Geology of the Narragansett basin / by N. S. Shaler, J. B. Woodworth, and A. F. Foerste.

"Bibliography of the Cambrian and Carboniferous rocks of the Narragansett basin": p. 212-214.

The Paleozoic fishes of North America /

Also issued as 51st Cong., 1st sess., House Misc. doc. no. 249.

Long-term stasis in ecological assemblages: Evidence from the fossil record

Studies of plant and animal assemblages from both the terrestrial and the marine fossil records reveal persistence for extensive periods of geological time, sometimes millions of years. Persistence does not require lack of change or the absence of variation from one occurrence of the assemblage to the next in geological time. It does, however, imply that assemblage composition is bounded and that variation occurs within those bounds. The principal cause for these patterns appears to be species-, and perhaps clade-level, environmental fidelity that results in long-term tracking of physical conditions. Other factors that influence persistent recurrence of assemblages are historical, biogeographic effects, the law of large numbers, niche differentiation, and biotic interactions. Much research needs to be done in this area, and greater uniformity is needed in the approaches to studying the problem. However, great potential also exists for enhanced interaction between paleoecology and neoecology in understanding spatiotemporal complexity of ecological dynamics.

Upper Devonian biostratigraphy of the Iberian Pyrite Belt, southwest Spain Part One: Miospores

The Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB), which forms part of the Variscan orogenic massif, is renowned for the magnitude and extent of its massive sulfide mineralization. The stratigraphic record of the IPB consists of Upper Palaeozoic sedimentary and igneous rocks. In ascending order, these comprise the thick Phyllite-Quartzite Group attributed to the Middle and Upper Devonian and characterized by shales and quartzites with conglomeratic and carbonate intercalations towards the top; the appreciably thinner Volcano-Sedimentary Complex, a heterogeneous uppermost Devonian-Mississippian unit embodying diverse volcanic, subvolcanic, and sedimentary rocks that host the massive sulfide deposits; and the shaly and sandy, turbiditic Culm Group (Carboniferous). This entire succession was folded and faulted during the Asturian phase of the Variscan Orogeny that gave rise to a thin-skinned type structure. The present study constitutes a detailed blostratigraphic investigation of palynologically productive samples representative of the Phyllite-Quartzite Group and the basal (anoxic) portion of the Volcano-Sedimentary Complex. These were collected from surface and mine exposures variously located in the Spanish part of the IPB; out of 282 samples processed, 117 proved to be productive palynologically. The aim of this project is to provide comprehensive palynostratigraphic data applicable to precise dating and correlation of the IPB's stratigraphic succession (i.e., of the two sampled lithostratigraphic units), which has hitherto been investigated biostratigraphically on a relatively localized basis. The results are incorporated in two successive parts. The first of these, i. e., the present paper, focuses on the systematic analysis of the terrestrial (miospore) component of the palynological assemblages. The second part, devoted to the marine, organic-walled microphytoplankton (acritarchs and prasinophytes), will evaluate the stratigraphic significance of the IPB palynofloras and their application to elucidating the geological history of the region. In the systematic-descriptive section, which occupies the bulk of this paper, 55 species of trilete miospores are described and are allocated among 34 genera, two of which (Cristicavatispora and Epigruspora) are newly instituted herein. The majority of the species are either positively identifiable or closely affiliable with previously named species. The nine newly established species are as follows: Camptozonotriletes confertus, Indotriradites diversispinosus, Cristicavatispora dispersa (type species), Epigruspora regularis (type species), Ancyrospora? implicata, Endosporites tuberosus, Rugospora explicata, Spelaeotriletes plicatus, and Teichertospora iberica.

