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Cretaceous magmatism in the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia is related to lithospheric stretching during the late Early-early Late Cretaceous. The small amount of preserved igneous material is represented by small mafic intrusions. This study focuses on three localities, from east to west: Pajarito, Pacho, and Caceres. The investigated igneous bodies are classified as gabbros, pyroxene-hornblende-gabbros, and pyroxene-hornblendites mainly composed of plagioclase, clinopyroxene, and/or amphibole. Although their timing of emplacement and geodynamic position seem similar, significant differences in their geochemical and petrological characteristics rule out simple models of melt genesis. Clinopyroxene and bulk chemistry indicate increasing alkalinity from west to east. Trace element concentrations point to melt sources that range from a slightly enriched mantle in the west to a highly enriched one in the east. In addition, the data reflect a decreasing degree of partial melting from west to east and the decreasing importance of residual garnet in the mantle source. Probable mantle metasomatism in the source region by slab-derived fluids, as displayed by high Ba/Nb and moderate Sr-n/P-n, is clear in the west and very slight to the east. Mantle metasomatism and melt generation probably are processes of different epochs. The lack of large volumes of igneous rocks and the absence of tectonically controlled unconformities in the investigated areas indicate that a mantle plume did not affect the regional tectonics and magmatism. We favor a model of rift-related magmatism in which melt composition is modified from east to west from a highly enriched to a less enriched mantle region, the latter metasomatized by fluids derived from an older subduction phase. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved
The Big Naryn Complex (BNC) in the East Djetim-Too Range of the Kyrgyz Middle Tianshan block is a tectonized, at least 2 km thick sequence of predominantly felsic to intermediate volcanic rocks intruded by porphyric rhyolite sills. It overlies a basement of metamorphic rocks and is overlain by late Neoproterozoic Djetim-Too Formation sediments; these also occur as tectonic intercalations in the BNC. The up to ca. 1100 m thick Lower Member is composed of predominantly rhyolites-to-dacites and minor basalts, while the at least 900 m thick pyroclastic Upper Member is dominated by rhyolitic-to-dacitic ignimbrites. Porphyric rhyolite sills are concentrated at the top of the Lower Member. A Lower Member rhyolite and a sill sample have LA-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon crystallization ages of 726.1 +/- 2.2 Ma and 720.3 +/- 6.5 Ma, respectively, showing that most of the magmatism occurred within a short time span in the late Tonian-early Cryogenian. Inherited zircons in the sill sample have Neoarchean (2.63, 2.64 Ga), Paleo- (2.33-1.81 Ga), Meso- (1.55 Ga), and Neoproterozoic (ca. 815 Ma) ages, and were derived from a heterogeneous Kuilyu Complex basement. A 1751 +/- 7 Ma Ar-40/Ar-39 age for amphibole from metagabbro is the age of cooling subsequent to Paleoproterozoic metamorphism of the Kuilyu Complex. The large amount of pyroclastic rocks, and their major and trace element compositions, the presence of Neoarchean to Neoproterozoic inherited zircons and a depositional basement of metamorphic rocks point to formation of the BNC in a continental magmatic arc setting.
The Timpa delle Murge ophiolite in the North Calabrian Unit is part of the Liguride Complex (southern Apennines). The study is concentrated on the gabbroic part of the ophiolite of the Pollino area. They preserve the high-grade ocean floor metamorphic and locally developed flaser textures under ocean floor conditions. The primary magmatic assemblages are clinopyroxene, plagioclase, and opaques. Brown hornblende is a late magmatic phase. Green hornblende, actinolite, albite, chlorite and epidote display metamorphic recrystallization under lower amphibolite facies conditions, followed by greenschist facies. The gabbros show subalkaline near to alkaline character with a tendency to a more calkalkaline trend. The normalization to primitive mantle and mid-ocean ridge basalt (N-MORB) compositions indicates a considerable depletion in Nb, P, Zr and Ti and an enrichment in Ba, Rb, K, Sr and Eu. This points to a mantle source, which is not compatible with a "normal" mid-ocean ridge situation. Rather, the gabbros are generated from a N-MORB-like melt with a strong crustal component, which was influenced by subduction related fluids and episodic melting during mid-ocean-ridge processes. Plausible geodynamic settings of the Timpa delle Murge gabbros are oceanic back-arc positions with embryonic MORB-activities. Similar slab contaminated magmatism is also known from the early stage of island arc formation in supra-subduction zone environments like the Izu-Bonin-Mariana island arc.
The Devonian Las Chacras-Potrerillos batholith comprises six nested monzonitic to granitic intrusions with metaluminous to weakly peraluminous composition and a Sr-Nd isotopic signature indicating a dominantly juvenile mantle-derived source. The chemically most evolved units in the southern batholith contain a large number of intra-granitic, pod-shaped tourmaline-bearing pegmatites. This study uses in situ chemical and boron isotopic analyses of tourmaline from nine of these pegmatites to discuss their relationship to the respective host intrusions and the implications of their B-isotope composition for the source and evolution of the magmas. The tourmalines reveal a diversity in element composition (e.g., FeO, MgO, TiO2, CaO, MnO, F) which distinguishes individual pegmatites from one another. However, all have a narrow 5 11 B range of -13.7 to -10.5%0 (n = 100) which indicates a relatively uniform magmatic system and similar temperature conditions during tourmaline crystallization. The average delta(11) B value of -11.7%0 is typical for S-type granites and is within the range reported for peraluminous granites. pegmatites, and metamorphic units of the Ordovician basement into which the Las Chacras-Potrerillos batholith intruded. The B-isotope evidence argues for a crustal boron source like that of the Ordovician basement, in contrast to the metaluminous to weakly peraluminous composition and juvenile initial Sr and Nd isotope ratios of the Las Chacras-Potrerillos batholith magmas. We propose that the boron was not derived from the magma source region but was incorporated from dehydration melting of elastic metasedimentary rocks higher up in the crustal column.
