+?Al2O3?=?MgSiO3 (Opx)?+?MgAl2O4 (Sp)’. The Si and Al were enriched in the percolating liquids. Both the high-Cr# and low-Cr# spinels with ‘magmatic’ features imply the percolating liquids were multi-staged or inhomogeneous Cr contents in the liquids. This melt/fluid-rock interaction may account for the formation of abundant harzburgites with high orthopyroxene modes in the Eurasian continental margin. Thus, it indicates the reacting harzburgites are prevalent in the lithospheric mantle beneath oceanic crust, Archean craton and mantle wedge, as well as in the continental margin.
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Vol. 173, 21p. Doi.org/10.1007/s00410-018-1515-9
Mantle
subduction
Abstract: The role of aqueous fluid in fracturing in subducting slabs was investigated through a series of deformation experiments on dunite that was undersaturated (i.e., fluid-free) or saturated with water (i.e., aqueous-fluid bearing) at pressures of 1.0-1.8 GPa and temperatures of 670-1250 K, corresponding to the conditions of the shallower regions of the double seismic zone in slabs. In situ X-ray diffraction, radiography, and acoustic emissions (AEs) monitoring demonstrated that semi-brittle flow associated with AEs was dominant and the creep/failure strength of dunite was insensitive to the dissolved water content in olivine. In contrast, aqueous fluid drastically decreased the creep/failure strength of dunite (up to ~ 1 GPa of weakening) over a wide range of temperatures in the semi-brittle regime. Weakening of the dunite by the aqueous fluid resulted in the reduction of the number of AE events (i.e., suppression of microcracking) and shortening of time to failure. The AE hypocenters were located at the margin of the deforming sample while the interior of the faulted sample was aseismic (i.e., aseismic semi-brittle flow) under water-saturated conditions. A faulting (slip rate of ~ 10?³ to 10?4 s?¹) associated with a large drop of stress (?s ~ 0.5 to 1 GPa) and/or pressure (?P ~ 0.5 GPa) was dominant in fluid-free dunite, while a slow faulting (slip rate < 8 × 10?5 s?¹) without any stress/pressure drop was common in water-saturated dunite. Aseismic semi-brittle flow may mimic silent ductile flow under water-saturated conditions in subducting slabs.
Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, Vol. 47, 7, p. 169. abstract
Russia
Metamorphic diamonds
Abstract: The metamorphic diamonds in the Kokchetav Massif show very diverse features in morphologies and grain sizes with other crystal characters, Raman spectra (FWHM, PL), cathodoluminescence spectra, C isotope, abundance, paragenesis with silicates and carbonates. The formations of these diamonds, however, seem to be related to H2O-fluid conditions. Dolomite marble has the highest abundance in diamond. The diamond grew at two stages and 2nd stage growth was from H2O fluid. Grt-Bt gneiss is 2nd highest and the diamond shows several morphologies; however, no 2nd stage growth. In dolomite marble, diamond at 2nd stage has light carbon isotope, -17 to -27 whereas 1st stage diamond has -8 to -15. The light carbon of 2nd stage could be organic carbon in gneisses carried by H2O-fluid; dissolution of diamond in gneisses could have occurred. No 2nd stage growth in gneisses supports this idea. Carbon-bearing H2O fluid infiltration into dolomite marble caused the change of carbon solubility in fluid to precipitate abundant fine diamonds (10-20 mm), quickly. Recently discovered sp2 graphitic carbon inclusions in 2nd stage diamond (AGU2014F V13B-4771), which is a relic of metastable intermediate phase for diamond formation, suggest the diamond participation from H2O fluid. A minor amount of diamond (large-grained, ca. 150 µm at average) occurs in Grt-Cpx rock. Recently, we found the overgrowth of large-grained cubic diamond on small-grained one by multi-layered 2D Raman mappings (JpGU2014 No.02541). This indicates slow-growth in H2O-fluid having low oversaturation degree of carbon. UHP calcite marble contains a trace amount of small-grained diamond (no 2nd stage growth) only in diopside; titanite with coesite exsolution does not contain diamond. These suggest that very high H2O activity for titanite stability makes diamond unstable, and dissolution of diamond was possible. This is a similar relation with UHP dolomitic marble, which Arg-Fo and Arg-Ti-Chum were stable but diamond was unstable. In Tur-Fel-Qtz rock, diamond is included in new mineral "maruyamaite" (K-rich Tur); recent experiments show high-P and fluid-bearing conditions for maruyamaite. Summarizing these diverse features of the Kokchetav diamonds, those formation and their possible dissolutions have strong relationships with H2O-fluid conditions.
Progress in Earth and Planetary Science, Vol. 3, 20, 17p.
United States, Colorado Plateau
Metasomatism
Abstract: This is the first report on amphibole exsolution in pyrope from the Colorado Plateau. Pyrope crystals delivered from mantle depths underneath the Colorado Plateau by kimberlitic volcanism at 30 Ma were collected at Garnet Ridge, northern Arizona. The garnet grains analyzed in this study occur as discrete crystals (without adjacent rock matrix) and are classified into two major groups, Cr-rich pyrope and Cr-poor pyrope. The Cr-poor pyrope group is divided into four subgroups based on exsolved phases: amphibole lamella type, ilmenite lamella type, dense lamellae type, and clinopyroxene/amphibole lamellae type. Exsolved amphibole occurs in amphibole lamella type, dense lamellae type, and clinopyroxene/amphibole lamellae type of Cr-poor pyrope. The amphibole crystals tend to have preferred orientations in their garnet hosts and occur as monomineralic hexagonal or rhombic prisms and tablets, and as multimineralic needles or blades with other exsolved phases. Exsolved amphibole has pargasitic compositions (Na2O up to 1.6 apfu based on 23 oxygen). Garnet host crystals that have undergone amphibole exsolution have low OH contents (2-42 ppmw H2O) compared to garnets that do not have amphibole lamellae (up to 115 ppmw H2O). The low OH contents of garnets hosting amphibole lamellae suggest loss of OH from garnet during amphibole exsolution. Amphibole exsolution from pyrope resulted from breakdown of a precursor “hydrous Na-garnet” composition (Mg,Na+ x)3(Al2?-?x, Mgx)2Si3O12?-?2x(OH)2x. Exsolution of amphibole and other phases probably occurred during exhumation to depths shallower than 100 km prior to volcanic eruption. Based on the abundance and composition of exsolved clinopyroxene and amphibole lamellae in one garnet, hydrous Na-garnet had excess silicon (Si3.017 apfu, 12 oxygen normalization, vs. X3Y2Si3O12 for typical garnet). Comparison with experimental data suggests crystallization at pressures near 6-8 GPa. Garnet crystals that host exsolved amphibole have compositions (Pyp49-76, 3-10 wt% CaO, and up to 0.6 wt% Cr2O3) similar to garnets reported from pyroxenites, and have pyrope-almandine-grossular compositional ranges that overlap with the Cr-rich pyrope (typical lherzolitic garnet). Hydrous Na-garnet was likely formed by metasomatic reactions between Cr-rich pyrope and Na-rich aqueous fluid in the deep upper mantle. The most likely source of metasomatic Na-rich fluid is ancient oceanic crust that was subducted before subduction of the Farallon Plate beneath the Colorado Plateau.
Maeda, F., Ohtani, E., Kamada, S., Sakamaki, T., Ohishi, Y., Hirao, N.
The reactions in the MgCO3-SiO2 system in the slabs subducted into the lower mantle and formation of deep diamond.
V.S. Sobolev Institute of Geology and Mineralogy Siberian Branch Russian Academy of Sciences International Symposium Advances in high pressure research: breaking scales and horizons ( Courtesy of N. Poikilenko), Held Sept. 22-26, 1p. Abstract
Abstract: Diamond is an evidence for carbon existing in the deep Earth. Some diamonds are considered to have originated at various depth ranges from the mantle transition zone to the lower mantle. These diamonds are expected to carry significant information about the deep Earth. Here, we determined the phase relations in the MgCO3-SiO2 system up to 152?GPa and 3,100?K using a double sided laser-heated diamond anvil cell combined with in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction. MgCO3 transforms from magnesite to the high-pressure polymorph of MgCO3, phase II, above 80?GPa. A reaction between MgCO3 phase II and SiO2 (CaCl2-type SiO2 or seifertite) to form diamond and MgSiO3 (bridgmanite or post-perovsktite) was identified in the deep lower mantle conditions. These observations suggested that the reaction of the MgCO3 phase II with SiO2 causes formation of super-deep diamond in cold slabs descending into the deep lower mantle.
Progress in Earth and Planetary Science, Vol. 7, 23, 7p. Pdf
Mantle
wustite
Abstract: The longitudinal sound velocity (VP) and the density (?) of wüstite, FeO, were measured at pressures of up to 112.3?GPa and temperatures of up to 1700?K using both inelastic X-ray scattering and X-ray diffraction combined with a laser-heated diamond-anvil cell. The linear relationship between VP and ?, Birch’s law, for wüstite can be expressed as VP = 1.55 (1) × ? [g/cm3] - 2.03 (8) [km/s] at 300?K and VP = 1.61 (1) × ? [kg/m3] - 2.82 (10) [km/s] at 1700?K. The sound velocity of wüstite is significantly lower than that of bridgmanite and ferropericlase under lower mantle conditions. In other words, the existence of wüstite in the lower mantle can efficiently decrease the seismic velocity. Considering its slow velocity and several mechanisms for the formation of FeO-rich regions at the core-mantle boundary, we confirm earlier suggestions indicating that wüstite enrichment at the bottom of the Earth’s mantle may contribute to the formation of denser ultra-low velocity zones.
Journal of Mining Science, Vol. 54, 4, pp. 628-637.
