Sedimentary Section Research Articles

The geoecological analysis of Lake Tuchne (Volyn Polissia) and assessment of sapropel reserves in it


 
 
 The administrative-territorial reform in Ukraine, which began in 2015, opened up prospects for newly created territorial communities to determine the resource potential of local territories under control and develop strategies for balanced nature use and their progressive development. The lakes, which have a significant potential for sapropel resources, take an important place in the Polissia region of Ukraine. Given the above, there is a need for a comprehensive study of specific lakes and justification of recommendations for the rational use and protection of their water and sapropel resources. The object of our research is Lake Tuchne, Volyn Polissia. The catchment area of Lake Tuchne is 10.05 km2, and the reservoir itself is 0.39 km2. A bathymetric model of the lake was built with a depth interval of 0.5 m. The vegetation index (NDVI) for the reservoir over the past five years has been varying from -0.53 (12/02/2021) to +0.48 (07/15/2021). The research presents a stratigraphic section of the reservoir sediments. The area of accumulated sapropel is 20.5 hectares, the average thickness is 4.46 m, and the maximum is 10.0 m. The ash content of sapropel varies within 17.5-37.5% (on dry substance). The content of Fe2O3 in the core ranges from 2.53% to 7.26%. The distribution of CaO compounds in the samples ranges from 2.09 to 8.12%. The CO2 content varies from 1.97 to 9.72%. The concentration of Р2О5 in sapropel samples is 0.19-0.53%. The distribution of S in sapropel deposits ranges from 0.23 to 1.09%. The pH (salt extract) distribution in the core samples varies from moderately alkaline (7.63) to close to neutral – 5.97. A digital landscape map of the lake was constructed with the selection of the littoral and sublittoral-profundal aqua sub-areas and five types of aquafacies. A landscape-metric analysis of the natural and aquatic complex of the lake was carried out. The potential of water resources of Tuchne lake is 827.0 thousand m3. Sapropel reserves of category A are 914,000 m3, and based on a conditional 60.0% humidity, they are 155,000 tons. The species composition of sapropel is represented by zoogenic, organo-ferrous, and organo-limestone species. The total stock of sapropel in the lake basin is 52.5% of its volume. The reservoir is promising for extracting sapropel due to its quality characteristics and hydro-technical prerequisites for operation. Mined sapropel can be used in agriculture, medicine, recreation, etc. Implementing this task will improve the geoecological state of the lake and the quality of its water resources.
 
 

Katav, Inzer and Minyar formations of the Avdyrdak anticline along the Ufa – Inzer –Beloretsk highway (Alatau anticlinorium, Southern Urals)

Object of study: sections of deposits of the Katav, Inzer and Minyar formations of the Karatau series of the Upper Riphean of the Avdyrdak anticline of the Alatau anticlinorium (Southern Urals). For the first time, detailed descriptions and sketches of sections of sediments of the Katav, Inzer and Minyar formations of the Avdyrdak anticline along the highway (80K-031) Ufa – Inzer – Beloretsk are presented. The study of deposits in natural outcrops and road quarries and excavations made it possible to clarify the material composition of the deposits in question, their ratio and thickness in the westernmost sections of the outer zone of the folded Urals. It has been established that the main features of the material composition and structure of the sections of the Katav, Inzer and Minyar formations of the Avdyrdak anticline are similar to the deposits of these formations in the reference and stratotype sections, which makes it possible to use the obtained data for stratigraphic correlation of sediments and reconstruction of sedimentation conditions in different parts of the paleobasin.

