马来西亚沙巴州出露大面积的蛇绿岩套,其中以KET蛇绿岩和Chert-Spilite (Cs)组硅质岩和碎屑岩为代表。笔者以沙巴州Cs组中的砂岩为研究对象,对碎屑锆石U-Pb年龄进行分析,其结果显示样品KDS-Cs-1碎屑锆石年龄具有190~68 Ma (22%)、279~21...马来西亚沙巴州出露大面积的蛇绿岩套,其中以KET蛇绿岩和Chert-Spilite (Cs)组硅质岩和碎屑岩为代表。笔者以沙巴州Cs组中的砂岩为研究对象,对碎屑锆石U-Pb年龄进行分析,其结果显示样品KDS-Cs-1碎屑锆石年龄具有190~68 Ma (22%)、279~213 Ma (18%)、627~315 Ma(22%)和2 788~976 Ma (37%)四个区段分布特征,主峰值分别为117 Ma、234 Ma、415 Ma和1877 Ma。样品BLR-Cs-1碎屑锆石年龄具有196~90 Ma (20%)、350~212 Ma (19%)、770~404Ma (12%)和3 423~873 Ma (48%)四个分区特征,主峰值分别为104 Ma、249 Ma、509 Ma和1848 Ma。Cs组砂岩碎屑锆石年龄图谱表明前寒武纪锆石居多,其中还发现了一颗古太古代(3 423Ma)的锆石。通过对比与分析沙巴周边块体构造演化、地质特征和碎屑锆石年龄图谱,推测沙巴Cs组砂岩物源区主要为华夏-南海北部陆块、南沙地块和印支地块。展开更多
Geochemical analysis reveals that Middle Triassic radiolarian cherts from northern Thailand,including Chiang Dao,Lamphun and Den Chai,are of biogenic origin.These cherts present slightly high SiO2 content which was po...Geochemical analysis reveals that Middle Triassic radiolarian cherts from northern Thailand,including Chiang Dao,Lamphun and Den Chai,are of biogenic origin.These cherts present slightly high SiO2 content which was possibly modified by diagenetic alteration and migration processes as indicated by negative correlation between SiO2 and most of the other major elements.The relatively high content of Cr,Zr,Hf,Rb and Th and high positive correlation of these elements with Al and Ti from the majority of cherts suggest a close relation to terrigenous component.The Ce anomaly（Ce/Ce＊） with geometric means ranging from 0.85 to 0.93 is compatible with that of continental margin composi-tion（0.67-1.52） from Murray et al.（1990） which is also consistent with low Eu anomalies（Eu/Eu＊,0.91-0.94）.Moreover,the slightly low ratios of La and Ce NASC normalized（Lan/Cen,0.91-0.94） and the low LREE and HREE ratios in most of our samples（Lan/Ybn,0.62-0.85） are in agreement with the continental margin.The result from Lan/Cen vs.Al2O3/（Al2O3＋Fe2O3） discrimination diagrams also supports the continental margin（residual basin,s.str.） interpretation.These geochemical results are compatible with geological evidence,which suggest that during the Middle Triassic,radio-larian cherts were deposited within a deeper part of a residual basin in which an accommoda-tion space was possibly controlled by faults un-der extensional regime subsequent to Late Variscan（Permian） orogeny.Paleogeographi-cally,the main Paleotethys which closed during Late Triassic should be located further to the west of these study localities.This scenario is in agreement with the current view of the Tethys in this part of the world.展开更多
In the southwestern Tianshan,the geologic ages of many strata and their depositional environments are still poorly constrained because of complex structures.The Mada＇er area is located in the Kuokesaleling belt,South...In the southwestern Tianshan,the geologic ages of many strata and their depositional environments are still poorly constrained because of complex structures.The Mada＇er area is located in the Kuokesaleling belt,Southwestern Tianshan.The cherts from the former Wupata＇erkan Group contain abundant radiolarian fossils,including 10 species which are identified as late Devonian to early Carboniferous in age.Eleven chert samples have SiO_2 contents ranging from 88.80 wt%to 93.28 wt%, and 2.02 wt%to 3.72 wt%for Al_2O_3.The SiO_2/Al_2O_3 ratios of all samples vary from 23.84 to 46.11, much lower than those of the pure cherts（80-1400）.These values suggest that the cherts contain high ratios of terrigenous materials.The Al_2O_3/（Al_2O_3＋Fe_2O_3）ratios vary between 0.64 and 0.77,whereas V and Cu concentrations range from 10.92 ppm to 26.7 ppm and from 2.15 ppm to 34.1 ppm respectively. The Ti/V ratios vary from 25.53 to 44.93.The total REE concentrations of the cherts are between 30.78 ppm and 59.26 ppm,averaging 45.46 ppm.The（La/Ce）_N ratios range from 0.81 to 1.12,and 0.88-1.33 for（La/Yb）_N,averaging 1.09,which suggests a continental margin environment.Consequently,it is inferred that the cherts formed in a residual sea environment during the late Devonian to early Carboniferous time,which suggests that the collision between the Karakum-Tarim and Kazakhstan-Junggar plates did not occur at the time.In addition,the regional geological information indicates that the study area experienced a post-collision stage during the early Permian,and thus it is likely that the collision between the two plates took place in the late Carboniferous.展开更多
The first data of geochemical study of the Benevka Section cherty rocks belonging to the Taukha terrane of the Sikhote-Alin Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous accretionary prism, Russia Far East are presented. These data ...The first data of geochemical study of the Benevka Section cherty rocks belonging to the Taukha terrane of the Sikhote-Alin Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous accretionary prism, Russia Far East are presented. These data demonstrate essential distinctions of major, trace and rare earth element concentrations in different parts of the measured stratigraphic section. The lower chert horizons exhibit high Fe2O3 and MnO contents, low concentrations of Al2O3 and TiO2, relatively high V/Y ratio, and extremely low value of negative Ce anomaly. In contrast the upper horizons composed of clayey cherts and siliceous mudstones are characterized by high Al2O3, TiO2 and K2O contents, low Fe2O3 and MnO values, low V/Y ratio, and slightly negative Ce anomaly. In the middle part of the Benevka Section, in which cherts gradually changed to clayey cherts, intermediate geochemical characteristics are present. Based on these data obtained the depositional environments correspond to proximal to the spreding ridge, open-ocean and near continental margin regimes were successfully reconstructed from bottom to top of the Benevka Section, that indicate that significant horizontal movement took place of the sea-floor, on which the cherts were deposited.展开更多
Bedded cherts occurring in the Early Permian Gufeng Formation in the Lower Yangtze region, eastern China, are nearly 20-80 m in thickness and contain varying amounts of radiolarians and sponge spicules. There are thre...Bedded cherts occurring in the Early Permian Gufeng Formation in the Lower Yangtze region, eastern China, are nearly 20-80 m in thickness and contain varying amounts of radiolarians and sponge spicules. There are three types of section for the Gufeng Formation: chert, carbonate and chert-carbonate mixing types. Bedded cherts mainly occur in the first and third types of section. The depocentres of silica are marked by some small (not larger than a few thousand square kilometres in area) rhombic or elliptic hollows and their formation was controlled by faults. Argillaceous volcanic rocks in cherts occur as numerous thin layers. Bedded cherts are characterized by higher Fe and lower Al contents, enrichment in such trace elements as As, Sb, Bi, Ga, Au, Ag and Cr, lower total REE abundance, negative Ce anomaly and varying degrees of HREE enrichment. These characteristics are important evidence for hydrothermal cherts. Minor amounts of substances of non-hydrothermal origin are mixed in the cherts. The temperatures of sea water range approximately from a few tens of degrees to over 160℃. during the deposition of siliceous sediments.展开更多