The Effect of low-grade aggregates on the abrasion resistance of concrete

Three types of crushed rock aggregate were appraised, these being Carboniferous Sandstone, Magnesian Limestone and Jurassic Limestone. A comprehensive aggregate testing programme assessed the properties of these materials. Two series of specimen slabs were cast and power finished using recognised site procedures to assess firstly the influence of these aggregates as the coarse fraction, and secondly as the fine fraction. Each specimen slab was tested at 28 days under three regimes to simulate 2-body abrasion, 3-body abrasion and the effect of water on the abrasion of concrete. The abrasion resistance was measured using a recognised accelerated abrasion testing apparatus employing rotating steel wheels. Relationships between the aggregate and concrete properties and the abrasion resistance have been developed with the following properties being particularly important - Los Angeles Abrasion and grading of the coarse aggregate, hardness of the fine aggregate and water-cement ratio of the concrete. The sole use of cube strength as a measure of abrasion resistance has been shown to be unreliable by this work. A graphical method for predicting the potential abrasion resistance of concrete using various aggregate and concrete properties has been proposed. The effect of varying the proportion of low-grade aggregate in the mix has also been investigated. Possible mechanisms involved during abrasion have been discussed, including localised crushing and failure of the aggregate/paste bond. Aggregates from each of the groups were found to satisfy current specifications for direct finished concrete floors. This work strengthens the case for the increased use of low-grade aggregates in the future.

Evolução estratigráfica da sequência neocarbonífera-eotriássica da Bacia do Parnaíba, NE do Brasil

The Parnaíba Basin consists in an intracratonic basin whose sucession of rocks is arranged in five supersequences. The Upper Carboniferous-Lower Triassic Sequence represents the third major sedimentary cycle and corresponds to Balsas Group, which is divided into four units: Piauí Formation, Pedra de Fogo Formation, Motuca Formation and Sambaíba Formation, from base to top. Different interpretations have been made by several authors in recent decades to interpreted the depositional system and environments related to each unit that belongs to this sequence. In general way, it is described as a thick pack of siliciclastic sediments deposited under complex conditions, varying from clastic/evaporitic shallow marine to lacustrine and desert environment. Aiming to clarify the sedimentary sequence evolution, this work underwent a stratigraphic analysis of the Upper Carboniferous-Lower Triassic deposits by applying modern concepts of the sequence stratigraphy based on well and seismic database. Three main depositional sequences of higher frequency were identified in each well analyzed. The sequence 1 corresponds to rocks initially deposited by a fluvial system with braided channel characteristics which evolved to shallow marine with coastal sabkha conditions related to a transgressive stage, that later evolved to a deltaic system. The Sequence 2 corresponds to rocks deposited in a lacustrine/desert environment associated with sabkha generated during a period of increased aridity in which the area occupied by the Parnaíba Basin had been suffering. The registration of a major regressive phase is shown in Sequence 2 which evolved to a dominantly desert environment recorded in Sequence 3. Seismic stratigraphy analyses allow to define a series of stratigraphic surfaces and related genetic units, as well as to infer its lateral expression. Seismic facies associated with such sequences are dominantly parallel and sub-parallel, with good lateral continuity, suggesting the sedimentary rate was relatively constant during deposition.

Evolução estratigráfica da sequência neocarbonífera-eotriássica da Bacia do Parnaíba, NE do Brasil

The Parnaíba Basin consists in an intracratonic basin whose sucession of rocks is arranged in five supersequences. The Upper Carboniferous-Lower Triassic Sequence represents the third major sedimentary cycle and corresponds to Balsas Group, which is divided into four units: Piauí Formation, Pedra de Fogo Formation, Motuca Formation and Sambaíba Formation, from base to top. Different interpretations have been made by several authors in recent decades to interpreted the depositional system and environments related to each unit that belongs to this sequence. In general way, it is described as a thick pack of siliciclastic sediments deposited under complex conditions, varying from clastic/evaporitic shallow marine to lacustrine and desert environment. Aiming to clarify the sedimentary sequence evolution, this work underwent a stratigraphic analysis of the Upper Carboniferous-Lower Triassic deposits by applying modern concepts of the sequence stratigraphy based on well and seismic database. Three main depositional sequences of higher frequency were identified in each well analyzed. The sequence 1 corresponds to rocks initially deposited by a fluvial system with braided channel characteristics which evolved to shallow marine with coastal sabkha conditions related to a transgressive stage, that later evolved to a deltaic system. The Sequence 2 corresponds to rocks deposited in a lacustrine/desert environment associated with sabkha generated during a period of increased aridity in which the area occupied by the Parnaíba Basin had been suffering. The registration of a major regressive phase is shown in Sequence 2 which evolved to a dominantly desert environment recorded in Sequence 3. Seismic stratigraphy analyses allow to define a series of stratigraphic surfaces and related genetic units, as well as to infer its lateral expression. Seismic facies associated with such sequences are dominantly parallel and sub-parallel, with good lateral continuity, suggesting the sedimentary rate was relatively constant during deposition.

