Primary Fluid Inclusions In Halite Research Articles

830-million-year-old microorganisms in primary fluid inclusions in halite

Abstract Primary fluid inclusions in bedded halite from the 830-m.y.-old Browne Formation of central Australia contain organic solids and liquids, as documented with transmitted light and ultraviolet–visible (UV-vis) petrography. These objects are consistent in size, shape, and fluorescent response with cells of prokaryotes and eukaryotes and with organic compounds. This discovery shows that microorganisms from saline depositional environments can remain well preserved in halite for hundreds of millions of years and can be detected in situ with optical methods alone. This study has implications for the search for life in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial chemical sedimentary rocks.

Redox conditions in Late Permian seawater based on trace metal ratios in fluid inclusions in halite from the Polish Zechstein Basin

Previous studies have confirmed that primary fluid inclusions in halite record and preserve information concerning the major ion chemistry of seawater. Here, we determine ratios of redox sensitive trace metals (Fe, Mn, V, Mo, U) in paleo-seawater trapped as primary fluid inclusions in halite from two boreholes (Przyborów IG3, Gorzów Wielkopolski IG1) from the Polish sector of the European Southern Permian Basin and estimate the original seawater concentrations of the redox sensitive trace metals.Our results show generally higher ratios of Fe/U, Fe/Mo, and Fe/V in fluid inclusions in halites associated with sulfate-depleted (calcium-rich) brines, compared to inclusions in halites formed in association with sulfate-rich brines in the Przyborów IG3 borehole. This behavior is consistent with the interpretation of García-Veigas et al. (2011) to reflect changes in redox conditions from oxidizing (represented by sulfate-rich brines) to reducing (represented by sulfate-depleted and calcium-rich brines) in the Zechstein epicontinental sea during the Late Permian. The correlation is more complex in halites from the Gorzów Wielkopolski IG1 borehole, likely reflecting local controls on redox state.Results suggest that ratios of Mn/U, Mn/V, and Mn/Mo in fluid inclusions may be used to refine redox conditions in the water column when these data are evaluated in combination with Fe/U, Fe/Mo, Fe/V, and Mn/Fe ratios because reduction of Mn(III, IV) to Mn(II) occurs at a higher redox potential compared to that required to reduce Fe(III) to Fe(II).The estimated original Mn and Mo concentrations in the seawater in the Late Permian Zechstein Basin are generally within the concentration range observed in modern anoxic basins while concentrations of V and Fe are generally higher and U is generally lower. Our results suggest that trace metal abundances in fluid inclusions in halite vary in response to redox changes in seawater and provide a potential redox proxy. To better understand and apply results obtained from fluid inclusions in halite as a paleoredox proxy, however, further work is required. These include the study of fluid inclusions in halite from more locations worldwide and the more detailed characterization of redox sensitive trace metal behavior during seawater evaporation.

The Lotsberg Salt Formation in Central Alberta (Canada)—Petrology, Geochemistry, and Fluid Inclusions

The Lotsberg Salt Formation (LSF) of the Lower Devonian age occupies a large area in Alberta (Canada). It has been used for brine production, disposal, and storage purposes since the 1950s. Its petrological and geochemical features remain poorly understood up to now. Previous studies showed that these salt rocks are large crystalline and distinguishable by a very low bromine content (2–5 ppm). Our studies reveal that the main impurity is dolomite with an addition of haematite. It showed, also, a lack of sulphate minerals (anhydrite). Manganite also occurs within the halite crystals. Microthermometric measurements of primary fluid inclusions in halite show a large range of homogenization temperatures from 32.4 °C to 357.0 °C with the highest temperature in the upper part of the salt profile. Geochemical analysis confirms the low bromine contents, which is between 0.67–12.74 ppm. Potassium contents (166–3651 ppm) seem to be in the normal range for salt rocks, but magnesium content (25–177 ppm) is much lower than potassium. Rubidium is, as well, within the normal range, with values between <0.01 ppm and 3.13 ppm, while caesium contents (5.07–211.22 ppm) are almost sixty times higher in comparison to those of rubidium. The high concentration of Cs, Mn, Rb, and the high homogenization temperatures of the host minerals suggest that the LSF underwent extensive ion exchange related to hydrothermal inflow. These hydrothermal solutions originated from the basement of the LSF.

