Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

Article Types

Countries / Regions

Search Results (78)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = carbon and oxygen isotope ratios

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
18 pages, 4318 KB  
Article
The Genesis and Hydrochemical Formation Mechanism of Karst Springs in the Central Region of Shandong Province, China
by Yuanqing Liu, Le Zhou, Xuejun Ma, Dongguang Wen, Wei Li and Zheming Shi
Water 2025, 17(12), 1805; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17121805 - 17 Jun 2025
Viewed by 413
Abstract
With the intensification of human activities, the water resource environment in the karst mountainous area of central Shandong has undergone significant changes, directly manifested in the cessation of karst spring flows and the occurrence of karst collapses within the spring basin in the [...] Read more.
With the intensification of human activities, the water resource environment in the karst mountainous area of central Shandong has undergone significant changes, directly manifested in the cessation of karst spring flows and the occurrence of karst collapses within the spring basin in the Laiwu Basin. To support the scientific development and management of karst water, this study utilizes comprehensive analysis and deuterium-oxygen isotope test data from surveys and sampling of 20 typical karst springs conducted between 2016 and 2018. By integrating mathematical statistics, correlation analysis, and ion component ratio methods, the study analyzes the genesis, hydrochemical ion component sources, and controlling factors of typical karst springs in the Laiwu Basin. The results indicate that the genesis of karst springs in the Laiwu Basin is controlled by three factors: faults, rock masses, and lithology, and can be classified into four types: water resistance controlled by lithology, by faults, by basement, and by rock mass. The karst springs are generally weakly alkaline freshwater, with the main ion components being HCO3 and Ca2+, accounting for approximately 55.02% and 71.52% of the anion and cation components, respectively; about 50% of the sampling points have a hydrochemical type of HCO3·SO4-Ca·Mg. Stable isotope (δ18O and δD) results show that atmospheric precipitation is the primary recharge source for karst springs in the Laiwu Basin. There are varying degrees of evaporative fractionation and water–rock interaction during the groundwater flow process, resulting in significantly higher deuterium excess (d-excess) in the sampling points on the southern side of the basin compared to the northern side, indicating clear differentiation. The hydrochemical composition of the karst groundwater system is predominantly governed by water–rock interactions during flow processes and anthropogenic influences. Carbonate dissolution (primarily calcite) serves as the principal source of HCO3, SO42−, Ca2+, and Mg2+, while evaporite dissolution and reverse cation exchange contribute to the slight enrichment of Ca2+ and Mg2+ alongside depletion of Na+ and K+ in spring waters. Saturation indices (SI) reveal that spring waters are saturated with respect to gypsum, aragonite, calcite, and dolomite, but undersaturated for halite. The mixing of urban domestic sewage, agricultural planting activities, and the use of manure also contributes to the formation of Cl and NO3 ions in karst springs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Human Impact on Groundwater Environment, 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 8643 KB  
Article
Characteristics of Cambrian Paleo-Fluid Profiles and Their Implications for Shale Gas Preservation: A Case Study from Well Yidi2 in the Central Yangtze Yichang Area
by An Liu, Shuo Qin, Kai Wei, Qilin Xiao, Quansheng Cai, Huilan Huang, Xiongwei Zeng and Peijun Li
Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 4875; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17114875 - 26 May 2025
Viewed by 432
Abstract
Exploration practice has proved that preservation conditions are one of the critical factors contributing to shale gas enrichment in the Middle Yangtze area. Well Yidi2 is the discovery well of Cambrian shale gas in this area. The paleo-fluid evolution and its implication for [...] Read more.
