Fluid inclusion and H-O-S-Pb isotope systematics of the Chayong Cu-polymetallic deposit,Sanjiang Metallogenic Belt,Qinghai Province,China

The Chayong Cu-polymetallic deposit is a recently discovered Cu-polymetallic deposit hosted in the Sanjiang Metallogenic Belt within the Tibetan Plateau of China to the northeast of the North Qiangtang terrane.The ore body occurs in siltstone and is controlled by a northwest-trending fault structure.According to the associations,assemblages,and cutting relationships between ore veins,the hydrothermal mineralization period can be divided into three mineralization stages:(1)a molybdenite mineralization stage,(2)a Cu-polymetallic sulfide stage,and(3)a quartzcarbonate stage.Two types of fluid inclusions(FIs),namely,liquid and vapor-rich inclusions,are present in quartz as so ciated with sulfide minerals.Early-stage FIs are both iquid and vapor-rich,homogenized at temperatures ranging from 364.1 to 384.2℃,and have salinities ranging from0.70%to 9.60%NaCl equivalent(eqv).The middle-stage FIs are also both liquid-and vapor-rich,homogenized at temperatures ranging from 272.4 to 355.6℃,and have salinities ranging from 0.53%-17.10%NaCl eqv.The late-stage FIs are liquid,homogenized at temperatures ranging from 209.4to 255.3℃,and have salinities ranging from 0.35%-6.87%NaCl eqv.The samples from the deposit haveδ^(34)S values of-21.8‰to-19.2‰and-5.5‰to-6.0‰,suggesting that sulfur was derived from the host sediments and magmatic fluids,respectively.The metallic minerals within the deposit have^(206)Pb/^(204)Pb,^(207)Pb/^(204)Pb,and^(208)Pb/^(204)Pb values of 18.439-18.458,15.656-15.679,and 38.772-38.863,respectively,suggesting that the metals were derived from the upper crust and orogenic belts.The samples from the deposit haveδ^(18)O_(W)values of 2.99‰-7.99‰andδD_(W) values ranging from-84.4‰to-73.9‰,indicating that the pre-forming fluids were magmatic and mixed with minor amounts of meteoric water.The ore-forming fluid of the Chayong copper polymetallic deposit was a high-temperature,medium-to low-salinity H_(2)O-NaCl-CH_(4)-N_(2)±CO_(2)fluid system.The early high-temperature magmatic fluid,due to boiling,decreased in temperature,and via the mixing of meteoric water,gradually evolved towards the later-stage medium-to low-temperature and low-salinity fluid,causing nolybdenite mineralization and forming copper polymetallic sulfide veins and quartz carbonate veins.

Genesis of the Jianbeigou Gold Deposit on the Southern Margin of the North China Craton: Insights from Fluid Inclusions, H-O-S Isotopes, and Pyrite in situ Trace Element Analyses

The Jianbeigou gold deposit is a typical lode gold deposit in the Qinling metallogenic belt, located on the southern margin of the North China Craton. Three stages of the hydrothermal process can be distinguished, including the quartz ± pyrite, quartz-polymetallic sulfide, and quartz-carbonate ± pyrite stages. From the early to late stages, the homogenization temperatures of primary fluid inclusions are 281–362°C, 227–331°C, and 149–261°C, respectively. The corresponding salinities estimated for these fluids are 3.9–9.9 wt%, 0.4–9.4 wt%, and 0.7–7.2 wt% Na Cl equiv. Combined with laser Raman spectroscopy data, the ore-forming fluid belongs to a H_(2)O-CO_(2)-Na Cl ± CH_4 system with medium–low temperature and salinity. The δ~(18)Ofluid and δD values for the quartz veins are-1.0‰ to 6.0‰ and-105‰ to-84‰, respectively, which indicates that the ore-forming fluid is of mixed source, mainly derived from magma, with a contribution from meteoric water. Pyrite has been identified into three generations based on mineral paragenetic sequencing, including Py1, Py2, and Py3. The pyrites have δ~(34)S sulfur isotopic compositions from three stages between 3.7‰ and 8.4‰, indicating that sulfur mainly originated from magma. Te, Bi, Sb, and Cu contents in pyrite were all high and showed a strong correlation with Au concentrations. Native gold and the Au-Ag-Bi telluride minerals were formed concurrently, and the As concentration was low and decoupled from the Au content. Therefore, Te, Bi, Sb and other low-melting point chalcophile elements play an important role for gold mineralization in arsenic-deficient ore-forming fluid. Combined with the geological setting, evolution of pyrite, and ore-fluids geochemistry, we propose that the Jianbeigou deposit can be classified as a magmatic–hydrothermal lode gold deposit. Gold mineralization on the southern margin of the North China Craton is related to Early Cretaceous magmatism and formed in an extensional setting.

