Stromatolitic Dolomite Research Articles

A clumped isotope diagenetic framework for the Ediacaran dolomites: Insights to fabric‐specific geochemical variabilities

AbstractWhile marine dolomites formed under near surface conditions have been considered to be potentially reliable archives of past oceanic conditions, this interpretation comes with significant challenges because diagenetic alteration frequently produces diverse fabrics with large geochemical variability. It has been suggested that the Ediacaran dolomites in South China (Hamajing Member, Dengying Formation) recorded the oceanic conditions present at the time they formed, yet these dolomites are composed of five different fabrics (stromatolitic, micritic, oolitic, saddle dolomites and fibrous–radial dolomite cements) and show large variations in multiple geochemical isotope proxies (carbon, oxygen, clumped, magnesium and the sulphur of carbonate‐associated sulphate). This study establishes a paragenetic sequence for these dolomites by combining the clumped and the oxygen isotopic compositions, thereby assessing whether they are geochemically representative of the original seawater. Using this diagenetic framework, the micritic and stromatolitic dolomites show a closed‐system behaviour (low water–rock ratios; <0.3) and are largely resistant to the hydrothermal alteration during late diagenesis. In contrast, the ooid and cement fabrics have been affected by the hydrothermal fluid precipitating saddle dolomite in the open‐system condition with the high stimulated water–rock ratios (>1). Furthermore, in a closed‐system environment, the elevated δ24Mg and δ34S values in the stromatolitic dolomite reflect the isotopic Rayleigh fractionation that enriches the 26Mg and 34S through rock‐buffered recrystallization, coupled with microbial sulphate reduction. These results demonstrate that the complex signals in early marine dolomite should be carefully evaluated when used as a palaeoproxy.

Proterozoic - basal Cambrian stratigraphy across Nares Strait: correlation between Inglefield Land and Bache Peninsula

In the Kane Basin region of Nares Strait (78° to 79°N) unmetamorphosed Proterozoic and basal Cambrian platform strata overlie the Precambrian Shield both in Inglefield Land in Greenland, and on Bache Peninsula in Ellesmere Island. The platform succession is composed of two shallow-water elastic sequences separated by an erosional disconformity. The lower formation, of multicoloured sandstone and siltstone with minor shale and stromatolitic dolomite, is assigned to the redefined Rensselaer Bay Formation; the upper, composed of red and overlying white sandstone with dolomitic sandstone and siltstone at the top, is assigned to the Dallas Bugt Formation. Basic sills from the Rensselaer Bay Formation have yielded isotopic ages as old as 1200 m.y., while the trace fossils Rusophycus and Skolithos suggest a basal Cambrian age for the Dallas Bugt Formation.
 The platform sequences of Inglefield Land and Bache Peninsula show striking similarity in lithology and thickness and the detail correlation is supported by the evidence from isotopic ages of basic sills and from trace fossils. In both areas the bipartite succession is overlain with apparent conformity by dolomites that pass upwards into limestones containing Early Cambrian macrofauna.
 The Rensselaer Bay Formation thickens southwards and passes into the much thicker sedimentary sequence of the Thule Basin, while the Dallas Bugt Formation and the overlying dolomites thicken northwards, indicating that the two formations were laid down in separate sedimentary basins. The close correlation of the platform successions and the corresponding configuration of the depositional slopes on both sides of the Kane Basin clearly indicate that the Proterozoic - Early Cambrian sedimentary pattern has not been radically disturbed by tectonism or by any appreciable transcurrent movement along Nares Strait.

Oxygen isotopic composition of Paleoproterozoic seawater revealed by clumped isotope analysis of dolomite, Vempalle Formation, Cuddapah, India

The Paleoproterozoic (∼2.0–1.9 Ga) Vempalle Formation, in the south-western part of the Cuddapah Basin, is a well-studied Paleoproterozoic succession. Detailed descriptions of sedimentological features, micro-textures, and isotopic compositions of dolomite in the stromatolites and associated lithologies suggest that the succession was deposited on a carbonate ramp. Early burial diagenesis of the dolomite modified the original isotopic signatures. Nonetheless, here we discern evidence for two distinct depositional events based on clumped isotopic signatures preserved within dolomitic stromatolite and the underlying dolomite mud. Dolomitic muds within cherty precipitate record original thermometry signatures from these rocks. Clumped isotope analyses suggest that the lowest temperature of the Paleoproterozoic seawater was 21.8 ± 2 °C, and that its isotopic composition (δ18OVSMOW) during dolomite precipitation at equilibrium was −9.6 ± 0.1‰, which is lighter than that of present-day ocean water. The overlying stromatolitic dolomite exhibits a temperature range of 70.7–109.8 °C, reflecting late-stage diagenetic processes and hydrothermal activity. Hydrothermal fluids were isotopically enriched (up to 4.9‰) suggesting their mantle origin and interaction with evaporative seawater. We evaluated the degree of water-rock interaction with water of heavier isotopic composition that was responsible for the precipitation of late phase dolomite found in the strata overlying carbonate mud.

