Central Bohemian Plutonic Research Articles

Solid bitumen as an indicator of petroleum migration, thermal maturity, and contact metamorphism: A case study in the Barrandian Basin (Silurian - Devonian), Czech Republic

Silurian and Devonian marine shales and limestones of the Barrandian Basin host abundant black solid, non-fluorescing bitumens that fill tectonic fractures and veins, and occlude fossil moulds and diagenetic concretions. Solid bitumen, interpreted as thermally degraded petroleum, entered the rocks during several successive episodes of fracture-bound petroleum migration that occurred during deeper burial of the strata. Regional distribution of bitumen reflectance values that range between ∼0.9–2.3% Rr, correlate with variations of its FT-IR and Raman spectroscopic characteristics and aromatic hydrocarbon composition, and collectively evidence the maturity trend increasing across the basin from the southwest to the northeast. The reflectance of chitinozoans and graptolites (∼0.8–1.9% Rr) in the country rocks and homogenization temperatures of hydrocarbon fluid inclusions document palaeotemperatures ranging between ∼90–150 °C, characteristic of the oil window zone grading into the gas/condensate zone. Although in a basin-wide perspective the averaged values of solid bitumen and zooclast optical reflectance converge and indicate the same northeastern-increasing regional diagenetic trend, solid bitumen reflectance values vary considerably at individual localities and even within some bitumen samples. The wide scatter of optical reflectance values and the heterogeneity of optical properties, which were attributed to the presence of multiple source rocks in the basin, the variable lithology of bitumen host rocks, or other variables, hamper the use of solid bitumen as a simple alternative to zooclast/vitrinite reflectance palaeothermometers in a given basin. On the other hand, the highly anisotropic domain and the mesophase “coking” textures of the solid bitumen that were recognized in the NE part of the basin provide unique evidence on an anomalous, hitherto unrecognized, geologically short-lasting thermal event that affected the Palaeozoic rocks. A line of indirect evidence suggests that the coking of the bitumen was caused by a cryptic intrusion, possibly a concealed branch of the Central Bohemian Pluton, which intruded into the strata during the Variscan orogeny. More rarely occurring semi-solid, vividly yellow fluorescing waxy bitumen, that postdates solid bitumen in some fractures and voids, does not reveal a regional thermal maturation trend. It precipitated from relict waxy oils that migrated through the strata during a post-Neogene uplift of the Barrandian region.

Mineralogy and genesis of the Pb-Zn-Sb-Ag vein H32A in the Příbram uranium and base-metal district, Bohemian Massif, Czech Republic

A detailed paragenetic, electron microprobe, fluid inclusion and S,C,O-isotope study was conducted on Pb-Zn-Sb-Ag mineralization of the vein H32A, Háje deposit, Příbram uranium and base-metal district, Czech Republic. The vein is hosted by folded Neo-Proterozoic sandstones and siltstones of the Teplá-Barrandian unit in exo-contact of the Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex of the Variscan age (354–335 Ma). The ore zone is close to a crustal-scale tectonic zone dividing two distinctly different basement blocks of the Bohemian Massif. A rich mineral assemblage consisting of 44 mineral phases formed during two major mineralization stages (siderite-sulphidic and calcite-sulphidic) widespread in the Příbram area. A complex history of the vein is evidenced from the presence of seven mineralization sub-stages and widespread repeated metasomatic replacement and dissolution of older vein during younger mineralizing events. The vein is dominated by carbonates (especially siderite-rhodochrosite, less frequently dolomite-ankerite-kutnohorite, rarely calcite), minor constituents are quartz, illite-muscovite, and chamosite (locally with up to 1.52 apfu Sb, 0.53 apfu Zn and 0.38 apfu Pb). Ore minerals are dominated by Ag-poor galena. The Fe-poor sphalerite, pyrrhotite, löllingite, arsenopyrite, Pb-Sb, Pb-Sb-Ag and Cu-Ag-Sb sulphosalts are subordinate phases and dyscrasite, native antimony and native arsenic are accessories. The fluid inclusion study revealed the wide ranges of homogenization temperatures (210–<100 °C) and salinities (0.0–30.5 wt% NaCl eq.) of exclusively aqueous fluid inclusions. General decrease of both parameters occurred during evolution of the vein. Sulphur isotope disequilibrium was found between co-existing galenas and sphalerites. The calculated fluid δ13C values range between −9.0 and −12.3 ‰ V-PDB, implying for a well-mixed source of carbon, or its significant re-cycling during processes of dissolution-reprecipitation of vein carbonates. The calculated fluid δ18O values are highly positive for early siderite (+7.2 to +9.6 ‰ V-SMOW), and near-zero for later dolomites and calcites (−2.9 to +3.2 ‰ V-SMOW). The siderite fluids likely represent deeply circulated waters, which underwent a significant isotope exchange with hot crustal rocks. Late low-salinity fluids were likely sourced from the Permian partly evaporated freshwater piedmont basins. The high-salinity Ca-Na-Cl brines rarely recorded in secondary fluid inclusions hosted by late calcite likely represent either local “shield brines” or basinal brines of marine provenance. The study site covers a metallogenetically significant portion of the Late Variscan fluid history within an active crust-scale tectonic zone hosted by basement of the Bohemian Massif. A pronounced Ag enrichment of this vein is mainly caused by widespread occurrence of inclusions of late-stage Ag minerals (dyscrasite) in the vein, which form rich concentrations in the shallower parts of the Háje deposit.

