Formation Of Assemblages Research Articles

A new occurrence of hydrous andradite within pyroclastic rocks of the Sierra De Bahoruco, Dominican Republic

The titanium-bearing (up to 3.31 wt% TiO2) hydrous andradite [Ca2.98Na(0.02)K(0.01)Fe2+(0.01)]Σ=3.02[Fe3 + 1.25Al0.45Ti0.15Fe2+0.07Mg0.04V3+0.01Mn2+0.01]Σ=2.98Si2.43O9.72(OH)2.28 was identified within intensely altered and weathered pyroclastic rocks in the Sierra de Bahoruco region in the Dominican Republic. It forms small isolated euhedral crystals, infillings of fissures and fractures, and large polycrystalline aggregates, in close paragenesis with clinochlore and calcite. Other phases present in the secondary assemblage, formed as a result of hydrothermal and/or supergenic processes, include prehnite, pumpellyite, and natrolite. The formation of this secondary assemblage was a result of metasomatism under low temperature zeolite facies conditions. The formation of hydrous garnet required high-pH aqueous fluids enriched in Ca and Fe. The Ca needed for garnet crystallization might have derived from primary calcic plagioclases, diopside, and Eocene-Miocene limestones overlying the Cretaceous magmatic complex. Geothermometry on coexisting chlorite revealed that the metasomatic hydrous andradite was formed under low-temperature conditions (∼160 °C). Iron and Ti oxidation states in the andradite indicate that its formation occurred under relatively oxidizing conditions. The hydrous titanian garnet represents one of the latest phases of the pervasive calcium metasomatic event in the Sierra de Bahoruco area.

Multi-isotopic (Fe-Cu-Zn) constraints on the magmato-hydrothermal history during mantle exhumation at slow-spreading centers

At slow to ultraslow-spreading ridges, tectonic mantle exhumation and magmatic processes accounts for heterogeneity in the lithosphere and drives deep hydrothermal circulation and fluids venting at the seafloor. However, the spatio-temporal evolution and the interplay between magmatic and hydrothermal processes during mantle exhumation, as well as their consequences for chemical exchange at mid-ocean ridges are poorly constrained.We carried out a Fe, Cu and Zn isotope study of mantle rocks drilled at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge Kane (MARK) area (23′30°N) to decipher the consequences of magmatic versus hydrothermal chemical exchange on lithospheric mantle composition. At MARK, mantle rocks undergo complex melt-rock interaction during melt percolation overprinted by high temperature (HT, > 350 °C) hydrothermal circulation that leads to the formation of secondary mineral assemblages (e.g., amphibole, chlorite, ilvaite, hydro-andradite, clinopyroxene, talc, serpentine). Serpentinized peridotites cut by hydrothermally overprinted magmatic veins have increased isotopic heterogeneity to both lighter and heavier isotope compositions (δ56Fe from −0.44 to 0.07 ± 0.03 ‰; δ66Zn from −0.24 to 0.32 ± 0.04 ‰), expending the predictive unaltered composition of the primitive mantle (δ56Fe = 0.025 ± 0.025 ‰ and δ66Zn = 0.16 ± 0.06 ‰). Such variability is ascribed to diffusion-related kinetic isotope fractionation during the percolation of Fe- and Zn-rich melt in mantle rocks. Low isotopic values are due to preferential diffusion of lighter isotope in mantle rocks, while high values may involve mixing of serpentinized peridotites with isotopically heavy magmatic veins. The lower Cu content (0.5 to 23.9 ppm) and either lower or higher δ65Cu (−0.11 to 0.32 ± 0.04 ‰) of abyssal peridotites, compared to the primitive mantle (30 ppm Cu, δ65Cu = 0.07 ± 0.1 ‰), can be explained through Cu leaching during hydrothermal alteration of sulfide, and possibly oxide, at high temperature (∼ 450–600 °C). Hydrothermal veins in serpentinites formed at decreasing temperature (∼ 300 °C) from a metal- and sulfur-rich fluid interacting with serpentinized peridotites. Iron, Cu and Zn isotopes record the inventory of magmato-hydrothermal processes during mantle exhumation at (ultra-)slow spreading centers, from HT melt-rock interaction to late low-temperature (LT) fluid-rock interaction.

