Detection and Monitoring of Airborne Nuclear Waste Materials. Annual Report to Department of Energy.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-12-04

an active core , its detection by counting techniques is often slow and impractical. For these reasons NRL under contract with DoE undertook develop ...Protection and Measurements, Tritium Measurement Techniques NCRP Report No. 47 (1976). 2. " Development of a Continuous Tritium Monitor for Fuel Reprocessing...Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc. 21, 91 (1975). 146. "Process Behavior of and Environmental Assessments of C Releases from an HTGR Fuel Reprocessing Facility" J. W

The Shock and Vibration Digest. Volume 13, Number 4

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-04-01

Brazil to find and develop their offshore oil resources. Much detailed planning and organization have gone into this program . Given as background in...summer program is a specially developed course of study which is based on two regular MIT subjects (one graduate level and one undergraduate level...Seal on an HTGR Core Subjected to Seianic Support Motions A. Chuang General Atomic Co., San Diego, CA, ASME Paper No. 80-C2/PVP-21 Key Words

User's manual for the Composite HTGR Analysis Program (CHAP-1)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gilbert, J.S.; Secker, P.A. Jr.; Vigil, J.C.

1977-03-01

CHAP-1 is the first release version of an HTGR overall plant simulation program with both steady-state and transient solution capabilities. It consists of a model-independent systems analysis program and a collection of linked modules, each representing one or more components of the HTGR plant. Detailed instructions on the operation of the code and detailed descriptions of the HTGR model are provided. Information is also provided to allow the user to easily incorporate additional component modules, to modify or replace existing modules, or to incorporate a completely new simulation model into the CHAP systems analysis framework.

Baseline Concept Description of a Small Modular High Temperature Reactor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hans Gougar

2014-05-01

The objective of this report is to provide a description of generic small modular high temperature reactors (herein denoted as an smHTR), summarize their distinguishing attributes, and lay out the research and development (R&D) required for commercialization. The generic concepts rely heavily on the modular high temperature gas-cooled reactor designs developed in the 1980s which were never built but for which pre-licensing or certification activities were conducted. The concept matured more recently under the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) project, specifically in the areas of fuel and material qualification, methods development, and licensing. As all vendor-specific designs proposed under NGNPmore » were all both ‘small’ or medium-sized and ‘modular’ by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Department of Energy (DOE) standards, the technical attributes, challenges, and R&D needs identified, addressed, and documented under NGNP are valid and appropriate in the context of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) applications. Although the term High Temperature Reactor (HTR) is commonly used to denote graphite-moderated, thermal spectrum reactors with coolant temperatures in excess of 650oC at the core outlet, in this report the historical term High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTGR) will be used to distinguish the gas-cooled technology described herein from its liquid salt-cooled cousin. Moreover, in this report it is to be understood that the outlet temperature of the helium in an HTGR has an upper limit of 950 degrees C which corresponds to the temperature to which certain alloys are currently being qualified under DOE’s ARC program. Although similar to the HTGR in just about every respect, the Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR) may have an outlet temperature in excess of 950 degrees C and is therefore farther from commercialization because of the challenges posed to materials exposed to these temperatures. The VHTR is the focus of R&D under the Generation IV program and its specific R&D needs will be included in this report when appropriate for comparison. The distinguishing features of the HTGR are the refractory (TRISO) coated particle fuel, the low-power density, graphite-moderated core, and the high outlet temperature of the inert helium coolant. The low power density and fuel form effectively eliminate the possibility of core melt, even upon a complete loss of coolant pressure and flow. The graphite, which constitutes the bulk of the core volume and mass, provides a large thermal buffer that absorbs fission heat such that thermal transients occur over a timespan of hours or even days. As chemically-inert helium is already a gas, there is no coolant temperature or void feedback on the neutronics and no phase change or corrosion product that could degrade heat transfer. Furthermore, the particle coatings and interstitial graphite retain fission products such that the source terms at the plant boundary remain well below actionable levels under all anticipated nominal and off-normal operating conditions. These attributes enable the reactor to supply process heat to a collocated industrial plant with negligible risk of contamination and minimal dynamic coupling of the facilities (Figure 1). The exceptional retentive properties of coated particle fuel in a graphite matrix were first demonstrated in the DRAGON reactor, a European research facility that began operation in 1964.« less

Baseline Concept Description of a Small Modular High Temperature Reactor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gougar, Hans D.

2014-10-01

The objective of this report is to provide a description of generic small modular high temperature reactors (herein denoted as an smHTR), summarize their distinguishing attributes, and lay out the research and development (R&D) required for commercialization. The generic concepts rely heavily on the modular high temperature gas-cooled reactor designs developed in the 1980s which were never built but for which pre-licensing or certification activities were conducted. The concept matured more recently under the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) project, specifically in the areas of fuel and material qualification, methods development, and licensing. As all vendor-specific designs proposed under NGNPmore » were all both ‘small’ or medium-sized and ‘modular’ by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Department of Energy (DOE) standards, the technical attributes, challenges, and R&D needs identified, addressed, and documented under NGNP are valid and appropriate in the context of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) applications. Although the term High Temperature Reactor (HTR) is commonly used to denote graphite-moderated, thermal spectrum reactors with coolant temperatures in excess of 650oC at the core outlet, in this report the historical term High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTGR) will be used to distinguish the gas-cooled technology described herein from its liquid salt-cooled cousin. Moreover, in this report it is to be understood that the outlet temperature of the helium in an HTGR has an upper limit of 950 degrees C which corresponds to the temperature to which certain alloys are currently being qualified under DOE’s ARC program. Although similar to the HTGR in just about every respect, the Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR) may have an outlet temperature in excess of 950 degrees C and is therefore farther from commercialization because of the challenges posed to materials exposed to these temperatures. The VHTR is the focus of R&D under the Generation IV program and its specific R&D needs will be included in this report when appropriate for comparison. The distinguishing features of the HTGR are the refractory (TRISO) coated particle fuel, the low-power density, graphite-moderated core, and the high outlet temperature of the inert helium coolant. The low power density and fuel form effectively eliminate the possibility of core melt, even upon a complete loss of coolant pressure and flow. The graphite, which constitutes the bulk of the core volume and mass, provides a large thermal buffer that absorbs fission heat such that thermal transients occur over a timespan of hours or even days. As chemically-inert helium is already a gas, there is no coolant temperature or void feedback on the neutronics and no phase change or corrosion product that could degrade heat transfer. Furthermore, the particle coatings and interstitial graphite retain fission products such that the source terms at the plant boundary remain well below actionable levels under all anticipated nominal and off-normal operating conditions. These attributes enable the reactor to supply process heat to a collocated industrial plant with negligible risk of contamination and minimal dynamic coupling of the facilities (Figure 1). The exceptional retentive properties of coated particle fuel in a graphite matrix were first demonstrated in the DRAGON reactor, a European research facility that began operation in 1964.« less

A preliminary systems-engineering study of an advanced nuclear-electrolytic hydrogen-production facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Escher, W. J. D.; Donakowski, T. D.; Tison, R. R.

1975-01-01

An advanced nuclear-electrolytic hydrogen-production facility concept was synthesized at a conceptual level with the objective of minimizing estimated hydrogen-production costs. The concept is a closely-integrated, fully-dedicated (only hydrogen energy is produced) system whose components and subsystems are predicted on ''1985 technology.'' The principal components are: (1) a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) operating a helium-Brayton/ammonia-Rankine binary cycle with a helium reactor-core exit temperature of 980 C, (2) acyclic d-c generators, (3) high-pressure, high-current-density electrolyzers based on solid-polymer electrolyte technology. Based on an assumed 3,000 MWt HTGR the facility is capable of producing 8.7 million std cu m/day of hydrogen at pipeline conditions, 6,900 kPa. Coproduct oxygen is also available at pipeline conditions at one-half this volume. It has further been shown that the incorporation of advanced technology provides an overall efficiency of about 43 percent, as compared with 25 percent for a contemporary nuclear-electric plant powering close-coupled contemporary industrial electrolyzers.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rouxelin, Pascal Nicolas; Strydom, Gerhard

Best-estimate plus uncertainty analysis of reactors is replacing the traditional conservative (stacked uncertainty) method for safety and licensing analysis. To facilitate uncertainty analysis applications, a comprehensive approach and methodology must be developed and applied. High temperature gas cooled reactors (HTGRs) have several features that require techniques not used in light-water reactor analysis (e.g., coated-particle design and large graphite quantities at high temperatures). The International Atomic Energy Agency has therefore launched the Coordinated Research Project on HTGR Uncertainty Analysis in Modeling to study uncertainty propagation in the HTGR analysis chain. The benchmark problem defined for the prismatic design is represented bymore » the General Atomics Modular HTGR 350. The main focus of this report is the compilation and discussion of the results obtained for various permutations of Exercise I 2c and the use of the cross section data in Exercise II 1a of the prismatic benchmark, which is defined as the last and first steps of the lattice and core simulation phases, respectively. The report summarizes the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) best estimate results obtained for Exercise I 2a (fresh single-fuel block), Exercise I 2b (depleted single-fuel block), and Exercise I 2c (super cell) in addition to the first results of an investigation into the cross section generation effects for the super-cell problem. The two dimensional deterministic code known as the New ESC based Weighting Transport (NEWT) included in the Standardized Computer Analyses for Licensing Evaluation (SCALE) 6.1.2 package was used for the cross section evaluation, and the results obtained were compared to the three dimensional stochastic SCALE module KENO VI. The NEWT cross section libraries were generated for several permutations of the current benchmark super-cell geometry and were then provided as input to the Phase II core calculation of the stand alone neutronics Exercise II 1a. The steady state core calculations were simulated with the INL coupled-code system known as the Parallel and Highly Innovative Simulation for INL Code System (PHISICS) and the system thermal-hydraulics code known as the Reactor Excursion and Leak Analysis Program (RELAP) 5 3D using the nuclear data libraries previously generated with NEWT. It was observed that significant differences in terms of multiplication factor and neutron flux exist between the various permutations of the Phase I super-cell lattice calculations. The use of these cross section libraries only leads to minor changes in the Phase II core simulation results for fresh fuel but shows significantly larger discrepancies for spent fuel cores. Furthermore, large incongruities were found between the SCALE NEWT and KENO VI results for the super cells, and while some trends could be identified, a final conclusion on this issue could not yet be reached. This report will be revised in mid 2016 with more detailed analyses of the super-cell problems and their effects on the core models, using the latest version of SCALE (6.2). The super-cell models seem to show substantial improvements in terms of neutron flux as compared to single-block models, particularly at thermal energies.« less

NRC Licensing Status Summary Report for NGNP

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Moe, Wayne Leland; Kinsey, James Carl

2014-11-01

The Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) Project, initiated at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) pursuant to provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, is based on research and development activities supported by the Department of Energy Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems Initiative. The principal objective of the NGNP Project is to support commercialization of high temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) technology. The HTGR is a helium-cooled and graphite moderated reactor that can operate at temperatures much higher than those of conventional light water reactor (LWR) technologies. The NGNP will be licensed for construction andmore » operation by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). However, not all elements of current regulations (and their related implementation guidance) can be applied to HTGR technology at this time. Certain policies established during past LWR licensing actions must be realigned to properly accommodate advanced HTGR technology. A strategy for licensing HTGR technology was developed and executed through the cooperative effort of DOE and the NRC through the NGNP Project. The purpose of this report is to provide a snapshot of the current status of the still evolving pre-license application regulatory framework relative to commercial HTGR technology deployment in the U.S. The following discussion focuses on (1) describing what has been accomplished by the NGNP Project up to the time of this report, and (2) providing observations and recommendations concerning actions that remain to be accomplished to enable the safe and timely licensing of a commercial HTGR facility in the U.S.« less

Multi-Megawatt Space Nuclear Power Generation

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-06-28

electric generation, both for open- and closed-cycle opera- tion. These reactors use the particulate fuel of the type developed for HTGR reactors. What...commercial HTGR power reactors, the particles are held in place and directly cooled. Figure 2.7 shows the two types of fuel particles developed for...of MW(e), for pulsed energy devices. The FBR would use HTGR -type particle fuel , contained in a annular bed be- tween two porous frits. Helium would

Using SA508/533 for the HTGR Vessel Material

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Larry Demick

2012-06-01

This paper examines the influence of High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor (HTGR) module power rating and normal operating temperatures on the use of SA508/533 material for the HTGR vessel system with emphasis on the calculated times at elevated temperatures approaching or exceeding ASME Code Service Limits (Levels B&C) to which the reactor pressure vessel could be exposed during postulated pressurized and depressurized conduction cooldown events over its design lifetime.

Impact of New Nuclear Data Libraries on Small Sized Long Life CANDLE HTGR Design Parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liem, Peng Hong; Hartanto, Donny; Tran, Hoai Nam

2017-01-01

The impact of new evaluated nuclear data libraries (JENDL-4.0, ENDF/B-VII.0 and JEFF-3.1) on the core characteristics of small-sized long-life CANDLE High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors (HTGRs) with uranium and thorium fuel cycles was investigated. The most important parameters of the CANDLE core characteristics investigated here covered (1) infinite multiplication factor of the fresh fuel containing burnable poison, (2) the effective multiplication factor of the equilibrium core, (3) the moving velocity of the burning region, (4) the attained discharge burnup, and (5) the maximum power density. The reference case was taken from the current JENDL-3.3 results. For the uranium fuel cycle, the impact of the new libraries was small, while significant impact was found for thorium fuel cycle. The findings indicated the needs of more accurate nuclear data libraries for nuclides involved in thorium fuel cycle in the future.

NGNP Project 2011 Status and Path Forward

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

L.E. Demick

2011-12-01

High Temperature Gas Reactor (HTGR) technology can play an important role in the United States’ energy future by extending the use of nuclear energy for non-electricity energy production missions as well as continuing to provide a considerable base load electric power generation capability. Extending nuclear energy into the industrial and transportation sectors through the co-production of process heat and electricity provides safe and reliable energy for these sectors in an environmentally responsible manner. The safety case for the modular HTGR provides a substantial improvement in nuclear plant safety for the protection of the public and the environment, and supports collocationmore » of the HTGR with major industrial facilities. The NGNP Project at the Idaho National Laboratory has been working toward an objective of commercializing the HTGR technology under DOE direction since 2006. The Project is undergoing a quantum shift in direction and scope as a result of recent DOE decisions. This paper summarizes where the Project has been, where it is at the time of this writing and what is needed in future activities to commercialize HTGR technology.« less

Availability analysis of an HTGR fuel recycle facility. Summary report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sharmahd, J.N.

1979-11-01

An availability analysis of reprocessing systems in a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) fuel recycle facility was completed. This report summarizes work done to date to define and determine reprocessing system availability for a previously planned HTGR recycle reference facility (HRRF). Schedules and procedures for further work during reprocessing development and for HRRF design and construction are proposed in this report. Probable failure rates, transfer times, and repair times are estimated for major system components. Unscheduled down times are summarized.

Control of stacking loads in final waste disposal according to the borehole technique

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Feuser, W.; Barnert, E.; Vijgen, H.

1996-12-01

The semihydrostatic model has been developed in order to assess the mechanical toads acting on heat-generating ILW(Q) and HTGR fuel element waste packages to be emplaced in vertical boreholes according to the borehole technique in underground rock salt formations. For the experimental validation of the theory, laboratory test stands reduced in scale are set up to simulate the bottom section of a repository borehole. A comparison of the measurement results with the data computed by the model, a correlation between the test stand results, and a systematic determination of material-typical crushed salt parameters in a separate research project will servemore » to derive a set of characteristic equations enabling a description of real conditions in a future repository.« less

Progress report on the k{sub infinity} measurements of HTGR type lattices with the oscillation technique at zero reactivity; Rapport d'advancement sur les mesures de K {sub infinite} des reseaux du type HTGR avec la technique de l'oscillateur a'reactivite' nulle (in French)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

1971-01-15

The principles of measuring k {sub infinity} for a HTGR lattice using the oscillation technique with zero reactivity were already presented at the ''9th reactor physics meeting of countries participating in the Dragon project''. A brief summary of the essential characteristics of the experiment is followed by a status report on present work.

Safety and licensing of a small modular gas-cooled reactor system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brown, N.W.; Kelley, A.P. Jr.

A modular side-by-side high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (SBS-HTGR) is being developed by Interatom/Kraftwerk Union (KWU). The General Electric Company and Interatom/KWU entered into a proprietary working agreement to continue develop jointly of the SBS-HTGR. A study on adapting the SBS-HTGR for application in the US has been completed. The study investigated the safety characteristics and the use of this type of design in an innovative approach to licensing. The safety objective guiding the design of the modular SBS-HTGR is to control radionuclide release by the retention of fission products within the fuel particles with minimal reliance on active design features. Themore » philosophy on which this objective is predicated is that by providing a simple safety case, the safety criteria can be demonstrated as being met with high confidence through conduct of a full-scale module safety test.« less

IAEA Coordinated Research Project on HTGR Reactor Physics, Thermal-hydraulics and Depletion Uncertainty Analysis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Strydom, Gerhard; Bostelmann, F.

The continued development of High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactors (HTGRs) requires verification of HTGR design and safety features with reliable high fidelity physics models and robust, efficient, and accurate codes. The predictive capability of coupled neutronics/thermal-hydraulics and depletion simulations for reactor design and safety analysis can be assessed with sensitivity analysis (SA) and uncertainty analysis (UA) methods. Uncertainty originates from errors in physical data, manufacturing uncertainties, modelling and computational algorithms. (The interested reader is referred to the large body of published SA and UA literature for a more complete overview of the various types of uncertainties, methodologies and results obtained).more » SA is helpful for ranking the various sources of uncertainty and error in the results of core analyses. SA and UA are required to address cost, safety, and licensing needs and should be applied to all aspects of reactor multi-physics simulation. SA and UA can guide experimental, modelling, and algorithm research and development. Current SA and UA rely either on derivative-based methods such as stochastic sampling methods or on generalized perturbation theory to obtain sensitivity coefficients. Neither approach addresses all needs. In order to benefit from recent advances in modelling and simulation and the availability of new covariance data (nuclear data uncertainties) extensive sensitivity and uncertainty studies are needed for quantification of the impact of different sources of uncertainties on the design and safety parameters of HTGRs. Only a parallel effort in advanced simulation and in nuclear data improvement will be able to provide designers with more robust and well validated calculation tools to meet design target accuracies. In February 2009, the Technical Working Group on Gas-Cooled Reactors (TWG-GCR) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recommended that the proposed Coordinated Research Program (CRP) on the HTGR Uncertainty Analysis in Modelling (UAM) be implemented. This CRP is a continuation of the previous IAEA and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)/Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) international activities on Verification and Validation (V&V) of available analytical capabilities for HTGR simulation for design and safety evaluations. Within the framework of these activities different numerical and experimental benchmark problems were performed and insight was gained about specific physics phenomena and the adequacy of analysis methods.« less

Analyzing the impact of reactive transport on the repository performance of TRISO fuel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidt, Gregory

One of the largest determiners of the amount of electricity generated by current nuclear reactors is the efficiency of the thermodynamic cycle used for power generation. Current light water reactors (LWR) have an efficiency of 35% or less for the conversion of heat energy generated by the reactor to electrical energy. If this efficiency could be improved, more power could be generated from equivalent volumes of nuclear fuel. One method of improving this efficiency is to use a coolant flow that operates at a much higher temperature for electricity production. A reactor design that is currently proposed to take advantage of this efficiency is a graphite-moderated, helium-cooled reactor known as a High Temperature Gas Reactor (HTGR). There are significant differences between current LWR's and the proposed HTGR's but most especially in the composition of the nuclear fuel. For LWR's, the fuel elements consist of pellets of uranium dioxide or plutonium dioxide that are placed in long tubes made of zirconium metal alloys. For HTGR's, the fuel, known as TRISO (TRIstructural-ISOtropic) fuel, consists of an inner sphere of fissile material, a layer of dense pyrolytic carbon (PyC), a ceramic layer of silicon carbide (SiC) and a final dense outer layer of PyC. These TRISO particles are then compacted with graphite into fuel rods that are then placed in channels in graphite blocks. The blocks are then arranged in an annular fashion to form a reactor core. However, this new fuel form has unanswered questions on the environmental post-burn-up behavior. The key question for current once-through fuel operations is how these large irradiated graphite blocks with spent fuel inside will behave in a repository environment. Data in the literature to answer this question is lacking, but nevertheless this is an important question that must be answered before wide-spread adoption of HTGR's could be considered. This research has focused on answering the question of how the large quantity of graphite surrounding the spent HTGR fuel will impact the release of aqueous uranium from the TRISO fuel. In order to answer this question, the sorption and partitioning behavior of uranium to graphite under a variety of conditions was investigated. Key systematic variables that were analyzed include solution pH, dissolved carbonate concentration, uranium metal concentration and ionic strength. The kinetics and desorption characteristics of uranium/graphite partitioning were studied as well. The graphite used in these experiments was also characterized by a variety of techniques and conclusions are drawn about the relevant surface chemistry of graphite. This data was then used to generate a model for the reactive transport of uranium in a graphite matrix. This model was implemented with the software code CXTFIT and validated through the use of column studies mirroring the predicted system.

Power Peaking Effect of OTTO Fuel Scheme Pebble Bed Reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Setiadipura, T.; Suwoto; Zuhair; Bakhri, S.; Sunaryo, G. R.

2018-02-01

Pebble Bed Reactor (PBR) type of Hight Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor (HTGR) is a very interesting nuclear reactor design to fulfill the growing electricity and heat demand with a superior passive safety features. Effort to introduce the PBR design to the market can be strengthen by simplifying its system with the Once-through-then-out (OTTO) cycle PBR in which the pebble fuel only pass the core once. Important challenge in the OTTO fuel scheme is the power peaking effect which limit the maximum nominal power or burnup of the design. Parametric survey is perform in this study to investigate the contribution of different design parameters to power peaking effect of OTTO cycle PBR. PEBBED code is utilized in this study to perform the equilibrium PBR core analysis for different design parameter and fuel scheme. The parameters include its core diameter, height-per-diameter (H/D), power density, and core nominal power. Results of this study show that diameter and H/D effectsare stronger compare to the power density and nominal core power. Results of this study might become an importance guidance for design optimization of OTTO fuel scheme PBR.

Geoacoustic models of Coastal Bottom Strata at Jeongdongjin in the Korean continental margin of the East Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryang, Woo Hun; Han, Jooyoung

2017-04-01

Geoacoustic models provide submarine environmental data to predict sound transmission through submarine bottom layers of sedimentary strata and acoustic basement. This study reconstructed four geoacoustic models for sediments of 50 m thick at the Jeongdongjin area in the western continental margin of the East Sea. Bottom models were based on about 1100 line-km data of the high-resolution air-gun seismic and subbottom profiles (SBP) with sediment cores. The 4 piston cores were analyzed for reconstruction of the bottom and geoacoustic models in the study area, together with 2 long cores in the adjacent area. P-wave speed in the core sediment was measured by the pulse transmission technique, and the resonance frequency of piezoelectric transducers was maintained at 1 MHz. Measurements of 42 P-wave speeds and 41 attenuations were fulfilled in three core sediments. For actual modeling, the P-wave speeds of the models were compensated to in situ depth below the sea floor using the Hamilton method. These geoacoustic models of coastal bottom strata will be used for geoacoustic and underwater acoustic experiments reflecting vertical and lateral variability of geoacoustic properties in the Jeongdongjin area of the East Sea. Keywords: geoacosutic model, bottom model, P-wave speed, Jeongdongjin, East Sea Acknowledgements: This research was supported by the research grants from the Agency of Defense Development (UD140003DD and UE140033DD).

An Investigation on Low Velocity Impact Response of Multilayer Sandwich Composite Structures

PubMed Central

Jedari Salami, S.; Sadighi, M.; Shakeri, M.; Moeinfar, M.

2013-01-01

The effects of adding an extra layer within a sandwich panel and two different core types in top and bottom cores on low velocity impact loadings are studied experimentally in this paper. The panel includes polymer composite laminated sheets for faces and the internal laminated sheet called extra layer sheet, and two types of crushable foams are selected as the core material. Low velocity impact tests were carried out by drop hammer testing machine to the clamped multilayer sandwich panels with expanded polypropylene (EPP) and polyurethane rigid (PUR) in the top and bottom cores. Local displacement of the top core, contact force and deflection of the sandwich panel were obtained for different locations of the internal sheet; meanwhile the EPP and PUR were used in the top and bottom cores alternatively. It was found that the core material type has made significant role in improving the sandwich panel's behavior compared with the effect of extra layer location. PMID:24453804

Preparation of high temperature gas-cooled reactor fuel element

DOEpatents

Bradley, Ronnie A.; Sease, John D.

1976-01-01

This invention relates to a method for the preparation of high temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) fuel elements wherein uncarbonized fuel rods are inserted in appropriate channels of an HTGR fuel element block and the entire block is inserted in an autoclave for in situ carbonization under high pressure. The method is particularly applicable to remote handling techniques.

HVAC [Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning] subsystem design description: 4 x 350 MW(t) Modular HTGR [High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor] Plant

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

1986-06-01

The HVAC system is a subsystem within the Mechanical Services Group (MSG). The HVAC system for the 4 x 350 MW(t) Modular HTGR Plant presently consists of ten, nonsafety-related subsystems located in the Nuclear Island (NI) and Energy Conversion Area (ECA) of the plant.

1170 MW/sub t/ HTGR steamer cogeneration plant: design and cost study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

A conceptual design and cost study is presented for intermediate size high temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) for industrial energy applications performed by United Engineers and Constructors Inc., (UE and C) and The General Atomic Company (GAC). The study is part of a program at ORNL and has the objective to provide support in the evaluation of the technical and economic feasibility of a single unit 1170 MW/sub t/ HTGR steam cycle cogeneration plant (referred to as the Steamer plant) for the production of industrial process energy. Inherent in the achievement of this objective, it was essential to perform a numbermore » of basic tasks such as the development of plant concept, capital cost estimate, project schedule and annual operation and maintenance (O and M) cost.« less

Turbomachinery design considerations for the nuclear HTGR-GT power plant

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McDonald, C.F.; Smith, M.J.

1979-11-01

For several years, design studies have been under way in the USA on a nuclear closed-cycle gas turbine plant (HTGR-GT). Design aspects of the helium turbomachine portion of these studies are presented. Gas dynamic and mechanical design considerations are presented for helium turbomachines in the 400-MW(e) (non-intercooled) and 600-MW(e) (intercooled) power range. Design of the turbomachine is a key element in the overall power plant program effort, which is currently directed toward the selection of a reference HTGR-GT commercial plant configuration for the US utility market. A conservative design approach has been emphasized to provide maximum safety and durability. Themore » studies presented for the integrated plant concept outline the necessary close working relationship between the reactor primary system and turbomachine designers.« less

Assessment of the SRI Gasification Process for Syngas Generation with HTGR Integration -- White Paper

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

A.M. Gandrik

2012-04-01

This white paper is intended to compare the technical and economic feasibility of syngas generation using the SRI gasification process coupled to several high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) with more traditional HTGR-integrated syngas generation techniques, including: (1) Gasification with high-temperature steam electrolysis (HTSE); (2) Steam methane reforming (SMR); and (3) Gasification with SMR with and without CO2 sequestration.

Seismic structures in the inner and outer core constrained by the PKP observations near the caustic distance range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, W.; Wen, L.; Niu, F.

2002-05-01

We have extensively collected PKP waveforms around the PKP caustic distance range (141o - 147o) recorded in several dense regional arrays and the Global Seismic Network covering from 1990 to 2000. PKP observations at this distance range (141o - 147o) are usually purposely avoided in travel time analyses, because of the interference of various PKP branches. The observations there, however, will be extremely useful for constraining the seismic structures at both the top of the inner core and the bottom of the outer core. Moreover, because PKIKP phases sample a depth range of 100 km - 170 km below the inner-core boundary at this distant range, their observations fill the sampling depth gap between the PKiKP-PKIKP observations at the smaller distances and the PKPbc-PKIKP phases at the larger distances. Before the PKP caustics (141o - 145o), the diffracted PKP phases near the B caustics (PKPBdiff) and PKiKP phases are discernible in the long-period seismograms, and their differential travel times and waveforms could be used to constrain seismic structures at the bottom of the outer core and/or at the base of the mantle. The observed long-period PKiKP-PKPBdiff waveforms exhibit a hemispheric difference between those sampling the "eastern" and "western" hemispheres, with those sampling the "western" hemisphere showing larger time separations between the two phases. These observations can be explained by models with P velocity gradients of 0.0806 (km/s)/ 200 km for the "western" hemisphere and 0.114 (km/s)/200 km for the "eastern" hemisphere at the bottom of the outer core. Alternatively, these observations can also be explained by models with different velocity structures at the bottom 200 km of the mantle with P velocity variations in an order of 3 percent with respect to PREM. Broadband PKP observations after the PKP caustics (145o - 147o), on the other hand, provide high-quality constraints on the seismic structures at both the top of the inner core and the bottom of the outer core, as PKPbc phases can be used as excellent reference phases. We explore seismic models in both the bottom of the outer core and the top of the inner core, which can consistently explain the seismic observations at the caustic distance range (141o - 147o) and the PKiKP-PKIKP observations at the closer distances (Niu and Wen, Nature, 410, 1081-1084, 2001, Wen and Niu, JGR, submitted).

REACTOR UNLOADING

DOEpatents

Leverett, M.C.

1958-02-18

This patent is related to gas cooled reactors wherein the fuel elements are disposed in vertical channels extending through the reactor core, the cooling gas passing through the channels from the bottom to the top of the core. The invention is a means for unloading the fuel elements from the core and comprises dump values in the form of flat cars mounted on wheels at the bottom of the core structure which support vertical stacks of fuel elements. When the flat cars are moved, either manually or automatically, for normal unloading purposes, or due to a rapid rise in the reproduction ratio within the core, the fuel elements are permtted to fall by gravity out of the core structure thereby reducing the reproduction ratio or stopping the reaction as desired.

Improvement of Modeling HTGR Neutron Physics by Uncertainty Analysis with the Use of Cross-Section Covariance Information

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boyarinov, V. F.; Grol, A. V.; Fomichenko, P. A.; Ternovykh, M. Yu

2017-01-01

This work is aimed at improvement of HTGR neutron physics design calculations by application of uncertainty analysis with the use of cross-section covariance information. Methodology and codes for preparation of multigroup libraries of covariance information for individual isotopes from the basic 44-group library of SCALE-6 code system were developed. A 69-group library of covariance information in a special format for main isotopes and elements typical for high temperature gas cooled reactors (HTGR) was generated. This library can be used for estimation of uncertainties, associated with nuclear data, in analysis of HTGR neutron physics with design codes. As an example, calculations of one-group cross-section uncertainties for fission and capture reactions for main isotopes of the MHTGR-350 benchmark, as well as uncertainties of the multiplication factor (k∞) for the MHTGR-350 fuel compact cell model and fuel block model were performed. These uncertainties were estimated by the developed technology with the use of WIMS-D code and modules of SCALE-6 code system, namely, by TSUNAMI, KENO-VI and SAMS. Eight most important reactions on isotopes for MHTGR-350 benchmark were identified, namely: 10B(capt), 238U(n,γ), ν5, 235U(n,γ), 238U(el), natC(el), 235U(fiss)-235U(n,γ), 235U(fiss).

Bottom-Line Mentality as an Antecedent of Social Undermining and the Moderating Roles of Core Self-Evaluations and Conscientiousness

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greenbaum, Rebecca L.; Mawritz, Mary Bardes; Eissa, Gabi

2012-01-01

We propose that an employee's bottom-line mentality may have an important effect on social undermining behavior in organizations. Bottom-line mentality is defined as 1-dimensional thinking that revolves around securing bottom-line outcomes to the neglect of competing priorities. Across a series of studies, we establish an initial nomological…

Nuclear reactor construction with bottom supported reactor vessel

DOEpatents

Sharbaugh, John E.

1987-01-01

An improved liquid metal nuclear reactor construction has a reactor core and a generally cylindrical reactor vessel for holding a large pool of low pressure liquid metal coolant and housing the core within the pool. The reactor vessel has an open top end, a closed flat bottom end wall and a continuous cylindrical closed side wall interconnecting the top end and bottom end wall. The reactor also has a generally cylindrical concrete containment structure surrounding the reactor vessel and being formed by a cylindrical side wall spaced outwardly from the reactor vessel side wall and a flat base mat spaced below the reactor vessel bottom end wall. A central support pedestal is anchored to the containment structure base mat and extends upwardly therefrom to the reactor vessel and upwardly therefrom to the reactor core so as to support the bottom end wall of the reactor vessel and the lower end of the reactor core in spaced apart relationship above the containment structure base mat. Also, an annular reinforced support structure is disposed in the reactor vessel on the bottom end wall thereof and extends about the lower end of the core so as to support the periphery thereof. In addition, an annular support ring having a plurality of inward radially extending linear members is disposed between the containment structure base mat and the bottom end of the reactor vessel wall and is connected to and supports the reactor vessel at its bottom end on the containment structure base mat so as to allow the reactor vessel to expand radially but substantially prevent any lateral motions that might be imposed by the occurrence of a seismic event. The reactor construction also includes a bed of insulating material in sand-like granular form, preferably being high density magnesium oxide particles, disposed between the containment structure base mat and the bottom end wall of the reactor vessel and uniformly supporting the reactor vessel at its bottom end wall on the containment structure base mat so as to insulate the reactor vessel bottom end wall from the containment structure base mat and allow the reactor vessel bottom end wall to freely expand as it heats up while providing continuous support thereof. Further, a deck is supported upon the side wall of the containment structure above the top open end of the reactor vessel, and a plurality of serially connected extendible and retractable annular bellows extend between the deck and the top open end of the reactor vessel and flexibly and sealably interconnect the reactor vessel at its top end to the deck. An annular guide ring is disposed on the containment structure and extends between its side wall and the top open end of the reactor vessel for providing lateral support of the reactor vessel top open end by limiting imposition of lateral loads on the annular bellows by the occurrence of a lateral seismic event.

Master Logic Diagram: An Approach to Identify Initiating Events of HTGRs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Purba, J. H.

2018-02-01

Initiating events of a nuclear power plant being evaluated need to be firstly identified prior to applying probabilistic safety assessment on that plant. Various types of master logic diagrams (MLDs) have been proposedforsearching initiating events of the next generation of nuclear power plants, which have limited data and operating experiences. Those MLDs are different in the number of steps or levels and different in the basis for developing them. This study proposed another type of MLD approach to find high temperature gas cooled reactor (HTGR) initiating events. It consists of five functional steps starting from the top event representing the final objective of the safety functions to the basic event representing the goal of the MLD development, which is an initiating event. The application of the proposed approach to search for two HTGR initiating events, i.e. power turbine generator trip and loss of offsite power, is provided. The results confirmed that the proposed MLD is feasiblefor finding HTGR initiating events.

Determining the minimum required uranium carbide content for HTGR UCO fuel kernels

DOE PAGES

McMurray, Jacob W.; Lindemer, Terrence B.; Brown, Nicholas R.; ...

2017-03-10

There are three important failure mechanisms that must be controlled in high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) fuel for certain higher burnup applications are SiC layer rupture, SiC corrosion by CO, and coating compromise from kernel migration. All are related to high CO pressures stemming from free O generated when uranium present as UO 2 fissions and the O is not subsequently bound by other elements. Furthermore, in the HTGR UCO kernel design, CO buildup from excess O is controlled by the inclusion of additional uranium in the form of a carbide, UC x. An approach for determining the minimum UC xmore » content to ensure negligible CO formation was developed and demonstrated using CALPHAD models and the Serpent 2 reactor physics and depletion analysis tool. Our results are intended to be more accurate than previous estimates by including more nuclear and chemical factors, in particular the effect of transmutation products on the oxygen distribution as the fuel kernel composition evolves with burnup.« less

LARC-1: a Los Alamos release calculation program for fission product transport in HTGRs during the LOFC accident

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Carruthers, L.M.; Lee, C.E.

1976-10-01

The theoretical and numerical data base development of the LARC-1 code is described. Four analytical models of fission product release from an HTGR core during the loss of forced circulation accident are developed. Effects of diffusion, adsorption and evaporation of the metallics and precursors are neglected in this first LARC model. Comparison of the analytic models indicates that the constant release-renormalized model is adequate to describe the processes involved. The numerical data base for release constants, temperature modeling, fission product release rates, coated fuel particle failure fraction and aged coated fuel particle failure fractions is discussed. Analytic fits and graphicmore » displays for these data are given for the Ft. St. Vrain and GASSAR models.« less

Development of a coolant channel helium and nitrogen gas ratio sensor for a high temperature gas reactor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cadell, S. R.; Woods, B. G.

2012-07-01

To measure the changing gas composition of the coolant during a postulated High Temperature Gas Reactor (HTGR) accident, an instrument is needed. This instrument must be compact enough to measure the ratio of the coolant versus the break gas in an individual coolant channel. This instrument must minimally impact the fluid flow and provide for non-direct signal routing to allow minimal disturbance to adjacent channels. The instrument must have a flexible geometry to allow for the measurement of larger volumes such as in the upper or lower plenum of a HTGR. The instrument must be capable of accurately functioning throughmore » the full operating temperature and pressure of a HTGR. This instrument is not commercially available, but a literature survey has shown that building off of the present work on Capacitance Sensors and Cross-Capacitors will provide a basis for the development of the desired instrument. One difficulty in developing and instrument to operate at HTGR temperatures is acquiring an electrical conductor that will not melt at 1600 deg. C. This requirement limits the material selection to high temperature ceramics, graphite, and exotic metals. An additional concern for the instrument is properly accounting for the thermal expansion of both the sensing components and the gas being measured. This work covers the basic instrument overview with a thorough discussion of the associated uncertainty in making these measurements. (authors)« less

Analyses of water, bank material, bottom material, and elutriate samples collected near Belzoni, Mississippi (upper Yazoo projects)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Brightbill, David B.; Treadway, Joseph B.

1980-01-01

Four core-material-sampling sites and one bottom-material site were chosen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to represent areas of proposed dredging activity along a 24.9-mile reach of the upper Yazoo River. Five receiving-water sites also were selected to represent the water that will contact the proposed dredged material. Chemical and physical analyses were performed upon core or bottom material and native-water (receiving-water) samples from these sites as well as upon elutriate samples of the mixture of sediment and receiving water. The results of these analyses are presented without interpertation. (USGS)

Results for Phase I of the IAEA Coordinated Research Program on HTGR Uncertainties

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Strydom, Gerhard; Bostelmann, Friederike; Yoon, Su Jong

2015-01-01

The quantification of uncertainties in design and safety analysis of reactors is today not only broadly accepted, but in many cases became the preferred way to replace traditional conservative analysis for safety and licensing analysis. The use of a more fundamental methodology is also consistent with the reliable high fidelity physics models and robust, efficient, and accurate codes available today. To facilitate uncertainty analysis applications a comprehensive approach and methodology must be developed and applied. High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactors (HTGR) has its own peculiarities, coated particle design, large graphite quantities, different materials and high temperatures that also require other simulationmore » requirements. The IAEA has therefore launched a Coordinated Research Project (CRP) on the HTGR Uncertainty Analysis in Modeling (UAM) in 2013 to study uncertainty propagation specifically in the HTGR analysis chain. Two benchmark problems are defined, with the prismatic design represented by the General Atomics (GA) MHTGR-350 and a 250 MW modular pebble bed design similar to the HTR-PM (INET, China). This report summarizes the contributions of the HTGR Methods Simulation group at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) up to this point of the CRP. The activities at INL have been focused so far on creating the problem specifications for the prismatic design, as well as providing reference solutions for the exercises defined for Phase I. An overview is provided of the HTGR UAM objectives and scope, and the detailed specifications for Exercises I-1, I-2, I-3 and I-4 are also included here for completeness. The main focus of the report is the compilation and discussion of reference results for Phase I (i.e. for input parameters at their nominal or best-estimate values), which is defined as the first step of the uncertainty quantification process. These reference results can be used by other CRP participants for comparison with other codes or their own reference results. The status on the Monte Carlo modeling of the experimental VHTRC facility is also discussed. Reference results were obtained for the neutronics stand-alone cases (Ex. I-1 and Ex. I-2) using the (relatively new) Monte Carlo code Serpent, and comparisons were performed with the more established Monte Carlo codes MCNP and KENO-VI. For the thermal-fluids stand-alone cases (Ex. I-3 and I-4) the commercial CFD code CFX was utilized to obtain reference results that can be compared with lower fidelity tools.« less

HTGR technology economic/ business analysis and trade studies impacts. Impacts of HTGR commericialization on the U.S. economy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Silady, Fred

The approach to this task was to initially review the 2012 Business Plan and supporting analyses for the above impacts. With that understanding as a base, the Business Plan impacts are updated in terms of the GDP and job creation as a result of additional studies and inputs such as the revised market assessment from Task 1.1. For the impacts on U.S. competitiveness, the NGNP Industry Alliance team members have been utilized to provide inputs on supplier infrastructure development and on vendor capability.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kolaczkowski, A.M.; Lambright, J.A.; Ferrell, W.L.

This document contains the internal event initiated accident sequence analyses for Peach Bottom, Unit 2; one of the reference plants being examined as part of the NUREG-1150 effort by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. NUREG-1150 will document the risk of a selected group of nuclear power plants. As part of that work, this report contains the overall core damage frequency estimate for Peach Bottom, Unit 2, and the accompanying plant damage state frequencies. Sensitivity and uncertainty analyses provided additional insights regarding the dominant contributors to the Peach Bottom core damage frequency estimate. The mean core damage frequency at Peach Bottom wasmore » calculated to be 8.2E-6. Station blackout type accidents (loss of all ac power) were found to dominate the overall results. Anticipated Transient Without Scram accidents were also found to be non-negligible contributors. The numerical results are largely driven by common mode failure probability estimates and to some extent, human error. Because of significant data and analysis uncertainties in these two areas (important, for instance, to the most dominant scenario in this study), it is recommended that the results of the uncertainty and sensitivity analyses be considered before any actions are taken based on this analysis.« less

Characteristics of Air Core and Surface Velocity for Water Flow in a Vortex Sediment-Extraction Chamber Measured by Using Photo Images and PTV Technique.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Hou Chang; Chyan Deng, Jan; Chao, Hsu Yu; Chih Yuan, Yang

2017-04-01

A vortex sediment-extraction chamber, consisted of cylindrical chamber, inflow system, bottom orifice and overflow weir, is used to separate sediment from sediment-laden water flow. A tangential inflow is introduced into a cylindrical chamber with a bottom orifice; thus, a strong vortex flow is produced there. Under actions of gravity and centrifugal force, heavier sediment particles are forced to move towards the bottom orifice, and relatively clear water flows over through the top overflow weir. The flow field in the cylindrical chamber consists of forced vortex and free vortex. When the bottom orifice is opened during the sediment-extraction process, an air core appears and changes with different settings. In this study, the air core and water surface velocity in the cylindrical chamber were measured by using a photo image process and particle tracking velocimetry (PTV), as well as numerically simulated by using a commercial software, Flow-3D.Laboratory experiments were conducted in a vortex chamber, having height of 130 cm and diameter of 48 cm. Five kinds of bottom orifice size from 1.0 cm to 3.0 cm and four kinds of inflow water discharge from 1,300cm3/s to 1,700 cm3/s were used while the inflow pipe of 3 cm in diameter was kept the same for all experiments. The characteristics of the air core and water surface velocity, and the inflow and outflow ratios under different experimental arrangements were observed and discussed so as to provide a better design and application for a vortex sediment-extraction chamber in the future.

Core assembly storage structure

DOEpatents

Jones, Jr., Charles E.; Brunings, Jay E.

1988-01-01

A structure for the storage of core assemblies from a liquid metal-cooled nuclear reactor. The structure comprises an enclosed housing having a substantially flat horizontal top plate, a bottom plate and substantially vertical wall members extending therebetween. A plurality of thimble members extend downwardly through the top plate. Each thimble member is closed at its bottom end and has an open end adjacent said top plate. Each thimble member has a length and diameter greater than that of the core assembly to be stored therein. The housing is provided with an inlet duct for the admission of cooling air and an exhaust duct for the discharge of air therefrom, such that when hot core assemblies are placed in the thimbles, the heat generated will by convection cause air to flow from the inlet duct around the thimbles and out the exhaust duct maintaining the core assemblies at a safe temperature without the necessity of auxiliary powered cooling equipment.

DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS OF THE IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORY HIGH-TEMPERATURE GAS-COOLED TEST REACTOR

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sterbentz, James; Bayless, Paul; Strydom, Gerhard

2016-11-01

Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis is an indispensable element of any substantial attempt in reactor simulation validation. The quantification of uncertainties in nuclear engineering has grown more important and the IAEA Coordinated Research Program (CRP) on High-Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (HTGR) initiated in 2012 aims to investigate the various uncertainty quantification methodologies for this type of reactors. The first phase of the CRP is dedicated to the estimation of cell and lattice model uncertainties due to the neutron cross sections co-variances. Phase II is oriented towards the investigation of propagated uncertainties from the lattice to the coupled neutronics/thermal hydraulics core calculations.more » Nominal results for the prismatic single block (Ex.I-2a) and super cell models (Ex.I-2c) have been obtained using the SCALE 6.1.3 two-dimensional lattice code NEWT coupled to the TRITON sequence for cross section generation. In this work, the TRITON/NEWT-flux-weighted cross sections obtained for Ex.I-2a and various models of Ex.I-2c is utilized to perform a sensitivity analysis of the MHTGR-350 core power densities and eigenvalues. The core solutions are obtained with the INL coupled code PHISICS/RELAP5-3D, utilizing a fixed-temperature feedback for Ex. II-1a.. It is observed that the core power density does not vary significantly in shape, but the magnitude of these variations increases as the moderator-to-fuel ratio increases in the super cell lattice models.« less

Nuclear reactor with low-level core coolant intake

DOEpatents

Challberg, Roy C.; Townsend, Harold E.

1993-01-01

A natural-circulation boiling-water reactor has skirts extending downward from control rod guide tubes to about 10 centimeters from the reactor vessel bottom. The skirts define annular channels about control rod drive housings that extend through the reactor vessel bottom. Recirculating water is forced in through the low-level entrances to these channels, sweeping bottom water into the channels in the process. The sweeping action prevents cooler water from accumulating at the bottom. This in turn minimizes thermal shock to bottom-dwelling components as would occur when accumulated cool water is swept away and suddenly replaced by warmer water.

High speed internal permanent magnet machine and method of manufacturing the same

DOEpatents

Alexander, James Pellegrino [Ballston Lake, NY; EL-Refaie, Ayman Mohamed Fawzi [Niskayuna, NY; Lokhandwalla, Murtuza [Clifton Park, NY; Shah, Manoj Ramprasad [Latham, NY; VanDam, Jeremy Daniel [West Coxsackie, NY

2011-09-13

An internal permanent magnet (IPM) machine is provided. The IPM machine includes a stator assembly and a stator core. The stator core also includes multiple stator teeth. The stator assembly is further configured with stator windings to generate a magnetic field when excited with alternating currents and extends along a longitudinal axis with an inner surface defining a cavity. The IPM machine also includes a rotor assembly and a rotor core. The rotor core is disposed inside the cavity and configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis. The rotor assembly further includes a shaft. The shaft further includes multiple protrusions alternately arranged relative to multiple bottom structures provided on the shaft. The rotor assembly also includes multiple stacks of laminations disposed on the protrusions and dovetailed circumferentially around the shaft. The rotor assembly further includes multiple permanent magnets for generating a magnetic field, which interacts with the stator magnetic field to produce torque. The permanent magnets are disposed between the stacks. The rotor assembly also includes multiple bottom wedges disposed on the bottom structures of the shaft and configured to hold the multiple stacks and the multiple permanent magnets.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Richards, Matt; Hamilton, Chris

This report provides supplemental information to the assessment of target markets provided in Appendix A of the 2012 Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) Industry Alliance (NIA) business plan [NIA 2012] for deployment of High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors (HTGRs) in the 2025 – 2050 time frame. This report largely reiterates the [NIA 2012] assessment for potential deployment of 400 to 800 HTGR modules (100 to 200 HTGR plants with 4 reactor modules) in the 600-MWt class in North America by 2050 for electricity generation, co-generation of steam and electricity, oil sands operations, hydrogen production, and synthetic fuels production (e.g., coal tomore » liquids). As the result of increased natural gas supply from hydraulic fracturing, the current and historically low prices of natural gas remain a significant barrier to deployment of HTGRs and other nuclear reactor concepts in the U.S. However, based on U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Information Agency (EIA) data, U.S. natural gas prices are expected to increase by the 2030 – 2040 timeframe when a significant number of HTGR modules could be deployed. An evaluation of more recent EIA 2013 data confirms the assumptions in [NIA 2012] of future natural gas prices in the range of approximately $7/MMBtu to $10/MMBtu during the 2030 – 2040 timeframe. Natural gas prices in this range will make HTGR energy prices competitive with natural gas, even in the absence of carbon-emissions penalties. Exhibit ES-1 presents the North American projections in each market segment including a characterization of the market penetration logic. Adjustments made to the 2012 data (and reflected in Exhibit ES-1) include normalization to the slightly larger 625MWt reactor module, segregation between steam cycle and more advanced (higher outlet temperature) modules, and characterization of U.S. synthetic fuel process applications as a separate market segment.« less

Mapping beneath the seafloor: AUV sub-bottom profilers, sediment thickness and resource potential

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeo, I. A.; Vardy, M. E.; Holwell, D.; North, L.; Murton, B. J.

2017-12-01

Most AUV seafloor exploration focuses primarily on collecting high-resolution bathymetric and backscatter data in order to identify and map features of interest. Sub-bottom profiler data provides an essential third dimension that can illuminate not only the thickness of overlying sediment packets, but also the scale and tectonic setting of surface features. In this study we present results of high-resolution sub-bottom profiler surveys of Tropic Seamount, a 3000m tall, 40km wide, flat-topped gyot located 400km south of the Canary Islands. We show how the application of AUV derived sub-bottom profiler data can be used to assess the thickness and extent of ferromanganese crusts covering the summit and underlying thin pelagic sediment cover. Bespoke chirp signals at two altitudes were used to increase the likelihood of resolving thin (tens of cm) layers of crust. Drill cores were obtained from an ROV and used to constrain and calibrate the profiler data. The cores show variable crustal thicknesses of zero to 14 cm of FeMn crustal cover over a partially phosphoritised, vuggy, often poorly lithified limestone basement. Initial measurements of sound velocities suggest differences between the limestone basement and the crust of only a few hundred meters per second. Sub-cores, drilled from large samples collected during the cruise were analysed in the NOC Acoustic Pulse Tube and with X-Ray Computer Tomography to better understand how variations in lithology, crustal thickness, surface texture and internal structure affect the returning geoacoustic signal. We discuss the pros and cons of different surveying patterns, altitudes and chirps, the relative usefulness of sub-bottom profiler data in different environments, and the value added by sub-bottom profiler surveying as opposed to bathymetric surveying alone.

A summary of the results from the DOE advanced gas reactor (AGR) fuel development and qualification program

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Petti, David Andrew

2017-04-01

Modular high temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) designs were developed to provide natural safety, which prevents core damage under all licensing basis events. The principle that guides their design concepts is to passively maintain core temperatures below fission product release thresholds under all accident scenarios. The required level of fuel performance and fission product retention reduces the radioactive source term by many orders of magnitude relative to source terms for other reactor types and allows a graded approach to emergency planning and the potential elimination of the need for evacuation and sheltering beyond a small exclusion area. Achieving this level, however,more » is predicated on exceptionally high coated-particle fuel fabrication quality and excellent performance under normal operation and accident conditions. The design goal of modular HTGRs is to meet the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Protective Action Guides (PAGs) for offsite dose at the Exclusion Area Boundary (EAB). To achieve this, the reactor design concepts require a level of fuel integrity that is far better than that achieved for all prior U.S.-manufactured tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coated particle fuel.« less

Hydrogen production from coal using a nuclear heat source

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quade, R. N.

1976-01-01

A strong candidate for hydrogen production in the intermediate time frame of 1985 to 1995 is a coal-based process using a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) as a heat source. Expected process efficiencies in the range of 60 to 70% are considerably higher than all other hydrogen production processes except steam reforming of a natural gas. The process involves the preparation of a coal liquid, hydrogasification of that liquid, and steam reforming of the resulting gaseous or light liquid product. A study showing process efficiency and cost of hydrogen vs nuclear reactor core outlet temperature has been completed, and shows diminishing returns at process temperatures above about 1500 F. A possible scenario combining the relatively abundant and low-cost Western coal deposits with the Gulf Coast hydrogen users is presented which provides high-energy density transportation utilizing coal liquids and uranium.

Chemical data for bottom sediment in Mountain Creek Lake, Dallas, Texas, 1999-2000

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wilson, Jennifer T.

2002-01-01

Mountain Creek Lake is a reservoir adjacent to the Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant and the former Naval Air Station in Dallas, Texas. The U.S. Geological Survey began studies of water, sediment, and biota in the reservoir in 1994 after a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Facility Investigation detected concentrations of organic chemicals on both facilities. Additional reservoir bottom sediment samples were collected during December 1999–January 2000 at the request of the Southern Division Naval Facilities Engineering Command to further define the occurrence and distribution of selected constituents and to supplement available data. The U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory analyzed bottom-sediment samples from 16 box cores and 5 gravity cores for major and trace elements, organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, grain size, and cesium-137.

Mg/Ca ratios of the benthic foraminifera Oridorsalis umbonatus obtained by laser ablation from core top sediments: Relationship to bottom water temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rathmann, SöHnke; Hess, Silvia; Kuhnert, Henning; Mulitza, Stefan

2004-12-01

A laser ablation system connected to an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer was used to determine Mg/Ca ratios of the benthic foraminifera Oridorsalis umbonatus. A set of modern core top samples collected along a depth transect on the continental slope off Namibia (320-2300 m water depth; 2.9° to 10.4°C) was used to calibrate the Mg/Ca ratio against bottom water temperature. The resulting Mg/Ca-bottom water temperature relationship of O. umbonatus is described by the exponential equation Mg/Ca = 1.528*e0.09*BWT. The temperature sensitivity of this equation is similar to previously published calibrations based on Cibicidoides species, suggesting that the Mg/Ca ratio of O. umbonatus is a valuable proxy for thermocline and deep water temperature.

ICP-MS measurement of silver diffusion coefficient in graphite IG-110 between 1048K and 1284K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carter, L. M.; Seelig, J. D.; Brockman, J. D.; Robertson, J. D.; Loyalka, S. K.

2018-01-01

Silver-110m has been shown to permeate intact silicon carbide and pyrolytic carbon coating layers of the TRISO fuel particles during normal High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTGR) operational conditions. The diffusion coefficients for silver in graphite IG-110 measured using a release method designed to simulate HTGR conditions of high temperature and flowing helium in the temperature range 1048-1253 K are reported. The measurements were made using spheres milled from IG-110 graphite that were infused with silver using a pressure vessel technique. The Ag diffusion was measured using a time release technique with an ICP-MS instrument for detection. The results of this work are:

HTGR plant availability and reliability evaluations. Volume I. Summary of evaluations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cadwallader, G.J.; Hannaman, G.W.; Jacobsen, F.K.

1976-12-01

The report (1) describes a reliability assessment methodology for systematically locating and correcting areas which may contribute to unavailability of new and uniquely designed components and systems, (2) illustrates the methodology by applying it to such components in a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (Public Service Company of Colorado's Fort St. Vrain 330-MW(e) HTGR), and (3) compares the results of the assessment with actual experience. The methodology can be applied to any component or system; however, it is particularly valuable for assessments of components or systems which provide essential functions, or the failure or mishandling of which could result in relatively largemore » economic losses.« less

Living (Rose Bengal stained) benthic foraminiferal faunas along a strong bottom-water oxygen gradient on the Indian margin (Arabian Sea)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caulle, C.; Mojtahid, M.; Gooday, A. J.; Jorissen, F. J.; Kitazato, H.

2015-02-01

Rose Bengal stained foraminiferal assemblages were analysed along a five-station bathymetric transect across the core and the lower part of the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) on the Indian margin of the Arabian Sea. Sediment cores were collected using the manned submersible Shinkai 6500 during RV Yokosuka cruise YK08-11 in the post-monsoon season (October 2008) at water depths ranging from 535 to 2000 m, along a gradient from almost anoxic to well-oxygenated (0.3 to 108 μM) bottom waters. Stained foraminiferal densities were very high in the OMZ core (535 m) and decreased with depth. The faunas were dominated (40-80%) by non-calcareous taxa at all stations. These were mainly species of Reophax and Lagenammina but also included delicate monothalamous taxa (organic-walled "allogromiids", agglutinated saccamminids, psammosphaerids and tubular forms). These new data from the Indian margin are compared to previous studies from the Murray Ridge, the Pakistan margin and the Oman margin. The fact that similar species were found at sites with comparable bottom-water oxygen concentrations but with very different surface water productivity suggests that, within the strongly developed Arabian Sea OMZ, bottom-water oxygen concentration, and not the organic flux to the sea floor, is the main factor controlling the species composition of the foraminiferal communities. Several foraminiferal species (e.g. Praeglobobulimina sp. 1, Ammodiscus sp. 1, Bolivina aff. dilatata) were confined to the core of the OMZ and are presently known only from the Arabian Sea. Because of their association with extremely low-oxygen concentration, these species may prove to be good indicators of past OMZ variability in the Arabian Sea.

Irradiation performance of HTGR fuel rods in HFIR experiments HRB-7 and -8

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Valentine, K.H.; Homan, F.J.; Long, E.L. Jr.

1977-05-01

The HRB-7 and -8 experiments were designed as a comprehensive test of mixed thorium-uranium oxide fissile particles with Th:U ratios from 0 to 8 for HTGR recycle application. In addition, fissile particles derived from Weak-Acid Resin (WAR) were tested as a potential backup type of fissile particle for HTGR recycle. These experiments were conducted at two temperatures (1250 and 1500/sup 0/C) to determine the influence of operating temperature on the performance parameters studied. The minor objectives were comparison of advanced coating designs where ZrC replaced SiC in the Triso design, testing of fuel coated in laboratory-scale equipment with fuel coatedmore » in production-scale coaters, comparison of the performance of /sup 233/U-bearing particles with that of /sup 235/U-bearing particles, comparison of the performance of Biso coatings with Triso coatings for particles containing the same type of kernel, and testing of multijunction tungsten-rhenium thermocouples. All objectives were accomplished. As a result of these experiments the mixed thorium-uranium oxide fissile kernel was replaced by a WAR-derived particle in the reference recycle design. A tentative decision to make this change had been reached before the HRB-7 and -8 capsules were examined, and the results of the examination confirmed the accuracy of the previous decision. Even maximum dilution (Th/U approximately equal to 8) of the mixed thorium-uranium oxide kernel was insufficient to prevent amoeba of the kernels at rates that are unacceptable in a large HTGR. Other results showed the performance of /sup 233/U-bearing particles to be identical to that of /sup 235/U-bearing particles, the performance of fuel coated in production-scale equipment to be at least as good as that of fuel coated in laboratory-scale coaters, the performance of ZrC coatings to be very promising, and Biso coatings to be inferior to Triso coatings relative to fission product retention.« less

Characteristics of potential repository wastes. Volume 2

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1992-07-01

The LWR spent fuels discussed in Volume 1 of this report comprise about 99% of all domestic non-reprocessed spent fuel. In this report we discuss other types of spent fuels which, although small in relative quantity, consist of a number of diverse types, sizes, and compositions. Many of these fuels are candidates for repository disposal. Some non-LWR spent fuels are currently reprocessed or are scheduled for reprocessing in DOE facilities at the Savannah River Site, Hanford Site, and the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory. It appears likely that the reprocessing of fuels that have been reprocessed in the past will continuemore » and that the resulting high-level wastes will become part of defense HLW. However, it is not entirely clear in some cases whether a given fuel will be reprocessed, especially in cases where pretreatment may be needed before reprocessing, or where the enrichment is not high enough to make reprocessing attractive. Some fuels may be canistered, while others may require special means of disposal. The major categories covered in this chapter include HTGR spent fuel from the Fort St. Vrain and Peach Bottom-1 reactors, research and test reactor fuels, and miscellaneous fuels, and wastes generated from the decommissioning of facilities.« less

Dynamics of sediments along with their core properties in the Monastir-Bekalta coastline (Tunisia, Central Mediterranean)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khiari, Nouha; Atoui, Abdelfattah; Khalil, Nadia; Charef, Abdelkrim; Aleya, Lotfi

2017-10-01

The authors report on two campaigns of high-resolution samplings along the shores of Monastir Bay in Tunisia: the first being a study of sediment dynamics, grain size and mineral composition in surface sediment, and the second, eight months later, using four sediment cores to study grain-size distribution in bottom sediments. Particle size analysis of superficial sediment shows that the sand in shallow depths is characterized by S-shaped curves, indicating a certain degree of agitation, possible transport by rip currents near the bottom and hyperbolic curves illustrating heterogeneity of sand stock. The sediments settle in a relatively calm environment. Along the bay shore (from 0 to 2 m depth), the bottom is covered by medium sand. Sediment transport is noted along the coast; from north to south and from south to north, caused by longshore drift and a rip current in the middle of the bay. These two currents are generated by wind and swell, especially by north to northeast waves which transport the finest sediment. Particle size analysis of bottom sediment indicates a mean grain size ranging from coarse to very fine sands while vertical distribution of grain size tends to decrease from surface to depth. The increase in particle size of sediment cores may be due to the coexistence of terrigenous inputs along with the sedimentary transit parallel to the coast due to the effect of longshore drift. Mineralogical analysis shows that Monastir's coastal sands and bottom sediment are composed of quartz, calcite, magnesium calcite, aragonite and hematite. The existence of a low energy zone with potential to accumulate pollutants indicates that managerial action is necessary to help preserve Monastir Bay.

Petrology of deep drill hole, Kilauea Volcano

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Grose, L.T.; Keller, G.V.

1976-12-01

The first deep drill hole (1262 m TD) at the summit of an active volcano (1102 m elev) was drilled in 1973 at Kilauea volcano, Hawaii with support from NSF and USGS. The hole is located within southern margin of Kilauea caldera in northern part of a 15 km/sup 2/ triangular block bounded by east rift zone, Koae fault zone, and southwest rift zone-a summit area relatively free of faults, rifts, and extrusions. Nearest eruptions are from fissures 1.2 km away which are active in 1974 and which do not trend toward the drill hole. Core recovery totals 47 mmore » from 29 core runs at rather evenly spaced intervals to total depth. Megascopic, thin-section, and X-ray examination reveals: (1) Recovered core is essentially vesicular, intergranular, nonporphyritic to porphyritic olivine basalt with minor olivine diabase, picrite diabase, and basalt, (2) Hyaloclastite and pillow basalt are absent, (3) Below water table (614 m elev) with increasing depth, vesicularity decreases, and density, crystallinity, competence, vesicle fill, and alteration irregularly increase, (4) Alteration first occurs at water table where calcite and silica partially fill vesticles and olivine is partially serpentinized, (5) At about 570 m elev massive serpentinization of olivine and deposition of montmorillonite-nontronite occur; at about 210 m elev truscottite and tobermorite occur in vesicles; at about 35 m elev mordenite occurs in vesicles, (6) Bottom-hole cores have complete filling of vesicles with silica, minor silica replacement, and complete alteration of olivine, and (7) Plagioclase is unaltered. Chemical analyses of bottom-hole cores are similar to those of modern summit lavas. Alteration and low porosity in bottom-hole cores plus abrupt temperature increase suggest the drill hole penetrated a self-sealed ''cap rock'' to a hydrothermal convection cell and possibly a magma body.« less

Watershed trend analysis and water-quality assessment using bottom-sediment cores from Cheney Reservoir, south-central Kansas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pope, Larry M.

1998-01-01

An examination of Cheney Reservoir bottom sediment was conducted in August 1997 to describe long-term trends and document the occurrence of selected constituents at concentrations that may be detrimental to aquatic organisms. Average concentrations of total phosphorus in bottom-sediment cores ranged from 94 to 674 milligrams per kilogram and were statistically related to silt- and (or) clay-size particles. Results from selected sampling sites in Cheney Reservoir indicate an increasing trend in total phosphorus concentrations. This trend is probably of nonpoint-source origin and may be related to an increase in fertilizer sales in the area, which more than doubled between 1965 and 1996, and to livestock production. Few organochlorine compounds were detected in bottom-sediment samples from Cheney Reservoir. DDT, its degradation products DDD and DDE, and dieldrin had detectable concentrations in the seven samples that were analyzed. DDT and DDD were each detected in one sample at concentrations of 1.0 and 0.65 microgram per kilogram, respectively. By far, the most frequently detected organochlorine insecticide was DDE, which was detected in all seven samples, ranging in concentration from 0.31 to 1.3 micrograms per kilogram. A decreasing trend in DDE concentrations was evident in sediment-core data from one sampling site. Dieldrin was detected in one sample from each of two sampling sites at concentrations of 0.21 and 0.22 micrograms per kilogram. Polychlorinated biphenyls were not detected in any bottom-sediment sample analyzed. Selected organophosphate, chlorophenoxy-acid, triazine, and acetanilide pesticides were analyzed in 18 bottom-sediment samples. Of the 23 pesticides analyzed, only the acetanilide herbicide metolachlor was detected (in 22 percent of the samples). Seven bottom-sediment samples were analyzed for major metals and trace elements. The median and maximum concentrations of arsenic and chromium, the maximum concentration of copper, and all concentrations of nickel in the seven samples were in the range where adverse effects to aquatic organisms occasionally occur. No time trends in trace elements were discernable in the August 1997 data.

Submersible sodium pump

DOEpatents

Brynsvold, Glen V.; Lopez, John T.; Olich, Eugene E.; West, Calvin W.

1989-01-01

An electromagnetic submerged pump has an outer cylindrical stator with an inner cylindrical conductive core for the submerged pumping of sodium in the cylindrical interstitial volume defined between the stator and core. The cylindrical interstitial volume is typically vertically oriented, and defines an inlet at the bottom and an outlet at the top. The outer stator generates upwardly conveyed toroidal magnetic fields, which fields convey preferably from the bottom of the pump to the top of the pump liquid sodium in the cold leg of a sodium cooled nuclear reactor. The outer cylindrical stator has a vertically disposed duct surrounded by alternately stacked layers of coil units and laminates.

Submersible sodium pump

DOEpatents

Brynsvold, G.V.; Lopez, J.T.; Olich, E.E.; West, C.W.

1989-11-21

An electromagnetic submerged pump has an outer cylindrical stator with an inner cylindrical conductive core for the submerged pumping of sodium in the cylindrical interstitial volume defined between the stator and core. The cylindrical interstitial volume is typically vertically oriented, and defines an inlet at the bottom and an outlet at the top. The outer stator generates upwardly conveyed toroidal magnetic fields, which fields convey preferably from the bottom of the pump to the top of the pump liquid sodium in the cold leg of a sodium cooled nuclear reactor. The outer cylindrical stator has a vertically disposed duct surrounded by alternately stacked layers of coil units and laminates. 14 figs.

Genomic analysis reveals a tight link between transcription factor dynamics and regulatory network architecture.

PubMed

Jothi, Raja; Balaji, S; Wuster, Arthur; Grochow, Joshua A; Gsponer, Jörg; Przytycka, Teresa M; Aravind, L; Babu, M Madan

2009-01-01

Although several studies have provided important insights into the general principles of biological networks, the link between network organization and the genome-scale dynamics of the underlying entities (genes, mRNAs, and proteins) and its role in systems behavior remain unclear. Here we show that transcription factor (TF) dynamics and regulatory network organization are tightly linked. By classifying TFs in the yeast regulatory network into three hierarchical layers (top, core, and bottom) and integrating diverse genome-scale datasets, we find that the TFs have static and dynamic properties that are similar within a layer and different across layers. At the protein level, the top-layer TFs are relatively abundant, long-lived, and noisy compared with the core- and bottom-layer TFs. Although variability in expression of top-layer TFs might confer a selective advantage, as this permits at least some members in a clonal cell population to initiate a response to changing conditions, tight regulation of the core- and bottom-layer TFs may minimize noise propagation and ensure fidelity in regulation. We propose that the interplay between network organization and TF dynamics could permit differential utilization of the same underlying network by distinct members of a clonal cell population.

Fabrication methods and anisotropic properties of graphite matrix compacts for use in HTGR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeo, Sunghwan; Yun, Jihae; Kim, Sungok; Cho, Moon Sung; Lee, Young-Woo

2018-02-01

This study investigated the anisotropic microstructural, mechanical, and thermal properties of fabricated graphite matrix prismatic compacts for High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (HTGR) fuel. When the observed alignment of graphite grains and the coke derived from phenolic resin is in the transverse direction, the result is severely anisotropic thermal properties. Compacts with such orientation in the transverse direction exhibited increases of thermal expansion and conductivity up to 5.8 times and 4.82 times, respectively, more than those in the axial direction. The formation of pores due to the pyrolysis of phenolic resin was observed predominantly on upper region of the fabricated compacts. This anisotropic pore formation created anisotropic Vickers hardness on the planes with different directions.

Three-point bending of honeycomb sandwich beams with facesheet perforations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Pengbo; Han, Bin; Zhao, Zhongnan; Zhang, Qiancheng; Lu, Tian Jian

2017-12-01

A novel square honeycomb-cored sandwich beam with perforated bottom facesheet is investigated under three-point bending, both analytically and numerically. Perforated square holes in the bottom facesheet are characterized by the area ratio of the hole to intact facesheet (perforation ratio). While for large-scale engineering applications like the decks of cargo vehicles and transportation ships, the perforations are needed to facilitate the fabrication process (e.g., laser welding) as well as service maintenance, it is demonstrated that these perforations, when properly designed, can also enhance the resistance of the sandwich to bending. For illustration, fair comparisons among competing sandwich designs having different perforation ratios but equal mass is achieved by systematically thickening the core webs. Further, the perforated sandwich beam is designed with a relatively thick facesheet to avoid local indention failure so that it mainly fails in two competing modes: (1) bending failure, i.e., yielding of beam cross-section and buckling of top facesheet caused by bending moment; (2) shear failure, i.e., yielding and buckling of core webs due to shear forcing. The sensitivity of the failure loads to the ratio of core height to beam span is also discussed for varying perforation ratios. As the perforation ratio is increased, the load of shear failure increases due to thickening core webs, while that of bending failure decreases due to the weakening bottom facesheet. Design of a sandwich beam with optimal perforation ratio is realized when the two failure loads are equal, leading to significantly enhanced failure load (up to 60% increase) relative to that of a non-perforated sandwich beam with equal mass.

Geochemical data for core and bottom-sediment samples collected in 2007 from Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, northeast Oklahoma

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fey, David L.; Becker, Mark F.; Smith, Kathleen S.

2010-01-01

Grand Lake O' the Cherokees is a large reservoir in northeast Oklahoma, below the confluence of the Neosho and Spring Rivers, both of which drain the Tri-State Mining District to the north. The Tri-State district covers an area of 1,200 mi2 (3,100 km2) and comprises Mississippi Valley-type lead-zinc deposits. A result of 120 years of mining activity is an estimated 75 million tons of processed mine tailings (chat) remaining in the district. Concerns of sediment quality and the possibility of human exposure to cadmium and lead through eating fish have led to several studies of the sediments in the Tri-State district. In order to record the transport and deposition of metals from the Tri-State district by the Spring and Neosho Rivers into Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, the U.S. Geological Survey collected 11 sediment cores and 15 bottom-sediment samples in September 2007. Subsamples from five selected cores and the bottom-sediment samples were analyzed for major and trace elements and forms of carbon. The sediment samples collected from the sediment-water interface had larger average concentrations of zinc, cadmium, and lead than local background. The core collected from the Spring River had the largest concentrations of mining-related elements. A core collected just south of Twin Bridges State Park, at the confluence of the Spring and Neosho Rivers, showed a mixing zone with more mining-related elements coming from the Spring River side. The element zinc showed the most definitive patterns in graphs depicting concentration-versus-depth profiles. A core collected from the main body of the reservoir showed affected sediment down to a depth of 85 cm (33 in). This core and two others appear to have penetrated to below mining-affected sediment.

A Multi-proxy Approach to Understanding the Diagenesis of Carbonates in Pennsylvanian Mudrocks in the Midland Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reis, A.; McGlue, M. M.; Waite, L.; Erhardt, A. M.

2017-12-01

Diagenetic processes influenced by changing climate, eustatic fluctuations, and porewater evolution led to the formation and alteration of carbonate layers in the Pennsylvanian Wolfcamp D Formation of the Midland Basin. Preliminary evidence from bulk geochemistry, oxygen and carbon stable isotopes, and petrographic analysis of the carbonates recovered from two drill cores indicate multiple generations of diagenesis. High Mg calcite and dolomite layers predominantly occur in the fine grained intervals of both cores. Whereas there are less carbonate layers in the central basin core, more of the layers underwent diagenesis compared to the carbonates in the southern core. δ13CPDB values ranging from -6‰ to -4‰ and the presence of framboidal pyrite indicate initial dolomite precipitation occurring in the zone of bacterial sulfate reduction. Later stages alteration occurred following the burial diagenesis of clay, releasing Mg2+ and Fe2+ into the pore waters allowing ferroan dolomite rims to precipitate on the precursor iron-poor dolomite rhombs. δ13CPDB and δ18OPDBvalues from altered beds in the southern core show a positive 4-6‰ offset from the central basin beds. Petrographic analysis of the carbonate intervals shows a larger allochem size, and lower pyrite abundance in the southern core. These differences can be associated with a shorter source-to-sink distance and less frequent bottom water anoxia, leading to reduced rates of sulfate reduction. One possibility we will explore is if increased circulation due to the proximity of the southern core to the Sheffield Channel could stabilize the bottom water conditions in this region of the basin. In addition to dolomite precipitation and replacement, scanning electron microscopy reveals the replacement of silica cements by calcite, suggesting an increase in porewater pH during or following sulfate reduction coinciding with pyrite formation. Changing bottom water chemistry tied to fluctuations in sea-level through time led to porewater conditions favorable to several generations of post-depositional diagenesis.

Station Blackout Analysis of HTGR-Type Experimental Power Reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syarip; Zuhdi, Aliq; Falah, Sabilul

2018-01-01

The National Nuclear Energy Agency of Indonesia has decided to build an experimental power reactor of high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) type located at Puspiptek Complex. The purpose of this project is to demonstrate a small modular nuclear power plant that can be operated safely. One of the reactor safety characteristics is the reliability of the reactor to the station blackout (SBO) event. The event was observed due to relatively high disturbance frequency of electricity network in Indonesia. The PCTRAN-HTR functional simulator code was used to observe fuel and coolant temperature, and coolant pressure during the SBO event. The reactor simulated at 10 MW for 7200 s then the SBO occurred for 1-3 minutes. The analysis result shows that the reactor power decreases automatically as the temperature increase during SBO accident without operator’s active action. The fuel temperature increased by 36.57 °C every minute during SBO and the power decreased by 0.069 MW every °C fuel temperature rise at the condition of anticipated transient without reactor scram. Whilst, the maximum coolant (helium) temperature and pressure are 1004 °C and 9.2 MPa respectively. The maximum fuel temperature is 1282 °C, this value still far below the fuel temperature limiting condition i.e. 1600 °C, its mean that the HTGR has a very good inherent safety system.

Quenching behavior of molten pool with different strategies – A review

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shrikant,, E-mail: 2014rmt9018@mnit.ac.in; Pandel, U.; Duchaniya, R. K.

After the major severe accident in nuclear reactor, there has been lot of concerns regarding long term core melt stabilization following a severe accident in nuclear reactors. Numerous strategies have been though for quenching and stabilization of core melt like top flooding, bottom flooding, indirect cooling, etc. However, the effectiveness of these schemes is yet to be determined properly, for which, lot of experiments are needed. Several experiments have been performed for coolability of melt pool under bottom flooding as well as for indirect cooling. Besides these tests are very scattered because they involve different simulants material initial temperatures andmore » masses of melt, which makes it very complex to judge the effectiveness of a particular technique and advantage over the other. In this review paper, a study has been carried on different cooling techniques of simulant materials with same mass. Three techniques have been compared here and the results are discussed. Under top flooding technique it took several hours to cool the melt under without decay heat condition. In bottom flooding technique was found to be the best technique among in indirect cooling technique, top flooded technique, and bottom flooded technique.« less

Consolidated fuel reprocessing program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1985-02-01

Improved processes and components for the Breeder Reprocessing Engineering Test (BRET) were identified and developed as well as the design, procurement and development of prototypic equipment. The integrated testing of process equipment and flowsheets prototypical of a pilot scale full reprocessing plant, and also for testing prototypical remote features of specific complex components in the system are provided. Information to guide the long range activities of the Consolidated Fuel Reprocessing Program (CERP), a focal point for foreign exchange activities, and support in specialized technical areas are described. Research and development activities in HTGR fuel treatment technology are being conducted. Head-end process and laboratory scale development efforts, as well as studies specific to HTGR fuel, are reported. The development of off-gas treatment processes has generic application to fuel reprocessing, progress in this work is also reported.

The formation of the doubly stable stratification in the Mediterranean Outflow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bormans, M.; Turner, J. S.

1990-11-01

The Mediterranean Outflow as it exits from the Strait of Gibraltar can be seen as a gravity current flowing down the slope and mixing with Atlantic Water until it reaches its own density level. Typical salinity and temperature profiles through the core region of a Meddy show that the bottom of the core is colder and saltier than the top, leading to a stably stratified core with respect to double-diffusive processes. The bottom of the core is also more enriched with Mediterranean Water than the top, and this behaviour can be explained by a reduced mixing of the source water with the environment close to the rigid bottom. Although the mechanism involved is different from the actual case, we have successfully produced these doubly stable gradient in some laboratory experiments which incorporate the "filling-box" mechanism. Salt and sugar were used as laboratory analogues of temperature and salt, respectively. The laboratory experiments consisted of supplying a dense input fluid at the surface of a linearly salt stratified environment. We suggest that req, the ratio of the initial volume flux at the source to the volume flux at the equilibrium level, is an important parameter, and that in our experiments this must be in general smaller than 0.1 in order to produce a doubly stable region of salt and sugar. The most relevant experiments had a mixed sugar/salt input which is the analogue of the Mediterranean Outflow as it mixes with Atlantic Water outside the Strait of Gibraltar.

Polar-Core Spin Vortex of Quasi-2D Spin-2 Condensate in a Flat-Bottomed Optical Trap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Gong-Ping; Chang, Gao-Zhan; Li, Pin; Li, Ting

2017-10-01

Motivated by the recent experiments realized in a flat-bottomed optical trap [Science 347 (2015) 167; Nat. Commun. 6 (2015) 6162], we study the ground state of polar-core spin vortex of quasi-2D spin-2 condensate in a homogeneous trap plus a weak magnetic field. The exact spatial distribution of local spin is obtained and the vortex core are observed to decrease with the growth of the effective spin-spin interaction. For the larger effective spin-spin interaction, the spatial distribution of spin magnitude in spin-2 condensate we obtained agrees well with that of spin-1 condensate in a homogeneous trap, where a polar-core spin vortex was schematically demonstrated as a fully-magnetized planar spin texture with a zero-spin core. The effective spin-spin interaction is proportional to both the bare spin-spin interaction and the radius of the homogeneous trap, simultaneously. Thus the polar-core spin vortex we obtained can be easily controlled by the radius of the trap. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No. 11274095, the Key Scientific Research Project of Henan Province of China under Grant No. 16A140011, and the High Performance Computing Center of Henan Normal University

Polar-core spin vortex of quasi-2D ferromagnetic spin-1 condensate in a flat-bottomed optical trap with a weak magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Gong-Ping; Li, Pin; Li, Ting; Xue, Ya-Jie

2018-02-01

Motivated by the recent experiments realized in a flat-bottomed optical trap (Navon et al., 2015; Chomaz et al., 2015), we study the ground state of polar-core spin vortex of quasi-2D ferromagnetic spin-1 condensate in a finite-size homogeneous trap with a weak magnetic field. The exact spatial distribution of local spin is obtained with a variational method. Unlike the fully-magnetized planar spin texture with a zero-spin core, which was schematically demonstrated in previous studies for the ideal polar-core spin vortex in a homogeneous trap with infinitely large boundary, some plateaus and two-cores structure emerge in the distribution curves of spin magnitude in the polar-core spin vortex we obtained for the larger effective spin-dependent interaction. More importantly, the spin values of the plateaus are not 1 as expected in the fully-magnetized spin texture, except for the sufficiently large spin-dependent interaction and the weak-magnetic-field limit. We attribute the decrease of spin value to the effect of finite size of the system. The spin values of the plateaus can be controlled by the quadratic Zeeman energy q of the weak magnetic field, which decreases with the increase of q.

Identifying water-quality trends in the Trinity River, Texas, USA, 1969-1992, using sediment cores from Lake Livingston

USGS Publications Warehouse

Van Metre, P.C.; Callender, E.

1996-01-01

Chemical analyses were done on cores of bottom sediment from three locations in Lake Livingston, a reservoir on the Trinity River in east Texas to identify trends in water quality in the Trinity River using the chemical record preserved in bottom sediments trapped by the reservoir. Sediment cores spanned the period from 1969, when the reservoir was impounded, to 1992, when the cores were collected. Chemical concentrations in reservoir sediment samples were compared to concentrations for 14 streambed sediment samples from the Trinity River Basin and to reported concentrations for soils in the eastern United States and shale. These comparisons indicate that sediments deposited in Lake Livingston are representative of the environmental setting of Lake Livingston within the Trinity River Basin. Vertical changes in concentrations within sediment cores indicate temporal trends of decreasing concentrations of lead, sodium, barium, and total DDT (DDT plus its metabolites DDD and DDE) in the Trinity River. Possible increasing temporal trends are indicated for chlordane and dieldrin. Each sediment-derived trend is related to trends in water quality in the Trinity River or known changes in environmental factors in its drainage basin or both.

The vertical distribution of selected trace metals and organic compounds in bottom materials of the proposed lower Columbia River export channel, Oregon, 1984

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fuhrer, Gregory J.; Horowitz, Arthur J.

1989-01-01

A proposal to deepen the lower Columbia River navigation channel in Oregon prompted a study of the vertical distribution of selected trace metals and organic compounds in bottom sediments. These data are needed to evaluate the effects of dredging and disposal operations. Elutriation testing of bottom material indicated chemical concentrations as large as 900 ug/L for barium, 6,500 ug/L for manganese, and 14 ug/L for nickel. The amount of oxygen present during elutriation testing of reduced bottom material was shown to have a negligble effect on manganese elutriate-test concentrations, but it did affect barium and iron concentrations. Sediment-associated organochlorine compounds detected in bottom-sediment core samples were as large as 0.1 ug/kg (micrograms/kilogram) for aldrin, 2.0 ug/kg for chlordane, 27 ug/kg for DDD, 5.0 ug/kg for DDE, 0.2 ug/kg for DDT, 0.2 ug/kg for dieldrin, 37 ug/kg for PCB 's 1.0 ug/kg for PCN 's and 1.0 ug/kg for heptachlor epoxide. Concentrations of cadmium, lead, and zinc in selected cores were found to exceed those of local basalts. Concentrations of cadmium, lead, and zinc were as large as 3.6 ug/g, 26 ug/g, and 210 ug/g respectively. Bottom-sediment concentrations of cadmium , chromium, copper, iron, and zinc associated with the less-than-100-micrometer size fraction are larger than those associated with the greater-than-100-micrometer fraction. (USGS)

Multiproxy Study of a Holocene Record From Western Pescadero Basin, Gulf of California, Mexico: Paleoclimatic inferences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perez-Cruz, L. L.; Valdez, M.; Roy, P. D.

2013-12-01

A sedimentary sequence (gravity core T-56, 256 cm length) from Pescadero Basin on the western side of the Gulf of California is analyzed as part of a multiproxy study. The core was collected within the Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ) at 597 m depth, aboard of the R/V "El Puma". Pescadero basin is located at mouth of the gulf; in a location sensitive to record the changes in the gulf and the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The sedimentary sequence is analyzed to contribute to understanding the climatic variability in the southern part of the gulf of California during the Holocene using geochemistry (major and trace elements and Corg), magnetic properties and benthic foraminifera assemblages as proxy of changes in paleoproductivity, paleoprecipitation and bottom water oxygenation. The core is characterized by silty-clay sediments, and exhibits a turbidite between 130 and 235 cm, distinguished by sandy sediments and reworking material. From 130 cm to the top it shows a visible laminated structure. Chronology is based on six AMS radiocarbon dates, and estimated sedimentation rates are 0.22, 0.18, 0.17 and 0.05 mm/yr. The core covers c. last 10,500 years. Variations in major and trace elements (Ti, K, Al, K, Zr) and magnetic susceptibility indicate fluctuations in terrigenous input related to changes in hydrological conditions, Benthic foraminifera assemblages and Corg along the sequence indicate that Pescadero basin is sensitive to paleoceanographic changes. Corg and benthic foraminiferal assemblages show downcore variations related to paleoproductivity changes. For the Early Holocene, low values of Corg and epifaunal benthic foraminifera suggest oxic conditions in bottom waters and strong stratification with low productivity. Organic carbon shows higher values towards the bottom of the core, for the last 1300 years.

Gas-cooled nuclear reactor

DOEpatents

Peinado, Charles O.; Koutz, Stanley L.

