Showing papers on "Petrography published in 2012"

Impact of diagenesis on the spatial and temporal distribution of reservoir quality in the Jurassic Arab D and C members, offshore Abu Dhabi oilfield, United Arab Emirates.

Abstract: This study is based on petrographic examination (optical, scanning electron microscope, cathodo-luminescence, backscattered electron imaging, and fluorescence) of 1,350 thin sections as well as iso ...

Geological, Petrological and Geochemical Evidence for Progressive Construction of an Arc Crustal Section, Sierra de Valle Fertil, Famatinian Arc, Argentina

Abstract: The petrogenesis of calc-alkaline magmatism in the Famatinian arc is investigated in the central Sierra Valle Fe¤ rtil, a major, lower to middle crustal section of the Early Ordovician active margin of West Gondwana. Large-scale field relationships show a gradual and continuous compositional variation of the plutonic sequence, ranging from olivine-bearing gabbronorites to hornblendeand biotite-bearing granodiorites. Distinctive lithostratigraphic units are, however, discernible as one compositional type of plutonic rock dominates over mappable areas.These results allow us to identify a continuous plutonic arc stratigraphy that progressively exposes shallower paleo-depths towards the east. At all the exposed levels, calc-alkaline plutonic rocks are volumetrically dominant, interrupted only by granulite-facies migmatites and leucogranites. The migmatites are interpreted to be refractory remnants of supracrustal sedimentary successions, whereas the peraluminous leucogranites have field relationships and chemical and isotopic compositions suggesting that they were produced via anatexis of metasedimentary packages. Massbalance calculations predict that a parental gabbroic magma after progressive closed-system fractionation would crystallize about 80% of the original mass to yield a granodioritic daughter. Because the crystallizing mineral assemblage comprises hornblende and plagioclase, mass balance suggests a volume of residual amphibole-rich gabbroic rocks much larger than that observed, suggesting that differentiation is significantly driven by open-system processes. Indeed, the combination of field and petrographic observations with bulk-rock geochemistry and petrogenetic modeling demonstrates that most dioritic and tonalitic rocks are hybrids formed by either (1) bulk assimilation of metasedimentary materials into gabbroic magmas, or (2) multi-stage and complex interactions between gabbroic rocks and metasedimentary-derived leucogranitic melts. The source region of the granodioritic magmas is located at the transition zone between a tonalite-dominated intermediate unit and a granodiorite-dominated silicic unit. Typical granodiorites have a hornblende-bearing mineralogy, metaluminous chemical signature and isotopic compositions [Sr/Sr(T)1⁄4 0·7075^0·7100 and eNd(T) 5·0] broadly overlapping those of the tonalites of the intermediate rock unit. These major compositional features of the granodiorites can be best explained if three end-member components contribute to their generation. As field observational data suggest, primitive gabbroic rocks, metaluminous intermediate magmas and anatectic leucogranitic melts mixed to produce the calc-alkaline granodiorites; however, the exact petrological process generating the granodioritic magmas is unclear because the mafic end-member may have been incorporated as mafic inclusions in the intermediate magmas or as syn-magmatic dikes, or both.The polygenetic nature of the intermediate to silicic plutonic rocks, along with the preponderance of parental gabbroic rocks at the inferred base of the plutonic column, suggests an upward growth of the intermediate to silicic crust that involved the complete reconstitution of the pre-existing crustal configuration. The main implication of this study is that intermediate and silicic plutonic rocks in the Valle Fe¤ rtil section formed within a crustal column in which the mass transfer and heat