Magmatic-hydrothermal Evolution and Mineralization Mechanisms of the Wangjiazhuang Cu(-Mo)Deposit in the Zouping Volcanic Basin,Shandong Province,China:Constraints from Fluid Inclusions

The Wangjiazhuang Cu(-Mo)deposit,located within the Zouping volcanic basin in western Shandong Province,China,is unique in this area for having an economic value.In order to expound the metallogenetic characteristics of this porphyry-like hydrothermal deposit,a detailed fluid inclusion study has been conducted,employing the techniques of representative sampling,fluid inclusion petrography,microthermometry,Raman spectroscopy,LA-ICP-MS analysis of single fluid inclusions,as well as cathode fluorescence spectrometer analysis of host mineral quartz.The deposit contains mainly two types of orebodies,i.e.veinlet-dissemination-stockwork orebodies in the K-Si alteration zone and pegmatiticquartz sulfide veins above them.In addition,minor breccia ore occurs locally.Four types of fluid inclusions in the deposit and altered quartz monzonite are identified:L-type one-or two-phase aqueous inclusions,V-type vapor-rich inclusions with V/L ratios greater than 50%-90%,D-type multiphase fluid inclusions containing daughter minerals or solids and S-type silicate-bearing fluid inclusions containing mainly muscovite and biotite.Ore petrography and fluid inclusion study has revealed a three-stage mineralization process,driven by magmatic-hydrothermal fluid activity,as follows.Initially,a hydrothermal fluid,separated from the parent magma,infiltrated into the quartz monzonite,resulting in its extensive K-Si alteration,as indicated by silicate-bearing fluid inclusions trapped in altered quartz monzonite.This is followed by the early mineralization,the formation of quartz veinlets and dissemination-stockwork ores.During the main mineralization stage,due to the participation and mixing of meteoric groundwater with magmatic-sourced hydrothermal fluid,the cooling and phase separation caused deposition of metals from the hydrothermal fluids.As a result,the pegmatitic-quartz sulfide-vein ores formed.In the late mineralization stage,decreasing fluid salinity led to the formation of L-type aqueous inclusions and chalcopyrite-sulfosalt ore.Coexistence of V-type and D-type inclusions and their similar homogenization temperatures with different homogenization modes suggest that phase separation or boiling of the ore-forming fluids took place during the early and the main mineralization stages.The formation P-T conditions of S-type inclusions and the early and the main mineralization stages were estimated as ca.156-182 MPa and 450-650℃,350-450℃,18-35 MPa and 280-380℃,8-15 MPa,respectively,based on the microthermometric data of the fluid inclusions formed at the individual stages.

Infrared microthermometry of fluid inclusion in sphalerite:A case study of the Xinqiao deposit in the Middle-Lower Yangtze metallogenic belt

Infrared microthermometry allows direct measurement of fluid inclusions hosted in opaque ore minerals and can provide direct constraints on the evolution of ore-forming fluids.This study presents infrared microthermometry of spherite-hosted fluid inclusions from the Xinqiao deposit in the Middle-Lower Yangtze Metallogenic Belt and sheds new light on the ore genesis of the deposit.Considering that infrared light may lead to non-negligible temperature deviations during microthermometry,some tests were first conducted to ensure the accuracy of the microthermometric measurements.The measurement results indicated that using the lowest light intensity of the microscope and inserting an optical filter were effective in minimizing the possible temperature deviations of infrared microthermometry.All sphalerite-hosted fluid inclusions from the Xinqiao deposit were aqueous.They show homogenization temperature ranging from~200 to 350℃,but have two separate salinity groups(1.0 wt%-10 wt%and 15.1 wt%-19.2 wt%NaCl equivalent).The low-salinity group represents sedimentary exhalative(SEDEX)-associated fluids,whereas the high-salinity group results from modification by later magmatic hydrothermal fluids.Combined with published fluid inclusion data,the four-stage fluid evolution of the Xinqiao deposit was depicted.Furthermore,our data suggest that the Xinqiao deposit was formed by twostage metallogenic events including SEDEX and magmatic-hydrothermal mineralization.

Utility of fluid inclusion paleo-temperature in petroleum system modelling:A case study from western offshore,India

The paleo-temperature(Th)data from fluid inclusions are utilized for thermal history modelling using PetroMod software.Generally,bottom hole temperature(BHT)and vitrinite reflectance(Ro)measurements are widely used in petroleum system modelling(PSM)in the oil industry for calibration purposes.Th representing the minimum temperature of fluid entrapment estimated from fluid-inclusion study provides extra support to build the thermal models for PSM.Fluid inclusion parameters along with Rock-Eval pyrolysis analysis have been used to predict the maturity of oil in terms of API gravity as well as the maturity of source rocks respectively.Two exploratory wells RV-1(Mumbai Offshore Basin)and KK4C-A-1(Kerala-Konkan Offshore Basin),India were examined and the T_(h)from most of the fluid inclusions of wells RV-1 and KK4C-A-1 fell in the oil window range of 60-140℃suggesting thermal conditions favourable for oil generation in both of the wells.T_(h)of coeval aqueous inclusions along with the Hydrocarbon Fluid inclusions(HCFIs)was used to calibrate PSM.Vital parameters show that source rocks of well RV-1 are mature and that of well KK4C-A-1 are immature.Two sets of PSM are created in terms of generation and expulsion for the dry wells RV-1 and KK4C-A-1 and calibrated each well using fluid inclusion Th and BHT.From the fluid inclusion analysis method,it is evident that hydrocarbon generation happened in both wells and the paleo-temperature indicates that the formations of both wells were subjected to temperatures in the oil window range,even though it was designated as dry wells in the present scenario.The present study highlights the application of fluid inclusion paleo-temperature(Th)during calibration instead of commonly used methods.We could obtain desirable and accurate data output from PSM using T_(h) calibration.

