Isotopic Ages Research Articles

Re-Os dating, and Pb-H-O isotope characteristics, of the Abra Cu-Ag-Pb-Au polymetallic deposit in Western Australia

The Abra deposit, a large lead-silver-copper–gold polymetallic deposit in Western Australia, is located at the eastern of the metallogenic belt of the Jillawarra basin in the Bangemall basin. The 4th to the 6th rock section of the Irrigully Group of Edmund Series are the principal ore-host strata, composed mainly of sandstone and fine sandstone. The orebody in Abra can be classified into two types as upper layer-like lead-silver and lower veins or netvein copper–gold. The metal minerals are mainly galena, chalcopyrite, and pyrite, while the gangue minerals are mainly quartz, dolomite, and barite. Both Re-Os isotopic age of the pyrite (1329.5 ± 98 Ma) with the initial (187Os/188Os) = 5.0 ± 3.8 and Pb isotopic compositions (206Pb/204Pb = 15.914–15.967, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.425–15.454, 208Pb/204Pb = 35.584–35.667) suggests that the metal minerals were sourced from the wall-rocks. δDV-SMOW values of quartz range from -35‰ to -17‰ whereas δ18OV-SMOW value range from 12‰ to 16‰ which indicates that the ore-forming fluids of Abra were medium–low temperature and medium–low salinity, and were mainly metamorphic water and secondary atmospheric precipitation. When the medium–low temperature ore-forming fluids are mixed with oxidizing reducing fluids carrying a large number of metal substances, a large number of ore-forming substances will be precipitated when the physical and chemical conditions change, thus it can be considered that the Abra deposit is a medium–low temperature hydrothermal polymetallic deposit.

The Bystrinskii gabbro massif: the first data concerning composition, age and formation affiliation

Research subject. The research covered the geological position, material composition and rock age of a comparatively small (about 32 km2) Bystrinskii gabbro massif. This massif underlies a tectonic plate package consisting of serpentinized dunits and harzburgites of the ophiolite association in the Eastern boundary of the Middle Urals. Methods. The content of petrogenic elements was measured by the Х-ray fluorescence method using an Х-ray multichannel spectrometer CPM-35. The analysis of rare-earth element contents was conducted using a NexION 300S mass-spectrometer. The composition of rock-forming minerals was studied using an Х-ray microanalyzer CamecaSX100. The age of the massif was determined by the 147Sm-143Nd method of isotope dating. Amphibole geobaometers were used to determine the depth of the rock formation. Results. According to the petro- and geochemical features and composition of the rock-forming minerals, the 147Sm-143Nd isotope age of the rocks was found to be 587 Ma. It was shown that gabbroids in the massif are represented by two petrographic varieties. The predominant type of the rocks is gabbrodolerites, which are similar to the isotropic gabbros of undisturbed ophiolite sections in terms of mineral composition, structure, geochemical features and the depth of formation (not more than 2–3 km). The mapping results showed the massif under study to be the largest among those described thus far. The medium grained gabbroids, which are present in lesser quantities, differ sharply from gabbrodolerites in terms of lower contents of Fe, Ti, both rockforming (K, Na) and rare (Li, Rb, Cs) alkalis, Ba, V, Y, Nb, Zr, Hf and elements of rare-earth group, as well as by significantly higher quantities of Ca, Mg and Cr. The depth of their formation is 10–12 km, which corresponds to the upper mantle. Conclusions. The obtained information demonstrates that fragments of two levels of the ophiolite section are tectonically aligned in the Bystrinskii massif: relatively shallow isotropic gabbros of the upper part of the ophiolite section and deep gabbros of the mantle part of the ophiolite section.

