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Developments in sedimentology, 51. Diagenesis
Book Reviews/Earth-Science ReHews36 (1994) 243-276
applied to exploration for oil, gas, mineral and geothermal resources. In this he certainly succeeds. The first two thirds of the book are taken up by the presentation of direct and indirect surface techniques for the detection and exploration of hydrocarbon deposits. It is based on a wide range of case studies, includes the discussion of likely mechanisms for the transport of hydrocarbon signals from reservoir to the surface and of chemical and microbiological processes affecting the composition of hydrocarbons, and extends to highly advanced, such as radar and laser techniques for the surface detection of gas seepages and statistical methods for the evaluation of the results. The remaining third of the book covers application of direct and soil gas techniques in the exploration of geothermal resources, precious metal and uranium deposits. It includes an adequate introduction to the chemical processes active in geothermal systems, to the collection and analysis of geothermal gas samples, and a discussion of physical processes affecting soil gases, essentially carbon dioxide, mercury, helium, radon and methylated elements, such as arsenic and antimony. In the discussion of possible transport mechanisms, the author quite early on dismisses diffusion and transport in dissolved form, on their own, as being too slow to generate the observed signals and invokes "microseepage", consisting of the comparatively rapid rise of a separate gas phase, in the form of microbubbles, as the most important mechanism for the transport for hydrocarbons to the surface. Evidence for the occurrence of this process, however, is still largely circumstantial and as such has eluded experimental and theoretical verification. As the author himself points out, without this, general acceptance of some of the techniques will be slow, and he draws the line at accepting mechanisms proposed for the transport particulate matter and ions in the form of a "geogas". The book mentions the highly increased rates of diffuse discharge of carbon dioxide in volcanic areas, but overlooks a considerable number of investigations into variations in the chemical and isotopic compositions of shallow gases in response to changes in volcanic and seismic activity,
271
observations also in desparate need of a rational explanation. While not directly related to natural resource exploration, these findings, together with those presented in the book, may one day throw some light on likely response mechanisms of terrestrial gases to chemical and physical perturbations generally. The book is well written and organised. In view of the large amount of material quoted of North American origin, it is probably unreasonable to expect adherence to the metric system (SI); sometimes the selection of published material could have been a bit more critical, e.g. equation 10.18 is simply nonsense. At a price of £95.00, the book will be of interest largely to industrial buyers, the ones likely to profit most from it. It should, however, also be of value to academic researchers into the intriguing problem of the transmission of chemical and isotopic signals within the Earth's crust. W.F. Giggenbach, Lower Hutt SSDI 0012-8252(94)00027-T
Sedimentology K.H. Wolf and G.V. Chilingarian (Editors), 1994. Developments in Sedimentology, 51. Diagenesis, IV. Elsevier, Amsterdam, Hardcover, XV + 529 pp. Price Dfl. 325.00 (US$ 185.75). ISBN 0-44488517-x. The book, another volume in the Elsevier series on sedimentology, contains chapters dealing with rather disparate subjects, from properties of crystal growth to karstification phenomena. The somewhat unfocussed and philosophical introduction by the editors, that also includes a summary of all discussed topics, is followed by 12 chapters. Chapter 2, Nucleation, growth and dissolution of crystals during sedimentogenesis and diagenesis by I. Sunagawa, discusses nucleation, growth, dissolution kinetics, morphology and textures of crystals in simple aqueous systems. The review is a succinct summary of mineralogical concepts and can serve as a "readers digest" introduction for
272
Book Reviews ~Earth-Science ReL~iews36 (1994) 243-276
an interested reader with only a cursory knowledge of the field. Chapter 3, Early diagenetic deformation structure in the overburden of Belchatow brown coal mine (central Poland) by A.J. Van Loon and K. Brodzikowski, is a study of local significance. It describes deformation structures in unconsolidated Quaternary sediments of an open cast mine. Chapter 4, Development of diagenetic differential structure through reaction--transport to feedback by P. Ortoleva, presents arguably the most stimulating conceptual perspective in this book. It utilizes the concepts of non-linear systems ("chaos" theory) to explain geological phenomena from oscillatory zoning of crystals to kilometer-scale basin compartmentation. Although the concept is not a predictive tool for specifics, it provides an alternative model for generation of high level oscillation patterns. The polarized camps that argue the utility of "cement stratigraphy" or "sequence stratigraphy" as a correlation tool should take note. Chapter 5, Stability fields of smectites and illites including glauconites as a function of temperature and chemical composition by Y. Tardy and J. Duplay, is an attempt to reconcile the observed natural variability of clay minerals with the thermodynamic theory of solid solutions, by treating each assemblage as a composite domain. Theoretically, this approach may yield information on the salinity and temperature of ambient solutions for clays. Chapter 6, Formation of alternating chalksiderite units during the Neogene in the Black Sea - an example of climatic control of early diagenetic processes by B. Bahrig, ascribes the origin of siderite layers to anoxic pore waters. In contrast, chalk is considered the normal sediment of high productivity times that persists through early diagenesis due to low F e / C a ratio of pore waters. Chapter 7, Formation of stylolites, marl/ limestones alterations, and dissolution (clay) seams by unstable chemical compaction of argillaceous carbonates by T. Dewers and P. Ortoleva, is another attempt at explanation of diagenetic macroscopic phenomena by the concepts of non-linear dynamics.