1985-01-01

A gas-cooled nuclear reactor includes a central core located in the lower portion of a prestressed concrete reactor vessel. Primary coolant gas flows upward through the core and into four overlying heat-exchangers wherein stream is generated. During normal operation, the return flow of coolant is between the core and the vessel sidewall to a pair of motor-driven circulators located at about the bottom of the concrete pressure vessel. The circulators repressurize the gas coolant and return it back to the core through passageways in the underlying core structure. If during emergency conditions the primary circulators are no longer functioning, the decay heat is effectively removed from the core by means of natural convection circulation. The hot gas rising through the core exits the top of the shroud of the heat-exchangers and flows radially outward to the sidewall of the concrete pressure vessel. A metal liner covers the entire inside concrete surfaces of the concrete pressure vessel, and cooling tubes are welded to the exterior or concrete side of the metal liner. The gas coolant is in direct contact with the interior surface of the metal liner and transfers its heat through the metal liner to the liquid coolant flowing through the cooling tubes. The cooler gas is more dense and creates a downward convection flow in the region between the core and the sidewall until it reaches the bottom of the concrete pressure vessel when it flows radially inward and up into the core for another pass. Water is forced to flow through the cooling tubes to absorb heat from the core at a sufficient rate to remove enough of the decay heat created in the core to prevent overheating of the core or the vessel.

SPOUTED BED DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR COATED NUCLEAR FUEL PARTICLES

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Marshall, Douglas W.

High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactors (HTGRs) are fueled with tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coated nuclear fuel particles embedded in a carbon-graphite fuel body. TRISO coatings consist of four layers of pyrolytic carbon and silicon carbide that are deposited on uranium ceramic fuel kernels (350µm – 500µm diameters) in a concatenated series of batch depositions. Each layer has dedicated functions such that the finished fuel particle has its own integral containment to minimize and control the release of fission products into the fuel body and reactor core. The TRISO coatings are the primary containment structure in the HTGR reactor and must havemore » very high uniformity and integrity. To ensure high quality TRISO coatings, the four layers are deposited by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using high purity precursors and are applied in a concatenated succession of batch operations before the finished product is unloaded from the coating furnace. These depositions take place at temperatures ranging from 1230°C to 1550°C and use three different gas compositions, while the fuel particle diameters double, their density drops from 11.1 g/cm3 to 3.0 g/cm3, and the bed volume increases more than 8-fold. All this is accomplished without the aid of sight ports or internal instrumentation that could cause chemical contamination within the layers or mechanical damage to thin layers in the early stages of each layer deposition. The converging section of the furnace retort was specifically designed to prevent bed stagnation that would lead to unacceptably high defect fractions and facilitate bed circulation to avoid large variability in coating layer dimensions and properties. The gas injection nozzle was designed to protect precursor gases from becoming overheated prior to injection, to induce bed spouting and preclude bed stagnation in the bottom of the retort. Furthermore, the retort and injection nozzle designs minimize buildup of pyrocarbon and silicon carbide on the retort wall and manage nozzle orifice accretions. The equipment and operating methods have yielded very good reproducibility in the TRISO coated particles batches.« less

Integrating Nuclear Energy to Oilfield Operations – Two Case Studies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Eric P. Robertson; Lee O. Nelson; Michael G. McKellar

2011-11-01

Fossil fuel resources that require large energy inputs for extraction, such as the Canadian oil sands and the Green River oil shale resource in the western USA, could benefit from the use of nuclear power instead of power generated by natural gas combustion. This paper discusses the technical and economic aspects of integrating nuclear energy with oil sands operations and the development of oil shale resources. A high temperature gas reactor (HTGR) that produces heat in the form of high pressure steam (no electricity production) was selected as the nuclear power source for both fossil fuel resources. Both cases weremore » based on 50,000 bbl/day output. The oil sands case was a steam-assisted, gravity-drainage (SAGD) operation located in the Canadian oil sands belt. The oil shale development was an in-situ oil shale retorting operation located in western Colorado, USA. The technical feasibility of the integrating nuclear power was assessed. The economic feasibility of each case was evaluated using a discounted cash flow, rate of return analysis. Integrating an HTGR to both the SAGD oil sands operation and the oil shale development was found to be technically feasible for both cases. In the oil sands case, integrating an HTGR eliminated natural gas combustion and associated CO2 emissions, although there were still some emissions associated with imported electrical power. In the in situ oil shale case, integrating an HTGR reduced CO2 emissions by 88% and increased natural gas production by 100%. Economic viabilities of both nuclear integrated cases were poorer than the non-nuclear-integrated cases when CO2 emissions were not taxed. However, taxing the CO2 emissions had a significant effect on the economics of the non-nuclear base cases, bringing them in line with the economics of the nuclear-integrated cases. As we move toward limiting CO2 emissions, integrating non-CO2-emitting energy sources to the development of energy-intense fossil fuel resources is becoming increasingly important. This paper attempts to reduce the barriers that have traditionally separated fossil fuel development and application of nuclear power and to promote serious discussion of ideas about hybrid energy systems.« less

Living (Rose-Bengal-stained) benthic foraminiferal faunas along a strong bottom-water oxygen gradient on the Indian margin (Arabian Sea)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caulle, C.; Mojtahid, M.; Gooday, A. J.; Jorissen, F. J.; Kitazato, H.

2015-08-01

Rose-Bengal-stained foraminiferal assemblages (> 150 μm) were analysed along a five-station bathymetric transect across the core and the lower part of the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) on the Indian margin of the Arabian Sea. Sediment cores were collected using the manned submersible Shinkai 6500 during the RV Yokosuka cruise YK08-11 in the post-monsoon season (October 2008) at water depths ranging from 535 to 2000 m, along a gradient from almost anoxic to well-oxygenated (0.3 to 108 μM) bottom waters. Stained benthic foraminifera were investigated from two different size fractions (150-300 μm and > 300 μm). Stained foraminiferal densities were very high in the core of the OMZ (at 535 and 649 m) and decreased at deeper sites. The faunas (> 150 μm) were dominated (40-80 %) by non-calcareous taxa at all stations. These were mainly species of Reophax and Lagenammina but also included delicate monothalamous taxa (organic-walled "allogromiids", agglutinated saccamminids, psammosphaerids and tubular forms). These new data from the Indian margin are compared to previous studies from the Murray Ridge, the Pakistan margin and the Oman margin. The fact that similar species were found at sites with comparable bottom-water oxygen concentrations but with very different surface water productivity suggests that, within the strongly developed Arabian Sea OMZ, bottom-water oxygen concentration, and not the organic flux to the sea floor, is the main factor controlling the species composition of the foraminiferal communities. Several foraminiferal species (e.g. Praeglobobulimina sp. 1, Ammodiscus sp. 1, Bolivina aff. dilatata) were confined to the core of the OMZ. These species are presently known only from the Arabian Sea. Because of their association with extremely low oxygen concentrations, these species may be good markers for very low oxygen concentrations, and could be used to reconstruct past OMZ variability in the Arabian Sea.

Rational growth of branched nanowire heterostructures with synthetically encoded properties and function

PubMed Central

Jiang, Xiaocheng; Tian, Bozhi; Xiang, Jie; Qian, Fang; Zheng, Gengfeng; Wang, Hongtao; Mai, Liqiang; Lieber, Charles M.

2011-01-01

Branched nanostructures represent unique, 3D building blocks for the “bottom-up” paradigm of nanoscale science and technology. Here, we report a rational, multistep approach toward the general synthesis of 3D branched nanowire (NW) heterostructures. Single-crystalline semiconductor, including groups IV, III–V, and II–VI, and metal branches have been selectively grown on core or core/shell NW backbones, with the composition, morphology, and doping of core (core/shell) NWs and branch NWs well controlled during synthesis. Measurements made on the different composition branched NW structures demonstrate encoding of functional p-type/n-type diodes and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as well as field effect transistors with device function localized at the branch/backbone NW junctions. In addition, multibranch/backbone NW structures were synthesized and used to demonstrate capability to create addressable nanoscale LED arrays, logic circuits, and biological sensors. Our work demonstrates a previously undescribed level of structural and functional complexity in NW materials, and more generally, highlights the potential of bottom-up synthesis to yield increasingly complex functional systems in the future. PMID:21730174

Comparing springtime ice-algal chlorophyll a and physical properties of multi-year and first-year sea ice from the Lincoln Sea.

PubMed

Lange, Benjamin A; Michel, Christine; Beckers, Justin F; Casey, J Alec; Flores, Hauke; Hatam, Ido; Meisterhans, Guillaume; Niemi, Andrea; Haas, Christian

2015-01-01

With near-complete replacement of Arctic multi-year ice (MYI) by first-year ice (FYI) predicted to occur within this century, it remains uncertain how the loss of MYI will impact the abundance and distribution of sea ice associated algae. In this study we compare the chlorophyll a (chl a) concentrations and physical properties of MYI and FYI from the Lincoln Sea during 3 spring seasons (2010-2012). Cores were analysed for texture, salinity, and chl a. We identified annual growth layers for 7 of 11 MYI cores and found no significant differences in chl a concentration between the bottom first-year-ice portions of MYI, upper old-ice portions of MYI, and FYI cores. Overall, the maximum chl a concentrations were observed at the bottom of young FYI. However, there were no significant differences in chl a concentrations between MYI and FYI. This suggests little or no change in algal biomass with a shift from MYI to FYI and that the spatial extent and regional variability of refrozen leads and younger FYI will likely be key factors governing future changes in Arctic sea ice algal biomass. Bottom-integrated chl a concentrations showed negative logistic relationships with snow depth and bulk (snow plus ice) integrated extinction coefficients; indicating a strong influence of snow cover in controlling bottom ice algal biomass. The maximum bottom MYI chl a concentration was observed in a hummock, representing the thickest ice with lowest snow depth of this study. Hence, in this and other studies MYI chl a biomass may be under-estimated due to an under-representation of thick MYI (e.g., hummocks), which typically have a relatively thin snowpack allowing for increased light transmission. Therefore, we suggest the on-going loss of MYI in the Arctic Ocean may have a larger impact on ice-associated production than generally assumed.

Comparing Springtime Ice-Algal Chlorophyll a and Physical Properties of Multi-Year and First-Year Sea Ice from the Lincoln Sea

PubMed Central

Lange, Benjamin A.; Michel, Christine; Beckers, Justin F.; Casey, J. Alec; Flores, Hauke; Hatam, Ido; Meisterhans, Guillaume; Niemi, Andrea; Haas, Christian

2015-01-01

With near-complete replacement of Arctic multi-year ice (MYI) by first-year ice (FYI) predicted to occur within this century, it remains uncertain how the loss of MYI will impact the abundance and distribution of sea ice associated algae. In this study we compare the chlorophyll a (chl a) concentrations and physical properties of MYI and FYI from the Lincoln Sea during 3 spring seasons (2010-2012). Cores were analysed for texture, salinity, and chl a. We identified annual growth layers for 7 of 11 MYI cores and found no significant differences in chl a concentration between the bottom first-year-ice portions of MYI, upper old-ice portions of MYI, and FYI cores. Overall, the maximum chl a concentrations were observed at the bottom of young FYI. However, there were no significant differences in chl a concentrations between MYI and FYI. This suggests little or no change in algal biomass with a shift from MYI to FYI and that the spatial extent and regional variability of refrozen leads and younger FYI will likely be key factors governing future changes in Arctic sea ice algal biomass. Bottom-integrated chl a concentrations showed negative logistic relationships with snow depth and bulk (snow plus ice) integrated extinction coefficients; indicating a strong influence of snow cover in controlling bottom ice algal biomass. The maximum bottom MYI chl a concentration was observed in a hummock, representing the thickest ice with lowest snow depth of this study. Hence, in this and other studies MYI chl a biomass may be under-estimated due to an under-representation of thick MYI (e.g., hummocks), which typically have a relatively thin snowpack allowing for increased light transmission. Therefore, we suggest the on-going loss of MYI in the Arctic Ocean may have a larger impact on ice–associated production than generally assumed. PMID:25901605

The Late Pleistocene Contourites on Ceara Rise: Stratigraphy, Sedimentology and Paleoceanography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivanova, E. V.; Murdmaa, I.; Borisov, D.; Seitkalieva, E.; Ovsepyan, E.

2016-12-01

The study of sediment cores obtained during the cruises 35 (2012) and 50 (2015) of RV Akademic Ioffe from the Ceara Rise in the western tropical Atlantic strongly supports a significant influence of bottom (contour) currents on the Late Quaternary sedimentation. Seismic evidence of contourites in the study area (migrating contourite sediment waves, furrows) was previously described by Kumar and Embley (1977) and Curry et al. (1995). Widespread distribution of seismic waves on the rise and adjacent areas was suggested by Murdmaa et al (2014) based on the results of high-resolution seismic profiling with SES-2000 deep (4-5 kHz) in 2012. Our sediment cores recovered intercalation of bioturbated clays and silty clays with thin linear or wavy sand and silt layers and lenses implying strong bottom current control on sedimentation. The stratigraphic frame of the reference core AI-3426 retrieved near the summit of the Ceara Rise, at the water depth of 3046 m is based on the foraminiferal (Globorotalia menardii zones), oxygen isotope and AMS-14C data. The core recovered sediments of the last 140 ka with very rich and well-preserved tropical planktic foraminiferal assemblages. G. menardii is common within MIS 1 and 5 and is almost absent in MIS 2-4 and upper MIS 6. The abundance of benthic foraminifers is rather low. However, dominance of Globocassidulina subglobosa in benthic assemblages likely indicates a moderate bottom-current activity on the Ceara Rise during the last glacial. The other 4-5m long sediment cores collected along the seismic profile from the northern and southern slopes demonstrate the similar contourite sedimentological features and insignificant reworking of the Neogene foraminiferal species as inferred from the core AI-3426 along with the significant variations in foraminiferal preservation during the Pleistocene. The study is supported by the projects RSF 14-50-00095, RFBR 14-05-00744 and RFBR 16-35-60111, and Program I3P by RAS.

Transient experiments with thermite melts for a core catcher concept based on water addition from below

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tromm, W.; Alsmeyer, H.

1995-09-01

A core catcher concept is proposed to be integrated into a new pressurized water reactor. The core catcher achieves coolability by spreading and fragmentation of the ex-vessel core melt based on a process of water inlet from the bottom through the melt. By highly effective heat removal that uses evaporating water in direct contact with the fragmented melt, the corium melt would solidify in a short time period, and long-term cooling could be maintained by continuous water evaporation from the flooded porous or fragmented corium bed. The key process for obtaining coolability is the coupling of the three effects: (a)more » water ingression from below and its evaporation, (b) break up and fragmentation of the corium layer, and (c) heat transfer and solidification of the let. These mechanisms are investigated in transient medium-scale experiments with thermite melts. The experimental setup represents a section of the proposed core catcher design. A thermite melt is located on the core catcher plate with a passive water supply from the bottom. After generation of the melt, the upper sacrificial layer is eroded until water penetrates into the melt for the bottom through plugs in the supporting plate. Fragmentation and fast solidification of the melt are observed, and long-term heat removal is guaranteed by the coolant water flooding the porous melt. Water inflow is sufficient to safely remove the decay heat in a comparable corium layer. The open porosity is created by the vapor streaming through the melt during the solidification process. Fracture of the solid by thermomechanical stresses is not observed. The experiments in their current stage show the principal feasibility of the proposed cooling concept and are used to prepare large-scale experiments to be performed in the modified BETA facility with sustained heating of the melt.« less

Lunar soil evolution processes and Apollo 16 core 60013/60014

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basu, A.; McKay, D. S.

1995-03-01

Soils of the 62-cm deep Apollo 16 double drive tube 60013/14 are mature at the top and submature at the bottom. Modal analyses of 5529 grains from the 90-150 um and the 500-1000 m fractions from 12 levels of the core show that, in general, agglutinate abundance increases somewhat monotonically to the top and mimics the Is/FeO profile. There is a general decrease in the modal abundance of monomineralic fragments towards the top, suggesting that agglutinates were formed in part at the expense of monomineralic grains, especially feldspars, which are by far the most abundant mineral in these soils. In detail, the top 27 cm of the core differs from the bottom 21 cm, and the middle 14 cm is intermediate in its properties. In the upper segment, variations in the abundances of feldspars correspond with those of feldspathic fragmental breccias and cataclastic anorthosites; in the bottom segment, a similar but weak correspondence between feldspars and crystalline matrix breccias is observed. Mixing of the comminuted products of these three rock types likely produced the bulk of the core material. Many single feldspars in all size fractions are remarkably fresh, show no damage from shock, and are similar in appearance to the large feldspars in anorthosites and feldspathic fragmental breccias, which we consider to be the primary sources of single feldspars in this core. Major (Na, Al, Si, K, Ca) and minor (Fe, Ba) element analyses of 198 single feldspar grains indicate the presence of only one population of feldspars, which is consistent with our interpretation of feldspar provenance. Classification of 890 monomineralic feldspar, olivine, pyroxene, and glass spherules on the basis of the presence or absence of thin brownish coating related to reworking at the surface-shows that coated grains are much more abundant in the top segment than in the bottom segment. A comparison with the mixing and maturation model (McKay et al., 1977) of soils in the core 60009/10, some 60 m away from 60013/14, shows that mixtures of an immature, nearly pure plagioclase soil (dominant in 60009/10) and another immature, crystalline breccia-rich soil (dominant in 60013/14) may have matured through in situ reworking to produce the soils under investigation. We conclude that the soils in this core are products of mixing along soil evolution Path 2 of McKay et al. (1974). Superimposed on that soil column is the reworking of the upper part, which has evolved more recently along Path 1. This core thus represents a consanguineous column of the lunar regolith with an upper reworked segment.

Lunar soil evolution processes and Apollo 16 core 60013/60014

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Basu, A.; McKay, D. S.

1995-01-01

Soils of the 62-cm deep Apollo 16 double drive tube 60013/14 are mature at the top and submature at the bottom. Modal analyses of 5529 grains from the 90-150 micrometers and the 500-1000 micrometers fractions from 12 levels of the core show that, in general, agglutinate abundance increases somewhat monotonically to the top and mimics the Is/FeO profile. There is a general decrease in the modal abundance of monomineralic fragments towards the top, suggesting that agglutinates were formed in part at the expense of monomineralic grains, especially feldspars, which are by far the most abundant mineral in these soils. In detail, the top 27 cm of the core differs from the bottom 21 cm, and the middle 14 cm is intermediate in its properties. In the upper segment, variations in the abundances of feldspars correspond with those of feldspathic fragmental breccias and cataclastic anorthosites; in the bottom segment, a similar but weak correspondence between feldspars and crystalline matrix breccias is observed. Mixing of the comminuted products of these three rock types likely produced the bulk of the core material. Many single feldspars in all size fractions are remarkably fresh, show no damage from shock, and are similar in appearance to the large feldspars in anorthosites and feldspathic fragmental breccias, which we consider to be the primary sources of single feldspars in this core. Major (Na, Al, Si, K, Ca) and minor (Fe, Ba) element analyses of 198 single feldspar grains indicate the presence of only one population of feldspars, which is consistent with our interpretation of feldspar provenance. Classification of 890 monomineralic feldspar, olivine, pyroxene, and glass spherules on the basis of the presence or absence of thin brownish coating--related to reworking at the surface--shows that coated grains are much more abundant in the top segment than in the bottom segment. A comparison with the mixing and maturation model (McKay et al., 1977) of soils in the core 60009/10, some 60 m away from 60013/14, shows that mixtures of an immature, nearly pure plagioclase soil (dominant in 60009/10) and another immature, crystalline breccia-rich soil (dominant in 60013/14) may have matured through in situ reworking to produce the soils under investigation. We conclude that the soils in this core are products of mixing along soil evolution Path 2 of McKay et al. (1974). Superimposed on that soil column is the reworking of the upper part, which has evolved more recently along Path 1. This core thus represents a consanguineous column of the lunar regolith with an upper reworked segment.

Lunar soil evolution processes and Apollo 16 core 60013/60014.

PubMed

Basu, A; McKay, D S

1995-03-01

Soils of the 62-cm deep Apollo 16 double drive tube 60013/14 are mature at the top and submature at the bottom. Modal analyses of 5529 grains from the 90-150 micrometers and the 500-1000 micrometers fractions from 12 levels of the core show that, in general, agglutinate abundance increases somewhat monotonically to the top and mimics the Is/FeO profile. There is a general decrease in the modal abundance of monomineralic fragments towards the top, suggesting that agglutinates were formed in part at the expense of monomineralic grains, especially feldspars, which are by far the most abundant mineral in these soils. In detail, the top 27 cm of the core differs from the bottom 21 cm, and the middle 14 cm is intermediate in its properties. In the upper segment, variations in the abundances of feldspars correspond with those of feldspathic fragmental breccias and cataclastic anorthosites; in the bottom segment, a similar but weak correspondence between feldspars and crystalline matrix breccias is observed. Mixing of the comminuted products of these three rock types likely produced the bulk of the core material. Many single feldspars in all size fractions are remarkably fresh, show no damage from shock, and are similar in appearance to the large feldspars in anorthosites and feldspathic fragmental breccias, which we consider to be the primary sources of single feldspars in this core. Major (Na, Al, Si, K, Ca) and minor (Fe, Ba) element analyses of 198 single feldspar grains indicate the presence of only one population of feldspars, which is consistent with our interpretation of feldspar provenance. Classification of 890 monomineralic feldspar, olivine, pyroxene, and glass spherules on the basis of the presence or absence of thin brownish coating--related to reworking at the surface--shows that coated grains are much more abundant in the top segment than in the bottom segment. A comparison with the mixing and maturation model (McKay et al., 1977) of soils in the core 60009/10, some 60 m away from 60013/14, shows that mixtures of an immature, nearly pure plagioclase soil (dominant in 60009/10) and another immature, crystalline breccia-rich soil (dominant in 60013/14) may have matured through in situ reworking to produce the soils under investigation. We conclude that the soils in this core are products of mixing along soil evolution Path 2 of McKay et al. (1974). Superimposed on that soil column is the reworking of the upper part, which has evolved more recently along Path 1. This core thus represents a consanguineous column of the lunar regolith with an upper reworked segment.

Fission product palladium-silicon carbide interaction in htgr fuel particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minato, Kazuo; Ogawa, Toru; Kashimura, Satoru; Fukuda, Kousaku; Shimizu, Michio; Tayama, Yoshinobu; Takahashi, Ishio

1990-07-01

Interaction of fission product palladium (Pd) with the silicon carbide (SiC) layer was observed in irradiated Triso-coated uranium dioxide particles for high temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGR) with an optical microscope and electron probe microanalyzers. The SiC layers were attacked locally or the reaction product formed nodules at the attack site. Although the main element concerned with the reaction was palladium, rhodium and ruthenium were also detected at the corroded areas in some particles. Palladium was detected on both the hot and cold sides of the particles, but the corroded areas and the palladium accumulations were distributed particularly on the cold side of the particles. The observed Pd-SiC reaction depths were analyzed on the assumption that the release of palladium from the fuel kernel controls the whole Pd-SiC reaction.

Energy alternative for industry: the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor steamer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McMain, A.T. Jr.; Blok, F.J.

1978-04-01

Large industrial complexes are faced with new requirements that will lead to a transition from such fluid fuels as natural gas and oil to such solid fuels as coal and uranium for supply of industrial energy. Power plants using these latter fuels will be of moderate size (800 to 1200 MW(thermal)) and will generally have the capability of co-generating electric power and process steam. A study has been made regarding use of the 840-MW(thermal) Fort St. Vrain high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) design for industrial applications. The initial conceptual design (referred to as the HTGR Steamer) is substantially simplified relative tomore » Fort St. Vrain in that outlet helium and steam temperatures are lower and the reheat section is deleted from the steam generators. The Steamer has four independent steam generating loops producing a total of 277 kg/s (2.2 x 10/sup 6/ lb/h) of prime steam at 4.5 MPa/672 K (650 psia/750/sup 0/F). The unit co-generates 46 MW(electric) and provides process steam at 8.31 MPa/762 K(1200 psia/912/sup 0/F). The basic configuration and much of the equipment are retained from the Fort St. Vrain design. The system has inherent safety features important for industrial applications. These and other features indicate that the HTGR Steamer is an industrial energy option deserving additional evaluation. Subsequent work will focus on parallel design optimization and application studies.« less

Uranium extraction from TRISO-coated fuel particles using supercritical CO2 containing tri-n-butyl phosphate.

PubMed

Zhu, Liyang; Duan, Wuhua; Xu, Jingming; Zhu, Yongjun

2012-11-30

High-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) are advanced nuclear systems that will receive heavy use in the future. It is important to develop spent nuclear fuel reprocessing technologies for HTGR. A new method for recovering uranium from tristructural-isotropic (TRISO-) coated fuel particles with supercritical CO(2) containing tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) as a complexing agent was investigated. TRISO-coated fuel particles from HTGR fuel elements were first crushed to expose UO(2) pellet fuel kernels. The crushed TRISO-coated fuel particles were then treated under O(2) stream at 750°C, resulting in a mixture of U(3)O(8) powder and SiC shells. The conversion of U(3)O(8) into solid uranyl nitrate by its reaction with liquid N(2)O(4) in the presence of a small amount of water was carried out. Complete conversion was achieved after 60 min of reaction at 80°C, whereas the SiC shells were not converted by N(2)O(4). Uranyl nitrate in the converted mixture was extracted with supercritical CO(2) containing TBP. The cumulative extraction efficiency was above 98% after 20 min of online extraction at 50°C and 25 MPa, whereas the SiC shells were not extracted by TBP. The results suggest an attractive strategy for reprocessing spent nuclear fuel from HTGR to minimize the generation of secondary radioactive waste. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Wasting Away: Chicago's Declining Core

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kissel, Adam

2009-01-01

The University of Chicago met widespread national opposition ten years ago after it instituted a new, less demanding core curriculum to make way for more electives. It was part of a plan to make the curriculum significantly less demanding in order to attract more students and improve the school's bottom line in a time of putative budget deficits.…

Nanoelectronics from the bottom up.

PubMed

Lu, Wei; Lieber, Charles M

2007-11-01

Electronics obtained through the bottom-up approach of molecular-level control of material composition and structure may lead to devices and fabrication strategies not possible with top-down methods. This review presents a brief summary of bottom-up and hybrid bottom-up/top-down strategies for nanoelectronics with an emphasis on memories based on the crossbar motif. First, we will discuss representative electromechanical and resistance-change memory devices based on carbon nanotube and core-shell nanowire structures, respectively. These device structures show robust switching, promising performance metrics and the potential for terabit-scale density. Second, we will review architectures being developed for circuit-level integration, hybrid crossbar/CMOS circuits and array-based systems, including experimental demonstrations of key concepts such lithography-independent, chemically coded stochastic demultipluxers. Finally, bottom-up fabrication approaches, including the opportunity for assembly of three-dimensional, vertically integrated multifunctional circuits, will be critically discussed.

Structure of a mushy layer under hypergravity with implications for Earth's inner core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huguet, Ludovic; Alboussière, Thierry; Bergman, Michael I.; Deguen, Renaud; Labrosse, Stéphane; Lesœur, Germain

2016-03-01

Crystallization experiments in the dendritic regime have been carried out in hypergravity conditions (from 1 to 1300 g) from an ammonium chloride solution (NH4Cl and H2O). A commercial centrifuge was equipped with a slip ring so that electric power (needed for a Peltier device and a heating element), temperature and ultrasonic signals could be transmitted between the experimental setup and the laboratory. Ultrasound measurements (2-6 MHz) were used to detect the position of the front of the mushy zone and to determine attenuation in the mush. Temperature measurements were used to control a Peltier element extracting heat from the bottom of the setup and to monitor the evolution of crystallization in the mush and in the liquid. A significant increase of solid fraction and attenuation in the mush is observed as gravity is increased. Kinetic undercooling is significant in our experiments and has been included in a macroscopic mush model. The other ingredients of the model are conservation of energy and chemical species, along with heat/species transfer between the mush and the liquid phase: boundary-layer exchanges at the top of the mush and bulk convection within the mush (formation of chimneys). The outputs of the model compare well with our experiments. We have then run the model in a range of parameters suitable for the Earth's inner core. This has shown the role of bulk mush convection for the inner core and the reason why a solid fraction very close to unity should be expected. We have also run melting experiments: after crystallization of a mush, the liquid has been heated from above until the mush started to melt, while the bottom cold temperature was maintained. These melting experiments were motivated by the possible local melting at the inner core boundary that has been invoked to explain the formation of the anomalously slow F-layer at the bottom of the outer core or inner core hemispherical asymmetry. Oddly, the consequences of melting are an increase in solid fraction and a decrease in attenuation. It is hence possible that surface seismic velocity and attenuation of the inner core are strongly affected by melting.

Structure of a mushy layer at the inner core boundary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deguen, R.; Huguet, L.; Bergman, M. I.; Labrosse, S.; Alboussiere, T.

2015-12-01

We present experimental results on the solidification of ammonium chloride from an aqueous solution, yielding a mushy zone, under hyper-gravity. A commercial centrifuge has been equipped with a slip-ring so that electric power, temperature and ultrasonic signals could be transmitted between the experimental setup and the laboratory. A Peltier element provides cooling at the bottom of the cell. Probes monitor the temperature along the height of the cell. Ultrasound measurements (2 to 6 MHz) is used to detect the position of the front of the mushy zone and to determine attenuation in the mush. A significant increase of solid fraction (or decrease of mushy layer thickness) and attenuation in the mush is observed as gravity is increased. Kinetic undercooling is significant in our experiments and has been included in a macroscopic mush model. The other ingredients of the model are conservation of energy and chemical species, along with heat/species transfer between the mush and the liquid phase: boundary-layer exchanges at the top of the mush and bulk convection within the mush (formation of chimneys). The outputs of the model compare well with our experiments. We have then run the model in a range of parameters suitable for the Earth's inner core, which has shown the role of bulk mush convection for the inner core and the reason why a solid fraction very close to unity should be expected. We have also run melting experiments: after crystallization of a mush, the liquid has been heated from above until the mush started to melt, while the bottom cold temperature was maintained. These melting experiments were motivated by the possible local melting at the inner core boundary that has been invoked to explain the formation of the anomalously slow F-layer at the bottom of the outer core or inner core hemispherical asymmetry. Oddly, the consequences of melting are an increase in solid fraction and a decrease in attenuation. It is hence possible that surface seismic velocity and attenuation of the inner core are strongly affected by melting.

Millennial-scale changes of surface and bottom water conditions in the northwestern Pacific during the last deglaciation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Sunghan; Khim, Boo-Keun; Ikehara, Ken; Itaki, Takuya; Shibahara, Akihiko; Yamamoto, Masanobu

2017-07-01

Changes in water column conditions in the northwestern Pacific during the last 23 ka were reconstructed using geochemical and isotope proxies and redox elemental compositions along with published data (alkenone sea surface temperature (SST) and benthic foraminiferal fauna) at core GH02-1030. Surface water primary productivity in terms of biogenic opal and TOC contents, which mainly represented export production of diatom, was closely related to alkenone (spring-summer) SST and the development of spring-summer mixed layer depth. The different variation patterns of nitrate and silicic acid utilization, estimated by bulk δ15N and δ30Sidiatom values, respectively, are most likely due to the water column denitrification influence on bulk δ15N. Dysoxic bottom water conditions occurred during the Bølling-Allerød (BA) and the Pre-Boreal (PB), which was evident by laminated sediments, abundant dysoxic benthic foraminifers, and increased redox elemental compositions. Although surface water productivity increased during the BA and PB, dysoxic bottom water conditions were caused by a combination of enhanced surface water productivity and reduced ventilation of North Pacific Intermediate Water (NPIW) in response to meltwater input from the high latitude areas. Based on records of core GH02-1030 and other cores in the northwestern Pacific, the Okhotsk Sea, and the Bering Sea, which are all proximal to the modern NPIW source region, dissolved oxygen concentrations of bottom water were more depleted during the BA than PB. Such difference was attributed to more sluggish NPIW ventilation due to more meltwater input during the BA than the PB. The opening or closure of the Bering Strait is critical to the direction of meltwater transport to the northwestern Pacific.

Integration of the stratigraphic aspects of very large sea-floor databases using information processing

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jenkins, Clinton N.; Flocks, J.; Kulp, M.; ,

2006-01-01

Information-processing methods are described that integrate the stratigraphic aspects of large and diverse collections of sea-floor sample data. They efficiently convert common types of sea-floor data into database and GIS (geographical information system) tables, visual core logs, stratigraphic fence diagrams and sophisticated stratigraphic statistics. The input data are held in structured documents, essentially written core logs that are particularly efficient to create from raw input datasets. Techniques are described that permit efficient construction of regional databases consisting of hundreds of cores. The sedimentological observations in each core are located by their downhole depths (metres below sea floor - mbsf) and also by a verbal term that describes the sample 'situation' - a special fraction of the sediment or position in the core. The main processing creates a separate output event for each instance of top, bottom and situation, assigning top-base mbsf values from numeric or, where possible, from word-based relative locational information such as 'core catcher' in reference to sampler device, and recovery or penetration length. The processing outputs represent the sub-bottom as a sparse matrix of over 20 sediment properties of interest, such as grain size, porosity and colour. They can be plotted in a range of core-log programs including an in-built facility that better suits the requirements of sea-floor data. Finally, a suite of stratigraphic statistics are computed, including volumetric grades, overburdens, thicknesses and degrees of layering. ?? The Geological Society of London 2006.

Sedimentary pigments and nature of organic matter within the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) of the Eastern Arabian Sea (Indian margin)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rasiq, K. T.; Kurian, S.; Karapurkar, S. G.; Naqvi, S. W. A.

2016-07-01

Sedimentary pigments, carbon and nitrogen content and their stable isotopes were studied in three short cores collected from the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) of the Eastern Arabian Sea (EAS). Nine pigments including chlorophyll a and their degradation products were quantified using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Astaxanthin followed by canthaxanthin and zeaxanthin were the major carotenoids detected in these cores. The total pigment concentration was high in the core collected from 500 m water depth (6.5 μgg-1) followed by 800 m (1.7 μgg-1) and 1100 m (1.1 μgg-1) depths respectively. The organic carbon did not have considerable control on sedimentary pigments preservation. Pigment degradation was comparatively high in the core collected from the 800 m site which depended not only the bottom dissolved oxygen levels, but also on the faunal activity. As reported earlier, the bottom water dissolved oxygen and presence of fauna have good control on the organic carbon accumulation and preservation at Indian margin OMZ sediments. The C/N ratios and δ13C values for all the cores conclude the marine origin of organic matter and δ15N profiles revealed signature of upwelling associated denitrification within the water column.

High-resolution sub-bottom seismic and sediment core records from the Chukchi Abyssal Plain reveal Quaternary glaciation impacts on the western Arctic Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joe, Y. J.; Seokhoon, Y.; Nam, S. I.; Polyak, L.; Niessen, F.

2017-12-01

For regional context of the Quaternary history of Arctic marine glaciations, such as glacial events in northern North America and on the Siberian and Chukchi margins, we used CHIRP sub-bottom profiles (SBP) along with sediment cores, including a 14-m long piston core ARA06-04JPC taken from the Chukchi abyssal plain during the RV Araon expedition in 2015. Based on core correlation with earlier developed Arctic Ocean stratigraphies using distribution of various sedimentary proxies, core 04JPC is estimated to extend to at least Marine Isotope Stage 13 (>0.5 Ma). The stratigraphy developed for SBP lines from the Chukchi abyssal plain to surrounding slopes can be divided into four major seismostratigraphic units (SSU 1-4). SBP records from the abyssal plain show well preserved stratification, whereas on the surrounding slopes this pattern is disrupted by lens-shaped, acoustically transparent sedimentary bodies interpreted as glaciogenic debris flow deposits. Based on the integration of sediment physical property and SBP data, we conclude that these debris flows were generated during several ice-sheet grounding events on the Chukchi and East Siberian margins, including adjacent ridges and plateaus, during the middle to late Quaternary.

Biological, Physical and Chemical Data From Gulf of Mexico Gravity and Box Core MRD05-04

USGS Publications Warehouse

Osterman, Lisa E.; Campbell, Pamela L.; Swarzenski, Peter W.; Ricardo, John P.

2010-01-01

This paper presents the benthic foraminiferal census data, magnetic susceptibility measurements, vanadium and organic geochemistry (carbon isotope, sterols, and total organic carbon) data from the MRD05-04 gravity and box cores. The MRD05-04 cores were obtained from the Louisiana continental shelf in an on-going initiative to examine the geographic and temporal extent of hypoxia, low-oxygen bottom-water content, and geochemical transport. The development of low-oxygen bottom water conditions in coastal waters is dependent upon a new source of bio-available nutrients introduced into a well-stratified water column. A number of studies have concluded that the development of the current seasonal hypoxia (dissolved oxygen < 2 mg L-1) in subsurface waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico is related to increased transport of nutrients (primarily nitrogen, but possibly also phosphorous) by the Mississippi River. However, the development of earlier episodes of seasonal low-oxygen subsurface water on the Louisiana shelf may be related to Mississippi River discharge.

Irradiation performance of HTGR recycle fissile fuel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Homan, F.J.; Long, E.L. Jr.

1976-08-01

The irradiation performance of candidate HTGR recycle fissile fuel under accelerated testing conditions is reviewed. Failure modes for coated-particle fuels are described, and the performance of candidate recycle fissile fuels is discussed in terms of these failure modes. The bases on which UO/sub 2/ and (Th,U)O/sub 2/ were rejected as candidate recycle fissile fuels are outlined, along with the bases on which the weak-acid resin (WAR)-derived fissile fuel was selected as the reference recycle kernel. Comparisons are made relative to the irradiation behavior of WAR-derived fuels of varying stoichiometry and conclusions are drawn about the optimum stoichiometry and the rangemore » of acceptable values. Plans for future testing in support of specification development, confirmation of the results of accelerated testing by real-time experiments, and improvement in fuel performance and reliability are described.« less

Proposed Advanced Reactor Adaptation of the Standard Review Plan NUREG-0800 Chapter 4 (Reactor) for Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactors and Modular High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Belles, Randy; Poore, III, Willis P.; Brown, Nicholas R.

2017-03-01

This report proposes adaptation of the previous regulatory gap analysis in Chapter 4 (Reactor) of NUREG 0800, Standard Review Plan (SRP) for the Review of Safety Analysis Reports for Nuclear Power Plants: LWR [Light Water Reactor] Edition. The proposed adaptation would result in a Chapter 4 review plan applicable to certain advanced reactors. This report addresses two technologies: the sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) and the modular high temperature gas-cooled reactor (mHTGR). SRP Chapter 4, which addresses reactor components, was selected for adaptation because of the possible significant differences in advanced non-light water reactor (non-LWR) technologies compared with the current LWR-basedmore » description in Chapter 4. SFR and mHTGR technologies were chosen for this gap analysis because of their diverse designs and the availability of significant historical design detail.« less

Voices of Resilience from the Bottom Rungs: The Stories of Three Elementary Core French Teachers in Ontario

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Knouzi, Ibtissem; Mady, Callie

2014-01-01

This paper reports on a study that used activity theory (AT) as a framework to understand the dialogical relationship between three elementary Core French (CF) teachers' personal and professional experiences and their literacy teaching beliefs and practices. This study used a case study design collecting data from three different teachers in three…

Exploration into the Effects of the Schema-Based Instruction: A Bottom-Up Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fujii, Kazuma

2016-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to explore the effective use of the core schema-based instruction (SBI) in a classroom setting. The core schema is a schematic representation of the common underlying meaning of a given lexical item, and was first proposed on the basis of the cognitive linguistic perspectives by the Japanese applied linguists Tanaka,…

Approach to numerical safety guidelines based on a core melt criterion. [PWR; BWR

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Azarm, M.A.; Hall, R.E.

1982-01-01

A plausible approach is proposed for translating a single level criterion to a set of numerical guidelines. The criterion for core melt probability is used to set numerical guidelines for various core melt sequences, systems and component unavailabilities. These guidelines can be used as a means for making decisions regarding the necessity for replacing a component or improving part of a safety system. This approach is applied to estimate a set of numerical guidelines for various sequences of core melts that are analyzed in Reactor Safety Study for the Peach Bottom Nuclear Power Plant.

Undercut feature recognition for core and cavity generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yusof, Mursyidah Md; Salman Abu Mansor, Mohd

2018-01-01

Core and cavity is one of the important components in injection mould where the quality of the final product is mostly dependent on it. In the industry, with years of experience and skill, mould designers commonly use commercial CAD software to design the core and cavity which is time consuming. This paper proposes an algorithm that detect possible undercut features and generate the core and cavity. Two approaches are presented; edge convexity and face connectivity approach. The edge convexity approach is used to recognize undercut features while face connectivity is used to divide the faces into top and bottom region.

Apparatus for controlling molten core debris

DOEpatents

Golden, Martin P. [Trafford, PA; Tilbrook, Roger W. [Monroeville, PA; Heylmun, Neal F. [Pittsburgh, PA

1977-07-19

Apparatus for containing, cooling, diluting, dispersing and maintaining subcritical the molten core debris assumed to melt through the bottom of a nuclear reactor pressure vessel in the unlikely event of a core meltdown. The apparatus is basically a sacrificial bed system which includes an inverted conical funnel, a core debris receptacle including a spherical dome, a spherically layered bed of primarily magnesia bricks, a cooling system of zig-zag piping in graphite blocks about and below the bed and a cylindrical liner surrounding the graphite blocks including a steel shell surrounded by firebrick. Tantalum absorber rods are used in the receptacle and bed.

Neodymium isotopes in authigenic phases, bottom waters and detrital sediments in the Gulf of Alaska and their implications for paleo-circulation reconstruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Jianghui; Haley, Brian A.; Mix, Alan C.

2016-11-01

The isotopic composition of neodymium (εNd) extracted from sedimentary Fe-Mn oxyhydroxide offers potential for reconstructing paleo-circulation, but its application depends on extraction methodology and the mechanisms that relate authigenic εNd to bottom water. Here we test methods to extract authigenic εNd from Gulf of Alaska (GOA) sediments and assess sources of leachate Nd, including potential contamination from trace dispersed volcanic ash. We show that one dominant phase is extracted via leaching of core-top sediments. Major and trace element geochemistry demonstrate that this phase is authigenic Fe-Mn oxyhydroxide. Contamination of leachate (authigenic) Nd from detrital sources is insignificant (<1%); our empirical results are consistent with established kinetic mineral dissolution rates and theory. Contamination of extracted εNd from leaching of volcanic ash is below analytical uncertainty. However, the εNd of core-top leachates in the GOA is consistently more radiogenic than bottom water. We infer that authigenic phases record pore water εNd, and the relationships of εNd among bottom waters, pore waters, authigenic phases and detrital sediments are primarily governed by the exposure time of bottom water to sea-floor sediments, rate of exchange across the sediment-water interface and the reactivity and composition of detrital sediments. We show that this conceptual model is applicable on the Pacific basin scale and provide a new framework to understand the role of authigenic phases in both modern and paleo-applications, including the use of authigenic εNd as a paleo-circulation tracer.

Design and evaluation of a nondestructive fissile assay device for HTGR fuel samples

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McNeany, S. R.; Knoll, R. W.; Jenkins, J. D.

1979-02-01

Nondestructive assay of fissile material plays an important role in nuclear fuel processing facilities. Information for product quality control, plant criticality safety, and nuclear materials accountability can be obtained from assay devices. All of this is necessary for a safe, efficient, and orderly operation of a production plant. Presented here is a design description and an operational evaluation of a device developed to nondestructively assay small samples of High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTGR) fuel. The measurement technique employed consists in thermal-neutron irradiation of a sample followed by pneumatic transfer to a high-efficiency neutron detector where delayed neutrons are counted. In general,more » samples undergo several irradiation and count cycles during a measurement. The total number of delayed-neutron counts accumulated is translated into grams of fissile mass through comparison with the counts accumulated in an identical irradiation and count sequence of calibration standards. Successful operation of the device through many experiments over a one-year period indicates high operational reliability. Tests of assay precision show this to be better than 0.25% for measurements of 10 min. Assay biases may be encountered if calibration standards are not representative of unknown samples, but reasonable care in construction and control of standards should lead to no more than 0.2% bias in the measurements. Nondestructive fissile assay of HTGR fuel samples by thermal-neutron irradiation and delayed-neutron detection has been demonstrated to be a rapid and accurate analysis technique. However, careful attention and control must be given to calibration standards to see that they remain representative of unknown samples.« less

Exploring the structure of fucosylated chondroitin sulfate through bottom-up nuclear magnetic resonance and electrospray ionization-high-resolution mass spectrometry approaches.

PubMed

Santos, Gustavo Rc; Porto, Ana Co; Soares, Paulo Ag; Vilanova, Eduardo; Mourão, Paulo As

2017-07-01

Fucosylated chondroitin sulfate (FCS) from sea cucumbers is composed of a chondroitin sulfate (CS) central core and branches of sulfated fucose. The structure of this complex glycosaminoglycan is usually investigated via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses of the intact molecule, ergo through a top-down approach, which often yield spectra with intricate sets of signals. Here we employed a bottom-up approach to analyze the FCSs from the sea cucumbers Isostichopus badionotus and Ludwigothurea grisea from their basic constituents, viz. CS cores and sulfated fucose branches, obtained via systematic fragmentation through mild acid hydrolysis. Oligosaccharides derived from the central CS core were analyzed via NMR spectroscopy and the disaccharides produced using chondroitin sulfate lyase via SAX-HPLC. The CS cores from the two species were similar, showing only slight differences in the proportions of 4- or 6-monosulfated and 4,6-disulfated β-d-GalNAc. Sulfated fucose units released from the FCSs were analyzed via NMR and ESI-HRMS spectroscopies. The fucose units from each species presented extensive qualitative differences, but quantitative assessments of these units were hindered, mostly because of their extensive desulfation during the hydrolysis. The bottom-up analysis performed here has proved useful to explore the structure of FCS through a sum-of-the-parts approach in a qualitative manner. We further demonstrate that under specific acidification conditions particular fucose branches can be removed preferentially from FCS. Preparation of derivatives enriched with particular fucose branches could be useful for studies on "structure vs. biological function" of FCS. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Trace Metals and Lead Isotopes in modern Sediments Near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boyle, E. A.; Lazzari, L.; Wagener, A. L.; Carreira, R.; Godoy, J. M.; Noble, A.; Carrasco, G. G.; Moos, S. B.

2014-12-01

This work focuses on the export of trace metals and combustion residues from land to ocean and on the Southeast continental margin of Brazil and its historical variability using stable lead isotopes. Two sediment cores were collected, one in highly impacted Guanabara Bay and the other on the Southeast continental shelf. Continental shelf samples were analyzed for trace element concentrations [Mn (117±50 ppm), Ni (6.5±2.3 ppm), Zn (5.0±1.5), (233±46 ppm), ], Pb (5.4±2.4 ppm), as well as Cu, Ag, Cd, Sr, Ba, Tl, U and Pb isotope ratios & Pb-210. Most of the elements show higher concentrations on the upper part of the core compared to the bottom. Downcore changes of the concentrations of these elements were similar. The sediments of adjacent rivers and bays around the upper section of the southeast continental shelf of Brazil are considered highly enriched with Pb, Zn, Cu and Cr such as Guanabara Bay, Sepetiba Bay and Paraíba do Sul River compared with the natural concentrations and other regions in the world. A [Pb] maximum is seen between samples from 24 to 43 cm (~8 ppm). Utilization of tetraethyl lead (TEL) gasoline in Brazil was phased out beginning in 1983 and was largely completed by 1988. Continental shelf Pb-206/Pb-207 varies between 1.174 near the core top to 1.190 at 100 cm, with a sharp difference between samples at 6 and 8 cm. Higher core top Pb, Zn, and Ni corroborate the recent anthropogenic influence on the southeast continental shelf of Brazil. For Guanabara Bay sediment samples [Pb] varies between 90 ppm near the top to 1 ppm at the bottom. Pb-206/Pb-207 varies between 1.161 near the core top to 1.165 near the bottom. Using triple isotope plots we can discern different sources of lead to the region and how these vary with time.

Oxic to anoxic transition in bottom waters during formation of the Citronen Fjord sediment-hosted Zn-Pb deposit, North Greenland

USGS Publications Warehouse

Slack, John F.; Rosa, Diogo; Falck, Hendrik

2015-01-01

Bulk geochemical data acquired for host sedimentary rocks to the Late Ordovician Citronen Fjord sediment-hosted Zn-Pb deposit in North Greenland constrain the redox state of bottom waters prior to and during sulphide mineralization. Downhole profiles for one drill core show trends for redox proxies (MnO, Mo, Ce anomalies) that suggest the local basin bottom waters were initially oxic, changing to anoxic and locally sulphidic concurrent with sulphide mineralization. We propose that this major redox change was caused by two broadly coeval processes (1) emplacement of debris-flow conglomerates that sealed off the basin from oxic seawater, and (2) venting of reduced hydrothermal fluids into the basin. Both processes may have increased H2S in bottom waters and thus prevented the oxidation of sulphides on the sea floor.

Metamaterial and Metastructural Architectures for Novel C4ISR Devices and Sensors

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-01

2.7 The SEM pictures of the fabricated metastructure cage waveguide a) before and b) after the thermal oxidization and HF etching process ..10 Fig...of the hollow core. (Bottom) The SiO2 shell in the core was removed by buffered high-frequency etch...28 Fig. 3.9 SEM images of the waveguides after etching in CR-9 and buffered oxide etchant

Copper and cadmium in bottom sediments dredged from Wyścigi Pond, Warsaw, Poland--contamination and bioaccumulation study.

PubMed

Wojtkowska, Małgorzata; Karwowska, Ewa; Chmielewska, Iwona; Bekenova, Kundyz; Wanot, Ewa

2015-12-01

This research covered an evaluation of the copper and cadmium concentrations in bottom sediments dredged from one of the ponds in Warsaw. The samples of sediments, soil, and plants were analyzed in terms of Cu and Cd content. The research concerned the heap of dredged bottom sediments from Wyścigi Pond, Warsaw, Poland. Two boreholes were made to obtain sediment cores with depths of A 162.5 cm and B 190.0 cm. The cores were divided into 10 sub-samples with a thickness of about 15-20 cm. A control sample of soil was taken from the horse racecourse several hundred meters away from the heap. The vegetation was sampled directly from the heap. The predominating plants were tested: Urtica dioica, Glechoma hederacea, Euonymus verrucosus, and Drepanocladus aduncus. A control sample of U. dioica taken outside of the heap was also tested. The commercial PHYTOTOXKIT microbiotest was applied to evaluate the influence of heavy metal-contaminated sediments (used as soil) on germination and growth of the chosen test plants. The analyses of cadmium and copper concentrations revealed that the metal concentration in sediments was diverse at different depths of sampling, probably reflecting their concentration in stored layers of sediments. Moreover, the metal content in core A was four to five times lower than that in core B, which reveals heterogeneity of the sediments in the tested heap. In core A, the copper concentration ranged from 4.7 to 13.4 mg/kg d.w. (average 8.06 ± 0.71 mg/kg d.w.), while in core B, it ranged from 9.2 to 82.1 mg/kg d.w. (average 38.56 ± 2.6 mg/kg d.w.). One of the results of the heavy metal presence in soils is their bioaccumulation in plants. Comparing plant growth, more intensive growth of roots was observed in the case of plants growing on the control (reference) soil than those growing on sediments. The intensive development of both primary and lateral roots was noticed. During this early growth, metal accumulation in plants occurred.

PIE on Safety-Tested AGR-1 Compact 5-1-1

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hunn, John D.; Morris, Robert Noel; Baldwin, Charles A.

Post-irradiation examination (PIE) is being performed in support of tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coated particle fuel development and qualification for High-Temperature Gas-cooled Reactors (HTGRs). AGR-1 was the first in a series of TRISO fuel irradiation experiments initiated in 2006 under the Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) Fuel Development and Qualification Program; this work continues to be funded by the Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy as part of the Advanced Reactor Technologies (ART) initiative. AGR-1 fuel compacts were fabricated at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in 2006 and irradiated for three years in the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Advanced Test Reactormore » (ATR) to demonstrate and evaluate fuel performance under HTGR irradiation conditions. PIE is being performed at INL and ORNL to study how the fuel behaved during irradiation, and to examine fuel performance during exposure to elevated temperatures at or above temperatures that could occur during a depressurized conduction cooldown event. This report summarizes safety testing of irradiated AGR-1 Compact 5-1-1 in the ORNL Core Conduction Cooldown Test Facility (CCCTF) and post-safety testing PIE.« less

The Effect of Luting Cement and Titanium Base on the Final Color of Zirconium Oxide Core Material.

PubMed

Capa, Nuray; Tuncel, Ilkin; Tak, Onjen; Usumez, Aslihan

2017-02-01

To evaluate the effects of different types of luting cements and different colors of zirconium cores on the final color of the restoration that simulates implant-supported fixed partial dentures (FPDs) by using a titanium base on the bottom. One hundred and twenty zirconium oxide core plates (Zr-Zahn; 10 mm in width, 5 mm in length, 0.5 mm in height) were prepared in different shades (n = 20; noncolored, A2, A3, B1, C2, D2). The specimens were subdivided into two subgroups for the two types of luting cements (n = 10). The initial color measurements were made on zirconium oxide core plates using a spectrometer. To create the cement thicknesses, stretch strips with holes in the middle (5 mm in diameter, 70 μm in height) were used. The second measurement was done on the zirconium oxide core plates after the application of the resin cement (U-200, A2 Shade) or polycarboxylate cement (Lumicon). The final measurement was done after placing the titanium discs (5 mm in diameter, 3 mm in height) in the bottom. The data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Tukey's honestly significant differences (HSD) tests (α = 0.05). The ∆E* ab value was higher in the resin cement-applied group than in the polycarboxylate cement-applied group (p < 0.001). The highest ∆E* ab value was recorded for the zirconium oxide core-resin cement-titanium base, and the lowest was recorded for the polycarboxylate cement-zirconium oxide core (p < 0.001). The luting cement, the presence of titanium, and the color of zirconium are all important factors that determine the final shade of zirconia cores in implant-supported FPDs. © 2015 by the American College of Prosthodontists.

Site 765: Sediment Lithostratigraphy

USGS Publications Warehouse

,

1990-01-01

A 935-m-thick succession of Quaternary through Lower Cretaceous sediments was recovered at Site 765 (Fig. 10). A single core of Quaternary sediment was obtained from Hole 765A; drilling terminated and a new hole was drilled in an attempt to establish the mud line. Quaternary through middle Miocene sediments were cored in Hole 765B down to a depth of 395.6 mbsf. Middle Miocene through Lower Cretaceous sediments were cored in Hole 765C, after washing the interval between 0 and 350.2 mbsf. Exact lithologic correlation of the basal cores from Hole 765B with the upper cores from Hole 765C is not possible because of poor recovery; hence, correlation is based solely on matching sub-bottom depths.

TMI-2 (Three Mile Island Unit 2) core region defueling

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rodabaugh, J.M.; Cowser, D.K.

1988-01-01

In July of 1982, a video camera was inserted into the Three Mile Island Unit 2 reactor vessel providing the first visual evidence of core damage. This inspection, and numerous subsequent data acquisition tasks, revealed a central void /approx/1.5 m (5 ft) deep. This void region was surrounded by partial length fuel assemblies and ringed on the periphery by /approx/40 full-length, but partial cross-section, fuel assemblies. All of the original 177 fuel assemblies exhibited signs of damage. The bottom of the void cavity was covered with a bed of granular rubble, fuel assembly upper end fittings, control rod spiders, fuelmore » rod fragments, and fuel pellets. It was obvious that the normal plant refueling system not suitable for removing the damaged core. A new system of defueling tools and equipment was necessary to perform this task. Design of the new system was started immediately, followed by >1 yr of fabrication. Delivery and checkout of the defueling system occurred in mid-1985. Actual defueling was initiated in late 1985 with removal of the debris bed at the bottom of the core void. Obstructions to the debris, such as end fittings and fuel rod fragments ere removed first; then /approx/23,000 kg (50,000lb) of granular debris was quickly loaded into canisters. Core region defueling was completed in late 1987, /approx/2 yr after it was initiated.« less

Hydrogeologic data from a 2,000-foot deep core hole at Polk City, Green Swamp area, central Florida

USGS Publications Warehouse

Navoy, A.S.

1986-01-01

Two core holes were drilled to depths of 906 and 1,996 feet, respectively, within the Tertiary limestone (Floridan) aquifers, at Polk City, central Florida. Data from the two holes revealed that the bottom of the zone of vigorous groundwater circulation is confined by carbonate rocks at a depth of about 1,000 feet (863 feet below sea level). The zone of circulation is divided into two high-permeability zones. The dissolved solids of the water within the high-permeability zones is approximately 150 milligrams per liter. Within the carbonate rocks, the dissolved solids content of the water reaches about 2,000 milligrams per liter at the bottom of the core hole. Water levels in the core holes declined a total of about 16 feet as the hole was drilled; most of the head loss occurred at depths below 1,800 feet. The porosities of selected cores ranged from 1.6 to 45.3 percent; the hydraulic conductivities ranged from less than 0.000024 to 19.0786 feet per day in the horizontal direction and from less than 0.000024 to 2.99 feet per day in the vertical direction; and the ratio of vertical to horizontal permeability ranged from 0.03 to 1.98. Due to drilling problems, packer tests and geophysical logging could not be accomplished. (USGS)

30 CFR 280.30 - What activities will not require environmental analysis?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... types of activities include: (a) Gravity and magnetometric observations and measurements; (b) Bottom and..., including the setting of instruments; (g) Sampling by box core or grab sampler to determine seabed...

AGC-2 Irradiation Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rohrbaugh, David Thomas; Windes, William; Swank, W. David

The Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) will be a helium-cooled, very high temperature reactor (VHTR) with a large graphite core. In past applications, graphite has been used effectively as a structural and moderator material in both research and commercial high temperature gas cooled reactor (HTGR) designs.[ , ] Nuclear graphite H 451, used previously in the United States for nuclear reactor graphite components, is no longer available. New nuclear graphites have been developed and are considered suitable candidates for the new NGNP reactor design. To support the design and licensing of NGNP core components within a commercial reactor, a completemore » properties database must be developed for these current grades of graphite. Quantitative data on in service material performance are required for the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of each graphite grade with a specific emphasis on data related to the life limiting effects of irradiation creep on key physical properties of the NGNP candidate graphites. Based on experience with previous graphite core components, the phenomenon of irradiation induced creep within the graphite has been shown to be critical to the total useful lifetime of graphite components. Irradiation induced creep occurs under the simultaneous application of high temperatures, neutron irradiation, and applied stresses within the graphite components. Significant internal stresses within the graphite components can result from a second phenomenon—irradiation induced dimensional change. In this case, the graphite physically changes i.e., first shrinking and then expanding with increasing neutron dose. This disparity in material volume change can induce significant internal stresses within graphite components. Irradiation induced creep relaxes these large internal stresses, thus reducing the risk of crack formation and component failure. Obviously, higher irradiation creep levels tend to relieve more internal stress, thus allowing the components longer useful lifetimes within the core. Determining the irradiation creep rates of nuclear grade graphites is critical for determining the useful lifetime of graphite components and is a major component of the Advanced Graphite Creep (AGC) experiment.« less

Influence of ceramic dental crown coating substrate thickness ratio on strain energy release rate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khasnulhadi, K.; Daud, R.; Mat, F.; Noor, S. N. F. M.; Basaruddin, K. S.; Sulaiman, M. H.

2017-10-01

This paper presents the analysis of coating substrate thickness ratio effect on the crown coating fracture behaviour. The bi-layer material is examined under four point bending with pre-crack at the bottom of the core material by using finite element. Three different coating thickness of core/substrate was tested which is 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1. The fracture parameters are analysed based on bilayer and homogenous elastic interaction. The result shows that the ratio thickness of core/veneer provided a significant effect on energy release rate.

The 40Ar/39Ar dating of core recovered by the Hawaii Scientific Drilling Project (phase 2), Hilo, Hawaii

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharp, Warren D.; Renne, Paul R.

2005-04-01

The Hawaii Scientific Drilling Project, phase 2 (HSDP-2), recovered core from a ˜3.1-km-thick section through the eastern flanks of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea volcanoes. We report results of 40Ar/39Ar incremental heating by broad-beam infrared laser of 16 basaltic groundmass samples and 1 plagioclase separate, mostly from K-poor tholeiites. The tholeiites generally have mean radiogenic 40Ar enrichments of 1-3%, and some contain excess 40Ar; however, isochron ages of glass-poor samples preserve stratigraphic order in all cases. A 246-m-thick sequence of Mauna Loa tholeiitic lavas yields an isochron age of 122 ± 86 kyr (all errors 2σ) at its base. Beneath the Mauna Loa overlap sequence lie Mauna Kea's postshield and shield sequences. A postshield alkalic lava yields an age of 236 ± 16 kyr, in agreement with an age of 240 ± 14 kyr for a geochemically correlative flow in the nearby HSDP-1 core hole, where more complete dating of the postshield sequence shows it to have accumulated at 0.9 ± 0.4 m/kyr, from about 330 to <200 ka. Mauna Kea's shield consists of subaerial tholeiitic flows to a depth of 1079 m below sea level, then shallow submarine flows, hyaloclastites, pillow lavas, and minor intrusions to core bottom at 3098 m. Most subaerial tholeiitic flows fail to form isochrons; however, a sample at 984 m yields an age of 370 ± 180 kyr, consistent with ages from similar levels in HSDP-1. Submarine tholeiites including shallow marine vitrophyres, clasts from hyaloclastites, and pillow lavas were analyzed; however, only pillow lava cores from 2243, 2614, and 2789 m yield reliable ages of 482 ± 67, 560 ± 150, and 683 ± 82 kyr, respectively. A linear fit to ages for shield samples defines a mean accumulation rate of 8.6 ± 3.1 m/kyr and extrapolates to ˜635 kyr at core bottom. Alternatively, a model relating Mauna Kea's growth to transport across the Hawaiian hot spot that predicts downward accelerating accumulation rates that reach ˜20 m/kyr at core bottom (DePaolo and Stolper, 1996) is also consistent with all reliable ages except the deepest.

Posttest TRAC-PD2/MOD1 predictions for FLECHT SEASET test 31504. [PWR

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Booker, C.P.

TRAC-PD2/MOD1 is a publicly released version of TRAC that is used primarily to analyze large-break loss-of-coolant accidents in pressurized-water reactors (PWRs). TRAC-PD2 can calculate, among other things, reflood phenomena. TRAC posttest predictions are compared with test 31504 reflood data from the Full-Length Emergency Core Heat Transfer (FLECHT) System Effects and Separate Effects Tests (SEASET) facility. A false top-down quench is predicted near the top of the core and the subcooling is underpredicted at the bottom of the core. However, the overall TRAC predictions are good, especially near the center of the core.

Apparatus for controlling molten core debris. [LMFBR

DOEpatents

Golden, M.P.; Tilbrook, R.W.; Heylmun, N.F.

1977-07-19

Disclosed is an apparatus for containing, cooling, diluting, dispersing and maintaining subcritical the molten core debris assumed to melt through the bottom of a nuclear reactor pressure vessel in the unlikely event of a core meltdown. The apparatus is basically a sacrificial bed system which includes an inverted conical funnel, a core debris receptacle including a spherical dome, a spherically layered bed of primarily magnesia bricks, a cooling system of zig-zag piping in graphite blocks about and below the bed and a cylindrical liner surrounding the graphite blocks including a steel shell surrounded by firebrick. Tantalum absorber rods are used in the receptacle and bed. 9 claims, 22 figures.

Distribution of Different Biogeographical Tintinnids in Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xue; Li, Haibo; Zhao, Yuan; Zhao, Li; Dong, Yi; Zhang, Wuchang; Xiao, Tian

2018-04-01

There were different biogeographical tintinnids in the oceans. Knowledge of their distribution pattern and mixing was important to the understanding of ecosystem functions. Yellow Sea (YS) and Bohai Sea (BS) were semi-enclosed seas influenced by warm water intrusion and YS cold bottom water. The occurrence of tintinnids in YS and BS during two cruises (summer and winter) were investigated to find out: i) whether warm-water tintinnids appeared in YS and BS; ii) whether boreal tintinnids appeared in high summer; iii) the core area of neritic tintinnids and iv) how these different biogeographical tintinnids mixed. Our results showed that tintinnid community was dominated by neritic tintinnid. We confirmed the occurrence of warm-water tintinnids in summer and winter. In summer, they intruded into BS and mainly distributed in the upper 20 m where Yellow Sea Surface Warm Water (YSSWW) developed. In winter, they were limited in the surface water of central deep region (bottom depth >50 m) of YS where were affected by Yellow Sea Warm Water (YSWW). Boreal tintinnids occurred in YS in high summer (August) and in winter, while they were not observed in BS. In summer, the highest abundance of boreal tintinnids occurred in Yellow Sea Bottom Cold Water, indicating the presence of an oversummering stock. In winter, they were concentrated in the north of YSWW. Vertically, neritic tintinnids abundance was high in the bottom layers. Horizontally, high neritic tintinnids abundance in bottom layers occurred along the 50 m isobath coinciding with the position of front systems. Front systems were the core distribution area of neritic tintinnids. High abundance areas of warm-water and boreal tintinnids were clearly separated vertically in summer, and horizontally in winter. High abundance of neritic tintinnids rarely overlapped with that of warm-water or boreal tintinnids.

Steam bottoming cycle for an adiabatic diesel engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poulin, E.; Demier, R.; Krepchin, I.; Walker, D.

1984-01-01

Steam bottoming cycles using adiabatic diesel engine exhaust heat which projected substantial performance and economic benefits for long haul trucks were studied. Steam cycle and system component variables, system cost, size and performance were analyzed. An 811 K/6.90 MPa state of the art reciprocating expander steam system with a monotube boiler and radiator core condenser was selected for preliminary design. The costs of the diesel with bottoming system (TC/B) and a NASA specified turbocompound adiabatic diesel with aftercooling with the same total output were compared, the annual fuel savings less the added maintenance cost was determined to cover the increase initial cost of the TC/B system in a payback period of 2.3 years. Steam bottoming system freeze protection strategies were developed, technological advances required for improved system reliability are considered and the cost and performance of advanced systes are evaluated.

Reconstruction of climate and environmental changes in the Bornholm Basin during the last 6000 years, based on foraminiferal assemblages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Binczewska, Anna; Polovodova Asteman, Irina; Moros, Matthias; Sławińska, Joanna

2016-04-01

The Baltic Sea is the largest brackish sea in the world connected to the Atlantic Ocean through the narrow and shallow Danish Straits. The hydrography of the Baltic Sea is strongly dependent on inflows from the North Sea and its environmental conditions are influenced by meteorological and anthropogenic factors. To improve our understanding of the natural variability and forcing factors driving changes in the Baltic ecosystem, detailed analyses of palaeoecological archives are needed. Here we present a high-resolution study of foraminiferal assemblages together with sediment geochemistry (LOI, TOC, TIC, CNS) from a 8-m long gravity core (GC) and a 42-cm long multi core (MUC) taken in the Bornholm Basin in 2013. Both cores were investigated in order to reconstruct bottom water mass variability during the mid- and late Holocene. Cores were dated by AMS 14C (mostly on Macoma balthica shells), 210Pb and 137Cs. Age-model allowed us to place variability of foraminiferal assemblages in time and link them with the Holocene climate extremes and the Major Baltic Inflows (MBIs). High absolute abundances (ind./g wet sed.) of foraminifera are found within a core interval corresponding to the Dark Ages and the Medieval Warm Period (~AD 400-1200). The Little Ice Age is represented by rare to absent foraminiferal shells, while significant changes of foraminiferal abundances occur in the lower part of core(~ BC 2050-2995). The dominant species found in both cores are Cribroelphidium excavatum, C. excavatum f. clavatum, C. albiumbilicatum and C. incertum, all adapted to an ecologically unstable environment with high fluctuations of salinity and oxygen. The arenaceous species Reophax dentaliniformis strongly occurs at ~ AD 1450-1600, where calcareous species were rare. Presence of agglutinated foraminifera and prevailing small size of individuals in all studied material suggest bottom water undersaturation with respect to calcium carbonate. In the Baltic Sea, bottom waters characterized by long-term hypoxic to anoxic conditions, low salinity and organic-rich sediments create unfavourable environment for benthic fauna and affect their preservation state in fossil record. In our study we observed different stages of carbonate dissolution: from completely intact tests to opaque individuals, loss of two chambers and test deformations. Foraminiferal tests with different state of preservation were treated and counted separately. Upon poor shell preservation, remaining inner organic linings (IOLs) were useful to obtain information about assemblages and to improve interpretation of past changes in the study area. Peaks in abundance of foraminiferal shells and IOLs were linked to saline water inflows and increased ventilation of the Bornholm basin bottom waters. This suggest a strong effect of saline and well oxygenated water inflows from the Atlantic Ocean on the Baltic Sea ecosystem, which might be linked to the major climate transitions over the last 6 millennia.

Pebble bed modular reactor safeguards: developing new approaches and implementing safeguards by design

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Beyer, Brian David; Beddingfield, David H; Durst, Philip

2010-01-01

The design of the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) does not fit or seem appropriate to the IAEA safeguards approach under the categories of light water reactor (LWR), on-load refueled reactor (OLR, i.e. CANDU), or Other (prismatic HTGR) because the fuel is in a bulk form, rather than discrete items. Because the nuclear fuel is a collection of nuclear material inserted in tennis-ball sized spheres containing structural and moderating material and a PBMR core will contain a bulk load on the order of 500,000 spheres, it could be classified as a 'Bulk-Fuel Reactor.' Hence, the IAEA should develop unique safeguardsmore » criteria. In a multi-lab DOE study, it was found that an optimized blend of: (i) developing techniques to verify the plutonium content in spent fuel pebbles, (ii) improving burn-up computer codes for PBMR spent fuel to provide better understanding of the core and spent fuel makeup, and (iii) utilizing bulk verification techniques for PBMR spent fuel storage bins should be combined with the historic IAEA and South African approaches of containment and surveillance to verify and maintain continuity of knowledge of PBMR fuel. For all of these techniques to work the design of the reactor will need to accommodate safeguards and material accountancy measures to a far greater extent than has thus far been the case. The implementation of Safeguards-by-Design as the PBMR design progresses provides an approach to meets these safeguards and accountancy needs.« less

Time-Resolved Records of Magnetic Activity on the Pallasite Parent Body and Psyche

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bryson, J. F. J.; Nichols, C. I. O.; Herrero-Albillos, J.; Kronast, F.; Kasama, T.; Alimadadi, H.; van der Laan, G.; Nimmo, F.; Harrison, R. J.

2014-12-01

Although many small bodies apparently generated dynamo fields in the early solar system, the nature and temporal evolution of these fields has remained enigmatic. Time-resolved records of the Earth's planetary field have been essential in understanding the dynamic history of our planet, and equivalent information from asteroids could provide a unique insight into the development of the solar system. Here we present time-resolved records of magnetic activity on the main-group pallasite parent body and (16) Psyche, obtained using newly-developed nanomagnetic imaging techniques. For the pallasite parent body, the inferred field direction remained relatively constant and the intensity was initially stable at ~100 μT before it decreased in two discrete steps down to 0 μT. We interpret this behaviour as due to vigorous dynamo activity driven by compositional convection in the core, ultimately transitioning from a dipolar to multipolar field as the inner core grew from the bottom-up. For Psyche (measured from IVA iron meteorites), the inferred field direction reversed, while the intensity remained stable at >50 μT. Psyche cooled rapidly as an unmantled core, although the resulting thermal convection alone cannot explain these observations. Instead, this behaviour required top-down core solidification, and is attributed either to compositional convection (if the core also solidified from the bottom-up) or convection generated directly by top-down solidification (e.g. Fe-snow). The mechanism governing convection in small body cores is an open question (due partly to uncertainties in the direction of core solidification), and these observations suggest that unconventional (i.e. not thermal) mechanisms acted in the early solar system. These mechanisms are very efficient at generating convection, implying a long-lasting and widespread epoch of dynamo activity among small bodies in the early solar system.

Geothermal alteration of basaltic core from the Snake River Plain, Idaho

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sant, Christopher J.

The Snake River Plain is located in the southern part of the state of Idaho. The eastern plain, on which this study focuses, is a trail of volcanics from the Yellowstone hotspot. Three exploratory geothermal wells were drilled on the Snake River Plain. This project analyzes basaltic core from the first well at Kimama, north of Burley, Idaho. The objectives of this project are to establish zones of geothermal alteration and analyze the potential for geothermal power production using sub-aquifer resources on the axial volcanic zone of the Snake River Plain. Thirty samples from 1,912 m of core were sampled and analyzed for clay content and composition using X-ray diffraction. Observations from core samples and geophysical logs are also used to establish alteration zones. Mineralogical data, geophysical log data and physical characteristics of the core suggest that the base of the Snake River Plain aquifer at the axial zone is located 960 m below the surface, much deeper than previously suspected. Swelling smectite clay clogs pore spaces and reduces porosity and permeability to create a natural base to the aquifer. Increased temperatures favor the formation of smectite clay and other secondary minerals to the bottom of the hole. Below 960 m the core shows signs of alteration including color change, formation of clay, and filling of other secondary minerals in vesicles and fractured zones of the core. The smectite clay observed is Fe-rich clay that is authigenic in some places. Geothermal power generation may be feasible using a low temperature hot water geothermal system if thermal fluids can be attained near the bottom of the Kimama well.

FINAL PROJECT REPORT - EVALUATION AND TESTING OF HTGR REACTOR BUILDING RESPONSE TO DEPRESSURIZATION ACCIDENTS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

ALLIANCE LIMITED, NGNP INDUSTRY

This report provides a description of the project, summarizes each phase of the project, and ends with project conclusions. In addition, the report contains a descriptive index of the technical reports generated during the course of the project.

Nuclear fuels status

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kania, Michael

1991-01-01

A discussion on coated particle fuel performance from a modular High Temperature Gas Reactor (HTGR) is presented along with experimental results. The following topics are covered: (1) the coated particle fuel concept; (2) the functional requirements; (3) performance limiting mechanisms; (4) fuel performance; and (5) methods/techniques for characterizing performance.

ICP-MS measurement of iodine diffusion in IG-110 graphite for HTGR/VHTR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carter, L. M.; Brockman, J. D.; Robertson, J. D.; Loyalka, S. K.

2016-05-01

Graphite functions as a structural material and as a barrier to fission product release in HTGR/VHTR designs, and elucidation of transport parameters for fission products in reactor-grade graphite is thus required for reactor source terms calculations. We measured iodine diffusion in spheres of IG-110 graphite using a release method based on Fickain diffusion kinetics. Two sources of iodine were loaded into the graphite spheres; molecular iodine (I2) and cesium iodide (CsI). Measurements of the diffusion coefficient were made over a temperature range of 873-1293 K. We have obtained the following Arrhenius expressions for iodine diffusion:DI , CsI infused =(6 ×10-12 2/s) exp(30,000 J/mol RT) And,DI , I2 infused =(4 ×10-10 m2/s) exp(-11,000 J/mol RT ) The results indicate that iodine diffusion in IG-110 graphite is not well-described by Fickan diffusion kinetics. To our knowledge, these are the first measurements of iodine diffusion in IG-110 graphite.

High-temperature Gas Reactor (HTGR)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abedi, Sajad

2011-05-01

General Atomics (GA) has over 35 years experience in prismatic block High-temperature Gas Reactor (HTGR) technology design. During this period, the design has recently involved into a modular have been performed to demonstrate its versatility. This versatility is directly related to refractory TRISO coated - particle fuel that can contain any type of fuel. This paper summarized GA's fuel cycle studies individually and compares each based upon its cycle sustainability, proliferation-resistance capabilities, and other performance data against pressurized water reactor (PWR) fuel cycle data. Fuel cycle studies LEU-NV;commercial HEU-Th;commercial LEU-Th;weapons-grade plutonium consumption; and burning of LWR waste including plutonium and minor actinides in the MHR. results show that all commercial MHR options, with the exception of HEU-TH, are more sustainable than a PWR fuel cycle. With LEU-NV being the most sustainable commercial options. In addition, all commercial MHR options out perform the PWR with regards to its proliferation-resistance, with thorium fuel cycle having the best proliferation-resistance characteristics.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McMurray, Jacob W.; Lindemer, Terrence B.; Brown, Nicholas R.

There are three important failure mechanisms that must be controlled in high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) fuel for certain higher burnup applications are SiC layer rupture, SiC corrosion by CO, and coating compromise from kernel migration. All are related to high CO pressures stemming from free O generated when uranium present as UO 2 fissions and the O is not subsequently bound by other elements. Furthermore, in the HTGR UCO kernel design, CO buildup from excess O is controlled by the inclusion of additional uranium in the form of a carbide, UC x. An approach for determining the minimum UC xmore » content to ensure negligible CO formation was developed and demonstrated using CALPHAD models and the Serpent 2 reactor physics and depletion analysis tool. Our results are intended to be more accurate than previous estimates by including more nuclear and chemical factors, in particular the effect of transmutation products on the oxygen distribution as the fuel kernel composition evolves with burnup.« less

Deposition and chemistry of bottom sediments in Cochiti Lake, north-central New Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wilson, Jennifer T.; Van Metre, Peter C.

2000-01-01

Bottom sediments were sampled at seven sites in Cochiti Lake in September 1996. Sediment cores penetrating the entire lacustrine sediment sequence were collected at one site near the dam. Surficial sediments were sampled at the near-dam site and six other sites located along the length of the reservoir. Analyses included grain size, major and trace elements, organochlorine compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH's), and radionuclides. Concentrations of trace elements, organic compounds, and radionuclides are similar to those in other Rio Grande reservoirs and are low compared to published sediment-quality guidelines. Most elements and compounds that were detected did not show trends in the age estimated sediment cores with the exception of a decreasing trend in total DDT concentrations from about 1980 to 1992. The mixture of PAH's suggests that the increase is caused by inputs of fuel-related PAH and not combustion- related PAH.

SLS Engine Section Test Article Moves From NASA Barge Pegasus To Test Stand at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-05-18

The NASA barge Pegasus made its first trip to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama on May 15. It arrived carrying the first piece of Space Launch System hardware built at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. The barge left Michoud on April 28 with the core stage engine section test article, traveling 1,240 miles by river to Marshall. The rocket's engine section is the bottom of the core stage and houses the four RS-25 engines. The engine section test article was moved from the barge to Marshall’s Building 4619 where it will be tested. The bottom part of the test article is structurally the same as the engine section that will be flown as part of the SLS core stage. The shiny metal top part simulates the rocket's liquid hydrogen tank, which is the fuel tank that joins to the engine section. The test article will endure tests that pull, push, and bend it, subjecting it to millions of pounds of force. This ensures the structure can withstand the incredible stresses produced by the 8.8 million pounds of thrust during launch and ascent.

SLS Engine Section Test Article Arrives at Marshall on NASA Barge Pegasus

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-05-16

The NASA barge Pegasus made it’s first trip to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama on May 15. It arrived carrying the first piece of Space Launch System hardware built at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. The barge left Michoud on April 28 with the core stage engine section test article, traveling 1,240 miles by river to Marshall. The rocket's engine section is the bottom of the core stage and houses the four RS-25 engines. The engine section test article will be moved to Marshall’s Building 4619 where it will be tested. The bottom part of the test article is structurally the same as the engine section that will be flown as part of the SLS core stage. The shiny metal top part simulates the rocket's liquid hydrogen tank, which is the fuel tank that joins to the engine section. The test article will endure tests that pull, push, and bend it, subjecting it to millions of pounds of force. This ensures the structure can withstand the incredible stresses produced by the 8.8 million pounds of thrust during launch and ascent.

Cyclical Changes in the Pleistocene Climate from an Analysis of Biogenic Silica in a Bottom Sediment Core Sample of Lake Baikal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dergachev, V. A.; Dmitriev, P. B.

2017-12-01

An inhomogeneous time series of measurements of the percentage content of biogenic silica in the samples of joint cores BDP-96-1 and BDP-96-2 from the bottom of Lake Baikal drilled at a depth of 321 m under water has been analyzed. The composite depth of cores is 77 m, which covers the Pleistocene Epoch to 1.8 Ma. The time series was reduced to a regular form with a time step of 1 kyr, which allowed 16 distinct quasi-periodic components with periods from 19 to 251 kyr to be revealed in this series at a significance level of their amplitudes exceeding 4σ. For this, the combined spectral periodogram (a modification of the spectral analysis method) was used. Some of the revealed quasi-harmonics are related to the characteristic cyclical oscillations of the Earth's orbital parameters. Special focus was payed to the temporal change in the parameters of the revealed quasi-harmonic components over the Pleistocene Epoch, which was studied by constructing the spectral density of the analyzed data in the running window of 201 and 701 kyr.

a Mineralogical Analysis of Hspdp Core Samples from the Northern Awash Pliocene Hadar Formation, Ethiopia: the tale of AN East African Paleolake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, D. M.; Deocampo, D.; Rabideaux, N. M.; Campisano, C. J.

2017-12-01

The Northern Awash Valley is located in the southwestern portion of the Afar Depression in Ethiopia. During the 2014 field season, two core sites were drilled as part of the Hominin Sites and Paleolakes Drilling Project (HSPDP), recovering a total of 600 m of sediment from both localities (NAO and NAW). Mineralogical analyses of the bulk sediments and clays from the Hadar Formation have helped to begin constructing a more complete picture of the paleoenvironmental conditions of the Northern Awash during the Pliocene. This work is an attempt to begin to answer the questions about salinity/alkalinity of Hadar Paleolake as well as its sulfur content. The two sites, NAW and NAO, are about 3 kilometers apart and presumably part of the same paleolake basin. The data has shown that this area was much more humid during the Pliocene than it is today and that most of the minerals in the paleolake basin are detrital, save for calcite, Mg-calcite, gypsum, pyrite, and a few zeolites. 060 analyses of the clays in the cores show that the lake was a freshwater lake three million years ago, up until its eventual evaporation. Interestingly, the lack of trioctahedral clays is an indication that the lake water did not become highly saline and alkaline during its evaporation. An interesting contrast between the two cores shows that NAO contains gypsum, but so far, no pyrite. NAW, on the other hand, contains both pyrite and gypsum. The pyrite in NAW is mostly at the bottom of the core, whereas, the gypsum is intermittent throughout the core and much more sparse toward the bottom. This line of evidence suggests that the two sites within the lake may have experienced different redox conditions. It may be that the NAO core was sampled in a shallower part of the lake whereas the NAW core sampled a deeper section.

Geochemical history of Lake Miccosukee, Florida

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, Z.Q.; Donoghue, J.F.; Hess, D.W.

1994-03-01

Lake Miccosukee is a 2,500 hectare karst lake in northwest Florida. The lake draws water from a 65,000 hectare watershed, although groundwater seepage appears to be the principal water source to the lake. Like many of the large lakes of north Florida it periodically drains via sinkholes, becoming nearly dry in the process. The result of the natural drawdowns is a large reduction of the organic matter content of the bottom sediments. The water level in the lake was stabilized after 1954 with the construction of a dike and weir. Drawdowns have been managed since then and have been fewermore » and less drastic. The lake bottom has been exposed for only about six months since 1954. The result has been an increase in aquatic vegetation and a diminishment in fish populations. A set of two dozen sediment cores was analyzed for sedimentation rate (using lead-210 and Cs-137), percent organics, C, N, P and trace metals. The effect of the lake level stabilization appears to be an increase in organic matter deposited in the bottom sediments. Anthropogenic metals, including Hg, Zn, Pb, Cu and V have been found to increase considerably near the tops of the cores, by a factor of two or more over long-term background levels.« less

Sediment storage and severity of contamination in a shallow reservoir affected by historical lead and zinc mining

USGS Publications Warehouse

Juracek, K.E.

2008-01-01

A combination of sediment-thickness measurement and bottom-sediment coring was used to investigate sediment storage and severity of contamination in Empire Lake (Kansas), a shallow reservoir affected by historical Pb and Zn mining. Cd, Pb, and Zn concentrations in the contaminated bottom sediment typically exceeded baseline concentrations by at least an order of magnitude. Moreover, the concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Zn typically far exceeded probable-effects guidelines, which represent the concentrations above which toxic biological effects usually or frequently occur. Despite a pre-1954 decrease in sediment concentrations likely related to the end of major mining activity upstream by about 1920, concentrations have remained relatively stable and persistently greater than the probable-effects guidelines for at least the last 50 years. Cesium-137 evidence from sediment cores indicated that most of the bottom sediment in the reservoir was deposited prior to 1954. Thus, the ability of the reservoir to store the contaminated sediment has declined over time. Because of the limited storage capacity, Empire Lake likely is a net source of contaminated sediment during high-inflow periods. The contaminated sediment that passes through, or originates from, Empire Lake will be deposited in downstream environments likely as far as Grand Lake O' the Cherokees (Oklahoma). ?? 2007 Springer-Verlag.