Formation and preservation of ultra-deep high-quality dolomite reservoirs under the coupling of sedimentation and diagenesis in the central Tarim Basin, NW China

The formation mechanism of high-quality reservoirs is a key issue for ultra-deep (>6000 m) oil and gas exploration. The Lower Cambrian Xiaoerbrak dolomite with a burial depth of more than 7000 m in the Tazhong area of the Tarim Basin still keeps a maximum porosity of up to 20%, which is rare in the world. Based on the identification of meter-scale sedimentary cycles in cored intervals, the main controlling factors on the formation of high-quality reservoirs were discussed. The upper part of the sedimentary cycle is mainly composed of stromatolitic dolomite and oolitic dolomite. Comparatively, quartz-bearing dolomite and algal-bonded dolomite, as the product of low energy depositional environment are dominant in the lower part of each sedimentary cycle. Vugs formed by meteoric dissolution widely exist in the middle-upper part of the sedimentary cycle due to brief to moderate long-term subaerial exposure, whereas the lower part shows low porosity with a few intercrystalline pores. It indicates that subaerial exposure dissolution caused by periodic sea level decline is the main source of pores. The stylolite density and thickness of insoluble residue decrease rapidly from the lower to upper part of each sedimentary cycle. The content of aluminosilicate minerals in dolomite is positively related to the stylolite density, indicating that the aluminosilicate minerals play a promoting role in the pressure solution process. Pure dolomites with the least aluminosilicate minerals content in the upper of the sedimentary cycles have the strongest resistance to pressure solution, which is beneficial to ultra-deep high-quality reservoir preservation. Coupling of sedimentation and diagenesis to illustrate the origin of ultra-deep high-quality dolomite reservoirs is proposed.

A petroliferous Ediacaran microbial-dominated carbonate reservoir play in the central Sichuan Basin, China: Characteristics and diagenetic evolution

Some of the largest gas accumulations in the central Sichuan Basin, south China are hosted in the Ediacaran microbial-dominated dolomite reservoirs. However, recent exploration of the Secondary Member of the Ediacaran Dengying Formation (Z2dn2) has been hampered by an overall lack of understanding of the microbial-dominated dolomite reservoir and its diagenetic evolution process due to its prolonged burial history and complex diagenetic alternation. On the basis of detailed petrographic and geochemical analysis, we have conducted an in-depth investigation on the characteristics, diagenetic sequence and pore evolution process of the microbial-dominated dolomite reservoirs. The main reservoir comprises thromatolitic dolomite, stromatolitic dolomite and straticulate dolomite. Five generations of cement are identified in the microbial dolomite lithofacies. Multiple dissolution, cementation, differential dolomitization, recrystallization and silicification are recognized. Based on elemental geochemistry, carbon and oxygen isotope characteristics, as well as fluid inclusion homogenization temperatures, cements are attributed to six diagenetic stages. The coupling of high-energy deposition, early supergene karsting and dolomitization processes are found to be essential for developing some world-class favorable high-quality microbial-dominated dolomite reservoirs in Z2dn2 in the central Sichuan Basin.

Ediacaran magmatism and rifting along the northern margin of the Tarim craton: Implications for the late Neoproterozoic Rodinia configuration and breakup