The numerous applications of rare earth elements (REE) has lead to a growing global demand and to the search for new REE deposits. One promising technique for exploration of these deposits is laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Among a number of advantages of the technique is the possibility to perform on-site measurements without sample preparation. Since the exploration of a deposit is based on the analysis of various geological compartments of the surrounding area, REE-bearing rock and soil samples were analyzed in this work. The field samples are from three European REE deposits in Sweden and Norway. The focus is on the REE cerium, lanthanum, neodymium and yttrium. Two different approaches of data analysis were used for the evaluation. The first approach is univariate regression (UVR). While this approach was successful for the analysis of synthetic REE samples, the quantitative analysis of field samples from different sites was influenced by matrix effects. Principal component analysis (PCA) can be used to determine the origin of the samples from the three deposits. The second approach is based on multivariate regression methods, in particular interval PLS (iPLS) regression. In comparison to UVR, this method is better suited for the determination of REE contents in heterogeneous field samples. View Full-Text
Pseudotachylitic breccia (PTB) in the form of cm-wide melt breccia veinlets locally occurs on the exposed central uplift of the 380Ma Siljan impact structure. The host rock to the PTBs is the so-called Jarna granite of quartz monzonitic to syenodioritic composition. The nearly 603m long BH-5 drill core from Hattberg, near the centre of the Siljan central uplift, contains numerous veins and pods of PTB. In particular, two major zones of 60m combined width contain extensive PTB network breccias (30% actual melt breccia component), with individual melt breccia occurrences up to >1m in length. Core logging and petrographic and geochemical analysis of the core have been performed, and the data are interpreted to suggest the following. (1) The impact event caused low to moderate (at essentially <20GPa) shock deformation in the host rock and in clasts of this lithology within the PTB. (2) Macroscopic deformation of the basement mainly comprises fracturing, with only localised cataclasis. (3) No evidence for shock melting (i.e. compression/decompression melting early in the cratering process) could be observed. (4) Optical and scanning electron microscopy showed that dark PTB contains a definite melt component. (5) Shearing has significantly affected this part of the central uplift, but its effects are limited to very short displacements and likely did not result in extensive melting. (6) A frictional heating component upon melt generation can, however, not be excluded, as many PTB samples contain clasts of a mafic (gabbroic) component, although only in one place along the entire core, a 1.2cm-wide section through such material in direct contact to host rock was observed. Consequently, we suggest that, upon uplift in the central part of the impact structure, considerable melt volumes were generated locally, especially in areas that had been affected by extensive cataclasis and where grain size comminution favoured melt formation. Rapid decompression related to central uplift formation is the preferred process for the generation of the PTB melt breccias.
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in NW Colombia is an isolated massif at the northernmost end of the Andes chain near the boundary with the Caribbean plate. Previous geologic mapping and K-Ar dating have shown that Jurassic plutonic and volcanic units make up a large part of the Santa Marta Massif (SMM). These rocks have been considered to be part of a Jurassic magmatic arc extending from NW Colombia to northern Chile, but without any geochemical basis for comparison. This paper reports on a geochemical and Sr-Nd-Pb isotope study of the Jurassic rocks in the SMM and provides 12 new U-Pb zircon ages from in-situ laser ICP-MS dating. The plutonic and volcanic units span a range from 45 to 78 wt.% SiO2, with a dominance of intermediate to felsic compositions with SiO2 > 57 wt.%. They classify as calc-alkaline, medium to high-K, metaluminous rocks with trace-element features typical for arc-derived magma series. In terms of their major and trace-element compositions, the SMM Jurassic units overlap with contemporary plutonic and volcanic rocks from other regions of the Central and Eastern Cordilleras of Colombia, and confirm an arc affinity. The new U-Pb ages range from 176 +/- 1 Ma to 192 +/- 2 Ma (n = 12), with most between 180 and 188 Ma (n = 7). The initial Sr isotope ratios (at 180 Ma) are between 0.7012 and 0.7071 (n = 29), with 3 outliers attributed to mobilization of Rb and/or Sr, Nearly all samples have negative( )epsilon Nd-(180) values between - 10.3 and 0.0 (n = 30), the two exceptions being only slightly positive (1.1 and 1.9). Measured Pb isotope ratios fall in a narrow range, with Pb-206/Pb-204 from 18.02 to 19.95, (207) Pb/(204) Pb from 15.56 to 15.67 and Pb-208/Pb-204 from 37.76 to 39.04 (n = 28). In the regional context of previous studies, these results confirm early Jurassic ages and an arc affinity for the widespread magmatism exposed in the eastern and northeastern Colombian Andes. We also note patterns in the distribution and composition of magmas. The magmatic activity in the Central Cordillera tends to be younger than in the Eastern Cordillera and is spatially more restricted to the vicinity of regional fault systems. In terms of composition, Jurassic igneous rocks in the Eastern Cordillera have systematically lower epsilon Nd-(180) values than those from the Central Cordillera, whereas the Pb isotope ratios overlap. We ascribe the Nd isotope variations to heterogeneity in the mantle source and/or degree of crustal contamination, whereas the Pb isotope ratios are crust-dominated and similar throughout the region. The spatio-temporal and compositional evolution of Jurassic magmatic rocks in the Northern Andes reflect the major plate kinematic readjustment between the Triassic and the Early Jurassic in the proto-Andean margin.