Decipher hydrocarbon generation and accumulation based on fluid inclusion and chronology:A case study from the Upper Paleozoic buried-hills in Huanghua Depression,Bohai Bay Basin

Deciphering hydrocarbon generation and accumulation stage is of significance to understand oil and gas evolution and seek exploration targets.Taking the Upper Paleozoic buried-hills in the Huanghua Depression,Bohai Bay Basin,as a case study,hydrocarbon generation environment and detailed accumulation process are revealed by fluid inclusions observations,Laser Raman spectroscopy,Fourier Infrared spectroscopy,and K-Ar isotope measurements.The results show that both oil and gas inclusion were captured in the quartz overgrowth,dissolved feldspar and calcite microfractures,showing blue to dark brown fluoresce.The grains containing oil inclusions index(GOI)of oil,oil&gas and gas being 25%,65%,and 10%and the inclusions with abundant methyl groups and short chains,both indicate high thermal maturity.One series of fluids inclusion is generally observed,evidenced by the concentrated homogenization temperature of 135-145℃ and salinity of 3%-15 w.t.%NaCl equiv,indicating one primary charging stage.The gas and gas&liquid inclusions mainly contain CH_(4),with also peaks indicating CO_(2) and N_(2.)The Carboniferous and Permian biomarkers show reducing environment with brackish water,with organic matter sources both from marine and continental.The relative content ofααα20RC_(27),ααα20RC_(28),andααα20RC_(29) exhibit source contributions both from algae and higher plants,and mainly of II2 to III kerogen.Both coal derived gas and oil associated hydrocarbons are identified from most of the buried-hills.Combining the fluid homogenization temperature and salinity,as well as the thermal evolution history,the hydrocarbon generated from the Upper Paleozoic was concentrated at the end of the Eocene(40 Ma±),while the beginning of charging is 60 Ma±.The Wumaying Buried-hill is of only coal derived gas and has potential for inner coal measure natural gas exploration.The results provide a detailed understanding of hydrocarbon accumulations in the study area,which can also be reference for improving petroleum exploration efficiency in similar basins.

Microthermometry and Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Fluorescence Analysis of Fluid Inclusions in the Dongping Gold Deposit,Northern Margin of the North China Craton

To shed light on the genesis of the Dongping deposit and reveal the behaviour of CO_(2),Au and other ore elements(e.g.,Cu,Fe,Zn,As,Sb,Co etc.)in ore-forming fluids,petrographic,microthermometric and synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence(SRXRF)analyses of fluid inclusions were conducted.The ore-forming fluid is characterized as an H_(2)O-CO_(2)-NaCl system with medium-high temperatures and low salinity.Four mineralization stages are identified,namely,feldsparquartz(stage 1);pyrite-white quartz(stage 2);sulfide-smoky grey quartz(stage 3);and carbonate-quartz(stage 4).Three types of inclusions were distinguished,based on fluid composition,phase assemblages and mode of homogenization.Type A:H_(2)O-rich fluid inclusions show 2 phases(liquid H_(2)O(LH_(2)O)+vapour H_(2)O(VH_(2)O))at room temperature and homogenize to the liquid phase.Type B:H_(2)O-CO_(2)fluid inclusions contain 2–3 phases(liquid H_(2)O(LH_(2)O)+vapour CO_(2)(VCO_(2));liquid H_(2)O(LH_(2)O)+liquid CO_(2)(LCO_(2)));liquid H_(2)O(LH_(2)O)+liquid CO_(2)(LCO_(2))+vapour CO_(2)(VCO_(2)))at room temperature and homogenized to the liquid H_(2)O phase.Type C:H_(2)O-CO_(2)fluid inclusions show 2 phases(liquid H_(2)O(LH_(2)O)+liquid CO_(2)(LCO_(2))at room temperature and homogenize to a critical state.CO_(2)is clearly more enriched in the fluid inclusions of stages 2 and 3 than in stage 1.Stage 1 is dominated by type A(H_(2)O-rich)inclusions with homogenization temperatures(Th)of 220–359℃and salinities of 1.1–3.1 wt%NaCl equivalent.Type B(CO_(2)-rich)inclusions gradually increase in stages 2 and 3.The Th range of type B inclusions in stage 2 is 241–397℃with salinities of 2.2–6.9 wt%NaCl equivalent;the Th range of type A inclusions is 217–373℃with salinities of 1.2–8.1 wt%NaCl equivalent.The Th range of type B inclusions in stage 3 is 215–361℃with salinities of 2.9–6.1 wt%NaCl equivalent;the range of type A inclusions is 158–351℃with a salinity of 0.7–5.5 wt%NaCl equivalent.Stage 4 is characterized by type A with Th of 151–250℃and salinities of 0.9–8.3 wt%NaCl equivalent.The mapping results show that elements As,Te and Sb are more concentrated in vapour CO_(2)than in liquid H_(2)O at room temperature,which suggests that vapour components are more able to transport elements when phase separation occurs.The SRXRF quantitative results show that Au,Cl,S and some other metals are obviously more enriched in the fluid inclusions of stages 2 and 3 than those in stage 1.Additionally,the contents of S in stages 1–3 are much lower than those of Cl,which suggests that gold might migrate mainly in the form of a gold-chloride complex.Au is more enriched in type B fluid inclusions than in type A fluid inclusions,which suggests that the enrichment and migration of gold are closely related to CO_(2)and CO_(2)plays a critical role in the migration and enrichment of gold.The trace elements in the fluid have a similar change trend to those in the Yanshanian syenogranite distributed in the southeastern part of the mining area,which may provide some evidence for an intrusion-related genesis for the Dongping gold deposit.