Russia, Yakutia
mining
Abstract: Potential ranges of use of draglines at steeply dipping diamond ore deposits in Yakutia are discussed. Technology of stripping with direct dumping and rehandling by draglines is substantiated for upper overburden layers. A variant of increasing height of stripping benches on haulage horizons through the use of draglines and crane lines is discussed. A resource saving technology is proposed for mining roundish and extended ore bodies with alternating advance of mining front and with internal dumping. The method of estimating efficient thickness of overburden in case of direct dumping is developed using the layer coefficient of overburden rehandling. Expediency of using blasting for displacement of broken overburden to internal dump is specified.
Abstract: An open question for solid-earth scientists is the amount of water in Earth’s interior. The uppermost mantle and lower mantle contain little water because their dominant minerals, olivine and bridgmanite, have limited water storage capacity. In contrast, the mantle transition zone (MTZ) at a depth of 410 to 660 km is considered to be a potential water reservoir because its dominant minerals, wadsleyite and ringwoodite, can contain large amounts of water [up to 3 weight % (wt %)]. However, the actual amount of water in the MTZ is unknown. Given that water incorporated into mantle minerals can lower their viscosity, we evaluate the water content of the MTZ by measuring dislocation mobility, a property that is inversely proportional to viscosity, as a function of temperature and water content in ringwoodite and bridgmanite. We find that dislocation mobility in bridgmanite is faster by two orders of magnitude than in anhydrous ringwoodite but 1.5 orders of magnitude slower than in water-saturated ringwoodite. To fit the observed mantle viscosity profiles, ringwoodite in the MTZ should contain 1 to 2 wt % water. The MTZ should thus be nearly water-saturated globally.
Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A., A785, pp. 9-13.
Technology
Methodology
Abstract: A new technology for diamond detection in kimberlite based on the tagged neutron method is proposed. The results of experimental researches on irradiation of kimberlite samples with 14.1-MeV tagged neutrons are discussed. The source of the tagged neutron flux is a portable neutron generator with a built-in 64-pixel silicon alpha-detector with double-sided stripped readout. Characteristic gamma rays resulting from inelastic neutron scattering on nuclei of elements included in the composition of kimberlite are registered by six gamma-detectors based on BGO crystals. The criterion for diamond presence in kimberlite is an increased carbon concentration within a certain volume of the kimberlite sample.
Abstract: Leucite-bearing volcanic rocks are commonly found within and around the Mediterranean area. A specific type of this rock group are leucitites. They are found both in a hinterland position of active and fossil subduction systems as well as in foreland tectonic settings, but none have been found in the Maghreb (N Africa) and Mashreq (Middle East) areas. Here a review of the main leucitite occurrences in the circum-Mediterranean area is presented, with new whole-rock, mineral chemical and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic ratios on key districts, with the aim of clarifying the classification and genesis of this rock type. Many of the rocks classified in literature as leucitites do not conform to the IUGS definition of leucitite (i.e., rocks with >10?vol% modal leucite and with foids/(foids + feldspars) ratio?>?0.9, with leucite being the most abundant foid). Among circum-Mediterranean rocks classified as leucitites in the literature, we distinguish two types: clinopyroxene-olivine-phyric (COP) and leucite- phyric (LP) types. Only the second group can be truly classified as leucitite, being characterized by the absence or the very rare presence of feldspars, as well as by ultrapotassic composition. The COP group can be distinguished from the LP group on the basis of lower SiO2, Na2O?+?K2O, K2O/Na2O, Al2O3, Rb and Ba, and higher MgO, TiO2, Nb, Cr and Ni. The LP group shows multi-elemental patterns resembling magmas emplaced in subduction-related settings, while COP rocks are much more variable, showing HIMU-OIB-like to subduction-related-like incompatible element patterns. COP rocks are also characterized generally by more homogeneous isotopic compositions clustering towards low Sr and high Nd isotopic ratios, while LP leucitites plot all in the enriched Sr-Nd isotopic quadrant. LP rocks usually have lower 206Pb/204Pb and higher 207Pb/204Pb. This study shows that the geochemical signal of mantle melts does not always reflect the tectonic setting of magma emplacement, suggesting paying extreme attention in proposing geodynamic reconstructions on the basis of chemical data only.
Abstract: The parallelism between older collisional belts and younger rift systems is widely known and particularly well portrayed along the Atlantic Ocean. How tectonic inherited and new-formed shear zones control rift nucleation and the final architecture of rifted conjugate passive margins is still poorly understood. Here we present lithospheric-scale thermo-mechanical numerical models that self-consistently create extensional and contractional tectonic inheritance, where prior extension and contraction are systematically varied. Our results show that (1) initial reactivation occurs along the former lithospheric suture zones; (2) upper crustal thick-skinned basement thrusts are partially or fully reactivated depending on the amount of prior contraction and size of the orogen; (3) with a small amount of contraction, thick-skinned thrusts are efficiently reactivated in extension and provide the template for rifted margin formation; (4) with larger amounts of contraction, thick-skinned thrusts distal to the lithospheric suture zone do not reactivate in extension; and (5) reactivation of prior contractional shear zones dominates during the early stages of rifting, while during the final stage of margin formation new-formed extensional shear zones dominate. Force balance analysis predicts an inverse relation between midcrustal viscosity and the maximum offset for reactivation of weak upper crustal structures. Force balance also predicts that the degree of weakening or healing of the weak suture and the thermal thinning of the necking area control at which stage suture reactivation is deactivated and extension proceeds by mantle lithosphere thermal necking. Two rifted conjugate margins with orogenic inheritance in the North and South Atlantic are used for comparison.
Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Vol. 43, pp. 299-331.
Mantle
Magmatism
Abstract: Continental magmatic arcs form above subduction zones where the upper plate is continental lithosphere and/or accreted transitional lithosphere. The best-studied examples are found along the western margin of the Americas. They are Earth's largest sites of intermediate magmatism. They are long lived (tens to hundreds of millions of years) and spatially complex; their location migrates laterally due to a host of tectonic causes. Episodes of crustal and lithospheric thickening alternating with periods of root foundering produce cyclic vertical changes in arcs. The average plutonic and volcanic rocks in these arcs straddle the compositional boundary between an andesite and a dacite, very similar to that of continental crust; about half of that comes from newly added mafic material from the mantle. Arc products of the upper crust differentiated from deep crustal (>40 km) residual materials, which are unstable in the lithosphere. Continental arcs evolve into stable continental masses over time; trace elemental budgets, however, present challenges to the concept that Phanerozoic arcs are the main factories of continental crust.
Abstract: Jebel Dumbier is the first-identified carbonatite-bearing alkaline complex in Sudan. It is located on the northeastern margin of the Nuba Mountains in the south part of Sudan. The complex exposed as small elliptical hills with outcrops of around 8 km2. It is composed of dominant orthoclasite and ditroite and subdominant carbonatite and fluorite dykes. The fluorite dykes are mined and together with the carbonatite dykes are controlled by a NNE strike-slip fault system. Orthoclasite is the dominant rock type, comprising of orthoclase, kalsilite, few interstitial biotite and calcium carbonate and accesserary minerals of fluorite, apatite and zircon. Ditroite consists of perthite, aegirine-augite, nepheline, sodalite, and minor annite-phlogopite and richterite, with common accessories of fluorite, titanite, apatite and zircon. Zircon U-Pb dating reveals that both orthoclasite and ditroite emplaced at around 600 Ma. Relative to orthoclasites, ditroites display higher FeOtotal and MgO and lower Al2O3 contents, contain higher volatiles (F, Cl, Br, S), and are more depleted in LILEs (Rb, Sr, Ba) and enriched in HFSEs (Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, Th, U) and REEs. Isotopic data imply that the ditoite, orthoclasite, fluorite and carbonatite dyke originated from a common source of depleted mantle affinities, with identical low initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7033-0.7037) and high eNd (t) values (1.6-2.7). The carbonatites display d13C(V-PDB) of -5.8 to -6.7‰ and d18O(SMOW) of 9.1 to 11.3‰, typical of primary igneous carbonatite worldwide. We propose that the orthoclasite, ditroite, carbonatite, and fluorite association in Jebel Dumbier is product of variable degrees of fractional crystallization of mantlederived volatile-rich magma. Magma immiscibility among silicates, carbonates and fluorates may proceed. The Jebel Dumbier alkaline-carbonatite complex represents the postorogenic alkaline magmatism during the end evolution of Pan-African orogen (650-550 Ma) at Arabian-Nubian Shield.
Ashchepkov, I., Ntaflos, T., Logvinova, A., Vladykin, N., Ivanov, A., Spetsius, Z., Stegnitsky, Y., Kostrovitsky, S., Salikhov, R., Makovchuk, I., Shmarov, G., Karpenko, M., Downes, H., Madvedev, N.
