OROGENIC VOLCANISM OF THE SOUTHEASTERN LESSER CAUCASUS
DOI:
10.32010/YCZY5293
Abstract
The article examines the formation of the southeastern area of the Lesser Caucasus and the distribution of rocks associated with it. The N-Morb and AFC (assimilation-fractional crystallization) methods were applied to the samples of the mentioned area. Through this, the chemical composition of the samples and the transformation processes over time were studied. Based on the data obtained, the initial crystallization of apatite and amphibole in the magma and its enrichment with rare elements and light lanthanides were determined. Mineralogical signs of hybridism have been sufficiently manifested for the Neogene volcanic rocks of the Lesser Caucasus. These signs include the zonation of plagioclase, the erosion of early crystallized minerals, and the presence of microinclusions containing gabbro, granodiorite, etc. in medium and acidic rocks. The replacement of compression with tension created conditions for arch-type uplifts and led to the formation of poorly differentiated trachybasalt-basaltic and trachyandesite series in intermediate foci. The southeastern part of the Lesser Caucasus consists of dolomite-calcareous lithofacies of Lower and Middle Triassic age. Small admixtures of sandy-clayey material in the lower horizons of the Lower Triassic are explained by the inclusion of terrigenous material. Terrigenous material is practically absent in the Upper Triassic compared to the Lower Triassic. This situation indicates that the process of deposition of pure carbonate species in deep basins occurred under relatively mild conditions. Towards the end of the Lower Triassic period, intensive shallowing of the sea was observed. In connection with this event, massive oolitic limestones with a thickness of 40 meters were formed in the upper parts of the cut. In the Upper Triassic, calcareous-shale-sandy (in the northwestern part of the region) and calcareous-dolomite facies were recorded in the southeastern region of the Lesser Caucasus. In the Neogene andesite-dacite-rhyolite formation rocks that formed the central structure of the Lesser Caucasus, a zonal distribution of minerals such as plagioclase, clinopyroxene, amphibole and magnetite is observed, which determines that crystallization differentiation plays an important role with the participation of volcanic rocks. It is possible to separate dark-colored minerals such as clinopyroxene, magnetite and amphibole, and to separate andesites. It is clear from the work done in the studied area that the southeast of the Lesser Caucasus is rich in important elements. Mineralogical signs of hybridism have been proven in the Neogene volcanic rocks of the Lesser Caucasus. The results obtained in the study area are of great importance in the preparation of future search and forecasting factors.
Keywords
volcanism
fraction
material
lithofacies
structure
formation
crystallization