Chapter 8, Morphological and replacement diagenesis of biogenic carbonates by U. Brand, is a handy summary of principles of trace element and isotopic redistribution during diagenetic recrystallization of carbonate components. Conceptually, this contribution is a logical follow up to chapter 2. Chapter 9, Multiple dolomitization of the Warsaw and Salem formations (Middle Mississippian), western flank of the Illinois Basin: textural, trace elemental and isotopic signatures of four types of dolomite - a case study by D.P. Bhattacharyya and M.R. Seely, is abstracted already in its title. Chapter 10, Diagenesis of organic matter by A. Hollerbach and J. Dehner, describes biochemical processes and products at temperatures up to ~ 50°C. The authors show how the approach can provide information on the origin and depositional environment of the organic matter. Chapter 11, Postdiagenetic ferruginization of sedimentary rocks (sandstones, oolitic ironstones, kaolins and bauxites), including a comparative study of the reddening of red beds by A. Mficke, proposes a new model for the origin of red beds by a roll-front model of advancing ferruginization. Chapter 12, Diagenetic processes associated with plant roots and microorganisms in karst terrains of the Cayman Islands, British West Indies by B. Jones, describes the dissolution (etching) and calcification role of the biota. The discussed examples are documented by instructive photoreproductions. This contribution abundantly demonstrates the significant role that microorganisms play in carbonate diagenesis. However, identification of specific microorganisms is a difficult task, particularly where mineralization has occurred. Chapter 13, Paleokarst (dissolution diagenesis): its occurrence and hydrocarbon exploration significance by V.P. Wright and P.L. Smart, classifies karst into three types, each with distinctive "facies" associations. These are meteoric, marine-mixing and burial and develop in response to sea level oscillations. As already pointed out, the book covers a wide variety of topics in its scope as well as signifi-
Book ReL,iews/ Earth-Science Reciews 36 (1994) 243-276
cance. Considering its price, and that of other books in this series, the editors should strive for grouping of focussed topics into single volumes. Such strategy may perhaps result in some additional sales. Presently, the purchase of the entire book because of a single chapter is beyond the budget of individual researchers. Jan Veizer, Bochum
Ore Geology Claudia Gasparrini, 1993. Gold and Other PreOre to Market. SpringerVerlag, Berlin. Hardcover, XXI + 336 pp. DM 228.00 ISBN 3-540-54976-5.
cious M e t a l s - - F r o m
Much information on the mineralogical and geological parameters which could and do influence the metallurgical treatment of ores, particularly gold ores, is scattered around in numerous publications and specialist conference proceedings. It is thus with a certain amount of gratitude that one receives a book containing a summary of many years of practiced, applied mineralogy by the author as well as a good search and discussion of relevant literature. The publishers have added their skills and experience and marketed a product that is, despite some shortcomings, attractive by its price, contents and finish. It contains many pieces of useful information for the mineralogist and the metallurgist alike. The book is divided into three parts. The first part deals in five chapters with the more technical aspects of the study and processing of ores. This is followed by Part II containing information on the mineralogy and metallurgy of gold and other precious metals and their ores. Case histories relating to problem areas are dispersed throughout the chapters. Part II also includes chapters on uranium and base metals. The last part is made up of a very brief chapter entitled "mineral exploration", suggesting more than it actually contains, and the conclusions. A glossary of terms, probably more aimed at the metallurgist than the mineralogist, concludes the book.
