The DNAPL challenge: Is there a case for partial source removal?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kavanaugh, M. C.; Rao, P. S. C.

2003-04-01

Despite significant advances in the science and technology of DNAPL source zone characterization, and DNAPL removal technologies over the past two decades, source remediation has not become a standard objective at most DNAPL sites. Few documented cases of DNAPL source removal have been published, and achievement of the usual cleanup metric in these source zones, namely, meeting Maximum Contaminant Levels ("MCLs") is rare. At most DNAPL sites, removal of sufficient amounts of DNAPL from the source zones to achieve MCLs is considered technically impracticable, taking cost into consideration. Leaving substantial quantities of DNAPL in source zones and instituting appropriate technologies to eliminate continued migration of groundwater plumes emanating from these source zones requires long-term reliability of barrier technologies (hydraulic or physical), and the permanence institutional controls. This strategy runs the risk of technical or institutional failures and possible liabilities associated with natural resource damage claims. To address this challenge, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") established a panel of experts ("Panel") on DNAPL issues to provide their opinions on the overarching question of whether DNAPL source remediation is feasible. This Panel, co-chaired by the authors of this paper, has now prepared a report summarizing the opinions of the Panel on the key question of whether DNAPL source removal is achievable. This paper will present the findings of the Panel, addressing such issues as the current status of DNAPL source characterization and remediation technologies, alternative metrics of success for DNAPL source remediation, the potential benefits of partial DNAPL source depletion, and research needs to address data gaps that hinder the more widespread implementation of source removal strategies.

Application of Precipitate Free Zone Growth Kinetics to the β-Phase Depletion Behavior in a CoNiCrAlY Coating Alloy: An Analytical Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, H.

2018-06-01

This paper concerns the β-phase depletion kinetics of a thermally sprayed free-standing CoNiCrAlY (Co-31.7 pct Ni-20.8 pct Cr-8.1 pct Al-0.5 pct Y, all in wt pct) coating alloy. An analytical β-phase depletion model based on the precipitate free zone growth kinetics was developed to calculate the β-phase depletion kinetics during isothermal oxidation. This approach, which accounts for the molar volume of the alloy, the interfacial energy of the γ/ β interface, and the Al concentration at γ/ γ + β boundary, requires the Al concentrations in the β-phase depletion zone as the input rather than the oxidation kinetics at the oxide/coating interface. The calculated β-phase depletion zones derived from the current model were compared with experimental results. It is shown that the calculated β-phase depletion zones using the current model are in reasonable agreement with those obtained experimentally. The constant compositional terms used in the model are likely to cause the discrepancies between the model predictions and experimental results. This analytical approach, which shows a reasonable correlation with experimental results, demonstrates a good reliability in the fast evaluation on lifetime prediction of MCrAlY coatings.

Application of Precipitate Free Zone Growth Kinetics to the β-Phase Depletion Behavior in a CoNiCrAlY Coating Alloy: An Analytical Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, H.

2018-03-01

This paper concerns the β-phase depletion kinetics of a thermally sprayed free-standing CoNiCrAlY (Co-31.7 pct Ni-20.8 pct Cr-8.1 pct Al-0.5 pct Y, all in wt pct) coating alloy. An analytical β-phase depletion model based on the precipitate free zone growth kinetics was developed to calculate the β-phase depletion kinetics during isothermal oxidation. This approach, which accounts for the molar volume of the alloy, the interfacial energy of the γ/β interface, and the Al concentration at γ/γ + β boundary, requires the Al concentrations in the β-phase depletion zone as the input rather than the oxidation kinetics at the oxide/coating interface. The calculated β-phase depletion zones derived from the current model were compared with experimental results. It is shown that the calculated β-phase depletion zones using the current model are in reasonable agreement with those obtained experimentally. The constant compositional terms used in the model are likely to cause the discrepancies between the model predictions and experimental results. This analytical approach, which shows a reasonable correlation with experimental results, demonstrates a good reliability in the fast evaluation on lifetime prediction of MCrAlY coatings.

The mafic-ultramafic complex of Aniyapuram, Cauvery Suture Zone, southern India: Petrological and geochemical constraints for Neoarchean suprasubduction zone tectonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yellappa, T.; Venkatasivappa, V.; Koizumi, T.; Chetty, T. R. K.; Santosh, M.; Tsunogae, T.

2014-12-01

Several Precambrian mafic-ultramafic complexes occur along the Cauvery Suture Zone (CSZ) in Southern Granulite Terrain, India. Their origin, magmatic evolution and relationship with the associated high-grade rocks have not been resolved. The Aniyapuram Mafic-Ultramafic Complex (AMUC), the focus of the present study in southern part of the CSZ, is dominantly composed of peridotites, pyroxenites, gabbros, metagabbros/mafic granulites, hornblendites, amphibolites, plagiogranites, felsic granulites and ferruginous cherts. The rock types in the AMUC are structurally emplaced within hornblende gneiss (TTG) basement rocks and are highly deformed. The geochemical signature of the amphibolites indicates tholeiitic affinity for the protolith with magma generation in island arc-setting. N-MORB normalized pattern of the amphibolites show depletion in HFS-elements (P, Zr, Sm, Ti, and Y) and enrichment of LIL-elements (Rb, Ba, Th, Sr) with negative Nb anomalies suggesting involvement of subduction component in the depleted mantle source and formation in a supra-subduction zone tectonic setting. Our new results when correlated with the available age data suggest that the lithological association of AMUC represent the remnants of the Neoarchean oceanic lithosphere.

Osmium isotope constraints on ore metal recycling in subduction zones

PubMed

McInnes; McBride; Evans; Lambert; Andrew

1999-10-15

Veined peridotite xenoliths from the mantle beneath the giant Ladolam gold deposit on Lihir Island, Papua New Guinea, are 2 to 800 times more enriched in copper, gold, platinum, and palladium than surrounding depleted arc mantle. Gold ores have osmium isotope compositions similar to those of the underlying subduction-modified mantle peridotite source region, indicating that the primary origin of the metals was the mantle. Because the mantle is relatively depleted in gold, copper, and palladium, tectonic processes that enhance the advective transport and concentration of these fluid soluble metals may be a prerequisite for generating porphyry-epithermal copper-gold deposits.

Hydrologic Controls on Losses of Individual Components of Crude Oil in the Subsurface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bekins, B. A.; Baedecker, M. J.; Eganhouse, R. P.; Drennan, D.; Herkelrath, W. N.; Warren, E.; Cozzarelli, I.

2011-12-01

The time frame for natural attenuation of crude oil contamination in the subsurface has been studied for the last 27 years at a spill site located near Bemidji, Minnesota, USA. Data from the groundwater contaminant plume show that dissolved benzene concentrations adjacent to the oil decreased by 50% between 1993 and 2007. Previous studies at the site showed that benzene and ethylbenzene undergo minimal degradation in the methanogenic zone of the plume while toluene and o-xylene degrade rapidly in this zone. Other studies have shown that degradation of benzene under methanogenic conditions occurs in some cases but is generally unreliable in the field. In this study concentrations of volatile components in the crude oil source were examined to determine if the observed benzene decrease near the oil source zone was due a change in the ability of the methanogenic microbial community to degrade benzene or long-term depletion of the oil source. Oil samples collected in 2008 had benzene concentrations ranging from 7-61% of values measured in archived oil representative of the spill consistent with depletion of the oil source. Several lines of evidence indicate that dissolution and conservative transport control the losses of benzene and ethylbenzene from the crude oil. Laboratory microcosms constructed using sediments from the methanogenic zone near the source and incubated for over 13 months with an anaerobic mineral salt solution spiked with ~2 mg/L benzene exhibited no benzene losses. Concentrations of benzene and ethylbenzene in oil samples collected from five wells were linearly correlated to interpolated maximum pore space oil saturations adjacent to each well (R2 =0.72 and 0.55 respectively), indicating that losses of these compounds from the oil were controlled by the relative permeability of groundwater through the oil body. Moreover benzene loss from the oil was greater than ethylbenzene, consistent with their relative aqueous solubilities. Losses of other oil compounds appear to be more strongly controlled by methanogenic degradation occurring in the source zone. Concentrations of these compounds, which include the n-alkanes, toluene, and o-xylene, correlate better with location in the oil body than with pore space oil saturation. Greater degradation rates occur below a topographic depression where focussing of surface runoff leads to an annual recharge rate of almost twice that of a nearby higher elevation site. The oxygen in the recharge over the source zone never reaches the oil at the water table because it is rapidly consumed in the vadose zone by aerobic methanotrophs oxidizing methane produced from oil degradation in the source zone. Other electron acceptors including nitrate and sulphate are insignificant at this site. The data suggest that transport by recharge of the growth nutrients phosphorus and nitrogen is the explanation for the higher degradation rates of the oil components in the focussed recharge area.

HYPOXIA IN THE GULF OF MEXICO: ASSESSING AND MANAGING RISKS FROM NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTANTS IN THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN

EPA Science Inventory

. Hypoxia is the condition in which dissolved oxygen levels are below that necessary to sustain most animal life. The largest zone of oxygen depletion in U.S. coastal waters is found in the northern Gulf of Mexico (NGOM) on the Louisiana/Texas continental shelf. In response to...

Radiocarbon concentration in modern tree rings from Fukushima, Japan.

PubMed

Xu, Sheng; Cook, Gordon T; Cresswell, Alan J; Dunbar, Elaine; Freeman, Stewart P H T; Hastie, Helen; Hou, Xiaolin; Jacobsson, Piotr; Naysmith, Philip; Sanderson, David C W

2015-08-01

A 30-year-old Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), collected from Iwaki, Fukushima in 2014, was analyzed for the long-lived radionuclide (14)C. Values of Δ(14)C varied from 211.7‰ in 1984 to 16.9‰ in 2013. The temporal Δ(14)C variation can be described as an exponential decline, indistinguishable from the general Northern Hemisphere Zone 2 (NH Zone 2) values in the atmosphere, until at least 1994. Values of Δ(14)C for 1999 and 2004 are slightly depleted compared with NH Zone 2 values, while from 1999 to 2013 the data suggest a clear depletion with a 2-8 ppmV additional CO2 contribution from a (14)C-free (i.e. fossil carbon) source. This change coincides with local traffic increases since two nearby expressways were opened in the 1990's. In addition, the small but visible (14)C pulse observed in the 2011 tree-ring might be caused by release from the damaged reactors during the Fukushima nuclear accident. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Boninite-like intraplate magmas from Manihiki Plateau require ultra-depleted and enriched source components

PubMed Central

Golowin, Roman; Portnyagin, Maxim; Hoernle, Kaj; Hauff, Folkmar; Gurenko, Andrey; Garbe-Schönberg, Dieter; Werner, Reinhard; Turner, Simon

2017-01-01

The Ontong Java and Manihiki oceanic plateaus are believed to have formed through high-degree melting of a mantle plume head. Boninite-like, low-Ti basement rocks at Manihiki, however, imply a more complex magma genesis compared with Ontong Java basement lavas that can be generated by ∼30% melting of a primitive mantle source. Here we show that the trace element and isotope compositions of low-Ti Manihiki rocks can best be explained by re-melting of an ultra-depleted source (possibly a common mantle component in the Ontong Java and Manihiki plume sources) re-enriched by ≤1% of an ocean-island-basalt-like melt component. Unlike boninites formed via hydrous flux melting of refractory mantle at subduction zones, these boninite-like intraplate rocks formed through adiabatic decompression melting of refractory plume material that has been metasomatized by ocean-island-basalt-like melts. Our results suggest that caution is required before assuming all Archaean boninites were formed in association with subduction processes. PMID:28181497

Determining Mass and Persistence of a Reactive Brominated-Solvent DNAPL Source Using Mass Depletion-Mass Flux Reduction Relationships During Pumping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnston, C. D.; Davis, G. B.; Bastow, T.; Annable, M. D.; Trefry, M. G.; Furness, A.; Geste, Y.; Woodbury, R.; Rhodes, S.

2011-12-01

Measures of the source mass and depletion characteristics of recalcitrant dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) contaminants are critical elements for assessing performance of remediation efforts. This is in addition to understanding the relationships between source mass depletion and changes to dissolved contaminant concentration and mass flux in groundwater. Here we present results of applying analytical source-depletion concepts to pumping from within the DNAPL source zone of a 10-m thick heterogeneous layered aquifer to estimate the original source mass and characterise the time trajectory of source depletion and mass flux in groundwater. The multi-component, reactive DNAPL source consisted of the brominated solvent tetrabromoethane (TBA) and its transformation products (mostly tribromoethene - TriBE). Coring and multi-level groundwater sampling indicated the DNAPL to be mainly in lower-permeability layers, suggesting the source had already undergone appreciable depletion. Four simplified source dissolution models (exponential, power function, error function and rational mass) were able to describe the concentration history of the total molar concentration of brominated organics in extracted groundwater during 285 days of pumping. Approximately 152 kg of brominated compounds were extracted. The lack of significant kinetic mass transfer limitations in pumped concentrations was notable. This was despite the heterogeneous layering in the aquifer and distribution of DNAPL. There was little to choose between the model fits to pumped concentration time series. The variance of groundwater velocities in the aquifer determined during a partitioning inter-well tracer test (PITT) were used to parameterise the models. However, the models were found to be relatively insensitive to this parameter. All models indicated an initial source mass around 250 kg which compared favourably to an estimate of 220 kg derived from the PITT. The extrapolated concentrations from the dissolution models diverged, showing disparate approaches to possible remediation objectives. However, it also showed that an appreciable proportion of the source would need to be removed to discriminate between the models. This may limit the utility of such modelling early in the history of a DNAPL source. A further limitation is the simplified approach of analysing the combined parent/daughter compounds with different solubilities as a total molar concentration. Although the fitted results gave confidence to this approach, there were appreciable changes in relative abundance. The dissolution and partitioning processes are discussed in relation to the lower-solubility TBA becoming dominant in pumped groundwater over time, despite its known rapid transformation to TriBE. These processes are also related to the architecture of the depleting source as revealed by multi-level groundwater sampling under reversed pumping/injection conditions.

Formation and evolution of a metasomatized lithospheric root at the motionless Antarctic plate: the case of East Island, Crozet Archipelago (Indian Ocean)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyzen, Christine; Marzoli, Andrea; Bellieni, Giuliano; Levresse, Gilles

2016-04-01

Sitting atop the nearly stagnant Antarctic plate (ca. 6.46 mm/yr), the Crozet archipelago midway between Madagascar and Antarctica constitutes a region of unusually shallow (1543-1756 m below sea level) and thickened oceanic crust (10-16.5 km), high geoid height, and deep low-velocity zone, which may reflect the surface expression of a mantle plume. Here, we present new major and trace element data for Quaternary sub-aerial alkali basalts from East Island, the easterly and oldest island (ca. 9 Ma) of the Crozet archipelago. Crystallization at uppermost mantle depth and phenocryst accumulation have strongly affected their parental magma compositions. Their trace element patterns show a large negative K anomaly relative to Ta-La, moderate depletions in Rb and Ba with respect to Th-U, and heavy rare earth element (HREE) depletions relative to light REE. These characteristics allow limits to be placed upon the composition and mineralogy of their mantle source. The average trace element spectrum of East Island basalts can be matched by melting of about 2 % of a garnet-phlogopite-bearing peridotite source. The stability field of phlogopite restricts melting depth to lithospheric levels. The modelled source composition requires a multistage evolution, where the mantle has been depleted by melt extraction before having been metasomatized by alkali-rich plume melts. The depleted mantle component may be sourced by residual mantle plume remnants stagnated at the melting locus due to a weak lateral flow velocity inside the melting regime, whose accumulation progressively edifies a depleted lithospheric root above the plume core. Low-degree alkali-rich melts are likely derived from the plume source. Such a mantle source evolution may be general to both terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments where the lateral component velocity of the mantle flow field is extremely slow.

Chemical provinces and dynamic melting of the NE Atlantic mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tronnes, R. G.

2009-12-01

Low-degree melting of fertile parts of the NE Atlantic mantle yields primitive alkaline basalts in the Icelandic off-rift zones and at Jan Mayen. Olivine tholeiites in the Icelandic rift zones and oceanic spreading ridges are formed by protracted decompressional melting. The V-shaped ridges SW and NE of Iceland indicate that rising, hot material is supplied by a pulsating plume and deflected laterally for distances of about 1000 km from Iceland (Jones et al. GGG 2002; Breivik et al. JGR 2006). Plume material deflected along the rift zones and spreading ridges undergoes mixing with the ambient asthenosphere and extensive melting at shallow level, whereas material deflected in other directions may flow laterally at deeper levels and remain largely unmelted and fertile. A recent investigation of a suite of primitive off-rift basalts from Iceland and Jan Mayen (Debaille et al., 2009, GCA) demonstrated an important source contribution from subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). Available data on the primitive off-rift basalts and tholeiitic basalts from Iceland and the NE Atlantic ridges indicates the existence of three main composite mantle components, characterized by the following relative isotope ratios (H: high, I: intermediate and L: low ratio) for 87/86Sr, 143/144Nd, 206/204Pb, 187/188Os and 3/4He, respectively: 1. Iceland plume with depleted lower mantle mixed with recycled oceanic crust: I, I, H, H, H 2. Strongly depleted and later re-enriched SCLM: H, L, I, L, L 3. Depleted asthenosphere: L, H, L, I, L The two first composite components contain enriched and depleted subcomponents with distinct isotope signatures. The isotope ratio variations between the fertile components are larger than between the refractory components. The 3/4He ratio, however, is much higher in the depleted plume component than in the depleted SCLM and asthenospheric components. The old SCLM material could in principle be recycled and embedded in the lower mantle and supplied to the melting zone by the Iceland plume. However, a regional isotopic variation pattern indicates that this material originated from the nearby continents and became partially delaminated and embedded in the upper mantle during the recent continental rifting and separation of Greenland the Jan Mayen Ridge and of Greenland and Spitsbergen. The influence of SCLM is most clearly recognized north of central Iceland, in the Northern Rift Zone, along the Kolbeinsey, Mohns, Knipovich and Gakkel Ridges, and especially at Jan Mayen and along the westernmost Gakkel Ridge close to the Yermak Plateau (Goldstein et al. 2008, Nature). The SCLM-signal is weaker for Snæfellsnes, the Mid-Icelandic Belt and the Western and Eastern Rift Zones, and weakest for Vestmannaeyjar, the Southern Volcanic Flank Zone, the Reykjanes Peninsula and the Reykjanes Ridge. The regional geochemical patterns have interesting implications for the probable interaction between lateral plume flow, ridge-focussed asthenospheric flow and delaminated patches of SCLM.

Field data and numerical simulation of btex concentration trends under water table fluctuations: Example of a jet fuel-contaminated site in Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teramoto, Elias Hideo; Chang, Hung Kiang

2017-03-01

Mass transfer of light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) trapped in porous media is a complex phenomenon. Water table fluctuations have been identified as responsible for generating significant variations in the concentration of dissolved hydrocarbons. Based on field evidence, this work presents a conceptual model and a numerical solution for mass transfer from entrapped LNAPL to groundwater controlled by both LNAPL saturation and seasonal water table fluctuations within the LNAPL smear zone. The numerical approach is capable of reproducing aqueous BTEX concentration trends under three different scenarios - water table fluctuating within smear zone, above the smear zone and partially within smear zone, resulting in in-phase, out-of-phase and alternating in-phase and out-of-phase BTEX concentration trend with respect to water table oscillation, respectively. The results demonstrate the model's applicability under observed field conditions and its ability to predict source zone depletion.

Isotope investigation on groundwater recharge and dynamics in shallow and deep alluvial aquifers of southwest Punjab.

PubMed

Keesari, Tirumalesh; Sharma, Diana A; Rishi, Madhuri S; Pant, Diksha; Mohokar, Hemant V; Jaryal, Ajay Kumar; Sinha, U K

2017-11-01

Groundwater samples collected from the alluvial aquifers of southwest Punjab, both shallow and deep zones were measured for environmental tritium ( 3 H) and stable isotopes ( 2 H and 18 O) to evaluate the source of recharge and aquifer dynamics. The shallow groundwater shows wide variation in isotopic signature (δ 18 O: -11.3 to -5.0‰) reflecting multiple sources of recharge. The average isotopic signature of shallow groundwaters (δ 18 O: -6.73 ± 1.03‰) is similar to that of local precipitation (-6.98 ± 1.66‰) indicating local precipitation contributes to a large extent compared to other sources. Other sources have isotopically distinct signatures due to either high altitude recharge (canal sources) or evaporative enrichment (irrigation return flow). Deep groundwater shows relatively depleted isotopic signature (δ 18 O: -8.6‰) and doesn't show any evaporation effect as compared to shallow zone indicating recharge from precipitation occurring at relatively higher altitudes. Environmental tritium indicates that both shallow ( 3 H: 5 - 10 T.U.) and deeper zone ( 3 H: 1.5 - 2.5 T.U.) groundwaters are modern. In general the inter-aquifer connections seem to be unlikely except a few places. Environmental isotope data suggests that shallow groundwater is dynamic, local and prone to changes in land use patterns while deep zone water is derived from distant sources, less dynamic and not impacted by surface manifestations. A conceptual groundwater flow diagram is presented. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Geochemistry and geodynamics of the Mawat mafic complex in the Zagros Suture zone, northeast Iraq

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azizi, Hossein; Hadi, Ayten; Asahara, Yoshihiro; Mohammad, Youssef Osman

2013-12-01

The Iraqi Zagros Orogenic Belt includes two separate ophiolite belts, which extend along a northwest-southeast trend near the Iranian border. The outer belt shows ophiolite sequences and originated in the oceanic ridge or supra-subduction zone. The inner belt includes the Mawat complex, which is parallel to the outer belt and is separated by the Biston Avoraman block. The Mawat complex with zoning structures includes sedimentary rocks with mafic interbedded lava and tuff, and thick mafic and ultramafic rocks. This complex does not show a typical ophiolite sequences such as those in Penjween and Bulfat. The Mawat complex shows evidence of dynamic deformation during the Late Cretaceous. Geochemical data suggest that basic rocks have high MgO and are significantly depleted in LREE relative to HREE. In addition they show positive ɛ Nd values (+5 to+8) and low 87Sr/86Sr ratios. The occurrence of some OIB type rocks, high Mg basaltic rocks and some intermediate compositions between these two indicate the evolution of the Mawat complex from primary and depleted source mantle. The absence of a typical ophiolite sequence and the presence of good compatibility of the source magma with magma extracted from the mantle plume suggests that a mantle plume from the D″ layer is more consistent as the source of this complex than the oceanic ridge or supra-subduction zone settings. Based on our proposed model the Mawat basin represents an extensional basin formed during the Late Paleozoic to younger along the Arabian passive margin oriented parallel to the Neo-Tethys oceanic ridge or spreading center. The Mawat extensional basin formed without creation of new oceanic basement. During the extension, huge volumes of mafic lava were intruded into this basin. This basin was squeezed between the Arabian Plate and Biston Avoraman block during the Late Cretaceous.

Distribution of dissolved manganese in the Peruvian Upwelling and Oxygen Minimum Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vedamati, Jagruti; Chan, Catherine; Moffett, James W.

2015-05-01

The geochemistry of manganese (Mn) in seawater is dominated by its redox chemistry, as Mn(II) is soluble and Mn(IV) forms insoluble oxides, and redox transformations are mediated by a variety of processes in the oceans. Dissolved Mn (DMn) accumulates under reducing conditions and is depleted under oxidizing conditions. Thus the Peruvian upwelling region, characterized by highly reducing conditions over a broad continental shelf and a major oxygen minimum zone extending far offshore, is potentially a large source of Mn to the eastern Tropical South Pacific. In this study, DMn was determined on cruises in October 2005 and February 2010 in the Peruvian Upwelling and Oxygen Minimum Zone, to evaluate the relationship between Mn, oxygen and nitrogen cycle processes. DMn concentrations were determined using simple dilution and matrix-matched external standardization inductively coupled mass spectrometry. Surprisingly, DMn was depleted under the most reducing conditions along the Peruvian shelf. Concentrations of dissolved Mn in surface waters increased offshore, indicating that advection of Mn offshore from the Peruvian shelf is a minor source. Subsurface Mn maxima were observed within the oxycline rather than within the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ), indicating they arise from remineralization of organic matter rather than reduction of Mn oxides. The distribution of DMn appears to be dominated by non-redox processes and inputs from the atmosphere and from other regions associated with specific water masses. Lower than expected DMn concentrations on the shelf probably reflect limited fluvial inputs from the continent and efficient offshore transport. This behavior is in stark contrast to Fe, reported in a companion study which is very high on the shelf and undergoes dynamic redox cycling.

Temporal Variations in the Mantle Source of MORB near the Vema Fracture Zone (Central Atlantic): Nd and Sr Isotopes in Peridotites and Basaltic Glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cipriani, A.; Cipriani, A.; Brunelli, D.; Brueckner, H. K.; Brueckner, H. K.; Bonatti, E.; Bonatti, E.

2001-12-01

Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic ratios of zero age basalts sampled along Mid-Ocean Ridges (MOR) have demonstrated that the mantle is heterogeneous at a regional scale. However, how the mantle evolves through time below a single segment of MOR it is still matter of debate. Peridotites and basaltic glasses were collected along a lithospheric section uplifted and exposed on the southern side of the Vema transform (10o North, Atlantic Ocean) along a seafloor spreading flow line for a stretch of almost 200 km (corresponding to roughly 10 my). This set of samples offers a unique opportunity to detect changes through time of the mantle signature in a segment of Mid Atlantic Ridge, by analyzing radiogenic isotopes in the clinopyroxenes (cpx) from peridotites and glasses from the overlying basalts. Work is in progress; initial Sr and Nd measurements from cpxs within peridotites indicate several things. First, the cpxs display "depleted" mantle signatures. Second, there is a considerable variation of the isotopic ratios along the exposed section (143Nd/144Nd varies from 0.51293 to 0.51345, 87Sr/86Sr varies from 0.70228 to 0.70422) and these variations occur over a short time scale (some occur within an interval of one million year). Next, the Sr and Nd ratios are inversely correlated and fall along the mantle array. Finally, cpx Nd ratios are inversely correlated with the Cr/Al ratio of the spinel and ortopyroxene (opx) from the peridotites while Sr ratios are positively correlated. Thus, the chemically most depleted peridotite with high Cr/Al ratios show the most enriched isotopic signatures, a pattern that has also been observed in alpine-type peridotites and peridotite nodules and that is generally interpreted as metasomatism by enriched fluids affecting depleted peridotite more extensively than less depleted peridotite. This may indicate that the temporal variations in the extent of melting detected by Cr/Al ratio in spinel and opx (Bonatti et al., Variations with age of mantle ultramafic composition near the Vema Fracture Zone, Central Atlantic. EOS, Vol.79, No.45, F919) are related to rapid changes in the degree of depletion of the upwelling mantle sources and that the degree of depletion of these mantle sources is an inherited feature from earlier processes rather than the result of melting at the MOR.

The DNAPL Remediation Challenge: Is There a Case for Source Depletion?

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-12-01

fermentation products acting as electron donors to promote reductive dechlorination of chlorinated solvents (e.g., see discussion on Sages and Bachman...has been primarily used to remove organic contamination in the vadose zone (see e.g., Stegemeier and Vinegar , 2001). Signifi cant removals of...Stegemeier, G.L., and H.J. Vinegar . 2001. Thermal conduction heating for in-situ thermal desorption of soils. In: Hazardous and Radioactive Waste Treatment

Mantle transition zone input to kimberlite magmatism near a subduction zone: Origin of anomalous Nd-Hf isotope systematics at Lac de Gras, Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tappe, Sebastian; Graham Pearson, D.; Kjarsgaard, Bruce A.; Nowell, Geoff; Dowall, David

2013-06-01

Late Cretaceous-Eocene kimberlites from the Lac de Gras area, central Slave craton, show the most extreme Nd-Hf isotope decoupling observed for kimberlites worldwide. They are characterized by a narrow range of moderately enriched Nd isotope compositions (ɛNd(i)=-0.4 to -3.5) that contrasts strongly with their moderately depleted to highly enriched ɛHf(i) values (+3.9 to -9.9). Although digestion of cratonic mantle material in proto-kimberlite melt can theoretically produce steep arrays in Nd-Hf isotope space, the amount of contaminant required to explain the Lac de Gras data is unrealistic. Instead, it is more plausible that mixing of compositionally discrete melt components within an isotopically variable source region is responsible for the steep Nd-Hf isotope array. As development of strongly negative ΔɛHf requires isotopic aging of a precursor material with Sm/Nd≫Lu/Hf for billion-year timescales, a number of models have been proposed where ancient MORB crust trapped in the mantle transition zone is the ultimate source of the extreme Hf isotope signature. However, we provide a conceptual modification and demonstrate that OIB-type domains within ancient subducted oceanic lithosphere can produce much stronger negative ΔɛHf during long-term isolation. Provided that these OIB-type domains have lower melting points compared with associated MORB crust, they are among the first material to melt within the transition zone during thermal perturbations. The resulting hydrous alkali silicate melts react strongly with depleted peridotite at the top of the transition zone and transfer negative ΔɛHf signatures to less dense materials, which can be more easily entrained within upward flowing mantle. Once these entrained refertilized domains rise above 300 km depth, they may become involved in CO2- and H2O-fluxed redox melting of upper mantle peridotite beneath a thick cratonic lid. We argue that incorporation of ancient transition zone material, which includes ultradeep diamonds, into the convecting upper mantle source region of Lac de Gras kimberlites was due to vigorous mantle return flow. This occurred in direct response to fast and complex subduction along the western margin of North America during the Late Cretaceous.

Visualizing the Impurity Depletion Zone Around Holoferritin Crystals Growing in Gel with Ferritin Dimers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chernov, A. A.; Garcia-Ruiz, J. M.; Thomas, B. R.

2000-01-01

Colorless transparent apoferritin (Mr = 450KDa) crystals have been grown from gel with Cd(2+) as precipitant in the presence of reddish brown-colored ferritin dimers (Mr = 900KDa). In agreement with our previous measurements, showing preferential trapping of dimers (distribution coefficient K = 4), the apoferritin crystals become strongly colored while the gel solution around them became nearly colorless. The depth of the depletion with respect to the colored dimer impurity allowed us to visualize the impurity depletion zone. Depletion with respect to impurity as compared to the crystallizing protein is discussed.

Predicting dense nonaqueous phase liquid dissolution using a simplified source depletion model parameterized with partitioning tracers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basu, Nandita B.; Fure, Adrian D.; Jawitz, James W.

2008-07-01

Simulations of nonpartitioning and partitioning tracer tests were used to parameterize the equilibrium stream tube model (ESM) that predicts the dissolution dynamics of dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) as a function of the Lagrangian properties of DNAPL source zones. Lagrangian, or stream-tube-based, approaches characterize source zones with as few as two trajectory-integrated parameters, in contrast to the potentially thousands of parameters required to describe the point-by-point variability in permeability and DNAPL in traditional Eulerian modeling approaches. The spill and subsequent dissolution of DNAPLs were simulated in two-dimensional domains having different hydrologic characteristics (variance of the log conductivity field = 0.2, 1, and 3) using the multiphase flow and transport simulator UTCHEM. Nonpartitioning and partitioning tracers were used to characterize the Lagrangian properties (travel time and trajectory-integrated DNAPL content statistics) of DNAPL source zones, which were in turn shown to be sufficient for accurate prediction of source dissolution behavior using the ESM throughout the relatively broad range of hydraulic conductivity variances tested here. The results were found to be relatively insensitive to travel time variability, suggesting that dissolution could be accurately predicted even if the travel time variance was only coarsely estimated. Estimation of the ESM parameters was also demonstrated using an approximate technique based on Eulerian data in the absence of tracer data; however, determining the minimum amount of such data required remains for future work. Finally, the stream tube model was shown to be a more unique predictor of dissolution behavior than approaches based on the ganglia-to-pool model for source zone characterization.

Rethinking geochemical feature of the Afar and Kenya mantle plumes and geodynamic implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meshesha, Daniel; Shinjo, Ryuichi

2008-09-01

We discuss the spatial and temporal variation in the geochemistry of mantle sources which were sampled by the Eocene to Quaternary mafic magmas in the vicinity of the Afar and Kenya plume upwelling zones, East Africa. Despite the contributions of lithospheric and crustal sources, carefully screened Eocene to Quaternary mafic lavas display wide range of Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic and incompatible trace elemental compositions that can be attributed to significant intraplume heterogeneity. The geochemical variations reflect the involvement of at least four mantle plume components as sources for the northeastern Africa magmatism: (1) isotopically depleted but trace element-enriched component; (2) component characterized by radiogenic Pb isotope signatures (HIMU?); (3) enriched mantle-like component; and (4) high-3He/4He-type (as HT2-type basalts) plume component. The first component disappears in the Miocene-Quaternary magmatism, and the second component is hardly recognized after the eruption of Miocene basalt in southern Ethiopia. Plume-unrelated depleted asthenosphere starts to involve at a nascent stage of seafloor spreading centers in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The other two-plume components have persisted from the late Eocene to present, but their proportions have changed through time and space. We propose a model of multiple impingements of plumelets within the broad upwelling zone connected to the African Superplume in the lower mantle beneath southern Africa. The plumelet contains a matrix of high-3He/4He-type component with blobs, streaks, or ribbons of other components.

Progression of natural attenuation processes at a crude-oil spill site . I. Geochemical evolution of the plume

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cozzarelli, I.M.; Bekins, B.A.; Baedecker, M.J.; Aiken, G.R.; Eganhouse, R.P.; Tuccillo, M.E.

2001-01-01

A 16-year study of a hydrocarbon plume shows that the extent of contaminant migration and compound-specific behavior have changed as redox reactions, most notably iron reduction, have progressed over time. Concentration changes at a small scale, determined from analysis of pore-water samples drained from aquifer cores, are compared with concentration changes at the plume scale, determined from analysis of water samples from an observation well network. The small-scale data show clearly that the hydrocarbon plume is growing slowly as sediment iron oxides are depleted. Contaminants, such as ortho-xylene that appeared not to be moving downgradient from the oil on the basis of observation well data, are migrating in thin layers as the aquifer evolves to methanogenic conditions. However, the plume-scale observation well data show that the downgradient extent of the Fe2+ and BTEX plume did not change between 1992 and 1995. Instead, depletion of the unstable Fe (III) oxides near the subsurface crude-oil source has caused the maximum dissolved iron concentration zone within the plume to spread at a rate of approximately 3 m/year. The zone of maximum concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) has also spread within the anoxic plume. In monitoring the remediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated ground water by natural attenuation, subtle concentration changes in observation well data from the anoxic zone may be diagnostic of depletion of the intrinsic electron-accepting capacity of the aquifer. Recognition of these subtle patterns may allow early prediction of growth of the hydrocarbon plume. Copyright ?? 2001 .

Rare-earth elements in the Permian Phosphoria Formation: Paleo proxies of ocean geochemistry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Piper, D.Z.; Perkins, R.B.; Rowe, H.D.

2007-01-01

The geochemistry of deposition of the Meade Peak Member of the Phosphoria Formation (MPM) in southeast Idaho, USA, a world-class sedimentary phosphate deposit of Permian age that extends over 300,000 km2, is ascertained from its rare earth element (REE) composition. Ratios of REE:Al2O3 suggest two sources-seawater and terrigenous debris. The seawater-derived marine fraction identifies bottom water in the Phosphoria Sea as O2-depleted, denitrifying (suboxic) most of the time, and seldom sulfate-reducing (anoxic). This interpretation is supported by earlier research that showed progressively greater ratios in the marine sediment fraction of Cr:Ni>V:Ni???Mo:Ni, relative to their ratios in seawater; for which marine Cr, V, and Mo can have a dominantly O2-depleted bottom-water source and Ni a photic-zone, largely algal, source. The water chemistry was maintained by a balance between bacterial oxidation of organic matter settling through the water column, determined largely by primary productivity in the photic zone, and the flux of oxidants into the bottom water via advection of seawater from the open ocean. Samples strongly enriched in carbonate fluorapatite, the dominant REE host mineral, have variable Er/Sm, Tm/Sm, and Yb/Sm ratios. Their distribution may represent greater advection of seawater between the Phosphoria Sea and open ocean during deposition of two ore zones than a center waste and greater upwelling of nutrient-enriched water into the photic zone. However, the mean rate of deposition of marine Ni, a trace nutrient of algae, and PO43-, a limiting nutrient, indicate that primary productivity was probably high throughout the depositional history. An alternative interpretation of the variable enrichments of Er, Tm, and Yb, relative to Sm, is that they may reflect temporally variable carbonate alkalinity of open-ocean seawater in Permian time. A more strongly negative Ce anomaly for all phosphatic units than the Ce anomaly of modern pelletal phosphate is further indicative of an elevated O2 concentration in the Permo-Carboniferous open ocean, as proposed by others, in contrast to the depletion of O2 in the bottom water of the Phosphoria Sea itself. The oceanographic conditions under which the deposit accumulated were likely similar to conditions under which many sedimentary phosphate deposits have accumulated and to conditions under which many black shales that are commonly phosphate poor have accumulated. A shortcoming of several earlier studies of these deposits has resulted from a failure to examine the marine fraction of elements separate from the terrigenous fraction. ?? 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Implications of matrix diffusion on 1,4-dioxane persistence at contaminated groundwater sites.

PubMed

Adamson, David T; de Blanc, Phillip C; Farhat, Shahla K; Newell, Charles J

2016-08-15

Management of groundwater sites impacted by 1,4-dioxane can be challenging due to its migration potential and perceived recalcitrance. This study examined the extent to which 1,4-dioxane's persistence was subject to diffusion of mass into and out of lower-permeability zones relative to co-released chlorinated solvents. Two different release scenarios were evaluated within a two-layer aquifer system using an analytical modeling approach. The first scenario simulated a 1,4-dioxane and 1,1,1-TCA source zone where spent solvent was released. The period when 1,4-dioxane was actively loading the low-permeability layer within the source zone was estimated to be <3years due to its high effective solubility. While this was approximately an order-of-magnitude shorter than the loading period for 1,1,1-TCA, the mass of 1,4-dioxane stored within the low-permeability zone at the end of the simulation period (26kg) was larger than that predicted for 1,1,1-TCA (17kg). Even 80years after release, the aqueous 1,4-dioxane concentration was still several orders-of-magnitude higher than potentially-applicable criteria. Within the downgradient plume, diffusion contributed to higher concentrations and enhanced penetration of 1,4-dioxane into the low-permeability zones relative to 1,1,1-TCA. In the second scenario, elevated 1,4-dioxane concentrations were predicted at a site impacted by migration of a weak source from an upgradient site. Plume cutoff was beneficial because it could be implemented in time to prevent further loading of the low-permeability zone at the downgradient site. Overall, this study documented that 1,4-dioxane within transmissive portions of the source zone is quickly depleted due to characteristics that favor both diffusion-based storage and groundwater transport, leaving little mass to treat using conventional means. Furthermore, the results highlight the differences between 1,4-dioxane and chlorinated solvent source zones, suggesting that back diffusion of 1,4-dioxane mass may be serving as the dominant long-term "secondary source" at many contaminated sites that must be managed using alternative approaches. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Field data and numerical simulation of btex concentration trends under water table fluctuations: Example of a jet fuel-contaminated site in Brazil.

PubMed

Teramoto, Elias Hideo; Chang, Hung Kiang

2017-03-01

Mass transfer of light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) trapped in porous media is a complex phenomenon. Water table fluctuations have been identified as responsible for generating significant variations in the concentration of dissolved hydrocarbons. Based on field evidence, this work presents a conceptual model and a numerical solution for mass transfer from entrapped LNAPL to groundwater controlled by both LNAPL saturation and seasonal water table fluctuations within the LNAPL smear zone. The numerical approach is capable of reproducing aqueous BTEX concentration trends under three different scenarios - water table fluctuating within smear zone, above the smear zone and partially within smear zone, resulting in in-phase, out-of-phase and alternating in-phase and out-of-phase BTEX concentration trend with respect to water table oscillation, respectively. The results demonstrate the model's applicability under observed field conditions and its ability to predict source zone depletion. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lateritic, supergene rare earth element (REE) deposits

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cocker, Mark D.

2014-01-01

Intensive lateritic weathering of bedrock under tropical or sub-tropical climatic conditions can form a variety of secondary, supergene-type deposits. These secondary deposits may range in composition from aluminous bauxites to iron and niobium, and include rare earth elements (REE). Over 250 lateritic deposits of REE are currently known and many have been important sources of REE. In southeastern China, lateritic REE deposits, known as ion-adsorption type deposits, have been the world’s largest source of heavy REE (HREE). The lateritized upper parts of carbonatite intrusions are being investigated for REE in South America, Africa, Asia and Australia, with the Mt. Weld deposit in Australia being brought into production in late 2012. Lateritic REE deposits may be derived from a wide range of primary host rocks, but all have similar laterite and enrichment profiles, and are probably formed under similar climatic conditions. The weathering profile commonly consists of a depleted zone, an enriched zone, and a partially weathered zone which overlie the protolith. Lateritic weathering may commonly extend to depths of 30 to 60 m. REE are mobilized from the breakdown of primary REE-bearing minerals and redeposited in the enriched zone deeper in the weathering horizon as secondary minerals, as colloids, or adsorbed on other secondary minerals. Enrichment of REE may range from 3 to 10 times that of the source lithology; in some instances, enrichment may range up to 100 times.

Correlation Between Intercritical Heat-Affected Zone and Type IV Creep Damage Zone in Grade 91 Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yiyu; Kannan, Rangasayee; Li, Leijun

2018-04-01

A soft zone in Cr-Mo steel weldments has been reported to accompany the infamous Type IV cracking, the highly localized creep damage in the heat-affected zone of creep-resistant steels. However, the microstructural features and formation mechanism of this soft zone are not well understood. In this study, using microhardness profiling and microstructural verification, the initial soft zone in the as-welded condition was identified to be located in the intercritical heat-affected zone of P91 steel weldments. It has a mixed structure, consisting of Cr-rich re-austenitized prior austenite grains and fine Cr-depleted, tempered martensite grains retained from the base metal. The presence of these further-tempered retained grains, originating from the base metal, is directly responsible for the hardness reduction of the identified soft zone in the as-welded condition. The identified soft zone exhibits a high location consistency at three thermal stages. Local chemistry analysis and thermodynamic calculation show that the lower chromium concentrations inside these retained grains thermodynamically decrease their potentials for austenitic transformation during welding. Heterogeneous grain growth is observed in the soft zone during postweld heat treatment. The mismatch of strengths between the weak Cr-depleted grains and strong Cr-rich grains enhances the creep damage. Local deformation of the weaker Cr-depleted grains accelerates the formation of creep cavities.

Carbonate cements indicate channeled fluid flow along a zone of vertical faults at the deformation front of the Cascadia accretionary wedge (northwest U.S. coast)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sample, James C.; Reid, Mary R.; Tols, Harold J.; Moore, J. Casey

1993-06-01

To understand the relation between fluid seeps and structures, sedimentary rocks were collected with the DSRV Alvin from a vertical fault zone that transects the deformation front of the Cascadia accretionary wedge. The rocks contained diagenetic carbonate cement that was precipitated from fluids expelled during accretion. Carbon, oxygen, and strontium isotope data are consistent with a fluid source at >2 km depth. Most carbon isotopes range from -1‰ to -25‰ (PDB [Peedee belemnitel] standard) consistent with a thermogenic methane source. Oxygen isotopes show extreme 18O depletions (-4‰ to -13‰ PDB) that are consistent with precipitation from fluids with temperatures as high as 100 °C. 87Sr/86Sr values of 0.70975 to 0.71279 may be due to strontium in fluids derived from clay-rich parts of the stratigraphic section. The ubiquity of carbonate precipitates and the isotope data indicate that the vertical fault zone is an efficient conduit for fluid dewatering from deep levels of the accretionary wedge.

Istopically Defined Source Reservoirs of Primitive Magmas in the East African Rift.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rooney, T. O.; Furman, T.; Hanan, B.

2005-12-01

Extension within the East African Rift is a function of the interaction between plume-driven uplift and far-field stresses associated with plate tectonic processes. Geochemical and isotopic investigation of primitive basalts from the Main Ethiopian Rift (MER) reveals systematic spatial variations in the contributions from distinct and identifiable source reservoirs that, in turn help identify the mechanisms by which along-axis rifting has progressed. The Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic characteristics of MER basalts can be described by a three-component mixing model involving the long-lived Afar plume, a depleted mantle component similar to the source region for Gulf of Aden MORB from east of 48° E and a reservoir that is likely lithospheric (sub-continental mantle lithosphere, magmatic underplate or lower crust). Quaternary basalts in the central MER exhibit a systematic decrease in plume influence southward from 9.5° N to 8° N, i.e., away from the modern surface expression of the Afar plume in Djibouti and Erta 'Ale. The composition of the Afar plume component is comparable to the "C" mantle reservoir. This southward decrease in plume influence is coupled with an increase in the influence of the lithospheric and depleted mantle components. Linear arrays observed within Pb-Pb isotopic space at each eruptive center require distinctive ratio of lithospheric + depleted mantle components mixing with variable amounts of the "C"-like plume component. This isotopic evidence suggests the depleted mantle and lithosphere mixed prior to the generation of the recent magmas. To the south, the Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic compositions of Turkana (Kenya) rift basalts record a mix of a similar "C"-like plume component and a fourth HIMU-like source component. Low 3He/4He values observed in the HIMU-dominated lavas from Turkana contrast with the higher ratios found in basalts associated with the "C"-like Afar plume. Further analysis of "C"-HIMU lavas at Turkana is required to fully constrain the He isotopic signatures. Thus, along-axis patterns in Quaternary EARS magmatism are compatible with two "C"-like plumes with contributions from the upper mantle and chemically distinct lithospheric components. Alternatively, a single "C"-like plume can account for these relationships. In the single plume scenario, the HIMU source component present in the 30 Ma Turkana lavas may represent melting of metasomatised lithosphere, derived from the accretion of island-arc-backarc basins during Pan-African events (e.g. Schilling et al., 1992). The recent plume-dominated activity in Turkana and Afar are separated by a region characterized by waning plume influence and a greater contribution from the depleted mantle. This intermediate zone, which is located in the south-central MER represents the modern site of contact between the northward propagating Kenya / Turkana Rift and the southward propagating Afar Rift zone.

Mass changes during hydrothermal alteration/mineralization in the gold-bearing Astaneh granitoid, western Iran

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zahra Afshooni, Seyedeh; Esmaeily, Dariush

2010-05-01

The Astaneh granitoid massif, located in western Iran, is a part of Sanandaj-Sirjan structural Zone. This body, mainly consist of granodioritic rocks, is widely affected under hydrothermal alteration and four alteration zones including phyllic (sericitic), chloritic, propylitic and argillic zones could be identified in this area. Four main mineralization- related alteration episodes have been studied in terms of mass transfer and element mobility during the hydrothermal evolution of Astaneh deposit. In order to illustrate these changes quantitatively, isocon plots have been applied. Isocon plots illustrate that Al, Ti, Ga and Tm was relatively immobile during alteration and that mass were essentially conserved during alteration. Phyllic alteration was accompanied by the depletion of Na and Fe and the enrichment of Si and Cu. The loss of Na and Fe reflects the sericitization of alkali feldspar and the destruction of ferromagnesian minerals. The addition of Si is consistent with widespread silicification wich is a major feature of phyllic alteration. All of the HFSE (except in Y), were enriched but all REEs were depleted in this zone. The overall obtained results show that major oxides such as SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, MnO, MgO, CaO, Na2O, K2O, P2O5 and TiO2 and also LOI show dissimilar behaviors in the different zones. All of the LFSE, HFSE and FTSM (except in Cu and Mo) were depleted in argillic alteration but show dissimilar behaviors in the other alteration zones. The results shown strong depletion in REE, in particular LREE, in all of the alteration facies (except in chloritic zone), equivalent fresh rocks. In chloritic zone, compared with HREE, the LREE represent more enrichment.

Postglacial eruptive history of the Western Volcanic Zone, Iceland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sinton, John; GröNvold, Karl; SæMundsson, KristjáN.

2005-12-01

New field observations, age constraints, and extensive chemical analyses define the complete postglacial eruptive history of the 170-km-long Western Volcanic Zone (WVZ) of Iceland, the ultraslow-spreading western boundary of the south Iceland microplate. We have identified 44 separate eruptive units, 10 of which are small-volume eruptions associated with the flanking Grímsnes system. Overall chemical variations are consistent with very simplified models of melting of a source approximating primitive mantle composition. The 17 eruptions in the first 3000 years of postglacial time account for about 64% of the total postglacial production and are incompatible-element depleted compared to younger units, consistent with enhanced melting as a consequence of rebound immediately following deglaciation. Steadily declining eruption rates for the last 9000 years also correlate with changes in average incompatible element ratios that appear to reflect continued decline in melting extents to the present day. This result is not restricted to the WVZ, however, and may herald a decline in melting throughout all of western Iceland during later postglacial time. Lavas from the northern part of the WVZ are depleted in incompatible elements relative to those farther south at all times, indicating either a long-wavelength gradient in mantle source composition or variations in the melting process along axis. We find no evidence in the postglacial volcanic record for current failure of the WVZ, despite evidence for continued propagation of the eastern margin of the microplate. The dominance of lava shields in the eruptive history of the WVZ contrasts with the higher number of fissure eruptions in other Icelandic volcanic zones. WVZ shields represent long-duration, low-effusion rate eruptions fed by recharge magma arising out of the mantle. Average effusion rate is the key variable distinguishing shield and fissure eruptions, both within the WVZ and between different volcanic zones. High effusion rate, large-volume eruptions require the presence of large crustal magma reservoirs, which have been rare or absent in the WVZ throughout postglacial time.

Direct Visualization of an Impurity Depletion Zone

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chernov, Alex A.; Garcia-Ruiz, Juan Ma; Thomas, Bill R.

2000-01-01

When a crystal incorporates more impurity per unit of its volume than the impurity concentration in solution, the solution in vicinity of the growing crystal is depleted with respect to the impurity I,2. With a stagnant solution, e. g. in microgravity or gels, an impurity depletion zone expands as the crystal grows and results in greater purity in most of the outer portion of the crystal than in the core. Crystallization in gel provides an opportunity to mimic microgravity conditions and visualize the impurity depletion zone. Colorless, transparent apoferritin (M congruent to 450 KDa) crystals were grown in the presence of red holoferritin dimer as a microheterogeneous impurity (M congruent to 900 KDa) within agarose gel by counterdiffusion with Cd(2+) precipitant. Preferential trapping of dimers, (distribution coefficient K = 4 (exp 1,2)) results in weaker red color around the crystals grown in the left tube in the figure as compared to the control middle tube without crystals. The left and the middle tubes contain colored ferritin dimers, the right tube contains colored trimers. The meniscus in the left tube separate gel (below) and liquid solution containing Cd(2+) (above). Similar solutions, though without precipitants, were present on top of the middle and right tube allowing diffusion of dimers and trimers. The area of weaker color intensity around crystals directly demonstrates overlapped impurity depletion zones.

An F-actin-depleted zone is present at the hyphal tip of invasive hyphae of Neurospora crassa.

PubMed

Suei, S; Garrill, A

2008-01-01

The distribution of filamentous actin (F-actin) in invasive and noninvasive hyphae of the ascomycete Neurospora crassa was investigated. Eighty six percent of noninvasive hyphae had F-actin in the tip region compared to only 9% of invasive hyphae. The remaining 91% of the invasive hyphae had no obvious tip high concentration of F-actin staining; instead they had an F-actin-depleted zone in this region, although some F-actin, possibly associated with the Spitzenkörper, remained at the tip. The size of the F-actin-depleted zone in invasive hyphae increased with an increase in agar concentration. The membrane stain FM 4-64 reveals a slightly larger accumulation of vesicles at the tips of invasive hyphae relative to noninvasive hyphae, although this difference is unlikely to be sufficient to account for the exclusion of F-actin from the depleted zone. Antibodies raised against the actin filament-severing protein cofilin from both yeast and human cells localize to the tips of invasive hyphae. The human cofilin antibody shows a more random distribution in noninvasive hyphae locating primarily at the hyphal periphery but with some diffuse cytoplasmic staining. This antibody also identifies a single band at 21 kDa in immunoblots of whole hyphal fractions. These data suggest that a protein with epitopic similarity to cofilin may function in F-actin dynamics that underlie invasive growth. The F-actin-depleted zone may play a role in the regulation of tip yielding to turgor pressure, thus increasing the protrusive force necessary for invasive growth.

Dynamics of metasomatic transformation of lithospheric mantle rocks under Siberian Craton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharapov, Victor; Perepechko, Yury; Tomilenko, Anatoly; Chudnenko, Konstantin; Sorokin, Konstantin

2014-05-01

Numerical problem for one- and two-velocity hydrodynamics of heat and mass transfer in permeable zones over 'asthenospheric lenses' (with estimates for dynamics of non-isothermal metasomatosis of mantle rocks, using the approximation of flow reactor scheme) was formulated and solved based on the study of inclusion contents in minerals of metamorphic rocks of the lithosphere mantle and earth crust, estimates of thermodynamic conditions of inclusions appearance, and the results of experimental modeling of influence of hot reduced gases on rocks and minerals of xenoliths in mantle rocks under the cratons of Siberian Platform (SP): 1) the supply of fluid flows of any composition from upper mantle magma sources results in formation of zonal metasomatic columns in ultrabasic lithosphere mantle in permeable zones of deep faults; 2) when major element or petrogenetic components are supplied from magma source, depleted ultrabasic rocks of the lithosphere mantle are transformed into substrates which can be regarded as deep analogs of crust rodingites; 3) other fluid compositions cause deep calcinations and noticeable salination of metasomated substrate, or garnetization (eclogitization) of primary ultrabasic matrix develops; 4) above these zones the zone of basification appears; it is changed by the area of pyroxenitization, amphibolization, and biotitization; 5) modeling of thermo and mass exchange for two-velocity hydrodynamic problem showed that hydraulic approximation increases velocities of heat front during convective heating and decreases pressure in fluid along the flow. It was shown that grospydites, regarded earlier as eclogites, in permeable areas of lithosphere mantle, are typical zones draining upper mantle magma sources of metasomatic columns. As a result of the convective melting the polybaric magmatic sources may appear. Thus the formation of the (kimberlites?) melilitites or carbonatites is possible at the base of the lithospheric plates. It is shown that the physico - chemical conditions of the carbonation of the depleted mantle peridotites refer to the narrow interval of the possible fluid compositions. The bulk fluid content near 4 weight % with the SiO2 CaO 0.5 - 0.1 molar volumes the 1) the Si/Ca molar ratio is < 1; 2) in the C-H-O system the molar ration should be 1/2/3 - 2/1/2; 3) the pO2 variations should be -8 < lg pO2 < -11; 4) in the fluid the CO2 content is twice higher than H2O and Cl essentially prevail under F. In the system with smaller fraction of the fluid phase less increased by the major element rock components the carbonation is more intensive when the Ca content decrease. The fusions of the basic magmas are possible within the wehrlitization zones. The work is supported by RFBR grant 12-05-00625.

Ancient mantle in a modern arc: osmium isotopes in izu-bonin-mariana forearc peridotites

PubMed

Parkinson; Hawkesworth; Cohen

1998-09-25

Mantle peridotites drilled from the Izu-Bonin-Mariana forearc have unradiogenic 187Os/188Os ratios (0.1193 to 0.1273), which give Proterozoic model ages of 820 to 1230 million years ago. If these peridotites are residues from magmatism during the initiation of subduction 40 to 48 million years ago, then the mantle that melted was much more depleted in incompatible elements than the source of mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB). This result indicates that osmium isotopes record information about ancient melting events in the convecting upper mantle not recorded by incompatible lithophile isotope tracers. Subduction zones may be a graveyard for ancient depleted mantle material, and portions of the convecting upper mantle may be less radiogenic in osmium isotopes than previously recognized.

Chemostratigraphy of Subduction Initiation: Boninite and Forearc Basalt from IODP Expedition 352

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shervais, John; Haugen, Emily; Godard, Marguerite; Ryan, Jeffrey G.; Prytulak, Julie; Li, Hongyan; Chapman, Timothy; Nelson, Wendy R.; Heaton, Daniel E.; Kirchenbaur, Maria; Shimizu, Kenji; Li, Yibing; Whattam, Scott A.; Almeev, Renat; Sakuyama, Tetsuya; Reagan, Mark K.; Pearce, Julian A.

2017-04-01

The Izu-Bonin forearc has been the focus of several recent IODP (International Ocean Discovery Program) expeditions studying the geophysical, petrologic, and chemical response to subduction initiation and its potential relationship to ophiolite genesis. IODP Expedition 352 cored four holes in the Izu-Bonin forearc near Chichi Jima in order to document the petrologic and chemical evolution of nascent subduction zones. Holes U1440 and U1441, drilled closest to the trench, sampled forearc basalt (FAB). U1439 and U1442, drilled stratigraphically up-section and farther from the trench, sampled boninite, high-Mg andesite, and basalt. FAB are characterized by MORB-like compositions, with relatively constant Ti, Zr, and Ti/Zr. In general, more primitive FAB are found in the lower part of the section. In detail, FAB have lower Na, Ti, P, and Zr, lower Ti/V ratios, and are LREE-depleted relative to MORB. Best fit models for the least evolved FAB and a depleted MORB mantle (DMM) source require extraction of 1% melt in the garnet lherzolite field and 19% melt extraction in the spinel lherzolite field (relative to 8-10% melt of DMM to produce MORB). Three types of boninite were found: high silica boninite (HSB), low silica boninite (LSB), and basaltic boninite (BB), as well as high Mg andesites (HMA). HSB, the youngest unit in both U1439 and U1442, is underlain by LSB-BB-HMA lavas, which often occur in mixed magma zones with evolved boninite and basalt. Boninites are distinguished by co-variations in SiO2-MgO and TiO2-MgO, and by Ti/Zr ratios, which increase from HSB through LSB to BB. HSB, LSB and BB define parallel trends in TiO2-MgO space: a low Ti trend represented by LSB and BB, and a lower Ti trend represented by HSB. All of the boninite suite rocks are slightly LREE-rich relative to MORB. LSB and BB have flat REE patterns relative to primitive mantle, whereas HSB are slightly LREE-rich. These trends require distinct source compositions in HSB relative to LSB/BB. The decrease in Ti/Zr from BB to HSB suggests a slab melt component. Melting models (non-modal, fractional) for boninites require additional partial melting of a residual source more depleted than DMM, and mixing with less depleted melts. The data require a heterogeneous source during subduction initiation, tapping progressively more refractory mantle through time, and showing progressive enrichment in slab components.

Origin of geochemical mantle components: Role of spreading ridges and thermal evolution of mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kimura, Jun-Ichi; Gill, James B.; van Keken, Peter E.; Kawabata, Hiroshi; Skora, Susanne

2017-02-01

We explore the element redistribution at mid-ocean ridges (MOR) using a numerical model to evaluate the role of decompression melting of the mantle in Earth's geochemical cycle, with focus on the formation of the depleted mantle component. Our model uses a trace element mass balance based on an internally consistent thermodynamic-petrologic computation to explain the composition of MOR basalt (MORB) and residual peridotite. Model results for MORB-like basalts from 3.5 to 0 Ga indicate a high mantle potential temperature (Tp) of 1650-1500°C during 3.5-1.5 Ga before decreasing gradually to ˜1300°C today. The source mantle composition changed from primitive (PM) to depleted as Tp decreased, but this source mantle is variable with an early depleted reservoir (EDR) mantle periodically present. We examine a two-stage Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb isotopic evolution of mantle residues from melting of PM or EDR at MORs. At high-Tp (3.5-1.5 Ga), the MOR process formed extremely depleted DMM. This coincided with formation of the majority of the continental crust, the subcontinental lithospheric mantle, and the enriched mantle components formed at subduction zones and now found in OIB. During cooler mantle conditions (1.5-0 Ga), the MOR process formed most of the modern ocean basin DMM. Changes in the mode of mantle convection from vigorous deep mantle recharge before ˜1.5 Ga to less vigorous afterward is suggested to explain the thermochemical mantle evolution.

Geochemical element mobility during the hydrothermal alteration in the Tepeoba porphyry Cu-Mo-Au deposits at Balikesir, NW Turkey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdelnasser, Amr; Kiran Yildirim, Demet; Doner, Zeynep; Kumral, Mustafa

2016-04-01

The Tepeoba porphyry Cu-Mo-Au deposit represents one of the important copper source and mineral deposits in the Anatolian tectonic belt at Balikesir province, NW Turkey. It considered as a vein-type deposit locally associated with intense hydrothermal alteration within the brecciation, quartz stockwork veining, and brittle fracture zones in the main host rock that represented by hornfels, as well as generally related to the shallow intermediate to silicic intrusive Eybek pluton. Based on the field and geologic relationships and types of ore mineral assemblages and the accompanied alteration types, there are two mineralization zones; hypogene (primary) and oxidation/supergene zones are observed associated with three alteration zones; potassic, phyllic, and propylitic zones related to this porphyry deposit. The phyllic and propylitic alterations locally surrounded the potassic alteration. The ore minerals related to the hypogene zone represented by mostly chalcopyrite, Molybdenite, and pyrite with subordinate amount of marcasite, enargite, and gold. On the other hand they include mainly cuprite with chalcopyrite, pyrite and gold as well as hematite and goethite at the oxidation/supergene zone. This study deals with the quantitative calculations of the mass/volume changes (gains and losses) of the major and trace elements during the different episodes of alteration in this porphyry deposit. These mass balance data reveal that the potassic alteration zone that the main Cu- and Mo-enriched zone, has enrichment of K, Si, Fe, and Mg, and depletion of Na referring to replacement of plagioclase and amphibole by K-feldspar, sericite and biotite. While the propylitic alteration that is the main Mo- and Au-enriched zone is accompanied with K and Na depletion with enrichment of Si, Fe, Mg, and Ca forming chlorite, epidote, carbonate and pyrite. On the other hand the phyllic alteration that occurred in the outer part around the potassic alteration, characterized by less amount of Cu and Mo mineralization having addition of Si and K with removal of Fe, Mg, Ca, and Na. Keywords: Mass balance calculation; Tepeoba porphyry Cu-Mo-Au deposits; Balikesir; Turkey

Evaluation of the fate and transport of chlorinated ethenes in a complex groundwater system discharging to a stream in Wonju, Korea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Seong-Sun; Kaown, Dugin; Lee, Kang-Kun

2015-11-01

Chlorinated ethenes such as trichloroethylene (TCE) are common and persistent groundwater contaminants. If contaminated groundwater discharges to a stream, then stream water pollution near the contamination site also becomes a problem. In this respect, the fate and transport of chlorinated ethenes around a stream in an industrial complex were evaluated using the concentration of each component, and hydrogeochemical, microbial, and compound-specific carbon isotope data. Temporal and spatial monitoring reveal that a TCE plume originating from main and local source zones continues to be discharged to a stream. Groundwater geochemical data indicate that aerobic conditions prevail in the upgradient area of the studied aquifer, whereas conditions become anaerobic in the downgradient. The TCE molar fraction is high at the main and local source zones, ranging from 87.4 to 99.2% of the total volatile organic compounds (VOCs). An increasing trend in the molar fraction of cis-1, 2-Dichloroethene (cis-DCE) and vinyl chloride (VC) was observed in the downgradient zone of the study area. The enriched δ13C values of TCE and depleted values of cis-DCE in the stream zone, compared to those of the source zone, also suggest biodegradation of VOCs. Microbial community structures in monitoring wells adjacent to the stream zone in the downgradient area were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene-based pyrosequencing to identify the microorganisms responsible for biodegradation. This was attributed to the high relative abundance of dechlorinating bacteria in monitoring wells under anaerobic conditions farthest from the stream in the downgradient area. The multilateral approaches adopted in this study, combining hydrogeochemical and biomolecular methods with compound-specific analyses, indicate that contaminants around the stream were naturally attenuated by active anaerobic biotransformation processes.

Hyporheic Passive Flux Meters Reveal Inverse Vertical Zonation and High Seasonality of Nitrogen Processing in an Anthropogenically Modified Stream (Holtemme, Germany)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kunz, Julia Vanessa; Annable, Michael D.; Rao, Suresh; Rode, Michael; Borchardt, Dietrich

2017-12-01

Transformation and retention of nitrogen and other biologically reactive solutes in the hyporheic zones of running water contribute to an essential ecosystem service. However, the synoptic impact of intense agricultural or urban land-uses, elevated nutrient loading, flow alterations, riparian clear-cutting, and channelization on the source-sink behavior of solutes in hyporheic zones remains largely uncharacterized and unquantified. Therefore, we studied nutrient dynamics in a hydromorphologically and chemically modified stream reach using a new monitoring approach allowing the simultaneous measurement of nutrient and water flux through a screened area in the subsurface of rivers (hyporheic passive flux meter, HPFM). With HPFMs we directly assessed time-integrated lateral hyporheic nitrate fluxes during early spring and midsummer covering different temperature and discharge regimes. Contrary to our expectations, higher stream discharge coincided with substantially lower hyporheic exchange rates. While in streams featuring a natural morphology, bed form induced exchange commonly increases with surface flow, the influence of groundwater level was dominant in this reach. Furthermore, in contrast to less impacted environments, where progressive substrate depletion with depths reduces metabolic rates in the subsurface, we identified not the upper, but the intermediate layer of the hyporheic zone as hot spot of nutrient turnover. Overall, the hyporheic zone at the study site functioned partly as nitrate source, partly as a sink. Neither of the commonly used determinants redox state and residence time could explain this source or sink function. Our results give clear evidence to carefully transfer the knowledge of hyporheic zone processes from "natural" systems to anthropologically modified streams.

Testing high resolution numerical models for analysis of contaminant storage and release from low permeability zones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chapman, Steven W.; Parker, Beth L.; Sale, Tom C.; Doner, Lee Ann

2012-08-01

It is now widely recognized that contaminant release from low permeability zones can sustain plumes long after primary sources are depleted, particularly for chlorinated solvents where regulatory limits are orders of magnitude below source concentrations. This has led to efforts to appropriately characterize sites and apply models for prediction incorporating these effects. A primary challenge is that diffusion processes are controlled by small-scale concentration gradients and capturing mass distribution in low permeability zones requires much higher resolution than commonly practiced. This paper explores validity of using numerical models (HydroGeoSphere, FEFLOW, MODFLOW/MT3DMS) in high resolution mode to simulate scenarios involving diffusion into and out of low permeability zones: 1) a laboratory tank study involving a continuous sand body with suspended clay layers which was 'loaded' with bromide and fluorescein (for visualization) tracers followed by clean water flushing, and 2) the two-layer analytical solution of Sale et al. (2008) involving a relatively simple scenario with an aquifer and underlying low permeability layer. All three models are shown to provide close agreement when adequate spatial and temporal discretization are applied to represent problem geometry, resolve flow fields and capture advective transport in the sands and diffusive transfer with low permeability layers and minimize numerical dispersion. The challenge for application at field sites then becomes appropriate site characterization to inform the models, capturing the style of the low permeability zone geometry and incorporating reasonable hydrogeologic parameters and estimates of source history, for scenario testing and more accurate prediction of plume response, leading to better site decision making.

Isotopic biosignatures in carbonate-rich, cyanobacteria-dominated microbial mats of the Cariboo Plateau, B.C.

PubMed

Brady, A L; Druschel, G; Leoni, L; Lim, D S S; Slater, G F

2013-09-01

Photosynthetic activity in carbonate-rich benthic microbial mats located in saline, alkaline lakes on the Cariboo Plateau, B.C. resulted in pCO2 below equilibrium and δ(13) CDIC values up to +6.0‰ above predicted carbon dioxide (CO2 ) equilibrium values, representing a biosignature of photosynthesis. Mat-associated δ(13) Ccarb values ranged from ~4 to 8‰ within any individual lake, with observations of both enrichments (up to 3.8‰) and depletions (up to 11.6‰) relative to the concurrent dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). Seasonal and annual variations in δ(13) C values reflected the balance between photosynthetic (13) C-enrichment and heterotrophic inputs of (13) C-depleted DIC. Mat microelectrode profiles identified oxic zones where δ(13) Ccarb was within 0.2‰ of surface DIC overlying anoxic zones associated with sulphate reduction where δ(13) Ccarb was depleted by up to 5‰ relative to surface DIC reflecting inputs of (13) C-depleted DIC. δ(13) C values of sulphate reducing bacteria biomarker phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) were depleted relative to the bulk organic matter by ~4‰, consistent with heterotrophic synthesis, while the majority of PLFA had larger offsets consistent with autotrophy. Mean δ(13) Corg values ranged from -18.7 ± 0.1 to -25.3 ± 1.0‰ with mean Δ(13) Cinorg-org values ranging from 21.1 to 24.2‰, consistent with non-CO2 -limited photosynthesis, suggesting that Precambrian δ(13) Corg values of ~-26‰ do not necessitate higher atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Rather, it is likely that the high DIC and carbonate content of these systems provide a non-limiting carbon source allowing for expression of large photosynthetic offsets, in contrast to the smaller offsets observed in saline, organic-rich and hot spring microbial mats. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Depletion zones and crystallography on pinched spheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jingyuan; Xing, Xiangjun; Yao, Zhenwei

2018-03-01

Understanding the interplay between ordered structures and substrate curvature is an interesting problem with versatile applications, including functionalization of charged supramolecular surfaces and modern microfluidic technologies. In this work, we investigate the two-dimensional packing structures of charged particles confined on a pinched sphere. By continuously pinching the sphere, we observe cleavage of elongated scars into pleats, proliferation of disclinations, and subsequently, emergence of a depletion zone at the negatively curved waist that is completely void of particles. We systematically study the geometrics and energetics of the depletion zone, and reveal its physical origin as a finite size effect, due to the interplay between Coulomb repulsion and concave geometry of the pinched sphere. These results further our understanding of crystallography on curved surfaces, and have implications in design and manipulation of charged, deformable interfaces in various applications.

Undocumented water column sink for cadmium in open ocean oxygen-deficient zones

PubMed Central

Janssen, David J.; Conway, Tim M.; John, Seth G.; Christian, James R.; Kramer, Dennis I.; Pedersen, Tom F.; Cullen, Jay T.

2014-01-01

Cadmium (Cd) is a micronutrient and a tracer of biological productivity and circulation in the ocean. The correlation between dissolved Cd and the major algal nutrients in seawater has led to the use of Cd preserved in microfossils to constrain past ocean nutrient distributions. However, linking Cd to marine biological processes requires constraints on marine sources and sinks of Cd. Here, we show a decoupling between Cd and major nutrients within oxygen-deficient zones (ODZs) in both the Northeast Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans, which we attribute to Cd sulfide (CdS) precipitation in euxinic microenvironments around sinking biological particles. We find that dissolved Cd correlates well with dissolved phosphate in oxygenated waters, but is depleted compared with phosphate in ODZs. Additionally, suspended particles from the North Atlantic show high Cd content and light Cd stable isotope ratios within the ODZ, indicative of CdS precipitation. Globally, we calculate that CdS precipitation in ODZs is an important, and to our knowledge a previously undocumented marine sink of Cd. Our results suggest that water column oxygen depletion has a substantial impact on Cd biogeochemical cycling, impacting the global relationship between Cd and major nutrients and suggesting that Cd may be a previously unidentified tracer for water column oxygen deficiency on geological timescales. Similar depletions of copper and zinc in the Northeast Pacific indicate that sulfide precipitation in ODZs may also have an influence on the global distribution of other trace metals. PMID:24778239

Undocumented water column sink for cadmium in open ocean oxygen-deficient zones.

PubMed

Janssen, David J; Conway, Tim M; John, Seth G; Christian, James R; Kramer, Dennis I; Pedersen, Tom F; Cullen, Jay T

2014-05-13

Cadmium (Cd) is a micronutrient and a tracer of biological productivity and circulation in the ocean. The correlation between dissolved Cd and the major algal nutrients in seawater has led to the use of Cd preserved in microfossils to constrain past ocean nutrient distributions. However, linking Cd to marine biological processes requires constraints on marine sources and sinks of Cd. Here, we show a decoupling between Cd and major nutrients within oxygen-deficient zones (ODZs) in both the Northeast Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans, which we attribute to Cd sulfide (CdS) precipitation in euxinic microenvironments around sinking biological particles. We find that dissolved Cd correlates well with dissolved phosphate in oxygenated waters, but is depleted compared with phosphate in ODZs. Additionally, suspended particles from the North Atlantic show high Cd content and light Cd stable isotope ratios within the ODZ, indicative of CdS precipitation. Globally, we calculate that CdS precipitation in ODZs is an important, and to our knowledge a previously undocumented marine sink of Cd. Our results suggest that water column oxygen depletion has a substantial impact on Cd biogeochemical cycling, impacting the global relationship between Cd and major nutrients and suggesting that Cd may be a previously unidentified tracer for water column oxygen deficiency on geological timescales. Similar depletions of copper and zinc in the Northeast Pacific indicate that sulfide precipitation in ODZs may also have an influence on the global distribution of other trace metals.

Regional cement stratigraphy and diagenetic history of Waulsortian Limestones, eastern Midlands, Republic of Ireland

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

King, D.E.; Meyers, W.J.