Abstract: The PTX diagrams for the separate phases in Sytykanskaya (Ashchepkov et al., 2016) Dalnyaya (Ashchepkov et al., 2017), pipes shows that the PK show the relatively simple P-X trends and geotherms and shows more contrast and simple layering. The PK contain most abundant material from the root of the magma generation they are dunitic veins as the magma feeders represented by the megacrysts. New results for the Aykhal, Zarya and Komsomolskaya pipes in Alake field and Zarnitsa and Udachnaya pipes in Daldyn field show that evolution is accompanied by the developing of metasomatites and branching and veining of the wall rock peridotites . In Aykhal pipe in PK the Gar- dunites prevail, the xenoliths from the dark ABK "Rebus" contain Cr-Ti - rich garnets and ilmenites, more abundant compared with the grey carbonited breccia Nearly the same features were found for Yubileinaya pipe. The example of Komsomolskya pipes show that the ABK contain more eclogitic xenolith than PK. The developing of the magma channel shown in satellite Chukukskaya and Structurnaya pipe was followed by the separation of some parts of the magmatic feeders and crystallization of abundant Gar megacrysts near o the walls blocking the peridotites from the magma feeder. This drastically decrease diamond grade of pipes. Such blocking seems to be the common features for the latest breccias. In Zarnitsa pipe, the dark PK and ABK also contain fresh xenoliths but not only dunites but also sheared and metasomatic varieties and eclogites. Most of dark ABK in Yakutia contain the intergrowth of ilmenites with brown Ti- Cpx showing joint evolution trends. The late breccia contains completely altered peridotite xenoliths mainly of dunite- harzburgite type. The comparison of the trace elements of the coexisting minerals in megacryst show that they were derived from the protokimberlites but are not in complete equilibrium as well as other megacrystalline phases. Ilmenites show inflections of the trace element patterns of most Ilmenites but more regular for the Cpx and Garnets revealing the sub parallel patterns elevating LREE with the rising TRE. But commonly these are not continuous sequances because they developed in the pulsing moving systems like beneath Zarnitsa. The minerals from the feeders like dunites also show the inflected or S-type REE patterns. From the earlier to later phases the TRE compositions became more evolved reflecting the evolution of protokimberlites. The wall rocks also often show the interaction with the more evolved melts and sometimes "cut" spectrums due to the dissolution some phases and repeated melting events So we could suggest the joint evolution of the mantle column protokimberlites and megacrysts composition and type of kimberlites with the diamond grade. The mantle lithospheric base captured by the PK. The developing and rising protokimbelrites was followed by the crystallization of the diamonds in the gradient in FO2 zone in wall rocks due to reductions of C -bearing fluids and carbonatites (> 1 QMF) on peridotites ((< -2 -5 QMF). The most intensive reactions are near the graphite - diamond boundary where protokimberlites are breaking and where most framesites are forming.
Abstract: The Dalnyaya kimberlite pipe (Yakutia, Russia) contains mantle peridotite xenoliths (mostly lherzolites and harzburgites) that show both sheared porphyroclastic (deformed) and coarse granular textures, together with ilmenite and clinopyroxene megacrysts. Deformed peridotites contain high-temperature Fe-rich clinopyroxenes, sometimes associated with picroilmenites, which are products of interaction of the lithospheric mantle with protokimberlite related melts. The orthopyroxene-derived geotherm for the lithospheric mantle beneath Dalnyaya is stepped similar to that beneath the Udachnaya pipe. Coarse granular xenoliths fall on a geotherm of 35 mWm-2 whereas deformed varieties yield a 45 mWm-2 geotherm in the 2-7.5 GPa pressure interval. The chemistry of the constituent minerals including garnet, olivine and clinopyroxene shows trends of increasing Fe# (=Fe/(Fe + Mg)) with decreasing pressure. This may suggest that the interaction with fractionating protokimberlite melts occurred at different levels. Two major mantle lithologies are distinguished by the trace element patterns of their constituent minerals, determined by LA-ICP-MS. Orthopyroxenes, some clinopyroxenes and rare garnets are depleted in Ba, Sr, HFSE and MREE and represent relic lithospheric mantle. Re-fertilized garnet and clinopyroxene are more enriched. The distribution of trace elements between garnet and clinopyroxene shows that the garnets dissolved primary orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene. Later high temperature clinopyroxenes related to the protokimberlite melts partially dissolved these garnets. Olivines show decreases in Ni and increases in Al, Ca and Ti from Mg-rich varieties to the more Fe-rich, deformed and refertilized ones. Minerals showing higher Fe# (0.11-0.15) are found within intergrowths of low-Cr ilmenite-clinopyroxene-garnet related to the crystallization of protokimberlite melts in feeder channels. In P-f(O2) diagrams, garnets and Cr-rich clinopyroxenes indicate reduced conditions at the base of the lithosphere at -5 log units below a FMQ buffer. However, Cr-poor clinopyroxenes, together with ilmenite and some Fe-Ca-rich garnets, demonstrate a more oxidized trend in the lower part of lithosphere at -2 to 0 log units relative to FMQ. Clinopyroxenes from xenoliths in most cases show conditions transitional between those determined for garnets and megacrystalline Cr-poor suite. The relatively low diamond grade of Dalnyaya kimberlites is explained by a high degree of interaction with the oxidized protokimberlite melts, which is greater at the base of the lithosphere.
Solid Earth Discussions, Vol. 5, pp. 1-75. pdf * note date
Russia, Yakutia
picroilmenites
Abstract: Major and trace element variations in picroilmenites from Late Devonian kimberlite pipes in Siberia reveal similarities within the region in general, but show individual features for ilmenites from different fields and pipes. Empirical ilmenite thermobarometry (Ashchepkov et al., 2010), as well as common methods of mantle thermobarometry and trace element geochemical modeling, shows long compositional trends for the ilmenites. These are a result of complex processes of polybaric fractionation of protokimberlite melts, accompanied by the interaction with mantle wall rocks and dissolution of previous wall rock and metasomatic associations. Evolution of the parental magmas for the picroilmenites was determined for the three distinct phases of kimberlite activity from Yubileynaya and nearby Aprelskaya pipes, showing heating and an increase of Fe# (Fe# = Fe / (Fe + Mg) a.u.) of mantle peridotite minerals from stage to stage and splitting of the magmatic system in the final stages.
High-pressure (5.5-7.0 GPa) Cr-bearing Mg-rich ilmenites (group 1) reflect the conditions of high-temperature metasomatic rocks at the base of the mantle lithosphere. Trace element patterns are enriched to 0.1-10/relative to primitive mantle (PM) and have flattened, spoon-like or S- or W-shaped rare earth element (REE) patterns with Pb > 1. These result from melting and crystallization in melt-feeding channels in the base of the lithosphere, where high-temperature dunites, harzburgites and pyroxenites were formed. Cr-poor ilmenite megacrysts (group 2) trace the high-temperature path of protokimberlites developed as result of fractional crystallization and wall rock assimilation during the creation of the feeder systems prior to the main kimberlite eruption. Inflections in ilmenite compositional trends probably reflect the mantle layering and pulsing melt intrusion during melt migration within the channels. Group 2 ilmenites have inclined REE enriched patterns (10-100)/PM with La / Ybn ~ 10-25, similar to those derived from kimberlites, with high-field-strength elements (HFSE) peaks (typical megacrysts). A series of similar patterns results from polybaric Assimilation + fractional crystallization (AFC) crystallization of protokimberlite melts which also precipitated sulfides (Pb < 1) and mixed with partial melts from garnet peridotites. Relatively low-Ti ilmenites with high-Cr content (group 3) probably crystallized in the metasomatic front under the rising protokimberlite source and represent the product of crystallization of segregated partial melts from metasomatic rocks. Cr-rich ilmenites are typical of veins and veinlets in peridotites crystallized from highly contaminated magma intruded into wall rocks in different levels within the mantle columns. Ilmenites which have the highest trace element contents (1000/PM) have REE patterns similar to those of perovskites. Low Cr contents suggest relatively closed system fractionation which occurred from the base of the lithosphere up to the garnet-spinel transition, according to monomineral thermobarometry for Mir and Dachnaya pipes. Restricted trends were detected for ilmenites from Udachnaya and most other pipes from the Daldyn-Alakit fields and other regions (Nakyn, Upper Muna and Prianabarie), where ilmenite trends extend from the base of the lithosphere mainly up to 4.0 GPa. Interaction of the megacryst forming melts with the mantle lithosphere caused heating and HFSE metasomatism prior to kimberlite eruption.
Abstract: Metamorphic petrology observations on rubies found in-situ in their host-rock are combined with geochemical measurements and optical microscopy observations on the same rubies, with the aim of connecting the ruby-forming metamorphic reaction to a unique fingerprint for these minerals. The Fiskenæsset complex in Greenland is used as an area of this case study. Isochemical pressure-temperature sections were calculated based on electron microprobe and whole-rock geochemistry analyses, and compared to field observations. Rubies formed from reaction between olivine/serpentine and anorthite, triggered by the intrusion of a 2.71 Ga pegmatite. Al is sourced from the anorthite reacting to calcic amphibole, silica from the pegmatite reacts with olivine/serpentine to anthophyllite, Cr3+ is mobile in the pegmatitic fluid, giving colour to the rubies. The ruby-forming reaction occurs at about 640 °C and 7 kbar. In order to establish the unique fingerprint for this ruby-bearing ultramafic complex, laser-ablation inductively-coupled-plasma mass-spectrometry trace-element measurements, oxygen isotope compositions, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were applied. Due to the setting in an ultramafic rock-anorthosite-leucogabbro complex, the fingerprint of the rubies from the Fiskenæsset complex is rather unique. Compared to rubies from other localities, Fiskenæsset complex rubies contain high Cr, intermediate Fe, and low V, Ga, and Ti concentrations, low oxygen isotope values (1.6-4.2‰) and a rarely-observed combination of optical growth features and mineral inclusions like anthophyllite+biotite. Results for other Greenland localities are presented and discussed as well. Even though these are derived from ultramafic rock settings too, they record different trace-element ratios and oxygen isotope values, resulting from variations in the Archaean ruby-forming reaction.
Ramp-flat geometry within the central Kapuskasing structural zone? evidence from potential field modelling
Geological Association of Canada (GAC)/Mineralogical Association of Canada (MAC)/SEG Annual Meeting May 27-29. Toronto, Ontario, Abstract, Vol. 16, p. A5. Abstract
Wang, Q., Ji, S., Salisbury, M.H., Xia, B., Pan, M., Xu, Z.
Pressure dependence and anisotropy of P wave velocities in ultrahigh pressure metamorphic rocks from the Dabie Sulu orogenic belt: implications for seismic properties
Wang, Q., Shaocheng, J., Salisbury, M.H., Xia, B., Pan, M., Xu, Z.
Shear wave properties and Poisson's ratios of ultrahigh pressure metamorphic rocks from the Dabie Sulu orogenic belt, China: implications for crustal composition.
