International Journal of Earth Sciences

Brogi, Andrea

doi: 10.1007/s00531-007-0191-1pmid: N/A

The tectonic evolution of the Mt Amiata volcano-geothermal area is under discussion. Some authors state that this region, as well as the hinterland of the Northern Apennines, were affected by compression from the Cretaceous to the Quaternary. In contrast, most authors believe that extension drove the tectonic evolution of the Northern Apennines from the Early Miocene to the Quaternary. Field data, seismic analyses and borehole logs have been integrated in order to better define the structural features of the continental crust in the Mt Amiata geothermal area. In this paper I propose the hypothesis that the structure of the crust in the Mt Amiata volcano-geothermal area derives from two main geological processes: (1) contractional tectonics related to the stacking of the Northern Apennines (Cretaceous–Early Miocene), (2) subsequent extensional collapse of the hinterland of the mountain chain, and related opening of the Northern Tyrrhenian Sea (Early Miocene–Quaternary). Compressional and extensional structures characterise the Mt Amiata region, although extensional structures dominate its geological framework. In particular the extension produced: (a) Middle-Late Miocene boudinage of the previously stacked tectonic units; (b) Pliocene–Quaternary normal faulting which favoured the emplacement of a magmatic body in the middle-upper crust; and (c) the eruption of the Mt Amiata volcano, which gave rise to an acid and intermediate volcanic complex (0.3–0.19 Ma). The extension produced the space necessary to accommodate the Middle-Late Miocene marine and continental sediments. Pliocene and Quaternary normal and transtensional faults dissected the previous structures and influenced the Early Middle Pliocene marine sedimentation within the structural depressions neighbouring the Mt Amiata volcano. The magmatic body was emplaced at depth (about 6–7 km) during the Pliocene extension, and produced the eruption of the Mt Amiata volcano during the Late Pleistocene. This gave rise to local uplift, presently reaching about 3,000 m, as well as a negative Bouguer anomaly (−16 mgal), both centred on the Mt Amiata area. The crustal dome shows a good correspondence with the convex shape of the regional seismic marker known as the K-horizon, which corresponds to the 450°C isotherm, and the areas with greatest heat flow. This is probably a consequence of the above-cited magmatic body presently in the process of solidification. A Late Pleistocene eruption occurred along a crustal fissure striking N50° (Mt Amiata Fault), which crosscuts the crustal dome. Hydrothermal circulation, proven by the occurrence of thermal springs and gas vents (mainly CO2 and H2S), mainly occurs along the Mt Amiata Fault both in the northeastern ans southwestern sides of the volcano.

Duchesne, Jean-Clair; Liègeois, Jean-Paul; Iancu, Viorica; Berza, Tudor; Matukov, Dmitry; Tatu, Mihai; Sergeev, Sergei

doi: 10.1007/s00531-007-0185-zpmid: N/A

The Sichevita and Poniasca plutons belong to an alignment of granites cutting across the metamorphic basement of the Getic Nappe in the South Carpathians. The present work provides SHRIMP age data for the zircon population from a Poniasca biotite diorite and geochemical analyses (major and trace elements, Sr–Nd isotopes) of representative rock types from the two intrusions grading from biotite diorite to biotite K-feldspar porphyritic monzogranite. U–Pb zircon data yielded 311 ± 2 Ma for the intrusion of the biotite diorite. Granites are mostly high-K leucogranites, and biotite diorites are magnesian, and calcic to calc-alkaline. Sr, and Nd isotope and trace element data (REE, Th, Ta, Cr, Ba and Rb) permit distinguishing five different groups of rocks corresponding to several magma batches: the Poniasca biotite diorite (P1) shows a clear crustal character while the Poniasca granite (P2) is more juvenile. Conversely, Sichevita biotite diorite (S1), and a granite (S2*) are more juvenile than the other Sichevita granites (S2). Geochemical modelling of major elements and REE suggests that fractional crystallization can account for variations within P1 and S1 groups. Dehydration melting of a number of protoliths may be the source of these magma batches. The Variscan basement, a subduction accretion wedge, could correspond to such a heterogeneous source. The intrusion of the Sichevita–Poniasca plutons took place in the final stages of the Variscan orogeny, as is the case for a series of European granites around 310 Ma ago, especially in Bulgaria and in Iberia, no Alleghenian granitoids (late Carboniferous—early Permian times) being known in the Getic nappe. The geodynamical environment of Sichevita–Poniasca was typically post-collisional of the Variscan orogenic phase.

