Formation Of Authigenic Minerals Research Articles

Uncovering the oxic-suboxic microenvironment change in seamount flank through authigenic clay minerals in basaltic substrate of ferromanganese crust, Magellan seamount

In low-temperature ocean environments, basalt alteration by seawater precipitates authigenic clay minerals that serve as proxies for reconstructing paleo-ocean conditions because they reflect surrounding oxic-suboxic conditions. In this study, alteration rims on basaltic substrate associated with ferromanganese (Fe-Mn) crust from the Magellan seamount KC-7 were identified by microscopic analyses. Mineralogical and geochemical analyses indicate that the alteration rims contain K-enriched Fe-smectite and glauconite which suggest that seawater-basalt interaction occurred under oxic conditions and in the presence of organic-rich suboxic conditions, respectively. These disparate environmental conditions suggest that the environment changed before and after Fe-Mn crusts formed. During the Cenozoic hyperthermal events, oxygen-rich bottom water was supplied by upwelling driven by the geomorphological influence of the seamounts, which may have led to basalt alteration. The K-enriched Fe-smectites, which indicate oxic condition, formed via seawater-basalt interactions before the Fe-Mn crust incrustation. Later, during the Eocene, the opening of the Drake Passage enhanced the supply of oxygen-rich seawater to the Magellan Seamounts, thereby enabling the formation of hydrogenetic Fe-Mn crust. After the incrustation of seamount flanks with Fe-Mn crusts, the carbonate fluorapatite (CFA), a product of the global phosphatization event, filled the pores in the Fe-Mn crusts during Oi-1 glaciation. As a result, seawater-basalt interactions decreased and led to suboxic conditions, in which glauconite formed as organic matter was remineralized under the organic-rich conditions in the basaltic substrate. This authigenic clay mineral formation sequence suggests that changes in ocean circulation and subsequent changes in the oxic-suboxic conditions in the basaltic substrate occurred on the western Pacific seamount KC-7.

Tungsten (w) geochemistry in north Asian coals (Siberia, Russian far east and Kazakhstan)

This research discusses new data on the geochemistry of tungsten (W) in the coals of North Asia (Siberia, the Russian Far East, and Kazakhstan), based on analyses of over two thousand samples. In general, the studied coals are enriched in W in comparison with the average value for coals all over the world. In different regions of the studied area, coal deposits with anomalous W concentrations (up to commercially important concentrations) were found and the factors controlling the W content in these coals were investigated. Samples were selected in order to study both the vertical variation in W through the seams and laterally to determine its distribution across the coal basins. Seams with average W concentrations generally show some enrichment at the margins of the seam (Zilbermints law). In anomalously enriched seams, however, several patterns of W distribution are observed. Most commonly the base of the seam is enriched and concentrations decrease upwards, less commonly the reverse is the case and rarely the central parts of the seam are enriched. The results from the present work demonstrate that W is predominantly organically associated. In lignites, more than 80 % is concentrated in humic substances with the remainder in mineral matter. However, as the organic matter transforms during coalification some of the W passes into solution leading both to the formation of authigenic minerals and also loss from the seam. The nature of the W distributions in the coal seams indicates a predominantly hydrogenous (aqueous) mechanism of transport and accumulation. It is concluded that the composition of the rock types surrounding the coal-forming basins and the hydrogeochemical conditions of these basins and deposits are critical factors in determining the levels of W accumulation in the coals. The elevated and anomalous tungsten concentrations in coal and peat described in this work are due to the leaching of tungsten rich rocks, primarily granitoids and tungsten-bearing greisens and skarns.

EARLY DIAGENESIS GEOCHEMISTRY OF BOTTOM SEDIMENTS IN THE PLEISTOCENE CORE OF LAKE KOTOKEL (Eastern Baikal Region)

