Palaeogene Sandstones of the Manika Plateau in Kolwezi (DR Congo): Sedimentological and Geochemical Characterization, Provenance, Palaeoalteration and Tectonic Context

This work presents a study of the Paleogene sandstones of the Manika plateau in Kolwezi, DR Congo. These sandstones belong to the “Grès polymorphes” group, which together with the overlying “Sables ocre” makes up the Kalahari Supergroup. Sedimentological and geochemical analyses have enabled us to characterize these sandstones and determine their origin, the conditions of their formation and the tectonic context in which they were developed. The results show that the sandstones are quartz arenites with a high level of mineralogical, textural and chemical maturity. They are recycled sandstones, formed in an intracratonic sedimentary basin, in the context of a passive continental margin, after a long fluvial transport of sediments. These sandstones initially come from intense alteration of magmatic rocks with felsic composition, mainly tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG) complexes, in hot, humid palaeoclimatic conditions and oxidizing environments.

Sedimentological Study of Alluvial Deposits on the Congolese Coast: Highlighting the Erosive Character of the Holocene Wet Climatic Phases

A granulometric, mineralogical, morphoscopic and exoscopic study and Rock-Eval analysis carried out on samples taken in the Loango Bay and at Kivesso on the Congolese coast have made it possible to highlight the highly erosive character of the well-documented wet phases ca 9000 - 3000 years B.P. and ca 320 B.P. in the sub-region. Supported by carbon-14 dating, total organic carbon analyses highlight two major phases of peat deposit emplacement. The first, ca. 7000 years B.P., corresponds to the beginning of the deposition of the yellow formation in the entire Loango Bay;the second, ca. 320 years B.P., is contemporary with the deposition of peat in the Kivesso sector. The granulometric analysis of the sediments shows that they are essentially sandy-clay and very poor in silt, alternating with beds of silty clay sometimes rich in organic matter. These sands have a predominant mode of 0.200 mm and an average varying between 0.150 and 0.300 mm. They constitute the flood phase of the carrier current. They are associated with a population of mode 0.125 mm sometimes 0.050 mm with an average varying between 0.100 mm and 0.126 mm which corresponds to the settling phase. Morphoscopic examination showed several varieties of quartz that argue for a source of supply close to the depositional sites.

Impact of Drain Effluent on Surficial Sediments in the Mediterranean Coastal Wetland: Sedimentological Characteristics and Metal Pollution Status at Lake Manzala, Egypt

Surface sediments were collected from Lake Manzala, the Mediterranean coastal wetland located to the east of the Nile Delta, Egypt, to assess the effect of drain effluent on the spatial variations of sedimentary characteristics and heavy metal pollution. Grain-size compositions, textures, and heavy metal distribution patterns in sediments are presented using GIS technique. Results of the analysis of the sediment showed a clear effect of drain effluent, with an increase in fine fractions and homogeneous suspensions in transportation mode. Lake sediments were dominated by sandy mud textures, and mode of transportation was homogeneous sus- pension and rolling. Spatial distribution of heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, and Pb) was studied in the lake’s surficial sediments, along with their relationship to drain effluent and their contamination status in the ecological system. Heavy metal pollution status was assessed by means of accepted sediment quality guidelines and contamination assessment methods (contamination factor, con- tamination degree, modified contamination degree, geo-accumulation, and enrichment factor). Among the determined heavy metals, Pb had the most ecological risk. Generally, the heavy metals in the surface sediments indicated pollution risk ranging from moderate to considerable, particularly, in those sites facing drains and inlets that had the highest toxic effluent. The results were interpreted by statistical means. A cluster analysis defined areas facing drain discharge and inlets as separated groups. ANOVA indicated that most of the sedimentation and studied metals directed this clustering.

Sedimentological/Palaeogeographic Data as Fundamental Building Blocks of the DDE Project:Critical Underpinning of Reconstructing Deep-time Earth Systems

1 Introduction Sedimentary rocks archive important information for understanding how the earth system operates and how life and environments have evolved through earth history.Properly identifying characteristics of sedimentary rocks,along with the subsequent interpretation of depositional processes and sedimentary environments in a basin or locality.