Brichau, Stéphanie; Respaut, Jean-Patrick; Monié, Patrick

doi: 10.1007/s00531-007-0187-xpmid: N/A

During the development of the Variscan orogeny, large amounts of granitic melt were produced, giving rise to the intrusion of granitoids at different structural levels. Despite numerous studies, ages available from previous work on the Cévennes granites remain largely imprecise. In order to better constrain the age and emplacement mode of these granites, we have combined U–Pb dating on monazites and zircons and 40Ar/39Ar dating on biotites with petrological observations, major element chemical analysis and SEM zircon imaging on five samples from the Aigoual–St Guiral–Liron and Mont Lozère granitic massifs. The results revealed that granitic intrusions and cooling in Southern Cévennes occurred in a short time span at ∼306 Ma after the main episode of regional metamorphism. Petrological and chemical data suggest that they result from a mixing between mantle-derived basic magmas (lamprophyres) and lower crust acid magmas. At a regional scale the production of these melts occurred at the end of crustal thickening induced by nappe stacking, at the same time as the late anatectic events recorded further north in the Velay dome and the granulite facies metamorphism recorded in metasedimentary granulite enclaves brought up by Tertiary volcanoes of the Velay area (Bournac).

Kaygusuz, Abdullah; Siebel, Wolfgang; Şen, Cüneyt; Satir, Muharrem

doi: 10.1007/s00531-007-0188-9pmid: N/A

The Upper Cretaceous Torul pluton, located in the Eastern Pontides, is of sub-alkaline affinity and displays features typical of volcanic arc granitoids. It is a composite pluton consisting of granodiorite, biotite hornblende monzogranite, quartz monzodiorite, quartz monzonite and hornblende biotite monzogranite. The oldest syenogranite (77.9 ± 0.3 Ma) and the youngest quartz diorite form small stocks within the pluton. Samples from the granodiorites, biotite hornblende monzogranites, quartz monzodiorites, quartz monzonites and hornblende biotite monzogranites have SiO2 between 57 and 68 wt% and display high-K calc-alkaline, metaluminous to peraluminous characteristics. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns are fractionated (Lacn/Lucn = 6.0−14.2) with pronounced negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.59–0.84). Initial ɛNd(i) values vary between −3.1 and −4.1, initial 87Sr/86Sr values between 0.7058 and 0.7072, and δ18O values between +4.4 and +7.3‰. The quartz diorites are characterized by relatively high Mg-number of 36–38, low contents of Na2O (2.3–2.5 wt%) and SiO2 (52–55 wt%) and medium-K calc-alkaline, metaluminous composition. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns are relatively flat [(La/Yb)cn =  2.8–3.3; (Tb/Yb)cn =  1.2] and show small negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.74–0.76). Compared to the other rock types, radiogenic isotope signatures of the quartz diorites show higher 87Sr/86Sr (0.7075–0.7079) and lower ɛNd(i) (–4.5 to –5.3). The syenogranites have high SiO2 (70–74 wt%) and display high-K calc-alkaline, peraluminous characteristics. Their REE patterns are characterized by higher Lacn/Lucn (12.9) and Eu/Eu* (0.76–0.77) values compared to the quartz diorites. Isotopic signatures of these rocks [ɛNd(i) =  −4.0 to −3.3; 87Sr/86Sr(i) =  0.7034−0.7060; δ18 O =  + 4.9 to + 8.2] are largely similar to the other rock types but differ from that of the quartz diorites. Fractionation of plagioclase, hornblende, pyroxene and Fe–Ti oxides played an important role in the evolution of Torul granitoids. The crystallization temperatures of the melts ranged from 800 to 900°C as determined from zircon and apatite saturation thermometry. All these characteristics, combined with low K2O/Na2O, low Al2O3/(FeOT + MgO + TiO2), and low (Na2O + K2O)/(FeOT + MgO + TiO2) ratios suggest an origin through dehydration melting of mafic lower crustal source rocks.