Miocene lithological, foraminiferal and palynological data from the Belverde borehole (Portugal)

Preliminary data on lithostratigraphy and biostratigraphy of the Belverde borehole (http://www.dct.fct.unl.pt/Sondagem/Sondagem/coluna/index_col.html) is presented. The borehole attained 619,77 m of depth, crossing 130 m of Plio-Pleistocene and 460 m of Miocene deposits. Main lithologies are fine sands, marls and biocalcarenites. A coral reef was recognized in the lower part of the borehole (530-585 m). Gamma ray, neutrons and sonic diagraphies were obtained. Eight 87Sr/86Sr isotopic ages (H. Elderfield, Cambridge University) and the presence of some of the main planktonic foraminifera markers were used to establish the chronostratigraphic framework. Planktonic spikes are related to the major transgressions of the Lower Tagus Basin (LTB): M. Burdigalian (sample Belv 459; 446 m), L. Serravallian (Belv 76; 244 m) and L. Tortonian (Belv 51, 202 m). Benthic assemblages are dominated by Ammonia, Elphidium and Nonion. Spores suggest a mild and humid climate during the uppermost Burdigalian to the Tortonian. Pollen is scarce. Thirty dinoflagellates taxa (26 Gonyaulacoids and 4 Peridinioids) have been identified, indicating coastal to shallow marine environments. In the uppermost Burdigalian to the Tortonian the presence of peridinioids and scarce acritarchs suggest influence of inshore to brackish environments. Several 87Sr /86Sr ages obtained by H. Elderfield (Cambridge University) fit well with the biostratigraphy for the Lower and Middle Miocene, but values given by Howarth and Mcarthur (1997) are closer to the Upper Miocene biostratigraphic data.

The neogene of the Lower Tagus Basin (Portugal)

The Tertiary Lower Tagus Basin (LTB) occupies a large area in Portugal and constitutes a symmetric basin of the oriental huge Upper Tagus Basin, centered at Madrid (Spain). The LTB was an endorreic basin during the Paleogene. Marine connection occurred at the Lower Aquitanian; at the Lisbon – Setúbal Peninsula region the sedimentation was in the ocean/continent interface, with several changes in the coast line. Apparently, the first marine transgression came from South, originating a gulf with a N-S coral reef that attained the Lisbon area. Occidental communication to the sea was established after the Burdigalian.The sedimentary and palaeontologic record of the distal sector of the LTB (Lisbon–Setúbal Peninsula) is related to sea level changes. The fossil richness – dinoflagellates, spores, pollen, plant macrorremains, foraminifera, ostracoda, molluscs, echinids, fishes, reptiles, mammals – and O and C isotopes, constitutes a large source of information for environmental and palaeogeographical reconstitutions, as well as for the establishment of correlations between marine and continental deposits. The analysis and the integration of a large amount of lithological and biostratigraphical data joined with isotopic ages (K/Ar and 87Sr/86Sr), allow the establishement of a chronostratigraphic framework for the distal part of the Miocene of the LTB and the definition of 10 depositional sequences, in part agreeing with the Haq’s 3rd order eustatic cycles. Climatic evolution during the Miocene has been also characterized. At continental environments, the faunas and floras point out to an alternation of moist and dry episodes, the dryest one at the Langhian

The effect of fluid-aided modification on the Sm-Nd and Th-Pb geochronology of monazite and bastnäsite: Implication for resolving complex isotopic age data in REE ore systems

Isotopic dating studies have revealed that many carbonatite-related REE ore systems have protracted and complex temporal evolution histories. The mechanisms that cause these complex dating results remain poorly understood. Here, we present an in-situ Sm-Nd and Th-Pb isotopic investigation of monazite and bastnäsite from a geologically-complicated deposit, the world-class Bayan Obo REE deposit of China, with the aim of defining the general mechanisms accounting for the protracted age spread observed in this and many other REE deposits.Monazite and bastnäsite are two principle REE ore minerals in the Bayan Obo deposit. Most of the studied monazite and bastnäsite grains have experienced fluid-aided modification. The modified grains have generally homogeneous Sm and Nd contents and Sm-Nd isotopic compositions, implying low mobility of Sm and Nd during the modification process. Thus, the Sm-Nd chronometer can be used to constrain the primary crystallization timing of the REE minerals at 1293 ± 48 Ma. However, altered REE minerals have apparent 208Pb-232Th ages (1248–261 Ma) that are variably younger than the primary crystallization age. In most samples, Th contents have no correlations with 208Pb-232Th ages, while Pb contents tend to decrease along with the younging trend of 208Pb-232Th ages. NanoSIMS mapping shows that 208Pb and 208Pb/232Th are heterogeneous, and irregularly distributed in the altered grains. Such results are indicative of variable Pb loss during the fluid-aided modification process. Thus, many Th-Pb ages represent partial isotopic resetting and, hence, are geologically meaningless. Completely reset ages cluster at 450–400 Ma or 280–260 Ma, representing two discrete episodes of post-ore hydrothermal activity. Small amounts of monazite and bastnäsite that were newly crystallized during these two overprinting episodes have initial Nd isotopic signatures approaching the time-evolved isotopic compositions of primary ores, which suggests insignificant REE input to the primary ores during these events. This study provides critical evidence to resolve complex dating results and disparate ore genesis models for the giant Bayan Obo deposit. Moreover, our results indicate the resistance of Sm-Nd isotopes, but the susceptibility of Th-(U)-Pb isotopes, to fluid-aided modification. Therefore, younger Th-U-Pb dates in geologically-complicated deposits should be treated with caution as they may represent partial resetting results and/or may not represent events of increased metal tenor.