Corundum-quartz metastability: the role of silicon diffusion in corundum

The synthesis of the Al2SiO5 polymorphs kyanite, sillimanite and andalusite in a pure Al2O3–SiO2–H2O (ASH) system has long been known to be impeded. In order to decipher individual aspects of the reaction: corundum + SiO2aq, which repeatedly fails to produce thermodynamically stable Al2SiO5, we conducted experiments within the stability fields of kyanite and sillimanite (500–800 ℃; 0.2–1 GPa) with the aim of forming reaction coronas on corundum. Results showed that metastable corundum + quartz assemblages form persistently in pure ASH, even in Al2SiO5 seeded experiments, despite the presence of catalyzing fluid and evidence of fast reaction kinetics. Coronas on corundum spontaneously formed when additional components (Na, K, N, and Mg) were added to the experiment. In a similar experiment with baddeleyite (ZrO2) instead of corundum in silica saturated water, a zircon corona formed readily. This implies that nucleation and growth of Al2SiO5 is obstructed under conditions of Al and Si saturation in aqueous fluid, while both corundum and quartz saturated aqueous fluid are willing participants in other reactions towards stable corona formation. Instead of Al2SiO5 precipitation, an unexpected fluid-aided silica diffusion process into corundum was documented. The latter included the formation of nanometer wide hydrous silicate layers along the basal plane of the corundum host, which enhanced the silica diffusion rate drastically, leading to silica supersaturation in the host mineral, and ultimately to precipitation of quartz inside corundum. We conclude that the natural metastable assemblage of quartz and corundum is not necessarily the result of dry or fluid absent conditions, given that the aqueous fluid in experiments does not promote Al2SiO5 formation, but rather seems to support the formation and preservation of a metastable assemblage.

Beetle assemblage distribution along edge–forest gradient in a managed oak forest

Abstract Forest management practices creating small‐scale forest edge habitats in managed forests have substantial impacts on the formation of beetle assemblages. In 2021, we conducted research in a managed oak woodland in Central Slovakia using three flight interception traps (FITs) to study beetle assemblages. Two FITs were installed at the forest edge, facing both, the clearing and the closed‐stand forest, while the third FIT was positioned 100 m within the closed‐canopy forest. We employed a novel methodological approach, which involved separately collected subsamples within the ecotone using FITs differentiated as ‘ecotone inwards’ and ‘ecotone outwards’ to capture distinct directional movements at the edge. We recorded 5.997 beetle specimens, encompassing 417 species across 284 genera and 58 families. We found that the species diversity and abundance of beetles were not significantly different between the FITs. However, the species composition was significantly different. The partial detrended canonical correspondence analysis suggests that these compositional differences might be closely associated with the distribution of trophic guilds, indicating varied responses to habitat modifications induced by forest edge creation. The results of our study showed that phloephagous, saproxylophagous, xylomycetophagous, xylophagous and zoophagous beetles exhibited a positive association with the forest edge, while mycophagous, phytophagous and saprophagous groups were distinctly associated with the closed‐canopy forest. Our analyses indicated that the ‘ecotone outward’ part of forest edges of managed forest may attract higher number of trophic groups, while the ‘ecotone inward’ part of the forest edge hosted high abundances of phloephagous and xylomycetophagous species.

Decoding the complex fluvial-lacustrine sedimentary interactions: Insights from the Neogene Guantao Formation in the Bohai Bay Basin and Modern Poyang Lake, China

Small-scale lake level variations lead to significant landward/basinward shifts in the depositional system, thereby facilitating the widespread development of fluvial-lacustrine interaction sedimentary systems. Such systems are commonly found in low-gradient shallow-water continental down-warped lacustrine basins, which are favorable for the formation of composite reservoir-caprock assemblages. Nevertheless, our understanding of the sedimentary stratigraphy of the Neogene Guantao Formation remains limited due to the complex and variable spatial and temporal associations between fluvial and lacustrine deposits. Integrated analysis of the geomorphology and stratigraphy of the modern Poyang Lake Basin and ancient Bohai Bay Basin (BBB) allows us to develop a process-based fluvial-lacustrine interaction model of shallow-water depositional system. Three physiographic zones are identified based on seasonal lake shoreline migration during a certain geological sequence unit, namely fluvial-dominated zone (FDZ), fluvial-lacustrine interaction zone (FLIZ) and lacustrine-dominated zone (LDZ), respectively. The FDZ is always above the maximum lake shoreline without affection by lake basin water body and is characterized by channelized dendritic pattern of distributary channels with positive rhythmic cycles. The FLIZ is a dynamic interaction region between the maximum lake shoreline and the lowest lake shoreline. Reticular distributary channels, delta front and prodelta/lake deposits vertically superimpose and dominate the system that is featured by complex sandbody, stacked positive and negative rhythms and strong water body segmentation. The LDZ, away from the fluvial effect, was identified below the lowest lake shoreline exhibiting polycentric sheet water body, dominated by lacustrine mudstone interspersed with thin sheet-like sandstone. These results shed light on the spatial and temporal sedimentary heterogeneity in such dynamic fluvial-lacustrine interaction systems. The proposed fluvial-lacustrine interaction model may serve as a valuable analogue for identifying sedimentary types and predicting sandstone reservoirs in similar shallow-water settings ranging from continental down-warped lacustrine basins to cratonic basins, and fault-depression basin gentle-slope belts.