Exploration practice has proved that preservation conditions are one of the critical factors contributing to shale gas enrichment in the Middle Yangtze area. Well Yidi2 is the discovery well of Cambrian shale gas in this area. The paleo-fluid evolution and its implication for preservation conditions of shale gas remains unclear, posing challenges for shale gas exploration and development. In this study, through systematic analysis of fluid inclusions in fractrue-filling vein of the entire core section of this well, combined with carbon and oxygen isotope tests of veins and host rocks, a paleo-fluid profile was established to explore the formation environment of Cambrian paleo-fluids and their implications for the preservation conditions of the Shuijingtuo Formation (SJT Fm.) shale gas. The results suggest that fractures in the SJT Fm. shale at the base of Cambrian Series 2 mainly formed during the deep burial hydrocarbon generation stage, trapping a large number of liquid hydrocarbon inclusions. Subsequently, numerous high-density methane inclusions and a few of gas-liquid two-phase inclusions were trapped. The SO42−, Ca2+ and Mg2+ content of fluid inclusion groups in the veins decreased from the Qinjiamiao Formation (QJM Fm.) at the bottom of Cambrian Series 3 upward and downward respectively, and the rNa+/rCl ratio was the lowest in the SJT Fm. and increased overall upward. The δ13C values of calcite veins in Tianheban Formation (THB Fm.)-Shipai Formation (SP Fm.) of the middle Cambrian Series 2 and the Loushanguan Formation (LSG Fm.) of the Cambrian Series 3 were lighter compared to the host rocks. Results indicate the later tectonic activities in this area were relatively weak, and the shale interval remained in a state of high gas saturation for a long time. The QJM Fm. was the main source of high-salinity brine, and the SJT Fm. had strong self-sealing properties and was relatively less affected by external fluids. However, the pressure evolution of high-density methane inclusions in the SJT Fm. indicated that the pressure coefficient of the shale section significantly decreased during the Indosinian uplift and erosion stage. The veins in the THB-SP and LSG Fms. were closely related to the oxidation of hydrocarbon gases by TSR (thermochemical sulfate reduction) and the infiltration of atmospheric water, respectively. Therefore, the paleo-fluid in the fractures of Well Yidi2 have integrally recorded the whole geological process including the evolution from oil to gas, the backflow of high-salinity formation water, the upward escape of shale gas, and the process of shale gas reservoirs evolving from overpressure to normal pressure. Considering that Well Yidi2 area is located in a relatively stable tectonic setting, widely distributed fracture veins probably enhance the self-sealing ability, inhibiting the rapid escape of SJT Fm. shale gas. And the rapid deposition of Cretaceous also delayed the loss of shale gas to some extent. The combination of these two factors creates favorable preservation conditions of shale gas, establishing the SJT Fm. as the primary exploration target in this area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Exploitation and Utilization of Hydrocarbon Resources)
Show Figures

Figure 1

8 pages, 2909 KB  
Article
Carbon Isotope and Sterane Records of Biological Diversity in the Fortunian Stage of the Early Cambrian Tarim Basin, Northwest China
by Wenhao Li, Yifan Chen and Longwei Wang
Processes 2025, 13(5), 1530; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13051530 - 16 May 2025
Viewed by 355
Abstract
Carbon isotope of the kerogen (δ13Corg), steranes/hopanes (S/H), and C28/C29 sterane ratios in the source rocks from the SARK section at the Early Cambrian Yurtus Formation in the Fortunian Stage in the Tarim Basin of Northwest [...] Read more.
Carbon isotope of the kerogen (δ13Corg), steranes/hopanes (S/H), and C28/C29 sterane ratios in the source rocks from the SARK section at the Early Cambrian Yurtus Formation in the Fortunian Stage in the Tarim Basin of Northwest China reveal a positive excursion that is associated with biological diversity. The enrichment of vanadium/(vanadium + nickel) (V/(V + Ni)) ratios (0.64~0.99, averaging 0.87) for the Yurtus Formation of the Fortunian Stage provide evidence for predominant anoxic bottom water conditions. A sharply decreased V/(V + Ni) ratio in the middle Yurtus Formation suggests enhanced oxygen content of the water column in this interval. However, the total organic carbon (TOC) values in the sedimentary rocks show a marked increase in the middle Yurtus Formation, which is due to the enhanced productivity suggested by a positive δ13Corg increase of ~2.0‰ and enhanced S/H and C28/C29 sterane ratios. We suggest that the enhanced oxygen content may have contributed to the biological diversity during the Fortunian Stage in the Tarim Basin. The δ13Corg excursion first reported here associated with biological diversity can be correlated with that in South China and possibly elsewhere in this interval. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hydrocarbon Production Processes from Geoenergy)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2039 KB  
Article
Ontogenetic Growth Changes in Mercury and Stable Isotope Ratios of Carbon, Nitrogen, and Oxygen in Male and Female Dalli-Type Dall’s Porpoises (Phocoenoides dalli) Stranded in Hokkaido, Japan
by Tetsuya Endo, Osamu Kimura, Masaru Terasaki, Yoshihisa Kato, Yukiko Fujii and Koichi Haraguchi
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(5), 892; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13050892 - 30 Apr 2025
Viewed by 629
Abstract
We investigated the ontogenetic growth changes in total mercury (THg) concentrations, δ13C, δ15N, and δ18O values, and body length (BL) of dalli-type Dall’s porpoises. THg concentrations in the liver of mature porpoises stranded in Hokkaido, Japan, [...] Read more.