Were Ediacaran siliciclastics of South Australia coastal or deep marine

Abstract: The Late Neoproterozoic Ediacara Member of the Rawnsley Quartzite in South Australia has been considered aeolian, fluvial, intertidal and deep marine by various authors. Palaeosols would not be expected for the deep marine interpretation, but some palaeosols should be evident for the aeolian–fluvial–intertidal interpretations, and this is the first study to examine the Ediacara Member at a petrographic and geochemical scale appropriate to recognize potential palaeosols. Recognition of palaeosols and floodplain facies in Neoproterozoic rocks is a challenge because such rocks are too ancient for diagnostic non-marine fossils such as root traces. The varied thickness of Ediacara Member red siltstones and white sandstones is distinct from laterally persistent overlying and underlying grey shales and limestones with acritarchs, stromatolites and other marine fossils. The sandstones are trough cross-bedded and fill palaeovalleys. The red siltstones have poorly sorted, highly angular, silt-size grains characteristic of loess. Particular sandy and silty beds were sampled for detailed petrographic and geochemical studies, because they include desiccation cracks, sand crystals, ice cracks, carbonate nodules and soft-sediment deformation like those of palaeosols. Chemical and grain-size variations within these beds reveal surficial clay formation and oxidation from feldspar as in soils. Petrographic studies also revealed surficial disruption of these palaeosols by filamentous structures comparable with microbial ropes of biological soil crusts. This array of palaeosol features may be of use for recognizing palaeosols in other Neoproterozoic siliciclastic sequences.

Boron- and magnesium-rich marine brines at the origin of giant unconformity-related uranium deposits: δ11B evidence from Mg-tourmalines

Abstract: In giant unconformity-related U deposits from the Athabasca Basin (Canada), the origin of the ore fluids and the source of elements typically associated with U ore, such as Mg and B, are highly controversial. This paper presents a petrographic and boron isotopic study of Mg-tourmalines (dravites) coeval with U oxides and of primary tourmalines from basement rocks. The heavy B isotopic compositions of dravites (δ 11 B = 19.6‰–36.5‰) contrast with the light composition of basement tourmalines (δ 11 B = −8.1‰–3.3‰) and clearly show that most of the B was brought to the ore system by basinal brines of marine origin. Because the latter are also typically Mg-rich, a similar origin for Mg is proposed. These results support the idea that marine-derived brines were the only fluids involved in the formation of the deposits, and therefore challenge the previous models in which the B and Mg were leached from sedimentary and/or basement rocks, or carried by a basement-derived fluid.

Quantitative Mineralogy from Infrared Spectroscopic Data. II. Three-Dimensional Mineralogical Characterization of the Rocklea Channel Iron Deposit, Western Australia

Abstract: This study demonstrates how mineralogy generated from spectroscopic visible, near, and shortwave infrared reflectance data, collected using rapid drill core logging systems, can be used to build one-, two- and three-dimensional models of the architecture of ore systems, with applications toward exploration and mining. In particular, this study examines both spectroscopic and traditional mining data (laboratory geochemistry and field geologist logging) from 180 drill holes through the Rocklea channel iron deposit in the Hamersley region of Western Australia. Valuable infrared reflectance spectroscopy-based mineralogy includes: the types and abundances of iron (oxyhydr-)oxides (hematite, vitreous goethite, and ochreous goethite); clays (well- and poorly ordered kaolin, Al and Fe smectite); and carbonates (calcite and dolomite). Algorithms to determine the abundance and composition of these minerals from infrared reflectance spectra were validated in an associated study by Haest et al. (2012) and were found to be accurate (e.g., root mean square error (RMSE) for Fe (oxyhydr-)oxide abundance prediction of 9.1 wt % Fe). Petrographic analysis and validated infrared reflectance spectroscopy-based mineralogy constrained the stratigraphy in the paleochannel and the paragenetic history of each horizon. The Rocklea channel iron deposit developed over weathered basalt and metasedimentary rocks, with an internal channel stratigraphy dominated from bottom to top by the following: (1) well-ordered (in situ) kaolinite and a partially denaturated channel iron deposit, (2) poorly ordered (transported) kaolinite, (3) ochreous goethite with scarce ooidal textures, no clays, and late-stage vitreous goethite/silica replacement, (4) mostly poorly ordered kaolinite, and (5) calcrete with associated Fe smectite. The mineral paragenesis of the Rocklea deposit was compared against current models for channel iron deposit formation. A key finding is the relationship between parent rock composition, superimposed regolith cover, and channel iron deposit ore quality, which are linked through ground-water interactions and the physicochemistries of both the parent rock and the deposit. This has implications for both exploration and ore deposit characterization: (1) ore-grade channel iron deposits can develop several kilometers downstream (50 km, in this case) from the proposed source rock areas above mafic volcanics and metasediments, (2) vitreous goethite, calcrete, Al and Fe smectite cover the Rocklea deposit and are proposed as potential vectors to channel iron deposit mineralization at depth, (3) improved mineralogy from hyperspectral data in terms of iron (oxyhydr-) oxide and clay content/composition can improve iron ore resource delineation, iron ore processing (separation of vitreous and ochreous goethite), and pit design (differentiating “swelling” smectite (requiring pit walls with lower slopes) from kaolin or white mica).