The eastern Hexi Corridor, northwest China, is located at the tectonic junction of the Alxa Block, the North China Craton, and the Qinling-Qilian Orogen. The early Paleozoic Xiangshan Group record critical information...The eastern Hexi Corridor, northwest China, is located at the tectonic junction of the Alxa Block, the North China Craton, and the Qinling-Qilian Orogen. The early Paleozoic Xiangshan Group record critical information regarding paleoenvironment, paleoclimate and paleotectonic setting, from which we here present a focused study on the chert beds within the Xiangshan Group. Through field mapping, microstructural observation, whole-rock geochemistry analyses and detrital zircon dating, we suggest that the Xiangshan Group chert was deposited along a passive continental margin, formed primarily through biological activity with minor hydrothermal influence and terrestrial input. The characteristics of the chert support a low latitude sedimentary paleoenvironmental origin, and reveal the fact that the Alxa Block was separated from the North China craton, while emerged some paleogeographic affinity with the Qilian region in the Middle-Late Cambrian.展开更多
Permian radiolarian biostratigraphy was reexamined in the bedded chertsection in Qinzhou area of southeast Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, South China. On the basis ofthe analyses of characteristic radiolarian compo...Permian radiolarian biostratigraphy was reexamined in the bedded chertsection in Qinzhou area of southeast Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, South China. On the basis ofthe analyses of characteristic radiolarian composition, six radiolarian zones are recognized,namely, Pseudoalbaillella longtanensis Zone, Pseudoalbaillella globosa Zone, Follicucullusmonacanthus Zone, Follicucullus scholasticus Zone, Follicucullus charveti Zone and Neoalbaillellaornithoformis Zone, in ascending order. Correlation of these radiolarian zones with those in Japanis presented. The Neoalbaillella ornithoformis Zone was firstly discovered in Dachongling Section,which may indicate that pelagic chert of the late Permian existed there, according to theco-occurring conodonts.展开更多
The Permian Chert Event is of great significance to understanding the geological evolution of the entire Permian; however,the origin of widespread chert formation is debated. We report new geochemical data from deep-m...The Permian Chert Event is of great significance to understanding the geological evolution of the entire Permian; however,the origin of widespread chert formation is debated. We report new geochemical data from deep-marine siliceous rocks of the upper Permian Da-long Formation, Lower Yangtze region, southeastern China. Their geochemical results show that these thin-bedded siliceous rocks have a clear biologic origin, with rare to no evidence of hydrothermal influence. The values of Al/(Al + Fe + Mn) and Eu/Eu~* are 0.60-0.84(mean = 0.72) and 0.45-1.08(mean = 0.77), respectively, and Mn/Ti ratios are relatively low(mean = 0.72). The correlations of LaN/CeN, LaN/YbN, and Fe203/Ti02 with Al_2 O_3/(Al_2 O_3 + Fe_2 O_3), along with the Ce anomaly, indicate that the Da-long siliceous rocks were deposited at a transitional zone between a continental margin and the open ocean; i.e., relatively close to terrestrial sediment input and far from hydrothermal activity. The accumulation of chert is related to its unique paleogeographic location in an equatorial setting with many submarine paleo-highlands.Intense upwelling and frequent local volcanism are the main factors that promoted the development of siliceous rocks in the studied area. Ocean acidification triggered by large-scale volcanism(Large Igneous Province) during the late Permian led to extensive silica precipitation and preservation.展开更多
The sedimentary sequence of the Lower Cambrian is a key interval to reveal the early evolution history of the Earth and there occur widespread cherts worldwide. These cherts possibly carry important information to dec...The sedimentary sequence of the Lower Cambrian is a key interval to reveal the early evolution history of the Earth and there occur widespread cherts worldwide. These cherts possibly carry important information to decipher the breakup process of the Rodinia Continent. Black rock series at the bottom of the Lower Cambrian in the Northern Tarim Basin, China, is composed of black shales interbedded with thin-bedded cherts. Ten chert samples were systematically collected from two outcrops at Xiaoerbulak and Sogatbulak, 8.8 and 7.5 m thick respectively. The cherts were crushed, and were analyzed for trace element and rare earth concentrations. Trace elements such as V, Cu, Zn, U, Pb, Ba, Cd, Ag, Mo, As and Sb are highly enriched, and others such as Rb, Zr, Cs, Hf, Ta, W, Tl, Bi and Th are highly depleted in the cherts. These trace element patterns suggest that the cherts may be of deep crustal origin. The low ratios of Th/U and Rb/Sr further suggest that the cherts are of earth interior sources or received hydrothermal input during their deposition. Chondrite- normalized Eu/Eu* value markedly decreases upward in the section from 5.54 at the lowermost to 0.73 at the top, and NASC-normalized Eu/Eu* value decreases from 8.05 to 1.03. The relatively high Eu/Eu* ratio for the cherts from the northern Tarim Basin is most likely due to a hydrothermal input (e.g., Eu/Eu* ~10). The systematic decrease of Eu/Eu* ratio from the bottom to the top of the section reflects that the hydrothermal input is the largest in the lowermost portion of the section and gradually decreases upward. The chondrite-normalized Ce/Ce* ratio ranges from 0.42 to 0.83, with an average of 0.60. North American Shale Composite (NASC)-normalized Ce/Ce* ratio ranges from 0.42 to 0.79, with an average of 0.57. Negative Ce anomalies are distinct. ΣREEs in the cherts generally increase from 10.50 ppm at the bottom to 35.97 ppm at the top of the sampled section. NASC-normalized (La/Lu) N ratio decreases from 2.72 at the bottom to 0.67 at the top. NASC-normalized (La/Ce) N ratio increases from 1.36 at the bottom to 3.13 at the top. These REE patterns are very similar to those for the cherts deposited in the pelagic ocean-basin floor in the Franciscan Complex exposed at Marin Headlands, California (F-MH chert) (Murray et al., 1991). These geochemical signatures are inconsistent with our previous sedimentological data, which suggests a continental shelf setting. Based on multiple lines of evidence including high TOC content in the concomitant black shales, phosphorite at the bottom of black rock series, regional rise of sea level, and beginning of the southern Tianshan Ocean geotectonic cycle, the authors infer that the hydrothermal fluid was carried to the continental shelf by upwelling from a divergent pelagic ocean floor setting.展开更多
