Najel Yaseen | University of Jordan (original) (raw)

Papers by Najel Yaseen

Research paper thumbnail of The Sintering Effect on the Phase Formation and Transport Current Properties of SmBa2Cu3O7−δ Ceramic Prepared from Nano-Coprecipitated Precursors

Journal of Superconductivity and Novel Magnetism, Jan 6, 2016

High-temperature superconducting ceramic with the formula SmBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ was prepared from met... more High-temperature superconducting ceramic with the formula SmBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ was prepared from metal oxalate precursors with an average grain size < 35 nm using the coprecipitation method. The metal oxalate powders were heated at 900 • C for 12 h, where they were pelletized and then sintered at different temperatures (920, 930, 940, and 950 • C) for 15 h. All sintered samples exhibited a metallic behavior with zero-resistance transition temperatures, T C(R=0) , of 92.8, 92.5, 89.5, and 84.0 K when the samples sintered from 920-950 • C, respectively. The critical current density (J C) decreased as the sintering temperature increased due to the formation of non-superconducting phases or insulator that enhanced the weak-link effect. X-ray diffraction (XRD) data showed the formation of impurity phases (Sm-211 and Sm210) at 930 and 940 • C, respectively. The crystalline size remains unchanged for all samples, and the best results were obtained for the sample sintered at 920 • C, where the single phase of an orthorhombic structure was detected and the highest T C was recorded. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs showed Imad Hamadneh

Research paper thumbnail of Mimicking shear zones: An example from Wadi Filk, Jordan

Journal of Structural Geology, May 1, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Geology, Geochemistry and Petrography of Darba Suite, a Contribution to the Petrogenesis of Basement Rock, SW Jordan

Research paper thumbnail of U-Pb-und Rb-Sr-Untersuchungen von Metagraniten der Mylonitzone von Floß-Altenhammer und einer Probe des Leuchtenberger Granits

Research paper thumbnail of Ages of polymetamorphism in rocks from the German Deep Drill hole (KTB), eastern Bavaria

Research paper thumbnail of Potential Occurrence of MTBE and BTEX in Groundwater Resources of Amman-Zarqa Basin, Jordan

CLEAN - Soil, Air, Water, 2012

This study investigates potential occurrence, distribution, and sources of the newly added gasoli... more This study investigates potential occurrence, distribution, and sources of the newly added gasoline oxygenate, methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and the petroleum derivatives benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes called collectively, BTEX, in Jordan's heavily populated Amman-Zarqa Basin (AZB). It presents the first data on the levels of MTBE and BTEX in the aquifers of this basin. One hundred and seventy-nine (179) groundwater wells were sampled near petrol service stations, oil refinery storage tanks, car wrecks, bus stations, and chemical industries at different locations in the basin. Headspace GC and purge and trap GC-MS were utilized to determine the target substances in the samples. Concentrations of BTEX varied between no-detection (minimum) for all of them to 6.6 mg/L (maximum) for ethylbenzene. MTBE was found in few samples but none has exceeded the regulated levels; its concentrations ranged between no-detection to 4.1 mg/L. However, though the contamination levels are very low they should be considered alarming.

Research paper thumbnail of Mikrogefüge-Untersuchungen am Leuchtenberger Granit und an Metagraniten der Mylonitzone von Floss-Altenhammer

Research paper thumbnail of Altersbestimmungen von HT-Myloniten der Mylonitzone von Floß-Altenhammer und eines Gneisvorkommens im Leuchtenberger Granit

Research paper thumbnail of Research Article Potential Occurrence of MTBE and BTEX in Groundwater Resources of Amman-Zarqa Basin

Research paper thumbnail of Data analysis of a revisited exploration geochemical dataset of quartz porphyrites from SW Jordan using GIS techniques

Chemie der Erde - Geochemistry

Research paper thumbnail of Mimicking shear zones: An example from Wadi Filk, Jordan

Journal of Structural Geology

Research paper thumbnail of Neoproterozoic Rosetta Gabbro from northernmost Arabian–Nubian Shield, south Jordan: Geochemistry and petrogenesis

