Giovanna Giorgetti

Evidence of a close link between petrology and isotope records: constraints from SEM, EMP, TEM and in situ 40Ar–39Ar laser analyses on multiple generations of white micas (Lanterman Range, Antarctica)

K–Ar ages from white mica are commonly interpreted to record cooling below a certain temperature with the implicit assumption that all the requirements of the volume diffusion theory are fulfilled. Nevertheless, studies on metamorphic white micas have highlighted discrepancies with previously inferred closure temperatures and have evidenced a close link between petrology and argon isotope age records. This study uses the in situ 40Ar–39Ar laserprobe method in conjunction with scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques to examine the relations between argon isotope records and microtextural, microchemical and microstructural variations in white mica. Gneisses and micaschists belonging to three different tectono-metamorphic complexes of the Lanterman Range (Antarctica) contain multiple generations of potassic white micas and are well-suited to investigate the relation between petrology and argon dating. Texturally resolvable white mica generations show microchemical and microstructural (TEM scale) variations that suggest development under different P–T deformation regimes, ranging from an eclogite facies stage down to low greenschist facies conditions. In situ 40Ar–39Ar laserprobe analyses on white mica samples from the three complexes reveal a complex intragrain and intergrain spatial distribution of argon ages which is closely linked to microtextural, microchemical and microstructural variations: texturally, compositionally and microstructurally older generations yield older ages whereas the younger ones yield younger ages. Results show that in the absence of re-crystallisation, white mica preserves argon isotope records pertaining to the high-pressure stage which survived amphibolite retrogression at temperatures of 550–650°C. The texture, petrology and isotope record of white micas in the studied samples preserve a nearly continuous record of P, T and deformation history within the same orogenic cycle.

Microfabric study on the deformational and thermal history of the Alpi Apuane marbles (Carrara marbles), Italy

Marbles from different geometrical and structural positions within the Alpi Apuane metamorphic complex show a large variability in microfabric types as indicated by microstructure, c-axis orientation and temperature analysis. Statically recrystallized samples showing a granoblastic microstructure and polygonal grain boundaries are characterized by a grain size variation from east to west from 80–100 μm to 250–300 μm. This is correlated with an equilibration calcite-dolomite temperature from 360–380°C to 420°–430°C. Two kinds of dynamically recrystallized microstructures have been investigated: a first one exhibiting coarse grains (150–200 μm) with lobate grain boundaries and a strong shape preferred orientation and a second one characterized by a smaller grain size (40–50 μm) and predominantly straight grain boundaries. These microstructural types, associated with localized post-thermal peak shear zones and meter- to kilometer-scale folds, are interpreted as related to high strain and high temperature crystal plastic deformation mechanisms (dislocation creep) associated with predominant grain boundary migration (type-B1) or subgrain-rotation recrystallization (type-B2). These differences in dynamically recrystallized microstructures are related to equilibration temperatures higher in type-B1 (390°C) than in type-B2 (370–340°C). We have been able to relate the development of the different microfabric types to the successive stages of deformation of the Alpi Apuane metamorphic complex.

Mid-late Pleistocene glacimarine sedimentary processes of a high-latitude, deep-sea sediment drift (Antarctic Peninsula Pacific margin)

The effects of glaciation on sediment drifts is recognised from marked sedimentary facies variation in deep sea cores taken from the continental rise of the Antarctic Peninsula Pacific margin. Nineteen sediment cores were visually described, logged for magnetic susceptibility, and X-radiographed. About 1000 analyses were performed for grain size, clay minerals and biostratigraphy (foraminifera, nannofossils and diatoms). Four sediment types associated with distinct sedimentary processes are recognised based on textural/compositional analysis. (1) Hemipelagic mud forms the bulk of the interglacial sediment, and accumulated from the pelagic settling of bioclasts and ice-rafted/wind-transported detritus. (2) Terrigenous mud forms the bulk of the glacial sediment, and accumulated from a combination of sedimentary processes including turbidity currents, turbid plumes, and bottom current reworking of nepheloid layers. (3) Silty deposits occurring as laminated layers and lenses, represent the lateral spillout of low-density turbidity currents. (4) Lastly, glacial/interglacial gravelly mud layers derive from settling of ice-rafted detritus. Five depositional settings are interpreted within sediment Drift 7, each characterised by the dominance/interaction of one or several depositional processes. The repetitive succession of typical sedimentary facies is inferred to reflect a sequence of four climatic stages (glaciation, glacial, deglaciation, and interglacial), each one characterised by a distinctive clay mineral assemblage and bioclastic content. Variations in clay mineral assemblage within interglacial stage 5 (core SED-06) suggest minor colder climatic fluctuations, possibly correlatable with substages 5a to 5e.