Análise estratigráfica da sequência mesodevoniana-eocarbonífera da Bacia do Parnaíba, nordeste do Brasil

The Middle Devonian-Early Carboniferous sequence of the Parnaíba Basin, lithostratigraphically defined as Canindé Group, has been reinterpreted using the basic model of sequence stratigraphy. Therefore, lithology and gamma ray well-logs and seismic lines of central portion of the basin were analyzed, producing up from there diagrams 1D, isochore maps and stratigraphic sections. As results of this study, were defined two depositional cycles of second order, referred as Depositional Sequence 1 (SEQ1) and the Depositional Sequence 2 (SEQ2). The SEQ1, with interval about 37 Ma, is limited below by Early Devonian Unconformity and is equivalent to the formations Itaim, Pimenteiras and Cabeças. The SEQ2, which follows, comprises a range of about 15 Ma and is equivalent to the Longá Formation The SEQ1 starts with the lowstand systems tract, consisting of progradational parasequence set in the basal part, predominantly pelitic, deposited on a prodelta under influence of storms and the upper part consists in sandstones of deltaic front, with the maximum regressive surface on the upper limit. The transgressive systems tract, deposited above, is characterized by retrogradacional parasequence set composed of shallow shelf mudstones, deposited under storm conditions. The maximum flooding surface, upper limit of this tract, is positioned in a shale level whose radioactivity in gammaray well-log is close to 150 API. The highstand systems tract presents progradational parasequence set, comprising mudstones and sandstones deposited in shelf, fluvial-estuarine or deltaic and periglacial environments, with the upper limit the Late Devonian Unconformity. The SEQ2 was deposited in shelf environment, starting with the lowstand systems tract, that is characterized by a progradational parasequence set, followed by the transgressive systems tract, with retrogradational character. The upper limit of the tract corresponding to the fusion between maximum flooding surface with the upper limit of this sequence, which is the Early Carboniferous Unconformity, where the overlapping section was eroded. This section, which corresponds the highstand systems tract is restricted to portions at which the erosion that generate the Early-Carboniferous Unconformity was less effective, preserving the records of this unit.

Análise estratigráfica da sequência mesodevoniana-eocarbonífera da Bacia do Parnaíba, nordeste do Brasil

The Middle Devonian-Early Carboniferous sequence of the Parnaíba Basin, lithostratigraphically defined as Canindé Group, has been reinterpreted using the basic model of sequence stratigraphy. Therefore, lithology and gamma ray well-logs and seismic lines of central portion of the basin were analyzed, producing up from there diagrams 1D, isochore maps and stratigraphic sections. As results of this study, were defined two depositional cycles of second order, referred as Depositional Sequence 1 (SEQ1) and the Depositional Sequence 2 (SEQ2). The SEQ1, with interval about 37 Ma, is limited below by Early Devonian Unconformity and is equivalent to the formations Itaim, Pimenteiras and Cabeças. The SEQ2, which follows, comprises a range of about 15 Ma and is equivalent to the Longá Formation The SEQ1 starts with the lowstand systems tract, consisting of progradational parasequence set in the basal part, predominantly pelitic, deposited on a prodelta under influence of storms and the upper part consists in sandstones of deltaic front, with the maximum regressive surface on the upper limit. The transgressive systems tract, deposited above, is characterized by retrogradacional parasequence set composed of shallow shelf mudstones, deposited under storm conditions. The maximum flooding surface, upper limit of this tract, is positioned in a shale level whose radioactivity in gammaray well-log is close to 150 API. The highstand systems tract presents progradational parasequence set, comprising mudstones and sandstones deposited in shelf, fluvial-estuarine or deltaic and periglacial environments, with the upper limit the Late Devonian Unconformity. The SEQ2 was deposited in shelf environment, starting with the lowstand systems tract, that is characterized by a progradational parasequence set, followed by the transgressive systems tract, with retrogradational character. The upper limit of the tract corresponding to the fusion between maximum flooding surface with the upper limit of this sequence, which is the Early Carboniferous Unconformity, where the overlapping section was eroded. This section, which corresponds the highstand systems tract is restricted to portions at which the erosion that generate the Early-Carboniferous Unconformity was less effective, preserving the records of this unit.