The implications of structural control on the miocene carbonate reservoirs of Bakr-Al Hamd oil fields, Gulf of Suez

The present work aims to provide a tectonostratigraphic model of the Miocene carbonate reservoirs accumulated in Bakr-Al-Hamd ridge to help unlock an estimated statistical yet-to-find over 10 MMbbl of oil. The structural ridge is located in the western central Gulf of Suez and the hydrocarbon exploration within this NE-dipping structural high began in 1951. The model integrated several interpreted 3-D seismic volumes and their attributes, a complete set of well-log data, borehole images, and the resultant extensional structures from the natural and physical models. The structural model proposed the following: (1) a major gulf-parallel curved and faulted detachment between the two differentially strained sections of Miocene and Pre-Miocene sediments which were distinguished by seismic attributes and confirmed by borehole images, (2) the synthetic Gulf-parallel faults which represent footwall collapsing structural style of extensional faults, delineated Al Hamd Miocene Nullipore carbonate reservoir, (3) south-westward dislocation of the western gulf-parallel boundary fault of Al Hamd Nullipore facies and its allocation at the present-day shoreline, (4) three classification of the Miocene carbonate reef were interpreted; fringe reef in Bakr ridge, barrier reef in Al-Hamd, and patch reef in the intra-field. The achievements of the present study prompted exploration activity and two discoveries were announced in 2021 and 2022 in the vicinity of Bakr and Al-Hamd intra-fields. The recent discoveries penetrated more than 200 m of Miocene carbonate reef and dolomitic reservoirs accumulated on the detachment surface. The present study workflow could be used in similar petroliferous rift basins to maximize hydrocarbon resources, enhance production performance, and revive brownfields.

Constraining the exhumation history of the northwestern margin of Tibet with a comparison to the adjacent Pamir

Regional variations in the evolution of the Tibetan Plateau have important implications for our understanding of crustal deformation processes. There have been few studies of the evolution of the NW margin of the plateau and its transition to the Pamir Mountains to the west. We focus on this region with a multi-technique detrital study of two sedimentary sections in the Tarim Basin. Our provenance data show that an appreciable component of the detrital material in the sedimentary sections was derived from the Songpan-Ganzi–Tianshuihai composite terrane, with some contribution from the Karakoram and/or West Qiangtang. Given the proximity of the West Kunlun terrane to the sedimentary sections under study, and its long history of exhumation, this terrane in all likelihood also contributed to the studied successions. Our thermochronological data record phases of exhumation in the hinterland in the Triassic, Early Cretaceous and Oligo-Miocene. Similar to the Pamir Mountains, the Triassic and Oligo-Miocene periods of exhumation are attributed to the Cimmerian and Himalayan orogenies, respectively. The Early Cretaceous signal may reflect the distal effects of the Lhasa–Qiangtang collision. Coevality with deformation in the Pamir Mountains suggests a coupled geodynamic system, with retro-arc deformation associated with Neotethyan subduction in the west and terrane accretion in the east. Supplementary material: Detailed analytical method, sample information, petrographic, geochronological and low-temperature thermochronological data are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.7040686

ABOUT THE MAIN RESULTS OF DEEP DRILLING IN THE TERRITORY OF THE PREDVERKHOYANSKAYA OIL AND GAS AREA

This article presents the results of drilling wells in the Predverkhoyanskaya oil and gas area, where deep exploratory drilling for oil and gas was started in 1954 at the Kitchan, Sangar and Ust-Vilyu structures pre-pared by the seismic survey in combination with structural core drilling.According to the results of deep drilling in the Predverkhoyanskaya oil and gas area, the section of the sedimentary cover was studied, and ideas about the material composition of the foundation upper part were obtained. The pro-spects of oil and gas potential are evaluated: the reservoir properties are possessed by rocks of the subsalt Nizhnevendsky, Vendian-Lower Cambrian terrigenous and carbonate complex-es, which are associated with industrial oil and gas potential in nearby fields.The following fluid-bearing complexes are distinguished in the sedimentary section of the Preverkhoyanskiy trough: Permian (P), Lower Triassic (T1), Triassic-Lower Jurassic (T2–3–J1), Middle Upper Jurassic (J2-3), Lower Cretaceous (K1).Deposits of the Lower Triassic aquifer complex are deposited on Permian formations. The capacity of the complex is variable, due to the structural features of the Lower Triassicsediments, and it has not been established with-in the Predverkhoyanskiy trough. Thermobaric data were not obtained during the test. Reser-voir pressures are close to hydrostatic. Reser-voir temperatures, as in the Permian complex, increase from west to south-east to the Predverkhoyanskiy trough from 50 °C to 95 °C.The deposits of the Middle-Upper Triassic – Lower Jurassic aquifer complex are more widely developed. During the sampling and test-ing of oil and gas exploration wells, water and gas inflows were obtained from the deposits of the complex, including industrial ones on Ust-Vilyuiskaya, Sobo-Khainskaya Square. The flow rates of water inflows reached 300 m3/day (Sangarskaya 2), gas inflows up to 1800000 m3/day (Ust-Vilyuiskaya area). In the Sobo-Khainskaya 1 well, an industrial gas in-flow was obtained from the interval of 1328–1349 m.The prospects for oil and gas exploration at the Preverkhoyanskaya oil and gas area are associated with its northern part (Setas struc-ture), on which the Setas parametric well No. 1 with a design depth of 4000 m is being laid, and its southern part, where it is advisable to drill 2 parametric wells with a planned depth of 3000 m.

