Depositional Environment and Origin of Inertinite-rich Coal in the Ordos Basin

Inertinite-rich coal is widely distributed in the Ordos Basin,represented by the No.2 coal seam of the Middle Jurassic Yan'an Formation.This paper combined coal petrology and geochemistry to analyze the origin of inertinite,changes in the coal-forming environment and control characteristics of wildfire.Research has shown that there are two forms of inertinite sources in the study area.Alongside typical fusinization,wildfire events also play a substantial role in inertinite formation.There are significant fluctuations in the coal-forming environment of samples at different depths.Coal samples were formed in dry forest swamp with low water levels and strong oxidation,which have a high inertinite content,and the samples formed in wet forest swamp and limnic showed low inertinite content.Conversely,the inertinite content of different origins does not fully correspond to the depositional environment characterized by dryness and oxidation.Nonpyrogenic inertinites were significantly influenced by climatic conditions,while pyrofusinite was not entirely controlled by climatic conditions but rather directly impacted by wildfire events.The high oxygen level was the main factor causing widespread wildfire events.Overall,the combination of wildfire activity and oxidation generates a high content of inertinite in the Middle Jurassic coal of the Ordos Basin.

Distribution and geochemical significance of alkylbenzenes for crude oil with different depositional environments and thermal maturities

A total of 45 alkylbenzenes were detected and identified in crude oils with different depositional environments and thermal maturities from the Tarim Basin,Beibuwan Basin,and Songliao Basin using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry(GC×GCTOFMS).By analyzing the distribution characteristics of C0-C5alkylbenzenes,it is found that the content of some alkylbenzenes varies greatly in crude oils.Based on the distribution characteristics of 1,2,4,5-tetramethylbenzene(Te MB)and 1,2,3,4-Te MB,the ratio of 1,2,4,5-Te MB to 1,2,3,4-Te MB is proposed to indicate the organic matter origin and depositional environment of ancient sediments.Oil samples originated mainly from lower hydrobiont,algae,bacteria and source rocks deposited under reducing/anoxic conditions have low 1,2,4,5-/1,2,3,4-Te MB values(less than 0.6),while oil samples originated mainly from terrestrial higher plants and source rocks deposited under oxic/sub-oxic conditions have higher 1,2,4,5-/1,2,3,4-Te MB values(greater than 1.0).The significant difference of 1,2,4,5-/1,2,3,4-Te MB values is controlled by 1,2,4,5-Te MB content.1,2,4,5-Te MB content in oils derived from source rocks deposited in oxidized sedimentary environment(greater than 1.0 mg/g whole oil)is higher than that in oils from source rocks deposited in reduced sedimentary environment(less than 1.0 mg/g whole oil).1,2,4,5-/1,2,3,4-Te MB ratio might not or slightly be affected by evaporative fractionation,biodegradation and thermal maturity.1,2,4,5-/1,2,3,4-Te MB ratio and 1,2,4,5-Te MB content can be used as supplementary parameter for the identification of sedimentary environment and organic matter input.It should be noted that compared to the identification of organic matter sources,the 1,2,4,5-/1,2,3,4-Te MB parameter is more effective in identifying sedimentary environments.

Sedimentary Dynamics of the Sands of the Cover Formation in the Batéké Plateaus (Republic of Congo): Paleoenvironmental Implications

The depositional environment of the sands of the cover formation is discussed. This study aims to determine the paleoenvironments of deposition of the sands of the cover formation in the Batéké Plateaus by studying sedimentary dynamics based on the description of lithological facies in the field and granulometric analyses in the laboratory. In the field, six (6) lithostratigraphic logs were surveyed and 42 sand samples were taken for laboratory analysis. In the laboratory, the samples underwent granulometric, sieving and sedimentometry analyses, after washing with running water using a 63 µm sieve. These analyses made it possible to determine the granulometric classes of the samples. The sieving results allowed to determine the granulometric parameters (mean, standard deviation, mode, median, skewness, flattening or kurtosis) using the method of moments with the software “Gradistat V.8”, granulometric parameters with which the granulometric facies, the mode of transport and the deposition environment were determined using the diagrams. Morphoscopy made it possible to determine the form and aspect of the surface of the quartz grains constituting these sands. Granulometric analyses show that these silty-clay or clayey-silty sands are fine sands and rarely medium sands, moderately to well sorted and rarely well sorted. The dominant granulometric facies is hyperbolic (sigmoid), with parabolic facies being rare. The primary mode of transport of these sands is saltation, which dominates rolling. The dispersion of points in the diagrams shows that these sands originate from two depositional environments: aeolian and fluvial. Morphoscopic analysis reveals the presence of clean rounded matt grains (RM), dirty rounded matt grains (RS), shiny blunt grains (EL) and shiny rounded grains (RL). The rounded matt grains exhibit several impact marks. The presence of dirty rounded grains with a ferruginous cement on their surface indicates that these sands have been reworked. These sands have undergone two types of transport, first by wind (aeolian environment) and then by water (fluvial environment).