Internal deformation and kinematic indicators within a tripartite Mass Transport Deposit, NW Argentina

Acknowledgments This work was carried out with support from CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico) – Brazil, BG-Brazil and the University of Aberdeen. We would like to thank the following geologists for their support, camaraderie and countless hours of fieldwork: Claus Fallgatter, Victoria Valdez, Carla Puigdomenech, Guilherme Bozetti, Roberto Noll Filho and Arthur Giovannini, and we thank Lorena Moscardelli and an anonymous reviewer, whose constructive comments helped to improve the manuscript.

Fossil associations from the middle and upper Eocene strata of the Pamplona Basin and surrounding areas (Navarre, western Pyrenees)

Fossil associations from the middle and upper Eocene (Bartonian and Priabonian) sedimentary succession of the Pamplona Basin are described. This succession was accumulated in the western part of the South Pyrenean peripheral foreland basin and extends from deep-marine turbiditic (Ezkaba Sandstone Formation) to deltaic (Pamplona Marl, Ardanatz Sandstone and Ilundain Marl formations) and marginal marine deposits (Gendulain Formation). The micropalaeontological content is high. It is dominated by foraminifera, and common ostracods and other microfossils are also present. The fossil ichnoasssemblages include at least 23 ichnogenera and 28 ichnospecies indicative of Nereites, Cruziana, Glossifungites and ?Scoyenia-Mermia ichnofacies. Body macrofossils of 78 taxa corresponding to macroforaminifera, sponges, corals, bryozoans, brachiopods, annelids, molluscs, arthropods, echinoderms and vertebrates have been identified. Both the number of ichnotaxa and of species (e. g. bryozoans, molluscs and condrichthyans) may be considerably higher. Body fossil assemblages are comparable to those from the Eocene of the Nord Pyrenean area (Basque Coast), and also to those from the Eocene of the west-central and eastern part of South Pyrenean area (Aragon and Catalonia). At the European scale, the molluscs assemblages seem endemic from the Pyrenean area, although several Tethyan (Italy and Alps) and Northern elements (Paris basin and Normandy) have been recorded. Palaeontological data of studied sedimentary units fit well with the shallowing process that throughout the middle and late Eocene occurs in the area, according to the sedimentological and stratigraphical data.

Strontium isotopes and sedimentology of a marine Triassic succession (upper Ladinian) of the westernmost Tethys, Spain

Chemical Stratigraphy, or the study of the variation of chemical elements within sedimentary sequences, has gradually become an experienced tool in the research and correlation of global geologic events. In this paper 87Sr/ 86Sr ratios of the Triassic marine carbonates (Muschelkalk facies) of southeast Iberian Ranges, Iberian Peninsula, are presented and the representative Sr-isotopic curve constructed for the upper Ladinian interval. The studied stratigraphic succession is 102 meters thick, continuous, and well preserved. Previous paleontological data from macro and micro, ammonites, bivalves, foraminifera, conodonts and palynological assemblages, suggest a Fassanian-Longobardian age (Late Ladinian). Although diagenetic minerals are present in small amounts, the elemental data content of bulk carbonate samples, especially Sr contents, show a major variation that probably reflects palaeoenvironmental changes. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios curve shows a rise from 0.707649 near the base of the section to 0.707741 and then declines rapidly to 0.707624, with a final values rise up to 0.70787 in the upper part. The data up to meter 80 in the studied succession is broadly concurrent with 87Sr/86Sr ratios of sequences of similar age and complements these data. Moreover, the sequence stratigraphic framework and its key surfaces, which are difficult to be recognised just based in the facies analysis, are characterised by combining variations of the Ca, Mg, Mn, Sr and CaCO3 contents