Maurer, Florian; Rettori, Roberto; Martini, Rossana

doi: 10.1007/s00531-007-0194-ypmid: N/A

This study provides a reconstruction of the Late Permian and Triassic depositional history of the Arabian shelf in the northern United Arab Emirates based on facies analysis and foraminiferal biostratigraphy. The presented data show that sedimentation occurred in three major sequences. From the Late Permian to Olenekian carbonates and evaporites were deposited in restricted lagoons and tidal flats. After a hiatus, sedimentation resumed and continued until the Late Ladinian/Carnian, leading to the deposition of a carbonate platform dominated by peritidal dolostones. A period of shelf exposure and erosion, spanning from the Carnian to Norian, was followed by the third major sequence with sedimentation into the Early Jurassic. During this third depositional sequence sedimentation changed from pure carbonate into mixed carbonate–siliciclastic deposits. This transition reflects the global regression of the sea in the Late Triassic (Triasina hantkeni Zone) and the increased erosion of large parts of the Arabian hinterland. A comparison of the evolution of the Arabian shelf in the study area with chronostratigraphic reference schemes for the Arabian Plate reveals remarkable differences in the distribution of Middle and Upper Triassic sequences. These are most likely the result of poor biostratigraphic control on previously studied formations in the region.

Heimhofer, Ulrich; Adatte, Thierry; Hochuli, Peter; Burla, Stefan; Weissert, Helmut

doi: 10.1007/s00531-007-0186-ypmid: N/A

The Late Aptian to Early Albian transition has previously been identified as a possible example of substantial climate cooling within the mid-Cretaceous greenhouse period. To study the response of continental weathering and terrestrial vegetation to this cooling episode at low- to mid-latitudes, marine nearshore deposits from the Algarve Basin (SW Portugal) have been investigated with a combined approach including palynology, clay mineralogy and bulk-rock geochemistry. In the Lower Aptian part of the succession, quartz-rich sandstone facies is accompanied by high abundances of early diagenetic kaolinite, which is interpreted to reflect episodes of enhanced humidity and high meteoric flow-through. In contrast, the Late Aptian to Early Albian deposits are characterized by high abundances of detrital clay minerals (mica and chlorite) indicating the dominance of physical weathering processes in the source area, most probably related to low precipitation rates in conjunction with tectonically enhanced erosion. Palynological data show a strong dominance of Classopollis pollen associated with low pteridophyte spore abundances, suggesting warm semi-arid to arid palaeoenvironments. Changes in sedimentation patterns from varicoloured lagoonal marls to thick-bedded shallow-water carbonates are neither expressed in the spore-pollen assemblages nor in the distributions of clay minerals which both remain essentially stable throughout the Late Aptian to Early Albian. These relatively stable patterns are in contrast with various lines of evidence, predominantly from high-latitude areas, that suggest a significant cooling during this time interval. Our study demonstrates that terrestrial environments of low- to mid-latitude regions were not significantly affected by the Late Aptian - Early Albian “cold snap”.

Putiš, Marián; Gawlick, Hans-Jürgen; Frisch, Wolfgang; Sulák, Marián

doi: 10.1007/s00531-007-0199-6pmid: N/A

The Cretaceous orogen of the Western Carpathians comprises fragments of the destructed northern Centrocarpathian domain, which is defined as Infratatric unit and formed a continental margin facing the Penninic Ocean in Jurassic and Cretaceous times. The breakup event and opening of the Penninic Ocean occurred in the Early Jurassic (Pliensbachian), which is recorded by an abrupt deepening event from shallow-water sediments to deep-water nodular limestone in the Infratatric sediment succession. The transformation of the passive into an active continental margin by the onset of subduction of the Penninic oceanic crust occurred in Santonian times and is reflected by the beginning of flysch deposition in the Infratatric Belice domain, which took the position of a forearc basin in the convergent margin setting. The forearc basin was supplied by clastic material from the more internal part of the Infratatric unit, which experienced nappe stacking, metamorphism, and subsequent exhumation in Late Cretaceous times. In the frontal part of the forearc basin an accretionary wedge was built up, which formed an outer-arc ridge and delivered detrital material into the forearc basin in Maastrichtian time. Final collision between the European and the Adriatic plate occurred in the Eocene period and is responsible for weak metamorphism in the Infratatric unit.