Through microscopic and SEM observations and X-ray diffraction and energy spectrum analyses, the oldest sponge spicules and radiolarians have been found in bedded cherts and it is proposed that microbial activity of a...Through microscopic and SEM observations and X-ray diffraction and energy spectrum analyses, the oldest sponge spicules and radiolarians have been found in bedded cherts and it is proposed that microbial activity of algae and bacteria played an important role in silica precipitation. The microbial activity resulted in the formation of a series of single crystals and crystal aggregates with peculiar shapes. Biogenic single crystals usually occur in spherical, rod, platy, colloidal and granular forms. The most common aggregates are framboidal aggregates composed of dense spherical quartz crystals, which are considered to be of typical bacterial origin. Other aggregates, such as favositic, double-spherical, chain-spherica'l and coccoid ones, are considered to be probably the result of silicification of algal cells and mainly of primary sedimentary origin. This paper also discusses the ultrastructural features and diagnostic indications of jasper rocks formed in a submarine hydrothermal environment and cherts formed by replacement and diagenetic recrystallisation.展开更多
The Ediacaran to Cambrian transition witnessed great biological and environmental turnovers from the Precambrian to Phanerozoic.These changes are also reflected by the fossil records during that time.However,the fossi...The Ediacaran to Cambrian transition witnessed great biological and environmental turnovers from the Precambrian to Phanerozoic.These changes are also reflected by the fossil records during that time.However,the fossil distribution was highly heterogenous.While diverse fossils were constantly found from the shallow shelf including restricted basins,reports from deep-water areas,which are characterized by chert-dominated formations straddling the Ediacaran-Cambrian boundary,were scarce.Among them was the Liuchapo Formation that has been considered barren.In this study,a fossiliferous assemblage was found from the Liuchapo Formation in east Guizhou Province,South China.This assemblage comprises Palaeopascichnus jiumenensis,Horodyskia minor,multicellular algae that possibly related with red algae,cyanobacteria,sponge spicules,small shelly fossils,membrane structures of uncertain affinity,and fossils with structures resemble the Ediacaran Megasphaera.Palaeopascichnus and Horodyskia have been widely reported and abundant in the Liuchapo Formation and equivalents,while the others have seldomly,or never,been found from this formation or,more widely,the deep-water chert of transitional interval.The discovery not only contributes to the rare paleontological records preserved in deep-water sediments,but also expanded the geographic distribution of the fossils,providing new materials of biological diversity during this critical interval.展开更多
The article presents the results of a comparative geochemical study of cherts and siliceous-clayey rocks composing the tectono-sedimentary complexes of various structural levels of the Taukha terrain of the Sikhote-Al...The article presents the results of a comparative geochemical study of cherts and siliceous-clayey rocks composing the tectono-sedimentary complexes of various structural levels of the Taukha terrain of the Sikhote-Alin Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous accretionary prism.The data obtained show that the same-aged parts of the crosssections of the cherty-terrigenous sequences of the terrane lower and middle structural levels are characterized by significantly different contents and distribution patterns of major petrogenic oxides,trace,and rare-earth elements due to their accumulation in various facies of oceanic zones.The set of geochemical data indicates that the formation of both tectono-sedimentary complexes was carried out differently,gradually replacing each others’facies oceanic zones,and started in the near-spreading ridge area,then in the pelagial,and completed in the continental-margin deposition environment.Based on the time interval of the facies conditions changing for each complex(i.e.,time of transition from one facies zone to another),the speeds of a paleo-oceanic plate motion(and,correspondingly,the speeds of spreading)for individual intervals of the Jurassic were calculated.Differences in the spreading speeds at various sites of a paleorift zone caused the turning of a paleocontinent margin contour and spreading ridge axis at the perpendicular position,which in turn caused change of the geodynamic mode on the eastern margin of the PaleoAsian continent at the Jurassic-Cretaceous transition.展开更多
Chert clast-bearing epi-continental neritic-terrestrial Jurassic and Cretaceous sequences are sporadically distributed in southwestern Japan. Typical and geological entities are the Torinosu Group and Tetori Group. Ra...Chert clast-bearing epi-continental neritic-terrestrial Jurassic and Cretaceous sequences are sporadically distributed in southwestern Japan. Typical and geological entities are the Torinosu Group and Tetori Group. Radiolarian dating of chert clasts enables us to discuss denudation stages of mid Mesozoic accretionary complexes. Chert clast-dominated conglomerate can be used for identifying marine beds within terrestrial sequences.展开更多
The Xialu chert, which contains abundant biological information, were investigated by major element analysis, micro-Raman, SEM and EPMA. The results show that SiO2 content of chert is 84.12%-93.08%, averaging 89.84%. ...The Xialu chert, which contains abundant biological information, were investigated by major element analysis, micro-Raman, SEM and EPMA. The results show that SiO2 content of chert is 84.12%-93.08%, averaging 89.84%. The close packed structures of low degree crystallinity of quartz indicate the hydrothermal origin. SiO2 of modern hot springs exhibit loose silica pellets and nodular, beaded structures. Under polarization microscope, the presence of biological skeleton structures indicate that biological activities are involved in the hydrothermal deposition, which correspond to the geochemical characteristics: w(SiO2)/ w(K2O+Na2O), w(SiO2)/w(Al2O3) and w(SiO2)/w(MgO), with average values of 295.29, 68.88 and 284.45, respectively. SiO2 is enriched in the organism(radiolarian) centers, the degree order of SiO2 within the biologic structures is much higher than that of outside. The impurity minerals albites are formed earlier than the original deposition. Kaolinites, feldspars and mixture of organic materials display lower degree of crystallinities and accumulate as vermicular aggregates.展开更多
Granitoids,volcanic rocks and cherts,mainly of early Paleozoic,in northern Altyn Tagh(Fig.1) are analyzed here for the purpose of the determination of the tectonic environments and their development since Early Paleoz...Granitoids,volcanic rocks and cherts,mainly of early Paleozoic,in northern Altyn Tagh(Fig.1) are analyzed here for the purpose of the determination of the tectonic environments and their development since Early Paleozoic.(1) Granitoids\ The collection of 128 main\|element petrochemical data from North Altyn Tagh area shows that most of the granitoids here are granites and granodiorites of calc\|alkaline series.They consist mainly of metaluminous and peraluminous in Shand’s index,and only one of them,which belongs to Mesozoic,is peralkaline.Most of the granitoids plot in the IAG+CAG+CCG fields in the Maniar and Piccoli’s diagrams (1989) for tectonic discrimination of granitoids.IAG (Island arc granitoids)and CAG (Continental arc granitoids) can be distinguished for Early and Late Paleozoic granitoids,and maybe some CCG (Continental collision granitoids) for Early Paleozoic.Granitoids of Mesozoic and Cenozoic inherited the characteristics of those of Paleozoic.Destructive active plate margin (pre\|plate collision)and Anatectic magmatism(syn\|orogenic,S\|type granites)are distinguished (Fig.2)for Paleozoic granitoids using de la Roche R 1\| R 2 multicationic diagram (Batchelor and Bowden,1985).Mesozoic and Cenozoic granitoids inherited the characteristics of Anatectic magmatism (syn\|orogenic)of these early ones,and post\|orogenic(A\|type)granites occurred in Mesozoic.The mechanism for magma formation is mainly partial melting.展开更多