Bottom water production variability in the Ross Sea slope during the Late Pleistocene-Holocene as revealed by benthic foraminifera and sediment geochemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Langone, Leonardo; Asioli, Alessandra; Tateo, Fabio; Giglio, Federico; Ridente, Domenico; Summa, Vito; Carraro, Anna; Luigia Giannossi, Maria; Piva, Andrea; Trincardi, Fabio

2010-05-01

The Antarctic area produces bottom waters that ventilate the vast majority of the deep basins in the rest of the world ocean. The rate of formation in the source area and the strength of these cold bottom waters are key factors affecting the Global Thermohaline Circulation during modern and past climate conditions. The western Ross Sea is considered a formation site for a particularly salty variety of AABW as well as an important area of off-shelf transfer of water as plumes entraining in Lower CDW and as rapid downhill cascades. The results here presented were obtained within the frame of the PNRA project 4.8. Among the goals of the project, the main is to detect a qualitative signal of possible changes in the rate of bottom water production during the Late Pleistocene-Holocene by integrating data on foraminifera assemblages with sediment geochemistry (bulk mineralogy, Total Organic Carbon, biogenic silica, C and N stable isotopes) and IRD. A gravity core was collected at 2377m water depth off Drygalski Basin on the slope adjacent the western continental shelf of the Ross Sea, along the pathway of bottom water spreading. The chronology is based on the best fitting of twelve control points selected among twenty-two 14C AMS datings performed on the bulk organic carbon and 210Pb excess data. The trend of the parameters allows the following observations: 1) two main intervals (15-10 and 7.5-6 cab kyr BP) mark a subsequent enhanced nutrient supply. Indeed, δ15N variations depend on the utilization degree of nitrates, in turn reflecting productivity/nutrient supply changes. The concurrent increase of OC and biogenic silica suggests an increase of the nutrient availability. As the Upper CDW is a water mass rich in nutrients we interpret these intervals as characterized by a higher efficiency in the Upper CDW upwelling; 2) around 7.5-7kyr BP (part of the Middle Holocene Climatic Optimum) the IRD content drops, suggesting the reduction of iceberg production or a change of the iceberg path. Within this general context, an oscillatory trend is present from 15 kyr BP to present time. Two hypotheses are proposed: a) minima in foraminifera concentrations reflect relatively stronger dissolution, weaker bottom currents (minima in dry density) and lower nutrient supply (lighter values of δ15N). These intervals may reflect a lower rate of bottom water formation; the intervals corresponding to maxima in foraminifers concentration should indicate better preservation, higher benthic productivity and/or better oxygenation at bottom, stronger bottom currents (maxima in dry density) and relatively higher nutrient supply reflecting a relatively higher rate of bottom water formation. b) alternatively, minima in foraminifers, corresponding to minima in %OC and to reversal of 14C (relative increase of older carbon), reflect dilution in the sediment because of rapid accumulation of fine sediment re-suspended at the shelf edge by the cascading currents. Therefore, the minima represent higher rate of bottom water formation. The comparison of the D/H ratio in ice-cores from the Ross Sea sector with the core AS05-10 record indicates that the foraminifers minima always correspond to colder condition. This scenario also correlates to the record reported in literature on the slope off Wilkes-Adelie Land. At last, a condensed/hiatus interval at ca. 3.5-4 kyr BP does not seems to mark a major change in the general pattern of our variables, apart from biogenic silica and sheets silicates showing an increase of the oscillation amplitude. Nevertheless, this feature is coeval to the base of the Neoglacial and it is time-equivalent to the beginning of major changes in the Antarctic environment.

Deep sediment resuspension and thick nepheloid layer generation by open-ocean convection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Durrieu de Madron, X.; Ramondenc, S.; Berline, L.; Houpert, L.; Bosse, A.; Martini, S.; Guidi, L.; Conan, P.; Curtil, C.; Delsaut, N.; Kunesch, S.; Ghiglione, J. F.; Marsaleix, P.; Pujo-Pay, M.; Séverin, T.; Testor, P.; Tamburini, C.

2017-03-01

The Gulf of Lions in the northwestern Mediterranean is one of the few sites around the world ocean exhibiting deep open-ocean convection. Based on 6 year long (2009-2015) time series from a mooring in the convection region, shipborne measurements from repeated cruises, from 2012 to 2015, and glider measurements, we report evidence of bottom thick nepheloid layer formation, which is coincident with deep sediment resuspension induced by bottom-reaching convection events. This bottom nepheloid layer, which presents a maximum thickness of more than 2000 m in the center of the convection region, probably results from the action of cyclonic eddies that are formed during the convection period and can persist within their core while they travel through the basin. The residence time of this bottom nepheloid layer appears to be less than a year. In situ measurements of suspended particle size further indicate that the bottom nepheloid layer is primarily composed of aggregates between 100 and 1000 µm in diameter, probably constituted of fine silts. Bottom-reaching open ocean convection, as well as deep dense shelf water cascading that occurred concurrently some years, lead to recurring deep sediments resuspension episodes. They are key mechanisms that control the concentration and characteristics of the suspended particulate matter in the basin, and in turn affect the bathypelagic biological activity.

Variations in the Holocene North Atlantic Bottom Current Strength in the Charlie Gibbs Fracture Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kissel, C.; Van Toer, A.; Cortijo, E.; Turon, J.

2011-12-01

The changes in the strength of the North Atlantic bottom current during the Holocene period is presented via the study of cores located at the western termination of the northern deep channel of the Charlie-Gibbs fracture zone. This natural roughly E-W corridor is bathed by the Iceland-Scotland overflow water (ISOW) when it passes westward out of the Iceland Basin into the western North Atlantic basin. At present, it is also described as the place where southern sourced silicate-rich Lower Deep Water (LDW) derived from the Antarctic Bottom Waters (AABW) are passing westward, mixing with the ISOW. We conducted a deep-water multiproxy analysis on two nearby cores, coupling magnetic properties, anisotropy, sortable silt and benthic foraminifera isotopes. The first core had been taken by the R. V. Charcot in 1977 and the second one is a CASQ core taken during the IMAGES-AMOCINT MD168- cruise in the framework of the 06-EuroMARC-FP-008 Project on board the R.V. Marion Dufresne (French Polar Institute, IPEV) in 2008. The radiocarbon ages indicate an average sedimentation rate of about 50 cm/kyr through middle and late Holocene allowing a data resolution ranging from 40 to 100 years depending on the proxy. In each core, we observe long-term and short-term changes in the strength of the bottom currents. On the long term, a decrease in the amount of magnetic particles (normalized by the carbonate content) is first from 10 kyr to 8.6 kyr and then between 6 and 2 kyrs before reaching a steady state. Following Kissel et al. (2009), this indicates a decrease in the ISOW strength. The mean sortable silt shows exactly the same pattern indicating that not only the intensity of the ISOW but the whole deep water mass bathing the sites has decreased. On the short term, a first very prominent event centered at about 8.4 kyr (cal. ages) is marked by a pronounced minima in magnetic content and the smaller mean sortable silt sizes. This is typical for an abrupt reduction in deep flow speed. Although not exactly at the same age, we note that the pattern in the same as the one observed by Ellison et al. (2006) further north along the Gardar drift with a gradual decrease in the mean sortable silt size followed by a two steps rather fast increase. At the same time, the benthic delta13C values which could be obtained from the few Cib. wuellerstorfi present in the sediment reach significantly negative values (-0.5%) providing evidence of a significant change to a major downwelling limb of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation. This event is in phase with the meltwater outbursts from the final drainage of the proglacial lakes associated with the decaying Laurentide Ice Sheet margin. In addition, all through the Holocene, a series of short-term events of lower bottom flow speed always illustrated by minima in magnetic concentration and mean size of the sortable silt are observed with a periodicity of 900 years between 6 and 2 kyr.

The WSTIAC Quarterly. Volume 9, Number 3

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-25

program .[8] THE THORIUM FUEL CYCLE AND LFTR POWER PLANT The thorium fuel cycle is based on a series of neutron absorp- tion and beta decay processes...the fig- ure is a graphite matrix moderated MSR reactor with fuel salt mixture (ThF4-U233F4) being circulated by a pump through the core and to a...the core as purified salt. As one of the unique safety features, a melt-plug at the reactor bottom would permit the reactor fluid fuel to be drained

NEUTRONIC REACTOR SYSTEM

DOEpatents

Daniels, F.

1957-10-15

Gas-cooled solid-moderator type reactors wherein the fissionable fuel and moderator materials are each in the form of solid pebbles, or discrete particles, and are substantially homogeneously mixed in the proper proportion and placed within the core of the reactor are described. The shape of these discrete particles must be such that voids are present between them when mixed together. Helium enters the bottom of the core and passes through the voids between the fuel and moderator particles to absorb the heat generated by the chain reaction. The hot helium gas is drawn off the top of the core and may be passed through a heat exchanger to produce steam.

Confinement induced ordering in dewetting of ultra-thin polymer bilayers on nanopatterned substrates.

PubMed

Bhandaru, Nandini; Das, Anuja; Mukherjee, Rabibrata

2016-01-14

We report the dewetting of a thin bilayer of polystyrene (PS) and poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) on a topographically patterned nonwettable substrate comprising an array of pillars, arranged in a square lattice. With a gradual increase in the concentration of the PMMA solution (Cn-PMMA), the morphology of the bottom layer changes to: (1) an aligned array of spin dewetted droplets arranged along substrate grooves at very low Cn-PMMA; (2) an interconnected network of threads surrounding each pillar at intermediate Cn-PMMA; and (3) a continuous bottom layer at higher Cn-PMMA. On the other hand the morphology of the PS top layer depends largely on the nature of the pre-existing bottom layer, in addition to Cn-PS. An ordered array of PMMA core-PS shell droplets forms right after spin coating when both Cn-PMMA and Cn-PS are very low. Bilayers with all other initial configurations evolve during thermal annealing, resulting in a variety of ordered structures. Unique morphologies realized include laterally coexisting structures of the two polymers confined within the substrate grooves due to initial rupture of the bottom layer on the substrate followed by a squeezing flow of the top layer; an array of core-shell and single polymer droplets arranged in an alternating order etc., to highlight a few. Such structures cannot be fabricated by any stand-alone lithography technique. On the other hand, in some cases the partially dewetted bottom layer imparts stability to an intact top PS layer against dewetting. Apart from ordering, under certain specific conditions significant miniaturization and downsizing of dewetted feature periodicity and dimension as compared to dewetting of a single layer on a flat substrate is observed. With the help of a morphology phase diagram we show that ordering is achieved over a wide combination of Cn-PMMA and Cn-PS, though the morphology and dewetting pathway differs significantly with variation in the thickness of the individual layers.

Subwavelength core/shell cylindrical nanostructures for novel plasmonic and metamaterial devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Kyoung-Ho; No, You-Shin

2017-12-01

In this review, we introduce novel plasmonic and metamaterial devices based on one-dimensional subwavelength nanostructures with cylindrical symmetry. Individual single devices with semiconductor/metal core/shell or dielectric/metal core/multi-shell structures experience strong light-matter interaction and yield unique optical properties with a variety of functions, e.g., invisibility cloaking, super-scattering/super-absorption, enhanced luminescence and nonlinear optical activities, and deep subwavelength-scale optical waveguiding. We describe the rational design of core/shell cylindrical nanostructures and the proper choice of appropriate constituent materials, which allow the efficient manipulation of electromagnetic waves and help to overcome the limitations of conventional homogeneous nanostructures. The recent developments of bottom-up synthesis combined with the top-down fabrication technologies for the practical applications and the experimental realizations of 1D subwavelength core/shell nanostructure devices are briefly discussed.

Criticality calculations of the Very High Temperature reactor Critical Assembly benchmark with Serpent and SCALE/KENO-VI

DOE PAGES

Bostelmann, Friederike; Hammer, Hans R.; Ortensi, Javier; ...

2015-12-30

Within the framework of the IAEA Coordinated Research Project on HTGR Uncertainty Analysis in Modeling, criticality calculations of the Very High Temperature Critical Assembly experiment were performed as the validation reference to the prismatic MHTGR-350 lattice calculations. Criticality measurements performed at several temperature points at this Japanese graphite-moderated facility were recently included in the International Handbook of Evaluated Reactor Physics Benchmark Experiments, and represent one of the few data sets available for the validation of HTGR lattice physics. Here, this work compares VHTRC criticality simulations utilizing the Monte Carlo codes Serpent and SCALE/KENO-VI. Reasonable agreement was found between Serpent andmore » KENO-VI, but only the use of the latest ENDF cross section library release, namely the ENDF/B-VII.1 library, led to an improved match with the measured data. Furthermore, the fourth beta release of SCALE 6.2/KENO-VI showed significant improvements from the current SCALE 6.1.2 version, compared to the experimental values and Serpent.« less

Role of nuclear grade graphite in controlling oxidation in modular HTGRs

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Windes, Willaim; Strydom, G.; Kane, J.

2014-11-01

The passively safe High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor (HTGR) design is one of the primary concepts considered for Generation IV and Small Modular Reactor (SMR) programs. The helium cooled, nuclear grade graphite moderated core achieves extremely high operating temperatures allowing either industrial process heat or electricity generation at high efficiencies. In addition to their neutron moderating properties, nuclear grade graphite core components provide excellent high temperature stability, thermal conductivity, and chemical compatibility with the high temperature nuclear fuel form. Graphite has been continuously used in nuclear reactors since the 1940’s and has performed remarkably well over a wide range of coremore » environments and operating conditions. Graphite moderated, gas-cooled reactor designs have been safely used for research and power production purposes in multiple countries since the inception of nuclear energy development. However, graphite is a carbonaceous material, and this has generated a persistent concern that the graphite components could actually burn during either normal or accident conditions [ , ]. The common assumption is that graphite, since it is ostensibly similar to charcoal and coal, will burn in a similar manner. While charcoal and coal may have the appearance of graphite, the internal microstructure and impurities within these carbonaceous materials are very different. Volatile species and trapped moisture provide a source of oxygen within coal and charcoal allowing them to burn. The fabrication process used to produce nuclear grade graphite eliminates these oxidation enhancing impurities, creating a dense, highly ordered form of carbon possessing high thermal diffusivity and strongly (covalently) bonded atoms.« less

The relationship between the high-density lamina and precipitation in the subarctic Lake Mokoto, North Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seto, K.

2015-12-01

Koji Seto (ReCCLE, Shimane Univ.), Hiroyuki Takata (Pusan Univ.), Kota Katsuki (KIGAM), Takeshi Sonoda (Tokyo Univ. of Agr.) In the coastal area of the Sea of Okhotsk in the east part of Hokkaido located to for subarctic zone, many brackish-water lakes are distributed. Lake Mokoto has two-layer structure of polyhaline surface waters and mixoeuhaline bottom water. The bottom water shows the anoxic conditions in summer season. In this reason, the sediments of Lake Mokoto consist of organic mud with the lamination. The 09Mk-1C and 09Mk-2C cores collected from Lake Mokoto at 2009. In the soft X-ray photograph, the cyclic lamina set is observed in their core. The cyclic lamina set consists of low-, intermedium- and high-density lamina. It is considered that this cyclic lamina set is the verve. According to the meteorological data in Abashiri region, the annually precipitation is high from August to September. Probably, the cyclic lamina set is formed by seasonal change of precipitation. In this study, we are discussed about the relationship between the high-density lamina and precipitation by sedimentologic and geochemical high-resolution analysis. The 09Mk-1C and 09Mk-2C cores collected from Lake Mokoto show the length of 1.78 to 3.87m, respectively. In 09Mk-2C core, Ta-a tephra (AD 1739) was observed at the 3.5m depths. The 09Mk-1C core consist of organic mud with the lamination in all cores. The core top 100 cm in this core shows the black (N1.5/0), and it seems to indicate the seasonal anoxic environment as present. The organic mud below 100cm depth shows black (10YR1.7/1). The sedimentation rate in 09Mk-1C core increase from late 1960's for the age of cyclic lamina set. It is suggest that supply of sediment in Lake Mokoto is increasing by land development in drainage basin. Phosphorus flux in 09Mk-1C core increase from late 1950's. The increasing of phosphorus flux may be caused by excess drainage of pollution from stock farm. In 2015, we were able to take the new core (15Mk-3C core). We have observed a new lamina set in detail, and compared with precipitation in Abashiri Region.

Nannofossils in upper quaternary bottom sediments of back-arc basins in the southwestern Pacific

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dmitrenko, O. B.

2015-05-01

The analysis of calcareous nannoplankton assemblages in bottom sediments sampled during Cruise 21 of the R/V Akademik Mstislav Keldysh in three areas located in back-arc basins of the southwestern Pacific (western Woodlark in the Solomon Sea, Manus in the Bismarck Sea, Central Lau) reveal that they belong to the Emiliania huxleyi Acme Zone, the most detailed one in the Gartner's scale of 1977. The content of coccoliths and their taxonomic composition indicate warm subtropical-tropical conditions. Long cores demonstrate a decrease in species diversity reflecting the transition from the cold late Pleistocene to the Holocene. The changes in species diversity and presence/absence of thermophilic representatives indicate transformation of depositional environments with unstable conditions in the water column and bottom layer, seismic activity, and widely developed processes of sediment redistribution and reworking.

Rapid Access Ice Drill: A New Tool for Exploration of the Deep Antarctic Ice Sheets and Subglacial Geology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goodge, J. W.; Severinghaus, J. P.

2014-12-01

The Rapid Access Ice Drill (RAID) will penetrate the Antarctic ice sheets in order to core through deep ice, the glacial bed, and into bedrock below. This new technology will provide a critical first look at the interface between major ice caps and their subglacial geology. Currently in construction, RAID is a mobile drilling system capable of making several long boreholes in a single field season in Antarctica. RAID is interdisciplinary and will allow access to polar paleoclimate records in ice >1 Ma, direct observation at the base of the ice sheets, and recovery of rock cores from the ice-covered East Antarctic craton. RAID uses a diamond rock-coring system as in mineral exploration. Threaded drill-pipe with hardened metal bits will cut through ice using reverse circulation of Estisol for pressure-compensation, maintenance of temperature, and removal of ice cuttings. Near the bottom of the ice sheet, a wireline bottom-hole assembly will enable diamond coring of ice, the glacial bed, and bedrock below. Once complete, boreholes will be kept open with fluid, capped, and made available for future down-hole measurement of thermal gradient, heat flow, ice chronology, and ice deformation. RAID will also sample for extremophile microorganisms. RAID is designed to penetrate up to 3,300 meters of ice and take sample cores in less than 200 hours. This rapid performance will allow completion of a borehole in about 10 days before moving to the next drilling site. RAID is unique because it can provide fast borehole access through thick ice; take short ice cores for paleoclimate study; sample the glacial bed to determine ice-flow conditions; take cores of subglacial bedrock for age dating and crustal history; and create boreholes for use as an observatory in the ice sheets. Together, the rapid drilling capability and mobility of the drilling system, along with ice-penetrating imaging methods, will provide a unique 3D picture of the interior Antarctic ice sheets.

Climatic records of the last and penultimate deglaciations in the South Atlantic and South Indian Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michel, Elisabeth; Waelbroeck, Claire; Govin, Aline; Skinner, Luke; Vàzquez Riveiros, Natalia; Dewilde, Fabien; Isguder, Gulay; Rebaubier, Hélène

2013-04-01

Surface and deep-water records of Termination I and II in two twin South Atlantic deep-sea cores (44°09' S, 14°14' W, 3770 m depth) and one South Indian core (46°29' S, 88°01' E, 3420 m depth) are presented. Sea surface temperature has been reconstructed based on planktonic foraminifera census counts in all cases, as well as Mg/Ca of G. bulloides and N. pachyderma s. over the last deglaciation. The uncertainty on reconstructed SST using different statistical methods and different faunal databases is assessed. Over the last deglaciation, combined 14C dating and correlation of the SST record with the air temperature signal recorded in Antarctic ice cores allowed us to correct for variable surface reservoir ages in the South Atlantic core (Skinner et al., 2010). Preliminary dating of the South Indian core over the last termination has been done by correlation of its magnetic signal with those of a neighboring 14C dated core (Smart et al., 2010). We have refined the later age scale using the Atlantic core age scale as reference. Benthic isotopic signals in the South Atlantic and South Indian cores over the last deglaciation exhibit the same amplitude and timing. Our results thus indicate that bottom waters at the South Indian site remained isolated from better ventilated deep waters of northern origin until ~15 ka (Waelbroeck et al., 2011). Over Termination II, the two cores have been dated by correlation of their SST records with the air temperature signal recorded in EDC versus the EDC3 age scale (Govin et al., 2009; 2012). A careful examination of the various sources of uncertainty on the derived dating has been performed. Benthic and planktonic isotopic signals reveal analogies but also differences with respect to the last termination. SST was significantly warmer during the Last Interglacial than during the Holocene in both sites. South Atlantic deep waters were also significantly better ventilated during the Last Interglacial than during the Holocene, whereas bottom water ventilation was similar during these two interglacials at the South Indian site.

System Evaluation and Economic Analysis of a HTGR Powered High-Temperature Electrolysis Hydrogen Production Plant

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Michael G. McKellar; Edwin A. Harvego; Anastasia A. Gandrik

2010-10-01

A design for a commercial-scale high-temperature electrolysis (HTE) plant for hydrogen production has been developed. The HTE plant is powered by a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) whose configuration and operating conditions are based on the latest design parameters planned for the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP). The current HTGR reference design specifies a reactor power of 600 MWt, with a primary system pressure of 7.0 MPa, and reactor inlet and outlet fluid temperatures of 322°C and 750°C, respectively. The power conversion unit will be a Rankine steam cycle with a power conversion efficiency of 40%. The reference hydrogen production plantmore » operates at a system pressure of 5.0 MPa, and utilizes a steam-sweep system to remove the excess oxygen that is evolved on the anode (oxygen) side of the electrolyzer. The overall system thermal-to-hydrogen production efficiency (based on the higher heating value of the produced hydrogen) is 40.4% at a hydrogen production rate of 1.75 kg/s and an oxygen production rate of 13.8 kg/s. An economic analysis of this plant was performed with realistic financial and cost estimating assumptions. The results of the economic analysis demonstrated that the HTE hydrogen production plant driven by a high-temperature helium-cooled nuclear power plant can deliver hydrogen at a cost of $3.67/kg of hydrogen assuming an internal rate of return, IRR, of 12% and a debt to equity ratio of 80%/20%. A second analysis shows that if the power cycle efficiency increases to 44.4%, the hydrogen production efficiency increases to 42.8% and the hydrogen and oxygen production rates are 1.85 kg/s and 14.6 kg/s respectively. At the higher power cycle efficiency and an IRR of 12% the cost of hydrogen production is $3.50/kg.« less

The IAEA coordinated research programme on HTGR uncertainty analysis: Phase I status and Ex. I-1 prismatic reference results

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bostelmann, Friederike; Strydom, Gerhard; Reitsma, Frederik

The quantification of uncertainties in design and safety analysis of reactors is today not only broadly accepted, but in many cases became the preferred way to replace traditional conservative analysis for safety and licensing analysis. The use of a more fundamental methodology is also consistent with the reliable high fidelity physics models and robust, efficient, and accurate codes available today. To facilitate uncertainty analysis applications a comprehensive approach and methodology must be developed and applied, in contrast to the historical approach where sensitivity analysis were performed and uncertainties then determined by a simplified statistical combination of a few important inputmore » parameters. New methodologies are currently under development in the OECD/NEA Light Water Reactor (LWR) Uncertainty Analysis in Best-Estimate Modelling (UAM) benchmark activity. High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor (HTGR) designs require specific treatment of the double heterogeneous fuel design and large graphite quantities at high temperatures. The IAEA has therefore launched a Coordinated Research Project (CRP) on HTGR Uncertainty Analysis in Modelling (UAM) in 2013 to study uncertainty propagation specifically in the HTGR analysis chain. Two benchmark problems are defined, with the prismatic design represented by the General Atomics (GA) MHTGR-350 and a 250 MW modular pebble bed design similar to the Chinese HTR-PM. Work has started on the first phase and the current CRP status is reported in the paper. A comparison of the Serpent and SCALE/KENO-VI reference Monte Carlo results for Ex. I-1 of the MHTGR-350 design is also included. It was observed that the SCALE/KENO-VI Continuous Energy (CE) k ∞ values were 395 pcm (Ex. I-1a) to 803 pcm (Ex. I-1b) higher than the respective Serpent lattice calculations, and that within the set of the SCALE results, the KENO-VI 238 Multi-Group (MG) k ∞ values were up to 800 pcm lower than the KENO-VI CE values. The use of the latest ENDF-B-VII.1 cross section library in Serpent lead to ~180 pcm lower k ∞ values compared to the older ENDF-B-VII.0 dataset, caused by the modified graphite neutron capture cross section. Furthermore, the fourth beta release of SCALE 6.2 likewise produced lower CE k∞ values when compared to SCALE 6.1, and the improved performance of the new 252-group library available in SCALE 6.2 is especially noteworthy. A SCALE/TSUNAMI uncertainty analysis of the Hot Full Power variant for Ex. I-1a furthermore concluded that the 238U(n,γ) (capture) and 235U(View the MathML source) cross-section covariance matrices contributed the most to the total k ∞ uncertainty of 0.58%.« less

The IAEA coordinated research programme on HTGR uncertainty analysis: Phase I status and Ex. I-1 prismatic reference results

DOE PAGES

Bostelmann, Friederike; Strydom, Gerhard; Reitsma, Frederik; ...

2016-01-11

The quantification of uncertainties in design and safety analysis of reactors is today not only broadly accepted, but in many cases became the preferred way to replace traditional conservative analysis for safety and licensing analysis. The use of a more fundamental methodology is also consistent with the reliable high fidelity physics models and robust, efficient, and accurate codes available today. To facilitate uncertainty analysis applications a comprehensive approach and methodology must be developed and applied, in contrast to the historical approach where sensitivity analysis were performed and uncertainties then determined by a simplified statistical combination of a few important inputmore » parameters. New methodologies are currently under development in the OECD/NEA Light Water Reactor (LWR) Uncertainty Analysis in Best-Estimate Modelling (UAM) benchmark activity. High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor (HTGR) designs require specific treatment of the double heterogeneous fuel design and large graphite quantities at high temperatures. The IAEA has therefore launched a Coordinated Research Project (CRP) on HTGR Uncertainty Analysis in Modelling (UAM) in 2013 to study uncertainty propagation specifically in the HTGR analysis chain. Two benchmark problems are defined, with the prismatic design represented by the General Atomics (GA) MHTGR-350 and a 250 MW modular pebble bed design similar to the Chinese HTR-PM. Work has started on the first phase and the current CRP status is reported in the paper. A comparison of the Serpent and SCALE/KENO-VI reference Monte Carlo results for Ex. I-1 of the MHTGR-350 design is also included. It was observed that the SCALE/KENO-VI Continuous Energy (CE) k ∞ values were 395 pcm (Ex. I-1a) to 803 pcm (Ex. I-1b) higher than the respective Serpent lattice calculations, and that within the set of the SCALE results, the KENO-VI 238 Multi-Group (MG) k ∞ values were up to 800 pcm lower than the KENO-VI CE values. The use of the latest ENDF-B-VII.1 cross section library in Serpent lead to ~180 pcm lower k ∞ values compared to the older ENDF-B-VII.0 dataset, caused by the modified graphite neutron capture cross section. Furthermore, the fourth beta release of SCALE 6.2 likewise produced lower CE k∞ values when compared to SCALE 6.1, and the improved performance of the new 252-group library available in SCALE 6.2 is especially noteworthy. A SCALE/TSUNAMI uncertainty analysis of the Hot Full Power variant for Ex. I-1a furthermore concluded that the 238U(n,γ) (capture) and 235U(View the MathML source) cross-section covariance matrices contributed the most to the total k ∞ uncertainty of 0.58%.« less

Tailoring the morphology and luminescence of GaN/InGaN core-shell nanowires using bottom-up selective-area epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nami, Mohsen; Eller, Rhett F.; Okur, Serdal; Rishinaramangalam, Ashwin K.; Liu, Sheng; Brener, Igal; Feezell, Daniel F.

2017-01-01

Controlled bottom-up selective-area epitaxy (SAE) is used to tailor the morphology and photoluminescence properties of GaN/InGaN core-shell nanowire arrays. The nanowires are grown on c-plane sapphire substrates using pulsed-mode metal organic chemical vapor deposition. By varying the dielectric mask configuration and growth conditions, we achieve GaN nanowire cores with diameters ranging from 80 to 700 nm that exhibit various degrees of polar, semipolar, and nonpolar faceting. A single InGaN quantum well (QW) and GaN barrier shell is also grown on the GaN nanowire cores and micro-photoluminescence is obtained and analyzed for a variety of nanowire dimensions, array pitch spacings, and aperture diameters. By increasing the nanowire pitch spacing on the same growth wafer, the emission wavelength redshifts from 440 to 520 nm, while increasing the aperture diameter results in a ˜35 nm blueshift. The thickness of one QW/barrier period as a function of pitch and aperture diameter is inferred using scanning electron microscopy, with larger pitches showing significantly thicker QWs. Significant increases in indium composition were predicted for larger pitches and smaller aperture diameters. The results are interpreted in terms of local growth conditions and adatom capture radius around the nanowires. This work provides significant insight into the effects of mask configuration and growth conditions on the nanowire properties and is applicable to the engineering of monolithic multi-color nanowire LEDs on a single chip.

Core drill's bit is replaceable without withdrawal of drill stem - A concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rushing, F. C.; Simon, A. B.

1970-01-01

Drill bit is divided into several sectors. When collapsed, the outside diameter is forced down the drill stem, when it reaches bottom the sectors are forced outward and form a cutting bit. A dulled bit is retracted by reversal of this procedure.

Impact of bottom trawling on deep-sea sediment properties along the flanks of a submarine canyon.

PubMed

Martín, Jacobo; Puig, Pere; Masqué, Pere; Palanques, Albert; Sánchez-Gómez, Anabel

2014-01-01

The offshore displacement of commercial bottom trawling has raised concerns about the impact of this destructive fishing practice on the deep seafloor, which is in general characterized by lower resilience than shallow water regions. This study focuses on the flanks of La Fonera (or Palamós) submarine canyon in the Northwestern Mediterranean, where an intensive bottom trawl fishery has been active during several decades in the 400-800 m depth range. To explore the degree of alteration of surface sediments (0-50 cm depth) caused by this industrial activity, fishing grounds and control (untrawled) sites were sampled along the canyon flanks with an interface multicorer. Sediment cores were analyzed to obtain vertical profiles of sediment grain-size, dry bulk density, organic carbon content and concentration of the radionuclide 210Pb. At control sites, surface sediments presented sedimentological characteristics typical of slope depositional systems, including a topmost unit of unconsolidated and bioturbated material overlying sediments progressively compacted with depth, with consistently high 210Pb inventories and exponential decaying profiles of 210Pb concentrations. Sediment accumulation rates at these untrawled sites ranged from 0.3 to 1.0 cm y-1. Sediment properties at most trawled sites departed from control sites and the sampled cores were characterized by denser sediments with lower 210Pb surface concentrations and inventories that indicate widespread erosion of recent sediments caused by trawling gears. Other alterations of the physical sediment properties, including thorough mixing or grain-size sorting, as well as organic carbon impoverishment, were also visible at trawled sites. This work contributes to the growing realization of the capacity of bottom trawling to alter the physical properties of surface sediments and affect the seafloor integrity over large spatial scales of the deep-sea.

Impact of Bottom Trawling on Deep-Sea Sediment Properties along the Flanks of a Submarine Canyon

PubMed Central

Martín, Jacobo; Puig, Pere; Masqué, Pere; Palanques, Albert; Sánchez-Gómez, Anabel

2014-01-01

The offshore displacement of commercial bottom trawling has raised concerns about the impact of this destructive fishing practice on the deep seafloor, which is in general characterized by lower resilience than shallow water regions. This study focuses on the flanks of La Fonera (or Palamós) submarine canyon in the Northwestern Mediterranean, where an intensive bottom trawl fishery has been active during several decades in the 400–800 m depth range. To explore the degree of alteration of surface sediments (0–50 cm depth) caused by this industrial activity, fishing grounds and control (untrawled) sites were sampled along the canyon flanks with an interface multicorer. Sediment cores were analyzed to obtain vertical profiles of sediment grain-size, dry bulk density, organic carbon content and concentration of the radionuclide 210Pb. At control sites, surface sediments presented sedimentological characteristics typical of slope depositional systems, including a topmost unit of unconsolidated and bioturbated material overlying sediments progressively compacted with depth, with consistently high 210Pb inventories and exponential decaying profiles of 210Pb concentrations. Sediment accumulation rates at these untrawled sites ranged from 0.3 to 1.0 cm y−1. Sediment properties at most trawled sites departed from control sites and the sampled cores were characterized by denser sediments with lower 210Pb surface concentrations and inventories that indicate widespread erosion of recent sediments caused by trawling gears. Other alterations of the physical sediment properties, including thorough mixing or grain-size sorting, as well as organic carbon impoverishment, were also visible at trawled sites. This work contributes to the growing realization of the capacity of bottom trawling to alter the physical properties of surface sediments and affect the seafloor integrity over large spatial scales of the deep-sea. PMID:25111298

LIGHT WATER MODERATED NEUTRONIC REACTOR

DOEpatents

Christy, R.F.; Weinberg, A.M.

1957-09-17

A uranium fuel reactor designed to utilize light water as a moderator is described. The reactor core is in a tank at the bottom of a substantially cylindrical cross-section pit, the core being supported by an apertured grid member and comprised of hexagonal tubes each containing a pluralily of fuel rods held in a geometrical arrangement between end caps of the tubes. The end caps are apertured to permit passage of the coolant water through the tubes and the fuel elements are aluminum clad to prevent corrosion. The tubes are hexagonally arranged in the center of the tank providing an amulus between the core and tank wall which is filled with water to serve as a reflector. In use, the entire pit and tank are filled with water in which is circulated during operation by coming in at the bottom of the tank, passing upwardly through the grid member and fuel tubes and carried off near the top of the pit, thereby picking up the heat generated by the fuel elements during the fission thereof. With this particular design the light water coolant can also be used as the moderator when the uranium is enriched by fissionable isotope to an abundance of U/sup 235/ between 0.78% and 2%.

An underground nuclear power station using self-regulating heat-pipe controlled reactors

DOEpatents

Hampel, V.E.

1988-05-17

A nuclear reactor for generating electricity is disposed underground at the bottom of a vertical hole that can be drilled using conventional drilling technology. The primary coolant of the reactor core is the working fluid in a plurality of thermodynamically coupled heat pipes emplaced in the hole between the heat source at the bottom of the hole and heat exchange means near the surface of the earth. Additionally, the primary coolant (consisting of the working fluid in the heat pipes in the reactor core) moderates neutrons and regulates their reactivity, thus keeping the power of the reactor substantially constant. At the end of its useful life, the reactor core may be abandoned in place. Isolation from the atmosphere in case of accident or for abandonment is provided by the operation of explosive closures and mechanical valves emplaced along the hole. This invention combines technology developed and tested for small, highly efficient, space-based nuclear electric power plants with the technology of fast- acting closure mechanisms developed and used for underground testing of nuclear weapons. This invention provides a nuclear power installation which is safe from the worst conceivable reactor accident, namely, the explosion of a nuclear weapon near the ground surface of a nuclear power reactor. 5 figs.

Underground nuclear power station using self-regulating heat-pipe controlled reactors

DOEpatents

Hampel, Viktor E.

1989-01-01

A nuclear reactor for generating electricity is disposed underground at the bottom of a vertical hole that can be drilled using conventional drilling technology. The primary coolant of the reactor core is the working fluid in a plurality of thermodynamically coupled heat pipes emplaced in the hole between the heat source at the bottom of the hole and heat exchange means near the surface of the earth. Additionally, the primary coolant (consisting of the working flud in the heat pipes in the reactor core) moderates neutrons and regulates their reactivity, thus keeping the power of the reactor substantially constant. At the end of its useful life, the reactor core may be abandoned in place. Isolation from the atmosphere in case of accident or for abandonment is provided by the operation of explosive closures and mechanical valves emplaced along the hole. This invention combines technology developed and tested for small, highly efficient, space-based nuclear electric power plants with the technology of fast-acting closure mechanisms developed and used for underground testing of nuclear weapons. This invention provides a nuclear power installation which is safe from the worst conceivable reactor accident, namely, the explosion of a nuclear weapon near the ground surface of a nuclear power reactor.

CHAP-2 heat-transfer analysis of the Fort St. Vrain reactor core

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kotas, J.F.; Stroh, K.R.

1983-01-01

The Los Alamos National Laboratory is developing the Composite High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor Analysis Program (CHAP) to provide advanced best-estimate predictions of postulated accidents in gas-cooled reactor plants. The CHAP-2 reactor-core model uses the finite-element method to initialize a two-dimensional temperature map of the Fort St. Vrain (FSV) core and its top and bottom reflectors. The code generates a finite-element mesh, initializes noding and boundary conditions, and solves the nonlinear Laplace heat equation using temperature-dependent thermal conductivities, variable coolant-channel-convection heat-transfer coefficients, and specified internal fuel and moderator heat-generation rates. This paper discusses this method and analyzes an FSV reactor-core accident thatmore » simulates a control-rod withdrawal at full power.« less

Distribution of selenium, molybdenum and uranium in sediment cores from the Colorado River delta, Baja California, Mexico.

PubMed

Orozco-Durán, A; Daesslé, L W; Gutiérrez-Galindo, E A; Muñoz-Barbosa, A

2012-01-01

The distribution of selenium, molybdenum and uranium was studied in ~1.5 m sediment cores from the Colorado River delta, at the Colorado (CR) and Hardy (HR) riverbeds. Core HR2 showed highest Se, Mo and U concentrations at its bottom (2.3, 0.95 and 1.8 μg g(-1)) within a sandy-silt layer deposited prior to dam construction. In CR5 the highest concentrations of these elements (0.9, 1.4 and 1.7 μg g(-1) respectively) were located at the top of the core within a surface layer enriched in organic carbon. A few samples from HR2 had Se above the probable toxic effect level guidelines.

Failure modes and materials design for biomechanical layer structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Yan

Ceramic materials are finding increasing usage in the area of biomechanical replacements---dental crowns, hip and bone implants, etc.---where strength, wear resistance, biocompatibility, chemical durability and even aesthetics are critical issues. Aesthetic ceramic crowns have been widely used in dentistry to replace damaged or missing teeth. However, the failure rates of ceramic crowns, especially all-ceramic crowns, can be 1%˜6% per year, which is not satisfactory to patients. The materials limitations and underlying fracture mechanisms of these prostheses are not well understood. In this thesis, fundamental fracture and damage mechanisms in model dental bilayer and trilayer structures are studied. Principle failure modes are identified from in situ experimentation and confirmed by fracture mechanics analysis. In bilayer structures of ceramic/polycarbonate (representative of ceramic crown/dentin structure), three major damage sources are identified: (i) top-surface cone cracks or (ii) quasiplasticity, dominating in thick ceramic bilayers; (iii) bottom-surface radial cracks, dominating in thin ceramic bilayers. Critical load P for each damage mode are measured in six dental ceramics: Y-TZP zirconia, glass-infiltrated zirconia and alumina (InCeram), glass-ceramic (Empress II), Porcelain (Mark II and Empress) bonded to polymer substrates, as a function of ceramic thickness d in the range of 100 mum to 10 mm. P is found independent of d for mode (i) and (ii), but has a d 2 relations for mode (iii)---bottom surface radial cracking. In trilayer structures of glass/core-ceramic/polycarbonate (representing veneer porcelain/core/dentin structures), three inner fracture origins are identified: radial cracks from the bottom surface in the (i) first and (ii) second layers; and (iii) quasiplasticity in core-ceramic layer. The role of relative veneer/core thickness, d1/d 2 and materials properties is investigated for three core materials with different modulus (114--270GPa) and strength (400--1400MPa): Y-TZP zirconia, InCeram alumina and Empress II glass-ceramic. Explicit relations for the critical loads P to produce these different damage modes in bilayer and trilayer structures are developed in terms of basic material properties (modulus E, strength, hardness H and toughness T) and geometrical variables (thickness d and contact sphere radius r). These experimentally validated relations are used to design of optimal material combinations for improved fracture resistance and to predict mechanical performance of current dental materials.

Annular core liquid-salt cooled reactor with multiple fuel and blanket zones

DOEpatents

Peterson, Per F.

2013-05-14

A liquid fluoride salt cooled, high temperature reactor having a reactor vessel with a pebble-bed reactor core. The reactor core comprises a pebble injection inlet located at a bottom end of the reactor core and a pebble defueling outlet located at a top end of the reactor core, an inner reflector, outer reflector, and an annular pebble-bed region disposed in between the inner reflector and outer reflector. The annular pebble-bed region comprises an annular channel configured for receiving pebble fuel at the pebble injection inlet, the pebble fuel comprising a combination of seed and blanket pebbles having a density lower than the coolant such that the pebbles have positive buoyancy and migrate upward in said annular pebble-bed region toward the defueling outlet. The annular pebble-bed region comprises alternating radial layers of seed pebbles and blanket pebbles.

An historical assessment of trace metal accumulation in Lake Champlain, Vermont

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mecray, E.L.; King, J.W.

1993-03-01

The Lake Champlain watershed, with its increased land use, shoreline development, and population, is being threatened by pollutants in the water column and bottom sediments. A comprehensive study is currently being conducted to characterize the bottom sediments of the lake for toxicity and to reconstruct the history of pollutant inputs. Surface sediment samples were collected from 30 stations and analyzed for metal (Cu, Zn, Cr, Pb, Ni, Mn, Fe, Cd, Al, and Ag) concentrations to determine the contaminated regions of the lake. Once the contaminated regions were determined, a Nemesis corer was used to retrieve sediments cores averaging 1 metermore » in length from 10 sites within Lake Champlain. Grain size and metal analyses were conducted at one and two cm intervals down the cores. Grain size data, in combination with metal and radiometric stratigraphy, can serve as an indicator of changing land use in the watershed. The grain size in some cores has a fining upward trend indicating increased land use and soil erosion. Downcore variations in metal concentrations reveal two different regimes. The concentration at depth remain consistently low and are inferred to correspond with the natural background levels. In contrast, the upper section of the cores show abrupt increases in metal concentrations which are attributed to increased anthropogenic inputs. Radiometric ([sup 210] and [sup 137]Cs) and pollen chronostratigraphy of these cores indicates that the increased metal concentrations and the changes in grain size recorded in the upper most sediments is related to increased human disturbance beginning in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This study demonstrates that the historical record of pollution inputs to Lake Champlain can be reconstructed from the sediment sequences.« less

A sampler for coring sediments in rivers and estuaries

USGS Publications Warehouse

Prych, Edmund A.; Hubbell, D.W.

1966-01-01

A portable sampler developed to core submerged unconsolidated sediments collects cores that are 180 cm long and 4.75cm in diameter. The sampler is used from a 12-m boat in water depths up to 20 m and in flow velocities up to 1.5m per second to sample river and estuarine deposits ranging from silty clay to medium sand. Even in sand that cannot be penetrated with conventional corers, the sampler achieves easy penetration through the combined application of vibration, suction, and axial force. A piston in the core barrel creates suction, and the suspension system is arranged so that tension on the support cable produces both a downward force on the core barrel and a lateral support against overturning. Samples are usually retained because of slight compaction in the driving head; as a precaution, however, the bottom of the core barrel is covered by a plate that closes after the barrel is withdrawn from the bed. Tests show that sample-retainers placed within the driving head restrict penetration and limit core lengths. Stratification within cores is disrupted little as a result of the sampling process.

Magnetic field-directed hybrid anisotropic nanocomposites.

PubMed

Gong, Maogang; Zhang, Jingming; Ren, Shenqiang

2018-08-24

A facile bottom-up approach is developed to grow magnetic metallic Cu/FeCo (core/shell) nanowires, where their distribution and orientation can be controlled by magnetic field. The nanocomposites consisting of a ferroelectric polymer matrix and magnetic nanowire arrays exhibit the orientation-controlled anisotropy and interfacial magnetoelectric coupling effect.

CERC Field Research Facility Environmental Data Summary, 1977-79.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-12-01

Motorola "Mini-Ranger," coupled to a Hewlett-Packard Mini-Computer and flatbed plotter. This positioning system was put together and operated by Prank... laminations within the core. While one diver collected the sample, the second diver recorded conditions on the bottom. This description included sediment

Microphytobenthos production potential and contribution to bottom layer oxygen dynamics on the inner Louisiana continental shelf

EPA Science Inventory

To investigate the relative importance of microphytobenthos (MPB) oxygen (O2) production on a river-dominated shelf, we made sediment core incubation measurements of MPB O2 production and sediment O2 consumption, and compared these to water-column measures of primary production ...

Ni@Ru and NiCo@Ru Core-Shell Hexagonal Nanosandwiches with a Compositionally Tunable Core and a Regioselectively Grown Shell.

PubMed

Hwang, Hyeyoun; Kwon, Taehyun; Kim, Ho Young; Park, Jongsik; Oh, Aram; Kim, Byeongyoon; Baik, Hionsuck; Joo, Sang Hoon; Lee, Kwangyeol

2018-01-01

The development of highly active electrocatalysts is crucial for the advancement of renewable energy conversion devices. The design of core-shell nanoparticle catalysts represents a promising approach to boost catalytic activity as well as save the use of expensive precious metals. Here, a simple, one-step synthetic route is reported to prepare hexagonal nanosandwich-shaped Ni@Ru core-shell nanoparticles (Ni@Ru HNS), in which Ru shell layers are overgrown in a regioselective manner on the top and bottom, and around the center section of a hexagonal Ni nanoplate core. Notably, the synthesis can be extended to NiCo@Ru core-shell nanoparticles with tunable core compositions (Ni 3 Co x @Ru HNS). Core-shell HNS structures show superior electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) to a commercial RuO 2 black catalyst, with their OER activity being dependent on their core compositions. The observed trend in OER activity is correlated to the population of Ru oxide (Ru 4+ ) species, which can be modulated by the core compositions. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Leaching kinetics of bottom ash waste as a source of calcium ions.

PubMed

Koech, Lawrence; Everson, Ray; Neomagus, Hein; Rutto, Hilary

2015-02-01

Bottom ash is a waste material from coal-fired power plants, and it is known to contain elements that are potentially toxic at high concentration levels when disposed in landfills. This study investigates the use of bottom ash as a partial substitute sorbent for wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) processes by focusing on its leaching kinetics in adipic acid. This was studied basing on the shrinking core model that was applied to the experimental data obtained by the authors presented at the International Conference on Industrial, Manufacturing, Automation and Mechanical Engineering, Johannesburg, South Africa, November 27-28, 2013) on dissolution of bottom ash. The leaching rate constant was obtained from different reaction variables, namely, temperature, pH, acid concentration, and solid-to-liquid ratio, that could affect the leaching process. The solid sample of bottom ash was characterized at different leaching periods using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that solid-to-liquid ratio had a significant effect on the leaching rate constant when compared with other variables. The leaching kinetics showed that diffusion through the product layer was the rate-controlling step during leaching, and the activation energy for the process was found to be 18.92 kJ/mol.

Variations of oxygen-minimum and primary productivity recorded in sediments of the Arabian Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schulte, Sonja; Rostek, Frauke; Bard, Edouard; Rullkötter, Jürgen; Marchal, Olivier

1999-11-01

Two deep-sea sediment cores from the northeastern and the southeastern Arabian Sea were studied in order to reconstruct the palaeoenvironments of the past glacial cycles. Core 136KL was recovered from the high-productivity area off Pakistan within the modern oxygen-minimum zone (OMZ). By contrast, modern primary productivity at the site of MD900963 close to Maldives is moderate and bottom waters are today well oxygenated. For both cores, we reconstructed the changes in palaeoproductivity using a set of biomarkers (alkenones, dinosterol and brassicasterol); the main result is that primary productivity is enhanced during glacial stages and lowered during interstadials. The proxies associated with productivity show a 23 kyr cyclicity corresponding to the precession-related insolation cycle. Palaeoredox conditions were studied in both cores using a new organic geochemical parameter (C 35/C 31- n-alkane ratio) developed by analysing surface sediments from a transect across the OMZ off Pakistan. The value of this ratio in core 136KL shows many variations during the last 65 kyr, indicating that the OMZ was not stable during this time: it disappeared completely during Heinrich- and the Younger Dryas events, pointing to a connection between global oceanic circulation and the stability of the OMZ. The C 35/C 31 ratio determined in sediments of core MD900963 shows that bottom waters remained rather well oxygenated over the last 330 kyr, which is confirmed by comparison with authigenic metal concentrations in the same sediments. A zonally averaged, circulation-biogeochemical ocean model was used to explore how the intermediate Indian Ocean responds to a freshwater flux anomaly at the surface of the North Atlantic. As suggested by the geochemical time series, both the abundance of Southern Ocean Water and the oxygen concentration are significantly increased in response to this freshwater perturbation.

Rare earth element association with foraminifera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roberts, Natalie L.; Piotrowski, Alexander M.; Elderfield, Henry; Eglinton, Timothy I.; Lomas, Michael W.

2012-10-01

Neodymium isotopes are becoming widely used as a palaeoceanographic tool for reconstructing the source and flow direction of water masses. A new method using planktonic foraminifera which have not been chemically cleaned has proven to be a promising means of avoiding contamination of the deep ocean palaeoceanographic signal by detrital material. However, the exact mechanism by which the Nd isotope signal from bottom waters becomes associated with planktonic foraminifera, the spatial distribution of rare earth element (REE) concentrations within the shell, and the possible mobility of REE ions during changing redox conditions, have not been fully investigated. Here we present REE concentration and Nd isotope data from mixed species of planktonic foraminifera taken from plankton tows, sediment traps and a sediment core from the NW Atlantic. We used multiple geochemical techniques to evaluate how, where and when REEs become associated with planktonic foraminifera as they settle through the water column, reside at the surface and are buried in the sediment. Analyses of foraminifera shells from plankton tows and sediment traps between 200 and 2938 m water depth indicate that only ˜20% of their associated Nd is biogenically incorporated into the calcite structure. The remaining 80% is associated with authigenic metal oxides and organic matter, which form in the water column, and remain extraneous to the carbonate structure. Remineralisation of these organic and authigenic phases releases ions back into solution and creates new binding sites, allowing the Nd isotope ratio to undergo partial equilibration with the ambient seawater, as the foraminifera fall through the water column. Analyses of fossil foraminifera shells from sediment cores show that their REE concentrations increase by up to 10-fold at the sediment-water interface, and acquire an isotopic signature of bottom water. Adsorption and complexation of REE3+ ions between the inner layers of calcite contributes significantly to elevated REE concentrations in foraminifera. The most likely source of REE ions at this stage of enrichment is from bottom waters and from the remineralisation of oxide phases which are in chemical equilibrium with the bottom waters. As planktonic foraminifera are buried below the sediment-water interface redox-sensitive ion concentrations are adjusted within the shells depending on the pore-water oxygen concentration. The concentration of ions which are passively redox sensitive, such as REE3+ ions, is also controlled to some extent by this process. We infer that (a) the Nd isotope signature of bottom water is preserved in planktonic foraminifera and (b) that it relies on the limited mobility of particle reactive REE3+ ions, aided in some environments by micron-scale precipitation of MnCO3. This study indicates that there may be sedimentary environments under which the bottom water Nd isotope signature is not preserved by planktonic foraminifera. Tests to validate other core sites must be carried out before downcore records can be used to interpret palaeoceanographic changes.

Five Hundred and Seventy Three Holes in the Bottom of the Sea-Some Results From Seven Years of Deep-Sea Drilling

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davies, T. A.

1976-01-01

Described are the background, operation, and findings of the work of the deep sea drilling vessel Glomar Challenger, which has taken 8,638 core samples from 573 holes at 392 sites on the floor of the Earth's oceans. (SL)

An Essay on the Teaching of Leadership to Undergraduates in Business Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kosicek, Paul Michael

2008-01-01

Business schools across the United States since the late 1800s have taught accounting concepts, business tactics, and management skills in their predominately management-oriented core curricula. They strive to provide students with an effective toolbox designed to improve market share and the bottom line. The teaching of management exposes the…

Geotechnical Diver Tools Operation and Maintenance Manual

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-10-01

taking a core with the least amount of 4. Screw piston onto bottom of piston rod; disturbance. The piston is unscrewed from lubricate U-packing seal on...corer head onto piston road. 3. Screw piston onto piston rods check U-pecking seal for proper direction (see manual). 4. Slide aore tube over piston and

Mir survey just before docking

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-05-16

STS084-730-002 (15-24 May 1997) --- A Space Shuttle Atlantis point-of-view frame showing the docking port and target during separation from with Russia's Mir Space Station. The picture should be held with the retracted Kristall solar array at right. Other elements partially visible are Kvant-2 (top), Spektr (bottom) and Core Module (left).

Forum for Organisational Learning: Combining Learning at Work, Organisational Learning and Training in New Ways.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simons, P. R. J.; Germans, J.; Ruijters, M.

2003-01-01

The Forum for Organisational Learning is designed to bridge gaps among individual, group/team, and organizational learning. Organizational representatives form communities of learning; their core content involves five paradoxes: top-down and bottom-up approaches, working and learning, individual and organizational goals, structure and empowerment…

The Methodist University Sustainable Program: Using the Earth Charter to Mainstream Sustainability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matarazzo-Neuberger, Waverli Maia; Filho, Vicente Manzione

2010-01-01

This article describes a pioneering initiative of a Brazilian university to introduce sustainability in all undergraduate curricula and in its operations. The Methodist University Sustainable Program was developed in a bottom-up way and began with the introduction of sustainability as a core value in the Institutional Political-Pedagogical Plan,…

Effects of regional climate changes on the planktonic ecosystem and water environment in the frozen Notoro Lagoon, northern Japan.

PubMed

Katsuki, Kota; Seto, Koji; Noguchi, Takuro; Sonoda, Takeshi; Kim, JuYong

2012-10-01

Diatom fossils from core sediments and living diatoms from water samples of Notoro Lagoon in northern Japan were examined to evaluate natural climate effects on lagoon environmental changes. In 1974, the artificial inlet was excavated. Immediately after, the anoxic bottom water in Notoro Lagoon began to disappear due to an increasing water exchange rate. However, chemical oxygen demand (COD) in the bottom water of Notoro Lagoon gradually increased, with fluctuations, during the last 30 years. In addition, the dominant diatom assemblages in Notoro Lagoon shifted to ice-related and spring bloom taxa after the excavation. The dominant taxa of each year in the sediment core were also strongly related to the timing of lagoon ice melting. This is because the COD in Notoro Lagoon was affected by the deposited volume of blooming diatoms, which was controlled by the duration of ice cover and the timing of ice discharge to the Okhotsk Sea likely due to an air pressure pattern change over the northern North Pacific like the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Molybdenum accumulation in Cariaco basin sediment over the past 24 k.y.: A record of water-column anoxia and climate

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dean, W.E.; Piper, D.Z.; Peterson, L.C.

1999-01-01

Molybdenum (Mo) concentrations in a sediment core from the Cariaco basin on the Venezuelan continental shelf can be partitioned between a marine fraction and a terrigenous fraction. The accumulation rate of the marine fraction of Mo increased abruptly 15 000 calendar years ago (15 ka), from 4 ??g ?? cm-2 ?? yr-1, and then decreased abruptly at 9 ka. The accumulation rate remained high throughout this 6 k.y. period, but exhibited maxima at 15-14 and 12.5 ka, corresponding in time to meltwater pulse IA into the Gulf of Mexico and the onset of the Younger Dryas cold event, respectively. The marine fraction of Mo is interpreted in terms of redox conditions of bottom water, as dictated by both the flux of settling organic matter and bottom-water residence time. Correspondence between geochemical extremes in this core with changes in sea level and global climate demonstrates the high degree to which this ocean-margin basin has responded to the paleoceanographic regime throughout the past 24 k.y.

MOFwich: Sandwiched Metal-Organic Framework-Containing Mixed Matrix Composites for Chemical Warfare Agent Removal.

PubMed

Peterson, Gregory W; Lu, Annie X; Hall, Morgan G; Browe, Matthew A; Tovar, Trenton; Epps, Thomas H

2018-02-28

This work describes a new strategy for fabricating mixed matrix composites containing layered metal-organic framework (MOF)/polymer films as functional barriers for chemical warfare agent protection. Through the use of mechanically robust polymers as the top and bottom encasing layers, a high-MOF-loading, high-performance-core layer can be sandwiched within. We term this multifunctional composite "MOFwich". We found that the use of elastomeric encasing layers enabled core layer reformation after breakage, an important feature for composites and membranes alike. The incorporation of MOFs into the core layer led to enhanced removal of chemical warfare agents while simultaneously promoting moisture vapor transport through the composite, showcasing the promise of these composites for protection applications.

Microfossils, a Key to Unravel Cold-Water Carbonate Mound Evolution through Time: Evidence from the Eastern Alboran Sea

PubMed Central

Stalder, Claudio; Vertino, Agostina; Rosso, Antonietta; Rüggeberg, Andres; Pirkenseer, Claudius; Spangenberg, Jorge E.; Spezzaferri, Silvia; Camozzi, Osvaldo; Rappo, Sacha; Hajdas, Irka

2015-01-01

Cold-water coral (CWC) ecosystems occur worldwide and play a major role in the ocean's carbonate budget and atmospheric CO2 balance since the Danian (~65 m.y. ago). However their temporal and spatial evolution against climatic and oceanographic variability is still unclear. For the first time, we combine the main macrofaunal components of a sediment core from a CWC mound of the Melilla Mounds Field in the Eastern Alboran Sea with the associated microfauna and we highlight the importance of foraminifera and ostracods as indicators of CWC mound evolution in the paleorecord. Abundances of macrofauna along the core reveal alternating periods dominated by distinct CWC taxa (mostly Lophelia pertusa, Madrepora oculata) that correspond to major shifts in foraminiferal and ostracod assemblages. The period dominated by M. oculata coincides with a period characterized by increased export of refractory organic matter to the seafloor and rather unstable oceanographic conditions at the benthic boundary layer with periodically decreased water energy and oxygenation, variable bottom water temperature/density and increased sediment flow. The microfaunal and geochemical data strongly suggest that M. oculata and in particular Dendrophylliidae show a higher tolerance to environmental changes than L. pertusa. Finally, we show evidence for sustained CWC growth during the Alleröd-Younger-Dryas in the Eastern Alboran Sea and that this period corresponds to stable benthic conditions with cold/dense and well oxygenated bottom waters, high fluxes of labile organic matter and relatively strong bottom currents PMID:26447699

Constraints on Thermochemical Convection of the Mantle from Plume-related Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, S.

2005-05-01

Although geochemical observations have long suggested a layered mantle with more enriched mantle material in the bottom layer to provide a significant amount of heat to the top layer, the nature of such a layering remains unclear. An important observation that has been used to argue against the conventional layered mantle model (i.e., the layering at the 670 km depth) was the plume heat flux [Davies, 1999]. Plume heat flux is estimated as ~ 3.5 TW, or 10% of the surface heat flux [Davies, 1988; Sleep, 1990]. In this study, we demonstrate with 3-D spherical models of mantle convection with depth- and temperature-dependent viscosity that observed plume heat flux, plume excess temperature (<350°C), and upper mantle temperature (~ 1300°C) can pose important constraints on the layered mantle convection. We show that for a purely thermal convection model (i.e., a whole mantle convection), the observations of plume heat flux, plume excess temperature, and upper mantle temperature can be simultaneously explained only when internal heating rate is about 65%. For smaller internal heating rate, plume heat flux and plume excess temperature would be too large, and upper mantle temperature would be too small, compared with the observed. This suggests that for a whole mantle convection the CMB heat flux needs to be > 10 TW. For a core with no significant heat producing elements, such large CMB heat flux may lead to too rapid cooling of the core or a too young inner core. A layered mantle convection may help reduce the CMB heat flux. For layered convection models, we found that the top layer needs to be ~70% internally heated to explain the upper mantle temperature and plume-related observations, and this required internal heating ratio is insensitive to the layer thickness for the bottom layer (we used ~600 km and 1100 km thicknesses). This result suggests that heat generation rate for the bottom layer cannot be significantly larger (< a factor of 2) than that for the top layer. thus challenging the conventional geochemical inference for an significantly enriched bottom layer. However, this is more consistent with recent estimate of the MORB source composition that increases heat producing element concentration by a factor of three compared with the previously proposed.

A 1000-year sediment record of recurring hypoxia off the Mississippi River: The potential role of terrestrially-derived organic matter inputs

USGS Publications Warehouse

Swarzenski, P.W.; Campbell, P.L.; Osterman, L.E.; Poore, R.Z.

2008-01-01

A suite of inorganic and organic geochemical tracers and a low-oxygen tolerant benthic faunal index ('PEB') were measured in a 14C-dated 2+??m long gravity core collected on the Louisiana shelf adjacent to the Mississippi River delta to study potential millennium-scale low-oxygen events. Periodic down-core excursions in the PEB index throughout the core suggest recurring, natural bottom water low-oxygen events that extend back ??? 1000??14C years. Select trace element and biomarker distributions in these same sediments were examined as potential tracers of past hypoxic events and to help distinguish between marine versus terrestrial processes involved in organic carbon production. In discrete sediment horizons where the PEB index was elevated, redox-sensitive vanadium concentrations were consistently depleted, excursions in sedimentary ??13C suggest periodic, preferential terrestrial inputs, and the concentrations of two sterol biomarkers (sitosterol and ??-stigmasterol) also showed concurrent enrichments. If the PEB index successfully records ??? 1000??14C year-scale low-oxygen events, then the distribution of these geochemical tracers can be interpreted to corroborate the view that naturally occurring low-oxygen bottom water conditions have existed on the inner Louisiana continental shelf, not only in recent times, but also over at least the last 1000??14C years. These data support the general hypothesis that historic, low-oxygen bottom water conditions on the Louisiana shelf are likely tied to periods of increased fluvial discharge and associated wetland export in the absence of modern river levees. Enhanced river discharge and associated material export would both stimulate enhanced in situ organic carbon production and foster water column stratification. Such periodic elevated river flows during the last millennium can be linked to climate fluctuations and tropical storm activity. ?? 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

US/CIS integrated NTRE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bulman, M. J.; Culver, D. W.; McIlwain, M. C.; Rochow, Richard; D'Yakov, E. K.; Smetannikov, V. P.

1993-06-01

The paper describes the Nuclear Thermal Energy (NTRE) engine, developed by taking advantage of mature fuel technology developed in the former Soviet Union, thus shortening the development schedule of this engine for moon and Mars explorations. The near-term NTRE engine has a number of features that provide safety, mission performance, cost, and risk benefits. These include: (1) high-temperature long-life CIS fuel, (2) high-pressure recuperated expander cycle, (3) assured restart, (4) long-life cooled nozzle with thin inner wall, (5) long-life turbopumps, (6) heat radiation and electrical power generation, and (7) component integration synergy. Diagrams of the reactor core, the recuperated bottoming cycle flow schematic, and the recuperated bottoming cycle engine schematic are presented.

Observations of the R reflector and sediment interface reflection at the Shallow Water '06 Central Site.

PubMed

Choi, Jee Woong; Dahl, Peter H; Goff, John A

2008-09-01

Acoustic bottom-interacting measurements from the Shallow Water '06 experiment experiment (frequency range 1-20 kHz) are presented. These are co-located with coring and stratigraphic studies showing a thin (approximately 20 cm) higher sound speed layer overlaying a thicker (approximately 20 m) lower sound speed layer ending at a high-impedance reflector (R reflector). Reflections from the R reflector and analysis of the bottom reflection coefficient magnitude for the upper two sediment layers confirm both these features. Geoacoustic parameters are estimated, dispersion effects addressed, and forward modeling using the parabolic wave equation undertaken. The reflection coefficient measurements suggest a nonlinear attenuation law for the thin layer of sandy sediments.

Evaluation of ERTS data for certain oceanographic uses. [upwelling, water circulation, and pollution in Great Lakes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Strong, A. E. (Principal Investigator)

1973-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Upwelling along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan was occurring during the 3 and 21 August 1973 visits by ERTS-1. The NOAA-2 VHRR thermal-IR data are being digitized for comparison. Early indications are that these upwellings induced a calcium carbonate precipitate to form in the surface waters. It is most pronounced in the MSS-4 channel. On the lake bottom this jell-like sediment is known as marl and adds to the eutrophication of the lake. This phenomenon may help to explain the varve-like nature of bottom cores that have been observed in the Great Lakes.

Paleoenvironmental History of Long Island Sound, CT, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varekamp, J. C.; Thomas, E.; Lugolobi, F.; Buchholtz Ten Brink, M. R.

2002-12-01

Western Long Island Sound (LIS) is an urban estuary heavily impacted by waste water effluents from CT and New York city. The estuary has suffered seasonal hypoxia since the 1970s, and in 1999 lobsters suffered > 90% mortality. We used short sediment cores that cover the last several 100 years to reconstruct the temperature/salinity history of LIS, as well as its history of hypoxic episodes. We measured oxygen and carbon isotopic compositions and Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca in calcite tests of the benthic foraminifer Elphidium excavatum, collected alive (Rose Bengal stained) in grab samples and in core samples, as proxies for bottom water temperature and salinity. The level of bottom water oxygenation is derived from the carbon isotope values in foraminiferal calcite, after correction for paleosalinity. The strong seasonal temperature fluctuation in Long Island Sound bottom waters (about 20oC) and the long livespan of the foraminifer make precise paleotemperature estimates difficult. The oxygen isotope data (in vivo effect 1.1 o/_{oo} of the foraminiferal tests were recalculated at constant mean-annual water temperature (12.5^{o}C) into paleosalinities, ranging between 18 and 33 ^{o}/oo. The oxygen and carbon isotope ratios of river water, Long Island Sound water and dissolved inorganic carbon were used to construct a mixing model for the Sound. From calculated paleosalinities and the modern mixing model we derived expected carbon isotope ratios, which were subtracted from the observed values. We argue that the residuals (excess carbon isotope values) are proportional to the amount of organic carbon that was oxidized in these waters, and as such represent a proxy for paleohypoxia. Data from nine cores show no long term trends in salinity over the last 1000 years, but show more pronounced variations over the last 100 years. Several low salinity events could be correlated with wet climate periods documented in Southern New England. The excess carbon isotope values were between 0 and -1 o/_{oo} for most of the last millennium but became much more negative in the mid 18^{th} to 19^{th} century, with strong variability in the 20^{th} century. The low salinity events of the last 100 years correlate strongly with strongly negative excess carbon isotope values, suggesting a linkage between the wet periods and oxidation of organic matter on the bottom of the Sound (algal blooms, warm periods?). This linkage between low salinity events and strongly negative excess carbon isotope values did not occur prior to 1900 AD. More detailed dating (^{210}Pb, ^{137}$Cs) will improve the time resolution and correlation between cores of the various documented events.

Contaminant trends in reservoir sediment cores as records of influent stream quality

USGS Publications Warehouse

Van Metre, P.C.; Mahler, B.J.

2004-01-01

When reconstructing water-quality histories from lake and reservoir cores, it is sometimes assumed that the chemical signatures in the cores reflect historical water quality in the influent streams. To investigate this assumption, concentrations of metals, PAHs, and organochlorine compounds in sediment cores were compared to those associated with an influent-stream suspended sediment for three reservoirs in Fort Worth, TX, and two reservoirs in Boston, MA, U.S.A., and interpreted in light of land-use and regulation histories. In evaluating relations between suspended sediments and cores, three levels of preservation were indicated: (1) influent concentrations and historical trends are preserved in cores (metals at all sites; some organic contaminants at some sites); (2) some loss occurs during transport and initial deposition but relative historical trends are preserved in cores (some organic contaminants at some sites); and (3) neither stream concentrations nor relative historical trends are preserved (dieldrin and p,p???-DDT). The degree of preservation of influent concentration histories varied between lakes, particularly for PAHs. The results support the use of sediment cores to infer streamwater-quality histories for many contaminants but indicate that reservoir-bottom sediment samples might underestimate concentrations of organic contaminants in some streams.

Thermos reactors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Labrousse, M.; Lerouge, B.; Dupuy, G.

1978-04-01

THERMOS is a water reactor designed to provide hot water up to 120/sup 0/C for district heating or for desalination applications. It is a 100-MW reactor based on proven technology: oxide fuel plate elements, integrated primary circuit, and reactor vessel located in the bottom of a pool. As in swimming pool reactors, the pool is used for biological shielding, emergency core cooling, and fission product filtering (in case of an accident). Before economics, safety is the main characteristic of the concept: no fuel failure admitted, core under water in any accidental configuration, inspection of every ''nuclear'' component, and double-wall containment.

A Composite Depth Scale for Sediments from Crevice Lake, Montana

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rosenbaum, J.G.; Skipp, G.; Honke, J.; Chapman, C.

2010-01-01

As part of a study to derive records of past environmental change from lake sediments in the western United States, a set of cores was collected from Crevice Lake, Montana, in late February and early March 2001. Crevice Lake (latitude 45.000N, longitude 110.578W, elevation 1,713 meters) lies adjacent to the Yellowstone River at the north edge of Yellowstone National Park. The lake is more than 31 meters deep and has a surface area of 7.76 hectares. The combination of small surface area and significant depth promote anoxic bottom-water conditions that preserve annual laminations (varves) in the sediment. Three types of cores were collected through the ice. The uppermost sediments were obtained in freeze cores that preserved the sediment water interface. Two sites were cored with a 5-centimeter diameter corer. Five cores were taken with a 2-meter-long percussion piston corer. The percussion core uses a plastic core liner with an inside diameter of 9 centimeters. Coring was done at two sites. Because of the relatively large diameter of the percussion cores, samples from these cores were used for a variety of analyses including pollen, charcoal, diatoms, stable isotopes, organic and inorganic carbon, elemental analyses, and magnetic properties.

Sedimentation and near-bottom currents in the South-Western Atlantic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Emelyanov, Emelyan M.

2008-01-01

The aims of the paper are: 1) to study the bottom relief and Late Quaternary bottom sediments of the South-Western Atlantic from the Amazon cone to the Vema Channel and Rio Grande Rise, and 2) to reconstruct recent and palaeo-Antarctic near-bottom currents (AABW). For this purpose, we used three main Parasound seismic profiles: 30 cores (up to 500 cm in length), the nanoplankton stratigraphy of 9 cores from the Brazilian lithological profile (along 24 °W), and literature sources. No soft sedimentes were found in the Vema channel; the bottom of the channel is acoustically "hard". Our geological data confirm that AABW flows mainly through this channel. The velocity of this flow should be higher than 100 cm.s-1. Only this strong current is able to rewash not only soft Holocene sediments, but also consolidated Quaternary deposits. Soft layered sediments occur at a depth less than 4200 m in the Hunter channel. Consequently, the AABW is able to flow from the Argentine Basin to the Brazil Basin only at a depth of more than 4200 m in this channel. Brown red clay or yellowish gray miopelagic clay prevail in the Brazil Deep. The age of red clay in the cores is different: Early or Late Pleistocene, or Holocene. Clay was rewashed and re-deposited in many areas of the deep. This means that the hydrodynamics sometimes was very active at a depth of 4000-5000 m in the Brazil Deep. The presence of conturite and turbidite interlayers in the red clay of the S. America continental base confirms the occurrence of a strong jet of the AABW (Deep Western Boundary current - DWBC) here. Antarctic and other diatoms were brought by AABW from Antarctica up to 10-5 °S. An unusual Pleistocene Ethmodiscus rex ooze was discovered at the latitude of 20 °S. Our data confirm the occurrence in the area between 10-5 °S of two mid-oceanic channels, one of them (EMOC) being located on a large sedimentary swell. The AABW in the cross-section from the Amazon River to the MAR flows through the Nara (depth 4640-4660 m) plain. This flow was confirmed by hydrochemical data. The AABW started to appear in the Rio Grande Rise region, about 50-30 mill. years. Cyclic events of glaciation and interglacial transitions throughout the Miocene-Pleistocene is a mechanism that caused the AABW currents to become more intensive or passive, with the result that the intensity of the influx of these waters from the Brazilian Basin into the Guiana Basin also changed from strong to weak.

Synthesis of Various Metal/TiO2 Core/shell Nanorod Arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Wei; Wang, Guan-zhong; Hong, Xun; Shen, Xiao-shuang

2011-02-01

We present a general approach to fabricate metal/TiO2 core/shell nanorod structures by two-step electrodeposition. Firstly, TiO2 nanotubes with uniform wall thickness are prepared in anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes by electrodeposition. The wall thickness of the nanotubes could be easily controlled by modulating the deposition time, and their outer diameter and length are only limited by the channel diameter and the thickness of the AAO membranes, respectively. The nanotubes' tops prepared by this method are open, while the bottoms are connected directly with the Au film at the back of the AAO membranes. Secondly, Pd, Cu, and Fe elements are filled into the TiO2 nanotubes to form core/shell structures. The core/shell nanorods prepared by this two-step process are high density and free-standing, and their length is dependent on the deposition time.

Exploratory study of several advanced nuclear-MHD power plant systems.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, J. R.; Clement, J. D.; Rosa, R. J.; Yang, Y. Y.

1973-01-01

In order for efficient multimegawatt closed cycle nuclear-MHD systems to become practical, long-life gas cooled reactors with exit temperatures of about 2500 K or higher must be developed. Four types of nuclear reactors which have the potential of achieving this goal are the NERVA-type solid core reactor, the colloid core (rotating fluidized bed) reactor, the 'light bulb' gas core reactor, and the 'coaxial flow' gas core reactor. Research programs aimed at developing these reactors have progressed rapidly in recent years so that prototype power reactors could be operating by 1980. Three types of power plant systems which use these reactors have been analyzed to determine the operating characteristics, critical parameters and performance of these power plants. Overall thermal efficiencies as high as 80% are projected, using an MHD turbine-compressor cycle with steam bottoming, and slightly lower efficiencies are projected for an MHD motor-compressor cycle.

Method of making hermetic seals for hermetic terminal assemblies

DOEpatents

Hsu, John S.; Marlino, Laura D.; Ayers, Curtis W.

2010-04-13

This invention teaches methods of making a hermetic terminal assembly comprising the steps of: inserting temporary stops, shims and jigs on the bottom face of a terminal assembly thereby blocking assembly core open passageways; mounting the terminal assembly inside a vacuum chamber using a temporary assembly perimeter seal and flange or threaded assembly interfaces; mixing a seal admixture and hardener in a mixer conveyor to form a polymer seal material; conveying the polymer seal material into a polymer reservoir; feeding the polymer seal material from the reservoir through a polymer outlet valve and at least one polymer outlet tube into the terminal assembly core thereby filling interstitial spaces in the core adjacent to service conduits, temporary stop, and the terminal assembly casing; drying the polymer seal material at room temperature thereby hermetically sealing the core of the terminal assembly; removing the terminal assembly from the vacuum chamber, and; removing the temporary stops, shims.

Distribution and sources of polychlorinated biphenyls in Woods Inlet, Lake Worth, Fort Worth, Texas, 2003

USGS Publications Warehouse

Besse, Richard E.; Van Metre, Peter C.; Wilson, Jennifer T.

2005-01-01

Woods Inlet is a flooded stream channel on the southern shore of Lake Worth along the western boundary of Air Force Plant 4 in Fort Worth, Texas, where elevated polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in sediment were detected in a previous study. In response, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force, conducted a study in 2003 to map the extent of elevated PCB concentrations in Woods Inlet and to identify possible sources (or more specifically, source areas) of PCBs in the watershed of Woods Inlet. Three gravity cores (penetration to pre-reservoir sediment at three sites) and 17 box cores (surficial bottom sediment samples) were collected in Woods Inlet. Suspended sediment in stormwater runoff and streambed sediment were sampled in tributaries to Woods Inlet following storms. Assemblages of PCB congeners in surficial inlet sediments and suspended and streambed sediments were analyzed to indicate sources of PCBs in the inlet sediments on the basis of chemical signatures of PCBs. Woods Inlet receives runoff primarily from three tributaries: (1) Gruggs Park Creek, (2) the small unnamed creek that drains a Texas National Guard maintenance facility, called TNG Creek for this report, and (3) Meandering Road Creek. Twenty-seven of 209 possible PCB congeners were analyzed. The sum of the congeners was used as a measure of total PCB. The spatial distribution of total PCB concentrations in the inlet indicates that most PCBs are originating in the Meandering Road Creek watershed. Peak total PCB concentrations in the three gravity cores occurred at depths corresponding to sediment deposition dates of about 1960 for two of the cores and about 1980 for the third core. The magnitudes of peak total PCB concentrations in the gravity cores followed a spatial distribution generally similar to that of surficial bottom sediment concentrations. Total PCB concentrations in suspended and streambed sediment varied greatly between sites and indicated a likely source of PCBs associated with a sampling site that receives runoff from Air Force Plant 4. Three approaches to the analyses of congener assemblages indicate that PCBs in surficial bottom sediment of Woods Inlet primarily enter Lake Worth from Meandering Road Creek and that runoff from Air Force Plant 4 is a source of the PCBs in Meandering Road Creek. Although current (2003) transport of PCBs from Air Force Plant 4 to the creek is occurring, large decreases in PCB concentrations with decreasing age in two cores indicate that PCB loading to the inlet has decreased greatly since the 1960s. Because runoff entering Meandering Road Creek from some parts of Air Force Plant 4 was not measured or sampled in this study, it cannot be said with certainty that the Air Force Plant 4 site sampled is the only source of PCBs to Meandering Road Creek.

Capital cost estimate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

The capital cost estimate for the nuclear process heat source (NPHS) plant was made by: (1) using costs from the current commercial HTGR for electricity production as a base for items that are essentially the same and (2) development of new estimates for modified or new equipment that is specifically for the process heat application. Results are given in tabular form and cover the total investment required for each process temperature studied.

Nuclear Engineering Computer Modules, Thermal-Hydraulics, TH-3: High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor Thermal-Hydraulics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reihman, Thomas C.

This learning module is concerned with the temperature field, the heat transfer rates, and the coolant pressure drop in typical high temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) fuel assemblies. As in all of the modules of this series, emphasis is placed on developing the theory and demonstrating its use with a simplified model. The heart of the module…

Theory-Driven Intervention for Changing Personality: Expectancy Value Theory, Behavioral Activation, and Conscientiousness

PubMed Central

Magidson, Jessica F.; Roberts, Brent; Collado-Rodriguez, Anahi; Lejuez, C.W.

2013-01-01

Considerable evidence suggests that personality traits may be changeable, raising the possibility that personality traits most linked to health problems can be modified with intervention. A growing body of research suggests that problematic personality traits may be altered with behavioral intervention using a bottom-approach. That is, by targeting core behaviors that underlie personality traits with the goal of engendering new, healthier patterns of behavior that over time become automatized and manifest in changes in personality traits. Nevertheless, a bottom-up model for changing personality traits is somewhat diffuse and requires clearer integration of theory and relevant interventions to enable real clinical application. As such, this manuscript proposes a set of guiding principles for theory-driven modification of targeted personality traits using a bottom-up approach, focusing specifically on targeting the trait of conscientiousness using a relevant behavioral intervention, Behavioral Activation (BA), considered within the motivational framework of Expectancy Value Theory (EVT). We conclude with a real case example of the application of BA to alter behaviors counter to conscientiousness in a substance dependent patient, highlighting the EVT principles most relevant to the approach and the importance and viability of a theoretically-driven, bottom-up approach to changing personality traits. PMID:23106844

Bottom Line: From the "Right to Fail" to the "Right to Succeed"--Black Males in Community Colleges

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wood, J. Luke

2012-01-01

"Open access" is a core mission component of the community college. Through this mission, public two-year colleges provide postsecondary opportunities to nearly all individuals desiring further education. However, access is not necessarily synonymous with success. Many students, including black males, have concerning levels of success, or the lack…

Our Students Need More Practice in Actual Thinking

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jenkins, Rob

2009-01-01

The author is dismayed to find that the liberal-arts curriculum--the so-called "core"--is under attack, especially at two-year schools. It "is" under attack, from legislators with no understanding of the aims of higher education; from administrators focused short-sightedly on the bottom line; from chamber-of-commerce types who read "college" as…

Views of the Mir Space Station during rendezvous

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-05-16

STS084-350-023 (15-24 May 1997) --- A Space Shuttle point-of-view frame showing the docking port and target during rendezvous with Russia's Mir Space Station. The picture should be held horizontally with the retracted Kristall solar array at top. Other elements partially visible are Kvant-2 (left), Spektr (right) and Core Module (bottom).

Sedimentation across the central California oxygen minimum zone: an alternative coastal upwelling sequence.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Vercoutere, T.L.; Mullins, H.T.; McDougall, K.; Thompson, J.B.

1987-01-01

Distribution, abundance, and diversity of terrigenous, authigenous, and biogenous material provide evidence of the effect of bottom currents and oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) on continental slope sedimentation offshore central California. Three major OMZ facies are identified, along the upper and lower edges of OMZ and one at its core.-from Authors

Can a rapid underwater video approach enhance the benthic assessment capability of the National Coastal Condition Assessmentin the Great Lakes?

EPA Science Inventory

In the U.S. National Coastal Condition Assessment (NCCA) field survey in summer 2010, over 400 sites in the nearshore zone of the U.S. Great Lakes were sampled. As a supplement to core NCCA benthic taxonomy and sediment chemistry, underwater video images of the bottom condition ...

Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility as a tool for recognizing core deformation: reevaluation of the paleomagnetic record of Pleistocene sediments from drill hole OL-92, Owens Lake, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rosenbaum, Joseph; Reynolds, Richard T.; Smoot, Joseph; Meyer, Robert

2000-01-01

At Owens Lake, California, paleomagnetic data document the Matuyama/Brunhes polarity boundary near the bottom of a 323-m core (OL-92) and display numerous directional fluctuations throughout the Brunhes chron. Many of the intervals of high directional dispersion were previously interpreted to record magnetic excursions. For the upper ~120 m, these interpretations were tested using the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS), which typically defines a subhorizontal planar fabric for sediments deposited in quiet water. AMS data from intervals of deformed core, determined from detailed analysis of sedimentary structures, were compared to a reference AMS fabric derived from undisturbed sediment. This comparison shows that changes in the AMS fabric provide a means of screening core samples for deformation and the associated paleomagnetic record for the adverse effects of distortion. For that portion of core OL-92 studied here (about the upper 120 m), the combined analyses of sedimentary structures and AMS data demonstrate that most of the paleomagnetic features, previously interpreted as geomagnetic excursions, are likely the result of core deformation.

Relationships between contourite deposition, climate and slope instability: new insights from the Demerara Plateau (French Guyana)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tallobre, C.; Bassetti, M. A.; Loncke, L.; Giresse, P.; Bayon, G.; Buscail, R.

2015-12-01

A Contourite Depositional System (CDS) has been described at the Demerara Plateau (DP) based on seismic investigations, but little is known about the mechanisms of associated sediment deposition and its interaction with past deep ocean circulation patterns (e.g. bottom current velocity) and bottom morphology related to ancient event of slope instability. The new seismic and bathymetric data recently acquired allow describing in details the CDS on the DP. Erosional and syn-sedimentary features on the seafloor (comet tail, « longitudinal waves », contourite drifts and moats) have been observed, helping to constrain the sedimentary processes at the origin of the CDS construction. Also, the recovery and multi-proxy analysis of sediment cores allows the characterization of sedimentary environments and possible relation with climate forcing. These sediment cores are characterized by the presence of several beds rich in glauconite grains. Glauconite can form at the sediment/water interface by winnowing effect that prevent sediment deposition and increase the residence time at the seafloor. Under strong winnowing conditions, glauconite grains can develop at several stages of maturity. We observed that the residence time and hence the maturity of glauconite is reflected by the color changes (light to dark green), the presence of crack on grains, the formation of (secondary) glauconite lamellae and decrease of grain porosity. A chronological framework (based on radiocarbon dates and δ18O variations) of contourite sequences at the studied location indicates correlation with grain-size parameters (sortable silt) and allows one to further constrain their dynamics through time. The combination of these proxies allows us to estimate and understand the evolution and the impact of the bottom current on sedimentation on the DP during the last 80 ky. These results show the potentiality of the glauconite study to estimate the relative variation of bottom current velocity at margins.

Close-range sensors for small unmanned bottom vehicles: update

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernstein, Charles L.

2000-07-01

The Surf Zone Reconnaissance Project is developing sensors for small, autonomous, Underwater Bottom-crawling Vehicles. The objective is to enable small, crawling robots to autonomously detect and classify mines and obstacles on the ocean bottom in depths between 0 and 10 feet. We have identified a promising set of techniques that will exploit the electromagnetic, shape, texture, image, and vibratory- modal features of this images. During FY99 and FY00 we have worked toward refining these techniques. Signature data sets have been collected for a standard target set to facilitate the development of sensor fusion and target detection and classification algorithms. Specific behaviors, termed microbehaviors, are developed to utilize the robot's mobility to position and operate the sensors. A first generation, close-range sensor suite, composed of 5 sensors, will be completed and tested on a crawling platform in FY00, and will be further refined and demonstrated in FY01 as part of the Mine Countermeasures 6.3 core program sponsored by the Office of Naval Research.

