Litasfera Lithosphere , 1998, No.8

LITASFERA (Lithosphere) Published by The Institute of Geological Sciences of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus & The Belarusian Geological Society, Minsk, Republic of Belarus

Number 8, 1998

CONTENTS

GENERAL PROBLEMS

Abstract: Resource-neogeodynamic avenue is aimed at revealing neogeodynamic evidences of mineral deposits. Engineering-neogeodynamic lead suggests that neogeodynamics should be considered in siting and operation of important industrial, hydraulic engineering and other works. The main purpose of ecological-neogeodynamic investigations is the study of endogenic, expgenic and technogenic processes (ex. Gr., those associated with mining) at the end of the neotectonic stage. Results of the neogeodynamic research could be most efficiently used in justification of seismic zoning, general zoning based on a degree of geodynamic safety, creation of neogeodynamic testing g rounds for studying vertical migration of radioactive or other toxic materials along active faults, provision of safe operation of nuclear power works, selection of safe places for burying wastes, etc. Promising fields of neogeodynamic research in the region may also involve forecasting of dangerous geological processes such as landlip and destruction of coastal areas in the region of the Baltic Sea and other large lakes, formation of ditch and karst subsidences, and also a recognition of the neogeodynamic danger zones and determination of the territory ecological status.

M.G.Yasoveev
Conception of rational use of the subsurface hydrosphere of Belarus. pp. 18--27

Abstract: The investigation of the subsurface hydrosphere as an integral geological and hydrogeological structure resulted in the creation of the principal concept of the rational groundwater use. The subsurface hydrosphere of Belarus and some adjacent regions of neighbouring states has been concidered as a specific object. The subsutface hydrosphere contains various hydromineral resources (fresh, mineral and industrial waters). Moreover, it is the most important component of the natural complex, which determines the existence of the whole biological community on the Earth. The idea of synthesis of the available schemes and approaches of regional and special zonings of the territory according to many features has been taken as a basis of our special-purpose regional division. Some subsidiary materials such as maps, schematic maps and schemes have been used in our study, among them those showing hydrogeological zoning, distribution of fresh, mineral, industrial water and medicinal brines, as well as prospects for using various kinds of groundwater, zoning according to conditions of waste burial, radiation situation, extent and kinds of groundwater technogenic contamination. Several hydroecological districts have been recognized in the Republic (North-Western, Vitebsk-Mogilev, Prypyat, Brest, Pinsk and Gomel-Kostiukovichy ones). The regional division of the territory of the future subsurface hydrosphere use in different places in Belarus. Further studies of this very important nature conservation subjects will require joint efforts of experts in general and regional hydrogeology, hydrogeological systematization, hydroecology, hydrodynamics, economics, etc., as well as a realization of a large complex of special ecological and hydrogeological investigations.

V.A.Kuznetsov
Geochemical barries and their location in river valleys. pp. 27--33

Abstract: Some problems of studying geochemical barriers, their classification, genesis and location in river valleys are discussed. Three classes of barriers -- natural, technogenic and complex ones are distinguished. According to geochemical processes occurring within them they are subdivided into the next types (and kinds): mechanical (aquatic, eolian, gravitation), physical-chemical (sorption, gleysolic, alkaline), biogeochemical (soil, biolitic, plant and animal), technogenic (the same types and kinds, as well as special artificial and mineral absorbents of contamination). By the scope of action the barriers are subdivided into local and landscape ones; on by the direction of processes occuring within them - into those of one-sided and two-sided action. It is necessary to distinguish the surface and buried barriers. A scheme of geochemical barriers based on the main geochemical processes occurring within them, as well as on their facies and geomorphological position in river valley is suggested. The present state of the ant and primary tasks of studies burried pedogeochemical barriers, especially of their geochemical structure are discussed. The knowledge of the latter will allow the revealing of the age, nature and evidences of syngenetic and epigenetic processes proceeding within the barriers, as well as primary syngenetic-sedimentary soil (surface) and secondary internal soil (buried) stages of formation and transformation of materials of soil horizons.