Front matter

Of all the concepts from Deleuze and Guattari’s corpus, it is the assemblage that has best captured the imagination of theorists working within and outside of Deleuze and Guattarian scholarship. Whilst the concept has been used extensively in geography, such studies do not explain this concept with any depth or precision and rarely connect the assemblage with other concepts like the milieus, territory, machines and the plane of consistency. Geography’s partial engagement with Deleuze and Guattari’s corpus means that some of the most pressing questions in assemblage thinking are still unanswered, and opportunities for new directions in geography are being missed. This paper responds to this gap in knowledge by presenting a novel exegesis of one of the most important yet often overlooked chapters of a Thousand Plateaus. In doing so, it provides new insights into the formation, re-formation and dissipation of assemblages. It shows how these states might inform a more nuanced geography of assemblages and how this geography might link to other geographies found in their work: a geography of milieus, a geography of machines and a refrain geography.

Cobalt remobilization during tectonic–hydrothermal overprinting: A case from the Tuolugou Co(–Au) deposit in East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, China

Stratiform Cu-Co deposits hosted in (meta-) sedimentary and volcaniclastic rocks contribute two-thirds of the global Co supply. However, the mechanisms driving Co remobilization during tectonic-hydrothermal overprinting events remain poorly understood. As a dominant Co repository, pyrite can provide valuable insights into mineralization history due to its refractory nature. Here, we present the first micro-analytical investigation of pyrite from the Tuolugou Co(–Au) deposit in East Kunlun Orogenic Belt. Ore textures indicate that Co mineralization is attributed to two distinct stages: primary enrichment and subsequent overprinting processes. The former is characterized by pyrite (PyI with up to 3.92 wt% Co) remnants exhibiting oscillatory zones, while the latter is marked by deformation of pyrite (PyII) ores. Three overprinting episodes, namely Da, Db, and Dc, are further distinguished according to varying extents of deformation and mineral assemblages. The Da is characterized by synkinematic PyIIa (up to 4.18 wt% Co) augens, which were most likely formed via pressure–solution mechanism. The Db is represented by polygonal PyIIb (up to 4.75 wt% Co) and siegenite with 120° triple–point junctions. The random orientation and rare intragrain misorientation of cobaltiferous sulfides at Db suggest their formation by recrystallization without plastic strains. The Dc resulted in the formation of Co ± As–rich PyIIc (up to 5.36 wt% Co) along with minor occurrence of cobaltite–gersdorffite, pyrrhotite (up to 1.25 wt% Co), and marcasite (up to 1.28 wt% Co). The PyIIc replacing PyI underscores the role of fluid-coupled dissolution and precipitation during fluid–rock interactions in the formation of these cobaltiferous sulfide assemblages at Dc. The presence of PyIIc infilling within the PyI fissures, in conjunction with the transition from siegenite to cobaltite–gersdorffite, suggests a shift towards low fO2 and low temperature conditions under relatively brittle setting. There is a discernible disparity in sulfur isotope compositions between the two mineralization stages. The PyI exhibits a narrow range of δ34SV–CDT values from –2.14 to 1.35 ‰, indicating a magmatic sulfur origin. In contrast, PyII displays a wide δ34SV–CDT range of –5.22 to 6.16 ‰, suggesting an involvement of strata sulfur during the overprinting stage. Monazite U-Pb dating has effectively constrained two mineralization events. The ca. 453 Ma age implies a potential correlation of the primary Co mineralization with the Late Ordovician to Early Silurian exhalative-syngenetic processes in a Proto–Tethyan-related post–collisional extension setting. Conversely, the ca. 190 Ma age indicates that Co remobilization was instigated by the early Mesozoic ductile–brittle deformation associated with the Paleo-Tethyan orogenesis. Finally, geochemical modeling was performed by simulating the interaction of a Co-rich acidic, reducing fluid with typical quartz-albitite rocks. The simulations demonstrate the appearance of independent Co minerals such as Co-pentlandite during the reaction progression, greatly supporting ore upgrading via tectonic-hydrothermal overprinting.

On the formation of charred millet aggregates in archaeological assemblages

AbstractCharred aggregates are one of the most common forms in which millets are preserved on archaeological sites. Despite the lack of consensus on their origin, few studies have attempted to determine how aggregates are formed. Knowing how aggregates are produced allows us to understand the diversity of processes operating in the formation of charred archaeobotanical assemblages. As a contribution to filling this gap, we investigated the charring conditions of archaeological millet assemblages by comparing them to experimentally charred millets grains exposed to different temperatures, and reducing and oxidizing atmospheres, using pyrolysis‐gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (Py‐GC‐MS) and thermally assisted hydrolysis and methylation‐GC‐MS (THM‐GC‐MS). The results show that the formation of aggregates in the millet species studied is due to the transformation of organic material into char and the emission of volatiles as a consequence of the high thermal impact that is produced in some areas of grain clusters. Substances derived from the charring act as a ‘glue’ that holds a grain cluster together, in which some grains are exposed to a temperature range allowing preservation of recognisable grain morphologies.