This paper reports for the first time on the microfossils discovered in the black cherts of the basal part of the Lower Cambrian Shuijingtuo Formation at Miaohe village, Zigui County, Hubei Province, all of which were...This paper reports for the first time on the microfossils discovered in the black cherts of the basal part of the Lower Cambrian Shuijingtuo Formation at Miaohe village, Zigui County, Hubei Province, all of which were observed in thin sections. Nine genera, 9 species and 3 indeterminate species (including a new species) are described. According to these microfossils, the conclusion is made that the microfossil zone may be equivalent to the small shelly fossil assemblage zones 2—3 of the Meishucun stage. They have provided another important line of evidence for the correlation of the Sinian-Cambrian boundary strata with those of the adjacent areas.展开更多
The Permian is an important period for the deposition of siliceous rocks on a global scale,but the genesis of chert is still controversial.To better understand the mechanism of chert nodules deposition from Qixia Form...The Permian is an important period for the deposition of siliceous rocks on a global scale,but the genesis of chert is still controversial.To better understand the mechanism of chert nodules deposition from Qixia Formation(P1q)(Lower Yangtze Plate,China),we analyzed the major,trace and rare earth elements of these chert nodule samples(CN)and surrounding rock samples(SR)using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry(ICPMS)and X-ray fluorescence(XRF)technique.The redox state,siliceous sources and depositional environment analysis show that CN have higher contents of SiO2,Fe2O3 and MnO comparing with SR,and their geochemical properties are different.Trace and rare earth elements characteristics reveal that nodules were deposited under the action of biochemistry in the basin,no terrigenous materials contamination was observed and the contribution of upwelling was emphasized.The Al/(Al+Fe+Mn),Fe/Ti and Al-Fe-Mn discrimination diagram indicated the chert nodules are influenced by hydrothermal action.Evidence from redox-sensitive elements such as Th,U,V and Sc suggests that nodules were deposited in a reducing environment.In the convective mixing of hydrothermal action and normal seawater,excessive dissolved silicon and nutrients are absorbed and precipitated by biological action,and then transported by upwelling to shallow water for deposition.All the evidence comes from the trace elements enrichment characters,Rare earth elements and Y(REY)distribution patterns and La/La^(*),Ce/Ce^(*),Eu/Eu^(*),LREE/HREE,Y/Ho and∑REE characteristics.展开更多
Sedimentary chert phases from the Archean to the present are widely used to trace sedimentary environments and tectonic settings.Recently,chert nodules occurring within carbonates have been the subject of possible hyd...Sedimentary chert phases from the Archean to the present are widely used to trace sedimentary environments and tectonic settings.Recently,chert nodules occurring within carbonates have been the subject of possible hydrothermal or biogenic origin,in lieu of a diagenetic origin.However,chert nodules from a vast cratonic basin represent extremely rich silica accumulations but less noted is how they respond to submarine hydrothermal activity(and/or surface siliceous organism productivity).The links between the cratonic-type chert depositions and environmental changes regarding cratonic evolution need to be revisited at a large temporal-spatial scale.The chert nodules are widespread throughout the Lower Permian Taiyuan Formation in the North China Craton(NCC).Several Taiyuan chert-rich successions across the NCC have been selected to study possible links between chert deposition and cratonic evolution in scenario of partial cratonic activation of the northern NCC margin during the Late Paleozoic.Based on stratigraphic correlation,the chert nodules are ubiquitously,evenly distributed throughout the Taiyuan Formation at a large craton-basin scale from the northern to southern interior NCC.Petrological results,elemental abundances,together with silicon and oxygen isotopic compositions of chert samples infer significant hydrothermal contributions for the silica accumulations.Therefore,the cratonic-scale chert depositions of hydrothermal origin infer a giant and remote silica reservoir,linking to the large igneous province and magmatism in the NCC northern margins.The Taiyuan chert nodules could be unique marine sedimentary archives recording the Late Paleozoic NCC partial activation,which also generated continental records of igneous rocks,bauxites and tuffs.The strong tectonics of the northern margin,south-dipping topography and northward transgression of the Early Permian NCC facilitated the chert deposition on the shallow marine platform in the cratonic interior.展开更多
New oxygen and hydrogen isotope ratios of chert from middle, intraformational breccias, and upper breccia members of the Sixtymile Formation（SMF） in eastern Grand Canyon National Park（AZ） yield palaeoclimate estim...New oxygen and hydrogen isotope ratios of chert from middle, intraformational breccias, and upper breccia members of the Sixtymile Formation（SMF） in eastern Grand Canyon National Park（AZ） yield palaeoclimate estimates between 27 and 33℃. The isotopic compositions of cherts define a domain approximately parallel to the meteoric water line when plotted on a δD–δ-（18）O diagram; these data indicate that meteoric water was involved during formation of the chert. In thin section, the absence of interlocking mega quartz（〉35 lm） and silicafilled fractures and veins, along with preserved micromorphological silica fabrics, suggest that the chert has not been permeated by later hydrothermal fluids. Petrographic observations in thin section such as cyclic silica precipitation phases and glaebular micromorphologic fabrics lend support to the interpretation that meteoric waters were involved during chert precipitation. The post 742 Ma SMF has been correlated with diamictite（transition） beds of the Kingston Peak Formation（CA）, which in turn have been interpreted to have been deposited during the Sturtian Ice Age（-750–700 Ma）. Absence of facetted and striated clasts and other diagnostic glaciogenic features in the SMF,an unconformable contact with the stratigraphically older Chuar Group, coupled with warm palaeotemperature data inferred from stable isotope values of chert, tentatively suggest that deposition of sediment in the SMF likely did not take place during the Sturtian Ice Age.展开更多
Rock-magnetic methods prove that the cultures in Moravia (Europe) 15,000 - 11,500 years ago might know the technique how to enhance knapping properties of Jurassic chert and Cretaceous flint in order to make stone tools.
