SpringerLink
Log in

Geochemical constraints on the depositional environment of Upper Devonian radiolarian cherts from Loei, north-eastern Thailand

  • Research Article
  • Published:
Frontiers of Earth Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Late Devonian radiolarian chert sequences in the Indochina block of north-eastern Thailand are exposed in a narrow belt located to the east of Loei province. The analyzed radiolarian cherts were collected from Chiang Klom, Sumnoi and Pha Samyod localities. They are characterized by high silica content (>90 wt.%), high aluminum content and low iron content (Al2O3/(Al2O3 + Fe2O3): geomeans 0.91, 0.88 and 0.92). The Al/(Al + Fe + Mn) values are high in both cherts and interbedded shales (geomean 0.89). High Si/(Si + Al + Fe) ratios are observed in cherts (geomean 0.97) and slightly low in shales (geomean 0.69), whereas Fe2O3/TiO2 values are low (geomean 5.91). For rare earth element (REE) analysis, the cherts exhibit low La abundances (geomean 4.31, 3.59 and 4.22), slightly negative Ce anomalies (Ce/Ce*: geomean 0.81, 0.76 and 0.93), intermediate ratios of North American Shale Composite (NASC) normalized Lan/Cen (geomean 1.33, 1.37 and 1.12) and intermediate Lan/Ybn values (0.79, 0.94 and 1.22). In the interbedded shales, REE characteristics are more or less equal to the cherts. The results indicate that these late Devonian radiolarian cherts were deposited in a continental margin environment. High Si/(Si + Al + Fe) values indicate a biogenic origin of the cherts, however, additional silica content in the cherts could be the result of diagenetic alteration. Intermediate positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*: geomean 1.32, 1.25 and 1.44) are interpreted as the result of detrital feldspar contribution corresponding to the distinctive low content of Fe. Geological evidences from the field support volcanic activities during the Late Devonian-Early Carboniferous. Weathered materials and fragments of basalts and andesites would possibly be supplied to the basin during chert sedimentation. These geochemical constraints indicate that, in western portion of Indochina, deep marine basin was closed before Late Devonian which was followed by the incursion of Early Carboniferous orogeny.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
EUR 32.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or Ebook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price includes VAT (Germany)

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Adachi M, Yamamoto K, Sugisaki R (1986). Hydrothermal chert and associated siliceous rocks from the northern Pacific Their geological significance as indication of ocean ridge activity. Sediment Geol, 47(1–2): 125–148

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aitchison J C, Flood P G (1990). Geological constraints on the depositional setting of Palaeozoic cherts from the New England Orogen, NSW, Eastern Australia. Mar Geol, 94(1–2): 79–95

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Armstrong H A, Owen A M, Floyd J D (1999). Rare earth geochemistry of Arenig cherts from the Ballantra ophiolite and Leadhills imbricate zone, Southern Scotland: Implications for origin and significance to the Caledonian orogeny. J Geol Soc London, 156(3): 549–560

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boström K, Peterson M N A (1969). The Origin of aluminium-poor ferromangnoan sediments in area of high heat flow on the East Pacific Rise. Mar Geol, 7(5): 427–447

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bunopas S (1981). Paleogeographic history of western Thailand and adjacent parts of Southeast Asia: A plate tectonics interpretation. PhD dissertation, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

    Google Scholar 

  • Bunopas S (1992). Regional stratigraphic correlation in Thailand. In: Proceedings of the National Conference on Geological Resources of Thailand: Potential for Future Development. Department of Mineral Resources, Bangkok, Thailand: 189–208

    Google Scholar 

  • Cai J X, Zhang K J (2009). A new model for the Indochina and south China collision during the late Permian to the middle Triassic. Tectonophysics, 467(1–4): 35–43

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Caridroit M (1993). Permian radiolarian from NW Thailand. In: Proceeding of International Symposium on Biostratigraphy of Mainland Southeast Asia: Facies and Paleontology. Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai: 83–96