1985-02-01

The Lower Carboniferous Waulsortian Limestones, eastern Midlands, Republic of Ireland, contain 7 distinct luminescent zones in clear calcite cements that overlie inclusion-rich, marine cements in cavities and also fill fractures and aragonite-skeleton molds. The luminescent sequence, which records precipitation from increasingly reducing pore waters, is regionally and stratigraphically consistent over an interval more than 1200 ft thick. Zone 1 cements are nonluminescent; zone 2 cements are brightly luminescent; and zones 3-7 cements are ferroan with a moderate to dull luminescence. Zone 1 cements (mean -2.6% delta/sup 18/O/ +3.3% delta/sup 13/C PDB) are slightly depleted in oxygen relative to radiaxial-fibrous cementsmore » (mean -1.8% delta/sup 18/O/ +3.5% delta/sup 13/C PDB) which have a composition that reflects Lower Carboniferous seawater. Zone 4 cements (mean -4.1% delta/sup 18/O/ +3.1% delta/sup 13/C PDB) are depleted in oxygen relative to zone 1, whereas zone 5 cements (mean -11.8% delta/sup 18/O/ +1.1 delta/sup 13/C PDB) are extremely depleted in oxygen and somewhat in carbon. Locally intense dolomitization includes 2 regionally extensive generations of ferroan saddle dolomite. Petrographic relationships demonstrate these dolomite generations were replaced by zone 5 cement. Sulfide mineralization, principally pyrite and sphalerite, occurred after the precipitation of zone 5 cement. Much of diagenesis occurred during a brief period in the Lower Carboniferous. Zones 1-6 and saddle dolomites are contained in Chadian (upper Osagean), shallow-marine facies overlying the Waulsortian. Fractures filled by zone 5 cements are truncated at the margins of Waulsortian clasts contained in a conglomerate overlying an early Arundian (early Meramecian) unconformity.« less

Can Supersaturation Affect Protein Crystal Quality?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gorti, Sridhar

2013-01-01

In quiescent environments (microgravity, capillary tubes, gels) formation of a depletion zone is to be expected, due either to limited sedimentation, density driven convection or a combination of both. The formation of a depletion zone can: Modify solution supersaturation near crystal; Give rise to impurity partitioning. It is conjectured that both supersaturation and impurity partitioning affect protein crystal quality and size. Further detailed investigations on various proteins are needed to assess above hypothesis.

Evaluation of crustal recycling during the evolution of Archean-age Matachewan basaltic magmas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nelson, Dennis O.

1989-01-01

The simplest model for the Matachewan-Hearst Dike (MHD) magmas is assimilation-fractional crystallization (AFC), presumably occurring at the base of the crust during underplating. Subduction zone enriched mantle sources are not required. Trace elements suggest that the mantle sources for the MHD were depleted, but possessed a degree of heterogeneity. Rates of assimilation were approximately 0.5 (= Ma/Mc); the contaminant mass was less than 20 percent. The contaminant was dominated by tonalites-randodiorites, similar to xenoliths and rocks in the Kapuskasing Structural Zone (KSZ). Assimilation of partial melts of light-rare earth and garnet-bearing basaltic precursors may have produced some the MHD magmas. Apparently, previous underplating-AFC processes had already produced a thick crust. The silicic granitoid assimilant for the MHD magmas was probably produced by earlier processing of underplated mafic crust (4, 5, 10, 21 and 30). Calculations suggest that the derived silicic rocks possess negative Ta and Ti anomalies even though they were not the product of subduction.

Evidence of coupled carbon and iron cycling at a hydrocarbon-contaminated site from time lapse magnetic susceptibility

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lund, Anders L.; Slater, Lee D.; Atekwana, Estella A.; Ntarlagiannis, Dimitrios; Cozzarelli, Isabelle M.; Bekins, Barbara A.

2017-01-01

Conventional characterization and monitoring of hydrocarbon (HC) pollution is often expensive and time-consuming. Magnetic susceptibility (MS) has been proposed as an inexpensive, long-term monitoring proxy of the degradation of HC. We acquired repeated down hole MS logging data in boreholes at a HC-contaminated field research site in Bemidji, MN, USA. The MS data were analyzed in conjunction with redox conditions and iron availability within the source zone to better assess whether MS can serve as a proxy for monitoring HC contamination in unconsolidated sediments. The MS response at the site diminished during the sampling period, which was found to coincide with depletion of solid phase iron in the source zone. Previous geochemical observations and modeling at the site suggest that the most likely cause of the decrease in MS is the transformation of magnetite to siderite, coupled with the exhaustion of ferrihydrite. Although the temporal MS response at this site gives valuable field-scale evidence for changing conditions of iron cycling and stability of iron minerals it does not provide a simple proxy for long-term monitoring of biodegradation of hydrocarbons in the smear zone.

Rare-earth elements in the Permian Phosphoria Formation: Paleo proxies of ocean geochemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piper, D. Z.; Perkins, R. B.; Rowe, H. D.

2007-06-01

The geochemistry of deposition of the Meade Peak Member of the Phosphoria Formation (MPM) in southeast Idaho, USA, a world-class sedimentary phosphate deposit of Permian age that extends over 300,000 km 2, is ascertained from its rare earth element (REE) composition. Ratios of REE:Al 2O 3 suggest two sources—seawater and terrigenous debris. The seawater-derived marine fraction identifies bottom water in the Phosphoria Sea as O 2-depleted, denitrifying (suboxic) most of the time, and seldom sulfate-reducing (anoxic). This interpretation is supported by earlier research that showed progressively greater ratios in the marine sediment fraction of Cr:Ni>V:Ni≫Mo:Ni, relative to their ratios in seawater; for which marine Cr, V, and Mo can have a dominantly O 2-depleted bottom-water source and Ni a photic-zone, largely algal, source. The water chemistry was maintained by a balance between bacterial oxidation of organic matter settling through the water column, determined largely by primary productivity in the photic zone, and the flux of oxidants into the bottom water via advection of seawater from the open ocean. Samples strongly enriched in carbonate fluorapatite, the dominant REE host mineral, have variable Er/Sm, Tm/Sm, and Yb/Sm ratios. Their distribution may represent greater advection of seawater between the Phosphoria Sea and open ocean during deposition of two ore zones than a center waste and greater upwelling of nutrient-enriched water into the photic zone. However, the mean rate of deposition of marine Ni, a trace nutrient of algae, and PO 43-, a limiting nutrient, indicate that primary productivity was probably high throughout the depositional history. An alternative interpretation of the variable enrichments of Er, Tm, and Yb, relative to Sm, is that they may reflect temporally variable carbonate alkalinity of open-ocean seawater in Permian time. A more strongly negative Ce anomaly for all phosphatic units than the Ce anomaly of modern pelletal phosphate is further indicative of an elevated O 2 concentration in the Permo-Carboniferous open ocean, as proposed by others, in contrast to the depletion of O 2 in the bottom water of the Phosphoria Sea itself. The oceanographic conditions under which the deposit accumulated were likely similar to conditions under which many sedimentary phosphate deposits have accumulated and to conditions under which many black shales that are commonly phosphate poor have accumulated. A shortcoming of several earlier studies of these deposits has resulted from a failure to examine the marine fraction of elements separate from the terrigenous fraction.

Temporal Development of Auroral Acceleration Potentials: High-Altitude Evolutionary Sequences, Drivers and Consequences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hull, A. J.; Wilber, M.; Chaston, C.; Bonnell, J.; Mozer, F.; McFadden, J.; Goldstein, M.; Fillingim, M.

2007-12-01

The region above the auroral acceleration region is an integral part of the auroral zone electrodynamic system. At these altitudes (≥ 3 Re) we find the source plasma and fields that determine acceleration processes occurring at lower altitudes, which play a key role in the transport of mass and energy into the ionosphere. Dynamic changes in these high-altitude regions can affect and/or control lower-altitude acceleration processes according to how field-aligned currents and specific plasma sources form and decay and how they are spatially distributed, and through magnetic configuration changes deeper in the magnetotail. Though much progress has been made, the time development and consequential effects of the high-altitude plasma and fields are still not fully understood. We present Cluster multi-point observations at key instances within and above the acceleration region (> 3 RE) of evolving auroral arc current systems. Results are presented from events occurring under different conditions, such as magnetospheric activity, associations with density depletions or gradients, and Alfvenic turbulence. A preliminary survey, primarily at or near the plasma sheet boundary, indicates quasi- static up-down current pair systems are at times associated with density depletions and other instances occur in association with density gradients. The data suggest that such quasi-static current systems may be evolving from structured Alfvenic current systems. We will discuss the temporal development of auroral acceleration potentials, plasma and currents, including quasi-static system formation from turbulent systems of structured Alfvenic field-aligned currents, density depletion and constituent reorganization of the source and ionospheric plasma that transpire in such systems. Of particular emphasis is how temporal changes in magnetospheric source plasma and fields affect the development of auroral acceleration potentials at lower altitudes.

Testing high resolution numerical models for analysis of contaminant storage and release from low permeability zones.

PubMed

Chapman, Steven W; Parker, Beth L; Sale, Tom C; Doner, Lee Ann

2012-08-01

It is now widely recognized that contaminant release from low permeability zones can sustain plumes long after primary sources are depleted, particularly for chlorinated solvents where regulatory limits are orders of magnitude below source concentrations. This has led to efforts to appropriately characterize sites and apply models for prediction incorporating these effects. A primary challenge is that diffusion processes are controlled by small-scale concentration gradients and capturing mass distribution in low permeability zones requires much higher resolution than commonly practiced. This paper explores validity of using numerical models (HydroGeoSphere, FEFLOW, MODFLOW/MT3DMS) in high resolution mode to simulate scenarios involving diffusion into and out of low permeability zones: 1) a laboratory tank study involving a continuous sand body with suspended clay layers which was 'loaded' with bromide and fluorescein (for visualization) tracers followed by clean water flushing, and 2) the two-layer analytical solution of Sale et al. (2008) involving a relatively simple scenario with an aquifer and underlying low permeability layer. All three models are shown to provide close agreement when adequate spatial and temporal discretization are applied to represent problem geometry, resolve flow fields and capture advective transport in the sands and diffusive transfer with low permeability layers and minimize numerical dispersion. The challenge for application at field sites then becomes appropriate site characterization to inform the models, capturing the style of the low permeability zone geometry and incorporating reasonable hydrogeologic parameters and estimates of source history, for scenario testing and more accurate prediction of plume response, leading to better site decision making. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of continental margins of the Atlantic Ocean and successive breakup of the Pangaea-3 supercontinent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melankholina, E. N.; Sushchevskaya, N. M.

2017-01-01

Comparative tectonic analysis of passive margins of the Atlantic Ocean has been performed. Tectonotypes of both volcanic and nonvolcanic margins are described, and their comparison with other passive Atlantic margins is given. The structural features of margins, peculiarities of magmatism, its sources and reasons for geochemical enrichment of melts are discussed. The important role of melting of the continental lithosphere in the development of magmatism is demonstrated. Enriched EM I and EM II sources are determined for the lower parts of the volcanic section, and a depleted or poorly enriched source is determined for the upper parts of the volcanic section based on isotope data. The conclusions of the paper relate to tectonic settings of the initial occurrence of magmatism and rifting and breakup during the period of opening of the Mesozoic Ocean. It was found out that breakup and magmatism at proximal margins led only to insignificant structural transformations and reduction of the thickness of the ancient continental crust, while very important magmatic events happened later in the distal zone. New growth of magmatic crust at the stage of continental breakup is determined as a typical feature of distal zones of the margins under study. The relationship of development of margins with the impact of deep plumes as the source of magmatic material or a heat source only is discussed. Progradation of the zone of extension and breakup into the areas of cold lithosphere of the Atlantic and the formation of a single tectonomagmatic system of the ocean are under consideration.

Significance of groundwater flux on contaminant concentration and mass discharge in the nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) contaminated zone.

PubMed

Zhu, Jianting; Sun, Dongmin

2016-09-01

Groundwater flowing through residual nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) source zone will cause NAPL dissolution and generate large contaminant plume. The use of contaminant mass discharge (CMD) measurements in addition to NAPL aqueous phase concentration to characterize site conditions and assess remediation performance is becoming popular. In this study, we developed new and generic numerical models to investigate the significance of groundwater flux temporal variations on the NAPL source dynamics. The developed models can accommodate any temporal variations of groundwater flux in the source zone. We examined the various features of groundwater flux using a few selected functional forms of linear increase/decrease, gradual smooth increase/decrease, and periodic fluctuations with a general trend. Groundwater flux temporal variations have more pronounced effects on the contaminant mass discharge dynamics than the aqueous concentration. If the groundwater flux initially increases, then the reduction in contaminant mass discharge (CMDR) vs. NAPL mass reduction (MR) relationship is mainly downward concave. If the groundwater flux initially decreases, then CMDR vs. MR relationship is mainly upward convex. If the groundwater flux variations are periodic, the CMDR vs. MR relationship tends to also have periodic variations ranging from upward convex to downward concave. Eventually, however, the CMDR vs. MR relationship approaches 1:1 when majority of the NAPL mass becomes depleted. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Petrology and Geochemistry of Tethyan Mélange and Flysch Units Adjacent to the Yarlung Zangbo Suture Zone (YZSZ), Southern Tibet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dupuis, C.; Hebert, R.; Wang, C.; Li, Y.; Li, Z.

2004-05-01

Located north of the Himalayas, the E-W trending YZSZ is mainly composed of remnants of the Neo-Tethys ocean-floor and marks the suture between Indian and Eurasian plates. This project aims to define geological units immediately South of the YZSZ ophiolites : the serpentinized ophiolitic mélange, the Jurassic-Cretaceous wildflysch and the Triassic flysch. The ophiolitic mélange is characterized by ultramafic rocks, which can be divided into 3 groups. Cpx-harzburgites contain brownish aluminous spinels with Mg# of 0.7-0.75 and Cr# of 0.15-0.27. They resemble fertile abyssal peridotites with generally smooth LREE-depleted and fairly flat MREE-HREE profiles. Transitional harzburgites contain reddish spinels with Mg# of 0.57-0.66 and Cr# of 0.35-0.46. They resemble depleted abyssal or supra-subduction zone peridotites in that MREE-HREE profiles have positive slopes indicative of high degrees of partial melting. LREE profiles vary from depleted to slightly enriched, consistent with some trapped or interacting melt or aqueous fluids. Harzburgites and dunites contain dark reddish spinels with Mg# of 0.47-0.68 and Cr# of 0.40-0.63. They have U-shaped profiles characteristics of interaction between LREE-enriched melt and REE-depleted mantle residues. Spinel compositions and fractional melting modelling indicate that Cpx-harburgites may be the residues from 5-15% melting, transitional harzburgites from 15-23% melting, and harzburgites and dunites from 22-29% melting. The South Sandwich arc-basin system is considered a modern analog of initial geodynamic setting. Mafic rocks (gabbros, diabases and basalts) are ubiquitous and can be geochemically subdivided according to their source unit. LREE-depleted profiles with average (La/Yb)N of 0.5 and slight negative Nb-Ta and Ti anomalies indicate that rocks from the ophiolitic mélange formed in a back-arc basin, such as back-arc-basin mafic rocks of the Izu-Bonin Arc. REE patterns of rocks from the wildflysch are LREE-enriched with average (La/Yb)N of 5.3. These rocks are of intraplate affinity and are geochemically similar to volcanic rocks of the South Tethyan suture zone of Pakistan, which are interpreted to represent an early expression of the Réunion hotspot. Rocks from the flysch show the most LREE-enriched profiles with average (La/Yb)N of 6.9 and slight negative Nb-Ta and Ti anomalies, which suggest continental lithospheric assimilation. Similarly to volcanic rocks of the Deccan Traps, these rocks are thus interpreted to derive from an enriched mantle source of intraplate type (Réunion hotspot?), with additional contamination from the Indian continental crust (ICC). The geochemical signature of greywackes, red and black shales from the wildflysch and flysch units are all concordant with a continental passive margin setting. Despite fairly important chemical weathering, the signature was not affected by significant sedimentary recycling nor heavy-mineral accumulation. REE patterns show a LREE enrichment typical of shales and indicate an old upper CC provenance for the turbidites. Multi-element patterns indicate both mafic and felsic contributions to the source. The mafic contribution (slight positive Ti anomalies) could originate from mafic blocks of enriched intraplate geochemical affinity found in the sedimentary units, whereas the felsic contribution (slight LREE enrichment and negative NB-Ta anomalies) probably derives from remnants of evolved migmatitic batholith of the ICC.

Tracing the origin of the oxygen-consuming organic matter in the hypoxic zone in a large eutrophic estuary: the lower reach of the Pearl River Estuary, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Jianzhong; Dai, Minhan; He, Biyan; Wang, Lifang; Gan, Jianping; Guo, Xianghui; Zhao, Huade; Yu, Fengling

2017-09-01

We assess the relative contributions of different sources of organic matter, marine vs. terrestrial, to oxygen consumption in an emerging hypoxic zone in the lower Pearl River Estuary (PRE), a large eutrophic estuary located in Southern China. Our cruise, conducted in July 2014, consisted of two legs before and after the passing of Typhoon Rammasun, which completely de-stratified the water column. The stratification recovered rapidly, within 1 day after the typhoon. We observed algal blooms in the upper layer of the water column and hypoxia underneath in bottom water during both legs. Repeat sampling at the initial hypoxic station showed severe oxygen depletion down to 30 µmol kg-1 before the typhoon and a clear drawdown of dissolved oxygen after the typhoon. Based on a three endmember mixing model and the mass balance of dissolved inorganic carbon and its isotopic composition, the δ13C of organic carbon remineralized in the hypoxic zone was -23.2 ± 1.1 ‰. We estimated that 65 ± 16 % of the oxygen-consuming organic matter was derived from marine sources, and the rest (35 ± 16 %) was derived from the continent. In contrast to a recently studied hypoxic zone in the East China Sea off the Changjiang Estuary where marine organic matter dominated oxygen consumption, here terrestrial organic matter significantly contributed to the formation and maintenance of hypoxia. How varying amounts of these organic matter sources drive oxygen consumption has important implications for better understanding hypoxia and its mitigation in bottom waters.

Permian arc-back-arc basin development along the Ailaoshan tectonic zone: Geochemical, isotopic and geochronological evidence from the Mojiang volcanic rocks, Southwest China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Weiming; Wang, Yuejun; Zhang, Aimei; Zhang, Feifei; Zhang, Yuzhi

2010-10-01

This paper presents a set of new SHRIMP zircon U-Pb geochronological, elemental and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic data for the Wusu and Yaxuanqiao basaltic rocks (the Mojiang area) along the Ailaoshan tectonic zone. The Wusu basaltic sequence is dominated by SiO 2-poor, MgO- and TiO 2-rich basalts with a major mineral assemblage of plagioclase + clinopyroxene. These rocks gave a SHRIMP zircon U-Pb age of 287 ± 5 Ma (MSWD = 0.58). In contrast, the Yaxuanqiao basaltic sequence is predominantly composed of high-Al basaltic andesite, which gave a SHRIMP zircon U-Pb age of 265 ± 7 Ma (MSWD = 0.34). The analyzed samples for both sequences exhibit significant enrichment in LILEs and depletion in HFSEs with (Nb/La)n of 0.38-0.81, similar to arc-like volcanics. They have positive ɛNd(t) values (+ 3.52 to + 5.54). In comparison with MORB-derived magmatic rocks, the Wusu basalts are more enriched in LILEs and REEs, and the Yaxuanqiao samples are more enriched in LILEs but variably depleted in Ti, Y and HREE. The Wusu samples show high Pb isotopic ratios, similar to the Tethyan basalts, whereas the Yaxuanqiao samples plot in the field of the global pelagic sediments. The geochemical and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic characteristics suggest that the Wusu basalts originated from a MORB-like source metasomatised by slab-derived fluids, while the Yaxuanqiao rocks have a fluid-modified MORB source with the input of subducted sediments. The geochemical affinity to both MORB- and arc-like sources, together with other geological observations, appears to support the development of a Permian arc-back-arc basin along the Ailaoshan-Song Ma tectonic zone in response to the northward subduction of the Paleotethys main Ocean. The final closure of the arc-back-arc basin took place in the uppermost Triassic due to the diachronous amalgamation between the Yangtze and Simao-Indochina Blocks.

Root-zone acidity affects relative uptake of nitrate and ammonium from mixed nitrogen sources

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vessey, J. K.; Henry, L. T.; Chaillou, S.; Raper, C. D. Jr; Raper CD, J. r. (Principal Investigator)

1990-01-01

Soybean plants (Glycine max [L.] Merr. cv Ransom) were grown for 21 days on 4 sources of N (1.0 mM NO3-, 0.67 mM NO3- plus 0.33 mM NH4+, 0.33 mM NO3- plus 0.67 mM NH4+, and 1.0 mM NH4+) in hydroponic culture with the acidity of the nutrient solution controlled at pH 6.0, 5.5, 5.0, and 4.5. Dry matter and total N accumulation of the plants was not significantly affected by N-source at any of the pH levels except for decreases in these parameters in plants supplied solely with NH4+ at pH 4.5. Shoot-to-root ratios increased in plants which had an increased proportion [correction of proporiton] of NH4(+)-N in their nutrient solutions at all levels of root-zone pH. Uptake of NO3- and NH4+ was monitored daily by ion chromatography as depletion of these ions from the replenished hydroponic solutions. At all pH levels the proportion of either ion that was absorbed increased as the ratio of that ion increased in the nutrient solution. In plants which were supplied with sources of NO3- plus NH4+, NH4+ was absorbed at a ratio of 2:1 over NO3- at pH 6.0. As the pH of the root-zone declined, however, NH4+ uptake decreased and NO3- uptake increased. Thus, the NH4+ to NO3- uptake ratio declined with decreases in root-zone pH. The data indicate a negative effect of declining root-zone pH on NH4+ uptake and supports a hypothesis that the inhibition of growth of plants dependent on NH4(+)-N at low pH is due to a decline in NH4+ uptake and a consequential limitation of growth by N stress.

Turbidite geochemistry and evolution of the Izu-Bonin arc and continents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gill, J. B.; Hiscott, R. N.; Vidal, Ph.

1994-10-01

The major and trace element and NdPb isotopic composition of Oligocene to Pleistocene volcaniclastic sands and sandstones derived from the Izu Bonin island arc has been determined. Many characteristics of the igneous sources are preserved and record the geochemical evolution of juvenile proto-continental crust in an island arc. After an initial boninitic phase, arc geochemistry has varied primarily as the result of backarc basin formation. The Izu arc source became depleted in incompatible trace elements during backarc basin formation, and re-enriched after spreading stopped in the basin. Renewed rifting during the Pliocene to Recent caused felsic magmatism as a result of easier eruption of differentiates rather than as a result of crustal melting. Four isotopically-distinct source components are recognized. Their combination in the sources of the Izu-Bonin and Mariana arcs initially was similar but diverged after backarc basin formation. The Izu arc turbidites are more similar to Archean than post-Archean sedimentary rocks, indicating that the production of new upper crust at subduction zones has changed little over time. The turbidites are similar in major element composition to average continental crust but are depleted in incompatible trace elements, especially Th and Nb. Consequently, the net effect of adding juvenile arc crust to continents is to reverse the trend of planetary trace element differentiation instead of continuing the process.

Enrichments of the mantle sources beneath the Southern Volcanic Zone (Andes) by fluids and melts derived from abraded upper continental crust

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holm, Paul Martin; Søager, Nina; Dyhr, Charlotte Thorup; Nielsen, Mia Rohde

2014-05-01

Mafic basaltic-andesitic volcanic rocks from the Andean Southern Volcanic Zone (SVZ) exhibit a northward increase in crustal components in primitive arc magmas from the Central through the Transitional and Northern SVZ segments. New elemental and Sr-Nd-high-precision Pb isotope data from the Quaternary arc volcanic centres of Maipo (NSVZ) and Infernillo and Laguna del Maule (TSVZ) are argued to reflect mainly their mantle source and its melting. For the C-T-NSVZ, we identify two types of source enrichment: one, represented by Antuco in CSVZ, but also present northward along the arc, was dominated by fluids which enriched a pre-metasomatic South Atlantic depleted MORB mantle type asthenosphere. The second enrichment was by melts having the characteristics of upper continental crust (UCC), distinctly different from Chile trench sediments. We suggest that granitic rocks entered the source mantle by means of subduction erosion in response to the northward increasingly strong coupling of the converging plates. Both types of enrichment had the same Pb isotope composition in the TSVZ with no significant component derived from the subducting oceanic crust. Pb-Sr-Nd isotopes indicate a major crustal compositional change at the southern end of the NSVZ. Modelling suggests addition of around 2 % UCC for Infernillo and 5 % for Maipo.

Investigating Aquatic Dead Zones

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Testa, Jeremy; Gurbisz, Cassie; Murray, Laura; Gray, William; Bosch, Jennifer; Burrell, Chris; Kemp, Michael

2010-01-01

This article features two engaging high school activities that include current scientific information, data, and authentic case studies. The activities address the physical, biological, and chemical processes that are associated with oxygen-depleted areas, or "dead zones," in aquatic systems. Students can explore these dead zones through both…

Evaluation of the fate and transport of chlorinated ethenes in a complex groundwater system discharging to a stream in Wonju, Korea.

PubMed

Lee, Seong-Sun; Kaown, Dugin; Lee, Kang-Kun

2015-11-01

Chlorinated ethenes such as trichloroethylene (TCE) are common and persistent groundwater contaminants. If contaminated groundwater discharges to a stream, then stream water pollution near the contamination site also becomes a problem. In this respect, the fate and transport of chlorinated ethenes around a stream in an industrial complex were evaluated using the concentration of each component, and hydrogeochemical, microbial, and compound-specific carbon isotope data. Temporal and spatial monitoring reveal that a TCE plume originating from main and local source zones continues to be discharged to a stream. Groundwater geochemical data indicate that aerobic conditions prevail in the upgradient area of the studied aquifer, whereas conditions become anaerobic in the downgradient. The TCE molar fraction is high at the main and local source zones, ranging from 87.4 to 99.2% of the total volatile organic compounds (VOCs). An increasing trend in the molar fraction of cis-1, 2-Dichloroethene (cis-DCE) and vinyl chloride (VC) was observed in the downgradient zone of the study area. The enriched δ(13)C values of TCE and depleted values of cis-DCE in the stream zone, compared to those of the source zone, also suggest biodegradation of VOCs. Microbial community structures in monitoring wells adjacent to the stream zone in the downgradient area were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene-based pyrosequencing to identify the microorganisms responsible for biodegradation. This was attributed to the high relative abundance of dechlorinating bacteria in monitoring wells under anaerobic conditions farthest from the stream in the downgradient area. The multilateral approaches adopted in this study, combining hydrogeochemical and biomolecular methods with compound-specific analyses, indicate that contaminants around the stream were naturally attenuated by active anaerobic biotransformation processes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Research on M23C6 precipitation of 690 alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhigang, Song; han, Feng; Wenjie, Zheng; Lihong, Zhang; Mingjuan, Ma; Weijun, Sang

Precipitation M23C6 of 690 alloy was studied in this paper. Firstly, M23C6 precipitation and evolution of chromium-depleted zone of 690 alloy during TT were studied. Evolution of chromium-depleted zone of 690 alloy was affected markedly by TT.The test results showed that the lowest chromium concentration in chromium-depleted zone raised dramatically after TT for 10 20h because of chromium backfill.The morphology of M23C6 in 690 alloy specimens changed obviously during different TT temperatures of 650 850°C. 690 alloy could get good M23C6 morphology though TT at 700 725°C and there appeared coarse M23C6 presenting multiple layer morphology when TT temperature reached 750 850°C. When treated for TT different time at 715°C, the M23C6 amount increased with extension of TT time and M23C6 could precipitate adequately while the TT time reached 15h.

Fingerprinting groundwater salinity sources in the Gulf Coast Aquifer System, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chowdhury, Ali H.; Scanlon, Bridget R.; Reedy, Robert C.; Young, Steve

2018-02-01

Understanding groundwater salinity sources in the Gulf Coast Aquifer System (GCAS) is a critical issue due to depletion of fresh groundwater and concerns for potential seawater intrusion. The study objective was to assess sources of groundwater salinity in the GCAS using ˜1,400 chemical analyses and ˜90 isotopic analyses along nine well transects in the Texas Gulf Coast, USA. Salinity increases from northeast (median total dissolved solids (TDS) 340 mg/L) to southwest (median TDS 1,160 mg/L), which inversely correlates with the precipitation distribution pattern (1,370- 600 mm/yr, respectively). Molar Cl/Br ratios (median 540-600), depleted δ2H and δ18O (-24.7‰, -4.5‰) relative to seawater (Cl/Br ˜655 and δ2H, δ18O 0‰, 0‰, respectively), and elevated 36Cl/Cl ratios (˜100), suggest precipitation enriched with marine aerosols as the dominant salinity source. Mass balance estimates suggest that marine aerosols could adequately explain salt loading over the large expanse of the GCAS. Evapotranspiration enrichment to the southwest is supported by elevated chloride concentrations in soil profiles and higher δ18O. Secondary salinity sources include dissolution of salt domes or upwelling brines from geopressured zones along growth faults, mainly near the coast in the northeast. The regional extent and large quantities of brackish water have the potential to support moderate-sized desalination plants in this location. These results have important implications for groundwater management, suggesting a current lack of regional seawater intrusion and a suitable source of relatively low TDS water for desalination.

Sr isotopic composition of Afar volcanics and its implication for mantle evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barberi, F.; Civetta, L.; Varet, J.

1980-10-01

Investigations of Rb-Sr systematics of basalts from the Afar depression (Ethiopia) indicate the presence of a heterogeneous mantle source region. The Sr isotopic compositions of the basalts from the Afar axial and transverse ranges identify source regions which are enriched in LIL elements and radiogenic Sr (axial ranges) and others which are relatively depleted (transverse ranges). Sr isotopic composition of basalts from the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Gulf of Tadjoura, which range from 0.70300 to 0.70340 are also reported and compared with the more radiogenic Afar region, which is characterized by 87Sr/ 86Sr ranging from 0.70328 to 0.70410. Available geochemical and isotopic data suggest that a relation exists between magma composition and the advancement of the rifting process through progressive lithosphere attenuation leading to continental break-up. However, the petrogenetic process is not simple and probably implies a vertically zoned mantle beneath the Afar region. Sr isotopic evidence suggests that the vertically zoned mantle is more radiogenic and enriched in LIL elements in its upper part.

Water resources of southeastern Oahu, Hawaii

USGS Publications Warehouse

Takasaki, K.J.; Mink, John F.

1982-01-01

Southeastern Oahu comprises the eastern end of the Koolau Range and is divided into two roughly equal parts by the crest of the range. The northside of the crest is commonly called the windward side and the southside, the leeward. Precipitous cliffs aproned by a gently sloping landscape are the main topographic features on the windward side. The leeward side is a gentle lava-flow slope incised by steep narrow valleys. The main Koolau fissure zone, including the caldera, lies on the windward side. The leeward side includes minor rift zones that are perpendicular to and intersect the main fissure zone. Dikes in the main fissure zone strike from nearly east-west in the eastern end to about N. 55? W. in the western part. Dikes in the minor rift zones strike from north-south to slightly northeasterly. Water use is about 18 Mgal/d (million gallons per day) of which only 4 Mgal/d is obtained locally from ground-water sources. About a third of the 14 Mgal/d deficit is imported from sources northwest of the study area on the windward side and the remainder from sources in the Honolulu and Pearl Harbor areas on the leeward side. The 4 Mgal/d being developed represents only about 3 percent of the area's rainfall compared to a development-rainfall ratio of 20 percent for the rest of the island. Streams are short and flashy. Perennial streamflow to the sea occurs only in Maunawili Valley and in the Waimanalo area. Mean annual discharge is estimated at 20 Mgal/d in the windward side and at 15 Mgal/d on the leeward side. Low flow, expressed as the flow that is equaled or exceeded 90 percent of the time, is 5 Mgal/d windward of the crest and zero leeward of it. Most fresh ground water occurs in lava flows of the Koolau Volcanics. It is impounded by dikes in the rift zones and floats on saline ground water as lenses outside the rift zones. Small but important bodies of freshwater are perched in volcanic rocks of the Honolulu Group in Maunawili Valley. Fresh ground water occurs in near-shore calcareous sands that overlie a clay horizon in the Waimanalo area. Deeply buried talus and alluvium also carry fresh ground water in the Waimanalo area. Wells tapping saline ground water in fresh lava flows of the Honolulu Group provide water for a sea-life park in the Makapuu area. The same aquifer is tapped by wells for disposal of the saline waste water. The current development scheme in the windward side that utilizes only the free-flow equilibrium discharge of dike-impounded water is inefficient and does not cope with the annual weather cycle. The flow available for development under this scheme is greatest in the rainy winter months when demand is the lowest and least in the summer months when demand is the highest. A more optimal scheme would be to change this natural flow pattern by depleting storage by pumping to increase flow in the high-demand summer months and allowing the depleted storage to recover naturally in the low-demand winter months. Depleting storage would lower water levels which would provide more room for infiltration and provide less opportunity for evapotranspiration. The basal-water reservoir in the leeward side is isolated hydrologically from abutting reservoirs outside the area and can and should be fully exploited. The existing development of the basal-water reservoir is small compared to the natural ground-water flow and that part not being developed is wasting to the sea. Because the area is hydrologically isolated, development will not be detrimental to or reduce the ground-water supply outside the area.

Computational and Experimental Investigation of Contaminant Plume Response to DNAPL Source Zone Architecture and Depletion in Porous and Fractured Media

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-01

Mass in the Rock Matrix. Table 4.8.5.1: Flow and Transport Parameters Used for TCE Dissolution Modeling in Discrete Fracture Approach. Table 4.8.5.2...represent the flow rate over time. Figure 4.8.4.5: The Profile of Estimated Diffusing TCE Front into the Rock Matrix. Figure 4.8.5.1: a) Mesh Used for TCE...fractured rocks . The work of Illman et al. (2009) motivates us to conduct a laboratory fractured rock block experiment in which a large number of pumping

Major and trace element, and Sr isotope compositions of clinopyroxene phenocrysts in mafic dykes on Jiaodong Peninsula, southeastern North China Craton: Insights into magma mixing and source metasomatism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Yayun; Deng, Jun; Liu, Xuefei; Wang, Qingfei; Qin, Cheng; Li, Yan; Yang, Yi; Zhou, Mian; Jiang, Jieyan

2018-03-01

Early Cretaceous mafic dyke swarms are widely developed on Jiaodong Peninsula in the southeastern part of the North China Craton (NCC), but their petrogenesis remains enigmatic. We have examined the in-situ major element, trace element and Sr isotope compositions of the clinopyroxene phenocrysts in these dykes in order to evaluate the extent of magma mixing and source metasomatism. Depending on the type of mineral zoning, the clinopyroxene phenocrysts in our samples can be classified into two groups: Group I (reverse zoning) and Group II (no zoning). Based on core compositions, the Group I phenocrysts with obvious reverse zoning can be divided into two subgroups: Groups IA and IB. The cores of Group IA clinopyroxenes have low values of Mg#, low Al2O3 contents, high Na2O contents, and high 87Sr/86Sr ratios, and they were probably derived from newly accreted lower crust that formed through the underplating of basaltic magma. In contrast, the cores of Group IB clinopyroxenes have lower Mg# values and lower contents of Al2O3, ΣREE (total rare earth elements), and incompatible elements, but they have similar 87Sr/86Sr ratios; these cores crystallised from crust-derived andesitic-dacitic magma. Group IA and IB clinopyroxene phenocryst rims (Group I rims) all have similar compositions with higher values of Mg# and higher Al2O3, Cr and Ni contents than the cores. The rims have high 87Sr/86Sr ratios, are enriched in LREEs (light rare earth elements) and LILEs (large ion lithophile elements), and are depleted in HFSEs (high field strength elements); these characteristics indicate that all the high-Mg rims were derived from a similar magma, possibly a relatively primitive magma derived from lithospheric mantle. We suggest, therefore, that the reversely-zoned clinopyroxene phenocrysts (Group I) in the Jiaodong mafic dykes provide evidence of magma mixing between a magma derived from lithospheric mantle and crust-derived andesitic-dacitic melt alongside with the newly accreted lower crust. The Group II clinopyroxene phenocrysts, which lack zoning, display major and trace element compositions and 87Sr/86Sr ratios that are similar to those of the Group I rims, which indicates that all the high-Mg clinopyroxenes were derived from a common source in the lithospheric mantle. These high-Mg clinopyroxenes exhibit high 87Sr/86Sr ratios, high Sr contents and remarkable depletions in HFSEs, reflecting metasomatism of the mantle source by aqueous fluids derived by dehydration of the subducting slab and its marine sediments. The metasomatism of the source reveals that the lithospheric mantle beneath Jiaodong Peninsula was metasomatised by fluids from the subducting Paleo-Pacific slab. Progressive thinning of the lithosphere mantle under the NCC was induced by continuous thermo-mechanical erosion, promoting the partial melting of lithospheric mantle and generating the mafic dykes at Jiaodong. Table A2 Analytical results for the trace element standards used during LA-ICP-MS analyses of clinopyroxene phenocrysts. Table A3 Analytical results for the Sr isotope standards used during MC-ICP-MS analyses of clinopyroxene phenocrysts. Table A4 Major element contents (wt%) of clinopyroxene phenocrysts from the mafic dykes on Jiaodong Peninsula. Table A5 Representative Sr isotopic compositions of clinopyroxene phenocrysts from the mafic dykes on Jiaodong Peninsula. Table A6 Geochemistry of the mafic dykes on Jiaodong Peninsula. Table A7 Partition coefficients (KD) and end-member components used for REE modeling.

The nakhlite meteorites: Augite-rich igneous rocks from Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Treiman, Allan H.

2005-01-01

The seven nakhlite meteorites are augite-rich igneous rocks that formed in flows or shallow intrusions of basaltic magma on Mars. They consist of euhedral to subhedral crystals of augite and olivine (to 1 cm long) in fine-grained mesostases. The augite crystals have homogeneous cores of Mg' = 63% and rims that are normally zoned to iron enrichment. The core-rim zoning is cut by iron-enriched zones along fractures and is replaced locally by ferroan low-Ca pyroxene. The core compositions of the olivines vary inversely with the steepness of their rim zoning - sharp rim zoning goes with the most magnesian cores (Mg' = 42%), homogeneous olivines are the most ferroan. The olivine and augite crystals contain multiphase inclusions representing trapped magma. Among the olivine and augite crystals is mesostasis, composed principally of plagioclase and/or glass, with euhedra of titanomagnetite and many minor minerals. Olivine and mesostasis glass are partially replaced by veinlets and patches of iddingsite, a mixture of smectite clays, iron oxy-hydroxides and carbonate minerals. In the mesostasis are rare patches of a salt alteration assemblage: halite, siderite, and anhydrite/ gypsum. The nakhlites are little shocked, but have been affected chemically and biologically by their residence on Earth. Differences among the chemical compositions of the nakhlites can be ascribed mostly to different proportions of augite, olivine, and mesostasis. Compared to common basalts, they are rich in Ca, strongly depleted in Al, and enriched in magmaphile (incompatible) elements, including the LREE. Nakhlites contain little pre-terrestrial organic matter. Oxygen isotope ratios are not terrestrial, and are different in anhydrous silicates and in iddingsite. The alteration assemblages all have heavy oxygen and heavy carbon, while D/H values are extreme and scattered. Igneous sulfur had a solar-system isotopic ratio, but in most minerals was altered to higher and lower values. High precision analyses show mass-independent fractionations of S isotopes. Nitrogen and noble gases are complex and represent three components: two mantle sources (Chas-E and Chas-S), and fractionated Martian atmosphere. The nakhlites are igneous cumulate rocks, formed from basaltic magma at approx.1.3 Ga, containing excess crystals over what would form from pure magma. After accumulation of their augite and olivine crystals, they were affected (to various degrees) by crystallization of the magma, element diffusion among minerals and magma, chemical reactions among minerals and magma, magma movement among the crystals, and post-igneous chemical equilibration. The extent of these modifications varies, from least to greatest, in the order: MIL03346, NWA817, Y000593, Nakhla = Governador Valadares, Lafayette, and NWA998. Chemical, isotopic, and chronologic data confirm that the nakhlites formed on Mars, most likely in thick lava flows or shallow intrusions. Their crystallization ages, referenced to crater count chronologies for Mars, suggest that the nakhlites formed on the large volcanic constructs of Tharsis, Elysium, or Syrtis Major. The nakhlites were suffused with liquid water, probably at approx.620 ma. This water dissolved olivine and mesostasis glass, and deposited iddingsite and salt minerals in their places. The nakhlites were ejected from Mars at approx.10.75Ma by an asteroid impact and fell to Earth within the last 10,000 years. Although the nakhlites are enriched in incompatible elements, their source mantle was strongly depleted. This depletion event was ancient, as the nakhlites source mantle was fractionated while short-lived radionuclides (e.g., t(sub 1/2 = 9 my) were still active. This differentiation event may have been core formation coupled with a magma ocean, as is inferred for the moon.

Carbon isotope equilibration during sulphate-limited anaerobic oxidation of methane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshinaga, Marcos Y.; Holler, Thomas; Goldhammer, Tobias; Wegener, Gunter; Pohlman, John W.; Brunner, Benjamin; Kuypers, Marcel M. M.; Hinrichs, Kai-Uwe; Elvert, Marcus

2014-03-01

Collectively, marine sediments comprise the largest reservoir of methane on Earth. The flux of methane from the sea bed to the overlying water column is mitigated by the sulphate-dependent anaerobic oxidation of methane by marine microbes within a discrete sedimentary horizon termed the sulphate-methane transition zone. According to conventional isotope systematics, the biological consumption of methane leaves a residue of methane enriched in 13C (refs , , ). However, in many instances the methane within sulphate-methane transition zones is depleted in 13C, consistent with the production of methane, and interpreted as evidence for the intertwined anaerobic oxidation and production of methane. Here, we report results from experiments in which we incubated cultures of microbial methane consumers with methane and low levels of sulphate, and monitored the stable isotope composition of the methane and dissolved inorganic carbon pools over time. Residual methane became progressively enriched in 13C at sulphate concentrations above 0.5 mM, and progressively depleted in 13C below this threshold. We attribute the shift to 13C depletion during the anaerobic oxidation of methane at low sulphate concentrations to the microbially mediated carbon isotope equilibration between methane and carbon dioxide. We suggest that this isotopic effect could help to explain the 13C-depletion of methane in subseafloor sulphate-methane transition zones.

Discrimination between mineralized and unmineralized alteration zones using primary geochemical haloes in the Darreh-Zar porphyry copper deposit in Kerman, southeastern Iran

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parsapoor, A.; Khalili, M.; Maghami, M.

2017-08-01

Primary geochemical haloes were studied at the Darreh-Zar porphyry Cu-deposit, southern Iran. In terms of geochemical signatures, high K2O/Na2O enrichment, HREEs and HFSE's depletion in the potassic alteration, high (La/Sm)cn, (La/Yb)cn and (Gd/Yb)cn ratios in mineralized sericitic and potassic zones and notable depletion in the REEs content in argillic alteration is recognized. Further, Mg, Li, Sc, P enrichment and W depletion can serve to separate potassic alteration from the other altered zones, while (Eu/Eu*)cn and (Ce/Ce*)cn don't show pronounced changes in different alteration zones. The coupled positive Tl, Se, S, Rb, Co, Cs, Mo, K and negative Te, Ta, Ti, Sr, Rb, As, Bi, Ga, Hf, In, Mn, Zn and Zr anomalies can be adequately used in discriminating between the mineralized zones (potassic, chlorite-sericite and sericite alterations) and the barren (propylitic zone). The behavior of the trace elements on isocon diagrams reveal that HFSEs are depleted in mineralized altered zones and display variations in the amounts in the barren facies. Zonality index in the axial direction from drill holes 146 to 124 estimates the zonality sequence as Pb-Zn-Ag-Cu-Pb-Zn in the surface horizons. The calculated zonality in five drill holes and six levels indicates that the level of 550 m at the DH 117 in the central part of the area has the highest value (0.76) for Cu. The zonality sequence from the surface to the depth is variable and can be demonstrated as follow: DH 146: Pb-Zn-Cu-Mo-Ag; DH 137: Zn-Cu-Mo-Pb-Ag; DH 117: Ag-Zn-Pb-Mo-Cu; DH: 121: Cu-Mo-Zn-Ag-Pb; DH 136: Pb-Ag-Zn-Cu-Mo; DH 124: Zn-Mo-Cu-Pb-Ag. Available data of the enrichment factors shows different enrichment for copper and molybdenum (i.e. EF > 10), selenium and silver (i.e. EF > 5), tin and LREEs (i.e. 1 < EF < 5).

Water movement through thick unsaturated zones overlying the central High Plains aquifer, southwestern Kansas, 2000-2001

USGS Publications Warehouse

McMahon, Peter B.; Dennehy, K.F.; Michel, R.L.; Sophocleous, M.A.; Ellett, K.M.; Hurlbut, D.B.

2003-01-01

The role of irrigation as a driving force for water and chemical movement to the central High Plains aquifer is uncertain because of the thick unsaturated zone overlying the aquifer. Water potentials and profiles of tritium, chloride, nitrate, and pesticide concentrations were used to evaluate water movement through thick unsaturated zones overlying the central High Plains aquifer at three sites in southwestern Kansas. One site was located in rangeland and two sites were located in areas dominated by irrigated agriculture. In 2000?2001, the depth to water at the rangeland site was 50 meters and the depth to water at the irrigated sites was about 45.4 meters. Irrigation at the study sites began in 1955?56. Measurements of matric potential and volumetric water content indicate wetter conditions existed in the deep unsaturated zone at the irrigated sites than at the rangeland site. Total water potentials in the unsaturated zone at the irrigated sites systematically decreased with depth to the water table, indicating a potential existed for downward water movement from the unsaturated zone to the water table at those sites. At the rangeland site, total water potentials in the deep unsaturated zone indicate small or no potential existed for downward water movement to the water table. Postbomb tritium was not detected below a depth of 1.9 meters in the unsaturated zone or in ground water at the rangeland site. In contrast, postbomb tritium was detected throughout most of the unsaturated zone and in ground water at both irrigated sites. These results indicate post-1953 water moved deeper in the unsaturated zone at the irrigated sites than at the rangeland site. The depth of the interface between prebomb and postbomb tritium and a tritium mass-balance method were used to estimate water fluxes in the unsaturated zone at each site. The average water fluxes at the rangeland site were 5.4 and 4.4 millimeters per year for the two methods, which are similar to the average water flux (5.1 millimeters per year) estimated using a chloride mass-balance method. Tritium profiles in the unsaturated zone at the irrigated sites were complicated by the presence of tritium-depleted intervals separating upper and lower zones containing postbomb tritium. If the interface between prebomb and postbomb tritium was at the top of the tritium-depleted interval and postbomb tritium detected beneath that interval was from the declining water table in the area, then the average water flux at the irrigated sites was estimated to be 21 to 54 millimeters per year. If postbomb tritium detected beneath the tritium-depleted interval was from bypass or preferential water movement through the local unsaturated zone instead of the declining water table, then the minimum water flux at the irrigated sites was estimated to be 106 to 116 millimeters per year. In either case, water fluxes at the irrigated sites were at least 4 to 12 times larger than the flux at the rangeland site, indicating irrigation was an important driving force for water movement through the unsaturated zone. The presence of postbomb tritium and large nitrate and total pesticide concentrations (24 milligrams per liter as nitrogen and 0.923 microgram per liter, respectively) in ground water at the irrigated sites indicates irrigation water also was an important driving force for chemical movement to the water table. The persistence of a downward hydraulic gradient from the deep unsaturated zone to the water table at the irrigated sites, in addition to large nitrate and atrazine concentrations in deep soil water (34 milligrams per liter as nitrogen and 0.79 microgram per liter, respectively), indicate that the deep unsaturated zone will be a source of nitrate and atrazine to the aquifer in the future.

Geochemical, oxygen, and neodymium isotope compositions of metasediments from the Abitibi greenstone belt and Pontiac Subprovince, Canada: Evidence for ancient crust and Archean terrane juxtaposition

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

Feng, R.; Kerrich, R.; Maas, R.

1993-02-01

The Abitibi greenstone belt (AGB) and Pontiac Subprovince (PS) in the southwestern Superior Province are adjacent greenstone-plutonic and metasedimentary-dominated terranes, respectively, separated by a major fault zone. Metasediments from these two contrasting terranes are compared in terms of major- and trace-element and O- and Nd-isotope compositions, and detrital zircon ages. The following two compositional populations of metasediments are present in the low-grade, Abitibi southern volcanic zone: (1) a mafic-element-enriched population (MEP) characterized by flat, depleted REE patterns; enhanced Mg, Cr, Co, Ni, and Sc; low-incompatible-element contents; and minor or absent normalized negative troughs at Nb, Ta, and Ti; and (2)more » a low-mafic-element population (LMEP) featuring LREE-enriched patterns; enhanced Rb, Cs, Ba, Th, and U contents; and pronounced normalized negative troughs at Nb, Ta, and Ti. These geochemical features are interpreted to indicate that the MEP sediments were derived from an ultramafic- and mafic-dominated oceanic provenance, whereas the LMEP sediments represent mixtures of mafic and felsic are source rocks. The PS metasediments are essentially indistinguishable from Abitibi LMEP on the basis of major-element and transition metal abundances, suggesting comparable types of source rocks and degrees of maturity, but are distinct in terms of some trace elements and O-isotope compositions. The Pontiac metasediments are depleted in [sup 18]O and enriched in Cs, Ba, Pb, Th, U, Nb, Ta, Hf, Zr, and total REE and also have higher ratios of Rb/K, Cs/Rb, Ba/Rb, Ta/Nb, Th/La, and Ba/La relative to the Abitibi LMEP. Two subtypes of REE patterns have been identified in PS metasediments. The first subtype is interpreted to be derived from provenances of mixed mafic and felsic volcanic rocks, whereas the Eu-depleted type has features that are typical of post-Archean sediments or Archean K-rich granites and volcanic equivalents. 100 refs., 9 figs., 4 tabs.« less

Quantification of temperature impacts on the dissolution of chlorinated hydrocarbons into groundwater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koproch, Nicolas; Popp, Steffi; Köber, Ralf; Beyer, Christof; Bauer, Sebastian; Dahmke, Andreas

2016-04-01

Shallow thermal energy storage has great potential for heat storage especially in urban and industrial areas. However, frequently existing organic groundwater contaminations in such areas were currently seen as exclusion criteria for thermal use of the shallow subsurface, since increased contaminant discharge is feared as consequence of heating. Contaminant discharge is influenced by a complex interaction of processes and boundary conditions as e.g. solubility, dispersion, viscosity and degradation, where there is still a lack of experimental evidence of the temperature dependent interaction. Even existing studies on basic influencing factors as e.g. temperature dependent solubilities show contradictory results. Such knowledge gaps should be reduced to improve the basis and liability of numerical model simulations and the knowledge base to enable a more differentiated and optimized use of resources. For this purpose batch as well as 1- and 2-dimensional experimental studies concerning the temperature dependent release of TCE (trichloroethylene) from a NAPL (non aqueous phase liquid) source are presented and discussed. In addition, this experimental studies are accompanied by a numerical model verification, where extensions of existing numerical model approaches on basis of this obtained experimental results are developed. Firstly, temperature dependent TCE solubility data were collected using batch experiments with significantly better temperature resolution compared to earlier studies, showing a distinct minimum at 35°C and increased solubility towards 5°C and 70°C. Secondly, heated 1-dimensional stainless steel columns homogenously filled with quartz sand were used to quantify source zone depletion and contaminant discharge at 10-70°C. Cumulative mass discharge curves indicated two blob categories with distinct differences in dissolution kinetics. Increasing the temperature showed here an increase of the amount of fast dissolving blobs indicating higher NAPL-water contact areas. Thirdly, heatable 2D-tanks (40 cm x 25 cm x 10 cm) homogenously filled with quartz sand and percolated by distilled H2O were used to investigate the dissolution behavior and plume development of TCE from a residual source zone (5 cm x 5 cm x 10 cm) at 10-70°C. Using NAPL source zone saturation of 5% (Case A) and 20% (Case B) two exemplary cases of a depleted and a fresh source zone were investigated. TCE outflow concentrations in case A increased continuously with increasing temperature, but were controlled by the temperature-dependent solubility in Case B. The experimental results showed that the TCE mass transfer rate has a minimum at about 40°C, if dissolution is non-rate limited and a continuous increase with increasing temperature for rate-limited systems. Implementation of temperature dependent NAPL dissolution and two different blob categories with different mass transfer rate coefficients in the OpenGeoSys code proved successful in reproducing the experimental results. Acknowledgments: The presented work is part of the ANGUS+ project (03EK3022) funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

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

Ortiz, E.; Kraatz, M.; Luthy, R.G.

The dissolution of naphthalene, phenanthrene, and pyrene from viscous organic phases into water was studied in continuous-flow systems for time periods ranging from several months to more than 1 year. By selecting nonaqueous phases ranging from low viscosity to semisolid, i.e., from a light lubricating oil to paraffin, the governance of mass transfer was shown to vary from water phase control to nonaqueous phase control. An advancing depleted-zone model is proposed to explain the dissolution of PAHs from a viscous organic phase wherein the formation of a depleted zone within the organic phase increases the organic phase resistance to themore » dissolution of PAHs. The experimental data suggest the formation of a depleted zone within the organic phase for systems comprising a high-viscosity oil, petrolatum (petroleum jelly), and paraffin. Organic phase resistance to naphthalene dissolution became dominant over aqueous phase resistance after flushing for several days. Such effects were not evident for low viscosity lubricating oil. The transition from aqueous-phase dissolution control to nonaqueous-phase dissolution control appears predictable, and this provides a more rational framework to assess long-term release of HOCs from viscous nonaqueous phase liquids and semisolids.« less

Lateral, vertical, and longitudinal connectivity of runoff source areas drive stream hydro-biogeochemical signals across a low relief drainage network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zimmer, M. A.; McGlynn, B. L.

2017-12-01

Our understanding of the balance between longitudinal, lateral, and vertical expansion and contraction of reactive flowpaths and source areas in headwater catchments is limited. To address this, we utilized an ephemeral-to-perennial stream network in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, USA to gain new understanding about critical zone mechanisms that drive runoff generation and biogeochemical signals in both groundwater and stream water. Here, we used chemical and hydrometric data collected from zero through second order catchments to characterize spatial and temporal runoff and overland, shallow soil, and deep subsurface flow across characteristic landscape positions. Our results showed that the active stream network was driven by two superimposed runoff generation regimes that produced distinct hydro-biogeochemical signals at the catchment outlet. The baseflow runoff generation regime expanded and contracted the stream network seasonally through the rise and fall of the seasonal water table. Superimposed on this, event-activated source area contributions were driven by surficial and shallow subsurface flowpaths. The subsurface critical zone stratigraphy in this landscape coupled with the precipitation regime activated these shallow flowpaths frequently. This drove an increase in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations with increases in runoff across catchment scales. DOC-runoff relationship variability and spread was driven by the balance between runoff regimes as well as a seasonal depletion of DOC from shallow subsurface flowpath activation and annual replenishment from litterfall. From this, we suggest that the hydro-biogeochemical signals at larger catchment outlets can be driven by a balance of longitudinal, lateral, and vertical source area contributions, critical zone structure, and complex hydrological processes.

Change the morphology of lithium oxides by Nd-Yag laser beam to use as a sand in water-cooled reactors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karwi, Abbas Ali Mahmmod

2018-04-01

Laser has many attractive specifications which made it adaptable for material processing. Laser has been taken as a modern heat treatment source to prevent the formation of non-protective oxide layer with intensity equals to (1.31×105 w/cm2), lasing time equals to (300 µs), wave length equals to (1.063 µm), and the spot radius equals to (125 µm). Lithium is depleted through the conventional heat treatment processes. The main factors affected on lithium depletion are temperature and time. Lithium kept as a solid solution at casting method. Micro hardness of the affected zone reaches to acceptable values for various ageing times and hardening depths. The main conventional heat treatment processes are; homogenization, solution heat treatment, and ageing. Alloys prepared with the specific amounts of lithium concentration (2-2.5%). Oxides with different shapes are formed. Temperature distribution, heating, and cooling rates used externally and internally to see the effect of pulse generation by laser on bulk body.

Growth Defects in Biomacromolecular Crystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2003-01-01

NASA's ground based program confirmed close similarity between protein and small molecules crystal growth, but also revealed essential differences. No understanding exists as to why and when crystals grown in space are, in approx. 20 percent of cases, of higher quality. More rationale is needed in flight experiments. Ferritin crystals grown in space are 2.5 times cleaner than their terrestrial counterparts. This may occur because of the existence of a zone depleted with respect to impurities around a crystal growing in stagnant solution. This zone should appear since the distribution coefficient for homologous impurities exceeds unity. This impurity depletion zone hypothesis requires verification and development. Thorough purification from homologous impurities brought about resolution improvement from 2.6 to 1.8 angstroms for ferritin and from 2.6 to 2.0 angstroms for canavalin.

10 CFR 34.67 - Records of leak testing of sealed sources and devices containing depleted uranium.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Records of leak testing of sealed sources and devices containing depleted uranium. 34.67 Section 34.67 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION LICENSES FOR INDUSTRIAL... Requirements § 34.67 Records of leak testing of sealed sources and devices containing depleted uranium. Each...

10 CFR 34.67 - Records of leak testing of sealed sources and devices containing depleted uranium.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Records of leak testing of sealed sources and devices containing depleted uranium. 34.67 Section 34.67 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION LICENSES FOR INDUSTRIAL... Requirements § 34.67 Records of leak testing of sealed sources and devices containing depleted uranium. Each...

10 CFR 34.67 - Records of leak testing of sealed sources and devices containing depleted uranium.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Records of leak testing of sealed sources and devices containing depleted uranium. 34.67 Section 34.67 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION LICENSES FOR INDUSTRIAL... Requirements § 34.67 Records of leak testing of sealed sources and devices containing depleted uranium. Each...

10 CFR 34.67 - Records of leak testing of sealed sources and devices containing depleted uranium.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Records of leak testing of sealed sources and devices containing depleted uranium. 34.67 Section 34.67 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION LICENSES FOR INDUSTRIAL... Requirements § 34.67 Records of leak testing of sealed sources and devices containing depleted uranium. Each...

10 CFR 34.67 - Records of leak testing of sealed sources and devices containing depleted uranium.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 10 Energy 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Records of leak testing of sealed sources and devices containing depleted uranium. 34.67 Section 34.67 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION LICENSES FOR INDUSTRIAL... Requirements § 34.67 Records of leak testing of sealed sources and devices containing depleted uranium. Each...

Sediment-peridotite interactions in a thermal gradient: mineralogic and geochemical effects and the "sedimentary signature" of arc magmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woodland, Alan; Girnis, Andrei; Bulatov, Vadim; Brey, Gerhard; Höfer, Heidi; Gerdes, Axel

2017-04-01

Strong thermal and chemical gradients are characteristic of the slab-mantle interface in subduction zones where relatively cold sediments become juxtaposed with hotter peridotite of the mantle wedge. The formation of arc magmas is directly related to mass transfer processes under these conditions. We have undertaken a series of experiments to simulate interactions and mass transfer at the slab-mantle interface. In addition to having juxtaposed sediment and peridotite layers, the experiments were performed under different thermal gradients. The sediment had a composition similar to GLOSS (1) and also served as the source of H2O, CO2 and a large selection of trace elements. The peridotite was a depleted garnet harzburgite formed from a mixture of natural hand-picked olivine, opx and garnet. Graphite was added to this mixture to establish a redox gradient between the two layers. Experiments were performed at 7.5-10 GPa to simulate the processes during deep subduction. The thermal gradient was achieved by displacing the sample capsule (Re-lined Pt) from the center of the pressure cell. The gradient was monitored with separate thermocouples at each end of the capsule and by subsequent opx-garnet thermometry across the sample. Maximum temperatures varied from 1400˚ -900˚ C and gradients ranged from 200˚ -800˚ C. Thus, in some experiments melting occurred in the sediment layer and in others this layer remained subsolidus, only devolatilizing. Major and trace elements were transported both in the direction of melt percolation to the hot zone, as well as down temperature. This leads to the development of zones with discrete phase assemblages. Olivine in the peridotite layer becomes converted to orthopyroxene, which is due to Si addition, but also migration of Mg and Fe towards the sediment. In the coldest part of a sample, the sediment is converted into an eclogitic cpx + garnet assemblage. A thin zone depleted in almost all trace elements is formed in peridotite directly above the sediment/peridotite boundary and defines the region of maximum metasomatic alteration. With a low Tmin, fluid-mobile Ba, Rb, Sr and Li are more strongly transported into the melt zone compared to HFSE and REE. At Tmin > 700˚ C, all incompatible elements are extracted from the solid into the melt. However, the mineral assemblage controls which elements are held back in the solid residue (i.e. MREE, HREE, Y, Sc, and to a lesser extent Ti, Zr and Hf in garnet). Peridotite-sediment interaction can produce humite-group minerals, particularly in the presence of F. Negative Nb-Ta anomalies are caused by rutile and/or humite phases. Transport of melt or fluid from the sediment to the overlying mantle wedge produces metasomatized magma sources from which basaltic melts with sedimentary geochemical signatures can be derived. Adding even 1% of melt or fluid to depleted mantle peridotite is sufficient to produce basaltic melts with incompatible element contents similar to those observed in natural subduction-related magmas. Such signatures are retained at 6.5 and even 10 GPa when Tmin < 700˚ C. Plank, T., Langmuir C., 1998. Chem. Geol. 145, 325-394.

Investigation of flows in LAPD and their relation to edge turbulence and intermittency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaffner, D.; Carter, T. A.; Friedman, B.; Vincena, S.; Auerbach, D. W.; Popovich, P.

2009-11-01

We report on measurements of spontaneous flows and turbulence in the Large Plasma Device (LAPD) at UCLA. Measurements of perpendicular and parallel flow using a six-sided Mach probe reveal edge-localized perpendicular flows. The source of this flow is under investigation and may be generated by boundary effects or turbulent processes. Particular cases where a plasma depletion zone is created, including inserting a blocking disk within the cathode region and forming a compressed column, are used to analyze the effects on plasma flows. Ultimately, the relationship between the flows, turbulence and intermittency---the formation of blobs---is sought.

Zinc isotope systematics of subduction-zone magmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, J.; Zhang, X. C.; Huang, F.; Yu, H.

2016-12-01

Subduction-zone magmas are generated by partial melting of mantle wedge triggered by addition of fluids derived from subducted hydrothermally altered oceanic lithosphere. Source of the fluids may be sediment, altered oceanic crust and serpentinized peridotite/serpentinite. Knowledge of the exact fluid source can facilitate our better understanding of the mechanism of fluid flux, element cycling and crust-mantle interaction in subduction zones. Zinc isotopes have the potential to place a constraint on this issue, because (1) Zn has an intermediate mobility during fluid-rock interaction and is enriched in subduction-zone fluids (e.g., Li et al., 2013); (2) sediment, altered oceanic crust and serpentinite have distinct Zn isotopic compositions (Pons et al., 2011); and (3) the mantle has a homogeneous Zn isotope composition (δ66Zn = 0.28 ± 0.05‰, Chen et al., 2013). Thus, the Zn isotopic composition of subduction-zone magmas reflects the characteristics of slab-derived fluids of different sources. Here, high-precision Zn isotope analyses were conducted on igneous rocks from arcs of Central America, Kamchatka, South Lesser Antilles, and Aleutian. One rhyolite with 75.1 wt.% SiO2 and 0.2 wt.% FeOT displays the heaviest δ66Zn value of 0.394‰ (relative to JMC Lyon) that probably results from the crystallization of Fe-Ti oxides during the late-stage differentiation. The rest of rocks have Zn isotopic compositions (0.161 to 0.339‰) similar to or lighter than those of the mantle. In an individual arc, the δ66Zn values of rocks show broad negative correlations with Ba/Th and 87Sr/86Sr ratios, suggesting that the slab-derived fluids should have lighter δ66Zn as well as higher Ba/Th and 87Sr/86Sr ratios relative to the mantle. These features are in accordance with those of serpentinites. Thus, addition of serpentinite-derived 66Zn-depleted fluids into the mantle wedge can explain the declined δ66Zn of subduction-zone magmas. ReferenceChen et al. (2013) EPSL 369-370:34-42; Li et al. (2013) GCA 120:326-362; Pons et al. (2011) PNAS 108:17639-17643.

Geochemistry and geochronology of the Mesozoic Lanong ophiolitic mélange, northern Tibet: Implications for petrogenesis and tectonic evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, Yun; Liu, Wei-Liang; Xia, Bin; Liu, Jing-Nan; Guan, Yao; Yin, Zhen-Xing; Huang, Qiang-Tai

2017-11-01

The Lanong ophiolitic mélange is a typical ophiolitic mélange in the middle section of the Bangong-Nujiang suture zone in northern Tibet. It mainly consists of ultramafic and mafic rocks, and its tectonic setting and formation age remain poorly constrained. In this paper, new geochemical and LA-ICP-MS (laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer) zircon U-Pb age data obtained from gabbro, gabbro-dolerite, dolerite and basalt of the Lanong ophiolitic mélange are provided. The pillow basalts exhibit N-MORB (normal mid-ocean ridge basalt)-like geochemical features with a zircon U-Pb age of 147.6 ± 2.3 Ma. They were generated by 20-30% partial melting of a depleted mantle source composed of spinel lherzolite. The gabbro, massive basalt and gabbro-dolerite samples are characterised by more depleted and "V"-shaped REE (rare earth element) patterns, and they exhibit variable degrees of boninite-like geochemical characteristics, with a zircon U-Pb age of 149.1 ± 1.2 Ma (gabbro-dolerite). They were derived from the remelting of a significantly refractory mantle source following one or more episodes of previous basaltic melt extraction. Geochemical data of these mafic rocks indicate that they were developed in a continental fore-arc setting, and magmas were derived from depleted mantle sources modified by subducted slab-derived fluids and melts with minor crustal contamination. On the other hand, the dolerites show distinct OIB (oceanic island basalt)-like geochemical features, with a zircon U-Pb age of 244.1 ± 3.0 Ma. They were formed in a rift setting on a continental shelf-slope and originated from a low degree of partial melting of a depleted asthenospheric magma source mixed with some ancient sub-continental lithospheric mantle materials. The signatures presented here, combined with the results of previous studies, suggest that the Lanong ophiolitic mélange probably developed in a convergent plate margin under the southward subduction of the Bangong-Nujiang Tethys Ocean beneath the Lhasa terrane during the Middle Triassic-Early Cretaceous. Namely, the OIB-like dolerites likely reflect an extensional rift setting featuring thin continental crust in the Middle Triassic, and the gabbros, gabbro-dolerites and basalts represent a later stage of a fore-arc basin during the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous.

An unmetasomatized source for the Malaitan alnoeite (Solomon Islands): Petrogenesis involving zone refining, megacryst fractionation, and assimilation of oceanic lithosphere

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

Neal, C.R.; Davidson, J.P.

The Malaitan alnoite contains a rich and varied megacryst suite of unprecedented compositional range. The authors have undertaken trace element and isotope modeling in order to formulate a petrogenetic scheme which links the host alnoeite to its entrained megacrysts. This requires that a proto-alnoeite magma is the product of zone refining initiated by diapiric upwelling (where the initial melt passes through 200 times its volume of mantle). Isotopic evidence indicates the source of the proto-alnoeite contains a time-integrated LREE-depleted signature. Impingement upon the rigid lithosphere halts or dramatically slows the upward progress of the mantle diapir. At this point, themore » magma cools and megacryst fractionation begins with augites crystallizing first, followed by subcalcic diopsides and finally phlogopites. Garnet probably crystallizes over the entire range of clinopyroxene fractionation. Estimated proportions of fractionating phases are 30% augite, 24.5% subcalcic diopside, 27% garnet, 12.9% phlogopite, 5% bronzite, 0.5% ilmenite, and 0.1% zircon. As this proto-alnoeite magma crystallizes, it assimilates a subducted component of seawater-altered basalt which underplates the Ontong Java Plateau. This is witnessed in the isotopic composition of the megacrysts and alnoeite.« less

Cu-As Decoupling in Hydrothermal Systems: A Link Between Pyrite Chemistry and Fluid Composition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reich, M.; Tardani, D.; Deditius, A.; Chryssoulis, S.; Wrage, J.; Sanchez-Alfaro, P.; Andrea, H.; Cinthia, J.

2016-12-01

Chemical zonations in pyrite have been recognized in most hydrothermal ore deposit types, showing in some cases marked oscillatory alternation of metals and metalloids in pyrite growth zones (e.g., of Cu-rich, As-(Au)-depleted zones and As-(Au)-rich, Cu-depleted zones). This decoupled geochemical behavior of Cu and As has been interpreted as a result of chemical changes in ore-forming fluids, although direct evidence connecting fluctuations in hydrothermal fluid composition with metal partitioning into pyrite growth zones is still lacking. Here we report a comprehensive trace element database of pyrite from an active hydrothermal system, the Tolhuaca Geothermal System (TGS) in southern Chile. We combined high-spatial resolution and X-ray mapping capabilities of electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) with low detection limits and depth-profiling capabilities of secondary-ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) in a suite of pyrite samples retrieved from a 1 km drill hole that crosses the argillic and propylitic alteration zones of the geothermal system. We show that the concentrations of precious metals (e.g., Au, Ag), metalloids (e.g., As, Sb, Se, Te), and base and heavy metals (e.g., Cu, Co, Ni, Pb) in pyrite at the TGS are significant. Among the elements analyzed, arsenic, Cu and Co are the most abundant with concentrations that vary from sub-ppm levels to a few wt. %. Pyrites from the deeper propylitic zone do not show significant zonation and high Cu-(Co)-As concentrations correlate with each other. In contrast, well-developed zonations were detected in pyrite from the shallow argillic alteration zone, where Cu(Co)-rich, As-depleted cores alternate with Cu(Co)-depleted, As-rich rims. These microanalytical data were contrasted with chemical data of fluid inclusion in quartz veins (high Cu/Na and low As/Na) and borehole fluids (low Cu/Na and high As/Na) reported at the TGS, showing a clear correspondence between Cu and As concentrations in pyrite-forming fluids and chemical zonation in pyrite. These observations provide direct evidence supporting the selective partitioning of metals into pyrite as a result of changes in ore-forming fluid composition, most likely due to separation of a single-phase fluid into a low-density vapor and a denser brine, capable to fractionate Cu and As.

Castro ring zone: a 4,500-km2 fossil hydrothermal system in the Challis volcanic field, central Idaho.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Criss, R.E.; Ekren, E.B.; Hardyman, R.F.

1984-01-01

The largest fossil hydrothermal system occupying a 4500 km2 area in central Idaho is revealed by delta 18O studies. The remains of this meteoric-hydrothermal system are preserved within a sharply bounded, 15 km wide, 70-km-diameter annulus of low delta 18O rock (+2.0 to -8.8per mille) termed the Castro ring zone. The zone is centred on a less depleted (+4.5) core zone consisting of granitic rocks of the Castro pluton. This 700-km2 Eocene subvolcanic batholith has intruded, domed, and hydrothermally metamorphosed a thick sequence of Challis Volcanics, the stratigraphically low rocks in the 2000-km2 Van Horn Peak and the 1000-km2 Thunder Mountain cauldron complexes being most strongly altered. Less extreme 18O depletions occur in the youngest major ash-flow sheets of these complexes, indicating a vertical 18O gradient. Water/rock ratios of geothermal systems are surprisingly insensitive to the circulation scale.-L.-di H.

Comparison of the effects of mechanical and osmotic pressures on the collagen fiber architecture of intact and proteoglycan-depleted articular cartilage.

PubMed

Saar, Galit; Shinar, Hadassah; Navon, Gil

2007-04-01

One of the functions of articular cartilage is to withstand recurrent pressure applied in everyday life. In previous studies, osmotic pressure has been used to mimic the effects of mechanical pressure. In the present study, the response of the collagen network of intact and proteoglycans (PG)-depleted cartilage to mechanical and osmotic pressures is compared. The technique used is one-dimensional (2)H double quantum filtered spectroscopic MRI, which gives information about the degree of order and the density of the collagen fibers at the different locations throughout the intact tissue. For the nonpressurized plugs, the depletion had no effect on these parameters. Major differences were found in the zones near the bone between the effects of the two types of application of pressure for both intact and depleted plugs. While the order is lost in these zones as a result of mechanical load, it is preserved under osmotic pressure. For both intact and PG-depleted plugs under osmotic stress most of the collagen fibers become disordered. Our results indicate that different modes of strain are produced by unidirectional mechanical load and the isotropic osmotic stress. Thus, osmotic stress cannot serve as a model for the effect of load on cartilage in vivo.

Major zircon megacryst suites of the Indo-Pacific lithospheric margin (ZIP) and their petrogenetic and regional implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sutherland, Lin; Graham, Ian; Yaxley, Gregory; Armstrong, Richard; Giuliani, Gaston; Hoskin, Paul; Nechaev, Victor; Woodhead, Jon

2016-04-01

Zircon megacrysts (± gem corundum) appear in basalt fields of Indo-Pacific origin over a 12,000 km zone (ZIP) along West Pacific continental margins. Age-dating, trace element, oxygen and hafnium isotope studies on representative zircons (East Australia-Asia) indicate diverse magmatic sources. The U-Pb (249 to 1 Ma) and zircon fission track (ZFT) ages (65 to 1 Ma) suggest thermal annealing during later basalt transport, with < 1 to 203 Ma gaps between the U-Pb and ZFT ages. Magmatic growth zonation and Zr/Hf ratios (0.01-0.02) suggest alkaline magmatic sources, while Ti—in—zircon thermometry suggests that most zircons crystallized within ranges between 550 and 830 °C. Chondrite-normalised multi-element plots show variable enrichment patterns, mostly without marked Eu depletion, indicating little plagioclase fractionation in source melts. Key elements and ratios matched against zircons from magmatic rocks suggest a range of ultramafic to felsic source melts. Zircon O-isotope ratios (δ18O in the range 4 to 11‰) and initial Hf isotope ratios (ɛHf in the range +2 to +14) encompass ranges for both mantle and crustal melts. Calculated Depleted Mantle (TDM 0.03-0.56 Ga) and Crustal Residence (0.20-1.02 Ga) model ages suggest several mantle events, continental break-ups (Rodinia and Gondwana) and convergent margin collisions left imprints in the zircon source melts. East Australian ZIP sites reflect prolonged intraplate magmatism (~85 Ma), often during times of fast-migrating lithosphere. In contrast, East Asian-Russian ZIP sites reflect later basaltic magmatism (<40 Ma), often linked to episodes of back-arc rifting and spreading, slow-migrating lithosphere and slab subduction.