文摘马来西亚沙巴州出露大面积的蛇绿岩套,其中以KET蛇绿岩和Chert-Spilite (Cs)组硅质岩和碎屑岩为代表。笔者以沙巴州Cs组中的砂岩为研究对象,对碎屑锆石U-Pb年龄进行分析,其结果显示样品KDS-Cs-1碎屑锆石年龄具有190~68 Ma (22%)、279~213 Ma (18%)、627~315 Ma(22%)和2 788~976 Ma (37%)四个区段分布特征,主峰值分别为117 Ma、234 Ma、415 Ma和1877 Ma。样品BLR-Cs-1碎屑锆石年龄具有196~90 Ma (20%)、350~212 Ma (19%)、770~404Ma (12%)和3 423~873 Ma (48%)四个分区特征,主峰值分别为104 Ma、249 Ma、509 Ma和1848 Ma。Cs组砂岩碎屑锆石年龄图谱表明前寒武纪锆石居多,其中还发现了一颗古太古代(3 423Ma)的锆石。通过对比与分析沙巴周边块体构造演化、地质特征和碎屑锆石年龄图谱,推测沙巴Cs组砂岩物源区主要为华夏-南海北部陆块、南沙地块和印支地块。
基金supported mainly by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 40772143)the Special Fund of the State Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resources,China University of Geosciencesthe Faculty of Science,Mahasarakham University
文摘Geochemical analysis reveals that Middle Triassic radiolarian cherts from northern Thailand,including Chiang Dao,Lamphun and Den Chai,are of biogenic origin.These cherts present slightly high SiO2 content which was possibly modified by diagenetic alteration and migration processes as indicated by negative correlation between SiO2 and most of the other major elements.The relatively high content of Cr,Zr,Hf,Rb and Th and high positive correlation of these elements with Al and Ti from the majority of cherts suggest a close relation to terrigenous component.The Ce anomaly（Ce/Ce＊） with geometric means ranging from 0.85 to 0.93 is compatible with that of continental margin composi-tion（0.67-1.52） from Murray et al.（1990） which is also consistent with low Eu anomalies（Eu/Eu＊,0.91-0.94）.Moreover,the slightly low ratios of La and Ce NASC normalized（Lan/Cen,0.91-0.94） and the low LREE and HREE ratios in most of our samples（Lan/Ybn,0.62-0.85） are in agreement with the continental margin.The result from Lan/Cen vs.Al2O3/（Al2O3＋Fe2O3） discrimination diagrams also supports the continental margin（residual basin,s.str.） interpretation.These geochemical results are compatible with geological evidence,which suggest that during the Middle Triassic,radio-larian cherts were deposited within a deeper part of a residual basin in which an accommoda-tion space was possibly controlled by faults un-der extensional regime subsequent to Late Variscan（Permian） orogeny.Paleogeographi-cally,the main Paleotethys which closed during Late Triassic should be located further to the west of these study localities.This scenario is in agreement with the current view of the Tethys in this part of the world.
基金supported by National 305 Project(2007BAB25B05,2011BAB06B02- 04)NSFC grant(40925006,40772045,40572047)111 Project(B07011)
文摘In the southwestern Tianshan,the geologic ages of many strata and their depositional environments are still poorly constrained because of complex structures.The Mada＇er area is located in the Kuokesaleling belt,Southwestern Tianshan.The cherts from the former Wupata＇erkan Group contain abundant radiolarian fossils,including 10 species which are identified as late Devonian to early Carboniferous in age.Eleven chert samples have SiO_2 contents ranging from 88.80 wt%to 93.28 wt%, and 2.02 wt%to 3.72 wt%for Al_2O_3.The SiO_2/Al_2O_3 ratios of all samples vary from 23.84 to 46.11, much lower than those of the pure cherts（80-1400）.These values suggest that the cherts contain high ratios of terrigenous materials.The Al_2O_3/（Al_2O_3＋Fe_2O_3）ratios vary between 0.64 and 0.77,whereas V and Cu concentrations range from 10.92 ppm to 26.7 ppm and from 2.15 ppm to 34.1 ppm respectively. The Ti/V ratios vary from 25.53 to 44.93.The total REE concentrations of the cherts are between 30.78 ppm and 59.26 ppm,averaging 45.46 ppm.The（La/Ce）_N ratios range from 0.81 to 1.12,and 0.88-1.33 for（La/Yb）_N,averaging 1.09,which suggests a continental margin environment.Consequently,it is inferred that the cherts formed in a residual sea environment during the late Devonian to early Carboniferous time,which suggests that the collision between the Karakum-Tarim and Kazakhstan-Junggar plates did not occur at the time.In addition,the regional geological information indicates that the study area experienced a post-collision stage during the early Permian,and thus it is likely that the collision between the two plates took place in the late Carboniferous.
基金financially supported by the President of the Russian Federation (No. 1159.2014.5)the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (No. 15-1-2-013-2)
文摘The first data of geochemical study of the Benevka Section cherty rocks belonging to the Taukha terrane of the Sikhote-Alin Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous accretionary prism, Russia Far East are presented. These data demonstrate essential distinctions of major, trace and rare earth element concentrations in different parts of the measured stratigraphic section. The lower chert horizons exhibit high Fe2O3 and MnO contents, low concentrations of Al2O3 and TiO2, relatively high V/Y ratio, and extremely low value of negative Ce anomaly. In contrast the upper horizons composed of clayey cherts and siliceous mudstones are characterized by high Al2O3, TiO2 and K2O contents, low Fe2O3 and MnO values, low V/Y ratio, and slightly negative Ce anomaly. In the middle part of the Benevka Section, in which cherts gradually changed to clayey cherts, intermediate geochemical characteristics are present. Based on these data obtained the depositional environments correspond to proximal to the spreding ridge, open-ocean and near continental margin regimes were successfully reconstructed from bottom to top of the Benevka Section, that indicate that significant horizontal movement took place of the sea-floor, on which the cherts were deposited.