273
Throughout the various chapters the discussions are illustrated and often highlighted by colour photomicrographs that are of excellent quality, and which are an important asset of the book. It is, however, disappointing that many of the micrographs have no scale bars, and in some cases no magnification is given. This is a serious shortcoming that somewhat defeats the very objective of the book. The case histories form an important part of the book, and without them it would be just another book on descriptive mineralogy. Although one cannot expect the author to reveal all details of cases she handled as a consultant, some of the case studies are a little too vague and obscure to be of value to the interested reader. A certain degree of confidentiality is understandable but not helpful in the discussion of case studies if vague terms such as Rock types A, B, C, or "clays" are used. Particularly the presence and type of clay minerals could be a decisive factor in economic considerations. For instance pyrophyllite, kaolinite, sericite and montmorillonite react differently in thickeners to various chemical treatment, yet could be included in the general term "clay". In "case study 4" the value of the information given could be enhanced by including facts on the type of assay, parted or non-parted, used. It is a common phenomenon that gold included in pyrite has a higher silver content than free gold. This could easily account for some of the discrepancies in "case 4". However, there are some other flaws and mistakes that should be attended to, because they could lead to serious misunderstandings by students. On p. 206 the term "secular equilibrium" is wrongly explained. It is also not "commonly observed". This would make isotope geochronology an almost impossible task. Secular equilibrium is not due to uranium losses or gains but due to isotope fractionation in some natural processes. A physical impossibility crept in on p. 231: Beryllium windows are not transmitting X-rays faster but have the advantage of lower absorption! Interesting is also the mentioning of fractal geometry as a tool. I can, from own experience, subscribe to the usefulness of this exciting method.
applied to exploration for oil, gas, mineral and geothermal resources. In this he certainly succeeds. The first two thirds of the book are taken up by the presentation of direct and indirect surface techniques for the detection and exploration of hydrocarbon deposits. It is based on a wide range of case studies, includes the discussion of likely mechanisms for the transport of hydrocarbon signals from reservoir to the surface and of chemical and microbiological processes affecting the composition of hydrocarbons, and extends to highly advanced, such as radar and laser techniques for the surface detection of gas seepages and statistical methods for the evaluation of the results. The remaining third of the book covers application of direct and soil gas techniques in the exploration of geothermal resources, precious metal and uranium deposits. It includes an adequate introduction to the chemical processes active in geothermal systems, to the collection and analysis of geothermal gas samples, and a discussion of physical processes affecting soil gases, essentially carbon dioxide, mercury, helium, radon and methylated elements, such as arsenic and antimony. In the discussion of possible transport mechanisms, the author quite early on dismisses diffusion and transport in dissolved form, on their own, as being too slow to generate the observed signals and invokes "microseepage", consisting of the comparatively rapid rise of a separate gas phase, in the form of microbubbles, as the most important mechanism for the transport for hydrocarbons to the surface. Evidence for the occurrence of this process, however, is still largely circumstantial and as such has eluded experimental and theoretical verification. As the author himself points out, without this, general acceptance of some of the techniques will be slow, and he draws the line at accepting mechanisms proposed for the transport particulate matter and ions in the form of a "geogas". The book mentions the highly increased rates of diffuse discharge of carbon dioxide in volcanic areas, but overlooks a considerable number of investigations into variations in the chemical and isotopic compositions of shallow gases in response to changes in volcanic and seismic activity,