Lithos

An Ediacaran mafic intrusion of south Jordan is a distinctive appinitic igneous rock with a possi... more An Ediacaran mafic intrusion of south Jordan is a distinctive appinitic igneous rock with a possibly unique texture, characterized by spherical clots up to 40mm diameter composed of amphibole cores from which plagioclase euhedra radiate; we call it the Rosetta Gabbro. It is exposed as a small (ca. 750 m 2) outcrop in the Neoproterozoic basement of south Jordan. A second outcrop of otherwise similar gabbro is located at about 400 m to the north of the Rosetta Gabbro, but it lacks the distinctive texture. The Rosetta Gabbro could represent a magma pipe intruding Aqaba Complex (~600 Ma) granitoids and metasediments of the Janub Metamorphic Complex (633 ~ 617 Ma). The gabbro is Ol-or QZ tholeiite with the following chemical characteristics [SiO 2 = 46.2-47.8 wt. %; Al 2 O 3 = 16.4-17.7 wt. %, TiO 2 =1.70-2.82 wt. %, Na 2 O = 1.27-2.83 wt. %. K 2 O = 0.82-1.63 wt. %; Mg# 58-63;  REE = 70-117 ppm; La/ Yb ~ 6 to 8; Eu/Eu* = 1.05-1. 2). The investigated gabbro has the geochemical features of a continental flood tholeiitic basalt emplaced at a within-plate tectonic setting. Two varieties of amphibole are found: 1) large , 3-5 mm in size, brown ferri-titanian-tschermakite (K 0.09 ,Na 0.28)(Na 0.20 ,Ca 1.80)(Mn 0.04 ,Fe 3+ 1.1 , Mg 2.34 , Fe 2+ 0.90 ,Ti 0.29 ,Al 0.22)(Al 1.85 ,Si 6.15) O 22 (OH) 1.95 of the calcic amphibole group riddled with opaques; and 2) acicular yellowishlight green ferrian-magnesiohornblende (K 0.04 ,Na 0.153)(Ca 1.755, Na 0.245) (Fe 3+ 0.66, Mn 0.01 ,Fe 2+ 1.01 , Mg 3.03 , ,Ti 0.06 ,Al 0.22)(Al 1.03 ,Si 6.97) O 22 (OH) 1.95. Scattered flakes of phlogopite also occur. Tabular radiating plagioclase (An 64-79) are complexly twinned, with broad lamellae that show no zoning. Laser-ablation ICP-MS analyses of amphibole and plagioclase reveal considerable variation in trace elements abundances, in spite of more subtle major element variations except for TiO 2 in amphiboles. The REE in amphiboles show an order of magnitude variation with a concave-downward pattern and a positive Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu* =0.6-2), though far less pronounced compared to the (Eu/Eu* = 5-45) of plagioclase. The 3D dandelion-like texture of the rosettas is broadly similar to "Chrysanthemum Stone", which is a diagenetic growth in sedimentary rock, but we can find no description of similar textures in igneous rocks. Formation of rosettas is thought to reflect loss of magmatic water resulting in supersaturation of plagioclase, which grew rapidly around amphiboles and may have floated in the magma. This implies magmatic evolution in the shallow (10 to 12 km deep) crust where temperatures were nevertheless in the range of ca 750 to 900 C.

Research paper thumbnail of U–Pb detrital zircon provenance of the Saramuj Conglomerate, Jordan, and implications for the Neoproterozoic evolution of the Red Sea region

Precambrian Research, 2013

The latest stage in the evolution of the northernmost Arabian-Nubian Shield is characterized by t... more The latest stage in the evolution of the northernmost Arabian-Nubian Shield is characterized by the development of volcano-sedimentary successions. In Jordan the Saramuj Conglomerate Formation is considered to be one of these post-tectonic basins. It is polymict and poorly sorted with wide range of clast compositions, roundness and size. We present the first SIMS U-Pb dating of detrital zircons from two sandstone samples representative for the conglomerate matrix and of four clasts from the Saramuj Conglomerate for provenance and age determinations. The relative probability curve for the matrix samples indicates a major contribution (85%) from c. 600 to 650 Ma, subclusters at 624 and 640 Ma, a minor source from 700 to 750 Ma, and a clear gap between 650 and 700 Ma. These ages are consistent with those obtained from andesitic, rhyodacitic, granitic and gneiss clasts (624, 642, 650 and 734 Ma respectively). In contrast to the adjacent volcano-sedimentary successions in the Elat area, Sinai and the Eastern Desert, no ages older than 750 Ma were found. The good match between the known ages of the nearby exposed basement with the matrix ages and the immature nature of the sediments implies that the principal input was locally derived erosional detritus. The age of the youngest 10 detrital zircons at c. 615 Ma represents the maximum age of deposition, which is consistent with the stratigraphic position of the Saramuj Conglomerate. Clast ages of 642 Ma and 650 Ma are interpreted as evidence for a magmatic source that has not been recognized in SW Jordan. This study implies that the volcano-sedimentary successions in the northernmost Arabian-Nubian shield may be broadly coeval but have distinct provenance and therefore evolved as isolated basins. Furthermore, U-Pb zircon provenance analysis allows us to recognize igneous products that are no longer preserved and/or exposed in the region.