Potential For Stratospheric Ozone Depletion During Carboniferous

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bill, M.; Goldstein, A. H.

Methyl bromide (CH3Br) constitutes the largest source of bromine atoms to the strato- sphere whereas methyl chloride (CH3Cl) is the most abundant halocarbon in the tro- posphere. Both gases play an important role in stratospheric ozone depletion. For in- stance, Br coupled reactions are responsible for 30 to 50 % of total ozone loss in the polar vortex. Currently, the largest natural sources of CH3Br and CH3Cl appear to be biological production in the oceans, inorganic production during biomass burning and plant production in salt marsh ecosystems. Variations of paleofluxes of CH3Br and CH3Cl can be estimated by analyses of oceanic paleoproductivity, stratigraphic analyses of frequency and distribution of fossil charcoal indicating the occurrence of wildfires, and/or by paleoreconstruction indicating the extent of salt marshes. Dur- ing the lower Carboniferous time (Tournaisian-Visean), the southern margin of the Laurasian continent was characterized by charcoal deposits. Estimation on frequency of charcoal layers indicates that wildfires occur in a range of 3-35 years (Falcon-Lang 2000). This suggests that biomass burning could be an important source of CH3Br and CH3Cl during Tournaisian-Viesan time. During Tounaisian and until Merame- cian carbon and oxygen isotope records have short term oscillations (Bruckschen et al. 1999, Mii et al. 1999). Chesterian time (mid- Carboniferous) is marked by an in- crease in delta18O values ( ~ 2 permil) and an increase of glacial deposit frequency suggesting lower temperatures. The occurrence of glacial deposits over the paleopole suggests polar conditions and the associated special features of polar mete- orology such as strong circumpolar wind in the stratosphere (polar vortex) and polar stratospheric clouds. Thus, conditions leading to polar statospheric ozone depletion can be found. Simultaneously an increase in delta13C values is documented. We interpret the positive shift in delta13C as a result of higher bioproductivity. This interpretation is coherent with higher productivity as a result of an increasing nutrient transfer from the continent to the ocean which occurs during cold and humid climates. We have estimated the effective amount of active chlorine and bromine released to the atmosphere by an increase of the paleobiological production needed to cause ozone depletion. This estimation indicates that the threshold for the onset of ozone strato- spheric depletion is reached if the current day natural source is increased by a factor 2. It is also likely that some of the major methyl halide loss processes such as hydolysis in the ocean and soil uptake were inhibited by lower temperatures, resulting in higher atmospheric concentrations. The increase of methyl halide, by biological sources and 1 the polar conditons in south pole, are compatible with a possible paleoozone layer depletion. Together ozone layer depletion with cold temperatures could be the factors which triggered the mid-Carboniferous (Serpukhovian) extinction. References: Bruckschen, P. ,Oesmann, S.., Veizer, J., 1999. Isotope stratigraphy of the European Carboneferous: Proxy signals for ocean chemistry, climate and tectonics, Chem. Geol., 161, 127-163. Falcon-Lang, H.J., 2000. Fire ecology of the Carbonifer- ous tropical zone, Palaeogeogr. Palaeoclimatol. Palaeoecol., 164, 355-371. Mii, H.S., Grossman, E.L., Yancey, T.E., 1999. Carboniferous isotope stratigraphies of North America: implications for Carboniferous paleoceanography and Mississippian glacia- tion, Geol. Soc. Am. Bull. 111, 960-973. 2

Morphology and composition of gold in a lateritic profile, Fazenda Pison “Garimpo”, Amazon, Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larizzatti, J. H.; Oliveira, S. M. B.; Butt, C. R. M.

2008-05-01

This study describes the morphological evolution of gold grains in a lateritic weathering profile in an equatorial rainforest climate. Primary sources of gold are quartz veins associated with shallow granophyric intrusion. Gold grains were found in fresh ore, saprolite, transition zones, ferruginous duricrust, red latosol, and yellow latosol. Irregularly shaped grains predominate, with smaller proportions of dendritic and prismatic forms. Gold grains are weathered in the uppermost 10 m of the regolith. Mean gold grain size is maximum in the duricrust (>125 μm) and decreases progressively upward into the yellow latosol (<90 μm). Voids and corrosion pits appear on grain surfaces, and progressive rounding is observed from the bottom of the profile to the top. Gold grains can be classified as either homogeneous or zoned with respect to their chemical composition. Homogeneous grains contain 2-15% Ag (mean 8.3%). Zoned grains have more variable Ag contents; grain cores have means of approximately 10% or 23% Ag, with Ag-poor zones of approximately 3.7% Ag along internal discontinuities and/or outer rims. Formation of Ag-poor rims is due to preferential depletion of silver. Processes responsible for duricrust formation may preserve some grains as large aggregates, but subsequent transformation into latosol further modifies them.

Effects of stratification, organic matter remineralization and bathymetry on summertime oxygen distribution in the Bohai Sea, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Hua-De; Kao, Shuh-Ji; Zhai, Wei-Dong; Zang, Kun-Peng; Zheng, Nan; Xu, Xue-Mei; Huo, Cheng; Wang, Ju-Ying

2017-02-01

The Bohai Sea, a semi-enclosed shallow coastal sea with increasing nutrient loads, is susceptible to seasonal oxygen deficiency in its bottom waters, similar to many other areas of the worlds' coastal oceans. We examined the dissolved oxygen (DO) distribution in the Bohai during August 2014. Two oxygen-deficient zones (DO<92 μmol O2 kg-1) with a minimum DO of 80 μmol O2 kg-1 were documented. The area and volume of bottom oxygen-deficient water were 756 km2 and 7820×106 m3, with a mean thickness of 10 m. Thus, the Bohai is second to the Changjiang estuary in its oxygen-deficient zone size among China's coastal waters. We classified three hydrographic areas that dictated the distribution of DO: 1) the shallow well-mixed zone; 2) the laterally-open stratified zone; and 3) the isolated stratified zone. Vertical mixing dominated the shallow well-mixed zone leading to homogeneous DO in the water column. The laterally-open stratified zone was influenced by high DO and low temperature inflow through the northern Bohai Strait. The isolated stratified zones, i.e., the low DO areas, were found in depressed regions. The stoichiometric relationship between DO consumption and the corresponding enrichment of dissolved inorganic carbon suggested that the aerobic respiration of organic matter contributed to the oxygen-depletion in the isolated stratified zone. Overall, the bottom DO distribution in the Bohai system was controlled largely by lateral DO exchange modified by bathymetric features, while superimposed on that was the build-up of stratification caused by summer heating and the remineralization of organics sourced from spring phytoplankton bloom.

Mid-Neoproterozoic intraplate magmatism in the northern margin of the Southern Granulite Terrane, India: Constraints from geochemistry, zircon U-Pb geochronology and Lu-Hf isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deeju, T. R.; Santosh, M.; Yang, Qiong-Yan; Pradeepkumar, A. P.; Shaji, E.

2016-11-01

The northern margin of the Southern Granulite Terrane in India hosts a number of mafic, felsic and alkaline magmatic suites proximal to major shear/paleo-suture zones and mostly represents magmatism in rift-settings. Here we investigate a suite of gabbros and granite together with intermediate (dioritic) units generated through mixing and mingling of a bimodal magmatic suite. The massive gabbro exposures represent the cumulate fraction of a basic magma whereas the granitoids represent the product of crystallization in felsic magma chambers generated through crustal melting. Diorites and dioritic gabbros mostly occur as enclaves and lenses within host granitoids resembling mafic magmatic enclaves. Geochemistry of the felsic units shows volcanic arc granite and syn-collisional granite affinity. The gabbro samples show mixed E-MORB signature and the magma might have been generated in a rift setting. The trace and REE features of the rocks show variable features of subduction zone enrichment, crustal contamination and within plate enrichment, typical of intraplate magmatism involving the melting of source components derived from both depleted mantle sources and crustal components derived from older subduction events. The zircons in all the rock types show magmatic crystallization features and high Th/U values. Their U-Pb data are concordant with no major Pb loss. The gabbroic suite yields 206Pb/238U weighted mean ages in the range of 715 ± 4-832.5 ± 5 Ma marking a major phase of mid Neoproterozoic magmatism. The diorites crystallized during 206Pb/238U weighted mean age of 724 ± 6-830 ± 2 Ma. Zircons in the granite yield 206Pb/238U weighted mean age of 823 ± 4 Ma. The age data show broadly similar age ranges for the mafic, intermediate and felsic rocks and indicate a major phase of bi-modal magmatism during mid Neoproterozoic. The zircons studied show both positive and negative εHf(t) values for the gabbros (-6.4 to 12.4), and negative values for the diorites (-7.8 to -16.7) and granite (-16.6 to -6.7). Together with the Hf depleted model ages and crustal model ages, we infer that the magma sources involved both juvenile depleted mantle and reworked Mesoproterozoic, Paleoproterozoic and Neoarchean components. The mid Neoproterozoic intraplate magmatism is considered to be a response to mantle upwelling in an aborted rift setting.

Geology, Petrology and O and H isotope geochemistry of remarkably 18O depleted Paleoproterozoic rocks of the Belomorian Belt, Karelia, Russia, attributed to global glaciation 2.4 Ga

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bindeman, I. N.; Serebryakov, N. S.

2011-06-01

This paper deals with strongly 18O-depleted (down to - 27.3‰ VSMOW) 1.9Ga Paleoproterozoic mid-grade metamorphic rocks found in the Belomorian Belt of Karelia (E. Baltic Shield). The protolith of these rocks is attributed to have been altered by glacial meltwaters during the world's first 2.4-2.3 Ga Paleoproterozoic "Slushball" glaciation, when Karelia was located near equatorial latitudes. We describe in detail three and report seven new localities with unusually depleted 18O signatures that now span 220 km across the Belomorian Belt. Hydrogen isotope ratios measured in amphibole, biotite and staurolite also display remarkably low values of - 212 to - 235‰. Isotope mapping in the three best exposed localities has allowed us to identify the world's most 18O depleted rock, located at Khitostrov with a δ 18O value - 27‰. In Khitostrov samples, zircons have normal δ 18O detrital cores and low-δ 18O metamorphic rims. Mapping demonstrates that zones of δ 18O depletion occur in a concentric pattern 100-400 m in dimension, and each locality displays significant δ 18O and δD heterogeneity on a meter to centimeter scale, characteristic of meteoric-hydrothermal systems worldwide. The zone of maximum δ 18O depletions usually has the highest concentration of metamorphic corundum, rutile, and zircon and also display doubled concentrations of insoluble trace elements (Zr, Ti, Cr, HREE). These results are explained by elemental enrichment upon mass loss during hydrothermal dissolution in pH-neutral meteoric fluid. Remarkably low-δ 18O and δD values suggest that alteration could have only happened by glacial meltwaters in a subglacial rift zone. Many localities with δ 18O depletions occur inside metamorphozed 2.4 Ga gabbro-noritic intrusions, or near their contact with Belomorian gneisses, implying that the intrusions were driving meteoric hydrothermal systems during the known 2.4 Ga episode of Belomorian rifting. Given that the isotopically-depleted localities now spread over 200 km, the extent of the Karelian ice cap is estimated to be at least that large. Svecofennian 1.9 Ga metamorphism is seen to cause metamorphic recrystallization of hydrothermally-altered rocks into coarse-grained assemblages, and causing local metasomatism through devolatilization of the underlying hydrous low-δ 18O protolith, further depleting δD via volatilization. This process led to gem-quality rubies and kyanites that preserve these remarkable δ 18O values in the geologic record.

Petrogenesis of the Majiari ophiolite (western Tibet, China): Implications for intra-oceanic subduction in the Bangong-Nujiang Tethys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Qiang-tai; Liu, Wei-liang; Xia, Bin; Cai, Zhou-rong; Chen, Wei-yan; Li, Jian-feng; Yin, Zheng-xin

2017-09-01

The Majiari ophiolite lies in the western Bangong-Nujiang Suture Zone, which separates the Qiangtang and Lhasa blocks in central Tibet. The ophiolite consists of peridotite, gabbro/diabase and basalt. Zircon U-Pb dating yielded an age of 170.5 ± 1.7 Ma for the gabbro, whereas 40Ar/39Ar dating of plagioclase from the same gabbro yielded ages of 108.4 ± 2.6 Ma (plateau age) and 112 ± 2 Ma (isochron age), indicating that the ophiolite was formed during the Middle Jurassic and was probably emplaced during the Early Cretaceous. Zircons from the gabbro have εHf(t) values ranging from +6.9 to +10.6 and f(Lu/Hf) values ranging from -0.92 to -0.98. Mafic lavas plot in the tholeiitic basalt field but are depleted in Nb, Ta and Ti and enriched in Rb, Ba and Th in the N-MORB-normalized trace element spider diagram. These lavas have whole-rock εNd(t) values of +5.9 to +6.6, suggesting that they were derived from a depleted mantle source, which was probably modified by subducted materials. The Majiari ophiolite probably formed in a typical back-arc basin above a supra-subduction zone (SSZ) mantle wedge. Intra-oceanic subduction occurred during the Middle Jurassic and collision of the Lhasa and South Qiangtang terranes likely occurred in the Early Cretaceous. Thus, closure of the Bangong-Nujiang Tethys Ocean likely occurred before the Early Cretaceous.

Private sector embedded water risk: Merging the corn supply chain network and regional watershed depletion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, T.; Brauman, K. A.; Schmitt, J.; Goodkind, A. L.; Smith, T. M.

2016-12-01

Water scarcity in US corn farming regions is a significant risk consideration for the ethanol and meat production sectors, which comprise 80% of all US corn demand. Water supply risk can lead to effects across the supply chain, affecting annual corn yields. The purpose of our study is to assess the water risk to the US's most corn-intensive sectors and companies by linking watershed depletion estimates with corn production, linked to downstream companies through a corn transport model. We use a water depletion index as an improved metric for seasonal water scarcity and a corn sourcing supply chain model based on economic cost minimization. Water depletion was calculated as the fraction of renewable (ground and surface) water consumption, with estimates of more than 75% depletion on an annual average basis indicating a significant water risk. We estimated company water risk as the amount of embedded corn coming from three categories of water stressed counties. The ethanol sector had 3.1% of sourced corn grown from counties that were more than 75% depleted while the beef sector had 14.0%. From a firm perspective, Tyson, JBS, Cargill, the top three US corn demanding companies, had 4.5%, 9.6%, 12.8% of their sourced corn respectively, coming from watersheds that are more than 75% depleted. These numbers are significantly higher than the global average of 2.2% of watersheds being classified as more than 75% depleted. Our model enables corn using industries to evaluate their supply chain risk of water scarcity through modeling corn sourcing and watershed depletion, providing the private sector a new method for risk estimation. Our results suggest corn dependent industries are already linked to water scarcity risk in disproportionate amounts due to the spatial heterogeneity of corn sourcing and water scarcity.

Reactive transport modeling of geochemical controls on secondary water quality impacts at a crude oil spill site near Bemidji, MN

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ng, Gene-Hua Crystal.; Bekins, Barbara A.; Cozzarelli, Isabelle M.; Baedecker, Mary Jo; Bennett, Philip C.; Amos, Richard T.; Herkelrath, William N.

2015-01-01

Anaerobic biodegradation of organic amendments and contaminants in aquifers can trigger secondary water quality impacts that impair groundwater resources. Reactive transport models help elucidate how diverse geochemical reactions control the spatiotemporal evolution of these impacts. Using extensive monitoring data from a crude oil spill site near Bemidji, Minnesota (USA), we implemented a comprehensive model that simulates secondary plumes of depleted dissolved O2 and elevated concentrations of Mn2+, Fe2+, CH4, and Ca2+ over a two-dimensional cross section for 30 years following the spill. The model produces observed changes by representing multiple oil constituents and coupled carbonate and hydroxide chemistry. The model includes reactions with carbonates and Fe and Mn mineral phases, outgassing of CH4 and CO2 gas phases, and sorption of Fe, Mn, and H+. Model results demonstrate that most of the carbon loss from the oil (70%) occurs through direct outgassing from the oil source zone, greatly limiting the amount of CH4 cycled down-gradient. The vast majority of reduced Fe is strongly attenuated on sediments, with most (91%) in the sorbed form in the model. Ferrous carbonates constitute a small fraction of the reduced Fe in simulations, but may be important for furthering the reduction of ferric oxides. The combined effect of concomitant redox reactions, sorption, and dissolved CO2 inputs from source-zone degradation successfully reproduced observed pH. The model demonstrates that secondary water quality impacts may depend strongly on organic carbon properties, and impacts may decrease due to sorption and direct outgassing from the source zone.

Ecotoxicology for risk assessment in arid zones: some key issues.

PubMed

Everts, J W

1997-01-01

In the hot arid zones of the world, ecotoxicological research is in statu nascendi. In these zones, the major sources of contamination by toxicants are: (1) plant protection and vector control in wet zones; (2) large-scale crop protection campaigns in dry and ephemeral wet zones; (3) refuse and obsolete pesticides in dry zones; and (4) mining. Economic development in many of these zones requires an adequate knowledge of certain basic principles, i.e., where extrapolating existing knowledge does not apply. The vulnerability of ecosystems to contaminants is closely related to water flow. In dry areas, species are susceptible to factors that interfere with the ecophysiological properties regulating water loss. Most hot arid areas are found at low latitudes where temperatures show striking extremes both in time and space. Living organisms are physiologically resistant and/or show adaptive behavior to these temperature extremes. Very little is known about the effects of toxicants on these key resistant and adaptive functions, although by extrapolation a few assumptions can be made. The effects of hyperthermia, for instance, can be aggravated by GSH depleting substances, and the temporary disabling effects characteristic of many pesticides may prove fatal under these circumstances. Most wet areas show a spatial concentration of both human activity and wildlife. In mesic zones, the contamination of water represents a health risk to both humans and other living organisms. The vast majority of aquatic communities are those inhabiting temporary pools and streams. Their populations are characterized by short reproductive cycles and/or long dormant stages. Toxicants affecting growth in these areas have been shown to have a deleterious effect. In a synthesis of existing knowledge the most prominent gaps are identified and priorities for further research are made.

Processes and Parameters Controlling the Extent of Methanogenic Conditions in the Unsaturated Zone of a Crude Oil Spill Site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molins, S.; Mayer, K.

2007-12-01

Gas concentrations measured in the vadose zone at a crude oil spill site near Bemidji, MN, show that a large area near the oil body is currently dominated by methanogenic conditions. Away from the oil body methane concentrations decrease as it is degraded by methanotrophic bacteria under aerobic conditions. Numerical simulations have been conducted to quantify the contributions of the relevant transport and reaction processes to the production and attenuation of methane in the vadose zone. Methane is generated in the vadose zone by anaerobic degradation of oil and is also added by fluxes from the capillary fringe and the saturated zone. Gas diffusion and advection contribute to the transport of methane in the lateral direction and towards the ground surface. Attenuation of methane concentrations occurs through aerobic oxidation in the presence of methanotrophic bacteria. Critical parameters were varied within bounds provided by field data and previous studies. Simulation results confirm that the layered sediment structure present at the site plays a significant role in explaining the observed distribution of gases in the vadose zone. The presence of a low permeability lens in the area upgradient from the source results in higher moisture contents, limiting diffusion of oxygen into the zone of methane production, and contributes to the spread of methane. Diffusion was identified as the most significant transport mechanism for gases in the vadose zone. However, field-observed zones of depleted and enriched N2 and Ar concentrations could only be explained by the development of advective fluxes induced by reactive processes (methanogenesis and methanotrophy). The zones of gas production are characterized by slightly increased total gas pressures and low concentrations of N2 and Ar, while zones of gas consumption show slightly depressed total gas pressures and high concentrations of N2 and Ar. The simulations suggest that the advective flux that develops between these zones contributes up to 15% of the total methane flux.

Comparative water relations of adjacent california shrub and grassland communities.

PubMed

Davis, S D; Mooney, H A

1985-07-01

Much of the coastal mountains and foothills of central and southern California are covered by a mosaic of grassland, coastal sage scrub, and evergreen sclerophyllous shrubs (chaparral). In many cases, the borders between adjacent plant communities are stable. The cause of this stability is unknown. The purpose of our study was to examine the water use patterns of representative grasses, herbs, and shrubs across a grassland/chaparrel ecotone and determine the extent to which patterns of water use contribute to ecotone stability. In addition, we examined the effects of seed dispersal and animal herbivory. We found during spring months, when water was not limited, grassland species had a much higher leaf conductance to water vapor diffusion than chaparral plants. As the summer drought progressed, grassland species depleted available soil moisture first, bare zone plants second, and chaparral third, with one chaparral species (Quercus durata) showing no evidence of water stress. Soil moisture depletion patterns with depth and time corresponded to plant water status and root depth. Rabbit herbivory was highest in the chaparral and bare zone as indicated by high densities of rabbit pellets. Dispersal of grassland seeds into the chaparral and bare zone was low. Our results support the hypothesis that grassland species deplete soil moisture in the upper soil horizon early in the drought, preventing the establishment of chaparral seedlings or bare zone herbs. Also, grassland plants are prevented from invading the chaparral because of low seed dispersability and high animal herbivory in these regions.

Isotopic composition in precipitation and groundwater in the northern mountainous region of the Central Valley of Costa Rica.

PubMed

Sánchez-Murillo, Ricardo; Esquivel-Hernández, Germain; Sáenz-Rosales, Oscar; Piedra-Marín, Gilberto; Fonseca-Sánchez, Alicia; Madrigal-Solís, Helga; Ulloa-Chaverri, Franz; Rojas-Jiménez, Luis D; Vargas-Víquez, José A

2017-03-01

The linkage between precipitation and recharge is still poorly understood in the Central America region. This study focuses on stable isotopic composition in precipitation and groundwater in the northern mountainous region of the Central Valley of Costa Rica. During the dry season, rainfall samples corresponded to enriched events with high deuterium excess. By mid-May, the Intertropical Convergence Zone poses over Costa Rica resulting in a depletion of 18 O/ 16 O and 2 H/H ratios. A parsimonious four-variable regression model (r 2  = 0.52) was able to predict daily δ 18 O in precipitation. Air mass back trajectories indicated a combination of Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean sources, which is clearly depicted in groundwater isoscape. Aquifers relying on Pacific-originated recharge exhibited a more depleted pattern, whereas recharge areas relying on Caribbean parental moisture showed an enrichment trend. These results can be used to enhance modelling efforts in Central America where scarcity of long-term data limits water resources management plans.

Geochemistry and origins of mineralized waters in the Floridan aquifer system, northeastern Florida

USGS Publications Warehouse

Phelps, G.G.

2001-01-01

Increases in chloride concentration have been observed in water from numerous wells tapping the Floridan aquifer system in northeastern Florida. Although most increases have been in the eastern part of Duval County, Florida, no spatial pattern in elevated chloride concentrations is discernible. Possible sources of the mineralized water include modern seawater intrusion; unflushed Miocene-to-Pleistocene-age seawater or connate water in aquifer sediments; or mineralized water from deeper zones of the aquifer system or from formations beneath the Floridan aquifer system. The purpose of this study was to document the chemical and isotopic characteristics of water samples from various aquifer zones, and from geochemical and hydrogeologic data, to infer the source of the increased mineralization. Water samples were collected from 53 wells in northeastern Florida during 1997-1999. Wells tapped various zones of the aquifer including: the Fernandina permeable zone (FPZ), the upper zone of the Lower Floridan aquifer (UZLF), the Upper Floridan aquifer (UFA), and both the UFA and the UZLF. Water samples were analyzed for major ions and trace constituents and for isotopes of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, sulfur, strontium, chlorine, and boron. Samples of rock from the aquifer were analyzed for isotopes of oxygen, carbon, and strontium. In general, water from various aquifer zones cannot be differentiated based on chemistry, except for water from FPZ wells. Major-ion concentrations vary as much within the upper zone of the Lower Floridan aquifer and the Upper Floridan aquifer as between these two zones. Simple models of mixing between fresh ground water and either modern seawater or water from the FPZ as a mineralized end member show that many water samples from the UZLF aquifer and the UFA are enriched in bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium, sulfate, fluoride, and silica and are depleted in sodium and potassium (as compared to concentrations predicted by simple mixing). Chemical mass-balance models of mixing and reactions between a hypothetical initial seawater and aquifer minerals cannot account for the observed water chemistry in a few wells, implying a source other than seawater, either ancient or modern, or the occurrence of other more complex rock-water reactions. Hydrogeologic and geochemical data from water and aquifer samples indicate that the most likely source of mineralized water in some wells yielding water with increasing chloride concentrations is water from the FPZ. In other wells, the flushing of Miocene-to-Pleistocene-age seawater can account for the observed chloride concentrations. The fact that most of the water samples collected are a mixture of less than one percent of mineralized water with more than 99 percent fresh or recharge water makes identifying the source of the mineralized water difficult. Differences in carbon-14 and sulfur-34 values probably reflect areal differences in aquifer mineralogy and distribution of organic carbon related to paleokarst features. Geochemical mass-balance models of seawater-rock interaction are unable to account for the chemical and isotopic composition of mineralized water from the FPZ, which implies another source of mineralized water, such as a brine, or the occurrence of more complex water-rock reactions.

Microarray analysis of the abscission-related transcriptome in tomato flower abscission zone in response to auxin depletion

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Abscission, the separation of organs from the parent plant, results in postharvest quality loss in many fresh produce. The process is initiated by changes in the auxin gradient across the abscission zone (AZ), is triggered by ethylene and may be accelerated by postharvest stresses. Although changes ...

Soil moisture dynamics modeling considering multi-layer root zone.

PubMed

Kumar, R; Shankar, V; Jat, M K

2013-01-01

The moisture uptake by plant from soil is a key process for plant growth and movement of water in the soil-plant system. A non-linear root water uptake (RWU) model was developed for a multi-layer crop root zone. The model comprised two parts: (1) model formulation and (2) moisture flow prediction. The developed model was tested for its efficiency in predicting moisture depletion in a non-uniform root zone. A field experiment on wheat (Triticum aestivum) was conducted in the sub-temperate sub-humid agro-climate of Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India. Model-predicted soil moisture parameters, i.e., moisture status at various depths, moisture depletion and soil moisture profile in the root zone, are in good agreement with experiment results. The results of simulation emphasize the utility of the RWU model across different agro-climatic regions. The model can be used for sound irrigation management especially in water-scarce humid, temperate, arid and semi-arid regions and can also be integrated with a water transport equation to predict the solute uptake by plant biomass.

Ion energies in high power impulse magnetron sputtering with and without localized ionization zones

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

Yang, Yuchen; Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, California 94720; Tanaka, Koichi

2015-03-23

High speed imaging of high power impulse magnetron sputtering discharges has revealed that ionization is localized in moving ionization zones but localization disappears at high currents for high yield targets. This offers an opportunity to study the effect ionization zones have on ion energies. We measure that ions have generally higher energies when ionization zones are present, supporting the concept that these zones are associated with moving potential humps. We propose that the disappearance of ionization zones is caused by an increased supply of atoms from the target which cools electrons and reduces depletion of atoms to be ionized.

Chapter C: Hydrothermal Enrichment of Gallium in Zones of Advanced Argillic Alteration-Examples from the Paradise Peak and McDermitt Ore Deposits, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rytuba, James J.; John, David A.; Foster, Andrea; Ludington, Steven D.; Kotlyar, Boris

2003-01-01

Gallium is produced as a byproduct from bauxite and zinc sulfide ores and rarely from primary Ga ores. High Ga contents (>60 ppm) can occur in zones of advanced argillic alteration consisting of alunite+kaolinite+quartz associated with quartz-alunite (high sulfidation Au-Ag) deposits. In a magmatic-hydrothermal environment, the zones of advanced argillic alteration associated with quartz-alunite (high sulfidation) Au-Ag deposits have the highest Ga contents (max 120 ppm). In these Au deposits, Ga is enriched in the zone of alunite+kaolinite alteration and depleted in the zone of quartz-rich alteration within acid-leached rocks. Peripheral zones of argillic alteration have Ga contents and Al/Ga ratios similar to those in unaltered volcanic rocks. The zones of advanced argillic alteration that formed in a steam-heated environment in association with hot-spring-type Hg-Au deposits are not Ga enriched, and residual silicified zones have very low Ga contents. The McDermitt Hg and Paradise Peak Au-Hg deposits, Nev., have zones of advanced argillic alteration that are Ga enriched. At the Paradise Peak Au-Hg deposits, Ga is enriched in the zone of alunite+jarosite alteration that formed in a magmatic-hydrothermal environment. Ga is depleted in the zone of opal+alunite alteration formed in a steam-heated environment, in residual silicified zones formed in a magmatic-hydrothermal environment, and in zones of supergene jarosite alteration. At the McDermitt Hg deposit, Ga is enriched in the zone of alunite+kaolinite alteration below the zone of adularia-quartz alteration that coincides with the Hg ore body. The spatial relation of Ga enrichment to alunite-kaolinite alteration suggests that formation in a magmatic-hydrothermal environment. X-ray-absorption spectra of Ga-enriched samples from the McDermitt Hg deposit are similar to that of gallium sulfate and support the association of Ga enrichment with alunite alteration.

"Fast" and "slow" skeleto-fusimotor innervation in cat tenuissimus spindles; a study with the glycogen-depletion method.

PubMed

Jami, L; Lan-Couton, D; Malmgren, K; Petit, J

1978-07-01

The glycogen-depletion method was used to investigate the motor supply to tenuissimus with respect to the presence of fast beta axons and to assess the total proportion of both fast and slow beta-innervated spindles in this muscle. In a first series of 5 expts., groups of motor axons with conduction velocities higher than 85 m/s were repetitively stimulated so as to produce glycogen depletion in the muscle fibres they innervated. The whole muscle was then quick-frozen, serially cut, stained to demonstrate glycogen and examined for intrafusal glycogen depletion. Zones of glycogen depletion were found in 16 of the 46 examined spindles; they were most frequently located in the longest of the chain intrafusal muscle fibres. Since it is known that there are no purely fusimotor axons to tenuissimus with conduction velocities above 50 m/s, it was concluded that beta axons are present among the fastest axons to this muscle. In a second series of 5 expts. as many motor axons as possible with conduction velocities above 60 m/s were stimulated. Zones of glycogen depletion were found in 19 of the 47 examined spindles. They affected chain fibres in about half of the instances and bag1 fibers in the others. As this latter location is characteristic of slow dynamic beta axons, it was concluded that both slow and fast beta axons occur regularly in the motor supply to tenuissimus. beta-innervation is present in at least 40% of tenuissimus spindles with almost no convergence of fast and slow beta axons onto the same spindle.

Plume-related mantle source of super-large rare metal deposits from the Lovozero and Khibina massifs on the Kola Peninsula, Eastern part of Baltic Shield: Sr, Nd and Hf isotope systematics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kogarko, L. N.; Lahaye, Y.; Brey, G. P.

2010-03-01

The two world’s largest complexes of highly alkaline nepheline syenites and related rare metal loparite and eudialyte deposits, the Khibina and Lovozero massifs, occur in the central part of the Kola Peninsula. We measured for the first time in situ the trace element concentrations and the Sr, Nd and Hf isotope ratios by LA-ICP-MS (laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer) in loparite, eudialyte an in some other pegmatitic minerals. The results are in aggreement with the whole rock Sr and Nd isotope which suggests the formation of these superlarge rare metal deposits in a magmatic closed system. The initial Hf, Sr, Nd isotope ratios are similar to the isotopic signatures of OIB indicating depleted mantle as a source. This leads to the suggestion that the origin of these gigantic alkaline intrusions is connected to a deep seated mantle source—possibly to a lower mantle plume. The required combination of a depleted mantle and high rare metal enrichment in the source can be explained by the input of incompatible elements by metasomatising melts/fluids into the zones of alkaline magma generation shortly before the partial melting event (to avoid ingrowth of radiogenic isotopes). The minerals belovite and pyrochlore from the pegmatites are abnormally high in 87Sr /86Sr ratios. This may be explained by closed system isotope evolution as a result of a significant increase in Rb/Sr during the evolution of the peralkaline magma.

Pyrolysis process for producing condensed stabilized hydrocarbons utilizing a beneficially reactive gas

DOEpatents

Durai-Swamy, Kandaswamy

1982-01-01

In a process for recovery of values contained in solid carbonaceous material, the solid carbonaceous material is comminuted and then subjected to pyrolysis, in the presence of a carbon containing solid particulate source of heat and a beneficially reactive transport gas in a transport flash pyrolysis reactor, to form a pyrolysis product stream. The pyrolysis product stream contains a gaseous mixture and particulate solids. The solids are separated from the gaseous mixture to form a substantially solids-free gaseous stream which comprises volatilized hydrocarbon free radicals newly formed by pyrolysis. Preferably the solid particulate source of heat is formed by oxidizing part of the separated particulate solids. The beneficially reactive transport gas inhibits the reactivity of the char product and the carbon-containing solid particulate source of heat. Condensed stabilized hydrocarbons are obtained by quenching the gaseous mixture stream with a quench fluid which contains a capping agent for stabilizing and terminating newly formed volatilized hydrocarbon free radicals. The capping agent is partially depleted of hydrogen by the stabilization and termination reaction. Hydrocarbons of four or more carbon atoms in the gaseous mixture stream are condensed. A liquid stream containing the stabilized liquid product is then treated or separated into various fractions. A liquid containing the hydrogen depleted capping agent is hydrogenated to form a regenerated capping agent. At least a portion of the regenerated capping agent is recycled to the quench zone as the quench fluid. In another embodiment capping agent is produced by the process, separated from the liquid product mixture, and recycled.

The stream subsurface: nitrogen cycling and the cleansing function of hyporheic zones

Treesearch

Rhonda Mazza; Steve Wondzell; Jay Zarnetske

2014-01-01

Nitrogen is an element essential to plant growth and ecosystem productivity. Excess nitrogen, however, is a common water pollutant. It can lead to algal blooms that deplete the water's dissolved oxygen, creating "dead zones" devoid of fish and aquatic insects.Previous research showed that the subsurface area of a stream, known as the hyporheic...

Numerical modelling of fault reactivation in carbonate rocks under fluid depletion conditions - 2D generic models with a small isolated fault

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yanhua; Clennell, Michael B.; Delle Piane, Claudio; Ahmed, Shakil; Sarout, Joel

2016-12-01

This generic 2D elastic-plastic modelling investigated the reactivation of a small isolated and critically-stressed fault in carbonate rocks at a reservoir depth level for fluid depletion and normal-faulting stress conditions. The model properties and boundary conditions are based on field and laboratory experimental data from a carbonate reservoir. The results show that a pore pressure perturbation of -25 MPa by depletion can lead to the reactivation of the fault and parts of the surrounding damage zones, producing normal-faulting downthrows and strain localization. The mechanism triggering fault reactivation in a carbonate field is the increase of shear stresses with pore-pressure reduction, due to the decrease of the absolute horizontal stress, which leads to an expanded Mohr's circle and mechanical failure, consistent with the predictions of previous poroelastic models. Two scenarios for fault and damage-zone permeability development are explored: (1) large permeability enhancement of a sealing fault upon reactivation, and (2) fault and damage zone permeability development governed by effective mean stress. In the first scenario, the fault becomes highly permeable to across- and along-fault fluid transport, removing local pore pressure highs/lows arising from the presence of the initially sealing fault. In the second scenario, reactivation induces small permeability enhancement in the fault and parts of damage zones, followed by small post-reactivation permeability reduction. Such permeability changes do not appear to change the original flow capacity of the fault or modify the fluid flow velocity fields dramatically.

Isotopic evolution of Mauna Kea volcano: Results from the initial phase of the Hawaii Scientific Drilling Project

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lassiter, J.C.; DePaolo, D.J.; Tatsumoto, M.

1996-01-01

We have examined the Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopic compositions of Mauna Kea lavas recovered by the first drilling phase of the Hawaii Scientific Drilling Project. These lavas, which range in age from ???200 to 400 ka, provide a detailed record of chemical and isotopic changes in basalt composition during the shied/postshield transition and extend our record of Mauna Kea volcanism to a late-shield period roughly equivalent to the last ???100 ka of Mauna Loa activity. Stratigraphic variations in isotopic composition reveal a gradual shift over time toward a more depleted source composition (e.g., higher 143Nd/144Nd, lower 87Sr/86Sr, and lower 3He/4He). This gradual evolution is in sharp contrast with the abrupt appearance of alkalic lavas at ???240 ka recorded by the upper 50 m of Mauna Kea lavas from the core. Intercalated tholeiitic and alkalic lavas from the uppermost Mauna Kea section are isotopically indistinguishable. Combined with major element evidence (e.g., decreasing SiO2 and increasing FeO) that the depth of melt segregation increased during the transition from tholeiitic to alkalic volcanism, the isotopic similarity of tholeiitic and alkalic lavas argues against significant lithosphere involvement during melt generation. Instead, the depleted isotopic signatures found in late shield-stage lavas are best explained by increasing the proportion of melt generated from a depleted upper mantle component entrained and heated by the rising central plume. Direct comparison of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa lavas erupted at equivalent stages in these volcanoes' life cycles reveals persistent chemical and isotopic differences independent of the temporal evolution of each volcano. The oldest lavas recovered from the drillcore are similar to modern Kilauea lavas, but are distinct from Mauna Loa lavas. Mauna Kea lavas have higher 143Nd/144Nd and 206Pb/204Pb and lower 87Sr/86Sr. Higher concentrations of incompatible trace elements in primary magmas, lower SiO2, and higher FeO also indicate that Mauna Kea lavas formed through smaller degrees of partial melting at greater depth than Mauna Loa lavas. These chemical and isotopic differences are consistently found between volcanoes along the western "Loa" and eastern "Kea" trends and reflect large-scale variations in source composition and melting environment. We propose a simple model of a radially zoned plume centered beneath the Loa trend. Loa trend lavas generated from the hot plume axis reflect high degrees of partial melting from a source containing a mixture of enriched plume-source material and entrained lower mantle. Kea trend lavas, in contrast, are generated from the cooler, peripheral portions of the plume, record lower degrees of partial melting, and tap a source containing a greater proportion of depleted upper mantle.

Characterization of microstructure, local deformation and microchemistry in Alloy 690 heat-affected zone and stress corrosion cracking in high temperature water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Zhanpeng; Chen, Junjie; Shoji, Tetsuo; Takeda, Yoichi; Yamazaki, Seiya

2015-10-01

With increasing the distance from the weld fusion line in an Alloy 690 heat-affected zone, micro-hardness decreases, kernel average misorientation decreases and the fraction of Σ3 boundaries increases. Chromium depletion at grain boundaries in the Alloy 690 heat-affected zone is less significant than that in an Alloy 600 heat-affected zone. Alloy 690 heat-affected zone exhibits much higher IGSCC resistance than Alloy 600 heat-affected zone in simulated pressurized water reactor primary water. Heavily cold worked Alloy 690 exhibits localized intergranular stress corrosion cracking. The effects of metallurgical and mechanical properties on stress corrosion cracking in Alloy 690 are discussed.

Electroosmotic pump performance is affected by concentration polarizations of both electrodes and pump

PubMed Central

Suss, Matthew E.; Mani, Ali; Zangle, Thomas A.; Santiago, Juan G.

2010-01-01

Current methods of optimizing electroosmotic (EO) pump performance include reducing pore diameter and reducing ionic strength of the pumped electrolyte. However, these approaches each increase the fraction of total ionic current carried by diffuse electric double layer (EDL) counterions. When this fraction becomes significant, concentration polarization (CP) effects become important, and traditional EO pump models are no longer valid. We here report on the first simultaneous concentration field measurements, pH visualizations, flow rate, and voltage measurements on such systems. Together, these measurements elucidate key parameters affecting EO pump performance in the CP dominated regime. Concentration field visualizations show propagating CP enrichment and depletion fronts sourced by our pump substrate and traveling at order mm/min velocities through millimeter-scale channels connected serially to our pump. The observed propagation in millimeter-scale channels is not explained by current propagating CP models. Additionally, visualizations show that CP fronts are sourced by and propagate from the electrodes of our system, and then interact with the EO pump-generated CP zones. With pH visualizations, we directly detect that electrolyte properties vary sharply across the anode enrichment front interface. Our observations lead us to hypothesize possible mechanisms for the propagation of both pump- and electrode-sourced CP zones. Lastly, our experiments show the dynamics associated with the interaction of electrode and membrane CP fronts, and we describe the effect of these phenomena on EO pump flow rates and applied voltages under galvanostatic conditions. PMID:21516230

Thermal and chemical convection in planetary mantles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dupeyrat, L.; Sotin, C.; Parmentier, E. M.

1995-01-01

Melting of the upper mantle and extraction of melt result in the formation of a less dense depleted mantle. This paper describes series of two-dimensional models that investigate the effects of chemical buoyancy induced by these density variations. A tracer particles method has been set up to follow as closely as possible the chemical state of the mantle and to model the chemical buoyant force at each grid point. Each series of models provides the evolution with time of magma production, crustal thickness, surface heat flux, and thermal and chemical state of the mantle. First, models that do not take into account the displacement of plates at the surface of Earth demonstrate that chemical buoyancy has an important effect on the geometry of convection. Then models include horizontal motion of plates 5000 km wide. Recycling of crust is taken into account. For a sufficiently high plate velocity which depends on the thermal Rayleigh number, the cell's size is strongly coupled with the plate's size. Plate motion forces chemically buoyant material to sink into the mantle. Then the positive chemical buoyancy yields upwelling as depleted mantle reaches the interface between the upper and the lower mantle. This process is very efficient in mixing the depleted and undepleted mantle at the scale of the grid spacing since these zones of upwelling disrupt the large convective flow. At low spreading rates, zones of upwelling develop quickly, melting occurs, and the model predicts intraplate volcanism by melting of subducted crust. At fast spreading rates, depleted mantle also favors the formation of these zones of upwelling, but they are not strong enough to yield partial melting. Their rapid displacement toward the ridge contributes to faster large-scale homogenization.

The trace and Pb isotope chemistry of the Jan Mayen Fracture Zone and the extinct Aegir Ridge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sayit, K.; Hanan, B. B.; Ito, G.; Howell, S. M.; Vogt, P. R.; Breivik, A. J.; Mjelde, R.; Pedersen, R.

2012-12-01

The extinct Aegir Ridge (AR) was active during the early opening of the N-Atlantic, 54 to 25 Ma, when spreading jumped to the Kolbeinsey Ridge. Crustal thickness produced by the AR is low (3.5 to 6 km), and the magmatically starved Norway Basin appears as a hole in the surrounding excess volcanism of the Iceland hotspot. Two possible alternatives are; either the lithospheric structure of the Jan Mayen micro-continent (JMMC) blocked the plume flow to the AR, and/or Iceland plume material reaching the ridge experienced a previous melt extraction, leading to relatively low melt production. We report the trace element and Pb isotope systematics of the mafic rocks dredged from the AR ~64-69° N and adjacent Jan Mayen FZ. On the basis of the immobile trace element chemistry, several groups are identified, with a large range of Zr/Nb (2.7-60.7). A very-depleted group ([Ce/Yb]N = 0.3) was found in the Jan Mayen FZ, while the most enriched, OIB-like group ([Ce/Yb]N = 12.4) was recovered from the ridge flank scarps. A notable feature of the Aegir samples is variable Th enrichment relative Nb (Th/Nb = 0.07-0.49), similar to subduction zone signatures. In terms of Pb isotopes, the samples show significant variations that correlate with trace element chemistry (206Pb/204Pb: 207Pb/204Pb: 208Pb/204Pb = 16.63-18.81:15.16-15.55:36.67-38.62). The Pb systematics of the Aegir rocks are compatible with a three-component mixing model with mixing trends between the C-like Iceland plume component and a mixture that is composed of EM-1-type material and depleted MORB asthenosphere. The presence of the C-like isotope compositions in the Aegir samples from the Jan Mayen FZ and ridge flank scarps suggests that Iceland plume material has been tapped. However, the very-depleted trace element signatures indicate that the plume component was previously melt depleted. Apparently, the JMMC impeaded flow of enriched plume material to the AR. The Aegir rocks Pb isotope signature may represent pollution of the NA MORB source, during early opening of the ocean basin, by material dispersed during interaction of the Iceland plume and the continental lithosphere.

Behavior of grain boundary chemistry and precipitates upon thermal treatment of controlled purity alloy 690

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Angeliu, Thomas M.; Was, Gary S.

1990-08-01

Grain boundary composition and carbide composition and structure were characterized for various microstructures of controlled purity alloy 690. Heat treatments produced varying degrees of grain boundary chromium depletion and precipitate distributions which were characterized via scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Convergent beam electron diffraction revealed that the dominant carbide is M23C6, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) determined that the metallic content was about 90 at. pct chromium. A discontinuous precipitation reaction was observed and is attributed to a high degree of carbon supersaturation. Grain boundary composition measurements confirm that chromium depletion is controlled by volume diffusion of chromium to chromium-rich grain boundary carbides in the temperature range of 873 to 1073 K. Grain boundary chromium levels as low as 18.8 at. pct were obtained by thermal treatment at 873 K for 250 hours and 973 K for 1 hour. A thermodynamic and kinetic model developed for alloy 600 was modified to describe the development of the chromium depletion profile in alloy 690 during thermal treatment. Experimentally measured chromium profiles agree well with the model results for the dependence of the chromium depletion zone width and depth on various input parameters. The establishment of the model for alloy 690 allows the chromium depletion zone width and depth to be computed as a function of alloy composition, grain size, and temperature. The chromium depletion profiles and the precipitate structure and composition of controlled purity 690 are compared to those of controlled purity 600. A thermodynamic analysis of the carbide stability indicates that other factors, such as favorable orientation relationships, play an important role in controlling the precipitation of Cr23C6 in nickel-base alloys.

The role and conditions of second-stage mantle melting in the generation of low-Ti tholeiites and boninites: the case of the Manihiki Plateau and the Troodos ophiolite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golowin, Roman; Portnyagin, Maxim; Hoernle, Kaj; Sobolev, Alexander; Kuzmin, Dimitry; Werner, Reinhard

2017-12-01

High-Mg, low-Ti volcanic rocks from the Manihiki Plateau in the Western Pacific share many geochemical characteristics with subduction-related boninites such as high-Ca boninites from the Troodos ophiolite on Cyprus, which are believed to originate by hydrous re-melting of previously depleted mantle. In this paper we compare the Manihiki rocks and Troodos boninites using a new dataset on the major and trace element composition of whole rocks and glasses from these locations, and new high-precision, electron microprobe analyses of olivine and Cr-spinel in these rocks. Our results show that both low-Ti Manihiki rocks and Troodos boninites could originate by re-melting of a previously depleted lherzolite mantle source (20-25% of total melting with 8-10% melting during the first stage), as indicated by strong depletion of magmas in more to less incompatible elements (Sm/Yb < 0.8, Zr/Y < 2, Ti/V < 12) and high-Cr-spinel compositions (Cr# > 0.5). In comparison with Troodos boninites, the low-Ti Manihiki magmas had distinctively lower H2O contents (< 0.2 vs. > 2 wt% in boninites), 100 °C higher liquidus temperatures at a given olivine Fo-number, lower fO2 (ΔQFM < + 0.2 vs. ΔQFM > + 0.2) and originated from deeper and hotter mantle (1.4-1.7 GPa, 1440 °C vs. 0.8-1.0 GPa, 1300 °C for Troodos boninites). The data provide new evidence that re-melting of residual upper mantle is not only restricted to subduction zones, where it occurs under hydrous conditions, but can also take place due to interaction of previously depleted upper mantle with mantle plumes from the deep and hotter Earth interior.

Biological nitrogen fixation in the oxygen-minimum region of the eastern tropical North Pacific ocean.

PubMed

Jayakumar, Amal; Chang, Bonnie X; Widner, Brittany; Bernhardt, Peter; Mulholland, Margaret R; Ward, Bess B

2017-10-01

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) was investigated above and within the oxygen-depleted waters of the oxygen-minimum zone of the Eastern Tropical North Pacific Ocean. BNF rates were estimated using an isotope tracer method that overcame the uncertainty of the conventional bubble method by directly measuring the tracer enrichment during the incubations. Highest rates of BNF (~4 nM day -1 ) occurred in coastal surface waters and lowest detectable rates (~0.2 nM day -1 ) were found in the anoxic region of offshore stations. BNF was not detectable in most samples from oxygen-depleted waters. The composition of the N 2 -fixing assemblage was investigated by sequencing of nifH genes. The diazotrophic assemblage in surface waters contained mainly Proteobacterial sequences (Cluster I nifH), while both Proteobacterial sequences and sequences with high identities to those of anaerobic microbes characterized as Clusters III and IV type nifH sequences were found in the anoxic waters. Our results indicate modest input of N through BNF in oxygen-depleted zones mainly due to the activity of proteobacterial diazotrophs.

Ozone depletion and chlorine loading potentials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pyle, John A.; Wuebbles, Donald J.; Solomon, Susan; Zvenigorodsky, Sergei; Connell, Peter; Ko, Malcolm K. W.; Fisher, Donald A.; Stordal, Frode; Weisenstein, Debra

1991-01-01

The recognition of the roles of chlorine and bromine compounds in ozone depletion has led to the regulation or their source gases. Some source gases are expected to be more damaging to the ozone layer than others, so that scientific guidance regarding their relative impacts is needed for regulatory purposes. Parameters used for this purpose include the steady-state and time-dependent chlorine loading potential (CLP) and the ozone depletion potential (ODP). Chlorine loading potentials depend upon the estimated value and accuracy of atmospheric lifetimes and are subject to significant (approximately 20-50 percent) uncertainties for many gases. Ozone depletion potentials depend on the same factors, as well as the evaluation of the release of reactive chlorine and bromine from each source gas and corresponding ozone destruction within the stratosphere.

Neutral-depletion-induced axially asymmetric density in a helicon source and imparted thrust

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takahashi, Kazunori; Takao, Yoshinori; Ando, Akira

2016-02-01

The high plasma density downstream of the source is observed to be sustained only for a few hundreds of microsecond at the initial phase of the discharge, when pulsing the radiofrequency power of a helicon plasma thruster. Measured relative density of argon neutrals inside the source implies that the neutrals are significantly depleted there. A position giving a maximum plasma density temporally moves to the upstream side of the source due to the neutral depletion and then the exhausted plasma density significantly decreases. The direct thrust measurement demonstrates that the higher thrust-to-power ratio is obtained by using only the initial phase of the high density plasma, compared with the steady-state operation.

Precipitate resolution in an electron irradiated ni-si alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watanabe, H.; Muroga, T.; Yoshida, N.; Kitajima, K.

1988-09-01

Precipitate resolution processes in a Ni-12.6 at% Si alloy under electron irradiation have been observed by means of HVEM. Above 400°C, growth and resolution of Ni 3Si precipitates were observed simultaneously. The detail stereoscopic observation showed that the precipitates close to free surfaces grew, while those in the middle of a specimen dissolved. The critical dose when the precipitates start to shrink increases with increasing the depth. This depth dependence of the precipitate behavior under irradiation has a close relation with the formation of surface precipitates and the growth of solute depleted zone beneath them. The temperature and dose dependence of the resolution rate showed that the precipitates in the solute depleted zone dissolved by the interface controlled process of radiation-enhanced diffusion.

Contribution of planktonic and benthic food sources to the diet of the reef-forming vermetid gastropod Dendropoma petraeum in the western Mediterranean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vizzini, Salvatrice; Colombo, Francesca; Costa, Valentina; Mazzola, Antonio

2012-01-01

In the Mediterranean Sea, the vermetid Dendropoma petraeum (Monterosato, 1884) forms highly biodiverse reefs that have received increasing attention in recent years although very little is known about the food habit of this species. The main goal of this study was to describe the trophic role of planktonic and benthic food sources for D. petraeum. Specimens from three morphological zones of the reef (inner edge, cuvette and outer edge) at two sites with different wave exposure along the north-western coast of Sicily (Italy; western Mediterranean) were compared for δ 13C and δ 15N. Isotopic determinations were also carried out on potential food sources identified in epilithon, reef macroalgae and suspended particulate organic matter. δ 13C for D. petraeum showed significantly more depleted values in the more exposed conditions (i.e. the site with higher wave exposure and outer edge of the reef), while δ 15N did not differ appreciably. These results suggest greater exploitation of benthic sources in the sheltered than in the exposed site and reveal diet shift and trophic flexibility at a small spatial scale for the reef-former D. petraeum.

European Regional Climate Zone Modeling of a Commercial Absorption Heat Pump Hot Water Heater

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

Sharma, Vishaldeep; Shen, Bo; Keinath, Chris

2017-01-01

High efficiency gas-burning hot water heating takes advantage of a condensing heat exchanger to deliver improved combustion efficiency over a standard non-condensing configuration. The water heating is always lower than the gas heating value. In contrast, Gas Absorption Heat Pump (GAHP) hot water heating combines the efficiency of gas burning with the performance increase from a heat pump to offer significant gas energy savings. An ammonia-water system also has the advantage of zero Ozone Depletion Potential and low Global Warming Potential. In comparison with air source electric heat pumps, the absorption system can maintain higher coefficients of performance in coldermore » climates. In this work, a GAHP commercial water heating system was compared to a condensing gas storage system for a range of locations and climate zones across Europe. The thermodynamic performance map of a single effect ammonia-water absorption system was used in a building energy modeling software that could also incorporate the changing ambient air temperature and water mains temperature for a specific location, as well as a full-service restaurant water draw pattern.« less

Drastic shift of lava geochemistry between pre- and post- Japan Sea opening in NE Japan subduction zone: constraints on source composition and slab surface melting processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okamura, S.; Inaba, M.; Igarashi, S.; Aizawa, M.; Shinjo, R.

2017-12-01

Isotopic and trace element data imply a temporal change in magma sources and thermal conditions beneath the northern Fossa Magna, NE Japan arc from the Oligocene to the Pleistocene. Less radiogenic 176Hf/177Hf and 143Nd/144Nd, and high Zr/Hf characterize the Oligocene - Early Miocene volcanism in the northern Fossa Magna region. The mantle wedge in the Oligocene - Early Miocene consisted of enriched mantle source. We propose that during the onset of subduction, influx of hot asthenospheric mantle provided sufficient heat to partially melt newly subducting sediment. Geochemical modeling results suggest breakdown of zircon in the slab surface sediments for the Oligocene - Early Miocene lavas in the northern Fossa Magna region. In the Middle Miocene, the injection of hot and depleted asthenospheric material replaced the mantle beneath the northern Fossa Magna region of NE Japan. The Middle Miocene lavas characterized by most radiogenic Hf and Nd isotope ratios, have high Zr/Hf. An appropriate working petrogenetic model is that the Middle Miocene lavas were derived from asthenospheric depleted mantle, slightly (<1%) contaminated by slab melt accompanied by full dissolution of zircon. All the Late Miocene - Pleistocene samples are characterized by distinctly more radiogenic 176Hf/177Hf and 143Nd/144Nd, and are displaced toward lower Zr/Hf, which requires mixing between depleted mantle and a partial melt of subducted metasediment saturated with trace quantity of zircon. The Oligocene - Early Miocene volcanism in the northern Fossa Magna region may represent the early stage of continental margin magmatism associated with a back-arc rift. Here volcanism is dominated by sediment melts. Perhaps asthenospheric injection, triggering Japan Sea opening, allowed higher temperatures and more melting at the slab-mantle interface. The mantle wedge was gradually cooled during the Middle Miocene to the Pleistocene with back-arc opening ending in the Late Miocene. Slab surface temperatures were still high enough for sediments to melt but not too high (< 780 °C) to lose zircon as a residual phase.

Methane emissions and contaminant degradation rates at sites affected by accidental releases of denatured fuel-grade ethanol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sihota, Natasha J.; Mayer, K. Ulrich; Toso, Mark A.; Atwater, Joel F.

2013-08-01

The recent increase in the use of denatured fuel-grade ethanol (DFE) has enhanced the probability of its environmental release. Due to the highly labile nature of ethanol (EtOH), it is expected to rapidly biodegrade, increasing the potential for inducing methanogenic conditions in the subsurface. As environmental releases of DFE can be expected to occur at the ground surface or in the vadose zone (e.g., due to surficial spills from rail lines or tanker trucks and leaking underground storage tanks), the potential for methane (CH4) generation at DFE spill sites requires evaluation. An assessment is needed because high CH4 generation rates may lead to CH4 fluxes towards the ground surface, which is of particular concern if spills are located close to human habitation—related to concerns of soil vapor intrusion (SVI). This work demonstrates, for the first time, the measurement of surficial gas release rates at large volume DFE spill sites. Two study sites, near Cambria and Balaton, in MN are investigated. Total carbon emissions at the ground surface (summing carbon dioxide (CO2) and CH4 emissions) are used to quantify depth-integrated DFE degradation rates. Results from both sites demonstrate that substantial CO2 and CH4 emissions do occur—even years after a spill. However, large total carbon fluxes, and CH4 emissions in particular, were restricted to a localized area within the DFE source zone. At the Balaton site, estimates of total DFE carbon losses in the source zone ranged between 5 and 174 μmol m- 2 s- 1, and CH4 effluxes ranged between non-detect and 9 μmol m- 2 s- 1. At the Cambria site estimates of total DFE carbon losses in the source zone ranged between 8 and 500 μmol m- 2 s- 1, and CH4 effluxes ranged between non-detect and 393 μmol m- 2 s- 1. Substantial CH4 accumulation, coupled with oxygen (O2) depletion, measured in samples collected from custom-designed gas collection chambers at the Cambria site suggests that the development of explosion or asphyxiation hazards is possible in confined spaces above a rapidly degrading DFE release. However, the results also indicate that the development of such hazards is locally constrained, will require a high degree of soil moisture, close proximity to the source zone, a good connection between the soil and the confined space, and poorly aerated conditions.

Geochemical and Depth Variations at the Galápagos 93.25˚W Propagating Rift

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rotella, M.; Sinton, J.; Mahoney, J.; Chazey, W.

2006-12-01

The 93.25°W propagating rift on the Galápagos Spreading Center (GSC) differs markedly from the better-known propagator at 95.5°W in having the morphology of a classic overlapping spreading center (~24 km of overlap and 7.5 km of offset). It has a higher propagation rate (70 vs 48 mm/yr) [Wilson & Hey, JGR v. 100, 1995] and is breaking through younger crust (260 vs 910 ka); overall magma supply is ~20% greater, as the area is closer to the Galápagos hotspot. The overlapping limbs lack pronounced bathymetric lows, instead they are up to 150 m shallower than the surrounding axial ridges away from the offset. Lavas are T-MORB; failing rift lavas show a slight increase in Mg within the overlap zone but propagating rift lavas lack the strong fractionation anomaly that characterizes the propagating limb at 95.5°W and many other propagating rifts. New major and trace element data on 28 samples from 24 dredge stations along a 175 km section of the GSC spanning the 93.25°W offset indicate significant, systematic variations in mantle sources and melting processes on each limb of the system. Fractionation-corrected ratios of highly to moderately incompatible elements (e.g. La/Yb, Sm/Yb, Zr/Y) show constant values along the propagating rift east of 93.2°W, but within the overlap zone these ratios increase sharply up to a factor of 1.5, then gradually decline to the west. In contrast, the failing rift shows constant to moderately increasing ratios as the overlap zone is approached from the west, with lower overall ratios within the zone. These variations could be interpreted to reflect a counter-intuitive relationship of gradually increasing extent of partial melting with progressive failure of the dying rift, consistent with the striking shoaling of the failing limb, or melting of incompatible-element depleted mantle. Variations along the eastern, propagating rift suggest either a sharp decrease in extent of melting or tapping of a more incompatible-element-enriched mantle source within the overlap zone. Limited Nd-Pb-Sr isotopic data suggest source variations are required in addition to variations in extent of melting. Thus, in contrast to other well-documented propagators where geochemical variations are dominated by magma chamber effects, variations around the 93.25°W system appear to be dominated by melting and source.

Methane emissions and contaminant degradation rates at sites affected by accidental releases of denatured fuel-grade ethanol.

PubMed

Sihota, Natasha J; Mayer, K Ulrich; Toso, Mark A; Atwater, Joel F

2013-08-01

The recent increase in the use of denatured fuel-grade ethanol (DFE) has enhanced the probability of its environmental release. Due to the highly labile nature of ethanol (EtOH), it is expected to rapidly biodegrade, increasing the potential for inducing methanogenic conditions in the subsurface. As environmental releases of DFE can be expected to occur at the ground surface or in the vadose zone (e.g., due to surficial spills from rail lines or tanker trucks and leaking underground storage tanks), the potential for methane (CH4) generation at DFE spill sites requires evaluation. An assessment is needed because high CH4 generation rates may lead to CH4 fluxes towards the ground surface, which is of particular concern if spills are located close to human habitation-related to concerns of soil vapor intrusion (SVI). This work demonstrates, for the first time, the measurement of surficial gas release rates at large volume DFE spill sites. Two study sites, near Cambria and Balaton, in MN are investigated. Total carbon emissions at the ground surface (summing carbon dioxide (CO2) and CH4 emissions) are used to quantify depth-integrated DFE degradation rates. Results from both sites demonstrate that substantial CO2 and CH4 emissions do occur-even years after a spill. However, large total carbon fluxes, and CH4 emissions in particular, were restricted to a localized area within the DFE source zone. At the Balaton site, estimates of total DFE carbon losses in the source zone ranged between 5 and 174 μmol m(-2) s(-1), and CH4 effluxes ranged between non-detect and 9 μmol m(-2) s(-1). At the Cambria site estimates of total DFE carbon losses in the source zone ranged between 8 and 500 μmol m(-2) s(-1), and CH4 effluxes ranged between non-detect and 393 μmol m(-2) s(-1). Substantial CH4 accumulation, coupled with oxygen (O2) depletion, measured in samples collected from custom-designed gas collection chambers at the Cambria site suggests that the development of explosion or asphyxiation hazards is possible in confined spaces above a rapidly degrading DFE release. However, the results also indicate that the development of such hazards is locally constrained, will require a high degree of soil moisture, close proximity to the source zone, a good connection between the soil and the confined space, and poorly aerated conditions. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Generation and migration of Bitumen and oil from the oil shale interval of the Eocene Green River formation, Uinta Basin, Utah

USGS Publications Warehouse

Johnson, Ronald C.; Birdwell, Justin E.; Mercier, Tracey J.

2016-01-01

The results from the recent U.S. Geological Survey assessment of in-place oil shale resources of the Eocene Green River Formation, based primarily on the Fischer assay method, are applied herein to define areas where the oil shale interval is depleted of some of its petroleum-generating potential along the deep structural trough of the basin and to make: (1) a general estimates of the amount of this depletion, and (2) estimate the total volume of petroleum generated. Oil yields (gallons of oil per ton of rock, GPT) and in-place oil (barrels of oil per acre, BPA) decrease toward the structural trough of the basin, which represents an offshore lacustrine area that is believed to have originally contained greater petroleum-generating potential than is currently indicated by measured Fischer assay oil yields. Although this interval is considered to be largely immature for oil generation based on vitrinite reflectance measurements, the oil shale interval is a likely source for the gilsonite deposits and much of the tar sands in the basin. Early expulsion of petroleum may have occurred due to the very high organic carbon content and oil-prone nature of the Type I kerogen present in Green River oil shale. In order to examine the possible sources and migration pathways for the tar sands and gilsonite deposits, we have created paleogeographic reconstructions of several oil shale zones in the basin as part of this study.

Evolution of the upper mantle beneath the southern Baikal rift zone: an Sr-Nd isotope study of xenoliths from the Bartoy volcanoes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ionov, D. A.; Kramm, U.; Stosch, H.-G.

1992-06-01

Anhydrous and amphibole-bearing peridotite xenoliths occur in roughly equal quantitites in the Bartoy volcanic field about 100 km south of the southern tip of Lake Baikal in Siberia (Russia). Whole-rock samples and pure mineral separates from nine xenoliths have been analyzed for Sr and Nd isotopes in order to characterize the upper mantle beneath the southern Baikal rift zone. In an Sr-Nd isotope diagram both dry and hydrous xenoliths from Bartoy plot at the junction between the fields of MORB and ocean island basalts. This contrasts with data available on two other localities around Lake Baikal (Tariat and Vitim) where peridotites typically have Sr-Nd isotope compositions indicative of strong long-term depletion in incompatible elements. Our data indicate significant chemical and isotopic heterogeneity in the mantle beneath Bartoy that may be attributed to its position close to an ancient suture zone separating the Siberian Platform from the Mongol-Okhotsk mobile belt and occupied now by the Baikal rift. Two peridotites have clinopyroxenes depleted in light rare earth elements (LREE) with Sr and Nd model ages of about 2 Ga and seem to retain the trace element and isotopic signatures of old depleted lithospheric mantle, while all other xenoliths show different degrees of LREE-enrichment. Amphiboles and clinopyroxenes in the hydrous peridotites are in Sr-Nd isotopic disequilibrium. If this reflects in situ decay of 147Sm and 87Rb rather than heterogeneities produced by recent metasomatic formation of amphiboles then 300 400 Ma have passed since the minerals were last in equilibrium. This age range then indicates an old enrichment episode or repeated events during the Paleozoic in the lithospheric mantle initially depleted maybe ˜2 Ga ago. The Bartoy hydrous and enriched dry peridotites, therefore, are unlikely to represent fragments of a young asthenospheric bulge which, according to seismic reflection studies, reached the Moho at the axis of the Baikal rift zone a few Ma ago. By contrast, hydrous veins in peridotites may be associated with rift formation processes.

Methane-Carbon Flow into the Benthic Food Web at Cold Seeps – A Case Study from the Costa Rica Subduction Zone

PubMed Central

Niemann, Helge; Linke, Peter; Knittel, Katrin; MacPherson, Enrique; Boetius, Antje; Brückmann, Warner; Larvik, Gaute; Wallmann, Klaus; Schacht, Ulrike; Omoregie, Enoma; Hilton, David; Brown, Kevin; Rehder, Gregor

2013-01-01

Cold seep ecosystems can support enormous biomasses of free-living and symbiotic chemoautotrophic organisms that get their energy from the oxidation of methane or sulfide. Most of this biomass derives from animals that are associated with bacterial symbionts, which are able to metabolize the chemical resources provided by the seeping fluids. Often these systems also harbor dense accumulations of non-symbiotic megafauna, which can be relevant in exporting chemosynthetically fixed carbon from seeps to the surrounding deep sea. Here we investigated the carbon sources of lithodid crabs (Paralomis sp.) feeding on thiotrophic bacterial mats at an active mud volcano at the Costa Rica subduction zone. To evaluate the dietary carbon source of the crabs, we compared the microbial community in stomach contents with surface sediments covered by microbial mats. The stomach content analyses revealed a dominance of epsilonproteobacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences related to the free-living and epibiotic sulfur oxidiser Sulfurovum sp. We also found Sulfurovum sp. as well as members of the genera Arcobacter and Sulfurimonas in mat-covered surface sediments where Epsilonproteobacteria were highly abundant constituting 10% of total cells. Furthermore, we detected substantial amounts of bacterial fatty acids such as i-C15∶0 and C17∶1ω6c with stable carbon isotope compositions as low as −53‰ in the stomach and muscle tissue. These results indicate that the white microbial mats at Mound 12 are comprised of Epsilonproteobacteria and that microbial mat-derived carbon provides an important contribution to the crab's nutrition. In addition, our lipid analyses also suggest that the crabs feed on other 13C-depleted organic matter sources, possibly symbiotic megafauna as well as on photosynthetic carbon sources such as sedimentary detritus. PMID:24116017

Methane-carbon flow into the benthic food web at cold seeps--a case study from the Costa Rica subduction zone.

PubMed

Niemann, Helge; Linke, Peter; Knittel, Katrin; MacPherson, Enrique; Boetius, Antje; Brückmann, Warner; Larvik, Gaute; Wallmann, Klaus; Schacht, Ulrike; Omoregie, Enoma; Hilton, David; Brown, Kevin; Rehder, Gregor

2013-01-01

Cold seep ecosystems can support enormous biomasses of free-living and symbiotic chemoautotrophic organisms that get their energy from the oxidation of methane or sulfide. Most of this biomass derives from animals that are associated with bacterial symbionts, which are able to metabolize the chemical resources provided by the seeping fluids. Often these systems also harbor dense accumulations of non-symbiotic megafauna, which can be relevant in exporting chemosynthetically fixed carbon from seeps to the surrounding deep sea. Here we investigated the carbon sources of lithodid crabs (Paralomis sp.) feeding on thiotrophic bacterial mats at an active mud volcano at the Costa Rica subduction zone. To evaluate the dietary carbon source of the crabs, we compared the microbial community in stomach contents with surface sediments covered by microbial mats. The stomach content analyses revealed a dominance of epsilonproteobacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences related to the free-living and epibiotic sulfur oxidiser Sulfurovum sp. We also found Sulfurovum sp. as well as members of the genera Arcobacter and Sulfurimonas in mat-covered surface sediments where Epsilonproteobacteria were highly abundant constituting 10% of total cells. Furthermore, we detected substantial amounts of bacterial fatty acids such as i-C15∶0 and C17∶1ω6c with stable carbon isotope compositions as low as -53‰ in the stomach and muscle tissue. These results indicate that the white microbial mats at Mound 12 are comprised of Epsilonproteobacteria and that microbial mat-derived carbon provides an important contribution to the crab's nutrition. In addition, our lipid analyses also suggest that the crabs feed on other (13)C-depleted organic matter sources, possibly symbiotic megafauna as well as on photosynthetic carbon sources such as sedimentary detritus.

Age, geochemical and Sr Nd Pb isotopic constraints for mantle source characteristics and petrogenesis of Teru Volcanics, Northern Kohistan Terrane, Pakistan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, S. D.; Stern, R. J.; Manton, M. I.; Copeland, P.; Kimura, J. I.; Khan, M. A.

2004-11-01

This paper presents new geochemical and geochronology data for the Teru Volcanic Formation (previously known as the Shamran Volcanics) exposed west of Gilgit in the Kohistan terrane of the Pakistani Himalayas. The Teru Volcanic Formation ranges from basalt through andesite to rhyolite and has subalkaline and midalkaline affinities. Trace-element compositions and isotopic characteristics suggest these magmas were formed in a subduction zone setting; isotopic studies also support this conclusion. It is suggested that these lavas originated from a depleted mantle source, which experienced contamination by variable subduction components. Model mixing calculations using 87Sr/ 86Sr and 143Nd/ 144Nd data suggest that addition of 0.2-0.6% of Indus margin sediments and/or 2-4% of fluids derived from Indus margin sediment can generate the compositional variation of the Teru Volcanic Formation. Two samples from the Teru Volcanic Formation yielded 40Ar/ 39Ar ages of 43.8+0.5 and 32.5+0.4 Ma. These ages make the volcanic rocks of the Teru Volcanic Formation the youngest reported in the Kohistan terrane. These volcanic rocks unconformably overly the Shunji Pluton, which has a 65 Ma Rb-Sr whole-rock isochron age. The results of this research suggest that subduction-related volcanism was active until 33 Ma in the India-Asia collision zone.

Origin of depleted components in basalt related to the Hawaiian hot spot: Evidence from isotopic and incompatible element ratios

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frey, F. A.; Huang, S.; Blichert-Toft, J.; Regelous, M.; Boyet, M.

2005-02-01

The radiogenic isotopic ratios of Sr, Nd, Hf, and Pb in basaltic lavas associated with major hot spots, such as Hawaii, document the geochemical heterogeneity of their mantle source. What processes created such heterogeneity? For Hawaiian lavas there has been extensive discussion of geochemically enriched source components, but relatively little attention has been given to the origin of depleted source components, that is, components with the lowest 87Sr/86Sr and highest 143Nd/144Nd and 176Hf/177Hf. The surprisingly important role of a depleted component in the source of the incompatible element-enriched, rejuvenated-stage Hawaiian lavas is well known. A depleted component also contributed significantly to the ˜76-81 Ma lavas erupted at Detroit Seamount in the Emperor Seamount Chain. In both cases, major involvement of MORB-related depleted asthenosphere or lithosphere has been proposed. Detroit Seamount and rejuvenated-stage lavas, however, have important isotopic differences from most Pacific MORB. Specifically, they define trends to relatively unradiogenic Pb isotope ratios, and most Emperor Seamount lavas define a steep trend of 176Hf/177Hf versus 143Nd/144Nd. In addition, lavas from Detroit Seamount and recent rejuvenated-stage lavas have relatively high Ba/Th, a characteristic of lavas associated with the Hawaiian hot spot. It is possible that a depleted component, intrinsic to the hot spot, has contributed to these young and old lavas related to the Hawaiian hot spot. The persistence of such a component over 80 Myr is consistent with a long-lived source, i.e., a plume.