Molecular composition and organic petrographic characterization of Madbi source rocks from the Kharir Oilfield of the Masila Basin (Yemen): palaeoenvironmental and maturity interpretation

Abstract: The upper part of Madbi Formation organic-rich shale is considered an important regional source rock in the Masila Basin, Yemen. Ten cutting samples from this Upper Jurassic organic-rich shale were collected from wells drilled in the Kharir Oilfield, Masila Basin in order to geochemically assess the type of organic matter, thermal maturity and depositional environment conditions. Results reveal that Upper Jurassic organic-rich shale samples contain high organic matter more than 2.0 wt.% TOC and have very good to excellent hydrocarbon potential. Marine algae organic matter is the main source input for the Upper Jurassic shale sequence studied. This has been identified from organic petrographic characteristics and from the n-alkane distributions, which dominated by n-C14-n-C20 alkanes. This is supported by the high value of the biomarker sterane/hopane ratio that approaches unity, as well as the relatively high C27 sterane concentrations. A mainly suboxic depositional environment is inferred from pr/ph ratios (1.75–2.38). This is further supported by relatively high homohopane value, which is dominated by low carbon numbers and decrease towards the C35 homohopane. The concentrations of C35 homohopane are very low. The depositional environment conditions are confirmed by some petrographic characteristics (e.g. palynofacies). Detailed palynofacies analysis of Madbi shales shows that the Madbi shale formation is characterised by a mix of amorphous organic matter, dinoflagellates cysts and phytoclasts, representing a suboxic, open marine setting. The Upper Jurassic marine shale sequence in the Masila Basin is thermally mature for hydrocarbon generation as indicated by biomarker thermal maturity parameters. The 22 S/22 S + 22R C32 homohopane has reached equilibrium, with values range from 0.58 to 0.62 which suggest that the Upper Jurassic shales are thermally mature and that the oil window has been reached. 20 S/(20 S + 20R) and ββ/(ββ + αα) C29 sterane ratios suggest a similar interpretation, as do the moretane/hopane ratio. This is supported by vitrinite reflectance data ranging from 0.74% to 0.90%Ro and thermal alteration of pollen and spore. The thermal alteration index value is around 2.6–3.0, corresponding to a palaeotemperature range of 60–120°C. These are the optimum oil-generating strata. On the basis of this study, the Madbi source rock was deposited under suboxic conditions in an open marine environment and this source rock is still within the oil window maturity range.

Minero-petrographical features of weathering profiles in Calabria, southern Italy

Abstract: The paper reports interdisciplinary research of weathering profile stages on gneiss with regard to tectonic and landscape evolutions of the western Sila Grande Massif (Southern Italy). The outcropping rocks consist of medium- to coarse-grained biotite–garnet and sillimanite gneiss (BGS-G), and medium- to coarse-grained biotite–muscovite migmatitic gneiss (M-G). The BGS-G rocks are fractured and weathered with either massive or foliated texture, whereas the M-G rocks are intensely weathered and fractured with a massive texture and frequent pegmatite veins. Petrographical and mineralogical variations show that both gneissic rocks (BGS-G and M-G samples) underwent weathering processes characterized by a progressive chemical attack on the labile minerals with generation of neoformed minerals and substitution of the original rock fabric. The weathering processes produced phyllosilicates and Fe-oxides; neoformed clay minerals and ferruginous products replaced feldspars and biotite during the most advanced weathering stage. Microfractures and morphological variations occur on the original rock and, thereby, affect the surrounding landscape processes. The weathering profile mineralogy and rock textures viewed in the context of landscape evolution provide useful insights into the widespread slope movement phenomena in the Sila Grande Massif gneiss.