The Andean Plateau of NW Argentina is a prominent example of a high-elevation orogenic plateau characterized by internal drainage, arid to hyper-arid climatic conditions and a compressional basin-and-range morphology comprising thick sedimentary basins. However, the development of the plateau as a geomorphic entity is not well understood. Enhanced orographic rainout along the eastern, windward plateau flank causes reduced fluvial run-off and thus subdued surface-process rates in the arid hinterland. Despite this, many Puna basins document a complex history of fluvial processes that have transformed the landscape from aggrading basins with coalescing alluvial fans to the formation of multiple fluvial terraces that are now abandoned. Here, we present data from the San Antonio de los Cobres (SAC) area, a sub-catchment of the Salinas Grandes Basin located on the eastern Puna Plateau bordering the externally drained Eastern Cordillera. Our data include: (a) new radiometric U-Pb zircon data from intercalated volcanic ash layers and detrital zircons from sedimentary key horizons; (b) sedimentary and geochemical provenance indicators; (c) river profile analysis; and (d) palaeo-landscape reconstruction to assess aggradation, incision and basin connectivity. Our results suggest that the eastern Puna margin evolved from a structurally controlled intermontane basin during the Middle Miocene, similar to intermontane basins in the Mio-Pliocene Eastern Cordillera and the broken Andean foreland. Our refined basin stratigraphy implies that sedimentation continued during the Late Mio-Pliocene and the Quaternary, after which the SAC area was subjected to basin incision and excavation of the sedimentary fill. Because this incision is unrelated to baselevel changes and tectonic processes, and is similar in timing to the onset of basin fill and excavation cycles of intermontane basins in the adjacent Eastern Cordillera, we suspect a regional climatic driver, triggered by the Mid-Pleistocene Climate Transition, caused the present-day morphology. Our observations suggest that lateral orogenic growth, aridification of orogenic interiors, and protracted plateau sedimentation are all part of a complex process chain necessary to establish and maintain geomorphic characteristics of orogenic plateaus in tectonically active mountain belts.
The Sabzevar ophiolites mark the Neotethys suture in east-north-central Iran. The Sabzevar metamorphic rocks, as part of the Cretaceous Sabzevar ophiolitic complex, consist of blueschist, amphibolite and greenschist. The Sabzevar blueschists contain sodic amphibole, epidote, phengite, calcite +/- A omphacite +/- A quartz. The epidote amphibolite is composed of sodic-calcic amphibole, epidote, albite, phengite, quartz +/- A omphacite, ilmenite and titanite. The greenschist contains chlorite, plagioclase and pyrite, as main minerals. Thermobarometry of a blueschist yields a pressure of 13-15.5 kbar at temperatures of 420-500 A degrees C. Peak metamorphic temperature/depth ratios were low (similar to 12 A degrees C/km), consistent with metamorphism in a subduction zone. The presence of epidote in the blueschist shows that the rocks were metamorphosed entirely within the epidote stability field. Amphibole schist samples experienced pressures of 5-7 kbar and temperatures between 450 and 550 A degrees C. The presence of chlorite, actinolite, biotite and titanite indicate greenschist facies metamorphism. Chlorite, albite and biotite replacing garnet or glaucophane suggests temperatures of > 300 A degrees C for greenschist facies. The formation of high-pressure metamorphic rocks is related to north-east-dipping subduction of the Neotethys oceanic crust and subsequent closure during lower Eocene between the Central Iranian Micro-continent and Eurasia (North Iran).
EnGeoMAP 2.0-Automated Hyperspectral Mineral Identification for the German EnMAP Space Mission
(2016)
Algorithms for a rapid analysis of hyperspectral data are becoming more and more important with planned next generation spaceborne hyperspectral missions such as the Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program (EnMAP) and the Japanese Hyperspectral Imager Suite (HISUI), together with an ever growing pool of hyperspectral airborne data. The here presented EnGeoMAP 2.0 algorithm is an automated system for material characterization from imaging spectroscopy data, which builds on the theoretical framework of the Tetracorder and MICA (Material Identification and Characterization Algorithm) of the United States Geological Survey and of EnGeoMAP 1.0 from 2013. EnGeoMAP 2.0 includes automated absorption feature extraction, spatio-spectral gradient calculation and mineral anomaly detection. The usage of EnGeoMAP 2.0 is demonstrated at the mineral deposit sites of Rodalquilar (SE-Spain) and Haib River (S-Namibia) using HyMAP and simulated EnMAP data. Results from Hyperion data are presented as supplementary information.
New tools and algorithms for geological femote Sensing are developed and verified at test sites throughout the world in preparation of the German hyperspectral satellite Mission (EnMAP), which is an Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program. The aggeneys Cu-Pb-Zn deposit, situated in the arid north western part of South Africa, represents a unique field laboratory for testing these new tools. Here spaceborne hyperspectral data covering the Swartberg, and hyperspectral spaceborne data can be demonkrated, such as the Iron Feature Depth index (IFD), which has recently been proposed for mine waste mapping in the North West Province of South Africa and for gossan detection at Haib River in South Namibia. The work presented here explores the potential of the IFD for gossan mapping and characterization at Gamsberg and Big Syncline, from EO-1 ALI and Landsat-8 OLI data together with mineral maps from expert systems such as the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Material Identification and Characterization Algorithm (MICA), and first results from EnMAPs EnGeoMAP algorithm. Field spectroscopic measurements and field sampling were carried out to validate and calibrate the results from the expert systems and the IFD. This ground truthing is a necessary complementary step to link the results from the expert systems and the IFD to in-situ field spectroscopy. Future mineral exploration initiatives may benefit from the techniques described here, because they can significantly narrow the expensive, exploration activities such as hyperspectral airborne data, field activities and drilling, by identifying the most promising mineral anomalies in an area from the spaceborne data.