GEOLOGY

Abstract: Bone remaine from the archeological monument Zamostje (Zagorsk district, Moscow region) were found out during excavations within the floodplain of the river Dubna (the Volga tributary). The site dates back to the Lyalov culture (end of the 4-th millennium B.C. the Early Neolithic A variety of the mammalian species being objects of hunt in the Early Neolithic and the abundance of bone remains make this site very attractive for scientists. This original bone material is valid of comparison with that from the other regions, those of Belarus, included. 5.198 bones were collected from 8 cultural layers, 1.412 (27%) of them being identified. 15 species of mammals were recognized. Fossils of wild representatives of mammals (96.4%) are dominant. Bones of the domestic dog were also found. An absolute majority of remains belong to two animals which are the elk (631 bones, 30 individuals) and the beaver (339 bones, 62 individuals). Fossils of the hare, vole (Arvicola terrestris), wolf, fox, wild-boar are not numerous. The hunt was specialized in meat procuring, while fur trade was of secondary importance, although it was rather widespread too. Mustelidae were the main objets of the fur industry. Inhabitants of Zamostje used the dog as food along with wild animals. Several groups of animals may be recognized among mammalian species. Among inhabitants od woods were the elk, wild-boar, bear, badger, polecat, marten, beaver. The otter and vole (Arvicola terrestris) inhabited swampy localities and floodplains. The fox and wolf were widespread too. Morphometric investigations of bone remains from Zamostje show that sizes of most animals with the exception of the beaver and bear did not differ from those of the same age from the Baltic egion, as well as from the modern representatives of the Russian Plain fauna.

L.F.Azhgirevich, Ya.I.Anoshko, T.B.Rylova, G.K.Khursevich, T.V.Yakubovskaya
Geological evolution history of the territory of Belarus in the neogene. pp. 44--56

Abstract: Changes in the climate, vegetation composition, sedimentation pattern and neotectonic movements at the Neogene stage of the Belarus territory evolution are indicative of the general transformation of the sedimentation conditions in time, which is typical for not only the studied area, neighbouring regions of the Western and Eastern Parathetys, but for the Earth as a whole. Integrated paleontological and lithologic-mineralogical investigations have described quite in detail some stages of Neogene lithogenesis, which are characteristic of respective time intervals (Brinev, Antopol, Kalochin ages and some smaller subintervals) both for the region as a whole, and for some individual sedimentation areas. Regional and local regular features of sedimentation have be described against a background of the general evolution of paleogeographical conditions of sedimentogenesis and global geological events caused by the movement of lithospheric plates. The paleogeographical peculiarities of Neogene lithogenesis revealed within the territory of Belarus may be used with advantage to estimate this territory potential for useful minerals. This holds true, firstly, for brown coal, which deposits and evidences are all associated with the alluvial Brinev complex of the Miocene corresponding to the time of the major climatic optimum. All the promising areas may be probably confined to juist the region of sediments occurence of the Brinev complex.

I.Ye.Pavlovskaya
The main tendencies of the river system evolution in Belarus in the middle and late pleistocene. pp. 56--62

Abstract: The main tendencies of the relief and river network development in Belarus in the Middle and Late Pleistocene were reconstructed. Some differences evolution between area belonging to the Baltic and Black Sea drainage basins were revealed. The descending evolution of relief associated with sedimentation dominating over denudation was characteristic of the Baltic Sea basin. The Belarussian part of the Black Sea drainage basin (with the exception of the Polesie area) was described by prevailing positive neotectonic movements, which predetermine the regional ascending relief development of this area and the advantage of denudation over accumulation processes. At the recent time the major watercourses main drainage directions within the Baltic Sea basin gradually changed their directions from west to northwest. The drainage reorientation was accompanied by the changes of the main watershed location and widening of the drainage area of the Baltic basin rivers. A watershed in the southern part of Belarus was determined to be the most stable. In the northward direction value of the watershed displacement increased. The changes of the drainage directions and the descending relief development in the Baltic basin area is due to the neotectonic subsidence of this territory. The influence of neotectonic movements caused regional differences of the sediment types and thicknesses of the Pleistocene thermogenic formation. In the Middle and Late Pleistocene the proportions of lacustrine and alluvial accumulations normally decreased from the ancient to younger stages. Within the Baltic basin area the lacustrine type of sedimentation was replaced by the lake-alluvial and alluvia l ones through time.