We investigated the ontogenetic growth changes in total mercury (THg) concentrations, δ13C, δ15N, and δ18O values, and body length (BL) of dalli-type Dall’s porpoises. THg concentrations in the liver of mature porpoises stranded in Hokkaido, Japan, were markedly higher than those in the muscle. The THg concentrations in the livers of males and females increased sharply when their BLs exceeded approximately 1.9 m and 1.8 m, respectively, the BLs at which they might attain maturity. The asymptotes of the THg increases were close to their maximum BLs of 2.2 m and 2.0 m for males and females, respectively. The δ15N levels in muscles were higher in the calves than in the weaned porpoises, probably due to the consumption of 15N-enriched milk, whereas the δ13C values in the calves were variable and similar to those in the weaned porpoises. The δ18O values of male and female muscles increased with increasing BL. Positive correlations were found between the THg concentrations and either the δ13C values or the δ18O values in the weaned animals, but not with the δ15N values. These results imply a feeding shift towards deeper pelagic areas with growth, as the δ13C and δ18O values and the THg concentrations tend to be higher in these areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Marine Aquaculture)
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 4255 KB  
Article
Characterization of Intra-Quarry Variability in Pentelic Marble Using Stable Isotopes: A Case Study of the Parthenon
by Scott Pike
Minerals 2025, 15(3), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15030231 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 831
Abstract
This study presents a systematic analysis of stable isotopes (δ13C and δ18O) in Pentelic marble from the ancient quarries of Mount Pentelikon, Greece. A total of 610 samples were collected from 83 quarry pits, including all identified ancient extraction [...] Read more.
This study presents a systematic analysis of stable isotopes (δ13C and δ18O) in Pentelic marble from the ancient quarries of Mount Pentelikon, Greece. A total of 610 samples were collected from 83 quarry pits, including all identified ancient extraction sites, to build a comprehensive reference database. Of those, stable isotope ratios of carbon and oxygen were measured for 384 samples. The results reveal significant variability in stable isotope values across different quarry regions, challenging the assumption of isotopic homogeneity in Pentelic marble. Notably, distinct δ13C and δ18O patterns allow differentiation between quarry areas and specific extraction zones. These findings provide a more refined isotopic framework for provenance studies of ancient artifacts. Application of the new database suggests that marble for the Parthenon’s West Pediment was sourced from the northern upslope quarries in Aspra Marmara, whereas structural elements of the Parthenon were extracted from the lower Spilia Divail quarry, as well as other pits across the ancient quarry zone. The results demonstrate that multiple quarry pits from both the lower slope and upper slope quarries were exploited for the construction of the Parthenon. This research highlights the benefits of extensive sampling and stable isotope analysis in identifying quarry sources, emphasizing the value of undertaking detailed and thorough field surveys and sampling programs to gain new perspectives into ancient resource use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Provenance Analyses of Ancient Stones Using Scientific Methods)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 6484 KB  
Article
Geochemistry of Pyrite from the Jiaojia Gold Deposit, Jiaodong Peninsula, North China Craton: Implications for Source of Ore-Forming Fluids and Gold Precipitation
by Yayi Fang, Yayun Liang, Rui Xia, Lei Shu, Bi He, Wenhao Xue, Chenxi Zhang, Haiyi Wang and Senmiao Xue
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1548; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031548 - 3 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1252
Abstract
The Jiaojia gold deposit in the Jiaodong Peninsula, located in the northwestern part of the Jiaodong gold province in eastern China, has a gold reserve of over 300 t. Gold mineralization in Jiaojia deposit occurred in three stages: (1) The Pyrite–Quartz–Sericite Stage (Stage [...] Read more.