Britholite group minerals (REE,Ca)(5)[(Si,P)O-4](3)(OH,F) are widespread rare-earth minerals in alkaline rocks and their associated metasomatic zones, where they usually are minor accessory phases. An exception is the REE deposit Rodeo de los Molles, Central Argentina, where fluorbritholite-(Ce) (FBri) is the main carrier of REE and is closely intergrown with fluorapatite (FAp). These minerals reach an abundance of locally up to 75 modal% (FBri) and 20 modal% (FAp) in the vein mineralizations. The Rodeo de los Molles deposit is hosted by a fenitized monzogranite of the Middle Devonian Las Chacras-Potrerillos batholith. The REE mineralization consists of fluorbritholite-(Ce), britholite-(Ce), fluorapatite, allanite-(Ce), and REE fluorcarbonates, and is associated with hydrothermal fluorite, quartz, albite, zircon, and titanite. The REE assemblage takes two forms: irregular patchy shaped REE-rich composites and discrete cross-cutting veins. The irregular composites are more common, but here fluorbritholite-(Ce) is mostly replaced by REE carbonates. The vein mineralization has more abundant and better-preserved britholite phases. The majority of britholite grains at Rodeo de los Molles are hydrothermally altered, and alteration is strongly enhanced by metamictization, which is indicated by darkening of the mineral, loss of birefringence, porosity, and volume changes leading to polygonal cracks in and around altered grains. A detailed electron microprobe study of apatite-britholite minerals from Rodeo de los Molles revealed compositional variations in fluorapatite and fluorbritholite-(Ce) consistent with the coupled substitution of REE3+ + Si4+ = Ca2+ + P5+ and a compositional gap of similar to 4 apfu between the two phases, which we interpret as a miscibility gap. Micrometer-scale intergrowths of fluorapatite in fluorbritholite-(Ce) minerals and vice versa are chemically characterized here for the first time and interpreted as exsolution textures that formed during cooling below the proposed solvus.
The Cumbres Calchaquies Range forms part of the Famatinian metamorphic basement of the Eastern Sierras Pampeanas. The sedimentary protoliths of the metamorphic sequence were deposited in a marine basin alongside the western margin of Gondwana during the Neoproterozoic. New petrologic, geochemical and thermobarometric data give insight into the evolution of the sedimentary basin, its sediment source area, its later metamorphic overprint and its regional relationship to other parts of the Famatinian basement. The metamorphic series studied here consists of banded schists and gneisses and rare calcsilcate-rocks and migmatites that have been reworked by mid-to deep-crustal metamorphic and tectonic processes. The bulk rock compositions indicate shale, wacke, marl and litharenitic protoliths. The metamorphosed elastic sediments have major and trace element compositions indicating a continental granitoid-dominated source area with low sediment recycling. Low SiO2/Al2O3 ratios suggest a relatively low maturity of the sedimentary protoliths. Therefore, the Cumbres Calchaquies section represents a sequence of turbidity currents with progressive shallowing of the depositional environment, as indicated by quartz- and carbonate-rich sediments. The overall data are consistent with the geodynamic environment of a basin adjacent to a continental magmatic arc as the most probable scenario. Whereas the sedimentary protoliths of the metamorphic basement in the Sierra de Ancasti and Sierra de Aconquija, located ca 100-300 km south of the study area are interpreted as originating in an evolving back-arc basin, our results from the Cumbres Calchaquies region indicate a sedimentary source in a felsic continental arc with no significant influx of basic rocks. The Famatinian metamorphic evolution of the Cumbres Calchaquies rocks is of typical Barrow-type, culminating in partial melting of the metasediments. Conventional thermobarometry combined with thermodynamic models (pseudosections) reveal a prograde evolution reaching peak conditions of ca 665 degrees C/6.1 Kbar. This implies a geothermal gradient of ca 35 degrees C/km, which is slightly higher than the average for continental crust and suggests a period of crustal thinning, as known from back-arc basins, or additional heat supply by voluminous intrusions.
Mineral resource exploration and mining is an essential part of today's high-tech industry. Elements such as rare-earth elements (REEs) and copper are, therefore, in high demand. Modern exploration techniques from multiple platforms (e.g., spaceborne and airborne), to detect and map the spectral characteristics of the materials of interest, require spectral libraries as an essential reference. They include field and laboratory spectral information in combination with geochemical analyses for validation. Here, we present a collection of REE- and copper-related hyperspectral spectra with associated geochemical information. The libraries contain reflectance spectra from rare-earth element oxides, REE-bearing minerals, copper-bearing minerals and mine surface samples from the Apliki copper-gold-pyrite mine in the Republic of Cyprus. The samples were measured with the HySpex imaging spectrometers in the visible and near infrared (VNIR) and shortwave infrared (SWIR) range (400-2500 nm). The geochemical validation of each sample is provided with the reflectance spectra. The spectral libraries are openly available to assist future mineral mapping campaigns and laboratory spectroscopic analyses. The spectral libraries and corresponding geochemistry are published via GFZ Data Services with the following DOIs: https://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.1.4.2019.004 (13 REE-bearing minerals and 16 oxide powders, Koerting et al., 2019a), https://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.1.4.2019.003 (20 copper-bearing minerals, Koellner et al., 2019), and https://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.1.4.2019.005 (37 copper-bearing surface material samples from the Apliki coppergold-pyrite mine in Cyprus, Koerting et al., 2019b). All spectral libraries are united and comparable by the internally consistent method of hyperspectral data acquisition in the laboratory.