N.S.Petrova, Ye.A.Vysotsky
Sedimentological aspects of the Pripyat Paleorift evaporite basin evolution. pp. 62--68

Abstract: Some problems of the reconstruction of evaporite sedimentation within the Pripyat continental paleorift are discussed in this article. The distribution of lithofacies was revealed. In consists in changing the facies series from mainly sand-carbonate-clayey and carbonate-clayey sulfate-bearing deposits in the peripheral zones to the silvinite (or carnalite) ones in the inner parts of the basins. The regional facies zones distinguished in evaporite deposits was mainly determined by a combination of processes of salt precipitation from solution and mechanical deposition of sediments which were more active within the border zones. It was shown that a combination of processes of evaporite, terrigenous, volcanic and biogenic sedimentation was typical for the Paleozoic evaporite basins. These processes occurred rapidly showing a typical pattern of equalizing the sedimentation rate for each genetically different elements: salt-clastic-volcanic material. The sedimentary cover of the Pripyat Paleorift is unique in its structural-material evidences. It is as yet imperfectly understood in the context of sedimentation mechanisms. Considerable attention was given to modeling of sedimentation environments typical for the Pripyat Paleorift. A judicious combination of geochemical and sedimentary principles of modeling was shown to hold the greatest promise. It gives a possibility to find out criteria necessary for proper understanding of the halogenesis processes during the evolution of sedimentary basins within rift zones.

L.F.Azhgirevich, V.I.Abramenko, V.F.Ropot, V.P.Samodurov
Ferruginous oolites and zeolites as indicators of marginal facies of the callovian of Belarus. pp.69--74

Abstract: Several horizons of ferruginous oolites were revealed within the Callovian sediments in Belarus that are indicative of specific paleogeographical conditions of sedimentation and characterize the beginning of the Late Jurassic transgression which was accompanied by intensive removal of lateritic iron from the adjoining land. In the Podljasie-Brest Depression the oolitic horizon was confined to the upper part the Middle and to the Lower part of the Upper Callovian that was due to the transgression advance from the west ( in Poland the occurence of hydrogethite pizolites corresponds to the upper part of the Middle Callovian. A zone of widespread ferruginous oolites in the Podljasie-Brest Depression outlines the Callovian basin coast line and corresponds to the Early-Middle- and Late Callovian levels. Clinoptilolite group zeolites where identified in the Upper Jurassic deposits of the Callovian in the south of the Pripyat Trough. Zeolites are assotiated with bioclastic limestones including montmorillonite clay and ferruginous oolites. Montmorillonite and zeolites could be genetically connected with transformation of the pyroclastic material. Ferruginous oolites are indicators of the specific combinations of paleogeographical conditions of sedimentation which may be due to global plate displacements. Oolitic ironstones of Belarus are correlated with similar rocks found within the Moscow Syneclise, Central England, ores of Lorraine, Yorkshire formation of the Dogger and are associated with such geodynamic events as the separation of Gondwana and Laurasia and the Atlantic ocean opening.

