Foreign Geologists Research Articles

Precambrian tsunamis in the light of the modern data

Background. In the geological history of the Earth, tsunami events attract particular research attention. Such events are assumed to have taken place already since the Precambrian period. However, the information on Precambrian tsunamis requires systematic generalization. Aim. To generalize the data published on Precambrian tsunamis with a particular focus on their age, distribution, and possible triggers. The character of information about these natural catastrophes also presents interest. Materials and methods. A bibliographical review was conducted based on the developed systematization criteria. The information was collected with the Scopus database. A total of 39 sources (articles in the leading scientific journals) were analyzed. Results. The evidence of tsunami events was obtained for a large part of the Precambrian interval for different regions of the planet. The highest concentrations of the studied catastrophes were established for the end-Early Archean and the Early Proterozoic. Cosmic impacts and earthquakeswere indicated among the triggers. The oldest tsunamis were commonly interpreted by analyzing the composition and textures of rocks. These interpretations frequently proposed no alternative explanations. Discussion. The available information on Precambrian tsunamis lacks completeness. Two hypotheses were formulated, those assuming the influence of the varied frequency of cosmic impacts and the initiation of lithospheric plate tectonics on the occurrence of tsunamis in the Precambrian. Conclusion. Previous studies suggest a wide manifestation of tsunami events in the Precambrian. Further research in this direction seems promising, both for Russian and foreign geologists.

The ‘ gigantic boulders ’ of the Torino Hill (NW Italy): geohistorical significance and geoheritage value

Abstract Large boulders, up to several metres in diameter and mainly made up of metamorphic rocks, are scattered throughout the Torino Hill in NW Italy. These boulders were originally included in Oligocene–Miocene conglomerate beds and were released by alteration of the host rock at the surface. In the past two centuries, their origin and mechanisms of emplacement in the conglomerate bodies were largely debated by both Italian and foreign geologists. Some of the boulders had been given proper names by the local people and had become the object of legends and rituals. Moreover, in the past, the boulders had an economic value, being used as construction stones or exploited to produce aggregates, lime and millstones. This, together with the progressive urbanization of the area, caused the disappearance of many of the large boulders once present on the Torino Hill. The remaining ones are presently not appreciated and are almost forgotten, even though they represent an invaluable geoheritage and deserve rediscovery and protection.

World mineral deposits in the table of periodic chemical elements

The distribution of mineral deposits and the distribution of chemical elements on the globe are characterized by heterogeneity. A wide range of publications of domestic and foreign specialists - geologists, geographers, geochemists, economists - were dedicated to mineral resources of the world, mineral deposits. During processing the material the comparative-geographical, cartographic (analysis of minerals maps, mineral resources in the context of continents and regions of the world, cartographic interpretation of Mendeleev periodical table), monographic (analysis of fundamental works of leading domestic and foreign geologists and resource scientists, geologists and geologists, and geologists and geologists) directories, multi-volume editions devoted to geology and mineral resources of individual countries and regions of the world) methods, systematic approach, and GIS technologies - all these were used for received data processing and systematization. Explored mineral deposits (current and potential) form on the planet both individual local deposits and geochemical zones – areas where economically valuable chemical elements and their compounds are concentrated, which are diverse in genesis, stocks, and possibilities of exploitation. The largest of the latter is the Appalachians in the US - the Western Hemisphere, the Highveld in South Africa, Khibiny and the Ural Mountains inRussia - the Eastern Hemisphere. The leading countries in which most geochemical resources are extracted from the subsoil are the United States (65% of the total elements of Mendeleev periodical table), Russia (48%), China (38%), Canada (38%), South Africa (30%), Australia, (27%), Kazakhstan (19%), India (14%), Mexico (13%). The ideas about the level of provision of mineral resources and minerals in individual countries and territories of the world were systematized. The Mendeleev periodical table and its mineral and raw content were presented as an objective factor in the international geographical distribution of labor. The illuminated issues are confirmed high density of interdisciplinary links (geology, geography, chemistry, geochemistry, ecology, economics, regional studies, zoning).