The Archean spherule layers (SLs) of the Barberton Greenstone Belt (BGB, South Africa) and Pilbara Craton (Australia) are the only known evidence of early, large impact events on Earth. Spherules in these layers have been, alternatively, interpreted as molten impact ejecta, condensation products from an impact vapor cloud, or ejecta from impact craters melted during atmospheric re-entry. Recently, a new exploration drill core (CT3) from the northern BGB revealed 17 SL intersections. Spherules are densely packed, sand-sized, and variably rounded or deformed. The CT3 SLs are intercalated with black and brown shale, and laminated chert. The determination of the original number of impact events that are represented by these multiple SLs is central to the present paper. A comprehensive study of the sedimentary and petrographic characteristics of these SLs involved the determination of the size, shape and types of individual spherules, as well as their mineralogy. CT3 SLs consist of K-feldspar, phyllosilicate, siderite, dolomite, quartz, Ti- and Fe-oxides, as well as apatite. In addition, small amounts of carbonaceous, presumably organic material are observed in several spherules at 145 and 149 m depth. Only Ni-rich Cr-spinel (up to 11 wt% NiO) crystals, rare zircon grains, and alloys of platinum group elements ± Fe or Ni represent primary phases in these thoroughly altered strata. The 0.3 to 2.6-mm-sized spherules can be classified into four types: 1. Spherules crystallized completely with secondary K-feldspar (subtype 1A) or phyllosilicate (subtype 1B); spherules completely filled with Ti- and Fe-oxides (subtype 1C); spherules containing disordered or radially oriented, fibrous and lath-shaped K-feldspar textures (subtype 1D); or subtype 1B spherules that contain significant Cr-spinel (subtype 1E); 2. zoned compositions with these types 1A and/or 1B minerals (subtype 2A); spherules that contain central or marginal vesicles (subtype 2B); subtype 1B spherules whose rims consist of Ti and Fe-oxides (subtype 2C); 3. deformed spherules (subtype 3A) - of all types; (B) subtype 1B spherules are assimilated into groundmass; (C) open spherules or spherules with collapsed rims; and 4. interconnected spherules of type 1A.
A few spherules show botryoidal devitrification textures interpreted to result from rapid cooling/devitrification of former melt droplets. SL 15 at a depth of 145 m is unique in being the only grain-size sorted SL; this bed may have been deposited by fallout through a water column. The SL and their host rocks can be easily distinguished by their significant differences in micro-XRF elemental distribution maps. Depending on which aspects of the SLs are primarily considered (such as similar geochemistry, similar layering, SL occurrences abundant at three different depth intervals), the 17 CT3 SLs can be assigned to three or up to 13 individual impact events. Uncertainty about the actual number of impact events represented remains, however, due to the complex folding deformation observed throughout the drill core.
The Takab complex is composed of a variety of metamorphic rocks including amphibolites, metapelites, mafic granulites, migmatites and meta-ultramafics, which are intruded by the granitoid. The granitoid magmatic activity occurred in relation to the subduction of the Neo-Tethys oceanic crust beneath the Iranian crust during Tertiary times. The granitoids are mainly granodiorite, quartz monzodiorite, monzonite and quartz diorite. Chemically, the magmatic rocks are characterized by ASI < 1.04, AI < 0.87 and high contents of CaO (up to similar to 14.5 wt %), which are consistent with the I-type magmatic series. Low FeO(t)/(FeO(t)+MgO) values (< 0.75) as well as low Nb, Y and K(2)O contents of the investigated rocks resemble the calc-alkaline series. Low SiO(2), K(2)O/Na(2)O and Al(2)O(3) accompanied by high CaO and FeO contents indicate melting of metabasites as an appropriate source for the intrusions. Negative Ti and Nb anomalies verify a metaluminous crustal origin for the protoliths of the investigated igneous rocks. These are comparable with compositions of the associated mafic migmatites, in the Takab metamorphic complex, which originated from the partial melting of amphibolites. Therefore, crustal melting and a collision-related origin for the Takab calc-alkaline intrusions are proposed here on the basis of mineralogy and geochemical characteristics. The P-T evolution during magmatic crystallization and subsolidus cooling stages is determined by the study of mineral chemistry of the granodiorite and the quartz diorite. Magmatic crystallization pressure and temperature for the quartz-diorite and the granodiorite are estimated to be P similar to 7.8 +/- 2.5 kbar, T similar to 760 +/- 75 degrees C and P similar to 5 +/- 1 kbar, T similar to 700 degrees C, respectively. Subsolidus conditions are consistent with temperatures of similar to 620 degrees C and similar to 600 degrees C, and pressures of similar to 5 kbar and similar to 3.5 kbar for the quartz-diorite and the granodiorite, respectively.
