As one of the micro-blocks dispersed in the South China Sea(SCS), the basement of the Xisha Islands has rarely been drilled because of the thick overlying Cenozoic sediments, which has led to a confused understanding ...As one of the micro-blocks dispersed in the South China Sea(SCS), the basement of the Xisha Islands has rarely been drilled because of the thick overlying Cenozoic sediments, which has led to a confused understanding of the pre-Cenozoic basement of the Xisha Islands. Well CK-1, a kilometer-scale major scientific drill in the Xisha Islands in the northwestern SCS, penetrated thick reefal limestone(0–888.4 m) and the underlying basement rocks(888.4–901.4 m). In this study, we present the zircon U-Pb ages of basement basaltic pyroclastic rocks from Well CK-1 in the Xisha Islands of the northwestern SCS to investigate the basement nature of the Xisha microblock. The basement of Well CK-1 consists of basaltic pyroclastic rocks on the seamount. The zircon grains yielded apparent ages ranging from ca. 2 138.9 Ma to ca. 36 Ma. The old group of zircon grains from Well CK-1 was considered to be inherited zircons. Two Cenozoic zircons gave a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of(36.3 ± 1.1) Ma,Mean Squared Weighted Deviations(MSWD) = 1.2, which may represent the maximum age of the volcano eruption. The Yanshanian inherited zircons(116.9–105.7 Ma and 146.1–130.2 Ma) from Well CK-1 are consistent with the zircons from Well XK-1, indicating that the basement of Chenhang Island may be similar to that of Well XK-1. We propose that the Xisha micro-block may have developed on a uniform Late Jurassic metamorphic crystalline basement, intruded by Cretaceous granitic magma.展开更多
Holocene basaltic rocks of the Jingpohu area are located in the “Crater Forest” and Hamatang districts to the northwest of the Jingpohu Lake. Although there is only a distance of 15 km between the two districts, the...Holocene basaltic rocks of the Jingpohu area are located in the “Crater Forest” and Hamatang districts to the northwest of the Jingpohu Lake. Although there is only a distance of 15 km between the two districts, their petrological characteristics are very different: alkaline olivine basalt without any megacrysts in the former, and leucite tephrite with Ti-amphibole, phlogopite and anorthoclasite megacrysts in the latter. On the basis of their geochemical characteristics, the two types of basaltic rocks should belong to weakly sodian alkaline basalts. But leucite tephrite is characterized by higher Al2O3, Na2O and K2O, higher enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREE) and large ion lithophile elements (LILE), lower MgO and CaO, compatible elements and moderately compatible elements and lower Mg*values and Na/K ratios in comparison with alkaline olivine basalt. However, the two types of basaltic rocks have similar Sr, Nd, Pb isotopic compositions, which suggests that the mantle beneath the Jingpohu area was homogeneous before undergoing some geological processes about 3490 years ago. As the activity of the mantle plume led to different degrees of metasomatism, extreme mantle source heterogeneities occurred beneath the Jingpohu area. In comparison with alkaline olivine basalt, the leucite tephrite was derived from the more enriched mantle source region and resulted from strong metasomatism.展开更多
Basalts interbedded with oil source rocks are discovered frequently in rift basins of eastern China, where CO2 is found in reservoirs around or within basalts, for example in the Binnan reservoir of the Dongying Depre...Basalts interbedded with oil source rocks are discovered frequently in rift basins of eastern China, where CO2 is found in reservoirs around or within basalts, for example in the Binnan reservoir of the Dongying Depression. In the reservoirs, CO2 with heavy carbon isotopic composition (δ13C>-10‰ PDB) is in most cases accounts for 40% of the total gas reserve, and is believed to have resulted from degassing of basaltic magma from the mantle. In their investigations of the Binnan reservoir, the authors suggested that the CO2 would result from interactions between the source rocks and basalts. As the source rocks around basalts are rich in carbonate minerals, volcanic minerals, transition metals and organic matter, during their burial history some of the transition metals were catalyzed on the thermal degradation of organic matter into hydrocarbons and on the decomposition of carbonate minerals into CO2, which was reproduced in thermal simulations of the source rocks with the