Localisation of gold ores in faults of different types

The results of the author’s and general works of domestic and foreign geologists, who studied the location of the largest gold deposits in fault zones, characterised by the structure of ore-bearing zones and the concentration of reserves of ores and gold of different scale in them, are presented. The main reasons for such differences are considered. The longest faults on our planet are regional shifts. They are continuously traced for hundreds (up to 1,400) of kilometres along the boundaries of gold-bearing belts and provinces. However, gold ore deposits are located in their zones at extremely limited (point) intervals not exceeding 3—5 km. They are always enclosed between ancient transverse or oblique-oriented fractures of deep, most likely mantle, formation and penetration. In all mineralised faults, gold ore bodies are localised in various geological and structural traps, which are considered in the article and are reflected in the plans and sections. The crossing nodes of regional shifts, as well as overfaults and faults of transverse faults (and dislocations), act as the main promising objects in the deposits search and exploration. Obviously, such nodes should be considered as direct signs of the possible evidence of gold ores. The internal structure of the world leader, gold-bearing Muruntaussky (North-East) local shift (Uzbekistan), studied in detail by the author and other geologists, is given as an example.

ВИЗНАЧНІ РОДОВИЩА КОРИСНИХ КОПАЛИН У ТАБЛИЦІ Д. І. МЕНДЕЛЄЄВА: СВІТОВИЙ ВИМІР

Geography of mineral deposits and the distribution of chemical elements on the globe are characterized by heterogeneity. Mineral resources of the world, mineral deposits are devoted to a large array of publications of domestic and foreign specialists – geologists, geographers, geochemists, economists. During the mastering of the material, comparative-geographical, cartographic (analysis of maps of mineral resources, mineral resources in the context of continents and regions of the world), monographic (fundamental works of leading domestic and foreign geologists and resource scientists, geological and mineral reference books and dictionaries, multi-volume editions, devoted to the geology and mineral resources of individual countries and regions of the world) methods, systematic approach, in the processing and systematization of data used modern no computer technology. The explored deposits of mineral raw materials (actual and potential) form on the planet as separate local deposits, as well as geochemical zones – areas where concentrated economically valuable chemical elements and their compounds (minerals and rocks) are diverse in genesis (origin), stocks, exploitation possibilities. The largest of them are Appalachians in the USA – Western Hemisphere, High Velt in South Africa, Hibiny and Ural in Russia – Eastern Hemisphere. Leading countries in the territory where most of the geochemical raw materials are mined from the bowels are the USA (65 % of the total number of elements of the table), Russia (48 %), China (38 %), Canada (38 %), South Africa (30 %), Australia (27 %), Kazakhstan (19 %), India (14 %), Mexico (13 %). Systematized representations about the level of provision of mineral raw materials and minerals of individual countries and territories of the world. D. I. Mendeleev’s table and its mineral raw materials are presented as an objective factor of the international geographical division of labour. The given data reveal an adequate level of provision of countries and territories with mineral resources. The highlighted problem has confirmed the high density of interdisciplinary connections (geography, geology, geochemistry, economics, regionalisms). The given data can be implemented in the latest programs of reformed education in Ukraine.

The mapping of the Lombard geologists in the XIX Century from Brocchi to Taramelli

The purpose of this paper is to show the contribution given, during the XIX century, from the Lombard researchers in order to carry out geological maps able to support the comparison with those realized by foreign geologists as L. von Buch, F. R. von Hauer, H.T. de La Beche and others. Indeed still in the first quarter of the century in Italy, the geological mapping was scarce and inadequate in order togive reliable information, surely owing to lack of suitable mapping proceedings and topographical basis. But it is really in this time the Lombard geology becomes animated by strong personalities as G.B. Brocchi and S. Breislak, inclined to work on the field because their public offices (and in the same conditions will be also G. Curioni), all skilled in the mining researches, but also scrupulous observers of the soil features.On the basis of the experiences matured in contact with the French, Swiss German and Austrian geologists, one must remember the researches and monographs made by G. Omboni, the maps made by E. Cornalia, C.F. Parona and others. Lastly, the best contribution to the Lombard and Italian geological mapping is that given by T. Taramelli, loyal disciple of A. Stoppani, indefatigable surveyor of the Carnic and Julian Alps of which he leaved very extraordinary documents. The remarkable level reached by the Italian geological mapping will be esteemed, during the second International Geological Congress in Bologna in 1881, by means also of the first edition of the official great Geological Map of Italy made by the Royal Geological Survey of Italy.