Semicontinuous paleomagnetic record of the last 1 Ma from radiometrically dated igneous rocks (Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and surrounding areas)

The radiometric data available in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt enables a quasi-continuous record of the Earth's magnetic field over the last million years to be obtained. Here, we analyze 149 well-defined paleomagnetic directions supported by an equal number of isotope ages. Eleven new paleomagnetic directions from the Tacambaro-Puruaran area (the Michoacán Guanajuato Volcanic Field) are incorporated into the database. Global mean paleomagnetic directions are calculated for one Ma after discarding transitional lavas. The mean direction agrees with the expected paleomagnetic directions obtained from the Pliocene-Quaternary reference poles within the range of uncertainty. The secular variation rate estimated through the scattering of the calculated virtual geomagnetic poles, and the inclination anomaly, both agree with recently reported latitudinal distribution models. An interesting feature of the paleomagnetic direction compilation is the possible evidence of relatively short geomagnetic events or excursions within Matuyama and Brunhes chrons, which may help to refine the geomagnetic instability time scale (GITS).

Constraints of S–Pb–Sr Isotope Compositions and Rb–Sr Isotopic Age on the Origin of the Laoyingqing Noncarbonate-Hosted Pb–Zn Deposit in the Kunyang Group, SW China

The Laoyingqing Pb–Zn deposit is located on the southwestern margin of the Yangtze block and on the east side of the Xiaojiang deep fault in the Sichuan–Yunnan–Guizhou Pb–Zn metallogenic triangle area (SYGT). This deposit was first discovered in the silty and carbonaceous slate of the Middle Proterozoic Kunyang Group that is structurally controlled by thrust faults and anticlines. This study is aimed at investigating whether the Laoyingqing deposit has the same ore-forming age and type as other Pb–Zn deposits related to the Pb–Zn metallogenic system and prospecting prediction of the deep and peripheral areas of the deposits in the SYGT. Based on the sphalerite Rb–Sr age dating and S–Sr–Pb isotopic composition analysis of the Laoyingqing Pb–Zn deposit, the following results were obtained. First, the Rb–Sr isochron age of sphalerite is 209.8 ± 5.2 million years (Ma), consistent with the ages of most Pb–Zn deposits in the SYGT (approximately 200Ma), thereby potentially indicating that these Pb–Zn deposits may have been formed synchronously during the late Indosinian orogeny. Second, the Pb isotopic compositions of sulfides show a linear trend on the average crustal Pb evolution curve in 207Pb/204Pb vs. 206Pb/204Pb plot. In addition, Pb isotopic ratios were consistent with the age-corrected Pb isotopic ratios of basement rocks, consequently suggesting that the source of mixed crustal Pb is mainly derived from basement rocks. Combined with the initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of sphalerite between the (87Sr/86Sr)200Ma value of the basement rocks and that of the Upper Sinian–Permian carbonates, it can be concluded that the ore-forming metals were mainly derived from basement rocks. Third, sulfur isotopic composition of sphalerite from the Laoyingqing deposits shows δ34SCDT values that range mainly from -2.62‰ to 1.42‰, which is evidently lower than the δ34SCDT values of sulfides (8–20‰) from other Pb–Zn deposits in the SYGT. This can be interpreted as a result of mixing with reduced S that was mainly derived from the thermochemically reduced S in the overlying strata and a small amount of reduced S produced by the pyrolysis of S-containing organic matter. We conclude that the Laoyingqing deposit and most of the Pb–Zn deposits in the SYGT are Mississippi Valley-type deposits, thereby providing new ideas for investigating the deep and peripheral areas of Pb–Zn deposits.