Chemical composition of bottom sediments and pore waters of organic-mineral sediments (sapropel) of Lake Kotokel (Eastern Baikal region) has been studied, based on long drilling cores, 14.5 and 16.5 m. A reduction type of diagenesis has been established, during which destruction of organic matter, transformation of the chemical composition of pore waters and the formation of authigenic minerals occur. Even in the uppermost intervals of sapropel, organic matter is being profoundly transformed and differs significantly in composition from that of bioproducers (plankton). The major role in diagenetic transformations of organic matter belongs to different physiological groups of microorganisms, primarily heterotrophic, amonifying and sulfate-reducing bacteria. During diagenesis, the basic chemical composition of pore waters (HCO3–, SO42–, Cl–, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+) changes, trace elements (Fe, Mn, Sr, Ba, Pb, As, Co, Ni) redistribute, concentrations of HCO3–, NH4+, PO43− and Si increase; this is caused by destruction of organic matter. In the process of bacterial sulfate reduction in pore waters, the concentration of SO42– decreases along the depth of the section, and in the sediment the proportion of reduced forms of sulfur increases and the isotopic composition of sulphur δ34S changes. Transformation of chemical composition of pore waters and the activity of microorganisms leads to the formation of authigenic pyrite, rhodochrosite, and barite.

Shallow lake response to Holocene climate variation in south-central Minnesota, USA

Sedimentary deposits in lakes across the upper Midwest record the co-evolution of climate and biogeochemistry since the retreat of the Laurentide Ice Sheet at the end of the last glacial period. Here, we report on a Holocene lake sediment record from Chub Lake, a shallow (3 m depth) eutrophic lake system in south-central Minnesota. High-resolution elemental data from scanning XRF along with variations in organic matter, carbonate minerals, clastic material, biogenic silica, charcoal, and carbon isotopes reveal internally consistent patterns of hydroclimatic influence on this shallow lake system from 11,300 years BP to present. In particular, authigenic carbonate mineral formation and preservation in Chub Lake appears to be well suited as a moisture proxy beginning around 9700 BP up until ∼2300 BP, when a combination of more humid climates and basin-infilling change the hydrology of Chub Lake. This work emphasizes the importance of evaluating shallow lake sediment records both as important archives of climate proxies and case studies on how changing climates impact aquatic systems.

A process-based geochemical framework for carbonate sediments during marine diagenesis

A significant proportion of marine calcium carbonate sediments are comprised of metastable minerals that are susceptible to diagenetic alterations during burial. These reactions can reset the geochemical signature of sediments and pore fluids and influence elemental cycling in the ocean. However, the timing and mechanisms by which these reactions take place are poorly constrained. This study uses cores drilled on the slope of the Great Bahama Bank to provide quantitative constraints on important diagenetic reactions; namely respiration-driven dissolution, authigenic carbonate mineral formation, and conversion of aragonite to low Mg calcite (LMC). We perform detailed mineralogical characterization using newly acquired, high resolution X-ray diffraction (XRD) data and over 1000 reanalyzed XRD scans, characterize sediments texturally and elementally using electron microprobe data, calculate pore fluid saturation state with respect to aragonite using a Pitzer ion interaction approach, and use pore fluid chemistry and experimental distribution coefficients to predict authigenic carbonate compositions. These data suggest that aerobic organic matter oxidation, enabled by the advection of oxygenated seawater throughout the upper ∼ 30 m interval of sediment, causes undersaturation and thus dissolution of biogenic high Mg calcite (HMC) and aragonite. Deeper, anaerobic organic matter oxidation takes over and causes supersaturation, promoting authigenic precipitation in the form of HMC, which in turn decreases pore fluid Mg/Ca and promotes aragonite conversion to LMC. One novel aspect of this study is the identification of three types of calcites using the newly acquired XRD and electron microprobe data. Based on their unique crystallographic characteristics and chemical compositions, these types of calcites are interpreted to represent pelagic biogenic LMC, bank-derived biogenic HMC, and authigenic HMC precipitated from pore fluids. Notably, the composition of the authigenic calcite matches that predicted to precipitate from pore fluids using an empirical Mg partition coefficient in calcite. Calcites that form authigenically and from aragonite via replacement are suggested to recrystallize with burial as evidenced by the decrease in Mg content and micro-strain. This process-based geochemical framework assigns diagenetic processes to a specific depth window within the sediment column and paves the way for a mechanistic understanding of carbonate diagenesis, one that is rooted in thermodynamic and kinetic bases.