The Ultramicrochemical Analyses (UMCA) of Fluid Inclusions in Halite and Experimental Research to Improve the Accuracy of Measurement

Fluid inclusions in halite are widely used in research to determine the conditions of sedimentation in salt basins and reconstruct the chemical composition of seawater during a specific geological period. However, previous preliminary studies of the genetic types of inclusions, considered in the present research project, have not received due attention. Consequently, we decided to take into account the main distinguishing features of fluid inclusions in halite, belonging to various genetic types. The ultramicrochemical analysis (UMCA) method is one of the several methods that are used for the quantitative determination of the chemical composition of the primary fluid inclusions in halite. We have upgraded that technique, and that allowed us to reduce the analytical error rates of each component determination. The error rates were calculated in the study of Ca-rich and SO4-rich types of natural sedimentary brines.

Evidence of high-temperature rock salt transformations in areas of occurrence of borate minerals (Zechstein, Kłodawa salt dome, Poland)

Occurrences of borate minerals in the Zechstein salt-bearing deposits of the Klodawa salt dome (central Poland), and the manner of their development, suggest that the minerals were formed at high temperatures, that considerably exceed the temperature estimated from the thermal gradient (~180°C). Research on rock salt and potassium-magnesium salts containing congolite and boracite, respectively, are consistent with high-temperature processes of transformations affecting the salt rocks in certain sections of the salt dome. The chemical composition of, and daughter minerals occurring in, primary fluid inclusions in halite, originating from the congolite zone, indicated a very high proportion of potassium and magnesium in the brines from which the halite crystallised. The thermal transformations observed in inclusions indicate a halite crystallisation temperature exceeding 420°C. Anhydrite crystals, co-occurring with borate minerals, represent unique features as to the distribution and composition of solid and fluid inclusions. These features indicate crystallisation or recrystallisation in conditions that differed considerably from those typical of the salt dome, with the involvement of solutions of changing chemical compositions. The crystals contain multiple solid inclusions of transparent and non-transparent minerals, among which we have focused on carnallite. The relationships of carnallite with liquid and gaseous phases indicate, as in the congolite zone, migration of very highly concentrated brines with respect to potassium and magnesium, or even transport of carnallite in the form of melt (liquid). Measurements of fluid inclusion homogenization temperatures, within the range from 197.8 to 473.8°C, supported a high-temperature origin for these minerals in hydrothermal conditions.

Paleoclimatic information recorded in fluid inclusions in halites from Lop Nur, Western China

The homogenization temperature (Th) of primary fluid inclusions in halite can be used for paleoclimate interpretations. Lop Nur, in Central Asia, is an extremely arid zone where large amounts of glauberite were deposited from the late Middle to Late Pleistocene. This deposition was accompanied by formation of large-scale potash-bearing brines. However, quantitative paleotemperature data are still lacking, hindering reconstruction of Quaternary climate conditions and their control over potash formation. We measured the Th of inclusions in halite from the salt field and the top of Upper Pleistocene strata in Lop Nur. The maximum homogenization temperature (ThMAX) of inclusions in halite from the salt field was 41.1 °C, consistent with the maximum ambient temperature (43.4 °C) in the same period. The ThMAX of inclusions in halite from the Upper Pleistocene strata ranged from 35.6 °C to 43 °C, where maximum air temperatures may have reached 37.9 °C to 45.3 °C. The results show that a hot and arid climate prevailed in Lop Nur at the end of the Late Pleistocene. Furthermore, changes of the brine chemical composition due to supply variations instead of climate change, may have caused glauberite deposition to cease at the end of the Late Pleistocene.

Reconstruction of Late Cretaceous coastal paleotemperature from halite deposits of the Late Cretaceous Nongbok Formation (Khorat Plateau, Laos)

Cretaceous evaporites of the Maha Sarakhan Formation in Thailand (e.g., the Nongbok Formation, Laos) have been studied for almost a century as the huge potash deposits in the world. The consistently high local paleotemperatures should lead to huge salt deposits during the evaporation process. Primary fluid inclusions in halite can provide surface brine water temperatures directly and quantitatively. Until now, there have been no data published from paleotemperature of primary fluid inclusions of Cretaceous halite. The non-marine halite from the Cretaceous Nongbok Formation (Laos) precipitated from shallow brine waters with temperatures of 17.7–42.3°C.