Study of Gaussian Doped Double Gate JunctionLess (GD-DG-JL) transistor including source drain depletion length: Model for sub-threshold behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumari, Vandana; Kumar, Ayush; Saxena, Manoj; Gupta, Mridula

2018-01-01

The sub-threshold model formulation of Gaussian Doped Double Gate JunctionLess (GD-DG-JL) FET including source/drain depletion length is reported in the present work under the assumption that the ungated regions are fully depleted. To provide deeper insight into the device performance, the impact of gaussian straggle, channel length, oxide and channel thickness and high-k gate dielectric has been studied using extensive TCAD device simulation.

Drinking water sources, availability, quality, access and utilization for goats in the Karak Governorate, Jordan.

PubMed

Al-Khaza'leh, Ja'far Mansur; Reiber, Christoph; Al Baqain, Raid; Valle Zárate, Anne

2015-01-01

Goat production is an important agricultural activity in Jordan. The country is one of the poorest countries in the world in terms of water scarcity. Provision of sufficient quantity of good quality drinking water is important for goats to maintain feed intake and production. This study aimed to evaluate the seasonal availability and quality of goats' drinking water sources, accessibility, and utilization in different zones in the Karak Governorate in southern Jordan. Data collection methods comprised interviews with purposively selected farmers and quality assessment of water sources. The provision of drinking water was considered as one of the major constraints for goat production, particularly during the dry season (DS). Long travel distances to the water sources, waiting time at watering points, and high fuel and labor costs were the key reasons associated with the problem. All the values of water quality (WQ) parameters were within acceptable limits of the guidelines for livestock drinking WQ with exception of iron, which showed slightly elevated concentration in one borehole source in the DS. These findings show that water shortage is an important problem leading to consequences for goat keepers. To alleviate the water shortage constraint and in view of the depleted groundwater sources, alternative water sources at reasonable distance have to be tapped and monitored for water quality and more efficient use of rainwater harvesting systems in the study area is recommended.

Auroral zone effects on hydrogen geocorona structure and variability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, T. E.; Biddle, A. P.; Waite, J. H., Jr.; Killeen, T. L.

1985-01-01

The effect of diurnal and magnetospheric modulations on the structure of the hydrogen geocorona is analyzed on the basis of recent observations. Particular attention is given to the enhancement of neutral escape by plasma effects, including the recently observed phenomenon of low-altitude ion acceleration. It is found that, while significant fluxes of neutral H should be produced by transverse ion acceleration in the auroral zone, the process is probably insufficient to account for the observed polar depletion of hydrogen atoms. Analysis of recent exospheric temperature measurements from the Dynamics Explorer-2 satellite suggest that neutral heating in and near the high latitude cusp may be the major contributor to depleted atomic hydrogen densities at high latitudes. Altitude profiles of the production rates for escaping neutral hydrogen atoms during periods of maximum, minimum, and typical solar activity are provided.

Biogeochemical transformation of Fe minerals in a petroleum-contaminated aquifer

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zachara, John M.; Kukkadapu, Ravi K.; Glassman, Paul L.; Dohnalkova, Alice; Fredrickson, Jim K.; Anderson, Todd

2004-01-01

The Bemidji aquifer in Minnesota, USA is a well-studied site of subsurface petroleum contamination. The site contains an anoxic groundwater plume where soluble petroleum constituents serve as an energy source for a region of methanogenesis near the source and bacterial Fe(III) reduction further down gradient. Methanogenesis apparently begins when bioavailable Fe(III) is exhausted within the sediment. Past studies indicate that Geobacter species and Geothrix fermentens-like organisms are the primary dissimilatory Fe-reducing bacteria at this site. The Fe mineralogy of the pristine aquifer sediments and samples from the methanogenic (source) and Fe(III) reducing zones were characterized in this study to identify microbiologic changes to Fe valence and mineral distribution, and to identify whether new biogenic mineral phases had formed. Methods applied included X-ray diffraction; X-ray fluorescence (XRF); and chemical extraction; optical, transmission, and scanning electron microscopy; and Mössbauer spectroscopy.All of the sediments were low in total Fe content (≈ 1%) and exhibited complex Fe-mineralogy. The bulk pristine sediment and its sand, silt, and clay-sized fractions were studied in detail. The pristine sediments contained Fe(II) and Fe(III) mineral phases. Ferrous iron represented approximately 50% of FeTOT. The relative Fe(II) concentration increased in the sand fraction, and its primary mineralogic residence was clinochlore with minor concentrations found as a ferroan calcite grain cement in carbonate lithic fragments. Fe(III) existed in silicates (epidote, clinochlore, muscovite) and Fe(III) oxides of detrital and authigenic origin. The detrital Fe(III) oxides included hematite and goethite in the form of mm-sized nodular concretions and smaller-sized dispersed crystallites, and euhedral magnetite grains. Authigenic Fe(III) oxides increased in concentration with decreasing particle size through the silt and clay fraction. Chemical extraction and Mössbauer analysis indicated that this was a ferrihydrite like-phase. Quantitative mineralogic and Fe(II/III) ratio comparisons between the pristine and contaminated sediments were not possible because of textural differences. However, comparisons between the texturally-similar source (where bioavailable Fe(III) had been exhausted) and Fe(III) reducing zone sediments (where bioavailable Fe(III) remained) indicated that dispersed detrital, crystalline Fe(III) oxides and a portion of the authigenic, poorly crystalline Fe(III) oxide fraction had been depleted from the source zone sediment by microbiologic activity. Little or no effect of microbiologic activity was observed on silicate Fe(III). The presence of residual “ferrihydrite” in the most bioreduced, anoxic plume sediment (source) implied that a portion of the authigenic Fe(III) oxides were biologically inaccessible in weathered, lithic fragment interiors. Little evidence was found for the modern biogenesis of authigenic ferrous-containing mineral phases, perhaps with the exception of thin siderite or ferroan calcite surface precipitates on carbonate lithic fragments within source zone sediments.

Source Evolution After Subduction Initiation as Recorded in the Izu-Bonin-Mariana Fore-arc Crust

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shervais, J. W.; Reagan, M. K.; Pearce, J. A.; Shimizu, K.

2015-12-01

Drilling in the Izu-Bonin-Mariana (IBM) fore-arc during IODP Expedition 352 and DSDP Leg 60 recovered consistent stratigraphic sequences of volcanic rocks reminiscent of those found in many ophiolites. The oldest lavas in these sections are "fore-arc basalts" (FAB) with ~51.5 Ma ages. Boninites began eruption approximately 2-3 m.y. later (Ishizuka et al., 2011, EPSL; Reagan et al., 2013, EPSL) and further from the trench. First results from IODP Expedition 352 and preliminary post-cruise data suggest that FAB at Sites U1440 and U1441 were generated by decompression melting during near-trench sea-floor spreading, and that fluids from the subducting slab were not involved in their genesis. Temperatures appear to have been unusually high and pressures of melting appear to have been unusually low compared to mid-ocean ridges. Spreading rates at this time appear to have been robust enough to maintain a stable melt lens. Incompatible trace element abundances are low in FAB compared to even depleted MORB. Nd and Hf Isotopic compositions published before the expedition suggest that FAB were derived from typical MORB source mantle. Thus, their extreme deletion resulted from unusually high degrees of melting immediately after subduction initiation. The oldest boninites from DSDP Site 458 and IODP Sites U1439 and U1442 have relatively high concentrations of fluid-soluble elements, low concentrations of REE, and light depleted REE patterns. Younger boninites, have even lower REE concentrations, but have U-shaped REE patterns. Our first major and trace element compositions for the FAB through boninite sequence suggests that melting pressures and temperatures decreased through time, mantle became more depleted though time, and spreading rates waned during boninite genesis. Subduction zone fluids involved in boninite genesis appear to have been derived from progressively higher temperatures and pressures over time as the subducting slab thermally matured.

Petrology and geochemistry of mafic magmatic rocks from the Sarve-Abad ophiolites (Kurdistan region, Iran): Evidence for interaction between MORB-type asthenosphere and OIB-type components in the southern Neo-Tethys Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saccani, Emilio; Allahyari, Khalil; Rahimzadeh, Bahman

2014-05-01

The Sarve-Abad (Sawlava) ophiolites crop out in the Main Zagros Thrust Zone and represent remnants of the Mesozoic southern Neo-Tethys Ocean that was located between the Arabian shield and Sanandaj-Sirjan continental block. They consist of several incomplete ophiolitic sequences including gabbroic bodies, a dyke complex, and pillow lava sequences. These rocks generally range from sub-alkaline to transitional character. Mineral chemistry and whole-rock geochemistry indicate that they have compositions akin to enriched-type mid-ocean ridge basalts (E-MORB) and plume-type MORB (P-MORB). Nonetheless, the different depletion degrees in heavy rare earth elements (HREE), which can be observed in both E-MORB like and P-MORB like rocks enable two main basic chemical types of rocks to be distinguished as Type-I and Type-II. Type-I rocks are strongly depleted in HREE (YbN < ~ 6), whereas Type-II rocks are moderately depleted in HREE (YbN > 9.0). Petrogenetic modeling shows that Type-I rocks originated from 7 to 16% polybaric partial melting of a MORB-type mantle source, which was significantly enriched by plume-type components. These rocks resulted from the mixing of variable fractions of melts generated in garnet-facies and the spinel-facies mantle. In contrast, Type-II rocks originated from 5 to 8% partial melting in the spinel-facies of a MORB-type source, which was moderately enriched by plume-type components. A possible tectono-magmatic model for the generation of the southern Neo-Tethys oceanic crust implies that the continental rift and subsequent oceanic spreading were associated with uprising of MORB-type asthenospheric mantle featuring plume-type component influences decreasing from deep to shallow mantle levels. These deep plume-type components were most likely inherited from Carboniferous mantle plume activity that was associated with the opening of Paleo-Tethys in the same area.

Petrogenesis and geodynamics of plagiogranites from Central Turkey (Ekecikdağ/Aksaray): new geochemical and isotopic data for generation in an arc basin system within the northern branch of Neotethys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Köksal, Serhat; Toksoy-Köksal, Fatma; Göncüoglu, M. Cemal

2017-06-01

In the Late Cretaceous, throughout the closure of the Neotethys Ocean, ophiolitic rocks from the İzmir-Ankara-Erzincan ocean branch were overthrusted the northern margin of the Tauride-Anatolide Platform. The ophiolitic rocks in the Ekecikdağ (Aksaray/Central Turkey) region typify the oceanic crust of the İzmir-Ankara-Erzincan branch of Neotethys. The gabbros in the area are cut by copious plagiogranite dykes, and both rock units are intruded by mafic dykes. The plagiogranites are leucocratic, fine- to medium-grained calc-alkaline rocks characterized mainly by plagioclase and quartz, with minor amounts of biotite, hornblende and clinopyroxene, and accessory phases of zircon, titanite, apatite and opaque minerals. They are tonalite and trondhjemite in composition with high SiO2 (69.9-75.9 wt%) and exceptionally low K2O (<0.5 wt%) contents. The plagiogranites in common with gabbros and mafic dykes show high large-ion lithophile elements/high-field strength element ratios with depletion in Nb, Ti and light rare-earth elements with respect to N-MORB. The plagiogranites together with gabbros and mafic dykes show low initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.70419-0.70647), high ƐNd( T) (6.0-7.5) values with 206Pb/204Pb (18.199-18.581), 207Pb/204Pb (15.571-15.639) and 208Pb/204Pb (38.292-38.605) ratios indicating a depleted mantle source modified with a subduction component. They show similar isotopic characteristics to the other supra-subduction zone (SSZ) ophiolites in the Eastern Mediterranean to East Anatolian-Lesser Caucasus and Iran regions. It is suggested that the Ekecikdağ plagiogranite was generated in a short time interval from a depleted mantle source in a SSZ/fore-arc basin setting, and its nature was further modified by a subduction component during intra-oceanic subduction.

Post-test examination of a pool boiler receiver

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dreshfield, Robert L.; Moore, Thomas J.; Bartolotta, Paul A.

1992-01-01

A subscale pool boiler test apparatus to evaluate boiling stability developed a leak after being operated with boiling NaK for 791.4 hr at temperatures from 700 to 750 C. The boiler was constructed using Inconel 625 with a type 304L stainless steel wick for the boiler and type 316 stainless steel for the condenser. The boiler assembly was metallurgically evaluated to determine the cause of the leak and to assess the effects of the NaK on the materials. It was found that the leak was caused by insufficient (about 30 pct.) joint penetration in a butt joint. There was no general corrosion of the construction materials, but the room temperature ductility of the Inconel 625 was only about 6.5 pct. A crack in the heat affected zone of the Inconel 625 near the Inconel 625 to type 316 stainless steel butt joint was probably caused by excessive heat input. The crack was observed to have a zone depleted of iron at the crack surface and porosity below that zone. The mechanism of the iron depletion was not conclusively determined.

Scrubbing of contaminants from contaminated air streams with aerogel materials with optional photocatalytic destruction

DOEpatents

Attia, Yosry A.

2000-01-01

Disclosed is a method for separating a vaporous or gaseous contaminant from an air stream contaminated therewith. This method includes the steps of: (a) passing said contaminated air into a contact zone in which is disposed an aerogel material capable of selecting adsorbing said contaminant from air and therein contacting said contaminated air with an aerogel material; and (b) withdrawing from said zone, air depleted of said contaminant. For present purposes, "contaminant" means a material not naturally occurring in ambient air and/or a material naturally occurring in air but present at a concentration above that found in ambient air. Thus, the present invention scrubs (or treats) air for the purpose of returning it to its ambient composition. Also disclosed herein is a process for the photocatalytic destruction of contaminants from an air stream wherein the contaminated air stream is passed into a control cell or contact zone in which is disposed a photocatalytic aerogel and exposing said aerogel to ultraviolet (UV) radiation for photocatalytically destroying the adsorbed contaminant, and withdrawing from said cell an exhaust air stream depleted in said contaminant.

Characterization and Remediation of Contaminated Sites:Modeling, Measurement and Assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basu, N. B.; Rao, P. C.; Poyer, I. C.; Christ, J. A.; Zhang, C. Y.; Jawitz, J. W.; Werth, C. J.; Annable, M. D.; Hatfield, K.

2008-05-01

The complexity of natural systems makes it impossible to estimate parameters at the required level of spatial and temporal detail. Thus, it becomes necessary to transition from spatially distributed parameters to spatially integrated parameters that are capable of adequately capturing the system dynamics, without always accounting for local process behavior. Contaminant flux across the source control plane is proposed as an integrated metric that captures source behavior and links it to plume dynamics. Contaminant fluxes were measured using an innovative technology, the passive flux meter at field sites contaminated with dense non-aqueous phase liquids or DNAPLs in the US and Australia. Flux distributions were observed to be positively or negatively correlated with the conductivity distribution, depending on the source characteristics of the site. The impact of partial source depletion on the mean contaminant flux and flux architecture was investigated in three-dimensional complex heterogeneous settings using the multiphase transport code UTCHEM and the reactive transport code ISCO3D. Source mass depletion reduced the mean contaminant flux approximately linearly, while the contaminant flux standard deviation reduced proportionally with the mean (i.e., coefficient of variation of flux distribution is constant with time). Similar analysis was performed using data from field sites, and the results confirmed the numerical simulations. The linearity of the mass depletion-flux reduction relationship indicates the ability to design remediation systems that deplete mass to achieve target reduction in source strength. Stability of the flux distribution indicates the ability to characterize the distributions in time once the initial distribution is known. Lagrangian techniques were used to predict contaminant flux behavior during source depletion in terms of the statistics of the hydrodynamic and DNAPL distribution. The advantage of the Lagrangian techniques lies in their small computation time and their inclusion of spatially integrated parameters that can be measured in the field using tracer tests. Analytical models that couple source depletion to plume transport were used for optimization of source and plume treatment. These models are being used for the development of decision and management tools (for DNAPL sites) that consider uncertainty assessments as an integral part of the decision-making process for contaminated site remediation.

The Cenomanian-Turonian oceanic anoxic event in Tibet, a real anoxic condition? Clues from Phosphorus, Carbon and Traces Elements accumulations.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bomou, B.; Adatte, T.; Föllmi, K. B.; Caron, M.; Tantawy, A. A.; Fleitmann, D.; Matera, V.; Huang, Y.

2009-04-01

The Cenomanian-Turonian boundary is marked by an Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE 2) characterized by finely laminated organic carbon rich sediments deposited under oxygen depleted conditions, coinciding with a positive shift in δ13C isotope excursion. The main goal of the present research is to get a better understanding of mechanisms which triggered these OAEs, and particularly the paleoenvironmental conditions which characterized the onset of that major anoxic event and their evolution. Mort (2007) demonstrated that the onset of the Cenomanian-Turonian OAE was triggered by a short-lived but significant increase in phosphorus burial. Then bottom waters became anoxic and switched from being a P sink to a P source, sustaining the productivity in a positive feedback loop. Increased aridity, removal of atmospheric CO2 by burial as organic carbon in black shales and reduction in nutrient availability may have been factors bringing about the return to more oxic oceans. However, Total Phosphorus (Ptot) and trace metals behaviour is not well known at larger scale, away from main black shales source (Western Tethys and Central Atlantic). It is especially interesting to see if P distribution will show a similar maximum predating the positive carbon excursion. We investigate therefore the section of Gongzha (Tibet, China) located at the north margin of the Indian plate in the Tethys Himalayas zone (SE Tethys). These sediments are deposited in open marine basin and slope settings under hemipelagic environment (Li et al., 2006). Clay analyses show that the sediments have been overprinted by burial diagenesis and tectonic processes, but the biostratigraphy by foraminifera and nannofossils, microfacies and carbon stable isotopes data indicate a quite good preservation and absence of significant hiatus. Carbon isotope analyses exhibit the classical C-T positive shift with a first peak near the end of R. cushmani zone, a second in the lower part of W. archaeocretacea zone, followed by a plateau which ends the excursion. A bloom of Heterohelix and Guembelitria, low oxygen tolerant foraminifera, is observed in the upper part of the δ13C shift (W. archaeocretacea zone) indicative of depleted oxygen conditions. Significant peaks in Ptot is observed at the onset of the δ13C shift, followed by a depletion at the end of R. cushmani zone, persisting up to the end of W. archaeocretacea zone. In Tibet, P distribution patterns during OAE2 are quite similar to the ones observed in numerous sections in western Tethys and Central Atlantic (England, Italia, Spain and USA, Mort et al., 2007) and appear therefore to be global, coinciding partly with increased detrital inputs. Trace-metals values are under background level compared with sections characterized by strong anoxic conditions and redox sensitive elements such as Va, Ni, Co, U, generally indicative of anoxic conditions, do not show any increase during the maximum of δ13C excursion and Heterohelix and Guembelitria shifts. This suggests that dysoxic rather than anoxic conditions prevailed in Tibet area during OAE 2. Increased Mg, Na, Ca contents to the detriment of Al suggest a change to more arid climate conditions from the base of archaeocretacea zone upwards. REFERENCES JENKYNS, H.C. (1980). Cretaceous anoxic events: from continents to oceans. Journal of the Geological Society, 137, 171-188. LI, X., JENKYNS, H.C., WANG, C., HU, X., CHEN, X., WEI, Y., HUANG, Y. & CUI, J. (2006). Upper Cretaceous carbon-and oxygen-isotope stratigraphy of hemipelagic carbonate facies from southern Tibet, China. Journal of the Geological Society, 163, 375-382. MORT, H., ADATTE, T., FÖLLMI, K., KELLER, G., STEINMANN, P., MATERA, V., BERNER, Z., & STÜBEN, D. (2007). Phosphorus and the roles of productivity and nutrient recycling during Oceanic Anoxic Event 2. Geology, 35, 6, 483-486. SCHLANGER, S.O. & JENKYNS, H.C. (1976). Cretaceous anoxic events: causes and consequences. Geologie en Mijnbouw, 55, 179-184. SCHOLLE, P. & ARTHUR, M.A. (1980). Carbon isotopic fluctuations in pelagic limestones: potential stratigraphic and petroleum exploration tool. AAPG Bulletin, 64, 67-87.

A stable isotope approach for source apportionment of chlorinated ethene plumes at a complex multi-contamination events urban site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nijenhuis, Ivonne; Schmidt, Marie; Pellegatti, Eleonora; Paramatti, Enrico; Richnow, Hans Hermann; Gargini, Alessandro

2013-10-01

The stable carbon isotope composition of chlorinated aliphatic compounds such as chlorinated methanes, ethanes and ethenes was examined as an intrinsic fingerprint for apportionment of sources. A complex field site located in Ferrara (Italy), with more than 50 years history of use of chlorinated aliphatic compounds, was investigated in order to assess contamination sources. Several contamination plumes were found in a complex alluvial sandy multi-aquifer system close to the river Po; sources are represented by uncontained former industrial and municipal dump sites as well as by spills at industrial areas. The carbon stable isotope signature allowed distinguishing 2 major sources of contaminants. One source of chlorinated aliphatic contaminants was strongly depleted in 13C (<-60‰) suggesting production lines which have used depleted methane for synthesis. The other source had typical carbon isotope compositions of >-40‰ which is commonly observed in recent production of chlorinated solvents. The degradation processes in the plumes could be traced interpreting the isotope enrichment and depletion of parent and daughter compounds, respectively. We demonstrate that, under specific production conditions, namely when highly chlorinated ethenes are produced as by-product during chloromethanes production, 13C depleted fingerprinting of contaminants can be obtained and this can be used to track sources and address the responsible party of the pollution in urban areas.

A stable isotope approach for source apportionment of chlorinated ethene plumes at a complex multi-contamination events urban site.

PubMed

Nijenhuis, Ivonne; Schmidt, Marie; Pellegatti, Eleonora; Paramatti, Enrico; Richnow, Hans Hermann; Gargini, Alessandro

2013-10-01

The stable carbon isotope composition of chlorinated aliphatic compounds such as chlorinated methanes, ethanes and ethenes was examined as an intrinsic fingerprint for apportionment of sources. A complex field site located in Ferrara (Italy), with more than 50years history of use of chlorinated aliphatic compounds, was investigated in order to assess contamination sources. Several contamination plumes were found in a complex alluvial sandy multi-aquifer system close to the river Po; sources are represented by uncontained former industrial and municipal dump sites as well as by spills at industrial areas. The carbon stable isotope signature allowed distinguishing 2 major sources of contaminants. One source of chlorinated aliphatic contaminants was strongly depleted in ¹³C (<-60‰) suggesting production lines which have used depleted methane for synthesis. The other source had typical carbon isotope compositions of >-40‰ which is commonly observed in recent production of chlorinated solvents. The degradation processes in the plumes could be traced interpreting the isotope enrichment and depletion of parent and daughter compounds, respectively. We demonstrate that, under specific production conditions, namely when highly chlorinated ethenes are produced as by-product during chloromethanes production, ¹³C depleted fingerprinting of contaminants can be obtained and this can be used to track sources and address the responsible party of the pollution in urban areas. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Stochastic interactions of two Brownian hard spheres in the presence of depletants

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

Karzar-Jeddi, Mehdi; Fan, Tai-Hsi, E-mail: thfan@engr.uconn.edu; Tuinier, Remco

2014-06-07

A quantitative analysis is presented for the stochastic interactions of a pair of Brownian hard spheres in non-adsorbing polymer solutions. The hard spheres are hypothetically trapped by optical tweezers and allowed for random motion near the trapped positions. The investigation focuses on the long-time correlated Brownian motion. The mobility tensor altered by the polymer depletion effect is computed by the boundary integral method, and the corresponding random displacement is determined by the fluctuation-dissipation theorem. From our computations it follows that the presence of depletion layers around the hard spheres has a significant effect on the hydrodynamic interactions and particle dynamicsmore » as compared to pure solvent and uniform polymer solution cases. The probability distribution functions of random walks of the two interacting hard spheres that are trapped clearly shift due to the polymer depletion effect. The results show that the reduction of the viscosity in the depletion layers around the spheres and the entropic force due to the overlapping of depletion zones have a significant influence on the correlated Brownian interactions.« less

Geochemical evidence of mantle reservoir evolution during progressive rifting along the western Afar margin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rooney, Tyrone O.; Mohr, Paul; Dosso, Laure; Hall, Chris

2013-02-01

The Afar triple junction, where the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and African Rift System extension zones converge, is a pivotal domain for the study of continental-to-oceanic rift evolution. The western margin of Afar forms the southernmost sector of the western margin of the Red Sea rift where that margin enters the Ethiopian flood basalt province. Tectonism and volcanism at the triple junction had commenced by ˜31 Ma with crustal fissuring, diking and voluminous eruption of the Ethiopian-Yemen flood basalt pile. The dikes which fed the Oligocene-Quaternary lava sequence covering the western Afar rift margin provide an opportunity to probe the geochemical reservoirs associated with the evolution of a still active continental margin. 40Ar/39Ar geochronology reveals that the western Afar margin dikes span the entire history of rift evolution from the initial Oligocene flood basalt event to the development of focused zones of intrusion in rift marginal basins. Major element, trace element and isotopic (Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf) data demonstrate temporal geochemical heterogeneities resulting from variable contributions from the Afar plume, depleted asthenospheric mantle, and African lithosphere. The various dikes erupted between 31 Ma and 22 Ma all share isotopic signatures attesting to a contribution from the Afar plume, indicating this initial period in the evolution of the Afar margin was one of magma-assisted weakening of the lithosphere. From 22 Ma to 12 Ma, however, diffuse diking during continued evolution of the rift margin facilitated ascent of magmas in which depleted mantle and lithospheric sources predominated, though contributions from the Afar plume persisted. After 10 Ma, magmatic intrusion migrated eastwards towards the Afar rift floor, with an increasing fraction of the magmas derived from depleted mantle with less of a lithospheric signature. The dikes of the western Afar margin reveal that magma generation processes during the evolution of this continental rift margin are increasingly dominated by shallow decompressional melting of the ambient asthenosphere, the composition of which may in part be controlled by preferential channeling of plume material along the developing neo-oceanic axes of extension.

Continental basalts record the crust-mantle interaction in oceanic subduction channel: A geochemical case study from eastern China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Zheng; Zheng, Yong-Fei

2017-09-01

Continental basalts, erupted in either flood or rift mode, usually show oceanic island basalts (OIB)-like geochemical compositions. Although their depletion in Sr-Nd isotope compositions is normally ascribed to contributions from the asthenospheric mantle, their enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILE) and light rare earth elements (LREE) is generally associated with variable enrichments in the Sr-Nd isotope compositions. This indicates significant contributions from crustal components such as igneous oceanic crust, lower continental crust and seafloor sediment. Nevertheless, these crustal components were not incorporated into the mantle sources of continental basalts in the form of solidus rocks. Instead they were processed into metasomatic agents through low-degree partial melting in order to have the geochemical fractionation of the largest extent to achieve the enrichment of LILE and LREE in the metasomatic agents. Therefore, the mantle sources of continental basalts were generated by metasomatic reaction of the depleted mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB) mantle with hydrous felsic melts. Nevertheless, mass balance considerations indicate differential contributions from the mantle and crustal components to the basalts. While the depleted MORB mantle predominates the budget of major elements, the crustal components predominate the budget of melt-mobile incompatible trace elements and their pertinent radiogenic isotopes. These considerations are verified by model calculations that are composed of four steps in an ancient oceanic subduction channel: (1) dehydration of the subducting crustal rocks at subarc depths, (2) anataxis of the dehydrated rocks at postarc depths, (3) metasomatic reaction of the depleted MORB mantle peridotite with the felsic melts to generate ultramafic metasomatites in the lower part of the mantle wedge, and (4) partial melting of the metasomatites for basaltic magmatism. The composition of metasomatites is quantitatively dictated by the crustal metasomatism through melt-peridotite reaction at the slab-mantle interface in oceanic subduction channels. Continental basalts of Mesozoic to Cenozoic ages from eastern China are used as a case example to illustrate the above petrogenetic mechanism. Subduction of the paleo-Pacific oceanic slab beneath the eastern edge of Eurasian continent in the Early Mesozoic would have transferred the crustal signatures into the mantle sources of these basalts. This process would be associated with rollback of the subducting slab at that time, whereas the partial melting of metasomatites takes place mainly in the Late Mesozoic to Cenozoic to produce the continental basalts. Therefore, OIB-like continental basalts are also the product of subduction-zone magmatism though they occur in intraplate settings.

Neutron source

DOEpatents

Cason, J.L. Jr.; Shaw, C.B.

1975-10-21

A neutron source which is particularly useful for neutron radiography consists of a vessel containing a moderating media of relatively low moderating ratio, a flux trap including a moderating media of relatively high moderating ratio at the center of the vessel, a shell of depleted uranium dioxide surrounding the moderating media of relatively high moderating ratio, a plurality of guide tubes each containing a movable source of neutrons surrounding the flux trap, a neutron shield surrounding one part of each guide tube, and at least one collimator extending from the flux trap to the exterior of the neutron source. The shell of depleted uranium dioxide has a window provided with depleted uranium dioxide shutters for each collimator. Reflectors are provided above and below the flux trap and on the guide tubes away from the flux trap.

Carbon isotopes of dissolved inorganic carbon reflect utilization of different carbon sources by microbial communities in two limestone aquifer assemblages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nowak, Martin E.; Schwab, Valérie F.; Lazar, Cassandre S.; Behrendt, Thomas; Kohlhepp, Bernd; Totsche, Kai Uwe; Küsel, Kirsten; Trumbore, Susan E.

2017-08-01

Isotopes of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) are used to indicate both transit times and biogeochemical evolution of groundwaters. These signals can be complicated in carbonate aquifers, as both abiotic (i.e., carbonate equilibria) and biotic factors influence the δ13C and 14C of DIC. We applied a novel graphical method for tracking changes in the δ13C and 14C of DIC in two distinct aquifer complexes identified in the Hainich Critical Zone Exploratory (CZE), a platform to study how water transport links surface and shallow groundwaters in limestone and marlstone rocks in central Germany. For more quantitative estimates of contributions of different biotic and abiotic carbon sources to the DIC pool, we used the NETPATH geochemical modeling program, which accounts for changes in dissolved ions in addition to C isotopes. Although water residence times in the Hainich CZE aquifers based on hydrogeology are relatively short (years or less), DIC isotopes in the shallow, mostly anoxic, aquifer assemblage (HTU) were depleted in 14C compared to a deeper, oxic, aquifer complex (HTL). Carbon isotopes and chemical changes in the deeper HTL wells could be explained by interaction of recharge waters equilibrated with post-bomb 14C sources with carbonates. However, oxygen depletion and δ13C and 14C values of DIC below those expected from the processes of carbonate equilibrium alone indicate considerably different biogeochemical evolution of waters in the upper aquifer assemblage (HTU wells). Changes in 14C and 13C in the upper aquifer complexes result from a number of biotic and abiotic processes, including oxidation of 14C-depleted OM derived from recycled microbial carbon and sedimentary organic matter as well as water-rock interactions. The microbial pathways inferred from DIC isotope shifts and changes in water chemistry in the HTU wells were supported by comparison with in situ microbial community structure based on 16S rRNA analyses. Our findings demonstrate the large variation in the importance of biotic as well as abiotic controls on 13C and 14C of DIC in closely related aquifer assemblages. Further, they support the importance of subsurface-derived carbon sources like DIC for chemolithoautotrophic microorganisms as well as rock-derived organic matter for supporting heterotrophic groundwater microbial communities and indicate that even shallow aquifers have microbial communities that use a variety of subsurface-derived carbon sources.

Dynamic melting in plume heads: the formation of Gorgona komatiites and basalts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arndt, Nicholas T.; Kerr, Andrew C.; Tarney, John

1997-01-01

The small Pacific island of Gorgona, off the coast of Colombia, is well known for its spectacular spinifex-textured komatiites. These high-Mg liquids, which have been linked to a late Cretaceous deep mantle plume, are part of a volcanic series with a wide range of trace-element compositions, from moderately enriched basalts ( La/SmN ˜ 1.5) to extremely depleted ultramafic tuffs and picrites ( La/SmN ˜ 0.2). Neither fractional crystallization, nor partial melting of a homogeneous mantle source, can account for this large variation: the source must have been chemically heterogeneous. Low 143Nd/144Nd in the more enriched basalts indicates some initial source heterogeneity but most of the variation in magma compositions is believed to result from dynamic melting during the ascent of a plume. Modelling of major- and trace-element compositions suggests that ultramafic magmas formed at ˜ 60-100 km depth, and that the melt extraction that gave rise to their depleted sources started at still greater depths. The ultra-depleted lavas represent magmas derived directly from the hottest, most depleted parts of the plume; the more abundant moderately depleted basalts are interpreted as the products of pooling of liquids from throughout the melting region.

A textural and compositional investigation on the source and timing of iron oxidation and titanium enrichment in high-pressure serpentinites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crossley, R.; Evans, K. A.; Reddy, S.; Lester, G. W.

2016-12-01

The redox state, quantity and composition of subduction zone fluids influence the transport and precipitation of elements including those which are redox-sensitive, of economic importance such as Cu, Au and Ag, and those considered to be immobile, which include Fe3+. However, subduction zone fluids remain poorly understood. The redox state of Fe in high-pressure ultramafic rocks, which host a significant proportion of Fe3+, can be used to provide an insight into Fe cycling and constrain the composition and possible source of subduction zone fluids. In this work, we use a combination of oxide mineral textures, mineral parageneses, mineral composition data, and whole rock geochemistry of high-pressure retrogressed ultramafic rocks from the Zermatt-Saas Zone to constrain the distribution and oxidation state of iron, and to provide insights on the nature of fluids at depth within subduction zones. Oxide minerals host the bulk of the iron, particularly Fe3+. The increase in mode of magnetite during initial retrogression is most consistent with oxidation of existing iron via the infiltration of an oxidising fluids since it is difficult to reconcile addition of Fe3+ with the known limited solubility of this species. In addition, fluid-mediated or mechanical mixing with other lithologies in the slab could introduce elements and alter the bulk composition of serpentinites. However, the high Ti content of one sample cannot be explained by simple mixing of a depleted mantle protolith with the nearby Allalin gabbros, and provides the tantalising possibility that Ti, an element generally perceived as immobile, has been added to the rock. While we cannot completely exclude the possibility of pre-subduction Ti addition, textural analysis of Ti-rich minerals suggest mobilisation of Ti during subduction on at least a centimetre scale. If Ti addition has occurred, then the introduction of Fe3+, also generally considered to be immobile, cannot be disregarded. The Al-rich nature of the sample may be consistent with aluminosilicate complexing as the transport vector for Ti and/or Fe3+.

Role of depletion on the dynamics of a diffusing forager

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bénichou, O.; Chupeau, M.; Redner, S.

2016-09-01

We study the dynamics of a starving random walk in general spatial dimension d. This model represents an idealized description for the fate of an unaware forager whose motion is not affected by the presence or absence of resources. The forager depletes its environment by consuming resources and dies if it wanders too long without finding food. In the exactly solvable case of one dimension, we explicitly derive the average lifetime of the walk and the distribution for the number of distinct sites visited by the walk at the instant of starvation. We also give a heuristic derivation for the averages of these two quantities. We tackle the complex but ecologically relevant case of two dimensions by an approximation in which the depleted zone is assumed to always be circular and which grows incrementally each time the walk reaches the edge of this zone. Within this framework, we derive a lower bound for the scaling of the average lifetime and number of distinct sites visited at starvation. We also determine the asymptotic distribution of the number of distinct sites visited at starvation. Finally, we solve the case of high spatial dimensions within a mean-field approach.

Phylogenetic analyses and nitrate-reducing activity of fungal cultures isolated from the permanent, oceanic oxygen minimum zone of the Arabian Sea.

PubMed

Manohar, Cathrine Sumathi; Menezes, Larissa Danielle; Ramasamy, Kesava Priyan; Meena, Ram M

2015-03-01

Reports on the active role of fungi as denitrifiers in terrestrial ecosystems have stimulated an interest in the study of the role of fungi in oxygen-deficient marine systems. In this study, the culturable diversity of fungi was investigated from 4 stations within the permanent, oceanic, oxygen minimum zone of the Arabian Sea. The isolated cultures grouped within the 2 major fungal phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota; diversity estimates in the stations sampled indicated that the diversity of the oxygen-depleted environments is less than that of mangrove regions and deep-sea habitats. Phylogenetic analyses of 18S rRNA sequences revealed a few divergent isolates that clustered with environmental sequences previously obtained by others. This is significant, as these isolates represent phylotypes that so far were known only from metagenomic studies and are of phylogenetic importance. Nitrate reduction activity, the first step in the denitrification process, was recorded for isolates under simulated anoxic, deep-sea conditions showing ecological significance of fungi in the oxygen-depleted habitats. This report increases our understanding of fungal diversity in unique, poorly studied habitats and underlines the importance of fungi in the oxygen-depleted environments.

Geochemical characteristics of the La Réunion mantle plume source inferred from olivine-hosted melt inclusions from the adventive cones of Piton de la Fournaise volcano (La Réunion Island)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valer, Marina; Schiano, Pierre; Bachèlery, Patrick

2017-09-01

Major and trace element compositions were obtained for bulk rocks and melt inclusions hosted in olivine crystals (Fo > 85) from the adventive cones of the Piton de La Fournaise volcano (La Réunion Island). Ratios of highly incompatible trace elements for these magmas are used to identify the nature of the La Réunion mantle plume source. Although adventive cone lavas display unusual major element compositions compared to the historical lavas of the volcano (e.g., lower CaO/Al2O3), trace element data suggest that the magmas emitted by the adventive cones originate from a common chemical source. This source may correspond to either a homogeneous mixed source of different mantle components or a near-primitive less-differentiated mantle source. The melt inclusions display ratios of highly incompatible elements (e.g., Th/La, Nb/La) which are similar to primitive mantle values, and lower Nb/U ratios compared to most oceanic basalts. These results and previous isotopic and trace element data suggest that La Réunion plume samples a source which is intermediate between a primitive-like mantle domain and a slightly depleted one almost unaffected by the recycling processes. This source could have originated from early depletion of the primitive mantle. Assuming a depletion 4.45 Gyr ago, 10% melting of this slightly depleted source could explain the enriched trace element concentrations of the melt inclusions.

Quantifying Post-Fire Aeolian Sediment Transport Using Rare Earth Element Tracers.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dukes, D.; Ravi, S.; Grandstaff, D. E.; Gonzales, H. B.; Li, J. J.; Sankey, J. B.; Wang, G.; Van Pelt, R. S.

2016-12-01

Grasslands and rangelands in arid and semi-arid regions of the world, which provide fundamental ecosystem services, are undergoing rapid increases in fire activity and are highly susceptible to post-fire accelerated soil erosion by wind. A quantitative assessment that integrates fire-wind erosion feedbacks is therefore critically needed in understanding vegetation change, soil biogeochemical cycling, air quality, and landscape evolution. We investigated the applicability of a novel tracer technique - the use of rare earth element (REE) tracers - to quantify soil erosion by wind and to identify sources and sinks of wind-blown sediments in both a burned and unburned shrub-grass transition zone within the Chihuahuan desert (New Mexico, USA). At the beginning of the windy season, March 2016, silt and sand sized particles in shrub, grass, and bare microsites were each tagged with a unique REE oxide, Ho, Eu, and Yb respectively. Samples were then taken directly after application prior to a prescribed fire and again at the end of the windy season in June 2016. All REE tracers showed signs of depletion and mixing, with the depletion in the burned site up to 20% greater than the unburned. REE concentration comparisons between the burned and unburned plots reveal a shift in the source and sink dynamics of sediment post fire. In unburned plots, changes in microsite REE concentrations indicate that sediment moved from the bare to vegetated microsites, whereas the opposite occurred in burned plots. However, burned plot grass microsites acted as a sink for sediment from shrub microsites, whereas unburned plot grass microsites exhibited no enrichment from shrub microsite-sourced sediment. Though fires are known to immediately increase aeolian sediment transport, accompanying changes in the sources and sinks of wind borne sediment may influence biogeochemical cycling and vegetation shifts possibly providing a feedback mechanism for land degradation in dryland ecosystems.

Deep aquifer as driver for mineral authigenesis in Gulf of Alaska sediments (IODP Expedition 341, Site U1417)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zindorf, Mark; März, Christian; Wagner, Thomas; Strauss, Harald; Gulick, Sean P. S.; Jaeger, John M.; LeVay, Leah J.

2016-04-01

Bacterial sulphate reduction plays a key role in authigenic mineral formation in marine sediments. Usually, decomposition of organic matter follows a sequence of microbial metabolic pathways, where microbial sulphate reduction leads to sulphate depletion deeper in the sediment. When sulphate is consumed completely from the pore waters, methanogenesis commences. The contact of sulphate- and methane-containing pore waters is a well-defined biogeochemical boundary (the sulphate-methane transition zone, SMTZ). Here authigenic pyrite, barite and carbonates form. Pyrite formation is directly driven by bacterial sulphate reduction since pyrite precipitates from produced hydrogen sulphide. Barite and carbonate formation are secondary effects resulting from changes of the chemical milieu due to microbial activity. However, this mineral authigenesis is ultimately linked to abiotic processes that determine the living conditions for microorganisms. At IODP Site U1417 in the Gulf of Alaska, a remarkable diagenetic pattern has been observed: Between sulphate depletion and methane enrichment, a ~250 m wide gap exists. Consequently, no SMTZ can be found under present conditions, but enrichments of pyrite indicate that such zones have existed in the past. Solid layers consisting of authigenic carbonate-cemented sand were partly recovered right above the methane production zone, likely preventing continued upward methane diffusion. At the bottom of the sediment succession, the lower boundary of the methanogenic zone is constrained by sulphate-rich pore waters that appear to originate from a deeper source. Here, a well-established SMTZ exists, but in reversed order (sulphate diffusing up, methane diffusing down). Sulphur isotopes of pyrite reveal that sulphate reduction here does not occur under closed system conditions. This indicates that a deep aquifer is actively recharging the deep sulphate pool. Similar deep SMTZs have been found at other sites, yet mostly in geologically active environments such as ridge flanks or above subduction zones. Therefore Site U1417, in a relatively inactive intraplate environment, represents a so far under-sampled geochemical setting. Calculated accumulation times for authigenic minerals in the deep SMTZ are on the same order of magnitude as the onset of subduction-related bending of the Pacific Plate, suggesting that both processes are linked. Plate bending could create fractures in the overlying sediments allowing seawater to penetrate and recharge a deep aquifer. Our study provides insights into a newly discovered geological process suitable for delivering sulphate-rich water deep into the sediments and installing diagenetically active environments where microbial activity would otherwise be very limited.

Experimental study of boron geochemistry: implications for fluid processes in subduction zones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

You, C. F.; Spivack, A. J.; Gieskes, J. M.; Rosenbauer, R.; Bischoff, J. L.

1995-06-01

A comprehensive experimental study, utilizing an autoclave hydrothermal apparatus with a 10B isotopic tracer, has been conducted to monitor the geochemical behavior of sediment B during early subduction zone processes. The partition coefficient of exchangeable B ( K D) was determined over a temperature range of 25-350°C, at 800 bars and a water/rock ratio of 3-1.5 w/w. These K D are shown to be a complex function of temperature, pH, and possibly mineralogy. At low temperatures, K D is significantly high at ˜4 in contrast to the value of essentially zero at temperatures higher than ˜100°C. A K D of zero represents no B adsorption, implying efficient mobilization of exchangeable B at shallow depths during sediment subduction. Our experimental results demonstrate high mobilization of bulk B in sediments (both exchangeable and lattice bound) at elevated temperatures (200-350°C), in good agreement with previous observations of B in metasediments indicating progressive depletion during metamorphism. In addition, this study emphasizes the importance of a possible water/rock ratio dependence of B mobilization. In other words, the degree of sedimentary B mobilization in subduction zones strongly depends on the local thermal structure and porosity distribution. In low geothermal gradient areas, large amounts of porewater are expelled before significant B mobilization has occurred, so that some sedimentary B will survive and get into the deeper parts of the subduction zone. Our results imply that efficient mobilization of B from the subducted slab must occur and that arc magmatism recycles most of the remaining subducted B back to surface reservoirs. A reconsideration of the B budget in subduction zones provides critical information with respect to B sources and sinks in the ocean.

Dynamics of oxygen and carbon dioxide in rhizospheres of Lobelia dortmanna - a planar optode study of belowground gas exchange between plants and sediment.

PubMed

Lenzewski, Nikola; Mueller, Peter; Meier, Robert Johannes; Liebsch, Gregor; Jensen, Kai; Koop-Jakobsen, Ketil

2018-04-01

Root-mediated CO 2 uptake, O 2 release and their effects on O 2 and CO 2 dynamics in the rhizosphere of Lobelia dortmanna were investigated. Novel planar optode technology, imaging CO 2 and O 2 distribution around single roots, provided insights into the spatiotemporal patterns of gas exchange between roots, sediment and microbial community. In light, O 2 release and CO 2 uptake were pronounced, resulting in a distinct oxygenated zone (radius: c. 3 mm) and a CO 2 -depleted zone (radius: c. 2 mm) around roots. Simultaneously, however, microbial CO 2 production was stimulated within a larger zone around the roots (radius: c. 10 mm). This gave rise to a distinct pattern with a CO 2 minimum at the root surface and a CO 2 maximum c. 2 mm away from the root. In darkness, CO 2 uptake ceased, and the CO 2 -depleted zone disappeared within 2 h. By contrast, the oxygenated root zone remained even after 8 h, but diminished markedly over time. A tight coupling between photosynthetic processes and the spatiotemporal dynamics of O 2 and CO 2 in the rhizosphere of Lobelia was demonstrated, and we suggest that O 2 -induced stimulation of the microbial community in the sediment increases the supply of inorganic carbon for photosynthesis by building up a CO 2 reservoir in the rhizosphere. © 2018 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2018 New Phytologist Trust.

Copper-arsenic decoupling in an active geothermal system: A link between pyrite and fluid composition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tardani, Daniele; Reich, Martin; Deditius, Artur P.; Chryssoulis, Stephen; Sánchez-Alfaro, Pablo; Wrage, Jackie; Roberts, Malcolm P.

2017-05-01

Over the past few decades several studies have reported that pyrite hosts appreciable amounts of trace elements which commonly occur forming complex zoning patterns within a single mineral grain. These chemical zonations in pyrite have been recognized in a variety of hydrothermal ore deposit types (e.g., porphyry Cu-Mo-Au, epithermal Au deposits, iron oxide-copper-gold, Carlin-type and Archean lode Au deposits, among others), showing, in some cases, marked oscillatory alternation of metals and metalloids in pyrite growth zones (e.g., of Cu-rich, As-(Au, Ag)-depleted zones and As-(Au, Ag)-rich, Cu-depleted zones). This decoupled geochemical behavior of Cu and As has been interpreted as a result of chemical changes in ore-forming fluids, although direct evidence connecting fluctuations in hydrothermal fluid composition with metal partitioning into pyrite growth zones is still lacking. In this study, we report a comprehensive trace element database of pyrite from the Tolhuaca Geothermal System (TGS) in southern Chile, a young and active hydrothermal system where fewer pyrite growth rims and mineralization events are present and the reservoir fluid (i.e. ore-forming fluid) is accessible. We combined the high-spatial resolution and X-ray mapping capabilities of electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) with low detection limits and depth-profiling capacity of secondary-ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) in a suite of pyrite samples retrieved from a ∼1 km drill hole that crosses the argillic (20-450 m) and propylitic (650-1000 m) alteration zones of the geothermal system. We show that the concentrations of precious metals (e.g., Au, Ag), metalloids (e.g., As, Sb, Se, Te), and base and heavy metals (e.g., Cu, Co, Ni, Pb) in pyrite at the TGS are significant. Among the elements analyzed, As and Cu are the most abundant with concentrations that vary from sub-ppm levels to a few wt.% (i.e., up to ∼5 wt.% As, ∼1.5 wt.% Cu). Detailed wavelength-dispersive spectrometry (WDS) X-ray maps and SIMS depth vs. isotope concentration profiles reveal that pyrites from the TGS are characterized by chemical zoning where the studied elements occur in different mineralogical forms. Arsenic and Co occur as structurally bound elements in pyrite, Cu and Au in pyrite can occur as both solid solution and submicron-sized particles of chalcopyrite and native Au (or Au tellurides), respectively. Pyrites from the deeper propylitic zone do not show significant zonation and high Cu-(Co)-As concentrations correlate with each other. In contrast, well-developed zonations were detected in pyrite from the shallow argillic alteration zone, where Cu(Co)-rich, As-depleted cores alternate with Cu(Co)-depleted, As-rich rims. These microanalytical data were contrasted with chemical data of fluid inclusions in quartz and calcite veins (high Cu/As ratios) and borehole fluid (low Cu/As ratios) reported at the TGS, showing a clear correspondence between Cu and As concentrations in pyrite-forming fluids and chemical zonation in pyrite. These observations provide direct evidence supporting the selective partitioning of metals into pyrite as a result of changes in ore-forming fluid composition, most likely due to separation of a single-phase fluid into a low-density vapor and a denser brine, capable of fractionating Cu and As.

Plan of study to determine if the isotopic ratios [delta]15 N and [delta]18 O can reveal the sources of nitrate discharged by the Mississippi River into the Gulf of Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Battaglin, William A.; Kendall, Carol; Goolsby, Donald A.; Boyer, Laurie L.

1997-01-01

Nitrate and other nutrients discharged from the Mississippi River basin are suspected of causing a zone of depleted dissolved oxygen (hypoxic zone) in the Gulf of Mexico each summer. The hypoxic zone may have an adverse effect on aquatic life and commercial fisheries. Commercial fertilizers are the dominant source of nitrogen input to the Mississippi basin. Other nitrogen sources include animal waste, fixation of atmospheric nitrogen by legumes, precipitation, domestic and industrial effluent, and the soil. The inputs of nitrogen from most of these sources to the Mississippi basin can be estimated and the outputs in surface water can be measured. However, nitrogen from each source is affected differently by physical, chemical, and biological processes that control nitrogen cycling in terrestrial and aquatic systems. Hence, the relative contributions from the various sources of nitrogen to nitrate load in the Mississippi River are unknown because the different sources may not contribute proportionally to their inputs in the basin. It may be possible to determine the relative contributions of the major sources of nitrate in river water using the stable isotopic ratios d15N and d18O of the nitrate ion. A few researchers have used the d15N and/or d18O isotope ratios to determine sources of nitrate in ground water, headwater catchments, and small rivers, but little is known about the isotopic composition of nitrate in larger rivers. The objective of this study is to measure the isotopic composition of nitrate and suspended organic matter in the Mississippi River and its major tributaries, in discharge to the Gulf of Mexico, and in streamflow from smaller watersheds that have distinct sources of nitrogen (row crops, animal wastes, and urban effluents) or are minimally impacted by man (undeveloped). Samples from seven sites on the Mississippi River and its tributaries and from 17 sites in smaller watersheds within the Mississippi River basin will be analyzed for d15N and d18O of dissolved nitrate. Suspended sediment collected from these sites will also be analyzed to determine the d15N, d13C, and d34S of the suspended organic material. Six samples will be collected at each site during the winter, spring, and summer of 1996-97. Results from these samples will be used to identify seasonal and flow-related variability in d15N and d18O ratios from each site and may also help determine the principal sources of the nitrate entering the Gulf of Mexico.

Scaly fabrics and veins of tectonic mélanges in the Shimanto Belt, SW Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramirez, G. E.; Fisher, D. M.; Smye, A.; Hashimoto, Y.; Yamaguchi, A.

2017-12-01

Mélanges in ancient subduction fault zones provide a microstructural record of the plate boundary deformation associated with underthrusting. These rocks exhibit many of the characteristics associated with exposed ancient subduction fault zones worldwide, including: 1) σ1 is near orthogonal to the deformation fabric, 2) microstructurally pervasive quartz and calcite filled veins concentrated in coarser blocks and along extensional jogs on slip surfaces, 3) evidence for local diffusion of silica sourced from web-like arrays of slip surfaces (i.e., scaly fabrics), and 4) repeated cracking and sealing that record cyclic variations in stress. We present XRD, XRF, and EPMA observations of scaly fabrics from five ancient subduction-related shear zones (Yokonami, Mugi, Kure, Okitsu, and Makimine mélanges) from the Shimanto Belt in Japan that exemplify these characteristics and represent the full temperature range of the seismogenic zone ( 150-340 °C). The scaly fabrics associated with these shear zones display significantly different microstructural and geochemical characteristics. Individual slip surfaces in the scaly fabrics of Mugi mélange, underplated at the updip limit of the seismogenic zone, are characterized by broader (50-300 µm) anastomosing shear zones while the Makimine mélange, underplated at the downdip limit of the seismogenic zone, exhibits thinner (10-20 µm) anastomosing shear zones. XRD analyses also imply geochemical differences such as a decrease in albite concentration and an increase in illite concentration with increasing temperature/depth of underthrusting. Scaly fabrics are sites of silica redistribution in which silica is depleted on the slip surfaces and precipitated as mostly quartz in crack-seal veins. The time to seal, or heal, fractures is mainly temperature-dependent but can also be significantly quickened by fluid salinity, degree of fluid-rock interactions, and geochemical reactions (i.e. incongruent pressure solution). Microstructural and geochemical characteristics that show differences with temperature/depth of underthrusting highlight the importance of establishing the geochemical processes and activation energies that contribute to slip, fracturing, and healing of rocks that underthrust the subduction interface.

Coupling Aggressive Mass Removal with Microbial Reductive Dechlorination for Remediation of DNAPL Source Zones: A Review and Assessment

PubMed Central

Christ, John A.; Ramsburg, C. Andrew; Abriola, Linda M.; Pennell, Kurt D.; Löffler, Frank E.

2005-01-01

The infiltration of dense non-aqueous-phase liquids (DNAPLs) into the saturated subsurface typically produces a highly contaminated zone that serves as a long-term source of dissolved-phase groundwater contamination. Applications of aggressive physical–chemical technologies to such source zones may remove > 90% of the contaminant mass under favorable conditions. The remaining contaminant mass, however, can create a rebounding of aqueous-phase concentrations within the treated zone. Stimulation of microbial reductive dechlorination within the source zone after aggressive mass removal has recently been proposed as a promising staged-treatment remediation technology for transforming the remaining contaminant mass. This article reviews available laboratory and field evidence that supports the development of a treatment strategy that combines aggressive source-zone removal technologies with subsequent promotion of sustained microbial reductive dechlorination. Physical–chemical source-zone treatment technologies compatible with posttreatment stimulation of microbial activity are identified, and studies examining the requirements and controls (i.e., limits) of reductive dechlorination of chlorinated ethenes are investigated. Illustrative calculations are presented to explore the potential effects of source-zone management alternatives. Results suggest that, for the favorable conditions assumed in these calculations (i.e., statistical homogeneity of aquifer properties, known source-zone DNAPL distribution, and successful bioenhancement in the source zone), source longevity may be reduced by as much as an order of magnitude when physical–chemical source-zone treatment is coupled with reductive dechlorination. PMID:15811838

Crude oil metabolites in groundwater at two spill sites

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bekins, Barbara A.; Cozzarelli, Isabelle M.; Erickson, Melinda L.; Steenson, Ross; Thorn, Kevin A.

2016-01-01

Two groundwater plumes in north central Minnesota with residual crude oil sources have 20 to 50 mg/L of nonvolatile dissolved organic carbon (NVDOC). These values are over 10 times higher than benzene and two to three times higher than Diesel Range Organics in the same wells. On the basis of previous work, most of the NVDOC consists of partial transformation products from the crude oil. Monitoring data from 1988 to 2015 at one of the sites located near Bemidji, MN show that the plume of metabolites is expanding toward a lakeshore located 335 m from the source zone. Other mass balance studies of the site have demonstrated that the plume expansion is driven by the combined effect of continued presence of the residual crude oil source and depletion of the electron accepting capacity of solid phase iron oxide and hydroxides on the aquifer sediments. These plumes of metabolites are not covered by regulatory monitoring and reporting requirements in Minnesota and other states. Yet, a review of toxicology studies indicates that polar metabolites of crude oil may pose a risk to aquatic and mammalian species. Together the results suggest that at sites where residual sources are present, monitoring of NVDOC may be warranted to evaluate the fates of plumes of hydrocarbon transformation products.

Constraints on the source parameters of low-frequency earthquakes on the San Andreas Fault

USGS Publications Warehouse

Thomas, Amanda M.; Beroza, Gregory C.; Shelly, David R.

2016-01-01

Low-frequency earthquakes (LFEs) are small repeating earthquakes that occur in conjunction with deep slow slip. Like typical earthquakes, LFEs are thought to represent shear slip on crustal faults, but when compared to earthquakes of the same magnitude, LFEs are depleted in high-frequency content and have lower corner frequencies, implying longer duration. Here we exploit this difference to estimate the duration of LFEs on the deep San Andreas Fault (SAF). We find that the M ~ 1 LFEs have typical durations of ~0.2 s. Using the annual slip rate of the deep SAF and the average number of LFEs per year, we estimate average LFE slip rates of ~0.24 mm/s. When combined with the LFE magnitude, this number implies a stress drop of ~104 Pa, 2 to 3 orders of magnitude lower than ordinary earthquakes, and a rupture velocity of 0.7 km/s, 20% of the shear wave speed. Typical earthquakes are thought to have rupture velocities of ~80–90% of the shear wave speed. Together, the slow rupture velocity, low stress drops, and slow slip velocity explain why LFEs are depleted in high-frequency content relative to ordinary earthquakes and suggest that LFE sources represent areas capable of relatively higher slip speed in deep fault zones. Additionally, changes in rheology may not be required to explain both LFEs and slow slip; the same process that governs the slip speed during slow earthquakes may also limit the rupture velocity of LFEs.

Modeling the Impact of Cracking in Low Permeability Layers in a Groundwater Contamination Source Zone on Dissolved Contaminant Fate and Transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sievers, K. W.; Goltz, M. N.; Huang, J.; Demond, A. H.

2011-12-01

Dense Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids (DNAPLs), which are chemicals and chemical mixtures that are heavier than and only slightly soluble in water, are a significant source of groundwater contamination. Even with the removal or destruction of most DNAPL mass, small amounts of remaining DNAPL can dissolve into flowing groundwater and continue as a contamination source for decades. One category of DNAPLs is the chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs). CAHs, such as trichloroethylene and carbon tetrachloride, are found to contaminate groundwater at numerous DoD and industrial sites. DNAPLs move through soils and groundwater leaving behind residual separate phase contamination as well as pools sitting atop low permeability layers. Recently developed models are based on the assumption that dissolved CAHs diffuse slowly from pooled DNAPL into the low permeability layers. Subsequently, when the DNAPL pools and residual DNAPL are depleted, perhaps as a result of a remediation effort, the dissolved CAHs in these low permeability layers still remain to serve as long-term sources of contamination, due to so-called "back diffusion." These recently developed models assume that transport in the low permeability zones is strictly diffusive; however field observations suggest that more DNAPL and/or dissolved CAH is stored in the low permeability zones than can be explained on the basis of diffusion alone. One explanation for these field observations is that there is enhanced transport of dissolved CAHs and/or DNAPL into the low permeability layers due to cracking. Cracks may allow for advective flow of water contaminated with dissolved CAHs into the layer as well as possible movement of pure phase DNAPL into the layer. In this study, a multiphase numerical flow and transport model is employed in a dual domain (high and low permeability layers) to investigate the impact of cracking on DNAPL and CAH movement. Using literature values, the crack geometry and spacing was varied to model and compare four scenarios: (1) CAH diffusion only into cracks, (2) CAH advection-dispersion into cracks, (3) separate phase DNAPL movement into the cracks, and (4) CAH diffusion into an uncracked low permeability clay layer. For each scenario, model simulations are used to show the evolution and persistence of groundwater contamination downgradient of the DNAPL source.

Sources of Minor and Rare-Earth Elements in Hydrothermal Edifices of Near-Continental Rifts with Sedimentary Cover: Evidence from the Guaymas Basin, Southern Trough

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lein, A. Yu.; Dara, O. M.; Bogdanova, O. Yu.; Novikov, G. V.; Ulyanova, N. V.; Lisitsyn, A. P.

2018-03-01

The mineralogy and geochemistry of a fragment of an active hydrothermal edifice from the Hydrothermal Hill of the Southern Trough valley of the Guaymas Basin in the Gulf of California were studied. The sample was collected from a depth of 1995 m by the Pisces manned submersible on cruise 12 of the R/V Akademik Mstislav Keldysh, Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences. The fragment and the edifice itself consists of two accrete pipes: ore (pyrrhotite) and barren (carbonate) combined in a single edifice by an outer barite-opal zone. The ore edifice is located in the rift zone of the Guaymas Basin with a thick sedimentary cover and is depleted in metals in comparison with ores from rift zones of the open ocean, which are not blocked by sedimentary deposits. This is explained by loss of metals at the boundary between hot sills and sedimentary rocks and by the processes of interaction of hydrothermal solutions with sedimentary deposits. The sedimentary series faciitates long-term preservation of endogenous heat and the ore formation process. Ore edifices of the Guaymas Basin are mostly composed of pyrrhotite, have a specific set of major elements, microelements and REEs, and contain naphthenic hydrocarbons. They may be search signs of hidden polymetallic deposits, considered to be the roots of ore occurrences localized under the surface of the bottom in young active rifts with high spreading and sedimentation rates, i.e., in near-continental areas of rifts of the humid zone with avalanche sedimentation.

Apatite Mineral Chemistry From IOA Deposits in Northern Chile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palma, G.; Barra, F.; Reich, M.; Valencia, V.; Simon, A. C.; Vervoort, J. D.

2017-12-01

The Carmen, Fresia and Mariela iron-oxide apatite (IOA) deposits of Cretaceous age, located in the Coastal Cordillera of northern Chile, comprise massive bodies of magnetite with minor apatite and actinolite crystals spatially related to diorite intrusions. In order to provide new insights on the origin of Andean IOA deposits, we provide geochemical data of apatite grains collected from these three deposits. All studied apatite grains are zoned with respect to Cl and F, and show a decoupled behaviour between fluorapatite and chlorapatite. Carmen apatite grains are mostly F-rich, whereas in Mariela apatite grains are Cl-rich. Fresia apatite grains show a variable composition between fluorapatite and chlorapatite. Carmen apatite grains show a high REE content reaching up to 7000 ppm, and both Fresia and Mariela have lower REE content (<1400 ppm). REE patterns for all analyzed apatite grains show the typical LREE enrichment relative to the HREE and pronounced negative Eu anomaly, which indicates crystallization of plagioclase in the source magmas [1]. Chlorapatite zones are characterized by high S, Na, Sr and Fe content relative to fluorapatite zones. Notably S and Na show a coupled behaviour with Cl. Conversely LREE are depleted in chlorapatite zones, which is compatible with metasomatism through dissolution-reprecipitation mechanism and formation of monazite inclusions [2]. These results indicate a magmatic origin for fluorapatite in these Andean IOA deposits followed by variable degrees of hydrothermal overprint which resulted in the formation of Cl-rich apatites.[1] Frietsch & Perdahl (1995) Ore Geology Rev. 9 489-510. [2]Harlov et al. (2005) Contrib Mineral Petrol 150: 268-286

hZIP1 zinc uptake transporter down regulation and zinc depletion in prostate cancer

PubMed Central

Franklin, Renty B; Feng, Pei; Milon, B; Desouki, Mohamed M; Singh, Keshav K; Kajdacsy-Balla, André; Bagasra, Omar; Costello, Leslie C

2005-01-01

Background The genetic and molecular mechanisms responsible for and associated with the development and progression of prostate malignancy are largely unidentified. The peripheral zone is the major region of the human prostate gland where malignancy develops. The normal peripheral zone glandular epithelium has the unique function of accumulating high levels of zinc. In contrast, the ability to accumulate zinc is lost in the malignant cells. The lost ability of the neoplastic epithelial cells to accumulate zinc is a consistent factor in their development of malignancy. Recent studies identified ZIP1 (SLC39A1) as an important zinc transporter involved in zinc accumulation in prostate cells. Therefore, we investigated the possibility that down-regulation of hZIP1 gene expression might be involved in the inability of malignant prostate cells to accumulate zinc. To address this issue, the expression of hZIP1 and the depletion of zinc in malignant versus non-malignant prostate glands of prostate cancer tissue sections were analyzed. hZIP1 expression was also determined in malignant prostate cell lines. Results hZIP1 gene expression, ZIP1 transporter protein, and cellular zinc were prominent in normal peripheral zone glandular epithelium and in benign hyperplastic glands (also zinc accumulating glands). In contrast, hZIP1 gene expression and transporter protein were markedly down-regulated and zinc was depleted in adenocarcinomatous glands and in prostate intra-epithelial neoplastic foci (PIN). These changes occur early in malignancy and are sustained during its progression in the peripheral zone. hZIP1 is also expressed in the malignant cell lines LNCaP, PC-3, DU-145; and in the nonmalignant cell lines HPr-1 and BPH-1. Conclusion The studies clearly establish that hZIP1 gene expression is down regulated and zinc is depleted in adenocarcinomatous glands. The fact that all the malignant cell lines express hZIP1 indicates that the down-regulation in adenocarcinomatous glands is likely due to in situ gene silencing. These observations, coupled with the numerous and consistent reports of loss of zinc accumulation in malignant cells in prostate cancer, lead to the plausible proposal that down regulation of hZIP1 is a critical early event in the development prostate cancer. PMID:16153295

A modern vs. Permian black shale - the hydrography, primary productivity, and water-column chemistry of deposition

USGS Publications Warehouse

Piper, D.Z.; Perkins, R.B.

2004-01-01

The sediment currently accumulating in the Cariaco Basin, on the continental shelf of Venezuela, has an elevated organic-carbon content of approximately 5%; is accumulating under O2-depleted bottom-water conditions (SO42- reduction); is composed dominantly of foraminiferal calcite, diatomaceous silica, clay, and silt; and is dark greenish gray in color. Upon lithification, it will become a black shale. Recent studies have established the hydrography of the basin and the level of primary productivity and bottom-water redox conditions. These properties are used to model accumulation rates of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, V, and Zn on the seafloor. The model rates agree closely with measured rates for the uppermost surface sediment.The model is applied to the Meade Peak Phosphatic Shale Member of the Phosphoria Formation, a phosphate deposit of Permian age in the northwest United States. It too has all of the requisite properties of a black shale. Although the deposit is a world-class phosphorite, it is composed mostly of phosphatic mudstone and siltstone, chert, limestone, and dolomite. It has organic-carbon concentrations of up to 15%, is strongly enriched in several trace elements above a terrigenous contribution and is black. The trace-element accumulation defines a mean primary productivity in the photic zone of the Phosphoria Basin as moderate, at 500 g m-2 year-1 organic carbon, comparable to primary productivity in the Cariaco Basin. The source of nutrient-enriched water that was imported into the Phosphoria Basin, upwelled into the photic zone, and supported primary productivity was an O2 minimum zone of the open ocean. The depth range over which the water was imported would have been between approximately 100 and 600 m. The mean residence time of bottom water in the basin was approximately 4 years vs. 100 years in the Cariaco Basin. The bottom water was O2 depleted, but it was denitrifying, or NO3- reducing, rather than SO42- reducing. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Lead Isotopes in Olivine-Phyric Shergottite Tissint: Implications for the Geochemical Evolution of the Shergottite Source Mantle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moriwaki, R.; Usui, T.; Simon, J. I.; Jones, J. H.; Yokoyama, T.

2015-01-01

Geochemically-depleted shergottites are basaltic rocks derived from a martian mantle source reservoir. Geochemical evolution of the martian mantle has been investigated mainly based on the Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, and Lu-Hf isotope systematics of the shergottites [1]. Although potentially informative, U-Th- Pb isotope systematics have been limited because of difficulties in interpreting the analyses of depleted meteorite samples that are more susceptible to the effects of near-surface processes and terrestrial contamination. This study conducts a 5-step sequential acid leaching experiment of the first witnessed fall of the geochemically-depleted olivinephyric shergottite Tissint to minimize the effect of low temperature distrubence. Trace element analyses of the Tissint acid residue (mostly pyroxene) indicate that Pb isotope compositions of the residue do not contain either a martian surface or terrestrial component, but represent the Tissint magma source [2]. The residue has relatively unradiogenic initial Pb isotopic compositions (e.g., 206Pb/204Pb = 10.8136) that fall within the Pb isotope space of other geochemically-depleted shergottites. An initial µ-value (238U/204Pb = 1.5) of Tissint at the time of crystallization (472 Ma [3]) is similar to a time-integrated mu- value (1.72 at 472 Ma) of the Tissint source mantle calculated based on the two-stage mantle evolution model [1]. On the other hand, the other geochemically-depleted shergottites (e.g., QUE 94201 [4]) have initial µ-values of their parental magmas distinctly lower than those of their modeled source mantle. These results suggest that only Tissint potentially reflects the geochemical signature of the shergottite mantle source that originated from cumulates of the martian magma ocean

Origin and evolution of the Ilmeny-Vishnevogorsky carbonatites (Urals, Russia): insights from trace-element compositions, and Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, U-Pb, Lu-Hf isotope data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nedosekova, I. L.; Belousova, E. A.; Sharygin, V. V.; Belyatsky, B. V.; Bayanova, T. B.

2013-02-01

The carbonatites of the Ilmeny-Vishnevogorsky Alkaline Complex (IVAC) are specific in geological and geochemical aspects and differ by some characteristics from classic carbonatites of the zoned alkaline-ultramafic complexes. Geological, geochemical and isotopic data and comparison with relevant experimental systems show that the IVAC carbonatites are genetically related to miaskites, and seem to be formed as a result of separation of carbonatite liquid from a miaskitic magma. Appreciable role of a carbonate fluid is established at the later stages of carbonatite formation. The trace element contents in the IVAC carbonatites are similar to carbonatites of the ultramafic-alkaline complexes. The characteristic signatures of the IVAC carbonatites are a high Sr content, a slight depletion in Ba, Nb, Та, Ti, Zr, and Hf, and enrichment in HREE in comparison with carbonatites of ultramafic-alkaline complexes. This testifies a specific nature of the IVAC carbonatites related to the fractionation of a miaskitic magma and to further Late Paleozoic metamorphism. Isotope data suggest a mantle source for IVAC carbonatites and indicate that moderately depleted mantle and enriched EMI-type components participated in magma generation. The lower crust could have been involved in the generation of the IVAC magma.

Size-dependent depletion and community disturbance of phytoplankton under intensive oyster mariculture based on HPLC pigment analysis in Daya Bay, South China Sea.

PubMed

Jiang, Tao; Chen, Feiyu; Yu, Zonghe; Lu, Lin; Wang, Zhaohui

2016-12-01

In this study, we conducted a 14-month investigation in Daya Bay, southern China to understand the effects of oyster farming on phytoplankton community and biomass by using size-fractionated phytopigments. Results proved the filtering effects of oysters on phytoplankton biomass. During the oyster culture period, the average concentration of total chlorophyll a (sum of size-fractionated Chl a) within the farming area was approximately 60% lower than that at the reference site. Phytoplankton depletion in the aquaculture zone mainly occurred in micro-sized fractions (>20 μm) of Chl a, fucoxanthin, and peridinin. The influence of oyster filtration on nano-sized (2.7-20 μm) pigments seemed less than that on micro-sized ones. The depletion of peridinin and 19'-hex-fucoxanthin in aquaculture zone was higher than those of the other pigments, which indicated that flagellated cells might be selectively filtered by oysters and could be more easily influenced by oyster aquaculture. The pico-sized Chl a (<2.7 μm) comprised 24% of total Chl a on the average in the aquaculture zone during the cultural period compared to 6% in the reference site. Picoeukaryote abundance, which was determined via flow cytometry, was significantly higher in the aquaculture zone than in the non-aquaculture areas. The abundance of picoeukaryote is significantly and positively correlated with the concentrations of pico-sized prasinoxanthin, violaxanthin, and neoxanthin, indicating that picoeukaryote is dominated by those in prasinophyte. The results suggest that oyster aquaculture might stimulate the growth of prasinophyte, although the seasonal variations are mainly controlled by the water temperature in the study area. This research highlights the successful use of size-fractionated phytopigments to estimate size-specific phytoplankton biomass and community, which can be applied as a routine method to monitor the environmental effect and food resources of bivalve aquaculture. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Geology of Nicholson's point granite, Natal Metamorphic Province, South Africa: the chemistry of charnockitic alteration and origin of the granite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grantham, G. H.; Allen, A. R.; Cornell, D. H.; Harris, C.

1996-10-01

In the Port Edward area of southern Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa, charnockitic aureoles up to ˜4 m in width are developed adjacent to contacts with Port Edward enderbite and pegmatites intruded into the normally garnetiferous Nicholson's Point granite. Other mineralogical differences between the aureoles and the granite include increased myrmekite and significantly less biotite in the former and the replacement of pyrite by pyrrhotite in the charnockitic rocks. No significant differences in major element chemistry between the garnet-biotite Nicholson's Point granite and charnockitic Nicholson's Point granite are seen, except possibly for higher CaO and TiO 2 in the charnockite. Higher Rb, Th, Nb and Y contents in the garnet-biotite granite suggest that these elements have been locally depleted from garnet-biotite granite during char nockitisation. This depletion is considered to be related to the reduction in biotite. Strontium and Ba contents are significantly higher in the charnockite. Generally higher S contents in the charnockite suggest S metasomatism, with S possibly being added from the enderbite. No differences in δ18O isotope data are seen between the garnetiferous and hypersthene bearing granite. In the charnockite the LREEs are weakly depleted whereas the HREEs show greater depletion compared to the garnetiferous granite. The depletions in REEs are thought to be related to the breakdown of garnet. Europium is marginally enriched or unchanged in the charnockite relative to the garnetiferous granite. Two-pyroxene thermometry on the Port Edward enderbite suggests that it was intruded at temperatures of ˜1000-1100°C. The replacement of pyrite by pyrrhotite is also consistent with a thermal auroele. Consequently the charnockitic zones developed around the intrusions of Port Edward enderbite may result from the thermally driven dehydration of biotite. The aureoles developed adjacent to pegmatites are not considered to have resulted from heat but probably by destabilisation of biotite by a low aH 20 fluid phase, possibly hypersaline brines. The Nicholson's Point granite has geochemical characteristics typical of within-plate granites, A-type granites and rapakivi granites, however the stable and radiogenic isotope characteristics suggest a significant crustal component in the source.

