Magmatic and hydrothermal behavior of uranium in syntectonic leucogranites: The uranium mineralization associated with the Hercynian Guérande granite (Armorican Massif, France)

Most of the hydrothermal uranium (U) deposits from the European Hercynian belt (EHB) are spatially associated with Carboniferous peraluminous leucogranites. In the southern part of the Armorican Massif (French part of the EHB), the Guérande peraluminous leucogranite was emplaced in an extensional deformation zone at ca. 310 Ma and is spatially associated with several U deposits and occurrences. The apical zone of the intrusion is structurally located below the Pen Ar Ran U deposit, a perigranitic vein-type deposit where mineralization occurs at the contact between black shales and Ordovician acid metavolcanics. In the Métairie-Neuve intragranitic deposit, uranium oxide-quartz veins crosscut the granite and a metasedimentary enclave. Airborne radiometric data and published trace element analyses on the Guérande leucogranite suggest significant uranium leaching at the apical zone of the intrusion. The primary U enrichment in the apical zone of the granite likely occurred during both fractional crystallization and the interaction with magmatic fluids. The low Th/U values (18Owhole rock = 9.7–11.6‰ for deformed samples and δ18Owhole rock = 12.2–13.6‰ for other samples) indicate that the deformed facies of the apical zone underwent sub-solidus alteration at depth with oxidizing meteoric fluids. Fluid inclusion analyses on a quartz comb from a uranium oxide-quartz vein of the Pen Ar Ran deposit show evidence of low-salinity fluids (1–6 wt.% NaCl eq.), in good agreement with the contribution of meteoric fluids. Fluid trapping temperatures in the range of 250–350 °C suggest an elevated geothermal gradient, probably related to regional extension and the occurrence of magmatic activity in the environment close to the deposit at the time of its formation. U-Pb dating on uranium oxides from the Pen Ar Ran and Métairie-Neuve deposits reveals three different mineralizing events. The first event at 296.6 ± 2.6 Ma (Pen Ar Ran) is sub-synchronous with hydrothermal circulations and the emplacement of late leucogranitic dykes in the Guérande leucogranite. The two last mineralizing events occur at 286.6 ± 1.0 Ma (Métairie-Neuve) and 274.6 ± 0.9 Ma (Pen Ar Ran), respectively. Backscattered uranium oxide imaging combined with major elements and REE geochemistry suggest similar conditions of mineralization during the two Pen Ar Ran mineralizing events at ca. 300 Ma and ca. 275 Ma, arguing for different hydrothermal circulation phases in the granite and deposits. Apatite fission track dating reveals that the Guérande granite was still at depth and above 120 °C when these mineralizing events occurred, in agreement with the results obtained on fluid inclusions at Pen Ar Ran. Based on this comprehensive data set, we propose that the Guérande leucogranite is the main source for uranium in the Pen Ar Ran and Métairie-Neuve deposits. Sub-solidus alteration via surface-derived low-salinity oxidizing fluids likely promoted uranium leaching from magmatic uranium oxides within the leucogranite. The leached out uranium may then have been precipitated in the reducing environment represented by the surrounding black shales or graphitic quartzites. As similar mineralizing events occurred subsequently until ca. 275 Ma, meteoric oxidizing fluids likely percolated during the time when the Guérande leucogranite was still at depth. The age of the U mineralizing events in the Guérande region (300–275 Ma) is consistent with that obtained on other U deposits in the EHB and could suggest a similar mineralization condition, with long-term upper to middle crustal infiltration of meteoric fluids likely to have mobilized U from fertile peraluminous leucogranites during the Late Carboniferous to Permian crustal extension events

New insights into the early evolution of horizontal spiral trace fossils and the age of the Brioverian series (Ediacaran-Cambrian) in Brittany, NW France