Alteration of Granitoids and Uranium Mineralization in the Blatná Suite of the Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex, Czech Republic

The Bohemian magmatic complex belongs to granitoid plutons of the Central European Variscides. Hydrothermal uranium mineralization evolved in the small uranium deposits Nahošín and Mečichov is associated with N–S shear zones occurring on the SW margin of the Central Bohemian plutonic complex formed by amphibole-bearing biotite granodiorites of the Blatná suite. The purpose of presented study is description of uranium mineralization bounded on brittle shear zones, which is coupled with intense low-temperature hydrothermal alteration of granitic rocks. Uranium mineralization, formed predominantly of coffinite, rare uraninite, and thorite, is accompanied by intense hematitization, albitization, chloritization, and carbonatization of original granitic rocks that could be described as aceites. These alterations are accompanied by the enrichment in U, Ti, Mg, Ca, Na, K, Y, and Zr and depletion in Si, Ba, and Sr. The analyzed coffinite is enriched in Y (up to 3.1 wt % Y2O3). Uraninite is enriched in Th (up to 9.8 wt % ThO2) and thorite is enriched in Zr (up to 5.7 wt % ZrO2). The REE-elements are concentrated in the REE-fluorcarbonate synchysite-(Ce).

Eigenoscillations and Stability of Rocking Stones: The Case Study of “The Hus Pulpit” in The Central Bohemian Pluton

Stability of precariously balanced rocks is employed in seismic hazard estimates. Standard toppling models of these rocks are based on a rigid body motion, i.e., this approximation assumes that their eigenfrequencies are infinite in any position of a rock. This assumption is, however, questionable in the case of rocking stones oscillating with lowest eigenfrequencies of only several hertz when resonance effects facilitating rolling/wobbling due to a seismic signal cannot be a priori excluded. An example demonstrating existence of such low frequencies is “the Hus Pulpit” rocking stone located in the Central Bohemian Pluton (49.568N,14.363E). The observed lowest frequencies recorded by a Guralp CMG-40T seismometer located on the top of this rocking stone are 3, 7 and 9 Hz with the quality factors of 60, 55 and 77, respectively. Using the COMSOL Multiphysics software package we model the oscillations of this rocking stone numerically and demonstrate that these observed low frequencies and their dampings can be explained by a force interaction between the stone base and the bedrock that can formally be interpreted as the damped elastic response of the bedrock to its surface deformation by the stone. We also numerically study stability of the stone under the presence of such an interaction and conclude that beginning of toppling requires very high horizontal PGV (PGA) for input seismic frequencies even at the resonance frequencies. However, different numerical models, where the seismic displacements are considered as the direct input at the rock base, can result in rock instabilities under a presence of an $$\hbox {M}=7$$ earthquake at a distance of about 150 km.

