Master of Science / Department of Geology / Matthew Brueseke / It is generally accepted that beneath flood basalt provinces, Cu-Ni-PGE sulfide deposits may be found (Ridley, 2013). The focus of this study is the Steens Basalt, a mid-Miocene flood basalt from the northern Great Basin (USA) which contains between ~5-400 ppm copper and is characterized by large plagioclase phenocrysts, some of which can contain primary inclusions of copper despite the chalcophile nature of Cu (Hofmeister and Rossman, 1985; Johnston et al., 1991). The purpose of this project is to identify the distribution of Cu among coexisting phases in Steens Basalt, test whether plagioclase crystals in Steens lavas can host Cu, even when Cu is not visible, and test whether sulfide minerals/droplets are present in Steens Basalt samples with low Cu concentrations. Samples of Steens lavas were examined for sulfide minerals via reflected light microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction with a molybdenum tube. Using an electron microprobe, silicate minerals, oxides, glass, and sulfides were analyzed for their Cu concentration, as well as other major and trace element chemistry. Glass did not contain detectable Cu which precluded partition coefficient (Kd) calculations. Based on average Cu concentration for the non-sulfides, magnetite contains the most Cu, followed by (forsteritic) weathered olivine, pyroxene, olivine, plagioclase, and ilmenite. Copper sulfides were discovered in samples MB97-19 and MB97-76C with additional non-copper sulfides in MB97-76B. In conclusion, these results lay the groundwork for further investigation into potential copper sulfide reserves in the magma plumbing as with other flood basalt packages linked to economically important mineral deposits.

Master of Science / Department of Geology / Matthew Brueseke / The Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen (SOA) produced more than 250,000 km[superscript]3 of Cambrian mafic to silicic magmatism, associated with the opening of the Iapetus Ocean. In the Arbuckle Mountains, oil and gas exploration showed mafic to intermediate volcanic rock interbedded with rhyolite lavas. The first description of these lavas was a result of the 1982 drilling of the Hamilton Brothers Turner Falls well. Cuttings have been collected from this well and five others, and whole rock major and trace element analysis, Sr and Nd isotope analysis, and rare earth element analysis has been completed on these samples. These samples plot primarily as tholeiitic to transitional basalts to andesites. Trace element ratios show Zr/Nb values ranging from 8-10, K/Nb values ranging from 300-600, and Ba/Nb values ranging from 10-20, which overlap with known EM1 OIB values. Applying a conservative age of 535 Ma for these rocks yields [superscript]87Sr/[superscript]86Sr[subscript]i values of 0.703970 to 0.706403 and epsilon Nd values of 1.67 to 3.22, which also fall within the accepted range of EMI values. [superscript]87Sr/[superscript]86Sr[subscript]i increases with wt. % SiO[subscript]2 and K/P, consistent with the generation of evolved compositions via open-system processes. The sample with the least radiogenic Sr isotope ratio, combined with its trace element ratios is most consistent with an EM1-type source. These results, coupled with existing isotope and trace element constraints from regionally exposed dikes and plutonic rocks that crop out in the Wichita Mts., give better insight into understanding what tectonic model (lower-mantle derived hotspot or extension of the lithosphere) drove the magmatic production of the SOA. The results are more consistent with a lower-mantle origin for SOA mafic-intermediate magmatism, and indicate the potential for flood basalt volcanism.