transition metals (Ni and Co). This kind of CO2 accounts for 55%-85% of the total gas reserve generated in the process of thermal simulation, and its δ13C values range from -11‰- -7.2‰ PDB, which are very similar to those of CO2 found in the Binnan reservoir. The co-generation of CO2 and hydrocarbon gases makes it possible their accumulation together in one trap. In other words, if the CO2 resulted directly from degassing of basaltic magma or was derived from the mantle, it could not be accumulated with hydrocarbon gases because it came into the basin much earlier than hydrocarbon generation and much earlier than trap formation. Therefore, the source rocks around basalts generated hydrocarbons and CO2 simultaneously through catalysis of Co and Ni transition metals, which is useful for the explanation of co-accumulation of hydrocarbon gases and CO2 in rift basins in eastern China.展开更多
The major element, trace element and Nd-Sr isotopic composition of Cenozoic basaltic volcanic rocks from the Maguan area, eastern Tibet, indicates that the volcanic rocks are enriched in alkalis, especially K (K-2O up...The major element, trace element and Nd-Sr isotopic composition of Cenozoic basaltic volcanic rocks from the Maguan area, eastern Tibet, indicates that the volcanic rocks are enriched in alkalis, especially K (K-2O up to {3.81%}) and depleted in Ti (TiO-2={1.27%}-{2.00%}). These rocks may be classified as two groups, based on their Mg+# numbers: one may represent primary magma (Mg+# numbers from 68 to 69), and the other, the evolved magma (Mg+# numbers from 49 to 57). Their REE contents are very high (∑REE={155.06}-{239.04}μg/g). Their REE distribution patterns are of the right-inclined type, characterized by LREE enrichment [(La/Yb)-N={12.0}-{19.2}], no Ce anomaly (Ce/Ce+*={1.0}), and weak negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu+*={0.9}). The rocks are highly enriched in Rb, Sr and Ba ({59.5}-{93.8} μg/g, 732-999 μg/g, and 450-632 μg/g, respectively), high in U and Th ({1.59}-{2.31} μg/g and {4.73}-{8.16} μg/g, respectively), and high in Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf (70-118 μg/g, {3.72}-{5.93} μg/g, 215-381 μg/g, and {5.47}-{9.03} μg/g, respectively). In the primitive mantle-normalized incompatible element spidergram, Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf and P show positive anomalies, whereas Ba, Ti and Y show negative anomalies. The {{}+{87}Sr/+{86}Sr} ratios range from {0.704029} to {0.704761}; {{}+{143}Nd/+{144}Nd} from {0.512769} to {0.512949}; and εNd from {+2.6} to {+6.1}. These geochemical features might suggest that the potential source of the basaltic high-K volcanic rocks in the Maguan area is similar to the OIB-source mantle of Hawaii and Kergeulen volcanic rocks.展开更多
This paper discusses the discrimination principles. deduction and methods for probing into the source composition of mantle-derived magma. The magmatophile (incompatible) source elements are not all optimal tracers fo...This paper discusses the discrimination principles. deduction and methods for probing into the source composition of mantle-derived magma. The magmatophile (incompatible) source elements are not all optimal tracers for mantle source composition. The ratios of two strong magmatophile elements (D<1) or the ratios of two trace elements with the same D value are not controlled by the formation mode and evolution degree of a magma, but maintain the characteristics of their composition in mantle source region prior to the magma formation. The ratios are related to different mantle-crust structures and dynamics. The mantle source composition of the Emeishan Basalt series is similar to that of the South Atlantic Rio Grande Rise-Walvis Ridge Basalts and Brazil continental-margin basalts. This may indicate that these basalt series might have similar source regions and tectonic environments.展开更多
