The State for Spherule Research in Albania and their Role ... - Balwois

The State for Spherule Research in Albania and their Role to the
Environment
Prof.Dr. Jakup Hoxhaj 1 , Dr. Fatbardha Cara 1 , Prof.as.Dr. Hasan Kuliçi 2 ,
Dr. Shehribane Abazi 3
1. Geosciences Institute, Polytechnical University of Tirana, 2. Albania Geological
Survey,
3. Geology of Kosova
Contact: jakuph2001@yahoo.com
The General Data
In the last hundred years microscopic spheroid or deformed spheroid objects were found in various
geological formations by micromineralogists and micropaleontologists. The scientists (CsabaHD.1994)
have given them names, as “spherules”, “microspherules”, “spherulites”, “spherolites”, “micrometeorites”,
etc. The investigation of these objects is very difficult, because of their very small size. This may be the
reason that they were neglected for a long time. The investigation were quite sporadic and no
international organisatiom has been establuished with the aim of their research.
The majority of spherulites originate from the meteorites exploded in the high atmosphere (60-120 km
from the surface of earth. It refers to the three main types of spherulites: iron, silicate and iron-silicate
spherulite that are identical with the tree main types of meteorites. In this case the surface of the earth is
permanently under a spherulite-drizle, which partially been documented in various terrestrial strata. At the
same time, the smaller part of the spherulites may be brough about be impacts of crater-producing
meteorites, as dissipated melt. We cannot consider imposible the clauds of spherulites to have originated
from active impact activity of the Solar System. These clauds were gathered by the planets. It is possible
that in the early time of the Solar System more spherulites landed on the surface of the Earth than in the
recent time spitting through the atmosphere. In early times the meteorite impact activity on the surface of
the Earth was stronger, producing more vterrestrial impact-originated spherulites. In spite of their different
origins the spherulites are identical as to their spherical or deformed spherical form. The diameter of the
spherulites ranmges between 1mm-1000mm. During the histori of the Earth the global occurrence of
spherulites seems to have altogether three abondonce peaks, by extrapolation of certain sporadic local
result.
Spherulites are terrestrial and extraterrestrial bodies with different forme and origine. The main genetic
types of spherules are:
I. Impact spherules. Spherules issued from impacts of crater producing meteorites, as dissipated melt.
II. Extraterrestrial spherules. Spherules born from exploded meteorites in the high atmosphere.
Interplanetary dust spherules. Interstellar dust spherules.
III. Terrestrial spherules. Volcanic spherules. Very poorly investigated type, however, potential tools for
regional and world-wide correlation. Spherules of diagenetic origine. Possible tools for regional
correlation. Spherules of biogenic origine, no tools for geological correlation. Spherules of industrial
origine (flying ashes etc.). In this case the connection with the atmospherical pollution is obvious.
The first step in the world-wide investigations is to find reliable methods to distinguish the various
genetic types. (CsabaH.D.1994) It seems that the impact and extraterrestrial types would be the global
tools for correlation, because the related events are globaly detected. (Great impacts, traversing
meteorite and extraterrestrial dust clouds).
The interstellar spherules can provide data relating to the movement and position of the Solar System
our Galaxy, the Milky Way, in the geological past.
The industrial spherulites (terrestrial), being directly related to the recent atmospheric pollutions, can
be distinguished among their genetic types (of the collesion, extraterrestrial, terrestrial). They are of
different kinds (silicate, irony, silicate-irony) and differently spreaded. Based on these parameters (kind,
distribution and quantity) we can judge about the environment and its pollution rate.
It is a new field of investigation in our country. The first results have been obtained in the Kopliku
Square. 21 magnetic and only two glassy spherulites were resulted among 23 analised samples.
The other samples have been collected around the Rubiku plant and the metalurgic plant of Laç and
their analysing is in the process. The samples have been collected in the upper part of the soil, according
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to the fixed methodics. A part from the results, the aplication of this new method is of a special
importance for the geological-environmental survey of our country.