Restoration of reservoir diagenesis and hydrocarbon accumulation process by calcite in-situ U-Pb dating and fluid inclusion analysis: A case study on Cretaceous Qingshuihe Formation in Gaoquan Structure, southern Junggar Basin, NW China

The complexity of diagenesis and hydrocarbon accumulation in the deep reservoirs in southern Junggar Basin restricts hydrocarbon exploration in the lower reservoir assemblage. The lithofacies and diagenesis of reservoirs in the Cretaceous Qingshuihe Formation in the Gaoquan structure of the Sikeshu Sag, southern Junggar Basin were analyzed. On this basis, the thermal history was calibrated using calcite in-situ U-Pb dating and fluid inclusion analysis to depict the hydrocarbon accumulation process in the Gaoquan structure. The results show that the Qingshuihe reservoir experienced two phases of calcite cementation and three phases of hydrocarbon charging. The calcite cements are dated to be (122.1±6.4) Ma, (14.4±1.0) Ma - (14.2±0.3) Ma. The hydrocarbon charging events occurred at around 14.2-30.0 Ma (low-mature oil), 14.2 Ma (mature oil), and 2 Ma (high-mature gas). The latter two phases of hydrocarbon charging contributed dominantly to the formation of reservoir. Due to the S-N compressive thrust activity during the late Himalayan period since 2 Ma, the traps in the Gaoquan structure were reshaped, especially the effective traps which developed in the main reservoir-forming period were decreased significantly in scale, resulting in weak hydrocarbon shows in the middle-lower part of the structure. This indicates that the effective traps in key reservoir-forming period controlled hydrocarbon enrichment and distribution in the lower reservoir assemblage. Calcite U-Pb dating combined with fluid inclusion analysis can help effectively describe the complex diagenesis and hydrocarbon accumulation process in the central-west part of the basin.

Geochemistry,Fluid Inclusions and Sulfur Isotopes of the Goshgarchay Cu-Au Deposit(Western Azerbaijan)in Lesser Caucasus:Implications for the Origins of Ore-forming Fluids

The Goshgarchay Cu-Au deposit is located in the central part of the northwest flank of the Murovdagh region in the Lesser Caucasus.The Goshgarchay Cu-Au deposit is associated with Middle Jurassic volcanic and Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous high-K calc-alkaline intrusive rocks.The Cu-Au mineralization is commonly related to quartz-sericite-chlorite alteration dominantly composed of chalcopyrite,gold,sphalerite,pyrite,bornite,hematite,covellite,chalcocite,malachite,and azurite.The Goshgarchay copper-gold deposit,which is 600 m wide and approximately 1.2 km long,is seen as a faultcontrolled and vein-,stockwork-and disseminated type deposit.The Goshgarchay Cu-Au deposit predominantly comprises Cu(max.64500 ppm)and Au(max.11.3 ppm),while it comprises relatively less amounts Zn(max.437 ppm),Mo(max.47.5 ppm),Pb(max.134 ppm),and Ag(max.21 ppm).The homogenization temperatures and salinities of fluid inclusions in quartz for stage Ⅰ range from 380℃ to 327℃,and 6.9 wt% to 2.6 wt% NaCl eq.,respectively.Thand salinities in quartz for stage Ⅱ range from 304℃ to 253℃,and 7.6 wt% to 3.2 wt% NaCl eq.,respectively.The calculated δ^(34)S_(h2s)values(-1.5‰ to 5.5‰)of sulfides and especially the narrow range of δ^(34)S_(h2s) values of chalcopyrite and bornite(between -0.07‰ and +0.7‰)indicate that the source of the Goshgarchay Cu-Au mineralization is magmatic.Based on the mineralogical,geochemical,fluid inclusion,and sulfur isotopic data,the Goshgarchay Cu-Au deposit represents a late stage peripheral magmatic-hydrothermal mineralization probably underlain by a concealed porphyry deposit.

Mineralization of the Liwu large-scale stratiform copper deposits in Sichuan Province, China: Constraints from fluid inclusions

The Liwu stratiform copper deposit is located in the northwestern Jianglang dome,western China.Current studies mainly focus on the genetic type and mineralization of this deposit.Detailed fluid inclusion characteristics of metallogenic period quartz veins were studied to reveal the ore-forming fluid features.Laser Raman analysis indicates that the ore-forming fluids is a H_(2)O-NaCl-CH_(4)(-CO_(2))system.Fluid inclusions microthermometry shows a homogenization temperature of 181-375°C and a salinity of 5.26%-16.99%for the disseminated-banded Cu-Zn mineralization;but a homogenization temperature of 142-343°C and a salinity of 5.41%-21.19%for the massive-veined Cu-Zn mineralization.These features suggest a medium-high temperature and a medium salinity for the ore-forming fluids.H-O isotopic data indicates that the ore-forming fluids were mainly from the metamorphic and magmatic water,plus minor formation water.And sulfur isotopic data indicates that sulfur was mainly derived from the formation and magmatic rocks.Metallogenesis of the disseminated-banded mineralization was mainly correlated with fluid mixing and water-rock reaction;whereas that of the massive-veined mineralization was mainly correlated with fluid boiling.The genetic type of the deposit is a medium-high temperature hydrothermal deposit related to magmatism and controlled by shear zones.This study is beneficial to understand the stratiform copper deposit.