V.V.Solodilova
Geological structure and rock composition of the Rudma strata of the Belarussian Massif. pp. 75--83

Abstract: The Rudma structure-formation zone is formed by a specific rock complex, which is distinguished as independent strata at the boundary between the Schuchin and Okolova series of metamorphytes. Some changes have been revealed in the composition of these strata as the result of drilling trial boreholes transverse to the rock strike. Metamorphites of the basic composition, such as crystalline schists and amphybolites, which were enderbitized in some intervals to form acid gneisses with ferruginous metasomatites dominate in the lower part of the sequence. In the middle part acid plagigneisses dominate involving interlayers of carbonate rocks: marbles, calciphyres and magnesian-calcic metasomatites found at the contacts with silicate rocks. In the upper part of the sequence only few and thin carbonate interlayers are observed, the proportion of metabasites increased again, the evidences of active charnockitization processes and pegmatite vainlets are abundant there. The analysis of the peculiarities of basic metamorphic rock shows their orthomagmatic features and genetic connections. Ultrametamorphism is accompanied by intense metasomatic differentiation of materials resulted in the formation of ferruginous and magnesiancalcic metasomatites, as well as by active redistribution of ore - forming and other dispersed elements.

I.V.Naidenkov
The Smolevichy-Drogichin zone -- a suture type structure in the crystalline basement of Belarus. pp. 83--91

Abstract: A linear NNW-oriented structure more than 600 km in length and 60-110 km wide has been found in the basement of the central part of Belarus and identified as the Smolevichy-Drogichin zone. It is bounded by the regional Minsk and Ivatsevichy faults on the west and Mogilev-Stokhodsk fault on the east. The zone is located at the junction of two large crustal blocks different in their structure and consolidation age -- the Early Archean Belarussian-Baltic Granulite Belt in the west and Late Archean - Early Proterozoic Central-Belarussian Depression in the east. This zone shows an anomalous structure of the Earth's crust manifested in a sharp increase in "diorite" layer thickness. The internal structure of this zone is due to numerous oblique rupture dislocations and is a system of narrow relatively raised or lowered wedge-shaped blocks. The first ones expose Early Archean rocks of the Shchuchin series that had underwent metamorphism under the granulite facies conditions of moderate pressure which latest evidences were dated at about 1.79 billion years (Bibikova et al.,1995). The second type blocks show widespread Early Proterozoic formations of the Okolovo series (north of the zone) and Late Archean (?) rocks of the Ozery series (in the south). Rocks of the Okolovo series with isochronous age ranging between 2.00 and 1.95 billion years (Bibikova et al., 1992) had been metamorphosed under conditions changing from the epidote-amphibolite to lower-temperature amphibolite facies, the Ozery series formations were metamorphosed under conditions of the high-temperature amphibolite facies. Among stratified formations of this zone there are widespread granitoids of the migmatite-plagiogranite-granitic (Zhukhovichy complex), migmatite-gneissic (Polon complex) and granite-migmatite (Bobovnya complex) formations, as well as basic rocks of the peridotite-pyroxenite-gabbronorite (Rusinovo complex) and dolerite-diabasic (Kamenets complex) formations. The Rusinovo complex includes rocks that geochemical properties are correlated with basic-ultrabasic cumulates of ophiolitic associations from the ocean floor. So, the structural position, internal structure and material properties of rock complexes describe this zone as a suture structure formed on the site of the Proterozoic oceanic basin that had been closed about 1.9 billion years ago as a result of two big crustal blocks collision. The Smolevichy-Drogichin zone shows a polyformation character of metallogeny that is peculiar to suture zones. The Okolovo deposit of magnetite quartzites, as well as manifestations of sulphide copper-nickel, lead and zinc, albite-rare-earth, scheelite-skarn, gold-sulphide and other ore mineralizations have been found there.