Dating an 800,000 year Antarctic ice core record using the isotopic composition of trapped air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dreyfus, Gabrielle Boissier

Here we measure the isotopic composition of air trapped in the European Project for Ice Coring in Antarctica Dome C (EDC) ice core, and use this geochemical information to improve the ice core agescale and our understanding of air enclosure processes. A first result is the detection of a flow anomaly in the bottom 500m of the EDC ice core using the delta18O of atmospheric oxygen (noted delta18Oatm). By tuning the measured delta18Oatm to the orbital precession signal, we correct the EDC agescale over 400-800 ka for flow-induced distortions in the duration of events. Uncertainty in delta 18Oatm phasing with respect to precession limits the accuracy of the tuned agescale to +/-6 ka. We use this improved agescale to date two 10Be peaks detected in the EDC ice core and associated with the Matuyama-Brunhes geomagnetic boundary. While the ice age of the "precursor" event agrees within uncertainty with the age of radioisotopically dated lavas, the volcanic age for the younger reversal is approximately 10 ka older than the mid-point of the 10 Be peak in the ice. Since 80% of the lavas recording the Matuyama-Brunhes reversal are located in the Central Pacific, the observed age difference may indicate that the magnetic field orientation at this location changed prior to the dipole intensity minimum recorded by the ice core 10Be, as suggested by recent geodynamo modeling. A particular challenge for ice core dating is accurately accounting for the age difference between the trapped air and surrounding ice. This gas age - ice age difference (noted Deltaage) depends on the age of the ice at the bottom of the firn. delta15N of N2 is constant in the atmosphere over the timescales considered here, so any deviation from atmospheric composition reflects fractionation processes in the firn. We show that delta15N is positively correlated with the ice deuterium content, a proxy for temperature, over the entire EDC record, and propose an accumulation-permeability-convection mechanism. While temporal resolution and noise in the available data limit our ability to constrain glacial Deltaage, these data suggest that delta15N may be used as a gas-phase climate proxy at EDC.

Ejector subassembly for dual wall air drilling

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kolle, J.J.

1996-09-01

The dry drilling system developed for the Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project incorporates a surface vacuum system to prevent drilling air and cuttings from contaminating the borehole wall during coring operations. As the drilling depth increases, however there is a potential for borehole contamination because of the limited volume of air which can be removed by the vacuum system. A feasibility analysis has shown that an ejector subassembly mounted in the drill string above the core barrel could significantly enhance the depth capacity of the dry drilling system. The ejector subassembly would use a portion of the air supplied tomore » the core bit to maintain a vacuum on the hole bottom. The results of a design study including performance testing of laboratory scale ejector simulator are presented here.« less

Adjustable shear stress erosion and transport flume

DOEpatents

Roberts, Jesse D.; Jepsen, Richard A.

2002-01-01

A method and apparatus for measuring the total erosion rate and downstream transport of suspended and bedload sediments using an adjustable shear stress erosion and transport (ASSET) flume with a variable-depth sediment core sample. Water is forced past a variable-depth sediment core sample in a closed channel, eroding sediments, and introducing suspended and bedload sediments into the flow stream. The core sample is continuously pushed into the flow stream, while keeping the surface level with the bottom of the channel. Eroded bedload sediments are transported downstream and then gravitationally separated from the flow stream into one or more quiescent traps. The captured bedload sediments (particles and aggregates) are weighed and compared to the total mass of sediment eroded, and also to the concentration of sediments suspended in the flow stream.

On the preservation of laminated sediments along the western margin of North America

USGS Publications Warehouse

VanGeen, A.; Zheng, Yen; Bernhard, J.M.; Cannariato, K.G.; Carriquiry, J.; Dean, W.E.; Eakins, B.W.; Ortiz, J.D.; Pike, J.

2003-01-01

Piston, gravity, and multicores as well as hydrographic data were collected along the Pacific margin of Baja California to reconstruct past variations in the intensity of the oxygen-minimum zone (OMZ). Gravity cores collected from within the OMZ north of 24??N did not contain laminated surface sediments even though bottom water oxygen (BWO) concentrations were close to 5 ??mol/kg. However, many of the cores collected south of 24??N did contain millimeter- to centimeter-scale, brown to black laminations in Holocene and older sediments but not in sediments deposited during the Last Glacial Maximum. In addition to the dark laminations, Holocene sediments in Soledad Basin, silled at 290 m, also contain white coccolith laminae that probably represent individual blooms. Two open margin cores from 430 and 700 m depth that were selected for detailed radiocarbon dating show distinct transitions from bioturbated glacial sediment to laminated Holocene sediment occurring at 12.9 and 11.5 ka, respectively. The transition is delayed and more gradual (11.3-10.0 ka) in another dated core from Soledad Basin. The observations indicate that bottom-water oxygen concentrations dropped below a threshold for the preservation of laminations at different times or that a synchronous hydrographic change left an asynchronous sedimentary imprint due to local factors. With the caveat that laminated sections should therefore not be correlated without independent age control, the pattern of older sequences of laminations along the North American western margin reported by this and previous studies suggests that multiple patterns of regional productivity and ventilation prevailed over the past 60 kyr. Copyright 2003 by the American Geophysical Union.

Reducing Propulsion Airframe Aeroacoustic Interactions with Uniquely Tailored Chevrons. 1.; Isolated Nozzles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mengle, Vinod G.; Elkroby, Ronen; Brunsniak, Leon; Thomas, Russ H.

2006-01-01

The flow/acoustic environment surrounding an engine nozzle installed on an airplane, say, under the wing, is asymmetric due to the pylon, the wing and the interaction of the exhaust jet with flaps on the wing. However, the conventional chevrons, which are azimuthally uniform serrations on the nozzle lip, do not exploit the asymmetry due to these propulsion airframe aeroacoustic interactions to reduce jet noise. In this pioneering study we use this non-axisymmetry to our advantage and examine if the total jet-related noise radiated to the ground can be reduced by using different types of azimuthally varying chevrons (AVC) which vary the mixing around the nozzle periphery. Several scale models of the isolated nozzle, representative of high bypass ratio engine nozzles, were made with a pylon and azimuthally varying chevrons on both fan and core nozzles to enhance mixing at the top (near the pylon) with less mixing at the bottom (away from the pylon) or vice versa. Various combinations of fan and core AVC nozzles were systematically tested at typical take-off conditions inside a free jet wind-tunnel and, here, in Part 1 we analyze the acoustics results for the isolated nozzle with a pylon, with installation effects reported in Parts 2 and 3. Several interesting results are discovered: amongst the fan AVCs the top-enhanced mixing T-fan chevron nozzle is quieter in combination with any core AVC nozzle when compared to conventional chevrons; however, the bottom-mixing B-fan chevrons, as well as the core AVC nozzles, by themselves, are noisier. Further, the low-frequency source strengths in the jet plume, obtained via phased microphone arrays, also corroborate the far field sound, and for the T-fan chevrons such sources move further downstream than those for baseline or conventional chevron nozzles.

Deposition of selenium and other constituents in reservoir bottom sediment of the Solomon River Basin, north-central Kansas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Christensen, Victoria G.

1999-01-01

The Solomon River drains approximately 6,840 square miles of mainly agricultural land in north-central Kansas. The Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Department of the Interior, has begun a Resource Management Assessment (RMA) of the Solomon River Basin to provide the necessary data for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance before renewal of long-term water-service contracts with irrigation districts in the basin. In May 1998, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) collected bottom-sediment cores from Kirwin and Webster Reservoirs, which are not affected by Bureau irrigation, and Waconda Lake, which receives water from both Bureau and non-Bureau irrigated lands. The cores were analyzed for selected physical properties, total recoverable metals, nutrients, cesium-137, and total organic carbon. Spearman's rho correlations and Kendall's tau trend tests were done for sediment concentrations in cores from each reservoir. Selenium, arsenic, and strontium were the only constituents that showed an increasing trend in concentrations for core samples from more than one reservoir. Concentrations and trends for these three constituents were compared to information on historical irrigation to determine any causal effect. Increases in selenium, arsenic, and strontium concentrations can not be completely explained by Bureau irrigation. However, mean selenium, arsenic, and strontium concentrations in sediment from all three reservoirs may be related to total irrigated acres (Bureau and non-Bureau irrigation) in the basin. Selenium, arsenic, and strontium loads were calculated for Webster Reservoir to determine if annual loads deposited in the reservoir were increasing along with constituent concentrations. Background selenium, arsenic, and strontium loads in Webster Reservoir are significantly larger than post-background loads.

Ice crystal c-axis orientation and mean grain size measurements from the Dome Summit South ice core, Law Dome, East Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Treverrow, Adam; Jun, Li; Jacka, Tim H.

2016-06-01

We present measurements of crystal c-axis orientations and mean grain area from the Dome Summit South (DSS) ice core drilled on Law Dome, East Antarctica. All measurements were made on location at the borehole site during drilling operations. The data are from 185 individual thin sections obtained between a depth of 117 m below the surface and the bottom of the DSS core at a depth of 1196 m. The median number of c-axis orientations recorded in each thin section was 100, with values ranging from 5 through to 111 orientations. The data from all 185 thin sections are provided in a single comma-separated value (csv) formatted file which contains the c-axis orientations in polar coordinates, depth information for each core section from which the data were obtained, the mean grain area calculated for each thin section and other data related to the drilling site. The data set is also available as a MATLAB™ structure array. Additionally, the c-axis orientation data from each of the 185 thin sections are summarized graphically in figures containing a Schmidt diagram, histogram of c-axis colatitudes and rose plot of c-axis azimuths. All these data are referenced by doi:10.4225/15/5669050CC1B3B and are available free of charge at https://data.antarctica.gov.au.<

An improved method for field extraction and laboratory analysis of large, intact soil cores

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tindall, J.A.; Hemmen, K.; Dowd, J.F.

1992-01-01

Various methods have been proposed for the extraction of large, undisturbed soil cores and for subsequent analysis of fluid movement within the cores. The major problems associated with these methods are expense, cumbersome field extraction, and inadequate simulation of unsaturated flow conditions. A field and laboratory procedure is presented that is economical, convenient, and simulates unsaturated and saturated flow without interface flow problems and can be used on a variety of soil types. In the field, a stainless steel core barrel is hydraulically pressed into the soil (30-cm diam. and 38 cm high), the barrel and core are extracted from the soil, and after the barrel is removed from the core, the core is then wrapped securely with flexible sheet metal and a stainless mesh screen is attached to the bottom of the core for support. In the laboratory the soil core is set atop a porous ceramic plate over which a soil-diatomaceous earth slurry has been poured to assure good contact between plate and core. A cardboard cylinder (mold) is fastened around the core and the empty space filled with paraffin wax. Soil cores were tested under saturated and unsaturated conditions using a hanging water column for potentials ???0. Breakthrough curves indicated that no interface flow occurred along the edge of the core. This procedure proved to be reliable for field extraction of large, intact soil cores and for laboratory analysis of solute transport.

Overview of Hole GT2A: Drilling middle gabbro in Wadi Tayin massif, Oman ophiolite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takazawa, E.; Kelemen, P. B.; Teagle, D. A. H.; Coggon, J. A.; Harris, M.; Matter, J. M.; Michibayashi, K.

2017-12-01

Hole GT2A (UTM: 40Q 655960.7E / 2529193.5N) was drilled by the Oman Drilling Project (OmDP) into Wadi Gideah of Wadi Tayin massif in the Samail ophiolite, Oman. OmDP is an international collaboration supported by the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program, the Deep Carbon Observatory, NSF, IODP, JAMSTEC, and the European, Japanese, German and Swiss Science Foundations, with in-kind support in Oman from the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, Public Authority of Mining, Sultan Qaboos University, and the German University of Technology. Hole GT2A was diamond cored in 25 Dec 2016 to 18 Jan 2017 to a total depth of 406.77 m. The outer surfaces of the cores were imaged and described on site before being curated, boxed and shipped to the IODP drill ship Chikyu, where they underwent comprehensive visual and instrumental analysis. 33 shipboard scientists were divided into six teams (Igneous, Alteration, Structural, Geochem, Physical Properties, Paleomag) to describe and analyze the cores. Hole GT2A drilled through the transition between foliated and layered gabbro. The transition zone occurs between 50 and 150 m curation corrected depth (CCD). The top 50 m of Hole GT2A is foliated gabbro whereas the bottom 250 m consists of layered gabbro. Brittle fracture is observed throughout the core. Intensity of alteration vein decreases from the top to the bottom of the hole. On the basis of changes in grain size and/or modal abundance and/or appearance/disappearance of igneous primary mineral(s) five lithological units are defined in Hole GT2A (Unit I to V). The uppermost part of Hole GT2A (Unit I) is dominated by fine-grained granular olivine gabbro intercalated with less dominant medium-grained granular olivine gabbro and rare coarse-grained varitextured gabbro. The lower part of the Hole (Units II, III and V) is dominated by medium-grained olivine gabbro, olivine melagabbro and olivine-bearing gabbro. Modally-graded rhythmic layering with olivine melagabbro and olivine-bearing gabbro is well conspicuous in the bottom part of Unit II. The Unit IV occurs between 284.25 m and 293.92 m CCD from the top of the hole and is characterized by orthopyroxene-bearing lithologies such as fine-grained gabbronorite and coarse-grained troctolite. Discrete orthopyroxene crystals occur in these lithologies.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hanan, N. A.; Matos, J. E.

At The request of the Czech Technical University in Prague, ANL has performed independent verification calculations using the MCNP Monte Carlo code for three core configurations of the VR-1 reactor: a current core configuration B1 with HEU (36%) IRT-3M fuel assemblies and planned core configurations C1 and C2 with LEU (19.7%) IRT-4M fuel assemblies. Details of these configurations were provided to ANL by CTU. For core configuration B1, criticality calculations were performed for two sets of control rod positions provided to ANL by CTU. For core configurations C1 and C2, criticality calculations were done for cases with all control rodsmore » at the top positions, all control rods at the bottom positions, and two critical states of the reactor for different control rod positions. In addition, sensitivity studies for variation of the {sup 235}U mass in each fuel assembly and variation of the fuel meat and cladding thicknesses in each of the fuel tubes were done for the C1 core configuration. Finally the reactivity worth of the individual control rods was calculated for the B1, C1, and C2 core configurations.« less

Composition of Apollo 17 core 76001

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Korotev, Randy L.; Bishop, Kaylynn M.

1993-01-01

Core 76001 is a single drive tube containing a column of regolith taken at the base of the North Massif, station 6, Apollo 17. The core material is believed to have accumulated through slow downslope mass wasting from the massif. As a consequence, the core soil is mature throughout its length. Results of INAA for samples taken every half centimeter along the length of the core indicate that there is only minor systematic compositional variation with depth. Concentrations of elements primarily associated with mare basalt (Sc, Fe) and noritic impact melt breccia (Sm) decrease slightly with depth, particularly between 20 cm and the bottom of the core at 32 cm depth. This is consistent with petrographic studies that indicate a greater proportion of basalt and melt breccia in the top part of the core. However, Sm/Sc and La/Sm ratios are remarkably constant with depth, indicating no variation in the ratio of mare material to Sm-rich highlands material with depth. Other than these subtle changes, there is no compositional evidence for the two stratigraphic units (0-20 cm and 20-32 cm) defined on the basis of modal petrography, although all samples with anomalously high Ni concentrations (Fe-Ni metal nuggets) occur above 20 cm depth.

Space Shuttle Projects

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-01-01

This is a view of the Russian Mir Space Station photographed by a crewmember of the fifth Shuttle/Mir docking mission, STS-81. The image shows: upper center - Progress supply vehicle, Kvant-1 module, and Core module; center left - Priroda module; center right - Spektr module; bottom left - Kvant-2 module; bottom center - Soyuz; and bottom right - Kristall module and Docking module. The Progress was an unmarned, automated version of the Soyuz crew transfer vehicle, designed to resupply the Mir. The Kvant-1 provided research in the physics of galaxies, quasars, and neutron stars, by measuring electromagnetic spectra and x-ray emissions. The Core module served as the heart of the space station and contained the primary living and working areas, life support, and power, as well as the main computer, communications, and control equipment. Priroda's main purpose was Earth remote sensing. The Spektr module provided Earth observation. It also supported research into biotechnology, life sciences, materials science, and space technologies. American astronauts used the Spektr as their living quarters. Kvant-2 was a scientific and airlock module, providing biological research, Earth observations, and EVA (extravehicular activity) capability. The Soyuz typically ferried three crewmembers to and from the Mir. A main purpose of the Kristall module was to develop biological and materials production technologies in the space environment. The Docking module made it possible for the Space Shuttle to dock easily with the Mir. The journey of the 15-year-old Russian Mir Space Station ended March 23, 2001, as the Mir re-entered the Earth's atmosphere and fell into the south Pacific Ocean.

Coastal Lake Record of Holocene Paleo-Storms from Northwest Florida

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donoghue, J. F.; Coor, J. L.; Wang, Y.; Das, O.; Kish, S.; Elsner, J.; Hu, X. B.; Niedoroda, A. W.; Ye, M.

2009-12-01

The northwest Florida coast of the Gulf of Mexico has an unusually active storm history. Climate records for a study area in the mid-region of the Florida panhandle coast show that 29 hurricanes have made landfall within a 100-km radius during historic time. These events included 9 major storms (category 3 or higher). A longer-term geologic record of major storm impacts is essential for better understanding storm climatology and refining morphodynamic models. The Florida panhandle region contains a series of unique coastal lakes which are long-lived and whose bottom sediments hold a long-term record of coastal storm occurrence. The lakes are normally isolated from the open Gulf, protected behind a near-continuous dune barrier. Lake water is normally fresh to brackish. Lake bottom sediments consist of organic-rich muds. During major storms the dunes are breached and the lakes are temporarily open to marine water and the possibility of sandy overwash. Both a sedimentologic and geochemical signature is imparted to the lake sediments by storm events. Bottom sediment cores have been collected from the lakes. The cores have been subsampled and subjected to sedimentologic, stable isotopic and geochronologic analyses. The result is a sediment history of the lakes, and a record of storm occurrence during the past few millennia. The outcome is a better understanding of the long-term risk of major storms. The findings are being incorporated into a larger model designed to make reliable predictions of the effects of near-future climate change on natural coastal systems and on coastal infrastructure, and to enable cost-effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Evidence of Enhanced Respired Carbon in Eastern Equatorial Pacific Deep-Waters over the last 30,000 years

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Umling, N. E.; Thunell, R.

2016-12-01

Rapid decreases in glacial deep water reservoir ages have been observed in the Eastern Equatorial Pacific (EEP; this study), North Pacific (Rae et al., 2014), Southwest Pacific (Sikes et al., 2016), and North Atlantic (Skinner et al., 2013). It has been hypothesized that release of a deep ocean 14C-depleted, respired-carbon reservoir to the surface ocean and atmosphere is the most likely mechanism for the observed increases in atmospheric CO2 concentrations recorded in ice cores during the last glacial-interglacial transition (Broecker and Barker, 2007). This study examines whether oxygenation, organic carbon flux, and carbonate chemistry in the EEP deep-waters reflect an increase in respired carbon associated with recorded 14C-depletions using isotopic and trace element records from three Panama Basin cores (2,650-3,200 m water-depth). An increase in glacial deep-water respired carbon storage would result in a shift of DIC speciation towards lower carbonate ion concentrations along with deoxygenation of bottom waters. Specifically, we use the boron to calcium (B/Ca) and uranium to calcium (U/Ca) ratios of the benthic foraminifera Cibicidoides wuellerstorfi to reconstruct deep-water carbonate ion concentration (Yu and Elderfield, 2007; Raizsch et al., 2011). Additionally, bottom water oxygenation is estimated from the difference in δ13C of benthic foraminifera living in pore waters at the anoxic boundary and of those living in bottom water (Δ δ13C; Hoogakker et al., 2015, 2016), while carbon flux was assessed from the U/Ca and Cd/Ca of foraminiferal authigenic coatings.

Formation and evolution of valley-bottom and channel features, Lower Deschutes River, Oregon

USGS Publications Warehouse

Curran, Janet H.; O'Conner, Jim E.; O'Conner, Jim E.; Grant, Gordon E.

2003-01-01

Primary geologic and geomorphic processes that formed valley-bottom and channel features downstream from the Pelton-Round Butte dam complex are inferred from a canyon-long analysis of feature morphology, composition, location, and spatial distribution. Major controls on valley-bottom morphology are regional tectonics, large landslides, and outsized floods (floods with return periods greater than 1000 yrs), which include the late Holocene Outhouse Flood and several Quaternary landslide dam failures. Floods with a return period on the order of 100 yrs, including historical floods in 1996, 1964, and 1861, contribute to fan building and flood plain formation only within the resistant framework established by the major controls. Key processes in the formation of channel features, in particular the 153 islands and 23 large rapids, include long-term bedrock erosion, outsized floods, and century-scale floods. Historical analysis of channel conditions since 1911 indicates that the largest islands, which are cored by outsized-flood deposits, locally control channel location, although their margins are substantially modified during annual- to century-scale floods. Islands cored by bedrock have changed little. Islands formed by annual- to century-scale floods are more susceptible to dynamic interactions between tributary sediment inputs, mainstem flow hydraulics, and perhaps riparian vegetation. Temporal patterns of island change in response to the sequence of 20th century flooding indicate that many islands accreted sediment during annual- to decadal-scale floods, but eroded during larger century-scale floods. There is, however, no clear trend of long-term changes in patterns of island growth, movement, or erosion either spatially or temporally within the lower Deschutes River.

PAH concentrations in lake sediment decline following ban on coal-tar-based pavement sealants in Austin, Texas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Van Metre, Peter C.; Mahler, Barbara J.

2013-01-01

Recent studies have concluded that coal-tar-based pavement sealants are a major source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban settings in large parts of the United States. In 2006, Austin, TX, became the first jurisdiction in the U.S. to ban the use of coal-tar sealants. We evaluated the effect of Austin’s ban by analyzing PAHs in sediment cores and bottom-sediment samples collected in 1998, 2000, 2001, 2012, and 2014 from Lady Bird Lake, the principal receiving water body for Austin urban runoff. The sum concentration of the 16 EPA Priority Pollutant PAHs (∑PAH16) in dated core intervals and surficial bottom-sediment samples collected from sites in the lower lake declined about 44% from 1998–2005 to 2006–2014 (means of 7980 and 4500 μg kg–1, respectively), and by 2012–2014, the decline was about 58% (mean of 3320 μg kg–1). Concentrations of ∑PAH16 in bottom sediment from two of three mid-lake sites decreased by about 71 and 35% from 2001 to 2014. Concentrations at a third site increased by about 14% from 2001 to 2014. The decreases since 2006 reverse a 40-year (1959–1998) upward trend. Despite declines in PAH concentrations, PAH profiles and source-receptor modeling results indicate that coal-tar sealants remain the largest PAH source to the lake, implying that PAH concentrations likely will continue to decline as stocks of previously applied sealant gradually become depleted.

The Shock and Vibration Digest, Volume 14, Number 4

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-04-01

temperature, humidity, shock, and vibration -- can influence this capability; as a result an almost continuous program of research and development has...pro- ducing reliability tests. For some time there has been interest in the Army Test Methodology program for developing a vibration system capable...geology of the Livermore Valley is obtained. 82-768 Transient Stress Wave Propagation in HTGR Fuel Element Impacts I.T. Almajan and P.D. Smith

JPRS Report, Science & Technology, China: Energy

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-06-26

certain areas such as modular HTGR technology. In nuclear power develop - ment we currently face both challenges and opportunities, both risks and...22161 JmC QUALITY EJSPSÜSED 3 Science & Technology China: Energy JPRS-CEN-89-006 CONTENTS 26 June 1989 NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS No Easy Solution Seen...Be Developed [XINHUA, 16 May 89] 21 National Oil Firm Sets 5-Year Goals [CEI Database, 9 May 89] , 21 Zhongyuan Oil Field Is Among Fastest

Coupling a Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Brayton Cycle to a Helium-Cooled Reactor.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Middleton, Bobby; Pasch, James Jay; Kruizenga, Alan Michael

2016-01-01

This report outlines the thermodynamics of a supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO 2) recompression closed Brayton cycle (RCBC) coupled to a Helium-cooled nuclear reactor. The baseline reactor design for the study is the AREVA High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTGR). Using the AREVA HTGR nominal operating parameters, an initial thermodynamic study was performed using Sandia's deterministic RCBC analysis program. Utilizing the output of the RCBC thermodynamic analysis, preliminary values of reactor power and of Helium flow rate through the reactor were calculated in Sandia's HelCO 2 code. Some research regarding materials requirements was then conducted to determine aspects of corrosion related tomore » both Helium and to sCO 2 , as well as some mechanical considerations for pressures and temperatures that will be seen by the piping and other components. This analysis resulted in a list of materials-related research items that need to be conducted in the future. A short assessment of dry heat rejection advantages of sCO 2> Brayton cycles was also included. This assessment lists some items that should be investigated in the future to better understand how sCO 2 Brayton cycles and nuclear can maximally contribute to optimizing the water efficiency of carbon free power generation« less

Synchrotron radiation determination of elemental concentrations in coal

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chen, J.R.; Martys, N.; Chao, E.C.T.; Minkin, J.A.; Thompson, C.L.; Hanson, A.L.; Kraner, H.W.; Jones, K.W.; Gordon, B.M.; Mills, R.E.

1984-01-01

The variations with depth of the elemental concentrations in vitrinites in a series of vitrites have been determined using radiation from the Cornell high energy synchrotron source. All of the vitrites were selected from a single drill core sample of coal from the Emery coalfield, Utah. The results are compared with similar determinations using the Heidelberg proton microprobe. The advantages and disadvantages of the two techniques are discussed. Results are reported for S, Ca, Ti, Fe, Zn, Br, and Sr. For example, it is found that Fe increases from top to bottom of the coal bed in contrast to S, which decreases from top to bottom of the bed. Other features of the two data sets are also described. ?? 1984.

Using ground-penetrating radar and sidescan sonar to compare lake bottom geology in New England

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nesbitt, I. M.; Campbell, S. W.; Arcone, S. A.; Smith, S. M.

2017-12-01

Post-Laurentide Ice Sheet erosion and re-deposition has had a significant influence on the geomorphology of New England. Anthropogenic activities such as forestry, farming, and construction of infrastructure such as dams and associated lake reservoirs, has further contributed to near surface changes. Unfortunately, these surface dynamics are difficult to constrain, both in space and time. One analog that can be used to estimate erosion and deposition, lake basin sedimentation, is typically derived from lake bottom sediment core samples. Reliance on core records assumes that derived sedimentation rates are representative of the broader watershed, despite being only a single point measurement. Geophysical surveys suggest that this assumption can be highly erroneous and unrepresentative of an entire lake basin. Herein, we conducted ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and side-scan sonar (SSS) surveys of multiple lakes in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont which are representative of different basin types to estimate sedimentation rates since Laurentide retreat. Subsequent age constraints from cores on multiple GPR-imaged horizons could be used to refine estimates of sedimentation rate change caused by evolving physical, biological, and chemical processes that control erosion, transport, and re-deposition. This presentation will provide a summary of GPR and SSS data collection methods, assumptions and limitations, structural and surficial interpretations, and key findings from multiple lake basins in New England. Results show that GPR and SSS are efficient, cost effective, and relatively accurate tools for helping to constrain lake erosion and deposition processes.

Winding for linear pump

DOEpatents

Kliman, G.B.; Brynsvold, G.V.; Jahns, T.M.

1989-08-22

A winding and method of winding for a submersible linear pump for pumping liquid sodium are disclosed. The pump includes a stator having a central cylindrical duct preferably vertically aligned. The central vertical duct is surrounded by a system of coils in slots. These slots are interleaved with magnetic flux conducting elements, these magnetic flux conducting elements forming a continuous magnetic field conduction path along the stator. The central duct has placed therein a cylindrical magnetic conducting core, this core having a cylindrical diameter less than the diameter of the cylindrical duct. The core once placed to the duct defines a cylindrical interstitial pumping volume of the pump. This cylindrical interstitial pumping volume preferably defines an inlet at the bottom of the pump, and an outlet at the top of the pump. Pump operation occurs by static windings in the outer stator sequentially conveying toroidal fields from the pump inlet at the bottom of the pump to the pump outlet at the top of the pump. The winding apparatus and method of winding disclosed uses multiple slots per pole per phase with parallel winding legs on each phase equal to or less than the number of slots per pole per phase. The slot sequence per pole per phase is chosen to equalize the variations in flux density of the pump sodium as it passes into the pump at the pump inlet with little or no flux and acquires magnetic flux in passage through the pump to the pump outlet. 4 figs.

Winding for linear pump

DOEpatents

Kliman, Gerald B.; Brynsvold, Glen V.; Jahns, Thomas M.

1989-01-01

A winding and method of winding for a submersible linear pump for pumping liquid sodium is disclosed. The pump includes a stator having a central cylindrical duct preferably vertically aligned. The central vertical duct is surrounded by a system of coils in slots. These slots are interleaved with magnetic flux conducting elements, these magnetic flux conducting elements forming a continuous magnetic field conduction path along the stator. The central duct has placed therein a cylindrical magnetic conducting core, this core having a cylindrical diameter less than the diameter of the cylindrical duct. The core once placed to the duct defines a cylindrical interstitial pumping volume of the pump. This cylindrical interstitial pumping volume preferably defines an inlet at the bottom of the pump, and an outlet at the top of the pump. Pump operation occurs by static windings in the outer stator sequentially conveying toroidal fields from the pump inlet at the bottom of the pump to the pump outlet at the top of the pump. The winding apparatus and method of winding disclosed uses multiple slots per pole per phase with parallel winding legs on each phase equal to or less than the number of slots per pole per phase. The slot sequence per pole per phase is chosen to equalize the variations in flux density of the pump sodium as it passes into the pump at the pump inlet with little or no flux and acquires magnetic flux in passage through the pump to the pump outlet.

Major Cation, Carbon System and Trace Element Chemistry in Pore Waters from a Depth Transect of Cores on the Iberian Margin: Implications for Paleoproxies.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greaves, M.; Elderfield, H.; Hodell, D. A.; Skinner, L. C.; Sevilgen, D.; Grauel, A. L.; de la Fuente, M.; Misra, S.

2014-12-01

A significant body of work exists on the chemistry of pore waters from DSDP and ODP drilling cores (e.g. Gieskes 1975; Sayles 1981) showing large gradients in sea salt cations and anions interpreted in terms of diagenetic reactions such as the formation of Mg-rich clays and dolomite formation (Higgins and Schrag, 2010). Another class of diagenetic reactions involves the breakdown of organic matter and trace element behaviour (Froelich et al., 1979). The translation of chemical gradients into fluxes requires estimates of pore water chemistry across the sea water - sediment surface boundary. Additionally, the use of the chemistry of benthic foraminiferal calcite for seawater paleochemistry requires estimation of the chemistry of pore waters which may differ from that of bottom seawater because of diagenetic reactions. In this work we have collected multi core samples from 10 core sites on cruise RRS James Cook JC089 on the southwest Iberian continental margin. Pore waters were extracted from the core surface and at 1 cm depth intervals down core (typically to ~40 cm depth) using Rhizon samplers and analysed for Alkalinity, DIC, ∂13C and Na, K, Mg, Ca, Li, Mn, Fe, Ba, B, Sr by atomic emission spectrophotometry as well as O2 penetration and pH by microelectrodes. This has allowed us to inspect chemical behavior at the bottom water - sediment interface. Some examples of results are a large gradient in ∂13C of DIC, the similarity of zero O2 penetration followed by an increase in Mn concentration and then decrease to zero, the similarity of Li to Mn and, in contrast to much DSDP/ODP work, Ca2+ and Mg2+both decrease with depth in pore waters near the sediment surface. References: Gieskes J.M. Annu. Rev. Earth Planet. Sci. 3, 433 (1975). Sayles F. L. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta45, 1061 (1981). Higgins J.A. and D.P. Schrag. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta.74, 5039 (2010). Froelich, P.N., et al., Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta. 43, 1075 (1979).

National Infrastructure Protection Plan

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-01-01

effective and efficient CI/KR protection; and • Provide a system for continuous measurement and improvement of CI/KR...information- based core processes, a top-down system -, network-, or function- based approach may be more appropri- ate. A bottom-up approach normally... e - commerce , e -mail, and R&D systems . • Control Systems : Cyber systems used within many infrastructure and industries to monitor and

SLS Engine Section Test Article Loaded on Barge Pegasus at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-04-27

A NASA move team loaded the engine section structural qualification test article for the Space Launch System into the barge Pegasus docked in the harbor at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. The rocket's engine section is the bottom of the core stage and houses the four RS-25 engines. The engine section test article was moved from Building 103, Michoud’s 43-acre rocket factory, to the barge where it was loaded for a river trip to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The bottom part of the test article is structurally the same as the engine section that will be flown as part of the SLS core stage. The shiny metal top part simulates the rocket's liquid hydrogen tank, which is the fuel tank that joins to the engine section. The barge Pegasus will travel 1,240 miles by river to Marshall and endure tests that pull, push, and bend it, subjecting it to millions of pounds of force. This ensures the structure can withstand the incredible stresses produced by the 8.8 million pounds of thrust during launch and ascent.

On effects of topography in rotating flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burmann, Fabian; Noir, Jerome; Jackson, Andrew

2017-11-01

Both, seismological studies and geodynamic arguments suggest that there is significant topography at the core mantle boundary (CMB). This leads to the question whether the topography of the CMB could influence the flow in the Earth's outer core. As a preliminary experiment, we investigate the effects of bottom topography in the so-called Spin-Up, where motion of a contained fluid is created by a sudden increase of rotation rate. Experiments are performed in a cylindrical container mounted on a rotating table and quantitative results are obtained with particle image velocimetry. Several horizontal length scales of topography (λ) are investigated, ranging from cases where λ is much smaller then the lateral extend of the experiment (R) to cases where λ is a fraction of R. We find that there is an optimal λ that creates maximum dissipation of kinetic energy. Depending on the length scale of the topography, kinetic energy is either dissipated in the boundary layer or in the bulk of the fluid. Two different phases of fluid motion are present: a starting flow in the from of solid rotation (phase I), which is later replaced by meso scale vortices on the length scale of bottom topography (phase II).

Core drilling through the ross ice shelf (antarctica) confirmed Basal freezing.

PubMed

Zotikov, I A; Zagorodnov, V S; Raikovsky, J V

1980-03-28

New techniques that have been used to obtain a continuous ice core through the whole 416-meter thickness of the Ross Ice Shelf at Camp J-9 have demonstrated that the bottom 6 meters of the ice shelf consists of sea ice. The rate of basal freezing that is forming this ice is estimated by different methods to be 2 centimeters of ice per year. The sea ice is composed of large vertical crystals, which form the waffle-like lower boundary of the shelf. A distinct alignment of the crystals throughout the sea ice layer suggests the presence of persistent long-term currents beneath the ice shelf.

FUEL ELEMENTS FOR NUCLEAR REACTORS

DOEpatents

Blainey, A.; Lloyd, H.

1961-07-11

A method of sheathing a tubular fuel element for a nuclear reactor is described. A low melting metal core member is centered in a die, a layer of a powdered sheathing substance is placed on the bottom of the die, the tubular fuel element is inserted in the die, the space between the tubular fuel element and the die walls and core member is filled with the same powdered sheathing substance, a layer of the same substance is placed over the fissile material, and the charge within the die is subjected to pressure in the direction of the axis of the fuel element at the sintering temperature of the protective substance.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hannan, N. A.; Matos, J. E.; Stillman, J. A.

At the request of the Czech Technical University (CTU) in Prague, ANL has performed independent verification calculations using the MCNP Monte Carlo code for three core configurations of the VR-1 reactor: a current core configuration B1 with HEU (36%) IRT-3M fuel assemblies and planned core configurations C1 and C2 with LEU (19.7%) IRT-4M fuel assemblies. Details of these configurations were provided to ANL by CTU. For core configuration B1, criticality calculations were performed for two sets of control rod positions provided to ANL by CTU. Fore core configurations C1 and C2, criticality calculations were done for cases with all controlmore » rods at the top positions, all control rods at the bottom positions, and two critical states of the reactor for different control rod positions. In addition, sensitivity studies for variation of the {sup 235}U mass in each fuel assembly and variation of the fuel meat and cladding thicknesses in each of the fuel tubes were doe for the C1 core configuration. The reactivity worth of the individual control rods was calculated for the B1, C1, and C2 core configurations. Finally, the reactivity feedback coefficients, the prompt neutron lifetime, and the total effective delay neutron fraction were calculated for each of the three cores.« less

Tracer and hydrometric study of preferential flow in large undisturbed soil cores from the Georgia Piedmont, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

McIntosh, Janice; McDonnell, Jeffrey J.; Peters, Norman E.

1999-01-01

We studied the temporal patterns of tracer throughput in the outflow of large (30 cm diameter by 38 cm long) undisturbed cores from the Panola Mountain Research Watershed, Georgia. Tracer breakthrough was affected by soil structure and rainfall intensity. Two rainfall intensities (20 and 40 mm hr-1) for separate Cl- and Br- amended solutions were applied to two cores (one extracted from a hillslope soil and one extracted from a residual clay soil on the ridge). For both low and high rainfall intensity experiments, preferential flow occurred in the clay core, but not in the hillslope core. The preferential flow is attributed to well-developed interpedal macrochannels that are commonly found in structured clay soils, characteristic of the ridge site. However, each rainfall intensity exceeded the matrix infiltration capacity at the top of the hillslope core, but did not exceed the matrix infiltration capacity at the middle and bottom of the hillslope core and at all levels in the clay core. Localized zones of saturation created when rainfall intensity exceeds the matrix infiltration capacity may cause water and tracer to overflow from the matrix into macrochannels, where preferential flow occurs to depth in otherwise unsaturated soil. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Feasibility study of a small, thorium-based fission power system for space and terrestrial applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Worrall, Michael Jason

One of the current challenges facing space exploration is the creation of a power source capable of providing useful energy for the entire duration of a mission. Historically, radioisotope batteries have been used to provide load power, but this conventional system may not be capable of sustaining continuous power for longer duration missions. To remedy this, many forays into nuclear powered spacecraft have been investigated, but no robust system for long-term power generation has been found. In this study, a novel spin on the traditional fission power system that represents a potential optimum solution is presented. By utilizing mature High Temperature Gas Reactor (HTGR) technology in conjunction with the capabilities of the thorium fuel cycle, we have created a light-weight, long-term power source capable of a continuous electric power output of up to 70kW for over 15 years. This system relies upon a combination of fissile, highly-enriched uranium dioxide and fertile thorium carbide Tri-Structural Isotropic (TRISO) fuel particles embedded in a hexagonal beryllium oxide matrix. As the primary fissile material is consumed, the fertile material breeds new fissile material leading to more steady fuel loading over the lifetime of the core. Reactor control is achieved through an innovative approach to the conventional boron carbide neutron absorber by utilizing sections of borated aluminum placed in rotating control drums within the reflector. Borated aluminum allows for much smaller boron concentrations, thus eliminating the potential for 10B(n,alpha)6Li heating issues that are common in boron carbide systems. A wide range of other reactivity control systems are also investigated, such as a radially-split rotating reflector. Lastly, an extension of the design to a terrestrial based system is investigated. In this system, uranium enrichment is dropped to 20 percent in order to meet current regulations, a solid uranium-zirconium hydride fissile driver replaces the uranium dioxide TRISO particles, and the moderating material is changed from beryllium oxide to graphite. These changes result in an increased core size, but the same long-term power generation potential is achieved. Additionally, small amounts of erbium are added to the hydride matrix to further extend core lifetime.

Theory-driven intervention for changing personality: expectancy value theory, behavioral activation, and conscientiousness.

PubMed

Magidson, Jessica F; Roberts, Brent W; Collado-Rodriguez, Anahi; Lejuez, C W

2014-05-01

Considerable evidence suggests that personality traits may be changeable, raising the possibility that personality traits most linked to health problems can be modified with intervention. A growing body of research suggests that problematic personality traits may be altered with behavioral intervention using a bottom-up approach. That is, by targeting core behaviors that underlie personality traits with the goal of engendering new, healthier patterns of behavior that, over time, become automatized and manifest in changes in personality traits. Nevertheless, a bottom-up model for changing personality traits is somewhat diffuse and requires clearer integration of theory and relevant interventions to enable real clinical application. As such, this article proposes a set of guiding principles for theory-driven modification of targeted personality traits using a bottom-up approach, focusing specifically on targeting the trait of conscientiousness using a relevant behavioral intervention, Behavioral Activation (BA), considered within the motivational framework of expectancy value theory (EVT). We conclude with a real case example of the application of BA to alter behaviors counter to conscientiousness in a substance-dependent patient, highlighting the EVT principles most relevant to the approach and the importance and viability of a theoretically driven, bottom-up approach to changing personality traits. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved).

Permanent-magnet switched-flux machine

DOEpatents

Trzynadlowski, Andrzej M.; Qin, Ling

2010-01-12

A permanent-magnet switched-flux (PMSF) device has a ferromagnetic outer stator mounted to a shaft about a central axis extending axially through the PMSF device. Pluralities of top and bottom stator poles are respectively mounted in first and second circles, radially outwardly in first and second transverse planes extending from first and second sections of the central axis adjacent to an inner surface of the ferromagnetic outer stator. A ferromagnetic inner rotor is coupled to the shaft and has i) a rotor core having a core axis co-axial with the central axis; and ii) first and second discs having respective outer edges with first and second pluralities of permanent magnets (PMs) mounted in first and second circles, radially outwardly from the rotor core axis in the first and second transverse planes. The first and second pluralities of PMs each include PMs of alternating polarity.

ENGINEERING TEST REACTOR

DOEpatents

De Boisblanc, D.R.; Thomas, M.E.; Jones, R.M.; Hanson, G.H.

1958-10-21

Heterogeneous reactors of the type which is both cooled and moderated by the same fluid, preferably water, and employs highly enriched fuel are reported. In this design, an inner pressure vessel is located within a main outer pressure vessel. The reactor core and its surrounding reflector are disposed in the inner pressure vessel which in turn is surrounded by a thermal shield, Coolant fluid enters the main pressure vessel, fiows downward into the inner vessel where it passes through the core containing tbe fissionable fuel assemblies and control rods, through the reflector, thence out through the bottom of the inner vessel and up past the thermal shield to the discharge port in the main vessel. The fuel assemblles are arranged in the core in the form of a cross having an opening extending therethrough to serve as a high fast flux test facility.

Sedimentation and Occurrence and Trends of Selected Chemical Constituents in Bottom Sediment, Empire Lake, Cherokee County, Kansas, 1905-2005

USGS Publications Warehouse

Juracek, Kyle E.

2006-01-01

For about 100 years (1850-1950), the Tri-State Mining District in parts of southeast Kansas, southwest Missouri, and northeast Oklahoma was one of the primary sources of lead and zinc ore in the world. The mining activity in the Tri-State District has resulted in substantial historical and ongoing input of cadmium, lead, and zinc to the environment including Empire Lake in Cherokee County, southeast Kansas. The environmental contamination caused by the decades of mining activity resulted in southeast Cherokee County being listed on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Priority List as a superfund hazardous waste site in 1983. To provide some of the information needed to support efforts to restore the ecological health of Empire Lake, a 2-year study was begun by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. A combination of sediment-thickness mapping and bottom-sediment coring was used to investigate sediment deposition and the occurrence of cadmium, lead, zinc, and other selected constituents in the bottom sediment of Empire Lake. The total estimated volume and mass of bottom sediment in Empire Lake were 44 million cubic feet and 2,400 million pounds, respectively. Most of the bottom sediment was located in the main body and the Shoal Creek arm of the reservoir. Minimal sedimentation was evident in the Spring River arm of the reservoir. The total mass of cadmium, lead, and zinc in the bottom sediment of Empire Lake was estimated to be 78,000 pounds, 650,000 pounds, and 12 million pounds, respectively. In the bottom sediment of Empire Lake, cadmium concentrations ranged from 7.3 to 76 mg/kg (milligrams per kilogram) with an overall median concentration of 29 mg/kg. Compared to an estimated background concentration of 0.4 mg/kg, the historical mining activity increased the median cadmium concentration by about 7,200 percent. Lead concentrations ranged from 100 to 950 mg/kg with an overall median concentration of 270 mg/kg. Compared to an estimated background concentration of 33 mg/kg, the median lead concentration was increased by about 720 percent as a result of mining activities. The range in zinc concentrations was 1,300 to 13,000 mg/kg with an overall median concentration of 4,900 mg/kg. Compared to an estimated background concentration of 92 mg/kg, the median zinc concentration was increased by about 5,200 percent. Within Empire Lake, the largest sediment concentrations of cadmium, lead, and zinc were measured in the main body of the reservoir. Within the Spring River arm of the reservoir, increased concentrations in the downstream direction likely were the result of tributary inflow from Short Creek, which drains an area that has been substantially affected by historical lead and zinc mining. Compared to nonenforceable sediment-quality guidelines, all Empire Lake sediment samples (representing 21 coring sites) had cadmium concentrations that exceeded the probable-effects guideline (4.98 mg/kg), which represents the concentration above which toxic biological effects usually or frequently occur. With one exception, cadmium concentrations exceeded the probable-effects guideline by about 180 to about 1,400 percent. With one exception, all sediment samples had lead concentrations that exceeded the probable-effects guideline (128 mg/kg) by about 10 to about 640 percent. All sediment samples had zinc concentrations that exceeded the probable-effects guideline (459 mg/kg) by about 180 to about 2,700 percent. Overall, cadmium, lead, and zinc concentrations in the bottom sediment of Empire Lake have decreased over time following the end of lead and zinc mining in the area. However, the concentrations in the most recently deposited bottom sediment (determined for 4 of 21 coring sites) still exceeded the probable-effects guideline by about 440 to 640 percent for cadmium, about 40 to 80 percent for lead, and about 580

Boiling water neutronic reactor incorporating a process inherent safety design

DOEpatents

Forsberg, C.W.

1985-02-19

A boiling-water reactor core is positioned within a prestressed concrete reactor vessel of a size which will hold a supply of coolant water sufficient to submerge and cool the reactor core by boiling for a period of at least one week after shutdown. Separate volumes of hot, clean (nonborated) water for cooling during normal operation and cool highly borated water for emergency cooling and reactor shutdown are separated by an insulated wall during normal reactor operation with contact between the two water volumes being maintained at interfaces near the top and bottom ends of the reactor vessel. Means are provided for balancing the pressure of the two water volumes at the lower interface zone during normal operation to prevent entry of the cool borated water into the reactor core region, for detecting the onset of excessive power to coolant flow conditions in the reactor core and for detecting low water levels of reactor coolant. Cool borated water is permitted to flow into the reactor core when low reactor coolant levels or excessive power to coolant flow conditions are encountered.

Boiling water neutronic reactor incorporating a process inherent safety design

DOEpatents

Forsberg, Charles W.

1987-01-01

A boiling-water reactor core is positioned within a prestressed concrete reactor vessel of a size which will hold a supply of coolant water sufficient to submerge and cool the reactor core by boiling for a period of at least one week after shutdown. Separate volumes of hot, clean (non-borated) water for cooling during normal operation and cool highly borated water for emergency cooling and reactor shutdown are separated by an insulated wall during normal reactor operation with contact between the two water volumes being maintained at interfaces near the top and bottom ends of the reactor vessel. Means are provided for balancing the pressure of the two volumes at the lower interface zone during normal operation to prevent entry of the cool borated water into the reactor core region, for detecting the onset of excessive power to coolant flow conditions in the reactor core and for detecting low water levels of reactor coolant. Cool borated water is permitted to flow into the reactor core when low reactor coolant levels or excessive power to coolant flow conditions are encountered.

Degree of contamination and sources of polychlorinated biphenyls in Meandering Road Creek and Woods Inlet of Lake Worth, Fort Worth, Texas, 2004 and 2006-07

USGS Publications Warehouse

Braun, Christopher L.; Wilson, Jennifer T.; Van Metre, Peter C.

2008-01-01

Lake Worth is a reservoir on the West Fork Trinity River on the western edge of Fort Worth, Texas. Air Force Plant 4 (AFP4) is on the eastern shore of Woods Inlet, an arm of Lake Worth that extends south from the main body of the lake. Two previous reports documented ele-vated polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in surficial sediment in Woods Inlet relative to those in surficial sediment in other parts of Lake Worth. This report presents the results of another USGS study, done in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force, to indicate the degree of PCB contamination of Meandering Road Creek and Woods Inlet and to identify possible sources of PCBs in Meandering Road Creek and Woods Inlet on the basis of suspended, streambed, and lake-bottom sediment samples collected there in 2004 and 2006-07. About 40 to 80 percent of total PCB concentrations (depending on how total PCB concentration is computed) in suspended sediment exceed the threshold effect concentration, a concentration below which adverse effects to benthic biota rarely occur. About 20 percent of total PCB concentrations (computed as sum of three Aroclors) in suspended sediment exceed the probable effect concentration, a concentration above which adverse effects to benthic biota are expected to occur frequently. About 20 to 30 percent of total PCB concentrations in streambed sediment exceed the threshold effect concentration; and about 6 to 20 percent of total PCB concentrations in lake-bottom (Woods Inlet) sediment exceed the threshold effect concentration. No streambed or lake-bottom sediment concentrations exceed the probable effect concentration. The sources of PCBs to Meandering Road Creek and Woods Inlet were investigated by comparing the relative distributions of PCB congeners of suspended sediment to those of streambed and lake-bottom sediment. The sources of PCBs were identified using graphical analysis of normalized concentrations (congener ratios) of 11 congeners. For graphical analysis, the sampling sites were divided into three groups with each group associated with one of the three outfalls sampled: SSO, OF4, and OF5. The variations of normalized PCB congener concentrations from Woods Inlet, from outfalls along Meandering Road Creek, and from streambed sediment sampling sites along Meandering Road Creek generally form similar patterns within sample groups, which is indicative of a common source of PCBs to each group. Overall, the variations in congener ratios indicate that PCBs in surficial lake-bottom sediment of Woods Inlet probably entered Woods Inlet primarily from Meandering Road Creek, and that runoff from AFP4 is a prominent source of PCBs in Meandering Road Creek. Sixteen of the 20 box core sites in Woods Inlet had lower PCB concentrations in the 2006 cores compared to those in the 2003 cores.

Top-down freezing in a Fe-FeS core and Ganymede's present-day magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rückriemen, Tina; Breuer, Doris; Spohn, Tilman

2018-06-01

Ganymede's core most likely possesses an active dynamo today, which produces a magnetic field at the surface of ∼ 719 nT. Thermochemical convection triggered by cooling of the core is a feasible power source for the dynamo. Experiments of different research groups indicate low pressure gradients of the melting temperatures for Fe-FeS core alloys at pressures prevailing in Ganymede's core ( < 10 GPa). This may entail that the core crystallizes from the top instead of from the bottom as is expected for Earth's core. Depending on the core sulfur concentration being more iron- or more sulfur-rich than the eutectic concentration either snowing iron crystals or a solid FeS layer can form at the top of the core. We investigate whether these two core crystallization scenarios are capable of explaining Ganymede's present magnetic activity. To do so, we set up a parametrized one-dimensional thermal evolution model. We explore a wide range of parameters by running a large set of Monte Carlo simulations. Both freezing scenarios can explain Ganymede's present-day magnetic field. Dynamos of iron snow models are rather young ( < 1 Gyr), whereas dynamos below the FeS layer can be both young and much older ( ∼ 3.8 Gyr). Successful models preferably contain less radiogenic heat sources in the mantle than the chondritic abundance and show a correlation between the reference viscosity in the mantle and the initial core sulfur concentration.

Nonpolar InGaN/GaN Core-Shell Single Nanowire Lasers.

PubMed

Li, Changyi; Wright, Jeremy B; Liu, Sheng; Lu, Ping; Figiel, Jeffrey J; Leung, Benjamin; Chow, Weng W; Brener, Igal; Koleske, Daniel D; Luk, Ting-Shan; Feezell, Daniel F; Brueck, S R J; Wang, George T

2017-02-08

We report lasing from nonpolar p-i-n InGaN/GaN multi-quantum well core-shell single-nanowire lasers by optical pumping at room temperature. The nanowire lasers were fabricated using a hybrid approach consisting of a top-down two-step etch process followed by a bottom-up regrowth process, enabling precise geometrical control and high material gain and optical confinement. The modal gain spectra and the gain curves of the core-shell nanowire lasers were measured using micro-photoluminescence and analyzed using the Hakki-Paoli method. Significantly lower lasing thresholds due to high optical gain were measured compared to previously reported semipolar InGaN/GaN core-shell nanowires, despite significantly shorter cavity lengths and reduced active region volume. Mode simulations show that due to the core-shell architecture, annular-shaped modes have higher optical confinement than solid transverse modes. The results show the viability of this p-i-n nonpolar core-shell nanowire architecture, previously investigated for next-generation light-emitting diodes, as low-threshold, coherent UV-visible nanoscale light emitters, and open a route toward monolithic, integrable, electrically injected single-nanowire lasers operating at room temperature.

Sedimentation and occurrence and trends of selected nutrients, other chemical constituents, and cyanobacteria in bottom sediment, Clinton Lake, northeast Kansas, 1977-2009

USGS Publications Warehouse

Juracek, Kyle E.

2011-01-01

A combination of available bathymetric-survey information and bottom-sediment coring was used to investigate sedimentation and the occurrence of selected nutrients (total nitrogen and total phosphorus), organic and total carbon, 25 trace elements, cyanobacterial akinetes, and the radionuclide cesium-137 in the bottom sediment of Clinton Lake, northeast Kansas. The total estimated volume and mass of bottom sediment deposited from 1977 through 2009 in the conservation (multi-purpose) pool of the reservoir was 438 million cubic feet and 18 billion pounds, respectively. The estimated sediment volume occupied about 8 percent of the conservation-pool, water-storage capacity of the reservoir. Sedimentation in the conservation pool has occurred about 70 percent faster than originally projected at the time the reservoir was completed. Water-storage capacity in the conservation pool has been lost to sedimentation at a rate of about 0.25 percent annually. Mean annual net sediment deposition since 1977 in the conservation pool of the reservoir was estimated to be 563 million pounds per year. Mean annual net sediment yield from the Clinton Lake Basin was estimated to be 1.5 million pounds per square mile per year. Typically, the bottom sediment sampled in Clinton Lake was at least 99 percent silt and clay. The mean annual net loads of total nitrogen and total phosphorus deposited in the bottom sediment of Clinton Lake were estimated to be 1.29 million pounds per year and 556,000 pounds per year, respectively. The estimated mean annual net yields of total nitrogen and total phosphorus from the Clinton Lake Basin were 3,510 pounds per square mile per year and 1,510 pounds per square mile per year, respectively. Throughout the history of Clinton Lake, total nitrogen concentrations in the deposited sediment generally were uniform and indicated consistent inputs to the reservoir over time. Likewise, total phosphorus concentrations in the deposited sediment generally were uniform. Although, for two of three coring sites, a possible positive trend in phosphorus deposition was indicated. The Wakarusa River possibly was a larger contributor of nitrogen and phosphorus to Clinton Lake than was Rock Creek. As a principal limiting factor for primary production in most freshwater environments, phosphorus is of particular importance because increased inputs can contribute to accelerated reservoir eutrophication and the production of algal toxins and taste-and-odor compounds. Trace-element concentrations in the bottom sediment of Clinton Lake generally were uniform over time. As is typical for eastern Kansas reservoirs, arsenic, chromium, and nickel concentrations typically exceeded the threshold-effects guidelines, which represent the concentrations above which toxic biological effects occasionally occur. Zinc concentrations frequently exceeded the threshold-effects guideline. Trace-element concentrations did not exceed the probable-effects guidelines (available for eight trace elements), which represent the concentrations above which toxic biological effects usually or frequently occur. Cyanobacterial akinetes (cyanobacteria resting stage) in the bottom sediment of Clinton Lake, combined with historical water-quality data on chlorophyll-a and total phosphorus concentrations, indicated that the reservoir likely has been eutrophic throughout most of its history. A statistically significant increase in cyanobacterial akinetes in the bottom sediment indicated that Clinton Lake may have become more eutrophic over the life of the reservoir. The increase in cyanobacterial akinetes may, in part, be related to a possible increase in total phosphorus concentrations.

Biaxially strained PtPb/Pt core/shell nanoplate boosts oxygen reduction catalysis

DOE PAGES

Bu, Lingzheng; Zhang, Nan; Guo, Shaojun; ...

2016-12-16

Compressive surface strains have been necessary to boost oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity in core/shell M/Pt catalysts (where M can be Ni, Co, Fe). We report a class of PtPb/Pt core/shell nanoplate catalysts that exhibit large biaxial tensile strains. The stable Pt (110) facets of the nanoplates have high ORR specific and mass activities that reach 7.8 milliampere per centimeter square and 4.3 ampere per milligram of platinum at 0.9 volts versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), respectively. Density functional theory calculations revealed that the edge-­Pt and top (bottom)-Pt (110) facets undergo large tensile strains that help optimize the Pt-­Omore » bond strength. The intermetallic core and uniform 4 layers of Pt shell of the PtPb/Pt nanoplates appear to underlie the high endurance of these catalysts, which can undergo 50,000 voltage cycles with negligible activity decay and no apparent structure and composition changes.« less

Structural response of 1/20-scale models of the Clinch River Breeder Reactor to a simulated hypothetical core-disruptive accident

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Romander, C M; Cagliostro, D J

Five experiments were performed to help evaluate the structural integrity of the reactor vessel and head design and to verify code predictions. In the first experiment (SM 1), a detailed model of the head was loaded statically to determine its stiffness. In the remaining four experiments (SM 2 to SM 5), models of the vessel and head were loaded dynamically under a simulated 661 MW-s hypothetical core disruptive accident (HCDA). Models SM 2 to SM 4, each of increasing complexity, systematically showed the effects of upper internals structures, a thermal liner, core support platform, and torospherical bottom on vessel response.more » Model SM 5, identical to SM 4 but more heavily instrumented, demonstrated experimental reproducibility and provided more comprehensive data. The models consisted of a Ni 200 vessel and core barrel, a head with shielding and simulated component masses, and an upper internals structure (UIS).« less

Biaxially strained PtPb/Pt core/shell nanoplate boosts oxygen reduction catalysis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bu, Lingzheng; Zhang, Nan; Guo, Shaojun

Compressive surface strains have been necessary to boost oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity in core/shell M/Pt catalysts (where M can be Ni, Co, Fe). We report a class of PtPb/Pt core/shell nanoplate catalysts that exhibit large biaxial tensile strains. The stable Pt (110) facets of the nanoplates have high ORR specific and mass activities that reach 7.8 milliampere per centimeter square and 4.3 ampere per milligram of platinum at 0.9 volts versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), respectively. Density functional theory calculations revealed that the edge-­Pt and top (bottom)-Pt (110) facets undergo large tensile strains that help optimize the Pt-­Omore » bond strength. The intermetallic core and uniform 4 layers of Pt shell of the PtPb/Pt nanoplates appear to underlie the high endurance of these catalysts, which can undergo 50,000 voltage cycles with negligible activity decay and no apparent structure and composition changes.« less

SOFIA Science Imagery

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-09-14

SCI2017_0003: The column of material at and just below the surface of dwarf planet Ceres (box) – the top layer contains anhydrous (dry) pyroxene dust accumulated from space mixed in with native hydrous (wet) dust, carbonates, and water ice. (Bottom) Cross section of Ceres showing the surface layers that are the subject of this study plus a watery mantle and a rocky-metallic core. Credit: Pierre Vernazza, LAM–CNRS/AMU

Contamination Control of Freeze Shoe Coring System for Collection of Aquifer Sands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Homola, K.; van Geen, A.; Spivack, A. J.; Grzybowski, B.; Schlottenmier, D.

2017-12-01

We have developed and tested an original device, the freeze-shoe coring system, designed to recover undisturbed samples of water contained in sand-dominated aquifers. Aquifer sands are notoriously difficult to collect together with porewater from coincident depths, as high hydraulic permeability leads to water drainage and mixing during retrieval. Two existing corer designs were reconfigured to incorporate the freeze-shoe system; a Hydraulic Piston (HPC) and a Rotary (RC) Corer. Once deployed, liquid CO­2 contained in an interior tank is channeled to coils at the core head where it changes phase, rapidly cooling the deepest portion of the core. The resulting frozen core material impedes water loss during recovery. We conducted contamination tests to examine the integrity of cores retrieved during a March 2017 yard test deployment. Perfluorocarbon tracer (PFC) was added to the drill fluid and recovered cores were subsampled to capture the distribution of PFC throughout the core length and interior. Samples were collected from two HPC and one RC core and analyzed for PFC concentrations. The lowest porewater contamination, around 0.01% invasive fluid, occurs in the center of both HPC cores. The greatest contamination (up to 10%) occurs at the disturbed edges where core material contacts drill fluid. There was lower contamination in the core interior than top, bottom, and edges, as well as significantly lower contamination in HPC cores that those recovered with the RC. These results confirm that the freeze-shoe system, proposed for field test deployments in West Bengal, India, can successfully collect intact porewater and sediment material with minimal if any contamination from drill fluid.

Glaciomarine sedimentation and bottom current activity on the north-western and northern continental margins of Svalbard during the late Quaternary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chauhan, Teena; Noormets, Riko; Rasmussen, Tine L.

2016-04-01

Palaeo-bottom current strength of the West Spitsbergen Current (WSC) and the influence of the Svalbard-Barents Sea Ice Sheet (SBIS) on the depositional environment along the northern Svalbard margins are poorly known. Two gravity cores from the southern Yermak Plateau and the upper slope north of Nordaustlandet, covering marine isotope stage (MIS) 1 to MIS 5, are investigated. Five lithofacies, based on grain size distribution, silt/clay ratio, content and mean of sortable silt (SS), are distinguished to characterise the contourite-dominated sedimentary environments. In addition, depositional environments are described using total organic carbon (TOC), total sulphur (TS) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) contents of sediments. Facies A, containing coarse SS, suggests strong bottom current activity and good bottom water ventilation conditions as inferred from low TOC content. This facies was deposited during the glacial periods MIS 4, MIS 2 and during the late Holocene. Facies B is dominated by fine SS indicating weak bottom current and poor ventilation (cf. high TOC content of 1.2-1.6%), and correlates with the MIS 4/3 and MIS 2/1 transition periods. With an equal amount of clay and sand, fine SS and high content of TOC, facies C indicates reduced bottom current strength for intervals with sediment supply from proximal sources such as icebergs, sea ice or meltwater discharge. This facies was deposited during the last glacial maximum. Facies D represents mass-flow deposits on the northern Svalbard margin attributed to the SBIS advance at or near the shelf edge. Facies E sediments indicating moderate bottom current strength were deposited during MIS 5 and MIS 3, and during parts of MIS 2. This first late Quaternary proxy record of the WSC flow and sedimentation history from the northern Svalbard margin suggests that the oceanographic conditions and ice sheet processes have exerted first-order control on sediment properties.

Heat dissipating nuclear reactor

DOEpatents

Hunsbedt, A.; Lazarus, J.D.

1985-11-21

Disclosed is a nuclear reactor containment adapted to retain and cool core debris in the unlikely event of a core meltdown and subsequent breach in the reactor vessel. The reactor vessel is seated in a cavity which has a thick metal sidewall that is integral with a thick metal basemat at the bottom of the cavity. The basemat extends beyond the perimeter of the cavity sidewall. Underneath the basemat is a porous bed with water pipes and steam pipes running into it. Water is introduced into the bed and converted into steam which is vented to the atmosphere. A plurality of metal pilings in the form of H-beams extend from the metal base plate downwardly and outwardly into the earth.

PVDF core-free actuator for Braille displays: design, fabrication process, and testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levard, Thomas; Diglio, Paul J.; Lu, Sheng-Guo; Gorny, Lee J.; Rahn, Christopher D.; Zhang, Q. M.

2011-04-01

Refreshable Braille displays require many, small diameter actuators to move the pins. The electrostrictive P(VDF-TrFECFE) terpolymer can provide the high strain and actuation force under modest electric fields that are required of this application. In this paper, we develop core-free tubular actuators and integrate them into a 3 × 2 Braille cell. The films are solution cast, stretched to 6 μm thick, electroded, laminated into a bilayer, rolled into a 2 mm diameter tube, bonded, and provided with top and bottom contacts. Experimental testing of 17 actuators demonstrates significant strains (up to 4%). A novel Braille cell is designed and fabricated using six of these actuators.

Heat dissipating nuclear reactor

DOEpatents

Hunsbedt, Anstein; Lazarus, Jonathan D.

1987-01-01

Disclosed is a nuclear reactor containment adapted to retain and cool core debris in the unlikely event of a core meltdown and subsequent breach in the reactor vessel. The reactor vessel is seated in a cavity which has a thick metal sidewall that is integral with a thick metal basemat at the bottom of the cavity. The basemat extends beyond the perimeter of the cavity sidewall. Underneath the basemat is a porous bed with water pipes and steam pipes running into it. Water is introduced into the bed and converted into steam which is vented to the atmosphere. A plurality of metal pilings in the form of H-beams extends from the metal base plate downwardly and outwardly into the earth.

Sedimentology of cores recovered from the Canada Basin of the Arctic Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edwards, B. D.; Saint-Ange, F.; Pohlman, J.; Higgins, J.; Mosher, D. C.; Lorenson, T. D.; Hart, P.

2011-12-01

Researchers from the United States and Canada are collaborating to understand the tectonic and sedimentary history of the Arctic Ocean between Canada and Alaska. As part of this on-going study, a joint US-Canadian ice breaker expedition operated in parts of the Canada Basin during August 2010. Occasional interruptions of the seismic data acquisition provided the ship time to collect gravity and piston cores at five sites-of-opportunity throughout the basin. High-resolution multibeam bathymetry and chirp sub-bottom profiler data collected immediately prior to coring reveal the fine-scale morphology of each site. Core photographs, X-ray radiographs, and physical property data support the following descriptions. Two piston cores were collected from the Beaufort Sea continental margin in a region of known bottom simulating reflectors (BSRs). Site 1 (2538 m water depth): This core recovered 5.72 m of gas-charged, gray sticky clay and silty-clay from an approximately 1100 m diameter, 130 m high conical mound overlying the crest of a buried anticline. Gas hydrate recovered in the core catcher combined with cracks and voids, methane and other hydrocarbon gasses, pyrite concretions, chemosynthetic clams, carbonate nodules, and soft carbonate masses indicate the likely upward migration of deep-seated fluids. Site 2 (1157 m water depth): This core, positioned 40 km upslope from the gas hydrate core, recovered 3 m of gray sticky silty clay and clayey silt near the base of an erosional scarp. Some voids and fracturing are apparent but carbonate masses and pyrite concretions are absent. Site 3 (3070 m water depth): This core from the top of a seamount discovered in 2009 in the north-central part of the Canada Basin recovered 4.94 m of sediment. More than 3 m of dark brown to yellowish brown, massive interbedded silty clays with sands and matrix-supported gravels (ice rafted debris [IRD]) occur in abrupt contact with underlying reddish yellow to brownish yellow silty clay and gravelly sandy clay interpreted to be altered hydrothermally. Successions of IRD layers create a thinly- to medium-bedded sequence throughout the lower section. Site 4 (3700 m water depth; central Canada Basin): This core recovered 3.4 m of sediment typified by decimeter-thick sequences of stacked graded beds with erosional basal contacts (Bouma sequences) characteristic of turbidite deposition. Site 5 (2081 m water depth; continental slope west of the Canadian archipelago): This core recovered 4.96 m of sediment of which the upper 2 m is silty clay to clayey silt with dispersed sand and granules. This upper section has an irregular, sharp basal contact with an underlying 16-cm-thick clast-supported massive gravel. The gravel has a scoured basal contact and overlies a monotonous gray clayey silt containing dispersed granules of IRD. Sparse and poorly preserved fauna throughout all the cores make age determination difficult; however, given the paucity of sediment cores in the Arctic Ocean, these samples provide vital geophysical groundtruth and sedimentological information about the basin.

Description and correlation of reservoir heterogenity within the Big Injun sandstone, Granny Creek field, West Virginia

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vargo, A.; McDowell, R.; Matchen, D.

1992-01-01

The Granny Creek field (approximately 6 sq. miles in area), located in Clay and Roane counties, West Virginia, produces oil from the Big Injun sandstone (Lower Mississippian). Analysis of 15 cores, 22 core analyses, and approximately 400 wireline logs (gamma ray and bulk density) show that the Big Injun (approximately 12 to 55 feet thick) can be separated into an upper, coarse-grained sandstone and a lower, fine-grained sandstone. The Big Injun is truncated by an erosional unconformity of Early to Middle Mississippian age which removes the coarse-grain upper unit in the northwest portion of the field. The cores show nodulesmore » and zones (1 inch to 6 feet thick) of calcite and siderite cement. Where the cements occur as zones, porosity and permeability are reduced. Thin shales (1 inch to 1 foot thick) are found in the coarse-grained member of the Big Injun, whereas the bottom of the fine-grained, lower member contains intertongues of dark shale which cause pinchouts in porosity at the bottom of the reservoir. Calcite and siderite cement are recognized on wireline logs as high bulk density zones that form horizontal, inclined, and irregular pods of impermeable sandstone. At a 400 foot well spacing, pods may be confined to a single well or encompass as many as 30 wells creating linear and irregular barriers to flow. These pods increase the length of the fluid flow path and may divide the reservoir into discrete compartments. The combination of sedimentologic and diagenetic features contribute to the heterogeneity observed in the field.« less

Kinetics of Chronic Oxidation of NBG-17 Nuclear Graphite by Water Vapor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Contescu, Cristian I; Burchell, Timothy D; Mee, Robert

2015-05-01

This report presents the results of kinetic measurements during accelerated oxidation tests of NBG-17 nuclear graphite by low concentration of water vapor and hydrogen in ultra-high purity helium. The objective is to determine the parameters in the Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) equation describing the oxidation kinetics of nuclear graphite in the helium coolant of high temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGR). Although the helium coolant chemistry is strictly controlled during normal operating conditions, trace amounts of moisture (predictably < 0.2 ppm) cannot be avoided. Prolonged exposure of graphite components to water vapor at high temperature will cause very slow (chronic) oxidation over the lifetimemore » of graphite components. This behavior must be understood and predicted for the design and safe operation of gas-cooled nuclear reactors. The results reported here show that, in general, oxidation by water of graphite NBG-17 obeys the L-H mechanism, previously documented for other graphite grades. However, the characteristic kinetic parameters that best describe oxidation rates measured for graphite NBG-17 are different than those reported previously for grades H-451 (General Atomics, 1978) and PCEA (ORNL, 2013). In some specific conditions, certain deviations from the generally accepted L-H model were observed for graphite NBG-17. This graphite is manufactured in Germany by SGL Carbon Group and is a possible candidate for the fuel elements and reflector blocks of HTGR.« less

INJECTION-MOLDING APPARATUS

DOEpatents

Lobell, G.M.

1958-02-11

This patent is drawn to an injection molding apparatus for producing a tube closed at one end wherein the normally unsupported end of the core located in the cavity during the injection of the molten material to fill the space between the core and cavity wall, which supporting means is automatically removed from operation during the forming of the closed end of the tube. This support means is a plug extending through the end of the core into a recess in the bottom of the cavity where the closed end of the tube is to be formed. The plug is spring pressed into said recess and is forced out of the recess by a slidable bushing at the top of the cavity which is moved against the force of the spring by the molten material when it fills the uppormost open end portion of the cavity, thereby permitting the closed end of the tube to be formed.

Oscillatory erosion and transport flume with superimposed unidirectional flow

DOEpatents

Jepsen, Richard A.; Roberts, Jesse D.

2004-01-20

A method and apparatus for measuring erosion rates of sediments and at high shear stresses due to complex wave action with, or without, a superimposed unidirectional current. Water is forced in a channel past an exposed sediment core sample, which erodes sediments when a critical shear stress has been exceeded. The height of the core sample is adjusted during testing so that the sediment surface remains level with the bottom of the channel as the sediments erode. Complex wave action is simulated by driving tandom piston/cylinder mechanisms with computer-controlled stepper motors. Unidirectional flow, forced by a head difference between two open tanks attached to each end of the channel, may be superimposed on to the complex wave action. Sediment traps may be used to collect bedload sediments. The total erosion rate equals the change in height of the sediment core sample divided by a fixed period of time.

Compact cladding-pumped planar waveguide amplifier and fabrication method

DOEpatents

Bayramian, Andy J.; Beach, Raymond J.; Honea, Eric; Murray, James E.; Payne, Stephen A.

2003-10-28

A low-cost, high performance cladding-pumped planar waveguide amplifier and fabrication method, for deployment in metro and access networks. The waveguide amplifier has a compact monolithic slab architecture preferably formed by first sandwich bonding an erbium-doped core glass slab between two cladding glass slabs to form a multi-layer planar construction, and then slicing the construction into multiple unit constructions. Using lithographic techniques, a silver stripe is deposited and formed at a top or bottom surface of each unit construction and over a cross section of the bonds. By heating the unit construction in an oven and applying an electric field, the silver stripe is then ion diffused to increase the refractive indices of the core and cladding regions, with the diffusion region of the core forming a single mode waveguide, and the silver diffusion cladding region forming a second larger waveguide amenable to cladding pumping with broad area diodes.

Benthic and Plankton Foraminifers in Hydrothermally Active Zones of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khusid, T. A.; Os'kina, N. S.; Lukashina, N. P.; Gablina, I. F.; Libina, N. V.; Matul, A. G.

2018-01-01

Comparison of benthic foraminiferal assemblages from the core obtained within the Peterburgskoe ore field (Mid-Atlantic Ridge) and from the core taken five kilometers away from the ore field revealed evident differences in their composition, in the appearance of their shells, and also in the benthic-plankton species ratio. It was noted that the foraminiferal assemblage from the ore-bearing sediments of the Petersburg field was characterized by a higher relative content of benthic species and a large number of chemically altered and broken shells. The first occurrence of the species Osangularia umbonifera, which is able to exist in lowoxygen and CaCO3-undersaturated bottom waters at the boundary of biogenic sediments surrounding the ore field and in the ore-bearing sediments, was established. In the core section sampled beyond the ore field, the composition of foraminiferal assemblages differs insignificantly from typical oceanic ones.

Convective Differentiation of the Earth's Mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hansen, U.; Schmalzl, J.; Stemmer, K.

2007-05-01

The differentiation of the Earth is likely to be influenced by convective motions within the early mantle. Double- diffusive convection (d.d.c), driven by thermally and compositionally induced density differences is considered as a vital mechanism behind the dynamic differentiation of the early mantle.. We demonstrate that d.d.c can lead to layer formation on a planetary scale in the diffusive regime where composition stabilizes the system whil heat provides the destabilizing force. Choosing initial conditions in which a stable compositional gradient overlies a hot reservoir we mimic the situation of a planet in a phase after core formation. Differently from earlier studies we fixed the temperature rather than the heat flux at the lower boundary, resembling a more realistic condition for the core-mantle boundary. We have carried out extended series of numerical experiments, ranging from 2D calculations in constant viscosity fluids to fully 3D experiments in spherical geometry with strongly temperature dependent viscosity. The buoyancy ratio R and the Lewis number Le are the important dynamical parameters. In all scenarios we could identify a parameter regime where the non-layered initial structure developed into a state consisting of several, mostly two layers. Initially plumes from the bottom boundary homogenize a first layer which subsequently thickens. The bottom layer heats up and then convection is initiated in the top layer. This creates dynamically (i.e. without jump in the material behavior) a stack of separately convecting layers. The bottom layer is significantly thicker than the top layer. Strongly temperature dependent viscosity leads to a more complex evolution The formation of the bottom layer is followed by the generation of several layers on top. Finally the uppermost layer starts to convect. In general, the multilayer structure collapses into a two layer system. We employed a numerical technique, allowing for a diffusion free treatment of the compositional field. In each case a similar evolution has been observed. This indicates that a temporary formation of layered structures in planetary interiors is a typical phenomenon. Moreover, in this scenario, plate tectonics appears only in later stages of the evolution.

The effects of temperatures on the pebble flow in a pebble bed high temperature reactor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sen, R. S.; Cogliati, J. J.; Gougar, H. D.

2012-07-01

The core of a pebble bed high temperature reactor (PBHTR) moves during operation, a feature which leads to better fuel economy (online refueling with no burnable poisons) and lower fuel stress. The pebbles are loaded at the top and trickle to the bottom of the core after which the burnup of each is measured. The pebbles that are not fully burned are recirculated through the core until the target burnup is achieved. The flow pattern of the pebbles through the core is of importance for core simulations because it couples the burnup distribution to the core temperature and power profiles,more » especially in cores with two or more radial burnup 'zones '. The pebble velocity profile is a strong function of the core geometry and the friction between the pebbles and the surrounding structures (other pebbles or graphite reflector blocks). The friction coefficient for graphite in a helium environment is inversely related to the temperature. The Thorium High Temperature Reactor (THTR) operated in Germany between 1983 and 1989. It featured a two-zone core, an inner core (IC) and outer core (OC), with different fuel mixtures loaded in each zone. The rate at which the IC was refueled relative to the OC in THTR was designed to be 0.56. During its operation, however, this ratio was measured to be 0.76, suggesting the pebbles in the inner core traveled faster than expected. It has been postulated that the positive feedback effect between inner core temperature, burnup, and pebble flow was underestimated in THTR. Because of the power shape, the center of the core in a typical cylindrical PBHTR operates at a higher temperature than the region next to the side reflector. The friction between pebbles in the IC is lower than that in the OC, perhaps causing a higher relative flow rate and lower average burnup, which in turn yield a higher local power density. Furthermore, the pebbles in the center region have higher velocities than the pebbles next to the side reflector due to the interaction between the pebbles and the immobile graphite reflector as well as the geometry of the discharge conus near the bottom of the core. In this paper, the coupling between the temperature profile and the pebble flow dynamics was analyzed by using PEBBED/THERMIX and PEBBLES codes by modeling the HTR-10 reactor in China. Two extreme and opposing velocity profiles are used as a starting point for the iterations. The PEBBED/THERMIX code is used to calculate the burnup, power and temperature profiles with one of the velocity profiles as input. The resulting temperature profile is then passed to PEBBLES code to calculate the updated pebble velocity profile taking the new temperature profile into account. If the aforementioned hypothesis is correct, the strong temperature effect upon the friction coefficients would cause the two cases to converge to different final velocity and temperature profiles. The results of this analysis indicates that a single zone pebble bed core is self-stabilizing in terms of the pebble velocity profile and the effect of the temperature profile on the pebble flow is insignificant. (authors)« less

Large-scale and Long-duration Simulation of a Multi-stage Eruptive Solar Event

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, chaowei; Hu, Qiang; Wu, S. T.

2015-04-01

We employ a data-driven 3D MHD active region evolution model by using the Conservation Element and Solution Element (CESE) numerical method. This newly developed model retains the full MHD effects, allowing time-dependent boundary conditions and time evolution studies. The time-dependent simulation is driven by measured vector magnetograms and the method of MHD characteristics on the bottom boundary. We have applied the model to investigate the coronal magnetic field evolution of AR11283 which was characterized by a pre-existing sigmoid structure in the core region and multiple eruptions, both in relatively small and large scales. We have succeeded in producing the core magnetic field structure and the subsequent eruptions of flux-rope structures (see https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/96898685/large.mp4 for an animation) as the measured vector magnetograms on the bottom boundary evolve in time with constant flux emergence. The whole process, lasting for about an hour in real time, compares well with the corresponding SDO/AIA and coronagraph imaging observations. From these results, we show the capability of the model, largely data-driven, that is able to simulate complex, topological, and highly dynamic active region evolutions. (We acknowledge partial support of NSF grants AGS 1153323 and AGS 1062050, and data support from SDO/HMI and AIA teams).

Modular assembly for supporting, straining, and directing flow to a core in a nuclear reactor

DOEpatents

Pennell, William E.

1977-01-01

A reactor core support arrangement for supporting, straining, and providing fluid flow to the core and periphery of a nuclear reactor during normal operation. A plurality of removable inlet modular units are contained within permanent liners in the lower supporting plate of the reactor vessel lower internals. During normal operation (1) each inlet modular unit directs main coolant flow to a plurality of core assemblies, the latter being removably supported in receptacles in the upper portion of the modular unit and (2) each inlet modular unit may direct bypass flow to a low pressure annular region of the reactor vessel. Each inlet modular unit may include special fluid seals interposed between mating surfaces of the inlet modular units and the core assemblies and between the inlet modular units and the liners, to minimize leakage and achieve an hydraulic balance. Utilizing the hydraulic balance, the modular units are held in the liners and the assemblies are held in the modular unit receptacles by their own respective weight. Included as part of the permanent liners below the horizontal support plate are generally hexagonal axial debris barriers. The axial debris barriers collectively form a bottom boundary of a secondary high pressure plenum, the upper boundary of which is the bottom surface of the horizontal support plate. Peripheral liners include radial debris barriers which collectively form a barrier against debris entry radially. During normal operation primary coolant inlet openings in the liner, below the axial debris barriers, pass a large amount of coolant into the inlet modular units, and secondary coolant inlet openings in the portion of the liners within the secondary plenum pass a small amount of coolant into the inlet modular units. The secondary coolant inlet openings also provide alternative coolant inlet flow paths in the unlikely event of blockage of the primary inlet openings. The primary inlet openings have characteristics which limit the entry of debris and minimize the potential for debris entering the primary inlets blocking the secondary inlets from inside the modular unit.

Impacts of pollution derived from ship wrecks on the marine environment on the basis of s/s "Stuttgart" (Polish coast, Europe).

PubMed

Rogowska, Justyna; Wolska, Lidia; Namieśnik, Jacek

2010-11-01

In 1943 the German hospital ship s/s Stuttgart (Lazaretschiff "C") was sunk close to the port of Gdynia (Gulf of Gdańsk - Polish coast). This and other actions (undertaken after the war to remove the wreck) led to pollution of the sea bottom with oil derivatives. During our studies (2009) 11 surface sediment and water samples were collected as well as sediment core samples at 4 locations in order to determine the concentration levels of priority pollutants belonging to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). The concentrations of 16 PAH and 7 PCB were analysed with GC-MS. ΣPAH varied between 11.54 ± 0.39 and 206.7 ± 6.5mg/kg dry weight in the surface sediments, and from 0.686 ± 0.026 to 1291 ± 53 mg/kg dry weight in the core samples. Contamination in the core samples collected may reach a depth of at least 230-240 cm (deepest sample studied). The PAH-group profiles in all surface sediment samples suggest a pyrolytic source of PAH, while the results obtained for core samples indicate a mixed pattern of pyrolytic and petrogenic inputs of PAH. Results obtained may suggest also that fuel residues being present at sea bottom is not crude oil derived but results from coal processing (synthetic fuel). The sum of PCB in surface sediments ranged from 0.761 ± 0.068 to 6.82 ± 0.28 μg/kg dry weight (except for sampling point W2, where ΣPCB was 108.8 ± 4.4 μg/kg dry weight). The strong correlation between PAH and PCB levels, and the fact that PCB are present only in the surface sediments, suggest that the compounds in these sediments got there as a result of emission from urban areas, entering the aquatic environment via atmospheric deposition. PCB levels in the sediment core samples were generally very low and in most cases did not exceed the method quantification limit. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Diatoms in sediments of perennially ice-covered Lake Hoare, and implications for interpreting lake history in the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica

USGS Publications Warehouse

Spaulding, S.A.; McKnight, Diane M.; Stoermer, E.F.; Doran, P.T.

1997-01-01

Diatom assemblages in surficial sediments, sediment cores, sediment traps, and inflowing streams of perennially ice-covered Lake Hore, South Victorialand, Antarctica were examined to determine the distribution of diatom taxa, and to ascertain if diatom species composition has changed over time. Lake Hoare is a closed-basin lake with an area of 1.8 km2, maximum depth of 34 m, and mean depth of 14 m, although lake level has been rising at a rate of 0.09 m yr-1 in recent decades. The lake has an unusual regime of sediment deposition: coarse grained sediments accumulate on the ice surface and are deposited episodically on the lake bottom. Benthic microbial mats are covered in situ by the coarse episodic deposits, and the new surfaces are recolonized. Ice cover prevents wind-induced mixing, creating the unique depositional environment in which sediment cores record the history of a particular site, rather than a lake=wide integration. Shallow-water (<1 m) diatom assemblages (Stauroneis anceps, Navicula molesta, Diadesmis contenta var. parallela, Navicula peraustralis) were distinct from mid-depth (4-16 m) assemblages (Diadesmis contenta, Luticola muticopsis fo. reducta, Stauroneis anceps, Diadesmis contenta var. parallela, Luticola murrayi) and deep-water (2-31 m) assemblages (Luticola murrayi, Luticola muticopsis fo. reducta, Navicula molesta. Analysis of a sediment core (30 cm long, from 11 m water depth) from Lake Hoare revealed two abrupt changes in diatom assemblages. The upper section of the sediment core contained the greatest biomass of benthic microbial mat, as well as the greatest total abundance and diversity of diatoms. Relative abundances of diatoms in this section are similar to the surficial samples from mid-depths. An intermediate zone contained less organic material and lower densities of diatoms. The bottom section of core contained the least amount of microbial mat and organic material, and the lowest density of diatoms. The dominant process influencing species composition and abundance of diatom assemblages in the benthic microbial mats is episodic deposition of coarse sediment from the ice surface.

Praying Mantis Bending Core Breakoff and Retention Mechanism

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Badescu, Mircea; Sherrit, Stewart; Bar-Cohen, Yoseph; Bao, Xiaoqi; Lindermann, Randel A.