Tectono-metamorphic interaction of upper mantle peridotites and lower crustal units during continental rifting in the western Betic Cordillera

Recent geological mapping conducted in the Ronda Peridotites (Betic Cordillera, S Spain) has revealed a systematic field correlation between lower crustal metamorphic units and different tectono-metamorphic domains of the ultramafic massif. Mylonitic and highly tectonized Spl ± Grt peridotites (i.e., Grt-Spl mylonite and Spl tectonite domains), which are considered to be derived from a thick continental lithosphere, are in contact with garnet-bearing gneisses (i.e., kinzigites) of the Jubrique unit along a narrow but continuous mylonitic shear zone. Phase equilibrium calculations indicate that the metamorphic rocks of the Jubrique unit are consistent with an initial continental setting characterized by normal crustal thicknesses, which underwent two melting events. The first melting occurred at 0.9–1.0 GPa / 770–800 °C and resulted in 13 %melt, while the second one took place at shallower crustal conditions (0.4–0.5 GPa and 710–765 °C) and led to more restricted melt production (2–3 %melt). In contrast, the Spl ± Pl peridotites (Pl-tectonite domain), which are stable only at shallowest mantle levels within a highly extended continental lithosphere, are consistently found exposed in contact with heterogeneous granites and migmatites of the Guadaiza unit. According to new thermodynamic modeling, the Guadaiza metamorphic rocks record a single melting event characterized by a theoretical melt production of 6 to 11 % at the base of a very thin continental crust (ca. 0.3 GPa and 675–710 °C). This process was likely facilitated by influx of external water, necessary to generate high melt fractions observed in the diatexites. The systematic correlation observed between crustal metamorphic units, consistently overlaying the mantle rocks, and specific ultramafic domains of the Ronda massif, suggests that their juxtaposition primarily resulted from the severe extension of the continental lithosphere.U-Pb radiometric dating of zircons from gneisses, migmatites, and heterogeneous granites in the middle crustal rocks of the Guadaiza unit indicates that extensional processes, crustal anatexis, and melt stagnation occurred at around 280 Ma. Comparison of these new radiometric ages with previous results from the Jubrique unit suggests that a Permian high-temperature / low- to medium-pressure event uniformly affected the crustal units over the Ronda Peridotites. This event coincided with the formation of characteristic ultramafic mineral assemblages within the Ronda massif and provides evidence for the interaction between upper mantle rocks and lower- to mid-crustal metamorphic rocks during this period.

Deer grazing drove an assemblage‐level evolution of plant dwarfism in an insular system

Abstract Plant dwarfism, a syndrome characterised by a significant reduction in plant height and organ size, is a widely observed pattern of stress‐tolerant life‐form evolution that results from local adaptation to harsh environmental conditions. The drivers of assemblage‐level dwarfism have primarily been attributed to abiotic factors, such as low temperature, aridity, poor soil fertility or frequent fires. While biotic factors such as grazing pressure from herbivores can contribute to the establishment of plant dwarfism, these factors have rarely been tested at assemblage levels. Focusing on a dwarf plant assemblage comprising over 80 taxa on a small continental island in Japan with a high deer density, we hypothesised that historical deer grazing could also be a factor contributing to the large‐scale convergent evolution of dwarfism. To test this hypothesis, we measured the size of 1908 individual plants of 40 taxa pairs, comprising both palatable and unpalatable pairs from the island and their counterpart taxa from neighbouring regions, and sought to assess which factors (i.e. low solar radiation, estimated divergence time, low nutrient conditions and grazing pressure from deer) may have contributed to the formation of the dwarf plant assemblage on the island. We also performed genetic analysis to infer the time frames for the establishment of dwarf taxa. Statistical analyses revealed that plant size was significantly reduced mainly among the palatable taxa growing on the island, with preferential grazing by deer being identified as the most significant factor influencing plant size. Furthermore, genetic analyses revealed that dwarf ecotypes may have evolved over tens of thousands of years. Synthesis: To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate that interactions with herbivores can shape the assemblage‐level convergence of plant dwarfism. These findings enhance our current understanding of the formation of plant functional diversity.