271
observations also in desparate need of a rational explanation. While not directly related to natural resource exploration, these findings, together with those presented in the book, may one day throw some light on likely response mechanisms of terrestrial gases to chemical and physical perturbations generally. The book is well written and organised. In view of the large amount of material quoted of North American origin, it is probably unreasonable to expect adherence to the metric system (SI); sometimes the selection of published material could have been a bit more critical, e.g. equation 10.18 is simply nonsense. At a price of £95.00, the book will be of interest largely to industrial buyers, the ones likely to profit most from it. It should, however, also be of value to academic researchers into the intriguing problem of the transmission of chemical and isotopic signals within the Earth's crust. W.F. Giggenbach, Lower Hutt SSDI 0012-8252(94)00027-T
Sedimentology K.H. Wolf and G.V. Chilingarian (Editors), 1994. Developments in Sedimentology, 51. Diagenesis, IV. Elsevier, Amsterdam, Hardcover, XV + 529 pp. Price Dfl. 325.00 (US$ 185.75). ISBN 0-44488517-x. The book, another volume in the Elsevier series on sedimentology, contains chapters dealing with rather disparate subjects, from properties of crystal growth to karstification phenomena. The somewhat unfocussed and philosophical introduction by the editors, that also includes a summary of all discussed topics, is followed by 12 chapters. Chapter 2, Nucleation, growth and dissolution of crystals during sedimentogenesis and diagenesis by I. Sunagawa, discusses nucleation, growth, dissolution kinetics, morphology and textures of crystals in simple aqueous systems. The review is a succinct summary of mineralogical concepts and can serve as a "readers digest" introduction for
272
Book Reviews ~Earth-Science ReL~iews36 (1994) 243-276
an interested reader with only a cursory knowledge of the field. Chapter 3, Early diagenetic deformation structure in the overburden of Belchatow brown coal mine (central Poland) by A.J. Van Loon and K. Brodzikowski, is a study of local significance. It describes deformation structures in unconsolidated Quaternary sediments of an open cast mine. Chapter 4, Development of diagenetic differential structure through reaction--transport to feedback by P. Ortoleva, presents arguably the most stimulating conceptual perspective in this book. It utilizes the concepts of non-linear systems ("chaos" theory) to explain geological phenomena from oscillatory zoning of crystals to kilometer-scale basin compartmentation. Although the concept is not a predictive tool for specifics, it provides an alternative model for generation of high level oscillation patterns. The polarized camps that argue the utility of "cement stratigraphy" or "sequence stratigraphy" as a correlation tool should take note. Chapter 5, Stability fields of smectites and illites including glauconites as a function of temperature and chemical composition by Y. Tardy and J. Duplay, is an attempt to reconcile the observed natural variability of clay minerals with the thermodynamic theory of solid solutions, by treating each assemblage as a composite domain. Theoretically, this approach may yield information on the salinity and temperature of ambient solutions for clays. Chapter 6, Formation of alternating chalksiderite units during the Neogene in the Black Sea - an example of climatic control of early diagenetic processes by B. Bahrig, ascribes the origin of siderite layers to anoxic pore waters. In contrast, chalk is considered the normal sediment of high productivity times that persists through early diagenesis due to low F e / C a ratio of pore waters. Chapter 7, Formation of stylolites, marl/ limestones alterations, and dissolution (clay) seams by unstable chemical compaction of argillaceous carbonates by T. Dewers and P. Ortoleva, is another attempt at explanation of diagenetic macroscopic phenomena by the concepts of non-linear dynamics.