    Google Scholar 

  • Chairangsee C, Hinze C, Machareonsap S, Nakhonsri N, Silpalit M, Sinpool-Anunt S (1990). Geological map of Thailand 1: 50000- Explanation for Amphoe Pak Chom. Geologisches Jahrbuch Reihe B, 3–55

  • Charoenprawat A, Wongwanich T, Tantiwanit W, Theetiparivatra U (1976). Geological map of Thailand 1: 250000 sheet Changwat Loei. Department of Mineral Resources, Bangkok, Thailand

    Google Scholar 

  • Charusiri P, Kosuwan S, Imsamut S (1997). Tectonic evolution of Thailand: from Bunopas (1981)’s to a new scenario. In: Proceedings of the International Conference on Stratigraphy and Tectonic Evolution of Southeastern Asia and the South Pacific (GeoThai’97). Department of Mineral Resources, Bangkok, Thailand: 414–420

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen D, Qing H, Yan X, Li H (2006). Hydrothermal venting and basin evolution (Devonian, South China): Constraints from rare earth element geochemistry of chert. Sediment Geol, 183(3–4): 203–216

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chonglakmani C (1999). The Triassic system of Thailand: implications for the paleogeography of Southeast Asia. In: Proceeding of International symposium on Shallow Tethys (ST) 5. Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand: 486–495

    Google Scholar 

  • Chonglakmani C (2002). Current status of Triassic stratigraphy of Thailand and its implication for geotectonic evolution. In: Proceeding of the Symposium on Geology of Thailand. Department of Mineral Resources, Bangkok, Thailand:1–3

    Google Scholar 

  • Chonglakmani C, Helmcke D (2001). Geodynamic evolution of Loei and Phetchabun regions-does the discovery of detrital chromian spinels from the Nam Duk Formation (Permian, North-Central Thailand) provide new constraint? Gondwana Res, 4(3): 437–442

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chonglakmani C, Sattayarak N, Kanchanapan P, Sarapirome S (1979). Geological map of Thailand 1: 250000 sheet Changwat Udon Thani and Vang Vieng. Department of Mineral Resources, Bangkok, Thailand

    Google Scholar 

  • Condie K C (1991). Another look at rare earth elements in shales. Geochim Cosmochim Acta, 55(9): 2527–2531

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Deflandre G (1953). Radiolaires fossils. In: Grassś P P, ed, Traite de Zoologie. Masson Paris, France, 389–436

    Google Scholar 

  • Feng Q, Chonglakmani C, Helmcke D, Ingavat R (2002). Middle Triassic radiolarian fauna from Lumphun, Northern Thailand. In: Proceeding of the International Symposium on Geology of Thailand. Department of Mineral Resources, Bangkok, Thailand: 108–116

    Google Scholar 

  • Feng Q, Chonglakmani C, Ingavat-Helmcke R (2009). Evolution of the Loei Belt in Northeastern Thailand and Northwestern Laos. Acta Geoscientica Sinica, 30,Supp.1: 9–9

    Google Scholar 

  • Feng Q, Helmcke D, Chonglakmani C, Ingavat-Helmcke R, Liu B (2004). Early Carboniferous radiolarians from North-West Thailand: palaeogeographical implications. Palaeontology, 47(2): 377–393

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Feng Q, Malila K, Wonganan N, Chonglakmani C, Helmcke D, Ingavat-Helmcke R, Caridroit C (2005). Permian and Triassic radiolaria from Northwest Thailand: palaeogeographical implications. Rev Micropaleontol, 48(4): 237–255

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ferrari O M, Hochard C, Stampfli G M (2008). An alternative plate tectonic model for the Palaeozoic-Early Mesozoic Palaeotethyan evolution of Southeast Asia (Northern Thailand-Burma). Tectonophysics, 451(1–4): 346–365