2011-01-01

Sampling cores requires the controlled breakoff of the core at a known location with respect to the drill end. An additional problem is designing a mechanism that can be implemented at a small scale, yet is robust and versatile enough to be used for a variety of core samples. The new design consists of a set of tubes (a drill tube, an outer tube, and an inner tube) and means of sliding the inner and outer tubes axially relative to each other. Additionally, a sample tube can be housed inside the inner tube for storing the sample. The inner tube fits inside the outer tube, which fits inside the drill tube. The inner and outer tubes can move axially relative to each other. The inner tube presents two lamellae with two opposing grabbing teeth and one pushing tooth. The pushing tooth is offset axially from the grabbing teeth. The teeth can move radially and their motion is controlled by the outer tube. The outer tube presents two lamellae with radial extrusions to control the inner tube lamellae motion. In breaking the core, the mechanism creates two support points (the grabbing teeth and the bit tip) and one push point. The core is broken in bending. The grabbing teeth can also act as a core retention mechanism. The praying mantis that is disclosed herein is an active core breaking/retention mechanism that requires only one additional actuator other than the drilling actuator. It can break cores that are attached to the borehole bottom as

Benthic foraminiferal trace metal uptake: a field calibration from the Arabia Sea Oxygen Minimum Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koho, K. A.; Reichart, G.-J.

2012-04-01

The Arabian Sea Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ) is sustained by high surface water productivity and relatively weak mid-depth water column ventilation. High primary productivity drives high respiration rates in the water column, causing severe oxygen depletion between ±150-1400 m water depths, with the oxygen concentrations falling below 2 μM in the core of the OMZ. Living (rose Bengal stained) benthic foraminifera were collected at 10-stations, covering a large bottom water oxygen concentration gradient from the Murray Ridge. This sub-marine ridge is located in the open marine environment of the Arabian Sea and thus not affected by large gradients in surface water productivity such as encountered at the continental margins. Since these sites thus receive similar organic fluxes, but are bathed in bottom waters with contrasting oxygen concentrations, pore water profiles mainly reflect bottom water oxygenation. The study sites represent a natural laboratory to investigate the impact of bottom water chemistry on trace metal incorporation in benthic foraminifera. Trace metal analyses by laser ablation ICP-MS allows detailed single chamber measurements of trace metal content, which can be related to in situ pore water geochemistry. Focus of this study is on redox sensitive trace metal (e.g. Mn, U) incorporation into foraminiferal test calcite in relation to pore water oxygen and carbonate chemistry.

Geological Characteristics of Active Methane Expulsion In Accretionary Prism Kaoping Slope Off SW Taiwan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, C.; Chien, C.; Yang, T. F.; Lin, S.

2005-12-01

The Kaoping Slope off SW Taiwan represents the syn-collision accretionary prism characterized by active NW-trending folding - thrusting structures and high sedimentation rate favoring the formation of gas hydrate. For an assessment of gas hydrate potential in the Kaoping Slope off SW Taiwan, sedimentology, paleontology and geochemistry in box cores and piston cores were studied. BSRs are commonly found in seismic profiles in 400-600 m below seafloor of water depth 2500-1000 m. Active expulsions of methane were found along active thrust faults where sulfate/methane interface could be as shallow as 30 cm and the methane concentration of dissolved gases in bottom water and in pore-space of drilled core samples could be three-four order higher than the normal marine environments. Occurrences of authigenic carbonate and elongated pyrite tubes are correlated with shallow SMI depth and high methane content in bottom water and pore-space of sediment cores. Authigenic carbonates were found in seafloor surface and in 20-25 meters below seafloor. The authigenic carbonate nodules are characterized by irregular shape, whitish color, no visible microfossil, containing native sulfur, pyrites, gypsum, small open spaces, and very depleted carbon isotope (-54 ~ -43 per mil PDB). Tiny native sulfur and gypsum crystals were commonly found either on surface of foraminiferal tests and elongated pyrite tubes or in the authigenic carbonate nodules. Morphological measurements of elongated pyrite tubes show that they could represent pseudomorphs after three types of Pogonophora tube worm. Foraminifers are commonly filled by rhomboidal pyrites or cemented by pyrite crystals. Normal marine benthic foraminifers predominated by calcareous tests of slope fauna are associated with authigenic carbonate nodules in the study area, suggesting no major geochemistry effect on distribution of benthic foraminifers. Integrating sedimentology, paleontology and geochemistry characters, there could be high potential to have gas hydrate in the accretionary prism off SW Taiwan.

Delineating functional principles of the bow tie structure of a kinase-phosphatase network in the budding yeast.

PubMed

Abd-Rabbo, Diala; Michnick, Stephen W

2017-03-16

Kinases and phosphatases (KP) form complex self-regulating networks essential for cellular signal processing. In spite of having a wealth of data about interactions among KPs and their substrates, we have very limited models of the structures of the directed networks they form and consequently our ability to formulate hypotheses about how their structure determines the flow of information in these networks is restricted. We assembled and studied the largest bona fide kinase-phosphatase network (KP-Net) known to date for the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Application of the vertex sort (VS) algorithm on the KP-Net allowed us to elucidate its hierarchical structure in which nodes are sorted into top, core and bottom layers, forming a bow tie structure with a strongly connected core layer. Surprisingly, phosphatases tend to sort into the top layer, implying they are less regulated by phosphorylation than kinases. Superposition of the widest range of KP biological properties over the KP-Net hierarchy shows that core layer KPs: (i), receive the largest number of inputs; (ii), form bottlenecks implicated in multiple pathways and in decision-making; (iii), and are among the most regulated KPs both temporally and spatially. Moreover, top layer KPs are more abundant and less noisy than those in the bottom layer. Finally, we showed that the VS algorithm depends on node degrees without biasing the biological results of the sorted network. The VS algorithm is available as an R package ( https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/VertexSort/index.html ). The KP-Net model we propose possesses a bow tie hierarchical structure in which the top layer appears to ensure highest fidelity and the core layer appears to mediate signal integration and cell state-dependent signal interpretation. Our model of the yeast KP-Net provides both functional insight into its organization as we understand today and a framework for future investigation of information processing in yeast and eukaryotes in general.

Application of Dredged Materials and Steelmaking Slag as Basal Media to Restore and Create Seagrass Beds: Mesocosm and Core Incubation Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsukasaki, A.; Suzumura, M.; Tsurushima, N.; Nakazato, T.; Huang, Y.; Tanimoto, T.; Yamada, N.; Nishijima, W.

2016-02-01

Seagrass beds stabilize bottom sediments, improve water quality and light conditions, enhance species diversity, and provide habitat complexity in coastal marine environments. Seagrass beds are now experiencing worldwide decline by rapid environmental changes. Possible options of seagrass bed restoration are civil engineering works including mounding to raise the bottom to elevations with suitable light for seagrass growth. Reuse or recycling of dredged materials (DM) and various industrial by-products including steelmaking slags is a beneficial option to restore and create seagrass beds. To evaluate the applicability of DM and dephosphorization slag (Slag) as basal media of seagrass beds, we carried out mesocosm experiments and core incubation experiments in a land-based flow-through seawater tank over a year. During the mesocosm experiment, no difference was found in growth of eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) and macrobenthic community structures between Slag-based sediments and sand-based control experiments, even though Slag-based sediments exhibited substantially higher pH than sand-based sediments. During the core incubation experiment, we investigated detailed variation and distributions of pH and nutrients, and diffusion fluxes of nutrients between the sediment/seawater interface. Though addition of Slag induced high pH up to 10.7 in deep layers (< 5 cm), the surface pH decreased rapidly within 10 days. Concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen were comparable between Slag- and sand-based sediments, whereas dissolved phosphate concentration was substantially reduced by the addition of Slag. The low concentrations of phosphate was likely due to precipitation with calcium under high pH condition. Diffusion fluxes of nutrients from the cores were comparable with those reported in natural coastal systems. It was suggested that the mixture of Slag and DM is applicable as basal media for construction of artificial seagrass beds.

Long-term ecological changes in the north Adriatic Sea: Epi-to Infauna turnover at the Brijuni islands national park

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pifeas, Iason; Gallmetzer, Ivo; Haselmair, Alexandra; Stachowitsch, Michael; Zuschin, Martin

2015-04-01

The northern Adriatic Sea with its densely populated coastline experienced strong anthropogenic impacts during the last centuries. The Brijuni islands at the southern tip of Istria, Croatia, are a national park since 1983 and represent a study area of special interest when comparing impacted marine areas with regions under relatively long-term protection that were able to recover from the pressure of fishing and bottom trawling. The present study is part of a project on the historical ecology of the northern Adriatic sea and focusses on long-term ecological changes and benthic community shifts as a result of anthropogenic impacts since the Holocene transgression. Several cores of 1.5 m length and a diameter of 90 mm were taken close to the main island of Brijuni and sliced into smaller subunits for sediment analyses and the investigation of death assemblages. Hard part remains of molluscs, crustaceans, bryozoans, echinoderms and sedentary polychaetes were analysed for species composition, abundance and indicators for high biomass epifauna. Death assemblages were compared with surface samples of the recent fauna taken at the same area by grab-sampling and by divers using a 100 x 100 cm frame. Data analyses revealed a steep increase of species abundance and diversity in the early stages of the Holocene transgression, at the very bottom of the core, followed by a steady decline, representing a major shift from a previously epibenthic to an infauna dominated community. Towards the top of the core, this trend weakens, and in the uppermost 6 cm it even reverses indicating a possible recovery of the benthic communities since the protection of the area. By correlating down-core changes in benthic community structure with sediment parameters (grain size distribution, TOC, heavy metal content, concentrations of organic pollutants) and data from radiometric sediment dating, we can further improve our understanding of the timing and the magnitude of past ecological changes and their consequences for benthic communities.

Occurrence, compositional distribution, and toxicity assessment of pyrethroid insecticides in sediments from the fluvial systems of Chaohu Lake, Eastern China.

PubMed

Wang, Ji-Zhong; Bai, Ya-Shu; Wu, Yakton; Zhang, Shuo; Chen, Tian-Hu; Peng, Shu-Chuan; Xie, Yu-Wei; Zhang, Xiao-Wei

2016-06-01

Surface sediment-associated synthetic pyrethroid insecticides (SPs) are known to pose high risks to the benthic organisms in Chaohu Lake, a shallow lake of Eastern China. However, the pollution status of the lake's tributaries and estuaries is still unknown. The present study was conducted to investigate the occurrence, compositional distribution, and toxicity of 12 currently used SPs in the surface sediments from four important tributaries, as well as in the sediment cores at their estuaries, using GC-MS for quantification. All SPs selected were detectable, with cypermethrin, es/fenvalerate, and permethrin dominant in both surface and core sediments, suggesting that these compounds were extensively applied. Urban samples contained the highest summed concentrations of the 12 SPs analyzed (Σ12SP) in both surface and core sediments compared with rural samples, suggesting that urban areas near aquatic environments posed high risks for SPs. The mean concentration of Σ12SP in surface sediments of each river was generally higher than that found in core sediments from its corresponding estuary, perhaps implying recent increases in SP usage. Surface sediments were significantly dominated by cypermethrin and permethrin, whereas core sediments were dominated by permethrin and es/fenvalerate. The compositional distributions demonstrated a spatial variation for surface sediments because urban sediments generally contained greater percentages of permethrin and cypermethrin, but rural sediments had significant levels of es/fenvalerate and cypermethrin. In all sediment cores, the percentage of permethrin gradually increased, whereas es/fenvalerate tended to decrease, from the bottom sediments to the top, indicating that the former represented fresh input, whereas the latter represented historical residue. Most urban samples would be expected to be highly toxic to benthic organisms due to the residue of SPs based on a calculation of toxic units (TUs) using toxicity data of the amphipod Hyalella azteca. However, low TU values were found for the samples from rural areas. These results indicate that the bottom sediments were exposed to high risk largely by the residual SPs from urban areas. The summed TUs were mostly attributable to cypermethrin, followed by λ-cyhalothrin and es/fenvalerate. Despite permethrin contributing ∼28.7 % of the Σ12SP concentration, it only represented 6.34 % of the summed TUs. Therefore, our results suggest that high levels of urbanization can increase the accumulation of SPs in aquatic environments.

Abyssal ostracods from the South and Equatorial Atlantic Ocean: Biological and paleoceanographic implications

USGS Publications Warehouse

Yasuhara, Moriaki; Cronin, T. M.; Martinez, Arbizu P.

2008-01-01

We report the distribution of ostracods from ???5000 m depth from the Southeast and Equatorial Atlantic Ocean recovered from the uppermost 10 cm of minimally disturbed sediments taken by multiple-corer during the R/V Meteor DIVA2 expedition M63.2. Five cores yielded the following major deep-sea genera: Krithe, Henryhowella, Poseidonamicus, Legitimocythere, Pseudobosquetina, and Pennyella. All genera are widely distributed in abyssal depths in the world's oceans and common in Cenozoic deep-sea sediments. The total number of ostracod specimens is higher and ostracod shell preservation is better near the sediment-water interface, especially at the 0-1 cm core depths. Core slices from ???5 to 10 cm were barren or yielded a few poorly preserved specimens. The DIVA2 cores show that deep-sea ostracod species inhabit corrosive bottom water near the carbonate compensation depth (CCD) even though their calcareous valves are rarely preserved as fossils in sediment cores due to postmortem dissolution. Their occurrence at great water depths may partially explain the well-known global distributions of major deep-sea taxa in the world's oceans, although further expeditions using minimal-disturbance sampling devices are needed to fill geographic gaps. ?? 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Structural response of 1/20-scale models of the Clinch River Breeder Reactor to a simulated hypothetical core disruptive accident. Technical report 4

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Romander, C. M.; Cagliostro, D. J.

Five experiments were performed to help evaluate the structural integrity of the reactor vessel and head design and to verify code predictions. In the first experiment (SM 1), a detailed model of the head was loaded statically to determine its stiffness. In the remaining four experiments (SM 2 to SM 5), models of the vessel and head were loaded dynamically under a simulated 661 MW-sec hypothetical core disruptive accident (HCDA). Models SM 2 to SM 4, each of increasing complexity, systematically showed the effects of upper internals structures, a thermal liner, core support platform, and torospherical bottom on vessel response.more » Model SM 5, identical to SM 4 but more heavily instrumented, demonstrated experimental reproducibility and provided more comprehensive data. The models consisted of a Ni 200 vessel and core barrel, a head with shielding and simulated component masses, an upper internals structure (UIS), and, in the more complex models SM 4 and SM 5, a Ni 200 thermal liner and core support structure. Water simulated the liquid sodium coolant and a low-density explosive simulated the HCDA loads.« less

Ice Core Depth-Age Relation for Vostok delta-D and Dome Fuji delta-18O Records Based on the Devils Hole Paleotemperature Chronology

USGS Publications Warehouse

Landwehr, Jurate Maciunas

2002-01-01

This report presents the data for the Vostok - Devils Hole chronology, termed V-DH chronology, for the Antarctic Vostok ice core record. This depth - age relation is based on a join between the Vostok deuterium profile (D) and the stable oxygen isotope ratio (18O) record of paleotemperature from a calcitic core at Devils Hole, Nevada, using the algorithm developed by Landwehr and Winograd (2001). Both the control points defining the V-DH chronology and the numeric values for the chronology are given. In addition, a plausible chronology for a deformed bottom portion of the Vostok core developed with this algorithm is presented. Landwehr and Winograd (2001) demonstrated the broader utility of their algorithm by applying it to another appropriate Antarctic paleotemperature record, the Antarctic Dome Fuji ice core 18O record. Control points for this chronology are also presented in this report but deemed preliminary because, to date, investigators have published only the visual trace and not the numeric values for the Dome Fuji 18O record. The total uncertainty that can be associated with the assigned ages is also given.

Geochemical, radiometric, and environmental approaches for the assessment of the intensity and chronology of metal contamination in the sediment cores from Oualidia lagoon (Morocco).

PubMed

Mejjad, Nezha; Laissaoui, Abdelmourhit; El-Hammoumi, Ouafa; Fekri, Ahmed; Amsil, Hamid; El-Yahyaoui, Adil; Benkdad, Azzouz

2018-06-01

The present study evaluates the distribution of metals over the last 100 years in the Oualidia lagoon by examining their concentrations in the sediment cores. The samples were analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Activities of 210 Pb, 226 Ra, and 137 Cs were determined by gamma-ray spectrometry for establishing the age-depth relationships throughout the sediment cores by applying conventional models. The results indicated that the study area is contaminated by As and Cd revealing a detectable anthropogenic input of occurring metals as a consequence of the continuous development of human activities around the lagoon since 1950. The enrichment factor calculated for each layer of the three cores revealed that the studied sediments present no enrichment by Pb, K, and Mn; minor enrichment by Zn, Cr, Co, Cu, V, and Ni; and a moderately to severe enrichment by As and Cd. The pollution load index values increase from the bottom to the top of cores, and ranged from 0.9 to 2.8, which indicates levels of pollutants ranging from background to relatively high concentrations in the investigated sediments.

Molecular Characterization of Methanogenic Communities in Core Sediments of the Dajiuhu Peatland, Central China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, R.; Wang, H.

2017-12-01

Methane (CH4) is an important greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 22 times greater than carbon dioxide. Large amounts of CH4 can be produced and released by methanogenesis in peatland ecosystems, which make peatland ecosystems play an important role in mediating global climate change. Here we report the abundance and distribution of methanogenic communities and their correlation with physicochemical parameters along two sediment cores in the Dajiuhu Peatland via quantitative PCR, clone library construction of functional genes and statistical analysis. Uncultured Group and Fen Cluster were found to be the dominant methanogens at the upper part of the cores, and Rice and Related Rice Cluster became dominant in the bottom of the cores. Quantitative PCR showed that abundances of methanogenic communities ranged from 104 to 106 copies/ng DNA throughout the cores. Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) indicated that dissolved oxygen (DO) (P=0.046, F=1.4) was the main factor significantly controlling methanogenic communities. Our results enhance the understanding of the compositions and variations of methanogenic communities vertically and greatly help us to further investigate process of microbial methanogenesis in Dajiuhu Peatland.

Recent oxygen depletion and benthic faunal change in shallow areas of Sannäs Fjord, Swedish west coast

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nordberg, Kjell; Polovodova Asteman, Irina; Gallagher, Timothy M.; Robijn, Ardo

2017-09-01

Sannäs Fjord is a shallow fjord (< 32 m w.d.) with a sill depth of 8 m, located at the Swedish west coast of the Skagerrak (North Sea). The anthropogenic impact on the fjord represents combination of sewage from the local village of Sannäs and land run-off from agricultural areas. Sewage impact has been reduced since 1991 and today the fjord is included into several nature conservation programs administrated by the European Union. Yet, observations during the summers of 2008-2011 show that the shallow inner fjord inlet experiences severe oxygen depletion at 5-12 m water depth. To explore if the oxygen depletion is only a recent phenomenon and to evaluate the potential of fjord sediments to archive such environmental changes, in 2008 and 2009 seven sediment cores were taken along a transect oriented lengthwise in the fjord. The cores were analysed for organic carbon, C/N, benthic foraminifera and lead pollution records (as relative age marker). Carbon content increases in most of the cores since the 1970-80s, while C/N ratio decreases from the core base upward since 1995. Foraminiferal assemblages in most core stratigraphies are dominated by agglutinated species. Calcareous species (mainly elphidiids) have become dominant in the upper part of the records since the late 1990s or 2000 (the inner fjord and the deepest basin) and since the 1950-70s (the outer fjord). In the inner Sannäs Fjord, an increase of agglutinated foraminiferal species (e.g. Eggerelloides scaber) and organic inner linings occurred since the 1970s, suggesting an intensification of taphonomic processes affecting postmortem calcareous shell preservation. A study of living vs. dead foraminiferal assemblages undertaken during June-August 2013 demonstrates that in the shallow inner fjord, strong carbonate dissolution occurs within 1-3 months following the foraminiferal growth. The dissolution is linked to corrosive conditions present within the sediment - bottom water interface, and is likely caused by the organic matter decay, resulting in severe hypoxia to anoxia. Oxygen depletion at < 10 m w.d. develops fast due to the small water volume and limited bottom water exchange caused by a close proximity of pycnocline to the fjord bottom. Sediment cores from the deep fjord basin and the outer fjord are, on the contrary, characterized by good to excellent preservation of foraminiferal shells, higher sediment accumulation rates, and the greatest potential for high-resolution paleoenvironmental studies. Increased frequencies of low-oxygen tolerant species (e.g. Stainforthia fusiformis) in the outer fjord after the 1970s suggests that increased primary productivity and seasonal oxygen deficiency have existed in the area over the last century. Recent milder winters, absent sediment reworking by freezing and grounding of sea-ice, increased nutrient load due to higher precipitation and land run-off, and the luxuriant growth of filamentous green algae followed by the organic matter decay are discussed among the mechanisms driving formation of recent oxygen deficiency in the shallow fjord inlets.

Solving the riddle of interglacial temperatures over the last 1.5 million years with a future IPICS "Oldest Ice" ice core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fischer, Hubertus

2014-05-01

The sequence of the last 8 glacial cycles is characterized by irregular 100,000 year cycles in temperature and sea level. In contrast, the time period between 1.5-1.2 million years ago is characterized by more regular cycles with an obliquity periodicity of 41,000 years. Based on a deconvolution of deep ocean temperature and ice volume contributions to benthic δ18O (Elderfield et al., Science, 2012), it is suggested that glacial sea level became progressively lower over the last 1.5 Myr, while glacial deep ocean temperatures were very similar. At the same time many interglacials prior to the Mid Brunhes event showed significantly cooler deep ocean temperatures than the Holocene, while at the same time interglacial ice volume remained essentially the same. In contrast, interglacial sea surface temperatures in the tropics changed little (Herbert et al., Science,2010) and proxy reconstructions of atmospheric CO2 using δ11B in planktic foraminifera (Hönisch et al., Science, 2009) suggest that prior to 900,000 yr before present interglacial CO2 levels did not differ substantially from those over the last 450,000 years. Accordingly, the conundrum arises how interglacials can differ in deep ocean temperature without any obvious change in ice volume or greenhouse gas forcing and what caused the change in cyclicity of glacial interglacial cycles over the Mid Pleistocene Transition. Probably the most important contribution to solve this riddle is the recovery of a 1.5 Myr old ice core from Antarctica, which among others would provide an unambiguous, high-resolution record of the greenhouse gas history over this time period. Accordingly, the international ice core community, as represented by the International Partnership for Ice Core Science (IPICS), has identified such an 'Oldest Ice' ice core as one of the most important scientific targets for the future (http://www.pages.unibe.ch/ipics/white-papers). However, finding stratigraphically undisturbed ice, which covers this time period in Antarctica, is not an easy task. Based on a simple ice and heat flow model and glaciological observations (Fischer et al., Climate of the Past, 2013), we conclude that sites in the vicinity of major domes and saddle positions on the East Antarctic Plateau will most likely have such old ice in store and represent the best study areas for dedicated reconnaissance studies in the near future. In contrast to previous ice core drill site selections, however, significantly reduced ice thickness is required to avoid bottom melting. The most critical parameter is the largely unknown geothermal heat flux at the bottom of the ice sheet. For example for the geothermal heat flux and accumulation conditions at Dome C, an ice thickness lower than but close to about 2500 m would be required to find 1.5 My old ice. If sites with lower geothermal heat flux can be found, also a higher ice thickness is allowed, alleviating the problem of potential flow disturbances in the bottom-most ice to affect a 1.5 Myr climate record.

Thermal Evolution of Earht's Core during Accretion: a Preliminary Solid Inner Core at the End of Accrfetion.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arkani-Hamed, J.

2015-12-01

Growth of an inner core has conventionally been related to core cooling blow the liquidus of iron. It is however possible that the core of the proto-Earth solidifies upon pressure increase during accretion. The lithostatic pressure in the proto-Earth increases immediately after merging each impactor, and the pressure-dependent liquidus of iron may supersede the temperature near the center resulting in a solid inner core. Assuming that Earth is formed by accreting a few dozen Moon to Mars size planetary embryos, the thermal evolution of the proto-Earth's core is investigated during accretion. The collision of an embryo heats the Earth differentially and the rotating low-viscosity, differentially heated core stratifies, creating a spherically symmetric stable and radially increasing temperature distribution. Convection occurs in the outer core while heat transfers by conduction in deeper parts. It is assumed that the iron core of an embryo pools at the bottom of partially molten mantle and thermally equilibrates with surroundings. It then descends as an iron diapir in the solid silicate mantle, while releasing its gravitational energy. Depending on its temperature when arrives at the core mantle boundary, it may spread on the core creating a hot layer or plunge into the core and descend to a neutrally buoyant level while further releasing its gravitational energy. A few dozen thermal evolution models of the core are investigates to examine effects of major parameters such as: total number of impacting embryos; partitioning of the gravitational energy released during the descent of the diaper in the mantle (between the silicate mantle and the iron diaper), and in the core (between the proto-Earth's core and that of the embryo); and gravitational energy and latent heat released due to the core solidification. All of the models predict a large solid inner core, about 1500 to 2000 km in radius, at the end of accretion.

Two-Stage Magma Mixing and Initial Phase of the 1667 Plinian Eruption of Tarumai Volcano

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tomiya, A.; Takeuchi, S.

2009-12-01

Plinian eruptions can eject high-viscosity low-T magma with high crystal content. Several mechanisms have been proposed, such as remobilization by addition of volatile from high-T magma (Bachmann & Bergantz, 2006) and precursory eruption of low-viscosity hybrid magma between low-T and high-T magmas (Pallister et al., 1996; Takeuchi & Nakamura, 2001). We discuss this matter by analysis on a Plinian eruption of Tarumai Volcano. Tarumai (Tarumae) is one of the most active volcanoes in Japan. The 1667 eruption is the first one in historical time after thousands of years of dormancy, and one of the largest eruptions (VEI 5) in the volcano (Soya & Sato, 1980). The major eruptive product, Ta-b pumice, is andesite, consisting of abundant phenocrysts (20-40 %) and rhyolitic glass (Soya, 1971; Furukawa, 1998; Nakagawa et al., 2006). Hiraga & Nakagawa (2000) reported that the bulk rock was homogeneous (SiO2 = 58-62 wt.%) from subunit b8 (lower) to b1 (upper). On the other hand, Takeuchi (2001) found that the bottom layer of b8 (b8-bottom) was more mafic (SiO2 = 56-58 wt.%) and interpreted it as precursory hybrid magma. We analyzed phenocrysts in b8-bottom and other subunits of Ta-b, and compared their compositions and textures. The followings are obtained. Plagioclase: the compositions and textures are similar among the subunits; some phenocrysts are calcic with a homogeneous core of An > 90, whereas most have a complex texture with An 65 to 75. Orthopyroxene/clinopyroxene: the compositions and textures are similar among the subunits; most phenocrysts have a homogeneous core of Mg* 62 to 68 for orthopyroxene and Mg* 70 to 74 for clinopyroxene; those in b8-bottom show reverse zonings. Olivine: there are few phenocrysts and they often coexist with the calcic plagioclase. Magnetite: the compositions are homogeneous (Usp 30 to 34, Mg/Mn 5 to 7; type-1) except for those in b8-bottom; there are two types of phenocrysts in b8-bottom, Usp 30 to 34, Mg/Mn 7 to 9 (type-2) and Usp 23 to 25, Mg/Mn > 10 (type-3) with no type-1 (classification based on Nakagawa et al. (2006)); magnetite inclusions in pyroxene phenocrysts in b8-bottom are, however, type-1. According to the observations, we propose two-stage magma mixing as follows. Prior to the 1667 eruption, there are high-T mafic magma with olivine, calcic plagioclase and type-3 magnetite, and low-T main magma with two pyroxenes, other types of plagioclase and type-1 magnetite (and few ilmenite). The first-stage mixing between the two magmas formed the precursory hybrid magma, but could not prompt the magma to erupt immediately. In the hybrid magma, type-1 and -3 magnetite rehomogenized into type-2 due to rapid cation diffusion, but magnetite inclusions in pyroxene remained type-1. Then, the second-stage mixing between the hybrid magma and the high-T magma occurred, and just after the mixing (with no rehomogenization of type-3 magnetite) the eruption began. Following the hybrid magma (b8-bottom), the main magma erupted. Considering the diffusion coefficients of Ti and Mg in magnetite, the period between the two mixings was several years, whereas the period between the second mixing and the eruption was less than weeks. The two-stage mixing of high-T magma enabled the high-viscosity phenocryst-rich magma to erupt.

The design and performance of IceCube DeepCore

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbasi, R.; Abdou, Y.; Abu-Zayyad, T.; Ackermann, M.; Adams, J.; Aguilar, J. A.; Ahlers, M.; Allen, M. M.; Altmann, D.; Andeen, K.; Auffenberg, J.; Bai, X.; Baker, M.; Barwick, S. W.; Bay, R.; Bazo Alba, J. L.; Beattie, K.; Beatty, J. J.; Bechet, S.; Becker, J. K.; Becker, K.-H.; Benabderrahmane, M. L.; BenZvi, S.; Berdermann, J.; Berghaus, P.; Berley, D.; Bernardini, E.; Bertrand, D.; Besson, D. Z.; Bindig, D.; Bissok, M.; Blaufuss, E.; Blumenthal, J.; Boersma, D. J.; Bohm, C.; Bose, D.; Böser, S.; Botner, O.; Brown, A. M.; Buitink, S.; Caballero-Mora, K. S.; Carson, M.; Chirkin, D.; Christy, B.; Clevermann, F.; Cohen, S.; Colnard, C.; Cowen, D. F.; Cruz Silva, A. H.; D'Agostino, M. V.; Danninger, M.; Daughhetee, J.; Davis, J. C.; De Clercq, C.; Degner, T.; Demirörs, L.; Descamps, F.; Desiati, P.; de Vries-Uiterweerd, G.; DeYoung, T.; Díaz-Vélez, J. C.; Dierckxsens, M.; Dreyer, J.; Dumm, J. P.; Dunkman, M.; Eisch, J.; Ellsworth, R. W.; Engdegård, O.; Euler, S.; Evenson, P. A.; Fadiran, O.; Fazely, A. R.; Fedynitch, A.; Feintzeig, J.; Feusels, T.; Filimonov, K.; Finley, C.; Fischer-Wasels, T.; Fox, B. D.; Franckowiak, A.; Franke, R.; Gaisser, T. K.; Gallagher, J.; Gerhardt, L.; Gladstone, L.; Glüsenkamp, T.; Goldschmidt, A.; Goodman, J. A.; Góra, D.; Grant, D.; Griesel, T.; Groß, A.; Grullon, S.; Gurtner, M.; Ha, C.; Haj Ismail, A.; Hallgren, A.; Halzen, F.; Han, K.; Hanson, K.; Heinen, D.; Helbing, K.; Hellauer, R.; Hickford, S.; Hill, G. C.; Hoffman, K. D.; Hoffmann, B.; Homeier, A.; Hoshina, K.; Huelsnitz, W.; Hülß, J.-P.; Hulth, P. O.; Hultqvist, K.; Hussain, S.; Ishihara, A.; Jacobi, E.; Jacobsen, J.; Japaridze, G. S.; Johansson, H.; Kampert, K.-H.; Kappes, A.; Karg, T.; Karle, A.; Kenny, P.; Kiryluk, J.; Kislat, F.; Klein, S. R.; Köhne, J.-H.; Kohnen, G.; Kolanoski, H.; Köpke, L.; Koskinen, D. J.; Kowalski, M.; Kowarik, T.; Krasberg, M.; Kroll, G.; Kurahashi, N.; Kuwabara, T.; Labare, M.; Laihem, K.; Landsman, H.; Larson, M. J.; Lauer, R.; Lünemann, J.; Madsen, J.; Marotta, A.; Maruyama, R.; Mase, K.; Matis, H. S.; Meagher, K.; Merck, M.; Mészáros, P.; Meures, T.; Miarecki, S.; Middell, E.; Milke, N.; Miller, J.; Montaruli, T.; Morse, R.; Movit, S. M.; Nahnhauer, R.; Nam, J. W.; Naumann, U.; Nygren, D. R.; Odrowski, S.; Olivas, A.; Olivo, M.; O'Murchadha, A.; Panknin, S.; Paul, L.; Pérez de los Heros, C.; Petrovic, J.; Piegsa, A.; Pieloth, D.; Porrata, R.; Posselt, J.; Price, P. B.; Przybylski, G. T.; Rawlins, K.; Redl, P.; Resconi, E.; Rhode, W.; Ribordy, M.; Richman, M.; Rodrigues, J. P.; Rothmaier, F.; Rott, C.; Ruhe, T.; Rutledge, D.; Ruzybayev, B.; Ryckbosch, D.; Sander, H.-G.; Santander, M.; Sarkar, S.; Schatto, K.; Schmidt, T.; Schönwald, A.; Schukraft, A.; Schultes, A.; Schulz, O.; Schunck, M.; Seckel, D.; Semburg, B.; Seo, S. H.; Sestayo, Y.; Seunarine, S.; Silvestri, A.; Spiczak, G. M.; Spiering, C.; Stamatikos, M.; Stanev, T.; Stezelberger, T.; Stokstad, R. G.; Stößl, A.; Strahler, E. A.; Ström, R.; Stüer, M.; Sullivan, G. W.; Swillens, Q.; Taavola, H.; Taboada, I.; Tamburro, A.; Tepe, A.; Ter-Antonyan, S.; Tilav, S.; Toale, P. A.; Toscano, S.; Tosi, D.; van Eijndhoven, N.; Vandenbroucke, J.; Van Overloop, A.; van Santen, J.; Vehring, M.; Voge, M.; Walck, C.; Waldenmaier, T.; Wallraff, M.; Walter, M.; Weaver, Ch.; Wendt, C.; Westerhoff, S.; Whitehorn, N.; Wiebe, K.; Wiebusch, C. H.; Williams, D. R.; Wischnewski, R.; Wissing, H.; Wolf, M.; Wood, T. R.; Woschnagg, K.; Xu, C.; Xu, D. L.; Xu, X. W.; Yanez, J. P.; Yodh, G.; Yoshida, S.; Zarzhitsky, P.; Zoll, M.

2012-05-01

The IceCube neutrino observatory in operation at the South Pole, Antarctica, comprises three distinct components: a large buried array for ultrahigh energy neutrino detection, a surface air shower array, and a new buried component called DeepCore. DeepCore was designed to lower the IceCube neutrino energy threshold by over an order of magnitude, to energies as low as about 10 GeV. DeepCore is situated primarily 2100 m below the surface of the icecap at the South Pole, at the bottom center of the existing IceCube array, and began taking physics data in May 2010. Its location takes advantage of the exceptionally clear ice at those depths and allows it to use the surrounding IceCube detector as a highly efficient active veto against the principal background of downward-going muons produced in cosmic-ray air showers. DeepCore has a module density roughly five times higher than that of the standard IceCube array, and uses photomultiplier tubes with a new photocathode featuring a quantum efficiency about 35% higher than standard IceCube PMTs. Taken together, these features of DeepCore will increase IceCube's sensitivity to neutrinos from WIMP dark matter annihilations, atmospheric neutrino oscillations, galactic supernova neutrinos, and point sources of neutrinos in the northern and southern skies. In this paper we describe the design and initial performance of DeepCore.

The Design and Performance of IceCube DeepCore

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stamatikos, M.

2012-01-01

The IceCube neutrino observatory in operation at the South Pole, Antarctica, comprises three distinct components: a large buried array for ultrahigh energy neutrino detection, a surface air shower array, and a new buried component called DeepCore. DeepCore was designed to lower the IceCube neutrino energy threshold by over an order of magnitude, to energies as low as about 10 GeV. DeepCore is situated primarily 2100 m below the surface of the icecap at the South Pole, at the bottom center of the existing IceCube array, and began taking pbysics data in May 2010. Its location takes advantage of the exceptionally clear ice at those depths and allows it to use the surrounding IceCube detector as a highly efficient active veto against the principal background of downward-going muons produced in cosmic-ray air showers. DeepCore has a module density roughly five times higher than that of the standard IceCube array, and uses photomultiplier tubes with a new photocathode featuring a quantum efficiency about 35% higher than standard IceCube PMTs. Taken together, these features of DeepCore will increase IceCube's sensitivity to neutrinos from WIMP dark matter annihilations, atmospheric neutrino oscillations, galactic supernova neutrinos, and point sources of neutrinos in the northern and southern skies. In this paper we describe the design and initial performance of DeepCore.

Shock Compression and Melting of an Fe-Ni-Si Alloy: Implications for the Temperature Profile of the Earth's Core and the Heat Flux Across the Core-Mantle Boundary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Youjun; Sekine, Toshimori; Lin, Jung-Fu; He, Hongliang; Liu, Fusheng; Zhang, Mingjian; Sato, Tomoko; Zhu, Wenjun; Yu, Yin

2018-02-01

Understanding the melting behavior and the thermal equation of state of Fe-Ni alloyed with candidate light elements at conditions of the Earth's core is critical for our knowledge of the region's thermal structure and chemical composition and the heat flow across the liquid outer core into the lowermost mantle. Here we studied the shock equation of state and melting curve of an Fe-8 wt% Ni-10 wt% Si alloy up to 250 GPa by hypervelocity impacts with direct velocity and reliable temperature measurements. Our results show that the addition of 10 wt% Si to Fe-8 wt% Ni alloy slightly depresses the melting temperature of iron by 200-300 (±200) K at the core-mantle boundary ( 136 GPa) and by 600-800 (±500) K at the inner core-outer core boundary ( 330 GPa), respectively. Our results indicate that Si has a relatively mild effect on the melting temperature of iron compared with S and O. Our thermodynamic modeling shows that Fe-5 wt% Ni alloyed with 6 wt% Si and 2 wt% S (which has a density-velocity profile that matches the outer core's seismic profile well) exhibits an adiabatic profile with temperatures of 3900 K and 5300 K at the top and bottom of the outer core, respectively. If Si is a major light element in the core, a geotherm modeled for the outer core indicates a thermal gradient of 5.8-6.8 (±1.6) K/km in the D″ region and a high heat flow of 13-19 TW across the core-mantle boundary.

A sample-freezing drive shoe for a wire line piston core sampler

USGS Publications Warehouse

Murphy, F.; Herkelrath, W.N.

1996-01-01

Loss of fluids and samples during retrieval of cores of saturated, noncohesive sediments results in incorrect measures of fluid distributions and an inaccurate measure of the stratigraphic position of the sample. To reduce these errors, we developed a hollow drive shoe that freezes in place the lowest 3 inches (75 mm) of a 1.88-inch-diameter (48 mm), 5-foot-long (1.5 m) sediment sample taken using a commercial wire line piston core sampler. The end of the core is frozen by piping liquid carbon dioxide at ambient temperature through a steel tube from a bottle at the land surface to the drive shoe where it evaporates and expands, cooling the interior surface of the shoe to about -109??F (-78??C). Freezing a core end takes about 10 minutes. The device was used to collect samples for a study of oil-water-air distributions, and for studies of water chemistry and microbial activity in unconsolidated sediments at the site of an oil spill near Bemidji, Minnesota. Before freezing was employed, samples of sandy sediments from near the water table sometimes flowed out of the core barrel as the sampler was withdrawn. Freezing the bottom of the core allowed for the retention of all material that entered the core barrel and lessened the redistribution of fluids within the core. The device is useful in the unsaturated and shallow saturated zones, but does not freeze cores well at depths greater than about 20 feet (6 m) below water, possibly because the feed tube plugs with dry ice with increased exhaust back-pressure, or because sediment enters the annulus between the core barrel and the core barrel liner and blocks the exhaust.

Authigenic Uranium in Eastern Equatorial Pacific Sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marcantonio, F.; Lyle, M. W.; Loveley, M. R.; Ibrahim, R.

2014-12-01

Authigenic U concentrations have been used as an indicator of redox state in marine sediments. Soluble U(VI) in porewaters is reduced to insoluble U(IV) under suboxic conditions setting up a diffusion gradient through which U in bottom waters is supplied to reducing sediments. Researchers have used sedimentary redox enrichment of U as a tool to identify past redox changes, which may be caused by changes in organic carbon rain rates and/or bottom water oxygen levels. Differentiating between these two explanations is important, as the former is tied to the use of authigenic U as a paleoproductivity proxy. We examined sediments from 4 sediment cores retrieved from two different localities in the Panama Basin in the eastern equatorial Pacific. Two cores were retrieved from the northern Panama basin at the Cocos Ridge, (4JC at 5° 44.7'N 85° 45.5' W, 1730 m depth; 8JC at 6° 14.0'N 86° 2.6' W, 1993 m depth), and two were retrieved from the south at the Carnegie Ridge, (11JC at 0° 41.6'S 85° 20.0' W, 2452 m depth; 17JC at 0° 10.8'S 85° 52.0' W, 2846 m depth). Using 230Th systematics and seismic profiling at each of the sites, we've identified significant sediment winnowing (4JC and 11JC) and focusing (8JC and 17JC). At all sites, we believe that changes in age-model-derived sand (i.e., >63µm) mass accumulation rates (MAR) best represent changes in rain rates. Glacial rain rates are higher than those in the Holocene by a factor of 2-3 at both sites. Peak Mn levels (>1%), the brown-to-green color transition (which likely represents the oxic/post-oxic boundary), and peak U concentrations all appear in the same order with increasing depth down core. At the Carnegie sites, where MARs are greater than those at the Cocos sites, increases in authigenic U (up to 4 ppm) occur during the mid- to late Holocene at depths of 10-15 cm. At the Cocos sites, increases in authigenic U (up to 12 ppm) occur lower in the sediment column (25-30 cm) during the late glacial. The decrease in sediment MAR (and, likely, productivity) between the last glacial and the Holocene has most likely driven the syndiagenetic enrichment of U at these sites by diffusion of bottom water U to slightly beyond the oxic/post-oxic boundary. Hence, changing bottom water oxygen levels are not a requirement to explain authigenic U concentrations in eastern equatorial Pacific sediments.

Dovetail spoke internal permanent magnet machine

DOEpatents

Alexander, James Pellegrino [Ballston Lake, NY; EL-Refaie, Ayman Mohamed Fawzi [Niskayuna, NY; Lokhandwalla, Murtuza [Clifton Park, NY; Shah, Manoj Ramprasad [Latham, NY; VanDam, Jeremy Daniel [West Coxsackie, NY

2011-08-23

An internal permanent magnet (IPM) machine is provided. The IPM machine includes a stator assembly and a stator core. The stator core also includes multiple stator teeth. The stator assembly is further configured with stator windings to generate a stator magnetic field when excited with alternating currents and extends along a longitudinal axis with an inner surface defining a cavity. The IPM machine also includes a rotor assembly and a rotor core. The rotor core is disposed inside the cavity and configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis. The rotor assembly further includes a shaft. The shaft further includes multiple protrusions alternately arranged relative to multiple bottom structures provided on the shaft. The rotor assembly also includes multiple stacks of laminations disposed on the protrusions and dovetailed circumferentially around the shaft. The rotor assembly further includes multiple pair of permanent magnets for generating a magnetic field, which magnetic field interacts with the stator magnetic field to produce a torque. The multiple pair of permanent magnets are disposed between the stacks. The rotor assembly also includes multiple middle wedges mounted between each pair of the multiple permanent magnets.

Effective Low-Frequency Geoacoustic Properties Inferred from Measurements in the Northeast Atlantic

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-09-01

models designed to predict the nature of acoustic boundary Interaction. For five sites involving thickly sedimented bottoms, simple models are...DSDP Site 95 136. Gross descriptor! of lithology and age of the sediment profile at DSDP site is indicated on the left. Core sampling was not...during the 1890’s. Rayleigh derived the reflection coefficient for plane waves incident at arbitrary angles on the boundary separa- ting two

Widespread Miocene deep-sea hiatuses: coincidence with periods of global cooling.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Barron, J.A.; Keller, G.

1982-01-01

High-resolution biostratigraphic analyses of Miocene deep-sea cores reveal eight intervals of widespread hiatuses in the world ocean. In complete sections these hiatuses correspond to intervals of cool faunal and floral assemblages, rapid enrichment of delta 18O, and sea-level regressions. These factors suggest that Miocene deep-sea hiatuses result from an increased intensity of circulation and corrosiveness of bottom currents during periods of increased polar refrigeration.-Authors

Design and Testing of an Active Core for Sandwich Panels

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-03-01

some degrees of unimorph from the design. In the experiment, the current prototype, which is made of polycarbonate material and Nitinol spring...such as Nitinol , is chosen due to its greater shape memory strain (8.5%), practical fabrication technique, and is relatively in- expansive. 2.2... Nitinol and its volume fractions are 5%, 7.5%, and 10% of the total design domain. The artificial stiffness implemented at the top and bottom right hand

Living technology: exploiting life's principles in technology.

PubMed

Bedau, Mark A; McCaskill, John S; Packard, Norman H; Rasmussen, Steen

2010-01-01

The concept of living technology-that is, technology that is based on the powerful core features of life-is explained and illustrated with examples from artificial life software, reconfigurable and evolvable hardware, autonomously self-reproducing robots, chemical protocells, and hybrid electronic-chemical systems. We define primary (secondary) living technology according as key material components and core systems are not (are) derived from living organisms. Primary living technology is currently emerging, distinctive, and potentially powerful, motivating this review. We trace living technology's connections with artificial life (soft, hard, and wet), synthetic biology (top-down and bottom-up), and the convergence of nano-, bio-, information, and cognitive (NBIC) technologies. We end with a brief look at the social and ethical questions generated by the prospect of living technology.

Preliminary analysis of the role of lake basin morphology on the modern diatom flora in the Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range, Nevada, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Starratt, Scott W.

2014-01-01

As paleolimnologists, we often look at the world through a 5-cm-diameter hole in the bottom of a lake, and although a number of studies have shown that a single core in the deepest part of a lake does not necessarily reflect the entire diatom flora, time and money often limit our ability to collect more than one core from a given site. This preliminary study is part of a multidisciplinary research project to understand Holocene climate variability in alpine regions of the Great Basin, and ultimately, to compare these high elevation records to the better studied pluvial records from adjacent valleys, in this case, the Ruby Valley.

ANDRILL Borehole AND-1B: Well Log Analysis of Lithofacies and Glacimarine Cycles.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jackolski, C. L.; Williams, T.; Powell, R. D.; Jarrard, R.; Morin, R. H.; Talarico, F. M.; Niessen, F.; Kuhn, G.

2008-12-01

During the 2006-2007 austral summer, the Antarctic geological drilling program ANDRILL recovered cores of sedimentary rock from a 1285-m-deep borehole below the McMurdo Ice Shelf. Well logging instruments were deployed to a depth of 1017 mbsf after core recovery. This study focuses on two intervals of the AND-1B borehole: upper HQ (238-343 mbsf; Pliocene) and NQ (698-1017 mbsf; upper Miocene), which were logged with natural gamma ray, induction resistivity and magnetic susceptibility tools. To understand how the well logs fit into a more complete physical properties data set, we performed factor and cluster analyses on a suite of well logs and core logs in the upper HQ and NQ intervals. In both intervals, factor analysis groups resistivity and core P-velocity into a factor that we interpret as being inversely proportional to porosity. It also groups natural gamma and potassium (from the XRF core scanner) into a factor that we interpret as a particle-size or lithology index. An additional factor in the NQ interval, influenced by clast number and magnetic susceptibility, distinguishes subglacial diamictites from other lithofacies. The factors in each interval (2 in HQ, 3 in NQ) are used as input to cluster analysis. The results are log data objectively organized into clusters, or electrofacies. We compare these electrofacies to the lithofacies, well logs and unconformity-bounded glacimarine cycles of AND-1B. Patterns in the glacimarine cycles are observed in the well logs and electrofacies. In the NQ glacimarine sediments, an electrofacies pattern is produced between subglacial diamictites at the bottom of each sequence and the glacial retreat facies above. Subglacial diamictites have higher values for the additional NQ factor, corresponding to clast number and magnetic susceptibility, than the muds and sands that form the retreat facies. Differences in the porosity factor are not observed in any electrofacies pattern in the NQ interval, but subtle patterns in the resistivity well log are observed. Subglacial diamictites have greater resistivities than most retreat facies. In the HQ interval, there is only one glacimarine cycle that resembles those in the NQ interval, and most of the interval is subglacial or ice-proximal diamictite. There are only two and a half cycles in the HQ interval, but they contain an incipient electrofacies pattern. In the lower two cycles, the potassium/gamma factor is low at the bottom and high toward the top, and porosity, as indicated by the porosity factor, is low at the bottom and high toward the top. Throughout most of the HQ interval, potassium and natural gamma correlate with porosity. Two exceptions are the lower half of the top cycle, in which resistivity increases toward the top, and the two diatomite beds at the top of the two lower cycles, in which potassium/gamma is low and porosity is very high.

Dansgaard-Oeschger cycles observed in the Greenland ReCAP ice core project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kjær, Helle Astrid; Vallelonga, Paul; Vinther, Bo; Simonsen, Marius; Maffezzoli, Niccoló; Gkinis, Vasileios; Svensson, Anders; Jensen, Camilla Marie; Dallmayr, Remi; Spolaor, Andrea; Edwards, Ross

2017-04-01

The new REnland ice CAP (RECAP) ice core was drilled in summer 2015 in Greenland and measured by means of Continuous flow analysis (CFA) during the last 3 months of 2015. The Renland ice core was obtained as part of the ReCAP project, extending 584.11 meters to the bottom of the Renland ice cap located in east Greenland. The unique position on a mountain saddle above 2000 meters altitude, but close to the coast, ensures that the Renland ice core offers high accumulation, but also reaches far back in time. Results show that despite the short length the RECAP ice core holds ice all the way back to the past warm interglacial period, the Eemian. The glacial section is strongly thinned and covers on 20 meters of the ReCAP core, but nonetheless due to the high resolution of the measurements all 25 expected DO events could be identified. The record was analyzed for multiple elements including the water isotopes, forest fire tracers NH4+ and black carbon, insoluble dust particles by means of Abakus laser particle counter and the dust ion Ca2+, sea salt Na+, and sea ice proxies as well as acidity useful for finding volcanic layers to date the core. Below the glacial section another 20 meters of warm Eemian ice have been analysed. Here we present the chemistry results as obtained by continuous flow analysis (CFA) and compare the glacial section with the chemistry profile from other Greenland ice cores.

Deep-sea ostracode shell chemistry (Mg:Ca ratios) and late Quaternary Arctic Ocean history

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cronin, T. M.; Dwyer, Gary S.; Baker, P.A.; Rodriguez-Lazaro, J.; Briggs, W.M.; ,

1996-01-01

The magnesium:calcium (Mg:Ca) and strontium:calcium (Sr:Ca) ratios were investigated in shells of the benthic ostracode genus Krithe obtained from 64 core-tops from water depths of 73 to 4411 m in the Arctic Ocean and Nordic seas to determine the potential of ostracode shell chemistry for palaeoceanographic study. Shells from the Polar Surface Water (−1 to −1.5°C) had Mg:Ca molar ratios of about 0.006–0.008; shells from Arctic Intermediate Water (+0.3 to +2.0°C) ranged from 0.09 to 0.013. Shells from the abyssal plain and ridges of the Nansen, Amundsen and Makarov basins and the Norwegian and Greenland seas had a wide scatter of Mg:Ca ratios ranging from 0.007 to 0.012 that may signify post-mortem chemical alteration of the shells from Arctic deep-sea environments below about 1000 m water depth. There is a positive correlation (r2 = 0.59) between Mg:Ca ratios and bottom-water temperature in Krithe shells from Arctic and Nordic seas from water depths <900 m. Late Quaternary Krithe Mg:Ca ratios were analysed downcore using material from the Gakkel Ridge (water depths 3047 and 3899 m), the Lomonosov Ridge (water depth 1051 m) and the Amundsen Basin (water depth 4226 m) to test the core-top Mg:Ca temperature calibration. Cores from the Gakkel and Lomonosov ridges display a decrease in Mg:Ca ratios during the interval spanning the last glacial/deglacial transition and the Holocene, perhaps related to a decrease in bottom water temperatures or other changes in benthic environments.

Field Investigations and a Tsunami Modeling for the 1766 Marmara Sea Earthquake, Turkey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aykurt Vardar, H.; Altinok, Y.; Alpar, B.; Unlu, S.; Yalciner, A. C.

2016-12-01

Turkey is located on one of the world's most hazardous earthquake zones. The northern branch of the North Anatolian fault beneath the Sea of Marmara, where the population is most concentrated, is the most active fault branch at least since late Pliocene. The Sea of Marmara region has been affected by many large tsunamigenic earthquakes; the most destructive ones are 549, 553, 557, 740, 989, 1332, 1343, 1509, 1766, 1894, 1912 and 1999 events. In order to understand and determine the tsunami potential and their possible effects along the coasts of this inland sea, detailed documentary, geophysical and numerical modelling studies are needed on the past earthquakes and their associated tsunamis whose effects are presently unknown.On the northern coast of the Sea of Marmara region, the Kucukcekmece Lagoon has a high potential to trap and preserve tsunami deposits. Within the scope of this study, lithological content, composition and sources of organic matters in the lagoon's bottom sediments were studied along a 4.63 m-long piston core recovered from the SE margin of the lagoon. The sedimentary composition and possible sources of the organic matters along the core were analysed and their results were correlated with the historical events on the basis of dating results. Finally, a tsunami scenario was tested for May 22nd 1766 Marmara Sea Earthquake by using a widely used tsunami simulation model called NAMIDANCE. The results show that the candidate tsunami deposits at the depths of 180-200 cm below the lagoons bottom were related with the 1766 (May) earthquake. This work was supported by the Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of Istanbul University (Project 6384) and by the EU project TRANSFER for coring.

A 22,000 year record of changing redox conditions from the Peruvian Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ): benthic foraminifera approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Erdem, Z.; Schönfeld, J.; Glock, N.

2015-12-01

Benthic foraminifera have been used as proxies for the prevailing conditions at the sediment-water interface. Their distribution patterns are thought to facilitate reconstruction of past environmental conditions. Variations of bottom water oxygenation can be traced by the downcore distribution of benthic foraminifera and some of their morphological characters. Being one of the strongest and most pronounced OMZs in today's world oceans, the Peruvian OMZ is a key area to study such variations in relation with changing climate. Spatial changes or an extension of the OMZ through time and space are investigated using sediment cores from the lower OMZ boundary. We focus on time intervals Late Holocene, Early Holocene, Bølling Allerød, Heinrich-Stadial 1 and Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) to investigate changes in bottom-water oxygen and redox conditions. The recent distributions of benthic foraminiferal assemblages provide background data for an interpretation of the past conditions. Living benthic foraminiferal faunas from the Peruvian margin are structured with the prevailing bottom-water oxygen concentrations today (Mallon et al., 2012). Downcore distribution of benthic foraminiferal assemblages showed fluctuations in the abundance of the indicator species depicting variations and a decreasing trend in bottom water oxygen conditions since the LGM. In addition, changes in bottom-water oxygen and nitrate concentrations are reconstructed for the same time intervals by the pore density in tests of Planulina limbata and Bolivina spissa (Glock et al., 2011), respectively. The pore densities also indicate a trend of higher oxygen and nitrate concentrations in the LGM compared to the Holocene. Combination of both proxies provide information on past bottom-water conditions and changes of oxygen concentrations for the Peruvian margin. Glock et al., 2011: Environmental influences on the pore density of Bolivina spissa (Cushman), Journal of Foraminiferal Research, v. 41, no. 1, p. 22-32. Mallon et al., 2012: The response of benthic foraminifera to low-oxygen conditions of the Peruvian oxygen minimum zone, in ANOXIA, pp.305-322.

Precise comparisons of bottom-pressure and altimetric ocean tides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ray, R. D.

2013-09-01

A new set of pelagic tide determinations is constructed from seafloor pressure measurements obtained at 151 sites in the deep ocean. To maximize precision of estimated tides, only stations with long time series are used; median time series length is 567 days. Geographical coverage is considerably improved by use of the international tsunami network, but coverage in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific is still weak. As a tool for assessing global ocean tide models, the data set is considerably more reliable than older data sets: the root-mean-square difference with a recent altimetric tide model is approximately 5 mm for the M2 constituent. Precision is sufficiently high to allow secondary effects in altimetric and bottom-pressure tide differences to be studied. The atmospheric tide in bottom pressure is clearly detected at the S1, S2, and T2 frequencies. The altimetric tide model is improved if satellite altimetry is corrected for crustal loading by the atmospheric tide. Models of the solid body tide can also be constrained. The free core-nutation effect in the K1 Love number is easily detected, but the overall estimates are not as accurate as a recent determination with very long baseline interferometry.

Sediment size fractionation and focusing in the equatorial Pacific: Effect on 230Th normalization and paleoflux measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lyle, Mitchell; Marcantonio, Franco; Moore, Willard S.; Murray, Richard W.; Huh, Chih-An; Finney, Bruce P.; Murray, David W.; Mix, Alan C.

2014-07-01

We use flux, dissolution, and excess 230Th data from the Joint Global Ocean Flux Study and Manganese Nodule Project equatorial Pacific study Site C to assess the extent of sediment focusing in the equatorial Pacific. Measured mass accumulation rates (MAR) from sediment cores were compared to reconstructed MAR by multiplying the particulate rain caught in sediment traps by the 230Th focusing factor and subtracting measured dissolution. CaCO3 MAR is severely overestimated when the 230Th focusing factor correction is large but is estimated correctly when the focusing factor is small. In contrast, Al fluxes in the sediment fine fraction are well matched when the focusing correction is used. Since CaCO3 is primarily a coarse sediment component, we propose that there is significant sorting of fine and coarse sediments during lateral sediment transport by weak currents. Because CaCO3 does not move with 230Th, normalization typically overcorrects the CaCO3 MAR; and because CaCO3 is 80% of the total sediment, 230Th normalization overestimates lateral sediment flux. Fluxes of 230Th in particulate rain caught in sediment traps agree with the water column production-sorption model, except within 500 m of the bottom. Near the bottom, 230Th flux measurements are as much as 3 times higher than model predictions. There is also evidence for lateral near-bottom 230Th transport in the bottom nepheloid layer since 230Th fluxes caught by near-bottom sediment traps are higher than predicted by resuspension of surface sediments alone. Resuspension and nepheloid layer transport under weak currents need to be better understood in order to use 230Th within a quantitative model of lateral sediment transport.

Onset and demise of Cretaceous oceanic anoxic events: The coupling of surface and bottom oceanic processes in two pelagic basins of the western Tethys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gambacorta, G.; Bersezio, R.; Weissert, H.; Erba, E.

2016-06-01

The upper Albian-lower Turonian pelagic successions of the Tethys record processes acting during the onset, core, and recovery from perturbed conditions across oceanic anoxic event (OAE) 1d, OAE 2, and the mid-Cenomanian event I (MCE I) relative to intervening intervals. Five sections from Umbria-Marche and Belluno Basins (Italy) were analyzed at high resolution to assess processes in surface and deep waters. Recurrent facies stacking patterns (SP) and their associations record periods of bottom current activity coupled with surface changes in trophic level. Climate changes appear to have been influential on deep circulation dynamics. Under greenhouse conditions, vigorous bottom currents were arguably induced by warm and dense saline deep waters originated on tropical shelves in the Tethys and/or proto-Atlantic Ocean. Tractive facies postdating intermittent anoxia during OAE 1d and in the interval bracketed by MCE I and OAE 2 are indicative of feeble bottom currents, though capable of disrupting stratification and replenish deep water with oxygen. The major warming at the onset of OAE 2 might have enhanced the formation of warm salty waters, possibly producing local hiatuses at the base of the Bonarelli Level and winnowing at the seafloor. Hiatuses detected at the top of the Bonarelli Level possibly resulted from most effective bottom currents during the early Turonian thermal maximum. Times of minimal sediment displacement correlate with cooler climatic conditions and testify a different mechanism of deep water formation, as further suggested by a color change to reddish lithologies of the post-OAE 1d and post-OAE 2 intervals.

Mapping saline groundwater beneath the Sea Galilee and its vicinity using time domain electromagnetic (TDEM) geophysical technique

USGS Publications Warehouse

Goldman, M.; Gvirtzman, H.; Hurwitz, S.

2004-01-01

An extensive time domain electromagnetic (TDEM) survey covering the Sea of Galilee with a dense grid of points has been recently carried out. A total of 269 offshore and 33 supplementary onshore TDEM soundings were performed along six N-S and ten W-E profiles and at selected points both offshore and onshore along the whole coastal line. The interpreted resistivities were calibrated with the direct salinity measurements in the Haon-2 borehole and relatively deep (5 m) cores taken from the lake bottom. It was found that resistivities below 1 ohm-m are solely indicative of groundwater salinity exceeding 10,000 mg Cl/l. Such low resistivities (high salinities) were detected at depths greater than 15 m below almost the entire bottom of the lake. At some parts of the lake, particularly in the south, the saline water was detected at shallower depths, sometimes at a few meters below the bottom. Relatively high resistivity (fresh groundwater) was found along the margins of the lake down to roughly 100 m, the maximum exploration depth of the system. The detected sharp lateral contrasts at the lake margin between high and low resistivities coincide with the faults separating the carbonate and clastic units, respectively. The geometry of the fresh/saline groundwater interface below the central part of the lake is very similar to the shape of the lake bottom, probably due to the diffusive salt transport from the bottom sediments to the lake water. The above geophysical observations suggest differentsalt transport mechanisms from the sediments to the central part of the lake (diffusion) and from regional aquifers to the margins of the lake (advection). ?? 2004 Science From Israel/LPPLtd.

Near-bed observations of high-concentration sediment transport in the Changjiang Estuary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Z.; Ge, J.; Ding, P.

2017-12-01

The North Passage, the core of turbidity maximum in the Changjiang Estuary, is now under the strong sedimentation due to the abundant sediment supply from the upstream Changjiang River and the river-tide interacted dynamics. Recent studies suggested that strong siltation could be attributed to bottom high-concentration sediment transport, which however is very difficult to be detected and observed by vessel-anchored survey methods. To better understand the mechanisms of sediment transport and deposition in the channel region of the North Passage and its adjacent areas, we conducted continuous field observations which covered spring and neap tide period in the wintertime of 2016, the summertime of 2015 and 2017, focusing on near-bottom sediment transport. Tripods mounted with multiple instruments, including up-looking and down-looking Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers(ADCP), Vector Current Meter(ADV), Optical Backscatter Sensor(OBS), ASM, ALEC and RBR were used to observe the near-bottom physical process and its induced sediment dynamics. Results of these observations clearly described the current-wave-sediment interaction, which produced different patterns of bottom mud suspension at different tripods. Both hydrodynamic features and suspended sediment showed variations between spring and neap tide. Taking data of 2016 as an example, averaged suspended sediment concentration(SSC) at two tripods was 1.52 g/L and 2.13 g/L during the neap tide, 4.51 g/L and 5.75 g/L with the peak value reaching 25 g/L during the spring tide. At the tripod which was closer to the channel region, three peaks of SSC during the spring tide occurred near the flood slack with notable salinity increase, indicating the impact of saltwater intrusion on the bottom hydrodynamics. The results showed the occurrence of high-concentration suspended sediment was probably related to combined effects of bottom salinity intrusion, turbulent kinetic energy(TKE) and local stratification due to density gradient from intruded salinity and local sediment suspension. Meanwhile, tripods' monitoring identified a significant cross-channel component of residual current, which could produce potential bottom sediment accumulation in the channel region within the North Passage.

Drilling into Magma: Experiences at Kīlauea Iki Lava Lake, Hawaii

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Helz, R. L.

2017-12-01

Several historic lava lakes (1959 Kīlauea Iki, 1963 Alae, and 1965 Makaopuhi) were drilled in the 20th century, and molten core recovered from them. Kīlauea Iki lava lake, the most extensively studied, was drilled in 1960-62, 1967, 1965, 1976, 1979, 1981 and 1988. A total of 1400 m feet of core was recovered, about 210 m of which was partially molten. The melt fraction varied from near zero to 40-45% by volume, with higher fractions in glassy ooze from below the crust/melt interface. Most of the 1960-1979 drill holes terminated in pre-existing melt-rich internal differentiates; the later (1981, 1988) drill holes were mostly stopped arbitrarily. When melt was reached and the string backed off to wireline the last interval of core, black glassy ooze immediately moved up the borehole. Repeated re-entry and ooze recovery never exhausted the melt-rich sources. The first deep hole that did not hit melt was KI79-1, which was stopped at 62.2 m after recovering 12 m of molten mush. Here the uncased drill hole backfilled not with black glassy ooze but with olivine-rich, partly crystalline mush. The first redrilled core (recovered between 50.8 and 53.9 m), which moved up over a period of 16 days after termination of the original hole, underwent extensive separation of melt from crystals as it flowed upward. After this interval was pulled, drilling resumed with the bottom of the hole at 52.9 m, and uniform olivine-rich mush was recovered from 52.9-54.25 m. Drilling resumed once more at 52.9 m and a further 3 m of ooze recovered. The bit reached a depth of 55.4 m when the core barrel was full, suggesting that the crystal-rich mush was rising into the core barrel spontaneously during drilling. The three cores recovered in reentering KI79-1 show the effect of unloading the confining pressure on mush layers, with melt moving toward the low-pressure area (the bottom of the hole) relative to crystals. All of the crystal-rich mushes are more melt-rich than the original core, with elevated TiO2, K2O and P2O5 levels at the same bulk MgO content. Grain-to-grain contacts were progressively eroded in the melt-inflated mushes, so that the mushes had no internal cohesion. Although their melt contents never reached 50% by volume, they were extremely mobile, rising into the drill hole in minutes rather than the days required for the initial backfilling of the hole.

Preparation of bilayer-core osmotic pump tablet by coating the indented core tablet.

PubMed

Liu, Longxiao; Xu, Xiangning

2008-03-20

In this paper, a bilayer-core osmotic pump tablet (OPT) which does not require laser drilling to form the drug delivery orifice is described. The bilayer-core consisted of two layers: (a) push layer and (b) drug layer, and was made with a modified upper tablet punch, which produced an indentation at the center of the drug layer surface. The indented tablets were coated by using a conventional pan-coating process. Although the bottom of the indentation could be coated, the side face of the indentation was scarcely sprayed by the coating solution and this part of the tablet remained at least partly uncoated leaving an aperture from which drug release could occur. Nifedipine was selected as the model drug. Sodium chloride was used as osmotic agent, polyvinylpyrrolidone as suspending agent and croscarmellose sodium as expanding agent. The indented core tablet was coated by ethyl cellulose as semipermeable membrane containing polyethylene glycol 400 for controlling the membrane permeability. The formulation of core tablet was optimized by orthogonal design and the release profiles of various formulations were evaluated by similarity factor (f(2)). It was found that the optimal OPT was able to deliver nifedipine at an approximate zero-order up to 24 h, independent on both release media and agitation rates. The preparation of bilayer-core OPT was simplified by coating the indented core tablet, by which sophisticated technology of the drug layer identification and laser drilling could be eliminated. It might be promising in the field of preparation of bilayer-core OPT.

Sediment deposition and trends and transport of phosphorus and other chemical constituents, Cheney Reservoir watershed, south-central Kansas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mau, D.P.

2001-01-01

Sediment deposition, water-quality trends, and mass transport of phosphorus, nitrogen, selected trace elements, and selected pesticides within the Cheney Reservoir watershed in south-central Kansas were investigated using bathymetric survey data and reservoir bottom-sediment cores. Sediment loads in the reservoir were investigated by comparing 1964 topographic data to 1998 bathymetric survey data. Approximately 7,100 acre-feet of sediment deposition occurred in Cheney Reservoir from 1965 through 1998. As of 1998, sediment had filled 27 percent of the reservoir's inactive conservation storage pool, which is less than the design estimate of 34 percent. Mean annual sediment deposition was 209 acre-feet per year, or 0.22 acre-feet per year per square mile, and the mean annual sediment load was 453 million pounds per year. During the 3-year period from 1997 through 1999, 23 sediment cores were collected from the reservoir, and subsamples were analyzed for nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen species), selected trace elements, and selected organic pesticides. Mean concentrations of total phosphorus in reservoir bottom sediment ranged from 94 milligrams per kilogram at the upstream end of the reservoir to 710 milligrams per kilogram farther downstream near the reservoir dam. The mean concentration for all sites was 480 milligrams per kilogram. Total phosphorus concentrations were greatest when more silt- and clay-sized particles were present. The implications are that if anoxic conditions (inadequate oxygen) occur near the dam, phosphorus could be released from the sediment and affect the drinking-water supply. Analysis of selected cores also indicates that total phosphorus concentrations in the reservoir sediment increased over time and were probably the result of nonpoint-source activities in the watershed, such as increased fertilizer use and livestock production. Mean annual phosphorus loading to Cheney Reservoir was estimated to be 226,000 pounds per year on the basis of calculations from deposited sediment in the reservoir. Mean total phosphorus concentration in the surface-water inflow to Cheney Reservoir was 0.76 milligram per liter, mean annual phosphorus yield of the watershed was estimated to be 0.38 pound per year per acre, and both are based on sediment deposition in the reservoir. A comparison of the Cheney Reservoir watershed to the Webster Reservoir, Tuttle Creek Lake, and Hillsdale Lake watersheds showed that phosphorus yields were smallest in the Webster Reservoir watershed where precipitation was less than in the other watersheds. Mean concentrations of total ammonia plus organic nitrogen in bottom sediment from Cheney Reservoir ranged from 1,200 to 2,400 milligrams per kilogram as nitrogen. A regression analysis between total ammonia plus organic nitrogen as nitrogen and sediment particle size showed a strong relation between the two variables and suggests, as with phosphorus, that total ammonia plus organic nitrogen as nitrogen adsorbs to the silt- and clay-sized particles that are transported to the deeper parts of the reservoir. An analysis of trends with depth of total ammonia plus organic nitrogen as nitrogen did not indicate a strong relation between the two variables despite the increase in fertilizer use in the watershed during the past 40 years. Selected cores were analyzed for trace elements. Concentrations of arsenic, chromium, copper, and nickel at many sites exceeded levels where adverse effects on aquatic organisms sometimes occur. Larger concentrations of these elements also occurred in sediment closer to the reservoir dam where there is a larger percentage of silt and clay in the bottom sediment than farther upstream. However, the lack of industrial or commercial land use in the watershed suggests that these concentrations may be the result of natural conditions. Organochlorine insecticides were detected in the reservoir-bottom sediment in Cheney Reservoir. DDT and its degradation products DDD and DD

Method to implement the CCD timing generator based on FPGA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Binhua; Song, Qian; He, Chun; Jin, Jianhui; He, Lin

2010-07-01

With the advance of the PFPA technology, the design methodology of digital systems is changing. In recent years we develop a method to implement the CCD timing generator based on FPGA and VHDL. This paper presents the principles and implementation skills of the method. Taking a developed camera as an example, we introduce the structure, input and output clocks/signals of a timing generator implemented in the camera. The generator is composed of a top module and a bottom module. The bottom one is made up of 4 sub-modules which correspond to 4 different operation modes. The modules are implemented by 5 VHDL programs. Frame charts of the architecture of these programs are shown in the paper. We also describe implementation steps of the timing generator in Quartus II, and the interconnections between the generator and a Nios soft core processor which is the controller of this generator. Some test results are presented in the end.

Short-term environmental impact of clam dredging in coastal waters (south of Portugal): chemical disturbance and subsequent recovery of seabed.

PubMed

Falcão, M; Gaspar, M B; Caetano, M; Santos, M N; Vale, C

2003-12-01

The physical and chemical changes in sediment and near bottom water caused by clam dredging were examined during July and September 1999, at two locations Vilamoura (VL) and Armona (AR), south coast of Portugal. Sediment cores and near bottom water were collected simultaneously before dredging (control samples) and within short time intervals (min-h) after dredging. After dredging operations, microphytobenthos coming from the path were accumulated in the re-worked sediment (ridge). Chlorophyll a in superficial sediment increased from 1.2 microg x g(-1) before dredging to 1.7 microg x g(-1) after dredging and these higher values remained for a few hours. However, the expected increase of chlorophyll a in near bottom water due to re-suspension was not observed. After sediment disturbance an instantaneous sorption of phosphorus onto iron oxides occurred in the upper sediment layers (from 2 to 3 micromol x g(-1) before dredging to 4-5 micromol x g(-1) after dredging). A microcosm experiment showed that after sediment disturbance HPO(4)(2-) dissolved in pore water decreased from 40 to 10 microM being simultaneously sorbed onto iron oxides formed in the top layer of sediment. The ammonium, nitrates, organic nitrogen, phosphate and silicate dissolved in pore water decreased immediately after dredging activity and simultaneously an increase in near bottom water was sporadically observed. Generally, the re-establishment of seabed was reached within a short time (min-h), at both stations (VL and AR).

Bottom Currents and Abyssal Sedimentation Processes South of Iceland.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-06-01

infaunal burrowing activity are observed in various portions of the region. Discrete benthic organisms appear to -158- have adapted to various...cores (9 BC, 11 BC, and 12 BG; Figures 4.11, 4.12, 4.13). These may be due to gastropods whose shells are observed both in x-ray (Figure 4.12) and as...that the organisms present in the channel sediments are specifically adapted to live in regions in which episodic deposition and erosion may occur

Integrated Microfluidic Variable Optical Attenuator

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-11-28

Quantum Electron. 5, pp. 1289–1297 (1999). 5. G. Z. Xiao, Z. Zhang, and C. P. Grover, “A variable optical attenuator based on a straight polymer –silica...1998). 18. Y. Huang, G.T. Paloczi, J. K. S. Poon, and A. Yariv, “Bottom-up soft-lithographic fabrication of three- dimensional multilayer polymer ...quality without damaging polymer materials under high temperatures, resulting in a core index of 1.561 and cladding index of 1.546. The refractive

Status of Chronic Oxidation Studies of Graphite

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Contescu, Cristian I.; Mee, Robert W.

Graphite will undergo extremely slow, but continuous oxidation by traces of moisture that will be present, albeit at very low levels, in the helium coolant of HTGR. This chronic oxidation may cause degradation of mechanical strength and thermal properties of graphite components if a porous oxidation layer penetrates deep enough in the bulk of graphite components during the lifetime of the reactor. The current research on graphite chronic oxidation is motivated by the acute need to understand the behavior of each graphite grade during prolonged exposure to high temperature chemical attack by moisture. The goal is to provide the elementsmore » needed to develop predictive models for long-time oxidation behavior of graphite components in the cooling helium of HTGR. The tasks derived from this goal are: (1) Oxidation rate measurements in order to determine and validate a comprehensive kinetic model suitable for prediction of intrinsic oxidation rates as a function of temperature and oxidant gas composition; (2) Characterization of effective diffusivity of water vapor in the graphite pore system in order to account for the in-pore transport of moisture; and (3) Development and validation of a predictive model for the penetration depth of the oxidized layer, in order to assess the risk of oxidation caused damage of particular graphite grades after prolonged exposure to the environment of helium coolant in HTGR. The most important and most time consuming of these tasks is the measurement of oxidation rates in accelerated oxidation tests (but still under kinetic control) and the development of a reliable kinetic model. This report summarizes the status of chronic oxidation studies on graphite, and then focuses on model development activities, progress of kinetic measurements, validation of results, and improvement of the kinetic models. Analysis of current and past results obtained with three grades of showed that the classical Langmuir-Hinshelwood model cannot reproduce all data collected so far. Starting from here we propose a modification of the LH model to include temperature activation of graphite surface as a Boltzmann activation function. The enhanced Boltzmann-Langmuir-Hinshelwood model (BLH) was tested successfully on three grades of graphite. The model is a robust, comprehensive mathematical function that allows better fitting of experimental results spanning a wide range of temperature and partial pressures of water vapor and hydrogen. However, the model did not fit satisfactorily the data extracted from the old report on graphite H-451 oxidation by water.« less

The Deposition and Accumulation of Microplastics in Marine Sediments and Bottom Water from the Irish Continental Shelf.

PubMed

Martin, Jake; Lusher, Amy; Thompson, Richard C; Morley, Audrey

2017-09-07

Microplastics are widely dispersed throughout the marine environment. An understanding of the distribution and accumulation of this form of pollution is crucial for gauging environmental risk. Presented here is the first record of plastic contamination, in the 5 mm-250 μm size range, of Irish continental shelf sediments. Sixty-two microplastics were recovered from 10 of 11 stations using box cores. 97% of recovered microplastics were found to reside shallower than 2.5 cm sediment depth, with the area of highest microplastic concentration being the water-sediment interface and top 0.5 cm of sediments (66%). Microplastics were not found deeper than 3.5 ± 0.5 cm. These findings demonstrate that microplastic contamination is ubiquitous within superficial sediments and bottom water along the western Irish continental shelf. Results highlight that cores need to be at least 4-5 cm deep to quantify the standing stock of microplastics within marine sediments. All recovered microplastics were classified as secondary microplastics as they appear to be remnants of larger items; fibres being the principal form of microplastic pollution (85%), followed by broken fragments (15%). The range of polymer types, colours and physical forms recovered suggests a variety of sources. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms influencing microplastic transport, deposition, resuspension and subsequent interactions with biota.

Hydrogeologic and chemical data for the O-Field area, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nemoff, P.R.; Vroblesky, D.A.

1989-01-01

O-Field, located at the Edgewood area of Aberdeen Proving Ground , Maryland, was periodically used for disposal of munitions, waste chemicals, and chemical-warfare agents from World War II through the 1950' s. This report includes various physical, geologic, chemical, and hydrologic data obtained from well-core, groundwater, surface water, and bottom-sediment sampling sites at and near the O-Field disposal area. The data are presented in tables and hydrographs. Three site-location maps are also included. Well-core data include lithologic logs for 11 well- cluster sites, grain-size distributions, various chemical characteristics, and confining unit characteristics. Groundwater data include groundwater chemistry, method blanks for volatile organic carbon, available data on volatile and base/neutral organics, and compilation of corresponding method blanks, chemical-warfare agents, explosive-related products, radionuclides, herbicides, and groundwater levels. Surface-water data include field-measured characteristics; concentrations of various inorganic constituents including arsenic; selected organic constituents with method blanks; detection limits of organics; and a compilation of information on corresponding acids, volatiles, and semivolatiles. Bottom- sediment data include inorganic properties and constituents; organic chemistry; detection limits for organic chemicals; a compilation of information on acids, volatiles, and semivolatiles; and method blanks corresponding to acids, volatiles, and semivolatiles. A set of 15 water- level hydrographs for the period March 1986 through September 1987 also is included in the report. (USGS)

Historical contributions of phosphorus from natural and agricultural sources and implications for stream water quality, Cheney Reservoir watershed, south-central Kansas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pope, Larry M.; Milligan, Chad R.; Mau, David Phillip

2002-01-01

An examination of soil cores collected from 43 nonagricultural coring sites in the Cheney Reservoir watershed of south-central Kansas was conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey in September 1999. The cores were collected as part of an ongoing cooperative study with the city of Wichita, Kansas. The 43 sites (mostly cemeteries) were thought to have total phosphorus concentrations in the soil that are representative of natural conditions (unaffected by human activity). The purpose of this report is to present the analysis and evaluation of these soil cores, to quantify the phosphorus contributions to Cheney Reservoir from natural and agricultural sources, and to provide estimates of stream-water-quality response to natural concentrations of total phosphorus in the soil. Analysis of soil cores from the 43 sites produced natural concentrations of total phosphorus that ranged from 74 to 539 milligrams per kilogram with a median concentration of 245 milligrams per kilogram in 2-inch soil cores and from 50 to 409 milligrams per kilogram with a median concentration of 166 milligrams per kilogram in 8-inch soil cores. Natural concentrations of total phosphorus in soil were statistically larger in samples from coring sites in the eastern half of the watershed than in samples from coring sites in the western half of the watershed. This result partly explains a previously determined west-to-east increase in total phosphorus yields in streams of the Cheney Reservoir watershed. A comparison of total phosphorus concentrations in soil under natural conditions to the historical mean total phosphorus concentration in agriculturally enriched bottom sediment in Cheney Reservoir indicated that agricultural activities within the watershed have increased total phosphorus concentrations in watershed soil that is transported in streams to about 2.9 times natural concentrations. Retention efficiencies for phosphorus and sediment historically transported to Cheney Reservoir were calculated at 92 and 99 percent, respectively. Most of the phosphorus was retained in bottom sediment. Sediment accumulation in Cheney Reservoir was less than reservoir design-life specifications on the basis of the age of the reservoir. Estimates of mean total phosphorus concentrations for selected streams in the Cheney Reservoir watershed under natural concentrations of total phosphorus in soil and a historic set of watershed conditions indicate that water from two of the five streamflow sampling sites would not meet the total phosphorus water-quality goal of 0.10 milligram per liter established by the Cheney Reservoir Watershed Task Force Committee. These results imply that the water-quality goal for total phosphorus in some streams of the watershed may not be met simply by reducing the amount of phosphorus applied. Instead, meeting the goal could involve a combination of approaches-for example, reducing the agricultural distribution of phosphorus and implementing changes in watershed activities to mitigate phosphorus movement to surface water.

Pegasus delivers SLS engine section

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-03-03

NASA engineers install test hardware for the agency's new heavy lift rocket, the Space Launch System, into a newly constructed 50-foot structural test stand at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. In the stand, hydraulic cylinders will be electronically controlled to push, pull, twist and bend the test article with millions of pounds of force. Engineers will record and analyze over 3,000 channels of data for each test case to verify the capabilities of the engine section and validate that the design and analysis models accurately predict the amount of loads the core stage can withstand during launch and ascent. The engine section, recently delivered via NASA's barge Pegasus from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility, is the first of four core stage structural test articles scheduled to be delivered to Marshall for testing. The engine section, located at the bottom of SLS's massive core stage, will house the rocket's four RS-25 engines and be an attachment point for the two solid rocket boosters.

Pegasus delivers SLS engine section

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-05-18

NASA engineers install test hardware for the agency's new heavy lift rocket, the Space Launch System, into a newly constructed 50-foot structural test stand at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. In the stand, hydraulic cylinders will be electronically controlled to push, pull, twist and bend the test article with millions of pounds of force. Engineers will record and analyze over 3,000 channels of data for each test case to verify the capabilities of the engine section and validate that the design and analysis models accurately predict the amount of loads the core stage can withstand during launch and ascent. The engine section, recently delivered via NASA's barge Pegasus from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility, is the first of four core stage structural test articles scheduled to be delivered to Marshall for testing. The engine section, located at the bottom of SLS's massive core stage, will house the rocket's four RS-25 engines and be an attachment point for the two solid rocket boosters.

a Coupled GCM Comparison of Marine Isotope Stages 1, 5e, 11c and 31 IN Relation to Lake El'gygytgyn, NE Russia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coletti, A. J.; DeConto, R.; Melles, M.; Brigham-Grette, J.; Minyuk, P.

2012-12-01

The lack of scientific data concerning interglacials of the Pleistocene in the Arctic has been a major obstacle within the climate community. Study of the interglacials of Marine Isotope Stage(s) (MIS) 1, 5e, 11c and 31 in high latitudes is important to decoding Arctic sensitivity and providing us with a potential analogue for a future Arctic with climate change. Data from a sediment core recovered from Lake El'Gygytgyn in northeastern (NE) Russia gives a continuous, high-resolution record of the Arctic spanning the past 2.8 million years whilst recording these interglacials. The data was used to correlate simulated interglacial Arctic climate with Arctic climate derived from sediment core proxy studies. Here, we use a Global Circulation Model (GCM) with a coupled atmosphere and land-surface scheme complete with an interactive vegetation component to simulate marine isotope stages 1, 5e, 11c and 31 in the Arctic. GCM simulations of MIS 5e and 31 in the Arctic both show a warmer arctic climate that can be explained by high obliquity, high eccentricity, high CO2 (287 ppmv ,325 ppmv , respectively) and precession that aligns perihelion with boreal summer. Consequently, MIS 5e showed the greatest summer warming compared to the other interglacials and pre-industrial control. However, the distinctly higher values of mean temperature of the warmest month (MTWM) and annual precipitation during stage 11c cannot readily be explained by summer orbital forcings and greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations. Montane forest is seen migrating northward in stages 1, 5e and 31 as the surface insolation increases and sea ice melts, whereas in 11c, the warmest of the interglacials, evergreen forest takes over and migrates pole ward toward the coast. Feedback from low albedo forest biome was studied and conclusions suggest the increase in temperature due to forest cover is insignificant in creating a significantly warm regional climate. The warming associated with a lack of a Greenland Ice Sheet (GIS) in stage 11c and 31 was not enough to warm temperatures to the observed temperatures seen in 11c during proxy analysis of the Lake El'Gygytgyn sediment core. The surprising warmth during MIS 11c might be explained by linkages with Antarctic ice retreat and decreased Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) formation. The Lake El'Gygytgyn core provides a high-resolution terrestrial record that is unprecedented. The difficulty for the GCM to properly simulate stage 11c sparks questions for the Arctic climate community. Teleconnections such as the formation Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) and the upwelling of bottom water in the Arctic could play a major role in affecting temperatures on a smaller, regional scale.

Reconfigurable Polymer Shells on Shape-Anisotropic Gold Nanoparticle Cores.