Influences of different alkaline and acidic diagenetic environments on diagenetic evolution and reservoir quality of alkaline lake shales

Thin section and argon-ion polishing scanning electron microscope observations were used to analyze the sedimentary and diagenetic environments and main diagenesis of the Permian Fengcheng Formation shales in different depositional zones of Mahu Sag in the Junggar Basin, and to reconstruct their differential diagenetic evolutional processes. The diagenetic environment of shales in the lake-central zone kept alkaline, which mainly underwent the early stage (Ro<0.5%) dominated by the authigenesis of Na-carbonates and K-feldspar and the late stage (Ro0.5%) dominated by the replacement of Na-carbonates by reedmergnerite. The shales from the marginal zone underwent a transition from weak alkaline to acidic diagenetic environments, with the early stage dominated by the authigenesis of Mg-bearing clay and silica and the late stage dominated by the dissolution of feldspar and carbonate minerals. The shales from the transitional zone also underwent a transition from an early alkaline diagenetic environment, evidenced by the formation of dolomite and zeolite, to a late acidic diagenetic environment, represented by the reedmergnerite replacement and silicification of feldspar and carbonate minerals. The differences in formation of authigenic minerals during early diagenetic stage determine the fracability of shales. The differences in dissolution of minerals during late diagenetic stage control the content of free shale oil. Dolomitic shale in the transitional zone and siltstone in the marginal zone have relatively high content of free shale oil and strong fracability, and are favorable “sweet spots” for shale oil exploitation and development.

Микросферолиты в биогенно-абиогенной системе карбонатообразования (на примере нижнемэотических карбонатов, мыс Казантип, Керченский п-ов)

The results of the study of calcite microspherulites in carbonate breccia formed at the junction of biohermal and bioclastic limestones (Lower Maeotian, Cape Kazantip, Kerch Peninsula), the nature of which is still being discussed, are presented. The following analytical methods were used: chemical carbonate, gas chromatography, Raman spectroscopy, electron microscopy with EDS, isotope. The studies resulted in the following: the presence in the fossilized biofilms of the pelitomorphic matrix and microspherulites of framboidal pyrite, halite, barite, celestine, dolomite-calcite, hematite and magnetite, which are absent in the other structural components of the breccia. Organic matter (OM) is represented by algal-cyanobacterial matter with a large contribution of the microbial component and an admixture of humic material. The carbonaceous matter in calcite microspherulites is actually characterized by primary unstructured organic matter. The accessory minerals zircon, oligoclase, rutile, neodymium-cerium monazite and vanadium silicide were identified. The formation of microspherulite calcites most likely occurred in the reducing conditions of the lagoon with high salinity in the contact zone of carbonate and microbial muds. The activation of authigenic mineral formation was facilitated by gas-fluid seeps from an active ancient mud volcano.

PROCESSES OF FORMATION OF SODIUM BICARBONATE GROUNDWATER IN THE RAINWATER – SANDSTONE SYSTEM

In modeling, a study was made of the processes of the physical-chemical interaction between rainwater and sandstone. It was stated that as a result of the interaction, already in mineralization of water equal to 55 mg/l, there emerges a pure soda solution whose sharp oxidation properties, retaining up to 200 mg/l, change to sharp restorative when exceeding this value. At the mineralization of water equal to 30 mg/l, an intensive increase in the number of hydroxide ions in a solution makes it highly alkaline. The active removal of calcium from solution is due to the formation of not only solid phase calcite, whose share does not exceed 15 %, but largely limonite, whose content is as high as 25 %. The accumulation of high concentrations of sodium in a solution is caused by the absence of its secondary mineral formations in a wide range of the rock/water ratios. Under reservoir conditions, the solution is composed of carbonate. This solution, transferred from reservoir to surface conditions, undergoes transformation in the result of interaction with the atmosphere. A decrease in pH of the solution resulted in the acquisition of sharp oxidation properties, with the cation, sulfate, fluorine and chlorine contents remained at the level corresponding to the reservoir conditions and the cardinal changes affected the carbonate system components and silicon compounds. Hydrosilicate ion was transformed into precipitated silicon oxide. Carbonate ions were transformed into hydrocarbonate, and the additional hydrocarbonate ions were formed for the solution to preserve a state of equilibrium after the removal of the representative number of hydrosilicate ions therefrom. An amount of carbon required for their formation was extracted from the atmosphere. The solution became hydrocarbonate, with hydrosilicate ions almost disappeared therefrom. Different calculation options for model solution, which is in equilibrium with the atmosphere, correlate with the representative group of soda-type groundwater. The calculation results are confirmed by field observations over the authigenic mineral formation on a large part of the Russian territory.