Rb–Sr geochronology of metamorphic rocks from the Central Indonesian Accretionary Collision Complex: Additional age constraints for the Meratus and Luk Ulo complexes (South Kalimantan and Central Java)

Metamorphic rocks of the Central Indonesian Accretionary Collision Complex are exposed in widely scattered occurrences on the islands of Java, Sulawesi, and Kalimantan. Their relationship to one or more subduction zones is controversial which can partly be explained by insufficient geochronological investigation. Using Rb–Sr geochronology we have dated various schists from the Meratus Complex, South Kalimantan, and the Luk Ulo Complex, Central Java. The Meratus schists first experienced high-pressure/low-temperature (HP/LT) metamorphism and were later overprinted at medium pressure conditions. Due to the rarity and poor preservation of such rocks, isotopic ages for well-preserved HP/LT rocks could not be determined yet. Previously obtained K–Ar white mica dates (180–160 Ma) were attributed to the HP/LT event, however, this was speculative as the dated rocks only record greenschist- to amphibolite-facies P–T conditions. A newly dated partially overprinted but still glaucophane-rich sample yielded a well-defined Rb–Sr isochron age (phengite, epidote) of 112.9 ± 0.7 Ma (all uncertainties on Rb–Sr dates indicate 95% confidence level), providing a minimum age for the HP/LT stage. Internal mineral isochrons of more severely overprinted samples show poor linear fits between mica and associated phases indicating incomplete resetting of the Rb–Sr isotope system during the later lower pressure metamorphic event. Isochrons that are derived only from different grain-size fractions of white mica indicate dates between 115 and 110 Ma (± 3 to 6 Ma). In contrast to previous interpretations that linked high-grade rocks of the Meratus Complex to collision-induced crustal thickening it is here considered more likely that these rocks either represent exotic fragments from NW Australia or the metamorphic sole of the Meratus ophiolite. Differences in temperature estimates for HP/LT rocks from the Luk Ulo Complex probably indicate erroneous textural interpretation of equilibrium mineral assemblages and/or compositions. Neither petrological analysis nor geochronological dating has yet unambiguously confirmed different P–T–t paths for eclogites with and without tourmaline (Trm) from the Luk Ulo area. The newly dated Trm-bearing epidote blueschist from the serpentinitic Muncar River mélange yielded a well-defined Rb–Sr isochron of 119.0 ± 0.7 Ma (phengite, epidote, tourmaline) that perfectly matches with existing K–Ar and Rb–Sr data for Trm-free HP/LT rocks. Two samples of the more widespread garnet-phengite schists of the Luk Ulo area yielded Rb–Sr ages (phengite, feldspar) of 118.0 ± 0.8 Ma and 114.7 ± 1.3 Ma. A meter-sized epidote amphibolite block included in these clastic metasedimentary rocks provided a Rb–Sr isochron age of 116.8 ± 0.7 Ma (phengite, epidote, whole rock). These ages match existing K–Ar data for severely overprinted rocks from the Luk Ulo area and further corroborate the geological significance of Early Cretaceous metamorphism in Central Java. Petrological and geochronological data of the Meratus and Luk Ulo complexes are in accordance with a model suggesting that both occurrences belong to the same Cretaceous subduction system. The existence of an additional Cretaceous suture zone cutting through Sulawesi is considered likely.