The Sedimentological Knowledge Tree:Significance,Method and Progress

On the platform of the Deep-time Digital Earth Program(DDE),sedimentary data are essential for achieving its scientific objectives.These data will take stratigraphic units as their core data carrier,for quantitative or qualitative data analysis.The DDE Sedimentary Data Group is responsible for the management of the sedimentary data on the DDE platform and has now developed into a group of nearly 40 disciplinary experts.

Sedimentological Studies of Alluvium Deposits along Ngovayang-Bipindi of Lokoundje River,Southwestern Cameroon

In an area of about 305 km2, Seventeen stream sediment samples were taken from alluvium on the banks and floodplain of the Lokoundjé River and its tributaries. Sand samples after being dried in an oven, are subjected to sedimentological analyses in laboratory. Amongst the analysis carried out;the particle size analysis helped to establish a precise textural description of the sediment and to understand the active mechanisms which occur during transport and particle deposition. The morphoscopy of quartz grains consists in determining the mode and duration of transport of the grains, thus allowing reconstructing the geological history of the latter. Heavy minerals are suitable to know the nature of the rock in which they come from and equal to specify their distributing province. The morphometry of pebble makes contributes for a better understanding to apprehension of the agents responsible for the transport of these materials. It appears that the alluvium of the Lokoundjé and its Bipindi tributaries are very fine to coarse. They are well segregated, classified, and homometric. It is the result of the actions of a hydrodynamic turbulent which is sometimes abrupt. From a morphoscopic point of view, using a binocular microscope, grains mainly belong to three categories based on their surface appearance: Grain unworn, the sub-dull and dull shiny. From the morphometric point of view, there is evidence of flattening and dissymmetry of pebbles which are slightly worn to form sub-spherical shapes. With regard to the study of heavy minerals, it has identified two mineralogical processions, which include a metamorphic process with the presence of Sillimanite and Andalusite. In addition, there is the presence of minerals such as green’s Hornblende, Tourmaline, and reflecting magmatic distribution. However, there are specific minerals such as zircon, which can be economically viable where the contents sometimes exceed 10 kg/m3. In the same vein, it has been noted the presence of gems like Topaze and Monazite which are real precursor auriferous accumulation.

Geochemical,mineralogical and sedimentological analyses of reworked sediments(new)in the syn-to post-rift Middle Cretaceous-Quaternary detrital deposits from western Atlantic margin of Cameroon:evidence from sedimentation-erosion alternation in the cont

Reworked detrital sediments were discovered in the syn-rift to post-rift Cretaceous to Quaternary(Pleistocene)detrital deposits of the Douala coastal sub-basin in the eastern margin of the South Atlantic Ocean at West Cameroon.This contribution presents the geochemical,mineralogical,and sedimentological data to constrain the origin of these reworked sediments.The investigated samples are characterized by the high values of Plagioclase Index of Alteration(PIA,97.83–99.90),Chemical Index of Alteration(CIA,71.9–99.08),and Chemical Index of Weathering(CIW,98.67–99.90).Data gleaned from these indices suggest that the reworked sediments and their potential source rocks experienced severe weathering.The A-CN-K plot along with the mineralogical indicates a probably post-depositional K-enrichment.The high light rare earth elements(LREE)/heavy rare earth elements(HREE)ratios(15.82–79.13)suggest that the reworked were mainly derived from felsic igneous rocks.This interpretation is further confirmed by the Zr versus TiO2,TiO2/Al2O3,Th/Co versus La/Sc,and La/Th versus Th/Yb plots,which indicate felsic igneous and silicic source rocks.Meanwhile,the high variability of LREE/HREE ratios(15.82–79.13)and the positive Eu anomalies(1.10–1.32)of studied samples could indicate a little contribution of mafic source rocks.Analysis of the distribution of the heavy minerals(e.g.tourmaline,aluminum silicate,and rutile)revealed that these felsic and silicic source rocks are mainly granite and gneiss,probably belonging to the Nyong Group and the Western part of the Neoproterozoic Yaounde Group.The morphoscopic analyses of the host rocks(very angular to angular shapes)have revealed that the reworked sediments have proximal to subproximal onshore origins,probably from former sedimentary deposits,as is indicated by variation of their color.The tectonic discriminant diagram indicates the Oceanic Island Arc and Active Continental Margin which are inconsistent with the geological history of the Douala coastal sub-basin and could be explained by the recycling effect experienced by studied sediments which have been deposited in the coastal plain to the fluvial environment in the Low System Track context.