The influence of cold seepage on the grain size and geochemistry of sediments from the Laptev Sea shelf

The East Siberian Arctic shelf is renowned for its active methane-rich fluid seeps, confirmed by numerous gas flares in the water column and direct observations of methane release from the seafloor. These cold-seep sites serve as natural laboratories for studying the impact of methane seepage on early diagenesis, authigenic mineral formation, and the geochemical cycles of carbon, sulfur, and other elements. This study examines the grain size and chemical composition of two sediment types from the Laptev Sea shelf: cold-seep sediments influenced by sulfate-driven anaerobic methane oxidation, and unaffected “seep-free” sediments (i.e., control site). High methane concentrations (up to 649 μM/L) in the surface layer of sediments indicate that the sulfate–methane transition zone is found close to the sediment–water interface approximately 5–6 cm below the seabed. At the cold-seep site, thin layers containing up to 40% sand fraction were discovered among the fine-grained sediments. We infer that upward-migrating fluids may contribute to the remobilization of the fine fraction, resulting in concentration of coarse particles. Cold-seep sediments are characterized by molybdenum (Mo) enrichment compared to the lithological background, although one “seep-free” core exhibits evidence of authigenic Mo deposition. The Mo concentration (up to 16.8 ppm) indicates that enrichment occurs under sulfidic conditions restricted to pore water, which are caused by anaerobic methane oxidation. The high Mo concentration in one “seep-free” core likely implies past cold-seep activity. A general Mo–U covariation indicates that the molybdenum enrichment in cold-seep sediments from the Laptev Sea outer shelf is controlled by a weak particulate shuttle process.

GEOCHEMICAL CONDITIONS OF SULLAR SPRING: FORMATION OF AUTHIGENIC MINERALS AND METHANE FLUXES

Link for citation: Soldatova E.A., Sidkina E.S., Kiriukhin B.A., Maximov P.N., Krivenok L.A., Ivanov V., Tananaev N.I. Geochemical conditions of Sullar spring: formation of authigenic minerals and methane fluxes. Bulletin of the Tomsk Polytechnic University. Geo Аssets Engineering, 2023, vol. 334, no. 10, рр. 16-33. In Rus. Relevance and the research object. Interpermafrost aquifers and areas of their discharge with seasonal ice covers are special permafrost-hydrogeological and hydrochemical systems that are not typical for the thick continuous permafrost zone of Central Yakutia. Differences in chlorofluorocarbon content indicate the anaerobic conditions of some springs suggesting microbial degradation of these compounds by methanogenic bacteria. In the discharge area of such springs, a sharp change in the geochemical conditions takes place leading to a transformation in the water chemical composition and boosting the processes of authigenic mineral formation in this buffer area. In current work we considered the geochemical system of the Sullar spring – the most northern and the least studied among interpermafrost groundwater discharge zones of the Lena River right bank. Intensive accumulation of authigenic minerals was found in the Sullar discharge area during field research. It was Fe compounds with bacterial mats as an opalescent film. Some researchers state the connection between the transformation of Fe compounds during permafrost melting and the migration and transformation of organic matter, including its consumption by microorganisms with further methane emission. We assumed that there is a relationship between the authigenic mineral formation and the content and emission of methane in the discharge area of the spring. This research is the first comprehensive description of the hydrochemistry of the interpermafrost water of the Sullar spring. The aim of the research was to explore influence of geochemical conditions and microbial communities on formation of authigenic minerals and methane fluxes, in particular the effect of the change of geochemical conditions due to groundwater discharge on Fe precipitation and to analyze the relation of that process with methane fluxes. For this purpose, we study water chemical composition of the Sullar spring, measure methane fluxes from water surface and analyze mineral and microbial composition of secondary mineral crusts and bottom eluvium collected near water sampling points. Methods. The main element content was determined by ion chromatography. The concentrations of the bicarbonate ion and dissolved carbon dioxide were calculated by the equilibrium modeling method based on the pH and Eh values of the system. The content of trace elements was measured by mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma. To identify seasonal and annual variability, a retrospective analysis of the water chemical composition of the Sullar spring for the period from 1962 to 2020 was carried out. Methane fluxes were measured using the chamber method. The methane concentration was determined by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector. The features of the secondary mineral crusts and bottom eluvium were determined using a petrographic microscope. The chemical composition of individual mineral phases was evaluated using a scanning electron microscope equipped with a detector for energy dispersive X-ray spectral microanalysis. The DNA concentration was measured on a fluorimeter. Amplicon libraries were generated by polymer chain reaction with universal primers for the V4 region. Equilibrium modeling was carried out using the HCh software.