Chronology of the Kašperské Hory orogenic gold deposit, Bohemian Massif, Czech Republic

The Kasperske Hory deposit represents one of the economically most important hydrothermal gold deposits in the Bohemian Massif (Czech Republic). We present new Re–Os age determinations for sulfides complemented by Ar–Ar determinations on silicate minerals in order to provide temporal constraints on the deposit formation. Arsenopyrite and molybdenite formed during gold-bearing stages I–III yielded similar Re–Os ages between ~ 341 and 333 Ma, overlapping with the Ar–Ar cooling age of the metamorphic host rocks below ~ 500 °C. Continuous cooling of the ore system below 270 °C during stage III is reflected by Ar–Ar muscovite ages spanning from ~ 332 to 325 Ma representing the long interval of formation of gold-productive stage III. Thus, the Kasperske Hory gold deposit is younger than the gold deposits spatially associated with the Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex (~ 349–339 Ma) belonging to the Central Bohemian Metallogenetic Zone (e.g., Mokrsko-West, Jilove, Petrackova Hora). This may indicate a rather close relationship to the nearby Moldanubian Batholith while still suggesting an intimate link between mineralization and Variscan orogenesis and associated magmatism.

Temporal evolution of mineralization events in the Bohemian Massif inferred from the Re–Os geochronology of molybdenite

Molybdenite is a common mineral accompanying Sn–W, Au, and base metal mineralizations located in different geotectonic units of the Bohemian Massif, but it is also widespread in granitoids and/or related quartz veins/pegmatites forming disseminated Mo mineralization. Thirty Re–Os ages were obtained for molybdenite samples from the Bohemian Massif to provide constraints on the timing and duration of mineralization event(s) within the framework of previously published geochronological data for the host and/or associated rocks. The obtained data for Sn–W–(Li) deposits in the Erzgebirge metallogenetic province indicate the predominance of one and/or multiple short-time mineralization events taking place between ∼319 and 323 Ma, with the exception of the Krupka deposit associated with the Altenberg–Teplice caldera where the data may suggest prolonged activity until ∼315 Ma. The ages of the Pb–Zn–(Au–Mo) Hůrky u Rakovnika and Fe–Cu–As Obři důl mineralizations from the exocontacts of the Cista pluton and Krkonose-Jizera Plutonic Complex, respectively, provide evidence for synchronous emplacement of the ore and the associated granitic rocks. In contrast, the Padrť Fe–As–Mo mineralization postdates the age of the associated Padrť granite. Disseminated Mo mineralization in Cadomian and Variscan granitoids and/or related to quartz veins/pegmatites provides Re–Os ages that overlap with the previously published geochronological data for the host rocks, suggesting coeval evolution. Molybdenite samples from the Sazava suite granites of the Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex (CBPC) have resolvable younger ages than their host granites, but similar to the age of spatially related Au mineralization which is associated with the latest evolution of the CBPC.

Structural evolution of the Mokrsko-West, Mokrsko-East and Čelina gold deposits, Bohemian Massif, Czech Republic: Role of fluid overpressure