The valuable data by this method are obtained in USA, China, Japan, Hungary etc. Although aplicative
of this method is still in the first steps. The character of the environment is determined by micro and
macro elements of spherulites. Their morphology is also evaluated as important element.
First instrumental spherule results.
For the first time in this year 1997, are found spherules in Albania. 25 Albanian rock samples collected at
the lowland of Adriatic see have been examined. they are represented in four sections (sections 1, 2, 3,
4,), that belong to the plio-quaternary deposition in Kopliku region
(in northwestern part of Albania).
The samples are taken from Pliocene, Pleistocene and
Holocene age. Their material consists of different kind of clays,
silts, sands and sandstones (HoxhajJ.CaraF.1997).
Holocene samples have no spherule content.
We have found 9 black, rounded, magnetic spherules in the
Pleistocene age samples.
Pliocene samples have remarkable spferule content, 21
magnetic and 2 glassy spherules have been found in the
samples. Interesting fossil assemblages also can be found in the
Pliocene age samples. they are: g a s t r o p o d e , b i v a l v o r , d e n t a l i u m e , p t e r o p o d
(macrofauna) and f o r a m i n i f e r (mikrofauna). According to these forms was determined the
piaçensiane and astiane age, belonging to the 2 facies: clay-silt (piaçensiane) and sand - sandstone
(astiana). for instance some species: p e c t i n a t a p l i a s t i e n s i s , f l a b i l l i p e c t e n b o s n i
a s c k i i e t c.
Other posibility results in the Gashi Region.
Gashi zone is the facial structure unit, component part of Albanide, with its north analogy Dormitory zone.
in the south, it contacts with Alpe zone and do not go further. This
contact is the over thrust form.
Four formations take part in the geological structure (eastern
part) of Gashi region. They are: 1. sedimentary-volcano formation of
Çeremi (S1 1-2 -D1 1 ). 2. gabro-granodioritic formation of Trokuzi (D2-
P1). 3. volcano-sedimentary formation of Rupa-Sylbica (P2). 4.
Hungary, 1996
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Itali, 1998
conglomerate-sandstone quartzous formation of Kershi i
Vujkut-Qafa e Ali Çeles (T1).
The age of these formations was determined by the conodonts
and stratigraphical position. All samples are taken in the same
situation with conodont’s sections. Two of the formations have been object for the spherule research
(formations no: 1 and 3).
62 rock samples are taken in this region. 35 samples are collected from limestone and the others (27)
from schists and carbonate schist’s.
The state of Albania Spherule Research
Albanides are a component part of the Apennine-Dinaride-Albanide-Helenide chain, which build up the
southern part of the Mediterranean Alpine orogenic belt. They are characterised by a vast development of
the carbonate, terrigenous and evaporitic formation as well as by the powerfully development of the
magmata’s mostly ophiolitic one. The strike of geological structures is NW - SE, showing asymmetric
folds, generally reversed to west. Thrusting tectonics is the main structural feature of Albanides.
In Mediterranean area, the alpine orogeneses began with intercontinental rifting in the early
Brazil, 2000
Mesozoic times, locally followed by a major pulse of oceanic floor spreading. It is ended with
tectonic emplacement of ophiolites on to the continental margins during the Late Jurassic to Early
Cretaceous, corresponding to the major folding event. It is followed by subsequent folding phase during
the Eocene and Oligocene. Late tectonic movements took place in the Miocene - Pliocene. In the
geological structure, Paleozoic sediments have a limited distribution, being exposed mainly in the eastern
areas. A great development has the Mesozoic deposits mainly of carbonate composition, spread to South
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Hungari,

- western, central and northern part of Albania. The deposits of Cenozoic - Quaternary age, mainly of
terrigene character, have their main development in the Western and partially in the Central region.