Continental shelf drift deposit indicates non-steady state Antarctic bottom water production in the Holocene

A late Quaternary, current-lain sediment drift deposit over 30 m in thickness has been discovered on the continental shelf of East Antarctica in an 850 m deep glacial trough off George Vth Land. Radiocarbon dating indicates that a period of rapid deposition on the drift (averaging 290 cm/kyr) occurred in the mid-Holocene, between about 3000 and 5000 yr before present. Slower rates of around 10 cm/kyr, during the past 0-3000 yr and from 5000 to about 13000 yr BP, coincides with deposition of bioturbated, ice-rafted debris (IRD) rich, sandy mud under an energetic bottom current regime. In contrast, the mid-Holocene (3000-5000 yr BP) sediments are fine-grained, laminated to cross-laminated with minimal IRD content, and are contemporaneous with a period of warmer marine conditions with less sea ice production. This pattern suggests that bottom currents were weaker than present day in the mid-Holocene, and that the rate of dense bottom water production was reduced at that time. This scenario is consistent with the hypothesis of non-steady state rates of Antarctic bottom water production through the Holocene as recently proposed by Broecker and his colleagues.

Retrograde diagenesis, a widespread process on a regional scale

Abstract Pelitic and basic rocks occurring within prograde sequences in Portugal, Spain and Hungary have been studied by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The minerals formed in typical prograde reactions define the general sequences, but smectite, chlorite-smectite (corrensite) and/or berthierine were found to have replaced chlorite, whereas kaolinite and mixed-layer illite-smectite replaced illite-muscovite. Alteration occurred under conditions normally associated with diagenesis, subsequent to regional metamorphism, and we therefore refer to such processes with the term “retrograde diagenesis”. In the cases studied and in other cited examples, reactions occurred on a regional basis via pervasive fluids under open-system conditions inferred to be related to tectonic stress. The observed alterations could generally not be inferred from XRD data, although the presence of pure smectite in sediments other than bentonite is suggestive of retrograde relations, especially where other minerals are consistent with a higher grade of diagenesis. Retrograde diagenesis is readily observed through imaging of textures by TEM, however. Textural features show that retrograde reactions are more common than generally assumed, and that care should be used in interpreting geological events where appropriate textural relations are not seen.

Amyloidosis, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in the Heart of an Alkaptonuric Patient

Background. Alkaptonuria, a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by deficiency in homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase activity, leads to accumulation of oxidised homogentisic acid in cartilage and collagenous structures present in all organs and tissues, especially joints and heart, causing a pigmentation called ochronosis. A secondary amyloidosis is associated with AKU. Here we report a study of an aortic valve from an AKU patient. Results. Congo Red birefringence, Th-T fluorescence, and biochemical assays demonstrated the presence of SAA-amyloid deposits in AKU stenotic aortic valve. Light and electron microscopy assessed the colocalization of ochronotic pigment and SAA-amyloid, the presence of calcified areas in the valve. Immunofluorescence detected lipid peroxidation of the tissue and lymphocyte/macrophage infiltration causing inflammation. High SAA plasma levels and proinflammatory cytokines levels comparable to those from rheumatoid arthritis patients were found in AKU patient. Conclusions. SAA-amyloidosis was present in the aortic valve from an AKU patient and colocalized with ochronotic pigment as well as with tissue calcification, lipid oxidation, macrophages infiltration, cell death, and tissue degeneration. A local HGD expression in human cardiac tissue has also been ascertained suggesting a consequent local production of ochronotic pigment in AKU heart.

TEM study of the mechanism of transformation of detrital kaolinite and muscovite to illite/smectite in sediments of the Salton Sea Geothermal Field

The reaction by which kaolinite transforms to I-S has been studied by SEM and TEM using core samples from the Salton Sea Scientific Drilling Project. Kaolinite is abundant from the surface to a depth of ∼300 m (∼115°C), decreasing in abundance and becoming undetectable at a depth of ∼500 m (∼160°C), with a concomitant increase in abundance of I-S. In a 256-m deep sample, kaolinite occurs as large (∼100 μm) detrital grains, in the fine-grained (< 1 μm) matrix, and as packets forming stacks in detrital biotite and muscovite. In sharp contrast, no kaolinite was detected in the sample from a depth of 477 m but illite and minor I-S occur in the matrix. Authigenic chlorite occurs as subhedral crystals in the matrix with subparallel illite crystals, and as muscovite-chlorite stacks. I-S occurs in three ways: (1) Interlayered within kaolinite as a few, curved layers with 10- and 20-A periodicities with the characteristics of collapsed, dehydrated I-S. Along-layer transitions with change in (001) d-value from 7 to 10 A occur. (2) As coalescent, randomly oriented packets filling pore space in the matrix. (3) Interlayered with detrital muscovite. These observations show that R1 T-S in Salton Sea-area sediments forms primarily through alteration of kaolinite and muscovite of detrital origin over a temperature interval of ∼100 to < 200°C, with I-S serving as a precursor to illite. Reaction occurs both by direct layer-by-layer replacement of kaolinite and muscovite, and by dissolution, ion transport and crystallization in pore space. Both processes involve dissolution and crystallization, with only the scale of transport varying from that of along-layer interfaces to the dimensions of pore space. The pH value and activity of K+ in the hydrothermal brines play important roles in the alteration process and control the simultaneous transformation of both kaolinite and muscovite to I-S.