The Eastern Sierras Pampeanas are mainly composed of Neoproterozoic-early Palaeozoic metamorphic complexes whose protoliths were sedimentary sequences deposited along the western margin of Gondwana. South of the Sierra de Aconquija, Eastern Sierras Pampeanas, a voluminous metamorphic complex crops out. It is mainly composed of schists, gneisses, marbles, calk-silicate schists, thin layers of amphibolites intercalated with the marbles and granitic veins. The new data correlate the Sierra de Aconquija with others metamorphic units that crop out to the south, at the middle portion of the Sierra de Ancasti. Bulk rock composition reflects originally shales, iron rich shales, wackes, minor litharenites and impure limestones as its protoliths. Moreover, comparisons with the northern Sierra de Aconquija and from La Majada (Sierra de Ancasti) show similar composition. Amphibolites have a basaltic precursor, like those from the La Majada (Sierra de Ancasti) ones. The analyzed metamorphic sequence reflects low to moderate weathering conditions in the sediments source environment and their chemical composition would be mainly controlled by the tectonic setting of the sedimentary basin rather than by the secondary sorting and reworking of older deposits. The sediments composition reveal relatively low maturity, nevertheless the Fe - shale and the litharenite show a tendency of minor maturity among them. The source is related to an acid one for the litharenite protolith and a more basic to intermediate for the other rocks, suggesting a main derivation from intermediate to felsic orogen. The source of the Fe shales may be related to and admixture of the sediments with basic components. Overall the composition point to an upper continental crust as the dominant sediment source for most of the metasedimentary rocks. The protolith of the amphibolites have basic precursors, related to an evolving back-arc basin. The chemical data in combination with the specific sediment association (wackes, shales, Fe-shales and minor litharenites) are characteristic for turbidity currents deposits along tectonically active region. They are also commonly associated with calcareous clays (marbles), commonly observed in the evolution of basins with slope and shelf derived carbonate turbidites. The amphibolites members are probably derived from lava-flows synchronous with the sedimentation during the basin evolution. The basin was controlled by a continental island arc possible evolving to a back-arc setting, as indicated for the mixed nature of the inferred source. The metasedimentary sequence from the Cuesta de La Chilca have petrographic, structural and strong chemical similarities, building a north-south striking belt from the north of the Sierra de Aconquija and to the south along the Sierra de Ancasti (La Majada area). The observed similarities allow to present this portion of the Eastern Sierras Pampeanas as a crustal block that records the sedimentary sequences developed along the geodynamic context of the southwestern margin of Gondwana during the Neoproterozoic and Early Palaeozoic. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
In this study we present a novel method for the automatic detection of minerals and elements using hyperspectral transmittance imaging microscopy measurements of complete thin sections (HyperTIM).
This is accomplished by using a hyperspectral camera system that operates in the visible and near-infrared (VNIR) range with a specifically designed sample holder, scanning setup, and a microscope lens.
We utilize this method on a monazite ore thin section from Steenkampskraal (South Africa), which we analyzed for the rare earth element (REE)-bearing mineral monazite ((Ce,Nd,La)PO4), with high concentrations of Nd. The transmittance analyses with the hyperspectral VNIR camera can be used to identify REE minerals and Nd in thin sections.
We propose a three-point band depth index, the Nd feature depth index (NdFD), and its related product the Nd band depth index (NdBDI), which enables automatic mineral detection and classification for the Nd-bearing monazites in thin sections. In combination with the average concentration of the relative Nd content, it permits a destruction-free, total concentration calculation for Nd across the entire thin section.
The paper presents the first study of heavy-mineral sand beaches from the Mediterranean coast of Annaba/Algeria. The studied beaches run along the basement outcrops of the Edough massif, which are mainly composed by micaschists, tourmaline-rich quartzo-feldspathic veins, gneisses, skarns and marbles. Sand samples were taken from three localities (Ain Achir, Plage-Militaire and El Nasr). The heavy-mineral fraction comprises between 74 and 91 vol%. The garnets of the beaches are almandine rich and tourmalines vary with respect to their location from schorl to dravite. Tourmaline at Ain Achir and the Plage-Militaire is schorlits, while at El Nasr beach dravite is ubiquitous. The World Shale Average normalised REE of the sands and the basement outcrops reveal: (i) Ain Achir beach: REE pattern of sand and the coastal rocks from the studied beaches reflects a multiple sources; (ii) Plage-Militaire: the sand and the coastal outcrops show similar LREE and a strong enrichment in HREE, suggesting the presence HREE-rich phases found as inclusions in staurolite; (iii) El Nasr: two types of sand patterns are found: one with flat REE pattern similar to the proximal rocks and other one enriched in HREE suggesting a mixed source.
Hyperspectral REE (Rare Earth Element) Mapping of Outcrops-Applications for Neodymium Detection
(2015)
In this study, an in situ application for identifying neodymium (Nd) enriched surface materials that uses multitemporal hyperspectral images is presented (HySpex sensor). Because of the narrow shape and shallow absorption depth of the neodymium absorption feature, a method was developed for enhancing and extracting the necessary information for neodymium from image spectra, even under illumination conditions that are not optimal. For this purpose, the two following approaches were developed: (1) reducing noise and analyzing changing illumination conditions by averaging multitemporal image scenes and (2) enhancing the depth of the desired absorption band by deconvolving every image spectrum with a Gaussian curve while the rest of the spectrum remains unchanged (Richardson-Lucy deconvolution). To evaluate these findings, nine field samples from the Fen complex in Norway were analyzed using handheld X-ray fluorescence devices and by conducting detailed laboratory-based geochemical rare earth element determinations. The result is a qualitative outcrop map that highlights zones that are enriched in neodymium. To reduce the influences of non-optimal illumination, particularly at the studied site, a minimum of seven single acquisitions is required. Sharpening the neodymium absorption band allows for robust mapping, even at the outer zones of enrichment. From the geochemical investigations, we found that iron oxides decrease the applicability of the method. However, iron-related absorption bands can be used as secondary indicators for sulfidic ore zones that are mainly enriched with rare earth elements. In summary, we found that hyperspectral spectroscopy is a noninvasive, fast and cost-saving method for determining neodymium at outcrop surfaces.