Depositional Environment and Lithofacies Analyses of Eocene Lacustrine Shale in the Bohai Bay Basin:Insights from Mineralogy and Elemental Geochemistry

The effect of various depositional parameters including paleoclimate,paleosalinity and provenance,on the depositional mechanism of lacustrine shale is very important in reconstructing the depositional environment.The classification of shale lithofacies and the interpretation of shale depositional environment are key features used in shale oil and gas exploration and development activity.The lower 3rd member of the Eocene Shahejie Formation(Es_(3)^(x)shale)was selected for this study,as one of the main prospective intervals for shale oil exploration and development in the intracratonic Bohai Bay Basin.Mineralogically,it is composed of quartz(avg.9.6%),calcite(avg.58.5%),dolomite(avg.7%),pyrite(avg.3.3%)and clay minerals(avg.20%).An advanced methodology(thin-section petrography,total organic carbon and total organic sulfur contents analysis,X-ray diffraction(XRD),X-ray fluorescence(XRF),field-emission scanning electron microscopy(FE-SEM))was adopted to establish shale lithofacies and to interpret the depositional environment in the lacustrine basin.Six different types of lithofacies were recognized,based on mineral composition,total organic carbon(TOC)content and sedimentary structures.Various inorganic geochemical proxies(Rb/Sr,Ca/(Ca+Fe),Ti/Al,Al/Ca,Al/Ti,Zr/Rb)have been used to interpret and screen variations in depositional environmental parameters during the deposition of the Es_(3)^(x)shale.The experimental results indicate that the environment during the deposition of the Es_(3)^(x)shale was warm and humid with heightened salinities,moderate to limited detrital input,higher paleohydrodynamic settings and strong oxygen deficient(reducing)conditions.A comprehensive depositional model of the lacustrine shale was developed.The interpretations deduced from this research work are expected to not only expand the knowledge of shale lithofacies classification for lacustrine fine-grained rocks,but can also offer a theoretical foundation for lacustrine shale oil exploration and development.

Depositional Environment of Sediments in Tonle Sap Sedimentary Basin, Western Part of Cambodia: Insights from Field and Geochemical Studies

Tonle Sap sedimentary basin was considered a favorable geological condition for hydrocarbon accumulation in the onshore Cambodia. Two exposure outcrops in Battambang province, called Somlout and Takream, were selected to represent sediments in this basin. The sedimentology and geochemistry studies provide insights into the depositional environment of sediments using field investigation, lithological, sedimentological, paleontological, and geochemical analysis. The redox condition, water column, and depositional setting were analyzed by plotting the ratio of V vs. Cr, Uauthigenic vs. V/Cr, Sr vs. Ba, Ca vs. (Fe + Ca), and Fe2O3/TiO2 vs. Al2O3/(Al2O3 + Fe2O3) diagram. Moreover, these diagrams can be used to predict depositional conditions as well. Based on the results, Somlout and Takream comprise calcareous shale and limestone facies. The geochemical analysis showed that Somlout calcareous shale samples were deposited in the dysoxic freshwater of the lake setting during the regression, while Somlout limestones and Takream were deposited in high salinity seawater, oxic condition of shallow-marine water. In addition, Somlout limestones consist of fragmental fusulinid foraminifera, bivalve shelve, and bryozoan, which suggest a barrier environment. Meanwhile, Teakream consists of fine-grained calcareous shale, and lime-mudstone, which are presented to form in the quiet marine setting of the lagoon environment. Therefore, the Tonle Sap basin sediments were deposited in the Somlout area’s barrier and lake environment, and the lagoon environment for Takream.