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fontaine H (1990). Some Devonian coral from Northeast Thailand. Geologisches Jahrbuch Reihe B, 57–79

  • Fontaine H, Suteethorn V, Vachard D (1993). Carboniferous and Permian limestones in Sop Pong area: unexpected lithology and fossils. In: Proceeding of International Symposium on Biostratigraphy of Mainland Southeast Asia: Facies and Paleontology. Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand: 319–336

    Google Scholar 

  • Foreman H P (1963). Upper Devonian radiolaria from the Huron member of the Ohio shale. Micropaleontology, 9(3): 267–304

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gromet L P, Haskin L A, Korotev R L, Dymek R F (1984). The “North American Shale Composite”; its compilation, major and trace element characteristics. Geochim Cosmochim Acta, 48(12): 2469–2482

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Halamić J, Marchig V, Goričan S (2001). Geochemistry of Triassic radiolarian cherts in North-Western Croatia. Geologica Carpathica, 52(6): 327–342

    Google Scholar 

  • Helmcke D (1985). The Permo-Triassic Paleotethys in mainland Southeast-Asia and adjacent parts of China. Geol Rundsch, 74(2): 215–228

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Helmcke D (1994). Distribution of Permian and Triassic syn-orogenic sediments in Central Mainland SE-Asia. In: Proceeding of the International Symposium on Stratigraphic Correlation of Southeast Asia. Department of Mineral Resources, Bangkok, Thailand:123–128

    Google Scholar 

  • Helmcke D, Kraikhong C (1982). On the geosyclinal and orogenic evolution of Central and Northeastern Thailand. Journal of Geological Society of Thailand, 5: 52–74

    Google Scholar 

  • Helmcke D, Lindenberg H G (1983). New data on “Indosinian” orogeny from central Thailand. Geol Rundsch, 72(1): 317–328

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hinde G J (1899). On the radiolaria in the Devonian rocks of New South Wales. Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society of London, 55: 38–64

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Intasopa S (1993). Petrology and geochronology of the volcanic rocks of the Central Thailand Volcanic Belt. DissertationTip, University of New Brunswick, Canada

    Google Scholar 

  • Intasopa S, Dunn T (1994). Petrology and Sr-Nd isotopic systems of the basalt and rhyolites, Loei, Thailand. J Southeast Asian Earth Sci, 9(1–2): 167–180

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jones D J, Murchey B (1986). Geological significance of Paleozoic and Mesozoic radiolarian chert. Annu Rev Earth Planet Sci, 14(1): 455–492

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kato Y, Nakao K, Isozaki Y (2002). Geochemistry of Late Permian to Early Triassic pelagic cherts from Southwest Japan: implication for an oceanic redox change. Chem Geol, 182(1): 15–34

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kozar M G, Crandall G F, Hall S E (1992). Integrated structural and stratigraphic study of the Khorat Basin, Rat Buri limestone (Permian), Thailand. In: Proceeding of National Conference on Geological Resources of Thailand: Potential for Future Development, Bangkok, Thailand: 692–736

  • Kunimaru T, Shimizu H, Takahashi K, Yabuki S (1998). Differences in geochemical features between Permian and Triassic cherts from the Southern Chichibu terrane, southwest Japan: REE abundances, major element compositions and Sr isotopic ratios. Sediment Geol, 119(3–4): 195–217

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li Y X, Wang Y J (1991). Upper Devonian (Frasnian) radiolarian faunas from the Luikiang Formation, eastern and southern Guangxi. Acta Micropalaeontologica Sinica, 8(4): 395–404

    Google Scholar 

  • Meesook A, Suteethon V, Chaodumrong P, Teerarungsigul N, Sardsud A, Wongprayoon T (2002). Mesozoic rocks of Thailand: A summary. In: Proceedings of the Symposium on Geology of Thailand. Department of Mineral Resources, Bangkok, Thailand: 82–94

