Alignment Of Minerals Research Articles

Seismic data conditioning and orthotropic rock-physics-based inversion of wide-azimuth P-wave seismic data for fracture and total organic carbon characterization in a north Kuwait unconventional reservoir

Optimization of production from unconventional reservoirs requires estimates of reservoir properties such as porosity, total organic carbon (TOC) content, clay content, fluid saturation, and fracture intensity. The porosity and TOC content help to determine reservoir quality, and the natural fracture intensity provides information important for the completion strategy. Because shale reservoirs display intrinsic anisotropy due to layering and the partial alignment of clay minerals and kerogen with the bedding plane, the minimum acceptable representation of the anisotropy of naturally fractured shale-gas reservoirs is orthotropy, in which a set of vertical compliant fractures is embedded in a vertical transverse isotropic (VTI) background medium. Full-azimuth seismic data are required to characterize such reservoirs and to invert for the anisotropic elastic properties. Orthotropic inversion uses azimuthally sectored seismic data stacked according to the incident angle. Even for high-fold acquisition, this azimuth/angle grouping can result in low-fold angle stacks. Orthotropic amplitude-variation-with-offset-and-azimuth (AVOAz) inversion requires seismic preconditioning techniques that ensure proper primary amplitude preservation, noise attenuation, and data alignment, and a workflow implemented for the construction of an orthotropic rock-physics model. This model integrates well and core data to estimate reservoir properties using the results of the AVOAz inversion. The seismic inversion results include the P- and S-impedance and parameters quantifying the azimuthal anisotropy. The rock model assumes a VTI kerogen-rich layer, containing aligned vertical fractures, and it uses prestack orthotropic AVOAz inversion results to predict porosity, TOC, and fracture intensity.

Results of downhole microseismic monitoring at a pilot hydraulic fracturing site in Poland — Part 2: S-wave splitting analysis

Observations of azimuthal seismic anisotropy provide useful information, notably on stress orientation and the presence of preexisting natural fracture systems, during hydraulic fracturing operations. Seismic anisotropy can be observed through the measurement of S-wave splitting (SWS) on waveforms generated by microseismic events and recorded on downhole geophone arrays. We have developed measurements of azimuthal anisotropy from a Lower Paleozoic shale play in northern Poland. The observed orthorhombic anisotropic symmetry system is dominated by a vertically transverse isotropy (VTI) fabric, produced by the alignment of anisotropic platy clay minerals and by thin horizontal layering and overprinted by a weak azimuthal anisotropy. Despite the dominating VTI fabric, we successfully identified a weaker horizontal-transverse isotropy fabric striking east–southeast. We do this by constraining the rock-physics model inversion with VTI background parameters incorporated from other geophysical methods: microseismic velocity model inversion, 3D reflection seismic, and borehole cross-dipole sonic logs. The obtained orientation is consistent with a preexisting natural fracture set that has been observed using X-ray micro-imaging (XRMI) image logs from a nearby vertical well. The present-day regional maximum horizontal stress direction differs from the observed fracture strike by approximately 45°. This implies that the SWS measurements recorded during hydraulic stimulation of a shale-gas reservoir are imaging the preexisting natural fracture set, which influences the treatment efficiency, instead of the present-day stress.

Midcrustal Deformation in the Central Andes Constrained by Radial Anisotropy

AbstractThe Central Andes are characterized by one of the largest orogenic plateaus worldwide. As a result, they are home to some of the thickest continental crust observed today (up to ~75‐km thick). Understanding the response of the crust to such overthickening provides insights into the ductile behavior of the midcrust and lower crust. One of the best tools for examining crustal‐scale features is ambient noise tomography, which takes advantage of the ambient noise wavefield to sample crustal depths in great detail. We extract Love and Rayleigh wave phase velocities from ambient noise data to invert for Vsh, Vsv, and radial anisotropy throughout the Central Andes. We capture detailed crustal structure, including pronounced along‐strike isotropic velocity heterogeneity and substantial (up to 10%) radial anisotropy that varies with depth. This crustal anisotropy may have several origins, but throughout the majority of the Central Andes, particularly beneath the Altiplano, we interpret radial anisotropy as the result of mineral alignment due to ductile crustal deformation. Only in the strongly volcanic Altiplano‐Puna Volcanic Complex is radial anisotropy likely caused by magmatic intrusions.