Semiarid Lakes of Southwestern Siberia as Sentinels of On-Going Climate Change: Hydrochemistry, the Carbon Cycle, and Modern Carbonate Mineral Formation

Towards a better understanding of factors controlling carbon (C) exchange between inland waters and atmosphere, we addressed the inorganic carbon cycle in semiarid lakes of Central Eurasia, subjected to the strong impact of on-going climate change. As such, we assessed the hydrochemical variability and quantified its control on the formation of authigenic carbonate minerals, occurring within the upper layer of sediments in 43 semiarid lakes located in the southwest of Western Siberia (Central Eurasia). Based on measurements of pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), cationic and anionic composition, dissolved organic and inorganic C, as well as textural and mineralogical characterization of bottom sediments using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, we demonstrate that lake water pH and TDS are primarily controlled by both the lithological and climatic context of the lake watershed. We have not revealed any direct relationships between lake morphology and water chemistry. The most common authigenic carbonates scavenging atmospheric CO2 in the form of insoluble minerals in lake sediments were calcite, aragonite, Mg-calcite, dolomite and hydromagnesite. The calcite was the most common component, aragonite mainly appears in lakes with sediments enriched in gastropod shells or artemia cysts, while hydromagnesite was most common in lakes with high Mg/Ca molar ratios, as well as at high DIC concentrations. The relationships between mineral formation and water chemistry established in this study can be generalized to a wide suite of arid and semiarid lakes in order to characterize the current status of the inorganic C cycle and predict its possible modification under on-going climate warming such as a rise water temperature and a change in hydrological connectivity, primary productivity and nutrient regime.

Surface reactivity of the iron and manganese-oxidizing bacterium Leptothrix cholodnii SP-6

Surfaces of prokaryotic cells play a significant role in the adsorption of metals from aqueous solution and the formation of authigenic minerals (Konhauser 2006). Although most studies focus on the cell wall, it is known that many bacteria synthesise an extracellular layer of polysaccharides and proteins, including what are known as sheaths. It has been shown that the cyanobacterium Calothrix sp. produces as sheath which is neutrally charged at circumneutral pH values, and it was hypothesized that such a sheath might allow the cyanobacterium to survive in geothermal settings with high silicification rates (Phoenix et al. 2002). Specifically, the dominance of hydroxyl sites on Calothrix’s sheath surface facilitates hydrogen bonding with aqueous silica species, inducing the precipitation of amorphous silica on the sheath and thus protecting the underlying cell (Phoenix et al. 2002). Leptothrix cholodnii is a sheathed, iron and manganese-oxidizing bacterium that frequently inhabits minerals seeps, where Fe2+ and Mn2+ discharge into oxygenated surface waters (Spring et al. 1996). As a result, the sheath becomes encrusted with Fe(III) and Mn(IV) oxyhydroxides while the underlying cells are protected from mineralization (Emerson and Ghiorse 1992, Emerson et al. 2010). However, unlike Calothrix, Leptothrix’s sheath composition suggests that it might behave differently at circumneutral pH (Emerson and Ghiorse 1993). To investigate the surface reactivity of Leptothrix's sheath and cell wall we analyzed isolated sheaths, sheathless cells, and intact filaments of L. cholodnii SP-6. We studied these components using potentiometric titration, zeta-potential, Cd-adsorption, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to elucidate changes in surface charge between the cell wall and sheath. For the isolated sheaths and intact filaments, titration data were fit using a two-site protonation model, resulting in the following pKa values: 6.05 (±0.29) and 9.34 (±0.11); and 7.77 (±0.17) and 10.50 (±0.20), respectively. For the sheathless cells, the best fit was obtained by using a three-site protonation model, resulting in the following pKa values: 5.40 (±0.59), 8.11 (±1.64) and 10.73 (±0.45). Total proton-active site concentrations were lower in isolated sheaths compared to intact filaments. Additionally, at circumneutral pH, net negative charge was lower for sheathless cells compared to intact filaments and isolated sheaths (Fig. 1). This information agrees with the Cd adsorption behaviour found for the three materials (Fig. 2). Thus, our preliminary results suggest that Leptothrix’s sheath is less reactive than the intact filaments at circumneutral pH, leading us to hypothesize that the outermost layer would sequester relatively lower amounts of cations, including Mn2+, from solution and potentially would protect the underlaying cell from deleterious mineralization. In addition to that, the less reactive sheath’s surface would also contribute to cell attachment, which is important for a species commonly found in streams (Phoenix et al. 2002, Emerson et al. 2010).