Metasomatic ijolite, glimmerite, silicocarbonatite, and antiskarn formation: carbonatite and silicate phase equilibria in the system Na2O–CaO–K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O–O2–CO2

Silicocarbonatites are carbonatite rocks containing > 20% silicate minerals. Their formation is not well understood due to low silica solubility in carbonatite melts and negligible amounts of silicate minerals on carbonatite melt cotectics at upper crustal conditions. We explore whether silicocarbonatites can be thought of as antiskarns: rocks formed by leaching of SiO2 from siliceous wall rocks by carbonatite melts, and its deposition as solid silicate minerals by reaction with chemical components already present in the carbonatite melt. Solid state thermodynamic modelling at 1–5 kbar and 500–800 °C predicts that calcite–dolomite–magnetite assemblages will transform to dolomite-free silicocarbonatites with an increase in silica contents. In sodic systems, the formation of aegirine and alkali amphiboles suppresses silica activity despite elevated silica contents. Therefore, dolomite remains stable, but Fe3+ is consumed, firstly from magnetite breakdown, and secondly by coupled Fe oxidation and reduction of CO2 to CO, CH4, and graphite, particularly at higher pressures. Despite a net increase in Fe3+/Fe2+, the system evolves to increasingly lower oxygen fugacity. In aluminous systems, nepheline indicates high temperatures whereas alkali feldspars form at lower temperatures. Modelling of potassic systems demonstrates stability of mostly phlogopite-rich biotites, leading to Fe2+ increase in all other carbonate and silicate phases. We find that perthites are expected in high pressures whereas two feldspars are more likely in lower pressures.Aspects of the clinopyroxene natural compositional trend (diopside to hedenbergite to aegirine) of carbonatite systems can be explained by silica contamination. Ferrous clinopyroxenes typically require low alumina and are predicted in potassic or low temperature sodic systems, primarily at mid to high pressures. Silica contamination permits the formation of silicocarbonatite-like assemblages in a way that is not limited by SiO2 solubility in carbonatite melts. Glimmerites and clinopyroxene-rich rocks (such as the ijolite series) that often occur around carbonatite rocks at the contact with silica-oversaturated wall rocks can be explained as the extreme end of silica contamination of carbonatite melts. Therefore, these clinopyroxenites and glimmerites can form solely via metasomatic processes without the presence of a silicate melt.

Metamorphic evolution of sillimanite gneiss in the high-pressure terrane of the Western Gneiss Region (Norway)

Abstract. Sillimanite-bearing gneisses in the Romsdal region of the Western Gneiss Region (south Norway) have been investigated to document the presence, formation, composition and petrological evolution of the sillimanite-bearing assemblages. Sillimanite is found in augen gneiss, as nodular gneiss, and in well-foliated sillimanite–mica gneiss. Lenses and layers of eclogite occur within the gneiss units. The sillimanite-bearing gneisses are heterogranular and dominated by quartz, plagioclase (An29–41), K-feldspar and biotite (Mg# = 0.48–0.58; Ti = 0.16–0.36 a.p.f.u.), with variable amounts of white mica (Si = 6.1–6.3). K-feldspar occurs as porphyroclasts in augen gneiss, and garnet constitutes resorbed porphyroblasts. Garnet (Alm46–56Sps24–36Prp10−20Grs4–6; Mg# = 0.22–0.29) shows rimward-decreasing Mg#, together with a smaller grossular decrease and a marked spessartine increase up to Sps36. The foliation is defined by crystal-preferred-orientation micas, elongation of shape-preferred-orientation coarse K-feldspar phenocrysts and a modal banding of phases. Sillimanite occurs as coarse orientation-parallel matrix porphyroblasts, as finer grains and as fibrolitic aggregates. Quartz constitutes coarser elongated grains and monomineralic rods. Pseudosection modelling suggests that the peak-metamorphic mineral assemblage of garnet–sillimanite–feldspar–biotite–quartz–ilmenite–liquid equilibrated at temperatures up to 750 °C and pressures of 0.6 GPa. Subsequent retrogression consumed garnet. Mineral replacement and melt crystallization involved sillimanite, white mica, K-feldspar and quartz. The results document a metamorphic retrogression of the sillimanite gneisses in accordance with the presence of remnants of eclogites and high-pressure granulites in this northwestern part of the Western Gneiss Region.