    Google Scholar 

  • Metcalfe I (1997). The Palaeo-Tethys and Palaeozoic-Mesozoic tectonic evolution of Southeast Asia. In: Proceedings of the International Conference on Stratigraphy and Tectonic Evolution of Southeastern Asia and the South Pacific (GeoThai’97). Department of Mineral Resources, Bangkok Thailand: 260–272

    Google Scholar 

  • Metcalfe I (2002). Permian tectonic framework and paleogeography of SE Asia. J Asian Earth Sci, 20(6): 551–566

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Metcalfe I (2011). Tectonic framework and Phanerozoic evolution of Sundaland. Gondwana Res, 19(1): 3–21

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mouret C (1994). Geological history of Northeastern Thailand since the Carboniferous relation with Indochina and Carboniferous-Early Cenozoic evolution model. In: Proceeding of the International Symposium on Stratigraphic Correlation of Southeast Asia. Department of Mineral Resources, Bangkok Thailand: 132–158

    Google Scholar 

  • Murray R W (1994). Chemical criteria to identify the depositional environment of chert: general principles and applications. Sediment Geol, 90(3–4): 213–232

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Murray RW, Buchholtz ten Brink MR, Gerlach D C, Russ G P III, Jones D (1991). Rare earth, major, and trace elements in chert from the Franciscan Complex and Monterey Group, Californian: assessing REE sources to fine-grained marine sediments. Geochim Cosmochim Acta, 55(7): 1875–1895

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Murray RW, Buchholtz ten Brink MR, Jones D L, Gerlach D C, Russ G P III (1990). Rare earth elements as indicators of different marine depositional environments in chert and shale. Geology, 18(3): 268–271

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Murray R W, Jones D L, Brink M R B (1992). Diagenetic formation of bedded chert: evidence from chemistry of the chert-shale couplet. Geology, 20(3): 271–274

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Owen A W, Armstrong H A, Floyd J D (1999). Rare earth element geochemistry of Upper Ordovician cherts from the Southern Uplands of Scotland. J Geol Soc London, 156(1): 191–204

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Panjasawatwong Y, Zaw K, Chantaramee S, Limtrakun P, Pirarai K (2006). Geochemistry and tectonic setting of the Central Loei volcanic rocks, Pak Chom area, Loei, Northeastern Thailand. J Asian Earth Sci, 26(1): 77–90

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rangin C, Steinberg M, Bonnot-Courtois C (1981). Geochemistry of the Mesozoic bedded chert of Central Baja California (Vizcaino-Cedros-San Benito) implication for palaogeographic reconstruction of an old oceanic basin. Earth Planet Sci Lett, 54(2): 313–322

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sashida K, Igo H (1999). Occurrence and tectonic significance of Paleozoic and Mesozoic radiolaria in Thailand and Malaysia. In: Gondwana Dispersion and Asian Accretion, Rotterdam: AA Balkema, 175–196

    Google Scholar 

  • Sashida K, Igo H, Adashi S, Ueno K, Kajiwara Y, Nakornsri N, Sardsud A (2000). Late Permian to Middle Triassic radiolarian faunas from Northern Thailand. J Paleontol, 74(5): 789–811

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sashida K, Igo H, Hisafa K, Nakornsri N, Ampornmaha A (1993). Occurrence of Paleozoic and Early Mesozoic radiolarian in Thailand (preliminary report). J Southeast Asian Earth Sci, 8(1–4): 97–108

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sashida K, Salyapongse S (2002). Permian radiolarian faunas from Thailand and their paleogeographic significance. J Asian Earth Sci, 20(6): 691–701

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sattayalak N, Srigulwong S, Pum-Im S (1989). Petroleum potential of the Triassic pre-Khorat intermontane basin in Northeastern Thailand. In: Proceeding of International Symposium on Intermontane Basins: Geology and Resources. Chiang Mai, Thailand, 43–58