The columnar jointed rock mass(CJR), composed of polygonal cross-sectional columns cut by several groups of joints in various directions, was exposed during the excavations of the Baihetan hydropower station, China. I...The columnar jointed rock mass(CJR), composed of polygonal cross-sectional columns cut by several groups of joints in various directions, was exposed during the excavations of the Baihetan hydropower station, China. In order to investigate the unloading performances and the stability conditions during excavation of the columns, an experimental field study was performed. Firstly, on-site investigations indicated that the geotechnical problems, including rock relaxation, cracking and collapse, were the most prominent for the CJR Class I that contains intensive joint network and the smallest column sizes.Comprehensive field tests, including deformation measurement by multi-point extensometers, ultrasonic wave testing, borehole television observation and stress monitoring of rock anchors, revealed that the time-dependent relaxation of the CJRs was marked. The practical excavation experiences for the Baihetan columnar jointed rock masses, such as blasting scheme, supporting time of shotcrete and rock bolts, were presented in the excavations of the diversion tunnels. These detailed investigations and practical construction experiences can provide helpful information for similar geotechnical works in jointed rock mass.展开更多
The Al Haruj Intra-continental Volcanic Province is the largest part of the extensive volcanic activity in Libya which is considered to be a typical within plate basalts. The volcano-tectonics evolution of this provin...The Al Haruj Intra-continental Volcanic Province is the largest part of the extensive volcanic activity in Libya which is considered to be a typical within plate basalts. The volcano-tectonics evolution of this province, as well as its origin, are still widely disputed. According to K-Ar dating previously studied, the volcanic activity started in the Late Miocene and lasted until at least the Late Pleistocene. The field may still be volcanically active. The mafic rocks of Jabal Al Haruj have been classified into six major phases or groups. These phases have been differentiated using Landsat images together with aerial photographs of different scales as well as field observations. The topographic forms of the earliest phase are highly eroded while the forms of the latest phase are usually fresh and very well preserved as regards primary features. Mafic lavas of this field consist of alkali basalts to olivine tholeiites (transitional basalt) which contain olivine as essential constituent together with clinopyroxene, plagioclase and glass. The basalt exhibits intergranular, intersertal, ophitic and subophitic relations. Amygdaloidal and glomerporphyritic textures are also observed. The basaltic rocks of different ages and from different localities are petrographically rather similar. Phenocrysts of olivine probably the result from slow cooling in crustal magma chambers prior to eruptions, suggesting that magmas ascended slowly through the crust. 109 samples have been carefully collected from various phases, some of these samples have been chosen for major and trace elements analyses, using XRF in order to determine the characteristics of the?mantle source and investigate crustal interaction. The major and trace elements revealed a?slightly significant chemical diversity among the phases and within each phase. The normative classification of most of these rocks shows close agreement with their modal classification. A vague correlation between MgO and most major oxides in the studied samples suggests different degrees of partial melting rather than fractional crystallization. A characteristic feature of the studied volcanic rocks is the relatively constant ratios of certain incompatible trace elements (Nb/Zr, Rb/Zr), which provides strong evidence of a common source. In addition, the rocks display similar patterns of the peaks and troughs;this strongly suggests that they have a common parent and common subsequent processes. The compatible transitional metals Ni (81 - 193 ppm) and Cr contents (238 - 361 ppm) and relatively low Mg# (Mg/(Mg + Fet)) (52 - 62) give an indication that the studied basaltic rocks have slightly to moderately fractionated olivine and/or spinel. The magmatism of this volcanic field seems to be related to reactivation of pre-existing structures during the passive rifting of the Sirt Basin that most likely produced in response to convergence between European and African plates since Jurassic until Holocene times.展开更多