Two-, three- and four-feldspar assemblages with hyalophane and celsian: Implications for phase equilibria in BaAl2Si2O8-CaAl2Si 2O8-NaAlSi3O8-KAlSi 3O8

The occurrences of natural coexisting feldspars including hyalophane and also celsian delineate two-, three- and possibly four-phase fields in the system BaAl2Si2O8—CaAl2Si2O8—NaAlSi3O8—KAlSi3O8. Hyalophane occurs with albite and microcline in a very low grade (anchizonal to epizonal) metasedimentary association from the Uppony Mountains, Hungary, and in Grenville marbles from Ontario. Analyses show very little Ba in albite and only limited Na in hyalophane. One marble from the garnet zone has albite (Ab95–98), oligoclase (An17Sl3Ab80), hyalophane (Cn65Sl3An2Ab9Or24) and celsian (Cn92Sl3An1Ab2Or2). The albite and oligoclase are complexly intergrown and may indicate unmixing during cooling. A marble in the sillimanite zone contains albite (Ab95–98Or2–3), oligoclase (An17An2Sl3Ab33Or24), hyalophane (Cn65Sl3An2Ab9Or24), and an inclusion of celsian (Cn67An1Sl2Ab2Or91) in an albite. Sanidine from the Peshtigo monzonite in Wisconsin unmixed to a symplectic perthite with barian microcline (Cn8–11An2Ab8–13Or75–80) and oligoclase (CnlAn18Ab79Or2). The former compositions of the ternary igneous feldspars (Cn3An9Ab46Or42, Cn1An18Ab69Or12) were obtained by reintegration. The Na content of hyalophane equilibrated with albite is correlated with metamorphic grade. Hyalophane has 5 ± 2 mol % Ab in very low-grade associations, 10 ± 3 mol % Ab in the greenschist facies, 16 ± 2 mol % Ab in the low to middle amphibolite facies, and 30 mol % Ab in the upper amphibolite to granulite facies even when not buffered with albite. The limited Na content of celsian equilibrated with albite in the greenschist facies is in striking disagreement with the narrow solvi obtained from unreversed experiments on the join BaAl2Si2O86-NaAlSi3O8. Up to 8 four-feldspar and 24 three-feldspar assemblages may be stable in the system BaAl2Si2O8-CaAl2Si2O8-NaAlSi3O8-KAlSi3O8. In contrast, the repeatedly observed and variably located discontinuities within zoned hyalophane grains may represent changes in the environment during mineral growth rather than internal miscibility gaps. Given its miscibility gaps with microcline and celsian, the name hyalophane is justified for intermediate feldspars near the Cn-Or join.

Chondroptosis in Alkaptonuric Cartilage

Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a rare genetic disease that affects the entire joint. Current standard of treatment is palliative and little is known about AKU physiopathology. Chondroptosis, a peculiar type of cell death in cartilage, has been so far reported to occur in osteoarthritis, a rheumatic disease that shares some features with AKU. In the present work, we wanted to assess if chondroptosis might also occur in AKU. Electron microscopy was used to detect the morphological changes of chondrocytes in damaged cartilage distinguishing apoptosis from its variant termed chondroptosis. We adopted histological observation together with Scanning Electron Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy to evaluate morphological cell changes in AKU chondrocytes. Lipid peroxidation in AKU cartilage was detected by fluorescence microscopy. Using the above‐mentioned techniques, we performed a morphological analysis and assessed that AKU chondrocytes undergo phenotypic changes and lipid oxidation, resulting in a progressive loss of articular cartilage structure and function, showing typical features of chondroptosis. To the best of our knowledge, AKU is the second chronic pathology, following osteoarthritis, where chondroptosis has been documented. Our results indicate that Golgi complex plays an important role in the apoptotic process of AKU chondrocytes and suggest a contribution of chondroptosis in AKU pathogenesis. These findings also confirm a similarity between osteoarthritis and AKU. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 1148–1157, 2015.

High-resolution analysis of silica and sulphate-rich rock varnishes from Victoria Land (Antarctica)

Rock varnishes on subaerially exposed surfaces of magmatic rocks in northern Victoria Land (Antarctica) have been analyzed using XRD, SEM-EDS and TEM-AEM techniques. The varnishes are tens of micron in thickness and consist of laminae with different chemical compositions. They always show sharp contacts with the underlying rocks. X-ray microanalysis enables two components to be recognized from their chemical compositions: a component rich in Si with minor Al, Fe, and Mg, and a S and Fe-rich component with minor Al, K, and P. Results of XRD and TEM work reveal that the Si-rich component is made of amorphous material containing few nanometer-thick smectite crystals, most of which have formed in situ . The S-rich component forms subrounded areas and laminae oriented parallel to the outer surface of the rock substrate and may be amorphous or crystalline. The crystals are sulphates of the alunite-jarosite series. The varnish is inferred to have formed by accretion onto the external surface of the rock substrate of airborne dust, followed by remobilization of some constituent and subsequent crystallization of clays and sulphates. The sulphur may have been derived from marine spray and/or fallout of active volcanoes.