A Re-Os Study of Depleted Trench Peridotites from Northern Mariana

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, T.; Snow, J. E.; Heri, A. R.; Brandon, A. D.; Ishizuka, O.

2017-12-01

Trench peridotites provide information about the influence of subduction initiation on the extent of mantle wedge melting. They preserve melting records throughout subduction history, and as a result, likely experience multiple melt extraction events leading to successive depletion of melt/fluid mobile major and trace elements. To track melting histories of trench peridotites, Re-Os and PGEs can be used as reliable tracers to constrain early melt extraction or re-fertilization events. The Izu-Bonin-Mariana arc, being the largest intra-oceanic subduction system, provides an excellent area to study the formation of supra-subduction zone mantle and crust. Residual peridotite (harzburgite and dunite) samples were collected by dredging from the landward slope of the northern Mariana Trench. The samples are serpentinized to various extents (typical of abyssal peridotites), leaving behind relict grains of spinel, enstatite and olivine embedded within a serpentine matrix along with occasional interstitial diopside. Major element analyses of primary minerals reveal a wide range of variations in Cr# of spinels from 0.31-0.85 indicating 16-20% of melt fraction with dunites apparently experiencing the highest amount of partial melting. For Re-Os and PGE geochemistry, samples with high amounts of spinel (>4 vol %) and variable Cr# were chosen. Initial results show that bulk rock 187Os/188Os ratios range from 0.1113 to 0.1272. All of the samples are sub-chondritic, but in some cases, they are more radiogenic than average abyssal peridotites. Os abundances vary from 1-9 ppb. Sub-chondritic values can be attributed to the samples having evolved from a Re-depleted mantle source indicating a previous melt-extraction event. The cpx-harzburgites, having lower Cr# ( 0.4) are more radiogenic than ultra depleted dunites (Cr# 0.8), which might indicate preferential removal of Os during an apparent higher degree of partial melting experienced by dunites. The higher 187Os/188Os ratios of cpx-harzburgites possibly imply a late stage melt-rock interaction event, which had refertilized the depleted samples in radiogenic Os. Since there are only trace amounts of sediments in the accretionary prism of N. Mariana, Os ratios of these trench peridotites are not influenced by Os from sediments.

Use of dissolved and vapor‐phase gases to investigate methanogenic degradation of petroleum hydrocarbon contamination in the subsurface

USGS Publications Warehouse

Amos, Richard T.; Mayer, K. Ulrich; Bekins, Barbara A.; Delin, Geoffrey N.; Williams, Randi L.

2005-01-01

At many sites contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons, methanogenesis is a significant degradation pathway. Techniques to estimate CH4 production, consumption, and transport processes are needed to understand the geochemical system, provide a complete carbon mass balance, and quantify the hydrocarbon degradation rate. Dissolved and vapor‐phase gas data collected at a petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated site near Bemidji, Minnesota, demonstrate that naturally occurring nonreactive or relatively inert gases such as Ar and N2 can be effectively used to better understand and quantify physical and chemical processes related to methanogenic activity in the subsurface. In the vadose zone, regions of Ar and N2 depletion and enrichment are indicative of methanogenic and methanotrophic zones, and concentration gradients between the regions suggest that reaction‐induced advection can be an important gas transport process. In the saturated zone, dissolved Ar and N2 concentrations are used to quantify degassing driven by methanogenesis and also suggest that attenuation of methane along the flow path, into the downgradient aquifer, is largely controlled by physical processes. Slight but discernable preferential depletion of N2 over Ar, in both the saturated and unsaturated zones near the free‐phase oil, suggests reactivity of N2 and is consistent with other evidence indicating that nitrogen fixation by microbial activity is taking place at this site.

Tectonic control on the genesis of magmas in the New Hebrides arc (Vanuatu)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beier, Christoph; Brandl, Philipp A.; Lima, Selma M.; Haase, Karsten M.

2018-07-01

We present here new bathymetric, petrological and geochemical whole rock, glass and mineral data from the submarine Epi volcano in the New Hebrides (Vanuatu) island arc. The structure has previously been interpreted to be part of a larger caldera structure but new bathymetric data reveal that the volcanic cones are aligned along shear zones controlled by the local tectonic stress field parallel to the recent direction of subduction. We aim to test if there is an interaction between local tectonics and magmatism and to what extent the compositions of island arc volcanoes may be influenced by their tectonic setting. Primitive submarine Epi lavas and those from the neighbouring Lopevi and Ambrym islands originate from a depleted mantle wedge modified by addition of subduction zone components. Incompatible element ratios sensitive to fluid input (e.g., Th/Nb, Ce/Yb) in the lavas are positively correlated with those more sensitive to mantle wedge depletion (e.g., Nb/Yb, Zr/Nb) amongst the arc volcanoes suggesting that fluids or melts from the subducting sediments have a stronger impact on the more depleted compositions of the mantle wedge. The whole rock, glass and mineral major and trace element compositions and the occurrence of exclusively normally zoned clinopyroxene and plagioclase crystals combined with the absence of inversely zoned crystals and water-bearing phases in both mafic and evolved lavas suggest that the erupted melt was relatively dry compared to other subduction zone melts and has experienced little disequilibrium modification by melt mixing or assimilation. Our data also imply that differentiation of amphibole is not required to explain the incompatible element patterns but may rather result from extensive clinopyroxene fractionation in agreement with petrographic observations. Thermobarometric calculations indicate that the melts fractionated continuously during ascent, contrasting with fractionation during stagnation in an established crustal magma reservoir. We interpret the occurrence of this fractional crystallisation end-member in a relatively thick island arc crust ( 30 km thickness) to result from isolated and relatively rapid ascent of melts, most likely through a complex system of dykes and sills that developed due to the tectonic positioning of Epi in a complex tectonic zone between a compressional environment in the north and an extensional setting in the south. We can show that the alignment of the cones largely depends on the local tectonic stress field at Epi that is especially influenced by a large dextral strike-slip zone, indicating that structural features have a significant impact on the location and composition of volcanic edifices.

Role of natural attenuation in modeling the leaching of contaminants in the risk analysis framework.

PubMed

Verginelli, Iason; Baciocchi, Renato

2013-01-15

Natural attenuation (NA) processes occurring in the subsurface can significantly affect the impact on groundwater from contamination sources located in the vadose zone, especially when mobile and readily biodegradable compounds, such as BTEX, are present. Besides, in the last decades several studies have shown natural attenuation to take place also for more persistent compounds, such as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). Nevertheless, common risk analysis frameworks, based on the ASTM RBCA (Risk Based Corrective Action) approach, do not include NA pathways in the fate and transport models, thus possibly leading to an overestimation of the calculated risk. The aim of this study was to provide an insight on the relevance of the different key natural attenuation processes usually taking place in the subsurface and to highlight for which contamination scenarios their inclusion in the risk-analysis framework could provide a more realistic risk assessment. To this end, an analytical model accounting for source depletion and biodegradation, dispersion and diffusion during leaching was developed and applied to several contamination scenarios. These scenarios included contamination by BTEX, characterized by relatively high mobility and biodegradation rate, and PAHs, i.e. a more persistent class of compounds. The obtained results showed that BTEX are likely to be attenuated in the source zone due to their mobility and ready biodegradation (assuming biodegradation constant rates in the order of 0.01-1 d(-1)). Instead, attenuation along transport through the vadose zone was found to be less important, as the residence time of the contaminant in the unsaturated zone is often too low with respect to the time required to get a relevant biodegradation of BTEX. On the other hand, heavier compounds such as PAHs, were found to be attenuated during leaching since the residence time in the vadose zone can reach values up to thousands of years. In these cases, even with the relatively slow biodegradation rate of PAHs, in the order of 0.0001-0.001 d(-1), attenuation can result significant. These conclusions were also confirmed by comparing the model results with experimental data collected at an hydrocarbon-contaminated site. The proposed model, that neglects the transport of NAPLs, could be easily included in the risk-analysis framework, allowing to get a more realistic assessment of risks, while keeping the intrinsic simplicity of the ASTM-RBCA approach. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Spontaneous Ion Depletion and Accumulation Phenomena Induced by Imbibition through Permselective Medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hyomin; Jung, Yeonsu; Park, Sungmin; Kim, Ho-Young; Kim, Sung Jae

2016-11-01

Generally, an ion depletion region near a permselective medium is induced by predominant ion flux through the medium. External electric field or hydraulic pressure has been reported as the driving forces. Among these driving forces, an imbibition through the nanoporous medium was chosen as the mechanism to spontaneously generate the ion depletion region. The water-absorbing process leads to the predominant ion flux so that the spontaneous formation of the ion depletion zone is expected even if there are no additional driving forces except for the inherent capillary action. In this presentation, we derived the analytical solutions using perturbation method and asymptotic analysis for the spontaneous phenomenon. Using the analysis, we found that there is also spontaneous accumulation regime depending on the mobility of dissolved electrolytic species. Therefore, the rigorous analysis of the spontaneous ion depletion and accumulation phenomena would provide a key perspective for the control of ion transportation in nanofluidic system such as desalinator, preconcentrator, and energy harvesting device, etc. Samsung Research Funding Center of Samsung Electronics (SRFC-MA1301-02) and BK21 plus program of Creative Research Engineer Development IT, Seoul National University.

Depleted Uranium: Technical Brief

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This technical brief provides accepted data and references to additional sources for radiological and chemical characteristics, health risks and references for both the monitoring and measurement, and applicable treatment techniques for depleted uranium.

Modelling Ecosystem Dynamics of the Oxygen Minimum Zones in the Angola Gyre and the Northern Benguela Upwelling System.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidt, M.; Eggert, A.

2016-02-01

The Angola Gyre and the Northern Benguela Upwelling System are two major oxygen minimum zones (OMZ) of different kind connected by the system of African Eastern Boundary Currents. We discuss results from a 3-dimensional coupled biogeochemical model covering both oxygen-deficient systems. The biogeochemical model component comprises trophic levels up to zooplankton. Physiological properties of organisms are parameterized from field data gained mainly in the course of the project "Geochemistry and Ecology of the Namibian Upwelling System" (GENUS). The challenge of the modelling effort is the different nature of both systems. The Angola Gyre, located in a "shadow zone" of the tropical Atlantic, has a low productivity and little ventilation, hence a long residence time of water masses. In the northern Benguela Upwelling System, trade winds drive an intermittent, but permanent nutrient supply into the euphotic zone which fuels a high coastal productivity, large particle export and high oxygen consumption from dissimilatory processes. In addition to the local processes, oxygen-deficient water formed in the Angola Gyre is one of the source water masses of the poleward undercurrent, which feeds oxygen depleted water into the Benguela system. In order to simulate the oxygen distribution in the Benguela system, both physical transport as well as local biological processes need to be carefully adjusted in the model. The focus of the analysis is on the time scale and the relative contribution of the different oxygen related processes to the oxygen budgets in both the oxygen minimum zones. Although these are very different in both the OMZ, the model is found as suitable to produce oxygen minimum zones comparable with observations in the Benguela and the Angola Gyre as well. Variability of the oxygen concentration in the Angola Gyre depends strongly on organismic oxygen consumption, whereas the variability of the oxygen concentration on the Namibian shelf is governed mostly by pole-ward advection of tropical water masses.

Redistribution of iron and titanium in subduction zones: insights from high-pressure serpentinites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crossley, Rosalind; Evans, Katy; Reddy, Steven; Lester, Gregory

2017-04-01

The redox state, quantity and composition of subduction zone fluids influence the transport and precipitation of elements including those which are redox-sensitive, of economic importance such as Cu, Au and Ag, and those considered to be immobile, which include Fe3+. However, subduction zone fluids remain poorly understood. The redox state of Fe in high-pressure ultramafic rocks, which host a significant proportion of Fe3+, can be used to provide an insight into Fe cycling and constrain the composition of subduction zone fluids. In this work, a combination of the study of oxide and silicate mineral textures, interpretation of mineral parageneses, mineral composition data, and the whole rock geochemistry of high-pressure retrogressed ultramafic rocks from the Zermatt-Saas Zone constrains the distribution of iron and titanium, and oxidation state of iron, to provide constraints on fluids at depth in subduction zones. Oxide minerals host the bulk of the iron, particularly Fe3+. The increase in mode of magnetite during initial retrogression is most consistent with oxidation of existing iron within the samples during the infiltration of an oxidising fluid since it is difficult to reconcile addition of Fe3+ with the known limited solubility of this species. These fluids may be sourced from hybrid samples and/or serpentinites at greater depths. However, high Ti contents are not typical of serpentinites and additionally cannot be accounted for by simple mixing of a depleted mantle protolith with the nearby Allalin gabbro. Titanium-rich samples are suggested to result from fluid-facilitated hybridisation of gabbro and serpentinite protoliths prior to peak metamorphism, and provides the tantalising possibility that Ti, an element generally perceived as immobile, has been added to the rock during this process. If Ti addition has occurred, then the introduction of Fe3+, also generally considered to be immobile, cannot be disregarded. Aluminosilicate complexing could provide a transport vector for Ti where this mechanism of Ti transport is consistent with the Al-rich nature of the sample.

Mantle and crustal contribution in the genesis of Recent basalts from off-rift zones in Iceland: Constraints from Th, Sr and O isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sigmarsson, Olgeir; Condomines, Michel; Fourcade, Serge

1992-05-01

Along the two volcanic off-rift zones in Iceland, the Sn˦fellsnes volcanic zone (SNVZ) and the South Iceland volcanic zone (SIVZ), geochemical parameters vary regularly along the strike towards the centre of the island. Recent basalts from the SNVZ change from alkali basalts to tholeiites where the volcanic zone reaches the active rift axis, and their 87Sr/ 86Sr and Th/U ratios decrease in the same direction. These variations are interpreted as the result of mixing between mantle melts from two distinct reservoirs below Sn˦fellsnes. The mantle melt would be more depleted in incompatible elements, but with a higher 3He/ 4He ratio ( R/Ra≈ 20) beneath the centre of Iceland than at the tip of the Sn˦fellsnes volcanic zone ( R/Ra≈ 7.5). From southwest to northeast along the SIVZ, the basalts change from alkali basalts to FeTi basalts and quartz-normative tholeiites. The Th/U ratio of the Recent basalts increases and both ( 230Th/ 232Th ) and δ 18O values decrease in the same direction. This reflects an important crustal contamination of the FeTi-rich basalts and the quartz tholeiites. The two types of basalts could be produced through assimilation and fractional crystallization in which primary alkali basaltic and olivine tholeiitic melts 'erode' and assimilate the base of the crust. The increasingly tholeiitic character of the basalts towards the centre of Iceland, which reflects a higher degree of partial melting, is qualitatively consistent with increasing geothermal gradient and negative gravity anomaly. The highest Sr isotope ratio in Recent basalts from Iceland is observed inÖr˦fajökull volcano, which has a 3He/ 4He ratio ( R/Ra≈ 7.8) close to the MORB value, and this might represent a mantle source similar to that of Mauna Loa in Hawaii.

Land use change affects biogenic silica pool distribution in a subtropical soil toposequence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Unzué-Belmonte, Dácil; Ameijeiras-Mariño, Yolanda; Opfergelt, Sophie; Cornelis, Jean-Thomas; Barão, Lúcia; Minella, Jean; Meire, Patrick; Struyf, Eric

2017-07-01

Land use change (deforestation) has several negative consequences for the soil system. It is known to increase erosion rates, which affect the distribution of elements in soils. In this context, the crucial nutrient Si has received little attention, especially in a tropical context. Therefore, we studied the effect of land conversion and erosion intensity on the biogenic silica pools in a subtropical soil in the south of Brazil. Biogenic silica (BSi) was determined using a novel alkaline continuous extraction where Si / Al ratios of the fractions extracted are used to distinguish BSi and other soluble fractions: Si / Al > 5 for the biogenic AlkExSi (alkaline-extractable Si) and Si / Al < 5 for the non-biogenic AlkExSi. Our study shows that deforestation can rapidly (< 50 years) deplete the biogenic AlkExSi pool in soils depending on the slope of the study site (10-53 %), with faster depletion in steeper sites. We show that higher erosion in steeper sites implies increased accumulation of biogenic Si in deposition zones near the bottom of the slope, where rapid burial can cause removal of BSi from biologically active zones. Our study highlights the interaction of erosion strength and land use for BSi redistribution and depletion in a soil toposequence, with implications for basin-scale Si cycling.

Capillary Ion Concentration Polarization for Power-Free Salt Purification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Sungmin; Jung, Yeonsu; Cho, Inhee; Kim, Ho-Young; Kim, Sung Jae

2014-11-01

In this presentation, we experimentally and theoretically demonstrated the capillary based ion concentration polarization for power-free salt purification system. Traditional ion concentration polarization phenomenon has been studied for a decade for both fundamental nanoscale fluid dynamics and novel engineering applications such as desalination, preconcentration and energy harvesting devices. While the conventional system utilizes an external power source, the system based on capillary ion concentration polarization is capable of perm-selective ion transportation only by capillarity so that the same ion depletion zone can be formed without any external power sources. An ion concentration profile near the nanostructure was tracked using fluorescent probes and analyzed by solving the modified Nernst-Planck equation. As a result, the concentration in the vicinity of the nanostructure was at least 10 times lower than that of bulk electrolyte and thus, the liquid absorbed into the nanostructure had the low concentration. This mechanism can be used for the power free salt purification system which would be significantly useful in underdeveloped and remote area. This work was supported by Samsung Research Funding Center of Samsung Electronics under Project Number SRFC-MA1301-02.

Ages, geochemistry and tectonic implications of the Cambrian igneous rocks in the northern Great Xing'an Range, NE China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Zhiqiang; Liu, Yongjiang; Li, Yanrong; Li, Weimin; Wen, Quanbo; Liu, Binqiang; Zhou, Jianping; Zhao, Yingli

2017-08-01

The Xinlin-Xiguitu suture zone, located in the Great Xing'an Range, NE China, in the eastern segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), represents the boundary between the Erguna and Xing'an micro-continental blocks. The exact location of the Xinlin-Xiguitu suture zone has been debated, especially, the location of the northern extension of the suture zone. In this study, based on a detailed field, geochemical, geochronological and Sr-Nd-Hf isotope study, we focus our work on the Cambrian igneous rocks in the Erguna-Xing'an block. The Xinglong granitoids, mainly include ∼520 Ma diorite, ∼470 Ma monzogranite and ∼480 Ma pyroxene diorite. The granitoids show medium to high-K calc-alkaline series characteristics with post-collision granite affinity. The circa 500 Ma granitoids have low εHf (t) values (-16.6 to +2.2) and ancient two-stage model (TDM2) ages between 1317 Ma and 2528 Ma. These results indicate the primary magmas of the Xinglong granitoids were probably derived from the partial melting of a dominantly Paleo-Mesoproterozoic ;old; crustal source with possible different degrees of addition of juvenile materials, and formed in a post-collision tectonic setting after the amalgamation of the Erguna and Xing'an blocks. Compared with the Xinglong granitoids, the Duobaoshan igneous rocks are consisted of the approximately coeval rhyolitic tuffs (491 ± 5 Ma) and ultramafic intrusions (497 ± 5 Ma) within the Duobaoshan Formation. They are generally enriched in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and depleted in high field strength elements (HFSEs; e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti), consistent with the geochemistry of igneous rocks from island arcs or active continental margins. The ultramafic rocks have high positive εHf (t) values (+1.3 to +15) and εNd (t) (+1.86 to +2.28), and relatively young two-stage model (TDM2) ages and low initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.70628-0.70853), indicating the partial melting of a depleted mantle source from a subducted slab in the ocean basin between the Erguna-Xing'an and Songliao blocks. The rhyolitic tuffs contain a group of Phanerozoic zircons with εHf (t) values (-4.6 to +15.0), suggesting that the rhyolitic tuffs were derived from juvenile lower crustal material with some ancient crustal material. Coupled with our previous geochemical and isotopic studies on Early Paleozoic igneous rocks, we proposed that the collision of the Erguna and Xing'an blocks at least took place ca. 500 Ma ago, and that there exist in a westward subduction of an oceanic plate between the Eruguna-Xing'an and Songliao blocks, took place during the Early Ordovician. Up to now, there are more evidences and constraints that the northern extension location of the Xinlin-Xiguitu suture zone is located in the Jifeng-Xinglong areas.

In Situ NAPL Modification for Contaminant Source-Zone Passivation, Mass Flux Reduction, and Remediation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mateas, D. J.; Tick, G.; Carroll, K. C.

2016-12-01

A remediation method was developed to reduce the aqueous solubility and mass-flux of target NAPL contaminants through the in-situ creation of a NAPL mixture source-zone. This method was tested in the laboratory using equilibrium batch tests and two-dimensional flow-cell experiments. The creation of two different NAPL mixture source zones were tested in which 1) volumes of relatively insoluble n-hexadecane (HEX) or vegetable oil (VO) were injected into a trichloroethene (TCE) contaminant source-zone; and 2) pre-determined HEX-TCE and VO-TCE mixture ratio source zones were emplaced into the flow cell prior to water flushing. NAPL-aqueous phase batch tests were conducted prior to the flow-cell experiments to evaluate the effects of various NAPL mixture ratios on equilibrium aqueous-phase concentrations of TCE and toluene (TOL) and to design optimal NAPL (HEX or VO) injection volumes for the flow-cell experiments. Uniform NAPL mixture source-zones were able to quickly decrease contaminant mass-flux, as demonstrated by the emplaced source-zone experiments. The success of the HEX and VO injections to also decrease mass flux was dependent on the ability of these injectants to homogeneously mix with TCE source-zone. Upon injection, both HEX and VO migrated away from the source-zone, to some extent. However, the lack of a steady-state dissolution phase and the inefficient mass-flux-reduction/mass-removal behavior produced after VO injection suggest that VO was more effective than HEX for mixing and partitioning within the source-zone region to form a more homogeneous NAPL mixture with TCE. VO appears to be a promising source-zone injectant-NAPL due to its negligible long-term toxicity and lower mobilization potential.

Isotope geochemistry of early Kilauea magmas from the submarine Hilina bench: The nature of the Hilina mantle component

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kimura, Jun-Ichi; Sisson, Thomas W.; Nakano, Natsuko; Coombs, Michelle L.; Lipman, Peter W.

2006-01-01

Submarine lavas recovered from the Hilina bench region, offshore Kilauea, Hawaii Island provide information on ancient Kilauea volcano and the geochemical components of the Hawaiian hotspot. Alkalic lavas, including nephelinite, basanite, hawaiite, and alkali basalt, dominate the earliest stage of Kilauea magmatism. Transitional basalt pillow lavas are an intermediate phase, preceding development of the voluminous tholeiitic subaerial shield and submarine Puna Ridge. Most alkalic through transitional lavas are quite uniform in Sr–Nd–Pb isotopes, supporting the interpretation that variable extent partial melting of a relatively homogeneous source was responsible for much of the geochemical diversity of early Kilauea magmas (Sisson et al., 2002). These samples are among the highest 206Pb/204Pb known from Hawaii and may represent melts from a distinct geochemical and isotopic end-member involved in the generation of most Hawaiian tholeiites. This end-member is similar to the postulated literature Kea component, but we propose that it should be renamed Hilina, to avoid confusion with the geographically defined Kea-trend volcanoes. Isotopic compositions of some shield-stage Kilauea tholeiites overlap the Hilina end-member but most deviate far into the interior of the isotopic field defined by magmas from other Hawaiian volcanoes, reflecting the introduction of melt contributions from both “Koolau” (high 87Sr/86Sr, low 206Pb/204Pb) and depleted (low 87Sr/86Sr, intermediate 206Pb/204Pb) source materials. This shift in isotopic character from nearly uniform, end-member, and alkalic, to diverse and tholeiitic corresponds with the major increase in Kilauea's magmatic productivity. Two popular geodynamic models can account for these relations: (1) The upwelling mantle source could be concentrically zoned in both chemical/isotopic composition, and in speed/extent of upwelling, with Hilina (and Loihi) components situated in the weakly ascending margins and the Koolau component in the interior. The depleted component could be refractory and spread throughout or scavenged from the overlying lithosphere. (2) The Hilina (and Loihi) components could be a more fertile material (lower melting temperature) spread irregularly throughout the Hawaiian source in a matrix of more refractory depleted and Koolau compositions. Modest upwelling along the leading hotspot margin melts the fertile domains predominantly, while the refractory matrix also partially melts in the more vigorously upwelling hotspot interior, diluting the Hilina and Loihi components and yielding voluminous isotopically diverse tholeiitic magmas.

A nitrogen-rich septage-effluent plume in a glacial aquifer, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, February 1990 through December 1992

USGS Publications Warehouse

Desimone, Leslie A.; Barlow, Paul M.; Howes, Brian L.

1996-01-01

Physical, chemical, and microbial processes controlled transport of a nitrogen-rich ground-water plume through a glacial aquifer. Lithologic heterogeneity and vertical head gradients influenced plume movement and geometry. Nitrate was the predominant nitrogen form and oxygen was depleted in the ground-water plume. However, denitrification transformed only 2 percent of plume nitrogen because of limited organic-carbon availability. Aerobic respiration, nitrification and cation exchange (unsaturated zone) and ammonium sorption (saturated zone) had larger effects.

Multiple episodes of partial melting, depletion, metasomatism and enrichment processes recorded in the heterogeneous upper mantle sequence of the Neotethyan Eldivan ophiolite, Turkey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uysal, Ibrahim; Ersoy, E. Yalçın; Dilek, Yildirim; Kapsiotis, Argyrios; Sarıfakıoğlu, Ender

2016-03-01

The Eldivan ophiolite along the Izmir-Ankara-Erzincan suture zone in north-central Anatolia represents a remnant of the Neotethyan oceanic lithosphere. Its upper mantle peridotites include three lithologically and compositionally distinct units: clinopyroxene (cpx)-harzburgite and lherzolite (Group-1), depleted harzburgite (Group-2), and dunite (Group-3). Relics of primary olivine and pyroxene occur in the less refractory harzburgites, and fresh chromian spinel (Cr-spinel) is ubiquitous in all peridotites. The Eldivan peridotites reflect a petrogenetic history evolving from relatively fertile (lherzolite and cpx-harzburgite) toward more depleted (dunite) compositions through time, as indicated by (i) a progressive decrease in the modal cpx distribution, (ii) a progressive increase in the Cr#s [Cr / (Cr + Al)] of Cr-spinel (0.15-0.78), and (iii) an increased depletion in the whole-rock abundances of some magmaphile major oxides (Al2O3, CaO, SiO2 and TiO2) and incompatible trace elements (Zn, Sc, V and Y). The primitive mantle-normalized REE patterns of the Group-1 and some of the Group-2 peridotites display LREE depletions. Higher YbN and lower SmN/YbN ratios of these rocks are compatible with their formation after relatively low degrees (9-25%) of open-system dynamic melting (OSDM) of a Depleted Mid-ocean ridge Mantle (DMM) source, which was then fluxed with small volumes of oceanic mantle-derived melt [fluxing ratio (β): 0.7-1.2%]. Accessory Cr-spinel compositions (Cr# = 015-0.53) of these rocks are consistent with their origin as residual peridotites beneath a mid-ocean ridge axis. Part of the Group-2 harzburgites exhibit lower YbN and higher SmN/YbN ratios, LREE-enriched REE patterns, and higher Cr-spinel Cr#s ranging between 0.54 and 0.61. Trace element compositions of these peridotites can be modeled by approximately 15% OSDM of a previously 17% depleted DMM, which was then fluxed (β: 0.4%) with subduction-influenced melt. The Group-3 dunite samples contain Cr-spinel with elevated Cr#s (0.73-0.78) and low-TiO2 contents (< 0.13 wt.%), implying higher degrees of melting (21-24%) of an already depleted DMM that was triggered by infiltration of low-Ti boninite melt with fluxing rates of 0.4-4.0%. The existence of interstitial, idiomorphic Cr-spinel (high Cr# and low Ti) in the Group-3 dunites is consistent with this interpretation. The occurrence of both MOR- and SSZ-type peridotites in the Eldivan ophiolite suggests that its heterogeneous upper mantle was produced as a result of different partial melting and melt-rock reaction processes in different tectonic settings within the Neotethyan realm.

Nitrous Oxide: A Greenhouse Gas That is Also an Ozone Layer Depleting Gas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reed, S.; Uriarte, M.; Wood, T. E.; Cavaleri, M. A.; Lugo, A. E.

2014-12-01

Nitrous oxide, N2O, is the major source of nitrogen oxides in the stratosphere, where these oxides playa critical roles in ozone layer depletion by itself and moderating ozone layer depletion by chlorinated chemicals. Thus N2O plays a complex role in the stratosphere. Nitrous oxide is also a greenhouse gas and it contributes to the radiative forcing of climate. Indeed, it is considered the third most important greenhouse gas next to carbon dioxide and methane. This dual role of nitrous oxide makes it an interesting gas for the atmosphere- it bridges the issue of ozone layer depletion and climate change. Nitrous oxide has both natural and anthropogenic sources. Therefore, one needs to consider this important distinction between natural and anthropogenic sources as well as its role in two related but separate environmental issues. Further, the sources of nitrous oxide are varied and diffuse, which makes it difficult to quantify different sources. However, it is clear that a majority of anthropogenic nitrous oxide comes from food production (including agricultural and animal growth practices), an activity that is at the heart of human existence. Thus, limiting N2O emissions is not a simple task! I will briefly summarize our understanding of these roles of nitrous oxide in the earth's atmosphere and touch on the possible ways to limit N2O emissions.

Nitrous Oxide: A Greenhouse Gas That is Also an Ozone Layer Depleting Gas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ravishankara, A. R.

2015-12-01

Nitrous oxide, N2O, is the major source of nitrogen oxides in the stratosphere, where these oxides playa critical roles in ozone layer depletion by itself and moderating ozone layer depletion by chlorinated chemicals. Thus N2O plays a complex role in the stratosphere. Nitrous oxide is also a greenhouse gas and it contributes to the radiative forcing of climate. Indeed, it is considered the third most important greenhouse gas next to carbon dioxide and methane. This dual role of nitrous oxide makes it an interesting gas for the atmosphere- it bridges the issue of ozone layer depletion and climate change. Nitrous oxide has both natural and anthropogenic sources. Therefore, one needs to consider this important distinction between natural and anthropogenic sources as well as its role in two related but separate environmental issues. Further, the sources of nitrous oxide are varied and diffuse, which makes it difficult to quantify different sources. However, it is clear that a majority of anthropogenic nitrous oxide comes from food production (including agricultural and animal growth practices), an activity that is at the heart of human existence. Thus, limiting N2O emissions is not a simple task! I will briefly summarize our understanding of these roles of nitrous oxide in the earth's atmosphere and touch on the possible ways to limit N2O emissions.

Melt extraction and mantle source at a Southwest Indian Ridge Dragon Bone amagmatic segment on the Marion Rise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Changgui; Dick, Henry J. B.; Liu, Yang; Zhou, Huaiyang

2016-03-01

This paper works on the trace and major element compositions of spatially associated basalts and peridotites from the Dragon Bone amagmatic ridge segment at the eastern flank of the Marion Platform on the ultraslow spreading Southwest Indian Ridge. The rare earth element compositions of basalts do not match the pre-alteration Dragon Bone peridotite compositions, but can be modeled by about 5 to 10% non-modal batch equilibrium melting from a DMM source. The Dragon Bone peridotites are clinopyroxene-poor harzburgite with average spinel Cr# 27.7. The spinel Cr# indicates a moderate degree of melting. However, CaO and Al2O3 of the peridotites are lower than other abyssal peridotites at the same Mg# and extent of melting. This requires a pyroxene-poor initial mantle source composition compared to either hypothetical primitive upper mantle or depleted MORB mantle sources. We suggest a hydrous melting of the initial Dragon Bone mantle source, as wet melting depletes pyroxene faster than dry. According to the rare earth element patterns, the Dragon Bone peridotites are divided into two groups. Heavy REE in Group 1 are extremely fractionated from middle REE, which can be modeled by 7% fractional melting in the garnet stability field and another 12.5 to 13.5% in the spinel stability field from depleted and primitive upper mantle sources, respectively. Heavy REE in Group 2 are slightly fractionated from middle REE, which can be modeled by 15 to 20% fractional melting in the spinel stability field from a depleted mantle source. Both groups show similar melting degree to other abyssal peridotites. If all the melt extraction occurred at the middle oceanic ridge where the peridotites were dredged, a normal 6 km thick oceanic crust is expected at the Dragon Bone segment. However, the Dragon Bone peridotites are exposed in an amagmatic ridge segment where only scattered pillow basalts lie on a partially serpentinized mantle pavement. Thus their depletion requires an earlier melting occurred at other place. Considering the hydrous melting of the initial Dragon Bone mantle source, we suggest the earlier melting event occurred in an arc terrain, prior to or during the closure of the Mozambique Ocean in the Neproterozoic, and the subsequent assembly of Gondwana. Then, the Al2O3 depleted and thus buoyant peridotites became the MORB source for Southwest Indian Ridge and formed the Marion Rise during the Gondwana breakup.

Characterizing Long-term Contaminant Mass Discharge and the Relationship Between Reductions in Discharge and Reductions in Mass for DNAPL Source Areas

PubMed Central

Matthieu, D.E.; Carroll, K.C.; Mainhagu, J.; Morrison, C.; McMillan, A.; Russo, A.; Plaschke, M.

2013-01-01

The objective of this study was to characterize the temporal behavior of contaminant mass discharge, and the relationship between reductions in contaminant mass discharge and reductions in contaminant mass, for a very heterogeneous, highly contaminated source-zone field site. Trichloroethene is the primary contaminant of concern, and several lines of evidence indicate the presence of organic liquid in the subsurface. The site is undergoing groundwater extraction for source control, and contaminant mass discharge has been monitored since system startup. The results show a significant reduction in contaminant mass discharge with time, decreasing from approximately 1 to 0.15 kg/d. Two methods were used to estimate the mass of contaminant present in the source area at the initiation of the remediation project. One was based on a comparison of two sets of core data, collected 3.5 years apart, which suggests that a significant (~80%) reduction in aggregate sediment-phase TCE concentrations occurred between sampling events. The second method was based on fitting the temporal contaminant mass discharge data with a simple exponential source-depletion function. Relatively similar estimates, 784 and 993 kg, respectively, were obtained with the two methods. These data were used to characterize the relationship between reductions in contaminant mass discharge (CMDR) and reductions in contaminant mass (MR). The observed curvilinear relationship exhibits a reduction in contaminant mass discharge essentially immediately upon initiation of mass reduction. This behavior is consistent with a system wherein significant quantities of mass are present in hydraulically poorly accessible domains for which mass removal is influenced by rate-limited mass transfer. The results obtained from the present study are compared to those obtained from other field studies to evaluate the impact of system properties and conditions on mass-discharge and mass-removal behavior. The results indicated that factors such as domain scale, hydraulic-gradient status (induced or natural), and flushing-solution composition had insignificant impact on the CMDR-MR profiles and thus on underlying mass-removal behavior. Conversely, source-zone age, through its impact on contaminant distribution and accessibility, was implicated as a critical factor influencing the nature of the CMDR-MR relationship. PMID:23528743

Reconciling opposing soil processes in row-crop agroecosystems via soil functional zone management

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Sustaining soil productivity in agroecosystems presents a fundamental ecological challenge: nutrient provisioning depends upon aggregate turnover and microbial decomposition of organic matter (SOM); yet to prevent soil depletion these processes must be balanced by those that restore nutrients and SO...

Geochemistry of continental subduction-zone fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Yong-Fei; Hermann, Joerg

2014-12-01

The composition of continental subduction-zone fluids varies dramatically from dilute aqueous solutions at subsolidus conditions to hydrous silicate melts at supersolidus conditions, with variable concentrations of fluid-mobile incompatible trace elements. At ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic conditions, supercritical fluids may occur with variable compositions. The water component of these fluids primarily derives from structural hydroxyl and molecular water in hydrous and nominally anhydrous minerals at UHP conditions. While the breakdown of hydrous minerals is the predominant water source for fluid activity in the subduction factory, water released from nominally anhydrous minerals provides an additional water source. These different sources of water may accumulate to induce partial melting of UHP metamorphic rocks on and above their wet solidii. Silica is the dominant solute in the deep fluids, followed by aluminum and alkalis. Trace element abundances are low in metamorphic fluids at subsolidus conditions, but become significantly elevated in anatectic melts at supersolidus conditions. The compositions of dissolved and residual minerals are a function of pressure-temperature and whole-rock composition, which exert a strong control on the trace element signature of liberated fluids. The trace element patterns of migmatic leucosomes in UHP rocks and multiphase solid inclusions in UHP minerals exhibit strong enrichment of large ion lithophile elements (LILE) and moderate enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREE) but depletion of high field strength elements (HFSE) and heavy rare earth elements (HREE), demonstrating their crystallization from anatectic melts of crustal protoliths. Interaction of the anatectic melts with the mantle wedge peridotite leads to modal metasomatism with the generation of new mineral phases as well as cryptic metasomatism that is only manifested by the enrichment of fluid-mobile incompatible trace elements in orogenic peridotites. Partial melting of the metasomatic mantle domains gives rise to a variety of mafic igneous rocks in collisional orogens and their adjacent active continental margins. The study of such metasomatic processes and products is of great importance to understanding of the mass transfer at the slab-mantle interface in subduction channels. Therefore, the property and behavior of subduction-zone fluids are a key for understanding of the crust-mantle interaction at convergent plate margins.

Thresholds in Soil Mineral Weathering and Relation to Streamwater Chemistry in Glaciated Catchments of the Northeastern USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bailey, S. W.; Ross, D. S.

2015-12-01

Primary mineral dissolution (i.e. weathering) is a critical process in forested catchments as an important consumer of acidity and CO2, the principle source of nutrients such as Ca, K, and P, as well as the source of toxic cations such as Al. Two common limitations of weathering studies are inadequate determination of mineralogic composition and insufficient sampling depth to determine location and advancement of weathering reactions. We determined mineral stocks through EPMA mapping of Al, Ca, Fe, P, and Si content of soil samples and development of an image analysis routine that assigned mineral composition based on the content of these five elements. Portions of the classified maps were confirmed by optical petrography and full elemental analysis by SEM-EDS. Samples were analyzed for soil profiles >2m depth (~1.5m past the upper boundary of the "unweathered" C horizon). Study sites spanned a range of weatherability found in catchments in glaciated northeastern USA including Winnisook, NY (sandstone parent material, 100 ppm Ca), Hubbard Brook, NH (granite, 0.9% Ca), and Sleepers River, VT (calcareous granulite, 3.5% Ca). All profiles exhibited a weathering front, or threshold above which the most reactive minerals (calcite, apatite) have been depleted. However, in all cases this threshold was below the rooting zone, and in many profiles, it was well below the C horizon interface. Catchment scale Ca exports reflect this deeper weathering source while rooting zone exchangeable Ca was highly variable, probably reflecting spatial patterns of hydrologic flowpaths which bring deeper weathering products to the surface only in certain landscape positions. These results suggest that nutrient cycling and critical loads models, which assume that ecologically relevant weathering is confined to the rooting zone, need to be refined to account for deeper weathering and spatial patterns of lateral and upward hydrologic fluxes. Similarly, recovery from cultural acidification may be limited in portions of catchments where hydrologic connections do not provide a vehicle for weathering products to recharge the biologically active portion of the subsurface.

Estimating initial contaminant mass based on fitting mass-depletion functions to contaminant mass discharge data: Testing method efficacy with SVE operations data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mainhagu, J.; Brusseau, M. L.

2016-09-01

The mass of contaminant present at a site, particularly in the source zones, is one of the key parameters for assessing the risk posed by contaminated sites, and for setting and evaluating remediation goals and objectives. This quantity is rarely known and is challenging to estimate accurately. This work investigated the efficacy of fitting mass-depletion functions to temporal contaminant mass discharge (CMD) data as a means of estimating initial mass. Two common mass-depletion functions, exponential and power functions, were applied to historic soil vapor extraction (SVE) CMD data collected from 11 contaminated sites for which the SVE operations are considered to be at or close to essentially complete mass removal. The functions were applied to the entire available data set for each site, as well as to the early-time data (the initial 1/3 of the data available). Additionally, a complete differential-time analysis was conducted. The latter two analyses were conducted to investigate the impact of limited data on method performance, given that the primary mode of application would be to use the method during the early stages of a remediation effort. The estimated initial masses were compared to the total masses removed for the SVE operations. The mass estimates obtained from application to the full data sets were reasonably similar to the measured masses removed for both functions (13 and 15% mean error). The use of the early-time data resulted in a minimally higher variation for the exponential function (17%) but a much higher error (51%) for the power function. These results suggest that the method can produce reasonable estimates of initial mass useful for planning and assessing remediation efforts.

Copahue volcano and its regional magmatic setting

USGS Publications Warehouse

Varekamp, J C; Zareski, J E; Camfield, L M; Todd, Erin

2016-01-01

Copahue volcano (Province of Neuquen, Argentina) has produced lavas and strombolian deposits over several 100,000s of years, building a rounded volcano with a 3 km elevation. The products are mainly basaltic andesites, with the 2000–2012 eruptive products the most mafic. The geochemistry of Copahue products is compared with those of the main Andes arc (Llaima, Callaqui, Tolhuaca), the older Caviahue volcano directly east of Copahue, and the back arc volcanics of the Loncopue graben. The Caviahue rocks resemble the main Andes arc suite, whereas the Copahue rocks are characterized by lower Fe and Ti contents and higher incompatible element concentrations. The rocks have negative Nb-Ta anomalies, modest enrichments in radiogenic Sr and Pb isotope ratios and slightly depleted Nd isotope ratios. The combined trace element and isotopic data indicate that Copahue magmas formed in a relatively dry mantle environment, with melting of a subducted sediment residue. The back arc basalts show a wide variation in isotopic composition, have similar water contents as the Copahue magmas and show evidence for a subducted sedimentary component in their source regions. The low 206Pb/204Pb of some backarc lava flows suggests the presence of a second endmember with an EM1 flavor in its source. The overall magma genesis is explained within the context of a subducted slab with sediment that gradually looses water, water-mobile elements, and then switches to sediment melt extracts deeper down in the subduction zone. With the change in element extraction mechanism with depth comes a depletion and fractionation of the subducted complex that is reflected in the isotope and trace element signatures of the products from the main arc to Copahue to the back arc basalts.

Meltwater produced by wind-albedo interaction stored in an East Antarctic ice shelf

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lenaerts, J. T. M.; Lhermitte, S.; Drews, R.; Ligtenberg, S. R. M.; Berger, S.; Helm, V.; Smeets, C. J. P. P.; Broeke, M. R. Van Den; van de Berg, W. J.; van Meijgaard, E.; Eijkelboom, M.; Eisen, O.; Pattyn, F.

2017-01-01

Surface melt and subsequent firn air depletion can ultimately lead to disintegration of Antarctic ice shelves causing grounded glaciers to accelerate and sea level to rise. In the Antarctic Peninsula, foehn winds enhance melting near the grounding line, which in the recent past has led to the disintegration of the most northerly ice shelves. Here, we provide observational and model evidence that this process also occurs over an East Antarctic ice shelf, where meltwater-induced firn air depletion is found in the grounding zone. Unlike the Antarctic Peninsula, where foehn events originate from episodic interaction of the circumpolar westerlies with the topography, in coastal East Antarctica high temperatures are caused by persistent katabatic winds originating from the ice sheet’s interior. Katabatic winds warm and mix the air as it flows downward and cause widespread snow erosion, explaining >3 K higher near-surface temperatures in summer and surface melt doubling in the grounding zone compared with its surroundings. Additionally, these winds expose blue ice and firn with lower surface albedo, further enhancing melt. The in situ observation of supraglacial flow and englacial storage of meltwater suggests that ice-shelf grounding zones in East Antarctica, like their Antarctic Peninsula counterparts, are vulnerable to hydrofracturing.

Crystal growth and crystallography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chernov, A. A.

1998-01-01

Selected topics that may be of interest for both crystal-structure and crystal-growth communities are overviewed. The growth of protein crystals, along with that of some other compounds, is one of the topics, and recent insights into related phenomena are considered as examples of applications of general principles. The relationship between crystal growth shape and structure is reviewed and an attempt to introduce semiquantitative characterization of binding for proteins is made. The concept of kinks for complex structures is briefly discussed. Even at sufficiently low supersaturations, the fluctuation of steps may not be sufficient to implement the Gibbs-Thomson law if the kink density is low enough. Subsurface ordering of liquids and growth of rough interfaces from melts is discussed. Crystals growing in microgravity from solution should be more perfect if they preferentially trap stress-inducing impurities, thus creating an impurity-depleted zone around themselves. Evidently, such a zone is developed only around the crystals growing in the absence of convection. Under terrestrial conditions, the self-purified depleted zone is destroyed by convection, the crystal traps more impurity and grows stressed. The stress relief causes mosaicity. In systems containing stress-inducing but poorly trapped impurities, the crystals grown in the absence of convection should be worse than those of their terrestrial counterparts.

Concentration profiles of actin-binding molecules in lamellipodia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Falcke, Martin

2016-04-01

Motile cells form lamellipodia in the direction of motion, which are flat membrane protrusions containing an actin filament network. The network flows rearward relative to the leading edge of the lamellipodium due to actin polymerization at the front. Thus, actin binding molecules are subject to transport towards the rear of the cell in the bound state and diffuse freely in the unbound state. We analyze this reaction-diffusion-advection process with respect to the concentration profiles of these species and provide an analytic approximation for them. Network flow may cause a depletion zone of actin binding molecules close to the leading edge. The existence of such zone depends on the free molecule concentration in the cell body, on the ratio of the diffusion length to the distance bound molecules travel rearward with the flow before dissociating, and the ratio of the diffusion length to the width of the region with network flow and actin binding. Our calculations suggest the existence of depletion zones for the F-actin cross-linkers filamin and α-actinin in fish keratocytes (and other cell types), which is in line with the small elastic moduli of the F-actin network close to the leading edge found in measurements of the force motile cells are able to exert.

Ozone: Good Up High, Bad Nearby

MedlinePlus

... How Does the Depletion of “Good” Ozone Affect Human Health and the Environment? Ozone depletion can cause increased ... their original sources. How Does “Bad” Ozone Affect Human Health and the Environment? Breathing ozone can trigger a ...

Late-stage magmatic outgassing from a volatile-depleted Moon

PubMed Central

Moynier, Frédéric; Shearer, Charles K.

2017-01-01

The abundance of volatile elements and compounds, such as zinc, potassium, chlorine, and water, provide key evidence for how Earth and the Moon formed and evolved. Currently, evidence exists for a Moon depleted in volatile elements, as well as reservoirs within the Moon with volatile abundances like Earth’s depleted upper mantle. Volatile depletion is consistent with catastrophic formation, such as a giant impact, whereas a Moon with Earth-like volatile abundances suggests preservation of these volatiles, or addition through late accretion. We show, using the “Rusty Rock” impact melt breccia, 66095, that volatile enrichment on the lunar surface occurred through vapor condensation. Isotopically light Zn (δ66Zn = −13.7‰), heavy Cl (δ37Cl = +15‰), and high U/Pb supports the origin of condensates from a volatile-poor internal source formed during thermomagmatic evolution of the Moon, with long-term depletion in incompatible Cl and Pb, and lesser depletion of more-compatible Zn. Leaching experiments on mare basalt 14053 demonstrate that isotopically light Zn condensates also occur on some mare basalts after their crystallization, confirming a volatile-depleted lunar interior source with homogeneous δ66Zn ≈ +1.4‰. Our results show that much of the lunar interior must be significantly depleted in volatile elements and compounds and that volatile-rich rocks on the lunar surface formed through vapor condensation. Volatiles detected by remote sensing on the surface of the Moon likely have a partially condensate origin from its interior. PMID:28827322

Late-stage magmatic outgassing from a volatile-depleted Moon.

PubMed

Day, James M D; Moynier, Frédéric; Shearer, Charles K

2017-09-05

The abundance of volatile elements and compounds, such as zinc, potassium, chlorine, and water, provide key evidence for how Earth and the Moon formed and evolved. Currently, evidence exists for a Moon depleted in volatile elements, as well as reservoirs within the Moon with volatile abundances like Earth's depleted upper mantle. Volatile depletion is consistent with catastrophic formation, such as a giant impact, whereas a Moon with Earth-like volatile abundances suggests preservation of these volatiles, or addition through late accretion. We show, using the "Rusty Rock" impact melt breccia, 66095, that volatile enrichment on the lunar surface occurred through vapor condensation. Isotopically light Zn (δ 66 Zn = -13.7‰), heavy Cl (δ 37 Cl = +15‰), and high U/Pb supports the origin of condensates from a volatile-poor internal source formed during thermomagmatic evolution of the Moon, with long-term depletion in incompatible Cl and Pb, and lesser depletion of more-compatible Zn. Leaching experiments on mare basalt 14053 demonstrate that isotopically light Zn condensates also occur on some mare basalts after their crystallization, confirming a volatile-depleted lunar interior source with homogeneous δ 66 Zn ≈ +1.4‰. Our results show that much of the lunar interior must be significantly depleted in volatile elements and compounds and that volatile-rich rocks on the lunar surface formed through vapor condensation. Volatiles detected by remote sensing on the surface of the Moon likely have a partially condensate origin from its interior.

Late-stage magmatic outgassing from a volatile-depleted Moon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Day, James M. D.; Moynier, Frédéric; Shearer, Charles K.

2017-09-01

The abundance of volatile elements and compounds, such as zinc, potassium, chlorine, and water, provide key evidence for how Earth and the Moon formed and evolved. Currently, evidence exists for a Moon depleted in volatile elements, as well as reservoirs within the Moon with volatile abundances like Earth’s depleted upper mantle. Volatile depletion is consistent with catastrophic formation, such as a giant impact, whereas a Moon with Earth-like volatile abundances suggests preservation of these volatiles, or addition through late accretion. We show, using the “Rusty Rock” impact melt breccia, 66095, that volatile enrichment on the lunar surface occurred through vapor condensation. Isotopically light Zn (δ66Zn = -13.7‰), heavy Cl (δ37Cl = +15‰), and high U/Pb supports the origin of condensates from a volatile-poor internal source formed during thermomagmatic evolution of the Moon, with long-term depletion in incompatible Cl and Pb, and lesser depletion of more-compatible Zn. Leaching experiments on mare basalt 14053 demonstrate that isotopically light Zn condensates also occur on some mare basalts after their crystallization, confirming a volatile-depleted lunar interior source with homogeneous δ66Zn ≈ +1.4‰. Our results show that much of the lunar interior must be significantly depleted in volatile elements and compounds and that volatile-rich rocks on the lunar surface formed through vapor condensation. Volatiles detected by remote sensing on the surface of the Moon likely have a partially condensate origin from its interior.

Fully depleted back illuminated CCD

DOEpatents

Holland, Stephen Edward

2001-01-01

A backside illuminated charge coupled device (CCD) is formed of a relatively thick high resistivity photon sensitive silicon substrate, with frontside electronic circuitry, and an optically transparent backside ohmic contact for applying a backside voltage which is at least sufficient to substantially fully deplete the substrate. A greater bias voltage which overdepletes the substrate may also be applied. One way of applying the bias voltage to the substrate is by physically connecting the voltage source to the ohmic contact. An alternate way of applying the bias voltage to the substrate is to physically connect the voltage source to the frontside of the substrate, at a point outside the depletion region. Thus both frontside and backside contacts can be used for backside biasing to fully deplete the substrate. Also, high resistivity gaps around the CCD channels and electrically floating channel stop regions can be provided in the CCD array around the CCD channels. The CCD array forms an imaging sensor useful in astronomy.

Crude Oil Metabolites in Groundwater at Two Spill Sites.

PubMed

Bekins, Barbara A; Cozzarelli, Isabelle M; Erickson, Melinda L; Steenson, Ross A; Thorn, Kevin A

2016-09-01

Two groundwater plumes in north central Minnesota with residual crude oil sources have 20 to 50 mg/L of nonvolatile dissolved organic carbon (NVDOC). These values are over 10 times higher than benzene and two to three times higher than Diesel Range Organics in the same wells. On the basis of previous work, most of the NVDOC consists of partial transformation products from the crude oil. Monitoring data from 1988 to 2015 at one of the sites located near Bemidji, MN show that the plume of metabolites is expanding toward a lakeshore located 335 m from the source zone. Other mass balance studies of the site have demonstrated that the plume expansion is driven by the combined effect of continued presence of the residual crude oil source and depletion of the electron accepting capacity of solid phase iron oxide and hydroxides on the aquifer sediments. These plumes of metabolites are not covered by regulatory monitoring and reporting requirements in Minnesota and other states. Yet, a review of toxicology studies indicates that polar metabolites of crude oil may pose a risk to aquatic and mammalian species. Together the results suggest that at sites where residual sources are present, monitoring of NVDOC may be warranted to evaluate the fates of plumes of hydrocarbon transformation products. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Methods used to calculate doses resulting from inhalation of Capstone depleted uranium aerosols.

PubMed

Miller, Guthrie; Cheng, Yung Sung; Traub, Richard J; Little, Tom T; Guilmette, Raymond A

2009-03-01

The methods used to calculate radiological and toxicological doses to hypothetical persons inside either a U.S. Army Abrams tank or Bradley Fighting Vehicle that has been perforated by depleted uranium munitions are described. Data from time- and particle-size-resolved measurements of depleted uranium aerosol as well as particle-size-resolved measurements of aerosol solubility in lung fluids for aerosol produced in the breathing zones of the hypothetical occupants were used. The aerosol was approximated as a mixture of nine monodisperse (single particle size) components corresponding to particle size increments measured by the eight stages plus the backup filter of the cascade impactors used. A Markov Chain Monte Carlo Bayesian analysis technique was employed, which straightforwardly calculates the uncertainties in doses. Extensive quality control checking of the various computer codes used is described.

Methane emission and consumption at a North Sea gas seep (Tommeliten area)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niemann, H.; Elvert, M.; Hovland, M.; Orcutt, B.; Judd, A.; Suck, I.; Gutt, J.; Joye, S.; Damm, E.; Finster, K.; Boetius, A.

The Tommeliten seepage area is part of the Greater Ekofisk area, which is situated above the Tommeliten Delta salt diapir in the central North Sea (56°29.90' N, 2°59.80' E, Norwegian Block 1/9, 75 m water depth). Here, cracks in a buried marl horizon allow methane to migrate into overlying clay-silt and sandy sediments. Hydroacoustic sediment echosounding showed several venting spots coinciding with the apex of marl domes where methane is released into the water column and potentially to the atmosphere. In the vicinity of the gas seeps, sea floor observations showed small mats of giant sulphide-oxidizing bacteria above patches of black sediments as well as carbonate crusts, which are exposed 10 to 50 cm above seafloor forming small reefs. These Methane-Derived Authigenic Carbonates (MDACs) contain 13C-depleted, archaeal lipids indicating previous gas seepage and AOM activity. High amounts of sn2-hydroxyarchaeol relative to archaeol and low abundances of biphytanes in the crusts give evidence that ANaerobic MEthane-oxidising archaea (ANME) of the phylogenetic cluster ANME-2 were the potential mediators of Anaerobic Oxidation of Methane (AOM) at the time of carbonate formation. Small pieces of MDACs were also found subsurface at about 1.7 m sediment depth, associated with the AOM zone. This zone is characterized by elevated AOM and Sulphate Reduction (SR) rates, increased concentrations of 13C-depleted tetraether derived biphytanes, and specific bacterial Fatty Acids (FA). Further biomarker and 16S rDNA based analyses of this horizon give evidence that AOM is mediated by archaea belonging to the ANME-1b group and Sulphate Reducing Bacteria (SRB) most likely belonging to the Seep-SRB1 cluster. The zone of active methane consumption was restricted to a distinct horizon of about 20 cm. Concentrations of 13C-depleted lipid biomarkers (e.g. 500 ng g-dw-1 biphythanes, 140 ng g-dw-1 fatty acid ai-C15:0), cell numbers (1.5×108 cells cm-3), AOM and SR rates (3 nmol cm-3 d-1) in the Tommeliten AOM zone are 2 3 orders of magnitude lower compared to AOM zones of highly active deep water cold seeps such as Hydrate Ridge or the Gulf of Mexico.

Subduction-modified oceanic crust in the sources of continental picrite dikes from the Karoo LIP?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heinonen, J. S.; Carlson, R. W.; Riley, T. R.; Luttinen, A. V.; Horan, M. F.

2013-12-01

The Ahlmannryggen mountain range in East Antarctica hosts unusual LILE-depleted, but Fe- and Ti-enriched ultramafic dikes (Group 3) that belong to the Jurassic (~180 Ma) Karoo continental flood basalt (CFB) province. Their high initial ɛNd (+5 to +9) indicates their origin within the sublithospheric mantle beneath the Gondwana supercontinent. Using the new Pb and Os isotopic data and previously published geochemical and mineral chemical data, we try to constrain their mantle sources. The dikes that lack evidence of crustal contamination exhibit very radiogenic ɛNd (+8.6 to +9.0), relatively radiogenic 206Pb/204Pb (18.2-18.4) and 87Sr/86Sr (0.7035-0.7037), and unradiogenic 187Os/188Os (0.124-0.125) at 180 Ma. These isotopic compositions are unlike those typical of MORBs, excluding depleted mantle as the sole source contributor. The Pb isotopic composition of the dikes plots close to the 4.43 Ga geochron and hence is compatible with derivation from an early-depleted reservoir (EDR), recently suggested to be a major source component in CFBs. However, the high ɛNd of the dikes exceeds the ɛNd estimated for EDR (+4.9 to +8.5 at 180 Ma) and the relative Nb, Fe, and Ti enrichment (pyroxenite fingerprint) of the dikes is not readily ascribed to EDR source. Based on our isotopic and trace element modeling, we regard that the mantle source of the picrite dikes contained seawater-altered and subduction-modified MORB with a recycling age of 0.8 Ga. Such a source component would explain the unusual combination of elevated initial 87Sr/86Sr, ɛNd, and 206Pb/204Pb, relative depletion in fluid-mobile LILE, U, Th, Pb, and LREE, and relative enrichment in Nb, Fe, Ti, and other HFSE. Behavior of Re and Os in subduction environments is not well constrained, but loss of Re from recycled MORB, as observed in some subduction-associated eclogites and blueschists, and predominant contribution of Os from depleted peridotite matrix could have produced the observed low 187Os/188Os. Pyroxenite sources also are consistent with mineral chemical data (e.g., high-Ni olivine) for the picrite dikes. Such peculiar sources were likely not a predominant component in Karoo magmatism in general. Nevertheless, less subduction-modified or more enriched (e.g., additional sediment component) recycled crustal signatures would be difficult to distinguish from the 'lithospheric signatures' of many common CFBs. In addition to depleted mantle or EDR components that have been identified in the high-Mg dikes of the adjacent Vestfjella mountain range, a variety of recycled source components could thus be hiding in the geochemical jungle of the Karoo (and other) CFBs.

Hydrothermal alteration in oceanic ridge volcanics: A detailed study at the Galapagos Fossil Hydrothermal Field

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ridley, W.I.; Perfit, M.R.; Josnasson, I.R.; Smith, M.F.

1994-01-01

The Galapagos Fossil Hydrothermal Field is composed of altered oceanic crust and extinct hydrothermal vents within the eastern Galapagos Rift between 85??49???W and 85??55???W. The discharge zone of the hydrothermal system is revealed along scarps, thus providing an opportunity to examine the uppermost mineralized, and highly altered interior parts of the crust. Altered rocks collected in situ by the submersible ALVIN show complex concentric alteration zones. Microsamples of individual zones have been analysed for major/minor, trace elements, and strontium isotopes in order to describe the complex compositional details of the hydrothermal alteration. Interlayered chlorite-smectite and chlorite with disequilibrium compositions dominate the secondary mineralogy as replacement phases of primary glass and acicular pyroxene. Phenocrysts and matrix grains of plagioclase are unaffected during alteration. Using a modification of the Gresens' equation we demonstrate that the trivalent rare earth elements (REEs) are relatively immobile, and calculate degrees of enrichment and depletion in other elements. Strontium isotopic ratios increase as Sr concentrations decrease from least-altered cores to most-altered rims and cross-cutting veins in individual samples, and can be modeled by open system behaviour under low fluid-rock ratio (< 10) conditions following a period of lower-temperature weathering of volcanics within the rift zone. The complex patterns of element enrichment and depletion and strontium isotope variations indicate mixing between pristine seawater and ascending hot fluids to produce a compositional spectrum of fluids. The precipitation of base-metal sulfides beneath the seafloor is probably a result of fluid mixing and cooling. If, as suggested here, the discharge zone alteration occurred under relatively low fluid-rock ratios, then this shallow region must play an important role in determining the exit composition of vent fluids in marine hydrothermal systems. ?? 1994.

Reduction of the Powerful Greenhouse Gas N2O in the South-Eastern Indian Ocean.

PubMed

Raes, Eric J; Bodrossy, Levente; Van de Kamp, Jodie; Holmes, Bronwyn; Hardman-Mountford, Nick; Thompson, Peter A; McInnes, Allison S; Waite, Anya M

2016-01-01

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a powerful greenhouse gas and a key catalyst of stratospheric ozone depletion. Yet, little data exist about the sink and source terms of the production and reduction of N2O outside the well-known oxygen minimum zones (OMZ). Here we show the presence of functional marker genes for the reduction of N2O in the last step of the denitrification process (nitrous oxide reductase genes; nosZ) in oxygenated surface waters (180-250 O2 μmol.kg(-1)) in the south-eastern Indian Ocean. Overall copy numbers indicated that nosZ genes represented a significant proportion of the microbial community, which is unexpected in these oxygenated waters. Our data show strong temperature sensitivity for nosZ genes and reaction rates along a vast latitudinal gradient (32°S-12°S). These data suggest a large N2O sink in the warmer Tropical waters of the south-eastern Indian Ocean. Clone sequencing from PCR products revealed that most denitrification genes belonged to Rhodobacteraceae. Our work highlights the need to investigate the feedback and tight linkages between nitrification and denitrification (both sources of N2O, but the latter also a source of bioavailable N losses) in the understudied yet strategic Indian Ocean and other oligotrophic systems.

A molecular and isotopic study of the organic matter from the Paris Basin, France

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lichtfouse, E.; Albrecht, P.; Behar, F.; Hayes, J. M.

1994-01-01

Thirteen Liassic sedimentary rocks of increasing depth and three petroleums from the Paris Basin were studied for 13C/12C isotopic compositions and biological markers, including steranes, sterenes, methylphenanthrenes, methylanthracenes, and triaromatic steroids. The isotopic compositions of n-alkanes from mature sedimentary rocks and petroleums fall in a narrow range (2%), except for the deepest Hettangian rock and the Trias petroleum, for which the short-chain n-alkanes are enriched and depleted in 13C, respectively. Most of the molecular parameters increase over the 2000-2500 m depth range, reflecting the transformation of the organic matter at the onset of petroleum generation. In this zone, carbonate content and carbon isotopic composition of carbonates, as well as molecular parameters, are distinct for the Toarcian and Hettangian source rocks and suggest a migration of organic matter from these two formations. Two novel molecular parameters were defined for this task: one using methyltriaromatic steroids from organic extracts; the other using 1-methylphenanthrene and 2-methylanthracene from kerogen pyrolysates. The anomalous high maturity of the Dogger petroleum relative to the maturity-depth trend of the source rocks is used to estimate the minimal vertical distance of migration of the organic matter from the source rock to the reservoir.

Modeling of electron time variations in the radiation belts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, K. W.; Teague, M. J.; Schofield, N. J.; Vette, J. I.

1979-01-01

A review of the temporal variation in the trapped electron population of the inner and outer radiation zones is presented. Techniques presently used for modeling these zones are discussed and their deficiencies identified. An intermediate region is indicated between the zones in which the present modeling techniques are inadequate due to the magnitude and frequency of magnetic storms. Future trends are examined, and it is suggested that modeling of individual magnetic storms may be required in certain L bands. An analysis of seven magnetic storms is presented, establishing the independence of the depletion time of the storm flux and the storm magnitude. Provisional correlation between the storm magnitude and the Dst index is demonstrated.

Metal-bonded, carbon fiber-reinforced composites

DOEpatents

Sastri, Suri A.; Pemsler, J. Paul; Cooke, Richard A.; Litchfield, John K.; Smith, Mark B.

1996-01-01

Metal bonded carbon fiber-reinforced composites are disclosed in which the metal and the composite are strongly bound by (1) providing a matrix-depleted zone in the composite of sufficient depth to provide a binding site for the metal to be bonded and then (2) infiltrating the metal into the matrix-free zone to fill a substantial portion of the zone and also provide a surface layer of metal, thereby forming a strong bond between the composite and the metal. The invention also includes the metal-bound composite itself, as well as the provision of a coating over the metal for high-temperature performance or for joining to other such composites or to other substrates.

Metal-bonded, carbon fiber-reinforced composites

DOEpatents

Sastri, S.A.; Pemsler, J.P.; Cooke, R.A.; Litchfield, J.K.; Smith, M.B.

1996-03-05

Metal bonded carbon fiber-reinforced composites are disclosed in which the metal and the composite are strongly bound by (1) providing a matrix-depleted zone in the composite of sufficient depth to provide a binding site for the metal to be bonded and then (2) infiltrating the metal into the matrix-free zone to fill a substantial portion of the zone and also provide a surface layer of metal, thereby forming a strong bond between the composite and the metal. The invention also includes the metal-bound composite itself, as well as the provision of a coating over the metal for high-temperature performance or for joining to other such composites or to other substrates. 2 figs.

Test Area C-64 Range Environmental Assessment, Revision 1

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-10-01

DOI U.S. Department of the Interior DNL Day–Night Average Sound Level DU Depleted Uranium EBD Environmental Baseline Document EIAP Environmental...vulnerability, burning sensitivity, drop tests, bullet impact tests, sympathetic detonation tests, advanced warhead design tests, and depleted uranium (DU...land back to range use. Source: U.S. Air Force, 2009 DU = depleted uranium ; ERP = Environmental Restoration Program; LUC = land use control; RW

Chemical and isotopic evidence of nitrogen transformation in the Mississippi River, 1997-98

USGS Publications Warehouse

Battaglin, William A.; Kendall, Carol; Chang, Cecily C.Y.; Silva, Steven R.; Campbell, D.H.

2001-01-01

Nitrate (NO3) and other nutrients discharged by the Mississippi River are suspected of causing a zone of depleted dissolved oxygen (hypoxic zone) in the Gulf of Mexico each summer. The hypoxic zone may have an adverse affect on aquatic life and commercial fisheries. The amount of NO3 delivered by the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico is well documented, but the relative contributions of different sources of NO3, and the magnitude of subsequent in-stream transformations of NO3, are not well understood. Forty-two water samples collected in 1997 and 1998 at eight stations located either on the Mississippi River or its major tributaries were analysed for NO3, total nitrogen (N), atrazine, chloride concentrations and NO3 stable isotopes (δ15N and δ18O). These data are used to assess the magnitude and nature of in-stream N transformation and to determine if the δ15N and δ18O of NO3 provide information about NO3 sources and transformation processes in a large river system (drainage area 2 900 000 km2) that would otherwise be unavailable using concentration and discharge data alone. Results from 42 samples indicate that the δ15N and δ18O ratios between sites on the Mississippi River and its tributaries are somewhat distinctive, and vary with season and discharge rate. Of particular interest are two nearly Lagrangian sample sets, in which samples from the Mississippi River at St Francisville, LA, are compared with samples collected from the Ohio River at Grand Chain, II, and the Mississippi River at Thebes, IL. In both Lagrangian sets, mass-balance calculations indicate only a small amount of in-stream N loss. The stable isotope data from the samples suggest that in-stream N assimilation and not denitrification accounts for most of the N loss in the lower Mississippi River during the spring and early summer months.

Polymineralic inclusions in mantle chromitites from the Oman ophiolite indicate a highly magnesian parental melt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rollinson, Hugh; Mameri, Lucan; Barry, Tiffany

2018-06-01

Polymineralic inclusions interpreted as melt inclusions in chromite from the dunitic Moho Transition Zone in the Maqsad area of the Oman ophiolite have been analysed and compositions integrated using a rastering technique on the scanning electron microscope. The inclusions now comprise a range of inter-grown hydrous phases including pargasite, aspidolite, phlogopite and chlorite, indicating that the parental melts were hydrous. Average inclusion compositions for seven samples contain between 23.1 and 26.8 wt% MgO and 1.7-3.6 wt% FeO. Compositions were corrected to allow for the low FeO concentrations using coexisting olivine compositions. These suggest that the primary melt has between 20 and 22 wt% MgO and 7-9.7 wt% FeO and has an affinity with boninitic melts, although the melts have a higher Ti content than most boninites. Average rare earth element concentrations suggest that the melts were derived from a REE depleted mantle source although fluid-mobile trace elements indicate a more enriched source. Given the hydrous nature of the inclusions this enrichment could be fluid driven. An estimate of the melt temperature can be made from the results of homogenisation experiments on these inclusions and suggests 1300 °C, which implies for a harzburgite solidus, relatively shallow melting at depths of <50 km and is consistent with a boninitic origin. The current "basaltic" nature of the chromite host to highly magnesian melt inclusions suggests that the dunitic Moho Transition Zone operated as a reaction filter in which magnesian melts were transformed into basalts by the removal of high magnesian olivines, particularly in areas where the Moho Transition Zone is unusually thick. We propose therefore that podiform mantle chromitites, even those with an apparent MORB-like chemical signature, have crystallised from a highly magnesian parental melt. The data presented here strongly support the view that this took place in a subduction initiation setting.

Geochemical and isotopic studies of syenites from the Yamato Mountains, East Antarctica: Implications for the origin of syenitic magmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, J.-X.; Shiraishi, K.; Ellis, D. J.; Sheraton, J. W.

1995-04-01

Voluminous syenites were intruded during the waning stage of the granulite facies metamorphism in the Yamato Mountains of East Antarctica. The area has been interpreted as part of a Cambrian continental collision zone with regional upper amphibolite to granulite facies metamorphism occurring during ca. 500-660 Ma period. Regardless of minor geochemical variations between different groups, all syenites are characterised by high K 20 + Na 20 (8-12%), K 20/Na 20 (˜2), Sr (800-3500 ppm), Ba (2000-8500 ppm), and comparatively high TiO 2, P 20 5, Zr, and light REES relative to I-type granites. They are significantly higher in Mg number (50-75) compared with typical calc-alkaline suites, igneous charnockites, or A-type granites and define a distinctive trend on an AFM (alkali-FeO tot-MgO) diagram. Their trace element distribution diagrams are characterised by pronounced enrichment in LIL and REES, large negative Nb and Ti anomalies, and no depletion in Sr or Ba relative to the neighbouring elements. In this regard, they closely resemble the ˜500 Ma post-tectonic mela-syenite to alkali basalt dikes widely occurring in East Antarctica. Such geochemical features are distinct from rift- or hotspot-related syenites, which are usually characterised by low K/Na ratios, negative Ba and Sr anomalies, and a lack of negative Nb anomalies. Initial isotopic compositions of the syenites are characterised by relatively low initial ɛNd values (-2.6 to -5.5) and high Sri ratios (0.7057-0.7088). Since the syenites are extremely enriched in Sr and Nd, such isotopic signatures are interpreted as reflecting the nature of the mantle source, rather than significant crystal contamination. Such isotopic signatures are also distinct from those of the rift- or hotspot-related syenites which are thought to be derived from depleted asthenospheric mantle. Considering the distinctive geochemical signatures of the Yamato syenites and their analogy to posttectonic alkaline mafic dikes in Antarctica, it is proposed that the syenites were generated by fractionation and magma mixing (with a crystal melt) of a Si-undersaturated alkali basaltic magma in a lower-crust magma chamber, followed by further crystal fractionation/cumulate-melt unmixing at middle to upper crustal levels (<5 kbars). Tectonically, it is proposed that the syenites were probably formed within the hinterland of the proposed Cambrian continental collision zone, with the parental magma being derived ultimately by partial melting of the metasomatised mantle wedge above the deepest part of the subduction zone. Similar models may also apply to the origin of some post-tectonic alkaline dikes in East Antarctica, with their sources being the continental lithospheric mantle previously modified by subduction-related processes.

Extreme (13)C depletion of carbonates formed during oxidation of biogenic methane in fractured granite.

PubMed

Drake, Henrik; Åström, Mats E; Heim, Christine; Broman, Curt; Åström, Jan; Whitehouse, Martin; Ivarsson, Magnus; Siljeström, Sandra; Sjövall, Peter

2015-05-07

Precipitation of exceptionally 13C-depleted authigenic carbonate is a result of, and thus a tracer for, sulphate-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation, particularly in marine sediments. Although these carbonates typically are less depleted in 13C than in the source methane, because of incorporation of C also from other sources, they are far more depleted in 13C (δ13C as light as -69‰ V-PDB) than in carbonates formed where no methane is involved. Here we show that oxidation of biogenic methane in carbon-poor deep groundwater in fractured granitoid rocks has resulted in fracture-wall precipitation of the most extremely 13C-depleted carbonates ever reported, δ13C down to -125‰ V-PDB. A microbial consortium of sulphate reducers and methane oxidizers has been involved, as revealed by biomarker signatures in the carbonates and S-isotope compositions of co-genetic sulphide. Methane formed at shallow depths has been oxidized at several hundred metres depth at the transition to a deep-seated sulphate-rich saline water. This process is so far an unrecognized terrestrial sink of methane.