V.S.Konishchev
Geodynamic conditions of formation and principal evolution stages of the Pripyat-Donets Paleorift. pp. 91--97

Abstract: The geodynamic conditions of formation and the evolution history of the Pripyat-Donets Paleorift were iinvestigated starting from the ideas about rheological stratification of the lithosphere and two-stage plate tectonics model. The formation of the Paleorift was associated with the opening, development and a closing of the Paleo-Tethys II. After the opening the Paleo-Tethys II backarc oceanic basin formed and the material of the low ductile part of the lithosphere was squeezed out toward the ocean in the southern part of the East European plate. The front of squeezing moved to the north until it reached the weakened crest part of the Sarmatian Shield. The lithosphere was ruptured in this zone, an asthenolith formed in the upper part of the mantle and the mantle material broke the lithosphere. The two-stage system of continental rifting developed. The Paleo-Tethys II formed in the Middle Devonian and usince then the rifting processes expanded in a westward direction and reached the Pripyat basin at theur beginning of Late Frasnian time. The paleorift formed during the rifting stage that was completed in Early Visean time. This rifting stage included some phases. The main Yevlanov-Liven and Yelets-Lebedyan ca phases of rifting were accompanied by volcanic activities and salt sedimentation. A syneclise and a miogeosyncline superimposed on the rift formed during the Late Visean-Late Carboniferous syneclise-miogeosynclinal stage. The Paleo-Tethys II was closed in Permian, Early and Middle Triassic time, and an intracratonal folded mountain range was formed in the Donets basin, and a periclinal basin -- in the western part of the Pripyat-Donets system.

N.V.Aksamentova, N.A.Kozhemjakina, S.E.Barantseva, A.N.Laktushin, LV.Khvedchin, S.E.Mischenko
Prospects of using mafic rocks found in souhtern Belarus for mineral fibre production. pp. 97--107

Abstract: Production of basalt fibres is based on use of a single-component raw material -- rocks of basic composition, such as basalts and basaltic andesites. Enterprises of Belarus producing basalt fibres use raw materials brought from the Ukraine, which results in increasing the end product cost. Basalts traditionally used to produce fibres occur in Belarus in a depth range from 1.400 to 1.500 m, which makes impossible their practical utilization. Various basic rocks occurring at a small depth in the crystalline basement of Belarus -- dolerites, metadiabases, metagabbroids and amphibolites are considered to be promising materials for mineral fiber manufacturing. For their study the main types of basic rocks, stripped by the "Mikashevichy", "Granite" and "Krestianskaya Nivа" quarries located at the settlements of Mikashevichy and Glushkovichy, as well as cores from boreholes in the region of Zhitkovichy were tested. Many of them are similar to rocks from some Ukrainian deposits in their mineral-geochemical and structural characteristics. The study of the sampled rock suitability as raw material for mineral fibre making was carried out in two ways: 1) determination of melting regimes of rocks and physical properties of melts, and 2) technological experiments using spinneret and plasma laboratory installations with the purpose of the direct production of fibres. The experiments performed have shown a basic opportunity of making mineral fibres from the majority of investigated rocks. The most promising among them are metadiabases from the "Mikashevichy" quarry, which may be used as a two-component mixtures with dolomite for manufacturing mineral fibres using the spinneret and plasma type installations.

Yu.L.Voitekhovsky
Graph theory applied to mineral series taxonomy: the case of 7-component series. pp. 107--114

Abstract: The problem of mineral series taxonomy and ordering is turned to that for the related graphs. It is shown that almost all of the 2-, ... , 7-vertex graphs (1251 in common) may be distinguished from the point of how their full subgraphs relate to each other. An appropriate notation for the graphs allows us to order them lexicographically. This gives us simultaneously an order relation for all the 2-, ... , 7-component mineral series from the point of their inner complexity. The method is enough to describe precisely even the most perfect mineral series known like garnets, spinels, carbonates etc. Various graph transformations simulate mineral series evolutions. This leads to another weak order relation among the series with their complete variety being defined as a full structure of an evolutionary character.

GEOPHYSICS

Abstract: Heat flow values determined from shallow (40 m deep) boreholes, subsurface (2.5 m deep) temperatures, and results of remote thermal sensing for the area adjacent to the Caspian Sea are given. An experimental estimation of the influence of Holocene transgression on the heat flow change (-17 mW/m²) compared with the calculated one shows that the topography of this area nearly a few hundred years ago was different from that of the present.