Development of geology in Spain

Geology in Spain developed outside the mainstream of major geological ideas. Geology was introduced intothe country when it had already grown mature. The history of geology in Spain is series of initiatives aimedat aligning the country with the innovative currents taking place in the rest of Europe. This was accomplishedby different protagonists: state and private institutions during the Enlightenment, mining engineers in the 19thcentury, church and regional authorities in Catalonia in the last quarter of the 19th century and in the early years ofthe 20th century, and the university in the 20th century. The importance of the links with foreign geologists shouldnot be underestimated. Not until the 20th century did improvement in living standards and university expansionallow Spanish geology to attain the critical number of scientists needed to undertake quality research and achievefull integration into the international community.

CAO NGUYÊN ĐÁ ĐỒNG VĂN - CÔNG VIÊN ĐỊA CHẤT TOÀN CẦU ĐẦU TIÊN CỦA VIỆT NAM VÀ VẤN ĐỀ BẢO TỒN DI SẢN ĐỊA CHẤT

Dong Van rock highland - the first international Geopark of Vietnam and geoheritage preservationDong Van Karst Plateau has the richness and diversity in geoheritages. Initial research conducted by Vietnameseand foreign geologists highlighted five types of geological heritages (according to UNESCO classification): type Apalaeogeology, type B- geomorphology, type D- rock, type E-stratigraphy, type I-tectonics. Besides geoheritages, thebiodiversity and the historical, cultural and societal richness of Dong Van Karst Plateau (which met UNESCO criteria of aglobal geopark), has made it recognised as a member of global Geopark Network by UNESCO for the years 2010 - 2014. The management, conservation and rational exploitation of heritages (especially geoheritages) should be raised seriously and given priority in every economic development strategy of the local government, in order to maitain its honourable title and enhance the sustainable socio-economic development. This paper introduce some main features of Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, the event of the UNESCO rewarding Dong Van Karst Plateau with the title “Global Geopark” and the issues of preservation of its local geoheritages.

A National Geopark in the Republic of Tatarstan (Russia): a Feasibility Study

The area, which occupies the right bank of the Volga River from the mouth of its tributary, Sviyaga River, to the southern border of Tatarstan, and the right bank of the Kama River from its mouth to the northeastern border of Tatarstan, is considered to warrant the possible creation of a national geopark. The area is characterized by well-defined limits, and it occupies 2,080 km2 that is commensurate with an area of many successfully functioning geoparks. It has more than 150 years of history of comprehensive geological studies carried out by prominent Russian and foreign geologists. A significant number of geosites (29) of different types and significance levels accessible to visitors are revealed there. The majority of the geosites are of interest first of all in terms of stratigraphy and palaeontology as well as geomorphology, tectonics, petrology, hydrogeology, and history of geology and mining. These geosites allow study of the history of the Earth's organic world in the Middle-Upper Permian, geological events, and processes that occurred in this region, as well as landform evolution.

輸出科学の時代―日本列島の地体構造区分・造山運動研究史―

A new historical review is presented on the progress of the geological sciences in Japan since the Meiji revolution in 1868. Geological knowledge, particularly studies of the geotectonic evolution and orogenic aspects, of the Japanese Islands has progressed through three distinct phases; (1) non-science stage, (2) colonial science stage, and (3) independent science stage, as modeled by Basalla (1967), who demonstrated a general pattern of transplanting cutting-edge scientific/technological knowledge from western Europe to the rest of the world. During the “non-science” stage from the 1860s to the 1890s, major geological aspects of the Japanese Islands, together with discoveries of unusual rocks, fossils etc., were initially described by foreign geologists (e.g. E. Naumann). In contrast, almost nothing was contributed by domestic geologists. During the “colonial science” stage, from the 1900s to the 1980s, research and education systems were transplanted effectively from western European countries. For example, applying the purely imported concept of geosyncline, the geotectonic history of the Japanese Islands was summarized for the first time by domestic geologists (e.g., Kobayashi, 1941; Minato et al., 1965 etc.). The almost unidirectional acceptance of plate tectonics also followed at this stage, with the exception of the rare but outstanding contribution of A. Miyashiro during the 1960s-1970s. During the “independent science” stage from the 1980s, various new ideas and original techniques in geology were proposed by Japanese geologists with lesser help from the western countries than before; i.e., practical criteria for identifying ancient accretionary complex, exhumation tectonic of ultrahigh to high-P/T metamorphic rocks, and subhorizontal growth framework of subduction-related orogens. Furthermore, in the first decade of the 21st century, the geological science in Japan entered stage of (4), “exporting science” with the introduction of new paradigms, such as the application of detrital zircon chronology to subduction-related orogens, which efficiently recognizes new geotectonic subdivisions and allows paleogeographical reconstruction with much higher resolution than before. These new paradigms (ideas, techniques) from Japan are now on sale for applying to the rest of the world.

