Origin, transport, and diagenesis of tuffs in organic-rich lacustrine mudstone: An example from the lower part of the Middle–Late Triassic Chang7 Member, Ordos Basin (NW China)

Abstract

Tuffs, produced by explosive volcanic eruptions, are widely deposited throughout the Precambrian to Cenozoic stratigraphic record. Due to rapid compaction and erosion, preservation and identification of tuffs in distal environments are challenging. However, in deep lacustrine environments, tuffs may be found well-preserved as interlayers in the organic-rich mudstone. This in turn provides valuable insights into the origin, transport, and diagenesis of volcanic material. In this study, we performed an integrated sedimentological, mineralogical, and geochemical analysis of seven tuff samples collected from the lower part of the Chang7 member of the Maquan section to infer on their provenance, transport mechanisms and post-depositional alterations. Immobile element ratios, tectonic discrimination diagrams, trace element distribution patterns, and negative whole-rock εNd(t) reveal an intermediate to felsic continental arc source of the studied tuff. Supported frameworks and ash aggregates in the tuff are in favor of the transport from pyroclastic density currents and ash plumes during multiple volcanic eruptions with various degrees of eruption volume and water content. Tuff diagenesis is characterized by dissolution of plagioclase, illitization of smectite, cementation of carbonate minerals, and presence of buddingtonite. Relatively ordered illite-smectite and low vitrinite reflectance from the adjacent organic-rich mudstone indicate diagenetic evolution of studied tuff have reached mesogenetic stage.