Research paper thumbnail of A hybrid composite dike suite from the northern Arabian Nubian Shield, southwest Jordan: Implications for magma mixing and partial melting of granite by mafic magma

Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 2013

ABSTRACT The Arabian Nubian Shield is an exemplary juvenile continental crust of Neoproterozoic a... more ABSTRACT The Arabian Nubian Shield is an exemplary juvenile continental crust of Neoproterozoic age (1000–542 Ma). The post-collisional rift-related stage (~ 610 to 542 Ma) of its formation is characterized among others by the intrusion of several generations of simple and composite dikes.This study documents a suite of hybrid composite dikes and a natural example of partial melting of granite by a mafic magma from the northernmost extremity of Arabian Nubian Shield in southwest Jordan. The petrogenesis of this suite is discussed on the basis of field, petrographic, geochemical, and Rb/Sr isotopic data. These dikes give spectacular examples of the interaction between basaltic magma and the granitic basement. This interaction ranges from brecciation, partial melting of the host alkali feldspar granite to complete assimilation of the granitic material. Field structures range from intrusive breccia (angular partially melted granitic fragments in a mafic groundmass) to the formation of hybrid composite dikes that are up to 14 m in thickness.The rims of these dikes are trachyandesite (latite) with alkali feldspar ovoids (up to 1 cm in diameter); while the central cores are trachydacite to dacite and again with alkali feldspar ovoids and xenoliths from the dike rims.The granitic xenoliths in the intrusive breccia have been subjected to at least 33% partial melting.A seven-point Rb/Sr isochron from one of these composite dikes yields an age of 561 ± 33 Ma and an initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio of 0.70326 ± 0.0003 (2σ) and MSWD of 0.62.Geochemical modeling using major, trace, rare earth elements and isotopes suggests the generation of the hybrid composite dike suite through the assimilation of 30% to 60% granitic crustal material by a basaltic magma, while the latter was undergoing fractional crystallization at different levels in the continental crust.

Research paper thumbnail of Neoproterozoic Rosetta Gabbro from northernmost Arabian–Nubian Shield, south Jordan: Geochemistry and petrogenesis

Lithos, Jul 1, 2017

An Ediacaran mafic intrusion of south Jordan is a distinctive appinitic igneous rock with a possi... more An Ediacaran mafic intrusion of south Jordan is a distinctive appinitic igneous rock with a possibly unique texture, characterized by spherical clots up to 40mm diameter composed of amphibole cores from which plagioclase euhedra radiate; we call it the Rosetta Gabbro. It is exposed as a small (ca. 750 m 2) outcrop in the Neoproterozoic basement of south Jordan. A second outcrop of otherwise similar gabbro is located at about 400 m to the north of the Rosetta Gabbro, but it lacks the distinctive texture. The Rosetta Gabbro could represent a magma pipe intruding Aqaba Complex (~600 Ma) granitoids and metasediments of the Janub Metamorphic Complex (633 ~ 617 Ma). The gabbro is Ol-or QZ tholeiite with the following chemical characteristics [SiO 2 = 46.2-47.8 wt. %; Al 2 O 3 = 16.4-17.7 wt. %, TiO 2 =1.70-2.82 wt. %, Na 2 O = 1.27-2.83 wt. %. K 2 O = 0.82-1.63 wt. %; Mg# 58-63;  REE = 70-117 ppm; La/ Yb ~ 6 to 8; Eu/Eu* = 1.05-1. 2). The investigated gabbro has the geochemical features of a continental flood tholeiitic basalt emplaced at a within-plate tectonic setting. Two varieties of amphibole are found: 1) large , 3-5 mm in size, brown ferri-titanian-tschermakite (K 0.09 ,Na 0.28)(Na 0.20 ,Ca 1.80)(Mn 0.04 ,Fe 3+ 1.1 , Mg 2.34 , Fe 2+ 0.90 ,Ti 0.29 ,Al 0.22)(Al 1.85 ,Si 6.15) O 22 (OH) 1.95 of the calcic amphibole group riddled with opaques; and 2) acicular yellowishlight green ferrian-magnesiohornblende (K 0.04 ,Na 0.153)(Ca 1.755, Na 0.245) (Fe 3+ 0.66, Mn 0.01 ,Fe 2+ 1.01 , Mg 3.03 , ,Ti 0.06 ,Al 0.22)(Al 1.03 ,Si 6.97) O 22 (OH) 1.95. Scattered flakes of phlogopite also occur. Tabular radiating plagioclase (An 64-79) are complexly twinned, with broad lamellae that show no zoning. Laser-ablation ICP-MS analyses of amphibole and plagioclase reveal considerable variation in trace elements abundances, in spite of more subtle major element variations except for TiO 2 in amphiboles. The REE in amphiboles show an order of magnitude variation with a concave-downward pattern and a positive Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu* =0.6-2), though far less pronounced compared to the (Eu/Eu* = 5-45) of plagioclase. The 3D dandelion-like texture of the rosettas is broadly similar to "Chrysanthemum Stone", which is a diagenetic growth in sedimentary rock, but we can find no description of similar textures in igneous rocks. Formation of rosettas is thought to reflect loss of magmatic water resulting in supersaturation of plagioclase, which grew rapidly around amphiboles and may have floated in the magma. This implies magmatic evolution in the shallow (10 to 12 km deep) crust where temperatures were nevertheless in the range of ca 750 to 900 C.