U–Pb isotopic ages and provenance of some far-travelled exotic pebbles from glaciogenic sediments of the Polonez Cove Formation (Oligocene, King George Island)

Zircon grains from nine erratic pebbles of granite, granodiorite–tonalite and quartzite from the Polonez Cove Formation (southern King George Island) were studied for their U–Pb isotope ages and provenance. The calculated concordia ages of the studied pebbles are 108.79 ± 0.89, 119.7 ± 2.2, 178.6 ± 2.8, 180.7 ± 1.9, 207.4 ± 3.1, 231.1 ± 1.9, 1087.5 ± 4 and 1833 ± 4 Ma. The source area of individual pebbles was analysed and defined. Pebbles of crystalline rocks were derived from the Antarctic Peninsula, as well as from the Antarctic mainland. The erratic made of quartzite was eroded from the southernmost part of the Ellsworth Mountains (Linder Peak Member of Howard Nunatak Formation). Our isotope data analytically support the earlier thesis that the Oligocene ice-sheet covered a substantial part of Antarctica and its nucleus was located in its central part. Supplementary material: The U–Pb isotope data (Table S1) are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5233335

Sampling and combined Pb and Ag isotopic analysis of ancient silver coins and ores

The combination of Pb and Ag isotopes in silver coins, artefacts, and ores greatly helps identifying ancient metal sources and detecting alteration such as lead addition, ore mixing, and metal recycling. The present study proposes a new set of procedures suitable for high-precision analysis of lead and silver isotopes in Ag-bearing ores and ancient silver coins. The protocols for combined Pb and Ag extraction and purification are based on multi-step ion-exchange and reversed-phase partition chromatography. In addition to conventional drilling, which irreversibly damages the silver object being sampled, a new method was developed to collect metal from silver coins by etching their edges with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia (H2O2 + NH4OH), either pure or with added dispersed silicon carbide (SiC) to increase etching efficiency, a technique that only damages the coin patina. This technique can also be applied to silver artefacts other than coins with minor modifications to adapt to different object shapes. Multi-collection inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) was used to measure the isotopic compositions of both Pb and Ag in ores and coins. Variations in Pb and Ag isotopic compositions are uncorrelated for all the material analyzed, whether ores or silver coins, which demonstrate that isotope variability results from physically different processes. Evidence of mixing between different components is observed for ores, while etched and drilled coins show a conspicuous range of Pb and Ag isotopic compositions. The latter is interpreted as resulting from mass-dependent fractionation during surficial alteration under oxidizing burial conditions, and from patina formation. Silver in patina is isotopically light due to the formation of Ag2S, while the layer below the patina is isotopically heavy. Preliminary patina removal followed by H2O2 + NH4OH etching with suspended SiC may be used as an alternative to coin drilling when the latter is not possible such as for rare and precious coins. The present techniques will further help distinguish primary Pb isotopic variability in artefacts and coins from secondary variations due to underground interaction with the water table, weathering from prolonged burial, and curatorial handling.

Offshore Freshened Groundwater in Continental Margins

AbstractFirst reported in the 1960s, offshore freshened groundwater (OFG) has now been documented in most continental margins around the world. In this review we compile a database documenting OFG occurrences and analyze it to establish the general characteristics and controlling factors. We also assess methods used to map and characterize OFG, identify major knowledge gaps, and propose strategies to address them. OFG has a global volume of 1 × 106 km3; it predominantly occurs within 55 km of the coast and down to a water depth of 100 m. OFG is mainly hosted within siliciclastic aquifers on passive margins and recharged by meteoric water during Pleistocene sea level lowstands. Key factors influencing OFG distribution are topography‐driven flow, salinization via haline convection, permeability contrasts, and the continuity/connectivity of permeable and confining strata. Geochemical and stable isotope measurements of pore waters from boreholes have provided insights into OFG emplacement mechanisms, while recent advances in seismic reflection profiling, electromagnetic surveying, and numerical models have improved our understanding of OFG geometry and controls. Key knowledge gaps, such as the extent and function of OFG, and the timing of their emplacement, can be addressed by the application of isotopic age tracers, joint inversion of electromagnetic and seismic reflection data, and development of three‐dimensional hydrological models. We show that such advances, combined with site‐specific modeling, are necessary to assess the potential use of OFG as an unconventional source of water and its role in sub‐seafloor geomicrobiology.