Abstract The Tarim craton in modern Central Asia was an important component of the supercontinent Rodinia in the Neoproterozoic, although its paleogeography in Rodinia during that era is still controversial. Here, we present new stratigraphic, geochemical, and geochronological data from the Neoproterozoic sedimentary and volcanic rock successions along the northwestern margin of the Tarim craton and discuss the significance of these data and our interpretations for its tectonic evolution and paleogeographic position within Rodinia. The Lower Ediacaran sedimentary sequence (Sugetbrak Formation) in northwest Tarim includes terrestrial and shallow-marine clastic rocks intercalated with two discrete basaltic lava flows near the top. The Upper Ediacaran sedimentary sequence conformably overlying the volcanic and clastic rocks consists mainly of stromatolitic dolomite (Chigebrak Formation), representing a transgressive shallow-marine environment. Previous U-Pb zircon dating of the basaltic lava flows has constrained the timing of their eruption in the early Ediacaran (615 Ma). Detrital zircon U-Pb dating of a feldspar-quartz-sandstone unit situated between the two lava flows revealed an oldest age of 2517 ± 18 Ma and a youngest age of 612 ± 6 Ma, with a majority of zircon grains (n = 42) dated at 891–754 Ma (Tonian). A quartz-sandstone unit above the upper lava flow revealed an oldest age of 2724 ± 15 Ma and a youngest age of 607 ± 8 Ma, with a missing age group of 891–800 Ma. These data and observations indicate: (1) a major switch in the depositional setting from a terrestrial (synrifting) to shallow-marine environment following the eruption of the upper lava unit; and (2) an abrupt disappearance of the source rocks of the 891–800 Ma zircons and sediments from the provenance of the post-615 Ma (postrifting) sedimentary sequence. The basaltic rocks have low SiO2 and MgO but high total Fe2O3 and TiO2 contents (2.34–3.19 wt%), analogous to high-Ti basalts and continental flood basalts. Their Ti/V ratios (65–88), low Th/Nb ratios (~0.1), and high TiO2/Yb ratios (~1.1) are similar to those of ocean-island basalt (OIB). Combined with their Sm/Yb and La/Sm ratios and Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf isotope values, we infer that magmas of the Sugetbrak basalts were likely derived from partial melting of an enriched mantle source (EM I) in a transitional spinel-garnet lherzolite field. This petrogenetic evolution was a result of mantle plume–influenced rift magmatism during the Ediacaran breakup of Rodinia. The Central Tianshan terrane, which was attached to the northern Tarim craton until the Ediacaran Period, was the provenance of 891–800 Ma (Tonian) zircons in the synrift sedimentary succession. As the Central Tianshan terrane broke away from the Tarim craton after ca. 615 Ma, Tonianaged zircons were no longer available to the depocenter of the postrift sedimentary sequence. The transition from rifting to drifting between the Tarim craton and the Central Tianshan terrane marked the final breakup of Rodinia, a global event that was possibly driven by mantle plume activities coeval with the development of the Central Iapetus magmatic province in Laurentia during the Ediacaran.

Nature of Mineralizing Fluid in Paleoproterozoic Dolomite Hosted Talc Deposits, Cuddapah Basin, India

Abstract Dolomite hosted talc deposits of the Vempalle Formation (VF), Cuddapah basin, Andhra Pradesh produces nearly 6% of total talc demand of India. The strata bound talc zones extending over kilometers along strike have tabular geometry and are concordant with the stratification and primary depositional contacts, though sometimes the talc bodies locally cross-cut the stratification. Field and petrographic evidences suggest that the strata-bound talc deposit, located at the flank of the basin, was formed by replacement of platformal carbonate sequences of the passive margin (stromatolitic dolomite), preserving the primary texture and structure of the host. Lack of anomalous concentrations of V, Fe, Ni, Cr and Co; depletion of Ta, Hf, Zr and Th and Ni, Cu, Pb, Zn in the talc and talc bearing dolomites may be indicative of the absence of magmatic and/or metamorphic source for the mineralization fluid. The igneous intrusions within the Vempalle Formation (VF) – earlier thought to be the source of mineralization fluid – thus are neither coeval with talc mineralization nor they acted as the heat source. Furthermore, depletion of REE, Al3+, K+, Na and Sr in the talc and talc bearing dolomites suggest that the mineralizing fluid was probably evolved from Paleoproterozoic ocean water that was super-saturated with respect to talc and had higher dissolved silica concentration. This evolved fluid source can also explain the supply and sustenance of large volume of water needed for the talcification of the host dolomite.

Biosignatures Associated with Organic Matter in Late Paleoproterozoic Stromatolitic Dolomite and Implications for Martian Carbonates.

The documentation of biosignatures in Precambrian rocks is an important requirement in the search for evidence of life on other ancient planetary surfaces. Three major kinds of biosignatures are crucially important: primary microbial sedimentary textures, diagenetic organomineral assemblages, and stable isotope compositions. This study presents new petrographic, mineralogical, and organic geochemical analyses of biosignatures in dolomitic stromatolites from the Pethei Group (N.W.T., Canada) and the Kasegalik Formation of the Belcher Group (Nunavut, Canada). Both are approximately contemporary late Paleoproterozoic stromatolite-bearing dolomitic units deposited after the Great Oxidation Event. Micro-Raman and optical microscopy are used to identify and characterize possible diagenetic biosignatures, which include close spatial association of diagenetic materials (such as ferric-ferrous oxide and anatase) with disseminated organic matter (OM), dolomitic groundmass textures, and mineralized balls. Many of these petrographic relationships point to the oxidation of OM either biotically or abiotically in association with iron reduction and chemically oscillating reactions. Oxidation of OM in these stromatolites is consistent with the widespread oxidation of biomass during the late Paleoproterozoic Shunga-Francevillian Event. Biosignatures identified in this study are also compared with possible carbonate outcrops on Mars, and thereby contribute a basis for comparison with potential biosignatures in ancient martian terrains. Similarities are drawn between the paleoenvironments of the studied units to the Isidis and Chryse planitia as locations for potential extraterrestrial dolomitic stromatolites.