Mattern, Frank; Wang, Pu

doi: 10.1007/s00531-007-0200-4pmid: N/A

The Oberstdorf nappe of the Western and the Laab nappe of the Eastern Rhenodanubian Flysch (ERF) were independently identified as out-of-sequence thrust units by facies studies (Mattern 1999) and zircon analyses (Trautwein et al. 2001a, b, c), respectively. A new look at both areas reveals mutual similarities and new evidence for the out-of-sequence concept. Paleocurrent and heavy mineral data make it possible to reconstruct the sediment influx directions. From the Barremian to the mid-Campanian, the western and eastern basin segments were fed with south-derived garnet and north-derived zircon/”ZTR” (i.e., zircon, tourmaline, and rutile). Because both out-of-sequence units are relatively rich in zircon/ZTR they must have occupied the northernmost basin position. In the Western Rhenodanubian Flysch segment, the Sigiswang nappe occupied the central and the Üntschen nappe the southernmost basin position. In the ERF segment the central basin is represented by the Greifenstein nappe and the southernmost basin by the Kahlenberg nappe. Both out-of-sequence units do not occur in the northernmost and tectonically lowest position in their respective nappe piles as they were thrust over the other nappes. The reconstructed basin positions of the thrust units are suggested by the observation of a gradient in heavy mineral content in the thrust units. This paleogeographic arrangement is least problematic and renders models with differently positioned thrust units, requiring debris-shedding intrabasinal ridges, as unnecessarily complicated. Instead, we suggest that gradual changes in heavy mineral composition existed in across-basin direction. Garnet may stem from the Central Gneiss Complex of the Tauern window and formerly exposed lateral equivalents, all representing the southern Mid-Penninic zone. We assign the Falknis/Tasna nappe and formerly exposed lateral equivalents to the northern Mid-Penninic zone which served as the zircon/ZTR source. Interpreting Ebbing’s (Ph.D. thesis, Freie Universität Berlin, pp 1-143, 2002; Fig. 6.10) density section, we suggest that Mid-Penninic crust exists beneath the Central Gneiss Complex. During the latest Cretaceous much garnet was also N-derived. This may reflect processes related to the consumption of the North Penninic basin.

Zágoršek, Kamil; Holcová, Katarína; Třasoň, Tomáš

doi: 10.1007/s00531-007-0189-8pmid: N/A

Fossil Bryozoa occurs usually in shallow-water environments. One of the rare deep-water associations of Bryozoa has been studied in a profile at Kralice nad Oslavou. According to studies of foraminifera, the paleodepth was more than 150 m and less than 500 m. The bryozoan assemblages are poor, consisting of four species only, dominated by Tervia irregularis (Cyclostomatida) and Reteporella kralicensis sp.n. (Cheilostomatida), a new species being described in detail.

Gischler, Eberhard

doi: 10.1007/s00531-007-0201-3pmid: N/A

It is a widely held concept that tropical coral reefs in shallower water with branched acroporid corals should accrete faster than those in deeper water dominated by massive corals. Results from a study of Holocene development of the largest Atlantic reef system, including paleo-waterdepth data, challenge these concepts. In Belize barrier and atoll reefs, reef accretion-rates range from 0.46 to 7.50 m/kyr, and average 3.03 m/kyr, as measured along 33 dated reef sections. Interestingly, accretion-rates increase with increasing paleo-waterdepth, and sections dominated by massive corals accumulated even slightly faster than those with branched acroporids. Published data from some other reef locations reveal no significant trends when plotting reef accretion-rate versus paleo-waterdepth, also indicating that the above-mentioned concepts should be questioned. Massive corals apparently are more resistant and accrete in lower disturbance conditions in slightly deeper water (5–10 m) and higher accomodation (space available for sediment deposition) as compared to shallow water (0–5 m) branched acroporids, which repeatedly get broken and leveled out during tropical cyclones.