The studied Mokrsko-West (90–100t Au), Mokrsko-East (30t Au) and Čelina (11t Au) deposits represent three spatially and genetically interrelated deposits of supposed affiliation to the intrusion-related gold deposit type. The deposits differ in their dominant host rocks, which are represented by ca 354Ma old biotite tonalite (Mokrsko-West) and Neoproterozoic volcanic and volcanosedimentary rocks (Mokrsko-East, Čelina). Another difference lies in the style of veining — densely spaced networks of 0.1–5mm thin veins (Q2) within the tonalite, compared to thick (usually 5–20cm; Q1–2) and widely spaced veins within the Neoproterozoic rocks.Five generations of quartz veins, referred to as Q0 through Q4 were distinguished: Q0 veins are the oldest and ore-barren, Q1 veins mark the onset of the Au-ore formation, Q2 veins its culmination and Q3 veins its fading. Late quartz gangue (Q4) is associated with uneconomic Ag–Pb–Zn vein-type ores hosted by calcite–barite–(quartz) veins.Quartz vein thickness (~0.3 to ~300mm), spacing (~3mm to ~500mm), distribution, and related extensional strain (ca. 3–25%) evolve systematically across the studied ore district, reflecting both the major host rock and other tectonic factors. Detailed study of vein dimension parameters (thickness, length, width, aspect ratios) allowed estimation of the probable depth of the fluid source reservoir (~2km or ~4km) below the present surface. The depth to the fluid source seems to increase through time, being the shallowest for the Q0 veins and the deepest for the Q2 veins. Two independent methods of estimating fluid overpressure are discussed in the paper. Fluid overpressure during vein formation decreases from the Q0 through the Q2 veins, from 10 to 4MPa or from 26 to 10MPa, depending on the assumed tensile strength of the tonalite (5.5 and 15MPa, respectively).The origin of joints and veins is discussed in terms of the stress orientation and crack-seal and crack-jump mechanisms. Field relationships unambiguously indicate that the veins hosted by Neoproterozoic rocks originated by reopening of the pre-existing extension joints (J1) due to fluid overpressure. The origin of the densely-spaced thin veins (Q2) hosted by the tonalite at the Mokrsko-West deposit is, however, less certain. It is probable that the tonalite was already affected by microfracturing analogous to the J1 joints prior to the formation of quartz veins.The formation of the Q1–2 veins at the Mokrsko-East deposit was constrained by the Re–Os dating of molybdenite to 342.9±1.4Ma. The ore-bearing hydrothermal system is thus ca 12Ma younger than the tonalite that hosts the Mokrsko-West deposit. A similar ca 15–2Ma difference between the age of the host-intrusion and the age of the hydrothermal event was encountered in several other gold deposits in the vicinity of the Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex. Two hypotheses to explain this are discussed in the paper.

Carbonate hydrothermal vein mineralization in granitoid rocks of the Central Bohemian Pluton at the Mokrsko-West gold deposit, Czech Republic

Carbonate hydrothermal vein mineralization in granitoid rocks of the Central Bohemian Pluton at the Mokrsko-West gold deposit, Czech Republic

Padrť Stock (Teplá-Barrandian Unit, Bohemian Massif): petrology, geochemistry, U-Pb zircon dating of granodiorite, and Re-Os age and origin of related molybdenite mineralization

4 �NationalMuseum,�Vaclavske�naměsti�68,�115�79�Prague�1,�CzechRepublic * Corresponding author † Deceased The Padrť Stock is a small (~5 km 2 ) intrusion located near the SE margin of the Tepla-Barrandian Unit, Bohemian Massif, several kilometers away from the NW periphery of the Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex. On outcrops, which are all located close to the contact of the stock with Neoproterozoic sedimentary rocks, two types of granitoids were detected, fine- to medium-grained hornblende-biotite Padrť granodiorite, and, along its SW margin, fine- to medium-grained partly porphyritic biotite Tesliny leucogranite. The U-Pb zircon dating of the more voluminous Padrť granodiorite by laser ablation ICP-MS yielded a magmatic age of 342.8 ± 1.1 Ma, which is slightly lower than are the published age data for the nearby Blatna suite granitoids of the Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex. The Re-Os dating of molybdenite occurring in quartz veins within a quartzite lens in close exocontact yielded ages of 337.2 ± 2.4 Ma and 339.8 ± 2.5 Ma (two samples). The data indicate that the formation of molybdenite postdated that of the magmatic rock. This is in agreement with relatively low-temperature deposition of quartz related to formation of the molybdenite, as indicated by the fluid inclusions (280 to 300 °C).