Research paper thumbnail of PRELIMINARY FIELD, PETROGRAPHICAL AND GEOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATIONS ON SYNPLUTONIC DIKES, SOUTHWEST JORDAN

International Journal of Applied and Natural Sciences, 2020

The basement granitoids exposed in Rahma area, South Jordan, consists mafic to intermediate in co... more The basement granitoids exposed in Rahma area, South Jordan, consists mafic to intermediate in composition enclaves with variable shapes and sizes. They are interpreted as synplutonic dikes. Mode of occurrence, petrography, whole rock chemistry, and mineral chemistry indicate magma mingling and mixing with the host rock. Features of the magma mingling include dismembering of these dikes into rounded, sub rounded, and irregular shaped mafic enclaves. This mingling process took place at different levels where contact relationship with host rocks varies from sharp to gradational. Microscopic textures such as decreasing grain size of hornblend towards the contact with host rocks, resorbed relatively large plagioclase crystals and presence of acicular apatite are used as a further evidence of interaction between synplutonic dikes and host rocks. Major, trace and rare earth elements geochemistry indicate that the magma of these dikes are calc-alkaline formed in a subduction zone environment. Furthermore both dikes and host rocks have different sources.

Research paper thumbnail of The Sintering Effect on the Phase Formation and Transport Current Properties of SmBa2Cu3O7−δ Ceramic Prepared from Nano-Coprecipitated Precursors

Journal of Superconductivity and Novel Magnetism, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of PETROGRAPHY, IDENTIFICATION OF METASOMATIC TEXTURES AND ISOCHEMICAL REACTIONS FROM DARBA SUITE, SW JORDAN

Hydrothermal fluids penetrated Darba rocks through their weak points in the solid state during th... more Hydrothermal fluids penetrated Darba rocks through their weak points in the solid state during the latest stage of their crystallization. Such fluid movement was facilitated by tectonic deformation. The Ediacaran rocks of Darba suite show metasomatic features and textures that were petrographically identified to be related to magmatism during the late stage of crystallization by isochemical hydrothermal fluids. The isochemical reactions are mostly grain boundary controlled changes ("metasomatic active fronts" or "reaction interfaces") represented by plagioclase crystals merging into one porphyroblast (megacryst), K-feld spathization equalizing albitization, sericitization, limited growth of apatite from plagioclase and the alteration of biotite and hornblende to chlorite.

Research paper thumbnail of Potential Occurrence of MTBE and BTEX in Groundwater Resources of Amman Zarqa Basin, Jordan

This study investigates potential occurrence, distribution, and sources of the newly added gasol... more This study investigates potential occurrence, distribution, and sources of the newly
added gasoline oxygenate, methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and the petroleum derivatives
benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes called collectively, BTEX, in Jordan
heavily populated Amman�Zarqa Basin (AZB). It presents the first data on the levels
of MTBE and BTEX in the aquifers of this basin. One hundred and seventy-nine (179)
groundwater wells were sampled near petrol service stations, oil refinery storage tanks,
car wrecks, bus stations, and chemical industries at different locations in the basin.
Headspace GC and purge and trap GC�MS were utilized to determine the target
substances in the samples. Concentrations of BTEX varied between no-detection (minimum)
for all of them to 6.6mg/L (maximum) for ethylbenzene. MTBE was found in few
samples but none has exceeded the regulated levels; its concentrations ranged between
no-detection to 4.1mg/L. However, though the contamination levels are very low they
should be considered alarming/resou

Research paper thumbnail of Mikrogefüge-Untersuchungen am Leuchtenberger Granit und an Metagraniten der Mylonitzone von Floss-Altenhammer