Weak phylogenetic effect on specialist plant assemblages and their persistence on habitat islands

AbstractAimThe influence of species phylogenetic relatedness on the formation of insular assemblages remains understudied in functional island biogeography, especially for terrestrial habitat islands (i.e. distinct habitat patches embedded in a matrix that differ in the prevailing environmental conditions). Here, we tested three eco‐evolutionary hypotheses: (1) functional specialization of species (i.e. specialism) is associated with phylogenetic clustering at the habitat archipelago scale, (2) such clustering increases with insularity at the habitat island scale and (3) traits indicative of effective local persistence strategies shape island specialism.LocationTerrestrial habitat islands, Europe (Fens in the Western Carpathians, Outcrops in Moravia and Mountaintops in the Cantabrian Range).TaxonAngiosperms.MethodsWe assessed the phylogenetic relatedness of habitat specialists in three different archipelagos composed of terrestrial habitat islands based on phylogenetic signals and phylogenetic diversity (PD) measures. We estimated the effect of insularity on PD using linear models and the effect of persistence traits on specialism using phylogenetic logistic regressions.ResultsOur hypotheses were largely not supported. Outcrop and mountaintop specialist assemblages did not exhibit any phylogenetic structuring, whereas fen specialists were clustered at the archipelago scale. Therefore, insularity seems not to act as a selective force for phylogenetic structure, and ecologically important persistence traits do not operate as precursors of specialism.Main ConclusionsOur results show that species phylogenetic relatedness plays a minor role in shaping habitat island specialist assemblages. Furthermore, the effects of phylogenetic relatedness on assemblages of island specialists are system and scale dependent. Finally, accounting for species' phylogenetic relatedness on persistence traits yielded results similar to previous studies, which corroborates the positive relationship between insularity and functional traits (indicative of enhanced plant persistence abilities with increasing within‐archipelago insularity).

Formation processes of archaeobotanical assemblages of an early Thule Iñupiaq dwelling at Cape Espenberg, northwest Alaska

Archaeobotany remains an underdeveloped discipline in the Arctic, with comparatively little known about the processes involved in the formation of plant assemblages in ancestral Inuit sites. Archaeobotanical records from seasonal forager sites at high latitudes present several peculiarities: 1) excellent preservation; 2) lack of domesticated species prior to contact with Europeans; 3) few, if any, carbonized remains; 4) taxa from the immediate environment. Under these conditions, it can be difficult to differentiate between macrobotanicals resulting from human activities and those introduced naturally during or after site occupation. In this article, we present the results of archaeobotanical analysis of an early Thule Iñupiaq winter dwelling dated to the late 13th – early 14th centuries at Cape Espenberg (KTZ-304), northwestern Alaska. In order to define plant-related practices among past Iñupiat people, we are attempting to determine how the archaeobotanical assemblage is formed, and delineate the macrobotanical remains associated with human activities. Comparison of roof and cultural layer samples with fill and off-site samples, as well as the results of five 14C dates on seeds, provide a clear archaeobotanical signature of the cultural levels and demonstrate that the plant assemblage associated with the occupation layers derives from human activities directly and indirectly linked to plant use.

Mineral carbonation of peridotite fueled by magmatic degassing and melt impregnation in an oceanic transform fault

Most of the geologic CO2 entering Earth's atmosphere and oceans is emitted along plate margins. While C-cycling at mid-ocean ridges and subduction zones has been studied for decades, little attention has been paid to degassing of magmatic CO2 and mineral carbonation of mantle rocks in oceanic transform faults. We studied the formation of soapstone (magnesite-talc rock) and other magnesite-bearing assemblages during mineral carbonation of mantle peridotite in the St. Paul's transform fault, equatorial Atlantic. Clumped carbonate thermometry of soapstone yields a formation (or equilibration) temperature of 147 ± 13 °C which, based on thermodynamic constraints, suggests that CO2(aq) concentrations of the hydrothermal fluid were at least an order of magnitude higher than in seawater. The association of magnesite with apatite in veins, magnesite with a δ13C of -3.40 ± 0.04‰, and the enrichment of CO2 in hydrothermal fluids point to magmatic degassing and melt-impregnation as the main source of CO2. Melt-rock interaction related to gas-rich alkali olivine basalt volcanism near the St. Paul's Rocks archipelago is manifested in systematic changes in peridotite compositions, notably a strong enrichment in incompatible elements with decreasing MgO/SiO2. These findings reveal a previously undocumented aspect of the geologic carbon cycle in one of the largest oceanic transform faults: Fueled by magmatism in or below the root zone of the transform fault and subsequent degassing, the fault constitutes a conduit for CO2-rich hydrothermal fluids, while carbonation of peridotite represents a vast sink for the emitted CO2.

Mineralogy of host rocks of the Osinovskoe gold-quartz deposit (Central Urals)

The paper describes the mineralogy of mica shales of the Osinovskoe gold deposit in the Central Urals. Our studies unraveled the role of dynamometamorphism in the transformation of primary rocks and allowed the characterization of their metasomatic alteration. We showed the relationship between plastic and brittle deformations and the formation of gold-bearing mineral assemblage with major pyrite, pyrrhotite and ilmenite and subordinate and rare sphalerite, chalcopyrite, marcasite, rutile, magnetite, molybdenum, galena, altaite, hessite, melonite, petzite, calaverite, volynskite, and sylvanite. The Ag content of native gold varies from 4 to 29 wt. %. Tellurides are associated with pyrite and pyrrhotite and also form monomineral grains and intergrowths in chlorite and mica with inclusions of REE minerals (xenotime-(Y), monazite-(Ce), hydroxylbastnesite-(Ce)), allanite-(Ce)), REE-bearing minerals (epidote, apatite, zircon), Th silicate (torite), and uraninite.