The West Congo belt contains Paleoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic Units which are deformed during Panafrican event. The Neoproterozoic Unit contains rift and post rift deposits. The rift formation is made of metabasite...The West Congo belt contains Paleoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic Units which are deformed during Panafrican event. The Neoproterozoic Unit contains rift and post rift deposits. The rift formation is made of metabasite, volcanic and volcano-sedimentary rocks. The metabasite constitutes the Nemba Complex which is considered put into place in a continental or oceanic context. Samples from Nemba Complex collected along the “Congo ocean railway realignment” are analyzed. Major elements indicate a low potassic subalkaline affinity of the samples. Classification diagrams based of major elements shows that the rocks are a tholeiitic serie constituted of andesitic basalts, sub-alkaline andesitic basalts and a sub-alkaline to alkaline basalts. Some samples with a calc-alkaline signature indicate a crustal contamination. The traces elements plots indicate that the rocks are the MORB. The spectrum of multi-elements is characteristic of continental rocks with a lithospheric origin. This is an agreement with many works on the Nemba Complex and the alkali plutons and acid volcanic rocks associated which attribute there a rift context.展开更多
All engineering projects consist of several steps, and one of the main tasks is to identify and characterize the most important features of rock types that will be excavated, crushed, or mined for any particular usage...All engineering projects consist of several steps, and one of the main tasks is to identify and characterize the most important features of rock types that will be excavated, crushed, or mined for any particular usage purpose, from a single residential building to major works of infrastructure. Laboratory investigation on engineering geology is thus conducted in order to determine the most relevant rock properties when designing structures such as mining shafts, tunnels, buildings, or reservoir dams to be built in sites associated with rocks. A wide range of laboratory tests is available, making the correct choice of test methods greatly relevant to determine the key property for the planned use of the rock. This paper is an illustrative case of laboratory testing of basaltic rocks to be used as riprap in a reservoir dam. It shows the important role of the petrographic study carried out to analyze the distribution pattern of smectite clay minerals. Test results are explained for the assessment of rock alterability, an essential aspect for the selection of the most suitable basalt variety for the envisaged conditions of use.展开更多
The study area is located in the entrance of Wadi Girshah in Ablah area, Assir terrain, southwestern Saudi Arabia. The present study aims to shed light on the field, mega- and microscopic description of the volcanicla...The study area is located in the entrance of Wadi Girshah in Ablah area, Assir terrain, southwestern Saudi Arabia. The present study aims to shed light on the field, mega- and microscopic description of the volcaniclastic red beds and the associated scoriaceous basalts of Wadi Al Roaian. It is based mainly up on the field works augmented by petrographic description. The present study revealed that, the succession of the upper part of Girshah Formation comprises three main horizons: 1) lower unit of epidotized and silicified basaltic and andesitic tuffs;2) middle unit of volcaniclastic red beds-scoriaceous basalts of successive cycles (each of these cycles begins by reddish tuffaceous mudstone and sandstone and is terminated by the calcite-bearing scoriaceous basalt). This unit indicated the deposition in lacustrine environments and the red iron oxyhydroxides minerals were formed either by the direct hematitization of the deposited tuffs or by the diagenetic hematitization of the green clays formed instead of the precursor tuffaceous materials;3) upper scoriaceous basalt unit composed from hematitized and calcitized basalt. The unit was formed by basic volcanic eruptions in subaerial condition which was predominated by the formation of calcium carbonate lakes associated with the progressive and subsequent calcitization of the Ca-plagioclase minerals of the basalt and the associated glassy tuffaceous material. The scoriaceous basalts of Wadi Al Roaian area represent subaerial basic volcanic eruption in continental situation and are associated with subsequent events of mineral alteration and formation of secondary minerals i.e. calcite, hematite and goethite.展开更多
