Phanerozoic Quartz Arenite Formation and Sequence-Analytical Patterns: Indirectly Relating to Major Impacting and Super Plume Volcanism, Jordan, Arabian Plate

This paper deals with indirect effects of major impacting throughout the Early Paleozoic resp. with those of super plume activity during the Early Cretaceous, both applied to the siliciclastic series of Jordan deposited on the Arabian Platform, Arabian Plate. Its focus is mainly directed on gases released by both processes (CO 2 , SO 2 , NO x , HCl, HF) and the relating acids, challenged by experiments and microscopic analysis of grain mounts and thin sections that reveal chemical instability of quartz and ultrastable heavy minerals (i.e. tourmaline) under high acidity (pH < 4). Jordan located on the northwestern edge of the stable Arabian Platform between the Arabian-Nubian Shield as source area and the Tethys Seaway, which represented throughout the Phanerozoic a remarkably “sensitive depositional environment” documented by Cruziana Ichnofacies-bearing, even thin pelite layers, intercalating the siliciclastic braid plains/braid plain deltas during the Early Paleozoic resp. by fos-sil-bearing Tethys incursions during the Early Cretaceous. All quartz arenites (95% - 100% quartz) analyzed exhibit an enormous loss of primary mineral assemblages of hinterland source rocks (mainly granite, granodiorite, meta-morphics). The heavy mineral composition (zircon, tourmaline, rutile, anatase and brookite) varies to a high extent quantitively across architectural elements, lithofacies and formations at all, reflecting manifold reworking and resedimentation. Lopatin’s Time/Temperatur-Index the Lower Cambrian reached the onset of hydrocarbon generation (liquid window) during the Lower Early Cretaceous. Unstable heavy minerals (apatite, garnet, hornblende, epidote, zoi-site/clinozoisite) are generally absent in quartz arenites while in arkosic sandstones of marine environment carbonate cement and primary clay minerals (illite) provide conservation. As known since the eighties, the K/T-event’s indirect effects had global influence on Earth’s surface sediments and atmospheric chemistry by wildfires, hot whirl storms, acidic “sturz rain”, dust, soot, darkness, loss of photosynthesis, toxic metals, gases and relating acids. All of them are here concerned and applied to major impacting throughout the Early Paleozoic using the impact data of Price (2001); while superplume volcanism during Cretaceous led to the opening of the South Atlantic accompanied by the cyclic outflow of the Paraña/Etendeka Flood Basalts and relating gases in a gigantic scale (137 - 127 Ma). Assuming that the gases cause similar global effects on Earth’s surface sediments, an according result may be expected in form of quartz arenites and their sequence-analytical patterns (cyc-lic SBs, MFSs). *