PubMed

Kim, Juyeong; Song, Xiaohui; Kim, Ahyoung; Luo, Binbin; Smith, John W; Ou, Zihao; Wu, Zixuan; Chen, Qian

2018-05-03

Reconfigurable hybrid nanoparticles made by decorating flexible polymer shells on rigid inorganic nanoparticle cores can provide a unique means to build stimuli-responsive functional materials. The polymer shell reconfiguration has been expected to depend on the local core shape details, but limited systematic investigations have been undertaken. Here, two literature methods are adapted to coat either thiol-terminated polystyrene (PS) or polystyrene-poly(acrylic acid) (PS-b-PAA) shells onto a series of anisotropic gold nanoparticles of shapes not studied previously, including octahedron, concave cube, and bipyramid. These core shapes are complex, rendering shell contours with nanoscale details (e.g., local surface curvature, shell thickness) that are imaged and analyzed quantitatively using the authors' customized analysis codes. It is found that the hybrid nanoparticles based on the chosen core shapes, when coated with the above two polymer shells, exhibit distinct shell segregations upon a variation in solvent polarity or temperature. It is demonstrated for the PS-b-PAA-coated hybrid nanoparticles, the shell segregation is maintained even after a further decoration of the shell periphery with gold seeds; these seeds can potentially facilitate subsequent deposition of other nanostructures to enrich structural and functional diversity. These synthesis, imaging, and analysis methods for the hybrid nanoparticles of anisotropically shaped cores can potentially aid in their predictive design for materials reconfigurable from the bottom up. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Lignin geochemistry of a Late Quaternary sediment core from Lake Washington

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hedges, John I.; Ertel, John R.; Leopold, Estella B.

1982-10-01

Long-term lignin stability and paleovegetation patterns were investigated using CuO oxidation products of sediments from an 11 m core of Late Quaternary sediment collected from the mid-basin of Lake Washington, Washington State. Relatively constant yields of lignin-derived phenols (normalized to organic carbon) from the entire core indicate minimal in situ lignin degradation over the last 13,000 years. Compositional patterns within the phenolic suite and increased corresponding yields from baseextracted sediments indicate that sedimentary lignins are present predominantly as well preserved plant tissue fragments. Abundance patterns of vanillyl, syringyl, and cinnamyl phenols record four distinct sequences within the core characterized by: (a) high concentrations of gymnosperm wood in a basal horizon of glacial flour, 11-10 m; (b) an essentially pure mixture of nonwoody angiosperm tissues in late Pleistocene sediments, 10-8 m; (c) relatively high concentrations of angiosperm woods in the bottom half of a limnic peat sequence deposited approximately 10,000-7,000 years B.P., 8-4 m; and (d) a progressive enrichment in gymnosperm woods at the expense of angiosperm woods over the last 7,000 years in the upper limnic peat, 4-0 m. Vascular plant tissues account for less than half the total sedimentary organic carbon throughout the core.

Paleoenvironmental History of JoCo Marsh, Jamaica Bay, New York

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liberman, Louisa; Peteet, Dorothy; Hansen, James E. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Sediment cores from JoCo Marsh, located in Jamaica Bay, NY were analyzed for plant macrofossil and foraminifera records. These records reflect changes in vegetation, sea level, climate and human intervention. Better understanding of past environmental changes provides information for future preservation and protection of the estuary. A 2.81 m core was retrieved from JoCo, a high marsh area located on the eastern side of Jamaica Bay. The lithology of the core differs from high levels of sand, with small amounts of clay, in the bottom 0.8 meters, to salt marsh peat in the upper 2 meters of the core. Basal wood in the sand was dated to about 2060 yr BP. Elphidium foraminifera dominate the basal sands, along with Scirpus seeds, wood, and charcoal. These sands include fish scales which are tentatively identified as killifish, suggesting shallow pools. The transition to marsh peat is dominated by sedge seeds, and declines in charcoal. The peat appears to be dominated by salt marsh grasses. At 2 m the foraminifera change to include mainly Trochammina species and other undifferentiated agglutinates. The upper portion of the core is dominated by Salicornia seeds along with Trochammina and Miliammina or Quinqueloculia. The history of this marsh will be integrated with other records of marsh environmental change along the US eastern seaboard.

SIMPLIFIED SODIUM GRAPHITE REACTOR SYSTEM

DOEpatents

Dickinson, R.W.

1963-03-01

This patent relates to a nuclear power reactor comprising a reactor vessel, shielding means positioned at the top of said vessel, means sealing said reactor vessel to said shielding means, said vessel containing a quantity of sodium, a core tank, unclad graphite moderator disposed in said tank, means including a plurality of process tubes traversing said tank for isolating said graphite from said sodium, fuel elements positioned in said process tubes, said core tank being supported in spaced relation to the walls and bottom of said reactor vessel and below the level of said sodium, neutron shielding means positioned adjacent said core tank between said core tank and the walls of said vessel, said neutron shielding means defining an annuiar volume adjacent the inside wall of said reactor vessel, inlet plenum means below said core tank for providing a passage between said annular volume and said process tubes, heat exchanger means removably supported from the first-named shielding means and positioned in said annular volume, and means for circulating said sodium over said neutron shielding means down through said heat exchanger, across said inlet plenum and upward through said process tubes, said last-named means including electromagnetic pumps located outside said vessel and supported on said vessel wall between said heat exchanger means and said inlet plenum means. (AEC)

Earth's Fiercely Cooling Core - 24 TW

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morgan, Jason P.; Vannucchi, Paola

2014-05-01

Earth's mantle and core are convecting planetary heat engines. The mantle convects to lose heat from slow cooling, internal radioactivity, and core heatflow across its base. Its convection generates plate tectonics, volcanism, and the loss of ~35 TW of mantle heat through Earth's surface. The core convects to lose heat from slow cooling, small amounts of internal radioactivity, and the freezing-induced growth of a compositionally denser inner core. Core convection produces the geodynamo generating Earth's geomagnetic field. The geodynamo was thought to be powered by ~4 TW of heatloss across the core-mantle boundary, a rate sustainable (cf. Gubbins et al., 2003; Nimmo, 2007) by freezing a compositionally denser inner core over the ~3 Ga that Earth is known to have had a strong geomagnetic field (cf. Tarduno, 2007). However, recent determinations of the outer core's thermal conductivity(Pozzo et al., 2012; Gomi et al., 2013) indicate that >15 TW of power should conduct down its adiabat. Conducted power is unavailable to drive thermal convection, implying that the geodynamo needs a long-lived >17 TW power source. Core cooling was thought too weak for this, based on estimates for the Clapeyron Slope for high-pressure freezing of an idealized pure-iron core. Here we show that the ~500-1000 kg/m3 seismically-inferred jump in density between the liquid outer core and solid inner core allows us to directly infer the core-freezing Clapeyron Slope for the outer core's actual composition which contains ~8±2% lighter elements (S,Si,O,Al, H,…) mixed into a Fe-Ni alloy. A PREM-like 600 kg/m3 - based Clapeyron Slope implies there has been ~774K of core cooling during the freezing and growth of the inner core, releasing ~24 TW of power during the past ~3 Ga. If so, core cooling can easily power Earth's long-lived geodynamo. Another major implication of ~24 TW heatflow across the core-mantle boundary is that the present-day mantle is strongly 'bottom-heated', and diapiric mantle plumes should dominate deep mantle upwelling.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lohse, Alan

On December 8, 1977, Gruy Federal, Inc. took over the C.D. Hopkins et al. No. 2 well, located near Jesup in Wayne County, Georgia, to be deepened and used for geothermal temperature-gradient measurements. The well was drilled from 4,009 to 4,341 feet, then diamond cored to 4,371 feet, 28 feet of core being obtained for analysis. After logging by the USGS District Groundwater Office in Atlanta, the well was terminated with 3 1/2 inch tubing to 4,386 feet. Scientists from Virginia Polytechnic Institute determined the bottom-hole temperature to be 60 C (140 F) at 1,331 meters (4,365 feet). Over themore » interval 47-1,331 meters (154-4,365 feet) the least-squares temperature gradient was 29.3 {+-} 0.14 C/km (1.61 {+-} 0.25 F/100 ft).« less

Nuclear reactor flow control method and apparatus

DOEpatents

Church, J.P.

1993-03-30

Method and apparatus for improving coolant flow in a nuclear reactor during accident as well as nominal conditions. The reactor has a plurality of fuel elements in sleeves and a plenum above the fuel and through which the sleeves penetrate. Holes are provided in the sleeve so that coolant from the plenum can enter the sleeve and cool the fuel. The number and size of the holes are varied from sleeve to sleeve with the number and size of holes being greater for sleeves toward the center of the core and less for sleeves toward the periphery of the core. Preferably the holes are all the same diameter and arranged in rows and columns, the rows starting from the bottom of every sleeve and fewer rows in peripheral sleeves and more rows in the central sleeves.

Nuclear reactor flow control method and apparatus

DOEpatents

Church, John P.

1993-01-01

Method and apparatus for improving coolant flow in a nuclear reactor during accident as well as nominal conditions. The reactor has a plurality of fuel elements in sleeves and a plenum above the fuel and through which the sleeves penetrate. Holes are provided in the sleeve so that coolant from the plenum can enter the sleeve and cool the fuel. The number and size of the holes are varied from sleeve to sleeve with the number and size of holes being greater for sleeves toward the center of the core and less for sleeves toward the periphery of the core. Preferably the holes are all the same diameter and arranged in rows and columns, the rows starting from the bottom of every sleeve and fewer rows in peripheral sleeves and more rows in the central sleeves.

SLS Engine Section Test Article Moved for Stacking at Michoud

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-04-25

Stacking is underway for the Space Launch System core stage engine section structural qualification test article at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. The rocket's engine section is the bottom of the core stage and houses the four RS-25 engines. The engine section test article was moved to Michoud's Cell A in Building 110 for vertical stacking with hardware that simulates the rocket's liquid hydrogen tank, which is the fuel tank that joins to the engine section. Once stacked, the entire test article will load onto the barge Pegasus and ship to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. There, it will be subjected to millions of pounds of force during testing to ensure the hardware can withstand the incredible stresses of launch.

Core-free rolled actuators for Braille displays using P(VDF-TrFE-CFE)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levard, Thomas; Diglio, Paul J.; Lu, Sheng-Guo; Rahn, Christopher D.; Zhang, Q. M.

2012-01-01

Refreshable Braille displays require many small diameter actuators to move the pins. The electrostrictive P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) terpolymer can provide the high strain and actuation force under modest electric fields that are required for this application. In this paper, we develop core-free tubular actuators and integrate them into a 3 × 2 Braille cell. The terpolymer films are solution cast, stretched to 6 μm thick, electroded, laminated into a bilayer, rolled into a 2 mm diameter tube, bonded, and provided with top and bottom contacts. Experimental testing of 17 actuators demonstrates significant strains (up to 4%) and blocking forces (1 N) at moderate electric fields (100 MV m-1). A novel Braille cell is designed and fabricated using six of these actuators.

Sediment drifts and contourites on the continental margin off northwest Britain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stoker, M. S.; Akhurst, M. C.; Howe, J. A.; Stow, D. A. V.

1998-01-01

Seismic reflection profiles and short cores from the continental margin off northwest Britain have revealed a variety of sediment-drift styles and contourite deposits preserved in the northeast Rockall Trough and Faeroe-Shetland Channel. The sediment drifts include: (1) distinctly mounded elongate drifts, both single- and multi-crested; (2) broad sheeted drift forms, varying from gently domed to flat-lying; and (3) isolated patch drifts, including moat-related drifts. Fields of sediment waves are locally developed in association with the elongate and gently domed, broad sheeted drifts. The contrasting styles of the sediment drifts most probably reflect the interaction between a variable bottom-current regime and the complex bathymetry of the continental margin. The bulk of the mounded/gently domed drifts occur in the northeast Rockall Trough, whereas the flat-lying, sheet-form deposits occur in the Faeroe-Shetland Channel, a much narrower basin which appears to have been an area more of sediment export than drift accumulation. Patch drifts are present in both basins. In the northeast Rockall Trough, the along-strike variation from single- to multi-crested elongate drifts may be a response to bottom-current changes influenced by developing drift topography. Muddy, silty muddy and sandy contourites have been recovered in sediment cores from the uppermost parts of the drift sequences. On the basis of their glaciomarine origin, these mid- to high-latitude contourites can be referred to, collectively, as glacigenic contourites. Both partial and complete contourite sequences are preserved; the former consist largely of sandy (mid-only) and top-only contourites. Sandy contourites, by their coarse-grained nature and their formation under strongest bottom-current flows, are the most likely to be preserved in the rock record. However, the very large scale of sediment drifts should be borne in mind with regard to the recognition of fossil contourites in ancient successions.

Orbital and suborbital variability in North Atlantic bottom water temperature obtained from deep-sea ostracod Mg/Ca ratios

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cronin, T. M.; Dwyer, G.S.; Baker, P.A.; Rodriguez-Lazaro, J.; DeMartino, D.M.

2000-01-01

Magnesium/calcium (Mg/Ca) ratios were measured in the deep-sea ostracod (Crustacea) genus Krithe from Chain core 82-24-4PC from the western mid-Atlantic Ridge (3427 m) in order to estimate ocean circulation and bottom water temperature (BWT) variability over the past 200,000 years. Mg/Ca ratios have been used as a paleothermometer because the ratios are controlled primarily by ambient water temperatures at the time the organism secretes its adult carapace. Over the past two glacial–interglacial cycles, Mg/Ca values oscillated between about 7 mmol/mol and 12 mmol/mol, equivalent to a BWT range of 0 to >3.5°C. The lowest values were obtained on specimens from glacial marine isotope stages (MISs) 2, 4 and 6; the highest values were obtained from specimens from the early part of the Holocene interglacial (MIS 1), and also from MISs 5 and 7. These trends suggest that BWTs in the North Atlantic Ocean fluctuate over orbital time scales.Suborbital variability in Mg/Ca ratios and BWT was also observed for the past 100,000 years. Ratios rose from ∼8 mmol/mol to ∼10 mmol/mol (implying a BWT increase of ∼1 to 3°C) during 14 Mg/Ca excursions. The highest ratios were found in Krithe dated at approximately 32, 36–38, 43, 48, 73, 85 and 93 ka. Although the age model for the Chain 82-24-4PC and temporal resolution do not allow precise correlation, some of these deep-sea bottom temperature excursions appear to correspond to Heinrich events recorded in other regions of the North Atlantic and perhaps Dansgaard–Oeschger interstadial events recorded in Greenland ice cores. If confirmed, this would support the hypothesis that millennial-scale oscillations of climate in the North Atlantic are capable of affecting global climate via thermohaline circulation changes.

Geomicrobiological Features of Ferruginous Sediments from Lake Towuti, Indonesia

PubMed Central

Vuillemin, Aurèle; Friese, André; Alawi, Mashal; Henny, Cynthia; Nomosatryo, Sulung; Wagner, Dirk; Crowe, Sean A.; Kallmeyer, Jens

2016-01-01

Lake Towuti is a tectonic basin, surrounded by ultramafic rocks. Lateritic soils form through weathering and deliver abundant iron (oxy)hydroxides but very little sulfate to the lake and its sediment. To characterize the sediment biogeochemistry, we collected cores at three sites with increasing water depth and decreasing bottom water oxygen concentrations. Microbial cell densities were highest at the shallow site—a feature we attribute to the availability of labile organic matter (OM) and the higher abundance of electron acceptors due to oxic bottom water conditions. At the two other sites, OM degradation and reduction processes below the oxycline led to partial electron acceptor depletion. Genetic information preserved in the sediment as extracellular DNA (eDNA) provided information on aerobic and anaerobic heterotrophs related to Nitrospirae, Chloroflexi, and Thermoplasmatales. These taxa apparently played a significant role in the degradation of sinking OM. However, eDNA concentrations rapidly decreased with core depth. Despite very low sulfate concentrations, sulfate-reducing bacteria were present and viable in sediments at all three sites, as confirmed by measurement of potential sulfate reduction rates. Microbial community fingerprinting supported the presence of taxa related to Deltaproteobacteria and Firmicutes with demonstrated capacity for iron and sulfate reduction. Concomitantly, sequences of Ruminococcaceae, Clostridiales, and Methanomicrobiales indicated potential for fermentative hydrogen and methane production. Such first insights into ferruginous sediments showed that microbial populations perform successive metabolisms related to sulfur, iron, and methane. In theory, iron reduction could reoxidize reduced sulfur compounds and desorb OM from iron minerals to allow remineralization to methane. Overall, we found that biogeochemical processes in the sediments can be linked to redox differences in the bottom waters of the three sites, like oxidant concentrations and the supply of labile OM. At the scale of the lacustrine record, our geomicrobiological study should provide a means to link the extant subsurface biosphere to past environments. PMID:27446046

Heinrich-type glacial surges in a low-order dynamical climate model

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Verbitsky, M.; Saltzman, B.

1994-07-01

Recent studies suggest the occurrence of sporadic episodes during which the ice streams that discharge ice sheets become enormously active, producing large numbers of icebergs (reflected in North Atlantic sea cores as {open_quotes}Heinrich events{close_quotes}) and possibly causing the partial collapse of the ice sheets. To simulate the mechanism of implied internal thermo-hydrodynamical instability in the context of a more general paleoclimate dynamics model (PDM), a new sliding-catastrophe function that can account for ice-sheet surges in terms of the thickness, density, viscosity, heat-capacity. and heat-conductivity of ice is introduced. Analysis suggests these events might be of three possible kinds: the firstmore » occurs in periods of glacial maximum when temperature conditions on the ice surface are extremely cold, but internal friction within bottom boundary layer is also at its maximum and is strong enough to melt ice and cause its surge. The second may happen during an interglacial, when the ice thickness is small but relatively warm climate conditions on the upper surface of ice can be easily advected with the flow of ice to the bottom where even a small additional heating due to friction may cause melting. The third and, perhaps, most interesting type is one that may occur during ice sheet growth: in this period particles of ice reaching the bottom {open_quotes}remember{close_quotes} the warm temperature conditions of the previous interglacial and additional heating due to increasing friction associated with the growing ice sheet may again cause melting. This third introduces the interesting possibility that earlier CO{sub 2} concentrations may be as important for the present-day climate as its current value. According to our model the climate system seems more vulnerable to surges during the penultimate interglacial period than in present one contributing to an explanation of the recent results of the Greenland Ice Core Project. 18 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.« less

Recent Developments and Adaptations in Diamond Wireline Core Drilling Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, D. M.; Nielson, D. L.; Howell, B. B.; Pardey, M.

2001-05-01

Scientific drilling using diamond wireline technology is presently undergoing a significant expansion and extension of activities that has allowed us to recover geologic samples that have heretofore been technically or financially unattainable. Under the direction and management of DOSECC, a high-capacity hybrid core drilling system was designed and fabricated for the Hawaii Scientific Drilling Project (HSDP) in 1998. This system, the DOSECC Hybrid Coring System (DHCS), has the capacity to recover H-sized core from depths of more than 6 km. In 1999, the DHCS completed the first phase of the HSDP to a depth of 3100 m at a substantially lower cost per foot than any previous scientific borehole to comparable depths and, in the process, established a new depth record for recovery of H-sized wireline core. This system has been offered for use in the Unzen Scientific Drilling Project, the Chicxulub (impact crater) Scientific Drilling Project, and the Geysers Deep Geothermal Reservoir Project. More recently, DOSECC has developed a smaller barge-mounted wireline core drilling system, the GLAD800, that is capable of recovering P-sized sediment core to depths of up to 800 m. The GLAD800 has been successfully deployed on Great Salt Lake and Bear Lake in Utah and is presently being mobilized to Lake Titicaca in South America for an extensive core recovery effort there. The coring capabilities of the GLAD800 system will be available to the global lakes drilling community for acquisition of sediment cores from many of the world's deep lakes for use in calibrating and refining global climate models. Presently under development by DOSECC is a heave-compensation system that will allow us to expand the capabilities of the moderate depth coring system to allow us to collect sediment and bottom core from the shallow marine environment. The design and capabilities of these coring systems will be presented along with a discussion of their potential applications for addressing a range of earth sciences questions.

MFPG. The Role of Coatings in the Prevention of Mechanical Failures. Proceedings of the 23rd Meeting of the Mechanical Failures Prevention Group, Held at the National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, Maryland on October 29-31, 1975

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-09-01

testing evaluation and production process development . This coated microspherical fuel particle has been successfully developed over a period of...this reliable concept began with attempts to blend ceramic (oxide or carbide) fuel powders into a graphite matrix in the early concepts of ROVER, HTGR ...lubricants. An ongoing program at the Naval Air Development Center is investigating how some parameters affect corro- sion between solid film

El'gygytgyn impact crater, Chukotka, Arctic Russia: Impact cratering aspects of the 2009 ICDP drilling project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koeberl, Christian; Pittarello, Lidia; Reimold, Wolf Uwe; Raschke, Ulli; Brigham-Grette, Julie; Melles, Martin; Minyuk, Pavel

2013-07-01

The El'gygytgyn impact structure in Chukutka, Arctic Russia, is the only impact crater currently known on Earth that was formed in mostly acid volcanic rocks (mainly of rhyolitic, with some andesitic and dacitic, compositions). In addition, because of its depth, it has provided an excellent sediment trap that records paleoclimatic information for the 3.6 Myr since its formation. For these two main reasons, because of the importance for impact and paleoclimate research, El'gygytgyn was the subject of an International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP) drilling project in 2009. During this project, which, due to its logistical and financial challenges, took almost a decade to come to fruition, a total of 642.3 m of drill core was recovered at two sites, from four holes. The obtained material included sedimentary and impactite rocks. In terms of impactites, which were recovered from 316.08 to 517.30 m depth below lake bottom (mblb), three main parts of that core segment were identified: from 316 to 390 mblb polymict lithic impact breccia, mostly suevite, with volcanic and impact melt clasts that locally contain shocked minerals, in a fine-grained clastic matrix; from 385 to 423 mblb, a brecciated sequence of volcanic rocks including both felsic and mafic (basalt) members; and from 423 to 517 mblb, a greenish rhyodacitic ignimbrite (mostly monomict breccia). The uppermost impactite (316-328 mblb) contains lacustrine sediment mixed with impact-affected components. Over the whole length of the impactite core, the abundance of shock features decreases rapidly from the top to the bottom of the studied core section. The distinction between original volcanic melt fragments and those that formed later as the result of the impact event posed major problems in the study of these rocks. The sequence that contains fairly unambiguous evidence of impact melt (which is not very abundant anyway, usually less than a few volume%) is only about 75 m thick. The reason for this rather thin fallback impactite sequence may be the location of the drill core on an elevated part of the central uplift. A general lack of large coherent melt bodies is evident, similar to that found at the similarly sized Bosumtwi impact crater in Ghana that, however, was formed in a target composed of a thin layer of sediment above crystalline rocks.

The Impact of Hypoxia on Foraminifera in the Northern Mississippi Bight

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brunner, C. A.; Kuykendall, J. I.; Hartmann, V. A.; Howden, S. D.

2008-12-01

Hypoxia was measured in bottom water of the northern Mississippi Bight in the summers of 2006 and 2008. In 2006, the area covered approximately 200 km2, extending along the 10-m isobath from Horn Island to the eastern end of Petit Bois Island and southward to the USM buoy near the 20-m isobath. In 2008, the area increased, extending in addition southward along the 10-m isobath seaward of the Chandeleur Islands. Hypoxia was also measured at a site near the USM buoy in August 2004 and at nearby FH-2 in August 2003, and anecdotal reports have suggested hypoxia in August of other years. Because hypoxia in the Mississippi bight is much smaller and appears shorter than seasonal hypoxia in the Louisiana bight, we wanted to assess whether or not these events affect the benthic meiofauna, in this instance, using benthic foraminifers. Benthic foraminifers were collected in box and diver cores within the area of known hypoxia in June when bottom water was well oxygenated and in July and August when conditions were hypoxic. For comparison, cores were also collected east of the area of known hypoxia. All cores were collected from 20 m water depth, and each sample consisted of two replicate cores. The cores were sliced into 1-cm slabs from the top to 5 cm depth, stained with rose Bengal, and counted for live specimens. The assemblage of living foraminifers in normally oxygenated conditions consisted of ten common species, in addition to at least ten rare species. Only 24% of the specimens were hypoxia-tolerant species. In contrast, two hypoxia-tolerant species, Nonionella basiloba and Bolivina lowmani, comprising 80-90% of the fauna, dominated the live assemblage during the hypoxic periods. In addition, the biomass of the hypoxic samples was four times that of the control samples, though habitation depths were not significantly different. Interestingly, at one site sampled in June 2005, a turbid layer (possibly a fluid mud) had moved into the area covering the top two centimeters of the seafloor. The fluid-filled mud was dominated by the same hypoxia- tolerant species, Nonionella basiloba with significant numbers of Bolivina lowmani. We conclude based on these preliminary results that the meiofauna-represented by benthic foraminifers-responds to the August hypoxia with dominance of hypoxia-tolerant species.

Ca Isotope Geochemistry in Marine Deep Sea Sediments of the Eastern Pacific

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wittke, A.; Gussone, N. C.; Derigs, D.; Schälling, M.; Teichert, B. M.

2017-12-01

Ca isotope ratio analysis (δ44/40Ca) is a powerful tool to investigate diagenetic reactions in marine sedimentary porewater systems, as it is sensitive to processes such as carbonate dissolution, precipitation, recrystallization, ion exchange and deep fluid sources, due to the isotopic difference between dissolved Ca and solid carbonate minerals (e.g. [1];[2]). We analyzed eight sediment cores of the (paleo-) Pacific equatorial age transect. Two sediment cores show decreasing Ca isotope profiles starting at the sediment/water interface with seawater-like values down to sediment-like values due to recrystallization and an increasing in the bottom part again to seawater-like values. The other studied cores show different degrees of flattening of this middle bulge. We interpret this pattern either as an effect of sediment composition and thickness, decreasing recrystallization rates and/or fluid flux or a combination of all of these factors at the respective sampling sites. Element concentration profiles and Sr-isotope variations on some of these sediment cores show a similar behavior, supporting our findings ([3]; [4]). Seawater influx at (inactive) seamounts is supposed to cause seawater-like values at the bottom of the sediment cores by fluids migrating through the oceanic basement (e.g. [5]). While [6] hypothesizes that two seamounts or bathymetric pits are connected, with a recharge and a discharge site [7] say that uptaken fluids could be released through the surrounding seafloor as well due to diffusive exchange with the underlying oceanic crust. Our Ca isotope results combined with a transport reaction model approach support the latter hypothesis. References: [1] Teichert B. M., Gussone N. and Torres M. E. (2009) [2] Ockert C., Gussone N., Kaufhold S. and Teichert B. (2013) [3] Pälike H., Lyle M., Nishi H., Raffi I., Gamage K. and Klaus A. (eds.) (2010) [4] Voigt J., Hathorne E. C., Frank M., Vollstaedt H. and Eisenhauer A. (2015) [5] Villinger H. W., Pichler T., Kaul N., Stephan S., Pälike H. and Stephan F. (2017) [6] Bekins B. A., Spivack A. J., Davis E. E. and Mayer L. A. (2007) [7] Mewes K., Mogollón J. M., Picard A., Rühlemann C., Eisenhauer A., Kuhn T., Ziebis W. and Kasten S. (2016)

El'gygytgyn impact crater, Chukotka, Arctic Russia: Impact cratering aspects of the 2009 ICDP drilling project.

PubMed

Koeberl, Christian; Pittarello, Lidia; Reimold, Wolf Uwe; Raschke, Ulli; Brigham-Grette, Julie; Melles, Martin; Minyuk, Pavel; Spray, John

2013-07-01

The El'gygytgyn impact structure in Chukutka, Arctic Russia, is the only impact crater currently known on Earth that was formed in mostly acid volcanic rocks (mainly of rhyolitic, with some andesitic and dacitic, compositions). In addition, because of its depth, it has provided an excellent sediment trap that records paleoclimatic information for the 3.6 Myr since its formation. For these two main reasons, because of the importance for impact and paleoclimate research, El'gygytgyn was the subject of an International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP) drilling project in 2009. During this project, which, due to its logistical and financial challenges, took almost a decade to come to fruition, a total of 642.3 m of drill core was recovered at two sites, from four holes. The obtained material included sedimentary and impactite rocks. In terms of impactites, which were recovered from 316.08 to 517.30 m depth below lake bottom (mblb), three main parts of that core segment were identified: from 316 to 390 mblb polymict lithic impact breccia, mostly suevite, with volcanic and impact melt clasts that locally contain shocked minerals, in a fine-grained clastic matrix; from 385 to 423 mblb, a brecciated sequence of volcanic rocks including both felsic and mafic (basalt) members; and from 423 to 517 mblb, a greenish rhyodacitic ignimbrite (mostly monomict breccia). The uppermost impactite (316-328 mblb) contains lacustrine sediment mixed with impact-affected components. Over the whole length of the impactite core, the abundance of shock features decreases rapidly from the top to the bottom of the studied core section. The distinction between original volcanic melt fragments and those that formed later as the result of the impact event posed major problems in the study of these rocks. The sequence that contains fairly unambiguous evidence of impact melt (which is not very abundant anyway, usually less than a few volume%) is only about 75 m thick. The reason for this rather thin fallback impactite sequence may be the location of the drill core on an elevated part of the central uplift. A general lack of large coherent melt bodies is evident, similar to that found at the similarly sized Bosumtwi impact crater in Ghana that, however, was formed in a target composed of a thin layer of sediment above crystalline rocks.

On the vertical structure and stability of the Lofoten vortex in the Norwegian Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bashmachnikov, I. L.; Sokolovskiy, M. A.; Belonenko, T. V.; Volkov, D. L.; Isachsen, P. E.; Carton, X.

2017-10-01

The Lofoten Vortex (LV), a quasi-permanent anticyclonic eddy in the Lofoten Basin of the Norwegian Sea, is investigated with an eddy-permitting primitive equation model nested into the ECCO2 ocean state estimate. The LV, as simulated by the model, extends from the sea surface to the ocean bottom at about 3000 m and has the subsurface core between 50 m and 1100 m depths. Above and below the vortex core the relative vorticity signal decreases in amplitude while the radius increases by as much as 25-30% relative to the values in the core. Analyzing the model run, we show that the vertical structure of the LV can be casted into four standard configurations, each of which forms a distinct cluster in the parameter space of potential vorticity anomalies in and above the LV core. The stability of the LV for each of the configurations is then studied with three-layer and a two-layer (in winter) quasi-geostrophic (QG) models over a flat bottom as well as over a realistic topography. The QG results show a number of common features with those of the primitive equation model. Thus, among the azimuthal modes dominating the LV instability, both the QG model and the primitive equation model show a major role the 2nd and 3rd modes. In the QG model simulations the LV is the subject of a rather strong dynamic instability, penetrating deep into the core. The results predict 50-95% volume loss from the vortex within 4-5 months. Such a drastic effect is not observed in the primitive equation model, where, for the same intensity of perturbations, only 10-30% volume loss during the same period is detected. Taking into account the gently sloping topography of the central part of the Lofoten basin and the mean flow in the QG model, brings the rate of development of instability close to that in the primitive equation model. Some remaining differences in the two models are discussed. Overall, the LV decay rate obtained in the models is slow enough for eddy mergers and convection to restore the thermodynamic properties of the LV, primarily re-building its potential energy anomaly. This justifies the quasi-permanent presence of the LV in the Lofoten Basin.

El'gygytgyn impact crater, Chukotka, Arctic Russia: Impact cratering aspects of the 2009 ICDP drilling project

PubMed Central

Koeberl, Christian; Pittarello, Lidia; Reimold, Wolf Uwe; Raschke, Ulli; Brigham-Grette, Julie; Melles, Martin; Minyuk, Pavel; Spray, John

2013-01-01

The El'gygytgyn impact structure in Chukutka, Arctic Russia, is the only impact crater currently known on Earth that was formed in mostly acid volcanic rocks (mainly of rhyolitic, with some andesitic and dacitic, compositions). In addition, because of its depth, it has provided an excellent sediment trap that records paleoclimatic information for the 3.6 Myr since its formation. For these two main reasons, because of the importance for impact and paleoclimate research, El'gygytgyn was the subject of an International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP) drilling project in 2009. During this project, which, due to its logistical and financial challenges, took almost a decade to come to fruition, a total of 642.3 m of drill core was recovered at two sites, from four holes. The obtained material included sedimentary and impactite rocks. In terms of impactites, which were recovered from 316.08 to 517.30 m depth below lake bottom (mblb), three main parts of that core segment were identified: from 316 to 390 mblb polymict lithic impact breccia, mostly suevite, with volcanic and impact melt clasts that locally contain shocked minerals, in a fine-grained clastic matrix; from 385 to 423 mblb, a brecciated sequence of volcanic rocks including both felsic and mafic (basalt) members; and from 423 to 517 mblb, a greenish rhyodacitic ignimbrite (mostly monomict breccia). The uppermost impactite (316–328 mblb) contains lacustrine sediment mixed with impact-affected components. Over the whole length of the impactite core, the abundance of shock features decreases rapidly from the top to the bottom of the studied core section. The distinction between original volcanic melt fragments and those that formed later as the result of the impact event posed major problems in the study of these rocks. The sequence that contains fairly unambiguous evidence of impact melt (which is not very abundant anyway, usually less than a few volume%) is only about 75 m thick. The reason for this rather thin fallback impactite sequence may be the location of the drill core on an elevated part of the central uplift. A general lack of large coherent melt bodies is evident, similar to that found at the similarly sized Bosumtwi impact crater in Ghana that, however, was formed in a target composed of a thin layer of sediment above crystalline rocks. PMID:26074719

Benthic foraminiferal faunal and geochemical proxies as tracers for paleoenvironmental and paleoceanographic changes in the western Mediterranean over the last 24 ka

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pérez-Asensio, José N.; Cacho, Isabel; Frigola, Jaime; Pena, Leopoldo D.; Sierro, Francisco J.; Asioli, Alessandra; Kuhlmann, Jannis; Huhn, Katrin

2017-04-01

Paleoenvironmental and paleoceanographic changes in the western Mediterranean are reconstructed for the last 24 ka using a combination of benthic foraminiferal assemblages and geochemical proxies measured on benthic foraminiferal shells (Mg/Ca-deep water temperatures and stable isotopes). The studied materials are sediment cores HER-GC-UB06 and MD95-2043recovered at 946 m and 1841 m, respectively, from the Alboran Sea. At present, both core sites are bathed by the Western Mediterranean Deep Water (WMDW), although UB06 core is close to the boundary with the overlying Levantine Intermediate Water (LIW). Therefore, past variability of both water masses can potentially be recorded by the benthic foraminiferal proxies from the studied sites. Benthic foraminiferal assemblages and geochemical data show fluctuations in bottom-water ventilation, organic matter accumulation and deep-water temperatures related to WMDW and LIW circulation. During the glacial interval, an alternation of events showing better ventilation (higher abundance of Cibicides pachyderma) with lower temperatures and events of warmer deep water temperatures with poorer ventilation (Nonionella iridea assemblage, lower abundance of C. pachyderma) are observed. This variability might reflect stronger WMDW formation during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and Heinrich Stadial 1. During the Bølling-Allerød and Younger Dryas (YD) periods, cold temperatures and the lowest oxygenation rates are recorded coinciding with the highest abundance of deep infaunal taxa on both UB06 and MD95-2043 cores. This interval was coetaneous to the deposition of an Organic Rich Layer in the Alboran Sea. However, a re-ventilation trend started at the end of the YD in the shallower site (UB06 core) whereas low-oxygen conditions prevailed until the end of the early Holocene in the deep site (MD95-2043 core). During the early Holocene a significant deep water temperature increase occurred at the shallower site suggesting the replacement of WMDW by warmer water mass, likely LIW. In the middle Holocene, highly variable bottom-water oxygenation and temperatures are observed showing warmer deep waters with less oxygen content (higher deep and intermediate infaunal abundances). The late Holocene (last 4 ka) was characterized by slightly cooler deep water temperatures and enhanced oxygen levels supporting that WMDW became dominant at the shallower site. These observations reveal that Mediterranean thermohaline system has been highly variable during the studied period supporting its high sensitivity to changing climate conditions. These results open a new insight into the Mediterranean sensitivity to Holocene climate variability.

Phreatomagmatic eruptions under the West Antarctic Ice Sheet: potential hazard for ice sheet stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iverson, N. A.; Dunbar, N. W.; Lieb-Lappen, R.; Kim, E. J.; Golden, E. J.; Obbard, R. W.

2014-12-01

Volcanic tephra layers have been seen in most ice cores in Antarctica. These tephra layers are deposited almost instantaneously across wide areas of ice sheets, creating horizons that can provide "pinning points" to adjust ice time scales that may otherwise be lacking detailed chronology. A combination of traditional particle morphology characterization by SEM with new non-destructive X-ray micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) has been used to analyze selected coarse grained tephra in the West Antarctica Ice Sheet (WAIS) Divide WDC06A ice core. Micro-CT has the ability to image particles as small as 50µm in length (15µm resolution), quantifying both particle shape and size. The WDC06A contains hundreds of dusty layers of which 36 have so far been identified as primary tephra layers. Two of these tephra layers have been characterized as phreatomagmatic eruptions based on SEM imagery and are blocky and platy in nature, with rare magmatic particles. These layers are strikingly different in composition from the typical phonolitic and trachytic tephra produced from West Antarctic volcanoes. These two layers are coarser in grain size, with many particles (including feldspar crystals) exceeding 100µm in length. One tephra layer found at 3149.138m deep in the ice core is a coarse ~1mm thick basanitic tephra layer with a WDC06-7 ice core age of 45,381±2000yrs. The second layer is a ~1.3 cm thick zoned trachyandesite to trachydacite tephra found at 2569.205m deep with an ice core age 22,470±835yrs. Micro-CT analysis shows that WDC06A-3149.138 has normal grading with the largest particles at the bottom of the sample (~160μm). WDC06A-2569.205 has a bimodal distribution of particles with large particles at the top and bottom of the layer. These large particles are more spherical in shape at the base and become more irregular and finer grained higher in the layer, likely showing changes in eruption dynamics. The distinct chemistry as well as the blocky and large grain size of the two tephra lead us to believe that these eruptions are from volcanoes proximal to WAIS Divide and did not transport far because neither tephra was observed in the Byrd core (<100km away). It is likely that these tephra are sourced from volcanoes beneath the WAIS and have since been buried and if they were to erupt again, may contribute to ice sheet instability.

A 62 ka record from the WAIS Divide ice core with annual resolution to 30 ka (so far)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fudge, T. J.; Taylor, K.; McGwire, K.; Brook, E.; Sowers, T.; Steig, E.; White, J.; Vaughn, B.; Bay, R.; McConnell, J.; Waddington, E.; Conway, H.; Clow, G.; Cuffey, K.; Cole-Dai, J.; Ferris, D.; Severinghaus, J.

2012-04-01

Drilling of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) Divide ice core has been completed to a depth of 3400 m, about 60 meters above the bed. We present an annually resolved time scale for the most recent 30ka (to 2800 m) based on electrical conductivity measurements, called "timescale WDC06A-5". Below 2800 m the ice is dated by matching isotopes, methane, and/or dust records to other ice cores. Optical borehole logging provides stratigraphic ties to other cores for the bottom-most 75 m that was drilled in December 2011, and indicates the bottom-most ice has an age of 62 ka. The relatively young ice at depth is likely the result of basal melting. The inferred annual layer thickness of the deep ice is >1 cm, suggesting that annual layer counting throughout the entire core may be possible with continuous flow analysis of the ice core chemistry; however, the annual signal in the electrical measurements fades at about 30 ka. We compare the WDC06A-5 timescale through the glacial-interglacial transition with the Greenland GICC05 and GISP2 timescales via rapid variations in methane. We calculate a preliminary delta-age with: 1) accumulation rate inferred from the annual layer thicknesses and thinning functions computed with a 1-D ice flow model, and 2) surface temperature inferred from the low resolution d18O record and a preliminary borehole temperature profile. The WDC06A-5 timescale agrees with the GICC05 and GISP2 timescales to within decades at the 8.2k event and the ACR termination (Younger Dryas/Preboreal transition, 11.7 ka). This is within the delta-age and correlation uncertainties. At the rapid methane drop at ~12.8 ka, the WDC06A-5 timescale is ~150 years older than GICC05 and ~90 older than GISP2; while at ~14.8 ka, the timescales once again agree within the delta-age and correlation uncertainties. The cause of the age discrepancy at 12.8 ka is unclear. We also compare the WDC06A-5 timescale at Dansgaard-Oeschger events 3 and 4 (~27.5 and 29 ka) to the radiometrically-dated speolethem records from Hulu Cave, China (Larry Edwards and Hai Cheng, personal communication). To make such a comparison, we assume that the rapid variations in methane from the WAIS Divide core are synchronous with the rapid variations in d18O in the speleothem record. We find that the WDC06A-5 timescale is multiple hundreds of years older than the Hulu Cave record. As the GICC05 timescale is younger than the Hulu timescale, this puts the WDC06A-5 timescale even older than the GICC05. The uncertainties in the comparison are large both because of the uncertainty in the synchroneity of the ice core methane and speleothem isotope variations and because of the larger delta-age for the ice core in the glacial period. The timescale for the WAIS Divide core will be revised when the CFA results become available.

Contemporary prostate biopsy reporting: insights from a survey of clinicians' use of pathology data.

PubMed

Varma, Murali; Narahari, Krishna; Mason, Malcolm; Oxley, Jon D; Berney, Daniel M

2018-05-02

To determine how clinicians use data in contemporary prostate biopsy reports. A survey was circulated to members of the British Association of Urological Surgeons and the British Uro-oncology Group. Responses were received from 114 respondents (88 urologists, 26 oncologists). Ninety-seven (94%) use the number of positive cores from each side and 43 (42%) use the % number of positive cores. When determining the number and percentage of positive cores, 72 (71%) would not differentiate between targeted and non-targeted samples. If multiple Gleason Scores (GS) were included in a report, 77 (78%) would use the worst GS even if present in a core with very little tumour, 12% would use the global GS and 10% the GS in the core most involved by tumour. Fifty-five (55%) either never or rarely used perineural invasion for patient management. The number of positive cores is an important parameter for patient management but may be difficult to determine in the laboratory due to core fragmentation so the biopsy taker must indicate the number of biopsies obtained. Multiple biopsies taken from a single site are often interpreted by clinicians as separate cores when determining the number of positive cores so pathologists should also report the number of sites positive. Clinicians have a non-uniform approach to the interpretation of multiple GS in prostate biopsy reports so we recommend that pathologists also include a single 'bottom-line' GS for each case to direct the clinician's treatment decision. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

The Record of Geomagnetic Excursions from a ~150 m Sediment Core: Clear Lake, Northern California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levin, E.; Byrne, R.; Looy, C. V.; Wahl, D.; Noren, A. J.; Verosub, K. L.

2015-12-01

We are studying the paleomagnetic properties of a new ~150 meter drill core from Clear Lake, CA. Step-wise demagnetization of the natural remanent magnetism (NRM) yields stable directions after 20 mT, implying that the sediments are reliable recorders of geomagnetic field behavior. Several intervals of low relative paleointensity (RPI) from the core appear to be correlated with known geomagnetic excursions. At about 46 m depth, and ~33 ka according to an age model based on radiocarbon dates obtained from pollen and the Olema ash bed, a low RPI zone seems to agree with the age and duration of the Mono Lake Excursion, previously identified between 32 and 35 ka. Slightly lower in the core, at about 50 m depth and ~40 ka, noticeably low RPI values seem to be coeval with the Laschamp excursion, which has been dated at ~41 ka. A volcanic ash near the bottom of the core (141 mblf) is near the same depth as an ash identified in 1988 by Andrei Sarna-Wojcicki and others as the Loleta ash bed in a previous Clear Lake core. If the basal ash in the new core is indeed the, Loleta ash bed, then the core may date back to about 270-300 ka. Depending on the age of the lowest ash, a sequence of low RPI intervals could correlate with the Blake (120 ka), Iceland Basin (188 ka), Jamaica/Pringle Falls (211 ka), and CR0 (260 ka) excursions. Correlation of the low RPI intervals to these geomagnetic excursions will help in the development of a higher resolution chronostratigraphy for the core, resolve a long-standing controversy about a possible hiatus in the Clear Lake record, and provide information about climatically-driven changes in sedimentation.

Low pressure bottom-up synthesis of metal@oxide and oxide nanoparticles: control of structure and functional properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Addato, Sergio; Chiara Spadaro, Maria

2018-03-01

Experimental activity on core@shell, metal@oxide, and oxide nanoparticles (NPs) grown with physical synthesis, and more specifically by low pressure gas aggregation sources (LPGAS) is reviewed, through a selection of examples encompassing some potential applications in nanotechnology. After an introduction to the applications of NPs, a brief description of the main characteristics of the growth process of clusters and NPs in LPGAS is given. Thereafter, some relevant case studies are reported: • Formation of native oxide shells around the metal cores in core@shell NPs. • Experimental efforts to obtain magnetic stabilization in magnetic core@shell NPs by controlling their structure and morphology. • Recent advancements in NP source design and new techniques of co-deposition, with relevant results in the realization of NPs with a greater variety of functionalities. • Recent results on reducible oxide NPs, with potentialities in nanocatalysis, energy storage, and other applications. Although this list is far from being exhaustive, the aim of the authors is to provide the reader a descriptive glimpse into the physics behind the growth and studies of low pressure gas-phase synthesized NPs, with their ever-growing potentialities for the rational design of new functional materials.

Late Holocene evolution and increasing pollution in Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, SE Brazil.

PubMed

Vilela, Claudia Gutterres; Figueira, Brígida Orioli; Macedo, Mariana Cardoso; Baptista Neto, José Antonio

2014-02-15

To detect changes during the Late Holocene and historical periods in Guanabara Bay, the paleoecological and ecological parameters from nine cores were analysed using foraminiferal assemblages and bioindicators. Using radiocarbon dates and sedimentation rates in the cores, it was possible to detect the first Europeans' arrival in the 16th century. Foraminiferal bioindicators of organic matter and human pollution were correlated with radiocarbon dates from the bottom and middle of the cores in each region and revealed an increase in pollution along the cores. The foraminiferal results were compared with total organic carbon (TOC) values before, during and after European settlement and showed a historical increase in organic matter. Pristine mangrove ecosystems are characterised by agglutinated species such as Ammotium salsum, and the presence of this organism also confirmed the extent of historical mangrove forests. Ammonia tepida, Buliminella elegantissima and Elphidium excavatum were the dominant species, but they presented distinct patterns over time. B. elegantissima was dominant before the European influence in older sediments with high organic matter content that were found at deeper intervals. A. tepida is dominant in younger sediments at upper intervals, as a bioindicator of human pollution. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Simulating the Dynamics of Earth's Core: Using NCCS Supercomputers Speeds Calculations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

If one wanted to study Earth's core directly, one would have to drill through about 1,800 miles of solid rock to reach liquid core-keeping the tunnel from collapsing under pressures that are more than 1 million atmospheres and then sink an instrument package to the bottom that could operate at 8,000 F with 10,000 tons of force crushing every square inch of its surface. Even then, several of these tunnels would probably be needed to obtain enough data. Faced with difficult or impossible tasks such as these, scientists use other available sources of information - such as seismology, mineralogy, geomagnetism, geodesy, and, above all, physical principles - to derive a model of the core and, study it by running computer simulations. One NASA researcher is doing just that on NCCS computers. Physicist and applied mathematician Weijia Kuang, of the Space Geodesy Branch, and his collaborators at Goddard have what he calls the,"second - ever" working, usable, self-consistent, fully dynamic, three-dimensional geodynamic model (see "The Geodynamic Theory"). Kuang runs his model simulations on the supercomputers at the NCCS. He and Jeremy Bloxham, of Harvard University, developed the original version, written in Fortran 77, in 1996.

Epigenetic Therapy of Hematopoietic Malignancies: Novel Approaches for Tissue-Specific and Global Inhibition of EZH2 Enzymatic Activities

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-08-01

at the bottom are: 1. acute myeloid leukemia ; 2. B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia ; 3. chronic myeloid leukemia ; 4. Burkitt’s lymphoma; 5. diffuse large...Liu PP, Jin J, Chen J. PBX3 and MEIS1 Cooperate in Hematopoietic Cells to Drive Acute Myeloid Leukemias Characterized by a Core Transcriptome of the...perturbations by Arg882-mutated DNMT3A potentiate aberrant stem cell gene expression program and acute leukemia development. Cancer Cell 2016 July

Developments in signal processing and interpretation in laser tapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perton, M.; Neron, C.; Blouin, A.; Monchalin, J.-P.

2013-01-01

A novel technique, called laser-tapping, based on the thermoelastic excitation by laser like laser-ultrasonics has been previously introduced for inspecting honeycomb and foam core structures. If the top skin is delaminated or detached from the substrate, the detached layer is driven into vibration. The interpretation of the vibrations in terms of Lamb wave resonances is first discussed for a flat bottom hole configuration and then used to determine appropriate signal processing for samples such as honeycomb structures.

Characterization of microbial populations across geochemical and lithological boundaries in urban lake sediments under environmental change in Minneapolis-St. Paul

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gilbertson, M.; Harrison, B. K.; Flood, B. E.; Myrbo, A.; Bailey, J. V.

2013-12-01

The characterization of microbial communities within urban lake sediments may offer a promising method to observe changes in lake geochemistry due to human impact. By mapping the abundances and diversity of microorganisms through the uppermost meter of sediment in three distinctive Minneapolis-St. Paul lakes (Brownie Lake and Twin Lake, both meromictic, and oligomictic Lake McCarrons) using 16S rRNA characterization, our aim was to observe changes in microbial populations across steep geochemical and lithological gradients. Lake McCarrons underwent a process of eutrophication and a shift to bottom water anoxia beginning around 1910 due mostly to agricultural run-off. This shift greatly increased the preservation potential of seasonal sedimentation and finely laminated varve accumulation. The onset of meromixis in Brownie Lake in ~1915 is abrupt and has been attributed to a sudden drop in water level. Twin Lake is perennially meromictic due to the topography of the watershed. The three lakes were sampled by collecting freeze cores in July, 2012 (McCarrons, Brownie) and February, 2013 (Twin) at the deepest locations beneath anoxic to hypoxic bottom waters. The cores were then subsampled with high resolution techniques at places of interest: within individual lamina, across mass flow deposits, and near the onset of laminae preservation (beginning of oxygen-depleted bottom waters). Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (T-RFLP) allows for comparison of the microbial assemblages throughout the sediment columns of each lake and from lake to lake, with a focus on the horizons mentioned previously. The microbial assemblages present in specific horizons are often introduced via sedimentation and are partially derived from community composition at the time of sedimentation. T-RFLP analyses are complemented by mineralogical and lithological descriptions. The lakes have each been subject to their own set of variables and inputs. Brownie Lake contains high levels of Fe and Mn (measured up to 78 and 6 mg/l in bottom waters, respectively, US EPA STORET). The ecology of McCarrons has been greatly disturbed most recently when the lake was targeted by a 2004 aluminum sulfate treatment to counteract high phosphorous levels. Twin Lake has mass flow deposits nearly 5 cm thick, similar to turbidites, likely caused by increased sedimentation from large housing developments on the lake shores. The microbial community in each of the lakes is impacted by these distinct parameters. This study examines variability in microbial community assemblages through time and space within these lake sediments. Changes seen in the ecology of the communities are related to changes in chemical and physical parameters, namely, shifts in lithology and sediment accumulation via the onset of meromixis. Freeze coring exceptionally allows super-high resolution subsampling techniques to identify differences across geochemical gradients and between individual seasonal laminae within each lake and from lake to lake.

Iron snow in the Martian core?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davies, Christopher J.; Pommier, Anne

2018-01-01

The decline of Mars' global magnetic field some 3.8-4.1 billion years ago is thought to reflect the demise of the dynamo that operated in its liquid core. The dynamo was probably powered by planetary cooling and so its termination is intimately tied to the thermochemical evolution and present-day physical state of the Martian core. Bottom-up growth of a solid inner core, the crystallization regime for Earth's core, has been found to produce a long-lived dynamo leading to the suggestion that the Martian core remains entirely liquid to this day. Motivated by the experimentally-determined increase in the Fe-S liquidus temperature with decreasing pressure at Martian core conditions, we investigate whether Mars' core could crystallize from the top down. We focus on the "iron snow" regime, where newly-formed solid consists of pure Fe and is therefore heavier than the liquid. We derive global energy and entropy equations that describe the long-timescale thermal and magnetic history of the core from a general theory for two-phase, two-component liquid mixtures, assuming that the snow zone is in phase equilibrium and that all solid falls out of the layer and remelts at each timestep. Formation of snow zones occurs for a wide range of interior and thermal properties and depends critically on the initial sulfur concentration, ξ0. Release of gravitational energy and latent heat during growth of the snow zone do not generate sufficient entropy to restart the dynamo unless the snow zone occupies at least 400 km of the core. Snow zones can be 1.5-2 Gyrs old, though thermal stratification of the uppermost core, not included in our model, likely delays onset. Models that match the available magnetic and geodetic constraints have ξ0 ≈ 10% and snow zones that occupy approximately the top 100 km of the present-day Martian core.

A new seepage site south of Svalbard? Results from Eurofleets-2 BURSTER cruise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giulia Lucchi, Renata; Morigi, Caterina; Sabbatini, Anna; Mazzini, Adriano; Krueger, Martin; de Vittor, Cinzia; Kovacevic, Vedrana; Deponte, Davide; Stefano, Graziani; Bensi, Manuel; Langone, Leonardo; Eurofleets2-Burster*, Scientific Party Of

2017-04-01

The oceanographic and environmental characteristics of the Kveithola Glacial Trough, located south of Svalbard, have been investigated during the Eurofleets2-BURSTER project onboard the German icebreaker Polarstern (expedition PS99-1a, June, 19-20, 2016). The inner part of the glacial trough contains a complex sediment drift that deposited under persistent bottom currents, active in the area after Last Glacial Maximum. Notwithstanding the highly dynamic environment depicted from the morphological and structural characteristics of the Kveithola sediment drift, previous studies indicated the presence of an apparently "stagnant" environment with black anoxic sediments and absence of bottom current related sediment features. We present the preliminary results from the new dataset that includes micropaleontological, geochemical and microbial analyses of multi-core sediments; morphological analyses of sea floor sediments with benthic camera (Ocean Floor Observatory System); acoustic analyses of the sub-bottom record, and oceanographic analyses of CTD-Rosette sampling, all together indicating the possible presence of a new seepage site in the Arctic area south of 75°N Latitude. *Bazzaro, M., Biebow, N., Carbonara, K., Caridi, F., Dominiczak, A., Gamboa Sojo, V.M., Laterza R., Le Gall, C., Musco, M.E., Povea, P., Relitti, F., Ruggiero, L., Rui, L., Sánchez Guillamón, O., Tagliaferro, M., Topchiy, M., Wiberg, D., Zoch, D.

Nanoscale semiconductor-insulator-metal core/shell heterostructures: facile synthesis and light emission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Gong Ping; Chen, Rui; Guo, Dong Lai; Wong, Lai Mun; Wang, Shi Jie; Sun, Han Dong; Wu, Tom

2011-08-01

Controllably constructing hierarchical nanostructures with distinct components and designed architectures is an important theme of research in nanoscience, entailing novel but reliable approaches of bottom-up synthesis. Here, we report a facile method to reproducibly create semiconductor-insulator-metal core/shell nanostructures, which involves first coating uniform MgO shells onto metal oxide nanostructures in solution and then decorating them with Au nanoparticles. The semiconductor nanowire core can be almost any material and, herein, ZnO, SnO2 and In2O3 are used as examples. We also show that linear chains of short ZnO nanorods embedded in MgO nanotubes and porous MgO nanotubes can be obtained by taking advantage of the reduced thermal stability of the ZnO core. Furthermore, after MgO shell-coating and the appropriate annealing treatment, the intensity of the ZnO near-band-edge UV emission becomes much stronger, showing a 25-fold enhancement. The intensity ratio of the UV/visible emission can be increased further by decorating the surface of the ZnO/MgO nanowires with high-density plasmonic Au nanoparticles. These heterostructured semiconductor-insulator-metal nanowires with tailored morphologies and enhanced functionalities have great potential for use as nanoscale building blocks in photonic and electronic applications.Controllably constructing hierarchical nanostructures with distinct components and designed architectures is an important theme of research in nanoscience, entailing novel but reliable approaches of bottom-up synthesis. Here, we report a facile method to reproducibly create semiconductor-insulator-metal core/shell nanostructures, which involves first coating uniform MgO shells onto metal oxide nanostructures in solution and then decorating them with Au nanoparticles. The semiconductor nanowire core can be almost any material and, herein, ZnO, SnO2 and In2O3 are used as examples. We also show that linear chains of short ZnO nanorods embedded in MgO nanotubes and porous MgO nanotubes can be obtained by taking advantage of the reduced thermal stability of the ZnO core. Furthermore, after MgO shell-coating and the appropriate annealing treatment, the intensity of the ZnO near-band-edge UV emission becomes much stronger, showing a 25-fold enhancement. The intensity ratio of the UV/visible emission can be increased further by decorating the surface of the ZnO/MgO nanowires with high-density plasmonic Au nanoparticles. These heterostructured semiconductor-insulator-metal nanowires with tailored morphologies and enhanced functionalities have great potential for use as nanoscale building blocks in photonic and electronic applications. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Representative SEM and TEM images of 700 °C annealed ZnO/MgO core/shell NWs, a TEM image of an individual MgO nanocrystal inside the MgO NTs and SEM images of SnO2 NP chains embedded in MgO NTs and comb-shaped MgO hollow nanostructures. See DOI: 10.1039/c1nr10352k

Polymeric waveguide array with 45 degree slopes fabricated by bottom side tilted exposure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Xiaohui; Dou, Xinyuan; Wang, Alan X.; Chen, Ray T.

2011-01-01

This paper demonstrated a practical fabrication process of polymeric waveguide array (12 channels) with 50μm(W)×50μm(H)×23mm(L) dimension and mirror embedded 45° degree slopes for vertical coupling purpose. The entire process contained three main parts: a SU8 pre-mold with 45° slope, a PDMS mold and the final waveguide array device. The key step of fabricating the pre-mold included a bottom side tilted exposure of SU8 photo resist. By placing the sample upside down, tilting by 58.7° and immersing into DI water, the ultraviolet (UV) beam that shined vertically was directed to go through from the bottom of the glass substrate into top side SU8 resist with 45° angle to form the surface. This method was able to guarantee no-gap contact between the mask pattern and the photo resist when exposing. By comparing the process complexity and achieved structure of the top and bottom side exposure, the later was proved to be a promising method for making high quality tilted structure without any tailing effect. The reversed PDMS mold was then fabricated on the SU8 pre-mold. The PDMS mold was used to imprint the cladding layer of the waveguide array. After metal deposition, core filling and top cladding layer coating, the final polymeric waveguide array device was achieved. For performance evaluation, 850nm laser beam from VCSEL was modulated to 10Gbps signals and vertically coupled into the waveguide array. The eye diagrams revealed high Q factor when transmitting signals along these waveguide array.

The Effect of Alongcoast Advection on Pacific Northwest Shelf and Slope Water Properties in Relation to Upwelling Variability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stone, Hally B.; Banas, Neil S.; MacCready, Parker

2018-01-01

The Northern California Current System experiences highly variable seasonal upwelling in addition to larger basin-scale variability, both of which can significantly affect its water chemistry. Salinity and temperature fields from a 7 year ROMS hindcast model of this region (43°N-50°N), along with extensive particle tracking, were used to study interannual variability in water properties over both the upper slope and the midshelf bottom. Variation in slope water properties was an order of magnitude smaller than on the shelf. Furthermore, the primary relationship between temperature and salinity anomalies in midshelf bottom water consisted of variation in density (cold/salty versus warm/fresh), nearly orthogonal to the anomalies along density levels (cold/fresh versus warm/salty) observed on the upper slope. These midshelf anomalies were well-explained (R2 = 0.6) by the combination of interannual variability in local and remote alongshore wind stress, and depth of the California Undercurrent (CUC) core. Lagrangian analysis of upper slope and midshelf bottom water shows that both are affected simultaneously by large-scale alongcoast advection of water through the northern and southern boundaries. The amplitude of anomalies in bottom oxygen and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) on the shelf associated with upwelling variability are larger than those associated with typical variation in alongcoast advection, and are comparable to observed anomalies in this region. However, a large northern intrusion event in 2004 illustrates that particular, large-scale alongcoast advection anomalies can be just as effective as upwelling variability in changing shelf water properties on the interannual scale.

The Effect of Alongcoast Advection on Pacific Northwest Shelf and Slope Water Properties in Relation to Upwelling Variability

PubMed Central

Banas, Neil S.; MacCready, Parker

2018-01-01

Abstract The Northern California Current System experiences highly variable seasonal upwelling in addition to larger basin‐scale variability, both of which can significantly affect its water chemistry. Salinity and temperature fields from a 7 year ROMS hindcast model of this region (43°N–50°N), along with extensive particle tracking, were used to study interannual variability in water properties over both the upper slope and the midshelf bottom. Variation in slope water properties was an order of magnitude smaller than on the shelf. Furthermore, the primary relationship between temperature and salinity anomalies in midshelf bottom water consisted of variation in density (cold/salty versus warm/fresh), nearly orthogonal to the anomalies along density levels (cold/fresh versus warm/salty) observed on the upper slope. These midshelf anomalies were well‐explained (R 2 = 0.6) by the combination of interannual variability in local and remote alongshore wind stress, and depth of the California Undercurrent (CUC) core. Lagrangian analysis of upper slope and midshelf bottom water shows that both are affected simultaneously by large‐scale alongcoast advection of water through the northern and southern boundaries. The amplitude of anomalies in bottom oxygen and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) on the shelf associated with upwelling variability are larger than those associated with typical variation in alongcoast advection, and are comparable to observed anomalies in this region. However, a large northern intrusion event in 2004 illustrates that particular, large‐scale alongcoast advection anomalies can be just as effective as upwelling variability in changing shelf water properties on the interannual scale. PMID:29938149

AGR-1 Compact 1-3-1 Post-Irradiation Examination Results

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Demkowicz, Paul Andrew

The Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) Fuel Development and Qualification Program was established to perform the requisite research and development on tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coated particle fuel to support deployment of a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR). The work continues as part of the Advanced Reactor Technologies (ART) TRISO Fuel program. The overarching program goal is to provide a baseline fuel qualification data set to support licensing and operation of an HTGR. To achieve these goals, the program includes the elements of fuel fabrication, irradiation, post-irradiation examination (PIE) and safety testing, fuel performance modeling, and fission product transport (INL 2015). A seriesmore » of fuel irradiation experiments is being planned and conducted in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). These experiments will provide data on fuel performance under irradiation, support fuel process development, qualify the fuel for normal operating conditions, provide irradiated fuel for safety testing, and support the development of fuel performance and fission product transport models. The first of these irradiation tests, designated AGR-1, began in the ATR in December 2006 and ended in November 2009. This experiment was conducted primarily to act as a shakedown test of the multicapsule test train design and provide early data on fuel performance for use in fuel fabrication process development. It also provided samples for post-irradiation safety testing, where fission product retention of the fuel at high temperatures will be experimentally measured. The capsule design and details of the AGR-1 experiment have been presented previously (Grover, Petti, and Maki 2010, Maki 2009).« less

AGR-1 Compact 5-3-1 Post-Irradiation Examination Results

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Demkowicz, Paul; Harp, Jason; Winston, Phil

The Advanced Gas Reactor (AGR) Fuel Development and Qualification Program was established to perform the requisite research and development on tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coated particle fuel to support deployment of a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR). The work continues as part of the Advanced Reactor Technologies (ART) TRISO Fuel program. The overarching program goal is to provide a baseline fuel qualification data set to support licensing and operation of an HTGR. To achieve these goals, the program includes the elements of fuel fabrication, irradiation, post-irradiation examination (PIE) and safety testing, fuel performance, and fission product transport (INL 2015). A series ofmore » fuel irradiation experiments is being planned and conducted in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). These experiments will provide data on fuel performance under irradiation, support fuel process development, qualify the fuel for normal operating conditions, provide irradiated fuel for safety testing, and support the development of fuel performance and fission product transport models. The first of these irradiation tests, designated AGR-1, began in the ATR in December 2006 and ended in November 2009. This experiment was conducted primarily to act as a shakedown test of the multicapsule test train design and provide early data on fuel performance for use in fuel fabrication process development. It also provided samples for post-irradiation safety testing, where fission product retention of the fuel at high temperatures will be experimentally measured. The capsule design and details of the AGR-1 experiment have been presented previously.« less

Distribution, abundance and carbon isotopic composition of gaseous hydrocarbons in Big Soda Lake, Nevada: An alkaline, meromictic lake

USGS Publications Warehouse

Oremland, R.S.; Des Marais, D.J.

1983-01-01

Distribution and isotopic composition (??13C) of low molecular weight hydrocarbon gases were studied in Big Soda Lake (depth = 64 m), an alkaline, meromictic lake with permanently anoxic bottom waters. Methane increased with depth in the anoxic mixolimnion (depth = 20-35 m), reached uniform concentrations (55 ??M/l) in the monimolimnion (35-64 m) and again increased with depth in monimolimnion bottom sediments (>400 ??M/kg below 1 m sub-bottom depth). The ??13C[CH4] values in bottom sediment below 1 m sub-bottom depth (<-70 per mil) increased with vertical distance up the core (??13C[CH4] = -55 per mil at sediment surface). Monimolimnion ??13C[CH4] values (-55 to -61 per mil) were greater than most ??13C[CH4] values found in the anoxic mixolimnion (92% of samples had ??13C[CH4] values between -20 and -48 per mil). No significant concentrations of ethylene or propylene were found in the lake. However ethane, propane, isobutane and n-butane concentrations all increased with water column depth, with respective maximum concentrations of 260, 80, 23 and 22 nM/l encountered between 50-60 m depth. Concentrations of ethane, propane and butanes decreased with depth in the bottom sediments. Ratios of CH4 [C2H6 + C3H8] were high (250-620) in the anoxic mixolimnion, decreased to ~161 in the monimolimnion and increased with depth in the sediment to values as high as 1736. We concluded that methane has a biogenic origin in both the sediments and the anoxic water column and that C2-C4 alkanes have biogenic origins in the monimolimnion water and shallow sediments. The changes observed in ??13C[CH4] and CH4 (C2H6 + C3H8) with depth in the water column and sediments are probably caused by bacteria] processes. These might include anaerobic methane oxidation and different rates of methanogenesis and C2 to C4 alkane production by microorganisms. ?? 1983.

Enantiomer fractions of chlordane components in sediment from U.S. Geological Survey sites in lakes and rivers

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ulrich, E.M.; Foreman, W.T.; Van Metre, P.C.; Wilson, J.T.; Rounds, S.A.

2009-01-01

Spatial, temporal, and sediment-type trends in enantiomer signatures were evaluated for cis- and trans-chlordane (CC, TC) in archived core, suspended, and surficial-sediment samples from six lake, reservoir, and river sites across the United States. The enantiomer fractions (EFs) measured in these samples are in good agreement with those reported for sediment, soil, and air samples in previous studies. The chlordane EFs were generally close to the racemic value of 0.5, with CC values ranging from 0.493 to 0.527 (usually >0.5) and TC values from 0.463 to 0.53 (usually <0.5). EF changes with core depth were detected for TC and CC in some cores, with the most non-racemic values near the top of the core. Surficial and suspended sediments generally have EF values similar to the top core layers but are often more non-racemic, indicating that enantioselective degradation is occurring before soils are eroded and deposited into bottom sediments. We hypothesize that rapid losses (desorption or degradation) from suspended sediments of the more bioavailable chlordane fraction during transport and initial deposition could explain the apparent shift to more racemic EF values in surficial and top core sediments. Near racemic CC and TC in the core profiles suggest minimal alteration of chlordane from biotic degradation, unless it is via non-enantioselective processes. EF values for the heptachlor degradate, heptachlor epoxide (HEPX), determined in surficial sediments from one location only were always non-racemic (EF ??? 0.66), were indicative of substantial biotic processing, and followed reported EF trends.

Ex-Vessel Core Melt Modeling Comparison between MELTSPREAD-CORQUENCH and MELCOR 2.1

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Robb, Kevin R.; Farmer, Mitchell; Francis, Matthew W.

System-level code analyses by both United States and international researchers predict major core melting, bottom head failure, and corium-concrete interaction for Fukushima Daiichi Unit 1 (1F1). Although system codes such as MELCOR and MAAP are capable of capturing a wide range of accident phenomena, they currently do not contain detailed models for evaluating some ex-vessel core melt behavior. However, specialized codes containing more detailed modeling are available for melt spreading such as MELTSPREAD as well as long-term molten corium-concrete interaction (MCCI) and debris coolability such as CORQUENCH. In a preceding study, Enhanced Ex-Vessel Analysis for Fukushima Daiichi Unit 1: Meltmore » Spreading and Core-Concrete Interaction Analyses with MELTSPREAD and CORQUENCH, the MELTSPREAD-CORQUENCH codes predicted the 1F1 core melt readily cooled in contrast to predictions by MELCOR. The user community has taken notice and is in the process of updating their systems codes; specifically MAAP and MELCOR, to improve and reduce conservatism in their ex-vessel core melt models. This report investigates why the MELCOR v2.1 code, compared to the MELTSPREAD and CORQUENCH 3.03 codes, yield differing predictions of ex-vessel melt progression. To accomplish this, the differences in the treatment of the ex-vessel melt with respect to melt spreading and long-term coolability are examined. The differences in modeling approaches are summarized, and a comparison of example code predictions is provided.« less

A COLLISION IN THE HEART OF A GALAXY

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

The Hubble Space Telescope's Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) has uncovered a collision between two spiral galaxies in the heart of the peculiar galaxy called Arp 220. The collision has provided the spark for a burst of star formation. The NICMOS image captures bright knots of stars forming in the heart of Arp 220. The bright, crescent moon-shaped object is a remnant core of one of the colliding galaxies. The core is a cluster of 1 billion stars. The core's half-moon shape suggests that its bottom half is obscured by a disk of dust about 300 light-years across. This disk is embedded in the core and may be swirling around a black hole. The core of the other colliding galaxy is the bright round object to the left of the crescent moon-shaped object. Both cores are about 1,200 light-years apart and are orbiting each other. Arp 220, located 250 million light-years away in the constellation Serpens, is the 220th object in Halton Arp's Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies. The image was taken with three filters. The colors have been adjusted so that, in this infrared image, blue corresponds to shorter wavelengths, red to longer wavelengths. The image was taken April 5, 1997. Credits: Rodger Thompson, Marcia Rieke, Glenn Schneider (University of Arizona) and Nick Scoville (California Institute of Technology), and NASA Image files in GIF and JPEG format and captions may be accessed on the Internet via anonymous ftp from ftp.stsci.edu in /pubinfo.

First investigations of an ice core from Eisriesenwelt cave (Austria)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

May, B.; Spötl, C.; Wagenbach, D.; Dublyansky, Y.; Liebl, J.

2010-09-01

Investigations into the genesis and dynamical properties of cave ice are essential for assessing the climate significance of these underground glaciers. We drilled an ice core through a 7.1 m thick ice body filling a large cavern of the dynamic ice cave Eisenriesenwelt (Austria). In addition to visual core inspections, quasi-continuous measurements at 2 cm resolution comprised particulate matter, stable water isotope (δ18O, δD) and electrolytic conductivity profiles supplemented by specifically selected samples analysed for tritium and radiocarbon. We found that recent ablation led to an almost complete loss of bomb derived tritium removing any ice accumulated, since at least, the early fifties leaving the actual ice surface even below the natural tritium level. The small particulate organic masses made radiocarbon dating inconclusive, though a crude estimate gave a maximum ice age in the order of several thousand years. The visual stratigraphy and all investigated parameters showed a clear dichotomy between the upper 4 m and the bottom 3 m of the core, which points to a substantial change in the ice formation process. Main features of the core comprise the changing appearance and composition of distinct cyro-calcite layers, a extremely low total ion content and a surprisingly high variability of the isotope signature. Co-isotope evaluation (δD versus δ18O) of the core in comparison with data from precipitation and karst spring water clearly indicate that ice formation is governed by (slow) freezing of dripping water.

First investigations of an ice core from Eisriesenwelt cave (Austria)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

May, B.; Spötl, C.; Wagenbach, D.; Dublyansky, Y.; Liebl, J.

2011-02-01

Investigations into the genesis and dynamical properties of cave ice are essential for assessing the climate significance of these underground glaciers. We drilled an ice core through a 7.1 m-thick ice body filling a large cavern of the dynamic ice cave Eisenriesenwelt (Austria). In addition to visual core inspections, quasi-continuous measurements at 2 cm resolution comprised particulate matter, stable water isotope (δ18O, δD) and electrolytic conductivity profiles supplemented by specifically selected samples analyzed for tritium and radiocarbon. We found that recent ablation led to an almost complete loss of bomb-derived tritium removing any ice accumulated since, at least, the early fifties leaving the actual ice surface even below the natural tritium level. The small particulate organic masses rendered radiocarbon dating inconclusive, though a crude estimate gave a basal ice age in the order of several thousand years. The visual stratigraphy and all investigated parameters showed a clear dichotomy between the upper 2 m and the bottom 3 m of the core, which points to a substantial change in the ice formation process. Main features of the core comprise the changing appearance and composition of distinct cryocalcite layers, extremely low total ion content and a surprisingly high variability of the isotope signature. Co-isotope evaluation (δD versus δ18O) of the core in comparison with data from precipitation and karst spring water clearly indicate that ice formation is governed by (slow) freezing of dripping water.

Supersonic Panel Flutter Test Results for Flat Fiber-Glass Sandwich Panels with Foamed Cores

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tuovila, W. J.; Presnell, John G., Jr.

1961-01-01

Flutter tests have been made on flat panels having a 1/4 inch-thick plastic-foam core covered with thin fiber-glass laminates. The testing was done in the Langley Unitary Plan wind tunnel at Mach numbers from 1.76 t o 2.87. The flutter boundary for these panels was found to be near the flutter boundary of thin metal panels when compared on the basis of an equivalent panel stiffness. The results also demonstrated that the depth of the cavity behind the panel has a pronounced influence on flutter. Changing the cavity depth from 1 1/2 inches to 1/2 inch reduced the dynamic pressure at start of flutter by 40 percent. No flutter was obtained when the spacers on the back of the panel were against the bottom of the cavity.

The GIK-Archive of sediment core radiographs with documentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grobe, Hannes; Winn, Kyaw; Werner, Friedrich; Driemel, Amelie; Schumacher, Stefanie; Sieger, Rainer

2017-12-01

The GIK-Archive of radiographs is a collection of X-ray negative and photographic images of sediment cores based on exposures taken since the early 1960s. During four decades of marine geological work at the University of Kiel, Germany, several thousand hours of sampling, careful preparation and X-raying were spent on producing a unique archive of sediment radiographs from several parts of the World Ocean. The archive consists of more than 18 500 exposures on chemical film that were digitized, geo-referenced, supplemented with metadata and archived in the data library PANGAEA®. With this publication, the images have become available open-access for use by the scientific community at https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.854841.

Bioconjugated iron oxide nanocubes: synthesis, functionalization, and vectorization.

PubMed

Wortmann, Laura; Ilyas, Shaista; Niznansky, Daniel; Valldor, Martin; Arroub, Karim; Berger, Nadja; Rahme, Kamil; Holmes, Justin; Mathur, Sanjay

2014-10-08

A facile bottom-up approach for the synthesis of inorganic/organic bioconjugated nanoprobes based on iron oxide nanocubes as the core with a nanometric silica shell is demonstrated. Surface coating and functionalization protocols developed in this work offered good control over the shell thickness (8-40 nm) and enabled biovectorization of SiO2@Fe3O4 core-shell structures by covalent attachment of folic acid (FA) as a targeting unit for cellular uptake. The successful immobilization of folic acid was investigated both quantitatively (TGA, EA, XPS) and qualitatively (AT-IR, UV-vis, ζ-potential). Additionally, the magnetic behavior of the nanocomposites was monitored after each functionalization step. Cell viability studies confirmed low cytotoxicity of FA@SiO2@Fe3O4 conjugates, which makes them promising nanoprobes for targeted internalization by cells and their imaging.

Alternating twist structures formed by electroconvection in the nematic phase of an achiral bent-core molecule.

PubMed

Tanaka, Shingo; Dhara, Surajit; Sadashiva, B K; Shimbo, Yoshio; Takanishi, Yoichi; Araoka, Fumito; Ishikawa, Ken; Takezoe, Hideo

2008-04-01

We report an unusual electroconvection in the nematic phase of a bent-core liquid crystal. In a voltage-frequency diagram, two frequency regions exhibiting prewavy stripe patterns were found, as reported by Wiant We found that these stripes never show extinction dark when cells were rotated under crossed polarizers. Based on the color interchange in between neighboring stripes by the rotation of the cells or an analyzer, twisted molecular orientation is suggested; i.e., the directors are alternately twisted from the top to the bottom surfaces with a pretilt angle in adjacent stripes, which is an analogue of the twisted (splayed) structure observed in surface-stabilized ferroelectric liquid crystal cells. The transmittance spectra calculated using the 4x4 matrix method from the model structure are consistent with the experimental observation.

Sedimentation and occurrence and trends of selected chemical constituents in bottom sediment of 10 small reservoirs, Eastern Kansas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Juracek, Kyle E.

2004-01-01

Many municipalities in Kansas rely on small reservoirs as a source of drinking water and for recreational activities. Because of their significance to the community, management of the reservoirs and the associated basins is important to protect the reservoirs from degradation. Effective reservoir management requires information about water quality, sedimentation, and sediment quality. A combination of bathymetric surveying and bottom-sediment coring during 2002 and 2003 was used to investigate sediment deposition and the occurrence of selected nutrients (total nitrogen and total phosphorus), organic and total carbon, 26 trace elements, 15 organochlorine compounds, and 1 radionuclide in the bottom sediment of 10 small reservoirs in eastern Kansas. Original reservoir water-storage capacities ranged from 23 to 5,845 acre-feet. The mostly agricultural reservoir basins range in area from 0.6 to 14 square miles. The mean annual net volume of deposited sediment, estimated separately for several of the reservoirs, ranged from about 43,600 to about 531,000 cubic feet. The estimated mean annual net mass of deposited sediment ranged from about 1,360,000 to about 23,300,000 pounds. The estimated mean annual net sediment yields from the reservoir basins ranged from about 964,000 to about 2,710,000 pounds per square mile. Compared to sediment yield estimates provided by a statewide study published in 1965, the estimates determined in this study differed substantially and were typically smaller. A statistically significant positive correlation was determined for the relation between sediment yield and mean annual precipitation. Nutrient concentrations in the bottom sediment varied substantially among the 10 reservoirs. Median total nitrogen concentrations ranged from 1,400 to 3,700 milligrams per kilogram. Median total phosphorus concentrations ranged from 550 to 1,300 milligrams per kilogram. A statistically significant positive trend (that is, nutrient concentration increased toward the top of the sediment core) was indicated in one reservoir for total nitrogen and in two reservoirs for total phosphorus. Also, a possible positive trend for total nitrogen was indicated in two other reservoirs. These trends in nutrient concentrations may be related to a statewide increase in fertilizer use. Alternatively, the trends may be indicative of diagenesis (that is, postdepositional changes in the sediment caused by various processes including decomposition). Nutrient loads and yields also varied substantially among the five reservoirs for which loads and yields were estimated. Estimated mean annual net loads of total nitrogen deposited in the bottom sediment ranged from 4,080 to 49,100 pounds. Estimated mean annual net loads of total phosphorus deposited in the bottom sediment ranged from 1,120 to 20,800 pounds. Estimated mean annual net yields of total nitrogen from the basins ranged from 2,210 to 6,800 pounds per square mile. Estimated mean annual net yields of total phosphorus from the basins ranged from 598 to 2,420 pounds per square mile. Compared to nonenforceable sediment-quality guidelines adopted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, bottom-sediment concentrations of arsenic, chromium, copper, and nickel in samples from all 10 reservoirs typically exceeded the threshold-effects levels (TELs) but were less than the probable-effects levels (PELs). TELs represent the concentrations above which toxic biological effects occasionally occur in aquatic organisms, whereas PELs represent the concentrations above which toxic biological effects usually or frequently occur. Concentrations of cadmium, lead, and zinc exceeded the TELs but were less than the PELs in sediment samples from about one-half of the reservoirs and were less than the TELs in samples from the remaining reservoirs. Mercury concentrations were less than the TEL (information only available for four reservoirs). Silver was not detected in the bottom sediment fro

Estimated sediment thickness, quality, and toxicity to benthic organisms in selected impoundments in Massachusetts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Breault, Robert F.; Sorenson, Jason R.; Weiskel, Peter K.

2013-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey and the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, Division of Ecological Restoration, collaborated to collect baseline information on the quantity and quality of sediment impounded behind selected dams in Massachusetts, including sediment thickness and the occurrence of contaminants potentially toxic to benthic organisms. The thicknesses of impounded sediments were measured, and cores of sediment were collected from 32 impoundments in 2004 and 2005. Cores were chemically analyzed, and concentrations of 32 inorganic elements and 108 organic compounds were quantified. Sediment thicknesses varied considerably among the 32 impoundments, with an average thickness of 3.7 feet. Estimated volumes also varied greatly, ranging from 100,000 cubic feet to 81 million cubic feet. Concentrations of toxic contaminants as well as the number of contaminants detected above analytical quantification levels (also known as laboratory reporting levels) varied greatly among sampling locations. Based on measured contaminant concentrations and comparison to published screening thresholds, bottom sediments were predicted to be toxic to bottom-dwelling (benthic) organisms in slightly under 30 percent of the impoundments sampled. Statistically significant relations were found between several of the contaminants and individual indicators of urban land use and industrial activity in the upstream drainage areas of the impoundments. However, models developed to estimate contaminant concentrations at unsampled sites from upstream landscape characteristics had low predictive power, consistent with the long and complex land-use history that is typical of many drainage areas in Massachusetts.

A high-sensitivity fiber-optic evanescent wave sensor with a three-layer structure composed of Canada balsam doped with GeO2.

PubMed

Zhong, Nianbing; Zhao, Mingfu; Zhong, Lianchao; Liao, Qiang; Zhu, Xun; Luo, Binbin; Li, Yishan

2016-11-15

In this paper, we present a high-sensitivity polymer fiber-optic evanescent wave (FOEW) sensor with a three-layer structure that includes bottom, inter-, and surface layers in the sensing region. The bottom layer and inter-layer are POFs composed of standard cladding and the core of the plastic optical fiber, and the surface layer is made of dilute Canada balsam in xylene doped with GeO2. We examine the morphology of the doped GeO2, the refractive index and composition of the surface layer and the surface luminous properties of the sensing region. We investigate the effects of the content and morphology of the GeO2 particles on the sensitivity of the FOEW sensors by using glucose solutions. In addition, we examine the response of sensors incubated with staphylococcal protein A plus mouse IgG isotype to goat anti-mouse IgG solutions. Results indicate very good sensitivity of the three-layer FOEW sensor, which showed a 3.91-fold improvement in the detection of the target antibody relative to a conventional sensor with a core-cladding structure, and the novel sensor showed a lower limit of detection of 0.2ng/l and a response time around 320s. The application of this high-sensitivity FOEW sensor can be extended to biodefense, disease diagnosis, biomedical and biochemical analysis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Broad-scale predictability of carbohydrates and exopolymers in Antarctic and Arctic sea ice

PubMed Central

Underwood, Graham J. C.; Aslam, Shazia N.; Michel, Christine; Niemi, Andrea; Norman, Louiza; Meiners, Klaus M.; Laybourn-Parry, Johanna; Paterson, Harriet; Thomas, David N.

2013-01-01

Sea ice can contain high concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), much of which is carbohydrate-rich extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) produced by microalgae and bacteria inhabiting the ice. Here we report the concentrations of dissolved carbohydrates (dCHO) and dissolved EPS (dEPS) in relation to algal standing stock [estimated by chlorophyll (Chl) a concentrations] in sea ice from six locations in the Southern and Arctic Oceans. Concentrations varied substantially within and between sampling sites, reflecting local ice conditions and biological content. However, combining all data revealed robust statistical relationships between dCHO concentrations and the concentrations of different dEPS fractions, Chl a, and DOC. These relationships were true for whole ice cores, bottom ice (biomass rich) sections, and colder surface ice. The distribution of dEPS was strongly correlated to algal biomass, with the highest concentrations of both dEPS and non-EPS carbohydrates in the bottom horizons of the ice. Complex EPS was more prevalent in colder surface sea ice horizons. Predictive models (validated against independent data) were derived to enable the estimation of dCHO concentrations from data on ice thickness, salinity, and vertical position in core. When Chl a data were included a higher level of prediction was obtained. The consistent patterns reflected in these relationships provide a strong basis for including estimates of regional and seasonal carbohydrate and dEPS carbon budgets in coupled physical-biogeochemical models, across different types of sea ice from both polar regions. PMID:24019487

Broad-scale predictability of carbohydrates and exopolymers in Antarctic and Arctic sea ice.