In relation to the Jurassic-Cretaceous folding phase, the External and
Internal Tectonic zones are distinguished in Albania. The external zones
(Krasta-Cukali, Alpe, Kruja, Jonian and Sazani) show a continuous
sedimentation ranging from Triassic to Eocene. In the Internal Albanides,
largely affected by Jurassic-Cretaceous folding phase, the Mirdita, Korabi,
Gashí tectonic zones are evidenced.
For three years (HoxhajJ.CaraF.1997) we have collected 394 samples
from these sediments in Albania for the future spherule research. These
samples are in the Geological Institute of Hungary. We have also 50 thin
sections from these Albanian sediments for the paleontological and
sedimentilogical correlations. After discuss with the Hungarian participation’s of
Brazil, 2000
the IGCP 384 it seems that the deep neritic, pelagic and bathyal sediments are
the bests for spherule correlation horizons.
The question of the future is how to organize the laboratory work of the sediments and instrumental
analyses of the spherules.
It is a new field of investigation in our country. The first results have been obtained in the Kopliku
square. 21 magnetic and only two glassy spherulites were resulted among 23 analyzed samples. The
samples are taken from, Pleistocene and Holocene age. Their material consists of different kind of clays,
silts, sands and sandstone. Holocene samples have no spherule content. We have found 9 black,
rounded, magnetic spherules in the Pleistocene age samples.
Pliocene samples have remarkable spherule content, 21 magnetic and 2 glassy spherules have been
found in the samples. Interesting fossil assemblages also can be found in the Pliocene age samples. they
are: g a s t r o p o d e , b I v a l v o r , d e n t a l i u m e , p t e r o p o d (macrofauna) and f o r a m i n i f e r
(mikrofauna). According to these forms was determined the piaçensiane and astiane age, belonging to
the 2 facies: clay - silt (piaçensiane) and sand - sandstone (astiana). For instance some species: p e c t i
n a t a p l i a s t i e n s i s , f l a b i l l i p e c t e n b o s n i a s c k i i e t c.
Albanian territory is part of the Mediterranean tectonic system and it belongs to the Dinaride-Helenide
realm.
The geological structures developed in the Albanian segment are named Albanides.
The strike of geological structures is NW-SE, showing asymmetric folds, generally reversed to west
Thrusting tectonics is the main structural feature of Albanides.
Regional transversal fault as those of Shkoder-Peja, Elbasan-Diber divide the Albnide structures in
several segments.
The Albanides show a normal continuation in South toward the Helenide in Greece, in North toward
the Dinaride in Yugoslavia.
In Mediterranean area, the alpine orogeneses began with intercontinental rifting in the Early Mesozoic
times, locally followed by a major pulse of oceanic floor spreading. It is ended with tectonic emplacement
of ophiolites on to the continental margins during the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous, corresponding to
the major folding event. It is followed by subsequent folding phase during the Eocene and Oligocene.
Late tectonic movements took place in the Miocene-Pliocene.
In the geological structure, Palaeozoic sediments have a limited distribution, being exposed mainly in
the eastern areas. A great development has the Mesozoic deposits mainly of carbonate composition,
spread to South-western, Central and Northern part of Albania. The deposits of Cainozoic-Quaternary
age, mainly of terrigene character, have their main development in the Western and partially in the
Central region.
In relation to the Jurassic-Cretaceous folding phase, the External and Internal Tectonic zones are
distinguished in Albania. The external zones (Krasta-Cukali, Alps, Kruja, Jonian and Sazani) show a
continuous sedimentation ranging from Triassic to Eocene. In the Internal Albanides, largely affected by
Jurassic- Cretaceous folding phase, the Mirdita, Korabi, Gashí tectonic zones are evidenced.
A wide spreading has the magmatic, volcanic and plutonic rocks, chiefly of Mesozoic and less of the
Palaeozoic age. The most conspicuous feature of the geological structure of the Albanides is the
development of the Ophiolitic formation. The ophiolitic formation is the major geologic and metallogenic
reference for the Albanian territory.