Geochemical, Sedimentological and Mineralogical Characterization of Surficial Sediments in Eynak Marsh (North of Iran)

A multidisciplinary study of the sedimentology, geochemistry and mineralogy has been conducted to understand the linkage between marsh and alluvial sediments and also their potential sources in Eynak marsh, North of Iran. The influence of the upstream potential sources on recent sediment geochemistry has been discussed based on geochemical, sedimentological and mineralogical results. A spatial grain size distribution study was carried out to investigate the hydrodynamic and deposition system of the marsh. So, the surficial sediment sampling was carried out to describe the sedimentological parameters and elemental geochemistry of sediments in Eynak marsh. Mineralogical complexes are mainly made up of felsic minerals such as quartz, calcite, feldspar, pyrite, mica, and clay minerals (in very low values) indicated by high amounts of Al, Ca, and Ni. As expected, the mineralogy of sediments is controlled mainly by the rock formations. Also sediment textures are controlled by the hydrodynamic condition in the marsh. So its distribution has been influenced by distance from the entrance sediments to Eynak marsh. The results showed that there are no enrichments related to fine grain sediment distributions. An association of Al with the trace elements such as Sc, Y, La, Ce, and Zr indicates that their distributions are mainly controlled by the felsic rocks in the upstream. On the other side, due to the waste water entrance to the marsh, Ni and Pb concentration could be under the effects of anthropogenic activities around the marsh. Results represented high values for Mn concentration (min 462, max 1784 and average 1037 ppm) and it showed a significant correlation with Ca, Sr, and Mg. A redox habitat and constantly calm hydrodynamic circumstance in the study area, likely cause high concentration of Ca, Sr, and Mg, and Mn. And they are representing negative correlations with some elements such as Al, Be, Fe, K, and Na.

Historical records of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon deposition in a shallow eutrophic lake:Impacts of sources and sedimentological conditions

Sediment core samples collected from Lake Chaohu were analyzed for 15 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons（PAHs）to assess the spatial and temporal distributions of the PAHs during lacustrine sedimentary processes and regional economic development.Assessing the PAH sedimentary records over an approximately 100-year time span,we identified two stages in the PAH inputs and sources（before the 1970 s and after the 1970s）in the eastern lake region near a village,whereas three stages（before the 1950 s,1950s–1990s and after the1990s）were identified in the western lake region near urban and industrial areas.Rapid increases in the PAH depositional fluxes occurred during the second stage due to increased human activities in the Lake Chaohu basin.The composition and isomeric ratios of the PAHs revealed that pyrolysis is the main source of PAHs in this lake.Strong positive relationships between PAH concentration and the total organic carbon concentration,sediment grain size（〈 4 μm）,as well as the local population and Gross Domestic Product indicated that the sedimentary conditions impact the depositional characteristics of the PAHs;simultaneously,socioeconomic activities,such as energy consumption and the levels of urban industrialization and civilization,affect both the composition and abundance of the PAHs.

Sedimentary Characteristics,Ages,and Environmental Significance of Gravel Deposits and Loess in Shandong,Eastern China:Regional Response to Global Change Since the Last Glacial Period

Investigation of rarely studied gravel layers found in the loess in Shandong Province,eastern China,reveals the fabric characteristics of two gravel layers(G1,G2)and the sedimentary characteristics of loess at the typical and well-preserved Heiyu section(HY),where,to determine the paleoclimatic changes during Marine Isotope Stage 3a.Optically stimulated luminescence dates of the HY formation range from 0.26±0.02 ka to 39.00±2.00 ka.In addition,the ages of G1 and G2 were estimated using the Bayesian model to be 39.60-40.50 and 29.00-29.50 ka.G1 and G2 are mainly composed of fine and medium gravel,both of which were subangular to subrounded limestone,with gravel directions to NE and E.The average flow velocity,average depth,and flood peak flow of G1 are 1.10 m/s,0.49 m,and 37.04 m^(3)/s,respectively,calculated using the flow energy method,whereas those of G2 are 0.98 m/s,0.38 m,and 18.38 m^(3)/s,respectively.Analysis of climate proxy indices show that the sedimentary environment of the gravel and loess in HY might be a regional response to global change.