GEOCHEMISTRY

Abstract: The processes linked with colloidal compounds of Al, Fe, Mn, Si play an important part in the landscape migration of technogenic radioisotopes. Aluminium is a typomorphic element in Belarussian landscapes. Its colloidal forms constitute 0.11--0.87%, of the cover rock and up to 0.3% of the soil composition. The behaviour of colloidal aluminium compounds in landscape components -- sediments, soil, plants, surface and ground water was studied. Their links with technogenic and natural radioisotopes are discussed. To clear up some problems of radioisotope migration the experimental investigations of Sr-90 and Cs-137 absorption by artificial aluminium hydroxides, Al-Si colloidal systems and natural kaolinite and bauxite were carried out. It was shown, that bauxite has the maximum absorbability: more than 97% of Sr-90 content of6 solution, and up to 80% of Cs-137. Kaolinite and amorphous hydroxides with pH 6-9 absorb 87--92%, of the first isotope amount, and 41--45% of the second one.

V.Kadunas
Microelement background values (regional clarkes) in topsoil of Lithuania. pp. 125--130

Abstract: Microelement background values (regional clarkes) in upper soil horizon (A1) of Lithuania have been calculated and their regional variability has been determined. Loamy-clayey soils formed on limnoglacial sediments of the Nemunas (Valdai) glaciation (the regions of the plains: the Suduva, the Lower Nemunas and the Musha-Nemunelis) are characterized by maximum background values of the greater part of elements. The soils that have been formed on older glacigenic sediments of the Medininkai (Moscow) glaciation differ from younger soils by maximum background quantities of P, Mn, Ag and Zr and minimum values of V, Cr, Ni, Co and Sc. The podzol-process is better displayed in sandy soils and leads to outwash of U, Th, As, Sc and accumulation of Zr and Nb. Agricultural activity (the use of fertilizers and pesticides) has also influence on microelement back-ground values - in sandy soils for most elements they increase. The background values of technophylic elements, especially of Ag and Pb can be influenced by atmospheric transfer and deposition of technogenous dust enriched by metals. The increase of background values of Ag, Zn, Sn and Pb in the Pajuris plain and on the western slope of the Zemaiciai highland as well as elevated by 20-40% background content of Pb and Ag in upper soil horizon (A1) in comparison with parent sediments (C horizon) in all territory of Lithuania can also be related with it.

SHORT COMMUNICATIONS

Abstract: Results of geothermal investigations are described along profiles traced through shallow (2.5 m deep) and deep boreholes within the area around the "Tsuper" explosion pipe (the Zhlobin Saddle). It was shown that such structures are reflected in a terrestrral temperature field by low temperature anomalies at the pipe surfase and in overburden rocks to the ground surface.

N.M.Bulaeva
Infrared Radiation of the Earth's Surface as the Reflection of Deep-Seated Faults. pp. 133--134

V.F.Nalivaiko
Recognition of tectonic dislocations zones on the basis of computer processing of lineament analysis results. pp. 135--136

Abstract: Lineament analysis may be concerned as one of reliable methods of tectonic dislocations zones revealing in Belarus as well as in regions with thick sedimentary cover. Computer processing significantly increases interpretation objectivity of its results. Cartographic material obtained by this method has allowed to recognize extended systems of lineament density anomalies. They show their spacial coincidence with zones of facial changes and thicknesses alteration of Quaternary deposits and bed-rocks. It is suggested that the anomalies systems correspond to tectonic dislocations activated in the Latest time or to zones of fissured and dislocated rocks. Reliability of conclusions increases if cartographic materials are added by supplementary geological information, image interpretation, geochemical and geophisical data.

P.Z.Khomich
The Sitnitky deposit of building stone (Mikashevichy-Zhitkovichy Uplift). pp. 136--136

JUBILEES

BEREAVEMENTS

NEW BOOKS. pp. 147--150

I.V.Melnik, V.I.Zui
Internet-version of the "Lithospere" journal. pp. 151--154