PubMed

Underwood, Graham J C; Aslam, Shazia N; Michel, Christine; Niemi, Andrea; Norman, Louiza; Meiners, Klaus M; Laybourn-Parry, Johanna; Paterson, Harriet; Thomas, David N

2013-09-24

Sea ice can contain high concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), much of which is carbohydrate-rich extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) produced by microalgae and bacteria inhabiting the ice. Here we report the concentrations of dissolved carbohydrates (dCHO) and dissolved EPS (dEPS) in relation to algal standing stock [estimated by chlorophyll (Chl) a concentrations] in sea ice from six locations in the Southern and Arctic Oceans. Concentrations varied substantially within and between sampling sites, reflecting local ice conditions and biological content. However, combining all data revealed robust statistical relationships between dCHO concentrations and the concentrations of different dEPS fractions, Chl a, and DOC. These relationships were true for whole ice cores, bottom ice (biomass rich) sections, and colder surface ice. The distribution of dEPS was strongly correlated to algal biomass, with the highest concentrations of both dEPS and non-EPS carbohydrates in the bottom horizons of the ice. Complex EPS was more prevalent in colder surface sea ice horizons. Predictive models (validated against independent data) were derived to enable the estimation of dCHO concentrations from data on ice thickness, salinity, and vertical position in core. When Chl a data were included a higher level of prediction was obtained. The consistent patterns reflected in these relationships provide a strong basis for including estimates of regional and seasonal carbohydrate and dEPS carbon budgets in coupled physical-biogeochemical models, across different types of sea ice from both polar regions.

Llano Grande Lake bottom sediments; a chronicle of water-quality changes in the Arroyo Colorado, South Texas, 1989-2001

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mahler, Barbara June; Van Metre, Peter C.

2002-01-01

The Arroyo Colorado, an ancient channel of the Rio Grande, extends 90 miles from Mission, Tex., to the Laguna Madre. The Arroyo Colorado flows through areas of intense agricultural cultivation and through important habitat for migrating birds and other wildlife, including several wildlife sanctuaries and refuges. The above-tidal segment of the Arroyo Colorado is included in the State of Texas 2000 Clean Water Act 303(d)1 list in part because of elevated concentrations of the hydrophobic legacy pollutants DDE (a DDT breakdown product), chlordane, and toxaphene in fish tissue. This report addresses three questions: Do legacy pollutants (organochlorine compounds, major and trace elements) occur in the Arroyo Colorado at present and at what concentrations?How has the occurrence of selected legacy pollutants in the Arroyo Colorado changed over time?Are current concentrations of legacy pollutants in bottom sediments at levels of concern for the health of aquatic biota?To answer these questions, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), collected and analyzed a sediment core from Llano Grande Lake on the Arroyo Colorado (fig. 1). Sediment cores can be used to reconstruct historical trends in concentrations of hydrophobic contaminants (Eisenreich and others, 1989; Van Metre and others, 1997, 2000). The lake is part of the Rio Grande delta drainage system (fig. 1). The lake is 6 miles long and has a maximum width of 600 feet.

Has Earth's Plate Tectonics Led to Rapid Core Cooling?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Montserrat Navarro, A.; Morgan, J. P.; Vannucchi, P.; Connolly, J. A.

2016-12-01

Earth's mantle and core are convecting planetary heat engines. The mantle convects to lose heat from secular cooling, internal radioactivity, and core heatflow across its base. Its convection generates plate tectonics, volcanism, and the loss of 35 TW of mantle heat through Earth's surface. The core convects to lose heat from secular cooling, small amounts of internal radioactivity, and the freezing-induced growth of a compositionally denser inner core. Until recently, the geodynamo was thought to be powered by 4 TW of heatloss across the core-mantle boundary. More recent determinations of the outer core's thermal conductivity (Pozzo et al., 2012; Gomi et al., 2013) would imply that >15 TW of power should conduct down its adiabat. Secular core cooling has been previously thought to be too slow for this, based on estimates for the Clapeyron Slope for high-pressure freezing of an idealized pure-iron core (cf. Nimmo, 2007). The 500-1000 kg m-3 seismically-inferred jump in density between the liquid outer core and solid inner core allows a direct estimate of the Clapeyron Slope for the outer core's actual composition which contains 0.08±0.02 lighter elements (S,Si,O,Al, H,…) mixed into a Fe-Ni alloy. A PREM-like 600 kg m-3 density jump yields a Clapeyron Slope for which there has been 774K of core cooling during the freezing and growth of the inner core, cooling that has been releasing an average of 21 TW of power during the past 3 Ga. If so, core cooling could easily have powered Earth's long-lived geodynamo. Another implication is that the present-day mantle is strongly `bottom-heated', and diapiric mantle plumes should dominate deep mantle upwelling. This mode of core and mantle convection is consistent with slow, 37.5K/Ga secular cooling of Earth's mantle linked to more rapid secular cooling of the core (cf. Morgan, Rüpke, and White, 2016). Efficient plate subduction, hence plate tectonics, is a key ingredient for such rapid secular core cooling.We also show how a more complete thermodynamic version of Birch's accretional energy calculation predicts that accretion with FeNi-sinking-linked differentiation between an Earth-like mantle and core would naturally generate a core that, post-accretion, was both hotter than overlying mantle and 1000K hotter than today.

Initial Continuous Chemistry Results From The Roosevelt Island Ice Core (RICE)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kjær, H. A.; Vallelonga, P. T.; Simonsen, M. F.; Neff, P. D.; Bertler, N. A. N.; Svensson, A.; Dahl-Jensen, D.

2014-12-01

The Roosevelt Island ice core (79.36° S, -161.71° W) was drilled in 2011-13 at the top of the Roosevelt Island ice dome, a location surrounded by the Ross ice shelf. The RICE ice core provides a unique opportunity to look into the past evolution of the West Antarctic Ice sheet. Further the site has high accumulation; 0.26 m of ice equivalent is deposited annually allowing annual layer determination for many chemical parameters. The RICE core was drilled to bedrock and has a total length of 763 metres. Preliminary results derived from water isotopes suggest that the oldest ice reaches back to the Eemian, with the last glacial being compressed in the bottom 60 metres. We present preliminary results from the RICE ice core including continuous measurements of acidity using an optical dye method, insoluble dust particles, conductivity and calcium. The core was analyzed at the New Zealand National Ice Core Research Facility at GNS Science in Wellington. The analytical set up used to determine climate proxies in the ice core was a modified version of the Copenhagen CFA system (Bigler et al., 2011). Key volcanic layers have been matched to those from the WAIS record (Sigl et al., 2013). A significant anti-correlation between acidity and calcium was seen in the Holocene part of the record. Due to the proximity to the ocean a large fraction of the calcium originates from sea salt and is in phase with total conductivity and sodium. In combination with the insoluble dust record, calcium has been apportioned into ocean-related and dust-related sources. Variability over the Holocene is presented and attributed to changing inputs of marine and dust aerosols.

High-resolution past environmental reconstruction in East Asia using annually laminated lake sediments of Lake Megata in northeastern Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamada, K.; Gotanda, K.; Yonenobu, H.; Shinozuka, Y.; Kitagawa, J.; Makohonienko, M.; Schwab, M.; Haraguchi, T.; Yasuda, Y.

2007-12-01

37 m-long non-glacial varved sequences were taken from Ichi-no-Megata maar in Oga Peninsula, Akita, northern part of Japan. Ichi-no-Megata maar occupies 0.25 km2 with a maximum water depth of ca. 45.1 m. The shape of lake is a kettle-type basin and the deepest bottom basin is very flat. We took core samples (named IMG06 core) at the center of the lake in November to December in 2006. In order to take completely continuous maar sediment, we drilled three holes and take every sample from each hole which apart only few meters. In this drilling campaign, we can 37 m-long continuous maar sediment except thick volcanic deposits from 26.5 to 31.7m in core. The sedimentological feature of IMG06 core is dominated by thin lamination clay/silt from most top part up to 37 m with turbidites characterized upward fining structure. The SEM image observation of lamination reveals that sponge-like lamina consists of diatom assemblage against dark colored lamina consists of mixture of detritus minerals, clay minerals, and diatom. It means sponge-like lamina deposits during spring season, and later one deposits during another three seasons, and then these thin lamination of IMG06 core could be identified as annual lamination (varves). This interpretation is supported by the correlation of historic event as earthquake and tunnel construction. In this IMG06 core, six volcanic ashes are found and we have also analyzed radiocarbon dating from 38 horizons of the core to use leaf and seeds inter-bedded varves. As the results, the IMG06 core covers from 25,000 to 4,000 14C yr BP with stable sedimentation rates (0.71mm/year).

Nuclear reactor melt-retention structure to mitigate direct containment heating

DOEpatents

Tutu, Narinder K.; Ginsberg, Theodore; Klages, John R.

1991-01-01

A light water nuclear reactor melt-retention structure to mitigate the extent of direct containment heating of the reactor containment building. The structure includes a retention chamber for retaining molten core material away from the upper regions of the reactor containment building when a severe accident causes the bottom of the pressure vessel of the reactor to fail and discharge such molten material under high pressure through the reactor cavity into the retention chamber. In combination with the melt-retention chamber there is provided a passageway that includes molten core droplet deflector vanes and has gas vent means in its upper surface, which means are operable to deflect molten core droplets into the retention chamber while allowing high pressure steam and gases to be vented into the upper regions of the containment building. A plurality of platforms are mounted within the passageway and the melt-retention structure to direct the flow of molten core material and help retain it within the melt-retention chamber. In addition, ribs are mounted at spaced positions on the floor of the melt-retention chamber, and grid means are positioned at the entrance side of the retention chamber. The grid means develop gas back pressure that helps separate the molten core droplets from discharged high pressure steam and gases, thereby forcing the steam and gases to vent into the upper regions of the reactor containment building.

Paleoenvironmental evolution based on benthic foraminifera biofacies of the Paraíba do Sul Deltaic Complex, eastern Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gasparini, Sarah Pereira; Vilela, Claudia Gutterres

2017-12-01

The paleoecology and distribution of benthic foraminiferal assemblages were analyzed in the core 2-MU-1-RJ well, drilled in the Paraíba do Sul Deltaic Complex, Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). An abundant assemblage was found in the upper portion of the well core, inferred to be pleistocenic deposits. The coastal dynamic was recognized from five biofacies based on clusters, the Planktonic/Benthic (P/B) ratios and indicator species distribution in the core. Several biofacies were identified along the core depending on the species dominance. From the bottom to the top of the core, the biofacies succession represents the environmental changes in the coastal area associated to sea-level oscillations. The biofacies ABP dominated by Ammonia parkinsoniana and Bolivina spp. and Pararotalia cananeiaensis represents an inner shelf environment; biofacies QP dominated by shelf miliolids species; biofacies PGH, dominated by P. cananeiaensis, Gavelinopsis praegeri, and Hanzawaia nitidula, represents the estuary complex with middle or outer shelf influence; biofacies QL represents hypersaline waters dominated by lagoonal miliolids; and biofacies HP characterized by Haynesina germanica and P. cananeiaensis is associated with paralic environments. Marine ingressions are recorded and those biofacies show the pleistocenic coastal hydrodinamic in the deltaic complex. The foraminiferal biofacies contribute with detailed information to sedimentary facies previously characterized in the study area by the reconstruction of paleoenvironment succession.

The Pianosa Contourite Depositional System (Northern Tyrrhenian Sea): drift morphology and Plio-Quaternary stratigraphic evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miramontes Garcia, Elda; Cattaneo, Antonio; Jouet, Gwenael; Thereau, Estelle; Thomas, Yannick; Rovere, Marzia; Cauquil, Eric; Trincardi, Fabio

2016-04-01

The Pianosa Contourite Depositional System (CDS) is located in the Corsica Trough (Northern Tyrrhenian Sea), a confined basin dominated by mass transport and contour currents in the eastern flank and by turbidity currents in the western flank. The morphologic and stratigraphic characterisation of the Pianosa CDS is based on multibeam bathymetry, seismic reflection data (multi-channel high resolution mini GI gun, single-channel sparker and CHIRP), sediment cores and ADCP data. The Pianosa CDS is located at shallow to intermediate water depths (170 to 850 m water depth) and is formed under the influence of the Levantine Intermediate Water (LIW). It is 120 km long, has a maximum width of 10 km and is composed of different types of muddy sediment drifts: plastered drift, separated mounded drift, sigmoid drift and multicrested drift. The reduced tectonic activity in the Corsica Trough since the early Pliocene permits to recover a sedimentary record of the contourite depositional system that is only influenced by climate fluctuations. Contourites started to develop in the Middle-Late Pliocene, but their growth was enhanced since the Middle Pleistocene Transition (0.7-0.9 Ma). Although the general circulation of the LIW, flowing northwards in the Corsica Trough, remained active all along the history of the system, contourite drift formation changed, controlled by sediment influx and bottom current velocity. During periods of sea level fall, fast bottom currents often eroded the drift crest in the middle and upper slope. At that time the proximity of the coast to the shelf edge favoured the formation of bioclastic sand deposits winnowed by bottom currents. Higher sediment accumulation of mud in the drifts occurred during periods of fast bottom currents and high sediment availability (i.e. high activity of turbidity currents), coincident with periods of sea level low-stands. Condensed sections were formed during sea level high-stands, when bottom currents were more sluggish and the turbidite system was disconnected, resulting in a lower sediment influx.

Temperature and heat flux scaling laws for isoviscous, infinite Prandtl number mixed heating convection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vilella, Kenny; Deschamps, Frédéric

2018-07-01

Thermal evolution of terrestrial planets is controlled by heat transfer through their silicate mantles. A suitable framework for modelling this heat transport is a system including bottom heating (from the core) and internal heating, for example, generated by secular cooling or by the decay of radioactive isotopes. The mechanism of heat transfer depends on the physical properties of the system. In systems where convection is able to operate, two different regimes are possible depending on the relative amount of bottom and internal heating. For moderate internal heating rates, the system is composed of active hot upwellings and cold downwellings. For large internal heating rates, the bottom heat flux becomes negative and the system is only composed of active cold downwellings. Here, we build theoretical scaling laws for both convective regimes following the approach of Vilella & Kaminski (2017), which links the surface heat flux and the temperature jump across both the top and the bottom thermal boundary layer (TBL) to the Rayleigh number and the dimensionless internal heating rate. Theoretical predictions are then verified against numerical simulations performed in 2-D and 3-D Cartesiangeometry, and covering a large range of the parameter space. Our theoretical scaling laws are more successful in predicting the thermal structure of systems with large internal heating rates than that of systems with no or moderate internal heating. The differences between moderate and large internal heating rates are interpreted as differences in the mechanisms generating thermal instabilities. We identified three mechanisms: conductive growth of the TBL, instability impacting, and TBL erosion, the last two being present only for moderate internal heating rates, in which hot plumes are generated at the bottom of the system and are able to reach the surface. Finally, we apply our scaling laws to the evolution of the early Earth, proposing a new model for the cooling of the primordial magma ocean that reconciles geochemical observations and magma ocean dynamics.

WHISPERS Project on the easternmost slope of the Ross Sea (Antarctica): preliminary results.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olivo, E.; De Santis, L.; Bergamasco, A.; Colleoni, F.; Gales, J. A.; Florindo-Lopez, C.; Kim, S.; Kovacevic, V.; Rebesco, M.

2017-12-01

The advance and retreat of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet from the outer continental shelf and the oceanic circulation are the main causes of the depositional processes on the Ross Sea continental slope, at present time and during the most of the Cenozoic. Currently the Antarctic Bottom Water formation is directly linked to the relatively warm Circumpolar Deep Water that, encroaching the continental shelf, mixes with the colder Ross Sea Bottom Water. Detailed multibeam and geological surveys useful to locate and characterize peculiar morphological structures on the bottom are essential to study how the glacial and oceanographic processes interact with the seabed sediments. In the framework of the PNRA-WHISPERS project (XXXIIth Italian Antarctic expedition - January/March 2017), new multibeam bathymetric, sub-bottom chirp, were acquired from the easternmost margin of the Ross Sea, on the southeastern side of the Hayes Bank, usually covered by sea ice. We observed on the upper slope erosional features (incised gullies of likely glacial meltwater origin). A broad scar in the upper slope is characterized by an elongated SSW-NNE ridge (10 km long, 850-1200 m water depth, 2 km wide), that may be a remnants of previous glacial or debris flow deposits, eroded by meltwater outwash discharge at the beginning of grounding ice retreat and by RSBW cascading along the slope, as documented by Expandable Bathy-Thermograph and Acoustic Depth Current Profile data. Sub-bottom chirp profiles crossing this ridge show a very low amplitude reflective sea bed, supporting the hypothesis of its soft sediment nature, in good agreement with a very low acoustic velocity obtained by multichannel seismic data reprocessing. The occurrence of internal stratification on 2D multichannel seismic profiles would discount a gas-fluids related mud volcano origin. No sediment cores were collected, due to bad sea conditions and limited ship time, further data collection would be needed to fully understand the origin of such depositional feature and its relation with slope glacial and oceanographic processes.

Temperature and heat flux scaling laws for isoviscous, infinite Prandtl number mixed heating convection.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vilella, Kenny; Deschamps, Frederic

2018-04-01

Thermal evolution of terrestrial planets is controlled by heat transfer through their silicate mantles. A suitable framework for modelling this heat transport is a system including bottom heating (from the core) and internal heating, e.g., generated by secular cooling or by the decay of radioactive isotopes. The mechanism of heat transfer depends on the physical properties of the system. In systems where convection is able to operate, two different regimes are possible depending on the relative amount of bottom and internal heating. For moderate internal heating rates, the system is composed of active hot upwellings and cold downwellings. For large internal heating rates, the bottom heat flux becomes negative and the system is only composed of active cold downwellings. Here, we build theoretical scaling laws for both convective regimes following the approach of Vilella & Kaminski (2017), which links the surface heat flux and the temperature jump across both the top and bottom thermal boundary layer (TBL) to the Rayleigh number and the dimensionless internal heating rate. Theoretical predictions are then verified against numerical simulations performed in 2D and 3D-Cartesian geometry, and covering a large range of the parameter space. Our theoretical scaling laws are more successful in predicting the thermal structure of systems with large internal heating rates than that of systems with no or moderate internal heating. The differences between moderate and large internal heating rates are interpreted as differences in the mechanisms generating thermal instabilities. We identified three mechanisms: conductive growth of the TBL, instability impacting, and TBL erosion, the last two being present only for moderate internal heating rates, in which hot plumes are generated at the bottom of the system and are able to reach the surface. Finally, we apply our scaling laws to the evolution of the early Earth, proposing a new model for the cooling of the primordial magma ocean that reconciles geochemical observations and magma ocean dynamics.

Bottom current deposition in the Antarctic Wilkes Land margin during the Oligocene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salabarnada, Ariadna; Escutia, Carlota; Nelson, Hans C.; Evangelinos, Dimitris; López-Quirós, Adrián

2017-04-01

Sediment cores collected from the Antarctic Wilkes Land continental rise at IODP site 1356 provide evidence for bottom current sedimentation taking place since the early Oligocene (i.e., 33.6 Ma) (Escutia et al., 2011). Correlation between site 1356 sediments and the regional grid of multichannel seismic reflection profiles, complemented with bathymetric data, allow us to differentiate a variety of contourite deposits resulting from the interaction between bottom currents and seafloor paleomorphologies. Contourite deposits are identified based on the seismic signature, reflector configuration and geometry of the depositional bodies as elongated-mounded drifts, giant mounded drifts, confined drifts, infill drifts, plastered drifts, sediment waves, and moats. Based on the spatial and temporal distribution of these deposits, we differentiate three phases in contourite deposition in this margin: Phase 1) from 33.6-28 Ma sheeted drift morphologies dominate, related to high-energy deposits associated with fast flowing currents during the early Oligocene; Phase 2) At around 28 Ma, mounded drift morphologies and moat channels start forming. Continued intensification of contour currents results in larger contourite morphologies such as giant mounded drifts and moats forming around structural heights present in the Wilkes Land basin (e.g, the Adelie Rift Block). Phase 3) A shift in current configuration is recorded at around 15 Ma above regional unconformity WL-U5, which marks the Oligocene-Miocene Transition. This change is shown by a migration to the North of the drift crests and by a dominance of down-slope sedimentation processes that is indicated by mass transport deposits and channel levee formation. We interpret the evolution of the contourite deposits during the Oligocene in this margin to be driven by changes in the intensity of bottom current activity over time resulting from ice sheet growth, evolution of bottom morphology and related changes in paleoceanographic configuration in the Southern Ocean. This contribution results from work funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitivity Grant CTM2014-60451-C2-1-P and FEDER funds.

Environmental Drivers of Benthic Flux Variation and Ecosystem Functioning in Salish Sea and Northeast Pacific Sediments.

PubMed

Belley, Rénald; Snelgrove, Paul V R; Archambault, Philippe; Juniper, S Kim

2016-01-01

The upwelling of deep waters from the oxygen minimum zone in the Northeast Pacific from the continental slope to the shelf and into the Salish Sea during spring and summer offers a unique opportunity to study ecosystem functioning in the form of benthic fluxes along natural gradients. Using the ROV ROPOS we collected sediment cores from 10 sites in May and July 2011, and September 2013 to perform shipboard incubations and flux measurements. Specifically, we measured benthic fluxes of oxygen and nutrients to evaluate potential environmental drivers of benthic flux variation and ecosystem functioning along natural gradients of temperature and bottom water dissolved oxygen concentrations. The range of temperature and dissolved oxygen encountered across our study sites allowed us to apply a suite of multivariate analyses rarely used in flux studies to identify bottom water temperature as the primary environmental driver of benthic flux variation and organic matter remineralization. Redundancy analysis revealed that bottom water characteristics (temperature and dissolved oxygen), quality of organic matter (chl a:phaeo and C:N ratios) and sediment characteristics (mean grain size and porosity) explained 51.5% of benthic flux variation. Multivariate analyses identified significant spatial and temporal variation in benthic fluxes, demonstrating key differences between the Northeast Pacific and Salish Sea. Moreover, Northeast Pacific slope fluxes were generally lower than shelf fluxes. Spatial and temporal variation in benthic fluxes in the Salish Sea were driven primarily by differences in temperature and quality of organic matter on the seafloor following phytoplankton blooms. These results demonstrate the utility of multivariate approaches in differentiating among potential drivers of seafloor ecosystem functioning, and indicate that current and future predictive models of organic matter remineralization and ecosystem functioning of soft-muddy shelf and slope seafloor habitats should consider bottom water temperature variation. Bottom temperature has important implications for estimates of seasonal and spatial benthic flux variation, benthic-pelagic coupling, and impacts of predicted ocean warming at high latitudes.

Scoring Dawg Core Breakoff and Retention Mechanism

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Badescu, Mircea; Sherrit, Stewart; Bar-Cohen, Yoseph; Bao, Xiaoqi; Backes, Paul G.

2011-01-01

This novel core break-off and retention mechanism consists of a scoring dawg controlled by a set of two tubes (a drill tube and an inner tube). The drill tube and the inner tube have longitudinal concentric holes. The solution can be implemented in an eccentric tube configuration as well where the tubes have eccentric longitudinal holes. The inner tube presents at the bottom two control surfaces for controlling the orientation of the scoring dawg. The drill tube presents a sunk-in profile on the inside of the wall for housing the scoring dawg. The inner tube rotation relative to the drill tube actively controls the orientation of the scoring dawg and hence its penetration and retrieval from the core. The scoring dawg presents a shaft, two axially spaced arms, and a tooth. The two arms slide on the control surfaces of the inner tube. The tooth, when rotated, can penetrate or be extracted from the core. During drilling, the two tubes move together maintaining the scoring dawg completely outside the core. After the desired drilling depth has been reached the inner tube is rotated relative to the drill tube such that the tooth of the scoring dawg moves toward the central axis. By rotating the drill tube, the scoring dawg can score the core and so reduce its cross sectional area. The scoring dawg can also act as a stress concentrator for breaking the core in torsion or tension. After breaking the core, the scoring dawg can act as a core retention mechanism. For scoring, it requires the core to be attached to the rock. If the core is broken, the dawg can be used as a retention mechanism. The scoring dawg requires a hard-tip insert like tungsten carbide for scoring hard rocks. The relative rotation of the two tubes can be controlled manually or by an additional actuator. In the implemented design solution the bit rotation for scoring was in the same direction as the drilling. The device was tested for limestone cores and basalt cores. The torque required for breaking the 10-mm diameter limestone cores was 5 to 5.8 lb-in. (0.56 to 0.66 N-m).

Micro-investigation of EPICA Dome C bottom ice: evidence of long term in situ processes involving acid-salt interactions, mineral dust, and organic matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Angelis, M.; Tison, J.-L.; Morel-Fourcade, M.-C.; Susini, J.

2013-10-01

The EPICA Dome C ice core (EDC) reached a final depth of 3260 m, at a maximum height of about 15 m above the ice-bedrock interface in December 2004. We present here data gained from a detailed investigation of selected samples of the deeper part of the core located below 3200 m and referred to as bottom ice. This part of the core has been poorly investigated so far mainly because there are significant challenges in interpreting paleo-records that were very likely modified by long term in situ processes. Our study combines high resolution ion chromatography, high resolution synchrotron X-Ray micro-fluorescence (micro XRF), scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. Our aim was to identify the long term physico-chemical processes at work close to the bedrock, to determine how they have altered the initial registers, and, ultimately to extract information on the very ancient Antarctic environment. The ubiquitous presence of nanometer iron oxide crystals at the surface of wind-borne dust aggregates containing also large amount of organic matter raises the possibility that the consolidation of windborne dust clusters formed during ice recrystallization could be related to microbial iron reduction and, thus, to the progressive reactivation of dormant bacterial activity in warming ice. Inclusions of size and number density increasing with depth observed in the 12 last meters (3248-3260 m) contain liquid and solid species, among them marine biogenic acids, numerous wind-borne dust aggregates and clusters of large reversible calcium carbonate particles precipitated once the inclusion was formed and often covered by secondary gypsum. The refreezing of slush lenses is discussed as a potential cause of the formation of such heterogeneous and complex mixtures. In addition to the very fine micrometer size minerals windborne from extra-Antarctic continental sources and often accreted in large aggregates, single medium size particles (a few to ca 20 μm and among them organic debris) are commonly encountered. Their size, surface shape, and mineralogy suggest that aerosol transport from Antarctic ice-free areas played a significant role at the time EDC bottom ice was formed. Concentrations and concentration ratios of biogenic sulfur species also advocate for the strengthening of peri-Antarctic meteorological patterns that favor the inland penetration of disturbed flow carrying local material. Very large well preserved mineral particles several tens of micrometers in diameter, and biotope relics in deeper ice close to 3260 m likely come from the sub-glacial environment.

Late-glacial to Holocene environmental changes and climate variability: evidence from Voldafjorden, western Norway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sejrup, H. P.; Haflidason, H.; Flatebø, T.; Klitgaard Kristensen, D.; Grøsfjeld, K.; Larsen, E.

2001-02-01

Sedimentological, micropalaeontological (benthic foraminifers and dinoflagellate cysts), stable isotope data and AMS 14C datings on cores and surface samples, in addition to acoustic data, have been obtained from Voldafjorden, western Norway. Based on these data the late glacial and Holocene sedimentological processes and variability in circulation and fjord environments are outlined. Glacial marine sedimentation prevailed in the Voldafjorden between 11.0 kyr and 9.2 kyr BP (radiocarbon years). In the later part of the Allerød period, and for the rest of the Holocene, there was deposition of fine-grained normal marine sediments in the fjord basin. Turbidite layers, recorded in core material and on acoustic profiles, dated to ca. 2.1, 6.9-7.6, ca. 9.6 and ca. 11.0 kyr BP, interrupted the marine sedimentation. The event dated to between 6.9 and 7.6 kyr BP probably corresponds to a tsunami resulting from large-scale sliding on the continental margin off Norway (the Storegga Tsunami).During the later part of the Allerød period, Voldafjorden had a strongly stratified water column with cold bottom water and warm surface water, reaching interglacial temperatures during the summer seasons. During the Younger Dryas cold event there was a return to arctic sea-surface summer temperatures, possibly with year-round sea-ice cover, the entire benthic fauna being composed of arctic species. The first strong Holocene warming, observed simultaneously in bottom and sea-surface temperature proxies, occurred at ca. 10.1 kyr BP. Bottom water proxies indicate two cold periods, possibly with 2°C lowering of temperatures, at ca. 10.0 (PBO 1) and at 9.8 kyr BP (PBO 2). These events may both result from catastrophic outbursts of Baltic glacial lake water. The remainder of the Holocene experienced variability in basin water temperature, indicated by oxygen isotope measurements with an amplitude of ca. 2°C, with cooler periods at ca. 8.4-9.0, 5.6, 5.2, 4.6, 4.2, 3.5, 2.2, 1.2 and 0.4-0.8 kyr BP. Changes in the fjord hydrology through the past 11.3 kyr show a close correspondence, both in amplitude and timing of events, recorded in cores from the Norwegian Sea region and the North Atlantic. These data suggest a close relationship between fjord environments and variability in large-scale oceanic circulation.

Selective responses of benthic foraminifera to thermal pollution.

PubMed

Titelboim, Danna; Almogi-Labin, Ahuva; Herut, Barak; Kucera, Michal; Schmidt, Christiane; Hyams-Kaphzan, Orit; Ovadia, Ofer; Abramovich, Sigal

2016-04-15

Persistent thermohaline pollution at a site along the northern coast of Israel, due to power and desalination plants, is used as a natural laboratory to evaluate the effects of rising temperature and salinity levels on benthic foraminifera living in shallow hard-bottom habitats. Biomonitoring of the disturbed area and a control station shows that elevated temperature is a more significant stressor compared to salinity, thus causing a decrease in abundance and richness. Critical temperature thresholds were observed at 30 and 35°C, the latter representing the most thermally tolerant species in the studied area Pararotalia calcariformata, which is the only symbiont-bearing species observed within the core of the heated area. Common species of the shallow hard-bottom habitats including several Lessepsian invaders are almost absent in the most exposed site indicating that excess warming will likely impede the survival of these species that currently benefit from the ongoing warming of the Eastern Mediterranean. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Preliminary results from 2017 OGS Explora cruise to the Ross Sea continental slope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rebesco, Michele; De Santis, Laura; Gales, Jenny; Kim, Sookwan; Liu, Yanguang; Sauli, Chiara; Cuffaro, Marco; Bergamasco, Andrea; Colleoni, Florence; Kovacevic, Vedrana; Olivo, Elisabetta; Florindo-Lopez, Cristian; Codiglia, Riccardo; Zgur, Fabrizio; Accettella, Daniela; Gordini, Emiliano; Visnovic, Paolo; Tomini, Isabella; Mansutti, Paolo; Sterzai, Paolo

2017-04-01

OGS Explora is back to Antarctica for three projects focused on the Ross Sea eastern continental slope: EU/FP7-EUROFLEETS (http://www.eurofleets.eu) ANTSSS, PNRA (Programma Nazionale Di Ricerche in Antartide) ODYSSEA, and PNRA WHISPERS. These projects employ three main methods: 1) geophysics (multichannel seismic reflection, sub-bottom and multibeam morphobathymetric survey); 2) geology (gravity corer and box-corer); oceanography (CTD, LADCP, turbulence). The general objective is to contribute to the understanding of past and present ocean dynamics and glacial history of this Antarctic sector. In particular, to find evidence (in the geometry and distribution of the stratigraphic sequences) of Miocene-Pleistocene West Antarctic Ice Sheet and East Antarctic Ice Sheet advances and retreats and of their effects on Ross Sea Bottom Water formation and dynamics. The gravity cores provide the chronological control for the Quaternary. Deep sea drilling (through IODP Exp. 374, whose additional alternative sites are surveyed during this cruise) will provide the chronological control for the pre-Quaternary seismic sequences.

The formation of ultra compact dwarf galaxies and massive globular clusters. Quasar-like objects to test for a variable stellar initial mass function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeřábková, T.; Kroupa, P.; Dabringhausen, J.; Hilker, M.; Bekki, K.

2017-12-01

The stellar initial mass function (IMF) has been described as being invariant, bottom-heavy, or top-heavy in extremely dense star-burst conditions. To provide usable observable diagnostics, we calculate redshift dependent spectral energy distributions of stellar populations in extreme star-burst clusters, which are likely to have been the precursors of present day massive globular clusters (GCs) and of ultra compact dwarf galaxies (UCDs). The retention fraction of stellar remnants is taken into account to assess the mass to light ratios of the ageing star-burst. Their redshift dependent photometric properties are calculated as predictions for James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) observations. While the present day GCs and UCDs are largely degenerate concerning bottom-heavy or top-heavy IMFs, a metallicity- and density-dependent top-heavy IMF implies the most massive UCDs, at ages < 100 Myr, to appear as objects with quasar-like luminosities with a 0.1-10% variability on a monthly timescale due to core collapse supernovae.

Correlation between elastic energy density and deep earthquakes distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gunawardana, P. M.; Morra, G.

2017-05-01

The mechanism at the origin of the earthquakes below 30 km remains elusive as these events cannot be explained by brittle frictional processes. In this work we focus on the global total distribution of earthquakes frequency vs. depth from ∼50 km to 670 km depth. We develop a numerical model of self-driven subduction by solving the non-homogeneous Stokes equation using the ;Particle in cell method; in combination with a conservative finite difference scheme, here solved for the first time using Python and NumPy only. We show that most of the elastic energy is stored in the slab core and that it is strongly correlated with the earthquake frequency-depth distribution for a wide range of lithosphere and lithosphere-core viscosities. According to our results, we suggest that 1) slab bending at the bottom of the upper mantle causes the peak of the earthquake frequency-depth distribution that is observed at mantle transition depth; 2) the presence of a high viscous stiff core inside the lithosphere generates an elastic energy distribution that fits better with the exponential decay that is observed at intermediate depth.

Gas and porewater composition of shallow sediments in the Tuaheni Basin, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rose, P. S.; Coffin, R. B.; Yoza, B.; Boyd, T. J.; Crutchley, G. J.; Mountjoy, J. J.; Pecher, I. A.

2015-12-01

Seismic profiles collected during previous investigations on the Hikurangi Margin, off the North Island, New Zealand showed bottom simulating reflectors (BSRs), which are generally indicative of the presence of free gas. Further, double BSRs clearly identified in the Tuaheni Basin were hypothesized to result from differences in gas composition and fluid migration. During a cruise on the RV Tangaroa in June 2015 (TAN 1508) additional seismic data were collected and used to identify piston coring targets. Coring locations were selected to sample around BSR pinch-outs and possible fluid migration pathways to determine gas composition and flux. Shallow sediments collected in June 2015 in the Tuaheni Basin had relatively low sediment headspace CH4 concentrations (6000ppm. Higher molecular weight alkanes were not detected in the sediment headspace gas at any location. Sediment porewater sulfate, chloride and sulfide concentrations will be presented with CH4concentration profiles and geophysical data.

Functional Polymer Opals and Porous Materials by Shear-Induced Assembly of Tailor-Made Particles.

PubMed

Gallei, Markus

2018-02-01

Photonic band-gap materials attract enormous attention as potential candidates for a steadily increasing variety of applications. Based on the preparation of easily scalable monodisperse colloids, such optically attractive photonic materials can be prepared by an inexpensive and convenient bottom-up process. Artificial polymer opals can be prepared by shear-induced assembly of core/shell particles, yielding reversibly stretch-tunable materials with intriguing structural colors. This feature article highlights recent developments of core/shell particle design and shear-induced opal formation with focus on the combination of hard and soft materials as well as crosslinking strategies. Structure formation of opal materials relies on both the tailored core/shell architecture and the parameters for polymer processing. The emphasis of this feature article is on elucidating the particle design and incorporation of addressable moieties, i.e., stimuli-responsive polymers as well as elaborated crosslinking strategies for the preparation of smart (inverse) opal films, inorganic/organic opals, and ceramic precursors by shear-induced ordering. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A 1500-year holocene caribbean climate archive from the Blue Hole, lighthouse reef, belize

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gischler, E.; Shinn, E.A.; Oschmann, W.; Fiebig, J.; Buster, N.A.

2008-01-01

Sediment cores (up to 6 m in length) from the bottom of the Blue Hole, a 125 m deep Pleistocene sinkhole located in the lagoon of Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Belize, consist of undisturbed, annually layered biogenic carbonate muds and silts with intercalated coarser grained storm beds. The sedimentation rate of the layered sections is 2.5 mm/y on average, and the long cores span the past 1500 years. Oxygen isotopes of laminated sediment provide a late Holocene climate proxy: A high-resolution ??18O time series traces the final Migration Period Pessimum, the Medieval Warm Period, the Little Ice Age, and the subsequent temperature rise. Carbon isotopes (??13C) decrease up core and show the impacts of the decline of the Mayan culture and the Suess effect. Time series analyses of ??18O and ??13C content reveal 88-, 60-, 52-, and 32-year cyclicities, and suggest solar forcing. Storm event beds are most common during AD 650-850, around AD 1000, during AD 1200-1300, and AD 1450-1550. Major storm beds are rare during the past 500 years BP.

Accumulation and trace-metal variability of estuarine sediments, St. Bernard delta geomorphic region, Louisiana

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Landrum, K.E.

1995-10-01

Prior to government regulation, little monitoring of metal discharges into the canals, bayous, and rivers that drain estuarine systems occured. Discharges of trace-metals by industries and municipalities into surface water bodies are presently regulated through the use of Federal and State mandated permit programs. Resource management of economically important estuarine systems has fostered increasing concern over the accumulation of trace-metal pollutants in water, sediments, and biota from these dynamic areas. The acid-leachable concentrations of fourteen trace-metals were determined for 125 bottom sediment samples and 50 core interval samples by plasma emission analysis. Bottom sediments of the St. Bernard estuarom complexmore » consist predominantly of silty clays and clayey silts derived from the erosion of the St. Bernard lobe of the Mississippi River delta and sediments associated with historic crevasses along the Mississippi River. Within the 2 cm core intervals, trace-metal concentrations of Ba, Cr, Cd, Pb, and Zn increased by 10% to 18% in sediments accumulated within the last 75 years. Trace-metal concentrations from sediments for the study area tend to have greater mean concentrations than Florida estuarine sediments, basinwide and Gulf Coast trace-metal comparisons, sediment geochronology. Rates varied from 0.12 to 0.21 cm/yr. Within the 2 cm core intervals, trace-metal concentrations of Ba, Cr, Cd, Pb, and Zn increased by 10% to 18% in sediments accumulated within the last 75 years. Natural trace-metal variability was examined through the use of an aluminum normalization model based on Florida and Louisiana estuarine sediments, basinwide and Gulf Coast trace-metal comparisons, sediment geochronology, and grain-size corrected data. Elevated concentrations of As, Ba, Cd, Pb, V and Zn were noted from sediments associated with oil and gas drilling and production, sandblasting and shipbuilding, dredging, and stormwater, municipal, and industrial discharges.« less

Remote Correlation of Paleoceanographic Events in the Northern Parts of Bering and Barents Seas during the Termination I and Early Holocene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivanova, E. V.; Ovsepyan, E.; Murdmaa, I.; de Vernal, A.; Risebrobakken, B.; Seitkalieva, E.; Radionova, E.; Alekhina, G.

2014-12-01

The Barents and Bering seas are closely linked to the High Arctic and to the THC by marine gateways as well as by land-sea and ocean-atmosphere interactions. Our multi-proxy time series demonstrate that these remote seas exhibited dramatic changes during the deglaciation through a succession of global and regional paleoceanographic events including the beginning of Termination I (BT1), Heinrich-1 or Oldest Dryas (OD), Bølling-Allerød (B/A), Younger Dryas (YD) and early Holocene (EH). In the NW Barents Sea, the increased subsurface-to-bottom Atlantic water inflow via the Kvitøya-Erik Eriksen trough (cores S 2519 and S 2528) is inferred at the late OD, late B/A and late YD/EH transition. These events are generally coupled with the strengthened AMOC. A remarkable sea surface warming and sea ice retreat are documented at ~ 13 ka BP. Surface warming and strong Atlantic water inflow were followed by intense iceberg calving in the Erik Eriksen Trough as indicated by the high IRD content of Core S-2519. The rock fragments are unsorted and mainly angular suggesting their ice-rafted (likely iceberg-rafted) origin. Svalbard glaciers apparently derived the material dominated by black schistous mudstones, hard limestones with coral remains, fine-grained sandstones from nearby islands, and icebergs spread it in the Kvitøya-Erik Eriksen Trough during the early deglaciation. The ice rafted coarse terrigenous material supply during the BT1 is also suggested for the NW Bering Sea. In the NW Pacific, NW Bering Sea and Sea of Okhotsk, surface bioproductivity peaked at B/A and EH mainly due to the global warming, enhanced nutrient supply by surface currents from the flooded northeastern shelf, intensified vertical mixing and water exchange through the opened straits. Oxygen-depleted bottom water at intermediate depths characterized several locations including the NW Bering Sea (Core SO201-2-85KL).

Holocene-Pleistocene Environmental Changes in Eastern Mediterranean Sediments: Foraminiferal and Geochemical Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sinoussy Mohamed, K. S., Jr.; Ibrahim, M. I. A.; Moustafa, A. R.; Abd Elkarim, M. R.; Shreadah, M. M. A.

2014-12-01

The present study is based on gravity core sediment samples from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea located in 32° 20' 55" N and 31° 47' 79" E, in front of the Nile Delta Fan taken during METEOR cruise M70b (October 2006). The core is gravity one (St#822), 4.5 m long, and in 1089 m water depth. The study of benthic and planktic foraminifera is used to determine the microhabitat of the bottom sediments during warm and cold periods. Sapropels S1, S3 and S4 are encountered in the studied gravity core sample from the eastern Mediterranean. The sapropel layers S1, S3 and S4 were deposited during interglacial periods, characterized by a low foraminiferal numbers, reflecting eutrophic conditions. Glacial periods are characterized by high foraminiferal numbers due probably to an enhanced glacial productivity. Sapropel layers are distinguished by increase of Fe, TOC% (TOC%≥ 1.2%) and decrease of Ca concentrations as a result of the Blue Nile suspended particulate matter discharge during summer monsoon. Clay content increases at the sapropel depths that indicate an increase in the terrigenous input derived from the weathering of Ethiopian basalts. Temporal distribution of planktic and benthic foraminifera in the Nile deep sea fan sediments besides geochemical charcterization, palaeohydrological fluctuations, palaeoenvironment and microhabitat of foraminifera were reconstructed for the last 100000 years including glacial and interglacial periods. Formation of the Sapropel layers are synchronized with the decreasing of δ18O which means that the Mediterranean Sea received high amount of fresh water from the Nile river discharge. Clay content, TOC%, Ca-Fe cycles, oxygen and carbon isotopes and planktic foraminifera document the pluvial and arid periods throughout the 100000 years and define clearly the contributions of terrigenous and TOC% in the sapropel layers. Infauna/epifauna ratio and benthic foraminifera assemblages were used to reconstruct the microhabitat of the sea bottom during sapropel and cold periods.

A Qualitative Study of Confusing Experiences among Japanese Adult Patients with Type 1 Diabetes

PubMed Central

Nishio, Ikuko; Chujo, Masami; Kataoka, Hideyuki

2016-01-01

Background In this study, we investigated the powerlessness of patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), and described the structure of powerlessness that these individuals experienced. In order for patients to recover from this state, we recommend that they take steps to regain their power. Methods Fifteen Japanese adults with T1D participated in this study. Data were collected from all subjects between July 2013 and March 2014 via in-depth semi-structured interviews. Qualitative data analysis was conducted according to a grounded theory approach. Finally, the core category was identified, which allowed us to build a new powerlessness structure for T1D. Results The results suggested a core category, ‘Wandering a tangled path,’ comprising four categories, eight subcategories, and twenty-six concepts. These four categories were as follows: ‘being burdened by T1D,’ ‘suffering from insulin-related troubles,’ ‘being unable to cope with difficulties in self-management,’ and ‘facing social prejudice.’ In the state of powerlessness, negative emotional experiences snowballed, with patients feeling more and more depressed until they ultimately reached ‘rock bottom.’ Conclusion We found that as negative emotional experiences related to powerlessness increased, negative feelings intensified until the patients reached rock bottom. Powerlessness is like ‘wandering a tangled path,’ a state in which T1D patients struggle to cope with reality on their own when faced with both internal and external events. ‘Wandering a tangled path’ is at the core of powerlessness. A primary characteristic of the structure of powerlessness is suffering from confusing experiences. To help patients cope with T1D without being crushed by powerlessness, nurses must pay attention to signs of powerlessness. Powerlessness is not just an emotional state, but a combination of feelings, perceptions, and thoughts; therefore, it is important to comprehensively understand patients’ narratives. PMID:27046954

Holocene lake level changes at a lowland lake in northeastern Germany inferred from acoustic sub-bottom profiling and a transect of sediment cores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dietze, Elisabeth; Zawiska, Izabela; Słowiński, Michał; Brauer, Achim

2015-04-01

Holocene lake level changes were studied at Lake Fürstenseer See, a typical lake with complex basin morphology in northeastern German sandur area. An acoustic sub-bottom profile and a transect of four long sediment cores in the deepest lake sub-basin were analyzed. The cores were dated with AMS-14C and correlated with multiple proxies (sediment facies, μ-XRF, macrofossils, subfossil Cladocera, carbonate isotopes). At sites in 10 and 15 m water depth, shifts in the sand-mud boundary, i.e. sediment limit sensu Digerfeldt (1986), allowed quantitative estimates of the absolute amplitude of lake level changes. At sites in 20 and 23 m water depth, the negative correlation of Ca and Ti reflect lake level changes qualitatively. During high lake stands massive organic muds were deposited. Lower lake levels isolated the lake sub-basins which reduced the overall water circulation and lead to the deposition of Ti-poor carbonate muds. Furthermore, macrofossil and subfossil Cladocera analyses were used as proxies for the intense reworking at the slope and for the trophic state of the lake, respectively. Lake levels were up to 4 m higher, e.g. around 5000 cal. yrs BP and during the Medieval time period (see also Kaiser et al., 2014). During the early to mid-Holocene (between 9400 and 6400 cal. yrs BP), Lake Fürstenseer See fluctuated at an at least 3-m lower level. Further water level changes can be related to known climatic events and regional human impact. Digerfeldt, G., 1986. Studies on past lake-level fluctuations. In Berglund, B. (ed.), Handbook of Holocene Palaeoecology and Palaeohydrology: 127-144. John Wiley & Sons, New York. Kaiser, K., Küster, M., Fülling, A., Theuerkauf, M., Dietze, E., Graventein, H., Koch, P.J., Bens, O., Brauer, A., 2014. Littoral landforms and pedosedimentary sequences indicating late Holocene lake-level changes in northern central Europe ' A case study from northeastern Germany. Geomorphology 216, 58-78.

Studies of the use of high-temperature nuclear heat from an HTGR for hydrogen production

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peterman, D. D.; Fontaine, R. W.; Quade, R. N.; Halvers, L. J.; Jahromi, A. M.

1975-01-01

The results of a study which surveyed various methods of hydrogen production using nuclear and fossil energy are presented. A description of these methods is provided, and efficiencies are calculated for each case. The process designs of systems that utilize the heat from a general atomic high temperature gas cooled reactor with a steam methane reformer and feed the reformer with substitute natural gas manufactured from coal, using reforming temperatures, are presented. The capital costs for these systems and the resultant hydrogen production price for these cases are discussed along with a research and development program.

Fabrication and characterization of tapered graphite/epoxy box beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yen, S.-C.; Gopal, P.; Dharani, L. R.

1993-04-01

Graphite/epoxy (T300/934) prepreg is used to fabricate tapered box beams with a taper angle of 2 deg between the top and bottom walls. The prepreg is cured on a segmented steel core using a hot-press. A screw arrangement is used to apply curing pressure in the horizontal direction, while the platens of the hot-press apply pressure in the vertical direction. The inplane bending stiffness of the beam is determined by 3-point bend test and is found to be in agreement with theory.

Sentinel-2 Level 2A Prototype Processor: Architecture, Algorithms And First Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muller-Wilm, Uwe; Louis, Jerome; Richter, Rudolf; Gascon, Ferran; Niezette, Marc

2013-12-01

Sen2Core is a prototype processor for Sentinel-2 Level 2A product processing and formatting. The processor is developed for and with ESA and performs the tasks of Atmospheric Correction and Scene Classification of Level 1C input data. Level 2A outputs are: Bottom-Of- Atmosphere (BOA) corrected reflectance images, Aerosol Optical Thickness-, Water Vapour-, Scene Classification maps and Quality indicators, including cloud and snow probabilities. The Level 2A Product Formatting performed by the processor follows the specification of the Level 1C User Product.

An innovative piston corer for large‐volume sediment samples

PubMed Central

Haselmair, Alexandra; Stachowitsch, Michael; Zuschin, Martin

2016-01-01

Abstract Coring is one of several standard procedures to extract sediments and their faunas from open marine, estuarine, and limnic environments. Achieving sufficiently deep penetration, obtaining large sediment volumes in single deployments, and avoiding sediment loss upon retrieval remain problematic. We developed a piston corer with a diameter of 16 cm that enables penetration down to 1.5 m in a broad range of soft bottom types, yields sufficient material for multiple analyses, and prevents sediment loss due to a specially designed hydraulic core catcher. A novel extrusion system enables very precise slicing and preserves the original sediment stratification by keeping the liners upright. The corer has moderate purchase costs and a robust and simple design that allows for a deployment from relatively small vessels as available at most marine science institutions. It can easily be operated by two to three researchers rather than by specially trained technicians. In the northern Adriatic Sea, the corer successfully extracted more than 50 cores from a range of fine mud to coarse sand, at water depths from three to 45 m. The initial evaluation of the cores demonstrated their usefulness for fauna sequences along with heavy metal, nutrient and pollutant analyses. Their length is particularly suited for historical ecological work requiring sedimentary and faunal sequences to reconstruct benthic communities over the last millennia. PMID:28111529

Optical and Photothermal Behaviors of Colloidal and Self-Assembled Magnetic-Plasmonic Nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Kai

This dissertation is based on numerous efforts in exploring the capabilties of numerical simulation for investigating novel optical phenomena in different colloidal plasmonic systems. The dissertation includes five chapters. Chapter 1 contains a general introduction to the fundamentals of plasmonic behaviors in colloidal clusters and bottom-up self-assembly methods for manufacturing colloidal clusters which include magnetic based and DNA-assisted pathways. Chapter 2 presents a systematic comparison of optical and thermodynamic properties of near-infrared colloidal nanoparticles, including SiO2 Au core-shell, Au nanocage and Au nanorod, and an example of the nanobubble-based photothermal therapy application. In Chapter 3, a optical phenomenon named Fano resonance is demonstrated in a colloidal heptamer design which consists of seven Fe 3O4 Au core-shell nanoparticles. The incorporation of the magnetic core enables a magnetic-assisted self-assembly process which will be discussed after the photonic analysis. In Chapter 4, the optical behaviors in a 1D magnetic-plasmonic chain are explored. A demonstration of the magnetic-based self-assembly of this 1D chain is given. Chapter 5 is focused on the study of the chiral optical responses in a helical nanoscale system which follows a 3D helical arrangement of Fe3O4 Au core-shell nanoparticles.

Accurate and Precise Bottom Water Paleotemperatures from Aragonitic Benthic Foraminiferal Li/Mg: Calibration, Theory, and Application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marchitto, T. M., Jr.; Valley, S.; Lynch-Stieglitz, J.

2015-12-01

While great progress has been made in reconstructing past sea surface temperatures, reliable bottom water paleotemperature measurements are not routinely available. We suggest that Li/Mg ratios in biogenic aragonites, particularly in the cosmopolitan benthic foraminifer Hoeglundina elegans, have the potential to bridge this gap. Core top calibration shows that H. elegans Li/Mg decreases by 5.5% per °C (r2 = 0.91), with a relationship that is nearly identical to that displayed by a wide range of corals (r2 = 0.95). The fact that such disparate organisms behave so similarly suggests to us that thermodynamics are shining through the 'vital effects' that so often plague paleoceanographic proxies. We hypothesize that Ca2+ pumping causes Li/Ca and Mg/Ca ratios in the organisms' calcification pools to decline, while Li/Mg remains constant. Rayleigh fractionation has the opposite effect on calcification pool Li/Ca and Mg/Ca (they rise), while Li/Mg still remains essentially constant. Hence any environmental influences on Ca2+ pumping and/or Rayleigh fractionation, such as seawater carbonate chemistry, have no measurable effects on aragonite Li/Mg. Our first downcore test of the Li/Mg proxy is performed in core KNR166-2-26JPC from 546 m water depth in the Florida Straits. Benthic foraminiferal δ18O was previously used to document decreased seawater density during both Heinrich Stadial 1 (HS1) and the Younger Dryas (YD), consistent with flattening of isopycnals across the Florida Current caused by slowdown of the AMOC. Here we show striking agreement between H. elegans Li/Mg and ice-volume-corrected δ18O temperatures since ~17 ka (in both absolute values and temporal changes), confirming that bottom waters abruptly warmed during HS1 and the YD. The YD, which is better-resolved, was ~2°C warmer than the Holocene. Li/Mg indicates that Last Glacial Maximum bottom waters were ~2-3°C, or ~5°C colder than during the Holocene. If these glacial temperatures are accurate, they require a similar seawater δ18O to today, which suggests relative freshening in the face of higher mean ocean δ18O. Overall the Li/Mg paleotemperature reproducibility is very good, with a median five-depth running standard deviation of <0.6°C (even before omitting apparent outliers), a number which certainly includes real temporal variability.

Mg/Ca- Δ CO3porewater2- -temperature calibration for Globobulimina spp.: A sensitive paleothermometer for deep-sea temperature reconstruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weldeab, Syee; Arce, Adam; Kasten, Sabine

2016-03-01

Existing benthic foraminiferal Mg/Ca-temperature calibrations are surrounded by substantial uncertainties mainly due to low temperature sensitivity of Mg/Ca in most benthic foraminifers and the effect of carbonate ion concentration on benthic foraminiferal Mg/Ca. Here we present Mg/Ca analysis of Rose Bengal stained and exceptionally well-preserved tests of the infaunal benthic foraminifer Globobulimina spp. from 39 eastern equatorial Atlantic core top samples. Mg/Ca in Globobulimina spp. varies between 2.5 mmol/mol and 9.1 mmol/mol corresponding to bottom water temperatures (BWT) between 1.8 °C and 19.1 °C and Δ CO3pore water2- between 33.7 ± 4 and - 34.3 ± 4 μmol /kg in sediment depths between 1 and 10 cm. Mg/Ca and BWT are linearly correlated with a best fit of Mg/Ca [mmol/mol] = (0.36 ± 0.02) * BWT [°C] + 2.22 ± 0.19 (r2 = 0.92, p-value: 11 *10-20, and n = 39). Using total alkalinity and pH data of pore water samples from 64 Atlantic multi-corer sites, we obtained Δ CO3pore water2- data from the depth habitat range of Globobulimina spp. (≥1 cm ≤ 10 cm below sediment surface). We show that Δ CO3pore waterSUP>2- is significantly lower than and linearly co-varies with the ΔCO2-3 of the overlying bottom water: Δ CO3pore water2- = (0.67 ± 0.05) * Δ CO3bottom water2- - (39.84 ± 1.98); r2 = 0.75, p-value: 6 *10-20, n = 64. We found a Mg/Ca sensitivity of 0.009 ± 0.0044 mmol /mol per μmol/kg Δ CO3pore water2- and Mg/Ca temperature sensitivity of 0.32 ± 0.06 mmol /mol / °C after a correction for the Δ CO3pore water2- effect. This study provides a robust Mg/Ca-temperature calibration, highlights that Δ CO3pore water2- is spatially and most likely temporally variable, and contradicts the notion that infaunal foraminiferal Mg/Ca is relatively immune from ΔCO2-3 changes in the overlying bottom water. Furthermore, comparison of down core Mg/Ca data of Cibicides pachyderma and Globobulimina spp. demonstrates that the high temperature sensitivity of Mg/Ca in Globobulimina spp. presents a more robust paleothermometer to reconstruct past changes in the thermal state of the deep ocean.

In Situ SEM Observations of Fracture Behavior of Laser Welded-Brazed Al/Steel Dissimilar Joint

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Hongbo; Tan, Caiwang; Li, Liqun; Ma, Ninshu

2018-03-01

Laser welding-brazing of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy to DP590 dual-phase steel with Al-Si12 flux-cored filler wire was performed. The microstructure at the brazing interface was characterized. Fracture behavior was observed and analyzed by in situ scanning electron microscope. The microstructure of the brazing interface showed that inhomogeneous intermetallic compounds formed along the thickness direction, which had a great influence on the crack initiation and propagation. In the top region, the reaction layer at the interface consisted of scattered needle-like Fe(Al,Si)3 and serration-shaped Fe1.8Al7.2Si. In the middle region, the compound at the interface was only serration-shaped Fe1.8Al7.2Si. In the bottom region, the interface was composed of lamellar-shaped Fe1.8Al7.2Si. The cracks were first detected in the bottom region and propagated from bottom to top along the interface. At the bottom region, the crack initiated and propagated along the Fe1.8Al7.2Si/weld seam interface during the in situ tensile test. When the crack propagated into the middle region, a deflection of crack propagation appeared. The crack first propagated along the steel/Fe1.8Al7.2Si interface and then moved along the weld seam until the failure of the joint. The tensile strength of the joint was 146.5 MPa. Some micro-cracks were detected at Fe(Al,Si)3 and the interface between the steel substrate and Fe(Al,Si)3 in the top region while the interface was still connected.

Lack of enhanced preservation of organic matter in sediments under the oxygen minimum on the Oman Margin

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pedersen, T.F.; Shimmield, G.B.; Price, N.B.

1992-01-01

The impingement of oxygen minima on continental margins is widely thought to promote the accumulation of sedimentary facies enriched in well-preserved organic matter. It is shown here, however, that such a relationship does not clearly apply to the productive Oman Margin in the Arabian Sea, which hosts one of the most severe oxygen minima in the oceans. Measurements made on the 0-1 cm depth interval from fourteen box cores collected from the outer shelf-upper continental slope area off Oman show that (1) deposited organic matter is overwhelmingly of marine origin, (2) there is no significant correlation between the abundance ofmore » sedimentary organic carbon (C{sub org}) and the bottom-water O{sub 2} concentration, (3) there is no relation between the sedimentary C{sub org}:N ratio and bottom-water O{sub 2}, and (4) there is no correlation between the hydrogen index (HI) of the organic matter and bottom water oxygen. There are, however, significant correlations between the C{sub org}:N ratio and the I:C{sub org}, Cr:Al, and Zr:Al ratios, as well as between the C{sub org}:N ratio and the hydrogen index. Overall, these data suggest that the bottom water oxygen concentration has little effect in governing either the distribution of the degree of preservation of organic matter on this margin. Thus, the generally high but spatially variable C{sub org} content of the sediments on the Oman Margin may not reflect the occurrence of an oxygen minimum but instead be the result of a high settling flux of organic matter, supported by monsoon-driven upwelling, and post-depositional redistribution of the organic material by hydrodynamic influences.« less

Hetonic quartets in a two-layer quasi-geostrophic flow: V-states and stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reinaud, J. N.; Sokolovskiy, M. A.; Carton, X.

2018-05-01

We investigate families of finite core vortex quartets in mutual equilibrium in a two-layer quasi-geostrophic flow. The finite core solutions stem from known solutions for discrete (singular) vortex quartets. Two vortices lie in the top layer and two vortices lie in the bottom layer. Two vortices have a positive potential vorticity anomaly, while the two others have negative potential vorticity anomaly. The vortex configurations are therefore related to the baroclinic dipoles known in the literature as hetons. Two main branches of solutions exist depending on the arrangement of the vortices: the translating zigzag-shaped hetonic quartets and the rotating zigzag-shaped hetonic quartets. By addressing their linear stability, we show that while the rotating quartets can be unstable over a large range of the parameter space, most translating quartets are stable. This has implications on the longevity of such vortex equilibria in the oceans.

NUCLEAR SUPERHEATER FOR BOILING WATER REACTOR

DOEpatents

Holl, R.J.; Klecker, R.W.; Graham, C.B.

1962-05-15

A description is given of a boiling water reactor having a superheating region integral with the core. The core consists essentially of an annular boiling region surrounding an inner superheating region. Both regions contain fuel elements and are separated by a cylindrical wall, perforations being provided in the lower portion of the cylindrical wall to permit circulation of a common water moderator between the two regions. The superheater region comprises a plurality of tubular fuel assemblies through which the steam emanating from the boiling region passes to the steam outlet. Each superheater fuel assembly has an outer double-walled cylinder, the double walls being concentrically spaced and connected together at their upper ends but open at the bottom to provide for differential thermal expansion of the inner and outer walls. Gas is entrapped in the annulus between the walls which acts as an insulating space between the fissionable material inside and the moderator outside. (AEC)

Impact of open-core threading dislocations on the performance of AlGaN metal-semiconductor-metal photodetectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walde, S.; Brendel, M.; Zeimer, U.; Brunner, F.; Hagedorn, S.; Weyers, M.

2018-04-01

The influence of open-core threading dislocations on the bias-dependent external quantum efficiency (EQE) of bottom-illuminated Al0.5Ga0.5N/AlN metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) photodetectors (PDs) is presented. These defects originate at the Al0.5Ga0.5N/AlN interface and terminate on the Al0.5Ga0.5N surface as hexagonal prisms. They work as electrically active paths bypassing the Al0.5Ga0.5N absorber layer and therefore alter the behavior of the MSM PDs under bias voltage. This effect is included in the model of carrier collection in the MSM PDs showing a good agreement with the experimental data. While such dislocations usually limit the device performance, the MSM PDs benefit by high EQE at a reduced bias voltage while maintaining a low dark current.

The role of chemical reactions in the Chernobyl accident

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Grishanin, E. I., E-mail: egrishanin@orexovo.net

2010-12-15

It is shown that chemical reactions played an essential role in the Chernobyl accident at all of its stages. It is important that the reactor before the explosion was at maximal xenon poisoning, and its reactivity, apparently, was not destroyed by the explosion. The reactivity release due to decay of Xe-235 on the second day after the explosion led to a reactor power of 80-110 MW. Owing to this power, the chemical reactions of reduction of uranium, plutonium, and other metals at a temperature of about 2000 Degree-Sign C occurred in the core. The yield of fission products thus sharplymore » increased. Uranium and other metals flew down in the bottom water communications and rooms. After reduction of the uranium and its separation from the graphite, the chain reaction stopped, the temperature of the core decreased, and the activity yield stopped.« less

Top-down and bottom-up characterization of nitrated birch pollen allergen Bet v 1a with CZE hyphenated to an Orbitrap mass spectrometer.

PubMed

Gusenkov, Sergey; Stutz, Hanno

2018-02-01

Tyrosine (Tyr) residues of the major pollen allergen of birch Betula verrucosa, Bet v 1a, were nitrated by peroxynitrite. This modification enhances the allergenicity. Modified tyrosines were identified by analyzing intact allergen variants in combination with top-down and bottom-up approaches. Therefore, a laboratory-built sheath-liquid assisted ESI interface was applied for hyphenation of CE to an Orbitrap mass spectrometer to localize individual nitration sites. The major focus was on identification of primary nitration sites. The top-down approach unambiguously identified Tyr 5 as the most prominent modification site. Fragments from the allergen core and the C-terminal part carried up to three potential nitration sites, respectively. Thus, a bottom-up approach with tryptic digest was used as a complementary strategy which allowed for the unambiguous localization of nitration sites within the respective peptides. Nitration propensity for individual Tyr residues was addressed by comparison of MS signals of nitrated peptides relative to all cognates of homolog primary sequence. Combined data identified surface exposed Tyr 5 and Tyr 66 as major nitration sites followed by less accessible Tyr 158 whereas Tyr 81, 83 and 150 possess a lower nitration tendency and are apparently modified in variants with higher nitration levels. © 2018 The Authors. Electrophoresis published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

Mass-physical properties of surficial sediments on the Rhoˆne continental margin: implications for the nepheloid benthic layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chassefiere, Bernard

1990-09-01

Mass-physical properties of the surficial (upper 5 m) sediments on the Gulf of Lions continental margin were analysed, from more than 100 short (1 m) and longer (5 m) cores obtained during several cruises. Data include water content, unit weight, Atterberg limits (liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index), shear strength and compression index, and are used to determine: first, the mass property distribution, according to the main parameters influencing mass-physical properties; the relationships between these properties and the nepheloid layer on the shelf. The shoreline (lagoons) and inner shelf are characterized by low density and shear strength and high water content deposits, due to electrochemical flocculation of the sediment. The outer shelf is blanketed by higher density and shear strength and lower water content deposits generated by normal settling of suspended particles. On the inner shelf, during river peak discharges, a short-term thin bottom layer of "yogurt-like" [ FASS (1985) Geomarine Letters, 4, 147-152; FASS (1986) Continental Shelf Research, 6, 189-208] fluid-mud (unit weight lower than 1.3 mg m -3) is supplied, by a bottom nepheloid layer. During stormy periods, this "yogurt-like" layer (about 10 cm thick) partly disappears by resuspension of suspended particulate matter; this is advected, in the bottom nepheloid layer, over the shelf and the canyons within the upper slope.

Impact of eutrophication on shallow marine benthic foraminifers over the last 150 years in Osaka Bay, Japan

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tsujimoto, Akira; Nomura, Ritsuo; Yasuhara, Moriaki; Yamazaki, Hideo; Yoshikawa, Shusaku

2006-01-01

High-resolution foraminiferal analysis was conducted on a short sediment core from the inner part of Osaka Bay, Japan. Changes in foraminiferal assemblages were associated with eutrophication, bottom water hypoxia, and changes in red tide-causing algae. Before the 1920s, the calcareous species Ammonia beccarii, and the agglutinated species Eggerella advena and Trochammina hadai were rare, but calcareous foraminifers in general were abundant. Between the 1920s and 1940s, calcareous foraminifers decreased abruptly in abundance, while A. beccarii, E. advena and T. hadai increased in abundance. This faunal change corresponded in time to an increase in nutrients flowing in through the Yodo River, and bottom water hypoxia related to eutrophication. In the 1960s and 1970s, A. beccarii, E. advena and T. hadai further increased in abundance to become dominant, and many calcareous foraminifers nearly disappeared, corresponding to increasing bottom water hypoxia related to the rapid increase in discharged nutrients during the high economic growth period from 1953 to 1971. After the 1990s, A. beccarii decreased rapidly in abundance and E. advena and Uvigerinella glabra increased in abundance. The main components of red tide-causing algae changed from dinoflagellates to diatoms in the 1980s through 1990s, thus there was a change in the food supply to the benthos, which may have caused the increase in abundance of E. advena and U. glabra.

Application of reliability-centered maintenance to boiling water reactor emergency core cooling systems fault-tree analysis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Choi, Y.A.; Feltus, M.A.

1995-07-01

Reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) methods are applied to boiling water reactor plant-specific emergency core cooling system probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) fault trees. The RCM is a technique that is system function-based, for improving a preventive maintenance (PM) program, which is applied on a component basis. Many PM programs are based on time-directed maintenance tasks, while RCM methods focus on component condition-directed maintenance tasks. Stroke time test data for motor-operated valves (MOVs) are used to address three aspects concerning RCM: (a) to determine if MOV stroke time testing was useful as a condition-directed PM task; (b) to determine and compare the plant-specificmore » MOV failure data from a broad RCM philosophy time period compared with a PM period and, also, compared with generic industry MOV failure data; and (c) to determine the effects and impact of the plant-specific MOV failure data on core damage frequency (CDF) and system unavailabilities for these emergency systems. The MOV stroke time test data from four emergency core cooling systems [i.e., high-pressure coolant injection (HPCI), reactor core isolation cooling (RCIC), low-pressure core spray (LPCS), and residual heat removal/low-pressure coolant injection (RHR/LPCI)] were gathered from Philadelphia Electric Company`s Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station Units 2 and 3 between 1980 and 1992. The analyses showed that MOV stroke time testing was not a predictor for eminent failure and should be considered as a go/no-go test. The failure data from the broad RCM philosophy showed an improvement compared with the PM-period failure rates in the emergency core cooling system MOVs. Also, the plant-specific MOV failure rates for both maintenance philosophies were shown to be lower than the generic industry estimates.« less

Net profit flow per country from 1980 to 2009: The long-term effects of foreign direct investment.

PubMed

Akkermans, Dirk H M

2017-01-01

The paper aims at describing and explaining net profit flows per country for the period 1980-2009. Net profit flows result from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) stock and profit repatriation: inward stock creating a profit outflow and outward FDI stock a profit inflow. Profit flows, especially 'normal' ones are not commonly researched. According to world-system theory, countries are part of a system characterised by a core, semi-periphery and periphery, as shown by network analyses of trade relations. Network analyses based on ownership relations of TransNational Corporations (TNCs) show that the top 50 firms that control about 40% of the world economy are almost exclusively located in core countries. So, we may expect a hierarchy in net profit flows with core countries on top and the periphery at the bottom. FDI outflows from the core countries especially rose in the 1990s, so we may expect that the difference has grown in time. A dataset on 'net profit flow' per country is developed. There are diverging developments in net profit flows since the 1980s, as expected: ever more positive for core countries, negative and ever lower for semi-peripheral and peripheral countries, in particular from the 1990s onwards. A fixed effects quantile regression using publicly available data confirms the prediction that peripheral countries share a unique characteristic: their outward investments do not have a positive influence on net profit flow as is the case with semi-peripheral and core countries. The most probable explanation is that peripheral outward investments are indirectly owned by firms located in core and semi-peripheral countries, so all peripheral profit inflows end up in those countries.

Terrestrial biomarker records in Seomjin Estuary in the South Sea of Korea: Implication for terrestrial flux and environmental changes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

kim, Songyi; hyun, Sangmin; Kim, Wonnyon; Hyeong, Kiseong

2016-04-01

High-resolution records of terrestrial biomarkers, n-alkane compounds, were investigated in two gravity cores (SJP-2 and SJP-4) to evaluate variations in terrestrial organic matter influx. Based on 14C dating, sediments in both cores were deposited during the mid-Holocene; the ages of the bottom sediments of SJP-2 and SJP-4 reached 5,500 Cal yr BP and 5,000 Cal yr BP, respectively. High concentrations of total n-alkanes (nC25-35) in the two cores showed an increasing tendency from 4,500 yr to ca. 2,000 yr. The composition changed at the boundary of 2,500 yr in both cores, suggesting a variation in terrestrial biomarker influx at this time. Several indices including average chain length (ACL), carbon preference index (ICP), and paleo-vegetation index (Paq) showed coincident variations in both cores; ACL exhibited a narrow range of variations with a slight shift at 2,500 yr, CPI showed a decreasing tendency from 4,000 yr to 2,500 yr, and Paq increased during these intervals. Furthermore, the ratios of C23/C31 and C25/C31, indicate a relative abundance of epicuticular wax from vascular plants with coincident variations in both cores, and this also marched well with Paq. CPI excursions suggested that the total n-alkane proxy of the two cores might not only be linked to local climatic variability but also to local oceanographic conditions due to the different sedimentation rates. Variations in paleovegetation and paleoclimate around the study area might be strongly associated with the influx of terrestrial organic compounds derived from vascular plants. Additional 14C dating and isotope study of individual n-alkane biomarkers will provide detailed information on paleoclimatic and paleovegetation changes.

Net profit flow per country from 1980 to 2009: The long-term effects of foreign direct investment

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Aim of the paper The paper aims at describing and explaining net profit flows per country for the period 1980–2009. Net profit flows result from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) stock and profit repatriation: inward stock creating a profit outflow and outward FDI stock a profit inflow. Profit flows, especially ‘normal’ ones are not commonly researched. Theoretical background According to world-system theory, countries are part of a system characterised by a core, semi-periphery and periphery, as shown by network analyses of trade relations. Network analyses based on ownership relations of TransNational Corporations (TNCs) show that the top 50 firms that control about 40% of the world economy are almost exclusively located in core countries. So, we may expect a hierarchy in net profit flows with core countries on top and the periphery at the bottom. FDI outflows from the core countries especially rose in the 1990s, so we may expect that the difference has grown in time. Data and results A dataset on 'net profit flow' per country is developed. There are diverging developments in net profit flows since the 1980s, as expected: ever more positive for core countries, negative and ever lower for semi-peripheral and peripheral countries, in particular from the 1990s onwards. A fixed effects quantile regression using publicly available data confirms the prediction that peripheral countries share a unique characteristic: their outward investments do not have a positive influence on net profit flow as is the case with semi-peripheral and core countries. The most probable explanation is that peripheral outward investments are indirectly owned by firms located in core and semi-peripheral countries, so all peripheral profit inflows end up in those countries. PMID:28654644

New radiocarbon ages from cirques in Colorado Front Range

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Davis, P.T.; Birkeland, P.W.; Caine, N.

The authors recovered sediment cores 3.1 m long from Blue Lake ([approximately]37m water depth, [approximately]3,445m a.s.l., 40[degree]5 minutes 20 seconds N, 105[degree]37 minutes 08 seconds W) and 2.7m long from Lake Dorothy ([approximately]35m water depth, [approximately]3,675m a.s.l., 40[degree]00 minutes 46 seconds N, 105[degree]41 minutes 11 seconds W). A light-weight percussion coring system suspended from perlon ropes was used because of sediment thicknesses, water depths, and ski-backpacking requirements. Lake ice provided a stable coring platform. One purpose of the project is provision of a high-resolution record of environmental change in the subalpine/alpine ecotone during the Holocene, under the auspices of themore » Niwot Ridge Long-Term Ecological Research program. The sediment cores also provide minimum-limiting radiocarbon ages for deglaciation of cirques and the deposits that impound their tarns. Here the authors report on this second purpose. The Blue Lake core bottomed in sandy, gray, inorganic sediment, presumably glacial diamict. A bulk sample from 2.8--2.9m depth yielded a conventional radiocarbon age of 12,275[+-]345 yrs BP. Thus, ice retreated from the site by 12 ka. Since 12 ka both glacial and rock-glacial sediments have been deposited upvalley; some of these events may be recognized in the core. In contrast, the Lake Dorothy core did not penetrate gray inorganic diamict and is entirely organic-rich. A bulk sample from 2.65--2.7m depth yielded a conventional radiocarbon age of 10,910 [+-] 320 yrs BP. Thus, the moraines impounding the lake are 2--3 times older than suggested by a combination of relative-age methods and one radiocarbon age from surface sediments.« less

Submarine landslide identified in DLW3102 core of the northern continental slope, South China Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Yuanqin; Liu, Lejun; Zhou, Hang; Huang, Baoqi; Li, Ping; Ma, Xiudong; Dong, Feiyin

2018-02-01

In this paper, we take DLW3101 core obtained at the top of the canyon (no landslide area) and DLW3102 core obtained at the bottom of the canyon (landslide area) on the northern continental slope of the South China Sea as research objects. The chronostratigraphic framework of the DLW3101 core and elemental strata of the DLW3101 core and the DLW3102 core since MIS5 are established by analyzing oxygen isotope, calcium carbonate content, and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) scanning elements. On the basis of the information obtained by analyzing the sedimentary structure and chemical elements in the landslide deposition, we found that the DLW3102 core shows four layers of submarine landslides, and each landslide layer is characterized by high Si, K, Ti, and Fe contents, thereby indicating terrigenous clastic sources. L1 (2.15-2.44 m) occurred in MIS2, which is a slump sedimentary layer with a small sliding distance and scale. L2 (15.48-16.00 m) occurred in MIS5 and is a debris flow-deposited layer with a scale and sliding distance that are greater than those of L1. L3 (19.00-20.90 m) occurred in MIS5; its upper part (19.00-20.00 m) is a debris flow-deposited layer, and its lower part (20.00-20.90 m) is a sliding deposition layer. The landslide scale of L3 is large. L4 (22.93-24.27 m) occurred in MIS5; its upper part (22.93-23.50 m) is a turbid sedimentary layer, and its lower part (23.50-24.27 m) is a slump sedimentary layer. The landslide scale of L4 is large.

Fine-resolved XRF geochemistry of bottom fills from Asian lakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phedorin (Fedorin), Mikhail

2010-05-01

Over the last fifteen years (1994-2009) several teams from Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Science have carried out numerous studies of cores of bottom sediments from Asian lakes, to perform regional reconstructions of past climate changes. Within these researches, the method of x-ray fluorescence (XRF) has widely been used to predict downcore distributions of elements; high-resolution XRF scanning of cores has been employed since 1999. Experiments have been performed at XRF facilities of Siberian Synchrotron Center. In this presentation I report (1) ‘know-how's of quantitative processing of experimental fine-scanning XRF data for lacustrine cores, and (2) geochemical signatures of sediments from Asian lakes obtained after XRF fine-scanning of cores. (1) Quantitative prediction of concentrations of elements from fine-scanning XRF data is problematic because of varying water content along scanning profile, as well as due to varying matrix chemistry and sample optical thickness. All these cause varying inter-element influence that changes fluorescence flux through its absorption and/or secondary excitation. To overcome these difficulties we have used an adapted algorithm of fundamental parameters. The mathematical model based on this algorithm accounts for two events of photon/matter interaction. Element concentrations are estimated using reference samples and the internal standard procedure, both with correction of interference effects. The pore water content is inferred from its correlation with the coherent/incoherent scatter intensity ratio. Sediment density is found from water content by a reliable sedimentological law. Normalization to Compton scattering accounts for the irradiated mass of wet sediment controlled by porosity and sampling-related core disturbance. The mathematical model also includes these scattering variations related to lithology, water content, and density of samples. The new method was applied to XRF scans of cores to predict concentrations of ca. 20 elements. Tests against ICP-MS, neutron activation spectrometry and conventional XRF (with traditional pretreatment of samples) show good agreement. Neglect of the disturbing effects may cause errors up to 30-200% for different elements. (2) Cores studied represent three types of fills: terrigenous silicate sediments, sapropel muds and carbonate-reach deposits. The sediments were collected by bottom drilling from the following Asian lakes: Baikal (53°42'N, 108°21'E), Khubsugul (51°28'N, 100°25'E), Khakas Lakes (Shira: 54°30'N, 90°12'E and Bele: 54°41'N, 90°15'E), East Siberian lakes (Ochki: 51°30'N, 104°53'E; Kotokel: 52°49'N, 108°09'E; Tolondo: 58°18'N, 119°47'E; Kiran: 50°22'N, 106°27'E), West Siberian lakes (Beloye: 55°23'N, 82°41'E; Kirek: 56°12'N, 84°23'E; Teletskoye: 51°39'N, 87°40'E). In current report I also provide data obtained after studying stratified peat archives from East and West Siberia. The following elements have been determined for most of the cores: K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, I, Ba, La, Ce, Pb, Th, U; in some experiments Cr, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Cd, Te, Sn, Pr, Nd were also determined. The vertical resolution of measurements was 0.1 to 1.0 mm. In this presentation I give examples of bigenic traces (Br, I and some other); of downcore variations of terrigenous clastic supply (marked by Ti, Zr, Th, as well K, Rb, Nb, La, Ce, etc.); of authigenic enrichment of layers with Fe, Mn; with Cu, Zn; of carbonate and sulphate layers (marked by Ca, Sr and some other); of sulphate/sulphide reducing (marked by Mo); of mobile elements enrichment (Sr, U, etc.); of using ratios of elements as very sensitive markers of changing sources of material supplied into deposits (Ti/Ca, Sr/Rb, Fe/Ti and other). The author is grateful to his colleagues from institutes of Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Science (Institute of Nuclear Physics, Limnological Institute, Institute of Earths Crust, Institute of Geochemistry, Institute of Geology and Mineralogy, Institute of Biophysics) and from Novosibirsk State University and Irkutsk Polytechnic University for extensive collaboration.

Computer Simulation To Assess The Feasibility Of Coring Magma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, J.; Eichelberger, J. C.

2017-12-01

Lava lakes on Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii have been successfully cored many times, often with nearly complete recovery and at temperatures exceeding 1100oC. Water exiting nozzles on the diamond core bit face quenches melt to glass just ahead of the advancing bit. The bit readily cuts a clean annulus and the core, fully quenched lava, passes smoothly into the core barrel. The core remains intact after recovery, even when there are comparable amounts of glass and crystals with different coefficients of thermal expansion. The unique resulting data reveal the rate and sequence of crystal growth in cooling basaltic lava and the continuous liquid line of descent as a function of temperature from basalt to rhyolite. Now that magma bodies, rather than lava pooled at the surface, have been penetrated by geothermal drilling, the question arises as to whether similar coring could be conducted at depth, providing fundamentally new insights into behavior of magma. This situation is considerably more complex because the coring would be conducted at depths exceeding 2 km and drilling fluid pressures of 20 MPa or more. Criteria that must be satisfied include: 1) melt is quenched ahead of the bit and the core itself must be quenched before it enters the barrel; 2) circulating drilling fluid must keep the temperature of the coring assembling cooled to within operational limits; 3) the drilling fluid column must nowhere exceed the local boiling point. A fluid flow simulation was conducted to estimate the process parameters necessary to maintain workable temperatures during the coring operation. SolidWorks Flow Simulation was used to estimate the effect of process parameters on the temperature distribution of the magma immediately surrounding the borehole and of drilling fluid within the bottom-hole assembly (BHA). A solid model of the BHA was created in SolidWorks to capture the flow behavior around the BHA components. Process parameters used in the model include the fluid properties and temperature of magma, coolant flow rate, rotation speed, and rate of penetration (ROP). The modeling results indicate that there are combinations of process parameters that will provide sufficient cooling to enable the desired coring process in magma.

Burnable absorber arrangement for fuel bundle

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Crowther, R.L.; Townsend, D.B.

1986-12-16

This patent describes a boiling water reactor core whose operation is characterized by a substantial proportion of steam voids with concomitantly reduced moderation toward the top of the core when the reactor is in its hot operating condition. The reduced moderation leads to slower burnup and greater conversion ratio in an upper core region so that when the reactor is in its cold shut down condition the resulting relatively increased moderation in the upper core region is accompanied by a reactivity profile that peaks in the upper core region. A fuel assembly is described comprising; a component of fissile materialmore » distributed over a substantial axial extent of the fuel assembly; and a component of neutron absorbing material having an axial distribution characterized by an enhancement in an axial zone of the fuel assembly, designated the cold shutdown control zone, corresponding to at least a portion of the axial region of the core when the cold shutdown reactivity peaks. The aggregate amount of neutron absorbing material in the cold shutdown zone of the fuel assembly is greater than the aggregate amount of neutron absorbing material in the axial zones of the fuel assembly immediately above and immediately below the cold shutdown control zone whereby the cold shutdown reactivity peak is reduced relative to the cold shutdown reactivity in the zones immediately above and immediately below the cold shutdown control zone. The cold shutdown zone has an axial extent measured from the bottom of the fuel assembly in the range between 68-88 percent of the height of the fissile material in the fuel assembly.« less

An assessment of butyltins and metals in sediment cores from the St. Thomas East End Reserves, USVI.

PubMed

Hartwell, S Ian; Apeti, Dennis A; Mason, Andrew L; Pait, Anthony S

2016-11-01

Tributyltin (TBT) concentrations near a marina complex in Benner Bay on St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, were elevated relative to other areas in a larger study of the southeastern shore of the island. At the request of the USVI Coastal Zone Management Program, sediment cores and surface sediment samples were collected to better define the extent and history of TBT deposition in the vicinity of Benner Bay. The sediment cores were sectioned into 2-cm intervals and dated with 210 Pb and 137 Cs. The core sections and the surface samples were analyzed for butyltins and 16 elements. Deposition rates varied from 0.07-5.0 mm/year, and were highest in the marina complex. Core ages ranged from 54 to 200 years. The bottoms of the cores contained shell hash, but the top layers all consisted of much finer material. Surface concentrations of TBT exceeded 2000 ng Sn/g (dry weight) at two locations. At a depth of 8 cm TBT exceeded 8800 ng Sn/g in the marina complex sediment. Based on the ratio of tributyltin to total butyltins, it appears that the marina sediments are the source of contamination of the surrounding area. There is evidence that vessels from neighboring islands may also be a source of fresh TBT. Copper concentrations increase over time up to the present. Gradients of virtually all metals and metalloids extended away from the marina complex. NOAA sediment quality guidelines were exceeded for As, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Hg.

Investigation of the Feasibility of Utilizing Gamma Emission Computed Tomography in Evaluating Fission Product Migration in Irradiated TRISO Fuel Experiments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jason M. Harp; Paul A. Demkowicz

2014-10-01

In the High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTGR) the TRISO particle fuel serves as the primary fission product containment. However the large number of TRISO particles present in proposed HTGRs dictates that there will be a small fraction (~10 -4 to 10 -5) of as manufactured and in-pile particle failures that will lead to some fission product release. The matrix material surrounding the TRISO particles in fuel compacts and the structural graphite holding the TRISO particles in place can also serve as sinks for containing any released fission products. However data on the migration of solid fission products through these materialsmore » is lacking. One of the primary goals of the AGR-3/4 experiment is to study fission product migration from failed TRISO particles in prototypic HTGR components such as structural graphite and compact matrix material. In this work, the potential for a Gamma Emission Computed Tomography (GECT) technique to non-destructively examine the fission product distribution in AGR-3/4 components and other irradiation experiments is explored. Specifically, the feasibility of using the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Hot Fuels Examination Facility (HFEF) Precision Gamma Scanner (PGS) system for this GECT application is considered. To test the feasibility, the response of the PGS system to idealized fission product distributions has been simulated using Monte Carlo radiation transport simulations. Previous work that applied similar techniques during the AGR-1 experiment will also be discussed as well as planned uses for the GECT technique during the post irradiation examination of the AGR-2 experiment. The GECT technique has also been applied to other irradiated nuclear fuel systems that were currently available in the HFEF hot cell including oxide fuel pins, metallic fuel pins, and monolithic plate fuel.« less

Reconstructing water level in Hoyo Negro, Quintana Roo, Mexico, implications for early Paleoamerican and faunal access

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Collins, S. V.; Reinhardt, E. G.; Rissolo, D.; Chatters, J. C.; Nava Blank, A.; Luna Erreguerena, P.

