Eker, Cigdem Saydam; Sipahi, Ferkan; Kaygusuz, Abdullah

Trace elements and rare earth elements (REEs) of Lias-aged cherts in the Gumushane area were studied in order to understand their origin and depositional environment. Twenty three chert samples from five stratigraphic sections were analysed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and mineralogical investigation. Lias cherts in the study area are microcrystalline, cryptocrystalline quartz, and megaquartz depending on mineralogical content. Trace elements of the cherts were compared with PAAS, Co, Y, and Th had stronger depletions in the five sections, whereas V, Ni, Zr, Nb, and Hf had smaller depletions. The distribution of Zr, Hf, and Ta yields Zr/Hf, Zr/Ta and Hf/Ta ratios (25/645, 37/665, and 0.18/3, respectively) that differ from those of chondrites and average upper continental crust, suggesting that these elements are likely non-detrital but are sourced from seawater. Th/U ratios range from 0.04 to 0.45 and are lower than those of the upper continental crust (average: 3.9). Lias-aged cherts have low total REE abundances and stronger depletions in five sections of the PAAS and chondrite-normalised plots. The cherts are characterised by a positive Eu anomaly (average: 4.9) and LREE-enrichment (LaN/YbN=average: 3.5). In addition, about one-half of the cherts exhibit positive Ce anomaly (range: 0.25-2.58), chondritic Y/Ho values (range: 3.3-60), and low (La/Ce)N values (average: 1.8). REE and trace element abundance in Lias cherts indicate that these elements were likely derived from hydrothermal solutions, terrigenous sources, and seawater. The REE patterns of the cherts show that they were probably deposited close to a continental margin.

Eker, Cigdem Saydam

Subaerial weathering level, source area and tectonic environments were interpreted by using petrographic and geochemical characteristics of Eocene age sandstones found in the eastern Pontides. The thickness of Eocene age clastic rocks in the eastern Pontides ranges from 195 to 400 m. Mineralogical components of sandstones were mainly quartz, feldspar, rock fragments, and opaque and accessory minerals. Depending on their matrix and mineralogical content, Eocene age sandstones are identified as arkosic arenite-lithic arenite and feldspathic wacke-lithic wacke. CIA (Chemical Index of Alteration) values observed in the Eocene age sandstones (43-55) suggest that the source terrain of the sandstones was not affected by intense chemical weathering. Low CIW/CIA (Chemical Index of Weathering/Chemical Index of Alteration) values of the sandstones studied here suggest only slightly decomposed material and having undergone little transport until final deposition. Zr/Hf, Th/Sc, La/Sc and CIA ratios are low and demonstrate a mafic source; on the other hand, high LREE/HREE ratios and a slightly negative Eu anomaly indicate a subordinate fclsic source. Modal mineralogical and SiO 2/Al 2O 3 and K 2O/Na 2O and Th, Zr, Co, Sc of Eocene age sandstone contents indicate that they are probably magmatic arc originated and deposited in the back arc basin.

Eker, Cigdem Saydam; Korkmaz, Sadettin

This study focuses on Upper Cretaceous sandstones of the Eastern Pontides to identify the source area, subaerial weathering level, and tectonic environment. Thirty four sandstone samples from six stratigraphic sections were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MC) and by petrographic investigation. The late Cretaceous sandstones are defined as lithic arenites and feldspathic wackes, and lithic wackes depending on mineralogical and matrix content. The sandstones have low to moderate SiO2 contents (25-59%; on average -56%). There are high positive correlations between SiO2 Al2O3, and TiO2 and negative correlations between SiO2 and K2O. Geochemically, the sandstones are classified mainly as grey wackes and lithic arenites. Chemical index of alteration (CIA) and chemical index of weathering (CIW) values for Upper Cretaceous sandstones vary from 19 to 48 % and 20 to 49 % respectively. The combination of CIW/CIA values suggests little transportation until final deposition. The ratios of Th/Sc (on average -0.42), La/Sc (-1.81), Co/Th (-5.05) and Zr/Hf (-39.1) of sandstone samples in the study area indicate a mafic source. Furthermore, high light rare earth elements (LREE)/heavy rare earth elements (HREE) ratios (on average -19.72) and negative Eu anomalies (except in the Dagbasi section) suggest a contribution from a felsic source. The lower trace element contents of the Upper Cretaceous sandstones in relation to the Post-Archean Australian Shale (PAAS), which are considered to be representative of the upper continental crust, show that the recycling processes in their source areas were probably less intense than those of the PAAS. SiGyAlA (3.2-7.9) and K2O/Na20 (0.3-1) ratios, together with the Th (on average -3.3 ppm), Zr (on average -91.9 ppm), Co (on average -15 ppm), and Sc (on average -12.6 ppm) contents of the late Cretaceous sandstones of the eastern Pontides indicate a magmatic arc origin. Sandstones of the Trabzon region were probably deposited in fore-arc basins, and those from the Gumushane and Giresun regions in back-arc basins.