Timing of deformation, metamorphism and leucogranite intrusion in the lower part of the Seve Nappe Complex in central Jämtland, Swedish Caledonides

ABSTRACT Recent studies in the context of the International Continental Scientific Drilling Project “Collisional Orogeny in the Scandinavian Caledonides” have focused on the importance of the Seve Nappe Complex (SNC) for understanding the subduction history of the Baltoscandian margin during closure of the Iapetus Ocean. In the classical Åre area of western central Jämtland, granulite facies migmatites and leucogranites of the Åreskutan Nappe provide evidence of Early Silurian (c. 440 Ma) high temperature metamorphism and a previous prograde, ultra-high pressure history, with microdiamonds. New LA-ICPMS zircon isotope age investigations of the underlying amphibolite facies Lower Seve Nappes, reported here, have also identified an Early Silurian tectonothermal history with pegmatitic leucogranite (c. 443 Ma) and, at lower structural levels, another felsic intrusion of earliest Middle Ordovician age (c. 469 Ma). The latter intrudes isoclinally folded host rock amphibolites and calcareous psammitic paragneisses and is itself tightly folded. Zircons in an amphibolite proved to be highly discordant but indicate Early Silurian metamorphism during isoclinal folding. Detrital zircons in a paragneiss are dominated by Sveconorwegian populations, but also include a range of younger Neoproterozoic grains down to the Early Ediacaran (c. 600 Ma). This new evidence of early Caledonian deformation and metamorphism indicates that, as farther north in the orogen, the Seve tectonothermal history in central Jämtland probably started early in the Ordovician, or before. Subduction and accretion along the Baltoscandian outer margin occurred prior to Scandian continent-continent collision, with Siluro-Devonian emplacement of the SNC across the foreland basins onto the Baltoscandian platform.

New age constraints on the Late Cretaceous lower Williams Fork Formation, Coal Canyon, Colorado

The precise age of terrestrial sediments in the Late Cretaceous Williams Fork Formation of western Colorado is poorly constrained due to a paucity of radiometric data. Sanidine and zircon dating of a volcanic ash encased in coal (i.e., the Coal Canyon ash) within the Cameo-Wheeler coal zone of the lower Williams Fork Formation in Coal Canyon, Colorado provides an important new age constraint for the southwestern Piceance Basin. A 10-30 cm thick, light gray, clayey mudstone encased in coal was sampled for both zircon U-Pb and sanidine 40Ar/39Ar geochronology. The presence of numerous euhedral zircon crystals, a lenticular geometry, and a clayey texture suggest that the mudstone is a minimally reworked and slightly altered volcanic ash. Analysis of the euhedral zircon crystals (n=108) in the ash produced a statistically robust U-Pb date with 93 grains yielding a weighed mean age of 74.52 ±0.11 Ma (1σ analytical uncertainty). 40Ar/39Ar sanidine analyses yielded a younger weighted mean age of 73.10 ±0.12 Ma (1σ analytical uncertainty) based on 6 of the 36 grains analyzed. Our preferred age is given by the weighted mean age of the sanidine as it is based on higher precision analyses that can better discriminate older inherited grains that are likely included in the zircon mean-age calculation. Isotopic data for the Coal Canyon ash overlap in age with a K-Ar date of 72.5 ±5.1 Ma for a widespread Williams Fork Formation tonstein, known as the Yampa Bed, found in coal-bearing outcrops and mine workings throughout the northern Piceance and Sand Wash basins and Axial Basin Uplift. Based on the similarity in isotopic age, sedimentologic context and stratigraphic position, we suggest that the Coal Canyon ash and the regionally extensive Yampa Bed are coeval. Additionally, this correlation corroborates that the Cameo-Wheeler coal zone of the Williams Fork Formation in the southwestern Piceance Basin is correlative with the Middle coal zone of the Danforth Hills and Yampa regions. Lastly, this proposed correlation may suggest that the Coal Canyon ash, like the Yampa Bed, correlates with the Baculites reesidei ammonite zone, which is associated regionally with a bentonite dated to 72.94 ±0.45 Ma. Detrital sanidine geochronology of two lower Williams Fork sandstone units that overly the Coal Canyon ash did not produce grains younger than the ash and thus do not quantitatively improve the chronostratigraphy of these specific units. Lastly, the Coal Canyon ash date serves as a basis for future evaluations of the diachroneity of non-marine strata of the Williams Fork Formation.