Electric DC and AC measurements and dielectric investigations have been carried out on some Plio-Qaternary basalt of Hemat Madam volcano from Sana’a-Amran volcanic field (SAVF). In this article we focus primarily on ...Electric DC and AC measurements and dielectric investigations have been carried out on some Plio-Qaternary basalt of Hemat Madam volcano from Sana’a-Amran volcanic field (SAVF). In this article we focus primarily on the field aspects and the main characteristic mineralogical and petrographic features of this inactive volcano. Using DC and AC experimental arrangements we discovered excellent electrical characteristics for this inactive volcano. The results of DC electrical resistivity versus a temperature reveal that all the samples have semiconductor characters. Moreover, the measurements showed that these samples have high resistive extrinsic semiconductors (ρDC ~ 109 Ω·m). AC and dielectric measurements were ensured the semi-conductivity and normal dielectric behavior of these samples. AC measurements reveal that the classical barrier hopping model (CBH) is the predominant conduction mechanism, while at low temperature region small polarons may contribute to the conduction in the samples. The samples have low values for dielectric constant ε' and low loss factor tanδ (ε' ~ 27 and tanδ ~ 0.7 at 200 Hz for the sample BA7). Then, the semicodutor behavior, the high values of DC/AC resistivity and low loss dissipation factor considered a very good characterization for magnetic semiconductor materials. So, we can predict that, the studied natural materials represent newborn promising material sciences for many more technological applications.展开更多
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China under contract Nos 42030502, 42090041 and 42166003the Guangxi Scientific Projects under contract Nos AD17129063 and AA17204074+1 种基金the Guangxi Youth Science Fund Project under contract 2019GXNSFBA185016the Ph.D. Research Start-up Foundation of Guangxi University under contract No. XBZ170339。
文摘As one of the micro-blocks dispersed in the South China Sea(SCS), the basement of the Xisha Islands has rarely been drilled because of the thick overlying Cenozoic sediments, which has led to a confused understanding of the pre-Cenozoic basement of the Xisha Islands. Well CK-1, a kilometer-scale major scientific drill in the Xisha Islands in the northwestern SCS, penetrated thick reefal limestone(0–888.4 m) and the underlying basement rocks(888.4–901.4 m). In this study, we present the zircon U-Pb ages of basement basaltic pyroclastic rocks from Well CK-1 in the Xisha Islands of the northwestern SCS to investigate the basement nature of the Xisha microblock. The basement of Well CK-1 consists of basaltic pyroclastic rocks on the seamount. The zircon grains yielded apparent ages ranging from ca. 2 138.9 Ma to ca. 36 Ma. The old group of zircon grains from Well CK-1 was considered to be inherited zircons. Two Cenozoic zircons gave a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of(36.3 ± 1.1) Ma,Mean Squared Weighted Deviations(MSWD) = 1.2, which may represent the maximum age of the volcano eruption. The Yanshanian inherited zircons(116.9–105.7 Ma and 146.1–130.2 Ma) from Well CK-1 are consistent with the zircons from Well XK-1, indicating that the basement of Chenhang Island may be similar to that of Well XK-1. We propose that the Xisha micro-block may have developed on a uniform Late Jurassic metamorphic crystalline basement, intruded by Cretaceous granitic magma.
文摘Holocene basaltic rocks of the Jingpohu area are located in the “Crater Forest” and Hamatang districts to the northwest of the Jingpohu Lake. Although there is only a distance of 15 km between the two districts, their petrological characteristics are very different: alkaline olivine basalt without any megacrysts in the former, and leucite tephrite with Ti-amphibole, phlogopite and anorthoclasite megacrysts in the latter. On the basis of their geochemical characteristics, the two types of basaltic rocks should belong to weakly sodian alkaline basalts. But leucite tephrite is characterized by higher Al2O3, Na2O and K2O, higher enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREE) and large ion lithophile elements (LILE), lower MgO and CaO, compatible elements and moderately compatible elements and lower Mg*values and Na/K ratios in comparison with alkaline olivine basalt. However, the two types of basaltic rocks have similar Sr, Nd, Pb isotopic compositions, which suggests that the mantle beneath the Jingpohu area was homogeneous before undergoing some geological processes about 3490 years ago. As the activity of the mantle plume led to different degrees of metasomatism, extreme mantle source heterogeneities occurred beneath the Jingpohu area. In comparison with alkaline olivine basalt, the leucite tephrite was derived from the more enriched mantle source region and resulted from strong metasomatism.
基金This research project is funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China （Grant No. 40272061）.