Distribution of elements among minerals of a single (muscovite-) biotite granite sample – an optimal approach and general implications

Abstract The petrography and mineral chemistry of the coarse-grained, weakly porphyritic (muscovite-) biotite Říčany granite (Variscan Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex, Bohemian Massif) were studied in order to assess the distribution of major and trace elements among its minerals, with consequences for granite petrogenesis and availability of geochemical species during supergene processes. It is demonstrated that chemistry-based approaches are the best suited for modal analyses of granites, especially methods taking into account compositions of whole-rock samples as well as their mineral constituents, such as constrained least-squares algorithm. They smooth out any local variations (mineral zoning, presence of phenocrysts, schlieren…) and are robust in respect to the presence of phenocrysts or fabrics. The study confirms the notion that the accessory phases play a key role in incorporation of many elements during crystallization of granitic magmas. Especially the REE seem of little value in petrogenetic modelling, unless the role of accessories is properly assessed and saturation models for apatite, zircon, monazite±rutile carefully considered. At the same time, the presence of several P-, Zr- and LREE-bearing phases may have some important consequences for saturation thermometry of apatite, zircon and monazite.

The Mokrsko-West gold deposit, Bohemian Massif, Czech Republic: Mineralogy, deposit setting and classification

The Mokrsko-West deposit is unique among European Variscan gold deposits from the points of view of both the structure (an approx. 200m thick complex of sheeted, several mm-thick, densely spaced quartz veins) and the economic viability (gold reserves of about 100t). The deposit is hosted mainly by tonalite of the calc-alkaline Sázava tonalite suite (ca. 354Ma) of the Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex. Mineralization is characterized by quartz-dominated gangue, no visible hydrothermal alteration, low sulfide content, high fineness native gold accompanied by maldonite, aurostibite, native bismuth and numerous Bi–Te–(S) phases. Five mineralogical stages are described in great detail. Arsenopyrite and chlorite thermometers, mineral phase stabilities and published isotope and fluid inclusion data are used to reconstruct the temperature and compositional evolution of the system. The role of liquid bismuth in the sequestration of gold is also discussed.The deposit shares the features of both orogenic gold (ORG) and intrusion-related gold (IRG) deposits. The IRG model is advocated by close spatial association between the ore zone and the tonalite host-intrusion, by the absence/scarcity of hydrothermal alteration, by the Au–Bi–Te–As elemental association and by marked thermal gradients from the early to late mineralization stages. The ORG model is advocated by an approx. 15–10Ma gap between the intrusion of the tonalite-host and the ore formation, by isotope and geochemical evidence for a key role of metamorphic fluids in the mobilization and transfer of many elements/species (inclusive S and Au). The apparently ambiguous classification of the deposit can most probably be attributed to deposit formation at a depth of ≥9km and to setting of the deposit at/inside a large-scale plutonic complex with multiple and prolonged tectonic and intrusive activity.

The Niemcza diorites and moznodiorites (Sudetes, SW Poland): a record of changing geotectonic setting at ca. 340 Ma.

Granites sensu lato in the Sudetes intruded in several episodes during the Variscan orogeny recording different stages of crust and mantle evolution. Correlating precise ages with geochemistry of the Variscan granites provides information on the evolution of these sources within the Variscan orogen. The Variscan intrusive rocks from the Niemcza Zone (Bohemian Massif, Sudetes, SW Poland) include undeformed dioritic to syenitic rocks and magmatically foliated granodiorites. In this study we analysed low SiO2 (48&ndash;53 wt.%) monzodioritic rocks from Przedborowa and Koźmice. The monzodiorites contain late-magmatic zircons with ages of 341.8 &plusmn; 1.9 Ma for Przedborowa and 335.6 &plusmn; 2.3 Ma for Koźmice, interpreted as emplacement ages of the dioritic magmas. Older Przedborowa rocks are lower in K, Mg, Rb and Ni than the Koźmice rocks and similar compositional trend is also observed in the Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex. The implication is that the mantle underlying the Niemcza Zone became more enriched from ca. 342 to ca. 336 Ma, probably following the collision of the Saxothuringian and Moldanubian/Lugian domains. The magmatism related to the collision occurred ca. 12 Ma later than that in the Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex, but was accompanied by a similar change in magma chemistry from high-K (Przedborowa) to shoshonitic (Koźmice, Kośmin enclaves) and probably to ultrapotassic (Wilk&oacute;w Wielki) &nbsp