There seems a general agreement among insiders that the agents mentioned above, do not only dissolve so-called "unstable" and "stable" heavy minerals, but may also attack or partially dissolve "ultra-stable heavies", the latter by effects of hydrothermal pore water under increasing burial depth (Figure 1(A)), whereby carbonate cement and clayey matrix would commonly retard such progressive corrosion.
Undoubtedly, in such cases the interpretation of source areas by using heavy minerals for provenance analysis becomes rather delicate or even useless.
Calculations tell of some several billion tons of such acid precipitation by an impact.
The extreme high acidity of hot "sturz rain" primarily relates to the enormous impact energy causing the disintegration of N 2 and O 2 molecules of the atmosphere to react generating nitric oxides (NO x ) in connection with hot whirl-storms and more or less global precipitation of even boiling water. Their reaction with water generates nitrous acid (HNO 2 ) and nitric acid (HNO 3 ). The same reactions concern other relevant gases like CO 2  carbonic acid (H 2 CO 3 ), SO 2  sulfuric acid (H 2 SO 3 /H 2 SO 4 ), and both HF  fluoric acid and HCl  chloric acid providing by their mixture pH-values < 4 depending on crater distance [9] [15] [16] [17] [18].
In case of the KPB-event, the impactor interacted with the atmosphere (78.9% N 2 , 20% O 2 , 1% CO 2 ), with a seawater column of ~100 m (C1, N, S, F), some 2900 m interstratified carbonate and sulfate rocks (CO 2 , SO 2 ), and finally with a ~30 km granite sequence of the basement (C1, N, S, F) [17] (Table 1). Figure 2 shows the basic mineralogical data of the KPB-event at Agosta, Spain exposing kaolinite boundary clay and C and O-isotope distribution around the extinction layer [17] [19].
Beyond that, experiments surprisingly verify that a mixture of HNO 3 (1/6 of 5%), H 2 SO 4 (1/6 of 5%) and HF (2/3 of 5%) dealing with 200 ml for dissolution of 10 gram of rock sample dissolve common β-quartz in order to enrich both high pressure SiO 2 -modifications coesite and stishovite from shock wave deformed silicate rocks inferring that β-quartz and other silicates of different rock types are dissolvable under the high acidity applied [20].
Reconfirming Stoeffler's experiments in nature, one of our master students (G. Ramme) found, by additional investigations to his Diploma Thesis [21],   Figure 2. Profile of the K/T-b. at Agost, Spain. Kaolinite boundary clay containing globally more or less elements of the Platin-group, glass spherules, shocked quartz and zircon, soot of global wild fires, isotope anomalies of C and O [17] [19].
diapir in trap position. We relate this evidence of high acidity to the KPB-event (65 Ma) and/or to the later Popigai/Chesapeake-events (36.5/36.1 Ma) shortly prior to the Eocene/Oligocene b. (33.75 Ma), see for comparison [22]. Pre-KPB plume effects cannot be excluded.
Furthermore, toxic metals (Al, Be, Pb, Hg, Cd, Ti, Cu, Fe, Ni, Mn, Sr, V, U and Zn) frequently substituted in common minerals of relevant rocks and soils are released in soluble form for subsequent toxic reaction [18]. Thus, i.e. Fe 3+ may be washed out from clastic deposits to lose its reddish/brownish color (red beds) for later re-precipitation.
Hence, the concept submitted tells: if such highly acid solutions initiated by major impacting volcanism work in situ through a certain timespan in a suitable geologic setting of arkosic/subarkosic sandstones, mature first cycle quartz arenites may be the product, in paragenesis with kaolinite neoformation.
In order to have a solid ground for testing the temporal coincidence of impact age with sedimentary implications like formation boundaries, sequence-analytical patterns (SB, MFS), architectural elements, lithofacies, and mineral content, we apply the major impact data of Price [23] as we did in a former pilot study [24] in Jordan [24].    Gondwana through the Paleozoic era and developed as a result of late Proterozoic suturing of several terranes dominated by largely basic volcanism and plutonic rocks that were localized along the NE and WNW-trending basement sutures like the Najd strike slip movement ( Figure 6, Figure 7).
The chronostratigraphic data relate to Sharland et al. [30], recalibrated and adapted by Haq & Al-Qahtani [31], re-applied by Schneider et al. [32] (Figure 5,    Thus, the "Jordanian Platform" represented throughout the Phanerozoic a sensitive transition zone between the stable Arabian Shield and the Tethys Seaway, where predominantly a warm humid climate and eustasy were the most controlling factors in regard to paleogeography, architectural sedimentary elements, and clastics' mineral assemblages [5] [30] [31] [32]. These siliciclastic series mostly reveal second and third order sequences separated by regional unconformities/hiatus where stratigraphic b. are mainly related to Sequence b. (SB) and Maximum Flooding Surface (MFS) ( Figure 5, Figure 8).
The early Cambrian uplift caused wide-spread erosion during the block faulting Molasse-Phase of the Pan-African Mountain-Building and was followed by proximal alluvial fans of the Saleb F. (526.5 -514 Ma), [ (Figure 9).
The Umm Ishrin/Disi F. b. is a "problematic fact in question" discussed as hiatus/unconformity. This boundary marks an abrupt change from low/medium energy bedded DA-macroforms to thick-bedded high energy DA-macroforms of massive sedimentary load building up some 10 -12 fining upward sequences of the Disi F. [32] [38] (Figure 10(A), Figure 10(B)).
That demands a dramatic change of atmospheric conditions ("sturz rain"-events). The DA-macroforms are frequently overturned and own flow-structures, deposited under critical transport velocity and accompanied by isolated well rounded scattered quartz pebbles (up to 12 cm Φ ) and lag-deposits at the base of fining upward sequences ( Figure 11).
So it seems probable that the base of the Disi F, has to be set into the Upper Cambrian, or even coinciding with the Middle/Upper Cambrian b. (501 Ma).    This sequence crops out east of the Jordan Rift shoulder between Ras en Naqab in the south and the Zerqa River in the north [41].
During the Lower Cretaceous (145.5 Ma), also exposing quartz arenite across Jordan, the general Paleogeography between the Arabian/Nubian Shield and the Tethys Seaway remained more or less similar like during the early Paleozoic.
Thereby, the impact site must definitely not coincide with the reference areas; however, the impact itself does influence the motion of continental masses. In case of continents' collision, sharp track changes would be destroyed. Concerning oceanic plates, a shorter residence time for tracks is to be expected caused by subduction. In the following, chronostratigraphic age ( Figure 5), sequence-analytical patterns (SBs, MFSs), major impacts ( Figure 3 [46], are compiled in Figure 16. Most of the granulometric, mineralogic/chemical data relate to Amireh's PhD-thesis [47]: Table 2 provides the granulometric data after Folk &Ward [48], architectural elements and lithofacies are based on Miall [49], (Table 3). Table 4 presents the light and heavy minerals from grain mounts [47] and Table 5 major and trace elements [47] of one arkosic/subarkosic arenite and five quartz arenite F. (see Introduction).         In order to document the mineralogical contrast versus quartz arenites to be dealt, the Lower Cambrian Saleb F. will be first characterized.