The major composition of a middle–late Eocene salt lake in the Yunying depression of Jianghan Basin of Middle China based on analyses of fluid inclusions in halite

During the Cretaceous–Tertiary transition in eastern China, abundant halites formed in non-marine areas. Many continental salt deposits from inland salt lakes were formed in eastern China in faulted basins as a result of the northward movement and collision of the Indo-China Plate with the Eurasian Plate, including the Bohai Gulf Basin. However, a marine transgression versus a non-marine origin of these evaporites remains to be determined. Primary fluid inclusions trapped in halite deposits can directly record the composition of evaporated seawater or salt lake water, such as those in the Cretaceous halite in the Khorat Plateau (Laos and Thailand) area can resolve the origins of the evaporate deposits; recent fluid inclusions data in the Khorat Plateau coincide with the predicted secular variation of seawater and are comparable to other fluid inclusions in Cretaceous marine halite, indicating these fluid inclusions are directly related to a marine transgression. Our analyses in this study shows that the average K+, Mg2+, and SO42- contents are 8.8, 5.0, and 6.8g/l, respectively, in the primary fluid inclusions in halite of middle–late Eocene from the Yunying depression of China. These numbers are much less than those in the contemporary Spanish primary fluid inclusions in halite precipitated from seawater (16.4, 36.3, and 12.5g/l for K+, Mg2+, and SO42-, respectively). Furthermore, Br contents of all fluid inclusion samples in halite from the Yunying depression are lower than 2ppm (vs. 55–58ppm at the base of Spanish contemporary marine halite), and their δ37Cl values range from −0.11‰ to +2.94‰ (vs. −0.09‰ to −0.24‰ in sylvite of Spanish deposit), indicating that the compositions of the middle–late Eocene brines trapped in halite in the Yunying depression of China are very different from those derived from the contemporary seawater, and are considered to be resulted from evaporation of an inland saline lake water with little influence of seawater.

Analyses of fluid inclusions in Neoproterozoic marine halite provide oldest measurement of seawater chemistry

Research Article| February 01, 2014 Analyses of fluid inclusions in Neoproterozoic marine halite provide oldest measurement of seawater chemistry Natalie Spear; Natalie Spear 1Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19014, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar H.D. Holland; H.D. Holland 1Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19014, USA †Deceased Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Javier Garcia-Veígas; Javier Garcia-Veígas 2Scientific and Technological Centers, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar T.K. Lowenstein; T.K. Lowenstein 3Department of Geological Sciences, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, New York 13902, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Robert Giegengack; Robert Giegengack 1Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19014, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Heide Peters Heide Peters 4Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education, University of Kiel, D-24118 Kiel, Germany Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Natalie Spear 1Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19014, USA H.D. Holland †Deceased 1Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19014, USA Javier Garcia-Veígas 2Scientific and Technological Centers, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain T.K. Lowenstein 3Department of Geological Sciences, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, New York 13902, USA Robert Giegengack 1Department of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19014, USA Heide Peters 4Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education, University of Kiel, D-24118 Kiel, Germany Publisher: Geological Society of America Received: 07 Jul 2013 Revision Received: 08 Oct 2013 Accepted: 09 Oct 2013 First Online: 09 Mar 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 © 2014 Geological Society of America Geology (2014) 42 (2): 103–106. https://doi.org/10.1130/G34913.1 Article history Received: 07 Jul 2013 Revision Received: 08 Oct 2013 Accepted: 09 Oct 2013 First Online: 09 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Natalie Spear, H.D. Holland, Javier Garcia-Veígas, T.K. Lowenstein, Robert Giegengack, Heide Peters; Analyses of fluid inclusions in Neoproterozoic marine halite provide oldest measurement of seawater chemistry. Geology 2014;; 42 (2): 103–106. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G34913.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract We analyzed primary fluid inclusions in halite from marine evaporites in the ca. 830 Ma Browne Formation of the Officer Basin in Western Australia using the cryogenic scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry analysis technique. The concentrations of the major ions, except K+ and possibly SO42−, fall within the range of Phanerozoic seawater. This is the first direct measurement of the composition of mid-Neoproterozoic seawater, and extends present-day knowledge of seawater chemistry by ∼300 m.y. Our estimates suggest that mid-Neoproterozoic marine sulfate concentrations were lower (∼90%) than modern values. By the terminal Neoproterozoic, fluid inclusions in halite and evaporite mineralogy indicate seawater sulfate levels rose significantly, to 50%–80% of modern concentrations, which parallels increases in atmospheric and oceanic oxygen. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.