Early Pleistocene depositional and environmental conditions at Dachangliang, Nihewan Basin, NE China

Early Pleistocene depositional and environmental conditions at Dachangliang, Nihewan Basin, NE China

The missing sedimentological section linking the Neogene and quaternary of the Tandilia system and the Salado basin, Buenos Aires province, Argentina

The Tandilia system and the Salado basin are two adjacent morphostructural units located within the Argentine Pampean plain, each exhibiting distinct and independent geological histories. The Tandilia system preserves outcrops of Argentina's oldest Proterozoic rocks, while the sedimentary record of the Salado basin began during the Jurassic period. However, starting in the Cenozoic era, both units began to display common continental sedimentary fill characteristics. Despite this connection between the Tandilia system and the Salado basin, there is no unified lithostratigraphic framework for the Cenozoic that varies according to the studied localities. This study aims to define the stratigraphy of a sedimentary section that demonstrates the link between these morphostructural units from the Neogene onwards and to correlate it with the formal lithostratigraphic frameworks proposed in the literature. The analysis of well records led to the description of lithofacies and the establishment of facies associations, which were integrated to generate three correlation transects between the wells. Four facies associations were identified, three of which were fluvial and one aeolian. The analysis of these facies associations revealed that the sedimentary fill could be divided into two sedimentary sequences, lower sedimentary sequence and upper sedimentary sequence, separated by a sequence boundary marked by conglomeratic deposits. The definition of a stratigraphic framework for the middle section of the Del Azul creek basin and its correlation with the formal lithostratigraphic frameworks of the region indicate that from the Neogene onwards, both morphostructural units, the Tandilia system and the Salado basin, share sedimentological and tectonic characteristics. This study highlights the significance of subsurface information in understanding the geology of plain areas and its influence on regional geological evolution.

Regional assessment of the historical trends of mercury in sediment cores from Wider Caribbean coastal environments

Spatial and temporal variations of mercury (Hg) concentrations, enrichment, and potential ecological risks were studied in a suite of lead-210 (210Pb) dated sediment cores from 13 Wider Caribbean Region coastal environments. Broad variability of Hg concentrations (19–18761 ng g−1) was observed, encompassing even background levels (38–100 ng g−1). Most Hg concentration profiles exhibited a characteristic upward trend, reaching their peak values in the past two decades. Most of the sediment sections, showing from moderately to very severe Hg enrichment, were found in cores from Havana Bay and Sagua River Estuary (Cuba), Port-au-Prince Bay (Haiti), and Cartagena Bay (Colombia). These were also the most seriously contaminated sites, which can be considered regional Hg ‘hotspots’. Both Havana Bay and Port-au-Prince Bay reportedly receive waste from large cities with populations exceeding 2 million inhabitants, and watersheds affected by high erosion rates. The records from the Sagua River Estuary and Cartagena Bay reflected historical Hg contamination associated with chloralkali plants, and these sites are of very high ecological risk. These results constitute a major contribution to the scarce regional data on contaminants in the Wider Caribbean Region and provide reference information to support the evaluation of the effectiveness of the Minamata Convention.