Metal mobilization under alkaline conditions in ash-covered tailings.

PubMed

Lu, Jinmei; Alakangas, Lena; Wanhainen, Christina

2014-06-15

The aim of this study was to determine element mobilization and accumulation in mill tailings under alkaline conditions. The tailings were covered with 50 cm of fly ash, and above a sludge layer. The tailings were geochemically and mineralogically investigated. Sulfides, such as pyrrhotite, sphalerite and galena along with gangue minerals such as dolomite, calcite, micas, chlorite, epidote, Mn-pyroxene and rhodonite were identified in the unoxidized tailings. The dissolution of the fly ash layer resulted in a high pH (close to 12) in the underlying tailings. This, together with the presence of organic matter, increased the weathering of the tailings and mobilization of elements in the uppermost 47 cm of the tailings. All primary minerals were depleted, except quartz and feldspar which were covered by blurry secondary carbonates. Sulfide-associated elements such as Cd, Fe, Pb, S and Zn and silicate-associated elements such as Fe, Mg and Mn were released from the depletion zone and accumulated deeper down in the tailings where the pH decreased to circum-neutral. Sequential extraction suggests that Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, S and Zn were retained deeper down in the tailings and were mainly associated with the sulfide phase. Calcium, Cr, K and Ni released from the ash layer were accumulated in the uppermost depletion zone of the tailings. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Implications of soil mixing for NAPL source zone remediation: Column studies and modeling of field-scale systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olson, Mitchell R.; Sale, Tom C.

2015-06-01

Soil remediation is often inhibited by subsurface heterogeneity, which constrains contaminant/reagent contact. Use of soil mixing techniques for reagent delivery provides a means to overcome contaminant/reagent contact limitations. Furthermore, soil mixing reduces the permeability of treated soils, thus extending the time for reactions to proceed. This paper describes research conducted to evaluate implications of soil mixing on remediation of non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) source zones. The research consisted of column studies and subsequent modeling of field-scale systems. For column studies, clean influent water was flushed through columns containing homogenized soils, granular zero valent iron (ZVI), and trichloroethene (TCE) NAPL. Within the columns, NAPL depletion occurred due to dissolution, followed by either column-effluent discharge or ZVI-mediated degradation. Complete removal of TCE NAPL from the columns occurred in 6-8 pore volumes of flow. However, most of the TCE (> 96%) was discharged in the column effluent; less than 4% of TCE was degraded. The low fraction of TCE degraded is attributed to the short hydraulic residence time (< 4 days) in the columns. Subsequently, modeling was conducted to scale up column results. By scaling up to field-relevant system sizes (> 10 m) and reducing permeability by one-or-more orders of magnitude, the residence time could be greatly extended, potentially for periods of years to decades. Model output indicates that the fraction of TCE degraded can be increased to > 99.9%, given typical post-mixing soil permeability values. These results suggest that remediation performance can be greatly enhanced by combining contaminant degradation with an extended residence time.

Tracing groundwater recharge sources in the northwestern Indian alluvial aquifer using water isotopes (δ18O, δ2H and 3H)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joshi, Suneel Kumar; Rai, Shive Prakash; Sinha, Rajiv; Gupta, Sanjeev; Densmore, Alexander Logan; Rawat, Yadhvir Singh; Shekhar, Shashank

2018-04-01

Rapid groundwater depletion from the northwestern Indian aquifer system in the western Indo-Gangetic basin has raised serious concerns over the sustainability of groundwater and the livelihoods that depend on it. Sustainable management of this aquifer system requires that we understand the sources and rates of groundwater recharge, however, both these parameters are poorly constrained in this region. Here we analyse the isotopic (δ18O, δ2H and tritium) compositions of groundwater, precipitation, river and canal water to identify the recharge sources, zones of recharge, and groundwater flow in the Ghaggar River basin, which lies between the Himalayan-fed Yamuna and Sutlej River systems in northwestern India. Our results reveal that local precipitation is the main source of groundwater recharge. However, depleted δ18O and δ2H signatures at some sites indicate recharge from canal seepage and irrigation return flow. The spatial variability of δ18O, δ2H, d-excess, and tritium reflects limited lateral connectivity due to the heterogeneous and anisotropic nature of the aquifer system in the study area. The variation of tritium concentration with depth suggests that groundwater above c. 80 mbgl is generally modern water. In contrast, water from below c. 80 mbgl is a mixture of modern and old waters, and indicates longer residence time in comparison to groundwater above c. 80 mbgl. Isotopic signatures of δ18O, δ2H and tritium suggest significant vertical recharge down to a depth of 320 mbgl. The spatial and vertical variations of isotopic signature of groundwater reveal two distinct flow patterns in the aquifer system: (i) local flow (above c. 80 mbgl) throughout the study area, and (ii) intermediate and regional flow (below c. 80 mbgl), where water recharges aquifers through large-scale lateral flow as well as vertical infiltration. The understanding of spatial and vertical recharge processes of groundwater in the study area provides important base-line knowledge for developing a sustainable groundwater management plan for the northwestern Indian aquifer system.

Aquitard contaminant storage and flux resulting from dense nonaqueous phase liquid source zone dissolution and remediation

EPA Science Inventory

A one-dimensional diffusion model was used to investigate the effects of dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) source zone dissolution and remediation on the storage and release of contaminants from aquitards. Source zone dissolution was represented by a power-law source depleti...

Illuminating pathways of forest nutrient provision: relative release from soil mineral and organic pools

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hauser, E.; Billings, S. A.

2017-12-01

Depletion of geogenic nutrients during soil weathering can prompt vegetation to rely on other sources, such as organic matter (OM) decay, to meet growth requirements. Weathered soils also tend to permit deep rooting, a phenomenon sometimes attributed to vegetation foraging for geogenic nutrients. This study examines the extent to which OM recycling provides nutrients to vegetation growing in soils with diverse weathering states. We thus address the fundamental problem of how forest vegetation obtains sufficient nutrition to support productivity despite wide variation in soils' nutrient contents. We hypothesized that vegetation growing on highly weathered soils relies on nutrients released from OM decay to a greater extent than vegetation growing on less weathered, more nutrient-rich substrates. For four mineralogically diverse Critical Zone Observatories (CZO) and Critical Zone Exploratory Network sites, we calculated weathering indices and approximated vegetation nutrient demand and nutrient release from OM decay. We also measured nutrient release rates from OM decay at each site. We then assessed the relationship between degree of soil weathering and the estimated fraction of nutrient demand satisfied by OM derived nutrients. Results are consistent with our hypothesis. The chemical index of alteration (CIA), a weathering index that increases in value with mineral depletion, varies predictably from 90 at the highly weathered Calhoun CZO to 60 at the Catalina CZO, where soils are more recently developed. Estimates of rates of K release from OM decay increase with CIA values. The highest release rate is 2.4 gK m-2 y-1 at Calhoun, accounting for 30% of annual vegetation K uptake; at Catalina, less than 0.5 gm-2 y-1 K is released, meeting 14% of vegetation demand. CIA also co-varies with rooting depth across sites: the deepest roots at the Calhoun sites are growing in soils with the highest CIA values, while the deepest roots at Catalina sites are growing in soils with much lower CIA values. Thus, provision of plant-available nutrients from OM decay appears greater at more weathered sites, and dominant nutrient sources accessed by deep roots (OM- vs. rock-derived) may vary predictably with soil weathering stage. On-going incubations will permit us to assess these relationships for multiple geogenic nutrients.

Lithospheric density structure beneath the Tarim basin and surroundings, northwestern China, from the joint inversion of gravity and topography

USGS Publications Warehouse

Deng, Yangfan; Levandowski, William Brower; Kusky, Tim

2017-01-01

Intraplate strain generally focuses in discrete zones, but despite the profound impact of this partitioning on global tectonics, geodynamics, and seismic hazard, the processes by which deformation becomes localized are not well understood. Such heterogeneous intraplate strain is exemplified in central Asia, where the Indo-Eurasian collision has caused widespread deformation while the Tarim block has experienced minimal Cenozoic shortening. The apparent stability of Tarim may arise either because strain is dominantly accommodated by pre-existing faults in the continental suture zones that bound it—essentially discretizing Eurasia into microplates—or because the lithospheric-scale strength (i.e., viscosity) of the Tarim block is greater than its surroundings. Here, we jointly analyze seismic velocity, gravity, topography, and temperature to develop a 3-D density model of the crust and upper mantle in this region. The Tarim crust is characterized by high density, vs, vp, and vp/vs, consistent with a dominantly mafic composition and with the presence of an oceanic plateau beneath Tarim. Low-density but high-velocity mantle lithosphere beneath southern (southwestern) Tarim underlies a suite of Permian plume-related mafic intrusions and A-type granites sourced in previously depleted mantle lithosphere; we posit that this region was further depleted, dehydrated, and strengthened by Permian plume magmatism. The actively deforming western and southern margins of Tarim—the Tien Shan, Kunlun Shan, and Altyn Tagh fault—are underlain by buoyant upper mantle with low velocity; we hypothesize that this material has been hydrated by mantle-derived fluids that have preferentially migrated along Paleozoic continental sutures. Such hydrous material should be weak, and herein strain focuses there because of lithospheric-scale variations in rheology rather than the pre-existence of faults in the brittle crust. Thus this world-class example of strain partitioning arises not simply from the pre-existence of brittle faults but from the thermo-chemical and therefore rheological variations inherited from prior tectonism.

Induced nanoparticle aggregation for short nucleic acid quantification by depletion isotachophoresis.

PubMed

Marczak, Steven; Senapati, Satyajyoti; Slouka, Zdenek; Chang, Hsueh-Chia

2016-12-15

A rapid (<20min) gel-membrane biochip platform for the detection and quantification of short nucleic acids is presented based on a sandwich assay with probe-functionalized gold nanoparticles and their separation into concentrated bands by depletion-generated gel isotachophoresis. The platform sequentially exploits the enrichment and depletion phenomena of an ion-selective cation-exchange membrane created under an applied electric field. Enrichment is used to concentrate the nanoparticles and targets at a localized position at the gel-membrane interface for rapid hybridization. The depletion generates an isotachophoretic zone without the need for different conductivity buffers, and is used to separate linked nanoparticles from isolated ones in the gel medium and then by field-enhanced aggregation of only the linked particles at the depletion front. The selective field-induced aggregation of the linked nanoparticles during the subsequent depletion step produces two lateral-flow like bands within 1cm for easy visualization and quantification as the aggregates have negligible electrophoretic mobility in the gel and the isolated nanoparticles are isotachophoretically packed against the migrating depletion front. The detection limit for 69-base single-stranded DNA targets is 10 pM (about 10 million copies for our sample volume) with high selectivity against nontargets and a three decade linear range for quantification. The selectivity and signal intensity are maintained in heterogeneous mixtures where the nontargets outnumber the targets 10,000 to 1. The selective field-induced aggregation of DNA-linked nanoparticles at the ion depletion front is attributed to their trailing position at the isotachophoretic front with a large field gradient. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Signature Lipids and Stable Carbon Isotope Analyses of Octopus Spring Hyperthermophilic Communities Compared with Those of Aquificales Representatives

PubMed Central

Jahnke, Linda L.; Eder, Wolfgang; Huber, Robert; Hope, Janet M.; Hinrichs, Kai-Uwe; Hayes, John M.; Des Marais, David J.; Cady, Sherry L.; Summons, Roger E.

2001-01-01

The molecular and isotopic compositions of lipid biomarkers of cultured Aquificales genera have been used to study the community and trophic structure of the hyperthermophilic pink streamers and vent biofilm from Octopus Spring. Thermocrinis ruber, Thermocrinis sp. strain HI 11/12, Hydrogenobacter thermophilus TK-6, Aquifex pyrophilus, and Aquifex aeolicus all contained glycerol-ether phospholipids as well as acyl glycerides. The n-C20:1 and cy-C21 fatty acids dominated all of the Aquificales, while the alkyl glycerol ethers were mainly C18:0. These Aquificales biomarkers were major constituents of the lipid extracts of two Octopus Spring samples, a biofilm associated with the siliceous vent walls, and the well-known pink streamer community (PSC). Both the biofilm and the PSC contained mono- and dialkyl glycerol ethers in which C18 and C20 alkyl groups were prevalent. Phospholipid fatty acids included both the Aquificales n-C20:1 and cy-C21, plus a series of iso-branched fatty acids (i-C15:0 to i-C21:0), indicating an additional bacterial component. Biomass and lipids from the PSC were depleted in 13C relative to source water CO2 by 10.9 and 17.2‰, respectively. The C20–21 fatty acids of the PSC were less depleted than the iso-branched fatty acids, 18.4 and 22.6‰, respectively. The biomass of T. ruber grown on CO2 was depleted in 13C by only 3.3‰ relative to C source. In contrast, biomass was depleted by 19.7‰ when formate was the C source. Independent of carbon source, T. ruber lipids were heavier than biomass (+1.3‰). The depletion in the C20–21 fatty acids from the PSC indicates that Thermocrinis biomass must be similarly depleted and too light to be explained by growth on CO2. Accordingly, Thermocrinis in the PSC is likely to have utilized formate, presumably generated in the spring source region. PMID:11679343

Signature lipids and stable carbon isotope analyses of Octopus Spring hyperthermophilic communities compared with those of Aquificales representatives

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jahnke, L. L.; Eder, W.; Huber, R.; Hope, J. M.; Hinrichs, K. U.; Hayes, J. M.; Des Marais, D. J.; Cady, S. L.; Summons, R. E.

2001-01-01

The molecular and isotopic compositions of lipid biomarkers of cultured Aquificales genera have been used to study the community and trophic structure of the hyperthermophilic pink streamers and vent biofilm from Octopus Spring. Thermocrinis ruber, Thermocrinis sp. strain HI 11/12, Hydrogenobacter thermophilus TK-6, Aquifex pyrophilus, and Aquifex aeolicus all contained glycerol-ether phospholipids as well as acyl glycerides. The n-C(20:1) and cy-C(21) fatty acids dominated all of the Aquificales, while the alkyl glycerol ethers were mainly C(18:0). These Aquificales biomarkers were major constituents of the lipid extracts of two Octopus Spring samples, a biofilm associated with the siliceous vent walls, and the well-known pink streamer community (PSC). Both the biofilm and the PSC contained mono- and dialkyl glycerol ethers in which C(18) and C(20) alkyl groups were prevalent. Phospholipid fatty acids included both the Aquificales n-C(20:1) and cy-C(21), plus a series of iso-branched fatty acids (i-C(15:0) to i-C(21:0)), indicating an additional bacterial component. Biomass and lipids from the PSC were depleted in (13)C relative to source water CO(2) by 10.9 and 17.2 per thousand, respectively. The C(20-21) fatty acids of the PSC were less depleted than the iso-branched fatty acids, 18.4 and 22.6 per thousand, respectively. The biomass of T. ruber grown on CO(2) was depleted in (13)C by only 3.3 per thousand relative to C source. In contrast, biomass was depleted by 19.7 per thousand when formate was the C source. Independent of carbon source, T. ruber lipids were heavier than biomass (+1.3 per thousand). The depletion in the C(20-21) fatty acids from the PSC indicates that Thermocrinis biomass must be similarly depleted and too light to be explained by growth on CO(2). Accordingly, Thermocrinis in the PSC is likely to have utilized formate, presumably generated in the spring source region.

Effects of Sulfur Mustard on Intracellular Calcium and Synthesis of Basement Membrane Zone Proteins in Human Skin

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-08-04

development of blisters. They postulated that DNA single strand breaks (SSB) due to spontaneous or enzymatically induced depurination of alkylated DNA ... bases activate the chromosomal enzyme poly(ADP-ribose)transferase (PADPRT). The latter would deplete cellular NAD÷ pools. In literature, this

Sulfur isotopes of host strata for Howards Pass (Yukon–Northwest Territories) Zn-Pb deposits implicate anaerobic oxidation of methane, not basin stagnation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Johnson, Craig A.; Slack, John F.; Dumoulin, Julie A.; Kelley, Karen Duttweiler; Falck, Hendrik

2018-01-01

A new sulfur isotope stratigraphic profile has been developed for Ordovician-Silurian mudstones that host the Howards Pass Zn-Pb deposits (Canada) in an attempt to reconcile the traditional model of a stagnant euxinic basin setting with new contradictory findings. Our analyses of pyrite confirm the up-section 34S enrichment reported previously, but additional observations show parallel depletion of carbonate 13C, an increase in organic carbon weight percent, and a change in pyrite morphology. Taken together, the data suggest that the 34S enrichment reflects a transition in the mechanism of pyrite formation during diagenesis, not isotopic evolution of a stagnant water mass. Low in the stratigraphic section, pyrite formed mainly in the sulfate reduction zone in association with organic matter–driven bacterial sulfate reduction. In contrast, starting just below the Zn-Pb mineralized horizon, pyrite formed increasingly within the sulfate-methane transition zone in association with anaerobic oxidation of methane. Our new insights on diagenesis have implications for (1) the setting of Zn-Pb ore formation, (2) the reliability of redox proxies involving metals, and (3) the source of ore sulfur for Howards Pass, and potentially for other stratiform Zn-Pb deposits contained in carbonaceous strata.

High-resolution isotope measurements resolve rapid ecohydrological dynamics at the soil-plant interface.

PubMed

Volkmann, Till H M; Haberer, Kristine; Gessler, Arthur; Weiler, Markus

2016-05-01

Plants rely primarily on rainfall infiltrating their root zones - a supply that is inherently variable, and fluctuations are predicted to increase on most of the Earth's surface. Yet, interrelationships between water availability and plant use on short timescales are difficult to quantify and remain poorly understood. To overcome previous methodological limitations, we coupled high-resolution in situ observations of stable isotopes in soil and transpiration water. We applied the approach along with Bayesian mixing modeling to track the fate of (2) H-labeled rain pulses following drought through soil and plants of deciduous tree ecosystems. We resolve how rainwater infiltrates the root zones in a nonequilibrium process and show that tree species differ in their ability to quickly acquire the newly available source. Sessile oak (Quercus petraea) adjusted root uptake to vertical water availability patterns under drought, but readjustment toward the rewetted topsoil was delayed. By contrast, European beech (Fagus sylvatica) readily utilized water from all soil depths independent of water depletion, enabling faster uptake of rainwater. Our results demonstrate that species-specific plasticity and responses to water supply fluctuations on short timescales can now be identified and must be considered to predict vegetation functional dynamics and water cycling under current and future climatic conditions. © 2016 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2016 New Phytologist Trust.

Depth Distribution and Assembly of Sulfate-Reducing Microbial Communities in Marine Sediments of Aarhus Bay

PubMed Central

Jochum, Lara M.; Chen, Xihan; Lever, Mark A.; Loy, Alexander; Jørgensen, Bo Barker; Schramm, Andreas

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Most sulfate-reducing microorganisms (SRMs) present in subsurface marine sediments belong to uncultured groups only distantly related to known SRMs, and it remains unclear how changing geochemical zones and sediment depth influence their community structure. We mapped the community composition and abundance of SRMs by amplicon sequencing and quantifying the dsrB gene, which encodes dissimilatory sulfite reductase subunit beta, in sediment samples covering different vertical geochemical zones ranging from the surface sediment to the deep sulfate-depleted subsurface at four locations in Aarhus Bay, Denmark. SRMs were present in all geochemical zones, including sulfate-depleted methanogenic sediment. The biggest shift in SRM community composition and abundance occurred across the transition from bioturbated surface sediments to nonbioturbated sediments below, where redox fluctuations and the input of fresh organic matter due to macrofaunal activity are absent. SRM abundance correlated with sulfate reduction rates determined for the same sediments. Sulfate availability showed a weaker correlation with SRM abundances and no significant correlation with the composition of the SRM community. The overall SRM species diversity decreased with depth, yet we identified a subset of highly abundant community members that persists across all vertical geochemical zones of all stations. We conclude that subsurface SRM communities assemble by the persistence of members of the surface community and that the transition from the bioturbated surface sediment to the unmixed sediment below is a main site of assembly of the subsurface SRM community. IMPORTANCE Sulfate-reducing microorganisms (SRMs) are key players in the marine carbon and sulfur cycles, especially in coastal sediments, yet little is understood about the environmental factors controlling their depth distribution. Our results suggest that macrofaunal activity is a key driver of SRM abundance and community structure in marine sediments and that a small subset of SRM species of high relative abundance in the subsurface SRM community persists from the sulfate-rich surface sediment to sulfate-depleted methanogenic subsurface sediment. More generally, we conclude that SRM communities inhabiting the subsurface seabed assemble by the selective survival of members of the surface community. PMID:28939599

The influence of the acetabular labrum seal, intact articular superficial zone and synovial fluid thixotropy on squeeze-film lubrication of a spherical synovial joint.

PubMed

Hlavácek, M

2002-10-01

A model of synovial fluid (SF) filtration by articular cartilage (AC) in a step-loaded spherical synovial joint at rest is presented. The effects of joint pathology (such as a depleted acetabular labrum, a depleted cartilage superficial zone consistent with early osteoarthritis and an inflammatory SF) on the squeezed synovial film are also investigated. Biphasic mixture models for AC (ideal fluid and elastic porous transversely isotropic two-layer matrix) and for SF (ideal and thixotropic fluids) are applied and the following results are obtained. If the acetabular labrum is able to seal the pressurised SF between the articular surfaces (as in the normal hip joint), the fluid in the synovial film and in the cartilage within the labral ring is homogeneously pressurised. The articular surfaces remain separated by a fluid film for minutes. If the labrum is destroyed or absent and the SF can escape across the contact edge, the fluid pressure is non-homogeneous and with a small jump at the articular surface at the very moment of load application. The ensuing synovial film filtration by porous cartilage is lower for the normal cartilage (with the intact superficial zone) than if this zone is already depleted or rubbed off as in the early stage of primary osteoarthritis. Compared with the inflammatory (Newtonian) SF, the normal (thixotropic) fluid applies favourably in the squeezed film near the contact centre only, yielding a thicker SF film there, but not affecting the minimum thickness in the fluid film profile at a fixed time. For all that, in the unsealed case for both the normal and pathological joint, the macromolecular concentration of the hyaluronic acid-protein complex in the synovial film quickly increases due to the filtration in the greater part of the contact. A stable synovial gel film, thick on the order of 10(-7)m, protecting the articular surfaces from the intimate contact, is formed within a couple of seconds. Boundary lubrication by the synovial gel is established if sliding motion follows until a fresh SF is entrained into the contact. This theoretical prediction is open for experimental verifications.

Recovery of Ground-Water Levels from 1988 to 2003 and Analysis of Effects of 2003 and Full-Allocation Withdrawals in Critical Area 2, Southern New Jersey

USGS Publications Warehouse

Spitz, Frederick J.; dePaul, Vincent T.

2008-01-01

Water levels in the Potomac-Raritan-Magothy aquifer system within Water Supply Critical Area 2 in the southern New Jersey Coastal Plain have recovered as a result of reductions in ground-water withdrawals initiated in the early 1990s. The Critical Area consists of the depleted zone and the threatened margin. The Potomac-Raritan-Magothy aquifer system consists of the Upper, Middle, and Lower aquifers. Generally, ground-water withdrawals from these aquifers declined 5 to 10 Mgal/d (million gallons per day) and water levels recovered 0 to 40 ft (foot) from 1988 to 2003. In order to reevaluate water-allocation restrictions in Critical Area 2 in response to changes in the ground-water-flow system and demands for additional water supply due to increased development, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) needs information about the effects of changes in those allocations. Therefore, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the NJDEP, used an existing ground-water-flow model of the New Jersey Coastal Plain to evaluate the effects of withdrawal alternatives on hydraulic heads in the Potomac-Raritan-Magothy aquifer system in Critical Area 2. The U.S. Geological Survey Regional Aquifer System Analysis model was used to simulate steady-state ground-water flow. Two withdrawal conditions were tested by using the model to evaluate hydraulic heads and differences in heads in these aquifers: 2003 withdrawals and full-allocation withdrawals (17.4 Mgal/d greater than 2003 withdrawals). Model results are presented using head maps and head-difference maps that compare 2003 to full-allocation withdrawals. Mandated hydrologic conditions for Critical Area protection are that the simulated -30-ft head contour not extend beyond the boundary of the depleted zone and (or) be at least 5 mi (miles) updip from the 250-mg/L (milligram per liter) isochlor in all three aquifers. Simulation results indicate that, for 2003 withdrawals, the simulated -30-ft head contour in all three aquifers is generally within the boundary of the depleted zone, except in the Lower aquifer in northern Camden and northwestern Burlington Counties, and is generally 1 to 10 mi downdip from the 250-mg/L isochlor. (Corresponding observed data indicate that the -30-ft water-level contour extends beyond the southwest boundary of the depleted zone in the Upper and Middle aquifers, and is generally 5 to 20 mi downdip from the 250-mg/L isochlor in all three aquifers.) The area in which heads are below -30 ft ranges from 389 mi2 (square miles) in the Middle aquifer to 427 mi2 in the Lower aquifer. For full-allocation withdrawals, the simulated -30-ft head contour extends beyond the boundary of the depleted zone in all three aquifers in northern Camden and northwestern Burlington Counties and in the Upper aquifer in Gloucester and Salem Counties, and is generally 5 to 15 mi downdip from the 250-mg/L isochlor. The area in which heads are below -30 ft ranges from 616 mi2 in the Upper aquifer to 813 mi2 in the Lower aquifer. These results and observed data indicate that any increase in withdrawals from 2003 values would likely cause heads in the three aquifers to decline below the minimum values mandated by the NJDEP for the Critical Area.

Geochemical characteristics of aluminum depleted and undepleted komatiites and HREE-enriched low-Ti tholeiites, western Abitibi greenstone belt: A heterogeneous mantle plume-convergent margin environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, J.; Kerrich, R.

1997-11-01

A compositionally diverse suite of komatiites, komatiitic basalts, and basalts coexist in the Tisdale volcanic assemblage of the late-Archean (˜2.7 Ga) Abitibi greenstone belt. The komatiites are characterized by a spectrum of REE patterns, from low total REE contents (9 ppm) and pronounced convex-up patterns to greater total REE (18 ppm) and approximately flat-distributions. Thorium and niobium are codepleted with LREE. Komatiites with the most convex-up patterns have low Al 2O 3 (4.7 wt%) contents and Al 2O 3/TiO 2(12) ratios; they are interpreted to be the Al-depleted variety of komatiite derived from a depleted mantle source. Those komatiites and komatiitic basalts with flatter REE patterns are characterized by greater Al 2O 3 (7.0 wt%) and near chondritic Al 2O 3/TiO 2 (20) ratios; they are interpreted to be Al-undepleted komatiites generated from trace element undepleted mantle. For the komatiites and komatiitic basalts collectively, Gd/Ybn ratios are negatively correlated with La/Smn, but positively with MgO and Ni. The spectrum of patterns is interpreted as mixing between Al, HREE, Y-depleted, and Sc-depleted komatiites and Al-undepleted komatiites in a heterogeneous mantle plume. Auminum-depleted komatiites are characterized by negative Zr and Hf anomalies, consistent with majorite garnet-liquid D's for HFSE and REEs, signifying melt segregation at depths of >400 km. Tisdale Al-undepleted komatiites and komatiitic basalts have small negative to zero Zr(Hf)/MREE fractionation, signifying melt segregation in or above the garnet stability field. Collectively, the komatiites have correlations of Zr/Zr∗ and Hf/Hf ∗ with Gd/Ybn, and hence the Zr(Hf)/MREE fractionations are unlikely to have stemmed from alteration or crustal contamination. Two types of basalts are present. Type I basalts are Mg-tholeiites with near flat REE and primitive mantle normalized patterns, compositionally similar to abundant Mg-tholeiites associated with both Al-undepleted and Al-depleted komatiites in the Abitibi belt. They have absolute concentrations and ratios of most moderately and highly compatible elements comparable to N- MORB (Zr ˜79 vs. 74, Y ˜30 vs. 28, and Zr/Y = 2.4-2.9 vs. 2.6 ), but are relatively less depleted in highly incompatible elements and lack positive Nb or P anomalies. Type II basalts are relatively aluminous (Al 2O 3 ˜ 16 wt%), with high Al 2O 3/TiO 2 (24-28) ratios. They are characterized by low Th, Nb, and LREE contents at eight to ten times chondrite, with slightly convex-up LREE patterns ( La/Smn = 0.86-0.99 ), but strongly fractionated and enriched HREEs, Y, and Sc, where Gd/Ybn = 0.50-0.55 and consistently positive Zr(Hf)/MREEs anomalies. These basalts are tentatively interpreted as low-Ti tholeiites formed in a convergent margin setting with second stage melting, induced by fluids and melts enriched in incompatible elements and Zr(Hf) relative to MREEs, of a mantle source depleted during first stage melting. They are analogous to the Phanerozoic low-Ti tholeiite - boninite association. Accordingly the Tisdale volcanic sequence records a plume-convergent margin interaction. New analyses of Al-undepleted komatiites from the classical locality at Pyke Hill in Munro Township confirm the presence of small positive anomalies of P, Zr, and Hf, with Zr/Hf ratios generally < 36. These signatures are similar in spinifex and cumulate zones signifying that they are unlikely to have resulted from alteration. The data were generated by INAA and ICP-MS using both HFHNO 3 dissolution and Na 2O 2 sinter. The lack of LREE enrichment with negative Nb, Ta, P, and Ti anomalies in any of the Tisdale or Munro komatiites confirms an intraoceanic setting for the volcanic stage of the Western Abitibi greenstone belt.

Geochemical constraints on the origin of serpentinization of oceanic mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Z.; Lee, C. A.

2004-12-01

The lower seismic zone of double seismic zones in subducting oceanic lithosphere is suggested to be a result of serpentine or chlorite dehydration in the lithospheric mantle (Hacker et al., 2003). However, the mechanism by which oceanic lithospheric mantle is serpentinized is unclear. One way is through hydrothermal circulation where the lithospheric mantle represents part of the circuit through which seawater passes and then returns to the ocean. Another way is to inject seawater into the lithospheric mantle through fractures in the overlying crust without having a return path of water to the ocean. The two mechanisms differ in that the former is an open system process whereas the latter is a closed system process in which the mantle serves as a ¡°sponge¡± for water. Identifying the dominant process is important. For example, if the mantle is part of a hydrothermal circulation cell, the interaction of seawater with the mantle will influence the composition of seawater. This also has important implications for the heat flow out of seafloor. On the other hand, if serpentinization occurs by a closed system process, there will be no influence on seawater composition. Previous studies have suggested that serpentinization of ophiolite bodies was an isochemical process, hence closed system, but it was not clear in these studies whether serpentinization occurred in situ in the oceanic lithosphere. To better understand serpentinization processes in the oceanic lithosphere, we investigated a continuous transition zone of relatively unaltered harzburgite to completely serpentinized harzburgite in the Feather River Ophiolite in northern California. These samples are highly enriched in Na, K, Rb, Cs, U, and Sr, which strongly suggests that serpentinization occurred while the oceanic lithosphere was beneath the ocean. All samples (n=19) have Al2O3 contents ranging from 0.6 to 2.5 wt.% and have extremely depleted light rare-earth element abundances, indicating that these samples are cpx-free harzburgites, which have experienced roughly 20 to 35% melt extraction. The degree of serpentinization was quantified using the concentration of magnetite, a by-product of serpentinization. The lack of antigorite suggests that serpentinization occurred at temperatures lower than 300 C. By comparing Cr and Cr/Al systematics to that predicted from theoretical partial melting calculations and empirical relationships in unaltered peridotite xenoliths, it is shown that Cr and Al are immobile. Al content was thus used to determine the composition of the protolith, which allows us to estimate the amount of depletion/enrichment of a given element by processes other than melt depletion. Most of the harzburgites show no evidence for mantle metasomatism as evidenced by extreme depletions in LREE elements. Consistent with previous studies, we find no depletions in Mg, Fe, or Ca. As seawater is undersaturated in Mg-bearing minerals, an open system process would yield progressive depletion of Mg as is seen in abyssal peridotites, which have been weathered by seawater at the bottom of the seafloor (e.g., Snow et al. 1995). Collectively, this suggests that, except for the addition of seawater and its constituents, serpentinization of the Feather River Ophiolite, was a closed system process. By combining these observations with the results of our field mapping project, we suggest that serpentinization of the lithospheric mantle occurs by local introduction of seawater through fractures extending from the crust and into the mantle. We find no evidence that serpentinized zones in oceanic lithospheric mantle represents an extremely deep hydrothermal circulation cell.

Mass Transfer from Entrapped DNAPL Sources Undergoing Remediation: Characterization Methods and Prediction Tools

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-08-31

volumetric depletion efficiency ( VDE ) considers how much DNAPL is depleted from the system, relative to the total volume of solution flushed through the...aqueous phase contaminant. VDE is important to consider, as conditions that result in the fastest mass transfer, highest enhancement, or best MTE, may...volumes of flushing fluid, maximizing DNAPL depletion while minimizing flushing volume requirements may be desirable from a remediation standpoint. VDE

Toward Broadband Source Modeling for the Himalayan Collision Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyake, H.; Koketsu, K.; Kobayashi, H.; Sharma, B.; Mishra, O. P.; Yokoi, T.; Hayashida, T.; Bhattarai, M.; Sapkota, S. N.

2017-12-01

The Himalayan collision zone is characterized by the significant tectonic setting. There are earthquakes with low-angle thrust faulting as well as continental outerrise earthquakes. Recently several historical earthquakes have been identified by active fault surveys [e.g., Sapkota et al., 2013]. We here investigate source scaling for the Himalayan collision zone as a fundamental factor to construct source models toward seismic hazard assessment. As for the source scaling for collision zones, Yen and Ma [2011] reported the subduction-zone source scaling in Taiwan, and pointed out the non-self-similar scaling due to the finite crustal thickness. On the other hand, current global analyses of stress drop do not show abnormal values for the continental collision zones [e.g., Allmann and Shearer, 2009]. Based on the compile profiling of finite thickness of the curst and dip angle variations, we discuss whether the bending exists for the Himalayan source scaling and implications on stress drop that will control strong ground motions. Due to quite low-angle dip faulting, recent earthquakes in the Himalayan collision zone showed the upper bound of the current source scaling of rupture area vs. seismic moment (< Mw 8.0), and does not show significant bending of the source scaling. Toward broadband source modeling for ground motion prediction, we perform empirical Green's function simulations for the 2009 Butan and 2015 Gorkha earthquake sequence to quantify both long- and short-period source spectral levels.

Generation of continental crust in the northern part of the Borborema Province, northeastern Brazil, from Archaean to Neoproterozoic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Souza, Zorano Sérgio; Kalsbeek, Feiko; Deng, Xiao-Dong; Frei, Robert; Kokfelt, Thomas Find; Dantas, Elton Luiz; Li, Jian-Wei; Pimentel, Márcio Martins; Galindo, Antonio Carlos

2016-07-01

This work deals with the origin and evolution of the magmatic rocks in the area north of the Patos Lineament in the Borborema Province (BP). This northeastern segment of NE Brazil is composed of at least six different tectonic blocks with ages varying from late-Archaean to late-Palaeoproterozoic. Archaean rocks cover ca. 5% of the region. They were emplaced over a period of 700 Ma, with at least seven events of magma generation, at 3.41, 3.36, 3.25, 3.18, 3.12, 3.03, and 2.69 Ga. The rocks are subalkaline to slightly alkaline, with affinity to I- and M-type magmas; they follow trondhjemitic or potassium calc-alkaline differentiation trends. They have epsilon Nd(t) of +1.4 to -4.2 and negative anomalies for Ta-Nb, P and Ti, consistent with a convergent tectonic setting. Both subducted oceanic crust and upper mantle (depleted or metasomatised) served as sources of the magmas. After a time lapse of about 350 m y., large-scale emplacement of Paleoproterozoic units took place. These rocks cover about 50% of the region. Their geochemistry indicates juvenile magmatism with a minor contribution from crustal sources. These rocks also exhibit potassic calc-alkaline differentiation trends, again akin to I- and M-type magmas, and show negative anomalies for Ta-Nb, Ti and P. Depleted and metasomatised mantle, resulting from interaction with adakitic or trondhjemitic melts in a subduction zone setting, is interpreted to be the main source of the magmas, predominanting over crustal recycling. U-Pb ages indicate generation of plutonic rocks at 2.24-2.22 Ga (in some places at about 2.4-2.3 Ga) and 2.13-2.11 Ga, and andesitic volcanism at 2.15 Ga. Isotopic evidence indicates juvenile magmatism (epsilon Nd(t) of +2.9 to -2.9). After a time lapse of about 200 m y. a period of within-plate magmatic activity followed, with acidic volcanism (1.79 Ga) in Orós, granitic plutonism (1.74 Ga) in the Seridó region, anorthosites (1.70 Ga) and A-type granites (1.6 Ga) in the Transverse Zone (TZ). Early Neoproterozoic volcanism at 1091 Ma, and A-type plutonism, from 920 to 775 Ma, mark the intracontinental magmatism in the TZ. In the Seridó Domain, the Late Neoproterozoic registers several events of plutonism, at 600-593, 575-560, 548-533, 528-510, 495-450 Ma. These rocks cover ca. 15% of the area, while Neoproterozoic supracrustal rocks cover ca. 30%. The most important magmatic event is that at 575 Ma, consistent with the peak of widespread transpression and synchronous high temperature metamorphism. The Neoproterozoic rocks are mostly K-enriched alkaline or transitional to calc-alkaline. Inherited Archaean and Palaeoproterozoic zircons and Nd model ages, as well as moderate to strongly negative (-21 to -9) epsilon Nd, and persistent negative anomalies for Ta-Nb, Ti and P indicate significant crustal contributions in their genesis. While a convergent setting (subduction zone) could explain the Archaean and Palaeoproterozoic units, this is not so for the Neoproterozoic rocks which mimic the geochemical and isotopic features of the older sources. In the study area, the peak of juvenile accretion (mantle derived magmas) took place in the Archaean (3.4-2.7 Ga) and Palaeproterozoic (2.4-2.11 Ga), whereas crustal recycling predominated in the Neoproterozoic.

Investigating the influence of DNAPL spill characteristics on source zone architecture and mass removal in pool-dominated source zones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wallace, K. A.; Abriola, L.; Chen, M.; Ramsburg, A.; Pennell, K. D.; Christ, J.

2009-12-01

Multiphase, compositional simulators were employed to investigate the spill characteristics and subsurface properties that lead to pool-dominated, dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) source zone architectures. DNAPL pools commonly form at textural interfaces where low permeability lenses restrict the vertical migration of DNAPL, allowing for DNAPL to accumulate, reaching high saturation. Significant pooling has been observed in bench-scale experiments and field settings. However, commonly employed numerical simulations rarely predict the pooling suspected in the field. Given the importance of pooling on the efficacy of mass recovery and the down-gradient contaminant signal, it is important to understand the predominant factors affecting the creation of pool-dominated source zones and their subsequent mass discharge. In this work, contaminant properties, spill characteristics and subsurface permeability were varied to investigate the factors contributing to the development of a pool-dominated source zone. DNAPL infiltration and entrapment simulations were conducted in two- and three-dimensional domains using the University of Texas Chemical Compositional (UTCHEM) simulator. A modified version of MT3DMS was then used to simulate DNAPL dissolution and mass discharge. Numerical mesh size was varied to investigate the importance of numerical model parameters on simulations results. The temporal evolution of commonly employed source zone architecture metrics, such as the maximum DNAPL saturation, first and second spatial moments, and fraction of DNAPL mass located in pools, was monitored to determine how the source zone architecture evolved with time. Mass discharge was monitored to identify the link between source zone architecture and down-gradient contaminant flux. Contaminant characteristics and the presence of extensive low permeability lenses appeared to have the most influence on the development of a pool-dominated source zone. The link between DNAPL mass recovery and contaminant mass discharge was significantly influenced by the fraction of mass residing in DNAPL pools. The greater the fraction of mass residing in DNAPL pools the greater the likelihood for significant reductions in contaminant mass discharge at modest levels of mass removal. These results will help guide numerical and experimental studies on the remediation of pool-dominated source zones and will likely guide future source zone characterization efforts.

Geochemical characteristics of Antarctic magmatism connected with Karoo-Maud and Kerguelen mantle plumes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sushchevskaya, Nadezhda; Krymsky, Robert; Belyatsky, Boris; Antonov, Anton; Migdisova, Natalya

2013-04-01

Emplacement (130-115 m.y. ago) of dikes and sills of alkaline-ultrabasic composition within Jetty oasis (East Antarctica) is suggested as a later appearance of plume magmatism within the East-Antarctic Shield [Andronikov et al., 1993, 2001; Laiba et al., 1987]. This region is located opposite Kerguelen Islands and possibly could be properly connected with activity of the Kerguelen-plume [Foley et al., 2001, 2006]. Jurassic-Cretaceous dykes, stocks and sills of alkaline-ultrabasic rocks, relatively close to kimberlite-type, are exposed within Jetty oasis and on the southern shore of the Raddock Lake. This alkaline-ultrabasic magmatism has appeared to be connected with the main Mesozoic stage of the evolution of the Lambert and Amery glaciers riftogenic structure [Kurinin et al., 1980, 1988]. The alkaline-ultrabasic dikes and sills within Jetty oasis cut the rocks of the Beaver complex, Permo-Triassic terrigeneous successions of the Amery complex, and late Paleozoic low-alkaline basic dikes as well. Dashed chain of 6 stock bodies spread out on 15 km along the eastern shore of the Beaver Lake, marked their allocation with submeridianal zone of the deep cracks, boarded of the eastern side of the Beaver Lake trough. At the same time, new data upon Quaternary magmatism of the mountain Gaussberg has confirmed the unique features of ultra-potassium alkaline magmatism (up to 14-17% K2O) formed under exclusively continental conditions [Murphy et al., 2002]. Volcanic cone is located at the continuation of Gaussberg rift zone which is possibly a part of Lambert fracture zone. Its formation is connected with the early stages of Gondwana development, perhaps, reactivated in different Precambrian events and according to numerous data is a single rift zone which is traced Indian inland (Indrani graben, [Golynsky, 2011]). The time of lamproitic magmas eruption is estimated at 56000±5000 yeas ago [Tingey et al., 1983]. Earlier it had been shown the Mesozoic (about 170 Ma) basaltic dykes of the Schirmacher Oasis and basalts and dolerites of the Queen Maud Land (180 Ma) are identical in petrology and geochemistry terms and supposedly could be interpreted as the manifestation of the Karoo-Maud plume activity in Antarctica [Sushchevskaya et al., 2012]. The spatial distribution of the dikes indicates the eastward spreading of the plume material from DML to the Schirmacher Oasis within at least 10 Ma (up to ~35 Ma, taking into account the uncertainty of age determination). On the other hand, the considerable duration and multistage character of plume magmatism related to the activity of the Karoo-Maud plume in Antarctica and Africa [Leat et al., 2007; Luttinen et al., 2002] may indicate that the Mesozoic dikes of the oasis correspond to a single stage of plume magmatism. On the basis of obtained isotopic data it has been determined two magmatic melt evolution trends for basalts from: Queen Maud Land - Kerguelen Archipelago - Afanasy Nikitin Rise (Indian Ocean) and Jetty - Schirmacher oasises which mantle sources are quite different. Thus the Jetty - Schirmacher oasises magmatic melt sources are characterized by prevalence of the matter of moderately enriched or primitive chondritic mantle source and lithospheric mantle of Proterozoic ages but the substances of depleted mantle source similar to MORB-type and ancient mantle are absent. New data obtained on Nd, Sr, Pb isotopic and lithophile elements compositions of the alkaline-ultrabasic rocks from the Jetty oasis and Gaussberg volcano completed imagine of the Kerguelen-plume evolution. It has been confirmed unique character of the alkaline lamproiites of the Gaussberg volcano enrichments. Highly radiogenic Sr and Pb isotope ratios of these lamproiites reflect melting of the ancient sublithospheric depleted mantle which was stored from the Archean till nowadays unaffected by metasomatic-enrichment processes. During modern melting of this mantle part there is input of additional substances (crustal fluid of sediment origins, subducted sediments etc.) with high Rb/Sr ratio.

Inhalation exposure to cleaning products: application of a two-zone model.

PubMed

Earnest, C Matt; Corsi, Richard L

2013-01-01

In this study, modifications were made to previously applied two-zone models to address important factors that can affect exposures during cleaning tasks. Specifically, we expand on previous applications of the two-zone model by (1) introducing the source in discrete elements (source-cells) as opposed to a complete instantaneous release, (2) placing source cells in both the inner (near person) and outer zones concurrently, (3) treating each source cell as an independent mixture of multiple constituents, and (4) tracking the time-varying liquid concentration and emission rate of each constituent in each source cell. Three experiments were performed in an environmentally controlled chamber with a thermal mannequin and a simplified pure chemical source to simulate emissions from a cleaning product. Gas phase concentration measurements were taken in the bulk air and in the breathing zone of the mannequin to evaluate the model. The mean ratio of the integrated concentration in the mannequin's breathing zone to the concentration in the outer zone was 4.3 (standard deviation, σ = 1.6). The mean ratio of measured concentration in the breathing zone to predicted concentrations in the inner zone was 0.81 (σ = 0.16). Intake fractions ranged from 1.9 × 10(-3) to 2.7 × 10(-3). Model results reasonably predict those of previous exposure monitoring studies and indicate the inadequacy of well-mixed single-zone model applications for some but not all cleaning events.

Voluminous low-T granite: fluid present partial melting of the crust?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hand, Martin; Barovich, Karin; Morrissey, Laura; Bockmann, Kiara; Kelsey, David; Williams, Megan

2017-04-01

Voluminous low-T granite: fluid present partial melting of the crust? Martin Hand(1), Karin Barovich(1), Laura Morrissey(1), Vicki Lau(1), Kiara Bockmann(1), David Kelsey(1), Megan Williams(1) (1) Department of Earth Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia Two general schools of thought exist for the formation of granites from predominantly crustal sources. One is that large-scale anatexis occurs via fluid-absent partial melting. This essentially thermal argument is based on the reasonable premise that the lower crust is typically fluid depleted, and experimental evidence which indicates that fluid-absent partial melting can produce significant volumes of melt, creating compositionally depleted residua that many believe are recorded by granulite facies terranes. The other school of thought is that large-scale anatexis can occur via fluid-fluxed melting. This essentially compositional-based contention is also supported by experimental evidence which shows that fluid-fluxed melting is efficient, including at temperatures not much above the solidus. However, generating significant volumes of melt at low temperatures requires a large reservoir of fluid. If fluid-fluxed melting is a realistic model, the resultant granites should be comparatively low temperature compared to those derived from predominantly fluid-absent partial melting. Using a voluminous suite of aluminous granites in the Aileron Province in the North Australian Craton together with metasedimentary granulites as models for source behaviour, we evaluate fluid-absent verse fluid-present regimes for generating large volumes of crustally-derived melt. The central Aileron Province granites occupy 32,500km2, and in places are in excess of 8 km thick. They are characterised by abundant zircon inheritance that can be matched with metasedimentary successions in the region, suggesting they were derived in large part from melting of crust similar to that presently exposed. A notable feature of many of the granites is their enriched Th concentrations compared to typical Aileron Province sub solidus metapelitic successions. However, based on continuous transects within metasedimentary rocks from a number of different regions that record transitions from sub-solidus assemblages to supra-solidus rocks petrologically characterised by typical fluid-absent peritectic assemblages (central Aileron Province, Broken Hill Zone, Ivrea-Verbano Zone), fluid-absent partial melting does not deplete Th concentrations in the residuum with respect to their sub-solidus protoliths. If these compositional transects are used as a guide to the general behaviour of Th during fluid-absent partial melting, the voluminous Th-enriched granites in the Aileron Province are unlikely to be the products of fluid-absent partial melting. This contention is supported by phase equilibria modelling of sub-solidus metasedimentary units whose detrital zircons match in age the granite-hosted xenocrysts, which indicate that temperatures in excess of 840°C are required to generate significant volumes (ie ≥ 30%) of melt under fluid-absent conditions. However, zircon saturation temperatures for the granites have a weighted mean of 776 ± 4 °C (n = 220). Because the granites contain abundant inheritance, this is an upper-T limit that also suggests fluid-absent partial melting was not the primary mechanism for granite formation. We suggest that voluminous granite formation in the Aileron Province occurred in a fluid-rich regime that was particularly effective at destabilising monazite and liberating Th into melt. Because of the propensity of monazite to destabilise in the presence of fluid, we suggest that high-grade metasedimentary terrains that are notably depleted in Th may be residuum associated with fluid-fluxed melt loss.

Influence of salinity intrusion on the speciation and partitioning of mercury in the Mekong River Delta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noh, Seam; Choi, Mijin; Kim, Eunhee; Dan, Nguyen Phuoc; Thanh, Bui Xuan; Ha, Nguyen Thi Van; Sthiannopkao, Suthipong; Han, Seunghee

2013-04-01

The lower Mekong and Saigon River Basins are dominated by distinctive monsoon seasons, dry and rainy seasons. Most of the Mekong River is a freshwater region during the rainy season, whereas during the dry season, salt water intrudes approximately 70 km inland. To understand the role of salinity intrusion controlling Hg behavior in the Mekong and Saigon River Basins, Hg and monomethylmercury (MMHg) in surface water and sediment of the Mekong River and in sediment of the Saigon River were investigated in the dry season. Sediment Hg distribution, ranging from 0.12 to 0.76 nmol g-1, was mainly controlled by organic carbon distribution in the Mekong River; however, the location of point sources was more important in the Saigon River (0.21-0.65 nmol g-1). The MMHg concentrations in Mekong (0.16-6.1 pmol g-1) and Saigon (0.70-8.7 pmol g-1) sediment typically showed significant increases in the estuarine head, with sharp increases of acid volatile sulfide. Unfiltered Hg (4.6-222 pM) and filtered Hg (1.2-14 pM) in the Mekong River increased in the estuarine zone due to enhanced particle loads. Conversely, unfiltered MMHg (0.056-0.39 pM) and filtered MMHg (0.020-0.17 pM) was similar between freshwater and estuarine zones, which was associated with mixing dilution of particulate MMHg by organic- and MMHg-depleted resuspended sediment. Partitioning of Hg between water and suspended particle showed tight correlation with the partitioning of organic carbon across study sites, while that of MMHg implied influences of chloride: enhanced chloride in addition to organic matter depletion decreased particulate MMHg in the estuarine zone. Primary production was an important determinant of inter-annual variation of particulate Hg and sediment MMHg. The bloom year showed relatively low particulate Hg with low C/N ratio, indicating biodilution of Hg. In contrast, the percentage of MMHg in sediment increased significantly in the bloom year, likely due to greater availability of metabolizable fresh organic matter. The overall results emphasize that Hg behavior in the lower Mekong River Basin is strongly connected to the local monsoon climate, via alterations in particle loads, biological productivity, and availability of sulfate, chloride and organic matter.

How Actuated Particles Effectively Capture Biomolecular Targets

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Because of their high surface-to-volume ratio and adaptable surface functionalization, particles are widely used in bioanalytical methods to capture molecular targets. In this article, a comprehensive study is reported of the effectiveness of protein capture by actuated magnetic particles. Association rate constants are quantified in experiments as well as in Brownian dynamics simulations for different particle actuation configurations. The data reveal how the association rate depends on the particle velocity, particle density, and particle assembly characteristics. Interestingly, single particles appear to exhibit target depletion zones near their surface, caused by the high density of capture molecules. The depletion effects are even more limiting in cases with high particle densities. The depletion effects are overcome and protein capture rates are enhanced by applying dynamic particle actuation, resulting in an increase in the association rate constants by up to 2 orders of magnitude. PMID:28192952

A semi-empirical model for the formation and depletion of the high burnup structure in UO 2

DOE PAGES

Pizzocri, D.; Cappia, F.; Luzzi, L.; ...

2017-01-31

In the rim zone of UO 2 nuclear fuel pellets, the combination of high burnup and low temperature drives a microstructural change, leading to the formation of the high burnup structure (HBS). In this work, we propose a semi-empirical model to describe the formation of the HBS, which embraces the polygonisation/recrystallization process and the depletion of intra-granular fission gas, describing them as inherently related. To this end, we per-formed grain-size measurements on samples at radial positions in which the restructuring was incomplete. Moreover, based on these new experimental data, we assume an exponential reduction of the average grain size withmore » local effective burnup, paired with a simultaneous depletion of intra-granular fission gas driven by diffusion. The comparison with currently used models indicates the applicability of the herein developed model within integral fuel performance codes.« less

Tropical circulation and precipitation response to ozone depletion and recovery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brönnimann, Stefan; Jacques-Coper, Martín; Rozanov, Eugene; Fischer, Andreas M.; Morgenstern, Olaf; Zeng, Guang; Akiyoshi, Hideharu; Yamashita, Yousuke

2017-06-01

Among the few well established changes in atmospheric circulation in recent decades are those caused by stratospheric ozone depletion. They include a strengthening and poleward contraction of the westerly atmospheric circulation over the Southern extratropics, i.e. a strengthening Southern Annular Mode (SAM), in austral spring and summer. Associated effects on extratropical temperature and precipitation and more recently subtropical precipitation have been documented and are understood in a zonal mean framework. We present zonally asymmetric effects of ozone depletion that reach into the tropics and affect atmospheric circulation and precipitation, including the South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ), the most important rainband of the Southern Hemisphere. Using observation-based analyses and model simulations we show that over the 1961-1996 period, ozone depletion led to increased precipitation at the northern flank of the SPCZ and to decreased precipitation to the south. The effects originate from a flow pattern over the southwestern Pacific that extends equatorward and alters the propagation of synoptic waves and thus the position of the SPCZ. Model simulations suggest that anticipated stratospheric ozone recovery over the next decades will reverse these effects.

Geochemical Constrains on MORB Composition and Magma Sources at East Pacific Rise Between 1°S and 2°S

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Wei; Zeng, Zhigang; Cui, Lukai; Yin, Xuebo

2018-04-01

The East Pacific Rise (EPR) is a typical fast spreading ridge. To gain a better understanding of the magmatism under ridges, Mid Ocean Ridge Basalts (MORBs) with remarkably heterogeneous compositions are obtained from (EPR) 1°-2°S and multielement geochemical and radioisotope analyses are conducted. Results show that these MORBs have wide variation ranges in trace element concentrations and isotopic ratios. Sample 07 has low concentrations of incompatible elements, and very low 87Sr/86Sr, and high 143Nd/144Nd from 0.70213 to 0.702289 and 0.513234 to 0.513289, respectively. However, other samples show enrichment in incompatible elements to varying degrees, and medium values of 87Sr/86Sr and 143Nd/144Nd from 0.702440 to 0.702680 and 0.513086 to 0.513200, respectively. This study proposes that one depleted source and two enriched sources contribute to the formation of MORBs from EPR 1°-2°S. Samples 02 and 10 are formed by mixing between one enriched source and one depleted source, while sample 07 is crystallized from the depleted source with no mixing process involved. However, the formation of samples 06 and 11 are different, and thus further research is required to determine genesis.

Pyrolysis reactor and fluidized bed combustion chamber

DOEpatents

Green, Norman W.

1981-01-06

A solid carbonaceous material is pyrolyzed in a descending flow pyrolysis reactor in the presence of a particulate source of heat to yield a particulate carbon containing solid residue. The particulate source of heat is obtained by educting with a gaseous source of oxygen the particulate carbon containing solid residue from a fluidized bed into a first combustion zone coupled to a second combustion zone. A source of oxygen is introduced into the second combustion zone to oxidize carbon monoxide formed in the first combustion zone to heat the solid residue to the temperature of the particulate source of heat.

Spatial distribution and source apportionment of water pollution in different administrative zones of Wen-Rui-Tang (WRT) river watershed, China.

PubMed

Yang, Liping; Mei, Kun; Liu, Xingmei; Wu, Laosheng; Zhang, Minghua; Xu, Jianming; Wang, Fan

2013-08-01

Water quality degradation in river systems has caused great concerns all over the world. Identifying the spatial distribution and sources of water pollutants is the very first step for efficient water quality management. A set of water samples collected bimonthly at 12 monitoring sites in 2009 and 2010 were analyzed to determine the spatial distribution of critical parameters and to apportion the sources of pollutants in Wen-Rui-Tang (WRT) river watershed, near the East China Sea. The 12 monitoring sites were divided into three administrative zones of urban, suburban, and rural zones considering differences in land use and population density. Multivariate statistical methods [one-way analysis of variance, principal component analysis (PCA), and absolute principal component score-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) methods] were used to investigate the spatial distribution of water quality and to apportion the pollution sources. Results showed that most water quality parameters had no significant difference between the urban and suburban zones, whereas these two zones showed worse water quality than the rural zone. Based on PCA and APCS-MLR analysis, urban domestic sewage and commercial/service pollution, suburban domestic sewage along with fluorine point source pollution, and agricultural nonpoint source pollution with rural domestic sewage pollution were identified to the main pollution sources in urban, suburban, and rural zones, respectively. Understanding the water pollution characteristics of different administrative zones could put insights into effective water management policy-making especially in the area across various administrative zones.

Subsidence rates at the southern Salton Sea consistent with reservoir depletion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barbour, Andrew J.; Evans, Eileen L.; Hickman, Stephen H.; Eneva, Mariana

2016-07-01

Space geodetic measurements from the Envisat satellite between 2003 and 2010 show that subsidence rates near the southeastern shoreline of the Salton Sea in Southern California are up to 52mmyr-1 greater than the far-field background rate. By comparing these measurements with model predictions, we find that this subsidence appears to be dominated by poroelastic contraction associated with ongoing geothermal fluid production, rather than the purely fault-related subsidence proposed previously. Using a simple point source model, we suggest that the source of this proposed volumetric strain is at depths between 1.0 km and 2.4 km (95% confidence interval), comparable to generalized boundaries of the Salton Sea geothermal reservoir. We find that fault slip on two previously imaged tectonic structures, which are part of a larger system of faults in the Brawley Seismic Zone, is not an adequate predictor of surface velocity fields because the magnitudes of the best fitting slip rates are often greater than the full plate boundary rate and at least 2 times greater than characteristic sedimentation rates in this region. Large-scale residual velocity anomalies indicate that spatial patterns predicted by fault slip are incompatible with the observations.

Subsidence rates at the southern Salton Sea consistent with reservoir depletion

USGS Publications Warehouse

Barbour, Andrew J.; Evans, Eileen; Hickman, Stephen H.; Eneva, Mariana

2016-01-01

Space geodetic measurements from the Envisat satellite between 2003 and 2010 show that subsidence rates near the southeastern shoreline of the Salton Sea in Southern California are up to 52mmyr−1 greater than the far-field background rate. By comparing these measurements with model predictions, we find that this subsidence appears to be dominated by poroelastic contraction associated with ongoing geothermal fluid production, rather than the purely fault-related subsidence proposed previously. Using a simple point source model, we suggest that the source of this proposed volumetric strain is at depths between 1.0 km and 2.4 km (95% confidence interval), comparable to generalized boundaries of the Salton Sea geothermal reservoir. We find that fault slip on two previously imaged tectonic structures, which are part of a larger system of faults in the Brawley Seismic Zone, is not an adequate predictor of surface velocity fields because the magnitudes of the best fitting slip rates are often greater than the full plate boundary rate and at least 2 times greater than characteristic sedimentation rates in this region. Large-scale residual velocity anomalies indicate that spatial patterns predicted by fault slip are incompatible with the observations.

Effect of Mantle Wedge Hybridization by Sediment Melt on Geochemistry of Arc Magma and Arc Mantle Source - Insights from Laboratory Experiments at High Pressures and Temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mallik, A.; Dasgupta, R.; Tsuno, K.; Nelson, J. M.

2015-12-01

Generation of arc magmas involves metasomatism of the mantle wedge by slab-derived H2O-rich fluids and/or melts and subsequent melting of the modified source. The chemistry of arc magmas and the residual mantle wedge are not only regulated by the chemistry of the slab input, but also by the phase relations of metasomatism or hybridization process in the wedge. The sediment-derived silica-rich fluids and hydrous partial melts create orthopyroxene-rich zones in the mantle wedge, due to reaction of mantle olivine with silica in the fluid/melt [1,2]. Geochemical evidence for such a reaction comes from pyroxenitic lithologies coexisting with peridotite in supra-subduction zones. In this study, we have simulated the partial melting of a parcel of mantle wedge modified by bulk addition of sediment-derived melt with variable H2O contents to investigate the major and trace element chemistry of the magmas and the residues formed by this process. Experiments at 2-3 GPa and 1150-1300 °C were conducted on mixtures of 25% sediment-derived melt and 75% lherzolite, with bulk H2O contents varying from 2 to 6 wt.%. Partial reactive crystallization of the rhyolitic slab-derived melt and partial melting of the mixed source produced a range of melt compositions from ultra-K basanites to basaltic andesites, in equilibrium with an orthopyroxene ± phlogopite ± clinopyroxene ± garnet bearing residue, depending on P and bulk H2O content. Model calculations using partition coefficients (from literature) of trace elements between experimental minerals and silicate melt suggest that the geochemical signatures of the slab-derived melt, such as low Ce/Pb and depletion in Nb and Ta (characteristic slab signatures) are not erased from the resulting melt owing to reactive crystallization. The residual mineral assemblage is also found to be similar to the supra-subduction zone lithologies, such as those found in Dabie Shan (China) and Sanbagawa Belt (Japan). In this presentation, we will also compare the major and trace element characteristics of bulk rock and minerals found in orthopyroxenites from supra-subduction zones with the residua formed in our experiments, to differentiate between melt versus fluid, and sediment- versus basalt-derived flux in the mantle wedge. [1] Mallik et al. (2015) CMP169(5) [2] Sekine & Wyllie (1982) CMP 81(3)

Reductive dechlorination of trichloroethene DNAPL source zones: source zone architecture versus electron donor availability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krol, M.; Kokkinaki, A.; Sleep, B.

2014-12-01

The persistence of dense-non-aqueous-phase liquids (DNAPLs) in the subsurface has led practitioners and regulatory agencies to turn towards low-maintenance, low-cost remediation methods. Biological degradation has been suggested as a possible solution, based on the well-proven ability of certain microbial species to break down dissolved chlorinated ethenes under favorable conditions. However, the biodegradation of pure phase chlorinated ethenes is subject to additional constraints: the continuous release of electron acceptor at a rate governed by mass transfer kinetics, and the temporal and spatial heterogeneity of DNAPL source zones which leads to spatially and temporally variable availability of the reactants for reductive dechlorination. In this work, we investigate the relationship between various DNAPL source zone characteristics and reaction kinetics using COMPSIM, a multiphase groundwater model that considers non-equilibrium mass transfer and Monod-type kinetics for reductive dechlorination. Numerical simulations are performed for simple, homogeneous trichloroethene DNAPL source zones to demonstrate the effect of single source zone characteristics, as well as for larger, more realistic heterogeneous source zones. It is shown that source zone size, and mass transfer kinetics may have a decisive effect on the predicted bio-enhancement. Finally, we evaluate the performance of DNAPL bioremediation for realistic, thermodynamically constrained, concentrations of electron donor. Our results indicate that the latter may be the most important limitation for the success of DNAPL bioremediation, leading to reduced bio-enhancement and, in many cases, comparable performance with water flooding.

Dual-color STED microscopy reveals a sandwich structure of Bassoon and Piccolo in active zones of adult and aged mice.

PubMed

Nishimune, Hiroshi; Badawi, Yomna; Mori, Shuuichi; Shigemoto, Kazuhiro

2016-06-20

Presynaptic active zones play a pivotal role as synaptic vesicle release sites for synaptic transmission, but the molecular architecture of active zones in mammalian neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) at sub-diffraction limited resolution remains unknown. Bassoon and Piccolo are active zone specific cytosolic proteins essential for active zone assembly in NMJs, ribbon synapses, and brain synapses. These proteins are thought to colocalize and share some functions at active zones. Here, we report an unexpected finding of non-overlapping localization of these two proteins in mouse NMJs revealed using dual-color stimulated emission depletion (STED) super resolution microscopy. Piccolo puncta sandwiched Bassoon puncta and aligned in a Piccolo-Bassoon-Piccolo structure in adult NMJs. P/Q-type voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) puncta colocalized with Bassoon puncta. The P/Q-type VGCC and Bassoon protein levels decreased significantly in NMJs from aged mouse. In contrast, the Piccolo levels in NMJs from aged mice were comparable to levels in adult mice. This study revealed the molecular architecture of active zones in mouse NMJs at sub-diffraction limited resolution, and described the selective degeneration mechanism of active zone proteins in NMJs from aged mice. Interestingly, the localization pattern of active zone proteins described herein is similar to active zone structures described using electron microscope tomography.

Design and construction of Keda Space Plasma Experiment (KSPEX) for the investigation of the boundary layer processes of ionospheric depletions.

PubMed

Liu, Yu; Zhang, Zhongkai; Lei, Jiuhou; Cao, Jinxiang; Yu, Pengcheng; Zhang, Xiao; Xu, Liang; Zhao, Yaodong

2016-09-01

In this work, the design and construction of the Keda Space Plasma EXperiment (KSPEX), which aims to study the boundary layer processes of ionospheric depletions, are described in detail. The device is composed of three stainless-steel sections: two source chambers at both ends and an experimental chamber in the center. KSPEX is a steady state experimental device, in which hot filament arrays are used to produce plasmas in the two sources. A Macor-mesh design is adopted to adjust the plasma density and potential difference between the two plasmas, which creates a boundary layer with a controllable electron density gradient and inhomogeneous radial electric field. In addition, attachment chemicals can be released into the plasmas through a tailor-made needle valve which leads to the generation of negative ions plasmas. Ionospheric depletions can be modeled and simulated using KSPEX, and many micro-physical processes of the formation and evolution of an ionospheric depletion can be experimentally studied.

Variable nutrient stoichiometry (carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus) across trophic levels determines community and ecosystem properties in an oligotrophic mangrove system.

PubMed

Scharler, U M; Ulanowicz, R E; Fogel, M L; Wooller, M J; Jacobson-Meyers, M E; Lovelock, C E; Feller, I C; Frischer, M; Lee, R; McKee, K; Romero, I C; Schmit, J P; Shearer, C

2015-11-01

Our study investigated the carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus (C:N:P) stoichiometry of mangrove island of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (Twin Cays, Belize). The C:N:P of abiotic and biotic components of this oligotrophic ecosystem was measured and served to build networks of nutrient flows for three distinct mangrove forest zones (tall seaward fringing forest, inland dwarf forests and a transitional zone). Between forest zones, the stoichiometry of primary producers, heterotrophs and abiotic components did not change significantly, but there was a significant difference in C:N:P, and C, N, and P biomass, between the functional groups mangrove trees, other primary producers, heterotrophs, and abiotic components. C:N:P decreased with increasing trophic level. Nutrient recycling in the food webs was highest for P, and high transfer efficiencies between trophic levels of P and N also indicated an overall shortage of these nutrients when compared to C. Heterotrophs were sometimes, but not always, limited by the same nutrient as the primary producers. Mangrove trees and the primary tree consumers were P limited, whereas the invertebrates consuming leaf litter and detritus were N limited. Most compartments were limited by P or N (not by C), and the relative depletion rate of food sources was fastest for P. P transfers thus constituted a bottleneck of nutrient transfer on Twin Cays. This is the first comprehensive ecosystem study of nutrient transfers in a mangrove ecosystem, illustrating some mechanisms (e.g. recycling rates, transfer efficiencies) which oligotrophic systems use in order to build up biomass and food webs spanning various trophic levels.

Variable nutrient stoichiometry (carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus) across trophic levels determines community and ecosystem properties in an oligotrophic mangrove system

USGS Publications Warehouse

Scharler, U.M.; Ulanowicz, Robert E.; Fogel, M.L.; Wooller, M.J.; Jacobson-Meyers, M.E.; Lovelock, C.E.; Feller, I.C.; Frischer, M.; Lee, R.; Mckee, Karen L.; Romero, I.C.; Schmit, J.P.; Shearer, C.

2015-01-01

Our study investigated the carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus (C:N:P) stoichiometry of mangrove island of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (Twin Cays, Belize). The C:N:P of abiotic and biotic components of this oligotrophic ecosystem was measured and served to build networks of nutrient flows for three distinct mangrove forest zones (tall seaward fringing forest, inland dwarf forests and a transitional zone). Between forest zones, the stoichiometry of primary producers, heterotrophs and abiotic components did not change significantly, but there was a significant difference in C:N:P, and C, N, and P biomass, between the functional groups mangrove trees, other primary producers, heterotrophs, and abiotic components. C:N:P decreased with increasing trophic level. Nutrient recycling in the food webs was highest for P, and high transfer efficiencies between trophic levels of P and N also indicated an overall shortage of these nutrients when compared to C. Heterotrophs were sometimes, but not always, limited by the same nutrient as the primary producers. Mangrove trees and the primary tree consumers were P limited, whereas the invertebrates consuming leaf litter and detritus were N limited. Most compartments were limited by P or N (not by C), and the relative depletion rate of food sources was fastest for P. P transfers thus constituted a bottleneck of nutrient transfer on Twin Cays. This is the first comprehensive ecosystem study of nutrient transfers in a mangrove ecosystem, illustrating some mechanisms (e.g. recycling rates, transfer efficiencies) which oligotrophic systems use in order to build up biomass and food webs spanning various trophic levels.

Relating salt marsh pore water geochemistry patterns to vegetation zones and hydrologic influences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moffett, Kevan B.; Gorelick, Steven M.

2016-03-01

Physical, chemical, and biological factors influence vegetation zonation in salt marshes and other wetlands, but connections among these factors could be better understood. If salt marsh vegetation and marsh pore water geochemistry coorganize, e.g., via continuous plant water uptake and persistently unsaturated sediments controlling vegetation zone-specific pore water geochemistry, this could complement known physical mechanisms of marsh self-organization. A high-resolution survey of pore water geochemistry was conducted among five salt marsh vegetation zones at the same intertidal elevation. Sampling transects were arrayed both parallel and perpendicular to tidal channels. Pore water geochemistry patterns were both horizontally differentiated, corresponding to vegetation zonation, and vertically differentiated, relating to root influences. The geochemical patterns across the site were less broadly related to marsh hydrology than to vegetation zonation. Mechanisms contributing to geochemical differentiation included: root-induced oxidation and nutrient (P) depletion, surface and creek-bank sediment flushing by rainfall or tides, evapotranspiration creating aerated pore space for partial sediment flushing in some areas while persistently saturated conditions hindered pore water renewal in others, and evapoconcentration of pore water solutes overall. The concentrated pore waters draining to the tidal creeks accounted for 41% of ebb tide solutes (median of 14 elements), including being a potentially toxic source of Ni but a slight sink for Zn, at least during the short, winter study period in southern San Francisco Bay. Heterogeneous vegetation effects on pore water geochemistry are not only significant locally within the marsh but may broadly influence marsh-estuary solute exchange and ecology.

Soil functional zone management: a vehicle for enhancing production and soil ecosystem services in row-crop agroecosystems

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

There is increasing demand for food, bioenergy feedstocks and a wide variety of bio-based products. In response, agriculture has made great gains in production, but is increasingly depleting soil regulating and supporting ecosystem services. New production systems have emerged, such as Conservation ...

Soil Water Sensing-Focus on Variable Rate Irrigation

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Irrigation scheduling using soil water sensors is an exercise in maintaining the water content of the crop root zone soil above a lower limit defined by the management allowed depletion (MAD) for that soil and crop, but not so wet that too much water is lost to deep percolation. The management allow...

DEVELOPING AN INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT OF HYPOXIA IN THE NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO

EPA Science Inventory

Hypoxia is the condition in which dissolved oxygen levels are below that necessary to sustain most animal life. The largest zone of oxygen depletion in the US coastal waters is found in the northern Gulf of Mexico (NGOM) on the LA/TX continental shelf. In response to growing publ...

Extreme 13C depletion of carbonates formed during oxidation of biogenic methane in fractured granite

PubMed Central

Drake, Henrik; Åström, Mats E.; Heim, Christine; Broman, Curt; Åström, Jan; Whitehouse, Martin; Ivarsson, Magnus; Siljeström, Sandra; Sjövall, Peter

2015-01-01

Precipitation of exceptionally 13C-depleted authigenic carbonate is a result of, and thus a tracer for, sulphate-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation, particularly in marine sediments. Although these carbonates typically are less depleted in 13C than in the source methane, because of incorporation of C also from other sources, they are far more depleted in 13C (δ13C as light as −69‰ V-PDB) than in carbonates formed where no methane is involved. Here we show that oxidation of biogenic methane in carbon-poor deep groundwater in fractured granitoid rocks has resulted in fracture-wall precipitation of the most extremely 13C-depleted carbonates ever reported, δ13C down to −125‰ V-PDB. A microbial consortium of sulphate reducers and methane oxidizers has been involved, as revealed by biomarker signatures in the carbonates and S-isotope compositions of co-genetic sulphide. Methane formed at shallow depths has been oxidized at several hundred metres depth at the transition to a deep-seated sulphate-rich saline water. This process is so far an unrecognized terrestrial sink of methane. PMID:25948095

Impacts of a high-discharge submarine sewage outfall on water quality in the coastal zone of Salvador (Bahia, Brazil).