Geochemical characteristics of temperature and pressure of Paleozoic reservoir fluid inclusions in Xuanjing region, Lower Yangtze area

In order to understand the geochemical characteristics of Paleozoic reservoir fluids in Xuanjing region,Lower Yangtze area,drilling core samples from Y and D wells were tested and analyzed to study the fluid inclusion types and composition.Pressure correction was undertaken to determine the temperature and pressure environment for inclusion formation,and the influence of fluid characteristics of the Upper Permian and Lower Triassic reservoirs on the preservation of shale gas was investigated.According to petrograph-ic observations,fluid inclusions are mainly brine and bitumen inclusions.Bitumen inclusions are mainly distributed in holes and fractures,and with smaller individuals.No visible fluorescence was observed,and the vitrinite reflectance is 3.39%–3.92%.This indicates that there had been oil and gas accumulation in the early stage of diagenesis in the study area,but due to the influence of magmatic hydrothermal solution,oil and gas underwent thermal metamorphism in the early stage,making liquid petroleum into solid bitumen.At present,oil and gas in the reservoir were largely formed in the late stage.During the continuous process in which shale was buried,light oil and gas were generated.Light oil and gas underwent magmatic and tectonic hydrothermal processes in some areas,resulting in high-temperature metamorphic cracking that formed dry gas.Moreover,nitrogen inclusions are found in fluid inclusions,forming metamorphic fluids caused by mag-matic hydrothermal activities.The study shows that Paleozoic reservoirs in Xuanjing area are characterized by self-generation and self-storage.Furthermore,the mechanism of shale gas accumulation is not only related to the buried hydrocarbon generation process of shale itself,but is also related to later magmatic activity and tectonic hydrothermal transformation.Therefore,preservation conditions are generally key factors of shale gas accumulation in this area.

Cu-Bearing Mokama Granite Prospect of the Kibara Belt in the Maniema Province, DRC: A Preliminary Petrography, Geochemistry, and Fluid Inclusion Study

The Mokama granites are located in the Kibara belt (KIB) and hosts tin oxide group minerals (TOGM: Sn-W), and sulfide group minerals (SGM: Cu-Zn-Fe-As). The essential of Cu mineralization (non-economic deposit) is disseminated inside the rock and consists of minerals (Raman, EPMA and metallographic microscopy) including chalcopyrite and bornite that are replaced by chalcocite and covellite, and the last also replaced later by malachite. The chemistry (XRF, LA-ICP-MS) of these peraluminous S-type leucogranites show SiO2 (71 wt% - 79 wt%), ASI (1.4 - 3.1 molar), and are enriched in Rb (681 - 1000 ppm), Ta (12–151 ppm), Sn (43 - 142 ppm), Cu (10 - 4300 ppm), Zn (60 - 740 ppm), U (2.2 - 20.7 ppm) while depleted in Zr (20 - 31 ppm), Sr (20 - 69 ppm), Hf (1.3 - 2.0 ppm), Th (2.2 - 18.9 ppm), W (9 - 113 ppm), Pb (5 - 50 ppm), Ge (5 - 10 ppm), Cs (21 - 53 ppm) and Bi (0.6 - 17.4 ppm) and low ratios of (La/Yb) N, (Gd/Yb) N, (La/Sm) N). Fluid inclusion assemblages (FIAs) hosted in quartz in the Mokama granites show ranges of salinities of 4 - 23 wt% (NaCl equivalent) and homogenization temperatures (Th) of 190°C - 550°C. A boiling assemblage in the granite suggests a fluid phase separation occurred at about 380 - 610 bars, and this corresponds to apparent paleodepths of approximately 1 - 2 km (lithostatic model) or 3 - 5 km (hydrostatic model). FIAs hosted in TOGM such as cassiterite (salinities of 2 wt% - 10 wt% and Th of 220°C - 340°C) helped set up the possible temperature limit of SGM (Cu sulfide) precipitations that are estimated below 200°C.

Integrated fluid inclusion studies and source rock parameters in constraining hydrocarbon potential in offshore Lamu Basin, Kenya