Authigenic Mineral Formation in Aquifers near the Uranium Sludge Storage Facility of Chepetsky Mechanical Plant during the Formation of a Biogeochemical Barrier in a Laboratory and Field Experiment

In this work, authigenic microbial mineral formation in groundwater near the uranium sludge storage at SC Chepetsky Mechanical Plant (ChMP) (Glazov, Russia) was analysed in field and laboratory experiments using thermodynamic modelling when the microbial community was activated by a mixture of acetate, glucose and whey. It was found that the mineral basis of the barrier consisted of aggregated soil particles with freshly deposited phases of carbonate and sulphide minerals of different degrees of crystallinity. An important factor in the formation of calcium phases is microbial denitrification, which is accompanied by an increase in pH values of the medium. The main factors of uranium immobilisation in the biogeochemical barrier were revealed, including its reduction to insoluble forms of uranium dioxide, adsorption on ferrous and sulphide-ferrous minerals, as well as the formation of phosphate phases through the addition of phosphorus-containing whey and co-precipitation or co-crystallisation in calcite phases.

Phosphate burial in aquatic sediments: Rates and mechanisms of vivianite formation from mackinawite

Excess phosphorus abundance often drives eutrophication and affects surface water quality. Formation of vivianite (Fe3(PO4)2 • 8H2O) in aquatic sediments acts as a significant sink for phosphate (P), crucial for resorting surface waters. Authigenic vivianite formation, however, can be limited by other ferrous iron containing phases, in particular iron sulfides. Although thermodynamically feasible under suitable conditions, the formation of vivianite from mackinawite has been widely disregarded for authigenic phosphate mineral formation. Here we investigated the formation of vivianite from mackinawite (FeS) in batch experiments in which dissolved sulfide was continuously removed, at P levels between 0 – 5 mM in a pH of 6 to 8. Solid characterizations by electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction as well as Mössbauer and X-ray absorption spectroscopy demonstrates that vivianite was formed at all pH values in P amended experiments. The temporal evolution of dissolved Fe(II) concentrations indicates that the transformation proceeds via the release of the dissolved Fe(II) by FeS dissolution and subsequent vivianite precipitation, over time scales of days. The kinetics of the transformation are controlled by the dissolution rates of FeS. Aging and transformation of FeS, however, compete with vivianite formation. Aging is more pronounced at higher pH but is inhibited by P adsorption. Hence, the effect of pH and P concentration on aging is the main reason for the influence on these parameters on the rates and extent of vivianite formation. Our findings demonstrate that FeS can be an effective iron source for vivianite formation in aquatic sediments when sulfide concentrations decrease due to, for example, changes in external forcing or microbial sulfide oxidation. Formation of vivianite from FeS as an Fe source can also open new perspectives in P recovery in water treatment, for example when Fe is added to digesters to bind H2S.

The formation of authigenic phosphorus minerals in cold-seep sediments from the South China Sea: Implications for carbon cycling below the sulfate-methane transition

The formation of authigenic phosphorus (P) minerals near the sulfate-methane transition (SMT) represents an important pathway of P burial in marine sediments. However, our current understanding of the coupling between the formation of authigenic phosphate and carbon and iron (Fe) cycling is insufficient. In this study, a piston core recovered from the Haima cold seeps of the Qiongdongnan basin, northern South China Sea, was used to analyze pore-water parameters and solid-phase Fe and P speciation. Results from a previous study indicate that the current SMT is located at approximately 1 m below the seafloor (mbsf) and a fossil SMT located at approximately 6.5 mbsf. Dissolved phosphate concentrations and solid-phase iron oxide (FeOx) contents are found to decrease with depth, while Fe-bound P (PFe) and authigenic phosphate (PAuth) contents increase with depth in the zone between the current and fossil SMTs where gas hydrate is present, suggesting that vivianite and authigenic apatite formed in this zone. Gas hydrate below the current SMT will dissociate once methane is undersaturated, which could persistently provide dissolved methane to prevent the downward shift of the current SMT where methane is continually consumed. Such a methane-rich environment maintained by gas hydrate may favor the persistent reduction of FeOx and the formation of vivianite. Dissolved phosphate concentrations are high, but decrease rapidly with depth at the fossil SMT. Combined with higher FeOx and PAuth contents and lower PFe contents and lower POrg/total organic carbon (TOC) ratios, these results suggest the formation of authigenic apatite at the fossil SMT. The high dissolved phosphate concentration and low POrg/TOC ratios at the fossil SMT are interpreted to reflect preferential release of P during the degradation of organic matter generated by methanotrophic microorganisms. Overall, our study shows that P speciation in methane-rich sediments provides insight into the formation processes of authigenic P minerals near the SMT and associated carbon and Fe cycling processes.