PubMed

Roth, F; Lessa, G C; Wild, C; Kikuchi, R K P; Naumann, M S

2016-05-15

Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopic signatures of suspended particulate organic matter and seawater biological oxygen demand (BOD) were measured along a coastal transect during summer 2015 to investigate pollution impacts of a high-discharge submarine sewage outfall close to Salvador, Brazil. Impacts of untreated sewage discharge were evident at the outfall site by depleted δ(13)Corg and δ(15)N signatures and 4-fold increased BOD rates. Pollution effects of a sewage plume were detectable for more than 6km downstream from the outfall site, as seasonal wind- and tide-driven shelf hydrodynamics facilitated its advective transport into near-shore waters. There, sewage pollution was detectable at recreational beaches by depleted stable isotope signatures and elevated BOD rates at high tides, suggesting high bacterial activity and increased infection risk by human pathogens. These findings indicate the urgent necessity for appropriate wastewater treatment in Salvador to achieve acceptable standards for released effluents and coastal zone water quality. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Collisional erosion and the non-chondritic composition of the terrestrial planets.

PubMed

O'Neill, Hugh St C; Palme, Herbert

2008-11-28

The compositional variations among the chondrites inform us about cosmochemical fractionation processes during condensation and aggregation of solid matter from the solar nebula. These fractionations include: (i) variable Mg-Si-RLE ratios (RLE: refractory lithophile element), (ii) depletions in elements more volatile than Mg, (iii) a cosmochemical metal-silicate fractionation, and (iv) variations in oxidation state. Moon- to Mars-sized planetary bodies, formed by rapid accretion of chondrite-like planetesimals in local feeding zones within 106 years, may exhibit some of these chemical variations. However, the next stage of planetary accretion is the growth of the terrestrial planets from approximately 102 embryos sourced across wide heliocentric distances, involving energetic collisions, in which material may be lost from a growing planet as well as gained. While this may result in averaging out of the 'chondritic' fractionations, it introduces two non-chondritic chemical fractionation processes: post-nebular volatilization and preferential collisional erosion. In the latter, geochemically enriched crust formed previously is preferentially lost. That post-nebular volatilization was widespread is demonstrated by the non-chondritic Mn/Na ratio in all the small, differentiated, rocky bodies for which we have basaltic samples, including the Moon and Mars. The bulk silicate Earth (BSE) has chondritic Mn/Na, but shows several other compositional features in its pattern of depletion of volatile elements suggestive of non-chondritic fractionation. The whole-Earth Fe/Mg ratio is 2.1+/-0.1, significantly greater than the solar ratio of 1.9+/-0.1, implying net collisional erosion of approximately 10 per cent silicate relative to metal during the Earth's accretion. If this collisional erosion preferentially removed differentiated crust, the assumption of chondritic ratios among all RLEs in the BSE would not be valid, with the BSE depleted in elements according to their geochemical incompatibility. In the extreme case, the Earth would only have half the chondritic abundances of the highly incompatible, heat-producing elements Th, U and K. Such an Earth model resolves several geochemical paradoxes: the depleted mantle occupies the whole mantle, is completely outgassed in (40)Ar and produces the observed (4)He flux through the ocean basins. But the lower radiogenic heat production exacerbates the discrepancy with heat loss.

Self-Regulatory Capacities Are Depleted in a Domain-Specific Manner

PubMed Central

Zhang, Rui; Stock, Ann-Kathrin; Rzepus, Anneka; Beste, Christian

2017-01-01

Performing an act of self-regulation such as making decisions has been suggested to deplete a common limited resource, which impairs all subsequent self-regulatory actions (ego depletion theory). It has however remained unclear whether self-referred decisions truly impair behavioral control even in seemingly unrelated cognitive domains, and which neurophysiological mechanisms are affected by these potential depletion effects. In the current study, we therefore used an inter-individual design to compare two kinds of depletion, namely a self-referred choice-based depletion and a categorization-based switching depletion, to a non-depleted control group. We used a backward inhibition (BI) paradigm to assess the effects of depletion on task switching and associated inhibition processes. It was combined with EEG and source localization techniques to assess both behavioral and neurophysiological depletion effects. The results challenge the ego depletion theory in its current form: Opposing the theory’s prediction of a general limited resource, which should have yielded comparable effects in both depletion groups, or maybe even a larger depletion in the self-referred choice group, there were stronger performance impairments following a task domain-specific depletion (i.e., the switching-based depletion) than following a depletion based on self-referred choices. This suggests at least partly separate and independent resources for various cognitive control processes rather than just one joint resource for all self-regulation activities. The implications are crucial to consider for people making frequent far-reaching decisions e.g., in law or economy. PMID:29033798

Self-Regulatory Capacities Are Depleted in a Domain-Specific Manner.

PubMed

Zhang, Rui; Stock, Ann-Kathrin; Rzepus, Anneka; Beste, Christian

2017-01-01

Performing an act of self-regulation such as making decisions has been suggested to deplete a common limited resource, which impairs all subsequent self-regulatory actions (ego depletion theory). It has however remained unclear whether self-referred decisions truly impair behavioral control even in seemingly unrelated cognitive domains, and which neurophysiological mechanisms are affected by these potential depletion effects. In the current study, we therefore used an inter-individual design to compare two kinds of depletion, namely a self-referred choice-based depletion and a categorization-based switching depletion, to a non-depleted control group. We used a backward inhibition (BI) paradigm to assess the effects of depletion on task switching and associated inhibition processes. It was combined with EEG and source localization techniques to assess both behavioral and neurophysiological depletion effects. The results challenge the ego depletion theory in its current form: Opposing the theory's prediction of a general limited resource, which should have yielded comparable effects in both depletion groups, or maybe even a larger depletion in the self-referred choice group, there were stronger performance impairments following a task domain-specific depletion (i.e., the switching-based depletion) than following a depletion based on self-referred choices. This suggests at least partly separate and independent resources for various cognitive control processes rather than just one joint resource for all self-regulation activities. The implications are crucial to consider for people making frequent far-reaching decisions e.g., in law or economy.

Effects of nanoparticle heating on the structure of a concentrated aqueous salt solution.

PubMed

Sindt, Julien O; Alexander, Andrew J; Camp, Philip J

2017-12-07

The effects of a rapidly heated nanoparticle on the structure of a concentrated aqueous salt solution are studied using molecular dynamics simulations. A diamond-like nanoparticle of radius 20 Å is immersed in a sodium-chloride solution at 20% above the experimental saturation concentration and equilibrated at T = 293 K and P = 1 atm. The nanoparticle is then rapidly heated to several thousand degrees Kelvin, and the system is held under isobaric-isoenthalpic conditions. It is observed that after 2-3 ns, the salt ions are depleted far more than water molecules from a proximal zone 15-25 Å from the nanoparticle surface. This leads to a transient reduction in molality in the proximal zone and an increase in ion clustering in the distal zone. At longer times, ions begin to diffuse back into the proximal zone. It is speculated that the formation of proximal and distal zones, and the increase in ion clustering, plays a role in the mechanism of nonphotochemical laser-induced nucleation.

Effects of nanoparticle heating on the structure of a concentrated aqueous salt solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sindt, Julien O.; Alexander, Andrew J.; Camp, Philip J.

2017-12-01

The effects of a rapidly heated nanoparticle on the structure of a concentrated aqueous salt solution are studied using molecular dynamics simulations. A diamond-like nanoparticle of radius 20 Å is immersed in a sodium-chloride solution at 20% above the experimental saturation concentration and equilibrated at T = 293 K and P = 1 atm. The nanoparticle is then rapidly heated to several thousand degrees Kelvin, and the system is held under isobaric-isoenthalpic conditions. It is observed that after 2-3 ns, the salt ions are depleted far more than water molecules from a proximal zone 15-25 Å from the nanoparticle surface. This leads to a transient reduction in molality in the proximal zone and an increase in ion clustering in the distal zone. At longer times, ions begin to diffuse back into the proximal zone. It is speculated that the formation of proximal and distal zones, and the increase in ion clustering, plays a role in the mechanism of nonphotochemical laser-induced nucleation.

Flavopiridol in Treating Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Lymphoma or Multiple Myeloma

ClinicalTrials.gov

2016-06-27

Adult Lymphocyte Depletion Hodgkin Lymphoma; Adult Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma; Adult Mixed Cellularity Hodgkin Lymphoma; Adult Nodular Sclerosis Hodgkin Lymphoma; Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma; Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma; Extranodal Marginal Zone B-cell Lymphoma of Mucosa-associated Lymphoid Tissue; Nodal Marginal Zone B-cell Lymphoma; Recurrent Adult Diffuse Large Cell Lymphoma; Recurrent Adult Diffuse Mixed Cell Lymphoma; Recurrent Adult Diffuse Small Cleaved Cell Lymphoma; Recurrent Adult Grade III Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis; Recurrent Adult Hodgkin Lymphoma; Recurrent Adult T-cell Leukemia/Lymphoma; Recurrent Cutaneous T-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma; Recurrent Grade 1 Follicular Lymphoma; Recurrent Grade 2 Follicular Lymphoma; Recurrent Grade 3 Follicular Lymphoma; Recurrent Mantle Cell Lymphoma; Recurrent Marginal Zone Lymphoma; Recurrent Mycosis Fungoides/Sezary Syndrome; Recurrent Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma; Refractory Multiple Myeloma; Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma; Stage I Multiple Myeloma; Stage II Multiple Myeloma; Stage III Multiple Myeloma; Waldenström Macroglobulinemia

Magnetic susceptibility as a proxy for investigating microbially mediated iron reduction

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mewafy, F.M.; Atekwana, E.A.; Werkema, D.D.; Slater, L.D.; Ntarlagiannis, D.; Revil, A.; Skold, M.; Delin, G.N.

2011-01-01

We investigated magnetic susceptibility (MS) variations in hydrocarbon contaminated sediments. Our objective was to determine if MS can be used as an intrinsic bioremediation indicator due to the activity of iron-reducing bacteria. A contaminated and an uncontaminated core were retrieved from a site contaminated with crude oil near Bemidji, Minnesota and subsampled for MS measurements. The contaminated core revealed enriched MS zones within the hydrocarbon smear zone, which is related to iron-reduction coupled to oxidation of hydrocarbon compounds and the vadose zone, which is coincident with a zone of methane depletion suggesting aerobic or anaerobic oxidation of methane is coupled to iron-reduction. The latter has significant implications for methane cycling. We conclude that MS can serve as a proxy for intrinsic bioremediation due to the activity of iron-reducing bacteria iron-reducing bacteria and for the application of geophysics to iron cycling studies. ?? 2011 by the American Geophysical Union.

Mantle upwelling and trench-parallel mantle flow in the northern Cascade arc indicated by basalt geochemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mullen, E.; Weis, D.

2013-12-01

Cascadia offers a unique perspective on arc magma genesis as an end-member ';hot' subduction zone in which relatively little water may be available to promote mantle melting. The youngest and hottest subducting crust (~5 Myr at the trench) occurs in the Garibaldi Volcanic Belt, at the northern edge of the subducting Juan de Fuca plate [1]. Geochemical data from GVB primitive basalts provide insights on mantle melting where a slab edge coincides with high slab temperatures. In subduction zones worldwide, including the Cascades, basalts are typically calc-alkaline and produced from a depleted mantle wedge modified by slab input. However, basalts from volcanic centers overlying the northern slab edge (Salal Glacier and Bridge River Cones) are alkalic [2] and lack a trace element subduction signature [3]. The mantle source of the alkalic basalts is significantly more enriched in incompatible elements than the slab-modified depleted mantle wedge that produces calc-alkaline basalts in the southern GVB (Mt. Baker and Glacier Peak) [3]. The alkalic basalts are also generated at temperatures and pressures of up to 175°C and 1.5 GPa higher than those of the calc-alkaline basalts [3], consistent with decompression melting of fertile, hot mantle ascending through a gap in the Nootka fault, the boundary between the subducting Juan de Fuca plate and the nearly stagnant Explorer microplate. Mantle upwelling may be related to toroidal mantle flow around the slab edge, which has been identified in southern Cascadia [4]. In the GVB, the upwelling fertile mantle is not confined to the immediate area around the slab edge but has spread southward along the arc axis, its extent gradually diminishing as the slab-modified depleted mantle wedge becomes dominant. Between Salal Glacier/Bridge River and Glacier Peak ~350 km to the south, there are increases in isotopic ratios (ɛHf = 8.3 to13.0, ɛNd = 7.3 to 8.5, and 208Pb*/206*Pb* = 0.914 to 0.928) and trace element indicators of slab input (e.g., Ba/Nb, Ba/La), along with a transition of basalt compositions from alkalic to calc-alkaline [2]. Mantle upwelling at slab edges and arc-parallel mantle flow are recognized in an increasing number of subduction zones from seismic anisotropy data [5]. In the GVB, the geochemical evidence for these phenomena is reinforced by shear-wave splitting measurements indicating complex mantle flow around the northern Cascadia slab edge [6]. The influx of enriched asthenosphere into the northern Cascadia mantle wedge accounts for why GVB basalts display compositional differences from other Cascade arc basalts. [1] Wilson (2002) USGS Open-File Rep 02-328; [2] Green (2006) Lithos 86, 23; [3] Mullen & Weis (2013) Geochem Geophys Geosys, in press; [4] Zandt & Humphreys (2008) Geology 36, 295; [5] Long & Silver (2008) Science 319, 315; [6] Currie et al. [2004] Geophys J Int 157, 341.

PDQ-8 reference manual (LWBR development program)

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

Pfiefer, C J; Spitz, C J

1978-05-01

The PDQ-8 program is designed to solve the neutron diffusion, depletion problem in one, two, or three dimensions on the CDC-6600 and CDC-7600 computers. The three dimensional spatial calculation may be either explicit or discontinuous trial function synthesis. Up to five lethargy groups are permitted. The fast group treatment may be simplified P(3), and the thermal neutrons may be represented by a single group or a pair of overlapping groups. Adjoint, fixed source, one iteration, additive fixed source, eigenvalue, and boundary value calculations may be performed. The HARMONY system is used for cross section variation and generalized depletion chain solutions.more » The depletion is a combination gross block depletion for all nuclides as well as a fine block depletion for a specified subset of the nuclides. The geometries available include rectangular, cylindrical, spherical, hexagonal, and a very general quadrilateral geometry with diagonal interfaces. All geometries allow variable mesh in all dimensions. Various control searches as well as temperature and xenon feedbacks are provided. The synthesis spatial solution time is dependent on the number of trial functions used and the number of gross blocks. The PDQ-8 program is used at Bettis on a production basis for solving diffusion--depletion problems. The report describes the various features of the program and then separately describes the input required to utilize these features.« less

Chemical layering in the upper mantle of Mars: Evidence from olivine-hosted melt inclusions in Tissint

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basu Sarbadhikari, A.; Babu, E. V. S. S. K.; Vijaya Kumar, T.

2017-02-01

Melting of Martian mantle, formation, and evolution of primary magma from the depleted mantle were previously modeled from experimental petrology and geochemical studies of Martian meteorites. Based on in situ major and trace element study of a range of olivine-hosted melt inclusions in various stages of crystallization of Tissint, a depleted olivine-phyric shergottite, we further constrain different stages of depletion and enrichment in the depleted mantle source of the shergottite suite. Two types of melt inclusions were petrographically recognized. Type I melt inclusions occur in the megacrystic olivine core (Fo76-70), while type II melt inclusions are hosted by the outer mantle of the olivine (Fo66-55). REE-plot indicates type I melt inclusions, which are unique because they represent the most depleted trace element data from the parent magmas of all the depleted shergottites, are an order of magnitude depleted compared to the type II melt inclusions. The absolute REE content of type II displays parallel trend but somewhat lower value than the Tissint whole-rock. Model calculations indicate two-stage mantle melting events followed by enrichment through mixing with a hypothetical residual melt from solidifying magma ocean. This resulted in 10 times enrichment of incompatible trace elements from parent magma stage to the remaining melt after 45% crystallization, simulating the whole-rock of Tissint. We rule out any assimilation due to crustal recycling into the upper mantle, as proposed by a recent study. Rather, we propose the presence of Al, Ca, Na, P, and REE-rich layer at the shallower upper mantle above the depleted mantle source region during the geologic evolution of Mars.

Vertical distribution of pigmented and non-pigmented nanoflagellates in the East China Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, Sheng-Fang; Lin, Fan-Wei; Chan, Ya-Fan; Chiang, Kuo-Ping

2016-08-01

Nanoflagellates can be separated into two groups according to their trophic mode, i.e. pigmented nanoflagellates (PNF) and heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNF). However, a newly identified group, mixotrophic nanoflagellates (MNF), are pigmented and show the ability of prey on bacteria. To examine the vertical variations in PNF and HNF abundances, as well as their relationships and the nutritional strategies that they might use, two summer cruises were undertaken in the East China Sea in July 2011 (OR1 966) and July 2012 (OR1 1004). The results show that both HNF and PNF abundances decline with increasing water depth. Vertical variations of abundances are believed to be influenced by prey and light, for HNF and PNF respectively. Over a large part of the sampling area, the ratio of PNF to HNF abundances is about 1:1 in the disphotic and euphotic zones, but exceeds 1.5 in the nutrient-depleted environment along the margin of the continental shelf. The correlation between PNF abundance and bacteria/Synechococcus abundance is positive where PNF/HNF >1.5. However, there is no significant correlation between PNF/HNF abundance when PNF/HNF >1.5 and light/nutrients, indicating that vertical distributions are influenced mainly by prey (bacteria and Synechococcus) in the nutrient-depleted environment. This study assumes that PNF consists mostly of MNF. In the euphotic zone they receive energy from photosynthesis, which is stimulated by the available nutrients from grazing. Their abundance is thus higher than that of HNF. However, in the disphotic zone, both PNF and HNF satisfy their nutrient demands by grazing, and PNF/HNF is close to 1. In other words, mixotrophy might be the main trophic mode for PNF in the nutrient-depleted, oligotrophic environment. Meanwhile, in deeper water (300 m), the much lower prey density means that MNF cannot satisfy the basic energy demands of metabolism and photosynthesis, and thus HNF abundance exceeds that of PNF.

Depleted deep South China Sea δ13C paleoceanographic events in response to tectonic evolution in Taiwan-Luzon Strait since Middle Miocene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Wen-Huang; Huang, Chi-Yue; Lin, Yen-Jun; Zhao, Quanhong; Yan, Yi; Chen, Duofu; Zhang, Xinchang; Lan, Qing; Yu, Mengming

2015-12-01

The most distinctive feature of the deep South China Sea (SCS) paleoceanography is the occurrence of long-term depleted deep-sea benthic foraminiferal δ13C values. They are lower than the global and the Pacific composite records in the last 16 Ma, especially at 13.2, 10.5, 6.5, 3.0 and 1.2-0.4 Ma. This distinct deep SCS paleoceanograhic history coincides with the subduction-collision history in the Taiwan region where waters of the West Pacific (WP) and the SCS exchange. The depleted deep-sea benthic foraminiferal δ13C events indicate that the SCS deep basin became progressively a stagnant environment in the last 16 Ma due to either closure of the connection with the WP bottom water or temporary reduction of the WP deep water flowing into the deep SCS. Both the Taiwan accretionary prism and the Luzon arc became the main tectono-morphological barriers for the WP bottom water flowing into the SCS deep basin when eastward subduction of the SCS oceanic lithosphere beneath the Philippine Sea Plate started from the Middle Miocene (18-16 Ma). This began a long-term trend of depleted SCS deep-sea benthic δ13C values in the last 16 Ma. The oblique arc-continent collision since ~6.5 Ma uplifted the Taiwan accretionary prism rapidly above sea level and further isolated the SCS from the open Pacific. The collision simultaneously causes backthrusting deformations in the North Luzon Trough forearc basin and sequentially closes interarc water gates between volcanic islands from north to south. The Loho and the Taitung interarc water gates in the advanced collision zone were closed at ~3.0 Ma and ~1.2 Ma, coinciding with the very low SCS deep-sea benthic δ13C events at 3.0 and 1.2-0.4 Ma, respectively. The Taitung Canyon between the Lutao and Lanyu volcanic islands in the incipient collision zone is semi-closed presently. These closure events also lead to the result that the WP deep water intrudes westward into the SCS principally through the Bashi Channel between the Lanyu and Batan volcanic islands in the subduction zone.

Predicting DNAPL Source Zone and Plume Response Using Site-Measured Characteristics

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-05-19

FINAL REPORT Predicting DNAPL Source Zone and Plume Response Using Site- Measured Characteristics SERDP Project ER-1613 MAY 2017...Final Report 3. DATES COVERED (From - To) 2007 - 2017 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE PREDICTING DNAPL SOURCE ZONE AND PLUME RESPONSE USING SITE- MEASURED ...historical record of concentration and head measurements , particularly in the near-source region. For each site considered, currently available data

Evaluation of Long-term Performance of Enhanced Anaerobic Source Zone Bioremediation using mass flux

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haluska, A.; Cho, J.; Hatzinger, P.; Annable, M. D.

2017-12-01

Chlorinated ethene DNAPL source zones in groundwater act as potential long term sources of contamination as they dissolve yielding concentrations well above MCLs, posing an on-going public health risk. Enhanced bioremediation has been applied to treat many source zones with significant promise, but long-term sustainability of this technology has not been thoroughly assessed. This study evaluated the long-term effectiveness of enhanced anaerobic source zone bioremediation at chloroethene contaminated sites to determine if the treatment prevented contaminant rebound and removed NAPL from the source zone. Long-term performance was evaluated based on achieving MCL-based contaminant mass fluxes in parent compound concentrations during different monitoring periods. Groundwater concertation versus time data was compiled for 6-sites and post-remedial contaminant mass flux data was then measured using passive flux meters at wells both within and down-gradient of the source zone. Post-remedial mass flux data was then combined with pre-remedial water quality data to estimate pre-remedial mass flux. This information was used to characterize a DNAPL dissolution source strength function, such as the Power Law Model and the Equilibrium Stream tube model. The six-sites characterized for this study were (1) Former Charleston Air Force Base, Charleston, SC; (2) Dover Air Force Base, Dover, DE; (3) Treasure Island Naval Station, San Francisco, CA; (4) Former Raritan Arsenal, Edison, NJ; (5) Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, FL; and, (6) Former Naval Air Station, Alameda, CA. Contaminant mass fluxes decreased for all the sites by the end of the post-treatment monitoring period and rebound was limited within the source zone. Post remedial source strength function estimates suggest that decreases in contaminant mass flux will continue to occur at these sites, but a mass flux based on MCL levels may never be exceeded. Thus, site clean-up goals should be evaluated as order-of-magnitude reductions. Additionally, sites may require monitoring for a minimum of 5-years in order to sufficiently evaluate remedial performance. The study shows that enhanced anaerobic source zone bioremediation contributed to a modest reduction of source zone contaminant mass discharge and appears to have mitigated rebound of chlorinated ethenes.

Nd, Pb, Sr, and O isotopic characterization of Saudi Arabian Shield terranes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stoeser, D.B.; Frost, C.D.

2006-01-01

New Nd, Sr and O isotopic data for granitoid rocks of the Saudi Arabian Shield are presented together with published Nd, Pb, Sr and O isotopic data and all available geologic and geochronologic information to re-evaluate the terranes defined for the Saudi Arabian part of the Arabian-Nubian Shield. Three groups of terranes are identified: 1) the western arc terranes, 2) the eastern arc terranes, and 3) the Khida terrane. The Khida terrane is the only terrane composed of pre-Neoproterozoic continental crust. The western arc terranes are of oceanic arc affinity, and have the least radiogenic Pb and Sr and most radiogenic Nd isotopic compositions and some of the lowest ??18O values of any rocks of the Saudi Arabian Shield. Although some previous studies have characterized the eastern arc terranes as of continental affinity, this study shows that they too are composed of Neoproterozoic oceanic arcs, although their sources have slightly elevated 208Pb/204Pb, Nd, Sri, and ??18O values compared to the western arc terranes. These data suggest that either the isotopic composition of the mantle source for the western arc terranes is more depleted than that of the eastern arc terranes or the eastern arc terranes have been mixed with a small amount of cratonic source material, or both. We further elaborate on the Hulayfah-Ad Dafinah fault zone as a major boundary within the Saudi Arabian portion of the East African Orogen. With further study, its northern extension may be shown to pass through what has been defined as the Hail terrane, and its southern extension appears to lie under cover east of the Tathlith-Malahah terrane and extend into Yemen. It may represent the collision zone between East and West Gondwana, and at the very least it is an important suture between groups of arc terranes of contrasting isotopic composition caught between two converging continents.

Quantifying and characterizing boreal headwater NOM using hydrological understanding, absorbance spectroscopy, and fluorescence techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ledesma, José; Köhler, Stephan; Grabs, Thomas; Bishop, Kevin; Kothawala, Dolly; Schiff, Sherry; Futter, Martyn

2017-04-01

Boreal forests store large amounts of carbon, especially in headwater terrestrial-aquatic interfaces dominated by OM-rich riparian zones (RZs). Thus, RZs are the main source of natural organic matter (NOM) in boreal surface waters. We hydrologically illustrated that the transfer of substances, including NOM, from RZs to streams is dominated by a narrow depth range with the highest contribution to solute and water fluxes, the so-called dominant source layer (DSL). By comparing the size of potential sources in relation to lateral fluxes in the DSL in several RZs within a Swedish boreal catchment, we demonstrated that there is a potential long-lasting supply of NOM from these RZ into the stream. This was supported by rough estimates of primary production and 14C measurements, which indicated that modern carbon is the predominant fraction exported. Despite the overwhelming quantitative evidence that RZs are the source of NOM to boreal streams, few studies have compared NOM quality in streams, RZs, and upslope areas. Using absorbance indicators and fluorescence techniques we showed that the NOM character in several RZ sampling sites resembles that of the corresponding streams and differs from that of the upslope soils. Given that forecast future climate in the boreal region and depletion of sulfur pools are expected to increase NOM in aquatic systems, potentially disrupting water quality and the global carbon cycle, is critical to integrate quantitative and qualitative approaches to understand OM cycling in boreal RZs.

Olivine and chromian spinel in primitive calc-alkaline and tholeiitic lavas from the southernmost cascade range, California: A reflection of relative fertility of the source

USGS Publications Warehouse

Clynne, M.A.; Borg, L.E.

1997-01-01

Chromian spinel and coexisting olivine phenocrysts from a geochemically diverse suite of primitive tholeiitic and calc-alkaline basalts and magnesian andesites from the Lassen region, in the southernmost Cascade Range, in California, show that the sub-arc mantle is zoned. Depleted calc-alkaline basalts and magnesian andesites erupt in the forearc region, and calc-alkaline basalts contain increasing abundances of incompatible elements toward the backarc. High-alumina olivine tholeiites erupt from the arc and backarc areas. Olivine from all these lavas displays a limited compositional range, from Fo86 to Fo91, and crystallized at high temperature, generally 1225-1275??C. Chromian spinel trapped in the olivine phenocrysts displays a large range of composition: Cr# values span the range 9-76. Excess Al in the spinel relative to that in 1-atm spinel suggests that it crystallized at elevated pressure. The phenocrysts in these lavas are in equilibrium with their host liquids. The full range of Cr# of the spinel compositions cannot be explained by differentiation or variable pressure, variations in f(O2), subsolidus equilibration or variations in degree of partial melting of a single peridotitic source. Rather, the systematic compositional differences among phenocrysts in these primitive lavas result from bulk chemical variability in their mantle sources. Correlations between spinel and host-rock compositions support the assertion that the geochemical diversity of Lassen basalts reflects the relative fertility of their mantle sources.

Using environmental isotopes in the study of the recharge-discharge mechanisms of the Yarmouk catchment area in Jordan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salameh, Elias

The recharge sources, the flow mechanisms and discharge areas of the different groundwater bodies underlying the Yarmouk River catchment area in Jordan, have, until now, not been adequately explained, although a wide range of hydrological, hydrogeological, and hydrochemical studies have been done. Along the Jordanian part of the catchment area of the Yarmouk River, groundwater issues from different aquifers with a variety of chemistries and types within the same aquifer and in between the different aquifers. Conventional recharge/discharge mechanisms, water balances and chemical analyses did not adequately explain the chemical variations and the different water types found in the area. Applying environmental isotopic tools combined with their altitude effects due to topographic variations (250-1,300 m a.s.l. within a distance of 20 km), and taking into consideration re-evaporation effects on the isotopic depletion and enrichment of rainwater, has greatly helped in understanding the recharge discharge mechanisms of the different aquifers. Precipitation along the highlands of an average of 600 mm/year is found to be depleted in its isotopic content of δO18 = -7.0 to -7.26 and δD = -32.2 to -33.28, whereas that of the Jordan Valley of 350 mm/year is highly enriched in isotopes with δO18 = -4.06 and δD = -14.5. The groundwater recharged along the highlands is depleted in isotopes (δO18 = -6, δD = -30), groundwater at the intermediate elevations is enriched (δO18 = -5, δD = -23) and that of the Jordan Valley aquifers containing meteoric water is highly enriched (δO18 -3.8, δD = -18). The deep aquifers in the Jordan Valley foothills are depleted in isotopes (δO18 -18 = -6, δD = -30) and resemble those of the highland aquifers. Only through using isotopes as a tool, were the sources of the different groundwater bodies and recharge and discharge mechanisms unambiguously explained. It was found that recharge takes place all over the study area and produces groundwater, which, from the highlands towards the Jordan Valley, shows increasing enrichment in isotopes. The highlands aquifer, with its groundwater depleted in isotopes, becomes confined towards the Jordan Valley; and, due to its confining pressure, leaks water upwards into the overlying aquifers causing their water to become less enriched in isotopes. Water depleted in its isotopic composition also seeps upward to the ground surface at the mountain foothills through faults and fissures. Les zones de recharge, les mécanismes d'écoulement et les zones de décharges des différentes masses d'eau souterraine sous le bassin versant de la rivière Yarmouk en Jordanie, étaient expliquées de manière ambiguë par les seuls outils isotopiques. Le long de la parti Jordanienne du bassin versant de la rivière Yarmouk l'eau souterraine provient de différents aquifères et se distinguent par leur type et leur composition chimique, selon que l'eau provient du même ou des différents aquifères. Les mécanismes conventionnels de recharge et de décharge, bilan hydrologique ne donnaient pas d'explications satisfaisantes concernant les variations chimiques et les différents types d'eau. En appliquant les isotopes environnementaux combinés aux effets de l'altitude sur les variations des teneurs isotopiques (l'altitude varie de 250 à 1,300 m sur une distance de 20 km.) et en prenant en considération les effets de ré-évaporation sur l'appauvrissement et l'enrichissement isotopique des eaux pluviales ont fortement contribués à une meilleure compréhension des mécanismes de recharge des différents aquifères. Les précipitations annuelles sont comprises entre 600 mm dans les zones en altitude et 350 mm dans la vallée de la Jordanie. Les écoulements de l'eau souterraine sont dirigés des zones en altitude vers la vallée de la Jordanie. Les eaux souterraines des zones en altitude sont isotopiquement appauvries (δO18 = -6, δD = -30), les eaux souterraines des zones de moyenne altitude sont enrichies (δO18 = -5, δD = -23) et les eaux de la vallée très enrichies (δO18 -3.8, δD = -18). Les aquifers profonds dans la vallée de la Jordanie sont appauvris (δO18 -18 = -6, δD = -30) et se confondent avec les eaux des zones situées en altitude. En appliquant uniquement les isotopes environnementaux comme des outils de compréhension des phénomènes hydrogéologiques, la source des différentes masses d'eau souterraines, les mécanismes de la recharge et de la décharge pourraient être expliqués de manière ambiguë. Las fuentes de recarga, los mecanismos de flujo y las áreas de descarga de los diferentes cuerpos de agua subterránea que subyacen el área de la cuenca del Río Yarmouk en Jordania, se han explicado de manera no ambigua únicamente mediante la aplicación de los isótopos como herramienta. A lo largo de la parte Jordana del área de la cuenca del Río Yarmouk el agua subterránea emerge de diferentes acuíferos con una variedad de tipos y composiciones, ya sea que provengan del mismo acuífero o de diferentes acuíferos. Los mecanismos convencionales de recarga/descarga, balances hídricos y variaciones químicas no han podido explicar las variaciones químicas y los diferentes tipos de aguas. La aplicación de herramientas de isótopos ambientales combinadas con los efectos de altitud derivados de variaciones topográficas (250 hasta 1,300 m s.n.m. en una distancia de 20 km) y tomando en consideración los efectos de re-evaporación en el empobrecimiento de isótopos y enriquecimiento del agua de lluvia han ayudado fuertemente en el entendimiento de los mecanismos de recarga/descarga de los diferentes acuíferos. La precipitación en el área varía de 600 mm/año, a lo largo de las tierras altas, a 350 mm/año en el área del Valle Jordán. El flujo de agua subterránea ocurre de las tierras altas hacia el Valle Jordán. El agua subterránea de las tierras altas está empobrecida en isótopos (δO18 = -6, δD = -30), el agua subterránea de elevaciones intermedias está enriquecida (δO18 = -5, δD = -23), y el agua de los acuíferos del Valle Jordan contiene agua meteórica que se encuentra altamente enriquecida (δO18 = -3.8, δD = -18). Los acuíferos profundos que se localizan al pie de las tierras altas del Valle Jordán están empobrecidos en isótopos (δO18 = -6, δD = -30) y son similares a los acuíferos de las tierras altas. Solo al aplicar los isótopos ambientales como herramienta pudo explicarse de manera inequívoca las fuentes de los diferentes cuerpos de agua subterránea y los mecanismos de recarga y descarga.

Chlorine and fluorine partition coefficients and abundances in sub-arc mantle xenoliths (Kamchatka, Russia): Implications for melt generation and volatile recycling processes in subduction zones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bénard, A.; Koga, K. T.; Shimizu, N.; Kendrick, M. A.; Ionov, D. A.; Nebel, O.; Arculus, R. J.

2017-02-01

We report chlorine (Cl) and fluorine (F) abundances in minerals, interstitial glasses, and melt inclusions in 12 andesite-hosted, spinel harzburgite xenoliths and crosscutting pyroxenite veins exhumed from the sub-arc lithospheric mantle beneath Avacha volcano in the Kamchatka Arc (NE Russia). The data are used to calculate equilibrium mineral-melt partition coefficients (D mineral / melt) for Cl and F relevant to subduction-zone processes and unravel the history of volatile depletion and enrichment mechanisms in an arc setting. Chlorine is ∼100 times more incompatible in pyroxenes (DClmineral/melt = 0.005-0.008 [±0.002-0.003]) than F (DFmineral/melt = 0.50-0.57 [±0.21-0.24]), which indicates that partial melting of mantle sources leads to strong depletions in Cl relative to F in the residues. The data set in this study suggests a strong control of melt composition on DCl,Fpyroxene/melt, in particular H2O contents and Al/(Al + Si), which is in line with recent experiments. Fluorine is compatible in Ca-amphibole in the 'wet' sub-arc mantle (DFamphibole/melt = 3.5-3.7 [±1.5]) but not Cl (DClamphibole/melt = 0.03-0.05 [±0.01-0.03]), indicating that amphibole may fractionate F from Cl in the mantle wedge. The inter-mineral partition coefficients for Cl and F in this study are consistent amongst different harzburgite samples, whether they contain glass or not. In particular, disseminated amphibole hosts much of the Cl and F bulk rock budgets of spinel harzburgites (DClamphibole/pyroxene up to 14 and DFamphibole/pyroxene up to 40). Chlorine and fluorine are variably enriched (up to 1500 ppm Cl and 750 ppm F) in the parental arc picrite and boninite melts of primitive pyroxenite veins (and related melt inclusions) crosscutting spinel harzburgites. Based on the data in this study, the main inferences on the behaviour of Cl and F during melting and metasomatic processes in the sub-arc mantle are as follow: (i) Melting models show that most depleted mantle protoliths of intra-oceanic arc sources can have extremely low Cl/F (0.002-0.007) before being overprinted by subduction-derived components. (ii) Chlorine has a higher percolation distance in the mantle than F. Even for small fluid or melt volumes, Cl and F signatures of partial melting are overprinted by those of pervasive percolation, which increases Cl/F in percolating agents and bulk peridotites during chromatographic interaction and/or amphibole-forming metasomatic reactions. These processes ultimately control the bulk Cl and F compositions of the residual mantle lithosphere beneath arcs, and likely in other tectonic settings. (iii) Fluxed melting models suggest that Cl enrichment in arc picrite and boninite melts in this study, and in many arc melt inclusions reported in the literature, could be related to the infiltration of high Cl/F fluids derived from subducted serpentinite or altered crust in mantle wedge sources. However, these high Cl/F signatures should be re-evaluated with new models in light of the possible overprint of pervasive percolation effects in the mantle. The breakdown of amphibole (and/or mica) in the deep metasomatised mantle at higher pressure and temperature conditions than in the slab may explain, at least in part, the positive correlations between F abundances and Cl/F in primitive arc melt inclusions and slab depth.

The Growth of Melt Inclusion- and Water-Rich Zones in Clinopyroxene Phenocrysts of the Powai Ankaramite Flow, Deccan Traps, India: Rapid Closed System Oscillatory Mineral Growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seaman, S. J.

2015-12-01

Water concentrations were measured and mapped using FTIR spectroscopy in clinopyroxene phenocrysts of the Powai ankaramite flow, located near Mumbai, west of the Western Ghats escarpment of the Deccan province, India. Samples were provided by Dr. Hetu Sheth of the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai. Chatterjee and Sheth (2015) showed that phenocrysts in the flow were part of a cumulate layer intruded by high-temperature basaltic melt at ~ 6 kb and ~1230oC. Cpx phenocrysts are euhedral and have concentric bands (100 to 200 microns thick) of fine (10-20 micron diameter) melt inclusions. Cpx bands that host melt inclusions have higher concentrations of water than inclusion-free bands. Water concentrations of cpx and ol were used to calculate water concentrations in the melt from which the crystals formed. Water concentrations in the parent magma were between 4.35 and 8.26 wt. % based on water concentrations in cpx, and between 8.24 and 9.41 wt. % based on those in ol. Both Mg and Fe are relatively depleted in the water- and melt inclusion-rich zones in cpx, and Ca is enriched in these zones. We suggest that oscillatory zoning in cpx is a result of repeated growth of cpx in water-richer and water-poorer boundary layers in which water lowered melt viscosity and enhanced diffusion and crystal growth rates. Water-enhanced growth rates may have resulted in preferential capture of melt inclusions preserved in water-rich cpx zones. Mg was preferentially incorporated into the cpx, causing Ca and water to build up in the boundary layer, and Mg and Fe to become relatively depleted in the boundary layer, as discussed for oscillatorially-zoned minerals by Wang and Merino (1993). Application of the equations for growth of oscillatory zones in crystals given by Wang and Merino (1993) to the growth of cpx crystals in the Powai ankaramite indicate that crystal growth occurred relatively quickly, on the order of days, although the width of the boundary zone, which is uncertain, controls the rate. These results are consistent with Wang and Merino's contention that oscillatory growth zones in crystals can be the result of closed system processes involving advection and diffusion of ionic species into and out of the boundary zone between crystal and melt, and, on a broader scale, suggest that at least this Deccan magma was relatively hydrous.

Geochemistry of ocean floor serpentinites world-wide: constraints on the ultramafic input to subduction zones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kodolányi, J.; Pettke, T.; Spandler, C.; Kamber, B.; Gméling, K.

2009-04-01

Serpentinite can be a major component of the upper part of the oceanic lithosphere and is a significant H2O-contributor to subduction zones (Scambelluri et al. 2004). Serpentinite dehydration releases large amounts of water through a very limited number of discontinuous reactions and it is therefore expected to have the potential of leaving a trace element chemical fingerprint in overlying rocks (Ulmer and Trommsdorff 1995; Scambelluri et al. 2004; see also Pettke et al. 2009). We present major and trace element whole rock (XRF, ICP-MS and PGAA) and in-situ mineral (EPMA and LA-ICP-MS) analyses of serpentinized peridotites sampled on DSDP/ODP drilling cruises, in order to chemically characterize the hydrated ultramafic input of subduction zones. The studied 39 samples cover all major geodynamic settings where serpentinites occur on recent ocean floors (fast and slow spreading mid-ocean ridges, passive margins and supra-subduction zones). All rock samples consist of one or two serpentine (srp) polymorphs, brucite (brc), magnetite (mag), and relic high-temperature mantle minerals: olivine (ol), orthopyroxene (opx), clinopyroxene (cpx) and spinel (spl). Serpentine + brc replace ol, forming a mesh-like network around relic crystal fragments. Magnetite usually forms strings of individual crystals along the srp mesh-network. Very rare iowaite (a H2O and Cl-bearing Fe-Mg oxy-hydroxide) remnants were found around the ol core of mesh srp and in the srp ± brc replacements after ol mesh cores. Orthopyroxene alters to bastitic pseudomorphs which consist of srp rarely accompanied by brc. Associated mag is generally absent. The degree of ol and opx alteration is variable, i.e., there are samples in which opx is completely whereas ol is only partially altered and vice versa, which suggests variable temperatures of alteration (alteration rate of opx is higher than that of ol above ca. 350 °C; Martin and Fyfe 1970). Clinopyroxene and spl appear to be weakly altered in thoroughly serpentinized samples. Where present, carbonate (cab) forms veins or fills former srp ± brc pseudomorphs after ol or opx. Major, minor and trace element chemistry of the serpentinites generally reflects that of their ultramafic precursor (Mg-rich and Si-poor rocks with low trace element contents). With respect to certain elements, however, we detect significant serpentinization-related changes. Besides their high H2O-contents (8.7-17.2 wt. %), the hydrated harzburgites and lherzolites also display high B and Cl concentrations (8-177 μg/g and 1160-5920 μg/g, respectively) relative to depleted mantle values (0.06 and 0.51 ppm, respectively; Salters and Stracke 2004). Supra-subduction zone serpentinites contain 10 to 100 times more Cs (0.04-1.2 μg/g) and Rb (0.1-7.1 μg/g) than samples from mid-ocean ridges and passive margins (Cs: below 0.07 μg/g; Rb: 0.004-1.17 μg/g). We often observe 100 to 1000-fold enrichments in U, Pb, Sr and Li relative to elements of similar compatibility in the mantle. In-situ mineral analyses suggest that B and Cl reside in serpentine minerals. Cesium and Rb whole rock and mineral chemical data correlate well, too. If carbonates are not present, the Sr budget of serpentinites is largely controlled by serpentine minerals that take up 0.36 to 21 μg/g Sr, i.e., orders of magnitude more than concentrations of precursor ol and opx. Bastites tend to have (about 1.5-4 times) higher trace-element concentrations than mesh rims, suggesting that precursor mineralogy (e.g. harzburgites vs. dunites) and alteration temperature (Martin and Fyfe 1970) can affect serpentinite chemistry. Enrichments of U, Pb and Li may have multiple origins, i.e., may be only partly related to serpentinization and low-temperature carbonate addition. Our study shows that serpentinites from representative geodynamic settings have variable, but generally depleted chemical character, inherited from precursor mantle rocks. However, notably B and Cl are enriched, but not uniformly so and independent of geodynamic setting. Supra-subduction zone serpentinites reveal additional enrichments in Cs, Rb, ±Sr, identifying an alteration fluid source that is not pure seawater. In conclusion, precursor mineralogy and magmatic history together with hydration temperature govern the trace element budget of ocean floor serpentinites, which, apart from supplying H2O to the subduction zone, may also be a significant source of B and Cl to the arc magma source and, depending on geodynamic setting, may even influence the element budget for Cs, Rb, Pb, U and .Sr. References: Martin B, Fyfe WS (1970) Some experimental and theoretical observations on the kinetics of hydration reactions with particular reference to serpentinization. Chem Geol 6: 185-202 Pettke T, Spandler C, Kodolányi J, Scambelluri M (2009) The chemical signatures of progressive dehydration stages in subducted serpentinites (this volume) Salters VJM, Stracke A (2004) Composition of the depleted mantle. Geochem Geophys Geosyst 5 Doi: 10.1029/2003GC000597 Scambelluri M, Fiebig J, Malaspina N, Müntener O, Pettke T (2004) Serpentinite Subduction: Implications for Fluid Processes and Trace-Element Recycling. Int Geol Rev 46: 595-613 Ulmer P, Trommsdorff V (1995) Serpentine stability to mantle depths and subduction-related magmatism. Science 268: 858-861

A two dimensional analytical modeling of surface potential in triple metal gate (TMG) fully-depleted Recessed-Source/Drain (Re-S/D) SOI MOSFET

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Priya, Anjali; Mishra, Ram Awadh

2016-04-01

In this paper, analytical modeling of surface potential is proposed for new Triple Metal Gate (TMG) fully depleted Recessed-Source/Dain Silicon On Insulator (SOI) Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET). The metal with the highest work function is arranged near the source region and the lowest one near the drain. Since Recessed-Source/Drain SOI MOSFET has higher drain current as compared to conventional SOI MOSFET due to large source and drain region. The surface potential model developed by 2D Poisson's equation is verified by comparison to the simulation result of 2-dimensional ATLAS simulator. The model is compared with DMG and SMG devices and analysed for different device parameters. The ratio of metal gate length is varied to optimize the result.

Carbon isotope and abundance systematics of Icelandic geothermal gases, fluids and subglacial basalts with implications for mantle plume-related CO2 fluxes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barry, P. H.; Hilton, D. R.; Füri, E.; Halldórsson, S. A.; Grönvold, K.

2014-06-01

We report new carbon dioxide (CO2) abundance and isotope data for 71 geothermal gases and fluids from both high-temperature (HT > 150 °C at 1 km depth) and low-temperature (LT < 150 °C at 1 km depth) geothermal systems located within neovolcanic zones and older segments of the Icelandic crust, respectively. These data are supplemented by CO2 data obtained by stepped heating of 47 subglacial basaltic glasses collected from the neovolcanic zones. The sample suite has been characterized previously for He-Ne (geothermal) and He-Ne-Ar (basalt) systematics (Füri et al., 2010), allowing elemental ratios to be calculated for individual samples. Geothermal fluids are characterized by a wide range in carbon isotope ratios (δ13C), from -18.8‰ to +4.6‰ (vs. VPDB), and CO2/3He values that span eight orders of magnitude, from 1 × 104 to 2 × 1012. Extreme geothermal values suggest that original source compositions have been extensively modified by hydrothermal processes such as degassing and/or calcite precipitation. Basaltic glasses are also characterized by a wide range in δ13C values, from -27.2‰ to -3.6‰, whereas CO2/3He values span a narrower range, from 1 × 108 to 1 × 1012. The combination of both low δ13C values and low CO2 contents in basalts indicates that magmas are extensively and variably degassed. Using an equilibrium degassing model, we estimate that pre-eruptive basaltic melts beneath Iceland contain ∼531 ± 64 ppm CO2 with δ13C values of -2.5 ± 1.1‰, in good agreement with estimates from olivine-hosted melt inclusions (Metrich et al., 1991) and depleted MORB mantle (DMM) CO2 source estimates (Marty, 2012). In addition, pre-eruptive CO2 compositions are estimated for individual segments of the Icelandic axial rift zones, and show a marked decrease from north to south (Northern Rift Zone = 550 ± 66 ppm; Eastern Rift Zone = 371 ± 45 ppm; Western Rift Zone = 206 ± 24 ppm). Notably, these results are model dependent, and selection of a lower δ13C fractionation factor will result in lower source estimates and larger uncertainties associated with the initial δ13C estimate. Degassing can adequately explain low CO2 contents in basalts; however, degassing alone is unlikely to generate the entire spectrum of observed δ13C variations, and we suggest that melt-crust interaction, involving a low δ13C component, may also contribute to observed signatures. Using representative samples, the CO2 flux from Iceland is estimated using three independent methods: (1) combining measured CO2/3He values (in gases and basalts) with 3He flux estimates (Hilton et al., 1990), (2) merging basaltic emplacement rates of Iceland with pre-eruptive magma source estimates of ∼531 ± 64 ppm CO2, and (3) combining fluid CO2 contents with estimated regional fluid discharge rates. These methods yield CO2 flux estimates from of 0.2-23 × 1010 mol a-1, which represent ∼0.1-10% of the estimated global ridge flux (2.2 × 1012 mol a-1; Marty and Tolstikhin, 1998).

Implications of soil mixing for NAPL source zone remediation: Column studies and modeling of field-scale systems.

PubMed

Olson, Mitchell R; Sale, Tom C

2015-01-01

Soil remediation is often inhibited by subsurface heterogeneity, which constrains contaminant/reagent contact. Use of soil mixing techniques for reagent delivery provides a means to overcome contaminant/reagent contact limitations. Furthermore, soil mixing reduces the permeability of treated soils, thus extending the time for reactions to proceed. This paper describes research conducted to evaluate implications of soil mixing on remediation of non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) source zones. The research consisted of column studies and subsequent modeling of field-scale systems. For column studies, clean influent water was flushed through columns containing homogenized soils, granular zero valent iron (ZVI), and trichloroethene (TCE) NAPL. Within the columns, NAPL depletion occurred due to dissolution, followed by either column-effluent discharge or ZVI-mediated degradation. Complete removal of TCE NAPL from the columns occurred in 6-8 pore volumes of flow. However, most of the TCE (>96%) was discharged in the column effluent; less than 4% of TCE was degraded. The low fraction of TCE degraded is attributed to the short hydraulic residence time (<4 days) in the columns. Subsequently, modeling was conducted to scale up column results. By scaling up to field-relevant system sizes (>10 m) and reducing permeability by one-or-more orders of magnitude, the residence time could be greatly extended, potentially for periods of years to decades. Model output indicates that the fraction of TCE degraded can be increased to >99.9%, given typical post-mixing soil permeability values. These results suggest that remediation performance can be greatly enhanced by combining contaminant degradation with an extended residence time. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Facets of diazotrophy in the oxygen minimum zone waters off Peru

PubMed Central

Loescher, Carolin R; Großkopf, Tobias; Desai, Falguni D; Gill, Diana; Schunck, Harald; Croot, Peter L; Schlosser, Christian; Neulinger, Sven C; Pinnow, Nicole; Lavik, Gaute; Kuypers, Marcel M M; LaRoche, Julie; Schmitz, Ruth A

2014-01-01

Nitrogen fixation, the biological reduction of dinitrogen gas (N2) to ammonium (NH4+), is quantitatively the most important external source of new nitrogen (N) to the open ocean. Classically, the ecological niche of oceanic N2 fixers (diazotrophs) is ascribed to tropical oligotrophic surface waters, often depleted in fixed N, with a diazotrophic community dominated by cyanobacteria. Although this applies for large areas of the ocean, biogeochemical models and phylogenetic studies suggest that the oceanic diazotrophic niche may be much broader than previously considered, resulting in major implications for the global N-budget. Here, we report on the composition, distribution and abundance of nifH, the functional gene marker for N2 fixation. Our results show the presence of eight clades of diazotrophs in the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) off Peru. Although proteobacterial clades dominated overall, two clusters affiliated to spirochaeta and archaea were identified. N2 fixation was detected within OMZ waters and was stimulated by the addition of organic carbon sources supporting the view that non-phototrophic diazotrophs were actively fixing dinitrogen. The observed co-occurrence of key functional genes for N2 fixation, nitrification, anammox and denitrification suggests that a close spatial coupling of N-input and N-loss processes exists in the OMZ off Peru. The wide distribution of diazotrophs throughout the water column adds to the emerging view that the habitat of marine diazotrophs can be extended to low oxygen/high nitrate areas. Furthermore, our statistical analysis suggests that NO2− and PO43− are the major factors affecting diazotrophic distribution throughout the OMZ. In view of the predicted increase in ocean deoxygenation resulting from global warming, our findings indicate that the importance of OMZs as niches for N2 fixation may increase in the future. PMID:24813564

Geochemistry, petrology and geodynamic setting of the Urumieh plutonic complex, Sanandaj-Sirjan zone, NW Iran: New implication for Arabian and Central Iranian plate collision

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jafari, Amin; Fazlnia, Abdolnaser; Jamei, Susan

2018-03-01

The Urumieh plutonic complex, in the northernmost part of Sanandaj-Sirjan zone (SSZ) of Iran, consists of ten basic-acidic units which formed in response to subduction and continental collision of the SSZ with the Arabian plate to the south during Mid-Late Cretaceous times. Geochemically, the plutonic unit is divided into three distinct groups: I-type, S-type and A-type that mainly belong to calc-alkalic series. The I-type intrusions, especially mafic members, are enriched in LREE and LILE and possibly formed from metasomatized mantle wedge during the subduction of the Neo-Tethys oceanic crust beneath the SSZ. The felsic I-type rocks are depleted in Ba, Sr, Nb, Ta, Ti and Eu, but enriched in Rb, Th, K, Ce, U and La. These data suggest that they formed in deep crustal levels via partial melting of crustal sources by injection of hot mantle magmas. The S-type rocks are characterized by low Na2O (<3.02 wt%), high LILE, relatively high values of molar Al2O3/(MgO+FeO) and K2O/Na2O ratios combined with low CaO/(MgO+FeO*) ratios. These features show that the S-type granites originated from partial melting of a metapelitic to metagreywacke source. The A-type alkali feldspar granites formed through the slab break off after the continental collision in northwestern Iran by decompression melting of crustal protolith. The author's new model implies that collision between Arabian margin and north SSZ initiated in the Late Cretaceous and completed until Late Paleocene. In contrast, in the southeast, subduction was active during this period of time, but collision presumably occurred during the Middle to Late Miocene.

Facets of diazotrophy in the oxygen minimum zone waters off Peru.

PubMed

Loescher, Carolin R; Großkopf, Tobias; Desai, Falguni D; Gill, Diana; Schunck, Harald; Croot, Peter L; Schlosser, Christian; Neulinger, Sven C; Pinnow, Nicole; Lavik, Gaute; Kuypers, Marcel M M; LaRoche, Julie; Schmitz, Ruth A

2014-11-01

Nitrogen fixation, the biological reduction of dinitrogen gas (N2) to ammonium (NH4(+)), is quantitatively the most important external source of new nitrogen (N) to the open ocean. Classically, the ecological niche of oceanic N2 fixers (diazotrophs) is ascribed to tropical oligotrophic surface waters, often depleted in fixed N, with a diazotrophic community dominated by cyanobacteria. Although this applies for large areas of the ocean, biogeochemical models and phylogenetic studies suggest that the oceanic diazotrophic niche may be much broader than previously considered, resulting in major implications for the global N-budget. Here, we report on the composition, distribution and abundance of nifH, the functional gene marker for N2 fixation. Our results show the presence of eight clades of diazotrophs in the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) off Peru. Although proteobacterial clades dominated overall, two clusters affiliated to spirochaeta and archaea were identified. N2 fixation was detected within OMZ waters and was stimulated by the addition of organic carbon sources supporting the view that non-phototrophic diazotrophs were actively fixing dinitrogen. The observed co-occurrence of key functional genes for N2 fixation, nitrification, anammox and denitrification suggests that a close spatial coupling of N-input and N-loss processes exists in the OMZ off Peru. The wide distribution of diazotrophs throughout the water column adds to the emerging view that the habitat of marine diazotrophs can be extended to low oxygen/high nitrate areas. Furthermore, our statistical analysis suggests that NO2(-) and PO4(3-) are the major factors affecting diazotrophic distribution throughout the OMZ. In view of the predicted increase in ocean deoxygenation resulting from global warming, our findings indicate that the importance of OMZs as niches for N2 fixation may increase in the future.

Petrogenesis of the Northwest Africa 4898 high-Al mare basalt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Shaolin; Hsu, Weibiao; Guan, Yunbin; Wang, Linyan; Wang, Ying

2016-07-01

Northwest Africa (NWA) 4898 is the only low-Ti, high-Al basaltic lunar meteorite yet recognized. It predominantly consists of pyroxene (53.8 vol%) and plagioclase (38.6 vol%). Pyroxene has a wide range of compositions (En12-62Fs25-62Wo11-36), which display a continuous trend from Mg-rich cores toward Ca-rich mantles and then to Fe-rich rims. Plagioclase has relatively restricted compositions (An87-96Or0-1Ab4-13), and was transformed to maskelynite. The REE zoning of all silicate minerals was not significantly modified by shock metamorphism and weathering. Relatively large (up to 1 mm) olivine phenocrysts have homogenous inner parts with Fo ~74 and sharply decrease to 64 within the thin out rims (~30 μm in width). Four types of inclusions with a variety of textures and modal mineralogy were identified in olivine phenocrysts. The contrasting morphologies of these inclusions and the chemical zoning of olivine phenocrysts suggest NWA 4898 underwent at least two stages of crystallization. The aluminous chromite in NWA 4898 reveals that its high alumina character was inherited from the parental magma, rather than by fractional crystallization. The mineral chemistry and major element compositions of NWA 4898 are different from those of 12038 and Luna 16 basalts, but resemble those of Apollo 14 high-Al basalts. However, the trace element compositions demonstrate that NWA 4898 and Apollo 14 high-Al basalts could not have been derived from the same mantle source. REE compositions of its parental magma indicate that NWA 4898 probably originated from a unique depleted mantle source that has not been sampled yet. Unlike Apollo 14 high-Al basalts, which assimilated KREEPy materials during their formation, NWA 4898 could have formed by closed-system fractional crystallization.

Field evidence for a protistan role in an organically-contaminated aquifer

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kinner, Nancy E.; Harvey, Ronald W.; Shay, David M.; Metge, David W.; Warren, Alan

2002-01-01

The association between protists, bacteria, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in an oxygen-depleted, 6 km-long wastewater contaminant plume within a sandy aquifer (Cape Cod, MA) was investigated by comparing abundance patterns along longitudinal and vertical transects and at a control site. Strong linear correlations were observed between unattached bacterial abundance and DOC for much of the upgradient-half of the plume (0.1−2.5 km downgradient from the source) that is characterized by quasi-steady state chemistry. However, a logarithmic decrease was observed between the number of protists supported per mg of DOC and the estimated age of the DOC within the plume. The relatively labile dissolved organic contaminants that characterize the groundwater sampled from the plume ≤0.1 km downgradient from the contaminant source appeared to indirectly support 3−4 times as many protists (per mg of DOC) as the older, more recalcitrant DOC in the alkylbenzene sulfonate (ABS)-contaminated zone at 3 km downgradient (∼30 years travel time). Substantive numbers of protists (>104/cm3) were recovered from suboxic zones of the plume. The higher than expected ratios of protists to unattached bacteria (10 to 100:1) observed in much of the plume suggest that protists may be grazing upon both surface-associated and unattached bacterial communities to meet their nutritional requirements. In closed bottle incubation experiments, the presence of protists caused an increase in bacterial growth rate, which became more apparent at higher amendments of labile DOC (3−20 mgC/L). The presence of protists resulted in an increase in the apparent substrate saturation level for the unattached bacterial community, suggesting an important role for protists in the fate of more-labile aquifer organic contaminants.

Potential and timescales for oxygen depletion in coastal upwelling systems: A box-model analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harrison, C. S.; Hales, B.; Siedlecki, S.; Samelson, R. M.

2016-05-01

A simple box model is used to examine oxygen depletion in an idealized ocean-margin upwelling system. Near-bottom oxygen depletion is controlled by a competition between flushing with oxygenated offshore source waters and respiration of particulate organic matter produced near the surface and retained near the bottom. Upwelling-supplied nutrients are consumed in the surface box, and some surface particles sink to the bottom where they respire, consuming oxygen. Steady states characterize the potential for hypoxic near-bottom oxygen depletion; this potential is greatest for faster sinking rates, and largely independent of production timescales except in that faster production allows faster sinking. Timescales for oxygen depletion depend on upwelling and productivity differently, however, as oxygen depletion can only be reached in meaningfully short times when productivity is rapid. Hypoxia thus requires fast production, to capture upwelled nutrients, and fast sinking, to deliver the respiration potential to model bottom waters. Combining timescales allows generalizations about tendencies toward hypoxia. If timescales of sinking are comparable to or smaller than the sum of those for respiration and flushing, the steady state will generally be hypoxic, and results indicate optimal timescales and conditions exist to generate hypoxia. For example, the timescale for approach to hypoxia lengthens with stronger upwelling, since surface particle and nutrient are shunted off-shelf, in turn reducing subsurface respiration and oxygen depletion. This suggests that if upwelling winds intensify with climate change the increased forcing could offer mitigation of coastal hypoxia, even as the oxygen levels in upwelled source waters decline.

How sustainable is fuelwood use in Africa?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olav Skøien, Jon; Dubois, Gregoire; Mayaux, Philipe; Belward, Alan; Monforti-Ferrario, Fabio; Bodis, Katalin

2013-04-01

If properly managed, the use of fuelwood for heating and cooking is often considered as sustainable; Africa, may be an exception to this rule. The reliance on fuelwood in Africa as a primary energy source by a significant proportion of the population, combined with rapid population growth means that population growth equates to increased pressure on woody biomass resources, even if technological advances in other energy sources (such as solar, wind, improved stoves) reduce the per capita demands for this fuel. Furthermore, a changing climate may change the spatial and temporal patterns of woody biomass production. In this study we used simple models to predict the future fuelwood consumption on the basis of population growth estimates from the UN [UNDESA, 2012] combined with established fuelwood consumption patterns from FAO [FaoStat, 2012], and changes in accessible biomass for Africa for the next70 years, in response to climate change scenarios [Hijmans et al., 2005; Ramirez and Jarvis, 2010]. We combine estimates of the currently available woody biomass [Saatchi et al., 2011], and demand in an indicator which we refer to as depletion time. This is a measure of the time needed before all biomass is consumed, assuming no regrowth - a depletion time of 10 years will call for very fast growing sources of woody biomass to meet need, whereas areas with a depletion time of more than 200 years may be satisfied with much slower growing sources. The depletion time for any given country may change as the need for fuelwood changes, and the availability of biomass changes. Currently, about 10 African states have depletion times under 50 years, and about 20 states have depletion times of over 200 years. By 2050, our estimates indicate that at least 15 countries will have depletion times under 50 years, and some of them even under 10 years, and at least 5 countries will have slipped out of the 200+ year class into shorter depletion times … indeed over 15 countries show depletion times accelerating by a factor of 3 to 5 between now and 2050. For these reasons, we do question fuelwood as a sustainable future energy source in Africa. This study is based on simple models, and we must acknowledge that these initial results are most likely negatively biased for several reasons. With the main results we will discuss the possible shortcomings and relate our results to some studies with more positive assessments of the fuelwood sustainability. FaoStat (2012), Database, http://faostat.fao.org/, accessed on Oct. 22, 2012. Hijmans, R., S. E. Cameron, J. L. Parra, P. G. Jones, and A. Jarvis (2005), Very high resolution interpolated climate surfaces for global land areas, International Journal of Climatology, 25, 1965-1978. Ramirez, J., and A. Jarvis (2010), Disaggregation of Global Circulation Model Outputs. Saatchi, S. S., et al. (2011), Benchmark map of forest carbon stocks in tropical regions across three continents, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 108(24), 9899-9904. United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (2012), World Population Prospects, the 2010 Revision, http://esa.un.org/unpd/wpp/Excel-Data/population.htm, accessed on Aug. 29, 2012.

Defining the Brittle Failure Envelopes of Individual Reaction Zones Observed in CO2-Exposed Wellbore Cement.

PubMed

Hangx, Suzanne J T; van der Linden, Arjan; Marcelis, Fons; Liteanu, Emilia

2016-01-19

To predict the behavior of the cement sheath after CO2 injection and the potential for leakage pathways, it is key to understand how the mechanical properties of the cement evolves with CO2 exposure time. We performed scratch-hardness tests on hardened samples of class G cement before and after CO2 exposure. The cement was exposed to CO2-rich fluid for one to six months at 65 °C and 8 MPa Ptotal. Detailed SEM-EDX analyses showed reaction zones similar to those previously reported in the literature: (1) an outer-reacted, porous silica-rich zone; (2) a dense, carbonated zone; and (3) a more porous, Ca-depleted inner zone. The quantitative mechanical data (brittle compressive strength and friction coefficient) obtained for each of the zones suggest that the heterogeneity of reacted cement leads to a wide range of brittle strength values in any of the reaction zones, with only a rough dependence on exposure time. However, the data can be used to guide numerical modeling efforts needed to assess the impact of reaction-induced mechanical failure of wellbore cement by coupling sensitivity analysis and mechanical predictions.

Lead Isotope Compositions of Acid Residues from Olivine-Phyric Shergottite Tissint: Implications for Heterogeneous Shergottite Source Reservoirs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moriwaki, R.; Usui, T.; Yokoyama, T.; Simon, J. I.; Jones, J. H.

2015-01-01

Geochemical studies of shergottites suggest that their parental magmas reflect mixtures between at least two distinct geochemical source reservoirs, producing correlations between radiogenic isotope compositions and trace element abundances. These correlations have been interpreted as indicating the presence of a reduced, incompatible element- depleted reservoir and an oxidized, incompatible- element-enriched reservoir. The former is clearly a depleted mantle source, but there is ongoing debate regarding the origin of the enriched reservoir. Two contrasting models have been proposed regarding the location and mixing process of the two geochemical source reservoirs: (1) assimilation of oxidized crust by mantle derived, reduced magmas, or (2) mixing of two distinct mantle reservoirs during melting. The former requires the ancient Martian crust to be the enriched source (crustal assimilation), whereas the latter requires isolation of a long-lived enriched mantle domain that probably originated from residual melts formed during solidification of a magma ocean (heterogeneous mantle model). This study conducts Pb isotope and trace element concentration analyses of sequential acid-leaching fractions (leachates and the final residues) from the geochemically depleted olivine-phyric shergottite Tissint. The results suggest that the Tissint magma is not isotopically uniform and sampled at least two geochemical source reservoirs, implying that either crustal assimilation or magma mixing would have played a role in the Tissint petrogenesis.

Aquifer Chemistry and Transport Processes in the Zone of Contribution to a Public-Supply Well in Woodbury, Connecticut, 2002-06

USGS Publications Warehouse

Brown, Craig J.; Starn, J. Jeffrey; Stollenwerk, Kenneth G.; Mondazzi, Remo A.; Trombley, Thomas J.

2009-01-01

A glacial aquifer system in Woodbury, Connecticut, was studied to identify factors that affect the groundwater quality in the zone of contribution to a community public-supply well. Water samples were collected during 2002-06 from the public-supply well and from 35 monitoring wells in glacial stratified deposits, glacial till, and fractured bedrock. The glacial aquifer is vulnerable to contamination from a variety of sources due to the short groundwater residence times and the urban land use in the contributing recharge area to the public-supply well. The distribution and concentrations of pH, major and trace elements, stable isotope ratios, recharge temperatures, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and the oxidation-reduction (redox) conditions, were used to identify recharge source areas, aquifer source material, anthropogenic sources, chemical processes, and groundwater-flow paths from recharge areas to the public-supply well, PSW-1. The major chemical sources to groundwater and the tracers or conditions used to identify them and their processes throughout the aquifer system include (1) bedrock and glacial stratified deposits and till, characterized by high pH and concentrations of sulfate (SO42-), bicarbonate, uranium (U), radon-222, and arsenic (As) relative to those of other wells, reducing redox conditions, enriched delta sulfur-34 (d34S) and delta carbon-13 (d13C) values, depleted delta oxygen-18 (d18O) and delta deuterium (dD) values, calcite near saturation, low recharge temperatures, and groundwater ages of more than about 9 years; (2) natural organic matter, either in sediments or in an upgradient riparian zone, characterized by high concentrations of DOC or manganese (Mn), low concentrations of dissolved oxygen (DO) and nitrate (NO3-), enriched d34S values, and depleted d18O and dD values; (3) road salt (halite), characterized by high concentrations of sodium (Na), chloride (Cl-), and calcium (Ca), and indicative chloride/bromide (Cl:Br) mass concentration ratios; (4) septic-system leachate, characterized by high concentrations of NO3-, DOC, Na, Cl-, Ca, and boron (B), delta nitrogen-15 (d15N) and d18O values, and indicative Cl:Br ratios; (5) organic solvent spills, characterized by detections of perchloroethene (PCE), trichloroethene (TCE), and 1,1-dichloroethene (1,1-DCE); (6) gasoline station spills, characterized by detections of fuel oxygenates and occasionally benzene; and (7) surface-water leakage, characterized by enriched d18O and dD values and sometimes high DOC and Mn-reducing conditions. Evaluation of Cl- concentrations and Cl:Br ratios indicates that most samples were composed of mixtures of groundwater and some component of road salt or septic-system leachate. Leachate from septic-tank drainfields can cause locally anoxic conditions with NO3- concentrations of as much as 19 milligrams per liter (mg/L as N) and may provide up to 15 percent of the nitrogen in water from well PSW-1, based on mixing calculations with d15N of NO3-. Most of the water that contributes to PSW-1 is young (less than 7 years) and derived from the glacial stratified deposits. Typically, groundwater is oxic, but localized reducing zones that result from abundances of organic matter can affect the mobilization of trace elements and the degradation of VOCs. Groundwater from fractured bedrock beneath the valley bottom, which is old (more than 50 years), and reflects a Mn-reducing to methanic redox environment, constitutes as much as 6 percent of water samples collected from monitoring wells screened at the bottom of the glacial aquifer. Dissolved As and U concentrations generally are near the minimum reporting level (MRL) (0.2 micrograms per liter or ?g/L and 0.04 ?g/L, respectively), but water from a few wells screened in glacial deposits, likely derived from underlying organic-rich Mesozoic rocks, contain As concentrations up to 7 ?g/L. At one location, concentrations of As and U were high

The composition and distribution of the rejuvenated component across the Hawaiian plume: Hf-Nd-Sr-Pb isotope systematics of Kaula lavas and pyroxenite xenoliths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bizimis, Michael; Salters, Vincent J. M.; Garcia, Michael O.; Norman, Marc D.

2013-10-01

Rejuvenated volcanism refers to the reemergence of volcanism after a hiatus of 0.5-2 Ma following the voluminous shield building stage of Hawaiian volcanoes. The composition of the rejuvenated source and its distribution relative to the center of the plume provide important constraints on the origin of rejuvenated volcanism. Near-contemporaneous lavas from the Kaula-Niihau-Kauai ridge and the North Arch volcanic field that are aligned approximately orthogonally to the plume track can constrain the lateral geochemical heterogeneity and distribution of the rejuvenated source across the volcanic chain. Nephelinites, phonolites and pyroxenite xenoliths from Kaula Island have radiogenic Hf, Nd and unradiogenic Sr isotope compositions consistent with a time-integrated depleted mantle source. The pyroxenites and nephelinites extend to the lowest 208Pb/204Pb reported in Hawaiian rocks. These data, along with new Pb isotope data from pyroxenites from the Salt Lake Crater (Oahu) redefine the composition of the depleted end-member of the Hawaiian rejuvenated source at 208Pb/204Pb=37.35±0.05, 206Pb/204Pb = 17.75±0.03, ɛNd = 9-10, ɛHf ˜16-17 and 87Sr/88Sr <0.70305. The revised isotope composition also suggests that this depleted component may contribute to LOA and KEA trend shield stage Hawaiian lavas, consistent with the rejuvenated source being part of the Hawaiian plume and not entrained upper mantle. The isotope systematics of rejuvenated magmas along the Kaula-Niihau-Kauai-North Arch transect are consistent with a larger proportion of the rejuvenated depleted component in the periphery of the plume track rather than along its axis.

Soil water sensing: Implications of sensor capabilities for variable rate irrigation management

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Irrigation scheduling using soil water sensors aims at maintaining the soil water content in the crop root zone above a lower limit defined by the management allowed depletion (MAD) for that soil and crop, but not so wet that too much water is lost to deep percolation, evaporation and runoff or that...

The Nutrient Pool of Five Important Bottomland Hardwood Soils

Treesearch

John K. Francis

1988-01-01

Heretofore, with the exception of N, the concentration of total nutrients and the amount of variation in nutrient concentrations among and within soil series and depths within the rooting zone of forested alluvial soils of the South was unknown. Information about total nutrient concentrations is important in studying the danger of nutrient depletion posed by total tree...

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-06-06

Gravity or density-driven convection occurs as protein molecules incorporate into a crystal lattice from the surrounding solution. The layer bordering the crystal (the depletion zone) then contains a less-dense protein concentration, causing the layer to rise. The remaining, denser solution sinks because of gravity, creating eddies that make it difficult for more protein molecules to attach to the crystal in an ordered way.

The importance of mantle wedge heterogeneity to subduction zone magmatism and the origin of EM1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turner, Stephen J.; Langmuir, Charles H.; Dungan, Michael A.; Escrig, Stephane

2017-08-01

The composition of the convecting asthenospheric mantle that feeds the mantle wedge can be investigated via rear-arc lavas that have minimal slab influence. This "ambient mantle wedge" composition (the composition of the wedge prior to the addition of a slab component) varies substantially both worldwide and within individual arcs. 143Nd/144Nd measurements of rear-arc samples that have minimal slab influence are similar to 143Nd/144Nd in the stratovolcanoes of the adjacent volcanic fronts, suggesting that 143Nd/144Nd of arc-front volcanics are largely inherited from the ambient mantle composition. 143Nd/144Nd correlates with ratios such as Th/U, Zr/Nb, and La/Sm, indicating that these ratios also are strongly influenced by ambient wedge heterogeneity. The same phenomenon is observed among individual volcanoes from the Chilean Southern Volcanic Zone (SVZ), where along-strike variability of the volcanic front tracks that of rear-arc monogenetic volcanics. Depleted mantle wedges are more strongly influenced by slab-derived components than are enriched wedges. This leads to surprising trace element correlations in the global dataset, such as between Pb/Nb and Zr/Nb, which are not explicable by variable compositions or fluxes of slab components. Depleted ambient mantle is present beneath arcs with back-arc spreading; relatively enriched mantle is present adjacent to continents. Ambient mantle wedge heterogeneity both globally and regionally forms isotope mixing trajectories for Sr, Nd and Hf between depleted mantle and EM1-type enriched compositions as represented by Gough Island basalts. Making use of this relationship permits a quantitative match with the SVZ data. It has been suggested that EM1-type mantle reservoirs are the result of recycled lower continental crust, though such models do not account for certain trace element ratios such as Ce/Pb and Nb/U or the surprisingly homogeneous trace element compositions of EM1 volcanics. A model in which the EM1 end-member found in continental arcs is produced by low-degree melt-metasomatism of the sub-continental lithospheric mantle may be more plausible. The 143Nd/144Nd maximum along the SVZ may be a consequence of either rifting and collision of two ancient lithospheric domains or a slab tear. The correspondence of mantle wedge variations with EM1 suggests a potential role for metasomatized sub-continental lithosphere in creating EM1 sources globally.