Chapter 8, Morphological and replacement diagenesis of biogenic carbonates by U. Brand, is a handy summary of principles of trace element and isotopic redistribution during diagenetic recrystallization of carbonate components. Conceptually, this contribution is a logical follow up to chapter 2. Chapter 9, Multiple dolomitization of the Warsaw and Salem formations (Middle Mississippian), western flank of the Illinois Basin: textural, trace elemental and isotopic signatures of four types of dolomite - a case study by D.P. Bhattacharyya and M.R. Seely, is abstracted already in its title. Chapter 10, Diagenesis of organic matter by A. Hollerbach and J. Dehner, describes biochemical processes and products at temperatures up to ~ 50°C. The authors show how the approach can provide information on the origin and depositional environment of the organic matter. Chapter 11, Postdiagenetic ferruginization of sedimentary rocks (sandstones, oolitic ironstones, kaolins and bauxites), including a comparative study of the reddening of red beds by A. Mficke, proposes a new model for the origin of red beds by a roll-front model of advancing ferruginization. Chapter 12, Diagenetic processes associated with plant roots and microorganisms in karst terrains of the Cayman Islands, British West Indies by B. Jones, describes the dissolution (etching) and calcification role of the biota. The discussed examples are documented by instructive photoreproductions. This contribution abundantly demonstrates the significant role that microorganisms play in carbonate diagenesis. However, identification of specific microorganisms is a difficult task, particularly where mineralization has occurred. Chapter 13, Paleokarst (dissolution diagenesis): its occurrence and hydrocarbon exploration significance by V.P. Wright and P.L. Smart, classifies karst into three types, each with distinctive "facies" associations. These are meteoric, marine-mixing and burial and develop in response to sea level oscillations. As already pointed out, the book covers a wide variety of topics in its scope as well as signifi-
Book ReL,iews/ Earth-Science Reciews 36 (1994) 243-276
cance. Considering its price, and that of other books in this series, the editors should strive for grouping of focussed topics into single volumes. Such strategy may perhaps result in some additional sales. Presently, the purchase of the entire book because of a single chapter is beyond the budget of individual researchers. Jan Veizer, Bochum
Ore Geology Claudia Gasparrini, 1993. Gold and Other PreOre to Market. SpringerVerlag, Berlin. Hardcover, XXI + 336 pp. DM 228.00 ISBN 3-540-54976-5.
cious M e t a l s - - F r o m
Much information on the mineralogical and geological parameters which could and do influence the metallurgical treatment of ores, particularly gold ores, is scattered around in numerous publications and specialist conference proceedings. It is thus with a certain amount of gratitude that one receives a book containing a summary of many years of practiced, applied mineralogy by the author as well as a good search and discussion of relevant literature. The publishers have added their skills and experience and marketed a product that is, despite some shortcomings, attractive by its price, contents and finish. It contains many pieces of useful information for the mineralogist and the metallurgist alike. The book is divided into three parts. The first part deals in five chapters with the more technical aspects of the study and processing of ores. This is followed by Part II containing information on the mineralogy and metallurgy of gold and other precious metals and their ores. Case histories relating to problem areas are dispersed throughout the chapters. Part II also includes chapters on uranium and base metals. The last part is made up of a very brief chapter entitled "mineral exploration", suggesting more than it actually contains, and the conclusions. A glossary of terms, probably more aimed at the metallurgist than the mineralogist, concludes the book.
273
Throughout the various chapters the discussions are illustrated and often highlighted by colour photomicrographs that are of excellent quality, and which are an important asset of the book. It is, however, disappointing that many of the micrographs have no scale bars, and in some cases no magnification is given. This is a serious shortcoming that somewhat defeats the very objective of the book. The case histories form an important part of the book, and without them it would be just another book on descriptive mineralogy. Although one cannot expect the author to reveal all details of cases she handled as a consultant, some of the case studies are a little too vague and obscure to be of value to the interested reader. A certain degree of confidentiality is understandable but not helpful in the discussion of case studies if vague terms such as Rock types A, B, C, or "clays" are used. Particularly the presence and type of clay minerals could be a decisive factor in economic considerations. For instance pyrophyllite, kaolinite, sericite and montmorillonite react differently in thickeners to various chemical treatment, yet could be included in the general term "clay". In "case study 4" the value of the information given could be enhanced by including facts on the type of assay, parted or non-parted, used. It is a common phenomenon that gold included in pyrite has a higher silver content than free gold. This could easily account for some of the discrepancies in "case 4". However, there are some other flaws and mistakes that should be attended to, because they could lead to serious misunderstandings by students. On p. 206 the term "secular equilibrium" is wrongly explained. It is also not "commonly observed". This would make isotope geochronology an almost impossible task. Secular equilibrium is not due to uranium losses or gains but due to isotope fractionation in some natural processes. A physical impossibility crept in on p. 231: Beryllium windows are not transmitting X-rays faster but have the advantage of lower absorption! Interesting is also the mentioning of fractal geometry as a tool. I can, from own experience, subscribe to the usefulness of this exciting method.