文摘Basalts interbedded with oil source rocks are discovered frequently in rift basins of eastern China, where CO2 is found in reservoirs around or within basalts, for example in the Binnan reservoir of the Dongying Depression. In the reservoirs, CO2 with heavy carbon isotopic composition (δ13C>-10‰ PDB) is in most cases accounts for 40% of the total gas reserve, and is believed to have resulted from degassing of basaltic magma from the mantle. In their investigations of the Binnan reservoir, the authors suggested that the CO2 would result from interactions between the source rocks and basalts. As the source rocks around basalts are rich in carbonate minerals, volcanic minerals, transition metals and organic matter, during their burial history some of the transition metals were catalyzed on the thermal degradation of organic matter into hydrocarbons and on the decomposition of carbonate minerals into CO2, which was reproduced in thermal simulations of the source rocks with the transition metals (Ni and Co). This kind of CO2 accounts for 55%-85% of the total gas reserve generated in the process of thermal simulation, and its δ13C values range from -11‰- -7.2‰ PDB, which are very similar to those of CO2 found in the Binnan reservoir. The co-generation of CO2 and hydrocarbon gases makes it possible their accumulation together in one trap. In other words, if the CO2 resulted directly from degassing of basaltic magma or was derived from the mantle, it could not be accumulated with hydrocarbon gases because it came into the basin much earlier than hydrocarbon generation and much earlier than trap formation. Therefore, the source rocks around basalts generated hydrocarbons and CO2 simultaneously through catalysis of Co and Ni transition metals, which is useful for the explanation of co-accumulation of hydrocarbon gases and CO2 in rift basins in eastern China.
文摘The major element, trace element and Nd-Sr isotopic composition of Cenozoic basaltic volcanic rocks from the Maguan area, eastern Tibet, indicates that the volcanic rocks are enriched in alkalis, especially K (K-2O up to {3.81%}) and depleted in Ti (TiO-2={1.27%}-{2.00%}). These rocks may be classified as two groups, based on their Mg+# numbers: one may represent primary magma (Mg+# numbers from 68 to 69), and the other, the evolved magma (Mg+# numbers from 49 to 57). Their REE contents are very high (∑REE={155.06}-{239.04}μg/g). Their REE distribution patterns are of the right-inclined type, characterized by LREE enrichment [(La/Yb)-N={12.0}-{19.2}], no Ce anomaly (Ce/Ce+*={1.0}), and weak negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu+*={0.9}). The rocks are highly enriched in Rb, Sr and Ba ({59.5}-{93.8} μg/g, 732-999 μg/g, and 450-632 μg/g, respectively), high in U and Th ({1.59}-{2.31} μg/g and {4.73}-{8.16} μg/g, respectively), and high in Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf (70-118 μg/g, {3.72}-{5.93} μg/g, 215-381 μg/g, and {5.47}-{9.03} μg/g, respectively). In the primitive mantle-normalized incompatible element spidergram, Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf and P show positive anomalies, whereas Ba, Ti and Y show negative anomalies. The {{}+{87}Sr/+{86}Sr} ratios range from {0.704029} to {0.704761}; {{}+{143}Nd/+{144}Nd} from {0.512769} to {0.512949}; and εNd from {+2.6} to {+6.1}. These geochemical features might suggest that the potential source of the basaltic high-K volcanic rocks in the Maguan area is similar to the OIB-source mantle of Hawaii and Kergeulen volcanic rocks.
文摘This paper discusses the discrimination principles. deduction and methods for probing into the source composition of mantle-derived magma. The magmatophile (incompatible) source elements are not all optimal tracers for mantle source composition. The ratios of two strong magmatophile elements (D<1) or the ratios of two trace elements with the same D value are not controlled by the formation mode and evolution degree of a magma, but maintain the characteristics of their composition in mantle source region prior to the magma formation. The ratios are related to different mantle-crust structures and dynamics. The mantle source composition of the Emeishan Basalt series is similar to that of the South Atlantic Rio Grande Rise-Walvis Ridge Basalts and Brazil continental-margin basalts. This may indicate that these basalt series might have similar source regions and tectonic environments.