Chapter 4.1a Antarctic Peninsula: volcanology

Abstract The Antarctic Peninsula is distinguished by late Neogene volcanic activity related to a series of northerly younging ridge crest–trench collisions and the progressive opening of ‘slab windows’ in the subjacent mantle. The outcrops were amongst the last to be discovered in the region, with many occurrences not visited until the 1970s and 1980s. The volcanism consists of several monogenetic volcanic fields and small isolated centres. It is sodic alkaline to tholeiitic in composition, and ranges in age between 7.7 Ma and present. No eruptions have been observed (with the possible, but dubious, exception of Seal Nunataks in 1893) but very young isotopic ages for some outcrops suggest that future eruptions are a possibility. The eruptions were overwhelmingly glaciovolcanic and the outcrops have been a major source of information on glaciovolcano construction. They have also been highly influential in advancing our understanding of the configuration of the Plio-Pleistocene Antarctic Peninsula Ice Sheet. However, our knowledge is hindered by a paucity of modern, precise isotopic ages. In particular, there is no obvious relationship between the age of ridge crest–trench collisions and the timing of slab-window volcanism, a puzzle that may only be resolved by new dating.

The U-Pb Zircon Geochronology (LA-ICP-MS) of Geological Processes in Granulites of Middle Bouh Area. Article 3. Rock association in the lower reaches of the Yatran river

LA-ICP-MS method was applied to investigate U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotope systematics of zircon crystals from charnockitic gneiss and biotite-garnet-hypersthene enderbite that occur in the lower reaches of the Yatran river (Yatran block of the Bouh river area). According to the obtained isotope data, charnockitic gneiss hosts three zircon populations. The oldest one is represented by three crystals that have isotope age between 3125 and 3300 Ma, and εHf values between –2.3 and –7.5. The next population is well-defined, it has an age of 2038±25 Ma and large variations of Hf isotope composition: 176Hf/177Hf — from 0.28122 to 0.28261, εHf — from –9.3 до 4.6. However, the ages of most of the analyzed zircons spread along the concordia between 2300 and 2800 Ma. All zircons in this population have a similar Hf isotope composition 176Hf/177Hf = 0.28072 to 0.28092, which does not depend on the age. It is characteristic that the oldest (with preserved U-Pb isotope systematics) crystals have positive or slightly negative εHf values. Most of the U-Pb isotope analyses of zircons from enderbite fall on the discordia line that has an upper interception age of 2029 ± 18 Ma. A small number of discordant grains have 207Pb/206Pb ages up to 2500 Ma. Hafnium isotope composition in zircons from enderbite varies widely: 176Hf/177Hf = 0.28131 to 0.28151, and εHf from –6.2 to 1.8.

ОТКРЫТИЕ, ОСВОЕНИЕ И ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ КИРОВСКОГО ЗОЛОТОРУДНОГО МЕСТОРОЖДЕНИЯ ПРИАМУРСКОЙ ПРОВИНЦИИ (АМУРСКАЯ ОБЛАСТЬ, РОССИЯ)

The history of the discovery, development and study of the Kirovskyi gold ore deposit in the Priamur gold-bearing province is considered. The deposit is attributed to the gold-bismuth type of vein deposits of the gold-sulfide-quartz formation. Gold mineralization is genetically related to the formation of the Dzhalinda intrusion of Early Cretaceous granitoids or a series of later dikes of «variegated» composition. The isotopic age of gold mineralization, determined by the Rb-Sr method, is in the fork 131-126 Ma. Further prospects of the deposit are associated with the search for large-volume deposits with stockwork type ore bodies.

Uranium-Lead by Monacite Geochronology of Granites Distributed in the Middle Current of ihe River Ros (Ros-Tikich Megablock Ukrainian Shield)

Granitoids play a leading role in the geological structure of the Ros-Tikich megablock. The rocks of the Ros-Tikich series, which form the supercrystalline base here, have survived among the granitoids only in the form of some remnants of different sizes. In the coastal outcrops of the middle course of the river Ros (east of Bila Tserkva) and in the quarries located near the river, the most common are two-feldspar granitoids, isolated as part of two complexes – Uman and Stavyshche. Plagiogranitoids and supercrustal rocks have survived among them in the form of separate fragments. Of the accessory uranium-containing minerals, zircon and titanite are present in two-field spar granites, and monazite was found in single samples of granites in which titanite was absent. The age of obscure porphyry-like granite discovered by the Ostrivsk quarry – 2063.5 ± 1.2 million years and uniformgrained granite, distributed in the quarry of the village of Bovkun – 2042.5 ± 8.6 million years. The obtained values of the isotopic age of these granites are in good agreement with the results of uranium-lead isotopic dating of zircons from twofeldspar granites of the Ros-Tikich megablock (1990-2080 million years). This allows us to propose to combine the granites of the Stavyshche and Uman complexes into one Paleoproterozoic complex.