Research paper thumbnail of The Sintering Effect on the Phase Formation and Transport Current Properties of SmBa2Cu3O7−δ Ceramic Prepared from Nano-Coprecipitated Precursors

Journal of Superconductivity and Novel Magnetism, Jan 6, 2016

High-temperature superconducting ceramic with the formula SmBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ was prepared from met... more High-temperature superconducting ceramic with the formula SmBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ was prepared from metal oxalate precursors with an average grain size < 35 nm using the coprecipitation method. The metal oxalate powders were heated at 900 • C for 12 h, where they were pelletized and then sintered at different temperatures (920, 930, 940, and 950 • C) for 15 h. All sintered samples exhibited a metallic behavior with zero-resistance transition temperatures, T C(R=0) , of 92.8, 92.5, 89.5, and 84.0 K when the samples sintered from 920-950 • C, respectively. The critical current density (J C) decreased as the sintering temperature increased due to the formation of non-superconducting phases or insulator that enhanced the weak-link effect. X-ray diffraction (XRD) data showed the formation of impurity phases (Sm-211 and Sm210) at 930 and 940 • C, respectively. The crystalline size remains unchanged for all samples, and the best results were obtained for the sample sintered at 920 • C, where the single phase of an orthorhombic structure was detected and the highest T C was recorded. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs showed Imad Hamadneh

Research paper thumbnail of Mimicking shear zones: An example from Wadi Filk, Jordan

Journal of Structural Geology, May 1, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Geology, Geochemistry and Petrography of Darba Suite, a Contribution to the Petrogenesis of Basement Rock, SW Jordan

Research paper thumbnail of U-Pb-und Rb-Sr-Untersuchungen von Metagraniten der Mylonitzone von Floß-Altenhammer und einer Probe des Leuchtenberger Granits

Research paper thumbnail of Ages of polymetamorphism in rocks from the German Deep Drill hole (KTB), eastern Bavaria

Research paper thumbnail of Potential Occurrence of MTBE and BTEX in Groundwater Resources of Amman-Zarqa Basin, Jordan

CLEAN - Soil, Air, Water, 2012

This study investigates potential occurrence, distribution, and sources of the newly added gasoli... more This study investigates potential occurrence, distribution, and sources of the newly added gasoline oxygenate, methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and the petroleum derivatives benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes called collectively, BTEX, in Jordan's heavily populated Amman-Zarqa Basin (AZB). It presents the first data on the levels of MTBE and BTEX in the aquifers of this basin. One hundred and seventy-nine (179) groundwater wells were sampled near petrol service stations, oil refinery storage tanks, car wrecks, bus stations, and chemical industries at different locations in the basin. Headspace GC and purge and trap GC-MS were utilized to determine the target substances in the samples. Concentrations of BTEX varied between no-detection (minimum) for all of them to 6.6 mg/L (maximum) for ethylbenzene. MTBE was found in few samples but none has exceeded the regulated levels; its concentrations ranged between no-detection to 4.1 mg/L. However, though the contamination levels are very low they should be considered alarming.

Research paper thumbnail of Mikrogefüge-Untersuchungen am Leuchtenberger Granit und an Metagraniten der Mylonitzone von Floss-Altenhammer

Research paper thumbnail of Altersbestimmungen von HT-Myloniten der Mylonitzone von Floß-Altenhammer und eines Gneisvorkommens im Leuchtenberger Granit

Research paper thumbnail of Research Article Potential Occurrence of MTBE and BTEX in Groundwater Resources of Amman-Zarqa Basin

Research paper thumbnail of Data analysis of a revisited exploration geochemical dataset of quartz porphyrites from SW Jordan using GIS techniques

Chemie der Erde - Geochemistry

Research paper thumbnail of Mimicking shear zones: An example from Wadi Filk, Jordan

Journal of Structural Geology

Research paper thumbnail of Neoproterozoic Rosetta Gabbro from northernmost Arabian–Nubian Shield, south Jordan: Geochemistry and petrogenesis