Journal of Geophysical Research, Vol. 110, B8, pp. B08411 10.1029/2004 JB003435
Compositional heterogeneity of the continental lithospheric mantle beneath the Early Precambrian and Phanerozoic structures: evidence from mantle xenoliths.
Geochemistry International, Vol. 45, 11, pp. 1077-1102.
Journal of Mining Science, Vol. 52, 2, pp. 388-393.
Russia
Deposit - Nyurbisnskaya
Abstract: The designed automated system for pitwall deformation monitoring consists of an independent data recorder, strain sensors, AD converters, and front-end and back-end controls. Data are accumulated on server in on-line mode via cellular modem. The self-contained tools are supplied from accumulators recharged by solar batteries, which expands operational life of the system. The system has been trailed in an open pit mine at Nyurbinskaya kimberlite pipe in deformation monitoring of faults in the eastern pitwall and estimation of its stability.
IN: Deep carbon: past to present, Orcutt, Daniel, Dasgupta eds., pp. 237-275.
Mantle
carbon
Abstract: This chapter provides a summary of the flux of carbon through various oceanic volcanic centers such as mid-ocean ridges and intraplate settings, as well as what these fluxes indicate about the carbon content of the mantle. By reviewing methods used to measure the carbon geochemistry of basalts and then to estimate fluxes, the chapter provides insight into how mantle melting and melt extraction processes are estimated. The chapter discusses how the flux of carbon compares with other incompatible trace elements and gases. From there, the chapter discusses whether the budget of carbon in the ocean mantle can be explained by primordial carbon or whether carbon recycling is required to balance the budget.
Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A., A785, pp. 9-13.
Technology
Methodology
Abstract: A new technology for diamond detection in kimberlite based on the tagged neutron method is proposed. The results of experimental researches on irradiation of kimberlite samples with 14.1-MeV tagged neutrons are discussed. The source of the tagged neutron flux is a portable neutron generator with a built-in 64-pixel silicon alpha-detector with double-sided stripped readout. Characteristic gamma rays resulting from inelastic neutron scattering on nuclei of elements included in the composition of kimberlite are registered by six gamma-detectors based on BGO crystals. The criterion for diamond presence in kimberlite is an increased carbon concentration within a certain volume of the kimberlite sample.
Abstract: Mobilistic plate-tectonic interpretation of Precambrian orogens requires that two conjoined crustal blocks may derive from distant portions of the globe. Nonetheless, many proposed Precambrian cratonic juxtapositions are broadly similar to those of younger times (so-called “strange attractors”), raising the specter of bias in their construction. We evaluated the possibility that the Congo and Kalahari cratons (Africa) were joined together prior to their amalgamation along the Damara-Lufilian-Zambezi orogen in Cambrian time by studying diabase dikes of the Huila-Epembe swarm and sills in the southern part of the Congo craton in Angola and in Namibia. We present geologic, U-Pb geochronologic, and paleomagnetic evidence showing that these two cratons were directly juxtaposed at ca. 1.1 Ga, but in a slightly modified relative orientation compared to today. Recurring persistence in cratonic connections, with slight variations from one supercontinent to the next, may signify a style of supercontinental transition similar to the northward motion of Gondwana fragments across the Tethys-Indian oceanic tract, reuniting in Eurasia.
Abstract: The original connections of Archean cratons are becoming traceable due to an increasing amount of paleomagnetic data and refined magmatic barcodes. The Uauá block of the northern São Francisco craton may represent a fragment of a major Archean craton. Here, we report new paleomagnetic data from the 2.62 Ga Uauá tholeiitic mafic dyke swarm of the Uauá block in the northern São Francisco craton, Eastern Brazil. Our paleomagnetic results confirm the earlier results for these units, but our interpretation differs. We suggest that the obtained characteristic remanent magnetization for the 2.62 Ga swarm is of primary origin, supported by a provisionally-positive baked contact test. The corresponding paleomagnetic pole (25.2°N, 330.5°E, A95 = 8.1° N = 20) takes the present northern part of the São Francisco craton to moderate latitudes. Based on the comparison of the paleolatitudes of cratons with high-quality paleomagnetic data and magmatic barcodes, we suggest that the northern part of the São Francisco craton could have been part of the proposed Supervaalbara supercraton during the Archean. Supervaalbara is proposed as including (but not limited to) the part of the São Francisco craton as well as the Superior, Wyoming, Kola + Karelia, Zimbabwe, Kaapvaal, Tanzania, Yilgarn, and Pilbara cratons.
Abstract: Mobilistic plate-tectonic interpretation of Precambrian orogens requires that two conjoined crustal blocks may derive from distant portions of the globe. Nonetheless, many proposed Precambrian cratonic juxtapositions are broadly similar to those of younger times (so-called “strange attractors”), raising the specter of bias in their construction. We evaluated the possibility that the Congo and Kalahari cratons (Africa) were joined together prior to their amalgamation along the Damara-Lufilian-Zambezi orogen in Cambrian time by studying diabase dikes of the Huila-Epembe swarm and sills in the southern part of the Congo craton in Angola and in Namibia. We present geologic, U-Pb geochronologic, and paleomagnetic evidence showing that these two cratons were directly juxtaposed at ca. 1.1 Ga, but in a slightly modified relative orientation compared to today. Recurring persistence in cratonic connections, with slight variations from one supercontinent to the next, may signify a style of supercontinental transition similar to the northward motion of Gondwana fragments across the Tethys-Indian oceanic tract, reuniting in Eurasia.
Geological Society of London Special Publication Supercontinent Cycles through Earth History., Vol. 424, pp. 167-190.
South America, Brazil
Supercontinents
Abstract: Moderate to high palaeolatitudes recorded in mafic dykes, exposed along the coast of Bahia, Brazil, are partly responsible for some interpretations that the São Francisco/Congo craton was separate from the low-latitude Rodinia supercontinent at about 1050 Ma. We report new palaeomagnetic data that replicate the previous results. However, we obtain substantially younger U-Pb baddeleyite ages from five dykes previously thought to be 1.02- 1.01 Ga according to the 40 Ar/ 39 Ar method. Specifically, the so-called 'A-normal' remanence direction from Salva-dor is dated at 924.2 + 3.8 Ma, within error of the age for the 'C' remanence direction at 921.5 + 4.3 Ma. An 'A-normal' dyke at Ilhéus is dated at 926.1 + 4.6 Ma, and two 'A-normal' dykes at Olivença have indistinguishable ages with best estimate of emplacement at 918.2 + 6.7 Ma. We attribute the palaeomagnetic variance of the 'A-normal' and 'C' directions to lack of averaging of geomagnetic palaeosecular variation in some regions. Our results render previous 40 Ar/ 39 Ar ages from the dykes suspect, leaving late Mesoproterozoic palaeolatitudes of the São Francisco/Congo craton unconstrained. The combined 'A-normal' palaeomagnetic pole from coastal Bahia places the São Francisco/Congo craton in moderate to high palaeolatitudes at c. 920 Ma, allowing various possible positions of that block within Rodinia. Despite more than two decades of intense global research, the configuration of Neoproterozoic supercontinent Rodinia remains enigmatic. Following the first global synthesis by Hoffman (1991), most models include a central location for Laurentia, flanked by 'East' Gondwana-Land cra-tons along its proto-Cordilleran margin and 'West'
Kovach, V.,Salnikova, E., Wang, K-L., Jahn, B-M., Chiu, H-Y., Reznitskiy, L., Kotov, A., Lizuka, Y., Chung, S-L.
Zircon ages and Hf isotopic constraints on sources of clastic metasediments of the Slyudyansky high grade complex, southeastern Siberia: implication for continental growth and evolution of the Central Asian orogenic belt.
Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, Vol. 62, pp. 18-36.
Korikovsky, S., Kotov, A., Salnikova, E., Aranovich, L., Korpechkov, D., Yakovleva, S., Tolmacheva, E., Anisimova, I.
The age of the protolith of metamorphic rocks in the southeastern Lapland granulite belt, southern Kola Peninsula: correlation with the Belomorian mobile belt in the context of the problem of Archean eclogites.
Age of formation of apocarbonate metasomites of the Sharyzhalgai Uplift of the Siberian Craton basement, southwestern Baikal region U - Pb baddeleyite, zircon
Doklady Earth Sciences, Vol. 399A, 9, Nov-Dec. pp. 1204-1208.
Late Riphean rifting and breakup of Laurasia: dat a on geochronological studies of ultramafic alkaline complexes in the southern framing of the Siberian Craton.
Doklady Earth Sciences, Vol. 404, 7, pp. 1031-1036.
Abstract: Calcic garnets are an important – although somewhat neglected – member of the garnet group. Typically, these mineral are members of complex solid solutions involving largely substitutions in the Fe3+/Al and Si sites and at least eight different end-members. The absolute majority of garnets in this family are Ti-Mg-Fe2+(± Al ± Zr)-bearing andradite transitional to morimotoite and schorlomite. Importantly, these garnets occur as common accessory minerals in a wide range of igneous and rocks, including nepheline syenites, alkali feldspar syenites, melteigite-urtites, nephelinites, melilitolites, melilitites, calcite carbonatites, ultramafic lamprophyres, orangeites, contaminated kimberlites, skarns and rodingites. Calcic garnets have a great capacity for atomic substitutions involving high-field-strength elements and, even more importantly, rare earths (up to 4000 ppm, including Y), Th and U (both up to 100 ppm) at low levels of common Pb. Their (La/Yb)cn ratio varies over two orders of magnitude (from < 0.01 to ~1), making these minerals a sensitive indicator of crystal fractionation, degassing and other magma-evolution processes. Given these unique compositional characteristics and surprising lack of interest in these minerals in the previous literature, we explored the possibility of using calcic garnets as a U-Pb geochronometer. For this purpose, we selected samples of well-crystallized igneous garnet from four very different rock types of different age, including: carbonatite (Afrikanda) from the Devonian Kola Alkaline Province, carbonatite from the Neoproterozoic Belaya Zima complex (Central-Asian mobile belt), ijolite from the Chick Ordovician igneous complex (Central-Asian mobile belt), granitic pegmatite from the Eden Lake complex in the Paleoproterozoic Trans-Hudson orogen, and feldspathoid syenite from the Cinder Lake alkaline complex in the Archean Knee Lake greenstone belt. U-Pb TIMS ages of the studied garnets are mostly concordant and reveal perfect correspondence with reported U-Pb zircon or perovskite ages as well as Sm-Nd isochrone age for these complexes. Therefore we can advertise calcic garnets as a promising tool for U-Pb geochronological studies.