Saleb F., Lower Cambrian (526.5 -514 Ma), 0 -65 m
In SW Jordan the first main unconformity terminating the volcano-sedimentary Pan-African Molasse Sequence (600 -550 ± 13 Ma) coincides with an important SB, a major impact (crater unknown) and a mass extinction (20%). The Precambrian b. (542 ± 8 Ma) meets the next SB and a trachy-andesite dike. The overlying Saleb F. is composed of rock fragments and a mineral assemblage to be derived from local/regional source rocks like granite, granodiorite, metamorphics, all of them cropping out in SW Jordan [32]   The base of the Saleb F. (526.5 Ma) represents a SB and coincides with both major impact (crater unknown) and mass extinction (~33%).
There is an indication of interplay of major impacting and plate tectonics. The    The chemical composition of major elements (SiO 2 : 91.28%, Al 2 O 3 : 5.07%) relates to the high dickite content which in turn relates to higher SiO 2 + Al 2 O 3 /NaO 2 + K 2 O-ratios, similar like the underlying F. Increased Sr and B contents are of marine influence.

Discussion and Conclusions (Plate3)
Research work carried out until now across Jordan evidence the unique charac- The Chart is also useful for representing the contradiction between "classic Dissolution processes under such conditions also concern ultrastable heavy minerals like tourmaline and zircon as well as common quartz all attacked by For contrasting the spectrum of the primary mineral content versus the final diagenetic stage, Figure 18 shows Generally spoken, syntaxial overgrowth of quartz is relatively low in contrast to massive dickite neoformation where the latter replaces quartz with increasing burial depth.
The burial history of the Phanerozoic suite of Jordan is shown in Figure 19 after Lopatin's Time-Temperature-Index of Maturity ( )( ) max min TTI n n n Tn r = ∆ ∑ , [58]. It sets the field of dickite neoformation in SE Jordan (Mudawwara) below ~2000 m at a temperature of ~85˚C -90˚C [14]. The Saleb F. reached the onset of hydrocarbon generation (liquid window) during the early Cretaceous.
The surprisingly high quantitative variation of "ultrastable heavies" relates to manifold changing pH, reworking, -transport, and resedimentation throughout a high complexity of architectural elements and lithofacies types under variable transport energy and "acidic sturz rain" conditions.
Roundness of quartz pebbles and grains covers a broad spectrum from very well rounded scattered pebbles in the Disi F., poorly rounded or even angular despite long transport distance and frequent intra-formational reworking. We relate these phenomena to the high acidity of both transport medium and pore water as well as to the diagenetic replacement by kaolinite/dickite neoformation. Correlations throughout the Early Cretaceous (Kurnub Group) ( Figure   17): There appears a temporal relation between geologic/sedimentologic processes that happened in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Paraña-Event [23]  Ma: 45% = Albian/Cenomanian b. accompanying the geologic processes ( Figure   17).
While MORB-Basalts are classic tholeiites, hot spot basalts are indeed also tholeiites, however associated with alkali basalts that own higher concentrations of lithophile elements like K, Rb, P, Ti, and Light Rare-Earth-Elements [28]. Flood Basalt effusions commonly produce many 100,000 to millions km 3 within less than one to a few million years spreading out over many 100,000 km 2 , even several km 3 basalt/year. The outflow occurs in cycles predominantly on ocean floor [28].
The dualistic scenario Major Impact/Hot Spot (Plume, Super Plume) provokes the question whether the tremendous output of basaltic lava and magmatic gases of plumes may induce a similar change of atmospheric chemistry like major impacts do in order to get a similar chemical influence on mineral solubility of surface clastics.

Closing Statement
The results submitted in this paper allow putting, finally, some relating questions: May cyclic fining upward sequences of quartz arenites be originated by hazardous atmospheric chemical processes (acidic "sturz rain events") that have been initiated by so-called "rare events" like major impacts and/or plume-volcanism?
May major impacts trigger a plume/super-plume?
With regard to the fact that hot spots may produce > 20 km 3   -Is there a direct effect of cyclic super plume activity on cyclic MFSs/SBs by the gigantic lava outflow on ocean floor and by increasing heat flow with regard to sea level rise? (Replacement and volume increase by warming up of seawater!) (see [28] [63]).
-Has a dramatic change of atmospheric chemistry and linked climate, caused merely by a plume/super-plume volcanism, the capacity to generate a major mass extinction like in the case of the Siberian flood basalts at the Permian/Triassic b.? (~60%) Yes, it has (see [65] [66] [67]). Thus, without verification of crater and/or shocked fall out back the cause of mass extinction throughout the early Paleozoic remains open.
-Are the results of this paper convincing enough to follow the "95%-Confidence Line" generally accepted in Science? [68].
"HOT SPOTS" from other "BOUNDARIES": "And if you would tie hundred knots-the cord remains one" (Rumi, in [69]) "Words you use for denotation of states signify only approach" (Kalabadhi in [69]) "A scientist with an open mind, who can question the present knowledge of science, will have more of a chance of discovering a higher truth.
A Buddhist in her quest for higher understanding also has to question her present views concerning reality. The technique of understanding is to overcome views and knowledge. The way of non-attachment from views is the basic teaching of Buddhism concerning understanding." (Thich Nhat Hanh, [70]).

Supplement to Abstract
The results speak for themselves accepting the analytical error scope:  The high temporal coincidence of the interdisciplinary geoscientific patterns applied, make obvious that extraterrestrial and super-volcanic processes may have more influence on sedimentary rock formation as hitherto thought.