Permo-Carboniferous Climate Change: Geochemical Evidences from Lower Gondwana Glacial Sediments, Rangit Valley, Sikkim Lesser Himalaya, India

The Rangit Gondwana Basin of Sikkim in the lesser Himalaya witnessed a wide span of climate change during the Permo-Carboniferous period. The principal objective of the present study is to document this Permo-Carboniferous climate change in the form of a geochemical signature preserved in the siliciclastic facies of the Rangit Pebble Slate Formation. The stratigraphic sequences of the Rangit Gondwana Basin are categorically well defined and subdivided into upper and lower sequences on the basis of their depositional environment. The lower sequences of the Rangit Gondwana basin are comprised of massive diamictite with large stromatolitic dolomite boulders and dropstone embedded in the coarser sandstone which indicate the cold glaciomarine environment of deposition, whereas upper sequences consist of repeated alternate beds of sandstone, black shale and coal seam with a regular interval depicting the fluvial and deltaic environment of deposition. The enrichment of SiO2, Al2O3, TiO2, MnO, MgO, and K2O indicates that these sediments were mostly derived from felsic rock source areas. Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) and Index of Compositional Variability (ICV) CaO + Na2O + K2O/Al2O3, and SiO2 vs. (Al2O3 + K2O + Na2O) values suggest that the sediments maturity and paleoclimatic environment deposition of the sediments of lower sequences was cold and semi-humid whereas the deposition of sediments of upper sequences was warm and humid. The A-CN-K ternary plot and CIA vs ICV binary plot also indicate and verify that the source areas were subjected to prolonged intense chemical weathering from low to high grade due to shifting of cold to warm humid paleo-climatic condition.

Organic diagenesis in stromatolitic dolomite and chert from the late Palaeoproterozoic McLeary Formation

Extensive stromatolitic carbonate platforms developed during and after the Palaeoproterozoic Great Oxidation Event (GOE), which records a significant increase of oxygen in the atmosphere and oceans. Stromatolites link biological and non-biological processes through their microscopic organo-sedimentary structures that have the potential to provide information about microbial and diagenetic processes that operate during their formation. This study aims to document the mineralogy and organic geochemistry of microscopic diagenetic structures in the exceptionally-preserved late Palaeoproterozoic stromatolitic dolomite from the McLeary Formation of the Belcher Islands, in Nunavut, Canada. This is done to test the hypothesis that chemically oscillating reactions can influence the formation of diagenetic spheroids such as rosettes, granules, concretions, and botryoids; these reactions occur over short timescales during diagenesis, i.e. before the lithification of the sediment. Decimetre-size columnar stromatolites from the McLeary Formation contain centimetre-size pyrite concretions, which themselves also contain framboids. Inside rounded, black chert concretions and coarse quartz granules, there are filamentous microfossils composed of organic matter partly replaced by pyrite. These observations are consistent with post-depositional oxidation–reduction reactions involving organic matter and sulphate. In comparison, decimetre-size tabular bioherms of millimetre-to-centimetre size stromatolite columns contain microscopic dolomitic carbonate structures including circularly-concentric rosettes, zoned dolomite rhombs, and cavity structures of rounded equidistant laminations, all of which are layered with organic matter. All these diagenetic spheroids co-occur with circularly-concentric, equidistant and laminated minerals associated with degraded organic matter or microfossils. The composition and geometry of these features are consistent with the non-biological oxidation of biological carboxylic acids during diagenetic chemically oscillating reactions. Hence, both biological and non-biological processes play a major role in the precipitation of diagenetic spheroids in McLeary stromatolites. Increased abundance of organic matter as microbial biomass, as well as oxidised halogens and sulphate, led to widespread organic decomposition in the Palaeoproterozoic McLeary Formation. Ultimately, chemically oscillating reactions after periods of oxygenation likely play a more significant role than previously thought in the formation of diagenetic spheroids inside stromatolitic dolomite.

Geological and Geophysical Study in Udheri Khola Area, Nalgad Hydroelectric Project, Jajarkot District, Lesser Himalaya, Western Nepal

Subsidence in carbonate rock is one of common and challenging action in terms of engineering construction. Geological study and geophysical investigation carried out in the intake area of Nalgad Hydroelectric Project Jajarkot, western Nepal Lesser Himalaya. The main objective was to identify the cause of subsidence in the intake area of Nalgad Hydroelectric Project, Jajarkot. Geological study of the area was carried to understand the lithology, thickness and structure of the area.
 The study area comprises two distinct rock units, namely, Dolomite Unit followed up by the Slate Unit. The Dolomite Unit is composed of light grey to grayish white stromatolitic dolomite which is thrusted over the Slate Unit near to Laikham village and Sepu Khola area. The Slate Unit is made up of grayish black to graphitic slate. A thin prominent calcareous horizon wasconfined between Slate Unit.
 2D-Electric Resistivity Tomography (ERT) measurements were deployed in four different lines to investigate the cause of the subsidence in the carbonate terrain. A concentric very high resistivity patch shown by Tomogram ER-D-01 survey line was identified and interpreted as dry cavity. The result of the 2D- ERT survey was correlated with core log data of geotechnical exploration in the suspicious point to ensure the presence of karst in the Dolomite Unit at right bank of Nalsyagu Khola near dam axis of Nalgad Hydroelectric Project. The 2D – ERT survey together with geotechnical investigation is capable of identifying subsurface karst feature as the cause of surface collapse in the area.