Multiple fluid sources/pathways and severe thermal gradients during formation of the Jílové orogenic gold deposit, Bohemian Massif, Czech Republic

The Jílové deposit in the central part of the Bohemian Massif represents a vein to stockwork type of orogenic-type gold deposit. It is hosted by Neoproterozoic rocks of the Jílové Belt and by various magmatic dikes related to the ~355 to ~335Ma Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex. The deposit is situated along the terrane boundary of the Teplá Barrandian and Moldanubian units.The deposit offered an exceptional opportunity to trace O, C, S and Sr stable isotope evolution of parent fluids based on combined mineralogical and geochemical study of carbonate, quartz, scheelite, and sulfide minerals, which represent six stages of mineralization, including the gold-bearing event.Stable isotope data and mineral and isotope thermometry indicate gangue and ore mineral formation between ~350°C and <100°C, which can be divided into 6 stages. Scheelite-bearing assemblages (stages 2–3) precipitated at 292±8°C from a fluid with calculated values: δ18OSMOW=+4.2±0.5‰ and δ13CPDB=−11±1‰. Gold precipitation (stage 5) probably started at about 300°C, but the major event probably occurred at 230±30°C from a fluid with more variable isotope values (δ18OSMOW=+2.5 to +5‰ and δ13CPDB=−9 to −13.5‰). The carbon speciation was characterized by predomination of dissolved CO2 (H2CO3ap.) in the fluids. Some gold, however, undoubtedly precipitated from bicarbonate dominated fluids even at <120°C.Extreme variations in the δ18O values of carbonate minerals, obtained from sampling profiles across individual veins with macroscopic gold, revealed severe thermal gradients during vein formation (~50 to ~100°C difference of crystallization temperatures between the vein margin and core).The sulfur stable isotope composition of sulfide minerals indicates the dominant role of sulfur remobilization from Neoproterozoic rocks and stratiform mineralizations of the Jílové Belt by Variscan hydrothermal fluids. Similarly, the Sr-isotope composition of carbonates indicates both relatively primitive (87Sr/86Sr=0.7055) and more evolved (87Sr/86Sr~0.7090) fluid compositions, probably indicating fluid exchange with the Jílové Belt and the Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex rocks, respectively.Age determination of hydrothermal muscovite (related to stage 2) via 40Ar/39Ar indicated an age of 339.0±1.5Ma for the quartz veins. The mineralization is essentially coeval with the late intrusive phases of the Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex (i.e. the ultrapotassic suite) and with late-orogenic large-scale tectonic movements at the boundary between the two crustal terranes (Teplá-Barrandian and Moldanubian).Based on evaluation of the available age data on the hydrothermal and magmatic activity within the broader area of the Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex, we suggest two intervals of gold mineralization: 347 to 341Ma and 340 to 337Ma. The former interval overlaps with the intrusive activity of the Blatná high-K suite (granodiorite). The associated gold deposits (Mokrsko and Petráčkova hora) exhibit strong affiliation to the intrusion-related-gold-type deposit. The later interval overlaps with the ultrapotassic magmatism and is associated with more or less “classical” orogenic-gold-type deposits (Jílové, Bělčice, Libčice deposits).

Gold-bearing quartz veins of the Bělčice ore district, Bohemian Massif: evidence for incursion of metamorphic fluids into a granodiorite body and for isothermal mixing between two types of metamorphic fluids

Gold-bearing quartz veins of the Bělcice ore district are hosted by I-type Variscan Blatna granodiorite of the Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex. The quartz gangue precipitated from aqueous-carbonic fluids (3–7 wt. % NaCl eq.) with significant methane admixture (up to 15 mol. % of CH4) at c. 350–400 °C and 200–400 MPa. The ore stage including gold precipitation occurred at lower temperatures (300 to 250 °C) and pressures (~ 100 MPa) from aqueous fluids. The isotope composition of the quartz and carbonate gangue indicates progressively heavier oxygen of the parental fluid (δOfluid from ~ 9–10 ‰ to 10–14 ‰ SMOW). This suggests ingress of metamorphic fluids equilibrated with metasedimentary country rocks into an environment dominated by I-type granitoids. Invasion of external metamorphic fluids is also supported by nearly isothermal mixing trends in aqueous fluids as documented by salinity variations (from 5.5 to 0 wt. % NaCl eq.).