SH wave structure of the crust and upper mantle in southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau from teleseismic Love wave tomography

The deep structure of southeastern Tibet is important for determining lateral plateau expansion mechanisms, such as movement of rigid crustal blocks along large strike-slip faults, continuous deformation or the eastward crustal channel flow. We invert for 3-D isotropic SH wave velocity model of the crust and upper mantle to the depth of 110 km from Love wave phase velocity data using a best fitting average model as the starting model. The 3-D SH velocity model presented here is the first SH wave velocity structure in the study area. In the model, the Tibetan Plateau is characterized by prominent slow SH wave velocity with channel-like geometry along strike-slip faults in the upper crust and as broad zones in the lower crust, indicating block-like and distributed deformation at different depth. Positive radial anisotropy (VSH > VSV) is suggested by a high SH wave and low SV wave anomaly at the depths of 70–110 km beneath the northern Indochina block. This positive radial anisotropy could result from the horizontal alignment of anisotropic minerals caused by lithospheric extensional deformation due to the slab rollback of the Australian plate beneath the Sumatra trench.

The Role of Texture, Cracks, and Fractures in Highly Anisotropic Shales

AbstractOrganic shales generally have low permeability unless fractures are present. However, how gas, oil, and water flows into these fractures remains enigmatic. The alignment of clay minerals and the alignment of fractures and cracks are effective means to produce seismic anisotropy. Thus, the detection and characterization of this anisotropy can be used to infer details about lithology, rock fabric, and fracture and crack properties within the subsurface. We present a study characterizing anisotropy using S wave splitting from microseismic sources in a highly anisotropic shale. We observe very strong anisotropy (up to 30%) with predominantly VTI (vertical transverse isotropy) symmetry, but with evidence of an HTI (horizontal transverse isotropy) overprint due to a NE striking vertical fracture set parallel to the maximum horizontal compressive stress. We observe clear evidence of a shear wave triplication due to anisotropy, which to our knowledge is one of only a very few observations of such triplications in field‐scale data. We use modal proportions of minerals derived from X‐ray fluorescence data combined with realistic textures to estimate the contribution of intrinsic anisotropy as well as possible contributions of horizontally aligned cracks. We find that aligned clays can explain much of the observed anisotropy and that any cracks contributing to the vertical transverse isotropy (VTI) must have a low ratio of normal to tangential compliance (ZN/ZT), typical of isolated cracks with low hydraulic connectivity. Subhorizontal cracks have also been observed in the reservoir, and we propose that their reactivation during hydraulic fracturing may be an important mechanism to facilitate gas flow.

Effects of crystal preferred orientation on upper-mantle flow near plate boundaries: rheologic feedbacks and seismic anisotropy

Insight into upper-mantle processes can be gained by linking flow-induced mineral alignment to regional deformation and seismic anisotropy patterns. Through a series of linked micro–macro scale numerical experiments, we explore the rheologic effects of crystal preferred orientation (CPO) and evaluate the magnitude of possible impacts on the pattern of flow and associated seismic signals for mantle that includes a cooling, thickening young oceanic lithosphere. The CPO and associated anisotropic rheology, computed by a micromechanical polycrystal model, are coupled with a large scale flow model (Eulerian Finite Element method) via a local viscosity tensor field, which quantifies the stress:strain rate response of a textured polycrystal. CPO is computed along streamlines throughout the model space and the corresponding viscosity tensor field at each element defines the local properties for the next iteration of the flow field. Stable flow and CPO distributions were obtained after several iterations for the two dislocation glide cases tested: linear and nonlinear stress:strain rate polycrystal behaviour. The textured olivine polycrystals are found to have anisotropic viscosity tensors in a significant portion of the model space. This directional dependence in strength impacts the pattern of upper-mantle flow. For background asthenosphere viscosity of ∼1020 Pa s and a rigid lithosphere, the modification of the corner flow pattern is not drastic but the change could have geologic implications. Feedback in the development of CPO occurs, particularly in the region immediately below the base of the lithosphere. Stronger fabric is predicted below the flanks of a spreading centre for fully coupled, power-law polycrystals than was determined using prior linear, intermediate coupling polycrystal models. The predicted SKS splitting is modestly different (∼0.5 s) between the intermediate and fully coupled cases for oceanic plates less than 20 Myr old. The magnitude of azimuthal anisotropy for surface waves, on the other hand, is predicted to be twice as large for fully coupled power-law flow/polycrystals than for linear, intermediate coupled flow/polycrystal models.

