Review of the Ochsenius Theory for Salt Generation in the Transylvanian Basin,Romania

This short study aims to highlight contradictions in Ochsenius’s model for the basin-wide salt generation(Kara-Bogas bay desiccation).Without claiming completeness,and through numerous records cited from the specific literature,we attempt to point at crucial incoherencies in the classical evaporitic model.In our presupposition,these might have led our ancestors to conclude that basin-wide salt generation needs theoretically well-based models.This is emphatically true for the Transylvanian Basin,Romania.The selected records are basic for the specific topic.We checked their validity by logical reasoning and by literature references.As for salt generation,the classical Ochsenius model has been upheld for the generation of evaporates even though it has been known that there are records denying the exclusivity of the evaporation model.It has also been proven that deep-sea salt exists,yet terminology is reluctant to follow the new discoveries.If non-evaporitic salt generation exists,it entails that huge salt deposits may exist,which are not remnants of a desiccation process.These cannot be considered as part of the classical theory of evaporation.Former researchers left important but neglected records,which should have updated the model of Ochsenius by now.Well-documented historical observation uncovered some contradictions in the salt generation of the Transylvanian Basin,Romania.Hereby we list 10 important contradictions,which may reveal that the well-known theory of Ochsenius(i.e.drying of Kara Bogaz bay)ought to be challenged for the Transylvanian Basin.

Investigation of Miocene Methane Hydrate Generation Potential in the Transylvanian Basin, Romania

In geology we often revise theoretical models;upon finding new evidence,such as the discovery of methane hydrates,the initial model will be challenged immediately.Hereby the authors put forward two postulates:1)There is a third,previously unexplored source of methane in the Transylvanian Basin,based on a new theoretical approach on methane hydrate formation;2)The dissociation of methane hydrates creates a strong chlorinity anomaly.Based on a recent analogy with the Black Sea basin model,we apply our statements to the Transylvanian Basin.Using direct and indirect indicators and the published system tract analysis,we claim that there are substantial grounds to believe that this model of methane hydrate formation applies to the Miocene Transylvanian Basin.Due to the increase of the geothermal gradient as a result of the volcanic activity from the Eastern Carpathians,the clathrates dissociated into methane and freshwater.This process of dilution resulted in a chlorinity anomaly that can be spotted in the formation waters of several gas fields from the Transylvanian Basin.