Chemical composition of Badenian brines from primary fluid inclusions in halite (Transcarpathian Basin, Ukraine)

The primary fluid inclusions, which may be helpful in detemining the chemical composition of brines in the Badenian evaporite basin, were found in the chevron halite crystals from the Transcarpathian Basin (Ukraine). Fluid inclusions in sedimentary halite were examined with the use of ultra-microchemical analysis. Concentration of brines was high – close to the middle stage of halite sedimentation. The content of ions: K+ ranged from 10.6 g/l to 17.6 g/l, Mg2+ from 31.4 g/l to 58.3 g/l, and SO4 2– from 22.4 g/l to 39.0 g/l. Based on the chemical composition of major ions it was concluded that the brine from the Transcarpathian basin was saturated (to the stage of halite crystallization) and was similar to the Badenian brines from other basins.

Ediacaran seawater temperature: Evidence from inclusions of Sinian halite

Seawater temperatures throughout Earth's history have been suggested to illustrate a long-term cooling trend from nearly 70 °C at ∼3500 Ma to around 20 °C at ∼800 Ma. The terminal Neoproterozoic prior to the “Cambrian Explosion” is a key interval in evolutionary history, as complex multicellularity appeared with the advent of the Ediacara fauna. These organisms were likely the first that required higher levels of atmospheric and dissolved marine oxygen for their sustainability. It is known that most modern macroinvertebrates are intolerant of temperatures in excess of 45 °C. Perhaps more importantly, these high seawater temperatures limit the potential of dissolved oxygen, and therefore become an integral part of this evolutionary story. Previously, our understanding of seawater temperature during the terminal Neoproterozoic comes only from 18O/ 16O and 30Si/ 28Si ratios ascertained from a limited number of cherts. Isotopic ratio methods for assessing seawater temperatures are inherently indirect and have a wide range of oscillation. However, maximum homogenization temperatures (Th max) of primary fluid inclusions in halite provide a direct means of assessing brine temperature, and have been shown to correlate well with average maximum air temperatures. The oldest halites date to the Neoproterozoic–lower Paleozoic (∼700–500 Ma), and Ediacaran representatives can be found in Sichuan Province, China, which do preserve primary fluid inclusions for analysis via cooling nucleation methods. We utilized halite samples from the Changning-2 well, correlative to the Dengying Formation (551–542 Ma), to provide a direct assessment of terminal Neoproterozoic seawater temperature. Our measurements indicate that seawater temperatures where these halites formed are highly similar to tropical Phanerozoic seawater temperature estimates. From compiled paleotemperature data, the decline in seawater temperatures over the course of the Proterozoic, accompanied by the reduction of seawater salinity with the sequestration of salt in massive halite deposits in the Neoproterozoic, allowed the ocean system to accumulate more dissolved oxygen, and potentially paved the way for the evolutionary innovation of complex multicellularity.

The importance of recycling processes in the Middle Miocene Badenian evaporite basin (Carpathian foredeep): palaeoenvironmental implications

The Middle Miocene Badenian evaporitic succession within the Carpathian foredeep (Poland) has been conventionally described as formed in a purely marine basin. Until recently, data from this basin have been used to deduce the sulphate isotopic composition of the ocean during the Miocene and to describe evolution of major elements in seawater. This paper presents a new interpretation proving major continental inputs and ongoing recycling processes. It is based on detailed petrographical/mineralogical studies, X-ray microanalysis of primary fluid inclusions in halite (Cryo-Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)–Energy Dispersive Microanalysis (EDS)), isotopic analysis (δ 34S and δ 18O in sulphates) and computer-based evaporation models. Two boreholes, Wojnicz intersecting the halite succession in the centre of the basin and Cieszanów borehole cutting through the gypsum units found in the margin of the basin, are used in reconstructing the general palaeohydrological evolution of the basin. Model calculations constrained from experimental data suggest recharge proportions during halite precipitation of between 20−30% seawater and 65−70% continental waters, with 5−10% of the continental waters recycling previously precipitated halite. The isotope signatures measured show average values of δ 34S CDT=+24.61‰ (±0.34) and δ 18O SMOW=+12.06‰ (±0.40) for Wojnicz borehole and δ 34S CDT=+22.74‰ (±0.42) and δ 18O SMOW=+12.66‰ (±0.38) for the Cieszanów borehole. These are consistent with an ocean having a sulphate isotope composition similar to Eocene or present day and the scenario of intrabasin recycling processes of previous marine halite successions. The present interpretation for the Carpathian foredeep evaporites argues against the use of these in deducing Miocene seawater composition.