Hydrothermal uranium-base metal mineralization of the Jánská vein, Březové Hory, Příbram, Czech Republic: lead isotopes and chemical dating of uraninite

The Janska vein is one of the important veins of Březove Hory mining district (central Bohemia, Czech Republic). Base metals were mined here since 14th century and uranium ore during late 1950s. Uranium mineralization is younger than most of the base metal mineralization according to macroscopic and microscopic study. Most specimens of uraninite, obtained from archive, contain more or less abundant galena inclusions. Galena of this type is non-radiogenic as indicated by its Pb isotopic composition (ICP-MS). Its origin can be explained by remobilisation of the older base-metal mineralization during the younger, uranium-bearing mineralization event. The amount of radiogenic Pb in uraninite fluctuates from 48 up to 89.8 %. The age of theoretical end member of uraninite, calculated statistically from all measured data (for intersection 208Pb/206Pb = 0), is 269.8 err 20.3 Ma. The only uraninite grain without galena inclusions yielded an age of 263.2 err 8.9 Ma by chemical dating using electron microprobe. The calculated age of the uranium mineralization is in agreement with published data for other uranium deposits genetically associated with the Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex.

Remnants of Early Carboniferous I-type granodiorite plutons in the Bavarian Forest and their bearing on the tectonic interpretation of the south-western sector of the Bohemian Massif (Bavarian Zone)

3 �AcademyofSciences,�InstituteofRockStructureandMechanics,�VHolesovickach�41,�182�09�Prague�8,�CzechRepublic * �Correspondingauthor The Bavarian Zone of the south-western Bohemian Massif is a late Variscan high heat-flow region, characterized by numerous granite intrusions and large amounts of LP-HT anatectic rocks, the latter comprising meta- and diatexites derived from sedimentary and igneous protoliths. Imaging and SIMS U-Pb dating of zircon from a distinctive type of hornblende-bearing diatexite, with a presumed igneous protolith, was done to gather information on both metamorphism and pre-anatectic crustal evolution. Zircon crystals have two phases of growth zoning, with oscillatory-zoned grains (visible through cathodoluminescence, CL, imaging) modified and surrounded by relatively uniform, high luminosity zircon. Analyses on oscillatory-zoned zircon yield an age of 344 ± 2 Ma (2σ), interpreted as the formation age of the igneous protolith. More luminescent overgrowths, interpreted as having formed during anatexis, were dated at 323 ± 3 Ma. Based on these dates, and on geochemical similarities, the protolith can be perfectly correlated with the high-K calc-alkaline Blatna suite of the Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex, c. 70 km to the north. This correlation strengthens tectonic models interpreting the Bavarian Zone as a reheated but integral constituent of the Variscan collisional crust of the Bohemian Massif, as opposed to an independent basement terrane assembled by late-Variscan orogenesis.

Short- and long-term variability of radon progeny concentration in dwellings in the Czech Republic

In this paper, repeated measurements of radon progeny concentration in dwellings in the Czech Republic are described. Two distinct data sets are available: one based on present measurements in 170 selected dwellings in the Central Bohemian Pluton with a primary measurement carried out in the 1990s and the other based on 1920 annual measurements in 960 single-family houses in the Czech Republic in 1992 and repeatedly in 1993. The analysis of variance model with random effects is applied to data to evaluate the variability of measurements. The calculated variability attributable to repeated measurements is compared with results from other countries. In epidemiological studies, ignoring the variability of measurements may lead to biased estimates of risk of lung cancer.