Undifferentiated meteorites, like primitive chondrites, can contain presolar and solar nebula materials which would provide information about the origin and initial conditions of the solar system, whereas differentiated meteorites like iron meteorites, can show early phases of planetary accretion. They also provide the possibility to receive information about core properties and planetary bodies. In addition to the gain in such fundamental scientific knowledge both types are of interest for the exploration of critical raw materials (CRMs) and precious elements.
The Santa Rosa de Viterbo meteorite shower, discovered 1810 in the Boyaca province of Colombia, represents a typical iron-nickel meteorite. The present study presents new structural, textural and geochemical results of one fragment of this meteorite, using reflecting microscopy, electron probe micro analyses (EPMA) and electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The present study presents trace element concentrations of the meteorite's minerals for the first time.
The sample is dominated by kamacite (alpha-FeNi). Schreibersite (FeNi3P), taenite (gamma-FeNi) and plessite (mixture of kamacite and taenite) are minor constituents. The occurrence of cohenite ((Fe,Ni,Co)(3)C) and troilite (FeS) are likely. The meteorite sample contains classical Neuman bands passing through kamacite and frequent Widmanstadtten pattern. The bandwidth of kamacite defines the meteorite as finest octahedrite. Geochemically, it is characterized as a "Type IC meteorite".
While improving the characterization and classification of the Santa Rosa de Viterbo Iron Meteorite, notable concentrations of Au (>400 ppm) and Ge (>230 ppm) alongside major elements such as Fe, Ni and Co in the bulk composition of that meteorite, were proven. Major and rock-forming minerals such as kamacite and taenite incorporate hundreds of ppm of Ge whereas schreibersite, itself a minor component in that particular meteorite, is the major source for Au (>1400 ppm). In kamacite and taenite also Ir, Pd and Ga were found in minor amounts. Nano-scale inclusions or atomic clusters called nano-nuggets may have been responsible for the high concentrations of Au, Ir, Pd and Ga. Raman and Laser-induced plasma spectroscopes installed in in space probes seems suitable exploration methods for Fe-Ni meteorites, containing Ni-concentrations > 5.8 wt% defining the meteorite as octaedrites.
Its properties make copper one of the world’s most important functional metals. Numerous megatrends are increasing the demand for copper. This requires the prospection and exploration of new deposits, as well as the monitoring of copper quality in the various production steps. A promising technique to perform these tasks is Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). Its unique feature, among others, is the ability to measure on site without sample collection and preparation. In this work, copper-bearing minerals from two different deposits are studied. The first set of field samples come from a volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposit, the second part from a stratiform sedimentary copper (SSC) deposit. Different approaches are used to analyze the data. First, univariate regression (UVR) is used. However, due to the strong influence of matrix effects, this is not suitable for the quantitative analysis of copper grades. Second, the multivariate method of partial least squares regression (PLSR) is used, which is more suitable for quantification. In addition, the effects of the surrounding matrices on the LIBS data are characterized by principal component analysis (PCA), alternative regression methods to PLSR are tested and the PLSR calibration is validated using field samples.
Pseudotachylyte veins frequently associated with mylonites and ultramylonites occur within migmatitic paragneisses, metamonzodiorites, as well as felsic and mafic granulites at the base of the section of the Hercynian lower crust exposed in Calabria (Southern Italy). The crustal section is tectonically superposed on lower grade units. Ultramylonites and pseudotachylytes are particularly well developed in migmatitic paragneisses, whereas sparse fault-related pseudotachylytes and thin mylonite/ultramylonite bands occur in granulite-facies rocks. The presence of sillimanite and clinopyroxene in ultramylonites and mylonites indicates that relatively high-temperature conditions preceded the formation of pseudotachylytes. We have analysed pseudotachylytes from different rock types to ascertain their deep crustal origin and to better understand the relationships between brittle and ductile processes during deformation of the deeper crust. Different protoliths were selected to test how lithology controls pseudotachylyte composition and textures. In migmatites and felsic granulites, euhedral or cauliflower-shaped garnets directly crystallized from pseudotachylyte melts of near andesitic composition. This indicates that pseudotachylytes originated at deep crustal conditions (> 0.75 GPa). In mafic protoliths, quenched needle-to-feather-shaped high-alumina orthopyroxene occurs in contact with newly crystallized plagioclase. The pyroxene crystallizes in garnet-free and garnet-bearing veins. The simultaneous growth of orthopyroxene and plagioclase as well as almandine, suggests lower crustal origin, with pressures in excess of 0.85 GPa. The existence of melts of different composition in the same vein indicates the stepwise, non-equilibrium conditions of frictional melting. Melt formed and intruded into pre-existing anisotropies. In mafic granulites, brittle faulting is localized in a previously formed thin high-temperature mylonite bands. migmatitic gneisses are deformed into ultramylonite domains characterized by s-c fabric. Small grain size and fluids lowered the effective stress on the c planes favouring a seismic event and the consequent melt generation. Microstructures and ductile deformation of pseudotachylytes suggest continuous ductile flow punctuated by episodes of high-strain rate, leading to seismic events and melting.