基金This study was supported by China National Natural Science Foundation Grant 4880131
文摘Bedded cherts occurring in the Early Permian Gufeng Formation in the Lower Yangtze region, eastern China, are nearly 20-80 m in thickness and contain varying amounts of radiolarians and sponge spicules. There are three types of section for the Gufeng Formation: chert, carbonate and chert-carbonate mixing types. Bedded cherts mainly occur in the first and third types of section. The depocentres of silica are marked by some small (not larger than a few thousand square kilometres in area) rhombic or elliptic hollows and their formation was controlled by faults. Argillaceous volcanic rocks in cherts occur as numerous thin layers. Bedded cherts are characterized by higher Fe and lower Al contents, enrichment in such trace elements as As, Sb, Bi, Ga, Au, Ag and Cr, lower total REE abundance, negative Ce anomaly and varying degrees of HREE enrichment. These characteristics are important evidence for hydrothermal cherts. Minor amounts of substances of non-hydrothermal origin are mixed in the cherts. The temperatures of sea water range approximately from a few tens of degrees to over 160℃. during the deposition of siliceous sediments.
基金supported by the National Program for the National Natural Science Foundation of China(41972224)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences(JKY202011)+1 种基金Key Basic Research Project from the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China(2018YFC0603700)the Chinese Geological Survey(DD20190011,DD20189132,DD20190129)。
文摘The eastern Hexi Corridor, northwest China, is located at the tectonic junction of the Alxa Block, the North China Craton, and the Qinling-Qilian Orogen. The early Paleozoic Xiangshan Group record critical information regarding paleoenvironment, paleoclimate and paleotectonic setting, from which we here present a focused study on the chert beds within the Xiangshan Group. Through field mapping, microstructural observation, whole-rock geochemistry analyses and detrital zircon dating, we suggest that the Xiangshan Group chert was deposited along a passive continental margin, formed primarily through biological activity with minor hydrothermal influence and terrestrial input. The characteristics of the chert support a low latitude sedimentary paleoenvironmental origin, and reveal the fact that the Alxa Block was separated from the North China craton, while emerged some paleogeographic affinity with the Qilian region in the Middle-Late Cambrian.
文摘Permian radiolarian biostratigraphy was reexamined in the bedded chertsection in Qinzhou area of southeast Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, South China. On the basis ofthe analyses of characteristic radiolarian composition, six radiolarian zones are recognized,namely, Pseudoalbaillella longtanensis Zone, Pseudoalbaillella globosa Zone, Follicucullusmonacanthus Zone, Follicucullus scholasticus Zone, Follicucullus charveti Zone and Neoalbaillellaornithoformis Zone, in ascending order. Correlation of these radiolarian zones with those in Japanis presented. The Neoalbaillella ornithoformis Zone was firstly discovered in Dachongling Section,which may indicate that pelagic chert of the late Permian existed there, according to theco-occurring conodonts.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 41702129)Chongqing Research Program of Basic Research and Frontier Technology (Grant No. cstc2017jcyjAX0448)+3 种基金Open Fund of Key Laboratory of Sedimentary Basin and Oil and Gas Resources, Ministry of Land and Resources (Chengdu Center, CGS) (Grant No. CDCGS2018003)State Key Laboratory of Palaeobiology and Stratigraphy (Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, CAS) (Grant No. 173115)the Science and Technology Research Program of Chongqing Municipal Education Commission (Grant No. KJQN201800115)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (Grant No. 106112017CDJXY240001)
文摘The Permian Chert Event is of great significance to understanding the geological evolution of the entire Permian; however,the origin of widespread chert formation is debated. We report new geochemical data from deep-marine siliceous rocks of the upper Permian Da-long Formation, Lower Yangtze region, southeastern China. Their geochemical results show that these thin-bedded siliceous rocks have a clear biologic origin, with rare to no evidence of hydrothermal influence. The values of Al/(Al + Fe + Mn) and Eu/Eu~* are 0.60-0.84(mean = 0.72) and 0.45-1.08(mean = 0.77), respectively, and Mn/Ti ratios are relatively low(mean = 0.72). The correlations of LaN/CeN, LaN/YbN, and Fe203/Ti02 with Al_2 O_3/(Al_2 O_3 + Fe_2 O_3), along with the Ce anomaly, indicate that the Da-long siliceous rocks were deposited at a transitional zone between a continental margin and the open ocean; i.e., relatively close to terrestrial sediment input and far from hydrothermal activity. The accumulation of chert is related to its unique paleogeographic location in an equatorial setting with many submarine paleo-highlands.Intense upwelling and frequent local volcanism are the main factors that promoted the development of siliceous rocks in the studied area. Ocean acidification triggered by large-scale volcanism(Large Igneous Province) during the late Permian led to extensive silica precipitation and preservation.
基金the National NaturalScience Foundation of China(Project Nos.40172042,40472064 , 40228004)the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(Project No.G1999043304) the Special Foundation for Doctor Subjects in China(Project No.200049107).
文摘The sedimentary sequence of the Lower Cambrian is a key interval to reveal the early evolution history of the Earth and there occur widespread cherts worldwide. These cherts possibly carry important information to decipher the breakup process of the Rodinia Continent. Black rock series at the bottom of the Lower Cambrian in the Northern Tarim Basin, China, is composed of black shales interbedded with thin-bedded cherts. Ten chert samples were systematically collected from two outcrops at Xiaoerbulak and Sogatbulak, 8.8 and 7.5 m thick respectively. The cherts were crushed, and were analyzed for trace element and rare earth concentrations. Trace elements such as V, Cu, Zn, U, Pb, Ba, Cd, Ag, Mo, As and Sb are highly enriched, and others such as Rb, Zr, Cs, Hf, Ta, W, Tl, Bi and Th are highly depleted in the cherts. These trace element patterns suggest that the cherts may be of deep crustal origin. The low ratios of Th/U and Rb/Sr further suggest that the cherts are of earth interior sources or received hydrothermal input during their deposition. Chondrite- normalized Eu/Eu* value markedly decreases upward in the section from 5.54 at the lowermost to 0.73 at the top, and NASC-normalized Eu/Eu* value decreases from 8.05 to 1.03. The relatively high Eu/Eu* ratio for the cherts from the northern Tarim Basin is most likely due to a hydrothermal input (e.g., Eu/Eu* ~10). The systematic decrease of Eu/Eu* ratio from the bottom to the top of the section reflects that the hydrothermal input is the largest in the lowermost portion of the section and gradually decreases upward. The chondrite-normalized Ce/Ce* ratio ranges from 0.42 to 0.83, with an average of 0.60. North American Shale Composite (NASC)-normalized Ce/Ce* ratio ranges from 0.42 to 0.79, with an average of 0.57. Negative Ce anomalies are distinct. ΣREEs in the cherts generally increase from 10.50 ppm at the bottom to 35.97 ppm at the top of the sampled section. NASC-normalized (La/Lu) N ratio decreases from 2.72 at the bottom to 0.67 at the top. NASC-normalized (La/Ce) N ratio increases from 1.36 at the bottom to 3.13 at the top. These REE patterns are very similar to those for the cherts deposited in the pelagic ocean-basin floor in the Franciscan Complex exposed at Marin Headlands, California (F-MH chert) (Murray et al., 1991). These geochemical signatures are inconsistent with our previous sedimentological data, which suggests a continental shelf setting. Based on multiple lines of evidence including high TOC content in the concomitant black shales, phosphorite at the bottom of black rock series, regional rise of sea level, and beginning of the southern Tianshan Ocean geotectonic cycle, the authors infer that the hydrothermal fluid was carried to the continental shelf by upwelling from a divergent pelagic ocean floor setting.