A Província Basáltica Continental do Paraná-Etendeka registra o intenso vulcanismo do Cretáceo inferior que precedeu a fragmentação do supercontinente Gondwana. Tradicionalmente investigações sobre estas rochas priorizaram a aquisição de dados geoquímicos e isotópicos, considerando a pilha vulcânica como uma monótona sucessão de derrames tabulares e espessos. O presente trabalho propõe a análise das características físicas deste vulcanismo aplicando conceitos de arquitetura de fácies vulcânicas, integrados a estudos petrográficos e geoquímicos. A Sinclinal de Torres é uma estrutura tectônica localizada na porção sul do Brasil onde ocorrem preservadas as sequencias vulcânicas do magmatismo Paraná-Etendeka. Na área de estudo As rochas vulcânicas básicas podem ser divididas em duas unidades: derrames e campos de derrames pahoehoe (Unidade I) e derrames rubbly simples (Unidade II). Geoquimicamente as duas unidades pertencem a serie de baixo- TiO2 e ao magma tipo Gramado. As primeiras lavas pahoehoe são olivina basaltos, mais primitivos. A unidade I é composta por inúmeros derrames pahoehoe que ocorrem sobre os arenitos eólicos da Formação Botucatu. Essa lavas ocorrem como sheet pahoehoe, compound lavas, e lavas do tipo ponded nos vales interduna. O emplacement dessas lavas esta relacionado a baixas taxas de erupção sustentadas por longos intervalos de tempo. A unidade II é formada por espessas lavas simples do tipo rubbly, estas são caracterizadas por núcleos maciços e topos fragmentados (rubbly tops). Essas lavas são formadas por altas taxas de erupção e durante a fase principal do vulcanismo na área. O vale principal da Sinclinal de Torres tem uma evolução formada por derames compostos na porção basal e derrames simples nas porções superiores, siilar a de outras Províncias Basálticas Continentais. / The Parana-Etendeka Volcanic Province records the volcanism of the Earlier Cretaceous that precedes the fragmentation of the Gondwana supercontinent. Traditionally, investigations of these rocks prioritized the acquisition of geochemical and isotopic data, considering the volcanic stack as a monotonous succession of tabular flows. This work provides a detailed analysis of the physical conditions of the emplacement of these volcanic rocks, applying the facies architecture integrated to petrographic and geochemical data. Torres Syncline is a tectonic structure located in southern Brazil and where the Parana- Etendeka basalts are well preserved. The basaltic lava flows in the area can be divided in pahoehoe flow fields (Unit I) and simple rubbly flows (Unit II). Geochemically both units are low TiO2 and Gramado magma type. The first pahoehoe lavas are more primitive and are olivine basalts with higher contents of MgO. The fist unit is build up by innumerous pahoehoe lava flows and flow fields that cover the sandstones of Botucatu Fm. These flows occur like sheet pahoehoe, compound pahoehoe, and ponded lavas in the interdune settings. The emplacement of pahoehoe flow fields is related to sustain low eruptive rates. The unit two is formed by thick simple rubbly lavas, characterized by a massive core and a rubbly top. These flows are associated to high effusion rates and were formed during the main phase of volcanism in the area. The Torres Syncline main valley has a similar evolution when compared with other lips with compound flows at the base and simple flows in the upper portions.

A Província Basáltica Continental do Paraná-Etendeka registra o intenso vulcanismo do Cretáceo inferior que precedeu a fragmentação do supercontinente Gondwana. Tradicionalmente investigações sobre estas rochas priorizaram a aquisição de dados geoquímicos e isotópicos, considerando a pilha vulcânica como uma monótona sucessão de derrames tabulares e espessos. O presente trabalho propõe a análise das características físicas deste vulcanismo aplicando conceitos de arquitetura de fácies vulcânicas, integrados a estudos petrográficos e geoquímicos. A Sinclinal de Torres é uma estrutura tectônica localizada na porção sul do Brasil onde ocorrem preservadas as sequencias vulcânicas do magmatismo Paraná-Etendeka. Na área de estudo As rochas vulcânicas básicas podem ser divididas em duas unidades: derrames e campos de derrames pahoehoe (Unidade I) e derrames rubbly simples (Unidade II). Geoquimicamente as duas unidades pertencem a serie de baixo- TiO2 e ao magma tipo Gramado. As primeiras lavas pahoehoe são olivina basaltos, mais primitivos. A unidade I é composta por inúmeros derrames pahoehoe que ocorrem sobre os arenitos eólicos da Formação Botucatu. Essa lavas ocorrem como sheet pahoehoe, compound lavas, e lavas do tipo ponded nos vales interduna. O emplacement dessas lavas esta relacionado a baixas taxas de erupção sustentadas por longos intervalos de tempo. A unidade II é formada por espessas lavas simples do tipo rubbly, estas são caracterizadas por núcleos maciços e topos fragmentados (rubbly tops). Essas lavas são formadas por altas taxas de erupção e durante a fase principal do vulcanismo na área. O vale principal da Sinclinal de Torres tem uma evolução formada por derames compostos na porção basal e derrames simples nas porções superiores, siilar a de outras Províncias Basálticas Continentais. / The Parana-Etendeka Volcanic Province records the volcanism of the Earlier Cretaceous that precedes the fragmentation of the Gondwana supercontinent. Traditionally, investigations of these rocks prioritized the acquisition of geochemical and isotopic data, considering the volcanic stack as a monotonous succession of tabular flows. This work provides a detailed analysis of the physical conditions of the emplacement of these volcanic rocks, applying the facies architecture integrated to petrographic and geochemical data. Torres Syncline is a tectonic structure located in southern Brazil and where the Parana- Etendeka basalts are well preserved. The basaltic lava flows in the area can be divided in pahoehoe flow fields (Unit I) and simple rubbly flows (Unit II). Geochemically both units are low TiO2 and Gramado magma type. The first pahoehoe lavas are more primitive and are olivine basalts with higher contents of MgO. The fist unit is build up by innumerous pahoehoe lava flows and flow fields that cover the sandstones of Botucatu Fm. These flows occur like sheet pahoehoe, compound pahoehoe, and ponded lavas in the interdune settings. The emplacement of pahoehoe flow fields is related to sustain low eruptive rates. The unit two is formed by thick simple rubbly lavas, characterized by a massive core and a rubbly top. These flows are associated to high effusion rates and were formed during the main phase of volcanism in the area. The Torres Syncline main valley has a similar evolution when compared with other lips with compound flows at the base and simple flows in the upper portions.