The Garzn Complex of the Garzn Massif in SW Colombia is composed of the Vergel Granulite Unit (VG) and the Las Margaritas Migmatite Unit (LMM). Previous studies reveal peak temperature conditions for the VG of about 740 A degrees C. The present study considers the remarkable exsolution phenomena in feldspars and pyroxenes and titanium-in-quartz thermometry. Recalculated ternary feldspar compositions indicate temperatures around 900-1,000 A degrees C just at or above the ultra-high temperature-metamorphism (UHTM) boundary of granulites. The calculated temperatures range of exsolved ortho- and clinopyroxenes also supports the existence of an UHTM event. In addition, titanium-in-quartz thermometry points towards ultra-high temperatures. It is the first known UHTM crustal segment in the northern part of South America. Although a mean geothermal gradient of ca 38 A degrees C km(-1) could imply additional heat supply in the lower crust controlling this extreme of peak metamorphism, an alternative model is suggested. The formation of the Vergel Granulite Unit is supposed to be formed in a continental back-arc environment with a thinned and weakened crust behind a magmatic arc (Guapotn-Mancagua Gneiss) followed by collision. In contrast, rocks of the adjacent Las Margaritas Migmatite Unit display "normal" granulite facies temperatures and are formed in a colder lower crust outside the arc, preserved by the Guapotn-Mancagu Gneiss. Back-arc formation was followed by inversion and thickening of the basin. The three units that form the modern-day Garzn Massif, were juxtaposed upon each other during collision (at ca. 1,000 Ma) and exhumation. The collision leading to the deformation of the studied area is part of the Grenville orogeny leading to the amalgamation of Rodinia.
The present work gives a detailed analysis of the metamorphic and structural evolution of the back-arc portion of the Famatinian Orogen exposed in the southern Sierra de Aconquija (Cuesta de La Chilca segment) in the Sierras Pampeanas Orientales (Eastern Pampean Sierras). The Pampeanas Orientales include from north to south the Aconquija, Ambato and Ancasti mountains. They are mainly composed of middle to high grade metasedimentary units and magmatic rocks.
At the south end of the Sierra de Aconquija, along an east to west segment extending over nearly 10 km (Cuesta de La Chilca), large volumes of metasedimentary rocks crop out. The eastern metasediments were defined as members of the El Portezuelo Metamorphic-Igneous Complex (EPMIC) or Eastern block and the western ones relate to the Quebrada del Molle Metamorphic Complex (QMMC) or Western block. The two blocks are divided by the La Chilca Shear Zone, which is reactivated as the Rio Chanarito fault.
The EPMIC, forming the hanging wall, is composed of schists, gneisses and rare amphibolites, calc- silicate schists, marbles and migmatites. The rocks underwent multiple episodes of deformation and a late high strain-rate episode with gradually increasing mylonitization to the west. Metamorphism progrades from a M-1 phase to the peak M-3, characterized by the reactions: Qtz + Pl + Bt +/- Ms -> Grt + Bt(2) + Pl(2) +/- Sil +/- Kfs, Qtz + Bt + Sil -> Crd + Kfs and Qtz + Grt + Sil -> Crd. The M-3 assemblage is coeval with the dominant foliation related to a third deformational phase (D-3).
The QMMC, forming the foot wall, is made up of fine-grained banded quartz - biotite schists with quartz veins and quartz-feldspar-rich pegmatites. To the east, schists are also overprinted by mylonitization. The M-3 peak assemblage is quartz + biotite + plagioclase +/- garnet +/- sillimanite +/- muscovite +/- ilmenite +/- magnetite +/- apatite.
The studied segment suffered multiphase deformation and metamorphism. Some of these phases can be correlated between both blocks. D-1 is locally preserved in scarce outcrops in the EPMIC but is the dominant in the QMMC, where S-1 is nearly parallel to S-0. In the EPMIC, D-2 is represented by the S-2 foliation, related to the F-2 folding that overprints S-1, with dominant strike NNW - SSE and high angles dip to the E. D-3 in the EPMIC have F-3 folds with axis oblique to S-2; the S-3 foliation has striking NW - SE dipping steeply to the E or W and develops interference patterns. In the QMMC, S-2 (D-2) is a discontinuous cleavage oblique to S-1 and transposed by S-3 (D-3), subparallel to S-1. Such structures in the QMMC developed at subsolidus conditions and could be correlated to those of the EPMIC, which formed under higher P-T conditions. The penetrative deformation D-2 in the EPMIC occurred during a prograde path with syntectonic growth of garnet reaching P-T conditions of 640 degrees C and 0.54 GPa in the EPMIC. This stage was followed by a penetrative deformation D-3 with syn-kinematic growth of garnet, cordierite and plagioclase. Peak P-T conditions calculated for M-3 are 710 degrees C and 0.60 GPa, preserved in the western part of the EPMIC, west of the unnamed fault.
The schists from the QMMC suffered the early low grade M-1 metamorphism with minimum PT conditions of ca 400 degrees C and 0.35 GPa, comparable to the fine schists (M-1) outcropping to the east. The D-2 deformation is associated with the prograde M-2 metamorphism. The penetrative D-3 stage is related to a medium grade metamorphism M-3, with peak conditions at ca 590 degrees C and 0.55 GPa.
The superimposed stages of deformation and metamorphism reaching high P-T conditions followed by isothermal decompression, defining a clockwise orogenic P-T path. During the Lower Paleozoic, folds were superimposed and recrystallization as well as partial melting at peak conditions occurred. Similar characteristics were described from the basement from other Famatinian-dominated locations of the Sierra de Aconquija and other ranges of the Sierras Pampeanas Orientales.