Classification of the Paleoproterozoic Gulcheru Formation: Implications on Early Paleogeographic and Tectonic Evolution of the Cuddapah Basin, India

Abstract The Papaghni sub-basin of the Cuddapah basin is an arcuate NW-SE trending intracratonic basin, stretching from Kurnool in the NW to Guvvalacheruvu in the SE, in southern peninsular India. Despite of large number of researches, an understanding of the evolution of the basin is still elusive. The sub-basin preserves records of repeated opening and closing of Paleoproterozoic rifts along the zone of NW-SE trending axis in the East Dharwar craton. Present study was carried out along the southwestern margin of the Papaghni sub-basin, in and around Tadpatri-Gooty-Dhone area, where the successive litho-units are represented by two major unconformity-bound sequences. Each of these sequences are characterized by a distinctive set of litho-assemblage, deposited under diverse tectonic environments with highly variable modes and tempos of sedimentation in an extensional basin. The basin initiated at about 2 Ga and shortly evolved into a shallow sea, with development of wide siliciclastic shelf in an open marine condition, the Gulcheru Formation. Gradually, with time the siliciclastic shelf was replaced by an extensive stromatolitic carbonate platform, the Vempalle Formation. Dedicated fieldwork exemplifies that the initial basin-fill is characterized largely by several cycles of simple, but amalgamated and stacked fanglomerates (alluvial fan to fan-delta) systems developed from several single stream breaches onto the proximal setting of the basin, in a syn-rift setting. These fanglomerates display a fining upward sequence, which progressively passes up to high-energy coastal, tide-storm dominated shelf environments of post-rift setting. This study justifies the subdivision of the Gulcheru Formation into two formal lithostratigraphic members, the Daditota Member and the Karvipalle Member. The Daditota Member directly overlies the granitoid basement and grades upward to Karvipalle Member. Karvipalle Member, comprising predominantly of medium to fine-grained, reddish brown and white quartz arenites of stable shelf deposits, distinctly differs from the conglomerate and very coarse-grained mass-flow dominated deposits of the Daditota Member. The Vempalle Formation overlies the Gulcheru Formation with a gradational contact and consists of stromatolitic dolomite, oolite and shale, developed in a ramp type carbonate platform setting. Gradual transition from siliciclastic to carbonate sequence points to passive margin setting developed during the breakup of the supercontinent Kenorland. Disposition of proximal to distal sequences and northeastern, eastern and southeastern paleocurrent of the sequences advocate a NW-SE shoreline and eastern paleo-slope of the basin.

Sedimentation history and depositional model of Palaeo-Mesoproterozoic Tadpatri Formation, Cuddapah Basin, India

The Tadpatri Formation belonging to the proterozoic intracratonic Cuddapah Basin, in an around Utakonda (15° 16′ 08.80″ N, 77° 52′ 01.77″ E), Shidhanagar-II (15° 13′ 38.72″ N, 77° 50′ 30.84″ E), and Pacharu Mekala Palli (15° 04′ 27.23″ N, 77° 50′ 29.44″ E) area, Andhra Pradesh, Southern India records well-developed successions of shale with lesser amount of stromatolitic dolomite, chert, sandstone, and felsic as well as mafic sill bodies. Three stratigraphic sections are measured. Based on sedimentological studies, 11 facies are identified from the studied area. The array of facies of Tadpatri Formation may be grouped into following facies associations: (a) inner ramp, (b) mid-ramp, and (c) outer ramp. Facies associations along with associated sedimentary structures and stromatolite morphology demonstrate that the Tadpatri Formation in the study area is deposited in a mud-dominant mixed clastic–carbonate ramp setting. Further comparison with age-equivalent formations suggests that the Tadpatri Formation bears many of the classic signatures of proterozoic mixed clastic–carbonate deposits.