Carbonate Sedimentation in High-Mineralized Lake Bolshoi Bagan (South of West Siberia): Dependence on Holocene Climate Changes

Abstract ––We present the results of comprehensive studies of Holocene bottom sediments from the shallow hypersaline (mineralization up to 282 g/L) Lake Bolshoi Bagan, located in the East Baraba lowland (south of Western Siberia). The research methods include X-ray diffractometry (XRD), IR spectroscopy, laser granulometry, scanning electron microscopy, elemental analysis of sediments and pore water, radiocarbon (14C AMS) dating. It has been found that during the Holocene an intensive authigenic mineral formation took place in the lake basin; gypsum, halite and carbonates of calcite-dolomite series dominate among the newly formed mineral phases. Mg-calcites with different Mg contents, excess-Ca dolomites, aragonite and occasionally Mg-siderite have been found in the assemblage of carbonate minerals by mathematical modeling of complex XRD patterns. Mineralogical and crystallochemical studies, supplemented by the results of geochemical analyses, allowed us to identify four stages of the evolution of Lake Bolshoi Bagan in the Holocene, due to regional climate variations. The boundaries of the stages in general correspond to the boundaries of the climatostratigraphic phases by the Blytt–Sernander system: Stage I (the end of the Boreal) – the lake formation, humid climate; Stage II (Atlantic) – climate aridization, shallowing of the lake; Stage III (Subboreal) – unstable climate, frequent change of conditions; Stage IV (Subatlantic) – moderately cool and dry climate.

Microbial Diversity and Authigenic Mineral Formation of Modern Bottom Sediments in the Littoral Zone of Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyz Republic (Central Asia).

This article presents geochemical, mineralogical and microbiological characteristics of five samples of modern bottom sediments in the littoral zone of the high-mountain salty lake Issyk-Kul. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing method shows that the microbial community consists of organic carbon degraders (representatives of phyla: Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Bacteroidota and Verrucomicrobiota and families Anaerolineaceae and Hungateiclostridiaceae), photosynthetic microorganisms (representatives of Chloroflexi, phototrophic Acidobacteria, purple sulphur bacteria Chromatiaceae and cyanobacteria) and bacteria of the reducing branches of the sulphur biogeochemical cycle (representatives of Desulfobacterota, Desulfosarcinaceae and Desulfocapsaceae). The participation of microorganisms in processes in the formation of a number of authigenic minerals (calcite, framboidal pyrite, barite and amorphous Si) is established. The high diversity of microbial communities indicates the presence of labile organic components involved in modern biogeochemical processes in sediments. The active destruction of organic matter begins at the water-sediment interface.