Application of 9-component S-wave 3D seismic data to study sedimentary facies and reservoirs in a biogasbearing area:A case study on the Pleistocene Qigequan Formation in Taidong area,Sanhu Depression,Qaidam Basin,NW China

To solve the problems in restoring sedimentary facies and predicting reservoirs in loose gas-bearing sediment,based on seismic sedimentologic analysis of the first 9-component S-wave 3D seismic dataset of China,a fourth-order isochronous stratigraphic framework was set up and then sedimentary facies and reservoirs in the Pleistocene Qigequan Formation in Taidong area of Qaidam Basin were studied by seismic geomorphology and seismic lithology.The study method and thought are as following.Firstly,techniques of phase rotation,frequency decomposition and fusion,and stratal slicing were applied to the 9-component S-wave seismic data to restore sedimentary facies of major marker beds based on sedimentary models reflected by satellite images.Then,techniques of seismic attribute extraction,principal component analysis,and random fitting were applied to calculate the reservoir thickness and physical parameters of a key sandbody,and the results are satisfactory and confirmed by blind testing wells.Study results reveal that the dominant sedimentary facies in the Qigequan Formation within the study area are delta front and shallow lake.The RGB fused slices indicate that there are two cycles with three sets of underwater distributary channel systems in one period.Among them,sandstones in the distributary channels of middle-low Qigequan Formation are thick and broad with superior physical properties,which are favorable reservoirs.The reservoir permeability is also affected by diagenesis.Distributary channel sandstone reservoirs extend further to the west of Sebei-1 gas field,which provides a basis to expand exploration to the western peripheral area.

19^(th) International Sedimentological Congress 2014 in Geneva:Theme 12—Palaeogeography

At the forthcoming 19th International Sedimentological Congress(ISC2014)in Geneva,Switzerland,August 18-24,2014,the Editorial Committee of the Journal of Palaeogeography(JoP)will host Theme 12—Palaeogeography.For those who will attend ISC2014,please pay attention to the following information about this theme.1.Conveners:Zhong-Qiang Chen(China University of Geosciences(Wuhan),China.E-mail:zhong.qiang.chen@cug.edu.cn)

Summary of the Editorial Committee Meeting of Journal of Palaeogeography in Geneva,at the 19^(th) International Sedimentological Congress(ISC)

During August 18-22, 2014, the 19^th International Sedimentological Congress was successfully held by the International Association of Sedimentology in Geneva, Switzerland.

Geological Interpretation and Identification of Albian-Aged Petroleum Prospects in Block A, San Pedro Margin (Côte d’Ivoire)

The study aims to identify Albian-age oil prospects in Block A of the San Pedro margin, Côte d’Ivoire, by conducting a detailed geological interpretation. The objective is to confirm the presence of oil reservoirs trapped by favorable geological structures, identifiable through geophysical and seismic methods. The methodological approach is based on a combined analysis of studies and seismic data. Drilling data from well PA, including well logs and end-of-well reports, were used to characterize the lithological formations encountered, particularly those of the Albian. 3D seismic profiles were interpreted to identify structures conducive to hydrocarbon accumulation. Isochrone, isovelocity, and isobath maps were developed to refine the interpretation. Sedimentological analyses revealed five sandy/gritty levels between 2610 m and 3100 m, interspersed with clay, limestone, and siltstone beds. The seismic profiles highlighted two main prospects. These prospects exhibit favorable geological structures, including normal faults and structural traps that provide oil traps.