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For two years we have collected 380 samples from these sediments in Albania for the future spherule
research. Samples are here in the Geological Institute of Hungary. We have also 50 thin sections from
these Albanian sediments for the paleontological and sedimentological correlations.
After discuss with the Hungarian participations of the IGCP 384 it seems that the deep neritic, pelagic
and bathyal sediments are the bests for spherule correlation horizon.
The question of the future is to organize the laboratory work of the sediments and instrumental
analysis of the spherules.
Spherule Research in Albania.
For five years (1996-2000) we have collected 438 samples from the sediments in Albania for the spherule
research. 367 of them are in the Geological Institute of Hungary and 70 to Milano University (number 368-
438). We have also 50 thin sections from these Albanian sediments for the paleontological and
sedimentological correlations. After discussion with other participation’s of the IGCP 384 it seems that the
deep neritic, pelagic and bathial sediments are the bests for spherule correlation horizons.
The first results (from~150 samples that are analised in Budapest) have been obtained in the Kopliku
square. 21 magnetic and only two glassy spherulites were resulted among 23 analised samples. The
samples are taken from, Pleistocene and Holocene age. Their material consist of different kind of clays,
silts, sands and sandstoun. Holocen samples have no spherule content. We have found 9 black, rounded,
magnetic spherules in the Pleictocene age samples.
Interesting fossil assemblages also can be found in the Pliocen age samples. they are: g a s t r o p o d
e , b i v a l v o r , d e n t a l i u m e , p t e r o p o d (macrofauna) and f o r a m i n i f e r (mikrofauna).
according to this forms was determined the piaçensiane and astiane age, belonging to the 2 facies: clay-
silt (piaçensiane) and sand-sandstone (astiana). For instance some species: p e c t i n a t a p l i a s t i e
n s i s , f l a b i l l i p e c t e n b o s n i a s c k i i e t c.
We consider, with favorable presence of spherules, these geological events: Pliocen and Pleistocene
age, Upper Eocen, K/T boundary, Triasic-Jurasic transition, Permian-Triasic transition.
Spherule research possibility in Permian-Triassic, Triassic–Jurassic and Cretaceous-Tertiary
boundary in Albanides
An overview of the geology, Sazani Zone, Jonian Zone, Kruja Zone, Krasta - Cukali Zone, Alpe Zone,
Mirdita Zone, Korabi Zone, Gashi Zone, Albanian - Thesalian inner basin, The pre-Adriatic depression,
The question of the future
For four years (1996-1999) we have collected 438 samples from the sediments in Albania for the
spherule research. 367 samples are in the Geological Institute of Hungary and 70 to your institution
(number 368-438). We have also 50 thin sections from these Albanian sediments for the paleontological
and sedimentological correlations. After discussion with the hungarian participation’s of the IGCP 384 it
seems that the deep neritic, pelagic and bathial sediments are the bests for spherule correlation horizons.
The first results (from~150 samples that are analised in Budapest) have been obtained in the Kopliku
square. 21 magnetic and only two glassy spherulites were resulted among 23 analised samples. The
samples are taken from, Pleistocene and Holocene age (HoxhajJ.,CaraF.,SoltP.,DonG.1998). Their
material consist of different kind of clays, silts, sands and sandstoun. Holocen samples have no spherule
content. We have found 9 black, rounded, magnetic spherules in the Pleictocene age samples.
Pliocen samples have remarkable spherule content, 21 magnetic and 2 glassy spherules have been
found in the samples. Interesting fossil assemblages also can be found in the Pliocen age samples. they
are: g a s t r o p o d e , b i v a l v o r , d e n t a l i u m e , p t e r o p o d (macrofauna) and f o r a m i n i f e r
(mikrofauna). According to this forms was determined the piaçensiane and astiane age, belonging to the
2 facies: clay - silt (piaçensiane) and sand - sandstone (astiana). For instance some species: p e c t i n a t
a p l i a s t i e n s i s , f l a b i l l i p e c t e n b o s n i a s c k i i e t c.