DOLOMITIZATION AND POROSITY EVALUATION OF HURMALA FORMATION, GARA ANTICLINE, DOHUK AREA, KURDISTAN REGION, IRAQ

The Khurmala Formation (Late Paleocene – Early Eocene) is well exposed at the southern limb of Gara mountain, Dohuk area, Kurdistan Region of north Iraq. The thickness of the Formation is 91 m and generally consists of buff to grey, medium to thick-bedded stromatolitic dolostone alternating with thin beds of buff to dark gray shale or marlstone. Shale interlayers increased in thickness upwards. The studied section has been divided into three units based on shale ratio. The focus of this study is to investigate the type and origin of the dolomite and its impact on the porosity using field observation, petrologic and petrographic investigations with SEM microscopy. The common dolomite types include (1) Unimodal, cryptocrystalline to fine crystalline dolomite of nonplanar mosaic. This type is associated with the relics of the stromatolites and commonly recognized in the upper part. (2) Unimodal fine to medium crystalline, planar-e to Planar-s dolomite mosaic, which is associated with dolomite horizons showing ghosts or relics of benthic foraminifera, algae, ostracods and other bioclasts. The other types are less common and include (3) Porphorotopic dolomite and (4) Bimodal medium to fine, planer-e to planar-s dolomite mosaic. The latter is associated with dolostone horizons display important moldic and vug porosity. Molds, vugs and intercrystalline porosity are noticed in all types but with variable percentages. Fenestral porosity is common in the stromatolitic dolomite of type one. The vertical distribution of the different type of dolomite and its porosities indicate cyclic alternation of the studied Khurmala section which implies effective eustatic control on deposition and dolomite diagenesis. The dolomitization resulted from a possible combined effect of seawater refluxion and sabkha evaporation mechanisms.

Stratigraphy of the pedogenic manganese nodules in the Carletonville area, North West Province of South Africa: A case study of the General Nice Manganese Mine

The lithostratigraphy of pedogenic manganese (Mn) nodules in the Carletonville area is similar to the Klipkuil, Ryedale, Wes Wits, and Houtkoppies deposits in the West Rand region of the Gauteng and North West Provinces and to a lesser extent the Bronkhorstfontein manganese deposit in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The lithostratigraphy of the ore deposit at the General Nice Manganese Mine consists of a basal manganese wad, preserved in a typical karst setting on top of the underlying Malmani stromatolitic dolomites and Tertiary fluvial and secondary mineral deposits consisting of manganese nodules of variable size in a finer-grained soil matrix. At the top of the deposit is a Mn-depleted Quaternary sand cover. The Tertiary alluvial succession hosting Mn nodules was informally subdivided into A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H zones on the basis of geochemical analyses (XRD, XRF and SEM) of bulk zone samples and the manganese nodule size and concentration.

Isotopic evidence for oxygenated Mesoarchaean shallow oceans

Mass-independent fractionation of sulfur isotopes (MIF-S) in Archaean sediments results from photochemical processing of atmospheric sulfur species in an oxygen-depleted atmosphere. Geological preservation of MIF-S provides evidence for microbial sulfate reduction (MSR) in low-sulfate Paleoarchaean (3.8–3.2 billion years ago (Ga)) and Neoarchaean (2.8–2.5 Ga) oceans, but the significance of MSR in Mesoarchaean (3.2–2.8 Ga) oceans is less clear. Here we present multiple sulfur and iron isotope data of early diagenetic pyrites from 2.97-Gyr-old stromatolitic dolomites deposited in a tidal flat environment of the Nsuze Group, Pongola Supergroup, South Africa. We identified consistently negative Δ33S values in pyrite, which indicates photochemical reactions under anoxic atmospheric conditions, but large mass-dependent sulfur isotope fractionations of ~30‰ in δ34S, identifying active MSR. Negative pyrite δ56Fe values (−1.31 to −0.88‰) record Fe oxidation in oxygen-bearing shallow oceans coupled with biogenic Fe reduction during diagenesis, consistent with the onset of local Fe cycling in oxygen oases ~3.0 Ga. We therefore suggest the presence of oxygenated near-shore shallow-marine environments with ≥5 μM sulfate at this time, in spite of the clear presence of an overall reduced Mesoarchaean atmosphere.