Lithos

An Ediacaran mafic intrusion of south Jordan is a distinctive appinitic igneous rock with a possi... more An Ediacaran mafic intrusion of south Jordan is a distinctive appinitic igneous rock with a possibly unique texture, characterized by spherical clots up to 40mm diameter composed of amphibole cores from which plagioclase euhedra radiate; we call it the Rosetta Gabbro. It is exposed as a small (ca. 750 m 2) outcrop in the Neoproterozoic basement of south Jordan. A second outcrop of otherwise similar gabbro is located at about 400 m to the north of the Rosetta Gabbro, but it lacks the distinctive texture. The Rosetta Gabbro could represent a magma pipe intruding Aqaba Complex (~600 Ma) granitoids and metasediments of the Janub Metamorphic Complex (633 ~ 617 Ma). The gabbro is Ol-or QZ tholeiite with the following chemical characteristics [SiO 2 = 46.2-47.8 wt. %; Al 2 O 3 = 16.4-17.7 wt. %, TiO 2 =1.70-2.82 wt. %, Na 2 O = 1.27-2.83 wt. %. K 2 O = 0.82-1.63 wt. %; Mg# 58-63;  REE = 70-117 ppm; La/ Yb ~ 6 to 8; Eu/Eu* = 1.05-1. 2). The investigated gabbro has the geochemical features of a continental flood tholeiitic basalt emplaced at a within-plate tectonic setting. Two varieties of amphibole are found: 1) large , 3-5 mm in size, brown ferri-titanian-tschermakite (K 0.09 ,Na 0.28)(Na 0.20 ,Ca 1.80)(Mn 0.04 ,Fe 3+ 1.1 , Mg 2.34 , Fe 2+ 0.90 ,Ti 0.29 ,Al 0.22)(Al 1.85 ,Si 6.15) O 22 (OH) 1.95 of the calcic amphibole group riddled with opaques; and 2) acicular yellowishlight green ferrian-magnesiohornblende (K 0.04 ,Na 0.153)(Ca 1.755, Na 0.245) (Fe 3+ 0.66, Mn 0.01 ,Fe 2+ 1.01 , Mg 3.03 , ,Ti 0.06 ,Al 0.22)(Al 1.03 ,Si 6.97) O 22 (OH) 1.95. Scattered flakes of phlogopite also occur. Tabular radiating plagioclase (An 64-79) are complexly twinned, with broad lamellae that show no zoning. Laser-ablation ICP-MS analyses of amphibole and plagioclase reveal considerable variation in trace elements abundances, in spite of more subtle major element variations except for TiO 2 in amphiboles. The REE in amphiboles show an order of magnitude variation with a concave-downward pattern and a positive Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu* =0.6-2), though far less pronounced compared to the (Eu/Eu* = 5-45) of plagioclase. The 3D dandelion-like texture of the rosettas is broadly similar to "Chrysanthemum Stone", which is a diagenetic growth in sedimentary rock, but we can find no description of similar textures in igneous rocks. Formation of rosettas is thought to reflect loss of magmatic water resulting in supersaturation of plagioclase, which grew rapidly around amphiboles and may have floated in the magma. This implies magmatic evolution in the shallow (10 to 12 km deep) crust where temperatures were nevertheless in the range of ca 750 to 900 C.

Research paper thumbnail of U–Pb detrital zircon provenance of the Saramuj Conglomerate, Jordan, and implications for the Neoproterozoic evolution of the Red Sea region

Precambrian Research, 2013

The latest stage in the evolution of the northernmost Arabian-Nubian Shield is characterized by t... more The latest stage in the evolution of the northernmost Arabian-Nubian Shield is characterized by the development of volcano-sedimentary successions. In Jordan the Saramuj Conglomerate Formation is considered to be one of these post-tectonic basins. It is polymict and poorly sorted with wide range of clast compositions, roundness and size. We present the first SIMS U-Pb dating of detrital zircons from two sandstone samples representative for the conglomerate matrix and of four clasts from the Saramuj Conglomerate for provenance and age determinations. The relative probability curve for the matrix samples indicates a major contribution (85%) from c. 600 to 650 Ma, subclusters at 624 and 640 Ma, a minor source from 700 to 750 Ma, and a clear gap between 650 and 700 Ma. These ages are consistent with those obtained from andesitic, rhyodacitic, granitic and gneiss clasts (624, 642, 650 and 734 Ma respectively). In contrast to the adjacent volcano-sedimentary successions in the Elat area, Sinai and the Eastern Desert, no ages older than 750 Ma were found. The good match between the known ages of the nearby exposed basement with the matrix ages and the immature nature of the sediments implies that the principal input was locally derived erosional detritus. The age of the youngest 10 detrital zircons at c. 615 Ma represents the maximum age of deposition, which is consistent with the stratigraphic position of the Saramuj Conglomerate. Clast ages of 642 Ma and 650 Ma are interpreted as evidence for a magmatic source that has not been recognized in SW Jordan. This study implies that the volcano-sedimentary successions in the northernmost Arabian-Nubian shield may be broadly coeval but have distinct provenance and therefore evolved as isolated basins. Furthermore, U-Pb zircon provenance analysis allows us to recognize igneous products that are no longer preserved and/or exposed in the region.