Anisotropy rock physics model for the Longmaxi shale gas reservoir, Sichuan Basin, China

The preferred orientation of clay minerals dominates the intrinsic anisotropy of shale. We introduce the clay lamination (CL) parameter to the Backus averaging method to describe the intrinsic shale anisotropy induced by the alignment of clay minerals. Then, we perform the inversion of CL and the Thomsen anisotropy parameters. The direct measurement of anisotropy is difficult because of the inability to measure the acoustic velocity in the vertical direction in boreholes and instrument limitations. By introducing the parameter CL, the inversion method provides reasonable estimates of the elastic anisotropy in the Longmaxi shale. The clay content is weakly correlated with the CL parameter. Moreover, the parameter CL is abnormally high at the bottom of the Longmaxi and Wufeng Formations, which are the target reservoirs. Finally, we construct rock physics templates to interpret well logging and reservoir properties.

A multiscale framework for the simulation of the anisotropic mechanical behavior of shale

SummaryShale, like many other sedimentary rocks, is typically heterogeneous and anisotropic and is characterized by partial alignment of anisotropic clay minerals and naturally formed bedding planes. In this study, a micromechanical framework based on the lattice discrete particle model is formulated to capture these features. Material anisotropy is introduced through an approximated geometric description of shale internal structure, which includes representation of material property variation with orientation and explicit modeling of parallel lamination. The model is calibrated by carrying out numerical simulations to match various experimental data, including the ones relevant to elastic properties, Brazilian tensile strength, and unconfined compressive strength. Furthermore, parametric study is performed to investigate the relationship between the mesoscale parameters and the macroscopic properties. It is shown that the dependence of the elastic stiffness, strength, and failure mode on loading orientation can be captured successfully. Finally, a homogenization approach based on the asymptotic expansion of field variables is applied to upscale the proposed micromechanical model, and the properties of the homogenized model are analyzed. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Crustal radial anisotropy beneath Cameroon from ambient noise tomography

To increase the understanding of crustal deformation and crustal flow patterns due to tectonic processes in Cameroon, we study the lateral variability of the crustal isotropic velocity and radial anisotropy estimated using Ambient Noise Tomography (ANT). Rayleigh and Love wave Noise Correlation Functions (NCFs) were retrieved from the cross-correlation of seismic ambient noise data recorded in Cameroon, and phase velocities at periods of 8 to 30s were measured to perform surface wave tomography. Joint inversion of Rayleigh and Love wave data for isotropic velocity models could not fit the observed dispersions simultaneously. We attribute the Love-Rayleigh discrepancy to the presence of radial anisotropy in the crust and estimated its magnitude. Our 3-D radial anisotropic model reveals the spatial variation of strong to weak positive (Vsh>Vsv) and negative (Vsv>Vsh) radial anisotropy in the crust. We observe negative radial anisotropy in the upper crust that is associated mainly with the location of a previously reported mantle plume. The anisotropy could be attributed to the vertical alignment of fossil microcracks or metamorphic foliations due to the upwelling of plume material. A strong positive radial anisotropy is centered at the location of an inferred boundary between the Congo Craton and the Oubanguides Belt that might be related to the preferred orientation of crustal anisotropic minerals associated with shearing in this fault zone. The middle crust is characterized by a widespread negative radial anisotropy that is likely caused by the flow-induced alignment of anisotropic minerals that crystallized during magma intrusion. The magnitude of the radial anisotropy varies systematically from predominantly negative in the middle crust to positive in the lower crust. The imaged patterns of the isotropic velocity and radial anisotropy are consistent with previous studies and agree with regional tectonics.