基金This study is a project (No.489700115)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China
文摘Through microscopic and SEM observations and X-ray diffraction and energy spectrum analyses, the oldest sponge spicules and radiolarians have been found in bedded cherts and it is proposed that microbial activity of algae and bacteria played an important role in silica precipitation. The microbial activity resulted in the formation of a series of single crystals and crystal aggregates with peculiar shapes. Biogenic single crystals usually occur in spherical, rod, platy, colloidal and granular forms. The most common aggregates are framboidal aggregates composed of dense spherical quartz crystals, which are considered to be of typical bacterial origin. Other aggregates, such as favositic, double-spherical, chain-spherica'l and coccoid ones, are considered to be probably the result of silicification of algal cells and mainly of primary sedimentary origin. This paper also discusses the ultrastructural features and diagnostic indications of jasper rocks formed in a submarine hydrothermal environment and cherts formed by replacement and diagenetic recrystallisation.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41430101)。
文摘The Ediacaran to Cambrian transition witnessed great biological and environmental turnovers from the Precambrian to Phanerozoic.These changes are also reflected by the fossil records during that time.However,the fossil distribution was highly heterogenous.While diverse fossils were constantly found from the shallow shelf including restricted basins,reports from deep-water areas,which are characterized by chert-dominated formations straddling the Ediacaran-Cambrian boundary,were scarce.Among them was the Liuchapo Formation that has been considered barren.In this study,a fossiliferous assemblage was found from the Liuchapo Formation in east Guizhou Province,South China.This assemblage comprises Palaeopascichnus jiumenensis,Horodyskia minor,multicellular algae that possibly related with red algae,cyanobacteria,sponge spicules,small shelly fossils,membrane structures of uncertain affinity,and fossils with structures resemble the Ediacaran Megasphaera.Palaeopascichnus and Horodyskia have been widely reported and abundant in the Liuchapo Formation and equivalents,while the others have seldomly,or never,been found from this formation or,more widely,the deep-water chert of transitional interval.The discovery not only contributes to the rare paleontological records preserved in deep-water sediments,but also expanded the geographic distribution of the fossils,providing new materials of biological diversity during this critical interval.
基金supported in part by Grant of the RFBR-GFEN,Project No.19-55-53008。
文摘The article presents the results of a comparative geochemical study of cherts and siliceous-clayey rocks composing the tectono-sedimentary complexes of various structural levels of the Taukha terrain of the Sikhote-Alin Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous accretionary prism.The data obtained show that the same-aged parts of the crosssections of the cherty-terrigenous sequences of the terrane lower and middle structural levels are characterized by significantly different contents and distribution patterns of major petrogenic oxides,trace,and rare-earth elements due to their accumulation in various facies of oceanic zones.The set of geochemical data indicates that the formation of both tectono-sedimentary complexes was carried out differently,gradually replacing each others’facies oceanic zones,and started in the near-spreading ridge area,then in the pelagial,and completed in the continental-margin deposition environment.Based on the time interval of the facies conditions changing for each complex(i.e.,time of transition from one facies zone to another),the speeds of a paleo-oceanic plate motion(and,correspondingly,the speeds of spreading)for individual intervals of the Jurassic were calculated.Differences in the spreading speeds at various sites of a paleorift zone caused the turning of a paleocontinent margin contour and spreading ridge axis at the perpendicular position,which in turn caused change of the geodynamic mode on the eastern margin of the PaleoAsian continent at the Jurassic-Cretaceous transition.
文摘Chert clast-bearing epi-continental neritic-terrestrial Jurassic and Cretaceous sequences are sporadically distributed in southwestern Japan. Typical and geological entities are the Torinosu Group and Tetori Group. Radiolarian dating of chert clasts enables us to discuss denudation stages of mid Mesozoic accretionary complexes. Chert clast-dominated conglomerate can be used for identifying marine beds within terrestrial sequences.
基金Projects(41273040,41303025)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China
文摘The Xialu chert, which contains abundant biological information, were investigated by major element analysis, micro-Raman, SEM and EPMA. The results show that SiO2 content of chert is 84.12%-93.08%, averaging 89.84%. The close packed structures of low degree crystallinity of quartz indicate the hydrothermal origin. SiO2 of modern hot springs exhibit loose silica pellets and nodular, beaded structures. Under polarization microscope, the presence of biological skeleton structures indicate that biological activities are involved in the hydrothermal deposition, which correspond to the geochemical characteristics: w(SiO2)/ w(K2O+Na2O), w(SiO2)/w(Al2O3) and w(SiO2)/w(MgO), with average values of 295.29, 68.88 and 284.45, respectively. SiO2 is enriched in the organism(radiolarian) centers, the degree order of SiO2 within the biologic structures is much higher than that of outside. The impurity minerals albites are formed earlier than the original deposition. Kaolinites, feldspars and mixture of organic materials display lower degree of crystallinities and accumulate as vermicular aggregates.