A Large-Scale Cluster of Gold Deposits and Metallogenesis in the Eastern North China Craton

The eastern North China craton contains the largest association of gold deposits in China. Hundreds of gold deposits of different scales, commonly in groups or belts, constitute seven subclusters. In contrast, there are no industrial gold deposits in the neighboring areas of the UHP Sulu region and the northern Yangtze craton. The host rocks of the gold deposits are chiefly Precambrian high-grade metamorphic rocks and granites (anatectic melts derived from Precambrian metamorphic rocks). Traditionally the gold deposits were considered to be of the Archean greenstone type. However, recent geochronology of granitoid bodies and veins related to gold mineralization and gold-bearing minerals in ore lodes reveals that the main metallogenic episode was 110-130 Ma in all seven subclusters. Geochemical data also indicate that the metallogenic materials mainly came from the Precambrian basement of the North China craton and its underlying mantle. Sr-Nb-Pb and S-O-H isotopic data of the ore lodes show crust-mantle mixing characteristics, corresponding to the metamorphic host rocks and basic-alkaline dikes. The main structures controlling the mineralization are Mesozoic faults that trend roughly NE-ENE and NW. Therefore, Precambrian rocks and Mesozoic magma-tectonic events provide fundamental controls on the mineralization. Problematic relationships between the Mesozoic tectonic events (Yanshanian movements) and large-scale metallogenic activity have attracted substantial attention from Chinese and foreign geologists. Mesozoic tectonic inversion in eastern China mainly involved a thick lithosphere that thinned at depth and a reconstructed basin-and-range structure at the surface, which resulted from a catastrophic lithosphere-asthenosphere event. This tectonic event led to a large-scale mantle upwelling, which induced disturbance and adjustment of thermal, density, and chemical phenomena, resulting in large-scale crustal remelting (especially the lower crust), material exchange and mixing between mantle and crust, movement and circulation of fluids, and finally a new magma-fluid-mineralization system.

Страницы истории сахалинской нефти

Pages of the History of the Sakhalin Oil Industry Viktor Remizovskij's article is devoted to the history of the oil industry on Sakhalin, from the discovery of oil on the site of Okha in 1878-79 to its development during the first two Five-Year Plans and its almost standstill during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s. Detailed information is given on the contribution of Russian, Japanese, and other foreign geologists, the creation of the Soviet-owned trust 'Saxalinneft''in 1928 and its infrastructure, with figures concerning the quantity of extracted oil between 1930 and 1936. The article investigates the history of administrative measures taken to ensure the development of the industry and of its social aspects, such as the Stakhanovite movement. Drawing from archival sources, local newspapers, journals and private documents, the author then focuses on the massive repressions of the personnel of Saxalinneft' in 1936-38, the fate of many directing cadres, specialists, Party members, and industrial workers, and the catastrophic consequences of the purges on the industry itself.

The Steno Medal

The Steno Medal was founded by the Geological Society of Denmark in 1969 on the 300th anniversary of the publication of Nicolai Stenonis: De solido intra solidw11 11amra!iter co111e1110. The original models for the medal were sculptured by royal medallist Harald Salomon. The decision to found the medal was reached by the Geological Society in 1968 after five years of deliberations. The porLrait of Steno hung in the Galleria Uffizi in Florence is Lhe source of the obverse of the medal. while the qua11z crystals figured on the rever e side are from the collection of the Geological Museum. Copenhagen. The Steno Medal is awarded to foreign geologists. in special cases Danes, who have made outstanding comributions within the geological sciences. The medal was presented for the sixth Lime at the I 00 years anniversary symposium of the Geological Society of Denmark in 1993. An analysis of the title page of Steno·s manuscript and of the 1st edition of De solido have lead to a revision of the title in its most frequently used form.

Traité de Géologie I Les Phénomènes géologiques

AMONG the most important of the perpetual needs of geology is the frequent renewal of the international supply of advanced text-books, from which the general conclusions of foreign authorities and the outlines of the geology of foreign lands may be learnt apart from the now overwhelming mass of original literature. In such books the interests of the local students, to whom illustrations of normal phenomena are most important, to some extent conflict with the requirements of foreign geologists, who will profit by the description of exceptional occurrences; but fortunately most authors of advanced works may be trusted to enliven their books by a sufficient number of special cases to make them useful to foreign geologists. The issue of an extensive treatise on geology by Prof. Émile Haug, of the University of Paris, is, therefore, to be warmly welcomed by British geologists, as we may expect it to give an instructive account of geological phenomena in France, a guide to the original literature, and a clear exposition of the current state of geological thought in that country.