The Jiaojia gold deposit in the Jiaodong Peninsula, located in the northwestern part of the Jiaodong gold province in eastern China, has a gold reserve of over 300 t. Gold mineralization in Jiaojia deposit occurred in three stages: (1) The Pyrite–Quartz–Sericite Stage (Stage I) developed primary minerals that included quartz, sericite, and a small amount of anhedral pyrite, appearing as disseminations within milky quartz and foliated sericite. (2) The Quartz–Pyrite Stage (Stage II) developed quartz that appears smoky gray and pyrite that appears with a euhedral cubic morphology, with crystal faces oriented in a longitudinal pattern. Native gold occurs as fracture filling in pyrite. (3) The Quartz–Polymetallic Sulfides Stage (Stage III) developed polymetallic sulfides, including pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, and magnetite. Native gold filled the pyrite fractures and was enclosed within the pyrite. (4) The Quartz–Carbonate Stage (Stage IV) developed the main minerals of quartz and carbonate, with scattered occurrences of pyrite. In situ geochemical analysis of pyrite, the main gold-carrying mineral from mineralization Stages I to III in the Jiaojia gold deposit, was conducted, including major element, trace element, and sulfur isotope analyses. The δ34S values of Jiaojia pyrite range from 4.5 to 8.0‰. Pyrite in Stage I (Py I) has δ34S values ranging from 4.5 to 7.4‰, with an average of 6.4‰. Pyrite in the Stage II (Py II) has δ34S values ranging from 5.9 to 8.0‰, with an average of 6.8‰. Pyrite in Stage III (Py III) has δ34S values ranging from 6.4 to 7.9‰, with an average of 7.4‰. Combined with the C-D-O-He isotopes, the ore-forming fluids of the Jiaojia gold deposit likely originated from subducted oceanic plate-related metasomatized mantle. The Co/Ni ratios of Jiaojia pyrite range from 0.50 to 1.47 in Stage I, 0.27 to 1.69 in Stage II, and 0.58 to 295 in Stage III. The Cu/Au ratios in the Jiaojia pyrite in all mineralization stages were >1. These geochemical features imply that the ore-forming fluids of the Jiaojia gold deposit were in a medium- to low-temperature reducing environment, with temperatures gradually decreasing from ore Stages I to III. The increase in Co and As in the pyrite of Stage III implies that gold precipitation resulted from fluid immiscibility caused by a decrease in pressure and temperature and an increase in the oxygen fugacity of the ore-forming fluid. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Metallic Mineral Deposits and Geochemistry)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1804 KB  
Article
Sink–Source Characteristics of Carbon and Nitrogen in Four Typical Urban Water Bodies Within a Medium-Sized City of East China
by Shaowen Xie, Shengnan Yang, Yanghui Deng, Haofan Xu, Yanbo Zhou, Shujuan Liu, Hongyi Zhou, Fen Yang and Chaoyang Wei
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1434; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031434 - 30 Jan 2025
Viewed by 820
Abstract
The urban water environment, an integral component of the terrestrial hydrosphere, is closely linked to human activities and serves as a fundamental resource for industrial and agricultural development. Sedimentary organic matter in water bodies contains rich biological, physical, and chemical information, playing a [...] Read more.
The urban water environment, an integral component of the terrestrial hydrosphere, is closely linked to human activities and serves as a fundamental resource for industrial and agricultural development. Sedimentary organic matter in water bodies contains rich biological, physical, and chemical information, playing a central role in nutrient cycling and serving as a primary reservoir for nutrient accumulation. This study assesses the water quality, chemical indicators, and sediment productivity of four typical urban water bodies (Canal, Pond, Lake, and River) in Shaoxing City, eastern China. The results show that artificial water bodies, particularly canals, have higher dissolved oxygen (DO) compared to natural water bodies. Stationary water bodies, such as lakes and ponds, generally have higher total dissolved solids (TDS) and electrical conductivity (EC) than flowing water bodies like rivers and canals. All four urban water body types slightly exceed China’s Class-V water quality standard for total nitrogen (TN), with canals, lakes, ponds, and rivers averaging 1.29, 1.22, 1.23, and 1.23 times the standard, respectively. Ponds exhibit the highest total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) content, while ammonium (NH4+–N) and nitrate (NO3–N) levels are relatively consistent across the bodies, except for lower NO3–N in lakes. Higher organic matter in canals and lakes, indicated by chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and permanganate index (CODMn), suggests greater eutrophication compared to ponds and rivers. Sediment total organic nitrogen (TON) content is relatively uniform across all water bodies, with slightly higher values in lakes and rivers. Total organic carbon (TOC) content is highest in lake sediments, 1.51 times that of canals. Carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratios vary, with ponds and lakes showing the highest averages. Source quantification using isotopic analysis (δ13C and δ15N values) indicates that phytoplankton is the primary sedimentary organic matter source in rivers and canals, while terrestrial sources are significant in lakes and ponds. Sewage notably contributes to rivers and canals. These findings highlight the need for targeted pollution control strategies, focusing on phytoplankton and sewage as key sedimentary organic matter sources to mitigate eutrophication and enhance water quality in urban environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Sciences)
Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 22130 KB  
Article
Interpreting the Complexity of Sulfur, Carbon, and Oxygen Isotopes from Sulfides and Carbonates in a Precious Metal Epithermal Field: Insights from the Permian Drake Epithermal Au-Ag Field of Northern New South Wales, Australia
by Hongyan Quan, Ian Graham, Rohan Worland, Lewis Adler, Christian Dietz, Emmanuel Madayag, Huixin Wang and David French
Minerals 2025, 15(2), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15020134 - 29 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1033
Abstract
The Drake Goldfield, also known as Mount Carrington, is located in north-eastern New South Wales, Australia. It contains a number of low–intermediate-sulfidation epithermal precious metal deposits with a current total resource of 724.51 metric tons of Ag and 10.95 metric tons of Au. [...] Read more.