Crustal anisotropy along the Sunda-Banda arc transition zone from shear wave splitting measurements

We analyse shear wave splitting derived from the local earthquakes recorded at 13 seismic stations to investigate crustal anisotropy over varied geological regimes of the Sunda-Banda arc transition zone. We determine high-quality splitting measurements for 262 event-station pairs. The orientations of fast polarisation for the stations located in the oceanic regime are generally parallel or sub-parallel to the directions of the principal compressional strain-rate axes with a lack of dependency of delay time δt on increasing depth. The results suggest that anisotropy in this domain is primarily due to the influence of stress induced anisotropy on the upper crust. On the other hand, the average fast polarisations show more scattered for the stations located around Sumba Island and in the collision regime, implying a mix of anisotropy causes. Thus, anisotropy in this region is not only controlled by preferentially aligned cracks due to tectonic stress, but also by preferential mineral alignment and macro-scale faults associated with the regional tectonic deformation. We also perform further analysis to search possible temporal variations of splitting parameters associated with the stress changes excited by large earthquakes. The association between variation in splitting parameters and earthquake activity observed in this study might provide useful information about accumulation of stress before large events, and thus might be considered as an earthquake-forecasting tool in the future.

The limits of ray theory when measuring shear wave splitting in the lowermost mantle withScSwaves

Observations of shear wave splitting provide unambiguous evidence of the presence of anisotropy in the Earth’s lowermost mantle, a region known as D′ ′. Much recent work has attempted to use these observations to place constraints on strain above the core–mantle boundary (CMB), as this may help map flow throughout the mantle. Previously, this interpretation has relied on the assumption that waves can be modelled as infinite-frequency rays, or that the Earth is radially symmetric. Due to computational constraints it has not been possible to test these approximations until now. We use fully three-dimensional, generally-anisotropic simulations of ScS waves at the frequencies of the observations to show that ray methods are sometimes inadequate to interpret the signals seen. We test simple, uniform models, and for a D′′ layer as thin as 50 km, significant splitting may be produced, and we find that recovered fast orientations usually reflect the imposed fast orientation above the CMB. Ray theory in these cases provides useful results, though there are occasional, notable differences between forward methods. Isotropic models do not generate apparent splitting. We also test more complex models, including ones based on our current understanding of mineral plasticity and elasticity in D′′. The results show that variations of anisotropy over even several hundred kilometres cause the ray-theoretical and finite-frequency calculations to differ greatly. Importantly, models with extreme mineral alignment in D′′ yield splitting times not dissimilar to observations (δt ≤ 3 s), suggesting that anisotropy in the lowermost mantle is probably much stronger than previously thought—potentially ∼10 % shear wave anisotropy or more. We show that if the base of the mantle is as complicated as we believe, future studies of lowermost mantle anisotropy will have to incorporate finite-frequency effects to fully interpret observations of shear wave splitting.

Radial anisotropy beneath northeast T ibet, implications for lithosphere deformation at a restraining bend in the K unlun fault and its vicinity

Three-dimensional shear wave velocity and radial anisotropy models of the crust and upper mantle beneath the NE Tibetan plateau are constructed from new measurements of Love wave dispersions (20–77s) and previously obtained Rayleigh wave dispersions (20–87s) using a two-plane-wave method. The mid-lower crust is characterized with positive anisotropy (VSH > VSV) with large strength beneath the Qinling and Qilian Mountains and small values beneath the Anyemaqen Mountain. The large positive anisotropy can be explained by horizontal alignment of anisotropic minerals in the mid-lower crust due to crustal flow. The mantle lithosphere above 90 km is largely isotropic while weak positive anisotropy appears beneath 90 km, which probably marks the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB). A low shear wave velocity anomaly and relatively negative radial anisotropy are imaged in the entire lithosphere beneath the restraining bend in the eastern Kunlun fault, consistent with a weak lithosphere experiencing vertical thickening under horizontal compression. The asthenosphere at the restraining bend is characterized by significant low velocity and positive radial anisotropy, reflecting that the asthenosphere here is probably hotter, has more melts, and deforms more easily than the surrounding region. We propose that the lithosphere at the restraining bend was vertically thickened and subsequently delaminated locally, and induced asthenosphere upwelling. This model explains the observations of velocity and anisotropy anomalies in the lithosphere and asthenosphere as well as geological observations of rapid rock uplift at the restraining bend of the Kunlun fault.