IV.—The Pyrenees at the last Geological Congress

In recently completing, in the valley of St. Girons, and with the cordial assistance of M. Caralp, a pedestrian exploration of the Pyrenees, of which the first results appeared in the Bull. Soc. Ramond of 1866, it occurred to me that my view of the recently published Compte Rendu and the Livret Guide of the Geological Congress might be useful to foreign geologists.

A Geological Excursion in America

I BEG to call to your attention the following short account of a geological excursion planned for the benefit of foreign geologists who may attend the coming meeting of the International Geological Congress in this city in August next. It will afford an exceptionally favourable opportunity for European geologists to become personally familiar with the most important geological phenomena of the United States.

I.—On the Headon Beds of the Western Extremity of the Isle of Wight

The recent answer to the recent questioning of the hitherto accepted correlations of the beds of the Lower Fluvio-Marine Tertiaries in the Isle of Wight and South Hants does not seem to be universally accepted as decisive. It is obviously impossible for foreign geologists to institute useful comparisons between British and foreign subdivisions so long as we in England are quite at variance on the stratigraphical and palæontological facts of the beds in question. Yet these conflicting readings are what we have to offer them at present.

General Considerations on the Formation of Ore-Veins

I propose, from time to time, in the pages of this magazine, to bring before geologists and geological students translations or abstracts of some of the most authoritative memoirs of foreign geologists on the subject of mineral veins and metalliferous deposits.Notwithstanding the great commercial value of the metallic mines of the United Kingdom, the subject of mineral veins and metalliferous deposits has not, of late years, occupied the serious attention of many men of recognized scientific position in this country: the late Sir Henry de la Beche, Mr. W. Jory Henwood, and Mr. Warington Smyth are those best known. The strong distaste which undoubtedly exists to inquiries in this field of geology is due to many causes which it would be out of place to discuss here. I may nevertheless be permitted to say that, however just this feeling may have been in its origin, a continued shrinking from all attempts to grapple with the difficulties which admittedly beset this subject is likely to retard the progress of some of the most important branches of chemical and physical geology. The successful solution of many obscure problems can only be hoped for from a long, patient, and accurate examination of the never-ceasing processes of nature working deep in the recesses of the earth, and which are only open to observation in those wonderful excavations which, by the patient toil of years upon years, have been made accessible to us in our mining districts.

XXVI.— On the Upper Formations of the New Red Sandstone System in Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, and Warwickshire; showing that the Red or Saliferous Marls, including a peculiar Zone of Sandstone, represent the “Keuper” or “ Marnes Irisées;” with some account of the underlying Sandstone of Ombersley, Bromsgrove, and Warwick, proving that it is the “Bunter Sandstein” or “Grès Bigarré” of Foreign

Preface. In former communications to the Geological Society*, the System of the New Red Sandstone of Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, and Shropshire was subdivided by Mr. Murchison in the following manner: | | Foreign Equivalents. | |:---------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------- | | 1. Marls with salt, gypsum, and a thin course of sandstone | Keuper — Marnes Irisees. | | 2. Quartzose red sandstone, and conglomerate | Bunter Sandstein — Gres Bigarre. | | 3. Calcareous conglomerate=magnesian limestone | Zechstein. | | 4. Lower new red sandstone | Rohe-Todte-Liegende. | The objects of this Memoir are to describe with greater precision than had been previously attempted, the two superior members of this group, by showing that they are both fossiliferous, and that they can be separated from each other by their zoological and lithological characters, as well as by geological position. The communication is the result of a joint examination of the district, and of other observations made independently by the authors. In it, they propose to describe the prominent characters of the two superior formations of the New Red System as exhibited in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, and to extend their remarks concerning those beds into Warwickshire. The strata will be considered in descending order. § 1. Saliferous Marls and Sandstone (For, Syn. Keuper—Marnes Irtsees.). Having examined the junction-beds between the lias and the new red sandstone from the southern extremity of Gloucestershire through Worcestershire into Warwickshire, we have only to repeat what was adduced by one of us on previous occasions, that in many positions the lowest calcareous band or “limestone of the lower lias shale” is also underlaid by shale, which