A Província Basáltica Continental do Paraná-Etendeka registra o intenso vulcanismo do Cretáceo inferior que precedeu a fragmentação do supercontinente Gondwana. Tradicionalmente investigações sobre estas rochas priorizaram a aquisição de dados geoquímicos e isotópicos, considerando a pilha vulcânica como uma monótona sucessão de derrames tabulares e espessos. O presente trabalho propõe a análise das características físicas deste vulcanismo aplicando conceitos de arquitetura de fácies vulcânicas, integrados a estudos petrográficos e geoquímicos. A Sinclinal de Torres é uma estrutura tectônica localizada na porção sul do Brasil onde ocorrem preservadas as sequencias vulcânicas do magmatismo Paraná-Etendeka. Na área de estudo As rochas vulcânicas básicas podem ser divididas em duas unidades: derrames e campos de derrames pahoehoe (Unidade I) e derrames rubbly simples (Unidade II). Geoquimicamente as duas unidades pertencem a serie de baixo- TiO2 e ao magma tipo Gramado. As primeiras lavas pahoehoe são olivina basaltos, mais primitivos. A unidade I é composta por inúmeros derrames pahoehoe que ocorrem sobre os arenitos eólicos da Formação Botucatu. Essa lavas ocorrem como sheet pahoehoe, compound lavas, e lavas do tipo ponded nos vales interduna. O emplacement dessas lavas esta relacionado a baixas taxas de erupção sustentadas por longos intervalos de tempo. A unidade II é formada por espessas lavas simples do tipo rubbly, estas são caracterizadas por núcleos maciços e topos fragmentados (rubbly tops). Essas lavas são formadas por altas taxas de erupção e durante a fase principal do vulcanismo na área. O vale principal da Sinclinal de Torres tem uma evolução formada por derames compostos na porção basal e derrames simples nas porções superiores, siilar a de outras Províncias Basálticas Continentais. / The Parana-Etendeka Volcanic Province records the volcanism of the Earlier Cretaceous that precedes the fragmentation of the Gondwana supercontinent. Traditionally, investigations of these rocks prioritized the acquisition of geochemical and isotopic data, considering the volcanic stack as a monotonous succession of tabular flows. This work provides a detailed analysis of the physical conditions of the emplacement of these volcanic rocks, applying the facies architecture integrated to petrographic and geochemical data. Torres Syncline is a tectonic structure located in southern Brazil and where the Parana- Etendeka basalts are well preserved. The basaltic lava flows in the area can be divided in pahoehoe flow fields (Unit I) and simple rubbly flows (Unit II). Geochemically both units are low TiO2 and Gramado magma type. The first pahoehoe lavas are more primitive and are olivine basalts with higher contents of MgO. The fist unit is build up by innumerous pahoehoe lava flows and flow fields that cover the sandstones of Botucatu Fm. These flows occur like sheet pahoehoe, compound pahoehoe, and ponded lavas in the interdune settings. The emplacement of pahoehoe flow fields is related to sustain low eruptive rates. The unit two is formed by thick simple rubbly lavas, characterized by a massive core and a rubbly top. These flows are associated to high effusion rates and were formed during the main phase of volcanism in the area. The Torres Syncline main valley has a similar evolution when compared with other lips with compound flows at the base and simple flows in the upper portions.