Geochemical fingerprints and hydrocarbon potential of Paleocene mudrocks in the Tano Basin, Ghana: insights from biomarkers and stable carbon isotopes

The Paleocene mudrocks in Ghana’s Tano Basin have received limited attention despite ongoing efforts to explore hydrocarbon resources.A thorough geochemical analysis is imperative to assess these mudrocks’petroleum generation potential and formulate effective exploration strategies.In this study,a comprehensive geochemical analysis was carried out on ten Paleocene rock cuttings extracted from TP-1,a discovery well within the Tano Basin.Various analytical techniques,including total organic carbon(TOC)analysis,Rock–Eval pyrolysis,gas chromatography-mass spectrometry,and isotope ratio-mass spectrometry,were employed to elucidate their hydrocar-bon potential and organic facies.Thefindings in this study were subsequently compared to existing geochemical data on Paleocene source rocks in the South Atlantic marginal basins.The results indicated that the Paleocene samples have TOC content ranging from 0.68 to 2.93 wt%.The prevalent kerogen types identified in these samples were Type Ⅱ and Type Ⅲ.Molecular and isotope data suggest that the organic matter found in the Paleocene mudrocks can be traced back to land plants and lower aquatic organisms.These mudrocks were deposited in a transi-tional environment withfluctuating water salinity,charac-terized by sub-oxic redox conditions.Maturity indices,both bulk and molecular,indicated a spectrum of maturity levels within the Paleocene mudrocks,spanning from immature to marginally mature,with increasing maturity observed with greater depth.In comparison,the organic composition and depositional environments of Paleocene source rocks in the Tano Basin closely resemble those found in the Niger Delta Basin,Douala,and Kribi-Campo Basins,the Kwanza Formation in Angola,and certain Brazilian marginal basins.However,it is worth noting that Paleocene source rocks in some of the basins,such as the Niger Delta and Brazilian marginal basins,exhibit rela-tively higher thermal maturity levels compared to those observed in the current Paleocene samples from the Tano Basin.In conclusion,the comprehensive geochemical analysis of Paleocene mudrocks within Ghana’s Tano Basin has unveiled their marginal hydrocarbon generation potential.The shared geochemical characteristics between the Paleocene mudrocks in the Tano Basin and those in the nearby South Atlantic marginal basins offer valuable insights into source rock quality,which is crucial for shaping future strategies in petroleum exploration in this region.

Reservoir Quality Controlling Factor of the Asmari Reservoir in an Oil Field in Dezful Embayment, SW Iran

The Asmari Formation Oligo-Miocene in age is one of the most important reservoir rocks in SW Iran and Zagros basin and composed of carbonate rocks and locally sandstones and evaporates. In this research, reservoir quality controlling factors have been investigated in a well in one of the oil fields in Dezful Embayment, SW Iran. Based on this research, depositional environment, diagenesis and fracturing have been affected on reservoir quality. 3 distinct depositional settings can be recognized in the studied interval including tidal flat, lagoon, and shoal. Among these depositional setting, shoal environment with ooid grainstone microfacies along with interparticle porosity shows good reservoir characteristics. Diagenetic processes also play an important role on reservoir quality;dolomitization and dissolution have positive effects on porosity and enhances reservoir quality, while cementation, anhydritization and compaction have negative effect on it. Fracturing is another important factor affected on the carbonate reservoirs especially in the Asmari Formation.

Geochronology and Geochemistry of the Radiolarian Cherts of the Mada'er Area,Southwestern Tianshan:Implications for Depositional Environment

In the southwestern Tianshan,the geologic ages of many strata and their depositional environments are still poorly constrained because of complex structures.The Mada＇er area is located in the Kuokesaleling belt,Southwestern Tianshan.The cherts from the former Wupata＇erkan Group contain abundant radiolarian fossils,including 10 species which are identified as late Devonian to early Carboniferous in age.Eleven chert samples have SiO_2 contents ranging from 88.80 wt%to 93.28 wt%, and 2.02 wt%to 3.72 wt%for Al_2O_3.The SiO_2/Al_2O_3 ratios of all samples vary from 23.84 to 46.11, much lower than those of the pure cherts（80-1400）.These values suggest that the cherts contain high ratios of terrigenous materials.The Al_2O_3/（Al_2O_3＋Fe_2O_3）ratios vary between 0.64 and 0.77,whereas V and Cu concentrations range from 10.92 ppm to 26.7 ppm and from 2.15 ppm to 34.1 ppm respectively. The Ti/V ratios vary from 25.53 to 44.93.The total REE concentrations of the cherts are between 30.78 ppm and 59.26 ppm,averaging 45.46 ppm.The（La/Ce）_N ratios range from 0.81 to 1.12,and 0.88-1.33 for（La/Yb）_N,averaging 1.09,which suggests a continental margin environment.Consequently,it is inferred that the cherts formed in a residual sea environment during the late Devonian to early Carboniferous time,which suggests that the collision between the Karakum-Tarim and Kazakhstan-Junggar plates did not occur at the time.In addition,the regional geological information indicates that the study area experienced a post-collision stage during the early Permian,and thus it is likely that the collision between the two plates took place in the late Carboniferous.