Abstract: We report new geological, mineralogical, geochemical and geochronological data about the Katugin Ta-Nb-Y-Zr (REE) deposit, which is located in the Kalar Ridge of Eastern Siberia (the southern part of the Siberian Craton). All these data support a magmatic origin of the Katugin rare-metal deposit rather than the previously proposed metasomatic fault-related origin. Our research has proved the genetic relation between ores of the Katugin deposit and granites of the Katugin complex. We have studied granites of the eastern segment of the Eastern Katugin massif, including arfvedsonite, aegirine-arfvedsonite and aegirine granites. These granites belong to the peralkaline type. They are characterized by high alkali content (up to 11.8?wt% Na2O?+?K2O), extremely high iron content (FeO*/(FeO*?+?MgO)?=?0.96-1.00), very high content of most incompatible elements - Rb, Y, Zr, Hf, Ta, Nb, Th, U, REEs (except for Eu) and F, and low concentrations of CaO, MgO, P2O5, Ba, and Sr. They demonstrate negative and CHUR-close eNd(t) values of 0.0…-1.9. We suggest that basaltic magmas of OIB type (possibly with some the crustal contamination) represent a dominant part of the granitic source. Moreover, the fluorine-enriched fluid phases could provide an additional source of the fluorine. We conclude that most of the mineralization of the Katugin ore deposit occurred during the magmatic stage of the alkaline granitic source melt. The results of detailed mineralogical studies suggest three major types of ores in the Katugin deposit: Zr mineralization, Ta-Nb-REE mineralization and aluminum fluoride mineralization. Most of the ore minerals crystallized from the silicate melt during the magmatic stage. The accessory cryolites in granites crystallized from the magmatic silicate melt enriched in fluorine. However, cryolites in large veins and lens-like bodies crystallized in the latest stage from the fluorine enriched melt. The zircons from the ores in the aegirine-arfvedsonite granite have been dated at 2055?±?7?Ma. This age is close to the previously published 2066?±?6?Ma zircon age of the aegirine-arfvedsonite granites, suggesting that the formation of the Katugin rare-metal deposit is genetically related to the formation of peralkaline granites. We conclude that Katugin rare-metal granites are anorogenic. They can be related to a Paleoproterozoic (~2.05?Ga) mantle plume. As there is no evidence of the 2.05?Ga mantle plume in other areas of southern Siberia, we suggest that the Katugin mineralization occurred on the distant allochtonous terrane, which has been accreted to Siberian Craton later.
Abstract: New data on the age of dolerite dikes in the NE part of the Kola province of the Fennoscandinavian shield and the picrodolerite sills that cut the dikes are presented. The results of U-Pb ID-TIMS baddeleyite dating indicate that dolerites were formed between 2508 ± 6 and 2513 ± 16 Ma ago, simultaneously with the intrusions of the Monchegorsk group. A comparison of the composition of the dolerites studied with dykes of the same age found in other Archean cratons shows their significant similarity and suggests their formation at the same large magmatic province. The age of baddeleyite from the picrodolerites sills at 2403 ± 12 Ma ago indicates an event of basic magmatism that was not previously established in this part of the Fennoscandinavian shield. It is possible that, along with dolerite dykes with an age of 2405 Ma and komatiites of the Vetreny belt of the Karelian craton, sills of the Kola province are a component of a unified large magmatic event.
Abstract: Mid-oceanic ridge basalts (MORBs) are depleted in incompatible elements, but ridge segments far from mantle plumes frequently erupt chemically enriched MORBs (E-MORBs). Two major explanations of E-MORBs are that these basalts are generated by the melting of entrained recycled crust (pyroxenite) beneath ridges or by the melting of refertilized peridotites. These two hypotheses can be discriminated with compatible element abundances from Sc to Ge, here termed the ScGe elements. Here, we demonstrate that E-MORBs have systematically lower Ge/Si and Sc contents and slightly higher Fe/Mn and Nb/Ta ratios than depleted MORBs (D-MORBs) due to the mixing of low-degree pyroxenite melts. The Ge/Si ratio is a new tracer that effectively discriminates between melts derived from peridotite sources and melts derived from mixed pyroxenite-peridotite sources. These new data are used to estimate the distribution of pyroxenite in the mantle sources of global MORB segments.
A reappraisal of the geology and geochemistry of the Zr-Y-Nb-Be and rare earth elements (REE)mineralized Strange Lake peralkalinepluton, Quebec-Labrador
Geological Association of Canada (GAC)/Mineralogical Association of Canada (MAC) Vancouver 90 Program with Abstracts, Held May 16-18, Vol. 15, p. A12. Abstract
The role of hydrothermal processes in the granite hosted Zirconium, Yttrium, rare earth elements (REE) deposit at Strange Lake, Quebec/Labrador: evidence from fluid inclusions
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol. 54, pp. 2403-2418
Toscani, L., Salvioli-Mariani, E., Mattioli, M., Tellini, C., Boschetti, T., Iacumin, P., Selmo, E.
The pyroclastic breccia of the Cabezo Negro de Tallant ( SE Spain): the first finding of carbonatite volcanism in the internal domain of the Betic Cordillera.
Nature Materials, doi:10.1038/s4 1563-020-0759-8 7p. Pdf
Global
meteorites, synthetics
Abstract: Meteoritic diamonds and synthesized diamond-related materials contain a wide variety of complex nanostructures. This Comment highlights and classifies this structural complexity by a systematic hierarchical approach, and discusses the perspectives on nanostructure and properties engineering of diamond-related materials.
Diamond and Related Materials, Vol. 59, pp. 69-72.
Technology
Lonsdaleite
Abstract: Hexagonal diamond has been predicted computationally to display extraordinary physical properties including a hardness that exceeds cubic diamond. However, a recent electron microscopy study has shown that so-called hexagonal diamond samples are in fact not discrete materials but faulted and twinned cubic diamond. We now provide a quantitative analysis of cubic and hexagonal stacking in diamond samples by analysing X-ray diffraction data with the DIFFaX software package. The highest fractions of hexagonal stacking we find in materials which were previously referred to as hexagonal diamond are below 60%. The remainder of the stacking sequences are cubic. We show that the cubic and hexagonal sequences are interlaced in a complex way and that naturally occurring Lonsdaleite is not a simple phase mixture of cubic and hexagonal diamond. Instead, it is structurally best described as stacking disordered diamond. The future experimental challenge will be to prepare diamond samples beyond 60% hexagonality and towards the so far elusive 'perfect' hexagonal diamond.
Abstract: The possible presence of the high-density carbon polymorph with hexagonal symmetry known as "lonsdaleite" provides an important marker for shock impact events. It is typically considered to form as a metastable phase produced from graphite or other carbonaceous precursors. However, its existence has recently been called into question. Here we collected high-resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction data for laboratory-shocked and natural impact diamonds that both show evidence for deviations from cubic symmetry, that would be consistent with the appearance of hexagonal stacking sequences. These results show that hexagonality can be achieved by shocking diamond as well as from graphite precursors. The diffraction results are analyzed in terms of a general model that describes intermediate stacking sequences between pure diamond (fully cubic) and "lonsdaleite" (fully hexagonal) phases, with provision made for ordered vs disordered stacking arrangements. This approach provides a "hexagonality index" that can be used to characterize and distinguish among samples that have experienced different degrees of shock or static high pressure-high temperature treatments. We have also examined the relative energetics of diamond and "lonsdaleite" structures using density functional theoretical (DFT) methods. The results set limits on the conditions under which a transformation between diamond and "lonsdaleite" structures can be achieved. Calculated Raman spectra provide an indicator for the presence of extended hexagonal stacking sequences within natural and laboratory-prepared samples. Our results show that comparable crystallographic structures may be developed by impact-generated shockwaves starting from ambient conditions using either of the two different allotropes of carbon (diamond, graphite). This broadens the scope for its occurrence in terrestrial and planetary systems.
Abstract: The possible presence of the high-density carbon polymorph with hexagonal symmetry known as “lonsdaleite” provides an important marker for shock impact events. It is typically considered to form as a metastable phase produced from graphite or other carbonaceous precursors. However, its existence has recently been called into question. Here we collected high-resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction data for laboratory-shocked and natural impact diamonds that both show evidence for deviations from cubic symmetry, that would be consistent with the appearance of hexagonal stacking sequences. These results show that hexagonality can be achieved by shocking diamond as well as from graphite precursors. The diffraction results are analyzed in terms of a general model that describes intermediate stacking sequences between pure diamond (fully cubic) and “lonsdaleite” (fully hexagonal) phases, with provision made for ordered vs disordered stacking arrangements. This approach provides a “hexagonality index” that can be used to characterize and distinguish among samples that have experienced different degrees of shock or static high pressure-high temperature treatments. We have also examined the relative energetics of diamond and “lonsdaleite” structures using density functional theoretical (DFT) methods. The results set limits on the conditions under which a transformation between diamond and “lonsdaleite” structures can be achieved. Calculated Raman spectra provide an indicator for the presence of extended hexagonal stacking sequences within natural and laboratory-prepared samples. Our results show that comparable crystallographic structures may be developed by impact-generated shockwaves starting from ambient conditions using either of the two different allotropes of carbon (diamond, graphite). This broadens the scope for its occurrence in terrestrial and planetary systems.