Evidence for abundant organic matter in a Neoarchean banded iron formation

Abstract Microbial Fe(II) oxidation has been proposed as a major source of Fe minerals during deposition of banded iron formations (BIFs) in the Archean and Proterozoic Eons. The conspicuous absence of organic matter or graphitic carbon from BIFs, however, has given rise to divergent views on the importance of such a biologically mediated iron cycle. Here, we present mineral associations, major element concentrations, total carbon contents and carbon isotope compositions for a set of lower amphibolite-facies BIF samples from the Neoarchean Zhalanzhangzi BIF in the Qinglonghe supracrustal sequence, Eastern Hebei, China. Graphite grains with crystallization temperatures (~470 °C) that are comparable to that predicted for the regional metamorphic grade are widely distributed, despite highly variable iron (12.9 to 54.0 wt%) and total organic carbon (0.19 to 1.10 wt%) contents. The crystalline graphite is interpreted to represent the metamorphosed product of syngenetic bio-mass, based on its co-occurrence with apatite rosettes and negative bulk rock δ13Corganic values (–23.8 to –15.4‰). Moreover, the crystalline graphite is unevenly distributed between iron- and silica-rich bands. In the iron-rich bands, abundant graphite relicts are closely associated with magnetite and/or are preserved within carbonate minerals (i.e., siderite, ankerite, and calcite) with highly negative bulk rock δ13Ccarb values (–16.73 to –6.33‰), indicating incomplete reduction of primary ferric (oxyhydr) oxides by organic matter. By comparison, only minor graphite grains are observed in the silica-rich bands. Normally, these grains are preserved within quartz or silicate minerals and thus did not undergo oxidation by Fe(III). In addition, the close association of graphite with iron-bearing phases indicates that ferric (oxyhydr)oxides may have exerted a first order control on the abundance of organic matter. Combined, the biological oxidation of Fe(II) in the oceanic photic zone and subsequent burial of ferric (oxyhydr)oxides and biomass in sediments to form BIFs, suggests that a BIF-dependent carbon cycle was important in the Archean Eon. Although significant re-adsorption of phosphorus to ferric (oxyhydr)oxides and the formation of authigenic phosphate minerals at the sediment-water interface would be expected, oxidation of biomass in BIFs may have recycled at least a portion of the P (and other nutrients) released from reactions between organic matter and ferric (oxyhydr)oxides to the overlying water column, potentially promoting further primary productivity.

Postsedimentary Transformations in the Lower Triassic Deposits in the North of Varandey-Adzva Zone (Pechora Oil and Gas-Bearing Basin)

New data on the mineral composition of Lower Triassic terrigenous deposits in the north of the Pechora oil and gas bearing basin are presented. The relevance of the study is due to the fact that terrigenous natural reservoirs confined to this part of the section have a heterogeneous structure both in area and in section. The purpose of the article was to identify the features of the formation and distribution of minerals that fill the void space of reservoirs. As a result of studying by the methods of optical microscopy, X-ray phase analysis, electron microscopy, signs of mineralogenesis processes, post-sedimentary transformations of sandy reservoirs were revealed. It is shown that the most widespread are quartz regeneration, transformation of minerals of the mica group, formation of calcite of various generations, formation of authigenic clay minerals, etc. Diagenetic changes in terrigenous rocks play a significant role in the formation of reservoir properties and lead to heterogeneity of reservoirs. It is shown that a large amount of calcite in sandstone cement leads to a significant decrease in porosity and permeability parameters. Pore cement of chlorite-smectite composition in fine-grained sandstones also leads to a decrease in the quality of reservoirs. Coarse and medium-grained sandstones with a low content of cement, predominantly of kaolinite or chlorite composition, are characterized by higher reservoir properties. Crustification cement of chlorite composition, pore-filling cement of kaolinite composition contribute to the formation of reservoirs with higher rates.

Volcanogenic aluminosilicate alteration drives formation of authigenic phases at the northern Hikurangi margin: Implications for subseafloor geochemical cycles

Alteration of volcanogenic aluminosilicates (VAs) in marine sediments is recognized as critical in regulating geochemical cycles and sustaining the oceanic deep biosphere, but rates of VA alteration and its associated authigenic mineral formation are not commonly reported. Here we present results on analyses of sediments and pore water recovered from the upper 150 mbsf of four sites drilled on the northern Hikurangi margin during IODP Expeditions 372 and 375. Petrographic analyses show that volcanogenic materials (glass shards, feldspar, volcanic lithoclasts) constitute important components (15–45 wt%) of the hemipelagic mud, and reveal ongoing glass alteration with accompanying authigenic phase formation. A reaction-transport model constrained by pore water Sr, 87Sr/86Sr, Ca, Mg, and Si was applied to simulate VA diagenetic reactions. Our model results yield VA alteration rates of 0.047–0.64 mmol Sr m−2 yr−1, with substantially higher values at Sites U1517 and U1520 that experienced rapid sediment emplacement. In addition, our simulations show that >99% of the dissolved Si generated by VA alteration is fixed in silica cement and authigenic clay, and that ∼50% of Ca incorporated in the authigenic carbonate is supplied by VA alteration. First-order estimates suggest that, in addition to authigenic carbonate precipitation, authigenic clay formation may represent an important sink for dissolved Mg. This study quantitatively examines the linkage between VA alteration and formation of authigenic phases, highlights its role in subsurface geochemical cycles, and indicates that slope instability may play an important role in promoting VA diagenesis.