In northwestern France, the Brioverian series is a thick siliciclastic succession deposited during the Cadomian cycle (c. 750-540 Ma). In the uppermost Brioverian beds, previous studies unravelled an assemblage dominated by simple horizontal trace fossils associated with microbially stabilized surfaces. Here, we report Spirodesmos trace fossils - one-way, irregular and regular horizontal spirals - from Crozon (Finistère, Brittany), Montfort-sur-Meu and St-Gonlay (Ille-et-Vilaine, Brittany). After reviewing the literature on horizontal spiral trace fossils, an Ediacaran-Fortunian Spirodesmos pool is identified from marginal-marine to shelf settings, while an Ordovician-Recent trend formed in the deep-marine realm. These results suggest that an onshore-offshore migration in Spirodesmos took place during Ediacaran-Fortunian to Ordovician time, similar to what happened in graphoglyptids. In addition, the age of the uppermost Brioverian beds (Ediacaran or early Cambrian) is still a pending question. Here, we report two new U-Pb detrital zircon datings from sandstone samples in St-Gonlay, giving maximum deposition ages of 551 ± 7 Ma and 540 ± 5 Ma. Although these results do not discard an Ediacaran age for the uppermost Brioverian beds, a Fortunian age is envisioned because the new dating corroborates previous dating from Brittany, Mayenne and Normandy. However, the intervals of error of the radiometric dating, and the dominance of non-penetrative trace fossils associated with matgrounds (an ecology more typical of the Ediacaran Period), do not allow definitive conclusions on the age of the uppermost Brioverian beds

Evidence for Archaean lamprophyre from the Kaapvaal Craton, South Africa

A suite of mafic dykes occurs as a late component in a wellcharacterized trondhjemite–tonalite–diorite–granodiorite assemblage in the Johannesburg Dome of the central Kaapvaal Craton, southern Africa. The dykes have been subdivided into two sets, based on their orientation, and major and trace element geochemistry. Set 1 dykes are characterized by elevated SiO2, Al2O3 and TiO2, and particularly by enriched LILE and HSFE (e.g. Zr > 200 ppm, Nb > 20 ppm, Ba > 300 ppm), higher than in any of the accompanying felsic rocks. REE and trace element values for Set 1 dykes are similar to those for calc-alkaline lamprophyres. The Set 2 dykes have similar trace element distributions, but are significantly less enriched in general, and are broadly tholeiitic in composition, with enriched MgO (>11 wt. percentage) indicative of an olivine–phyric tholeiitic basaltic protolith. Field relationships and available U–Pb zircon geochronology indicate that the dykes are contemporaneous with components of the trondhjemitic host rocks, and with late granodiorites. The geochemical, geochronological and field petrological setting indicates partial melting of basaltic and eclogitic lithosphere at c. 3120 Myr ago in the basal Kaapvaal Craton, and subsequent emplacement into pre-existing c. 3430 Myr tonalitic to dioritic crust

Petrology, geochemistry, and U-Pb (zircon) age of the quartz-feldspar porphyry dyke at the Lake George antimony mine, New Brunswick: implications for origin, emplacement process, and mineralization

A steeply west-dipping, north-northwest-trending, biotite-bearing quartz-feldspar porphyry dyke is associated with the Lake George granodiorite, a cupola of the Pokiok Batholith. These Early Devonian intrusions are spatially and temporally related to W-Mo-Au and Sb-Au mineralization in the area. The porphyry dyke yielded an age of 420.8 +5.9/-4.0 Ma (U-Pb zircon) and is inferred to be coeval with or slightly older than the Lake George granodiorite (412 +5/-4 Ma, U-Pb zircon). The variably altered dyke contains subhedral to anhedral (rounded) quartz, plagioclase, and orthoclase phenocrysts (0.5 to 30 mm; 30 to 60 vol. %), and numerous angular to subrounded xenoliths of altered intrusion carapace and quenched dyke rocks, as well as local Kingsclear Formation metasedimentary rocks. The dyke is similar to the Lake George granodiorite in phenocryst population, volcanic arc (I-type) affinity, average Zr (157 ppm), TiO2 (0.54 %), La/Yb ratio (13), and REE (129 ppm). The average Au content is lower in the dyke (20 ppb) than in the granodiorite (32 ppb), the abundance of gold is related to minor magmatic hydrothermal chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite (< 2 %). Based on textural evidence, including autobrecciation, coupled with rheological and thermal modeling calculations for the 5 m-wide dyke, it is suggested that fluidization (vapour exsolution) of the magma was key to its rapid emplacement as a quenched glass-gas mixture (tuffisite). The S abundance and S isotopic signature of the dyke, relative to Au and Cu abundance, support reduced I-type magmatic volatiles involved in dyke emplacement and cogenetic autometasomatic alteration. RÉSUMÉ Un dyke de porphyre quartzo-feldspathique renfermant de la biotite, orienté vers le nord-nord-ouest et s’inclinant abruptement vers l’ouest, est associé à la granodiorite du lac George, une coupole du magmatisme du batholite de Pokiok. Ces intrusions régionales du Dévonien précoce sont spatialement et temporellement apparentées à une minéralisation de W-Mo-Au et de Sb-Au dans le secteur. Le dyke de porphyre a accusé un âge de 420,8 +5,9/-4,0 Ma (U-Pb sur zircon) et on le suppose du même âge ou légèrement plus âgé que la granodiorite du lac George (412 +5/-4 Ma, U-Pb sur zircon). Le dyke altéré de façon variable abrite des phénocristaux hypautomorphes à allotriomorphes (arrondis) de quartz, de plagioclase et d’orthoclase (0,5 à 30 mm, 30 à 60 % en vol.) ainsi que de nombreux xénolites angulaires à subsphérique d’une carapace d’intrusion altérée et de roches de dykes noyées, en plus de roches métasédimentaires locales de la Formation de Kingsclear. Le dyke s’avère analogue à la granodiorite du lac George du point de vue de la population de phénocristaux, de l’affinité avec l’arc insulaire (de type intrusif), de la concentration moyenne de Zr (157 ppm), du TiO2 (0,54 %), du ratio de La/Yb (13) et des ÉTR (129 ppm). La teneur moyenne en Au est plus faible dans le dyke (20 parties par milliard) que dans la granodiorite (32 parties par milliard); son abondance est apparentée à la présence restreinte de chalcopyrite et de pyrrhotite hydrothermales magmatiques (< 2 %). Selon les indices texturaux, notamment l’autobréchification, conjugués à des calculs de modélisation rhéologique et thermale du dyke (5 m), on peut supposer que la fluidisation (exsolution à l’état de vapeur) du magma a contribué à sa mise en place rapide sous forme d’un mélange de verre-gaz (tuffisite) noyé. L’abondance de S et la signature isotopique du S du dyke, comparativement à l’abondance d’Au et de Cu, appuient la participation réduite d’éléments volatils magmatiques de type intrusif à la mise en place du dyke et à l’altération autométasomatique cogénétique. [Traduit par la rédaction

Elliptical body fossils from the Fortunian (Early Cambrian) of Normandy (NW France)

Body fossils have been discovered in the Fortunian deposits of the Rozel Cape, in Normandy (NW France). The material consists of about 80 specimens preserved on a shale surface, recently observed at the base of a cliff at the Cap Rozel, in the Cotentin region. The fossils, centimetric in size, have an elliptical outline, with a peripheral bulge, generally without other conspicuous ornamentation, but showing sometimes concentric or radial lines possibly of taphonomic origins. In addition, these body fossils are preserved parallel to the bedding plane, locally rich in horizontal trace fossils (e.g. Archaeonassa Fenton &amp; Fenton, 1937, Helminthoidichnites Fitch, 1850, Helminthopsis Heer, 1877) and also complex treptichinids burrows (e.g. Treptichnus pedum (Seilacher, 1955)) sometimes associated with microbial mats. The sedimentological characteristics of these deposits (ripple marks, syneresis cracks) correspond to a shallow marine shelf environment, with a variable hydrodynamism in the intertidal zone, low for surfaces showing elliptic fossils and syneresis cracks, higher for surfaces with ripple marks. These new discoveries unravel the potential of the Fortunian strata from Normandy and provide new information about the early Cambrian biocenoses

Evidence for Archaean lamprophyre from the Kaapvaal Craton, South Africa

A suite of mafic dykes occurs as a late component in a wellcharacterized trondhjemite–tonalite–diorite–granodiorite assemblage in the Johannesburg Dome of the central Kaapvaal Craton, southern Africa. The dykes have been subdivided into two sets, based on their orientation, and major and trace element geochemistry. Set 1 dykes are characterized by elevated SiO2, Al2O3 and TiO2, and particularly by enriched LILE and HSFE (e.g. Zr > 200 ppm, Nb > 20 ppm, Ba > 300 ppm), higher than in any of the accompanying felsic rocks. REE and trace element values for Set 1 dykes are similar to those for calc-alkaline lamprophyres. The Set 2 dykes have similar trace element distributions, but are significantly less enriched in general, and are broadly tholeiitic in composition, with enriched MgO (>11 wt. percentage) indicative of an olivine–phyric tholeiitic basaltic protolith. Field relationships and available U–Pb zircon geochronology indicate that the dykes are contemporaneous with components of the trondhjemitic host rocks, and with late granodiorites. The geochemical, geochronological and field petrological setting indicates partial melting of basaltic and eclogitic lithosphere at c. 3120 Myr ago in the basal Kaapvaal Craton, and subsequent emplacement into pre-existing c. 3430 Myr tonalitic to dioritic crust

Результаты теоретических и опытных работ по изучению механизма работы буровых компоновок со смещенным центром масс поперечного сечения

Актуальность работы: необходимость повышения эффективности бурения геологоразведочных скважин в сложных горно-геологических условиях, в том числе связанных с естественным искривлением скважин. Цель исследования: разработка методики использования и конструкций буровых компоновок со смещенным центром масс (тяжести) поперечного сечения, позволяющих повысить эффективность бурения геологоразведочных скважин. Методы исследования: аналитические исследования, опытно-конструкторские работы и экспериментальные опытные работы. Результаты. Разработаны теоретические положения, методика применения и конструкции буровых компоновок со смещенным центром тяжести поперечного сечения; проведены производственные испытания различных конструкций буровых компоновок со смещенным центром тяжести поперечного сечения при различных способах бурения. Выводы. На основе разработанной модели движения буровых компоновок со смещенным центром тяжести поперечного сечения получены аналитические зависимости для расчета величин эксцентриситета поперечного сечения буровых компоновок, обеспечивающие их вращение вокруг оси скважины (вид Ф1), а также длину вовлекаемого в режим вращения Ф1 участка колонны, что позволяет создавать компоновки бурильной колонны, способные работать в более благоприятном режиме и обеспечивать повышение эффективности бурового процесса. На основе стандартных снарядов со съемным керноприемником типоразмера HQ разработаны и изготовлены трубы со смещенным центром тяжести, которые испытаны на производственных скважинах в составе компоновки, в которой размещено три трубы со смещенным центром тяжести поперечного сечения. Результаты испытаний показали, что в составе высокосбалансированных бурильных колонн снаряда со съемным керноприемником эффективно применение труб со смещенным центром тяжести: достигается снижение интенсивности естественного искривления скважин, снижается вибрация и затраты мощности на работу бурильной колонны.Relevance of the research is the necessity to increase the efficiency of drilling prospecting wells in difficult mining-and-geological conditions, including those connected with a natural curvature of wells. The aim of the research is to develop a technique of using and designs of boring configurations with the displaced cross section mass center which allow increasing the efficiency of drilling the prospecting wells. Research methods: analytical researches, developmental works and experimental skilled works. Results. The authors have developed the theoretical regulations, a technique of application and a design of boring configurations with the displaced cross section mass center and carried out the production tests of various designs of boring configurations of with the displaced cross section mass center when drilling. Conclusions. Based on the developed model of movement of boring configurations with the displaced center of gravity of cross section the authors obtained the analytical dependences for calculating the sizes of eccentricity of boring configuration cross section providing their rotation round a well axis (Ф1 type), as well as the length of the column part involved in the rotation mode Ф1 that allows developing the configurations of a boring column capable of operating in more favorable mode and providing the increase of boring efficiency. Based on standard shells with the removable core receiver of a standard size of HQ the pipes with the displaced cross section mass center were developed and produced. They were tested on production wells as a part of configuration in which three pipes with the displaced cross section mass center were placed. The results of the tests showed that it is efficient to apply the pipes with the displaced cross section mass center as a part of the high-balanced boring columns as the decrease in intensity of natural curvature of wells is reached, vibration and costs of power for boring column operation decrease

Seismic risk in the city of Al Hoceima (north of Morocco) using the vulnerability index method, applied in Risk-UE project

The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11069-016-2566-8Al Hoceima is one of the most seismic active regions in north of Morocco. It is demonstrated by the large seismic episodes reported in seismic catalogs and research studies. However, seismic risk is relatively high due to vulnerable buildings that are either old or don’t respect seismic standards. Our aim is to present a study about seismic risk and seismic scenarios for the city of Al Hoceima. The seismic vulnerability of the existing residential buildings was evaluated using the vulnerability index method (Risk-UE). It was chosen to be adapted and applied to the Moroccan constructions for its practicality and simple methodology. A visual inspection of 1102 buildings was carried out to assess the vulnerability factors. As for seismic hazard, it was evaluated in terms of macroseismic intensity for two scenarios (a deterministic and probabilistic scenario). The maps of seismic risk are represented by direct damage on buildings, damage to population and economic cost. According to the results, the main vulnerability index of the city is equal to 0.49 and the seismic risk is estimated as Slight (main damage grade equal to 0.9 for the deterministic scenario and 0.7 for the probabilistic scenario). However, Moderate to heavy damage is expected in areas located in the newer extensions, in both the east and west of the city. Important economic losses and damage to the population are expected in these areas as well. The maps elaborated can be a potential guide to the decision making in the field of seismic risk prevention and mitigation strategies in Al Hoceima.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Intra-Host Evolution Analyses in an Immunosuppressed Patient Supports SARS-CoV-2 Viral Reservoir Hypothesis.

Throughout the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, several variants of concern (VOCs) have been identified, many of which share recurrent mutations in the spike glycoprotein's receptor-binding domain (RBD). This region coincides with known epitopes and can therefore have an impact on immune escape. Protracted infections in immunosuppressed patients have been hypothesized to lead to an enrichment of such mutations and therefore drive evolution towards VOCs. Here, we present the case of an immunosuppressed patient that developed distinct populations with immune escape mutations throughout the course of their infection. Notably, by investigating the co-occurrence of substitutions on individual sequencing reads in the RBD, we found quasispecies harboring mutations that confer resistance to known monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) such as S:E484K and S:E484A. These mutations were acquired without the patient being treated with mAbs nor convalescent sera and without them developing a detectable immune response to the virus. We also provide additional evidence for a viral reservoir based on intra-host phylogenetics, which led to a viral substrain that evolved elsewhere in the patient's body, colonizing their upper respiratory tract (URT). The presence of SARS-CoV-2 viral reservoirs can shed light on protracted infections interspersed with periods where the virus is undetectable, and potential explanations for long-COVID cases

Evaluation of endothelial function and subclinical atherosclerosis in association with hepatitis C virus in HIV-infected patients: a cross-sectional study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Relationship of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in HIV-infected patients remains controversial. We evaluated endothelial function and subclinical atherosclerosis in HIV-infected patients with and without HCV.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery and circulating levels of cell adhesion molecules (CAM) were measured in HCV/HIV-coinfected and HIV-monoinfected patients. Subclinical atherosclerosis was assessed by carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>63 (31%) HCV/HIV-coinfected and 138 (69%) HIV-monoinfected patients were included. Median soluble vascular CAM-1 (sVCAM-1) and intercellular CAM-1 (sICAM-1) levels were significantly higher in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients (P < 0.001 for both cases). Median (interquartile range) FMD was 6.21% (2.86-9.62) in HCV/HIV-coinfected and 5.54% (2.13-9.13) in HIV-monoinfected patients (P = 0.37). Adjustment for variables associated with HCV and FMD disclosed similar results. FMD correlated inversely with cIMT and age. Carotid IMT did not differ between HCV/HIV-coinfected and HIV-monoinfected patients in unadjusted (0.61 [0.55-0.65] mm vs 0.60 [0.53-0.72] mm; P = 0.39) or adjusted analyses.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>HCV infection was associated with higher levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1, but no evidence of increased subclinical atherosclerosis was found when endothelial function was evaluated through FMD, or when assessing the cIMT.</p