Nature Scientific Reports, doi.org/10.1038/ s41598-019-46556-3 8p. Pdf
Global
diamond morphology, impact craters
Abstract: Diamond is a material of immense technological importance and an ancient signifier for wealth and societal status. In geology, diamond forms as part of the deep carbon cycle and typically displays a highly ordered cubic crystal structure. Impact diamonds, however, often exhibit structural disorder in the form of complex combinations of cubic and hexagonal stacking motifs. The structural characterization of such diamonds remains a challenge. Here, impact diamonds from the Popigai crater were characterized with a range of techniques. Using the MCDIFFaX approach for analysing X-ray diffraction data, hexagonality indices up to 40% were found. The effects of increasing amounts of hexagonal stacking on the Raman spectra of diamond were investigated computationally and found to be in excellent agreement with trends in the experimental spectra. Electron microscopy revealed nanoscale twinning within the cubic diamond structure. Our analyses lead us to propose a systematic protocol for assigning specific hexagonality attributes to the mineral designated as lonsdaleite among natural and synthetic samples.
Abstract: Diamond is a material of immense technological importance and an ancient signifier for wealth and societal status. In geology, diamond forms as part of the deep carbon cycle and typically displays a highly ordered cubic crystal structure. Impact diamonds, however, often exhibit structural disorder in the form of complex combinations of cubic and hexagonal stacking motifs. The structural characterization of such diamonds remains a challenge. Here, impact diamonds from the Popigai crater were characterized with a range of techniques. Using the MCDIFFaX approach for analysing X-ray diffraction data, hexagonality indices up to 40% were found. The effects of increasing amounts of hexagonal stacking on the Raman spectra of diamond were investigated computationally and found to be in excellent agreement with trends in the experimental spectra. Electron microscopy revealed nanoscale twinning within the cubic diamond structure. Our analyses lead us to propose a systematic protocol for assigning specific hexagonality attributes to the mineral designated as lonsdaleite among natural and synthetic samples.
Abstract: During the Cretaceous, the CO2 content of the global atmosphere drastically increased in response to volcanism associated with the disintegration of the former continents. This increase in the global atmospheric CO2 level subsequently led to a considerable rise in global temperatures. The interaction among the high levels of atmospheric CO2, extreme global warmth, and humidity witnessed in the Cretaceous implies extreme environmental conditions, which involved a possibly more acidic and chemically destructive atmosphere than at present; these conditions are believed to have favoured widespread deep weathering at that time. Economically important minerals were reworked from their primary sources during these Cretaceous weathering events. The extreme global warmth witnessed in the Cretaceous also caused the melting of most of the polar ice caps, resulting in the expansion of the volume of Cretaceous seawaters, which subsequently led to a significant rise in the global sea level. Extensive palaeo-seaways played a vital role in transporting and depositing the huge volume of sediments generated during the Cretaceous weathering events, which included economically important minerals (e.g., gold, diamond, and platinum). These mineral deposits are now preserved in Cretaceous sands as placer deposits. Three categories of Cretaceous placer deposits can be distinguished: those occurring in Cretaceous sands resting unconformably on the Precambrian basement, those occurring in Cretaceous sands resting unconformably on the Palaeozoic rocks, and those occurring in Cretaceous sands that unconformably overlay Mesozoic strata.
Srivastava: Dyke Swarms of the World: a Modern Perspective, Springer, researchgate 56p. Pdf
India
dykes
Abstract: We present dyke swarm maps generated using Google Earth™ images, ArcGIS™, field data, and available geochronological ages of Neoarchean-Mesoproterozoic (ranging in age from ~2.80 to ~1.10 Ga) mafic dyke swarms and associated magmatic units of the different Archean cratons of the Indian shield which represent the plumbing system of Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs). The spatial and temporal distributions together with the trends of the dyke swarms provide important informations about geodynamics. Twenty four dyke swarms (17 have been precisely dated), mostly mafic in nature, have been mapped from the different cratons and named/re-named to best reflect their location, trend, distribution and distinction from other swarms. We have identified 14 distinct magmatic events during the Neoarchean-Mesoproterozoic in the Indian shield. These intraplate magmatic events (many of LIP scale) of the Indian shield and their matches with coeval LIPs on other crustal blocks suggest connections of the Indian shield within known supercontinents, such as Kenorland/Superia (~2.75-2.07 Ga), Columbia/Nuna (1.90-1.38 Ga), and Rodinia (1.20-0.72 Ga). However, further detailed U-Pb geochronology and associated paleomagnetism are required to come to any definite constraints on the position of the Indian cratons within these supercontinents.
Abstract: A number of NE-SW to ENE-WSW trending Palaeoproterozoic mafic dykes, intruded within the Archean basement rocks and more conspicuous in the southern parts of the western Dharwar Craton (WDC), was studied for their whole-rock geochemistry to understand their petrogenetic and geodynamic aspects. Observed mineralogical and textural characteristics classify them either as meta-dolerites or dolerites/olivine-dolerites. They show basaltic to basaltic-andesitic compositions and bear sub-alkaline tholeiitic nature. Three geochemically distinct groups of mafic dykes have been identified. Group 1 samples show flat REE patterns (LaN/LuN = ~1), whereas the other two groups have LaN/LuN = ~2-3 (Group 2; enriched LREE and flat HREE patterns) and LaN/LuN = ~4 (Group 3; inclined REE patterns). Chemistry is not straightforward to support any significant role of crustal contamination and probably reflect their source characteristics. However, their derivation from melts originated from a previously modified metasomatized lithospheric mantle due to some ancient subduction event cannot be ignored. Most likely different mantle melts were responsible for derivation of these distinct sets of mafic dykes. The Group 2 dykes are derived from a melt generated within spinel stability field by ~10% batch melting of a lithospheric mantle source, whereas the Group 3 dykes have their derivation from a melt originated within the spinel-garnet transition zone and were fed from slightly higher (~12-15%) batch melting of a similar source. The Group 1 samples were also crystallized from a melt generated at the transition zone of spinel-garnet stability field by higher degrees (~20%) of melting of a primitive mantle source. Geochemistry of the studied samples is typical of Palaeoproterozoic mafic dykes emplaced within the intracratonic setting, reported elsewhere globally as well as neighbouring cratons. Geochemistry of the studied mafic dyke samples is also compared with the mafic dykes of the eastern Dharwar Craton (EDC). Except the Group 3 samples, which have good correlation with the 1.88-1.89 Ga Hampi swarm, no other group shows similarity with the EDC mafic dykes. There is an ample possibility to have some different mafic magmatic events in the WDC, which could be different from the EDC. However, it can only be confirmed after precise age determinations.
Soderlund, U., Bleeker, W., Demirer, K., Srivastava, R.K., Hamilton, M., Nilsson, M., Personen, L.J., Samal, A.K., Jayananda, M., Ernst, R.E., Srinivas, M.
Abstract: Large igneous provinces (LIPs) and especially their dyke swarms are pivotal to reconstruction of ancient supercontinents. The Dharwar craton of southern Peninsular India represents a substantial portion of Archean crust and has been considered to be a principal constituent of Superia, Sclavia, Nuna/Columbia and Rodinia supercontinents. The craton is intruded by numerous regional-scale mafic dyke swarms of which only a few have robustly constrained emplacement ages. Through this study, the LIP record of the Dharwar craton has been improved by U-Pb geochronology of 18 dykes, which together comprise seven generations of Paleoproterozoic dyke swarms with emplacement ages within the 2.37-1.79 Ga age interval. From oldest to youngest, the new ages (integrated with U-Pb ages previously reported for the Hampi swarm) define the following eight swarms with their currently recommended names: NE-SW to ESE-WNW trending ca. 2.37 Ga Bangalore-Karimnagar swarm. N-S to NNE-SSW trending ca. 2.25 Ga Ippaguda-Dhiburahalli swarm. N-S to NNW-SSE trending ca. 2.22 Ga Kandlamadugu swarm. NW-SE to WNW-ESE trending ca. 2.21 Ga Anantapur-Kunigal swarm. NW-SE to WNW-ESE trending ca. 2.18 Ga Mahbubnagar-Dandeli swarm. N-S, NW-SE, and ENE-WSW trending ca. 2.08 Ga Devarabanda swarm. E-W trending 1.88-1.89 Ga Hampi swarm. NW-SE ca. 1.79 Ga Pebbair swarm. Comparison of the arcuate trends of some swarms along with an apparent oroclinal bend of ancient geological features, such as regional Dharwar greenstone belts and the late Archean (ca. 2.5 Ga) Closepet Granite batholith, have led to the hypothesis that the northern Dharwar block has rotated relative to the southern block. By restoring a 30° counter clockwise rotation of the northern Dharwar block relative to the southern block, we show that pre-2.08 Ga arcuate and fanning dyke swarms consistently become approximately linear. Two possible tectonic models for this apparent bending, and concomitant dyke rotations, are discussed. Regardless of which deformation mechanisms applies, these findings reinforce previous suggestions that the radial patterns of the giant ca. 2.37 Ga Bangalore-Karimnagar dyke swarm, and probably also the ca. 2.21 Ga Anantapur-Kunigal swarm, may not be primary features.