Alternation between humans and carnivores in the occupations of the Mousterian site of Sopeña rock-shelter (Asturias, Spain)

The Sopeña rock-shelter is a Palaeolithic site located in the northern slopes of the Cantabrian mountain range of northern Spain, facing the Bay of Biscay, in the Principality of Asturias. The shelter overlooks the Güeña River, which is a tributary to the Sella River. Excavations there yielded a long stratigraphic and archaeological sequence of episodes of human occupation, ranging from the later millennia of the Middle Palaeolithic -until the local disappearance of Neanderthals c. 42,630 ± 600 years ago, to the initial stages of the Upper Palaeolithic, which marks the local arrival of modern Homo sapiens sapiens, and an important Gravettian sequence. All the Sopeña levels yielded important accumulations of both lithic and faunal remains. The Mousterian appears, from top to bottom, in Sopeña levels XII, XIII, XIV, XV and XVI. Our study of the animal remains shows that at Level XV Neanderthal activity is very intense and responsible for the accumulation and modification of most of the bone remains (Yravedra et al., under review), while, as described below, this is not the case for levels XII, XIII and XIV, where carnivores were more involved in the accumulation and modification of animal remains. In this paper, we analyze the alternation between human and carnivore activity in the formation of the bone assemblages in the later Mousterian levels of Sopeña, on the eve of the arrival of anatomically modern humans in the Cantabrian region c. 40.000 years ago.

Synthesis and Performance Evaluation of Nano-Calcium Carbonate-Modified Geopolymers Incorporating Fly Ash and Manganese Slag: A Comprehensive Investigative Study

Grounded in the auspicious horizons of geological polymers as alternative replacements for Portland cement and aligned with the national endeavor of constructing an ecological civilization and harnessing solid waste as a resource, this study delves into the integration of nanostructured calcium carbonate (CaCO3) into geological polymers derived from fly ash and manganese slag. Employing a comprehensive methodology involving modalities, such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, the influence of nano-CaCO3 on the compressive strength, pore architecture, and polymerization degree of geological polymers is meticulously unveiled. The outcomes reveal that nano-CaCO3 adeptly infiltrates the intricate microporous architecture of geological polymers, thereby providing a compact and intrinsically reinforcing matrix, ultimately endowing a marked increase in compressive strength. The assimilation of nano-CaCO3 correlates conspicuously with an increase in monomeric calcium concentrations, thereby catalyzing and expediting the formation of polymeric assemblages within the system, which in turn accelerates the progression of geological polymerization. This catalytic effect augments the intricate three-dimensional lattice-like gel structures, consequently orchestrating a substantial amelioration in mechanical attributes. When the dosage of nano-CaCO3 was 3.5%, sodium silicate was 10%, and NaOH was 12%, the integrated performance of fly ash–Mn slag geopolymer was optimal. Specifically, the 28-day compressive strength reached 25.6 MPa, and the compressive strength of the weathering performance test increased by 8.31%. The polymer achieved 96.77% curing of Mn, and it was non-radioactive. Thus, the prepared geopolymers are safe and reliable and support the subsequent development of nanomaterial activators.

Thermo-tectonic evolution of the Neoarchaean Southern Marginal Zone of the Limpopo granulite Complex (South Africa)