Petrographic and Geochemical Characterization of Coals from Tiru Valley, Nagaland, NE India

Abstract: In Tiru valley region of Mon district coals occur in Barail Formation and are of Oligocene age. This study is the first investigation on the petrographic and geochemical characterization of these coals. These thinly bedded seams (<2 m) need systematic exploration for proper evaluation of the resource.The coals are bright to moderately bright in appearance and at places look moderately dull. The study reveals that Tiru valley coals are sub-bituminous to bituminous-D in rank. The chemical study reveals that these coals are perhydrous in nature with moderately high volatile matter content. The sulphur content was probably increased with pyrite inclusion as the most abundant mineral. Vitrinite is the most dominant maceral group constituting nearly 98% of all the macerals while liptinite and inertinite occur in very low concentration. Facies-critical models used to decipher the paleodepositional environment suggest that these coals evolved under wet moor with moderately high flooding in the paleomire which all...

Petrography, geochemistry, and tectonics of a rifted fragment of Mainland Asia: evidence from the Lasala Formation, Mindoro Island, Philippines

Abstract: Petrological and geochemical investigations of the sedimentary Lasala formation in northwest Mindoro, Philippines, offer new insights into the origin of this geologically contentious region. Mindoro island’s position at the boundary between Sundaland and the Philippine Mobile Belt has led to variable suggestions as to how much of it is continent derived or not. The Eocene Lasala formation overlies the Jurassic Halcon metamorphics, a regionally metamorphosed suite generally thought to have formed as a result of arc-continent collision processes. The sedimentary formation consists mainly of sandstones and shales interbedded with mudstones, basalt flows, and subordinate limestones and conglomerates. Petrographic information on the Lasala clastic rocks demonstrates a uniform framework composition that is predominantly quartzose. Major oxide, trace element abundances, and various elemental ratios similarly impart a strongly felsic signature. These characteristics are taken to indicate a chiefly continental, passive margin derivation and deposition of the Lasala sediments during the Eocene. The weak indication of active margin influence is suggested to be an inherited signature, supported by paleogeographic models of the southeastern Asian margin area during the pre-Cenozoic.

Petrographic and geochemical characteristics of Mesoproterozoic Kumbalgarh clastic rocks, NW Indian shield: implications for provenance, tectonic setting, and crustal evolution

Abstract: The Kumbalgarh Group of the south Delhi fold belt are the main bedrock series exposed in the axial region of the Aravalli craton. Quartzites and greywackes, the chief clastic constituents of this group, are well exposed. Petrographic and bulk-rock analyses of these rocks permit determination of their provenance, tectonic setting of the basin, and the Archaean to Proterozoic crustal evolution. Greywackes comprise quartz, plagioclase, amphiboles, K-feldspar, and rock fragments. Based on mineralogy, we divided the quartzites into three categories: QTZ1 is chiefly composed of quartz with a silty matrix and a minor quantity of feldspars and QTZ2 contains significant mafic minerals as well as quartz and feldspars, whereas QTZ3 is more feldspathic than the other groups. All the lithounits have SiO2/Al2O3 ratios <∼10 suggesting textural immaturity consistent with their sedimentary petrography. Greywackes display the least fractionated rare earth elements (REEs) (La/Yb N : avg. 2.55) with positive Eu anomalies (av...