Abstract: Based on trend, cross-cutting relationships and U-Pb dating, Precambrian mafic dykes in the Singhbhum craton, earlier collectively identified as ‘Newer Dolerite Swarm’ have been separated into seven distinct swarms, which are thought to be the plumbing systems for Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs). These Singhbhum swarms range in age from ~2.80 Ga to ~1.76 Ga, and include the ~2.80 Ga NE-SW trending Keshargaria swarm, ~2.75-2.76 Ga NNE-SSW to NE-SW trending Ghatgaon swarm, the ~2.26 Ga NE-SW to ENE-WSW trending Kaptipada swarm (based on a new U-Pb ID-TIMS age 2256 ± 6 Ma), the ~1.77 Ga WNW-ESE trending Pipilia swarm, the early-Paleoproterozoic E-W to ENE-WSW trending Keonjhar swarm, the middle-Paleoproterozoic NW-SE to NNW-SSE trending Bhagamunda swarm, and the late-Paleoproterozoic N-S to NNE-SSW trending Barigaon swarm. Two of the Singhbhum swarms, the ~2.26 Ga Kaptipada and ~1.77 Ga Pipilia, are closely matched with the ~2.26-2.25 Ga Ippaguda-Dhiburahalli and ~1.79 Ga Pebbair swarms, respectively, of the eastern Dharwar craton. The correlations suggest that the Singhbhum and Dharwar cratons were close enough at these times to share two reconstructed LIPs, a 2.26-2.25 Ga Kaptipada- Ippaguda-Dhiburahalli LIP and a 1.79-1.77 Ga Pipilia-Pebbair LIP, and if so, both swarms must be present in the intervening Bastar craton (candidates are proposed). Also, the 2.76-2.75 Ga Ghatgaon swarm of the Singhbhum craton can be provisionally correlated with ~2.7 Ga Keshkal swarm of the Bastar craton. The 2.26-2.25 Ga Kaptipada-Ippaguda-Dhiburahalli LIP of the Singhbhum-Bastar-Dharwar reconstruction has age matches in the Vestfold Hills of Antarctica (~2.24 Ga dykes), the Kaapvaal craton (the ~2.25-2.23 Ga Hekpoort lavas) and perhaps the Zimbabwe craton (2.26 Ga Chimbadzi troctolite intrusions). The 1.76-1.79 Ga Pipilia-Pebbair LIP of the Singhbhum-Bastar-Dharwar reconstruction has age matches in the North China, Australian Shield, Amazonian, Rio de Plata and Sarmatia cratons. The relevance of these matches for reconstructions will require future testing using paleomagnetic studies. While there are ~2.7-2.8 Ga LIP-type greenstone belts in many crustal blocks, there are no precise matches with the 2.76-2.75 Ga Ghatgaon swarm of the Singhbhum craton. Howe
Abstract: Kyanite-eclogite xenoliths from Wajrakarur are considered as remnants of subducted ocean-floor crust [1]. Here trace element concentration and isotopic data are presented in garnet (Grt) and kyanite (Ky) from xenoliths KL-2 E1-E4, characterized by [2]). We use the precise 87Sr/86Sr host kimberlite groundmass perovskite ratio (0.70312-0.70333, [3]) as a proxy for the extent of kimberlitic magma infiltration at 1.1 Ga. The xenolithic Grt and Cr-rich (upto 1506 ppm) Ky have more radiogenic 87Sr/86Sr values than kimberlite, at 1.1 Ga, of 0.703829-0.705203 and 0.703811-0.704502, respectively. Furthermore, the Grt and Ky 143Nd/144Nd ratios, at 1.1 Ga, are 0.509321-0.511372 and 0.510951-0.511156, respectively, and are distinctly lower than those of the host kimberlite (0.511870-0.512290, [4]). This indicates that the infiltration of kimberlitic fluid has not altered the 87Sr/86Sr and 143Nd/144Nd ratios in the Grt and Ky, and therefore their isotope compositions must be inherited and predate the kimberlite magma generation event at 1.1 Ga. Trace elements in Grt and Ky indicate extreme metasomatism (Sr in Grt 104-296 ppm, in Ky 672-8713 ppm [limit Sr<2ppm] and Nb in Grt 0.64-1.78 ppm, in Ky 1.7-4.54 ppm [limit Nb<0.5ppm]). The xenoliths underwent at least one major melting event inferred from extreme depletions in Re, Os and 177Os/178Os ratios [5]. Their mantle-like d18O values (Grt 5.3-5.4‰, Ky 5.3-5.9‰), positive Eu anomalies in both Grt and Ky (similar to Group 1 HREE-depleted garnets of [1]) suggests that the protolith likely was a chromite-bearing leucogabbro, emplaced as a high-pressure cumulate at the crust-mantle boundary, which was later eclogitized due to deep-seated subduction and underwent episodes of extreme melting and metasomatism before 1.1 Ga and at least before 1.7 Ga, as inferred from their youngest Re depletion dates [5].
Abstract: Kyanite-eclogite xenoliths from Wajrakarur are considered as remnants of subducted ocean-floor crust. Here trace element concentration and isotopic data are presented in garnet (Grt) and kyanite (Ky) from xenoliths KL-2 E1-E4, characterized by. We use the precise 87Sr/86Sr host kimberlite groundmass perovskite ratio (0.70312-0.70333, as a proxy for the extent of kimberlitic magma infiltration at 1.1 Ga. The xenolithic Grt and Cr-rich (upto 1506 ppm) Ky have more radiogenic 87Sr/86Sr values than kimberlite, at 1.1 Ga, of 0.703829-0.705203 and 0.703811-0.704502, respectively. Furthermore, the Grt and Ky 143Nd/144Nd ratios, at 1.1 Ga, are 0.509321-0.511372 and 0.510951-0.511156, respectively, and are distinctly lower than those of the host kimberlite (0.511870-0.512290). This indicates that the infiltration of kimberlitic fluid has not altered the 87Sr/86Sr and 143Nd/144Nd ratios in the Grt and Ky, and therefore their isotope compositions must be inherited and predate the kimberlite magma generation event at 1.1 Ga. Trace elements in Grt and Ky indicate extreme metasomatism (Sr in Grt 104-296 ppm, in Ky 672-8713 ppm [limit Sr<2ppm] and Nb in Grt 0.64-1.78 ppm, in Ky 1.7-4.54 ppm [limit Nb<0.5ppm]). The xenoliths underwent at least one major melting event inferred from extreme depletions in Re, Os and 177Os/178Os ratios [5]. Their mantle-like d18O values (Grt 5.3-5.4‰, Ky 5.3-5.9‰), positive Eu anomalies in both Grt and Ky (similar to Group 1 HREE-depleted garnets of) suggests that the protolith likely was a chromite-bearing leucogabbro, emplaced as a high-pressure cumulate at the crust-mantle boundary, which was later eclogitized due to deep-seated subduction and underwent episodes of extreme melting and metasomatism before 1.1 Ga and at least before 1.7 Ga, as inferred from their youngest Re depletion dates.
Abstract: Paragenetic analysis of pyropes from alluvial deposits of the Muna—Markha interfluve (Sakha-Yakutia Republic) made it possible to distinguish relatively uniform areas that are promising for the discovery of kimberlite bodies.
Doklady Earth Sciences, Vol. 465, 1, pp. 1187-1190.
Russia
Deposit - Udachnaya
Abstract: The composition, structure, and morphology of iron-containing diamond-kimberlite contact sites were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The data obtained confirm the hypothesis of the similarity of mechanisms of diamond formation in nature and in experiments.
Journal of South American Earth Science, Vol. 76, pp. 290-305.
South America, Brazil
craton - Sao Francisco
Abstract: The Archean-Paleoproterozoic Jequié (JB) and Itabuna-Salvador-Curaçá (ISCB) blocks and their tectonic transition zone in the Valença region, Bahia, Brazil are potentially important for ore deposits, but the geological knowledge of the area is still meager. The paucity of geological information restricts the knowledge of the position and of the field characteristics of the tectonic suture zone between these two crustal segments JB and ISCB. Therefore, interpretation of geophysical data is necessary to supplement the regional structural and petrological knowledge of the area as well as to assist mining exploration programs. The analysis of the airborne radiometric and magnetic data of the region has established, respectively, five radiometric domains and five magnetic zones. Modeling of a gravity profile has defined the major density contrasts of the deep structures. The integrated interpretation of the geophysical data fitted to the known geological information substantially improved the suture zone (lower plate JB versus upper plate ISCB) delimitation, the geological map of the area and allowed to estimate the thicknesses of these two blocks, and raised key questions about the São Francisco Craton tectonic evolution.
McPeak, S., Samson, C., Lamontagne, M., Elliott, B.
Application of passive seismic methodologies to the determination of overburden thickness.
2018 Yellowknife Geoscience Forum , p. 111-112. abstract
Canada, Northwest Territories
geophysics - seismics
Abstract: Diamond mining is central to the economic development of the Canadian North. Innovative methods are needed to identify new prospective targets, as many of them are hidden beneath a thick overburden of glacial sediments. Passive seismics is an emerging method used to map the thickness of near-surface geological layers. Vibrations from distant earthquakes are used as a source of signal and data is processed to estimate the depth of the interface between the overburden and the underlying bedrock. In July 2018, four Tromino seismographs were taken to a study site located approximately ten minutes driving north of Yellowknife. A total of 146 Tromino measurements and associated GPS elevation measurements were taken at 6 m intervals along a dirt road. Elevation measurements were averaged over the course of four days and the survey line was approximately 740 m long. Results indicated that depth to bedrock decreases near outcrops and increases in valleys however; another geophysical dataset is needed to validate the passive seismic data.
Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, Analysis, Vol. 16, 3-4, pp. 193-212.