基金the financial support from the International Partnership Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.115242KYSB20160017)the Key Project of Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.11232014)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.51379202)
文摘The columnar jointed rock mass(CJR), composed of polygonal cross-sectional columns cut by several groups of joints in various directions, was exposed during the excavations of the Baihetan hydropower station, China. In order to investigate the unloading performances and the stability conditions during excavation of the columns, an experimental field study was performed. Firstly, on-site investigations indicated that the geotechnical problems, including rock relaxation, cracking and collapse, were the most prominent for the CJR Class I that contains intensive joint network and the smallest column sizes.Comprehensive field tests, including deformation measurement by multi-point extensometers, ultrasonic wave testing, borehole television observation and stress monitoring of rock anchors, revealed that the time-dependent relaxation of the CJRs was marked. The practical excavation experiences for the Baihetan columnar jointed rock masses, such as blasting scheme, supporting time of shotcrete and rock bolts, were presented in the excavations of the diversion tunnels. These detailed investigations and practical construction experiences can provide helpful information for similar geotechnical works in jointed rock mass.
文摘The Al Haruj Intra-continental Volcanic Province is the largest part of the extensive volcanic activity in Libya which is considered to be a typical within plate basalts. The volcano-tectonics evolution of this province, as well as its origin, are still widely disputed. According to K-Ar dating previously studied, the volcanic activity started in the Late Miocene and lasted until at least the Late Pleistocene. The field may still be volcanically active. The mafic rocks of Jabal Al Haruj have been classified into six major phases or groups. These phases have been differentiated using Landsat images together with aerial photographs of different scales as well as field observations. The topographic forms of the earliest phase are highly eroded while the forms of the latest phase are usually fresh and very well preserved as regards primary features. Mafic lavas of this field consist of alkali basalts to olivine tholeiites (transitional basalt) which contain olivine as essential constituent together with clinopyroxene, plagioclase and glass. The basalt exhibits intergranular, intersertal, ophitic and subophitic relations. Amygdaloidal and glomerporphyritic textures are also observed. The basaltic rocks of different ages and from different localities are petrographically rather similar. Phenocrysts of olivine probably the result from slow cooling in crustal magma chambers prior to eruptions, suggesting that magmas ascended slowly through the crust. 109 samples have been carefully collected from various phases, some of these samples have been chosen for major and trace elements analyses, using XRF in order to determine the characteristics of the?mantle source and investigate crustal interaction. The major and trace elements revealed a?slightly significant chemical diversity among the phases and within each phase. The normative classification of most of these rocks shows close agreement with their modal classification. A vague correlation between MgO and most major oxides in the studied samples suggests different degrees of partial melting rather than fractional crystallization. A characteristic feature of the studied volcanic rocks is the relatively constant ratios of certain incompatible trace elements (Nb/Zr, Rb/Zr), which provides strong evidence of a common source. In addition, the rocks display similar patterns of the peaks and troughs;this strongly suggests that they have a common parent and common subsequent processes. The compatible transitional metals Ni (81 - 193 ppm) and Cr contents (238 - 361 ppm) and relatively low Mg# (Mg/(Mg + Fet)) (52 - 62) give an indication that the studied basaltic rocks have slightly to moderately fractionated olivine and/or spinel. The magmatism of this volcanic field seems to be related to reactivation of pre-existing structures during the passive rifting of the Sirt Basin that most likely produced in response to convergence between European and African plates since Jurassic until Holocene times.
文摘The West Congo belt contains Paleoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic Units which are deformed during Panafrican event. The Neoproterozoic Unit contains rift and post rift deposits. The rift formation is made of metabasite, volcanic and volcano-sedimentary rocks. The metabasite constitutes the Nemba Complex which is considered put into place in a continental or oceanic context. Samples from Nemba Complex collected along the “Congo ocean railway realignment” are analyzed. Major elements indicate a low potassic subalkaline affinity of the samples. Classification diagrams based of major elements shows that the rocks are a tholeiitic serie constituted of andesitic basalts, sub-alkaline andesitic basalts and a sub-alkaline to alkaline basalts. Some samples with a calc-alkaline signature indicate a crustal contamination. The traces elements plots indicate that the rocks are the MORB. The spectrum of multi-elements is characteristic of continental rocks with a lithospheric origin. This is an agreement with many works on the Nemba Complex and the alkali plutons and acid volcanic rocks associated which attribute there a rift context.