Effects of Drugs on Bone Quality

The term bone quality refers to factors that define bone mechanical strength and hence its fracture risk, either inclusive or exclusive of the quantity of mineralized tissue present. These factors include: bone size, density, shape (microarchitecture, geometry, remodeling cavity number size and distribution), porosity, mineral and collagen distribution and alignment, amount and distribution of microdamage, mineral composition, collagen cross-linking and other material properties. In this review, we will consider how pharmaceuticals used to treat osteoporosis (anabolic and catabolic agents) and those used for other conditions that affect bone quality and induce “secondary osteoporosis” alter these parameters. Observed effects vary with different methods of drug delivery, length and periodicity of use, other drugs used concomitantly or consecutively, user gender, methods of analysis and, most importantly, the genetic background of the species tested. We suggest that while increases in quantity of mineralized tissue present account for much of the reported reduction in fracture risk, drugs that correct the composition and microarchitecture of the bone, returning it to its preosteoporotic status, may provide additional benefits.

Crustal radial anisotropy in Northeast China and its implications for the regional tectonic extension

We obtain high-resolution Rayleigh and Love wave phase velocity maps from ambient noise tomography using data recorded by NECESSArray in Northeast China. The resulting radial anisotropic model from the joint inversion of Rayleigh and Love wave dispersion curves reveals strong relationship between the crustal radial anisotropy and tectonic provinces, that is, strong positive anisotropy (Vsh > Vsv) beneath the Songliao Basin and weak radial anisotropy beneath the Xinmeng Belt and Changbaishan Region. The Songliao Basin experienced widespread crustal extension during the late Mesozoic. We interpret the lower crustal anisotropy beneath the Songliao Basin as a result of ductile deformation during the rifting stage, which may lead to the alignment of anisotropic minerals and the observed strong radial anisotropy at present. In the northern Songliao Basin, where thick syn-rift and post-rift sediments (≥4 km) are believed to be present, we observe a broader lateral distribution of anisotropy with stronger amplitude compared with the southern basin. We suggest that the broader distribution of crustal radial anisotropy in the northern basin could be the consequence of outward lower crustal flow driven by the sedimentary loading during the post-rift stage, which is also proposed by previous numerical modeling.

Modeling the effects of microscale fabric complexity on the anisotropy of the Eagle Ford Shale

Microscale fabric influences the elastic properties of rock formations. The complexity of the microscale fabric of shale results from composition, platy clay minerals, kerogen, and their preferred orientation patterns. This microscale fabric is also the likely cause of the elastic anisotropy of the rock. In this paper, we have developed a comprehensive three-step rock-physics approach to model the anisotropic elastic properties of the Upper Eagle Ford Shale. We started with anisotropic differential effective medium modeling, followed by an orientation correction, and then a pressure adjustment. This method accounts for the microscale fabric of the rock in terms of the complex composition, shape, and alignment of clay minerals, pore space, and kerogen. In addition, we accounted for different pressure-dependent behaviors of P- and S-waves. Our modeling provides anisotropic stiffnesses and pseudologs of anisotropy parameters. The modeling results match the log measurements relatively well. The clay content, kerogen content, and porosity decreased the rock stiffness. The anisotropy increases with kerogen content, but the influence of clay content was more complex. Comparing the anisotropy parameter pseudologs with clay content shows that clay content increases anisotropy at small concentrations; however, the anisotropy stays constant, or even slightly decreases, as the clay content continues to increase. This result suggests that the preferred orientation of clay clusters is preserved at low clay concentration but vanishes at high clay concentration. This method could also be applied to other shales with carefully chosen parameters to model anisotropic elastic properties.

On the evolution of the elastic properties of organic-rich shale upon pyrolysis-induced thermal maturation