Diagenesis and Diagenetic Evolution of Deltaic and Neritic Gas-Bearing Sandstones in the Lower Mingyuefeng Formation of Paleogene, Lishui Sag, East China Sea Shelf Basin: Implications for Depositional Environments and Sequence Stratigraphy Controls

Gas-bearing deposits in the Lower Mingyuefeng Formation of Paleogene, Lishui Sag, East China Sea Shelf Basin consist of shoreface sandstones of the highstand systems tract（HST） and transgressive systems tract（TST）, and deltaic sandstones of the lowstand systems tract（LST） and falling stage systems tract（FSST）.Detailed petrographic observations suggest that the diagenetic features and related evolution of these deposits cannot be simply characterized and demonstrated in the depth domain.However, the occurrence of diagenetic minerals systematically depends on the studied interval within the HST, TST, LST, and FSST; therefore, diagenesis in this region can be better constrained when studied in the context of the depositional environments and sequence stratigraphic framework.The eogenetic processes in such settings include：（1） microcrystalline siderite precipitated as concretions in almost all environments and systems tracts, which inhibited further mechanical compaction;（2） grain dissolution and kaolinitization occurred in shoreface HST sandstones and deltaic LST and FSST sandstones;（3） glaucony was locally observed, which did not clearly reflect the controls of facies or sequence stratigraphy; and（4） cementation by pyrite aggregates occurred in the shoreface HST sandstones and deltaic LST sandstones.The mesogenetic diagenesis includes：（1） partial conversion of kaolinite into dickite in deltaic LST sandstones, and minor chlorite cementation in deltaic FSST sandstones;（2） transformation of kaolinite into illite and quartz cementation in deltaic LST and FSST sandstones;（3） frequent precipitation of ankerite and ferroan calcite in shoreface TST sandstones and early HST sandstones, forming baffles and barriers for fluid flow, with common calcite in shoreface HST sandstones as a late diagenetic cement; and（4） formation of dawsonite in the deltaic LST and FSST sandstones, which is interpreted to be a product of the invasion of a CO2-rich fluid, and acts as a good indicator of CO2-bearing reservoirs.This study has thus constructed a reliable conceptual model to describe the spatial and temporal distribution of diagenetic alterations.The results may provide an entirely new conceptual framework and methodology for successful gas exploration in the continental margins of offshore China, thus allowing us to predict and unravel the distribution and quality evolution of clastic reservoirs at a more detailed and reliable scale.

Depositional environment in the southern Ulleung Basin,East Sea(Sea of Japan),during the last 48000 years

The present study is based on the sedimentological data from a piston core KCES1 off the southern Ulleung Basin margin,the East Sea（Sea of Japan）.The data include sediment color（L^＊）,X-ray radiographs,grain size distribution and AMS^14C date.Four kinds of sediments（homogeneous,laminated,crudely laminated and hybrid sediments） are identified according to the characters of the sedimentary structures that were considered to reflect changes in bottom-water oxygenation.Alternations of dark laminated/crudely laminated sediments and light homogeneous sediments represent millennial-scale variations that are possibly associated with the high-resolution changes in the East Asian monsoon（EAM）.The relative contributions of the East China Sea Coastal Water（ECSCW） and the Tsushima Warm Current（TWC） were likely the main reasons for the repetition of the anoxic and oxic depositional conditions in the East Sea since the last 48 ka BP.During the interstadial,the strengthen summer EAM was attributed to the expansion of the ECSCW because of more humid climate in central Asia,and then more strongly low-salinity,nutrient-enriched water was introduced into the East Sea.The ventilation of deep water was restricted and therefore the dark laminated layer deposited under the anoxic bottom water condition.During the lowest stand of sea level in the last glacial maximum（LGM）,the isolated East Sea dominated by stratified water masses and the euxinic depositional environment formed.The homogenous sediments have been predominating since 17.5 ka BP indicating that the TWC has intruded into the East Sea gradually with the stepwise rise of sea level and the bottom water oxygen level was high.During the late Younger Dryas（YD） period,the last dark laminated layer deposited because the ventilation of bottom water was restricted by stronger summer EAM.The TWC strengthened and the bottom water became oxic again from 10.5 ka BP.