The Drake Goldfield, also known as Mount Carrington, is located in north-eastern New South Wales, Australia. It contains a number of low–intermediate-sulfidation epithermal precious metal deposits with a current total resource of 724.51 metric tons of Ag and 10.95 metric tons of Au. These deposits occur exclusively within the Drake Volcanics, a 60 × 20 km NW-SE trending sequence of Late Permian volcanics and related epiclastics. Drilling of the Copper Deeps geochemical anomaly suggests that the volcanics are over 600 m thick. The Drake Volcanics are centered upon a geophysical anomaly called “the Drake Quiet Zone” (DQZ), interpreted to be a collapsed volcanic caldera structure. A total of 105 fresh carbonate samples were micro-drilled from diamond drillcores from across the field and at various depths. A pXRD analysis of these carbonates identified five types as follows: ankerite, calcite, dolomite, magnesite, and siderite. Except for three outlier values (i.e., −21.32, −19.48, and 1.42‰), the δ13CVPDB generally ranges from−15.06 to −5.00‰, which is less variable compared to the δ18OVSMOW, which varies from −0.92 to 17.94‰. μ-XRF was used to analyze the elemental distribution, which indicated both syngenetic/epigenetic relationships between calcite and magnesite. In addition, a total of 53 sulfide samples (primarily sphalerite and pyrite) from diamond drillcores from across the Drake Goldfield were micro-drilled for S isotope analysis. Overall, these have a wide range in δ34SCDT values from −16.54 to 2.10‰. The carbon and oxygen isotope results indicate that the fluids responsible for the precipitation of carbonates from across the Drake Goldfield had complex origins, involving extensive mixing of hydrothermal fluids from several sources including those of magmatic origin, meteoric fluids and fluids associated with low-temperature alteration processes. Sulfur isotope ratios of sulfide minerals indicate that although the sulfur was most likely derived from at least two different sources; magmatic sulfur was the dominant source while sedimentary-derived sulfur was more significant for the deposits distal from the DQZ, with the relative importance of each varying from one deposit to another. Our findings contribute to a greater understanding of Au-Ag formation in epithermal environments, particularly in collapsed calderas, enhancing exploration strategies and models for ore deposition. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 13692 KB  
Article
Evolution of the Hydrothermal Fluids Inferred from the Occurrence and Isotope Characteristics of the Carbonate Minerals at the Pogo Gold Deposit, Alaska, USA
by Yuichi Morishita and Jamie R. Rogers
Minerals 2025, 15(1), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15010067 - 12 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1227
Abstract
Pogo is identified as a deep-seated, intrusion-related gold deposit. Carbonate minerals have a close spatial relationship to hydrothermal gold mineralization in all of its principal ore zones. The carbon and oxygen isotopic ratios of carbonate minerals (siderite, ankerite, and calcite) present within the [...] Read more.