Evidence of the Albo-Cenomanian Unconformity Using Chemical Elements Case Study of Sediments from the Eastern Abidjan Margin

Sedimentological and chemostratigraphical studies using accessory elements on 322 samples of cuttings from oil wells located in the submerged sedimentary basin (offshore) of Côte d’Ivoire. This basin covered the chronostratigraphic interval from the Upper Albian to the top of the Maastrichtian. The aim of this study was to determine the major accident, the Albo-Cenomanian unconformity, using chemical elements. To achieve this goal, we had to count the accessory elements glauconite, pyrite and carbonaceous debris, and identify all the chemical elements present in each cuttings sample. The results clearly indicate that: the sediments are essentially composed of carbonaceous debris and pyrite, with a high potassium content for sediments dating from the Abian period;and glauconite, carbonaceous debris, pyrite, and a sharp decrease in potassium content for sediments dating from the Cenomanian to the Maastrichtian period. Threshold values for ratios of source-indicating chemical elements (Zr, Ti, Y, Th) and paleoenvironmental elements (K, Rb, Mg, Al,) highlighted the MS1 and MS2 mega-sequences in the study area. The difference observed in the threshold values of these ratios can be explained by changes in sedimentary dynamics. The depositional environment varies from an inner continental shelf with strong littoral influence (Upper Albian) to an increasing subsidence outer continental shelf (Cenomanian-K/Pg boundary).

Application of seismic sedimentology in characterization of fluvial-deltaic reservoirs in Xihu sag, East China Sea shelf basin

The fluvial-deltaic reservoirs of the Oligocene Huagang Formation in the Xihu sag of the East China Sea shelf basin reflect rapid lateral change in sedimentary facies and poor morphology of conventional slice attributes,which bring difficulties to the reservoir prediction for subsequent exploration and development of lithologic reservoirs.The traditional seismic sedimentology technology is optimized by applying the characteristic technologies such as frequency-boosting interpretation,inversion-conventional–90°phase shift joint construction of seismic lithologic bodies,nonlinear slices,paleogeomorphology restoration,and multi-attribute fusion,to obtain typical slice attributes,which are conducive to geological form description and sedimentary interpretation.The Huagang Formation developed three types of sedimentary bodies:braided river,meandering river and shallow water delta,and the vertical sedimentary evolution was controlled by the mid-term base-level cycle and paleogeomorphology.In the early–middle stage of the mid-term base-level ascending cycle,braided channel deposits were dominant,and vertical superimposed sand bodies were developed.In the late stage of the ascending half-cycle and the early stage of the descending half-cycle,meandering river deposits were dominant,and isolated sand bodies were developed.In the middle–late stage of the descending half-cycle,shallow-water delta deposits were dominant,and migratory medium–thick sand bodies were developed.Restricted paleogeomorphology controlled the sand body distribution,while non-restricted paleogeomorphology had little effect on the sand body distribution.Based on reservoir characterization,the fault sealing type and reservoir updip pinch-out type structural lithological traps are proposed as the main directions for future exploration and development in the Xihu sag.

Coal petrology,sedimentology and depositional environment of the Parvadeh coais in the Upper Triassic,Tabas Block of Central-East Iran

Peat forming environment strongly influences the economic value of any coal seam and coal-bearing strata.Hence,pal-aeoenvironmental studies provide important information for coal resource exploration.In this context,detailed studies on selected coals from the Parvadeh Area,Iran,were conducted using sedimentology,coal petrology,X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analyzer(SEM-EDX),and proximate analysis.The sedi-mentary facies above and below the coal seams are mainly marine or marine-influenced facies,supporting that the coal-forming mires in the Parvadeh Area developed in a paralic environment,where the base level must be closely related to sea level.Sulfur contents are moderate to high and mark the influence of brackish/marine water,especially during transgres-sion after peat growth in a lower delta plain environment.The peat-forming mires extended on coastal/delta plain lobes.The lower delta plain/coastal plain coals are characterized by lateral continuity and substantial thickness,whereas few coals possibly representing the upper delta plain are thin and more discontinuous.The detrital nature and composition of the numerous partings and the overall high ash yield in the coal seams indicate an active tectonic area with high rates of creation of accommodation space over peat growth.Coal petrology and coal facies analysis exhibits a permanently high water table within a forest swamp and mostly rheotrophic conditions,sometimes with connection to the seawater.Accord-ing to paleoenvironmental reconstructions,it seems that coal layers may be thicker,with less sulfur(pyrite),but more clastic minerals and partings toward the western part of the area.Although these coal seams presently have low economic potential for the mining operation,partly due to great depth,this humic,high-volatile to medium-volatile bituminous coal may be suitable for exploration of coal bed methane resources.