The depositional Environment at Shuidonggou Locality 2 in Northwest China at ～72-18 kaBP

Shuidonggou site has abundant Paleolithic remains of Late Pleistocene deposition. Studying the evolution of depositional environments is essential to the comprehensive understanding of the living conditions of ancient populations. To reconstruct the depositional environment at Shuidonggou, we carried out archaeological excavations and collected systematic deposition samples at the key position of Shuidonggou Locality 2 for grain size analysis and sporopollen statistics. The environmental evolution around the Shuidonggou site generally underwent four stages at ~72-18 kaBP. During the first stage （~72-41 kaBP）, the river developed with gravel and sand stratums. During the second stage （41-34 kaBP）, a swamp with numerous aquatic plants formed. In the third stage （34-29 kaBP）, site formation was characterized by shallow lake depositional conditions; the climate was relatively warm and humid. The marginal bank depositional conditions deteriorated during the fourth stage （29-18 kaBP）, and the site underwent several dry events; the climate also became drier and colder.

Factors controlling organic-rich shale development in the Liushagang Formation,Weixinan Sag,Beibu Gulf Basin:Implications of structural activity and the depositional environment

The mechanisms of lacustrine organic-rich shale formation have attracted attention due to its association with global shale oil and shale gas exploration.Samples of general-quality and excellent-quality source rocks,and oil shale from the Beibu Gulf Basin were analyzed to investigate their organic geochemistry,palynofacies,and trace elements.Hydrocarbon potential was higher in the oil shale(29.79 mg/g)than in the general-quality source rock(3.82 mg/g),and its kerogen type wasⅠ-Ⅱ2.Hydrogen-rich liptinite(cutinite and sporinite)components derived from terrigenous higher plants provided most of the hydrocarbon potential of excellent-quality source rock and oil shale.Under the influence of depressioncontrolling fault activity,a deeper subsidence center promotes the deposition of excellent-quality source rock and oil shale in brackish-hypoxic bottom water.A shallower subsidence center,due to subsag-controlling fault activity,promotes the formation of excellent-quality source rock under freshbrackish and weak oxidation-weak reducing conditions.The local uplift and shallow-slope led to the formation of general-quality source rock,under freshwater weak-oxidation conditions.A model was established for organic matter(OM)accumulation in organic-rich shales,accounting for fault activity,terrigenous hydrogen-rich OM,and the preservation conditions,to predict the development of excellent-quality source rock from areas with low levels of exploration.

Origin and depositional environments of source rocks and crude oils from Niger Delta Basin: Carbon isotopic evidence

Thirty-nine crude oils and twenty-one rock samples from Niger Delta Basin,Nigeria have been characterized based on their isotope compositions by elemental analysis-isotope ratio mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry.The bulk carbon isotopic values of the whole rock extracts,saturate and aromatic fractions range from–28.7‰to–26.8‰,–29.2‰to–27.2‰and–28.5‰to–26.7‰,respectively while the bulk carbon isotopic values of the whole oils,saturate and aromatic fractions range from–25.4‰to–27.8‰,–25.9‰to–28.4‰and–23.5‰to–26.9‰,respectively.The average carbon isotopic compositions of individual alkanes(nC12-nC33)in the rock samples range from–34.9‰to–28.2‰whereas the average isotopic values of individual n-alkanes in the oils range from–31.1‰to–23.8‰.Theδ13C isotope ratios of pristane and phytane in the rock samples range from–29.2‰to–28.2‰and–30.2‰to–27.4‰respectively while the pristane and phytane isotopic values range from–32.1‰to–21.9‰and–30.5‰to–26.9‰,respectively.The isotopic values recorded for the samples indicated that the crude oils were formed from the mixed input of terrigenous and marine organic matter and deposited under oxic to sub-oxic condition in lacustrine-fluvial/deltaic environments.The stable carbon isotopic compositions were found to be effective in assessing the origin and depositional environments of crude oils in the Niger Delta Basin.