Research paper thumbnail of A hybrid composite dike suite from the northern Arabian Nubian Shield, southwest Jordan: Implications for magma mixing and partial melting of granite by mafic magma

Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 2013

ABSTRACT The Arabian Nubian Shield is an exemplary juvenile continental crust of Neoproterozoic a... more ABSTRACT The Arabian Nubian Shield is an exemplary juvenile continental crust of Neoproterozoic age (1000–542 Ma). The post-collisional rift-related stage (~ 610 to 542 Ma) of its formation is characterized among others by the intrusion of several generations of simple and composite dikes.This study documents a suite of hybrid composite dikes and a natural example of partial melting of granite by a mafic magma from the northernmost extremity of Arabian Nubian Shield in southwest Jordan. The petrogenesis of this suite is discussed on the basis of field, petrographic, geochemical, and Rb/Sr isotopic data. These dikes give spectacular examples of the interaction between basaltic magma and the granitic basement. This interaction ranges from brecciation, partial melting of the host alkali feldspar granite to complete assimilation of the granitic material. Field structures range from intrusive breccia (angular partially melted granitic fragments in a mafic groundmass) to the formation of hybrid composite dikes that are up to 14 m in thickness.The rims of these dikes are trachyandesite (latite) with alkali feldspar ovoids (up to 1 cm in diameter); while the central cores are trachydacite to dacite and again with alkali feldspar ovoids and xenoliths from the dike rims.The granitic xenoliths in the intrusive breccia have been subjected to at least 33% partial melting.A seven-point Rb/Sr isochron from one of these composite dikes yields an age of 561 ± 33 Ma and an initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio of 0.70326 ± 0.0003 (2σ) and MSWD of 0.62.Geochemical modeling using major, trace, rare earth elements and isotopes suggests the generation of the hybrid composite dike suite through the assimilation of 30% to 60% granitic crustal material by a basaltic magma, while the latter was undergoing fractional crystallization at different levels in the continental crust.

Research paper thumbnail of Neoproterozoic Rosetta Gabbro from northernmost Arabian–Nubian Shield, south Jordan: Geochemistry and petrogenesis

Lithos, Jul 1, 2017

An Ediacaran mafic intrusion of south Jordan is a distinctive appinitic igneous rock with a possi... more An Ediacaran mafic intrusion of south Jordan is a distinctive appinitic igneous rock with a possibly unique texture, characterized by spherical clots up to 40mm diameter composed of amphibole cores from which plagioclase euhedra radiate; we call it the Rosetta Gabbro. It is exposed as a small (ca. 750 m 2) outcrop in the Neoproterozoic basement of south Jordan. A second outcrop of otherwise similar gabbro is located at about 400 m to the north of the Rosetta Gabbro, but it lacks the distinctive texture. The Rosetta Gabbro could represent a magma pipe intruding Aqaba Complex (~600 Ma) granitoids and metasediments of the Janub Metamorphic Complex (633 ~ 617 Ma). The gabbro is Ol-or QZ tholeiite with the following chemical characteristics [SiO 2 = 46.2-47.8 wt. %; Al 2 O 3 = 16.4-17.7 wt. %, TiO 2 =1.70-2.82 wt. %, Na 2 O = 1.27-2.83 wt. %. K 2 O = 0.82-1.63 wt. %; Mg# 58-63;  REE = 70-117 ppm; La/ Yb ~ 6 to 8; Eu/Eu* = 1.05-1. 2). The investigated gabbro has the geochemical features of a continental flood tholeiitic basalt emplaced at a within-plate tectonic setting. Two varieties of amphibole are found: 1) large , 3-5 mm in size, brown ferri-titanian-tschermakite (K 0.09 ,Na 0.28)(Na 0.20 ,Ca 1.80)(Mn 0.04 ,Fe 3+ 1.1 , Mg 2.34 , Fe 2+ 0.90 ,Ti 0.29 ,Al 0.22)(Al 1.85 ,Si 6.15) O 22 (OH) 1.95 of the calcic amphibole group riddled with opaques; and 2) acicular yellowishlight green ferrian-magnesiohornblende (K 0.04 ,Na 0.153)(Ca 1.755, Na 0.245) (Fe 3+ 0.66, Mn 0.01 ,Fe 2+ 1.01 , Mg 3.03 , ,Ti 0.06 ,Al 0.22)(Al 1.03 ,Si 6.97) O 22 (OH) 1.95. Scattered flakes of phlogopite also occur. Tabular radiating plagioclase (An 64-79) are complexly twinned, with broad lamellae that show no zoning. Laser-ablation ICP-MS analyses of amphibole and plagioclase reveal considerable variation in trace elements abundances, in spite of more subtle major element variations except for TiO 2 in amphiboles. The REE in amphiboles show an order of magnitude variation with a concave-downward pattern and a positive Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu* =0.6-2), though far less pronounced compared to the (Eu/Eu* = 5-45) of plagioclase. The 3D dandelion-like texture of the rosettas is broadly similar to "Chrysanthemum Stone", which is a diagenetic growth in sedimentary rock, but we can find no description of similar textures in igneous rocks. Formation of rosettas is thought to reflect loss of magmatic water resulting in supersaturation of plagioclase, which grew rapidly around amphiboles and may have floated in the magma. This implies magmatic evolution in the shallow (10 to 12 km deep) crust where temperatures were nevertheless in the range of ca 750 to 900 C.