Statistical Approach to Identify Environmental Factors in Controlling Heavy Metal Concentrations in Sediment

Surface sediment samples were collected from 35 locations in Sulaibikhat Bay, Kuwait. Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn concentrations were determined. Grain sizes, TOC （total organic carbon）, carbonate, mineralogical and environmental data were also determined. Multiple linear regression is applied to the data from the sediment sequential extractions to assess the relative importance of mineralogical and sedimentological factors in controlling heavy metal concentrations in individual chemical fractions （exchangeable, reducible, oxidizable, residual） under different environmental conditions. The analysis shows that grain size, TOC, calcium carbonate and minerals clearly influence heavy metal concentrations. For the exchangeable fraction, clay, grain size and the mineral pyrite are the main factors, whereas for the reducible fraction, TOC is the main factor influencing concentrations ofZn, Pb, Ni, Cu and Cr. For the oxidizable fraction, modelling shows that TOC is the main factor influencing Zn, Ni, Cu, Cr and Co concentrations. The residual fraction concentrations of Zn, Ni, Cr and Co were best predicted by the abundance of sand, with sand content having a negative effect on heavy metal concentrations in this fraction. The statistical techniques in environmental data interpretation are quite useful in cutting down the volume of the data and identifying identical classes which are statistically distinct.

Subtle trap recognition based on seismic sedimentology- A case study from Shengli Oilfield

Seismic sedimentology is the study of sedimentary rocks and facies using seismic data. However, often the sedimentary body features can＇t be described quantitatively due to the limit of seismic resolution. High resolution inversion offsets this limitation and is applied to seismic sedimentology to identify subtle traps under complex geologic conditions, thereby widening the applicable range of seismic sedimentology. In this paper, based on seismic sedimentology, seismic phase-controlled nonlinear random inversion is used to predict the sandy conglomerate reservoir of Es3 in the Chezhen depression in Shengli Oilfield. Thickness and sedimentary microfacies maps of sandy conglomerate bodies in several stages are presented and several subtle traps were predicted and verified by drilling.

NEW MAGNETOSTRATIGRAPHIC AND SEDIMENTOLOGIC RESULTS FROM TERTIARY SEDIMENTS OF THE HOH XIL BASIN, NORTHERN QINGHAI-TIBET PLATEAU: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE CENOZOIC TECTONIC HISTORY OF THE TIBET PLATEAU

To contribute to the understanding of the ages of large sedimentary basins in northern Tibet, and the Cenozoic tectonic history of Asia in general, we conducted an integrated paleomagnetic and stratigraphic study on the sedimentary sequences of the Hoh Xil basin, north of the Qinghai\|Tibet Plateau. Red sedimentary sections from the Fenghuoshan and Yaxicuo Groups have recorded a pattern of magnetic polarity reversals that correlates well with the known magnetic polarity time scale for the past 56Ma. Reliable magnetostratigraphy for the Fenghuoshan and Yaxicuo Groups suggests that the sediment ages for these two groups are about 56～29Ma and 29～25Ma, respectively.We collected more than 1000 paleomagnetic samples from 335 sites distributed in 3 sections of the Hoh Xil basin. Detailed litholostratigraphic, petrologic, and sedimentologic studies have also been carried out on these sections during the past three field sessions. Magnetic directions in these sites were obtained by progressive alternating\|field and thermal demagnetization experiments. Most samples exhibit two components of magnetization. The lower unblocking temperature component is an overprint resembling the geocentric axial dipole field direction at the sampling locality. The most stable, characteristic remanence (ChRM) appears to be an early chemical remanent magnetization residing mainly in hematite. Curie temperature determinations, acquisition of isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) and backfield demagnetization of saturation IRM, hysteresis loop parameters, and low\|temperature demagnetization on representative samples all corroborate demagnetization behavior. The positive results of fold and reversal tests indicate that the ChRM is a record of the paleomagnetic field close to the time of formation of these sediments. Further evidence that the magnetization of these sediments was acquired close to their time of deposition is the fact that patterns of magnetic reversals have been identified, which can be matched with the established polarity time scale.