The evolution of the elastic properties of organic-rich shale as a function of thermal maturity remains poorly constrained. This understanding is pivotal to the characterization of source rocks and unconventional reservoirs. To better constrain the evolution of the elastic properties and microstructure of organic-rich shale, we have studied the acoustic velocities and elastic anisotropy of samples from two microstructurally different organic-rich shales before and after pyrolysis-induced thermal maturation. To more physically imitate in situ thermal maturation, we performed the pyrolysis experiments on intact core plugs under applied reservoir-magnitude confining pressures. Iterative characterization of the elastic properties of a clay-rich, laminar Barnett Shale sample documents the development of subparallel to bedding cracks by an increase in velocity sensitivity to pressure perpendicular to the bedding. These cracks, however, are not visible through time-lapse scanning electron microscope imaging, indicating either submicrometer crack apertures or predominant development within the core of the sample. At elevated confining pressures, in the absence of pore pressure, these induced cracks close, at which point, the sample is acoustically indistinguishable from the prepyrolysis sample. Conversely, a micritic Green River sample does not exhibit the formation of aligned compliant features. Rather, the sample exhibits a largely directionally independent decrease in velocity as load-bearing, pore-filling kerogen is removed from the sample. Due to the weak alignment of minerals, there is comparatively little intrinsic anisotropy; further, due to the relatively directionally independent evolution of velocity, the evolution of the anisotropy as a function of thermal maturity is not indicative of aligned compliant features. Our results have indicated that horizons of greater thermal maturity may be acoustically detectable in situ through increases in the elastic anisotropy of laminar shales or decreases in the acoustic velocities of nonlaminar shales, micritic rocks, or siltstones.

Parathyroid hormone attenuates radiation-induced increases in collagen crosslink ratio at periosteal surfaces of mouse tibia

As part of our ongoing efforts to understand underlying mechanisms contributing to radiation-associated bone fragility and to identify possible treatments, we evaluated the longitudinal effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH) treatment on bone quality in a murine model of limited field irradiation. We hypothesized PTH would mitigate radiation-induced changes in the chemical composition and structure of bone, as measured by microscope-based Raman spectroscopy. We further hypothesized that collagen crosslinking would be especially responsive to PTH treatment. Raman spectroscopy was performed on retrieved tibiae (6–7/group/time point) to quantify metrics associated with bone quality, including: mineral-to-matrix ratio, carbonate-to-phosphate ratio, mineral crystallinity, collagen crosslink (trivalent:divalent) ratio, and the mineral and matrix depolarization ratios. Irradiation disrupted the molecular structure and orientation of bone collagen, as evidenced by a higher collagen crosslink ratio and lower matrix depolarization ratio (vs. non-irradiated control bones), persisting until 12weeks post-irradiation. Radiation transiently affected the mineral phase, as evidenced by increased mineral crystallinity and mineral-to-matrix ratio at 4weeks compared to controls. Radiation decreased bone mineral depolarization ratios through 12weeks, indicating increased mineral alignment. PTH treatment partially attenuated radiation-induced increases in collagen crosslink ratio, but did not restore collagen or mineral alignment. These post-radiation matrix changes are consistent with our previous studies of radiation damage to bone, and suggest that the initial radiation damage to bone matrix has extensive effects on the quality of tissue deposited thereafter. In addition to maintaining bone quality, preventing initial radiation damage to the bone matrix (i.e. crosslink ratio, matrix orientation) may be critical to preventing late-onset fragility fractures.

Crustal anisotropy and deformation of the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau revealed by Pms splitting

The crustal seismic anisotropy in the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau was obtained by analyzing receiver functions of a newly deployed dense seismic array. The measured splitting time of the Pms phase varies from 0.02 to 0.88s, with an average value of approximately 0.28s, which is much larger than the splitting time in the upper crust (top 15km), implying that the crustal anisotropy is mainly generated within the middle and lower crust (below 15km). The fast polarization directions of Pms are in good agreement with the directions of principle compression stress in the sub-blocks and are parallel with the strikes of the faults near the Xiaojiang fault, the Red River fault, and the Lancangjiang fault. The splitting time shows a conspicuous contrast with a small value in the east of the Xiaojiang fault zone and a large value in the west. We assume that the differential movement in the ductile middle-to-lower crust caused the alignment of materials along the movement directions and developed the crustal anisotropy in the sub-blocks. Near the major faults, the low-velocity zone, high Poisson’s ratio and high heat flow in the crust provide evidence for the existence of partial melt, which may be related to the strong crustal anisotropy in this area. The crustal deformation near these faults is mainly caused by the strike-slip motion, resulting in the alignment of minerals and partial melts along the strikes of these faults. Analyzing the anisotropy pattern from SKS and Pms splitting, we speculate that the crustal deformation is mechanically decoupled from the upper mantle in our study region.