Facies Analysis, Depositional Environment and Diagenetic Features of the Qom Formation in the Saran Semnan, Central Iran

In this study, to identify and analyze facies of depositional environment and depositional model of Qom Formation, stratigraphic Saran Section (southwest of Semnan) was selected. Qom Formation in Saran section includes about 380 meters of conglomerate at the base, chalk, limestone, marl, and shale. Petrographic studies with facies analysis have led to the identification of 12 microfacies, these microfacies have been deposited in four facies groups including tidal flat, lagoon, barrier and open marine. Study of horizontal and vertical facies changes and their comparison with recent and ancient environments reveals that Qom Formation in this section relates to shallow marine environment and its facies were deposited in a shelf carbonate platform and are comparable with contemporary shelf platforms such as Florida and old shelf platforms such as Mozduran. The most important diagenetic processes affecting the studied section include micritization, bioturbation, cementation, dissolution, neomorphism, fracturing, mechanical and chemical compaction, hematitization and dolomitization. These processes have formed in marine, meteoric and burial diagenetic environments.

Contrasting Depositional Environment of Iron Formation at Endengue Area, NW Congo Craton, Southern Cameroon: New Insights from Trace and Rare Earth Elements Geochemistry

The Endengue Banded Iron Formation (BIF) is located in the northwestern edge of the Congo craton in Cameroon. Here, we report geochemical data of trace and rare earth elements (REE) of the Endengue BIF samples from the Archean Ntem complex and investigate their environmental setting. Two types of BIF occur at Endengue area, both containing minimal contamination from terrestrial material. Total REE (ΣREE) contents in the Type 1 BIF are extremely low, ranging from 0.34 to 1.83 ppm, similarly to pure chemical sediments while Type 2 BIF displays ΣREE contents ranging from 2.98 to 24.26 ppm. The PAAS-normalized REE + Y patterns of the two BIF types display LREE enrichment relative to HREE and weak positive Eu anomaly, most likely suggesting that the source of iron and siliceous of the Endengue BIFs is mainly from the contribution of low-temperature hydrothermal alteration of the crust. Type 1 BIF shows very low Nd content (<1 ppm) with positive correlation between Nd and Ce/Ce* and positive Ce anomalies which suggests suboxic or anoxic seawater similar to the depositional environment of Elom BIF in Archean Ntem complex. In contrast, Type 2 BIF displays low to moderate Nd contents (1 and 100 ppm with the exception of sample LBR65) with negative correlation between Nd and Ce/Ce* and negative Ce anomalies. These features indicate precipatation of Type 2 BIF from oxic iron-rich solution that changed to oxidized surface by rapid precipitation of the hydrothermal Fe. The Endengue BIFs were deposited in the continental margin ocean in presence of low-temperature hydrothermal fluids mixed with seawater, similar to Paleoproterozoic Kpwa-Atog Boga BIFs within the Nyong group and other Paleoproterozoic Superior-type BIFs worldwide.

Petrographic composition of coal within the Benue Trough,Nigeria and a consideration of the paleodepositional setting

The petrographic composition of Cretaceous-age coals hosted in the Benue Trough,Nigeria is presented and discussed in terms of the paleodepositional settings that infuenced the coal-bearing formations.The Benue Trough is a failed arm of the triple junction of an inland sedimentary basin that extends in a NE-SW direction from the Gulf of Guinea in the south,to the Chad Basin in the north.A total of twenty-nine(29)coal samples were obtained from nineteen coal localities in the Upper(UBT),Middle(MBT),and Lower Benue Trough(LBT).The high average volatile matter yield,low average ash yield,high calorifc value(24.82 MJ/kg,on average),and low sulphur values indicate good quality coal deposits.The organic matter is dominated by vitrinite,reported at an average of 59.3%by volume(mineral-matter free).Variation was noted in the inertinite content across three sub-regions.Liptinite macerals were not commonly observed in the studied samples and were absent in the MBT samples.Coal facies studies decipher the paleoenvironmental conditions under which the vegetation accumulated.Indices commonly used are the gelifcation index(GI),tissue preservation index(TPI),ground water index(GWI and variations),vegetation index(VI),and wood index(WI).Comparing the array of coal facies models applied,the MBT samples difer from the UBT and LBT samples,concurring with the coal quality data.The UBT and LBT coals formed in an upper deltaic to drier piedmont plane depositional environment,while the MBT coal formed in a lower deltaic marsh to wet forest swamp depositional environment.All samples indicate an ombrotrophic paleomire.In view of the modifed equations and the plots used,interpreting depositional environments from just a single model is not reliable.