Fluid inclusion signal strength and visual inclusion abundance are generally lower along migration pathways than in charged reservoirs from the same area. A zone that displays strong fluid inclusion stratigraphy (FIS) hydrocarbon indications and high visualized petroleum inclusion abundance, indicates paleo-charge or in some cases a migration pathway, e.g, where inclusion abundance is enhanced by extensive microfracturing. In this study, fluid inclusion data are interpreted in seven offshore wells of the Lamu Basin to enhance the understanding of hydrocarbon generation, migration and migration pathways. The study also examines the interrelationship among rock texture, rock composition and trapped fluid distribution in the study area. The studies were based on FIS analyzed data courtesy of Fluid Inclusion Technologies (FIT) Inc. in USA laboratories. FIT conducted analysis on 391 samples from the Paleocene to Upper Jurassic (Kiboko-1 well), 249 from the Paleoecene to Campanian (Kubwa-1 well), 106 from the Maastrichtian to Turonian (Mbawa-1 well), 59 from the Eocene to Campanian (Pomboo-1 well), 26 form the Lower Eocene to Maastrichtian (Simba-1 well), 16 from the Eocene to Maastrichtian (Kipini-1 well) and 11 from the Maastrichtian to Campanian (Kofia-1 well). It also made analysis on sidewall core sample plates, with 44 from the Maastrichtian to Campanian (Kubwa-1 well), 108 from the Campanian to Upper Jurassic (Kiboko-1 well) and 8 from the Campanian (Pomboo-1 well) for petrographic evaluation. For photomicroscopy, thin sections were examined under a petrographic microscope using Ultra Violet (UV) fluorescence and microthermometry, in order to verify the presence of petroleum bearing inclusions in the rock samples and to explore textural relationships that may yield additional information on the timing of hydrocarbon migration or generation. Gas shows in Mbawa-1 well is a result of generated hydrocarbons from the carbonate interbeds in the Upper Cretaceous. Gas shows are pockets trapped in the thin carbonate rich beds. There is low abundance of upper-low, moderate and upper-moderate gravity liquid petroleum inclusions in Kubwa-1 well (central deep offshore). The low abundance suggests migration events rather than paleo-accumulations, possibly involving several discrete charges. Despite sufficient vitrinite reflectance and total organic carbon (TOC) content, the temperatures are still insufficient for hydrocarbon generation in the southern deep offshore in the region where Kiboko-1 well is located. There is no sufficient evidence for access to mature source rocks in the deep offshore basin.

Fluid inclusion and mineralization of Dafulou tin deposit in Dachang metal district, Guangxi, south China

Based on the study of the petrology, mineralogy, structural geology and fluid inclusion of the Dafulou ore deposit in the Dachang ore field, the ore deposit geology and ore-forming fluids were analyzed. It shows that there are five main hydrothermal alteration types in the Dafulou ore district, namely the silicification, carbonate, sericite, pyrite and pyrrhotite. The mineralization types are composed of the stratiform type, interlayer type and stockwork type. The ore textures present as metasomatic texture, euhedral-subhedral granular texture and solid solution texture. The ore structure consists of massive structure, dissemination structure, fine veined structure, stockwork structure and brecciated structure. Four ore types are recognized, namely the disseminated ore, dense massive ore, veinlet ore and brecciated ore. Six types of fluid inclusions are determined, i.e. the single-phase gaseous fluid inclusions, single-phase salt solution fluid inclusions, two-phase vapour-rich fluid inclusions, two-phase liquid-rich fluid inclusions, three-phase CO2-rich fluid inclusions and solid（s）-bearing fluid inclusions, all of which form in three dominant temperature scopes, 120-150, 230-270, 350-460 °C. But, the majority of them form in the high temperature environment （350-460 °C）. The tectonism plays an important role in the mineralization, which usually controls the scale, occurrence and shape of the Sn orebody. There are four types of hydrothermal fluid systems, H2O-NaCl-CaCl2, H2O-CaCl2, H2O-NaCl-MgCl2 and H2O-MgCl2. Similar to the other ore deposits in the Dachang ore field, there also exists the multiple source of ore-forming fluids. Overall, the Dafulou ore deposit should be the result of the crust-mantle interaction.

Fluid inclusion and H-O isotope study of the Jiguanshan porphyry Mo deposit,Xilamulun Metallogenic Belt:implications for characteristics and evolution of ore-forming fluids

We studied the fluid inclusions of the Jiguanshan Mo deposit in China,which is a large porphyry deposit located in the southern Xilamulun Metallogenic Belt.The irregular Mo ore body with various types of hydrothermal veinlets is hosted by Late Jurassic granite porphyry.Intense hydrothermal alterations in the deposit from the core to margin are silicification-potassium feldspar alteration,pyrite-quartz-sericite-fluorite alteration,and propylitic alteration.Based on the mineral assemblages and crosscutting relationships of ore veins,the ore-forming process were divided into three stages and two substages:quartz-pyrite veins(stage I)associated with potassic alteration;quartz-molybdenite-chalcopyrite-pyrite veins(substage Ⅱ-1)and quartz-molybdenite-fluorite veins(substage Ⅱ-2)associated with phyllic alteration;and fluorite-quartz-carbonate veins(stage Ⅲ)with carbonation.Five majorfluid inclusions(FIs)types were distinguished in the quartz associated with oxide and sulfide minerals,i.e.polyphase brine(Pb-type),opaque-bearing brine(Ob-type),solid halite(S-type),two-phase aqueous(A-type),and vapor(Vtype)inclusions.The FIs of stage I were composed of liquid-rich S-,A-,and V-type FIs with homogenization temperatures and salinities of 490 to 511℃ and 8.9 to 56.0 wt%NaCl equiv.,respectively.The FIs of substage Ⅱ-1 are composed of Pb-,Ob-,S-,A-,and V-type FIs with homogenization temperatures and salinities of 352 to 460℃ and 3.7 to 46.1 wt%NaCl equiv,respectively.The FIs of substage Ⅱ-2 are Ob-,S-,A-,and V-type FIs with homogenization temperatures and salinities of 234 to309°C and 3.7 to 39.2 wt%NaCl equiv,respectively.The FIs of stage Ⅲ are A-type FIs with homogenization temperatures and salinities of 136 to 172℃ and 1.1 to 8.9 wt%NaCl equiv,respectively.Fluid boiling,which resulted in the precipitation of sulfides,occurred in stages I andⅡ.The initial ore-forming fluids of the Jiguanshan deposit had high temperature,high salinity,and belonged to an F-rich NaCl±KCl-H2O system.The fluids gradually evolved to low temperature,low salinity,and belonged to a NaCl-H2O system.Studies of the hydrogen and oxygen isotope compositions of quartz(δ^18OH2O=-7.3 to 6.3%,δDH2O=-104.3 to-83.3%)show that the ore-formingfluids gradually evolved from magmatic water to meteoric water.