Mineralogical controls on metamorphic fluid flow in metabasaltic sills from Islay, Scotland

In this study we show that mineralogy was the primary control of metamorphic fluid flow in the well-studied metabasaltic sills in the SW Scottish Highlands. Here, basaltic sills have been partially carbonated by H2O–CO2 fluids at greenschist facies conditions. This has led to mineral zonation with carbonate-poor sill interiors separated from carbonate-rich sill margins by reaction fronts. Although deformation set the stage for metamorphic fluid flow in the SW Scottish Highlands by causing the preferred alignment of mineral grains, metamorphic fluid flow was not coupled with active deformation but occurred later utilizing the pre-existing mineral alignment as a means of accessing the sill interiors. The sills which were studied were partially carbonated with well-preserved reaction fronts. They were selected because (atypically for the SW Scottish Highlands) they are mineralogically heterogeneous making them ideal for a study of mineralogical controls of metamorphic fluid flow. Their mineralogical heterogeneity reflects chemical heterogeneity arising from magmatic flow differentiation and spilitization, which occurred before greenschist facies metamorphism. Magmatic flow differentiation resulted in parts of the sill containing large crystals with no preferred alignment. Large (up to 3cm) plagioclase phenocrysts were concentrated in the sill interior whereas large (up to 1cm) amphibole (after pyroxene) grains formed cumulate layers close to the sill margins. These large randomly oriented crystals were replaced by an interface-coupled dissolution–precipitation mechanism. Replacement is constant volume and with hydration and carbonation affecting the cores of these minerals while the rims are remained intact and unaltered. This finding points to intra-granular metamorphic fluid flow. In contrast inter-granular metamorphic fluid flow was facilitated by mineral alignment on different scales. Pre-metamorphic spilitization, produced layers of epidote called segregations, whereas regional deformation caused preferred alignment mainly of amphibole and chlorite. Epidote undergoes a series of volume changes during greenschist facies metamorphism. This created porosity which produced preferred pathways for metamorphic fluids affecting the advancement of fluid-driven reaction fronts. Preferred alignment of amphibole and chlorite also affected the advancement of reaction fronts. In this case, fluid flow was preferentially parallel to the foliation. In both cases, inter-granular metamorphic fluid flow utilized a pre-existing fabric albeit on different scales. These results show intra-granular metamorphic fluid flow in unfoliated rock and inter-granular metamorphic fluid flow in foliated rock. In both cases metamorphic fluid flow occurred after deformation controlled by pre-existing mineralogical heterogeneities, such as grain composition and shape anisotropy as well as preferred alignment of mineral grains.

Mineral lineation produced by 3-D rotation of rigid inclusions in confined viscous simple shear

The solid-state flow of rocks commonly produces a parallel arrangement of elongate minerals with their longest axes coincident with the direction of flow—a mineral lineation. However, this does not conform to Jeffery's theory of the rotation of rigid ellipsoidal inclusions (REIs) in viscous simple shear, because rigid inclusions rotate continuously with applied shear. In 2-dimensional (2-D) flow, the REI's greatest axis (e1) is already in the shear direction; therefore, the problem is to find mechanisms that can prevent the rotation of the REI about one axis, the vorticity axis. In 3-D flow, the problem is to find a mechanism that can make e1 rotate towards the shear direction, and so generate a mineral lineation by rigid rotation about two axes. 3-D analogue and numerical modelling was used to test the effects of confinement on REI rotation and, for narrow channels (shear zone thickness over inclusion's least axis, Wr<2), the results show that: (1) the rotational behaviour deviates greatly from Jeffery's model; (2) inclusions with aspect ratio Ar (greatest over least principle axis, e1/e3)>1 can rotate backwards from an initial orientation w e1 parallel to the shear plane, in great contrast to Jeffery's model; (3) back rotation is limited because inclusions reach a stable equilibrium orientation; (4) most importantly and, in contrast to Jeffery's model and to the 2-D simulations, in 3-D, the confined REI gradually rotated about an axis orthogonal to the shear plane towards an orientation with e1 parallel to the shear direction, thus producing a lineation parallel to the shear direction. The modelling results lead to the conclusion that confined simple shear can be responsible for the mineral alignment (lineation) observed in ductile shear zones.