Природа раннедокембрийских кристаллических комплексов

The obtained evidence of hot heterogeneous accretion of the Earth leads to a fundamentally new solution of the problem of the genesis of Early Precambrian crystal complexes. According to this approach, a powerful impact heat release during accretion resulted in the formation of a layered global magmatic ocean. Its upper acidic layer arose from low-pressure residual melts of the bottom parts of the still shallow early ocean, fractionated under the influence of an increase in the load pressure of the forming upper layers. The solidification of the uppermost parts of the acidic layer led to the formation of the most ancient tonalite-trondyemite complexes. Gneiss-crystalshale complexes were formed from its deeper parts by lowering the crystallized near-surface areas together with sediments accumulated on them and lifting the underlying magmas of often more mafic composition in their place. Leaching of the near-surface parts of the solidified rocks under the influence of acidic emanations of the magmatic ocean caused the predominance of quartzites and high-alumina gneisses among the oldest pararocks. Due to the solidification of the magmatic ocean from top to bottom, the isotopic age of gneiss decreases on average with depth. The surfacing of residual melts of its various layers led to the evolution of magmatism of ancient platforms from acidic to alkaline-ultrabasic and kimberlite. The separation of ore-bearing emanations of the magmatic ocean caused the formation of numerous often unique deposits.

ИСТОРИЯ ОТКРЫТИЯ И ИЗУЧЕНИЯ МЕСТОРОЖДЕНИЯ «ЗОЛОТАЯ ГОРА» ПРИАМУРСКОЙ ЗОЛОТОНОСНОЙ ПРОВИНЦИИ (АМУРСКАЯ ОБЛАСТЬ, РОССИЯ)

Information about the history of discovery, development and study of the gold ore deposit «Zolotaya Gora» in Priamur gold-bearing province is present. The deposit is represented by six gold-sulfide-quartz veins located in the zone of crumpling and diaphthoresis along the gneisses and crystalline schists of the Archean. Ore bodies intersect with diorite porphirites of the Mesosoic age. The deposit had the richest gold-sulfide-quartz ores in the Amur region with an average gold grade of about 120-140 g/t. The isotopic age of mineralization, determined by Rb-Sr method, is 155±7 million years.

Combination of methodology on researching the petroleum formation process in Lower Miocene sediments, Cuu Long Basin

The process of formation and deposition of granular sedimentary formations containing oil and gas in sedimentary basins on the continental shelf of Vietnam is a key factor in the study to determine the distribution trend, characteristics and scale of the sedimentary formations in general and Miocene sediments in particular. Up to the present time, the majority of Vietnam's oil and gas exploitation basin are distributed on continental or coastal shelves, so the study of the origin and evolution of basins in general and components in particular (into reservoir system) still exists many gaps not only with geologists but also with petroleum research and exploration company on the continental shelf of Vietnam. The samples and data collected cover most of the onshore and offshore in Southeastern Vietnam, allowing the construction of the relationship boths the two areas that have traditionally been studied by the companys, with the lack of synchronous methods, closely links. The collection of research data, recently collected, created convenient conditions for linking and comparing the evolutionary history between the continental sediments and the continental shelf through the survey of collecting field samples and core samples at petroleum exploration drill wells come to clarify the origin, evolution, the trend of sedimentary materials transporting. The methodology conducted to research includes geotectonics, stratigraphic seismic analysis, borehole geophysical analysis, stress filed, core sample analysis, sedimentary lithological analysis, biostratigraphic analysis, analysis of U-Pb zircon isotope age and at last artificial intelligence. The study results can also be used to predict the presence and distribution of the Miocene sandstone petroleum formations in researching area.