Pogo is identified as a deep-seated, intrusion-related gold deposit. Carbonate minerals have a close spatial relationship to hydrothermal gold mineralization in all of its principal ore zones. The carbon and oxygen isotopic ratios of carbonate minerals (siderite, ankerite, and calcite) present within the deposit illustrate the isotopic evolution of the ore-forming fluid. The initial hydrothermal fluid phase is interpreted to be magmatic in origin. The fluid evolution was characterized by a gradual decrease in δ18O and a slight increase in δ13C with decreasing temperature. The dominant carbon-bearing species was CO2, with methane introduced sporadically. Siderite is associated with early-stage mineralization and occurs with ankerite in main-stage ore assemblages. Calcite is recognized in the later stages of mineralization. Gold in the Pogo deposit occurs as native gold, Au-Bi-Te minerals, inclusions in sulfide minerals, or as “invisible gold”. The latter is found in pyrite, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, and quartz, based on ion microprobe analysis. The presence of invisible gold in these minerals has significant metallurgical implications for gold processing at the Pogo mine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geochemistry and Genesis of Hydrothermal Ore Deposits)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 7145 KB  
Review
Evolution of Auriferous Fluids in the Kraaipan-Amalia Greenstone Belts: Evidence from Mineralogical and Isotopic Constraints
by Kofi Adomako-Ansah, Napoleon Q. Hammond, Yuichi Morishita and Daizo Ishiyama
Minerals 2024, 14(11), 1171; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14111171 - 18 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1328
Abstract
The Kraaipan and Amalia greenstone belts in South Africa occur in the western part of the Kaapvaal Craton. The two belts stretch discontinuously in an approximately north–south orientation over a distance of about 250 km from southern Botswana in the north to the [...] Read more.
The Kraaipan and Amalia greenstone belts in South Africa occur in the western part of the Kaapvaal Craton. The two belts stretch discontinuously in an approximately north–south orientation over a distance of about 250 km from southern Botswana in the north to the Vaal River near Christiana in the south and are separated by a distance of about 90 km. Gold mineralization is hosted in banded iron formation at both the Kalahari Goldridge deposit (Kalgold) in the Kraaipan greenstone belt in the north and the Amalia deposit in the Amalia greenstone belt in the south, with the mineralization associated with quartz–carbonate veins. The footwalls of these deposits are generally composed of mafic volcanic schist and the hanging walls consisting of graywackes, schist and shale units. The Kalgold and Amalia gold deposits show some variation in the redox condition of the mineralizing system and fluid chemistry. The ore mineral assemblage is characterized by magnetite–pyrrhotite–pyrite at Kalgold, which is indicative of reducing conditions, and a magnetite–hematite–pyrite assemblage at Amalia that suggests a relatively oxidizing environment. Average mineralizing temperatures determined from chlorite geothermometry were relatively higher at the Kalahari Goldridge deposit ranging from 350 to 400 °C compared to the slightly cooler range of 330 to 390 °C at Amalia. The composition of the fluids derived from fluid inclusions is indicative of low salinity H2O--CO2±CH4-rich fluids at Kalgold against relatively H2O-CO2-rich fluids at Amalia. Evidence from strontium–carbon–oxygen isotopic ratios from carbonates suggests that differences in redox conditions in the deposits could be attributed to different flow pathways by an evolving fluid from a common source (with minimum 87Sr/86Sr = 0.70354) to the sites of gold deposition, with a significant ore fluid interaction with a thick sequence of carbonaceous meta-pelitic rock units at the Kalahari Goldridge deposit that is absent in the Amalia deposit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geochemistry and Genesis of Hydrothermal Ore Deposits)
Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 29370 KB  
Article
Perched Hydrologic Systems of the Monahans and the Kermit Dune Fields, Northern Chihuahuan Desert, West Texas, USA
by Alix Fournier, Steven L. Forman and Connor Mayhack
Water 2024, 16(22), 3188; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16223188 - 7 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1672
Abstract
This study highlights the importance of quantifying groundwater resources for the Monahans and Kermit dune fields in the northern Chihuahua Desert, West Texas, USA, as potential contributors to the regional Pecos Valley Aquifer (PVA). Dunal aquifers in arid environments are often unquantified, may [...] Read more.