文摘Granitoids,volcanic rocks and cherts,mainly of early Paleozoic,in northern Altyn Tagh(Fig.1) are analyzed here for the purpose of the determination of the tectonic environments and their development since Early Paleozoic.(1) Granitoids\ The collection of 128 main\|element petrochemical data from North Altyn Tagh area shows that most of the granitoids here are granites and granodiorites of calc\|alkaline series.They consist mainly of metaluminous and peraluminous in Shand’s index,and only one of them,which belongs to Mesozoic,is peralkaline.Most of the granitoids plot in the IAG+CAG+CCG fields in the Maniar and Piccoli’s diagrams (1989) for tectonic discrimination of granitoids.IAG (Island arc granitoids)and CAG (Continental arc granitoids) can be distinguished for Early and Late Paleozoic granitoids,and maybe some CCG (Continental collision granitoids) for Early Paleozoic.Granitoids of Mesozoic and Cenozoic inherited the characteristics of those of Paleozoic.Destructive active plate margin (pre\|plate collision)and Anatectic magmatism(syn\|orogenic,S\|type granites)are distinguished (Fig.2)for Paleozoic granitoids using de la Roche R 1\| R 2 multicationic diagram (Batchelor and Bowden,1985).Mesozoic and Cenozoic granitoids inherited the characteristics of Anatectic magmatism (syn\|orogenic)of these early ones,and post\|orogenic(A\|type)granites occurred in Mesozoic.The mechanism for magma formation is mainly partial melting.
基金This paper is a part of the results of project "Stratotype Section of the Sinian System in China" funded by the China National Foundation of Natural Science. Prof. Xing Yusheng, the leader of the project, also took part in the field work.
文摘This paper reports for the first time on the microfossils discovered in the black cherts of the basal part of the Lower Cambrian Shuijingtuo Formation at Miaohe village, Zigui County, Hubei Province, all of which were observed in thin sections. Nine genera, 9 species and 3 indeterminate species (including a new species) are described. According to these microfossils, the conclusion is made that the microfossil zone may be equivalent to the small shelly fossil assemblage zones 2—3 of the Meishucun stage. They have provided another important line of evidence for the correlation of the Sinian-Cambrian boundary strata with those of the adjacent areas.
基金funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China(41773100,41373095)Development fund for key disciplines of Suzhou University(2017xjzdxk2)Research Project of Wanbei Coal-Electricity Group Co.Ltd(2018)。
文摘The Permian is an important period for the deposition of siliceous rocks on a global scale,but the genesis of chert is still controversial.To better understand the mechanism of chert nodules deposition from Qixia Formation(P1q)(Lower Yangtze Plate,China),we analyzed the major,trace and rare earth elements of these chert nodule samples(CN)and surrounding rock samples(SR)using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry(ICPMS)and X-ray fluorescence(XRF)technique.The redox state,siliceous sources and depositional environment analysis show that CN have higher contents of SiO2,Fe2O3 and MnO comparing with SR,and their geochemical properties are different.Trace and rare earth elements characteristics reveal that nodules were deposited under the action of biochemistry in the basin,no terrigenous materials contamination was observed and the contribution of upwelling was emphasized.The Al/(Al+Fe+Mn),Fe/Ti and Al-Fe-Mn discrimination diagram indicated the chert nodules are influenced by hydrothermal action.Evidence from redox-sensitive elements such as Th,U,V and Sc suggests that nodules were deposited in a reducing environment.In the convective mixing of hydrothermal action and normal seawater,excessive dissolved silicon and nutrients are absorbed and precipitated by biological action,and then transported by upwelling to shallow water for deposition.All the evidence comes from the trace elements enrichment characters,Rare earth elements and Y(REY)distribution patterns and La/La^(*),Ce/Ce^(*),Eu/Eu^(*),LREE/HREE,Y/Ho and∑REE characteristics.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant nos.41702029,41703018,4012123)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(Grant No.lzujbky-2017-5)the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition(STEP)program(Grant No.2019QZKK0704)。
文摘Sedimentary chert phases from the Archean to the present are widely used to trace sedimentary environments and tectonic settings.Recently,chert nodules occurring within carbonates have been the subject of possible hydrothermal or biogenic origin,in lieu of a diagenetic origin.However,chert nodules from a vast cratonic basin represent extremely rich silica accumulations but less noted is how they respond to submarine hydrothermal activity(and/or surface siliceous organism productivity).The links between the cratonic-type chert depositions and environmental changes regarding cratonic evolution need to be revisited at a large temporal-spatial scale.The chert nodules are widespread throughout the Lower Permian Taiyuan Formation in the North China Craton(NCC).Several Taiyuan chert-rich successions across the NCC have been selected to study possible links between chert deposition and cratonic evolution in scenario of partial cratonic activation of the northern NCC margin during the Late Paleozoic.Based on stratigraphic correlation,the chert nodules are ubiquitously,evenly distributed throughout the Taiyuan Formation at a large craton-basin scale from the northern to southern interior NCC.Petrological results,elemental abundances,together with silicon and oxygen isotopic compositions of chert samples infer significant hydrothermal contributions for the silica accumulations.Therefore,the cratonic-scale chert depositions of hydrothermal origin infer a giant and remote silica reservoir,linking to the large igneous province and magmatism in the NCC northern margins.The Taiyuan chert nodules could be unique marine sedimentary archives recording the Late Paleozoic NCC partial activation,which also generated continental records of igneous rocks,bauxites and tuffs.The strong tectonics of the northern margin,south-dipping topography and northward transgression of the Early Permian NCC facilitated the chert deposition on the shallow marine platform in the cratonic interior.
基金provided by a grant from Chuck Baltzer,Environmental Support Servicesgraciously awarded by Grand Canyon National Park officials
文摘New oxygen and hydrogen isotope ratios of chert from middle, intraformational breccias, and upper breccia members of the Sixtymile Formation（SMF） in eastern Grand Canyon National Park（AZ） yield palaeoclimate estimates between 27 and 33℃. The isotopic compositions of cherts define a domain approximately parallel to the meteoric water line when plotted on a δD–δ-（18）O diagram; these data indicate that meteoric water was involved during formation of the chert. In thin section, the absence of interlocking mega quartz（〉35 lm） and silicafilled fractures and veins, along with preserved micromorphological silica fabrics, suggest that the chert has not been permeated by later hydrothermal fluids. Petrographic observations in thin section such as cyclic silica precipitation phases and glaebular micromorphologic fabrics lend support to the interpretation that meteoric waters were involved during chert precipitation. The post 742 Ma SMF has been correlated with diamictite（transition） beds of the Kingston Peak Formation（CA）, which in turn have been interpreted to have been deposited during the Sturtian Ice Age（-750–700 Ma）. Absence of facetted and striated clasts and other diagnostic glaciogenic features in the SMF,an unconformable contact with the stratigraphically older Chuar Group, coupled with warm palaeotemperature data inferred from stable isotope values of chert, tentatively suggest that deposition of sediment in the SMF likely did not take place during the Sturtian Ice Age.
文摘Rock-magnetic methods prove that the cultures in Moravia (Europe) 15,000 - 11,500 years ago might know the technique how to enhance knapping properties of Jurassic chert and Cretaceous flint in order to make stone tools.