Research paper thumbnail of PRELIMINARY FIELD, PETROGRAPHICAL AND GEOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATIONS ON SYNPLUTONIC DIKES, SOUTHWEST JORDAN

International Journal of Applied and Natural Sciences, 2020

The basement granitoids exposed in Rahma area, South Jordan, consists mafic to intermediate in co... more The basement granitoids exposed in Rahma area, South Jordan, consists mafic to intermediate in composition enclaves with variable shapes and sizes. They are interpreted as synplutonic dikes. Mode of occurrence, petrography, whole rock chemistry, and mineral chemistry indicate magma mingling and mixing with the host rock. Features of the magma mingling include dismembering of these dikes into rounded, sub rounded, and irregular shaped mafic enclaves. This mingling process took place at different levels where contact relationship with host rocks varies from sharp to gradational. Microscopic textures such as decreasing grain size of hornblend towards the contact with host rocks, resorbed relatively large plagioclase crystals and presence of acicular apatite are used as a further evidence of interaction between synplutonic dikes and host rocks. Major, trace and rare earth elements geochemistry indicate that the magma of these dikes are calc-alkaline formed in a subduction zone environment. Furthermore both dikes and host rocks have different sources.

Research paper thumbnail of The Sintering Effect on the Phase Formation and Transport Current Properties of SmBa2Cu3O7−δ Ceramic Prepared from Nano-Coprecipitated Precursors

Journal of Superconductivity and Novel Magnetism, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of PETROGRAPHY, IDENTIFICATION OF METASOMATIC TEXTURES AND ISOCHEMICAL REACTIONS FROM DARBA SUITE, SW JORDAN

Hydrothermal fluids penetrated Darba rocks through their weak points in the solid state during th... more Hydrothermal fluids penetrated Darba rocks through their weak points in the solid state during the latest stage of their crystallization. Such fluid movement was facilitated by tectonic deformation. The Ediacaran rocks of Darba suite show metasomatic features and textures that were petrographically identified to be related to magmatism during the late stage of crystallization by isochemical hydrothermal fluids. The isochemical reactions are mostly grain boundary controlled changes ("metasomatic active fronts" or "reaction interfaces") represented by plagioclase crystals merging into one porphyroblast (megacryst), K-feld spathization equalizing albitization, sericitization, limited growth of apatite from plagioclase and the alteration of biotite and hornblende to chlorite.

Research paper thumbnail of Potential Occurrence of MTBE and BTEX in Groundwater Resources of Amman Zarqa Basin, Jordan

This study investigates potential occurrence, distribution, and sources of the newly added gasol... more This study investigates potential occurrence, distribution, and sources of the newly
added gasoline oxygenate, methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and the petroleum derivatives
benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes called collectively, BTEX, in Jordan
heavily populated Amman�Zarqa Basin (AZB). It presents the first data on the levels
of MTBE and BTEX in the aquifers of this basin. One hundred and seventy-nine (179)
groundwater wells were sampled near petrol service stations, oil refinery storage tanks,
car wrecks, bus stations, and chemical industries at different locations in the basin.
Headspace GC and purge and trap GC�MS were utilized to determine the target
substances in the samples. Concentrations of BTEX varied between no-detection (minimum)
for all of them to 6.6mg/L (maximum) for ethylbenzene. MTBE was found in few
samples but none has exceeded the regulated levels; its concentrations ranged between
no-detection to 4.1mg/L. However, though the contamination levels are very low they
should be considered alarming/resou

Research paper thumbnail of Mikrogefüge-Untersuchungen am Leuchtenberger Granit und an Metagraniten der Mylonitzone von Floss-Altenhammer