This study highlights the importance of quantifying groundwater resources for the Monahans and Kermit dune fields in the northern Chihuahua Desert, West Texas, USA, as potential contributors to the regional Pecos Valley Aquifer (PVA). Dunal aquifers in arid environments are often unquantified, may augment regional groundwater resources, and can be compromised by anthropogenic activity. Sedimentary architecture models of these dune fields show perched aquifers with water tables 1–10 m below the surface and southwestern groundwater flow sub-parallel to a Pleistocene/Pliocene aquitard. The deuterium and oxygen isotopic ratios for groundwater from the Kermit and Monahans dune fields show pronounced evaporative isotopic depletion and less isotopic variability than corresponding rainfall, particularly for deuterium values. The radiocarbon and δ13C analyses of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) indicate that recharge occurs through enhanced capture of recent precipitation on mostly bare active dunes where infiltration rates are >250 mm/h. In contrast, more evolved 14C values at the western margin (FM = 0.84) and at 30 m below the surface (FM = 0.76) of the dunes, similar to proximal Fm values from the PVA (0.89–0.82), may indicate dissolution of older (>100 ka) DIC from buried playa-lake sediments and less direct atmospheric influence. Mixing models for DIC source partitioning highlighted possible groundwater contamination with hydrocarbon up to 24% in the PVA and in the dunal aquifers. The perched aquifers of the Monahans and Kermit dune fields each contain water volumes >0.1 km3 and may contribute up to 18% of the total annual recharge to the PVA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Hydrology)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 3452 KB  
Article
Differentiating Pond-Intensive, Paddy-Ecologically, and Free-Range Cultured Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) Using Stable Isotope and Multi-Element Analysis Coupled with Chemometrics
by Zhenzhen Xia, Zhi Liu, Yan Liu, Wenwen Cui, Dan Zheng, Mingfang Tao, Youxiang Zhou and Xitian Peng
Foods 2024, 13(18), 2947; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13182947 - 18 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1097
Abstract
The farming pattern of crayfish significantly impacts their quality, safety, and nutrition. Typically, green and ecologically friendly products command higher economic value and market competitiveness. Consequently, intensive farming methods are frequently employed in an attempt to replace these environmentally friendly products, leading to [...] Read more.
The farming pattern of crayfish significantly impacts their quality, safety, and nutrition. Typically, green and ecologically friendly products command higher economic value and market competitiveness. Consequently, intensive farming methods are frequently employed in an attempt to replace these environmentally friendly products, leading to potential instances of commercial fraud. In this study, stable isotope and multi-element analysis were utilized in conjunction with multivariate modeling to differentiate between pond-intensive, paddy-ecologically, and free-range cultured crayfish. The four stable isotope ratios of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen (δ13C, δ15N, δ2H, δ18O) and 20 elements from 88 crayfish samples and their feeds were determined for variance analysis and correlation analysis. To identify and differentiate three different farming pattern crayfish, unsupervised methods such as hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used, as well as supervised multivariate modeling, specifically partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). The HCA and PCA exhibited limited effectiveness in classifying the farming pattern of crayfish, whereas the PLS-DA demonstrated a more robust performance with a predictive accuracy of 90.8%. Additionally, variables such as δ13C, δ15N, δ2H, Mn, and Co exhibited relatively higher contributions in the PLS-DA model, with a variable influence on projection (VIP) greater than 1. This study is the first attempt to use stable isotope and multi-element analysis to distinguish crayfish under three farming patterns. It holds promising potential as an effective strategy for crayfish authentication. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 2631 KB  
Article
Geochemical Characteristics of Carbonates and Indicative Significance of the Sedimentary Environment Based on Carbon–Oxygen Isotopes and Trace Elements: Case Study of the Lower Ordovician Qiulitage Formation in Keping Area, Tarim Basin (NW China)
by Li-Xin Wang, Tian-Jia Liu, Hong-Ji Xiao, Hong-Xian Chu, Kun Yan, Qing-Tong Wang and Wen-Qin Jiang
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(17), 7885; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14177885 - 5 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1469
Abstract
The carbonate rock of the Qiulitage Formation is a significant stratum for oil and gas exploration in the Tarim Basin. To elucidate its environmental characteristics, we conducted tests and analyses of trace elements, carbon, and oxygen isotopes of the carbonate rocks of the [...] Read more.
The carbonate rock of the Qiulitage Formation is a significant stratum for oil and gas exploration in the Tarim Basin. To elucidate its environmental characteristics, we conducted tests and analyses of trace elements, carbon, and oxygen isotopes of the carbonate rocks of the Qiulitage Formation in the Kekeqigankake section of the Keping area. The results reveal that δ13C values range between −1.7‰ and 4.3‰, with an average value of 1.645‰. δ18O values fluctuate from −11.4‰ to −6‰, with an average value of −8.2475‰. Z values (paleosalinity) vary from 120.33 to 131.67, significantly exceeding 120 with an average value of 126.52, indicating a marine sedimentary environment. Paleotemperature values (T) range from 12.75 to 29.09 °C, with an average value of 21.36 °C, suggesting warm climate conditions. The Sr/Ba (3.42~24.39) and Sr/Cu (57.5~560) ratios are elevated, while Th/U (<1.32) and V/Cr (0.989~1.70) ratios are reduced, suggesting that the Qiulitage Formation was deposited in an oxygen-rich, warm marine sedimentary environment with relatively high salinity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Technologies and Methods for Exploitation of Geological Resources)
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2081 KB  
Article
Abiotic and Biotic Processes Controlling Deposition of Calcite and Hydrotalcite Calcretes on Niue Island, Southwest Pacific
by Paul Aharon and Neil E. Whitehead
Minerals 2024, 14(9), 877; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14090877 - 28 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1175
Abstract
Calcretes are indurated terrestrial carbonates that are widespread in arid and semi-arid settings and serve as important archives of present and past environments. Here, we use geochemical tools to explore the nature and origin of calcretes documented from tropical Niue Island in the [...] Read more.