  • Sengör A M C (1979). Mid-Mesozoic closure of Permo-Triassic Tethys and its implication. Nature, 279(5714): 590–593

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sholkovitz E R (1990). Rare-earth elements in marine sediments and geochemical standards. Chem Geol, 88(3–4): 333–347

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Taylor S R, McLennan S M (1985). The Continental Crustal: its composition and evolution. Oxford: Blackwell

    Google Scholar 

  • Thassanapak H, Chonglakmani C, Feng Q, Grant-Mackie J, Thanee N (2007). Middle Triassic radiolarians from Den Chai area, Northern Thailand. In: Proceeding of the International Conference on Geology of Thailand: Towards Sustainable Development and Sufficiency Economy. Bangkok, Thailand: 180–186

  • Thassanapak H, Udchachon M, Chonglakmani C, Feng Q (2011). Geochemistry of Middle Triassic raiolarian cherts from Northern Thailand: implication for depositional environment. Journal of Earth Science (in press)

  • Thassanapak H, Udchachon M, Feng Q (2009). Discovery of Lower Permian radiolarians from E-Lert Formation, Loei province, Thailand: a preliminary result. In: Abstract Volume of the 12th Meeting of the International Association of Radiolarian Paleontologists (Inter-Rad 12), Nan**g, China

  • Ueno K (1999). Gondwana/Tethys divide in East Asia: solution from Late Paleozoic foraminiferal paleobiogeography. In: Proceeding of International symposium on Shallow Tethys (ST) 5. Department of Geological Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand: 45–54

    Google Scholar 

  • Ueno K (2003). The Permian fusulinoidean faunas of the Sibumasu and Baoshan Blocks: their implication for the paleogeographic and paleoclimatologic reconstruction of the Cimmerian Continent. Palaeogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol, 193(1): 1–24

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang X D, Ueno K, Mizuno Y, Sugiyama T (2001). Late Paleozoic faunal, climatic, and geographic changes in the Baoshan block as a Gondwana-Derived continental fragment in Southwest China. Palaeogeogr Palaeoclimatol Palaeoecol, 170(3–4): 197–218

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Won M Z (1983). Radiolarien aus dem Unterkarbon des Rheinischen Schiefergebirges (Deutschland). Palaeontographica Abt. A, 182(4–6): 116–175

    Google Scholar 

  • Yamamoto K (1987). Geochemical characteristics and depositional environments of cherts and associated rocks in the Franciscan and Shimanto Terranes. Sediment Geol, 52(1–2): 65–108

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yamamoto K, Nakamaru K, Adachi M (1997). Depositional environments of accreted bedded cherts in the Shimanto Terrane, Southwest Japan, on the basis of major and minor element compositions. The Journal of Earth and Planetary Sciences. Nagoya University, 44: 1–19

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhu J, Du Y, Liu Z, Feng Q, Tian W, Li J, Wang C (2006). Mesozoic radiolarian chert from the middle sector of the Yarlung Zangbo Suture Zone, Tibet and its tectonic implication. Science in China: Series D. Earth Sci, 49: 348–357

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Palaeontological Research and Education Centre, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, 44150, Thailand

    Mongkol Udchachon & Hathaithip Thassanapak

  2. State Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resources, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China

    Mongkol Udchachon & Qinglai Feng

  3. Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, 44150, Thailand

    Hathaithip Thassanapak

  4. School of Geotechnology, Institute of Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand

    Chongpan Chonglakmani

Authors
  1. Mongkol Udchachon
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Hathaithip Thassanapak
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Qinglai Feng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Chongpan Chonglakmani
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mongkol Udchachon.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Udchachon, M., Thassanapak, H., Feng, Q. et al. Geochemical constraints on the depositional environment of Upper Devonian radiolarian cherts from Loei, north-eastern Thailand. Front. Earth Sci. 5, 178–190 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11707-011-0153-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11707-011-0153-6

Keywords

Search

Navigation