文摘All engineering projects consist of several steps, and one of the main tasks is to identify and characterize the most important features of rock types that will be excavated, crushed, or mined for any particular usage purpose, from a single residential building to major works of infrastructure. Laboratory investigation on engineering geology is thus conducted in order to determine the most relevant rock properties when designing structures such as mining shafts, tunnels, buildings, or reservoir dams to be built in sites associated with rocks. A wide range of laboratory tests is available, making the correct choice of test methods greatly relevant to determine the key property for the planned use of the rock. This paper is an illustrative case of laboratory testing of basaltic rocks to be used as riprap in a reservoir dam. It shows the important role of the petrographic study carried out to analyze the distribution pattern of smectite clay minerals. Test results are explained for the assessment of rock alterability, an essential aspect for the selection of the most suitable basalt variety for the envisaged conditions of use.
文摘The study area is located in the entrance of Wadi Girshah in Ablah area, Assir terrain, southwestern Saudi Arabia. The present study aims to shed light on the field, mega- and microscopic description of the volcaniclastic red beds and the associated scoriaceous basalts of Wadi Al Roaian. It is based mainly up on the field works augmented by petrographic description. The present study revealed that, the succession of the upper part of Girshah Formation comprises three main horizons: 1) lower unit of epidotized and silicified basaltic and andesitic tuffs;2) middle unit of volcaniclastic red beds-scoriaceous basalts of successive cycles (each of these cycles begins by reddish tuffaceous mudstone and sandstone and is terminated by the calcite-bearing scoriaceous basalt). This unit indicated the deposition in lacustrine environments and the red iron oxyhydroxides minerals were formed either by the direct hematitization of the deposited tuffs or by the diagenetic hematitization of the green clays formed instead of the precursor tuffaceous materials;3) upper scoriaceous basalt unit composed from hematitized and calcitized basalt. The unit was formed by basic volcanic eruptions in subaerial condition which was predominated by the formation of calcium carbonate lakes associated with the progressive and subsequent calcitization of the Ca-plagioclase minerals of the basalt and the associated glassy tuffaceous material. The scoriaceous basalts of Wadi Al Roaian area represent subaerial basic volcanic eruption in continental situation and are associated with subsequent events of mineral alteration and formation of secondary minerals i.e. calcite, hematite and goethite.
文摘Electric DC and AC measurements and dielectric investigations have been carried out on some Plio-Qaternary basalt of Hemat Madam volcano from Sana’a-Amran volcanic field (SAVF). In this article we focus primarily on the field aspects and the main characteristic mineralogical and petrographic features of this inactive volcano. Using DC and AC experimental arrangements we discovered excellent electrical characteristics for this inactive volcano. The results of DC electrical resistivity versus a temperature reveal that all the samples have semiconductor characters. Moreover, the measurements showed that these samples have high resistive extrinsic semiconductors (ρDC ~ 109 Ω·m). AC and dielectric measurements were ensured the semi-conductivity and normal dielectric behavior of these samples. AC measurements reveal that the classical barrier hopping model (CBH) is the predominant conduction mechanism, while at low temperature region small polarons may contribute to the conduction in the samples. The samples have low values for dielectric constant ε' and low loss factor tanδ (ε' ~ 27 and tanδ ~ 0.7 at 200 Hz for the sample BA7). Then, the semicodutor behavior, the high values of DC/AC resistivity and low loss dissipation factor considered a very good characterization for magnetic semiconductor materials. So, we can predict that, the studied natural materials represent newborn promising material sciences for many more technological applications.