Tonian-Cryogenian boundary sections of Argyll, Scotland

The Tonian-Cryogenian System boundary is to be defined at a GSSP (Global Boundary Stratigraphic Section and Point) beneath the first evidence of widespread glaciation. A candidate lies within the Dalradian Supergroup of Scotland and Ireland, which is least deformed and metamorphosed in Argyll, western Scotland. We present new stratigraphic profiles and interpretations from the Isle of Islay and the Garvellach Islands, update the chemostratigraphy of the Appin Group Tonian carbonates underlying the thick (ca. 1km) glacigenic Port Askaig Formation (PAF) and demonstrate an environmental transition at the contact.The Appin Group forms a regionally extensive, >4km-thick, succession of limestones, shales and sandstones deposited on a marine shelf. On Islay, the upper part of the lithostratigraphy has been clarified by measuring and correlating two sections containing distinctive stratigraphic levels including molar tooth structure, oolite, stromatolitic dolomite and intraclastic microbial mounds. Significantly deeper erosion at the unconformity at the base of the overlying PAF is demonstrated in the southern section. Carbonate facies show a gradual decline in δ13CVPDB from +5 to +2‰ upwards.In NE Garbh Eileach (Garvellach Islands), a continuously exposed section of Appin Group carbonates, 70m thick, here designated the Garbh Eileach Formation (GEF), lies conformably beneath the PAF. The GEF and the GEF-PAF boundary relationships are re-described with new sedimentological logs, petrological and stable isotope data. Interstratified limestone and dolomicrosparite with δ13C of −4 to −7‰ (a feature named the Garvellach anomaly, replacing the term Islay anomaly) are overlain by dolomite in which the isotope signature becomes weakly positive (up to +1‰) upwards. Shallow subtidal conditions become peritidal upwards, with evidence of wave and storm activity. Gypsum pseudomorphs and subaerial exposure surfaces are common near the top of the GEF. The basal diamictite (D1) of the PAF is rich in carbonate clasts similar to slightly deeper-water parts of the underlying succession. D1 is typically several metres thick with interstratified sandstone and conglomerate, but dies out laterally. Scattered siliciclastic coarse sandstone to pebble conglomerate with dropstones associated with soft-sediment deformation is interbedded with carbonate below and above D1. Dolomite beds with derived intraclasts and gypsum pseudomorphs are found above D1 (or equivalent position, where D1 is absent).Published and new Sr isotope studies, including successive leach data, demonstrate primary Tonian 87Sr/86Sr values of 0.7066–0.7069 on Islay, decreasing to 0.7064–0.7066 in the younger GEF limestones on the Garvellachs, with 1700–2700ppmSr. Other typically Tonian characteristics of the carbonates are the Sr-rich nature of limestones, molar tooth structure, and dolomitized peritidal facies with evidence of aridity. Seabed surveys suggesting uniformly-dipping strata and shallow borehole core material illustrate the potential for extending the Tonian record offshore of the Garvellachs.A candidate Tonian-Cryogenian GSSP is proposed on Garbh Eileach within the smooth δ13C profile at the cross-over to positive δ13C signatures, 4m below the first occurrence of ice-rafted sediment and 9m below the first diamictite. Although lacking radiometric constraints or stratigraphically significant biotas or biomarkers, the Scottish succession has a thick and relatively complete sedimentary record of glaciation, coherent carbon and strontium chemostratigraphy, lateral continuity of outcrops and 100% exposure at the proposed boundary interval.

Geochemical and stable isotope signatures of Proterozoic stromatolitic carbonates from the Vempalle and Tadpatri Formations, Cuddapah Supergroup, India: Implications on paleoenvironment and depositional conditions

Spectacular stromatolitic dolomites with varied morphological features are preserved in the Vempalle and Tadpatri Formations of the Proterozoic Cuddapah basin, eastern Dharwar Craton. They exhibit stratifera, columnar, conical, domal and spheroidal/lobate morphologies in which columns are branched at some places (in Tadpatri Formation). Based on their trace elements such as REY and stable isotope compositions (carbon and oxygen) the Vempalle stromatolites have been classified as three types. Vempalle I stromatolites exhibit pronounced positive Eu anomalies with small scale positive Ce anomalies whereas Vempalle II counterparts have slight negative to positive Eu, feeble positive Ce and positive Gd anomalies. Vemaplle III stromatolites display positive Ce, Eu and Gd anomalies. The Tadpatri Formation stromatolites have pronounced Gd anomalies with low order positive Ce and Eu anomalies. Significant depletion in δ18O is observed in Vempalle ranging from – 10.70‰ to −7.07‰ and 20.73‰ to −11.87‰ in Tadpatri Formations. The Tadpatri stromatolites display negative δ13C varying from −4. 56‰ to −1.26‰. Contrarily, the Vempalle stromatolites recorded both positive and negative δ13C ranging from −0.24‰ to 2.00‰ thereby reflecting their deviation from the popular belief of the boring billion concept of displaying Midproterozoic δ13C stasis. The flat REE patterns along with Ce, Eu and Gd anomalies, chondritic to superchondritic Y/Ho ratios collectively reflect on marine water conditions for their deposition with variable inputs of siliciclastic/terrigenous materials and hydrothermal signatures. These cherty dolomitic stromatolites were deposited in subtidal-intertidal-supratidal zones of a shallow shelf of Proterozoic open ocean under warm, alkaline and anoxic conditions.