Fluid Inclusions of Calcite and Sources of Ore-forming Fluids in the Huize Zn-Pb-(Ag-Ge) District, Yunnan, China

The Huize Zn-Pb- (Ag-Ge) district is a typical representative of the well-known medium-to large-sized carbonate-hosted Zn-Pb- (Ag-Ge) deposits, occurring in the Sichuan-Yunnan-Guizhou Pb-Zn Ore-forming Zone. Generally, fluid inclusions within calcite, one of the major gangue minerals, are dominated by two kinds of small (1-10 um) inclusions including pure-liquid and liquid. The inclusions exist in concentrated groups along the crystal planes of the calcite. The ore-forming fluids containing Pb and Zn, which belong to the Na+-K+-Ca2+-Cl--F--SO42- type, are characterized by temperatures of 164-221℃, medium salinity in 5-10.8 wt% NaCl, and medium pressure at 410×105 to 661×105 Pa. The contents of Na+-K+ and C1--F-, and ratios of Na+/K+-Cl-/F- in fluid inclusions present good linearity. The ratios of Na+/K+ (4.66-6.71) and Cl-/F- (18.21-31.04) in the fluid inclusions of calcite are relatively high, while those of Na+/K+ (0.29-5.69) and Cl-/F- (5.00-26.0) in the inclusions of sphalerite and pyrite are relatively low. The ratio of Na+/K+ increases in accord with those of Cl-/F-, which indicates that ore-forming fluid of deep source participates in the mineralization. The waters of fluid inclusions have δD values from -43.5‰ to -55.4‰ of calcite. The δ18OV-SMOW values of the ore-forming fluids, calculated values, range from 17.09‰ to 18.56‰ of calcite and 17.80‰ to 23.14‰ for dolomite. δ13CV-PDB values range from -1.94‰ to -3.31‰ for calcite and -3.35‰ to 0.85‰ for the ore-bearing dolomite. These data better demonstrate that the ore-forming fluids were mainly derived from metamorphic water and magmatic hot fluid, in relation to the metamorphism of the Kunyang Group in the basement and magmatic hydrothermalism. The deposit itself might have resulted from ascending cycles of ore-forming fluid, enriched in Pb and Zn. The Huize Zn-Pb- (Ag-Ge) deposits related to carbonate-hosted Zn-Pb sulphides.

Decrepitation Thermometry and Compositions of Fluid Inclusions of the Damoqujia Gold Deposit,Jiaodong Gold Province,China:Implications for Metallogeny and Exploration

The recently discovered Damoqujia （大磨曲家） gold deposit is a large shear zone-hosted gold deposit of disseminated sulphides located in the north of the Zhaoping （招平） fault zone, Jiaodong （胶东） gold province, China. In order to distinguish the temperature range of cluster inclusions from different mineralization stages and measure their compositions, 16 fluid inclusions and 5 isotopic geochemistry samples were collected for this study. Corresponding to different mineralization stages, the multirange peaks of quartz decrepitation temperature （250-270, 310-360 and 380-430℃） indicate that the activity of ore-forming fluids is characterized by multistage. The ore-forming fluids were predominantly of high-temperature fluid system （HTFS） by CO2-rich, and SO4^2--K^＋ type magmatic fluid during the early stage of mineralization and were subsequently affected by low-temperature fluid system （LTFS） of CH4-rich, and Cl^--Na^＋/Ca^2＋ type meteoric fluid during the late stage of mineralization. Gold is transferred by Au-HS^- complex in the HTFS, and Au-Cl^- complex can be more important in the LTFS. The transition of fluids from deeper to shallow environments results in mixing between the HTFS and LTFS, which might be one of the most key reasons for gold precipitation and large-scale mineralization. The ore-forming fluids are characterized by high-temperature, strong-activity, and superimposed mineralization, so that there is a great probability of forming large and rich ore deposit in the Damoqujia gold deposit. The main bodies are preserved and extend toward deeper parts, thereby suggesting a great potential in future.