Abstract Combined geophysical, structural geological, metamorphic, geochronological, and stable isotope information is employed to elucidate the Neoarchaean thermo-tectonic evolution of the Southern Marginal Zone (SMZ) within the Limpopo Complex (South Africa) during the Limpopo orogeny (2.72 to 2.62 Ga). The complex evolutionary history of the SMZ was controlled by an allochthonous SMZ granulite nappe that was extruded from a rising granulite diapir through a process of mid-crustal heterogeneous channel flow. This granulite nappe with its embedded structures (steeply plunging reclined folds and steep shear zones) was formed during emplacement of the diapir to mid-crustal level (6 kbar, 20 km depth) from where it was thrust south-westwards along the Hout River shear zone (HRSZ) sole thrust against the Kaapvaal Craton (KVC) at 2.72 to 2.69 Ga. Evidence for the thermo-tectonic interaction of the granulite nappe with the KVC includes (1) thrust complexes (referred to as hot-iron zones) that are developed at the frontal ramp sections of the HRSZ juxtaposed against the granite-greenstone belts of the KVC, and (2) strike-slip shear deformation associated with the lateral ramp section of the HRSZ, which developed against the KVC devoid of greenstone belts. The emplacement of the post-tectonic Matok granitic pluton at ~2.68 Ga into the SMZ signified the end of the thermo-tectonic event that established the regional fold- and shear deformational framework of the granulite facies SMZ. Post-Matok secondary shear zones reflect evidence for HRSZ-linked tectonism that continued intermittently to 2.65 to 2.62 Ga. Low H2O-activity fluids (H2O activity of 0.1 to 0.3) released from devolatilisation of underthrust greenstone material passively infiltrated and interacted with the overlying cooling granulites. This established a retrograde anthophyllite-in isograd at ~6 kbar and ~620°C that subdivides the SMZ into a northern granulite domain and a southern retrograde hydrated granulite domain. Simultaneously, gold-bearing fluids focused into these minor shear zones established shear zone-hosted orogenic gold mineralisation at 2.65 to 2.62 Ga. Emplacement of the post-tectonic Palmietfontein granite at ~2.46 Ga and associated sub-volcanic granitic dykes into both the retrograde hydrated granulite domain and the granulite domain signifies the end of all thermo-tectonic activity in the SMZ. A Palaeoproterozoic thermal overprint at ~2.1 Ga is recorded by Rb-Sr biotite and phlogopite ages derived from various rocks from the SMZ and adjacent KVC. This thermal event is not associated with deformation and did not result in the formation of new mineral assemblages. Integrated data presented and discussed in this paper contradict the interpretation of age and petrological data utilised to support alternative models for the evolution of the SMZ, including a proposed ~2.1 Ga Palaeoproterozoic polymetamorphic amphibolite-grade thermo-tectonic event.

Mineral assemblages from chromitites of the Alapaevsk dunite-harzburgite massif (Middle Urals)

Research subject. Minerals and mineral assemblages of noble elements in chromitites of the Alapaevsk massif. Aim. A systematic mineralogical study of high-chromium (Cr) and alumina-rich (Al) chromitites with the development of a sequence scheme for mineral formation, including platinum-group minerals (PGMs) and gold alloys. Materials and Methods. Samples of high-Cr and Al chromitites from chromite deposits in various parts of the Alapaevsk massif. Scanning electron microscopy (Tescan VEGAII XMU and JSM-6390LV Jeol with EDX INCA Energy 450 X-Max 80 spectrometers) and electron microprobe analysis (Cameca SX 100 with five wave spectrometers) were used. Results. A diagram showing the sequence of mineral formation in chromitites was designed; primary and secondary mineral assemblages were distinguished, with the latter assemblage being divided into early and late mineral associations. Primary assemblages of high-Cr (Cr2O3 > 50 wt %) and Al (Cr2O3 < 50 wt %) ores are represented by similar minerals, including chromespinel, clinopyroxene, and olivine, with characteristically distinct compositions of these minerals in each type of ores. Minerals of the primary assemblage are synchronous with chrome-spinel and are represented by pentlandite, Cu-bearing pentlandite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, bornite, as well as PGMs (laurite RuS2, erlichmanite OsS2, native osmium) and Cu-rich gold. Minerals of the secondary early association occur in the form of polyphase inclusions within chrome-spinel. Polyphase inclusions are composed of Cr-bearing chlorite, amphibole, garnet, sulfides (millerite, heazlewoodite) and minerals of native elements, including (Ni, Cr)-bearing copper, nickel-bearing copper, (Cu, Fe, Cr)-bearing nickel, awaruite. Noble metal minerals from the secondary early association were found only in Al chromitites and are represented by laurite, Pt- and Pd arsenides and stibnides, Ru-bearing pentlandite, and high-grade native gold. The secondary late mineral association consists of native copper and awaruite, which are intergrown with serpentine in high-Cr ore. The temperature conditions for the formation of secondary assemblages were estimated using a chlorite geothermometer. The formation temperatures of the studied chlorites from chromitites fall within the range of 250–284°C. Conclusions. Noble metal minerals from secondary associations were formed at temperatures below 350°C together with garnet, amphibole, chlorite, and nickel sulfides. Grains of primary Os–Ir–Ru alloys during epigenetic processes underwent sulfurization with the formation of a fine-grained porous mixture of native and sulfide (sometimes with As) phases, and replacement by Ru-pentlandite. The presence of awaruite and native Cu and Ni in both primary and secondary assemblages of chromotites indicates the reducing conditions for the formation of noble metal minerals. The limited occurrence of high-Cr ores, along with the manifested processes of sulfurization for primary grains of Os–Ir–Ru alloys, led to the scarcity of detrital PGM in the area of the Alapaevsk massif.