Sandstone degradation: an experimental study of accelerated weathering

Abstract: The investigated rock material belongs to the group of upper cretaceous quader sandstones which are very important construction stones in Poland and Germany. The mineral composition of the rocks is relatively uniform—they are quartzose sandstones. The most important feature is their good workability and comparatively high weathering resistance. Still, regardless of the apparent resemblance, the observations carried on buildings and monuments show differences in weathering processes. The undertaken test was an attempt to verify the proposed before rock classification, performed on the basis of parameterization of porosimetric cumulative intrusion volume curves. The aim of the experiment was the evaluation of the sandstone petrography (including the structure, texture and porosity of the rock) influence on the weathering process. The modelling of accelerated weathering was conducted in Chamber for Ageing Acceleration, where some weather circumstances were simulated (insolation, rain and frost). As the result of the weathering experiment it could be stated that the dominant mechanism of the sandstones deterioration was granular disintegration and weight loss as a consequence of sample destruction. The most important factor influencing rock deterioration is rock texture, especially the character of grain contacts. The effective porosity is a requisite of potential for the stone to take in and hold water, and hence of resistance to weathering. In case of silica-cemented sandstones, the deciding criterion influencing weathering resistance is pore structure. In case of sandstones with clay cement, the most important is mineral composition of the rock.

Petrographic image analysis for determining capillary pressure in porous media

Abstract: This disclosed subject matter is generally related to methods for characterizing two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) samples to determine pore-body and pore-throat size distributions and capillary pressure curves in porous media using petrographic image analysis. Input includes high-resolution petrographic images and laboratory-derived porosity measurements. Output includes: (1) pore-body and pore-throat size distributions, and (2) simulated capillary pressure curves for both pore bodies and pore throats.

Geological and geochemical constraints on genesis of the Liziyuan gold-dominated polymetal deposit, western Qinling orogen, central China

Abstract: The Liziyuan gold deposit, located on the northern margin of the western Qinling orogen (WQO), consists of five mineralized sites hosted by metavolcanic rocks, and one hosted by the Tianzishan monzogranite. Orebodies mainly occur as lenticular veins along NW-striking dextral ductile strike–slip shear zones. Major wall rock alteration includes silicification, pyritization, and carbonation, progressively increasing in intensity towards the orebodies. Ore minerals are dominated by pyrite, galena, and chalcopyrite; the major gangue minerals are quartz and calcite. Native gold is present chiefly as separate phases in sulphide and quartz microfractures. We recognize four stages of mineralization: (I) pyrite-quartz, (II) native gold-chalcopyrite-pyrite-quartz, (III) pyrite-freibergite-galena-quartz-carbonate, and (IV) carbonate stages. Fluid inclusion petrography and microthermometric results suggest that three types of primary fluid inclusions (carbonic, CO2–H2O, and aqueous) are present in the deposit. Microth...

Combining Quantitative Textural and Geochemical Studies to Understand the Solidification Processes of a Granite Porphyry: Shanggusi, East Qinling, China

Abstract: Igneous rock textures reflect the cooling history of the parental magma. Combined with chemical data, they can provide physical and chemical information about the evolution of a magma body.The petrographic textures and chemical compositions of 21 coarse- and fine-grained granite samples along an � 250 m horizontal outcrop of the Shanggusi granite porphyry are presented in this case study. The coarse-grained granite porphyry is an early intrusion, and the fine-grained granite dykes, mostly intruded into the granite porphyry, are later intrusions. The studied samples have nearly homogeneous major element bulk-rock and mineral compositions, but show large variations in their trace element compositions and textural characteristics. The trace element data suggest the influence of hydrous fluids (possibly enriched in CO2, F, and Cl) in the evolution of the plutonic body. Textural analysis of the coarse-grained granite porphyry indicates that the crystal size distribution (CSD) slopes, intercepts and total numbers of groundmass decrease from the center to the margin of the intrusion in contrast to the maximum diameter of the crystals (Lmax) (average length of the four largest quartz crystals for each sample); however, most fine-grained samples and the groundmass of the coarse-grained samples show concave-down CSDs, indicating textural coarsening. Quartz CSDs in the coarse-grained samples are kinked, with a steep-sloped log^linear section representing small crystals (5 1mm) and a shallow-sloped log^linear section representing large crystals (4 1mm). These two crystal populations are interpreted as resulting from a shift in cooling regime. The straight CSDs of two fine-grained samples may be due to a different cooling history. In general, the spatial variation of the CSD patterns can be attributed to various degrees of overgrowth and mechanical compaction. The quartz phenocrysts in several coarse-grained samples exhibit a high degree of alignment, which may be the result of magmatic flow. By integrating the field geology, geochemistry and quantitative textural data from the horizontal profile of the Shanggusi granite porphyry, it is suggested that hydrous fluids at the top of the intrusion not only controlled the fractionation of elements but also affected its cooling history. Fluid migration-controlled undercooling can explain the solidification processes in the Shanggusi intrusion, and may also be prevalent in other fluid-rich shallow intrusions. Quantitative integration of textural and geochemical data for igneous rocks can contribute to our understanding of the relationships between physical and chemical processes in a magma system, and provide relatively comprehensive insights into the petrogenesis of granites.

The Ranero Hydrothermal Dolomites (Albian, Karrantza Valley, Northwest Spain): Implications on Conceptual Dolomite Models

Abstract: Field characteristics, petrographic and geochemical signatures, as well as some petrophysical aspects of fault-related dolomite bodies in the Ranero area (Karrantza Valley, NW Spain) are presented in this paper. These dolomite bodies are hosted by Albian slope to platform carbonates, which were deposited in the Basque-Cantabrian Basin. Replacive and void-filling dolomite phases – postdating palaeo- and hypogene karstification – are interpreted to have originated from hydrothermal fluid pulses, and are spatially related with faults and fractures. Hydrothermal calcite cements pre- and postdate dolomitization. Mineralogical and geochemical investigations (XRD, ICP-MS/OES, XRF, stable and Sr isotopes) helped in distinguishing various dolomite and calcite phases. Dolomite phases can be grouped into ferroan (early) and non-ferroan (late). Dolomites are generally stoichiometric and exhibit a broad range of depleted δ 18 O values (–18.7 to –10.5‰ V-PDB), which advocate for multiphase dolomitization and/or recrystallization at relatively high temperatures (150-200°C). The observation that bed-parallel stylolites pre- and post-date dolomites suggests that dolomitization occurred during the Late Albian regional tectonic activity and related fluid expulsions. Based on carbonate chemistry, authigenic silicate chemistry and replacement relationships, two contrasting types of dolomitizing fluids are inferred. Both arguably may have initiated as sulphatedominated brines and/or basin compactional fluids, but they seemingly undergo sulphate reduction in contact with host rocks of contrasting compositions (Fe-rich silicate vs Fe-poor carbonate) thus evolving either to acidic and ferroan (limestone replacive) or to neutral, Fe-poor and sulfidic (Fe-dolomite replacive). Fluid drives are not well constrained by our data, but both fluid types are focused along major faults that cross cut the platform edge and are associated with diapir tectonics.

The Cryogenian Arc formation and successive High-K calc-alkaline plutons of Socotra Island (Yemen)

Abstract: The Socotra Island belongs to the southern rifted margin of the Gulf of Aden and occupied in Neoproterozoic times a key position to constrain the age and the nature of the largely hidden Neoproterozoic rocks of the Arabian plate. Our integrated field, petrographic, geochemical and geochronological study in the Neoproterozoic rocks recognises three main successive events: (a) high-temperature ductile deformation and metamorphism forming probably in a compressive or transpressive regime; (b) mafic to intermediate intrusions as vertical sheets, kilometre-scale gabbro laccoliths, mafic dike swarm and lavas which present mainly a depleted arc signature with some evidences of evolution from an enriched-arc signature; (c) felsic intrusions mainly composed of highly potassic calc–alkaline and pinkish granites dated between 840 and 780 Ma. Relationships between the various petrographic types and U–Pb data suggest that these events occurred during a relatively short time span (80 Ma at max). Earlier high-temperature–low-pressure metamorphism stage as well as geochemical signature of mafic rocks show that development of Cryogenian formations of Socotra were controlled successively by an Andean-arc and a back-arc setting. These features cannot be easily reconciled with those of the Arabian–Nubian shield to the west of Socotra and of the Mozambique Belt to the south. We propose that the Socotra basement was developed at an active margin close to the India block in Cryogenian times.