Depositional Environments of Bedded Chens in Western Yunnan Segment of Paleo－Tethys， China： a Geochemical Approach

Differences in rare earth elements and other trace elements in bedded chens reflect the deposihonal settings of the sediments. Based on cerium anomaly (Ce/Ce ), total REE (ΣREE) and other trace element abundance variahons preserved in the bedded cherts in the Paleo-Tethys, Western Yunnan, three deposihonal regimes can be recotwzed: spreading ridge proximal, ocean-basin floor and conhnental margin. This geochemical method of discriminating deposihonal environments for thine marine sedimentary rocks which are physically indistinct provides a powerful new tool for paleotectonic and paleogeographic recondruchons.

Textural Characteristics and Depositional Environment of Ngrayong Sandstone (Middle Miocene) from Rembang Area, Northeast Java, Indonesia

Granulometric analysis of Ngrayong sandstone samples from Rembang area of NE Java (Indonesia) has been carried out to examine the textural characteristics and elucidate depositional environment. The result data from the grain size analysis indicates that the Ngrayong sediments are classified as sand or muddy sands. They are very fine- to medium-grained (phi values: 1.67 to 3.35), moderately- to well-sorted (standard deviation: 0.19 to 0.57), strongly fine-skewed to strongly coarse-skewed (skewness values: 4.82 to &minus;5.97), and very platykurtic to very leptokurtic (kurtosis values: 0.36 to 2.41). Sandstone samples show unimodal grain size distribution. The sediments are interpreted to be transported in all three modes-traction, saltation and suspension, however, suspension and rolling are the major processes during transportation. Discriminant functions indicate diversity in the depositional environment for the sandstones. However, shallow marine is regarded as the dominant depositional environment. The preponderance of fine-grained sediments and lack of coarse sands suggest low to moderate energy conditions during deposition of Ngrayong sediments.

The Depositional Environment of the Cretaceous Kizilsu Group in Xinjiang——With a Discussion of the Lowermost Marine Horizon of the Cretaceous in the Western Tarim Basin

In this paper. it is demonstrated that there exist marine horizons in the upper part of the lower subcycleand the upper subeycle of the Kizilsu Group in Xinjiang. based on new evidence of authigenic glauconite.boron content. carbon and oxygen stablc isotopic analyses. and lithological and sedimentary features. The up-per part of the lower subeycle is the lowermost marine horizon of the Cretaceous in the western Tarim Basin,which is inferred to be of Barremian age.

Geochemistry of Sedimentary Rocks from the Nkapa Formation, North Western Part of the Douala Basin, Cameroon: Implications for Provenance, Tectonic Setting and Paleoenvironmental Conditions

The Douala sedimentary basin in Cameroon is the main gas prospective basin in the country and has witnessed a number of investigations in this regard. The Nkapa Formation is one of the basin’s principal rock units and here we analyzed samples from sediments comprising this formation in order to constrain their provenance, tectonic setting and depositional environment using geochemical traits. Major and trace elements were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Elemental ratios provide information on geochemical signatures of Eu/Eu ratios of the sandstones and shales, suggesting the provenance of the sediments was felsic from continental rock protoliths. Calculated K2O/Na2O ratios > 1 is reminiscent of quartz-rich sediments deposited in passive margin (PM) environments with significant terrigenous input. The elemental ratios La/Sc, La/Ca, Th/Sc, and Th/Co suggest that the sediment sources are felsic and mafic in nature. The clastic sediments were normalized using North American Shale Composite (NASC). The Ni/Co and V/(V + Ni) ratios reveal that the sediments were deposited under variable conditions including euxinic, dysoxic and anoxic. Overall, the evidence from discrimination diagrams using major and trace elements suggest that the sediments were derived from mostly Passive margins (PM) and continental island arc (CIA) with minor Oceanic island arch (OIA) sources. Limestones from the studied area at Kompina, rich in calcium carbonate above 98.5% make them suitable for use in the chemical industries. In addition the felsic and mafic source rocks can lead to formation of light and dark colored minerals which can be of economic value.