2015-09-01

The skeletal remains of a Paleoamerican (Naia; HN5/48) and extinct megafauna were found at -40 to -43 mbsl in a submerged dissolution chamber named Hoyo Negro (HN) in the Sac Actun Cave System, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. The human remains were dated to between 12 and 13 Ka, making these remains the oldest securely dated in the Yucatan. Twelve sediment cores were used to reconstruct the Holocene flooding history of the now phreatic cave passages and cenotes (Ich Balam, Oasis) that connect to HN. Four facies were found: 1. bat guano and Seed (SF), 2. lime Mud (MF), 3. Calcite Rafts (CRF) and 4. Organic Matter/Calcite Rafts (OM/CRF) which were defined by their lithologic characteristics and ostracod, foraminifera and testate amoebae content. Basal radiocarbon ages (AMS) of aquatic sediments (SF) combined with cave bottom and ceiling height profiles determined the history of flooding in HN and when access was restricted for human and animal entry. Our results show that the bottom of HN was flooded at least by 9850 cal yr BP but likely earlier. We also found, that the pit became inaccessible for human and animal entry at ≈8100 cal yr BP, when water reaching the cave ceiling effectively prevented entry. Water level continued to rise between ≈6000 and 8100 cal yr BP, filling the cave passages and entry points to HN (Cenotes Ich Balam and Oasis). Analysis of cave facies revealed that both Holocene sea-level rise and cave ceiling height determined the configuration of airways and the deposition of floating and bat derived OM (guano and seeds). Calcite rafts, which form on the water surface, are also dependent on the presence of airways but can also form in isolated air domes in the cave ceiling that affect their loci of deposition on the cave bottom. These results indicated that aquatic cave sedimentation is transient in time and space, necessitating extraction of multiple cores to determine a limit after which flooding occurred.

Benthic foraminiferal assemblages and bottom water evolution off the Portuguese margin since the Middle Pleistocene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Qimei; Li, Baohua; Kim, Jin-Kyoung

2017-03-01

The upper 250 meter-long sediment core of Site U1391 (1085 m water depth) retrieved from the Portuguese margin in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean was adopted for the benthic foraminiferal analyses to disclose the variations in Mediterranean Outflow Water (MOW) intensity over the last 0.9 Ma. Benthic foraminifera are abundant at this site and mainly composed of the hyaline forms (80%, such as Cibicidoides/Cibicides spp., Globobulimina spp., Bulimina spp., Uvigerina spp., Melonis spp., Sphaeroidina bulloides, Hoeglundina elegans, Gyroidinoides spp., Lenticulina spp. and Planulina ariminensis), while the agglutinated and porcelaneous forms have only 5% and 14.1% on average, respectively. Down-core variations of the benthic foraminifera show glacial-interglacial contrasts, especially those of Lenticulina spp. and Planulina ariminensis, which is also supported by the benthic foraminiferal cluster analysis. During the interglacial periods, the fauna are dominated by Sphaeroidina bulloides, Lenticulina spp., Planulina ariminensis, Dentalina spp., Cibicidoides robertsonianus and the agglutinated forms, while by Cibicidoides pachyderma, Praeglobobulimina ovata, Praeglobobulimina pupoides, Bulimina mexicana, Uvigerina mediterranea, Bolivinita quadrilatera and mililoids during the glacial periods. Benthic foraminiferal faunal data at Site U1391 was detailed analyzed to disclose the bottom water property over the last 0.9 Ma. Variations of the character species or assemblages, such as Planulina ariminensis, and the ;elevated epibenthos; group suggest that the MOW intensity has typical glacial-interglacial cycles, strengthening during the interglacial periods and weakening during the glacial periods, and reaches its peak at MIS 11. The strongest MOW intensity during MIS 11 confirms the climatic influence of waving sea level on the MOW current by its + 20 m high-stand above the present sea level. The agglutinated benthic foraminifera have a significantly positive correlation with the MOW index of ;elevated epibenthos;, which suggests that their abundance can be used to monitor the hydrodynamic conditions of bottom water off the Portuguese margin. Consistent with the MOW intensity, the lower miliolids content implies a lower salinity which supported the stronger vertical density gradient during the interglacial periods in this region; while the glacial ocean has a higher salinity with a weak vertical density gradient/MOW intensity.

A multi-factor approach for process-based seabed characterization: example from the northeastern continental margin of the Korean peninsula (East Sea)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cukur, Deniz; Um, In-Kwon; Chun, Jong-Hwa; Kim, So-Ra; Lee, Gwang-Soo; Kim, Yuri; Kong, Gee-Soo; Horozal, Senay; Kim, Seong-Pil

2018-04-01

This study investigates sediment transport and depositional processes from a newly collected dataset comprising sub-bottom chirp profiles, multibeam bathymetry, and sediment cores from the northeastern continental margin of Korea in the East Sea (Japan Sea). Twelve echo-types and eleven sedimentary facies have been defined and interpreted as deposits formed by shallow-marine, hemipelagic sedimentation, bottom current, and mass-movement processes. Hemipelagic sedimentation, which is acoustically characterized by undisturbed layered sediments, appears to have been the primary sedimentary process throughout the study area. The inner and outer continental shelf (<150 m water depth) have been influenced by shallow-marine sedimentary processes. Two slope-parallel canyons, 0.2-2 km wide and up to 30 km long, appear to have acted as possible conduits for turbidity currents from the shallower shelf into the deep basins. Bottom current deposits, expressed as erosional moats immediately below topographic highs, are prevalent on the southern lower slope at water depths of 400-450 m. Mass-movements (i.e., slides/slumps, debris flow deposits) consisting of chaotic facies characterize the lower slope and represent one of the most important sedimentary processes in the study area. Piston cores confirm the presence of mass-transport deposits (MTDs) that are characterized by mud clasts of variable size, shape, and color. Multibeam bathymetry shows that large-scale MTDs are chiefly initiated on the lower slope (400-600 m) with gradients up to 3° and where they produce scarps on the order of 100 m in height. Sandy MTDs also occur on the upper continental slope adjacent to the seaward edge of the shelf terrace. Earthquakes associated with tectonic activity and the development of fluid overpressure is considered as the main conditioning factor for destabilizing the slope sediments. Overall, the sedimentary processes show typical characteristics of a fine-grained clastic slope apron and change down-slope and differ within each physiographic province. Furthermore, the influence of geological inheritance (i.e., structural folds and faults) on geomorphology and sediment facies development is an important additional factor on the lower slopes. Together, these factors provide a rational basis for continental margin seabed characterization.

Tracking Changes in Iron Mineralogy Through Time in Gale Crater and Terrestrial Analogues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheppard, R.; Milliken, R.; Russell, J. M.

2017-12-01

Iron and other redox-sensitive elements measured in ancient mudstones of Gale Crater, Mars by the Curiosity rover can provide information on past climate and interactions between water and the early atmosphere. Preserved ferrous mineralogy can constrain lake bottom water conditions and potentially the relative position of the oxycline and/or shoreline through the stratigraphic section. Multiple oxidation states in a given assemblage may also indicate a potential energy source for microbes. The X-ray amorphous fraction of all rocks measured in Gale Crater to date is also enigmatic: it can constitute up to 50 wt% of the sediment but the precise composition and formation conditions are unknown. Features similar to those in the martian mudstones are seen in sediments from the terrestrial redox-stratified Lake Towuti, including alternating ferrous and ferric mineralogy and an abundant Fe-rich X-ray amorphous phase. To constrain conditions in the water column and early diagenetic processes, we present trends in chemistry and mineralogy for sediment acquired from soils in the mafic/ultramafic catchment and lake bottom/core samples. The soils contain high abundances of crystalline Fe-oxides (e.g. magnetite, goethite, hematite), whereas sediment from the very surface of the lake bottom maintain high Fe but not in crystalline form based on XRD. This suggests Fe is being rapidly cycled to form amorphous phases after entering the lake. Sequential extractions to isolate highly reactive iron (e.g. ferrihydrite) will be used to confirm the relative abundance of poorly crystalline phases in catchment versus lake sediment. Sediments from a 150 m core representing 1 Myr lake history also maintain high Fe content and distinct alternating bands of red and green sediment, but there are no crystalline Fe-oxides discernible in XRD data. The process(es) and timescale for this switching is not yet known, but understanding the conditions that allow ferrous vs. ferric iron to form, and what other changes happen concurrently with silicates such as clay minerals, may help constrain how to interpret lake sediment chemistry and mineralogy in terms of climate on Earth and Mars.

Anthropogenic radionuclide fluxes and distribution in bottom sediments of the cooling basin of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant.

PubMed

Marčiulionienė, D; Mažeika, J; Lukšienė, B; Jefanova, O; Mikalauskienė, R; Paškauskas, R

2015-07-01

Based on γ-ray emitting artificial radionuclide spectrometric measurements, an assessment of areal and vertical distribution of (137)Cs, (60)Co and (54)Mn activity concentrations in bottom sediments of Lake Drūkšiai was performed. Samples of bottom sediments from seven monitoring stations within the cooling basin were collected in 1988-1996 and 2007-2010 (in July-August). For radionuclide areal distribution analysis, samples from the surface 0-5 cm layer were used. Multi sample cores sliced 2 cm, 3 cm or 5 cm thick were used to study the vertical distribution of radionuclides. The lowest (137)Cs activity concentrations were obtained for two stations that were situated close to channels with radionuclide discharges, but with sediments that had a significantly smaller fraction of organic matter related to finest particles and consequently smaller radionuclide retention potential. The (137)Cs activity concentration was distributed quite evenly in the bottom sediments from other investigated monitoring stations. The highest (137)Cs activity concentrations in the bottom sediments of Lake Drūkšiai were measured in the period of 1988-1989; in 1990, the (137)Cs activity concentrations slightly decreased and they varied insignificantly over the investigation period. The obtained (238)Pu/(239,240)Pu activity ratio values in the bottom sediments of Lake Drūkšiai represented radioactive pollution with plutonium from nuclear weapon tests. Higher (60)Co and (54)Mn activity concentrations were observed in the monitoring stations that were close to the impact zones of the technical water outlet channel and industrial rain drainage system channel. (60)Co and (54)Mn activity concentrations in the bottom sediments of Lake Drūkšiai significantly decreased when operations at both INPP reactor units were stopped. The vertical distribution of radionuclides in bottom sediments revealed complicated sedimentation features, which may have been affected by a number of natural and anthropogenic factors resulting in mixing, resuspension and remobilization of sediments and radionuclides. The associated with particles (137)Cs flux was 129 Bq/(m(2) year). The (137)Cs transfer rate from water into bottom sediments was 14.3 year(-1) (or, the removal time was 25 days). The Kd value for (137)Cs in situ estimated from trap material was 80 m(3)/kg. The associated with particles (60)Co flux was 21 Bq/(m(2) year), when (60)Co activity concentration in sediment trap particles was 15.7 ± 5 Bq/kg. (60)Co activity concentration in soluble form was less than the minimum detectable activity (MDA = 1.3 Bq/m(3)). Then, the conservatively derived Kd value for (60)Co was >90 m(3)/kg. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hierachical Ni@Fe2O3 superparticles through epitaxial growth of γ-Fe2O3 nanorods on in situ formed Ni nanoplates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tahir, Muhammad Nawaz; Herzberger, Jana; Natalio, Filipe; Köhler, Oskar; Branscheid, Robert; Mugnaioli, Enrico; Ksenofontov, Vadim; Panthöfer, Martin; Kolb, Ute; Frey, Holger; Tremel, Wolfgang

2016-05-01

One endeavour of nanochemistry is the bottom-up synthesis of functional mesoscale structures from basic building blocks. We report a one-pot wet chemical synthesis of Ni@γ-Fe2O3 superparticles containing Ni cores densely covered with highly oriented γ-Fe2O3 (maghemite) nanorods (NRs) by controlled reduction/decomposition of nickel acetate (Ni(ac)2) and Fe(CO)5. Automated diffraction tomography (ADT) of the Ni-Fe2O3 interface in combination with Mössbauer spectroscopy showed that selective and oriented growth of the γ-Fe2O3 nanorods on the Ni core is facilitated through the formation of a Fe0.05Ni0.95 alloy and the appearance of superstructure features that may reduce strain at the Ni-Fe2O3 interface. The common orientation of the maghemite nanorods on the Ni core of the superparticles leads to a greatly enhanced magnetization. After functionalization with a catechol-functional polyethylene glycol (C-PEG) ligand the Ni@γ-Fe2O3 superparticles were dispersible in water.One endeavour of nanochemistry is the bottom-up synthesis of functional mesoscale structures from basic building blocks. We report a one-pot wet chemical synthesis of Ni@γ-Fe2O3 superparticles containing Ni cores densely covered with highly oriented γ-Fe2O3 (maghemite) nanorods (NRs) by controlled reduction/decomposition of nickel acetate (Ni(ac)2) and Fe(CO)5. Automated diffraction tomography (ADT) of the Ni-Fe2O3 interface in combination with Mössbauer spectroscopy showed that selective and oriented growth of the γ-Fe2O3 nanorods on the Ni core is facilitated through the formation of a Fe0.05Ni0.95 alloy and the appearance of superstructure features that may reduce strain at the Ni-Fe2O3 interface. The common orientation of the maghemite nanorods on the Ni core of the superparticles leads to a greatly enhanced magnetization. After functionalization with a catechol-functional polyethylene glycol (C-PEG) ligand the Ni@γ-Fe2O3 superparticles were dispersible in water. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Synthesis scheme of catechol-PEG (Scheme S1), GPC trace (RI, DMF, PEG standard) of CA-PEG67 (Fig. S1) 1H NMR spectrum (400 MHz, methanol-d4) of catechol-PEG (C-PEG67) (Fig. S2), EDX spectrum of Ni0.95Fe0.05 precursors (Fig. S3), HRTEM of a superparticle in two view directions (Fig. S4), TEM images of Ni0.95 Fe0.05@γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles at different growth stages (Fig. S5), digital photograph of reaction mixture at different temperatures (Fig. S6), orientation of the lattice of the Ni0.95Fe0.05 core with respect to that of triangular and hexagonal superparticles (Fig. S7), geometrical relations between hexagonal lattice of the Ni0.95Fe0.05 core and cubic cell of Ni (Fig. S8), magnetic properties of the Ni@γ-Fe2O3 core shell nanoparticles (Fig. S9). See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr00065g

Self-contained all-terrain living apparatus

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Moeser, J.

1980-10-21

A living apparatus comprises a first reservoir within the ground surface of circular form and having a quantity of water therein. A building having a roof and a peripheral side wall of circular form is concentrically nested and spaced within said reservoir. A convex hull is peripherally connected and sealed to the bottom of said building wall and immersed within the water and floatingly projected into said reservoir, a substantial portion of said building wall extending above said ground surface. A second reservoir within the ground surface is spaced from and below said first reservoir. A drain outlet is spacedmore » above the bottom of said first reservoir; and a conduit interconnects said outlet and said second reservoir. A valve on said outlet is adapted to variably control the drain of water from said first reservoir to said second reservoir with the building adapted to controllably descend within said first reservoir throughout any desired distance up to the building roof yet, buoyantly immersed within the remaining water in said first reservoir for protectively enclosing the building within said first reservoir against storms , tornados, earthquakes, extreme temperatures or other conditions endangering the intergrity of the building. A power-operated pump is connected to a conduit between said reservoirs for returning water from said second reservoir to said first said reservoir and controllably regulating elevation of the building within said first reservoir. Within a central vertical axis of the building, there is provided an energy core upon the hull. An apertured support column is coaxially mounted upon said core and at its upper end, supports the roof.« less

Neogene sedimentation and erosion in the Amirante Passage, western Indian Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, D. A.; Ledbetter, M. T.; Damuth, J. E.

1983-02-01

Twenty piston cores from the northern Mascarene Basin and Amirante Passage reflect the effects of the Deep Western Boundary Current (DWBC) upon the lithologic and stratigraphic record of the late Cenozoic. The cores span a depth interval of 3350 to 5200 m, representing the transition zone between modern North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW)-Circumpolar Water (CPW) and the underlying Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW). During the late Cretaceous and for much of the Paleogene, pelagic sedimentation occurred in the absence of significant bottom current activity. The formation of the global psychrosphere near the Eocene-Oligocene boundary initiated the DWBC, part of which could enter the Madagascar Basin via deep fractures in the Southwest Indian Ridge. The DWBC was well developed before the early Miocene, transporting course detrital sands northward into the passage from turbidite deposits along the continental margin of Madagascar. The DWBC was confined to depths below ˜ 4 km until the middle Miocene, when the flow strengthened and shoaled to depths <3300 m. Strong DWBC flow continued intermittently until the latest Pleistocene, producing extensive erosional surfaces. Today the flow of the DWBC is relatively weak, with strong only below ˜ 3850 m in the western channels. Pleistocene and late Tertiary erosion at intermediate depths (3 to 4 km) in the Indian Ocean contrasts with depositional continuity at the same depths farther 'upstream' in NADW. Fluctuations in the intensity of circumpolar flow rather than in the rate of production of NADW may have been the major controlling factor in the late Tertiary erosional history of the Amirante Passage.

Shallow Water Habitat Mapping in Cape Cod National Seashore: A Post-Hurricane Sandy Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borrelli, M.; Smith, T.; Legare, B.; Mittermayr, A.

2017-12-01

Hurricane Sandy had a dramatic impact along coastal areas in proximity to landfall in late October 2012, and those impacts have been well-documented in terrestrial coastal settings. However, due to the lack of data on submerged marine habitats, similar subtidal impact studies have been limited. This study, one of four contemporaneous studies commissioned by the US National Park Service, developed maps of submerged shallow water marine habitats in and around Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts. All four studies used similar methods of data collection, processing and analysis for the production of habitat maps. One of the motivations for the larger study conducted in the four coastal parks was to provide park managers with a baseline inventory of submerged marine habitats, against which to measure change after future storm events and other natural and anthropogenic phenomena. In this study data from a phase-measuring sidescan sonar, bottom grab samples, seismic reflection profiling, and sediment coring were all used to develop submerged marine habitat maps using the Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS). Vessel-based acoustic surveys (n = 76) were conducted in extreme shallow water across four embayments from 2014-2016. Sidescan sonar imagery covering 83.37 km2 was collected, and within that area, 49.53 km2 of co-located bathymetric data were collected with a mean depth of 4.00 m. Bottom grab samples (n = 476) to sample macroinvertebrates and sediments (along with other water column and habitat data) were collected, and these data were used along with the geophysical and coring data to develop final habitat maps using the CMECS framework.

New cores-top Mg/Ca calibration of multiple benthic foraminiferal species: Thermometry of the thermocline water in Tropical western Atlantic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tisserand, A.; Dokken, T.; Scao, V.; Jorissen, F.; Fontanier, C.

2009-04-01

A cruise with the research vessel G.O. SARS was carried out from 07 to 20 December 2007 within the framework of the European Science Foundation (EuroMARC) project RETRO, which aims to reconstruct changes within the thermocline in the tropics during periods of reduced Meridional Overturning Circulation (MOC). As part of this strategy we need a best possible calibration of methods to reproduce water mass properties, and part of the goal of this cruise was to get a good representation of the thermocline area present at the Brazilian Atlantic margin. The method used to map the thermocline gradient in the western tropical Atlantic is to use the concept of Magnesium/Calcium (Mg/Ca) on bottom water living foraminifera as a representation of temperature at site. The Mg/Ca thermometry on deep-dwelling foraminifera calibrated vs. δ18O measurements provides an estimate of depth of thermocline penetration in modern climate. Knowing the function of modern representation of the thermocline defined by Mg/Ca, we can use this concept to map thermocline deepening/shallowing in the past. The Mg/Ca ratios in benthic foraminiferal calcite are considered as the most commonly used and a reliable paleo-proxy for reconstructing bottom-water temperatures. Mg/Ca ratios of thermocline and deep-dwelling benthic foraminiferal species were determined on cores-top samples from a depth transect from the western tropical Atlantic, spanning a depth range of 600 to 1000 m representing a temperature range of 6 to 4

The inner core thermodynamics of the tropical cyclone boundary layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, Gabriel J.

2016-10-01

Although considerable progress has been made in understanding the inner-core dynamics of the tropical cyclone boundary layer (TCBL), our knowledge of the inner-core thermodynamics of the TCBL remains limited. In this study, the inner-core budgets of potential temperature (θ), specific humidity ( q), and reversible equivalent potential temperature (θ _e) are examined using a high-resolution multilevel boundary layer model. The potential temperature budgets show that the heat energy is dominated by latent heat release in the eyewall, evaporative cooling along the outer edge of the eyewall, and upward surface fluxes of sensible and latent heat from the underlying warm ocean. It is shown that the vertical θ advection overcompensates the sum of radial advective warming from the boundary layer outflow jet and latent heating for the development of cooling in the eyewall within the TCBL. The moisture budgets show the dominant upward transport of moisture in the eyewall updrafts, partly by the boundary-layer outflow jet from the bottom eye region, so that the eyewall remains nearly saturated. The θ _e budgets reveal that the TCBL is maintained thermodynamically by the upward surface flux of higher-θ _e air from the underlying warm ocean, the radial transport of low-θ _e air from the outer regions of the TCBL, and the dry adiabatic cooling associated by eyewall updrafts. These results underscore the significance of vertical motion and the location of the boundary layer outflow jet in maintaining the inner core thermal structure of the TCBL.

Spatial variation, speciation and sedimentary records of mercury in the Guanabara Bay (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Covelli, Stefano; Protopsalti, Ioanna; Acquavita, Alessandro; Sperle, Marcelo; Bonardi, Maurizio; Emili, Andrea

2012-03-01

As part of the "TAGUBAR" (TAngential GUanabara Bay Aeration Recovery) project, surface and long core sediments of the Guanabara Bay (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) were investigated for mercury (Hg). The main, but not the only, input of Hg into the Bay's waters is known to be a Chlor-Alkali Plant (CAP) located in the Acarì-São João de Merití River system, on the northwestern side of the Bay. Mercury distribution in surface sediments (<0.1-3.22 mg kg-1, average 0.87±0.80, n=40) seems to be controlled by the organic component, along with sulfur rather than grain-size, where Hg concentrations are less than 1 mg kg-1. Conversely, where the metal contents are higher than 1 mg kg-1, accumulation in surface sediments is mostly related to the presence of nearby contamination sources, such as industrial and urban settlements in the western sector of the Bay. Although total Hg contents in surface sediments exceed the values suggested by the effects-based standard quality guidelines as potentially toxic for the benthic community, results from a sequential extraction procedure showed that the contribution of the more soluble, easily exchangeable and eventually bioavailable Hg phases was found almost negligible (<0.1%). Most of the metal is strongly bound to the mineral lattice of the sedimentary matrix and should therefore be considered almost immobilized. The reduction in Hg accumulation in bottom sediments, expected as a consequence of the adoption of contamination control policies (i.e. Hg-free technologies in the CAP and sewage treating facilities), has not been clearly observed in the core profiles. Current estimates of Hg accumulation rates at the core top range from approximately 1 to 18 mg m-2 yr-1. Pre-industrial bottom core samples indicate that the central and northeastern sectors of the Bay are strongly affected by Hg enrichment: concentrations exceed the estimated baseline concentration by up to 20 factors. A cumulative Hg inventory suggests that the metal content has increased with the same order of magnitude in the vicinity of potential contamination sources on the western side of the Bay, but at a different rate; this is apparently determined by local conditions. A natural attenuation of Hg concentrations to background levels is not predictable in the near future.

Imaging Reservoir Siltation and Quaternary Stratigraphy Beneath the Mactaquac Headpond by Acoustic and Ground Penetrating Radar Sub-bottom Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grace, M.; Butler, K. E.; Peter, S.; Yamazaki, G.; Haralampides, K.

2016-12-01

The Mactaquac Hydroelectric Generating Station, located on the Saint John River in New Brunswick, Canada, is approaching the end of its life due to deterioration of the concrete structures. As part of an aquatic ecosystem study, designed to support a decision on the future of the dam, sediment in the headpond, extending 80 km upriver, is being examined. The focus of this sub-study lies in (i) mapping the thickness of sediments that have accumulated since inundation in 1968, and (ii) imaging the deeper glacial and post-glacial stratigraphy. Acoustic sub-bottom profiling surveys were completed during 2014 and 2015. An initial 3.5 kHz chirp sonar survey proved ineffective, lacking in both resolution and depth of the penetration. A follow-up survey employing a boomer-based "Seistec" sediment profiler provided better results, resolving sediment layers as thin as 12 cm, and yielding coherent reflections from the deeper Quaternary sediments. Post-inundation sediments in the lowermost 25 km of the headpond, between the dam and Bear Island, are interpreted to average 26 cm in thickness with the thickest deposits (up to 65 cm) in deep water areas overlying the pre-inundation riverbed west of Snowshoe Island, and south and east of Bear Island. A recent coring program confirmed the presence of silty sediment and showed good correlation with the Seistec thickness estimates. In the 15 km stretch upriver of Bear Island to Nackawic, the presence of gas in the uppermost sediments severely limits sub-bottom penetration and our ability to interpret sediment thicknesses. Profiles acquired in the uppermost 40 km reach of the headpond, extending to Woodstock, show a strong, positive water bottom reflection and little to no sub-bottom penetration, indicating the absence of soft post-inundation sediment. Deeper reflections observed within 5 km of the dam reveal a buried channel cut into glacial till, extending up to 20 m below the water bottom. Channel fill includes a finely laminated unit interpreted to be glaciolacustrine clay-silt and a possible esker - similar to stratigraphy found 20 - 30 km downriver at Fredericton. Future plans include a small scale survey in late summer, 2016 to evaluate the suitability of waterborne ground penetrating radar (GPR) profiling as an alternative to acoustic profiling in areas of gas-charged sediment.

The mechanism of translational displacements of the core of the Earth at inversion molten and solidification of substance at core-mantle boundary in opposite hemispheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barkin, Yu. V.

2009-04-01

Shell dynamics. "The Earth represents system of non-spherical eccentric shells (the core, the mantle, a rigid core etc.) which have various structure and distribution of density. Their moments of inertia and dynamic oblatenesses are various. From the point of view of the mechanics it means, that external celestial bodies (the Moon and the Sun) on miscellaneous (differentially) gravitationally act on the separate shells. They try to cause various accelerations to the centers of masses of shells and various angular accelerations to their rotary motions. It the most external celestial bodies put shells of forced body in difficult state, forcing them to push each other to prevent each other and to struggle with each other. That is between shells there are powerful force interactions: additional forces, and more significant on value, than tidal forces, and the huge moments of forces which all time aspire to turn one of shells relatively to another. The external influence is stronger, the shells are pressed more strongly or taken away. If external action weakens, also shells mutually exist more quietly. External influence depends on position of perturbing celestial bodies. But the last vary cyclically in various time scales. It means, that interactions of shells with each other also are cyclic with the set of frequencies being a derivative from basic frequencies of orbital motions of celestial bodies (coincide with basic frequencies or are their various combinations). Clearly, that the specified mechanical interactions are as though primary which generate then a sequence of every possible interactions of all layers of shells, geodynamic and geophysical processes (which are naturally also cyclic). Elastic layers will test deformations, thus absorbing, and then returning a mechanical energy of translatory - rotary motion of shells and their relative swing. Plastic properties of layers of shells will result in absorption of mechanical energy and to its transformation to thermal energy. The directed mechanical influences of the bottom shell on top (of the core on the mantle) on geological intervals of time will result in enormous additional variations of the tension state of the top shell, also ordered in space and time (besides in various time scales). This influence will be transferred to all natural processes which will have similar properties of cyclicity and orderliness. Thermodynamic stimulation of layer D " by the relative displacements of the core and mantle will result in formation of ascending mantle streams - plumes. Relative oscillations of the top shells of the Earth with boundaries on depths of 670 km, 430 km and oth. will generate the fluid formations (lenses and chambers) from a magmatic materials and fusions. Ascending fluid streams in the top mantle on system of breaks and cracks move in the top layers and on a surface of the Earth. So magmatic and volcanic activity of the Earth is realized. Over this activity again "supervise" mutually - displaced and deformed shells of the Earth. The last, in turn, are in strict "submission" at the Moon and the Sun and «are sensitively listen» to the slightest changes of their orbital motions." (Barkin, 2002, pp. 45, 46). "The powerful impacts repeating cyclically, on zones of a congestion of fluid masses (astenosphere lenses, magmatic chambers etc.) result in their growth and expansion, and at significant subsequent impacts to a effects of wedging of the top layers of lithosphere and the crust, i.e. to formation of new or to stimulation and expansion of old cracks and lineaments. Subsequent or more powerful impacts (influences) of the bottom shell on a direction of wedging will result in transport of molten mantle substances from the bottom layers in top, including outpourings of magmas and other fluids on a surface of a planet (the Earth). " (Barkin, 2002, with. 47). The mechanism of formation of plums and hot spots. "The most significant displacements of the centers of mass of shells of the Earth result in the most significant variations of the intense condition of a transitive layer between the core and the mantle and overlying layers of the mantle. A capacity of layer D", covering makes a liquid nucleus about 250 km. It, apparently, is determined by extreme displacements of a liquid core relatively to the mantle (original active sphere of its influence). The appropriate relative displacements of the centers of mass of the core and the mantle (certainly, on geological intervals of time) thus can achieve kilometers. Cyclic displacements of a liquid core with various amplitudes and frequencies result to heating of all layer D" (or the certain zones of this layer) and to downturn of its density. Layer D" passes as though in the excited state. Its temperature raises its thickness and surpluses of heated masses under an impact of the bottom shell (the core), apparently, is increased start to rise along the weakened radial zones in the top levels of standing. To formation of the similar weakened zones is promoted also by mechanical influence of the bottom shell of the mantle. Thus the plums are formed, bringing heated substance to the uppermost layers of the mantle. At catastrophic interactions of shells the plums promote carrying out of magmas directly on a surface of the Earth. Actually the theoretical illustration here is given to known representation, that layer D" is "kitchen of inner plate magmatism» (Zonenshain, Kuzmin, 1993). Similar processes occur on boundaries of other shells of the Earth. The intensification of interactions of shells on boundaries of 430 km, 670 km and even in more high levels results in formation of zones of fusions, astenosphere lenses and to that of similar formations which promote volcanic activity of the Earth. At the intensive swing of shells the top layers of the Earth (of lithosphere) are exposed by hydraulic wedging (Khain, Lomise, 1995). As a result of the specified long process there is a formation of system of cracks and breaks, hot spots and their systems on the Earth surface etc. It is natural, that by virtue of the ordered cyclic displacements of shells the specified geological structures also will have properties of orderliness (Barkin, 2000)." (Barkin, 2002, p. 78). The thermodynamic mechanism. In the report the new thermodynamic mechanism of the contrast phenomena of fusion of a frontier layer of a sole of the mantle (in northern hemisphere) to which the core is forced to be displaced, and solidification of zones of a liquid core from the opposite side (in a southern hemisphere) is discussed. This mechanism is hypothetical, but it rather logically explains observably contrast temperature modes of hemispheres in modern and the last geological epoch, the source of plume material which moves specifies (is redistributed) to the top layers and a surface of the Earth, i.e. the mechanism of plume-tectonic activity of the Earth. Plum-tectonic activity of the core drifting and varying with a wide spectrum of frequencies relatively to the mantle, in a long time scale results in contrast variations of geodynamic conditions in N/S hemispheres. The specified polar oscillations of the core and mantle during geoevolution have left after themselves geological certificates on a surface of the Earth about inversion changes of geodynamic and geological conditions in opposite hemispheres (Bozhko, 1992). Such huge bodies as the core and mantle of the Earth as a result of oscillations, deformations and relative displacements easily transformed a face of the Earth: formed N/S orientated rifting structures, resulted in the directed and organized motions of lithosphere plates, more intensively warmed up that southern northern hemispheres, operated by ocean, deforming its bottom and raising or lowering its mean level due to the tide from a displaced core. The specified processes are long and occur, including, in a geological time scale. It means that the fundamental tectonic process of formation of supercontinents also has a polar orientation, is cyclic. Our modeling researches have shown, that relative oscillations of the core and mantle arise even at absence of strongly pronounced thermodynamic transformations of a material on CMB due to viscous elastic properties of all layers of the mantle (Barkin, Vilke, 2004). The formulated positions require detailed study from positions of the mechanics and thermodynamics. It is possible to assume, that action of this mechanism precisely should be shown and in a short time scale, for example, at annual and monthly oscillations of the core. It means that cyclic variations of thermal flows from the Earth with the specified periods, and with contrast thermal flows in relation to northern and southern hemispheres should be observed. The core trend also should be displayed in contrast secular changes of thermal flows and in variations of temperatures at a surface of the Earth and in various layers of ocean and an atmosphere. Confirmations to these preliminary conclusions in particular is yielded with results of modern researches of temperature changes in an atmosphere and a stratosphere (Fred Singer, 2001 [2]; Douglass, Pearson, Fred Singer, Knappenberger, Michaals, 2008). References Singer S.F. (2001) Disparity of temperature trends (1979-99) of atmosphere and surface. 12th Symposium on Global Climate Variations. 14-19 Jan. 2001, Albuquerque. Barkin Yu.V. (2002) An explanation of endogenous activity of planets and satellites and its cyclisity. Isvestia sekcii nauk o Zemle Rossiiskoi akademii ectestvennykh nauk. Vyp. 9, M., VINITI, pp. 45-97. In Russian.

40-MW(E) PROTOTYPE HIGH-TEMPERATURE GAS-COOLED REACTOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. Quarterly Progress Report for the Period Ending June 30, 1962

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

1963-10-31

Research and development progress specifically directed toward the construction of a 40-Mw(e) prototype power plant employing a high-temperature, gas-cooled, graphitemoderated reactor known as the HTGR is reported. Irradiation of element III-B in the in-pile loop continued satisfactorily. The element has generated a total of l36.3 Mw-hr of fission heat. The gross activity in the purge stream increased slightly to about 350 mu C/cm/sup 3/. By taking larger gas samples than were previously taken, a value of 0.02 VC/cm/sup 3/ was obtained for the gross activity of the primary loop. Element III-A, which was removed from the loop after generating 133more » Mw-hr of fission heat, was disassembled and examined. No fuel-compact damage of any type was visible. Determination of the distribution of fission products in the element is under way, Fissionproduct- release data for in-pile-loop element III-A were calculated. During the 133 Mw- hr of operation, the release fraction increased by approximately one order of magnitude. Also calculated were the xenon and krypton release data for the first 100 Mw-hr of III-B operation. The release rate for the longer-lived isotopes increased bv about a factor of 10 and that of the shorter-lived isotopes by about a factor of 100. A test was run in which the in-pileloop purge flow, was stopped. The primariy-loop activity level rose sharply during the first hour, increased at a slower rate for the next 11 hr, and then appeared to level off. When purge flow was resumed, the gross activity in the primary loop was cleaned up with a half life of about 2.2 hr. An attempt was made to identify Cs/sup 137/ and Ba/ sup 140/ plateout in portions of the in-pile loop. A very small amount of cesium (less than a monolayer) was found, but no barium could be detected. The validity of two basic assumptions made in the one-dimensional burnup code FEVER was investigated. As a result of extensive lifetime studies and power-distribution and temperaturecoefficient calculations, the initial fuel loading for the Peach Bottom core was specified. A series of control-rodworth calculations and a recalculation of the postulated rod-fall accident were made for this loading. The test of the prototype control rod and drive was satisfactorily coNonempleted during the quarter. During the course of the test the drive completed 590,641 starts and stops, 5,756 scrams, and more than 2.6 million inches of random regulating motion in helium at reactor temperatures. These totals far exceed the expected life requirements of the system. Preparations are being made for testing the prototype emergency shutdown rod and drive. The apparatus for the barium permeation experiment with a full-diameter sleeve was completed, and preliminary calibration runs were started. Following these runs, the system will be operated until an equilibrium distribution of barium is reached. At that time, a series of corings will be made on all of the compacts and the sleeve to evaluate the overall barium and strontium distribution. Other experiments on barium behavior, including permeation experiments with reducedscale fuel elements and exVeriments on the vaporization, sorption, and diffusion of barium, were continued, and the data are being analyzed. Measurements were made to compare the room-temperature back diffusion of argon, krypton, and xenon through a sample of sleeve graphite against a helium pressure difference. The results show that the difference between the effective back-diffusion coefficients of krypton and xenon seems to increase with increasing helium pressure difference across the sleeve. The argon and krypton back-diffusion data at an average pressure of 3 atm are essentially the same, A FORTRAN code was written to recalculate the retention of neutron poison material and fission products in the core as well as their condensation on and revaporization from the upper reflector following a complete loss-of-coolant-circulation accident. (auth)« less

Hydrologic Data for Deep Creek Lake and Selected Tributaries, Garrett County, Maryland, 2007-08

USGS Publications Warehouse

Banks, William S.L.; Davies, William J.; Gellis, Allen C.; LaMotte, Andrew E.; McPherson, Wendy S.; Soeder, Daniel J.

2010-01-01

Introduction Recent and ongoing efforts to develop the land in the area around Deep Creek Lake, Garrett County, Maryland, are expected to change the volume of sediment moving toward and into the lake, as well as impact the water quality of the lake and its many tributaries. With increased development, there is an associated increased demand for groundwater and surface-water withdrawals, as well as boat access. Proposed dredging of the lake bottom to improve boat access has raised concerns about the adverse environmental effects such activities would have on the lake. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDDNR) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) entered into a cooperative study during 2007 and 2008 to address these issues. This study was designed to address several objectives to support MDDNR?s management strategy for Deep Creek Lake. The objectives of this study were to: Determine the current physical shape of the lake through bathymetric surveys; Initiate flow and sediment monitoring of selected tributaries to characterize the stream discharge and sediment load of lake inflows; Determine sedimentation rates using isotope analysis of sediment cores; Characterize the degree of hydraulic connection between the lake and adjacent aquifer systems; and Develop an estimate of water use around Deep Creek Lake. Summary of Activities Data were collected in Deep Creek Lake and in selected tributaries from September 2007 through September 2008. The methods of investigation are presented here and all data have been archived according to USGS policy for future use. The material presented in this report is intended to provide resource managers and policy makers with a broad understanding of the bathymetry, surface water, sedimentation rates, groundwater, and water use in the study area. The report is structured so that the reader can access each topic separately using any hypertext markup (HTML) language reader. In order to establish a base-line water-depth map of Deep Creek Lake, a bathymetric survey of the lake bottom was conducted in 2007. The data collected were used to generate a bathymetric map depicting depth to the lake bottom from a full pool elevation of 2,462 feet (National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929). Data were collected along about 90 linear miles across the lake using a fathometer and a differentially corrected global positioning system. As part of a long-term monitoring plan for all surface-water inputs to the lake, streamflow data were collected continuously at two stations constructed on Poland Run and Cherry Creek. The sites were selected to represent areas of the watershed under active development and areas that are relatively stable with respect to development. Twelve months of discharge data are provided for both streams. In addition, five water-quality parameters were collected continuously at the Poland Run station including pH, specific conductance, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity. Water samples collected at Poland Run were analyzed for sediment concentration, and the results of this analysis were used to estimate the annual sediment load into Deep Creek Lake from Poland Run. To determine sedimentation rates, cores of lake-bottom sediments were collected at 23 locations. Five of the cores were analyzed using a radiometric-dating method, allowing average rates of sedimentation to be estimated for the time periods 1925 to 2008, 1925 to 1963, and 1963 to 2008. Particle-size data from seven cores collected at locations throughout the study area were analyzed to provide information on the amount of fine material in lake-bed sediments. Groundwater levels were monitored continuously in four wells and weekly in nine additional wells during October, November, and December of 2008. Water levels were compared to recorded lake levels and precipitation during the same period to determine the effect of lake-level drawdown and recovery on the adjacent aquifer systems. Water use in the Deep Creek Lake wa

Marine Geophysical Investigation of Selected Sites in Bridgeport Harbor, Connecticut, 2006

USGS Publications Warehouse

Johnson, Carole D.; White, Eric A.

2007-01-01

A marine geophysical investigation was conducted in 2006 to help characterize the bottom and subbottom materials and extent of bedrock in selected areas of Bridgeport Harbor, Connecticut. The data will be used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the design of confined aquatic disposal (CAD) cells within the harbor to facilitate dredging of the harbor. Three water-based geophysical methods were used to evaluate the geometry and composition of subsurface materials: (1) continuous seismic profiling (CSP) methods provide the depth to water bottom, and when sufficient signal penetration can be achieved, delineate the depth to bedrock and subbottom materials; (2) continuous resistivity profiling (CRP) methods were used to define the electrical properties of the shallow subbottom, and to possibly determine the distribution of conductive materials, such as clay, and resistive materials, such as sand and bedrock; (3) and magnetometer data were used to identify conductive anomalies of anthropogenic sources, such as cables and metallic debris. All data points were located using global positioning systems (GPS), and the GPS data were used for real-time navigation. The results of the CRP, CSP, and magnetometer data are consistent with the conceptual site model of a bedrock channel incised beneath the present day harbor. The channel appears to follow a north-northwest to south-southeast trend and is parallel to the Pequannock River. The seismic record and boring data indicate that under the channel, the depth to bedrock is as much as 42.7 meters (m) below mean low-low water (MLLW) in the dredged part of the harbor. The bedrock channel becomes shallower towards the shore, where bedrock outcrops have been mapped at land surface. CSP and CRP data were able to provide a discontinuous, but reasonable, trace from the channel toward the west under the proposed southwestern CAD cell. The data indicate a high amount of relief on the bedrock surface, as well as along the water bottom. Under the southwestern CAD cell, the sediments are only marginally thick enough for a CAD cell, at about 8 to 15 m in depth. Some of the profiles show small diffractions in the unconsolidated sediments, but no large-scale boulders or boulder fields were identified. No bedrock reflectors were imaged under the southeastern CAD cell, where core logs indicate the rock is as much as 30 m below MLLW. The chirp frequency, tuned transducer, and boomer-plate CSP surveys were adversely affected by a highly reflective water bottom causing strong multiples in the seismic record and very limited depths of penetration. These multiples are attributed to entrapped gas (methane) in the sediments or to very hard bottom conditions. In a limited number of places, the bedrock surface was observed in the CSP record, creating a discontinuous and sporadic image of the bedrock surface. These interpretations generally matched core data at FP-03-10 and FB-06-1. Use of two analog CSP systems, the boomer plate and tuned transducer, did not overcome the reflections off the water bottom and did not improve the depth of penetration. In general, the CRP profiles were used to corroborate the results of the CSP profiles. Relatively resistive zones associated with the locations of seismic reflections were interpreted as bedrock. The shape of the bedrock surface generally was similar in the CRP and CSP profiles. Evaluation of the CRP profiles indicated that the inversions were adversely affected where the depth and (or) ionic concentration of the water column varied. Consequently, the CRP profiles were broken into short intervals that extended just over the area of interest, where the depth to water bottom was fairly constant. Over these short profiles, efforts were made to evaluate the resistivity of the very shallow sediments to determine if there were any large contrasts in the resistivity of the sediments that might indicate differences in the shallow subbottom materials. No conclusions abo

Alteration of Basalt and Hyaloclastite in the Project Hotspot MHC-2 Core with Some Comparison to Hyaloclastites of the Hawaii Scientific Drilling Program #2 (HSDP) Core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walton, A. W.; Walker, J. R.

2015-12-01

Project Hotspot's 1821m coring operation at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho (MHC), sought to examine interaction of hotspot magmas with continental crust and evaluate geothermal resources. Subsurface temperature increased at a gradient of 76˚/km. Alteration was uniform and not intense over the upper part of the core and at the bottom, but differed markedly in an anomalous zone (AZ) from 1700 to 1800m. The MHC core contains diatomite, basalt lava and minor hyaloclastite. Olivine (Ol) in lavas is more-or-less altered to iddingsite. Plagioclase (Plag) has altered to smectite along cleavage planes and fractures except in the AZ, where it is intensely altered to corrensite. Clinopyroxene (CPX, pinkish in thin section) is little altered, as are apatite and opaque minerals (probably ilmenite with magnetite or pyrite in different samples). Interstitial material is converted to smectite or, in the AZ, to corrensite. Phyllosilicate lines vesicles, and calcite, zeolite and phyllosilicate fill them. Pore-lining phillipsite is common shallow in the core, with vesicle-filling analcime and heulandite at greater depth. A fibrous zeolite, probably stilbite, is also present. Hyaloclasts are altered to concentrically layered masses of smectite. MHC hyaloclastites do not display the microbial traces and palagonite ("gel-palagonite") alteration common in Hawaii Scientific Drilling Project #2 (HSDP) samples. HSDP samples do contain pore-lining phillipsite, but pore fillings are chabazite. Calcite is absent in HSDP hyaloclastites. Neither Ol nor Plag were altered in HSDP hyaloclastites. HSPD glasses are less silicic and Ti-rich than MHC lavas, containing Ol rather than CPX as a dominant mafic. However the differences in alteration of hyaloclastites probably reflect either the fact that the HSDP core was collected at temperatures equivalent to those at the top of the MHC-2 core or HSDP samples were from beds that were in modified marine pore water, rather than continental waters.

White light emitting diode based on InGaN chip with core/shell quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Changyu; Hong, Yan; Ma, Jiandong; Ming, Jiangzhou

2009-08-01

Quantum dots have many applications in optoelectronic device such as LEDs for its many superior properties resulting from the three-dimensional confinement effect of its carrier. In this paper, single chip white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) were fabricated by combining blue InGaN chip with luminescent colloidal quantum dots (QDs). Two kinds of QDs of core/shell CdSe /ZnS and core/shell/shell CdSe /ZnS /CdS nanocrystals were synthesized by thermal deposition using cadmium oxide and selenium as precursors in a hot lauric acid and hexadecylamine trioctylphosphine oxide hybrid. This two kinds of QDs exhibited high photoluminescence efficiency with a quantum yield more than 41%, and size-tunable emission wavelengths from 500 to 620 nm. The QDs LED mainly consists of flip luminescent InGaN chip, glass ceramic protective coating, glisten cup, QDs using as the photoluminescence material, pyroceram, gold line, electric layer, dielectric layer, silicon gel and bottom layer for welding. The WLEDs had the CIE coordinates of (0.319, 0.32). The InGaN chip white-light-emitting diodes with quantum dots as the emitting layer are potentially useful in illumination and display applications.

Characteristics of environmental correlations between iron (oxyhydr)oxide nanoparticles and microbial activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tamura, T.; Kyono, A.; Muratani, M.

2014-12-01

Nanoparticulate iron oxides and oxyhydroxides with large surface area and high chemical reactivity cause the immobilization of heavy metals and the provision of essential nutrients to organisms. Environmental correlations between microbial activity and nanomorphology of iron (oxyhydr)oxides are significantly important for earth surface processes. In this study, we characterize iron (oxyhydr)oxide nanoparticles and microorganisms in natural lake sediments and describe their association observed between particle nanostructures and microbial species. About 40 cm depth of boring core sample was collected from Lake Kasumigaura, Lake Ushiku, Kokai River and Lake Tega, Japan. To distinguish both iron nanoparticles and growing bacterial colonies with depths, boring core samples were divided into three to five pieces. Particle morphologies, size, aggregation states, mineral species, and microorganisms were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and rRNA gene sequences. Redox potential and pH of the lake sediments were also measured. The core sample from top is mainly composed of quartz of coarse-grained materials, while that from bottom is of ferrihydrite of fine grained materials. The authors will show the results of experiments and discuss the interrelation between iron nanoparticles and microorganisms.

Descriptions and preliminary report on sediment cores from the southwest coastal area, Everglades National Park, Florida

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wingard, G. Lynn; Cronin, Thomas M.; Holmes, Charles W.; Willard, Debra A.; Budet, Carlos A.; Ortiz, Ruth E.

2005-01-01

Sediment cores were collected from five locations in the southwest coastal area of Everglades National Park, Florida, in May 2004 for the purpose of determining the ecosystem history of the area and the impacts of changes in flow through the Shark River Slough. An understanding of natural cycles of change prior to significant human disturbance allows land managers to set realistic performance measures and targets for salinity and other water quality and quantity quality measures. Preliminary examination of the cores indicates significant changes have taken place over the last 1000-2000 years. The cores collected from the inner bays - the most landward bays - are distinctly different from other estuarine sediment cores examined in Florida Bay and Biscayne Bay. Peats in the inner-bay cores from Big Lostmans Bay, Broad River Bay, and Tarpon Bay were deposited at least 1000 years before present (BP) based on radiocarbon analyses. The peats are overlain by poorly sorted organic muds and sands containing species indicative of deposition in a freshwater to very low salinity environment. The Alligator Bay core, the most northern inner-bay core, is almost entirely sand; no detailed faunal analyses or radiometric dating has been completed on this core. The Roberts River core, taken from the mouth of the River where it empties into Whitewater Bay, is lithologically and faunally similar to previously examined cores from Biscayne and Florida Bays; however, the basal unit was deposited ~2000 years before the present based on radiocarbon analyses. A definite trend of increasing salinity over time is seen in the Roberts River core, from sediments representing a terrestrially dominated freshwater environment at the bottom of the core to those representing an estuarine environment with a strong freshwater influence at the top. The changes seen at Roberts River could represent a combination of factors including rising sea-level and changes in freshwater supply, but the timing and extent of the changes needs to be determined. The preliminary information on the cores collected in 2004 will be combined with data from cores collected in July 2005. The 2005 cores were collected along transects moving from the inner bays out towards the coast. These transects, combining information from the 2004 and 2005 cores, will allow us to examine long term trends in freshwater supply, sea-level rise, and potentially the impact of storms on the coastal ecosystem.

Boundary current-controlled turbidite deposition: A sedimentation model for the Southern Nares Abyssal Plain, Western North Atlantic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuijpers, A.; Duin, E. J. Th.

1986-03-01

Examination of 38 sediment cores, bottom photographs, 7,000 km of 3.5 kHz reflection profiles and other seismic data from the southern part of the Nares Abyssal Plain suggests that complex sedimentary patterns and high sedimentation rates can be largely attributed to effects of a deep boundary current flowing eastward along the north flank of the Greater Antilles Outer Ridge. It is concluded that the areal dispersal pattern of turbidites on the plain results mainly from Quaternary climatically-induced fluctuations of the boundary current intensity.

Mercury contribution to an Adirondack lake

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Scrudato, R.J.; Long, D.; Weinbloom, R.

1987-01-01

Elevated copper, lead, and zinc concentrations in the upper 10 to 20 cm of sediment sampled from Cranberry Lake, a large Adirondack lake, are attributed to atmospheric contributions. Pb-210 and pollen core data, however, suggest Cranberry Lake also received mercury discharges during the turn of the century when the area was the center of extensive lumbering and related activities. Elevated mercury concentrations in Cranberry Lake smallmouth bass derived from remobilization from mercury-contaminated bottom sediments which increased the bioavailability to Cranberry Lake organisms. Mercury remobilization and accumulation by fish are promoted by fluctuating pH values resulting from acid precipitation.

Mercury contribution to an adirondack lake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scrudato, R. J.; Long, D.; Weinbloom, Robert

1987-10-01

Elevated copper, lead, and zinc concentrations in the upper 10 to 20 cm of sediment sampled from Cranberry Lake, a large Adirondack lake, are attributed to atmospheric contributions. Pb-210 and pollen core data, however, suggest Cranberry Lake also received mercury discharges during the turn of the century when the area was the center of extensive lumbering and related activities. Elevated mercury concentrations in Cranberry Lake smallmouth bass derived from remobilization from mercury-contaminated bottom sediments which increased the bioavailability to Cranberry Lake organisms. Mercury remobilization and accumulation by fish are promoted by fluctuating pH values resulting from acid precipilation.

Communication and cognition: the social beyond language, interaction and culture.

PubMed

Mascareño, Aldo

2008-06-01

Cognition theories describe the social with terms like language, interaction or culture, whose theoretical status has also been discussed in modern sociology. These concepts are not well-positioned to understand the emergence and autonomy of social orders. Sociological theory of self-referential systems can be useful to reconstruct the bottom-up process which contributes to the emergence of the social as communication as well as to describe the way in which society exerts downward causation upon cognitive phenomena. The core of this theory is the systemic category of meaning as a shared horizon for psychic and social systems.

Investigation of Primary Causes of Load-Related Cracking in Asphalt Concrete Pavement in North Carolina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Hong Joon

This dissertation presents causes of cracking in asphalt concrete pavement in North Carolina through field investigation and laboratory experiments with field extracted material. North Carolina is experiencing higher than anticipated rates of fatigue cracking compared to other state. These higher than expected rates could be reflective of the national trends in mix design practice or could be caused by structural pavement failures. The problems associated with premature cracking in North Carolina pavements point to the need to evaluate the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) mixes, processes, and measures to ensure that these factors properly balance the goals of preventing cracking and minimizing permanent deformation. Without solid data from in-service pavements, any conclusions regarding the causes of these failures might be pure conjecture. Accordingly, this research examines material properties through laboratory experiments using field-extracted materials and investigates in situ pavements and pavement structure. In order to assess condition of existing pavement, alligator cracking index (ACI) was developed. The asphalt content in the top layer that exhibits top-down cracking or bottom-up cracking has a proportional relationship to ACI values. The air void content in a bottom layer that exhibits top-down cracking or bottom-up cracking shows an inverse proportional relationship to ACI values. These observations reflect reasonable results. A comparison between ACI and asphalt film thickness values does not produce noteworthy findings, but somewhat reasonable results are evident once the range of comparison is narrowed down. Thicker film thicknesses show higher ACI values. From field core visual observations, road widening is identified as a major cause of longitudinal cracking. Regions with observed layer interface separation tend to have low ACI values. Through tensile strain simulation based on actual field conditions, it is observed that sites with observed bottom-up cracking have higher tensile strain levels at the bottom of the asphalt layer than sites with observed top-down cracking. Extracted binder fatigue test results indicate that binder properties between good and poor sections of a given site are not the result of differences in the binder properties. Hence, other mixture design factors are at work in controlling the site variability in terms of fatigue resistance.

Seasonal seafloor oxygen dynamics on the Romanian Black Sea Shelf

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Friedrich, Jana; Balan, Sorin; van Beusekom, Justus E.; Naderipour, Celine; Secrieru, Dan

2017-04-01

The Black Sea suffers from the combined effects of anthropogenic eutrophication, overfishing and climate forcing. As a result, its broad and shallow western shelf in particular has a history of ecosystem collapse during the 1970s to the mid-1990s, which followed a slow recovery since the late 1990s due to reduction in anthropogenic pressures. Because of eutrophication, increased oxygen consumption caused recurrent widespread seasonal seafloor hypoxia in a system that is already naturally prone to decrease in bottom water oxygen during summer. On the shelf, reduced bottom water ventilation is a strong natural driver for seafloor hypoxia, due to strong seasonal thermohaline stratification as a result of freshwater inflow from the large rivers Danube, Dniester and Dniepro. To understand the present seasonal dynamics of seafloor oxygen on the Romanian shelf, a seafloor mooring was deployed in 2010 and 2016 during summer and autumn, for three and six months, respectively. The mooring, consisting of an Aanderaa SEAGUARD sensor package attached to an acoustic release, was deployed in 30 m water depth in the Portita region - north of Constanta and south of the Danube River Mouths. The in-situ time series of seafloor oxygen, temperature, turbidity, salinity, and current velocities and directions, combined with CTD profiles, benthic oxygen consumption rates based on ex-situ incubations of sediment cores, and pelagic oxygen respiration rates provide a set of information that allows biological and hydrophysical controls on seafloor oxygen to be identified. We observed the built-up of the thermohaline stratification during late spring and early summer, accompanied by steady decrease in bottom water oxygen. Superimposed settling of particles to the seafloor eventually led to the formation of seafloor hypoxia in late summer. Anticyclonic currents resemble diurnal tidal cycles, albeit low in magnitude. The effects of a strong rainstorm and a Danube flood event in late September were visible in a short-term increase in bottom water oxygen. The autumn storm events over the Black Sea led to seafloor ventilation and stepwise increase of bottom water oxygen on the shelf, which continues during the stormy winter season.

Paleocurrent analysis and physical properties of deep-sea mud cores collected from NW Pacific and Northern Gulf of Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suzuki, T.; Kawamura, K.; Ogawa, Y.; Flemings, P. B.; Behrmann, J. H.; John, C. M.; Hirano, N.; Abe, N.

2005-12-01

We collected three m-long piston cores of mud during the Kairei cruise (KR04-08 and KR05-10) of Japan Marine Science and Technology Center in 2004 and 2005 from the NW Pacific between Honshu and Shatsky Rise; aside the Fukahori Knoll and Yukawa Knoll. Another set of mud cores, 234.5 m long, was collected during the JOIDES Resolution cruise (IODP Exp308, site U1322) in 2005 from the Ursa Basin located at the eastern levee of the Mississippi Canyon, northeastern Gulf of Mexico of about 1000 m depth. Our study purpose is to know the flow direction by mud particle arrangement by thin section and scanning electron microscope (SEM) and anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) data. The data from the NW Pacific indicate weak preferred orientation from SW to NE, suggesting weak bottom current. This is supported by erosional moat to NE direction around the Fukahori Knoll. In the Gulf of Mexico we can know the flow directions of river plumes, turbidity currents, etc., and we can know whether the flows come from the main entry point in the basin or they are derived from the others of the basin. The other basic features of the core sediments are lithology, sedimentary structures, and porosity, together with paleocurrent analysis.

Nanoscale semiconductor-insulator-metal core/shell heterostructures: facile synthesis and light emission.

PubMed

Li, Gong Ping; Chen, Rui; Guo, Dong Lai; Wong, Lai Mun; Wang, Shi Jie; Sun, Han Dong; Wu, Tom

2011-08-01

Controllably constructing hierarchical nanostructures with distinct components and designed architectures is an important theme of research in nanoscience, entailing novel but reliable approaches of bottom-up synthesis. Here, we report a facile method to reproducibly create semiconductor-insulator-metal core/shell nanostructures, which involves first coating uniform MgO shells onto metal oxide nanostructures in solution and then decorating them with Au nanoparticles. The semiconductor nanowire core can be almost any material and, herein, ZnO, SnO(2) and In(2)O(3) are used as examples. We also show that linear chains of short ZnO nanorods embedded in MgO nanotubes and porous MgO nanotubes can be obtained by taking advantage of the reduced thermal stability of the ZnO core. Furthermore, after MgO shell-coating and the appropriate annealing treatment, the intensity of the ZnO near-band-edge UV emission becomes much stronger, showing a 25-fold enhancement. The intensity ratio of the UV/visible emission can be increased further by decorating the surface of the ZnO/MgO nanowires with high-density plasmonic Au nanoparticles. These heterostructured semiconductor-insulator-metal nanowires with tailored morphologies and enhanced functionalities have great potential for use as nanoscale building blocks in photonic and electronic applications. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011

Oxygenation variability off Northern Chile during the last two centuries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Díaz-Ochoa, J. A.; Pantoja, S.; de Lange, G. J.; Lange, C. B.; Sánchez, G. E.; Acuña, V. R.; Muñoz, P.; Vargas, G.

2010-07-01

The Peru Chile Current ecosystem is characterized by high biological productivity and important fisheries. Although this system is likely to be severely affected by climate change, its response to current global warming is still uncertain. In this paper we analyze 10-166 year old sediments in two cores collected in Mejillones Bay, an anoxic sedimentary setting favorable for preservation of proxies. Based on a 166 year chronology we used indicators of bottom water oxygenation proxies (Mo, V, S, and the (lycopane+n-C35)/n-C31) ratio) and surface water productivity (biogenic opal, counts of diatom valves, biogenic Ba, organic carbon and chlorins) to reconstruct environmental variations in Mejillones Bay. We find that at decadal scales, and during the last two centuries, a shift in the coastal marine ecosystem off Northern Chile took place which was characterized by intense ENSO-like activity and large fluctuations in biological export productivity, in bottom water oxygenation, and increased eolic activity (inferred from Ti/Al and Zr/Al). On top of this short-term variability, a gradual increase of sulfidic conditions has occurred being even more intensified since the early 1960s.

Oxygenation variability in Mejillones Bay, off northern Chile, during the last two centuries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Díaz-Ochoa, J. A.; Pantoja, S.; de Lange, G. J.; Lange, C. B.; Sánchez, G. E.; Acuña, V. R.; Muñoz, P.; Vargas, G.

2011-01-01

The Peru Chile Current ecosystem is characterized by high biological productivity and important fisheries. Although this system is likely to be severely affected by climate change, its response to current global warming is still uncertain. In this paper, we analyze 10-166 year-old sediments in two cores collected from Mejillones Bay, an anoxic sedimentary setting favorable for the preservation of proxies. Based on a 166-year chronology, we used proxies of bottom-water oxygenation (Mo, V, S, and the (lycopane + n-C35)/n-C31 ratio) and surface water productivity (biogenic opal, counts of diatom valves, biogenic Ba, organic carbon, and chlorins) to reconstruct environmental variations in Mejillones Bay. During the last two centuries, a shift took place in the coastal marine ecosystem of Bahia Mejillones at decadal scales. This shift was characterized by intense ENSO-like activity, large-scale fluctuations in biological export productivity and bottom water oxygenation, and increased eolian activity (inferred from Ti/Al and Zr/Al). This short-term variability was accompanied by a gradual increase of sulfidic conditions that has intensified since the early 1960s.

1996-2016: Two decades of econophysics: Between methodological diversification and conceptual coherence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schinckus, C.

2016-12-01

This article aimed at presenting the scattered econophysics literature as a unified and coherent field through a specific lens imported from philosophy science. More precisely, I used the methodology developed by Imre Lakatos to cover the methodological evolution of econophysics over these last two decades. In this perspective, three co-existing approaches have been identified: statistical econophysics, bottom-up agent based econophysics and top-down agent based econophysics. Although the last is presented here as the last step of the methodological evolution of econophysics, it is worth mentioning that this tradition is still very new. A quick look on the econophysics literature shows that the vast majority of works in this field deal with a strictly statistical approach or a classical bottom-up agent-based modelling. In this context of diversification, the objective (and contribution) of this article is to emphasize the conceptual coherence of econophysics as a unique field of research. With this purpose, I used a theoretical framework coming from philosophy of science to characterize how econophysics evolved by combining a methodological enrichment with the preservation of its core conceptual statements.

Preface and brief synthesis for the FOODBANCS volume

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Craig R.; DeMaster, David J.

2008-11-01

In this volume we present results from the FOODBANCS Project, which examined the fate and benthic community impact of summer bloom material on the West Antarctic Peninsula shelf floor. The project involved a 5-cruise, 15-month time-series program in which sediment-trap moorings, core sampling, radiochemical profiling, sediment respirometry, bottom photography, and bottom trawling were used to evaluate: (1) seafloor deposition and lability of POC, (2) patterns of labile POC consumption and sediment mixing by benthos, and (3) seasonal and inter-annual variations in biotic abundance, biomass, reproductive condition, recruitment, and sediment community respiration. We find that the seafloor flux and accumulation of particulate organic carbon on the West Antarctic Peninsula shelf exhibit intense seasonal and interannual variability. Nonetheless, many key benthic processes, including organic-matter degradation, bioturbation, deposit feeding, and faunal abundance, reproduction and recruitment, show relatively muted response to this intense seasonal and inter-annual variability in export flux. We thus hypothesize that benthic ecosystems on the Antarctic shelf act as "low-pass" filters, and may be extremely useful in resolving the impacts of climatic change over periods of years to decades in Antarctic Peninsula region.

Patient-specific core decompression surgery for early-stage ischemic necrosis of the femoral head

PubMed Central

Wang, Wei; Hu, Wei; Yang, Pei; Dang, Xiao Qian; Li, Xiao Hui; Wang, Kun Zheng

2017-01-01

Introduction Core decompression is an efficient treatment for early stage ischemic necrosis of the femoral head. In conventional procedures, the pre-operative X-ray only shows one plane of the ischemic area, which often results in inaccurate drilling. This paper introduces a new method that uses computer-assisted technology and rapid prototyping to enhance drilling accuracy during core decompression surgeries and presents a validation study of cadaveric tests. Methods Twelve cadaveric human femurs were used to simulate early-stage ischemic necrosis. The core decompression target at the anterolateral femoral head was simulated using an embedded glass ball (target). Three positioning Kirschner wires were drilled into the top and bottom of the large rotor. The specimen was then subjected to computed tomography (CT). A CT image of the specimen was imported into the Mimics software to construct a three-dimensional model including the target. The best core decompression channel was then designed using the 3D model. A navigational template for the specimen was designed using the Pro/E software and manufactured by rapid prototyping technology to guide the drilling channel. The specimen-specific navigation template was installed on the specimen using positioning Kirschner wires. Drilling was performed using a guide needle through the guiding hole on the templates. The distance between the end point of the guide needle and the target was measured to validate the patient-specific surgical accuracy. Results The average distance between the tip of the guide needle drilled through the guiding template and the target was 1.92±0.071 mm. Conclusions Core decompression using a computer-rapid prototyping template is a reliable and accurate technique that could provide a new method of precision decompression for early-stage ischemic necrosis. PMID:28464029

40Ar/39Ar ages for deep (˜3.3 km) samples from the Hawaii Scientific Drilling Project, Mauna Kea volcano, Hawaii

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jourdan, Fred; Sharp, Warren D.; Renne, Paul R.

2012-05-01

The Hawaii Scientific Drilling Project recovered core from a 3.5 km deep hole from the flank of Mauna Kea volcano, providing a long, essentially continuous record of the volcano's physical and petrologic development that has been used to infer the chemical and physical characteristics of the Hawaiian mantle plume. Determining a precise accumulation rate via 40Ar/39Ar dating of the shield-stage tholeiites, which constitute 95-98% of the volcano's volume is challenging. We applied40Ar/39Ar dating using laser- and furnace-heating in two laboratories (Berkeley and Curtin) to samples of two lava flows from deep in the core (˜3.3 km). All determinations yield concordant isochron ages, ranging from 612 ± 159 to 871 ± 302 ka (2σ; with P ≥ 0.90). The combined data yield an age of 681 ± 120 ka (P = 0.77) for pillow lavas near the bottom of the core. This new age, when regressed with 40Ar/39Ar isochron ages previously obtained for tholeiites higher in the core, defines a constant accumulation rate of 8.4 ± 2.6 m/ka that can be used to interpolate the ages of the tholeiites in the HSDP core with a mean uncertainty of about ±83 ka. For example at ˜3300 mbsl, the age of 664 ± 83 ka estimated from the regression diverges at the 95% confidence level from the age of 550 ka obtained from the numerical model of DePaolo and Stolper (1996). The new data have implications for the timescale of the growth of Hawaiian volcanoes, the paleomagnetic record in the core, and the dynamics of the Hawaiian mantle plume.

Patient-specific core decompression surgery for early-stage ischemic necrosis of the femoral head.

PubMed

Wang, Wei; Hu, Wei; Yang, Pei; Dang, Xiao Qian; Li, Xiao Hui; Wang, Kun Zheng

2017-01-01

Core decompression is an efficient treatment for early stage ischemic necrosis of the femoral head. In conventional procedures, the pre-operative X-ray only shows one plane of the ischemic area, which often results in inaccurate drilling. This paper introduces a new method that uses computer-assisted technology and rapid prototyping to enhance drilling accuracy during core decompression surgeries and presents a validation study of cadaveric tests. Twelve cadaveric human femurs were used to simulate early-stage ischemic necrosis. The core decompression target at the anterolateral femoral head was simulated using an embedded glass ball (target). Three positioning Kirschner wires were drilled into the top and bottom of the large rotor. The specimen was then subjected to computed tomography (CT). A CT image of the specimen was imported into the Mimics software to construct a three-dimensional model including the target. The best core decompression channel was then designed using the 3D model. A navigational template for the specimen was designed using the Pro/E software and manufactured by rapid prototyping technology to guide the drilling channel. The specimen-specific navigation template was installed on the specimen using positioning Kirschner wires. Drilling was performed using a guide needle through the guiding hole on the templates. The distance between the end point of the guide needle and the target was measured to validate the patient-specific surgical accuracy. The average distance between the tip of the guide needle drilled through the guiding template and the target was 1.92±0.071 mm. Core decompression using a computer-rapid prototyping template is a reliable and accurate technique that could provide a new method of precision decompression for early-stage ischemic necrosis.

Integrated core-log petrofacies analysis in the construction of a reservoir geomodel: A case study of a mature Mississippian carbonate reservoir using limited data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bhattacharya, S.; Doveton, J.H.; Carr, T.R.; Guy, W.R.; Gerlach, P.M.

2005-01-01

Small independent operators produce most of the Mississippian carbonate fields in the United States mid-continent, where a lack of integrated characterization studies precludes maximization of hydrocarbon recovery. This study uses integrative techniques to leverage extant data in an Osagian and Meramecian (Mississippian) cherty carbonate reservoir in Kansas. Available data include petrophysical logs of varying vintages, limited number of cores, and production histories from each well. A consistent set of assumptions were used to extract well-level porosity and initial saturations, from logs of different types and vintages, to build a geomodel. Lacking regularly recorded well shut-in pressures, an iterative technique, based on material balance formulations, was used to estimate average reservoir-pressure decline that matched available drillstem test data and validated log-analysis assumptions. Core plugs representing the principal reservoir petrofacies provide critical inputs for characterization and simulation studies. However, assigning plugs among multiple reservoir petrofacies is difficult in complex (carbonate) reservoirs. In a bottom-up approach, raw capillary pressure (Pc) data were plotted on the Super-Pickett plot, and log- and core-derived saturation-height distributions were reconciled to group plugs by facies, to identify core plugs representative of the principal reservoir facies, and to discriminate facies in the logged interval. Pc data from representative core plugs were used for effective pay evaluation to estimate water cut from completions, in infill and producing wells, and guide-selective perforations for economic exploitation of mature fields. The results from this study were used to drill 22 infill wells. Techniques demonstrated here can be applied in other fields and reservoirs. Copyright ?? 2005. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists. All rights reserved.

Assessment of Sensor Technologies for Advanced Reactors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Korsah, Kofi; Kisner, R. A.; Britton Jr., C. L.

This paper provides an assessment of sensor technologies and a determination of measurement needs for advanced reactors (AdvRx). It is a summary of a study performed to provide the technical basis for identifying and prioritizing research targets within the instrumentation and control (I&C) Technology Area under the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Advanced Reactor Technology (ART) program. The study covered two broad reactor technology categories: High Temperature Reactors and Fast Reactors. The scope of “High temperature reactors” included Gen IV reactors whose coolant exit temperatures exceed ≈650 °C and are moderated (as opposed to fast reactors). To bound the scope formore » fast reactors, this report reviewed relevant operating experience from US-operated Sodium Fast Reactor (SFR) and relevant test experience from the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF). For high temperature reactors the study showed that in many cases instrumentation have performed reasonably well in research and demonstration reactors. However, even in cases where the technology is “mature” (such as thermocouples), HTGRs can benefit from improved technologies. Current HTGR instrumentation is generally based on decades-old technology and adapting newer technologies could provide significant advantages. For sodium fast reactors, the study found that several key research needs arise around (1) radiation-tolerant sensor design for in-vessel or in-core applications, where possible non-invasive sensing approaches for key parameters that minimize the need to deploy sensors in-vessel, (2) approaches to exfiltrating data from in-vessel sensors while minimizing penetrations, (3) calibration of sensors in-situ, and (4) optimizing sensor placements to maximize the information content while minimizing the number of sensors needed.« less

Historical ecology of the northern Adriatic Sea: Field methods and coring device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haselmair, Alexandra; Gallmetzer, Ivo; Tomasovych, Adam; Stachowitsch, Michael; Zuschin, Martin

2014-05-01

For an ongoing study on the historical ecology of the northern Adriatic Sea, the objective was to retrieve a high number of sediment cores at seven sampling stations spread across the entire basin. One set of cores is intended for sediment analyses including radiometric Pb-sediment-dating, grain size, TOC, TAC and heavy metal analyses. The other set of cores delivered enough shelly remains of endo- or epibenthic hard part producers (e.g. molluscs, crustaceans, echinoderms) to enable the reconstruction of death assemblages in core layers from top to bottom. The down-core changes of such assemblages record ecological shifts in a marine environment that has endured strong human impacts over several centuries. A 1.5 m-long core could, according to the available sedimentation data for the area, cover up to 2000 or even more years of ecological history. The coring method had to meet the following requirements: a) deliver 1.5-m-long cores from different sediment settings (mud to sand, reflecting a wide range of benthic habitats in the northern Adriatic); b) enable quick and easy deployment to ensure that multiple cores can be taken at the individual sampling stations within a short time; c) be relatively affordable and allow handling by the researchers themselves, potentially using a small vessel in order to further contain the operating costs. Two types of UWITEC™ piston corers were used to meet these requirements. A model with 90 mm of diameter (samples for sediment analysis) and another one with 160 mm, specifically designed to obtain the large amount of material needed for shell analysis, successfully delivered a total of 54 cores. The device consists of a stabilizing tripod and the interchangeable coring cylinders. It is equipped with a so-called hammer action that makes it possible, at least for the smaller cylinder, to penetrate even harder sediments. A closing mechanism of the corer retains the sediment in the cylinder upon extraction; it works either automatically through hydraulic pressure once the final core-length is reached, or can be triggered manually anytime from the surface using a connected hose and water pump. The whole coring device weighs less than 300 kg and can readily be transported in a van. It can easily be assembled, disassembled and operated by two to three persons after a brief training. With a newly designed, very simple and effective slicing device, the cores can be sliced in an upright position directly on board after extraction. This type of corer can be highly recommended for any smaller coring operations on lakes, streams, or at sea.

The Earth's core formation: Constraints imposed by partitioning behaviour of Germanium and Copper.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kegler, P.; Holzheid, A.; Palme, H.

2006-12-01

The abundances of the siderophile (metal-seeking) elements in the present Earth mantle are the result of the core formation in the early Earth. It is commonly assumed that the concentrations of the siderophile elements in the Earth mantle, especially of Ni and Co, can be explained by metal-silicate equilibrium at the base of a deep magma ocean during the core forming event [1,2], assuming values of Ni and Co metal-silicate partition coefficients at the bottom of a magma ocean that are identical to the Ni and Co core-mantle ratios (Ni:~39; pressure, where both partition coefficients have the same value, does exist within the Earth upper mantle [3,4]. In order to better constrain the origin of the siderophile elements in the upper mantle of the Earth we expanded our study and determined high pressure and high temperature metal/silicate partition coefficients of Ge and Cu (Dmet/sil = concentration of, e.g., Ge in metal / concentration of, e.g., Ge in silicate). The experiments were performed with Fe97Ge3 and Fe97Cu3 alloys. The metals were equilibrated with a synthetic basaltic melt (same composition as in [3,4]) within a pressure range from 0.5 to 2.5 GPa and at a temperature of 1450°C. The partition coefficients of both elements decrease within the investigated pressure range and at an oxygen fugacity of 1.4 log units more reduced than the Fe-FeO buffer (Dmet/sil at 0.5 GPa: Ge 5475, Cu 49; Dmet/sil at 2.5 GPa: Ge 4057, Cu 42). Although the pressure range covered by our experiments is narrow and extrapolations to pressures relevant to upper mantle conditions are therefore not very robust, it is still obvious that Dmet/sil of Ge and Cu at conditions at the bottom of a magma ocean would not be equal to their core/mantle ratios (Ge: 26; Cu: 6). These findings, in addition to the earlier results of Ni and Co, question the hypothesis of a simple single stage magma ocean. However, other models like inefficient core formation [5], heterogeneous accretion [6-7], or self oxidation of the Earth mantle with a multiple stage magma ocean [8,9] might be alternative hypotheses to explain the siderophile element abundances in the Earth mantle. [1] Li &Agee 1996 Nature, 381, 686-689. [2] Bouhifd &Jephcoat 2003. EPSL, 209, 245-255. [3] Kegler et al. 2004 LPSC XXXV, 1632. [4] Kegler et al. 2005 LPSC XXXVI, 2030. [5] Jones & Drake 1986 Nature 322, 221- 228. [6] Ringwood 1984 Proc.R.Soc.London, A395, 1-46. [7] Wanke et al. 1984 In: Archean geochemistry (ed. A. Kroener ) pp 1-24. [8] Frost et al. 2004 Nature, 428, 409-412. [9] Wade &Wood 2005 EPSL, 236, 78-95.

Occurrence and Trends of Selected Chemical Constituents in Bottom Sediment, Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, Northeast Oklahoma, 1940-2008

USGS Publications Warehouse

Juracek, Kyle E.; Becker, Mark F.

2009-01-01

After over 100 years of continuous activity, lead and zinc mining in the Tri-State Mining District (hereafter referred to as the TSMD) in parts of southeast Kansas, southwest Missouri, and northeast Oklahoma ended in the 1970s. The mining activity resulted in substantial historical and ongoing input of cadmium, lead, and zinc to the environment including Grand Lake O' the Cherokees (hereafter referred to as Grand Lake), a large reservoir in northeast Oklahoma. To help determine the extent and magnitude of contamination in Grand Lake, a one-year study was conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Bottom-sediment coring at five sites was used to investigate the occurrence of cadmium, lead, zinc, and other selected constituents in the bottom sediment of Grand Lake. Cadmium concentrations in the bottom sediment of Grand Lake ranged from 2.3 to 3.6 mg/kg (milligrams per kilogram) with a median of 3.5 mg/kg (5 samples). Compared to an estimated local background concentration of 0.6 mg/kg, the historical mining activity increased cadmium concentrations by about 280 to 500 percent. Lead concentrations ranged from 35 to 102 mg/kg with a median of 59 mg/kg (50 samples). Compared to an estimated local background concentration of 20 mg/kg, the historical mining activity increased lead concentrations by about 75 to 410 percent. The range in zinc concentrations was 380 to 986 mg/kg with a median of 765 mg/kg (50 samples). Compared to an estimated local background concentration of 100 mg/kg, the historical mining activity increased zinc concentrations by about 280 to 890 percent. With the exception of the most upstream coring site, the lead and zinc depositional profiles generally were similar in terms of the range in concentrations measured and the temporal pattern observed. Depositional profiles for lead and zinc indicated mid-core peaks followed by concentrations that decreased since about the 1980s. The depositional profiles reflect the complex interaction of several factors including historical mining and related activities, mine drainage, remediation, landscape stabilization, precipitation and associated runoff, and the erosion and transport of contaminated and clean sediments within the basin. Compared to sediment-quality guidelines, the Grand Lake samples had cadmium concentrations that were substantially less than the general probable-effects concentration (PEC) (4.98 mg/kg) and a TSMD-specific PEC (11.1 mg/kg). The PECs represent the concentration above which toxic biological effects are likely to occur. Likewise, all sediment samples had lead concentrations that were substantially less than the general PEC (128 mg/kg) and a TSMD-specific PEC (150 mg/kg). Zinc concentrations typically exceeded the general PEC (459 mg/kg), but were substantially less than a TSMD-specific PEC (2,083 mg/kg). Throughout the history of Grand Lake, lead and zinc concentrations in the deposited sediment did not approach or exceed the TSMD-specific PECs. As of 2008, legacy effects of mining still included the delivery of contaminated sediment to Grand Lake by the Spring and Neosho Rivers. The Neosho River, with its larger flows and less-contaminated sediment, likely dilutes the load of contaminated sediment delivered to Grand Lake by the Spring River. The information contained in this report provides a baseline of Grand Lake conditions with which to compare future conditions that may represent a response to changes in mining-related activity in the Grand Lake Basin.

Bottom water production variability in the Ross Sea slope during the Late-Pleistocene-Holocene as revealed by benthic foraminifera and sediment geochemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asioli, A.; Langone, L.; Tateo, F.; Giannossi, M. L.; Giglio, F.; Summa, V.; Piva, A.; Ridente, D.; Trincardi, F.

2009-04-01

The Antarctic area produces bottom waters that ventilate the vast majority of the deep basins in the rest of the world ocean. The rate of formation in the source area and the strength of these cold bottom waters affect their flow toward the equator and are key factors affecting the Global Thermohaline Circulation during modern and past climate conditions. We present the results of a multidisciplinary study carried out on a core collected in 2377m of water depth on the slope off the Drygalski Basin (Ross Sea), along the modern path of the bottom waters. The goal of this research is to detect a qualitative signal of possible changes in the rate of bottom water production during the Late Pleistocene-Holocene by integrating micropaleontological and geochemical proxies. The micropaleontological signal is represented by the quantitative and qualitative variations of the agglutinated benthic foraminifera assemblages, while the amount of TOC, nitrogen, δ13C, δ15N, biogenic silica, CaCO3 in the sediment, along with the bulk rock mineralogy, provide information on the paleoproductivity and allow reconstruction of changes in the paleocirculation. The chronology is supported by 14C AMS datings on organic matter. Although this study is still in progress, the results obtained allow the following observations: 1) the Holocene sequence includes a major turnover around 8-8.5 calib kyr BP, leading to reduced nutrient utilization, probably reflecting an increased nutrient supply induced by an enhanced Upper Circumpolar Deep Water upwelling; 2) within this general context, the total concentration of benthic foraminifera preserved in the fossil component records millennial scale cycles of variable amplitude after 8.5 calib kyr BP and to present time. This oscillatory trend is paralleled by other parameters, such as the magnetic susceptibility, the dry density, the sheet silicates and the δ15N; 3) minima in foraminifera concentration reflect relatively increased dissolution, weaker bottom currents (minima in dry density=higher amount of fine fraction), and lower nutrient supply; maxima in foraminifera concentration indicate better preservation, higher benthic productivity and/or better oxygenation at bottom, stronger bottom currents (maxima in dry density) and relatively higher nutrient supply; 4) these cycles are interpreted to reflect a relatively higher (maxima in forams concentration) or lower (minima in forams concentration) rate of bottom water formation; 5) between 8.5 and 6 kyr BP the amplitude of these cycles (and particularly those with increased rates of bottom water formation) is higher than the subsequent ones. We equate this interval with the early part of the Middle Holocene Climatic Optimum of the literature; 6) the condensed/hiatus interval centred at ca. 3.5-4 kyr BP does not seem to mark a major change in the general pattern. Nevertheless, this feature is time-equivalent to a major change in the circulation pattern in other Antarctic regions, such as the Antarctic Peninsula. This major change consists in oscillations between two contrasting circulation modes dominated respectively by: a) Upper Circumpolar Deep Water and b) shelf-water formation. This major change can therefore be ascribed to the southward migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone vs. ENSO prevalence, respectively.

Investigating the importance of sediment resuspension in Alexandrium fundyense cyst population dynamics in the Gulf of Maine

USGS Publications Warehouse

Butman, Bradford; Aretxabaleta, Alfredo L.; Dickhudt, Patrick J.; Dalyander, P. Soupy; Sherwood, Christopher R.; Anderson, Donald M.; Keafer, Bruce A.; Signell, Richard P.

2014-01-01

Cysts of Alexandrium fundyense, a dinoflagellate that causes toxic algal blooms in the Gulf of Maine, spend the winter as dormant cells in the upper layer of bottom sediment or the bottom nepheloid layer and germinate in spring to initiate new blooms. Erosion measurements were made on sediment cores collected at seven stations in the Gulf of Maine in the autumn of 2011 to explore if resuspension (by waves and currents) could change the distribution of over-wintering cysts from patterns observed in the previous autumn; or if resuspension could contribute cysts to the water column during spring when cysts are viable. The mass of sediment eroded from the core surface at 0.4 Pa ranged from 0.05 kg m−2 near Grand Manan Island, to 0.35 kg m−2 in northern Wilkinson Basin. The depth of sediment eroded ranged from about 0.05 mm at a station with sandy sediment at 70 m water depth on the western Maine shelf, to about 1.2 mm in clayey–silt sediment at 250 m water depth in northern Wilkinson Basin. The sediment erodibility measurements were used in a sediment-transport model forced with modeled waves and currents for the period October 1, 2010 to May 31, 2011 to predict resuspension and bed erosion. The simulated spatial distribution and variation of bottom shear stress was controlled by the strength of the semi-diurnal tidal currents, which decrease from east to west along the Maine coast, and oscillatory wave-induced currents, which are strongest in shallow water. Simulations showed occasional sediment resuspension along the central and western Maine coast associated with storms, steady resuspension on the eastern Maine shelf and in the Bay of Fundy associated with tidal currents, no resuspension in northern Wilkinson Basin, and very small resuspension in western Jordan Basin. The sediment response in the model depended primarily on the profile of sediment erodibility, strength and time history of bottom stress, consolidation time scale, and the current in the water column. Based on analysis of wave data from offshore buoys from 1996 to 2012, the number of wave events inducing a bottom shear stress large enough to resuspend sediment at 80 m ranged from 0 to 2 in spring (April and May) and 0 to 10 in winter (October through March). Wave-induced resuspension is unlikely in water greater than about 100 m deep. The observations and model results suggest that a millimeter or so of sediment and associated cysts may be mobilized in both winter and spring, and that the frequency of resuspension will vary interannually. Depending on cyst concentration in the sediment and the vertical distribution in the water column, these events could result in a concentration in the water column of at least 104 cysts m−3. In some years, resuspension events could episodically introduce cysts into the water column in spring, where germination is likely to be facilitated at the time of bloom formation. An assessment of the quantitative effects of cyst resuspension on bloom dynamics in any particular year requires more detailed investigation.