Magmatic to solid state fabrics in syntectonic granitoids recording early Carboniferous orogenic collapse in the Bohemian Massif

The ∼354–336 Ma Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex is a Variscan magmatic arc that developed in the central Bohemian Massif in response to subduction of the Saxothuringian lithosphere beneath the Teplá–Barrandian microplate. Magmatic to solid state fabrics in the most voluminous portion of this arc (the ∼346 Ma Blatná pluton) record two superposed orogenic events: dextral transpression associated with arc-parallel stretching and arc-perpendicular shortening, and normal shearing associated with exhumation of the high-grade core of the orogen (Moldanubian unit). This kinematic switch is an important landmark in the evolution of this segment of the Variscan belt for it marks the cessation of subduction-related compressive forces in the upper crust giving way to gravity-driven normal movements of the Teplá–Barrandian hanging wall block relative to the high-grade Moldanubian footwall. We use thermal modeling to demonstrate that the emplacement of huge volumes of arc magmas and their slow cooling produced a thermally softened domain in the upper crust and that the magmatic arc granitoids may have played a major role in initiating the orogenic collapse in the Bohemian Massif through lubrication and reactivation of a pre-existing lithospheric boundary and decreasing the overall strength of the rigid orogenic lid.

Bicarbonate-rich fluid inclusions and hydrogen diffusion in quartz from the Libčice orogenic gold deposit, Bohemian Massif

Unusual paleofluid composition is reported for the Libčice orogenic-type gold deposit located in the Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex (CBPC), Czech Republic. Unexpected bicarbonate-rich fluids and their complex chemistry variations characterize primary fluid inclusions from the main gold-bearing quartz vein. A detailed microthermometry, Laser Raman Micro Spectroscopy (LRMS) and SEM cathodoluminescence study was used to understand the complex chemistry and P–T–X history. The results indicate the presence of H 2O and H 2O–CO 2–CH 4 (± N 2; H 2S) fluids, the latter displaying variations of the CO 2/CH 4 ratio in the gaseous phase from 6.8 to 0.06. Variation of the CH 4 content across single grains and between different levels of the mine was recorded. The presence of nahcolite, H 2 (up to 6 mol%) and ethane (0–0.2 mol%) in the fluids were also discovered by LRMS. Potential models for the formation of different types of fluids present in the deposit are discussed, including the genesis of HCO 3 − rich fluids as well as H 2 and C 2H 6 presence in the primary fluid inclusions. The potential influence of organic matter-bearing sediments, as well as the impact of the intrusion of CBPC, re-equilibration and/or re-speciation of fluid inclusions during the post-entrapment history is considered to have the main impact on the complex paleofluid chemistry. Based on the thermodynamic modeling, H 2 diffusion into the fluid inclusions was shown to be the main reason for the CH 4 variation on the scale of a single grain, as well as across the whole vein. Although the exact processes of production/formation of HCO 3 − and H 2 at the Libčice deposit remain open to discussion, reactions in the C–O–H system are considered to be a possible formation mechanism. This work also contributes to our understanding of the importance of post-entrapment modifications and reactions in the C–O–H system on interpretation/deciphering the processes in orogenic-type deposits.

Impact of the deeper geological basement on soil gas and indoor radon concentrations in areas of Quaternary fluvial sediments (Bohemian Massif, Czech Republic)

The relationship of soil gas radon Rn222 and indoor radon was studied within the Quaternary fluvial sediments of the Czech Republic. The processing of data selection from the radon database of the Czech Geological Survey and indoor radon data (database of the National Radiation Protection institute) has proved the concentration dependence of radon in Quaternary fluvial sediments on deeper bedrock. The ArcGIS processing was accompanied by the field verification in five profiles, intersecting the granitoid Central Bohemian Plutonic Complex and its rim rock types. Both theoretical and experimental results show dependence of soil gas radon and indoor radon concentrations in Quaternary fluvial sediments on deeper geological basement, thus leading to the conclusion that the lateral transport of Quaternary sediments does not play such a dominant role in radon concentrations, as was thought previously. This fact will enable to determine precisely the radon index of Quaternary sediments (in the Czech radon mapping classified as an intermediate index) into three categories according to the lithology of their geological basement.