Calcretes are indurated terrestrial carbonates that are widespread in arid and semi-arid settings and serve as important archives of present and past environments. Here, we use geochemical tools to explore the nature and origin of calcretes documented from tropical Niue Island in the Southwest Pacific. The study recognizes two types of calcretes that differ in their mineral assemblage, microfabrics, elemental chemistry, and carbon and oxygen isotopes. The calcretes common in the paleo-lagoon soils consist of 90% low-Mg calcite and ~10% highly weathered Mg-Al silicates. These pedogenic calcretes formed in the soil profiles within the vadose zone bear the following distinctions: (i) Fe/Al ratio of 0.75, identical to the ratio in soils (Fe/Al = 0.76 ± 0.5), substantiating the link between the calcretes and soils; (ii) presence of rhizoliths, root voids, micritic nodules, and clasts, which are consistent with a pedogenic calcrete fabric; and (iii) 13C and 18O depletions of −10.6‰ and −5.3‰, respectively, which are compatible with carbon sources from microbial and root respiration, as well as formation in oxygen isotope equilibrium with vadose waters. Unlike the pedogenic calcrete, a rare calcrete from the coastal terrace contains an exceptionally rare hydrotalcite [Mg6Al2(CO3)(OH)16(H2O)4] mineral (65%) coated by microbial films. We contend that the hydrotalcite-rich calcrete was deposited through interaction of dolomite with seawater, similar to the method of producing hydrotalcite in the laboratory. 13C and 18O enrichments of 0.8 to 1.7‰ and −1.0 to −1.6‰, respectively, are in agreement with (i) mixed carbon sources consisting of microbial CO2 degassing, seawater HCO3, and dolomite dissolution, and (ii) oxygen isotope equilibration with seawater-derived fluid. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomineralization and Biominerals)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 14962 KB  
Article
Genesis and Related Reservoir Development Model of Ordovician Dolomite in Shuntogol Area, Tarim Basin
by Liangxuanzi Zhong, Leli Cheng, Heng Fu, Shaoze Zhao, Xiaobin Ye, Yidong Ding and Yin Senlin
Minerals 2024, 14(6), 545; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060545 - 25 May 2024
Viewed by 1487
Abstract
The Ordovician thick dolostone in Shuntogol area of the Tarim Basin has the potential to form a large-scale reservoir, but its genesis and reservoir development model are still unclear. Starting from a sedimentary sequence, this study takes a batch of dolostone samples obtained [...] Read more.
The Ordovician thick dolostone in Shuntogol area of the Tarim Basin has the potential to form a large-scale reservoir, but its genesis and reservoir development model are still unclear. Starting from a sedimentary sequence, this study takes a batch of dolostone samples obtained from new drilling cores in recent years as the research object. On the basis of core observation and thin section identification, trace elements, cathodoluminescence, carbon and oxygen isotopes, rare earth elements, and X-ray diffraction order degree tests were carried out to discuss the origin of the dolomite and summarize the development model of the dolostone reservoir. The analysis results show that the Ordovician dolomite in the study area had a good crystalline shape, large thickness, high Fe and Mn values, and mostly showed bright red light or bright orange–red light under cathode rays. The ratio of δ18O values to seawater values at the same time showed a negative bias; the δCe values were negative anomalies, the δEu values were positive anomalies, and the order degree was high. This indicates that the dolomitization process occurred in a relatively closed diagenetic environment. The Ordovician carbonate rocks in the study area were low-lying during the sedimentary period, and with the rise of sea level, the open platform facies continued to develop. When the Middle and Lower Ordovician series entered the burial stage, the main hydrocarbon source rocks of the lower Cambrian Series entered the oil generation peak, and the resulting formation overpressure provided the dynamic source for the upward migration of the lower magnesium-rich fluid, and the dolomitization fluid entered the karst pore system in the target layer to produce all the dolomitization. This set of dolostone reservoirs is large in scale and can be used as a favorable substitute area for deep carbonate exploration for continuous study. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop