DOCSLIB.ORG

Volcanogenic Tonsteins from Bukit Asam Coalfield, South Sumatra Basin, Indonesia

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Volcanogenic Tonsteins from Bukit Asam Coalfield, South Sumatra Basin, Indonesia 1.1 Volcanogenic Tonsteins from Bukit Asam Coalfield, South Sumatra Basin, Indonesia Ferian Anggara1*, Amanda A. Sahri2, Zain A. N. Asa2, D. Hendra Amijaya1 1Geological Engineering Department, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta 52884, Indonesia 2Undergraduate program Geological Engineering Department, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta 52884, Indonesia *Corresponding Address: [email protected] In the Muara Enim Formation, at least 18 coal layers are found, however only five main coal seams layer in Bukit Asam coalfield e.g the A1 and A2 (Mangus) seams, B1 and B2 (Suban) seams as well as C (Petai) seams are considered economic to be mined. A major influence on the evolution of peat mires and coal formation in the Muara Enim Formation was volcanic activity during the deposition. Volcanic eruptions in the surrounding area produced ash which accumulated as claystone layers or tonsteins in the coal seams. Based on systematic field mapping, several tonsteins layers were founded and sampled in the research area, e.g. tonsteins in interseam layer of A1, A2, B1, B2 and C seam. This paper only focused on the tonstein in between B and C seam. The mineralogy of the tonsteins has been evaluated using thin section and qualitative X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Tonstein in Bukit Asam coalfield, consisting mainly of kaolinite, quartz, dickite and calcite. The results suggest that these tonsteins were derived from acid volcanic ash fallout, which was subsequently altered into relatively kaolinitic rocks through hydrolysis and diagenesis in a peat-bog environment. The tonsteins in Muara Enim Formation are significance in providing distinctive horizons for stratigraphic correlation purposes. Keyword: Tonstein, Bukit Asam Coalfield, Muara Enim Formation 1. Introduction Tonsteins are widespread clay bands or partings Tonsteins has been used widely in coal geology, as the alteration product of volcanic ash that e.g. as a tool for radiometric dating, identify associated with coal beds, contains dominantly paleo-depositional environments, and parameter glass from the original ash and phenocysts of to identify coalification, diagenesis and coal quartz, magnetite/ilmenite, kaolinite, smectite quality [1]. Nowdays, some tonstein may and other minerals [1]. Tonsteins layer were contain valuable trace elements that could be founded in almost tertiary coal basin in potential in searches for alkali ore-deposits [3]. Indonesia including Bukit Asam coalfield, South The presence of tonsteins also influence the Sumatera, Indonesia. Characteristics of tonstein composition of macerals in coals. Coals were in Bukit Asam coalfield based on [2] showed enriched in desmocollinite, tellinite and that Rb, Cs and major element K are highly detrocollinite at top of the tonstein layer as leached from tonstein while elements Ga and Ti result of poorly-drained swamp conditions, were immobile and residual in tonstein. while coals below the tonsteins layer were enriched in semifusinite, inertodetrinite and fusinite as result of well-drained swamp condition [4]. 1Sriwijaya International Conference on Engineering, Science and Technology (SICEST) 2016 1.1 Thus, study on tonsteins characteristics in the seams (Mangus), B seams (Suban) and C seams research area especially for stratigraphic (Petai). This unit dominantly consists of coal, correlation purpose is becoming very important dark grey to black shale, brownish – grey claystone and sandy claystone. While the upper 2. Geological Background unit consists of shale, coal, tuff, claystone and The Muara Enim Formation (MEF) was sandstone. The boundary between lower unit deposited during regressive period of a and upper unit is the top of A1 seam (upper transgressive-regressive cycle in the South Mangus). The age of this formation is Late Sumatera Basin [5]. The thickness of Muara Miocene – Early Pliocene [6]. Enim Formation is around 500 – 700m, about 15% of which is coal. Top and bottom of this unit are defined by the upper and lower occurrence of laterally continuous coal beds. The formation consists of stacked shallowing- upward parasequences, typically 10 – 30 m thick, with shallow marine or bay clays at the base, and shoreline and delta plain facies (sand, clay, coal) at the top, see Figure 1. Figure 2. Measured section of West Banko coal field indicated samples used in this study. Figure 1. South Sumatra Basin Stratigraphy [6] 3. Sample and Method Coals rank in the MEF of Bukit Asam coalfield Systematic field mapping has been conducted in are vary from sub-bituminous to semi-anthracite the Banko field and several tonsteins layers in as the result of igneous intrusion of andesitic interseam layer of A1, A2, B1, B2 and C seam composition [2]. The MEF can be divided into have been founded. In this paper, we only two units, the lower unit are the most economic focused on collecting and analyzing tonstein coal in Bukit Asam coalfield, consists of A samples in between B and C seam (Figure 2). 2Sriwijaya International Conference on Engineering, Science and Technology (SICEST) 2016 1.1 There were 6 samples for thin section and XRD grain size of about 100 µm and a maximum of 1 (bulk powder and oriented clay) analysis. XRD mm. The type of this tonsteins based on [8] is analysis with oriented clay method (air dried, called pellet (graupen) tonsteins. The grains are ethylene glycol and heated) is very useful to dominant composed of feldspar as well as quartz analyze clay mineral that cannot be determined and opaque minerals in minor composition (Fig. by thin section analysis. 4). Most of the feldspar are altered to kaolinite. Quartz grains have low sphericity and subangular and indicate as a product of explosive volcanism rather than normal sedimentary processes. Kaolinite grains are mainly consist of fine-grained kaolinite with orientated inclusions, and appears isotropic or with weak aggregate polarization. This is suggests an original altered volcanic rock fragments or plagioclase feldspar. Figure 3. Outcrop of tuffaceous coal (a) of C seam, claystone (b) and sandy tuff (c) tonstein layers of interburden B1-B2 seam on the Banko field. 4. Result 4.1 Systematic Field Mapping Based on Figure 2, there are very thin layer of tuffaceous coal (sample TS-1 and TS-3) on the top of C seam. The thickness of the two layers are 5 cm to 15 cm, respectively. Thin clean coal seam in between those layer is also sampled and analyzed and called as TS-2 sample. Megascopically, TS-1 and TS-3 samples are light gray in colour and the roof this layer is sandstone. TS-2 is dull banded friable coal. Claystone (TS-4), coal (TS-5) and sandy tuff (TS-6) in between B2 and B1 seam are sampled and analyzed. TS-4 is 20 cm to 25 cm, grey to the yellowish grey with laminated sedimentary structure. TS-5 is 25 cm, black, and dull banded. Sandy tuff is 20 cm, light grey with clay to sand grain size (Fig. 3) Figure 4. (a) thin section of samples TS-3 (b) 4.2 Petrographic Analysis thin section of samples TS-1. (c) quartz as Tonsteins samples are examined under the filling fractures in samples TS-6. Opq = opaque microscope and shows granular with a median mineral, Fsp = feldspar, Qz = quartz 3Sriwijaya International Conference on Engineering, Science and Technology (SICEST) 2016 1.1 macerals and megascopic characteristics of the plies immediately below and above the tonsteins in the adjacent coal layers. The plies below the tonstein generally have a ~10 cm of bright banded coal, have higher liptinite, inertrinite, detrovitrinite, and detrital macerals higher mineral content. On the other hand, the plies above tonstein show less convincing trends. In some areas, samples from this plies contain less detrital macerals than the coals immediately above but on the other hand, some of ply Figure 5. XRD of samples TS-3 (a), TS-2 (b) samples have higher. and TS-1 (c). K = kaolinit, Q = quartz 6. Conclusion A major influence on the evolution of peat mires and coal formation in the MEF was volcanic activity during the deposition. Volcanic eruptions in the surrounding area produced ash Figure 6. (a) XRD of samples TS-6 (a) and TS-4 which accumulated as tonsteins in the coal (b). K = kaolinit, Q = quartz, D = dickite seams. The study of the tonsteins in Bukit Asam coalfield has revealed their macroscopic 4.3 XRD Analysis characteristic such as have 15 to 20 cm in thick, The results show that kaolinite is the dominant light colored and mostly composed of kaolinite mineral found in XRD analysis, with only small as well as quartz, dickite, feldspar, and calcite as amounts of other minerals (Fig 5 and 6). Based minor constituents. Based on the mineralogical on Figure 5 and 6, tonsteins shows well-ordered composition, tonsteins in the research area were kaolinite. Spears [7] mentioned that tonsteins derived from acid volcanic ash fallout, which from an altered volcanic ash is characterized by was subsequently altered into relatively well-ordered kaolinite in XRD peak data. kaolinitic rocks. detrital maceral contents. Quartz, feldspars, dickite, and calcite are found as minor constituent. Within the distinctive character in term of megascopic characteristic as well as mineralogy 5. Discussion composition, tonsteins layers in the research The megascopic description and laboratory area is useful to be used as a stratigraphic analysis shows tonsteins in the reseach area is marker for correlation purposes. mostly composed of volcanic material. Altered feldspar and clay mineral are observed from thin section analysis. Based on XRD analysis, most References of the clay mineral is composed by well-ordered [1] Triplehorn, D.D., 1990. Applications of kaolinite that is indicated volacanic ash origin. tonsteins to coal geology: some example from western United States. International Previous study indicate that the presence of Journal of Coal Geology (16), pp: 157- tonsteins in coal influence the percentage of 160. maceral composition in coal seam [2].
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 1 Revision 2 1 K-Bentonites
    1 Revision 2 2 K-Bentonites: A Review 3 Warren D. Huff 4 Department of Geology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221 USA 5 Email: [email protected] 6 Keywords: K-bentonite, bentonite, tephra, explosive volcanism, volcanic ash 7 Abstract 8 Pyroclastic material in the form of altered volcanic ash or tephra has been reported and described 9 from one or more stratigraphic units from the Proterozoic to the Tertiary. This altered tephra, 10 variously called bentonite or K-bentonite or tonstein depending on the degree of alteration and 11 chemical composition, is often linked to large explosive volcanic eruptions that have occurred 12 repeatedly in the past. K-bentonite and bentonite layers are the key components of a larger group of 13 altered tephras that are useful for stratigraphic correlation and for interpreting the geodynamic 14 evolution of our planet. Bentonites generally form by diagenetic or hydrothermal alteration under 15 the influence of fluids with high Mg content and that leach alkali elements. Smectite composition is 16 partly controlled by parent rock chemistry. Studies have shown that K-bentonites often display 17 variations in layer charge and mixed-layer clay ratios and that these correlate with physical 18 properties and diagenetic history. The following is a review of known K-bentonite and related 19 occurrences of altered tephra throughout the time scale from Precambrian to Cenozoic. 20 Introduction 21 Volcanic eruptions are often, although by no means always, associated with a profuse output 22 of fine pyroclastic material, tephra. Tephra is a term used to describe all of the solid material 23 produced from a volcano during an eruption (Thorarinsson, 1944).
    [Show full text]
  • Using Volcaniclastic Rocks to Constrain Sedimentation Ages
    Using volcaniclastic rocks to constrain sedimentation ages: To what extent are volcanism and sedimentation synchronous? Camille Rossignol, Erwan Hallot, Sylvie Bourquin, Marc Poujol, Marc Jolivet, Pierre Pellenard, Céline Ducassou, Thierry Nalpas, Gloria Heilbronn, Jianxin Yu, et al. To cite this version: Camille Rossignol, Erwan Hallot, Sylvie Bourquin, Marc Poujol, Marc Jolivet, et al.. Using vol- caniclastic rocks to constrain sedimentation ages: To what extent are volcanism and sedimentation synchronous?. Sedimentary Geology, Elsevier, 2019, 381, pp.46-64. 10.1016/j.sedgeo.2018.12.010. insu-01968102 HAL Id: insu-01968102 https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-01968102 Submitted on 2 Jan 2019 HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci- destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents entific research documents, whether they are pub- scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, lished or not. The documents may come from émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de teaching and research institutions in France or recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires abroad, or from public or private research centers. publics ou privés. Accepted Manuscript Using volcaniclastic rocks to constrain sedimentation ages: To what extent are volcanism and sedimentation synchronous? Camille Rossignol, Erwan Hallot, Sylvie Bourquin, Marc Poujol, Marc Jolivet, Pierre Pellenard, Céline Ducassou, Thierry Nalpas, Gloria Heilbronn, Jianxin Yu, Marie-Pierre
    [Show full text]
  • Geology and Coal Resources of the Upper Cretaceous Fruitland Formation, San Juan Basin, New Mexico and Colorado
    Chapter Q National Coal Resource Geology and Coal Resources of the Assessment Upper Cretaceous Fruitland Formation, San Juan Basin, New Mexico and Colorado Click here to return to Disc 1 By James E. Fassett1 Volume Table of Contents Chapter Q of Geologic Assessment of Coal in the Colorado Plateau: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah Edited by M.A. Kirschbaum, L.N.R. Roberts, and L.R.H. Biewick U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1625–B* 1 U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado 80225 * This report, although in the USGS Professional Paper series, is available only on CD-ROM and is not available separately U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey Contents Abstract........................................................................................................................................................Q1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 2 Purpose and Scope ............................................................................................................................. 2 Location and Extent of Area............................................................................................................... 2 Earlier Investigations .......................................................................................................................... 2 Geography............................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Of the International Committee for Coal and Organic Petrology – ICCP
    th 57 Annual Meeting of the International Committee for Coal and Organic Petrology – ICCP A B S T R A C T S 18-23rd September 2005 Patras, Greece Organizing Committee Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kimon Christanis, University of Patras Prof. Dr. Prodromos Antoniadis, National Technical University of Athens Prof. Dr. Andreas Georgakopoulos, University of Thessaloniki Dr. Cassiani Papanicolaou, Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources Dr. Stefanos Papazisimou, University of Patras Dr. Antonis Bouzinos, University of Patras Mr. Stavros Kalaitzidis, Ph.D. student, University of Patras Contents VASCONCELOS L., SIQUELA E. Variation of rank of World coals with age 7 JELONEK I., KRUSZEWSKA K., FILIPIAK P. Liptinite as an indicator of environ- 8 mental changes during coal seam formation as based on the seam no 207 profile (Upper Silesia, Poland) ZDRAVKOV A., KOSTOVA I., KORTENSKI J. Coal properties and depositional 9 environment of the Neogene Elhovo lignite, Bulgaria HACKLEY P., MARTÍNEZ M. Organic petrology of Paleocene Marcelina 10 formation coals, Paso Diablo Mine, Western Venezuela İNANER H., NAKOMAN E. Properties of lignite deposits in western Turkey 11 KARAYIĞIT A.I. Petrography and facies analysis of the Miocene Soma coals, 12 Manisa-Turkey NADER E., OPLUŠTIL S., SÝKOROVÁ I. Coal Facies and depositional environ- 13 ments of the 9th and 10th overlying coals of the Žacléř group (Duck- mantian, Intra-Sudetic Basin, Czech Republic) MAVRIDOU E., OIKONOMOPOULOS I., ANTONIADIS P. Reflectivity Measure- 14 ments in Lignite Deposits from Ptolemais Region (N. Greece) PAPAZISIMOU S., KALAITZIDIS S., CHATZIAPOSTOLOU A., SIAVALAS G., 15 CHRISTANIS K., VAGIAS, D. Coal-petrographic characteristics of the Pellana lignites (cores KP7 and KP13), Lakonia, Greece CUKALLA M., SERJANI A.
    [Show full text]
  • Study of Kaolinite Rock in Coal Bearing Stratum, North China
    Procedia Earth and Planetary Procedia Earth and Planetary Science 1 (2009) 1024–1028 Science www.elsevier.com/locate/procedia The 6th International Conference on Mining Science & Technology Study of kaolinite rock in coal bearing stratum, North China a b c Ding Shu-li *, Liu Qin-fu , Wang Ming-zhen aKey laboratory of Resource Survey and Research of Hebei Province, Hebei University of Engineering, 056038 Handan, China bSchool of Resources and Safety Engineering, China University of Mining & Technology, Beijing 100083, China cSchool of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China Abstract The proved reserves of kaolinite in coal measures in China is very rich, most of which are excellent industrial materials and are associated with the Permo-Carboniferous strata of North China. There are three types of kaolinite rocks in the present research area: the first type (be called tonsteins) occurs in the roofs, partings and floors of coal seams, normally called tonsteins, which are thinner and widespread; the second type, usually 2~6 m thick, is not adjacent to coal seams, usually in the lower part of coal measures of Upper Permian, similar to the flint clay in North America; the third type is soft kaolin clay of 0.5~5 m in thickness and associated with surficial weathered coals. Results of XRD, IR, DTA and SEM studies show that the content of kaolinite minerals is in general more than 70% and up to 90%~100% in some good quality rocks. The elements of Mo, W, Zr, Hf, Th, Ag and Sb are very rich in kaolinite rocks in the study area, with their average contents being higher than those in the earth`s crust, basalt and granite.
    [Show full text]
  • Coal Deposits and Facies Changes Along the Southwestern Margin of the Late Cretaceous Seaway, West-Central New Mexico
    New Mexico Bureau of Mines & Mineral Resources A DIVISION OF NEW MEXICO INSTITUTE OF MINING & TECHNOLOGY Coal deposits and facies changes along the southwestern margin of the Late Cretaceous seaway, west-central New Mexico Compilers and field-trip leaders Gretchen H. Roybal¹, Orin J. Anderson', and Edward C. Beaumont2 ¹New Mexico Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources, Socorro, New Mexico 87801;2E. C. Beaumont & Associates, 3236 Candelaria NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87107 Prepared for Geological Society of America 100th Annual Meeting, Phoenix, Arizona Coal Geology Division Field Trip SOCORRO 1987 11 NEW MEXICO INSTITUTE OF MINING & TECHNOLOGY Laurence H. Lattman, President NEW MEXICO BUREAU OF MINES & MINERAL RESOURCES Frank E. Kottlowski, Director George S. Austin, Deputy Director BOARD OF REGENTS Ex Officio Garrey E. Carruthers, Governor of New Mexico Alan Morgan, Superintendent of Public Instruction Appointed Gilbert L. Cano, President, 1985-1989, Albuquerque Lenton Malry, Sec./Treas., 1985-1991, Albuquerque Robert 0. Anderson, 1987-1993, Roswell Donald W. Morris, 1983-1989, Los Alamos Steve Torres, 1967-1991, Albuquerque BUREAU STAFF Full Time ORIN J. ANDERSON, Geologist DARRELL DAUDE, Computer Operator 1REAN L. RAE, Drafter RUBEN ARCHULETA, Technician II Lois M. DEVLIN, Director, Bus /Pub. Office MARSHALL A. RErUER, Senior Geophysicist AL BACA, Crafts Technician ROBERT W. EVELETH, Mining Engineer JACQUES R. RENAULT, Senior Geologist NORMA L. BACA, Secretary/Receptionist ROUSSEAU H. FLOWER, Emeritus Sr. Paleontologist JAMES M. ROBERTSON, Senior Economic Geologist JAMES M. BARKER, Industrial Minerals Geologist MICHAEL J. GOBLA, Manager, Inf. Ctr. SYLVEEN E. ROBINSON-COOK, Geologist ROBERT A. BIEBERMAN, Senior Petrol. Geologist MICHAEL J. HARRIS, Metallurgist GRETCHEN H.
    [Show full text]
  • 7 Siliciclstic Sediments II: Mudrocks
    7 Siliciclastic sediments II: Mudrocks 7.1 Introduction Mudrocks are the most abundant type of sedimentary rocks, constituting about 45-55% of the sedimentary sequences. But since they are easily weathered, they are covered with vegetation and are poorly exposed. Mudrocks can be deposited in all sedimentary environments, but the majority are deposited in river floodplains, lakes, large deltas, the more distal areas of clastic shelves, basin slopes, and deep sea floors. The main constituents of mudrocks are the clay minerals and silt-grade quartz. In terms of grain size, clay refers to particles less than 4 µm in diameter, whereas silt is between 4 and 62 µm. On the other hand, clay as a mineral is a hydrous aluminosilicate with a specific sheet structure (to be discussed below). The term mud (also lutite) loosely refers to a mixture of clay- and silt-grade material. The mudstone, the indurated or lithified equivalent of mud, is a blocky, non-fissile rock, whereas shale is usually laminated and fissile (fissility is the ability of rock to split into thin sheets). Argillite is used for more indurated mudrock and slate is the metamorphic mudrock possessing a cleavage. Claystone is the sedimentary rock consisting of a clay- grade material. Siltstone consists of more silt-grade particles than clay. Calcareous mudrocks are called marls. Fig. 7.1 gives a scheme for mixed sand-silt-clay deposits. 1 Fig. 7.1: Classification of siliciclastic sediments based on sand, silt and clay content. In the field, the terms mudstone, shale, claystone and siltstone are best qualified by attributes referring to color, degree of fissility, sedimentary structures, and mineral, organic and fossil content (Tab.
    [Show full text]
  • The Yampa Bed—A Regionally Extensive Tonstein in the Williams
    The Yampa Bed—A Regionally Extensive Tonstein in the Williams Fork Formation, Northwestern Piceance Creek and Southern Sand Wash Basins, Colorado Contributions to Stratigraphy Scientific Investigations Report 2008–5033 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey Cover. Excavated exposure of the Yampa Bed at the type locality, south of Craig, Colo. Yampa Bed is about 38 in. thick. Note 24-in. shovel for scale. The Yampa Bed—A Regionally Extensive Tonstein in the Williams Fork Formation, Northwestern Piceance Creek and Southern Sand Wash Basins, Colorado By Michael E. Brownfield and Edward A. Johnson Contributions to Stratigraphy Scientific Investigations Report 2008–5033 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Department of the Interior DIRK KEMPTHORNE, Secretary U.S. Geological Survey Mark D. Myers, Director U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2008 For product and ordering information: World Wide Web: http://www.usgs.gov/pubprod Telephone: 1–888–ASK–USGS For more information on the USGS—the Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources, natural hazards, and the environment: World Wide Web: http://www.usgs.gov Telephone: 1–888–ASK–USGS Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners to reproduce any copyrighted material contained within this report. Suggested citation: Brownfield, M.E., and Johnson, E.A., 2008, The Yampa Bed—A regionally extensive tonstein in the Williams Fork Formation, northwestern Piceance Creek and southern Sand Wash Basins: U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Age Constraint for the Moreno Hill Formation (Zuni Basin) by CA-TIMS and LA-ICP-MS Detrital Zircon Geochronology
    Age constraint for the Moreno Hill Formation (Zuni Basin) by CA-TIMS and LA-ICP-MS detrital zircon geochronology Charl D. Cilliers1, Ryan T. Tucker1, James L. Crowley2 and Lindsay E. Zanno3,4 1 Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa 2 Department of Geosciences, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA 3 Paleontology, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, NC, USA 4 Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA ABSTRACT The “mid-Cretaceous” (~125–80 Ma) was punctuated by major plate-tectonic upheavals resulting in widespread volcanism, mountain-building, eustatic sea-level changes, and climatic shifts that together had a profound impact on terrestrial biotic assemblages. Paleontological evidence suggests terrestrial ecosystems underwent a major restructuring during this interval, yet the pace and pattern are poorly constrained. Current impediments to piecing together the geologic and biological history of the “mid-Cretaceous” include a relative paucity of terrestrial outcrop stemming from this time interval, coupled with a historical understudy of fragmentary strata. In the Western Interior of North America, sedimentary strata of the Turonian–Santonian stages are emerging as key sources of data for refining the timing of ecosystem transformation during the transition from the late-Early to early-Late Cretaceous. In particular, the Moreno Hill Formation (Zuni Basin, New Mexico) is especially important for detailing
    [Show full text]
  • Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Permian Coal Seams of the Sydney Basin, Australia, and the Songzao Coalfield, Sw China
    MINERALOGY AND GEOCHEMISTRY OF PERMIAN COAL SEAMS OF THE SYDNEY BASIN, AUSTRALIA, AND THE SONGZAO COALFIELD, SW CHINA BY Lei Zhao B.E. (Environmental Engineering) M.Sc. (Environmental Science) Supervisors: Professor Colin Ward Dr Ian Graham Dr David French A dissertation submitted in fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy In Applied Geology School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia 2012 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank the following people and organisations for their assistance during my study and in completing this thesis. I sincerely appreciate my supervisor, Prof. Colin Ward, and co-supervisors, Dr. Ian Graham and Dr. David French, for providing training opportunities, consistent professional advice, and the immeasurable time they committed towards this work. Thank you for your assistance and encouragement throughout this study and the writing-up of the thesis. I would like to gratefully acknowledge the China Scholarship Council for financial support during this study. I am indebted to Dr. Chen-Lin Chou of Illinois State Geological Survey, and Prof. Kuilli Jin, Prof. Shifeng Dai and Prof. Longyi Shao of China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), for their support and advice on my PhD study. I also would like to thank Dr. Zhongsheng Li of CSIRO for his professional support and technical assistance during the duration of my study. Thanks are expressed to CSIRO Energy Technology, Prof. Shifeng Dai of China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), and Peter Krempin of the Austar coal mine, for providing samples and other relevant data for conducting the investigation.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter G—Quality Characterization of Cretaceous Coal from The
    Chapter G National Coal Resource Quality Characterization of Assessment Cretaceous Coal from the Colorado Plateau Coal Assessment Area Click here to return to Disc 1 By Ronald H. Affolter1 Volume Table of Contents Chapter G of Geologic Assessment of Coal in the Colorado Plateau: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah Edited by M.A. Kirschbaum, L.N.R. Roberts, and L.R.H. Biewick U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1625–B* 1 U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado 80225 * This report, although in the USGS Professional Paper series, is available only on CD-ROM and is not available separately U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey Contents Introduction .................................................................................................................................................G1 Colorado Plateau .......................................................................................................................................... 1 Priority Assessment Areas.......................................................................................................................... 1 Geology........................................................................................................................................................... 2 Methods ......................................................................................................................................................... 3 Explanation of Data Selected for the Colorado Plateau Area..............................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Paper 1984-1
    TONSTEINSAND BENTONITES IN NORTHEAST BRITISH COLUMBIA (930.P, 1) By W. E. Kilby INTRODUCTION Tonsteins are presently considered themost reliable coal seam correlationtool amilable (Stack, et ai., 1982). Such ancient volcanic ash bands in coal-bearing and adjacent strata of northeastern British Colum- bia were examined during the 1983 field season as the preliminary phase of a study documenting ther,e time lines throughout the coalfield. Altered ash bands also were noted and studied by pr'evious workers; Stott (19681, Duff and Gilchrist (19831, and Spears and Duff (in pressj, In this paper the terms tonstein and bentonite will be used to broadly group all the types of altered volcanic ash encountered, Tonsteins have a distinct tuffaceous texture and are confined, in this study, to the coal- bearing formations, Bentonites, on the other hand, are generally restricted to marine formations and have the greasy feel and conchoidal fracturingcommon to bentonite.Montmorillonite-illite and mixed- layer (smectite) group clay minerals are more prominent in the bentonites; kaolinite is the major com- ponent of both groups (see accompanying table). Generally, a particular band is consistently a tonr:tein or a bentonitethroughout the studied area, but exceptionsexist and arevery significant,Tonsteins and bentonites examined in this study are the alteration products of volcanic ash. Controversy over the origin of these materials has continued for decades but the last 10 yearshas seen a general acceptance of their volcanic origin (Stack, et a/,, 1982). It will beseen that the only plausible explanation for many of the intervals studied here is that they represent volcanic ash.
    [Show full text]