The importance of recycling processes in the Middle Miocene Badenian evaporite basin (Carpathian foredeep): palaeoenvironmental implications

The Middle Miocene Badenian evaporitic succession within the Carpathian foredeep (Poland) has been conventionally described as formed in a purely marine basin. Until recently, data from this basin have been used to deduce the sulphate isotopic composition of the ocean during the Miocene and to describe evolution of major elements in seawater. This paper presents a new interpretation proving major continental inputs and ongoing recycling processes. It is based on detailed petrographical/mineralogical studies, X-ray microanalysis of primary fluid inclusions in halite (Cryo-Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)–Energy Dispersive Microanalysis (EDS)), isotopic analysis (δ34S and δ18O in sulphates) and computer-based evaporation models. Two boreholes, Wojnicz intersecting the halite succession in the centre of the basin and Cieszanów borehole cutting through the gypsum units found in the margin of the basin, are used in reconstructing the general palaeohydrological evolution of the basin. Model calculations constrained from experimental data suggest recharge proportions during halite precipitation of between 20−30% seawater and 65−70% continental waters, with 5−10% of the continental waters recycling previously precipitated halite. The isotope signatures measured show average values of δ34SCDT=+24.61‰ (±0.34) and δ18OSMOW=+12.06‰ (±0.40) for Wojnicz borehole and δ34SCDT=+22.74‰ (±0.42) and δ18OSMOW=+12.66‰ (±0.38) for the Cieszanów borehole. These are consistent with an ocean having a sulphate isotope composition similar to Eocene or present day and the scenario of intrabasin recycling processes of previous marine halite successions. The present interpretation for the Carpathian foredeep evaporites argues against the use of these in deducing Miocene seawater composition.

The use of environmental markers to distinguish marine vs. continental deposition and to quantify the significance of recycling in evaporite basins

Abstract Environmental markers, namely the bromine content of halite samples, the electrolyte content of primary fluid inclusions in halite and the isotopic composition of sulphates from two Tertiary evaporite sequences, provide complementary information on the depositional environment (marine vs. continental). The use of these markers, together with lithofacies and thicknesses of precipitated evaporites, enable the detection and quantification of evaporite recycling within evaporite basins. The information provided by the isolated use of each of these geochemical markers should be used with caution, as this could lead to erroneous interpretations of the depositional environment or may not detect significant evaporite recycling processes. The complementary information provided by geochemical markers enable quantification of solute input from recycling of previous precipitates within the basins themselves or from older evaporites. The input of recycled evaporites increases progressively, together with evaporite basin restriction to the open ocean.

Microanalysis of primary fluid inclusions in halite: constraints for an evaporitic sedimentation modeling. Application to the Mulhouse Basin (France)

The chemistry of the waters from which the evaporitic minerals crystallized in the lower part of the Salt IV unit of the Mulhouse Basin (France) has been investigated. The lithological and fluid inclusion data have been compared to the output data of the mass transfer program NEWEQUI which simulates the change in brine composition during its evaporation advancement. The results show that the evolution of the composition of the brine is compatible with the calculated sequence of evaporation of a parent water corresponding to a seawater modified by CaCl 2-rich hydrothermal water. In the studied sequence fluid inclusion data provide useful constraints for reconstructing the paleoenvironment controlling the evaporitic sedimentation. They also provide data on the water stratification in the basin and on its connectivity with the open sea, and important parameters controlling the productivity (possible sources for the nutrients) and the preservation of organic matter in the sediment.