Processing and re-interpretation of gravity bouguer map of a selected area in the W-NW of Iraq

Geophysical data interpretation is crucial in characterizing the subsurface structure. The Bouguer gravity map analysis of the W-NW region of Iraq serves as the basis for the current geophysical research. The Bouguer gravity data were processed using the Power Spectrum Analysis method. Four depth slices have been acquired after the PSA process, which are: 390 m, 1300 m, 3040 m, and 12600 m depth. The gravity anomaly depth maps show that shallow-depth anomalies are mainly related to the sedimentary cover layers and structures, while the gravity anomaly of the deeper depth slice of 12600 m is more presented to the basement rocks and mantle uplift. The 2D modeling technique was used for the quantitative interpretation of a selected Gravity profile along the study area. The model section of the gravity profile illustrated the relatively high density of subsurface basement rocks and/or upward mantle process which causes the effect of positive gravity values. Furthermore, several faults are indicated in the sedimentary sections by potential gravity methods such as several grabens, half grabens, and horst structures which are identified in Bouguer depth maps by relatively high and low gravity values, these structures were also affected by the basement rock uplift and/or Mantle upwards.

Structural geology and deformation analysis in the Búzios-Itapu area, Santos Basin — offshore Brazil

Despite their proximity, the Búzios and Itapu oil fields in the Santos Basin have different structural configurations. The study of the deformation pattern of the area and the relationship of the observed structures with the tectonic evolution of the basement is important to understand the geologic setting and evolution of the studied oil fields. In this work, a 3D PSDM seismic volume calibrated with well data was used to characterize the different types of structures, the distinct structural domains that occur in the Pre-Salt of the Búzios and Itapu fields, and the relationship between the basement trends and the structures in the sedimentary section. The Búzios field is formed by a series of half-grabens and horsts elongated in the NE-SW and NW-SE trends. Over the structural highs, a wide carbonate platform was developed. The Itapu field is a structural high related to a single elongated half-graben with a N-S main trend. The main structural pattern in the area is defined by normal faults that indicate an extensional process, typical of rift evolution. However, there are several structures that show indication of oblique-like deformation with strike-slip displacements, throughout the studied area. A very important issue is the discussion of the hierarchy of the observed structures, both rift extensional structures, and the oblique-like ones.

Structural Restorations of the Complete Conjugate US‐Mexico Eastern Gulf of Mexico Margin

AbstractWe present the first sequential structural restoration with flexural backstripping of the Gulf of Mexico US‐Mexico conjugate margin salt basin. We construct four large‐scale (100s of km) balanced, sequential structural restorations to investigate spatio‐temporal patterns of subsidence, geometry of the original salt basin, feedbacks between post‐salt structural and stratigraphic evolution, paleo‐bathymetry, and crustal configurations. The restorations are based on interpretations of 2D and 3D seismic data, and include sequential sedimentary decompaction, flexural isostatic backstripping, and thermal isostatic corrections. The spatially variable crustal thinning factor is directly measured from seismic data, and lithologic parameters are determined by well penetrations. We present a model for the original salt basin and discuss evidence for and implications of a deep water salt basin setting for the GoM. Our analysis suggests a salt basin that contained ∼1–2 km thick salt in a basin 175–390 km across with ∼1 km of bathymetry after salt deposition. The base of salt is mostly smooth with <1 km of local relief in the form of normal faults that disrupt a pre‐salt sedimentary section. We find that supra‐salt extension and shortening are not balanced, with measurable extension exceeding shortening by 18–30 km on each cross‐section. Our subsidence analysis reveals anomalous subsidence totaling 1–2 km during Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous times that may reflect dynamic topography or depth‐dependent thinning. We offer an interpretation of crustal breakup invoking pre‐salt clastic sedimentation, salt deposition in a deep water syn‐thinning basin, and post‐salt lower‐crustal exhumation.

Fractionation of metals in bottom sediments of St. Petersburg rivers

Based on the method of successive extraction, the forms of heavy metals in the bottom sediments from eight rivers in the central part of St. Petersburg were studied. Watercourses are characterized by a high degree of technogenic pollution, the features of which are determined by the industry specialization of enterprises located on the banks of watercourses. Exchangeable forms, metals bound to carbonates, organic-sulfide (oxidized) fraction, bound to hydrate iron and manganese oxides (reduced) fraction, crystalline (acid) forms, and silicate (residual) forms were extracted from bottom sediment samples. A feature of urban precipitation was the predominance of residual forms and a high proportion of oxidized ones. Based on the methods of multivariate statistics (factorial and dispersion analysis), the technogenic geochemical specialization of different watercourses was established, the industrial and post-industrial (modern) horizons were identified in the section of bottom sediments, and the leading forms of metals were established. Sediments were characterized by a very wide range of total metal content. However, the dependence of the absolute content of metals in different extracts on the total concentration was contained only for Mn, Ni, Co, and Cd. Among the studied metals, the single-phase composition was found by Ba and Sr, which are 85–98% represented by the silicate form. ANOVA analysis of the metal content (without taking into account the residual fraction) showed that the accumulation of Cr, Cu, Zn, Mn, Co, Ni occurs in the oxidized form; for Ba and Pb, acid extraction plays a leading role; for Fe, the maximum concentration was found in oxidized and acidic extracts; for Cd, the exchange and carbonate forms are leading. A series of decrease in the mobility of metals Cd>Zn>Cr>Cu»Ni>Mn»Co>Pb>>Fe>>Sr>Ba indicated a high lability of chalcophile elements and a decrease in mobility in the series siderophiles - lithophiles. An expert assessment of the potential for secondary contamination of metals during bottom cleaning and soil dumping in the Neva Bay was obtained, which was especially significant for Zn, Cu, Cr and Mn.

Особенности экологического состава планктонных и бентосных фораминифер в поверхностных осадках Татарского пролива (Японское море)

he fauna of planktonic and benthic foraminifera of the Tatar Strait in the surface layer of sediments from cores sampled during the cruise LV85 on the R/V «Akademik Lavrentiev» in May 2019 has been studied. The benthic foraminifera assemblages, consisting of living and dead shells, correspond in their ecological appearance to the modern cold-water oceanographic conditions of the studied area. Among planktonic foraminifera, along with the dominant subarctic form Neogloboquadrina pachyderma dex., there are single tropical and subtropical species (Globorotalia inflatа, Globigerinoides ruber and Neogloboquadrina dutertrei). The authors believe that the above warm-water forms entered the Tatar Strait from the southwestern part of the Sea of Japan with the warm waters of the Tsushima Current. Fossil finds of warm-water fauna in Pleistocene and Holocene sediments play an important role in deciphering the geological record in the northern part of the Sea of Japan. Their presence in sedimentary sections makes it possible to trace the northward migration of the warm current and assess the extent of its influence on coastal ecosystems in the past.

Correlation of small isolated reservoirs in the Zaonezhsky Peninsula area with the Onega Ice Lake level changes

The article discusses data on the lithological composition of bottom sediments from two small lakes – Lake Lavkozero and Lake Gangozero, located on the Zaonezhsky Peninsula, within the area of the Onega Ice Lake. In the recovered sediment sequences from studied lakes, two sediment units from top to down have been recognized: Holocene gyttja from small isolated lakes and Late Pleistocene sediments from the Onega Ice Lake, which are represented by varved clays and silts. Based on lithological data, a “pink horizon” of varved clays was identified. It is similar to one which found in the sediment section of the Unitskaya Bay in Lake Onega. The absolute hypsometric position of this “pink horizon” was determined based on the elevation levels of the lakes under study.

Stratigraphy of Late Mid‐Pleistocene in Lithuania: the current status and issues

The principal aim of this paper is to present a critical overview of the stratigraphical subdivision and correlation of the Late Mid‐Pleistocene (LMP) sediments in Lithuania. In recent decades, a number of studies of LMP sediments have been carried out, allowing clarification of the stratigraphical position of individual sedimentary sections. Particular efforts have been made to determine the age of sediments using a variety of absolute age determination methods. However, there are still several outstanding questions. It is still unclear how many warm periods occurred during the Saalian in Lithuania and of what magnitude. The least problematic issue is identification of the Butėnai (Holsteinian) Interglacial as it correlates well biostratigraphically with the contemporaneous sections of adjacent areas. The most controversial unit is the Snaigupėlė Interglacial, the age of which continues to be a subject of debate. Recently, more evidence has emerged that the sediments considered to be of the Snaigupėlė Interglacial are contemporaneous with the Merkinė (Eemian) Interglacial. The chronological placement of these sediments closely hinges on the unresolved stratigraphical classification of the Medininkai deposits (MIS 6 or MIS 8?) and the Žemaitija tills (MIS 8 or MIS 10?). The debate is centred on whether these two tills were formed during two entirely different glaciations or represent different phases of a single major glaciation event. Traditionally, these two tills were attributed to distinct glaciation events separated by the Snaigupėlė Interglacial. However, no sedimentary sections have been discovered that contain both these tills and the interglacial sediments that separate them. Given the similar lithological, geochemical and petrographic composition of the Medininkai and Žemaitija tills some research has supported their possible stadial rank. The clarification of these stratigraphical issues in the future may be facilitated by the application of new proxies and re‐examination of the existing LMP key sections.

Impact of hydrological changes and vertical motions on Pleistocene marine environments of the eastern coast of the island of Rhodes (Greece)

The island of Rhodes in the eastern Mediterranean Sea is situated in an area affected by an ongoing plate convergence, and its Pleistocene marine environments were influenced by recurring hypoxia and changes in organic matter fluxes. This makes the island an important site to study the influence of orbital-driven climate changes and tectonic-induced vertical motions on the marine benthic ecosystems in near-coastal areas at local and regional scales. We investigated the Early and Late Pleistocene sediment sections at Agathi Beach and Lardos, located on the middle-eastern coast of the island. Our results show variations in oxygen and food levels at the sea floor, including transient phases of enhanced fresh-water and nutrient input to near-coastal environments. These phases occurred at times of Northern Hemisphere summer insolation maxima, simultaneously to the formation of sapropels in the deep-sea basins of the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The application of a benthic foraminiferal transfer function revealed that both sections were influenced by tectonic-driven long-term and short-term vertical motions with higher rates than expected on the island of Rhodes. While Agathi Beach underwent two short-term cycles of uplift and subsidence, Lardos indicates at least three cycles with average rates of vertical motion as high as 8.6 mm/a.

Calcareous nannofossils from the middle Coniacian–Santonian in the Mirkovo Formation, Central Srednogorie tectonic unit (central South Bulgaria)

Three sedimentary sections (Dalgi Rid, Milkova Cheshma and Toplika), containing Mn-bearing nodules, of the Mirkovo Formation in the Central Srednogorie tectonic unit have been investigated for their calcareous nannofossil content. The assemblages are very poorly preserved, depleted and relatively low in taxonomic diversity. The most abundant taxa are Watznaueria barnesiae, Eiffellithus eximius, Helicolithus anceps, Micula staurophora and Lucianorhabdus cayeuxii. Additionally, Lithastrinus grillii was detected in the section Toplika. Based on the nannofossil data, the sediments at Dalgi Rid and Milkova Cheshma have been referred to the middle–late Coniacian, whereas those at Toplika have been dated as late Coniacian–early(?) Santonian. These data indicate that the formation of the Mn-bearing nodules in the studied successions is time-transgressive.

Palynostratigraphy and depositional environment of Tura and Pre-Tura sedimentary successions in Dhansiri Valley of Upper Assam Shelf, Assam & Assam-Arakan Basin, Assam, India

Detailed palynological investigations have been carried out to reconstruct stratigraphy and interpretation of depositional environment of Tura and Pre-Tura sedimentary sections in Dhansiri Valley of Upper Assam Shelf, Assam & Assam-Arakan Basin. Sediments of the Tura Formation dated as Early Eocene and interpreted to be deposited under subtidal to inner shelf environment. Pre-Tura sediments, developed in studied wells, led to the identification of Dergaon, Bamangaon and Moabund formations with intervening unconformities, having different tectonic history and distinct palynofossil assemblages. Early Permian sediments of the Dergaon Formation (=Talchir Formation), the oldest in the basin are deposited under the intracratonic phase, overlie the metamorphic basement complex. The sediments of the Dergaon Formation are unconformably overlain by the Bamangaon Formation deposited during the Early Cretaceous, whereas, in well DR-A, the sediments of the Dergaon Formation are directly overlain by the Moabund Formation corresponding to the Late Maastrichtian age. The sediments of the Tura Formation overlie the Maobund Formation in well DR-A, and they overlie the Bamangaon Formation in the rest of the wells in Dhansiri Valley.

Recent increase in sediment dry matter, carbon, and phosphorus accumulation in small boreal lakes with clayey catchments

This study estimated the mass accumulation rates of sediment (MAR), carbon (CMAR), and phosphorus (PMAR) in small Finnish lakes with agricultural clayey catchments over a 25-year period (1986–2011) and compared these with the conditions before major agricultural land use. Twenty-two lakes were cored for recent and reference (pre-disturbance) sediments. The recent sediment section was selected based on the 1986 137Cs fallout peak (TOP), whereas the pre-disturbance section (REF) was selected immediately below the first signs of human-induced erosion. The 50-cm reference section was dated with 14C at both ends. The mass accumulation rates were estimated based on dating, weighing, and chemical analysis for both sediment sections. Furthermore, sediment-penetrating echo soundings were used to estimate the amount of sediment in the whole lake basins. These data were used to examine area-specific loading from clay-rich catchments. The average whole-basin pre-disturbance MAR, PMAR, and CMAR were 62 g m−2 a−1, 0.06 g m−2 a−1, and 4.7 g m−2 a−1, respectively. The corresponding recent rates were 11, 13, and 8-fold (693 g m−2 a−1, 0.79 g m−2 a−1, and 37 g m−2 a−1). In the recent conditions, sediments were generally more minerogenic and MAR, PMAR, and CMAR were higher in lakes with more arable fields in their catchments. Average area-specific suspended sediment load from the catchment for the region (∼39% clayey soils) was approximately 69–137 kg ha−1 a−1 in the undisturbed state and 767–1534 kg ha−1 a−1 in recent conditions based on 100–50% retention. The results demonstrate that the increases in sediment, nutrient, and organic matter accumulation due to agriculture can be several fold over undisturbed state.

Use of porphyry indicator zircons (PIZs) in the sedimentary record as an exploration tool for covered porphyry copper deposits in the Atacama Desert, Chile

This work explores the potential of geochemical and petrographic characteristics of detrital zircons coming from the sedimentary record of the Centinela District in Northern Chile to identify the presence of buried porphyry copper deposits under a transported gravel cover. The sampled sedimentary section was recovered from the pit of the exotic copper deposit of El Tesoro, located approximately 2 and 4 km west of the Esperanza and Mirador porphyries, respectively. The sedimentary cover comprises four units, Tesoro II, Tesoro III, Arrieros and Recent gravels, deposited since the late Cenozoic in an arid continental environment dominated by alluvial fans. Except for the Tesoro III gravels, all other units contain exotic-Cu mineralisation. In order to interpret the geochemical footprint of the investigated zircons, the Porphyry Indicator Zircon (PIZ) concept (Pizarro et al., 2020) is used. A PIZ need to comply with each of the following geochemical values: Hf >8750 (ppm), Ce/Nd >1, Eu/Eu* >0.4, 10,000 × (Eu/Eu*)/Y > 1, (Ce/Nd)/Y > 0.01, Dy/Yb <0.3 and 0.1 < Th/U < 1. These zircons also have Ti <9 ppm and Ce/Ce* <100 and usually show euhedral morphologies characterised by prismatic forms of type {110}. The geochemical and petrographic characteristics of the PIZs collected in the gravels are similar to zircons from the nearby Mirador and Esperanza porphyries. The highest PIZ concentration coincides with the gravel horizons with exotic-Cu mineralisation. Therefore, the PIZs found in the sedimentary record are a potential tracer of adjacent copper porphyries and represent a promising exploration tool for this type of hidden ore deposits in challenging sediment-covered areas.