Paleo-climatic and paleo-environmental evolution of the Neoproterozoic basal sedimentary cover on the Río de La Plata Craton, Argentina: Insights from the δ13C chemostratigraphy

The Sierras Bayas Group of the Tandilia System constitutes the Neoproterozoic sedimentary cover of the Río de La Plata Craton in Argentina that accumulated amid the breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent and subsequent assembly of Gondwanaland. Evidence for glaciation in the Villa Mónica Formation (VMF) at the base of the succession comes in the form of iron-rich laminated sediments containing dropstones composed predominantly of basement crystalline rocks and quartzites that, are sequentially overlain by a phosphatic mudstone and a ~40m thick stromatolitic dolomite. Subtidal facies preserve columnar forms similar to post-glacial tubestone stromatolites seen in the Neoproterozoic records. These morphologies suggest rapid growth associated with elevated seawater alkalinity and high rates of carbonate accumulation records. The VMF dolomites in our four studied sections near Olavarría-Sierras Bayas area reveal a pronounced negative-to-positive δ13C up section that is similarly to these cap carbonates and others worldwide. Our sedimentological and geochemical study of the VMF sections reveal consistent carbon and oxygen isotope trends that may be useful for detailed intra-basinal correlations. Samples of the VMF fabric-retentive dolomite preserve an unusually narrow range of non-radiogenic strontium isotopic compositions (0.7068 to 0.7070) that are consistent with Cryogenian limestone facies in the potential Namibian and Brazilian equivalents. Exceptional preservation of 87Sr/86Sr compositions suggest the possibility of primary dolomite precipitation in post-glacial seawater, and furthermore that REE patterns and distributions may yield similar insights to redox conditions in the depositional basin. In particular, the VMF dolomites reveal depleted LREE abundances, a negative Ce anomaly, positive La and Gd anomalies, and low Y/Ho values. As a whole, these observations suggest oxidizing post-glacial seawater conditions associated with significant freshwater inputs into the basin. Global warming and increases in primary productivity and organic carbon burial linked to the buildup of oxygen, the positive δ13C trend and the increase in stromatolite biodiversity in the VMF.

Chemostratigraphy of the lower Bambuí Group, southwestern São Francisco Craton, Brazil: insights on Gondwana paleoenvironments

ABSTRACT: The Bambuí Group, the most extensive carbonate-siliciclastic cover on the São Francisco craton, has been a matter of debate because of its potential correlations to global glacial events. Unfortunately, most available chemostratigraphic data came from samples collected on surface rock exposures, ever susceptible to the aggressive chemical weathering that characterizes the southeastern Brazil. On the other hand, we present here high-resolution chemostratigraphic studies based on C, O and Sr isotopic data from 53 samples collected along a weathering-free, continuous, 175 m thick sedimentary succession. This succession was recovered by borehole drilling in the southwestern São Francisco craton, where occur the Carrancas and Sete Lagoas formations, the lowermost units of the Bambuí Group. The drill cores reveal extremely irregular contacts between the basal diamictite and its basement, an Archaean foliated granodiorite. Geochronological and sedimentological data strongly suggest that the diamictite represents a lodgement till. This glaciogenic deposit is covered by a limestone succession which starts with impure carbonates showing aragonite pseudomorph fans and thin bands of black shale. The limestone pile grades to a marl-mudstone interval, which turns to a carbonate with biological components, succeeded by stromatolitic dolomite at the top. C and O isotopic signatures (referred to V-PDB) allow to the subdivision of the lower carbonate-pelite section into three intervals. The first isotopic interval corresponds to a cap carbonate, and displays negative values of δ13C (c . -4‰), and a large oscillation of the δ18O (-6 to -15‰). The Interval II shows a striking homogeneity in δ13C and δ18O, around 1‰ and -7‰, respectively. At the top, Interval III shows a large positive excursion of the δ13C (up to 8‰) and δ18O (-8 to -3‰) values. Unaltered 86Sr/87Sr ratios range from 0.7075 to 0.7077, mainly at the top of the section. The geochemistry of the carbonates is controlled by their terrigenous content (mostly quartz and clay minerals) which is concentrated in the lower units. Samples free of terrigenous contamination show Y/Ho ratios ranging from 25 to 50, suggesting a freshwater input during carbonate deposition. It is concluded that the diamictite has a glaciogenic origin and is covered by a cap carbonate. This pair has been identified along the basin and is related to one of the main Neoproterozoic glaciations. Discrepancy between the 86Sr/87Sr values and the global variation curves can be related to freshwater input during the carbonate deposition. Based on the regional tectonic context, the Bambuí Basin may have been a restricted marine basin, totally or partially surrounded by mountain ranges within Gondwana, in the Neoproterozoic/Paleozoic boundary. In its early stages, the sedimentation was influenced by a global glacial event, whose melting phase was responsible by freshwater input in the basin. The gradual rise of the temperature was followed by an increase of the biological activity. Finally, a sudden increase in the biological activity could have been driven by paleogeographic changes caused by the active tectonic.