Canada, Ontario
Alkalic
Abstract: Mineral exploration is increasingly taking advantage of real time techniques that dramatically reduce the costs and time taken to obtain results compared to traditional analytical methods. Portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) is now a well-established technique that is used to acquire lithogeochemical data. To date, however, benchtop scanning electron microscopes, equipped with energy dispersive systems (bSEM-EDS) have received little attention as a possible mineral exploration tool. This study examines the utility of combining pXRF and bSEM-EDS to characterize the igneous stratigraphy and its relationship to Cu-Pd mineralization in a drill hole at the Four Dams occurrence, located within the Eastern Gabbro assemblage of the Coldwell Alkaline Complex, Canada. The first part of this study compares field portable and laboratory techniques. Seventy-two powdered samples analysed by pXRF are compared with traditional major elements analysed by inductively coupled atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and trace elements by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP-MS), and the compositions of 128 olivine, clinopyroxene and plagioclase grains analysed by bSEM-EDS are compared with traditional electron microprobe data. Our results show that each portable technique yields results similar to their lab-based counterparts within the analytical capabilities and precisions of the respective instruments. The second part presents a case study for the application of pXRF and bSEM-EDS to resolve questions related to igneous stratigraphy as an aid to mineral exploration in a complicated geological setting. A major problem for Cu-Pd exploration in the Coldwell Complex of NW Ontario is that the oxide-rich units that host Cu-Pd mineralization in the Marathon Series are petrographically similar to the barren oxide-rich units in the Layered Series. However, the mineralized units are geochemically distinctive. Our results show that the mineralized Marathon Series can be distinguished from the barren Layered Series, including oxide-rich units of both, by combinations of P2O5, Ba, Zr and V/Ti values, determined by pXRF, combined with plagioclase, olivine or clinopyroxene compositions measured by bSEM-EDS. The combination of pXRF and bSEM-EDS thus shows considerable promise as an exploration technique.
Evolution of deep crustal roots of the Arhangelsk Diamondiferous province: evidences from crustal xenoliths and xenocrysts from Devonian kimberlite pipes.
Abstract: Results from thermochronological studies have multiple applications to various problems in tectonics and landform evolution However, up to now a lack of thermochronological data from the northeastern Fennoscandian Shield has complicated the interpretation of tectonothermal evolution of the region Here, we use both new and previously published multimineral 40Ar/39Ar data (amphibole, mica, and feldspar) on the various Precambrian magmatic and metamorphic complexes to reconstruct the thermal history of NE Fennoscandia within the Kola Peninsula area in the interval 1900–360 Ma Using the apatite fission track method as well as a numerical model of the heating-cooling process of northeastern Fennoscandia's upper crust, we have reconstructed its thermal evolution for the interval 360–0 Ma According to our model, since Lapland-Kola orogenesis (1930–1905 Ma) northeastern Fennoscandia experienced a quasi-monotonous cooling with the average rate of ~0 15 °C/Myr, which is equal to an exhumation rate of ~1–2 m/Myr New apatite fission track data and time-temperature modeling reveal a “hidden” endogenous thermal event in the NE Fennoscandia that took place between 360 and 300 Ma This we attribute to an elevated geothermal gradient due to Baltica's drift over the African large low shear-wave velocity province in the lowest mantle and/or thermal blanketing by insulating Devonian-Carboniferous sedimentary/volcanic cover Our model is further supported by evidence of Late Devonian-Carboniferous rifting in the East and South-Western Barents Basin, as well as various 360–300 Ma magmatic events within SW Fennoscandia and the Baltic countries
Abstract: Results from thermochronological studies have multiple applications to various problems in tectonics and landform evolution. However, up to now a lack of thermochronological data from the northeastern Fennoscandian Shield has complicated the interpretation of tectonothermal evolution of the region. Here, we use both new and previously published multimineral 40Ar/39Ar data (amphibole, mica, and feldspar) on the various Precambrian magmatic and metamorphic complexes to reconstruct the thermal history of NE Fennoscandia within the Kola Peninsula area in the interval 1900-360 Ma. Using the apatite fission track method as well as a numerical model of the heating-cooling process of northeastern Fennoscandia's upper crust, we have reconstructed its thermal evolution for the interval 360-0 Ma. According to our model, since Lapland-Kola orogenesis (1930-1905 Ma) northeastern Fennoscandia experienced a quasi-monotonous cooling with the average rate of ~0.15 °C/Myr, which is equal to an exhumation rate of ~1-2 m/Myr. New apatite fission track data and time-temperature modeling reveal a “hidden” endogenous thermal event in the NE Fennoscandia that took place between 360 and 300 Ma. This we attribute to an elevated geothermal gradient due to Baltica's drift over the African large low shear-wave velocity province in the lowest mantle and/or thermal blanketing by insulating Devonian-Carboniferous sedimentary/volcanic cover. Our model is further supported by evidence of Late Devonian-Carboniferous rifting in the East and South-Western Barents Basin, as well as various 360-300 Ma magmatic events within SW Fennoscandia and the Baltic countries.
Abstract: New data on the age of dolerite dikes in the NE part of the Kola province of the Fennoscandinavian shield and the picrodolerite sills that cut the dikes are presented. The results of U-Pb ID-TIMS baddeleyite dating indicate that dolerites were formed between 2508 ± 6 and 2513 ± 16 Ma ago, simultaneously with the intrusions of the Monchegorsk group. A comparison of the composition of the dolerites studied with dykes of the same age found in other Archean cratons shows their significant similarity and suggests their formation at the same large magmatic province. The age of baddeleyite from the picrodolerites sills at 2403 ± 12 Ma ago indicates an event of basic magmatism that was not previously established in this part of the Fennoscandinavian shield. It is possible that, along with dolerite dykes with an age of 2405 Ma and komatiites of the Vetreny belt of the Karelian craton, sills of the Kola province are a component of a unified large magmatic event.
Stratigraphy and Geological Correlation, Vol. 28, 1, pp. 1-34.
Europe, Fennoscandia
magmatism
Abstract: The comprehensive geochemical and isotopic-geochronological study of Early Proterozoic volcanic rocks in structure of the Polmak-Pechenga-Imandra-Varzuga belt and dikes and sills of the Murmansk and Kola-Norwegian terranes is conducted. Abundant swarms of mafic dikes (2.06-1.86 Ga) are established in the northwestern frame of the belt, including swarms of metadolerites (2060 ± 6 Ma), ferropicrites and gabbronorites (1983 ± 5 Ma), and poikilophitic dolerites (1860 ± 4 Ma). The comparison of volcanic rocks of the Pechenga and Imandra-Varzuga structures shows asynchronous change in volcanism style, with a significant time lapse. The geochemical features of volcanic rocks of the Tominga Formation are typical of those of continental magmatism and can hardly be correlated with those of the Pilguyarvi Formation. According to isotopic-geochronological data, depleted mantle melts in the Pechenga and Imandra-Varzuga zones intruded at 2010-1970 and 1970-1980 Ma, respectively. The analysis of the conditions of formation of volcanic series shows that Neoarchean lithospheric mantle, which produced melts with low Zr/Nb ratios, was a source for primary melts of the Kuetsjarvi Formation of the Pechenga structure and their homologs of the Imandra-Varzuga structure. In contrast, the volcanic rocks of the Kolasjoki Formation, which were weakly contaminated with crustal material, and the related Ilmozero Formation, as well as the metadolerite dikes of the Kirkenes region, were sourced mostly from asthenosphere with separation of melt above the garnet stability depth. The formation of the volcanic rocks of the Pilguyarvi Formation is related, judging from the geochemical data, to two asthenospheric sources different in depth, which produced tholeiitic and ferropicritic melts.
Abstract: New petrographic, geochemical, and isotopic (Sr, Nd, and d18?) data on olivine and pyroxene phenocrysts provide constraints on the composition and crustal evolution of primary melts of Paleoproterozoic (2.40 Ga) picrodoleritic sills in the northwest Kola province, Fennoscandian Shield. The picrodolerites form differentiated sills with S-shaped compositional profiles. Their chilled margins comprise porphyritic picrodolerite (upper margin) and olivine gabbronorite (bottom) with olivine and clinopyroxene phenocrysts. Analysis of the available data allows us to recognize three main stages in the crystallization of mineral assemblages. The central parts of large (up to 2 mm) olivine phenocrysts (Ol-1-C) crystallized at the early stage. This olivine (Mg# 85-92) is enriched in Ni (from 2845 to 3419 ppm), has stable Ni/Mg ratio, low Ti, Mn and Co concentrations, and contains tiny (up to 10 µm) diopside-spinel dendritic lamella that probably originated due to the exsolution from high Ca- and Cr- primary magmatic olivine. All these features of Ol-1-C are typical of olivine from primitive picritic and komatiitic magmas (De Hoog et al., 2010; Asafov et al., 2018). Ol-1-C contains large (up to 0.25 mm) crystalline inclusions of high-Al enstatite (Mg# 80-88) and clinopyroxene (Mg# 82-90), occasionally in association with Ti-pargasite and chromian spinel (60.4 wt.% Al2O3). These inclusions are regarded as microxenoliths of wall rock that were captured by primary melt at depths more than 30 km and preserved due to the conservation in magmatic olivine. The second stage was responsible for the crystallization of Ol-1 rim (Ol-1-R), small (up to 0.3 mm) olivine (Ol-2, Mg# 76-85) grains, and central parts of large (up to 1.5 mm) clinopyroxene (Cpx-C) phenocrysts in the mid-crustal transitional magma chamber (at a depth of 15-20 km) at 1160-1350°C. At the third stage, Cpx-C phenocrysts were overgrown by low-Mg rims (Mg# 70-72) similar in composition to the groundmass clinopyroxene from chilled picrodolerite and gabbro-dolerite in the central parts of the sills. This stage likely completed the evolution of picrodoleritic magma and occurred in the upper crust at a depth of about 5 km. All stages of picrodoleritic magma crystallization were accompanied by contamination. Primary melts were contaminated by upper mantle and/or lower crust as recognized from xenocrystic inclusions in Ol-1-C. The second contamination stage is supported by the negative values of eNd(2.40) = -1.1 in clinopyroxene phenocrysts. At the third stage, contamination likely occurred in the upper crust when ascending melts filled gentle fractures. This caused vertical whole-rock Nd heterogeneity in the sills (Erofeeva et al., 2019), and difference in Nd isotopic composition of clinopyroxene phenocrysts and doleritic groundmass. It was also recognized that residual evolved melts are enriched in radiogenic strontium but have neodymium isotopic composition similar to other samples. It could be explained by the interaction of the melts with fluid formed via decomposition of biotite from surrounding gneisses under the effect of high-temperature melts.