Plutonismo granítico varisco no Centro Norte de Portugal

O complexo batolítico das Beiras está localizado na Zona Centro Ibérica (ZCI), no centro norte de Portugal. É predominantemente composto por rochas granitóides instaladas em metassedimentos de idade Neoproterozóica - Câmbrica Inferior, Ordovícica e Carbonífera Superior, durante ou após a última fase de deformação dúctil varisca (D3). No seu conjunto, as rochas granitóides do Batólito das Beiras cobrem um amplo espectro de idades (sin-, tardi- e tardi-pós-D3) e tipologias (tipo S e transicionais I-S). Neste trabalho apresentam-se dados petrográficos, mineralógicos, geoquímicos e isotópicos para estas intrusões e discutem-se os principais processos envolvidos na sua génese.

Hydrothermale Dolomitisierung im Kauffunger Kalkstein (Paläozoikum - W-Sudeten, Polen

Within the Kauffung Limestone dolomite bodies related to volcanic contacts occure and are interpreted as a post-Variscan, hydrothermal volcanogenic formation. Two genetic dolomite types are discernible: a pervasive replacement saddle dolomite and a cavity filling saddle dolomite cement. Micro texture and oxygen isotopy of both dolomite types refer to heightened temperatures of formation. The ocurrence of the dolomite in contact to cross-cutting rhyolithic dikes points to a close petrogenetic relation. Dolomite bodies and rhyolithic injections in contrast to the rock wall are characterized by a distinctive cavernous texture, so that a prekinematic genesis is excluded. The formation of replacement saddle dolomite and saddle dolomite cement altogether are considered as a concomitant phenomenon of the Permo-Carboniferous volcanism widespread in the Bober-Katzbach Mountains.

Der Kauffunger Kalkstein (Bober-Katzbach Gebirge, Polen): Petrographie, Fossilinventar, Stratigraphie

In the Western Sudetes (Mts.) in SW Poland carbonate rocks occur which are well known in the older German literature as ’’Kauffung Limestone” or ’’Wojcieszow Limestone” in recent publications, respectively. They are intercalated in sedimentary (shales) and volcanic (greenstone) successions and are, presumed - due to the lack of index fossils - to be Cambrian in age. These deposits occur in a variety of isolated massifs in the Bober-Katzbach Mts. where they have been mined in many quarries in the past. In a single location (Polom quarry near Wojcieszow) they are exploited up until today. The predominantly calcitic rocks display a wide variety of different lithologies and are, consequently, subdivided into the following lithological units which differ in textural characteristics, mineral constituents, and different grades of diagenetic and metamorphic alteration: 1. Calcite Marble: massive, calcitic, chiefly metamorphic recrystallized. 2. Zebra Limestone: dolomitic-calcitic, certain content of metasomatic silica, fine bedding as a result of microbial calcite precipitation or of diagenetic to metamorphic separation of carbonate and silica constituents. 3. Massive matrix Dolomite: compact, of diagenetic to metamorphic origin. 4. Dolomite Marble: metamorphic. 5. Hydrothermal Dolomite: hydrothermal alteration of limestone, postdating the tectonic deformation. The recent appearance of ’’Kauffung Limestone” is mainly a result of regional metamorphosis at low temperature up to about 300°C and locally high pressure. The typical textural features are stress induced, mostly protomylonitic calcite recrystallisation and generally slowly or not infected dolomite crystals. The different reactions of the two carbonate phases are attributed to their mineral properties. Rhyolitic and dacitic dykes penetrating the carbonate rocks are interpreted as a result of post- orogenic, probably Carboniferous or Permian volcanism. Microprobe investigation on the carbonates revealed a stochiometric composition of dolomite and calcite. The stable isotope content (8 c 0,8* ^C) reflects increased crystallisation temperature of the carbonate minerals (8 O von -7,75 bis -15,78). A variety of fossil remains have been extracted from bulk samples, consisting of sponge needles, floral components, foramini- fera, and vertebrate remains the latter two of which indicate a depositional age younger than Ordovician. Due to the stratigraphic re-attribution of the Kauffung Limestone, the hypothesis of a Cambrian/Ordovician rifting in the Western Sudetes should be abandoned.