Genesis of the Bangbu Orogenic Gold Deposit, Tibet： Evidence from Fluid Inclusion, Stable Isotopes, and Ar-Ar Geochronology

The Bangbu gold deposit is a large orogenic gold deposit in Tibet formed during the AlpineHimalayan collision. Ore bodies（auriferous quartz veins） are controlled by the E-W-trending Qusong-Cuogu-Zhemulang brittle-ductile shear zone. Quartz veins at the deposit can be divided into three types： pre-metallogenic hook-like quartz veins, metallogenic auriferous quartz veins, and postmetallogenic N-S quartz veins. Four stages of mineralization in the auriferous quartz veins have been identified：（1） Stage S1 quartz＋coarse-grained sulfides,（2） Stage S2 gold＋fine-grained sulfides,（3） Stage S3 quartz＋carbonates, and（4） Stage S4 quartz＋ greigite. Fluid inclusions indicate the oreforming fluid was CO_2-N_2-CH_4 rich with homogenization temperatures of 170–261°C, salinities 4.34–7.45 wt% Na Cl equivalent. δ^（18）Ofluid（3.98‰–7.18‰） and low δDV-SMOW（-90‰ to-44‰） for auriferous quartz veins suggest ore-forming fluids were mainly metamorphic in origin, with some addition of organic matter. Quartz vein pyrite has δ^（34）SV-CDT values of 1.2‰–3.6‰（an average of 2.2‰）, whereas pyrite from phyllite has δ^（34）SV-CDT 5.7‰–9.9‰（an average of 7.4‰）. Quartz vein pyrites yield 206Pb/204 Pb ratios of 18.662–18.764, 207Pb/204 Pb 15.650–15.683, and ^（208）Pb/204 Pb 38.901–39.079. These isotopic data indicate Bangbu ore-forming materials were probably derived from the Langjiexue accretionary wedge. 40Ar/39 Ar ages for sericite from auriferous sulfide-quartz veins yield a plateau age of 49.52 ± 0.52 Ma, an isochron age of 50.3 ± 0.31 Ma, suggesting that auriferous veins were formed during the main collisional period of the Tibet-Himalayan orogen（-65–41 Ma）.

He-Ar Isotopic Systematics of Fluid Inclusions in Pyrites from PGEpolymetallic Deposits in Lower Cambrian Black Rock Series, South China

He-Ar isotopic compositions of fluid inclusions trapped in pyrites from some representative PGE-polymetallic deposits in Lower Cambrian black rock series in South China were analyzed by using an inert gas isotopic mass spectrometer. The results show that the ore-forming fluids possess a low 3He/4He ratio, varying from 0.43×10-8 to 26.39×10-8, with corresponding R/Ra value of 0.003-0.189. The 40Ar/36Ar ratios are 258-287, close to those of air saturated water (ASW). He-Ar isotopic indicator studies show that the ore-forming fluids were mainly derived from the formation water or basinal hot brine and sea water, while the content of mantle-derived fluid or deep-derived magmatic water might be negligible. The PGE-polymetallic mineralization might be related to the evolution of the Caledonian miogeosynclines distributed along the southern margin of the Yangtze Craton. During the Early Cambrian, the formation water or basinal hot brine trapped in Caledonian basins which accumulated giant thick sediments was expelled and migrated laterally along strata because of the pressure generated by overlying sediments. The basinal hot brine ascended along faults, mixed with sea water and finally deposited ore minerals.

Mineralization Styles and Genesis of the Yinkeng Au-Ag-Pb-Zn-Cu-Mn Polymetallic Orefield, Southern Jiangxi Province, SE China: Evidence from Geology, Fluid Inclusions, Isotopes and Chronology

The Yinkeng orefield in Yudu County,Jiangxi Province,SE China,is a zone of concentrated Au-Ag-Pb-Zn-Cu-Mn polymetallic ores.Based on summing up basic geology and ore geology of the orefieid,the polymetallic deposits in the orefield have been divided into seven major substyles according to their occurring positions and control factors.The ore-forming fluid inclusion styles in the orefield include those of two-phase fluid,liquid CO2-bearing three-phase and daughter mineral-bearing multi-phase.The homogenization temperatures range from 382° to 122℃,falling into five clusters of 370° to 390°,300° to 360°,230° to 300°,210° to 290° and 120° to 200°,and the clusters of 300° to 360°,230° to 300° and 120° to 200° are three major mineralization stages,with fluid salinity peaks from 4.14% to 7.31%,2.07% to 7.31% and 0.53% to 3.90%,respectively.The ore-forming fluids are mainly type of NaCl-H2O with medium to high density （0.74-1.02 g/cm3）,or CO2-bearing NaCl-H2O with medium to low density （0.18-0.79 g/cm3）.The fluid salinity and density both show a decline tendency with decreasing temperature.According to the measurement and calculation of Hand O-isotopic compositions in the quartz of the quartz-sulfide veins,δDV-SMOW of the ore-forming fluid is from-84‰ to-54‰,and δ18OV-SMOW of that is from 6.75‰ to 9.21‰,indicating a magmatic fluid.The δ34SV-CDT of sulfides in the ores fall into two groups,one is from-4.4‰ to 2.2‰ with average of-1.42‰,and the other from 18.8‰ to 21.6‰ with average of 19.8‰.The S-isotopic data shows one peak at-4.4‰ to 2.2‰ （meaning-1.42‰） suggesting a simple magmatic sulfur source.The ore Pbisotopic ratios are 206pb/204pb from 17.817 to 17.983,207pb/204pb from 15.470 to 15.620 and 208pb/204pb from 38.072 to 38.481,indicating characteristics of mantle-derived lead.The data show that the major ore deposits in the orefield have a magmatic-hydrothermal genesis and that the SHRIMP zircon age of the granodiorite porphyry,closely related to the mineralization,is 151.2±4.2 Ma （MSWD =1.3）,which can represent the formation ages of the ores and intrusion rocks.The study aids understanding of the ore-forming processes of the major metallic ore deposits in the orefield.