We, as you, consider, with favorable presence of spherules, these geological events: Pliocen and
Pleistocene age. Upper Eocen. K/T boundary. Triasic-Jurasic transition. Permian-Triasic transition.
The Cenomanian-Turonian boundary in Albania and the possibility for the spherule research.
The Albanides are derived into External Zones, showing a continuous sedimentation ranging from Trias to
Eocene, and Internal Zones that include the Mirdita ophiolites, which were folded during the Jurassic and
Cretaceous tectonic phases.
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There is Upper Cretaceous (Cenomanian-Turonian boundary) in some Albania Geological Zones.
Turonian-Senonian age, thickness 80-150 m, conglomerate, in the Korabi Zone. Senomanian age,
limestone, thickness 100-180 m, in the Mirdita Zone, and Turonian-Senonian, compact limestone too.
Cenomanian-Turonian, (HoxhajJ.,CaraF.,SoltP.,DonG.1998) thicknees 50 m, sharly limestone, in the
Alpe zone. Cenonomanian limestone of Kruja Zone. Cenomanian-Turonian, crystalline limestone and
laminated limestone of Jonike Zone, 250-350 m. thickness. Limestone of Turonian-Senonian age in the
Sazani Zone.
It seems that the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary is a very interesting geological episode in the
Albania Region (Alpe and Jonike Zones). In the some places is very important to investigate to Spherule
Research.
In the Mediterranean Region (papers presented to the Annual Meeting of IGCP 384, 1998, Budapest,
presentation of Colombetti-Nicolodi, Italy) the Cenomanian-Turonian transitions (impact event) is detected
in Spain and Italy, too.
It would be an excellent think, if we could be able to find this event and in Albania.
We have collected about 30 samples from the sediments of Jonike Zone for the future spherule
research. No results until now. I think to continue the sampling processes for the future results.
References:
Csaba H. Detre. 1994: “Spherulites-New Tool for Global Geological and Planetological Correlation”.
International Meeting (micrometeorite) in the Carpathian Basin. Budapest, 31 October-1 November.
Hoxhaj J., Cara F. 1996: “Albanian Spherule Research. Albanian-Hungarian co-operation in the
framework of IGCP 384”. “Impact and Extraterrestrial Spherules” Budapest, Hungary. (in Albanian and
English).
Hoxhaj J., Cara F., Spaho M., David A., Dudas G. 1997: “The First Results of the Albanian Spherule
Research”, në anglisht. IGCP 384, Working Group Meeting, 25-27 February 1997. Debrecen, Hungary.
Geological Institute of Hungary.
Hoxhaj J., Cara F. 1997: “The First Instrumental Results of Plio-Pleistocene`s Spherules in Albania”, në
anglisht. IGCP Projekt 384 “Impact and Extraterrestrial Spherules” International Symposium, July 1-5,
Tallinn, Estonia. Geological Institute of Hungary. Institute of Geology, Tallinn, Estoni.
Hoxhaj J., Cara F. 1997: “Results of the Albania Spherules Research in Gashy Region”, në anglisht.
IGCP Projekt 384 “Impact and Extraterrestrial Spherules”. International Symposium, July 1-5, Tallinn,
Estonia. Geological Institute of Hungary. Institute of Geology, Tallinn, Estoni.
Hoxhaj J., Cara F., Solt P., Don G. 1998: “Spherule Research Possibility in Permian-Triassic, Triassic-
Jurassic and Cretaceous-Tertiary in Albanide”, në anglisht. IGCP Projekt 384 “Impact and Extraterrestrial
Spherules: new tools for global correlaton” Working group meeting, 27 September-4 October, Budapest,
Hungary. Geological Institute of Hungary.
Hoxhaj J., Cara F. 1999: “On the State of Albania Spherule Research”. 31 st International Geological
Congress. Rio De Janiero-Brazil. August 6-2000.
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