Development of ORIGEN Libraries for Mixed Oxide (MOX) Fuel Assembly Designs

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

Mertyurek, Ugur; Gauld, Ian C.

In this research, ORIGEN cross section libraries for reactor-grade mixed oxide (MOX) fuel assembly designs have been developed to provide fast and accurate depletion calculations to predict nuclide inventories, radiation sources and thermal decay heat information needed in safety evaluations and safeguards verification measurements of spent nuclear fuel. These ORIGEN libraries are generated using two-dimensional lattice physics assembly models that include enrichment zoning and cross section data based on ENDF/B-VII.0 evaluations. Using the SCALE depletion sequence, burnup-dependent cross sections are created for selected commercial reactor assembly designs and a representative range of reactor operating conditions, fuel enrichments, and fuel burnup.more » The burnup dependent cross sections are then interpolated to provide problem-dependent cross sections for ORIGEN, avoiding the need for time-consuming lattice physics calculations. The ORIGEN libraries for MOX assembly designs are validated against destructive radiochemical assay measurements of MOX fuel from the MALIBU international experimental program. This program included measurements of MOX fuel from a 15 × 15 pressurized water reactor assembly and a 9 × 9 boiling water reactor assembly. The ORIGEN MOX libraries are also compared against detailed assembly calculations from the Phase IV-B numerical MOX fuel burnup credit benchmark coordinated by the Nuclear Energy Agency within the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Finally, the nuclide compositions calculated by ORIGEN using the MOX libraries are shown to be in good agreement with other physics codes and with experimental data.« less

15N/14N variations in Cretaceous Atlantic sedimentary sequences: implication for past changes in marine nitrogen biogeochemistry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rau, G.H.; Arthur, M.A.; Dean, W.E.

1987-01-01

At two locations in the Atlantic Ocean (DSDP Sites 367 and 530) early to middle Cretaceous organic-carbon-rich beds ("black shales") were found to have significantly lower ??15N values (lower 15N/14N ratios) than adjacent organic-carbon-poor beds (white limestones or green claystones). While these lithologies are of marine origin, the black strata in particular have ??15N values that are significantly lower than those previously found in the marine sediment record and most contemporary marine nitrogen pools. In contrast, black, organic-carbon-rich beds at a third site (DSDP Site 603) contain predominantly terrestrial organic matter and have C- and N-isotopic compositions similar to organic matter of modern terrestrial origin. The recurring 15N depletion in the marine-derived Cretaceous sequences prove that the nitrogen they contain is the end result of an episodic and atypical biogeochemistry. Existing isotopic and other data indicate that the low 15N relative abundance is the consequence of pelagic rather than post-depositional processes. Reduced ocean circulation, increased denitrification, and, hence, reduced euphotic zone nitrate availability may have led to Cretaceous phytoplankton assemblages that were periodically dominated by N2-fixing blue-green algae, a possible source of this sediment 15N-depletion. Lack of parallel isotopic shifts in Cretaceous terrestrially-derived nitrogen (Site 603) argues that the above change in nitrogen cycling during this period did not extend beyond the marine environment. ?? 1987.

Development of ORIGEN Libraries for Mixed Oxide (MOX) Fuel Assembly Designs

DOE PAGES

Mertyurek, Ugur; Gauld, Ian C.

2015-12-24

In this research, ORIGEN cross section libraries for reactor-grade mixed oxide (MOX) fuel assembly designs have been developed to provide fast and accurate depletion calculations to predict nuclide inventories, radiation sources and thermal decay heat information needed in safety evaluations and safeguards verification measurements of spent nuclear fuel. These ORIGEN libraries are generated using two-dimensional lattice physics assembly models that include enrichment zoning and cross section data based on ENDF/B-VII.0 evaluations. Using the SCALE depletion sequence, burnup-dependent cross sections are created for selected commercial reactor assembly designs and a representative range of reactor operating conditions, fuel enrichments, and fuel burnup.more » The burnup dependent cross sections are then interpolated to provide problem-dependent cross sections for ORIGEN, avoiding the need for time-consuming lattice physics calculations. The ORIGEN libraries for MOX assembly designs are validated against destructive radiochemical assay measurements of MOX fuel from the MALIBU international experimental program. This program included measurements of MOX fuel from a 15 × 15 pressurized water reactor assembly and a 9 × 9 boiling water reactor assembly. The ORIGEN MOX libraries are also compared against detailed assembly calculations from the Phase IV-B numerical MOX fuel burnup credit benchmark coordinated by the Nuclear Energy Agency within the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Finally, the nuclide compositions calculated by ORIGEN using the MOX libraries are shown to be in good agreement with other physics codes and with experimental data.« less

Corrosion behavior in high heat input welded heat-affected zone of Ni-free high-nitrogen Fe–18Cr–10Mn–N austenitic stainless steel

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

Moon, Joonoh, E-mail: mjo99@kims.re.kr; Ha, Heon-Young; Lee, Tae-Ho

2013-08-15

The pitting corrosion and interphase corrosion behaviors in high heat input welded heat-affected zone (HAZ) of a metastable high-nitrogen Fe–18Cr–10Mn–N austenitic stainless steel were explored through electrochemical tests. The HAZs were simulated using Gleeble simulator with high heat input welding condition of 300 kJ/cm and the peak temperature of the HAZs was changed from 1200 °C to 1350 °C, aiming to examine the effect of δ-ferrite formation on corrosion behavior. The electrochemical test results show that both pitting corrosion resistance and interphase corrosion resistance were seriously deteriorated by δ-ferrite formation in the HAZ and their aspects were different with increasingmore » δ-ferrite fraction. The pitting corrosion resistance was decreased by the formation of Cr-depleted zone along δ-ferrite/austenite (γ) interphase resulting from δ-ferrite formation; however it didn't depend on δ-ferrite fraction. The interphase corrosion resistance depends on the total amount of Cr-depleted zone as well as ferrite area and thus continuously decreased with increasing δ-ferrite fraction. The different effects of δ-ferrite fraction on pitting corrosion and interphase corrosion were carefully discussed in terms of alloying elements partitioning in the HAZ based on thermodynamic consideration. - Highlights: • Corrosion behavior in the weld HAZ of high-nitrogen austenitic alloy was studied. • Cr{sub 2}N particle was not precipitated in high heat input welded HAZ of tested alloy. • Pitting corrosion and interphase corrosion show a different behavior. • Pitting corrosion resistance was affected by whether or not δ-ferrite forms. • Interphase corrosion resistance was affected by the total amount of δ-ferrite.« less

The Generation of Continents through Subduction Zone Processing of Large Igneous Provinces: A Case Study from the Central American Subduction Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harmon, N.; Rychert, C.

2013-12-01

Billions of years ago primary mantle magmas evolved to form the continental crust, although no simple magmatic differentiation process explains the progression to average andesitic crustal compositions observed today. A multiple stage process is often invoked, involving subduction and or oceanic plumes, to explain the strong depletion observed in Archean xenoliths and as well as pervasive tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite and komatiite protoliths in the greenstone belts in the crust in the cratons. Studying modern day analogues of oceanic plateaus that are currently interacting with subductions zones can provide insights into continental crust formation. Here we use surface waves to image crustal isotropic and radially anisotropic shear velocity structure above the central American subduction system in Nicaragua and Costa Rica, which juxtaposes thickened ocean island plateau crust in Costa Rica with continental/normal oceanic crust in Nicaragua. We find low velocities beneath the active arc regions (3-6% slower than the surrounding region) and up to 6% radially anisotropic structures within the oceanic crust of the Caribbean Large Igneous Province beneath Costa Rica. The low velocities and radial anisotropy suggest the anomalies are due to pervasive deep crustal magma sills. The inferred sill structures correlate spatially with increased silicic outputs in northern Costa Rica, indicating that deep differentiation of primary magmas is more efficient beneath Costa Rica relative to Nicaragua. Subduction zone alteration of large igneous provinces promotes efficient, deep processing of primary basalts to continental crust. This scenario can explain the formation of continental lithosphere and crust, by both providing strongly depleted mantle lithosphere and a means for rapidly generating a silicic crustal composition.

Quantifying Seasonal Dynamic Water Storage in a Fractured Bedrock Vadose Zone With Borehole Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidt, L.; Minton, B.; Soto-Kerans, N.; Rempe, D.; Heidari, Z.

2017-12-01

In many uplands landscapes, water is transiently stored in the weathered and fractured bedrock that underlies soils. The timing and spatial pattern of this "rock moisture" has strong implications for ecological and biogeochemical processes that influence global cycling of water and solutes. However, available technologies for direct monitoring of rock moisture are limited. Here, we quantify temporal and spatial changes in rock moisture at the field scale across thick (up to 20 m) fractured vadose zone profiles using a novel narrow diameter borehole nuclear magnetic resonance system (BNMR). Successive BNMR surveys were performed using the Vista Clara Inc. Dart system in a network of boreholes within two steep, intensively hydrologically monitored hillslopes associated with the Eel River Critical Zone Observatory (ERCZO) in Northern California. BNMR data showed agreement with estimates of the temporal and spatial pattern of rock moisture depletion over the dry season via downhole neutron and gamma density surveys, as well as permanently installed continuous time domain reflectometry. Observable shifts in the BNMR-derived T2 distribution over time provide a direct measure of changes in the amount of water held within different pore sizes (large vs. small) in fractured rock. Analysis of both BNMR and laboratory-scale NMR (using a 2MHz benchtop NMR spectrometer) measurements of ERCZO core samples at variable saturation suggest that rock moisture changes associated with summer depletion occur within both large (fracture) and small (matrix) pore sizes. Collectively, our multi-method field- and laboratory- scale measurements highlight the potential for BNMR to improve quantification of rock moisture storage for better understanding of the biogeochemical and ecohydrological implications of rock moisture circulation in the Critical Zone.

Hyperspectral stimulated emission depletion microscopy and methods of use thereof

DOEpatents

Timlin, Jerilyn A; Aaron, Jesse S

2014-04-01

A hyperspectral stimulated emission depletion ("STED") microscope system for high-resolution imaging of samples labeled with multiple fluorophores (e.g., two to ten fluorophores). The hyperspectral STED microscope includes a light source, optical systems configured for generating an excitation light beam and a depletion light beam, optical systems configured for focusing the excitation and depletion light beams on a sample, and systems for collecting and processing data generated by interaction of the excitation and depletion light beams with the sample. Hyperspectral STED data may be analyzed using multivariate curve resolution analysis techniques to deconvolute emission from the multiple fluorophores. The hyperspectral STED microscope described herein can be used for multi-color, subdiffraction imaging of samples (e.g., materials and biological materials) and for analyzing a tissue by Forster Resonance Energy Transfer ("FRET").

The abundance and distribution of water vapor in Jupiter's atmosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bjoraker, Gordon L.; Larson, Harold P.; Kunde, Virgil G.

1986-01-01

The atmospheric transmission window between 1800 and 2250 cm(-1) in Jupiter's atmosphere was observed from the Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO) and by the infrared spectrometer (IRIS) on Voyager. The vertical distribution of H2O was derived for the 1 to 6 bar portion of Jupiter's troposphere. The spatial variation of H2O was measured using IRIS spectra of the Hot Spots in the North and South Equatorial Belts, the Equatorial Zone, and for an average of the North and South Tropical Zones. The H2O column abundance above the 4 bar level is the same in the zones as in the SEB Hot Spots, about 20 cm-amagat. The NEB Hot Spots are desiccated by a factor of 3 with respect to the rest of Jupiter. For an average between -40 to 40 deg latitude, the H2O mole fraction, qH2O, is saturated for P less than 2 bars, qH2O = 4x10 to the -6 in the 2 to 4 bar range and it increases to 3x10 to the -5 at 6 bars. A similar vertical profile applies to the spatially resolved zone and belt spectra, except that H2O falls off more rapidly at P less than 4 bars in the NEB Hot Spots. The massive H2O cloud at 5 bars, T = 273 K, proposed in solar composition models, is inconsistent with the observations. Instead, a thin H2O ice cloud would form at 2 bars, T = 200 K. The O/H ratio in Jupiter, inferred from H2O measurements in both belts and zones at 6 bars, is depleted by a factor of 50 with respect to the Sun. The implications for the origin of Jupiter of globally depleted O/H, but enhanced C/H and N/H, are discussed.

Paleocene Picrites of Davis Strait: Products of a Plume or Plates?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beutel, E. K.; Clarke, D. B.

2017-12-01

Voluminous, subaerial, ultra-depleted, 62 Ma, primary picritic lavas occur on both sides of Davis Strait separating Baffin Island and West Greenland. Temporally, the picrites are coeval with the initiation of sea-floor spreading in Labrador Sea and Baffin Bay around 62 Ma. Petrogenetically, the chemical characteristics of these picrites (MgO = 18-21 wt. %; K2O = 0.01-0.20 wt. %; 87Sr/86Sri ≈ 0.7030; ɛNdi ≈ +5.2-8.6; 3He/4He ≤ 49.5RA) demand only derivation by partial melting of highly depleted subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) at a pressure of 4 GPa, followed by rapid ascent to the surface, but do not necessarily require high temperatures or high degrees of partial melting. Tectonically, these picrites formed in thick Archean and Paleoproterozoic cratonic terranes during Paleogene rifting between Greenland and North America. Structurally, the picrites are related to the major intersection of a NNW suture zone under Baffin Bay and the E-W trending Paleoproterozoic Nagssugtoqidian Fold Belt. During the late Mesozoic, ENE extension created normal faulted basins quasi-parallel with the NNW suture and thinned the mantle lithosphere. Elastic finite element models and present day studies of crustal extension show that the thicker Nagssugtoqidian Fold Belt underwent less thinning and extension than the NNW suture zone in the Archean Rae craton. These extensional disparities occur at the orthogonal intersection of pre-existing E-W trending strike-slip faults in the thicker Nagssugtoqidian Fold Belt with the NNW thinned Archean suture zone, and likely resulted in the formation of one or more pull-apart basins. Because the strike-slip faults are ancient suture zones, trans-tension within these suture zones easily reached 120 km, creating not only decompression melting in the SCLM, but also a pathway for the picritic melts to rapidly reach the surface. Such a purely tectonic model requires no spatially or temporally improbable deep mantle plume for generation of the Paleocene picrites of Davis Strait.

Uptake of algal carbon and the synthesis of an "essential" fatty acid by Uvigerina ex. gr. semiornata (Foraminifera) within the Pakistan margin oxygen minimum zone: evidence from fatty acid biomarker and 13C tracer experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larkin, K. E.; Gooday, A. J.; Woulds, C.; Jeffreys, R.; Schwartz, M.; Cowie, G.; Whitcraft, C.; Levin, L.; Dick, J. R.; Pond, D. W.

2014-01-01

Foraminifera are an important component of benthic communities in oxygen depleted settings, where they potentially play a~significant role in the processing of organic matter. We tracked the uptake of a 13C-labeled algal food source into individual fatty acids in the benthic foraminiferal species, Uvigerina ex. gr. semiornata, from the Arabian Sea oxygen minimum zone (OMZ). The tracer experiments were conducted on the Pakistan Margin during the late/post monsoon period (August-October 2003). A monoculture of the diatom Thalassiosira weisflogii was 13C-labeled and used to simulate a pulse of phytoplankton in two complementary experiments. A lander system was used for in situ incubations at 140 m and for 2.5 days duration, whilst a laboratory incubation used an oxystat system to maintain ambient dissolved oxygen concentrations. These shipboard experiments were terminated after 5 days. Uptake of diatoms was rapid, with high incorporation of diatom fatty acids into foraminifera after ~2 days in both experiments. Ingestion of the diatom food source was indicated by the increase over time in the quantity of diatom biomarker fatty acids in the foraminifera and by the high percentage of 13C in many of the fatty acids present at the endpoint of both in~situ and laboratory-based experiments. These results indicate that U. ex. gr. semiornata rapidly ingested the diatom food source and that this foraminifera will play an important role in the short-term cycling of organic matter within this OMZ environment. The experiments also suggested that U. ex. gr. semiornata consumed non-labeled bacterial food items, particularly bacteria, and synthesised the polyunsaturated fatty acid 20:4(n-6) de novo. 20:4(n-6) is often abundant in benthic fauna yet its origins and function have remained unclear. This study demonstrates that U. ex. gr. semiornata is capable of de novo synthesis of this "essential fatty acid" and is potentially a major source of this dietary nutrient in benthic food webs.

Liprin-α3 controls vesicle docking and exocytosis at the active zone of hippocampal synapses.

PubMed

Wong, Man Yan; Liu, Changliang; Wang, Shan Shan H; Roquas, Aram C F; Fowler, Stephen C; Kaeser, Pascal S

2018-02-27

The presynaptic active zone provides sites for vesicle docking and release at central nervous synapses and is essential for speed and accuracy of synaptic transmission. Liprin-α binds to several active zone proteins, and loss-of-function studies in invertebrates established important roles for Liprin-α in neurodevelopment and active zone assembly. However, Liprin-α localization and functions in vertebrates have remained unclear. We used stimulated emission depletion superresolution microscopy to systematically determine the localization of Liprin-α2 and Liprin-α3, the two predominant Liprin-α proteins in the vertebrate brain, relative to other active-zone proteins. Both proteins were widely distributed in hippocampal nerve terminals, and Liprin-α3, but not Liprin-α2, had a prominent component that colocalized with the active-zone proteins Bassoon, RIM, Munc13, RIM-BP, and ELKS. To assess Liprin-α3 functions, we generated Liprin-α3-KO mice by using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. We found reduced synaptic vesicle tethering and docking in hippocampal neurons of Liprin-α3-KO mice, and synaptic vesicle exocytosis was impaired. Liprin-α3 KO also led to mild alterations in active zone structure, accompanied by translocation of Liprin-α2 to active zones. These findings establish important roles for Liprin-α3 in active-zone assembly and function, and suggest that interplay between various Liprin-α proteins controls their active-zone localization.

Rapid intrinsic biodegradation of benzene, toluene, and xylenes at the boundary of a gasoline-contaminated plume under natural attenuation.

PubMed

Takahata, Yoh; Kasai, Yuki; Hoaki, Toshihiro; Watanabe, Kazuya

2006-12-01

A groundwater plume contaminated with gasoline constituents [mainly benzene, toluene, and xylenes (BTX)] had been treated by pumping and aeration for approximately 10 years, and the treatment strategy was recently changed to monitored natural attenuation (MNA). To gain information on the feasibility of using MNA to control the spread of BTX, chemical and microbiological parameters in groundwater samples obtained inside and outside the contaminated plume were measured over the course of 73 weeks. The depletion of electron acceptors (i.e., dissolved oxygen, nitrate, and sulfate) and increase of soluble iron were observed in the contaminated zone. Laboratory incubation tests revealed that groundwater obtained immediately outside the contaminated zone (the boundary zone) exhibited much higher potential for BTX degradation than those in the contaminated zone and in uncontaminated background zones. The boundary zone was a former contaminated area where BTX were no longer detected. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplified bacterial 16S rRNA gene fragments revealed that DGGE profiles for groundwater samples obtained from the contaminated zone were clustered together and distinct from those from uncontaminated zones. In addition, unique bacterial rRNA types were observed in the boundary zone. These results indicate that the boundary zone in the contaminant plumes served as a natural barrier for preventing the BTX contamination from spreading out.

Trading Time with Space - Development of subduction zone parameter database for a maximum magnitude correlation assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaefer, Andreas; Wenzel, Friedemann

2017-04-01

Subduction zones are generally the sources of the earthquakes with the highest magnitudes. Not only in Japan or Chile, but also in Pakistan, the Solomon Islands or for the Lesser Antilles, subduction zones pose a significant hazard for the people. To understand the behavior of subduction zones, especially to identify their capabilities to produce maximum magnitude earthquakes, various physical models have been developed leading to a large number of various datasets, e.g. from geodesy, geomagnetics, structural geology, etc. There have been various studies to utilize this data for the compilation of a subduction zone parameters database, but mostly concentrating on only the major zones. Here, we compile the largest dataset of subduction zone parameters both in parameter diversity but also in the number of considered subduction zones. In total, more than 70 individual sources have been assessed and the aforementioned parametric data have been combined with seismological data and many more sources have been compiled leading to more than 60 individual parameters. Not all parameters have been resolved for each zone, since the data completeness depends on the data availability and quality for each source. In addition, the 3D down-dip geometry of a majority of the subduction zones has been resolved using historical earthquake hypocenter data and centroid moment tensors where available and additionally compared and verified with results from previous studies. With such a database, a statistical study has been undertaken to identify not only correlations between those parameters to estimate a parametric driven way to identify potentials for maximum possible magnitudes, but also to identify similarities between the sources themselves. This identification of similarities leads to a classification system for subduction zones. Here, it could be expected if two sources share enough common characteristics, other characteristics of interest may be similar as well. This concept technically trades time with space, considering subduction zones where we have likely not observed the maximum possible event yet. However, by identifying sources of the same class, the not-yet observed temporal behavior can be replaced by spatial similarity among different subduction zones. This database aims to enhance the research and understanding of subduction zones and to quantify their potential in producing mega earthquakes considering potential strong motion impact on nearby cities and their tsunami potential.

Evolution of depleted mantle: The lead perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tilton, George R.

1983-07-01

Isotopic data have established that, compared to estimated bulk earth abundances, the sources of oceanic basaltic lavas have been depleted in large ion lithophile elements for at least several billions of years. Various data on the Tertiary-Mesozoic Gorgona komatiite and Cretaceous Oka carbonatite show that those rocks also sample depleted mantle sources. This information is used by analogy to compare Pb isotopic data from 2.6 billion year old komatiite and carbonatite from the Suomussalmi belt of eastern Finland and Munro Township, Ontario that are with associated granitic rocks and ores that should contain marked crustal components. Within experimental error no differences are detected in the isotopic composition of initial Pb in either of the rock suites. These observations agree closely with Sr and Nd data from other laboratories showing that depleted mantle could not have originated in those areas more than a few tenths of billions of years before the rocks were emplaced. On a world-wide basis the Pb isotope data are consistent with production of depleted mantle by continuous differentiation processes acting over approximately the past 3 billion years. The data show that Pb evolution is more complex than the simpler models derived from the Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd systems. The nature of the complexity is still poorly understood.

Sanitary protection zoning based on time-dependent vulnerability assessment model - case examples at two different type of aquifers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Živanović, Vladimir; Jemcov, Igor; Dragišić, Veselin; Atanacković, Nebojša

2017-04-01

Delineation of sanitary protection zones of groundwater source is a comprehensive and multidisciplinary task. Uniform methodology for protection zoning for various type of aquifers is not established. Currently applied methods mostly rely on horizontal groundwater travel time toward the tapping structure. On the other hand, groundwater vulnerability assessment methods evaluate the protective function of unsaturated zone as an important part of groundwater source protection. In some particular cases surface flow might also be important, because of rapid transfer of contaminants toward the zones with intense infiltration. For delineation of sanitary protection zones three major components should be analysed: vertical travel time through unsaturated zone, horizontal travel time through saturated zone and surface water travel time toward intense infiltration zones. Integrating the aforementioned components into one time-dependent model represents a basis of presented method for delineation of groundwater source protection zones in rocks and sediments of different porosity. The proposed model comprises of travel time components of surface water, as well as groundwater (horizontal and vertical component). The results obtained using the model, represent the groundwater vulnerability as the sum of the surface and groundwater travel time and corresponds to the travel time of potential contaminants from the ground surface to the tapping structure. This vulnerability assessment approach do not consider contaminant properties (intrinsic vulnerability) although it can be easily improved for evaluating the specific groundwater vulnerability. This concept of the sanitary protection zones was applied at two different type of aquifers: karstic aquifer of catchment area of Blederija springs and "Beli Timok" source of intergranular shallow aquifer. The first one represents a typical karst hydrogeological system with part of the catchment with allogenic recharge, and the second one, the groundwater source within shallow intergranular alluvial aquifer, dominantly recharged by river bank filtration. For sanitary protection zones delineation, the applied method has shown the importance of introducing all travel time components equally. In the case of the karstic source, the importance of the surface flow toward ponor zones has been emphasized, as a consequence of rapid travel time of water in relation to diffuse infiltration from autogenic part. When it comes to the shallow intergranular aquifer, the character of the unsaturated zone gets more prominent role in the source protection, as important buffer of the vertical movement downward. The applicability of proposed method has been shown regardless of the type of the aquifer, and at the same time intelligible results of the delineated sanitary protection zones are possible to validate with various methods. Key words: groundwater protection zoning, time dependent model, karst aquifer, intergranular aquifer, groundwater source protection

The source of dissolved silicon in soil surface solutions of a temperate forest ecosystem: Ge/Si and Si isotope ratios as biogeochemical tracers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cornelis, J.; Delvaux, B.; Cardinal, D.; André, L.; Ranger, J.; Opfergelt, S.

2010-12-01

Understand the biogeochemical cycle of silicon (Si) in the Earth’s critical zone and the dissolved Si transfer from the litho-pedosphere into the hydrosphere is of great interest for the global balance of biogeochemical processes, including the global C cycle. Indeed, the interaction between Si and C cycles regulates the atmospheric CO2 through the chemical weathering of silicate minerals, the C sequestration in stable organo-mineral compounds and the Si nutrition of phytoplankton CO2-consumers in oceans. H4SiO4 released by mineral dissolution contributes to the critical zone evolution through neoformation of secondary minerals, adsorption onto hydroxyl-bearing phases and recycling by vegetation and return of phytoliths on topsoil. The neoformation of secondary precipitates (clay minerals and phytoliths polymerized in plants) and adsorption of Si onto Fe and Al (hydr)oxides are processes favoring the light Si isotope incorporation, generating rivers enriched in heavy Si isotopes. On the other hand, clay minerals and phytoliths display contrasting Ge/Si ratios since clay-sized weathering products are enriched in Ge and phytoliths are depleted in Ge. Thus stable Si isotope and Ge/Si ratios constitute very interesting proxies to trace transfer of Si in the critical zone. Here we report Si isotopic and Ge/Si ratios of the different Si pools in a temperate soil-tree system (Breuil experimental forest, France) involving various tree species grown on Alumnic Cambisol derived from granitic bedrock. Relative to granitic bedrock (δ30Si = -0.07 ‰; Ge/Si = 2.5 µmol/mol), clay-sized minerals are enriched in 28Si (-1.07 ‰) and Ge (6.2 µmol/mol) while phytoliths are enriched in 28Si (-0.28 to -0.64 ‰) and depleted in Ge (0.1 to 0.3 µmol/mol). This contrast allows us to infer the relative contribution of litho/pedogenic and biogenic mineral dissolution on the release of H4SiO4 in soil surface solutions. The Si-isotope signatures and Ge/Si ratios of forest floor solutions evolve towards lighter values (-1.38 and -2.05 ‰) and higher Ge/Si ratios (2.7 µmol/mol) relative to granite bedrock. This suggests a partial dissolution of 28Si and Ge-enriched secondary clays minerals incorporated by bioturbation in organic-rich horizons, with a fractionation releasing preferentially light Si isotopes. Without considering that organic acids promote dissolution of minerals, clay minerals detected in the organic layer (vermiculite, chlorite, illite and Ca-montmorillonite) are not stable and could have been partially dissolved and transformed in the chemical environment of forest floor. Sources of H4SiO4 in forest floor solutions are influenced by tree species which control the extent of clay-sized minerals mixed in organic horizons by bioturbation and, to a lesser extent, the Si recycling by forest vegetation.

Particles Growing in Solutions: Depletion Forces and Instability of Homogeneous Particle Distribution

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chernov, A. A.

2004-01-01

Crystallites, droplets and amorphous precipitates growing from supersaturated solution are surrounded by zones, which are depleted with respect to the molecules they are built of. If two such particles of colloidal size are separated by a distance comparable to their diameters, then the depletion within the gap between particles is deeper than that at the outer portion of the particles. This will cause depletion attraction between the particles should appear. It may cause particle coagulation and decay of the originally homogeneous particle distribution into a system of clouds within which the particle number density is higher, separated by the region of the lower number density. Stability criterion, Q = 4 pi R(exp 3)c/3 >> 1, was analytically found along with typical particle density distribution wavevector q = (Q/I)(exp 1/2)(a/R)(exp 1/4). Here, R and a are the particle and molecular radii, respectively, c is the average molecular number density in solution and I is the squared diffusion length covered by a molecule during a typical time characterizing decay of molecular concentration in solution due to consumption of the molecules by the growing particles.

Depletion of heterogeneous source species pools predicts future invasion rates

Treesearch

Andrew M. Liebhold; Eckehard G. Brockerhoff; Mark Kimberley; Jacqueline Beggs

2017-01-01

Predicting how increasing rates of global trade will result in new establishments of potentially damaging invasive species is a question of critical importance to the development of national and international policies aimed at minimizing future invasions. Centuries of historical movement and establishment of invading species may have depleted the supply of species...

Metasomatic Reaction Zones as Monitors of Trace Element Transfer at the Slab-Mantle Interface: the Case of the Hochwart Peridotite (Ulten Zone, Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marocchi, M.; Hermann, J.; Bargossi, G. M.; Mair, V.; Morten, L.

2006-12-01

Ultramafic blocks belonging to the Hochwart peridotite outcrop (Ulten Zone, Italian Alps) preserve a series of metasomatic mineral zones generated by infiltration of Si-rich hydrous fluids which occurred at the gneiss- peridotite interface. The age of the high pressure metamorphism for the Hochwart complex has been constrained at 330 Ma (Tumiati et al., 2003, EPSL, 210, 509-526). The country rocks are stromatic gneisses consisting mainly of quartz, K-feldspar, garnet, kyanite, biotite and muscovite. The ultramafic body consists of strongly serpentinized metaperidotites which are exposed as a hectometre-size lens along a steep gully, associated to monomineralic zones that developed at the contact between the peridotite body and the garnet gneiss country rocks. The composition of the metasomatic zones has been investigated in detail and records an order of metasomatic zoning formed by phlogopite-rich to tremolite-anthophyllite-rich rocks going from the host gneiss towards the peridotite. In some cases, the ultramafics fade into the gneisses developing serpentine and talc which has replaced, presumably at lower temperatures, the serpentine matrix and occurs in association with chlorite. Phlogopite aggregates (phlogopitite) with accessory minerals (quartz + zircon + apatite) and metabasic pods (phlogopite and hornblende) also occur. Black tourmaline (schorl-dravite solid solution) has been found for the first time in the contact near the phlogopite zone, suggesting an external addition of elements (boron and fluorine) to the system at high temperature. The formation of the metasomatic zones composed exclusively of hydrous phases must have involved extensive H2O-metasomatism as already documented for the Ulten peridotites. The source for these fluids can be a system of trondhjemitic-pegmatitic dikes cutting the peridotite that would have channelled aqueous fluids into the ultramafic rocks. Whole-rock geochemistry and trace element (LA ICP-MS) composition of hydrous phases (phlogopite and amphibole) in different metasomatic zones indicate mobility of many elements, including elements such as Ta which are considered to have scarce mobility in fluids. Trace element composition of accessory minerals in the phlogopite-rich zone suggests that the trace element signature of subduction zone fluids may be fractionated in this zone. The progressive depletion in some trace elements (LREE) and enrichment in LILE and Li from the peridotite towards the gneiss suggests a strong influence of bulk composition on the trace element budget of hydrous minerals. Since the ultramafic blocks can be representative of metasomatic processes occurring at the slab-mantle interface, we can infer that metasomatic reactions between slab-derived fluids and ultramafic mantle wedge will follow a specific series of reactions, creating mineral zonation similar to those observed in this study. Our results further favour the evidence that the primary composition of subduction zone fluids is modified substantially by metasomatic reactions occurring in the mantle wedge.

BAFF Receptor mAb Treatment Ameliorates Development and Progression of Atherosclerosis in Hyperlipidemic ApoE−/− Mice

PubMed Central

Kyaw, Tin; Cui, Peng; Tay, Christopher; Kanellakis, Peter; Hosseini, Hamid; Liu, Edgar; Rolink, Antonius G.; Tipping, Peter

2013-01-01

Aims Option to attenuate atherosclerosis by depleting B2 cells is currently limited to anti-CD20 antibodies which deplete all B-cell subtypes. In the present study we evaluated the capacity of a monoclonal antibody to B cell activating factor-receptor (BAFFR) to selectively deplete atherogenic B2 cells to prevent both development and progression of atherosclerosis in the ApoE−/− mouse. Methods and Results To determine whether the BAFFR antibody prevents atherosclerosis development, we treated ApoE−/− mice with the antibody while feeding them a high fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks. Mature CD93− CD19+ B2 cells were reduced by treatment, spleen B-cell zones disrupted and spleen CD20 mRNA expression decreased while B1a cells and non-B cells were spared. Atherosclerosis was ameliorated in the hyperlipidemic mice and CD19+ B cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were reduced in atherosclerotic lesions. Expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, IL1β, TNFα, and IFNγ in the lesions were also reduced, while MCP1, MIF and VCAM-1 expressions were unaffected. Plasma immunoglobulins were reduced, but MDA-oxLDL specific antibodies were unaffected. To determine whether anti-BAFFR antibody ameliorates progression of atherosclerosis, we first fed ApoE−/− mice a HFD for 6 weeks, and then instigated anti-BAFFR antibody treatment for a further 6 week-HFD. CD93− CD19+ B2 cells were selectively decreased and atherosclerotic lesions were reduced by this treatment. Conclusion Anti-BAFFR monoclonal antibody selectively depletes mature B2 cells while sparing B1a cells, disrupts spleen B-cell zones and ameliorates atherosclerosis development and progression in hyperlipidemic ApoE−/− mice. Our findings have potential for clinical translation to manage atherosclerosis-based cardiovascular diseases. PMID:23560095

Assessing the joint impact of DNAPL source-zone behavior and degradation products on the probabilistic characterization of human health risk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Henri, Christopher V.; Fernàndez-Garcia, Daniel; de Barros, Felipe P. J.

2016-02-01

The release of industrial contaminants into the subsurface has led to a rapid degradation of groundwater resources. Contamination caused by Dense Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids (DNAPLs) is particularly severe owing to their limited solubility, slow dissolution and in many cases high toxicity. A greater insight into how the DNAPL source zone behavior and the contaminant release towards the aquifer impact human health risk is crucial for an appropriate risk management. Risk analysis is further complicated by the uncertainty in aquifer properties and contaminant conditions. This study focuses on the impact of the DNAPL release mode on the human health risk propagation along the aquifer under uncertain conditions. Contaminant concentrations released from the source zone are described using a screening approach with a set of parameters representing several scenarios of DNAPL architecture. The uncertainty in the hydraulic properties is systematically accounted for by high-resolution Monte Carlo simulations. We simulate the release and the transport of the chlorinated solvent perchloroethylene and its carcinogenic degradation products in randomly heterogeneous porous media. The human health risk posed by the chemical mixture of these contaminants is characterized by the low-order statistics and the probability density function of common risk metrics. We show that the zone of high risk (hot spot) is independent of the DNAPL mass release mode, and that the risk amplitude is mostly controlled by heterogeneities and by the source zone architecture. The risk is lower and less uncertain when the source zone is formed mostly by ganglia than by pools. We also illustrate how the source zone efficiency (intensity of the water flux crossing the source zone) affects the risk posed by an exposure to the chemical mixture. Results display that high source zone efficiencies are counter-intuitively beneficial, decreasing the risk because of a reduction in the time available for the production of the highly toxic subspecies.

Temporal trend and source apportionment of water pollution in different functional zones of Qiantang River, China.

PubMed

Su, Shiliang; Li, Dan; Zhang, Qi; Xiao, Rui; Huang, Fang; Wu, Jiaping

2011-02-01

The increasingly serious river water pollution in developing countries poses great threat to environmental health and human welfare. The assignment of river function to specific uses, known as zoning, is a useful tool to reveal variations of water environmental adaptability to human impact. Therefore, characterizing the temporal trend and identifying responsible pollution sources in different functional zones could greatly improve our knowledge about human impacts on the river water environment. The aim of this study is to obtain a deeper understanding of temporal trends and sources of water pollution in different functional zones with a case study of the Qiantang River, China. Measurement data were obtained and pretreated for 13 variables from 41 monitoring sites in four categories of functional zones during the period 1996-2004. An exploratory approach, which combines smoothing and non-parametric statistical tests, was applied to characterize trends of four significant parameters (permanganate index, ammonia nitrogen, total cadmium and fluoride) accounting for differences among different functional zones identified by discriminant analysis. Aided by GIS, yearly pollution index (PI) for each monitoring site was further mapped to compare the within-group variations in temporal dynamics for different functional zones. Rotated principal component analysis and receptor model (absolute principle component score-multiple linear regression, APCS-MLR) revealed that potential pollution sources and their corresponding contributions varied among the four functional zones. Variations of APCS values for each site of one functional zone as well as their annual average values highlighted the uncertainties associated with cross space-time effects in source apportionment. All these results reinforce the notion that the concept of zoning should be taken seriously in water pollution control. Being applicable to other rivers, the framework of management-oriented source apportionment is thus believed to have potentials to offer new insights into water management and advance the source apportionment framework as an operational basis for national and local governments. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Iron isotope composition of depleted MORB

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Labidi, J.; Sio, C. K. I.; Shahar, A.

2015-12-01

In terrestrial basalts, iron isotope ratios are observed to weakly fractionate as a function of olivine and pyroxene crystallization. However, a ~0.1‰ difference between chondrites and MORB had been reported (Dauphas et al. 2009, Teng et al. 2013 and ref. therein). This observation could illustrate an isotope fractionation occurring during partial melting, as a function of the Fe valence in melt versus crystals. Here, we present high-precision Fe isotopic data measured by MC-ICP-MS on well-characterized samples from the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge (PAR, n=9) and from the Garrett Transform Fault (n=8). These samples allow exploring the Fe isotope fractionation between melt and magnetite, and the role of partial melting on Fe isotope fractionation. Our average δ56Fe value is +0.095±0.013‰ (95% confidence, n=17), indistinguishable from a previous estimate of +0.105±0.006‰ (95% confidence, n=43, see ref. 2). Our δ56Fe values correlate weakly with MgO contents, and correlate positively with K/Ti ratios. PAC1 DR10 shows the largest Ti and Fe depletion after titanomagnetite fractionation, with a δ56Fe value of +0.076±0.036‰. This is ~0.05‰ below other samples at a given MgO. This may illustrate a significant Fe isotope fractionation between the melt and titanomagnetite, in agreement with experimental determination (Shahar et al. 2008). GN09-02, the most incompatible-element depleted sample, has a δ56Fe value of 0.037±0.020‰. This is the lowest high-precision δ56Fe value recorded for a MORB worldwide. This basalt displays an incompatible-element depletion consistent with re-melting beneath the transform fault of mantle source that was depleted during a first melting event, beneath the ridge axis (Wendt et al. 1999). The Fe isotope observation could indicate that its mantle source underwent 56Fe depletion after a first melting event. It could alternatively indicate a lower Fe isotope fractionation during re-melting, if the source was depleted of its Fe3+, likely producing a relatively reduced melt. These hypotheses are testable, and will be discussed in detail at the conference.

Plasma-catalyzed fuel reformer

DOEpatents

Hartvigsen, Joseph J.; Elangovan, S.; Czernichowski, Piotr; Hollist, Michele

2013-06-11

A reformer is disclosed that includes a plasma zone to receive a pre-heated mixture of reactants and ionize the reactants by applying an electrical potential thereto. A first thermally conductive surface surrounds the plasma zone and is configured to transfer heat from an external heat source into the plasma zone. The reformer further includes a reaction zone to chemically transform the ionized reactants into synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide. A second thermally conductive surface surrounds the reaction zone and is configured to transfer heat from the external heat source into the reaction zone. The first thermally conductive surface and second thermally conductive surface are both directly exposed to the external heat source. A corresponding method and system are also disclosed and claimed herein.

Redefining the trophic importance of seagrasses for fauna in tropical Indo-Pacific meadows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vonk, Jan Arie; Christianen, Marjolijn J. A.; Stapel, Johan

2008-09-01

Fauna species living in seagrass meadows depend on different food sources, with seagrasses often being marginally important for higher trophic levels. To determine the food web of a mixed-species tropical seagrass meadow in Sulawesi, Indonesia, we analyzed the stable isotope ( δ13C and δ15N) signatures of primary producers, particulate organic matter (POM) and fauna species. In addition invertebrates, both infauna and macrobenthic, and fish densities were examined to identify the important species in the meadow. The aims of this study were to identify the main food sources of fauna species by comparing isotopic signatures of different primary producers and fauna, and to estimate qualitatively the importance of seagrass material in the food web. Phytoplankton and water column POM were the most depleted primary food sources for δ13C (range -23.1 to -19.6‰), but no fauna species depended only on these sources for carbon. Epiphytes and Sargassum sp. had intermediate δ13C values (-14.2 to -11.9‰). Sea urchins, gastropods and certain fish species were the main species assimilating this material. Seagrasses and sedimentary POM had the least depleted values (-11.5 to -5.7‰). Between the five seagrass species significant differences in δ13C were measured. The small species Halophila ovalis and Halodule uninervis were most depleted, the largest species Enhalus acoroides was least depleted, while Thalassia hemprichii and Cymodocea rotundata had intermediate values. Fourteen fauna species, accounting for ˜10% of the total fauna density, were shown to assimilate predominantly (>50%) seagrass material, either directly or indirectly by feeding on seagrass consumers. These species ranged from amphipods up to the benthic top predator Taeniura lymma. Besides these species, about half of the 55 fauna species analyzed had δ13C values higher than the least depleted non-seagrass source, indicating they depended at least partly for their food on seagrass material. This study shows that seagrass material is consumed by a large number of fauna species and is important for a large portion of the food web in tropical seagrass meadows.

Efficient growth of HTS films with volatile elements

DOEpatents

Siegal, M.P.; Overmyer, D.L.; Dominguez, F.

1998-12-22

A system is disclosed for applying a volatile element-HTS layer, such as Tl-HTS, to a substrate in a multiple zone furnace, said method includes heating at higher temperature, in one zone of the furnace, a substrate and adjacent first source of Tl-HTS material, to sublimate Tl-oxide from the source to the substrate; and heating at lower temperature, in a separate zone of the furnace, a second source of Tl-oxide to replenish the first source of Tl-oxide from the second source. 3 figs.

Multiple melting stages and refertilization as indicators for ridge to subduction formation: The New Caledonia ophiolite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ulrich, Marc; Picard, Christian; Guillot, Stéphane; Chauvel, Catherine; Cluzel, Dominique; Meffre, Sébastien

2010-03-01

The origin of the New Caledonia ophiolite (South West Pacific), one of the largest in the world, is controversial. This nappe of ultramafic rocks (300 km long, 50 km wide and 2 km thick) is thrust upon a smaller nappe (Poya terrane) composed of basalts from mid-ocean ridges (MORB), back arc basins (BABB) and ocean islands (OIB). This nappe was tectonically accreted from the subducting plate prior and during the obduction of the ultramafic nappe. The bulk of the ophiolite is composed of highly depleted harzburgites (± dunites) with characteristic U-shaped bulk-rock rare-earth element (REE) patterns that are attributed to their formation in a forearc environment. In contrast, the origin of spoon-shaped REE patterns of lherzolites in the northernmost klippes was unclear. Our new major element and REE data on whole rocks, spinel and clinopyroxene establish the abyssal affinity of these lherzolites. Significant LREE enrichment in the lherzolites is best explained by partial melting in a spreading ridge, followed by near in-situ refertilization from deeper mantle melts. Using equilibrium melting equations, we show that melts extracted from these lherzolites are compositionally similar to the MORB of the Poya terrane. This is used to infer that the ultramafic nappe and the mafic Poya terrane represent oceanic lithosphere of a single marginal basin that formed during the late Cretaceous. In contrast, our spinel data highlights the strong forearc affinities of the most depleted harzburgites whose compositions are best modeled by hydrous melting of a source that had previously experienced depletion in a spreading ridge. The New Caledonian boninites probably formed during this second stage of partial melting. The two melting events in the New Caledonia ophiolite record the rapid transition from oceanic accretion to convergence in the South Loyalty Basin during the Late Paleocene, with initiation of a new subduction zone at or near the ridge axis.

Detrital-zircon fission-track geochronology of the Lower Cenozoic sediments, NW Himalayan foreland basin: Clues for exhumation and denudation of the Himalaya during the India-Asia collision

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jain, A.; Lal, N.; Suelmani, B.; Awasthi, A. K.; Singh, S.; Kumar, R.

2007-12-01

Detrital-zircon fission-track geochronology of the synorogenically-deposited Subathu-Dagshai-Kasauli-Lower Siwalik Formations of the Sub-Himalayan Lower Cenozoic foreland basin reflects progressive effects of the Himalayan tectonometamorphic events on the Proterozoic-Paleozoic source rock as a consequence of the India-Asia collision. The oldest transgressive marine Subathu Formation (57.0-41.5 Ma) contains a very dominant 302.4 ± 21.9 Ma old detrital zircon FT suite with a few determinable 520.0 Ma grains. This old suite was derived by mild erosion of the Zircon Partially Annealed Zone (ZPAZ) of 240-180 oC, which affected the Himalayan Proterozoic basement and its Tethyan sedimentary cover as a consequence of first imprint of the collision. In addition, 50.0 Ma old detrital zircons in this formation were derived possibly from the Indus Tsangpo Suture Zone and the Trans-Himalayan Ladakh Batholith. Sudden source rock changes and unroofing are manifested in the overlying fluvial Dagshai (~30-20 Ma) and Kasauli (20-13 Ma) molassic sediments, which are characterised by dominant 30.0 and 25.0 Ma old youngest zircon FT peaks, respectively. A distinct unconformity spanning for about 10 Myr gets established between the Subathu-Dagshai formations on the basis of detrital- zircon FT ages. Molassic sedimentation since ~30 Ma coincides with the depletion of detritus from the suture zone, and the bulk derivation from the main Higher Himalayan source rock, which has undergone sequentially the UHP-HP-amphibolite facies metamorphism (53-40 Ma) in the extreme north and widespread Eo- and Neo-Himalayan tectonothermal events in the middle. Strength of the Pre-Himalayan Peaks (PHP) >50 Ma in these younger sediments gradually decreases with the intensification of the Himalayan thermal events till the end of the Kasauli sedimentation. Widespread Eo- and Neo-Himalayan metamorphic events (40.0-30.0 and 25.0-15.0 Ma) have almost remobilised the provenance and obliterated most of the evidences of the Pre-Himalayan Peaks in zircon FT ages and appear to be responsible for incoming of the Himalayan (HP) ~30.0 Ma and Young Himalayan Peaks (YHP) of ~15.0 Ma, respectively; the latter appears only between 13.0 and 11.0 Ma sedimentation of the Lower Siwalik Formation. Three distinct metamorphic events get recognised in source area of the Himalayan Metamorphic Belt. Though the Dagshai-Kasauli-Lower Siwalik sequence records uninterrupted fluvial sedimentation since 30 Ma, distinct breaks in zircon FT ages ~5.0-7.0 Myr at the beginning of each formation records pulsative exhumation of the source area in response to the collision between India and Asia.

Magma source evolution beneath the Caribbean oceanic plateau: New insights from elemental and Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf isotopic studies of ODP Leg 165, Site 1001 basalts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kerr, A. C.; Pearson, G.; Nowell, G.

2008-12-01

Ocean Drilling Project Leg 165 sampled 38m of the basaltic basement of the Caribbean plate at Site 1001 on the Hess Escarpment. The recovered section consists of 12 basaltic flow units which yield a weighted mean Ar-Ar age of 80.9±0.9 Ma (Sinton et al., 2000). The basalts (6.4-8.5 wt.% MgO) are remarkably homogeneous in composition and are more depleted in incompatible trace elements than N-MORB. Markedly, depleted initial radiogenic isotope ratios reveal a long-term history of depletion. Although the Site 1001 basalts are superficially similar to N-MORB, radiogenic isotopes in conjunction with incompatible trace element ratios show that the basalts have more similarity to the depleted basalts and komatiites of Gorgona Island. This chemical composition strongly implies that the Site 1001 basalts are derived from a depleted mantle plume component and not from depleted ambient upper mantle. Therefore the Site 1001 basalts are, both compositionally and tectonically, a constituent part of the Caribbean oceanic plateau. Mantle melt modelling suggests that the Site 1001 lavas have a composition which is consistent with second-stage melting of compositionally heterogeneous mantle plume source material which had already been melted, most likely to form the 90Ma basalts of the plateau. The prolonged residence (>10m.y.) of residual mantle plume source material below the region, confirms computational model predictions and places significant constraints on tectonic models of Caribbean evolution in the late Cretaceous, and the consequent environmental impact of oceanic plateau volcanism. Reference Sinton, C.W., et al., 2000. Geochronology and petrology of the igneous basement at the lower Nicaraguan Rise, Site 1001. Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program, Scientific Results. Leg 165. pp. 233-236.

Tectonic evolution of the Troodos Ophiolite within the Tethyan Framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dilek, Yildirim; Thy, Peter; Moores, Eldridge M.; Ramsden, Todd W.

1990-08-01

A new tectonic model reconciles conflicting structural and geochemical evidence for the origin of the Troodos ophiolite, a well-preserved remnant of Neotethyan oceanic crust. Grabens and normal faults within the sheeted dike complex and the extrusive sequence of the Troodos ophiolite resemble those of oceanic spreading centers. Diverse intrusive and tectonic contact relationships between the sheeted dike complex and the underlying plutonic sequence indicate multiple and episodic intrusion of magma and along- and across-strike variation in volcanic and tectonic activity during development of oceanic crust. Coupled with the existence of the Arakapas transform fault to the south, these structural and intrusive relationships suggest origin at an intersection between a spreading center and a transform fault. The arclike chemistry of sheeted dikes and related extrusive rocks and the inferred highly depleted and hydrous nature of the mantle source of the late stage intrusive and extrusive rocks argue, however, for generation of part of the ophiolite within a subduction zone environment. Regional reconstructions suggest that the Mesozoic Neotethys may have evolved as a marginal basin both to the Afro-Arabian continent and the Paleotethyan ocean over an active or recently active south dipping subduction zone. The Troodos ophiolite and other eastern Mediterranean ophiolites, whose magma compositions were affected by the subducted Paleotethyan slab, may have formed along east-west trending spreading centers separated by north-south trending transform faults within this marginal basin. A rapid change in relative plate motion in late Cretaceous time between Eurasia and Afro-Arabia created a regional compressive regime that may have resulted in plate boundary reorganizations within the Neotethyan realm and in initiation of north dipping subduction zone(s) beneath the Troodos and other ophiolites in the region. The apparent forearc setting of the Troodos ophiolite is a consequence of this intraoceanic displacement after its formation and thus is unrelated to its generation.

Coupled Hf-Nd-Pb isotope co-variations of HIMU oceanic island basalts from Mangaia, Cook-Austral islands, suggest an Archean source component in the mantle transition zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nebel, Oliver; Arculus, Richard J.; van Westrenen, Wim; Woodhead, Jon D.; Jenner, Frances E.; Nebel-Jacobsen, Yona J.; Wille, Martin; Eggins, Stephen M.

2013-07-01

Although it is widely accepted that oceanic island basalts (OIB) sample geochemically distinct mantle reservoirs including recycled oceanic crust, the composition, age, and locus of these reservoirs remain uncertain. OIB with highly radiogenic Pb isotope signatures are grouped as HIMU (high-μ, with μ = 238U/204Pb), and exhibit unique Hf-Nd isotopic characteristics, defined as ΔɛHf, deviant from a terrestrial igneous rock array that includes all other OIB types. Here we combine new Hf isotope data with previous Nd-Pb isotope measurements to assess the coupled, time-integrated Hf-Nd-Pb isotope evolution of the most extreme HIMU location (Mangaia, French Polynesia). In comparison with global MORB and other OIB types, Mangaia samples define a unique trend in coupled Hf-Nd-Pb isotope co-variations (expressed in 207Pb/206Pb vs. ΔɛHf). In a model employing subducted, dehydrated oceanic crust, mixing between present-day depleted MORB mantle (DMM) and small proportions (˜5%) of a HIMU mantle endmember can re-produce the Hf-Nd-Pb isotope systematics of global HIMU basalts (sensu stricto; i.e., without EM-1/EM-2/FOZO components). An age range of 3.5 to <2 Ga is required for HIMU endmember(s) that mix with DMM to account for the observed present-day HIMU isotope compositions, suggesting a range of age distributions rather than a single component in the mantle. Our data suggest that mixing of HIMU mantle endmembers and DMM occurs in the mantle transition zone by entrainment in secondary plumes that rise at the edge of the Pacific Large Low Seismic Velocity Zone (LLSVP). These create either pure HIMU (sensu stricto) or HIMU affected by other enriched mantle endmembers (sensu lato). If correct, this requires isolation of parts of the mantle transition zone for >3 Gyr and implies that OIB chemistry can be used to test geodynamic models.

Diurnal Characteristics of Surface-Level O3 and Other Trace Gases in New England

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talbot, R.; Mao, H.; Sive, B.

2003-12-01

We use data from air quality monitoring sites operated by the Atmospheric Investigation, Regional Modeling, Analysis and Prediction (AIRMAP) program to examine the diurnal characteristics of O3, CO, CO2 and selected volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the New England atmosphere. Throughout the year a nocturnal inversion forms several hundred meters above the surface on 25% of the days in winter with its frequency of occurrence increasing to 50% in summer. Below the inversion O3 is typically depleted to zero while other gases including CO2, alkanes and alkenes exhibit several-fold enhancements due to local emission sources. The daily time period with O3 < 5 ppbv varies from < 0.5 to 21 hours, with a mean of 3.5 hours. Typically the depletion intervals are shortest in summer and last the longest in winter. The rates of nighttime depletion and daytime replenishment of O3 are very similar, ranging from a few ppbv hr-1 to 25 ppbv hr-1. Due to the rural location of the AIRMAP sites, it appears that the depletion is mainly due to dry deposition with an occasional contribution of titration by NO. The relative enhancements of CO2 and VOCs relative to urban tracers such as C2HCl3 and C2Cl4, which have minimal local sources, provides information on the magnitude and nature of natural and anthropogenic sources.

Acute intracranial hemorrhage secondary to thrombocytopenia: CT appearances unaffected by absence of clot retraction

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

Pierce, J.N.; Taber, K.H.; Hayman, L.A.

To describe the in vivo CT appearance of acute intracerebral blood clots formed from anemic platelet-depleted blood. Three patients with intracerebral hemorrhage secondary only to thrombocytopenia were examined with CT within 2 1/2 hours after the onset of clinical symptoms. There were no unusual CT features found in the intracerebral hemorrhages of patients with only thrombocytopenia. Specifically, a hyperdense zone(s) surrounded by areas of decreased density was identified. Clot retraction (which cannot occur in patients with severe thrombocytopenia) is not necessary for the CT appearance of acute intracerebral hemorrhage. 22 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.

Vertical distribution of tropospheric BrO in the marginal sea ice zone of the Northern Weddell Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasse, Jan-Marcus; Zielcke, Johannes; Lampel, Johannes; Buxmann, Joelle; Frieß, Udo; Platt, Ulrich

2015-04-01

The free radical bromine monoxide (BrO) strongly influences the chemistry of the troposphere in Polar regions. During springtime with the return of sunlight after Polar night BrO is released in an autocatalytic reaction mechanism from saline surfaces (bromine explosion). Then BrO affects the oxidative properties of the lower atmosphere and can induce complete depletion of ozone within a matter of days or even hours. In addition, elemental mercury can be oxidized by BrO which makes this toxic compound soluble leading to a deposition into the biosphere. Despite numerous observations of elevated BrO levels in the Polar troposphere, bromine radical sources, as well as the details of the mechanisms leading to bromine explosions and the interactions between atmospheric dynamics and chemistry are not yet completely understood. To improve the understanding of these processes, an accurate determination of the spatio-temporal distribution of BrO is crucial. Here we present measurements of BrO performed during two cruises of the German research ice breaker Polarstern in the marginal sea ice zone of the Antarctic Weddell Sea between June and October 2013 when four major periods with elevated BrO concentrations and simultaneous ozone depletion occurred. The events were observed by (1) a ship-based Multi AXis Differential Absorption Spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) instrument on Polarstern and (2) a compact MAX-DOAS instrument operated on a helicopter. Several flights were performed in the boundary layer as well as in the free troposphere up to altitudes of 2300 m on days with elevated BrO levels. Vertical profiles of aerosol extinction and BrO concentrations were retrieved for both instruments using our HEIPRO (HEIdelberg Profile) retrieval algorithm based on optimal estimation. Elevated BrO levels in the time series from ship-borne measurements show a strong correlation to southerly wind directions indicating transport from sea ice areas. Maximum retrieved BrO mixing ratios at ground level (0-100m) were 46 ppt. BrO profiles retrieved from helicopter measurements quantitatively agree with the results from the ship-based instrument and indicate a mixing of BrO within the entire boundary layer. Typical boundary layer altitudes were around 500 m and no BrO was observed in the free troposphere. In addition to retrieved BrO and aerosol extinction profiles from both instruments, we present ozone mixing ratios as well as relevant meteorological data. We discuss the origin of the probed air masses, possible correlations of elevated BrO with aerosols, and implications for BrO source and sink mechanisms.

Silica-enriched mantle sources of subalkaline picrite-boninite-andesite island arc magmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bénard, A.; Arculus, R. J.; Nebel, O.; Ionov, D. A.; McAlpine, S. R. B.

2017-02-01

Primary arc melts may form through fluxed or adiabatic decompression melting in the mantle wedge, or via a combination of both processes. Major limitations to our understanding of the formation of primary arc melts stem from the fact that most arc lavas are aggregated blends of individual magma batches, further modified by differentiation processes in the sub-arc mantle lithosphere and overlying crust. Primary melt generation is thus masked by these types of second-stage processes. Magma-hosted peridotites sampled as xenoliths in subduction zone magmas are possible remnants of sub-arc mantle and magma generation processes, but are rarely sampled in active arcs. Published studies have emphasised the predominantly harzburgitic lithologies with particularly high modal orthopyroxene in these xenoliths; the former characteristic reflects the refractory nature of these materials consequent to extensive melt depletion of a lherzolitic protolith whereas the latter feature requires additional explanation. Here we present major and minor element data for pristine, mantle-derived, lava-hosted spinel-bearing harzburgite and dunite xenoliths and associated primitive melts from the active Kamchatka and Bismarck arcs. We show that these peridotite suites, and other mantle xenoliths sampled in circum-Pacific arcs, are a distinctive peridotite type not found in other tectonic settings, and are melting residues from hydrous melting of silica-enriched mantle sources. We explore the ability of experimental studies allied with mantle melting parameterisations (pMELTS, Petrolog3) to reproduce the compositions of these arc peridotites, and present a protolith ('hybrid mantle wedge') composition that satisfies the available constraints. The composition of peridotite xenoliths recovered from erupted arc magmas plausibly requires their formation initially via interaction of slab-derived components with refractory mantle prior to or during the formation of primary arc melts. The liquid compositions extracted from these hybrid sources are higher in normative quartz and hypersthene (i.e., they have a more silica-saturated character) in comparison with basalts derived from prior melt-depleted asthenospheric mantle beneath ridges. These primary arc melts range from silica-rich picrite to boninite and high-Mg basaltic andesite along a residual spinel harzburgite cotectic. Silica enrichment in the mantle sources of arc-related, subalkaline picrite-boninite-andesite suites coupled with the amount of water and depth of melting, are important for the formation of medium-Fe ('calc-alkaline') andesite-dacite-rhyolite suites, key lithologies forming the continental crust.

New Constraints on Turbulence and Embedded Planet Mass in the HD 163296 Disk from Planet–Disk Hydrodynamic Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Shang-Fei; Jin, Sheng; Li, Shengtai; Isella, Andrea; Li, Hui

2018-04-01

Recent Atacama Large Millimeter and Submillimeter Array (ALMA) observations of the protoplanetary disk around the Herbig Ae star HD 163296 revealed three depleted dust gaps at 60, 100, and 160 au in the 1.3 mm continuum as well as CO depletion in the middle and outer dust gaps. However, no CO depletion was found in the inner dust gap. To examine the planet–disk interaction model, we present results of 2D two fluid (gas + dust) hydrodynamic simulations coupled with 3D radiative transfer simulations. To fit the high gas-to-dust ratio of the first gap, we find that the Shakura–Sunyaev viscosity parameter α must be very small (≲ {10}-4) in the inner disk. On the other hand, a relatively large α (∼ 7.5× {10}-3) is required to reproduce the dust surface density in the outer disk. We interpret the variation of α as an indicator of the transition from an inner dead zone to the outer magnetorotational instability (MRI) active zone. Within ∼100 au, the HD 163296 disk’s ionization level is low, and non-ideal magnetohydrodynamic effects could suppress the MRI, so the disk can be largely laminar. The disk’s ionization level gradually increases toward larger radii, and the outermost disk (r> 300 au) becomes turbulent due to MRI. Under this condition, we find that the observed dust continuum and CO gas line emissions can be reasonably fit by three half-Jovian-mass planets (0.46, 0.46, and 0.58 {M}{{J}}) at 59, 105, and 160 au, respectively.

Contaminant back-diffusion from low-permeability layers as affected by groundwater velocity: A laboratory investigation by box model and image analysis.

PubMed

Tatti, Fabio; Papini, Marco Petrangeli; Sappa, Giuseppe; Raboni, Massimo; Arjmand, Firoozeh; Viotti, Paolo

2018-05-01

Low-permeability lenses represent potential sources of long-term release when filled from contaminant solute through direct contact with dissolved plumes. The redistribution of contaminant from low to high permeability aquifer zones (Back-Diffusion) was studied. Redistribution causes a long plume tail, commonly regarded as one of the main obstacles to effective groundwater remediation. Laboratory tests were performed to reproduce the redistribution process and to investigate the effect of pumping water on the remediation time of these contaminated low-permeability lenses. The test section used is representative of clay/silt lenses (k≈1∗10 -10 m/s/k≈1∗10 -7 m/s) in a sand aquifer (k≈1∗10 -3 m/s). Hence, an image analysis procedure was used to estimate the diffusive flux of contaminant released by these low-permeability zones. The proposed technique was validated performing a mass balance of a lens saturated by a known quantity of tracer. For each test, performed using a different groundwater velocity, the diffusive fluxes of contaminant released by lenses were compared and the remediation times of the low-permeability zones calculated. For each lens, the obtained remediation timeframes were used to define an analytical relation vs groundwater velocity and the coefficients of these relations were matched to grain size of the low-permeability lenses. Results show that an increase of the velocity field is not useful to diminish the total depletion times as the process mainly diffusive. This is significant when the remediation approach relies on pumping technology. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Arsenic(V) Reduction in Relation to Iron(III) Transformation and Molecular Characterization of the Structural and Functional Microbial Community in Sediments of a Basin-Fill Aquifer in Northern Utah

PubMed Central

Mirza, Babur S.; Muruganandam, Subathra; Meng, Xianyu; Sorensen, Darwin L.; Dupont, R. Ryan

2014-01-01

Basin-fill aquifers of the Southwestern United States are associated with elevated concentrations of arsenic (As) in groundwater. Many private domestic wells in the Cache Valley Basin, UT, have As concentrations in excess of the U.S. EPA drinking water limit. Thirteen sediment cores were collected from the center of the valley at the depth of the shallow groundwater and were sectioned into layers based on redoxmorphic features. Three of the layers, two from redox transition zones and one from a depletion zone, were used to establish microcosms. Microcosms were treated with groundwater (GW) or groundwater plus glucose (GW+G) to investigate the extent of As reduction in relation to iron (Fe) transformation and characterize the microbial community structure and function by sequencing 16S rRNA and arsenate dissimilatory reductase (arrA) genes. Under the carbon-limited conditions of the GW treatment, As reduction was independent of Fe reduction, despite the abundance of sequences related to Geobacter and Shewanella, genera that include a variety of dissimilatory iron-reducing bacteria. The addition of glucose, an electron donor and carbon source, caused substantial shifts toward domination of the bacterial community by Clostridium-related organisms, and As reduction was correlated with Fe reduction for the sediments from the redox transition zone. The arrA gene sequencing from microcosms at day 54 of incubation showed the presence of 14 unique phylotypes, none of which were related to any previously described arrA gene sequence, suggesting a unique community of dissimilatory arsenate-respiring bacteria in the Cache Valley Basin. PMID:24632255

Hydrochemical buffer assessment in agricultural landscapes: from local to catchment scale.

PubMed

Viaud, Valérie; Merot, Philippe; Baudry, Jacques

2004-10-01

Non-point-source pollution of surface and groundwater is a prominent environmental issue in rural catchments, with major consequences on water supply and aquatic ecosystem quality. Among surface-water protection measures, environmental or landscape management policies support the implementation and the management of buffer zones. Although a great number of studies have focused on buffer zones, quantification of the buffer effect is still a recurring question. The purpose of this article is a critical review of the assessment of buffer-zone functioning. Our objective is to provide land planners and managers with a set of variables to assess the limits and possibilities for quantifying buffer impact at the catchment scale. We first consider the scale of the local landscape feature. The most commonly used empirical method for assessing buffers is to calculate water/nutrient budgets from inflow-outflow monitoring at the level of landscape structures. We show that several other parameters apart from mean depletion of flux can be used to describe buffer functions. Such parameters include variability, with major implication for water management. We develop a theoretical framework to clarify the assessment of the buffer effect and propose a systematic analysis taking account of temporal variability. Second, we review the current assessment of buffer effects at the catchment scale according to the theoretical framework established at the local scale. Finally, we stress the limits of direct empirical assessment at the catchment scale and, in particular, we emphasize the hierarchy in hydrological processes involved at the catchment scale: The landscape feature function is constrained by other factors (climate and geology) that are of importance at a broader spatial and temporal scale.

Evaluating the Impact of Changes in Oceanic Dissolved Oxygen on Marine Nitrous Oxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suntharalingam, Parvadha; Buitenhuis, Erik; Schmidtko, Sunke; Andrews, Oliver; LeQuere, Corinne

2013-04-01

Emissions of the greenhouse gas nitrous-oxide (N2O) from oceanic oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) in the Equatorial Pacific and Northwest Indian Ocean are believed to provide a significant portion of the global oceanic flux to the atmosphere. Mechanisms of marine N2O production and consumption in these regions display significant sensitivity to ambient oxygen, with high yields at low oxygen levels (O2 < 50 micromol/L), and N2O depletion via denitrification in anoxic zones. These OMZ regions display large gradients in sub-surface N2O, and high rates of N2O turnover that far exceed those observed in the open ocean. Recent studies have suggested that possible expansion of oceanic OMZs in a warming climate, could lead to significant changes in N2O emissions from these zones. In this analysis we employ a global ocean biogeochemistry model (NEMO-PlankTOM), which includes representation of the marine N2O cycle, to explore the impact of changes in dissolved oxygen on the ocean-atmosphere N2O flux. We focus on the period 1960-2000, and evaluate the impact of estimated changes in ocean oxygen from two alternative sources : (a) the observationally-based upper-ocean oxygen distributions and trends of Stramma et al. [2012]; (b) simulated oxygen distributions and temporal variations from a set of CMIP5 Earth System models. We will inter-compare the oceanic N2O estimates derived from these alternative scenarios of ocean de-oxygenation. We will also discuss the implications of our results for the ability to reliably predict changes in N2O emissions under potential expansion of oceanic OMZs, particularly in view of the recently noted discrepancies between observed and modeled trends in oceanic oxygen by Stramma et al. [2012].

Analysis of dead zone sources in a closed-loop fiber optic gyroscope.

PubMed

Chong, Kyoung-Ho; Choi, Woo-Seok; Chong, Kil-To

2016-01-01

Analysis of the dead zone is among the intensive studies in a closed-loop fiber optic gyroscope. In a dead zone, a gyroscope cannot detect any rotation and produces a zero bias. In this study, an analysis of dead zone sources is performed in simulation and experiments. In general, the problem is mainly due to electrical cross coupling and phase modulation drift. Electrical cross coupling is caused by interference between modulation voltage and the photodetector. The cross-coupled signal produces spurious gyro bias and leads to a dead zone if it is larger than the input rate. Phase modulation drift as another dead zone source is due to the electrode contamination, the piezoelectric effect of the LiNbO3 substrate, or to organic fouling. This modulation drift lasts for a short or long period of time like a lead-lag filter response and produces gyro bias error, noise spikes, or dead zone. For a more detailed analysis, the cross-coupling effect and modulation phase drift are modeled as a filter and are simulated in both the open-loop and closed-loop modes. The sources of dead zone are more clearly analyzed in the simulation and experimental results.

De novo transcriptome sequencing and customized abscission zone-specific microarray as a new molecular tool for analysis of tomato organ abscission

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Abscission, which is the process of organ separation, is a highly regulated process occurring as a final stage of organ development. In the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) system, flower and leaf abscission was induced by flower removal or leaf deblading, leading to auxin depletion which results in in...

A new mechanism for calcium loss in forest-floor soils

Treesearch

Gregory B. Lawrence; Mark B. David; Walter C. Shortle

1995-01-01

Calcium is the fifth most abundant element in trees, and is an essential component for wood formation and the maintenance of cell walls. Depletion of Ca from the rooting zone can result in acidification of soil and surface water and possibly growth decline and dieback of red spruce. During the past six decades, concentrations of root-available Ca (exchangeable and acid...

Studying the role of wood-decay fungi in calcium cycling on the Penobscot Experimental Forest: a progress report

Treesearch

Walter C. Shortle; Jody Jellison; Kevin T. Smith; Jonathan S. Schilling

2014-01-01

Depletion of essential mineral nutrients from the rooting zone of trees in northern forests may reduce health and productivity. Long-term field investigations coupled with detailed laboratory studies enhance understanding of the biological processes and suggest means to address potential threats. One such investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest...

Natural Attenuation of Perchlorate in Groundwater: Processes, Tools and Monitoring Techniques

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-04-01

attenuation of perchlorate. Tier 3: Microbiological Indicators. For situations where additional lines of evidence are required, Tier 3 offers...USEPA, 1997). Like enhanced bioremediation, MNA requires an in-depth understanding of the microbiology , chemistry, and hydrogeology of the...nitrate, perchlorate (if present), and iron have been depleted in the microbiological treatment zone. Whereas sulfate concentration greater than 20

Wood decay fungi restore essential calcium to acidic soils in northern New England

Treesearch

Walter C. Shortle; Kevin T. Smith

2015-01-01

The depletion of root-available calcium in northern forests soils exposed to decades of increased acid deposition adversely affects forest health and productivity. Laboratory studies indicated the potential of wood-decay fungi to restore lost calcium to the rooting zone of trees. This study reports changes in concentrations of Ca, Mg, and K during decay of sapwood of...

Lateral weathering gradients in glaciated catchments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McGuire, K. J.; Bailey, S. W.; Ross, D. S.; Strahm, B. D.; Schreiber, M. E.

2016-12-01

Mineral dissolution and the distribution of weathering products are fundamental processes that drive development and habitability of the Earth's critical zone; yet, the spatial configuration of these processes in some systems is not well understood. Feedbacks between hydrologic flows and weathering fluxes are necessary to understanding how the critical zone develops. In upland glaciated catchments of the northeastern USA, primary mineral dissolution and the distribution of weathering products are spatially distinct and predictable over short distances. Hillslopes, where shallow soils force lateral hydrologic fluxes through accumulated organic matter, produce downslope gradients in mineral depletion, weathering product accumulation, soil development, and solute chemistry. We propose that linked gradients in hydrologic flow paths, soil depth, and vegetation lead to predictable differences in the location and extent of mineral dissolution in regolith (soil, subsoil, and rock fragments) and bedrock, and that headwater catchments within the upland glaciated northeast show a common architecture across hillslopes as a result. Examples of these patterns and processes will be illustrated using observations from the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire where laterally distinct soils with strong morphological and biogeochemical gradients have been documented. Patterns in mineral depletion and product accumulation are essential in predicting how ecosystems will respond to stresses, disturbance, and management.

Inter-decadal changes in the intensity of the Oxygen Minimum Zone off Concepción, Chile (~ 36° S) over the last century

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srain, B.; Pantoja, S.; Sepúlveda, J.; Lange, C. B.; Muñoz, P.; Summons, R. E.; McKay, J.; Salamanca, M.

2015-04-01

We reconstructed oxygenation changes in the Oxygen Minimum Zone of the upwelling ecosystem off Concepción (36° S), Chile, using inorganic and organic proxies in a sediment core covering the last ca. 110 years of sedimentation in this area. Authigenic enrichments of Mo, U and Cd were observed between ca. 1935-1971 CE indicating a prolonged period of more reduced conditions in bottom waters and surface sediments. Significant positive correlations (p < 0.05; Spearman) between redox sensitive metals, algal sterols, biomarkers of anaerobic microorganisms, and archaeal glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraether indicated a coupling among bottom water oxygen depletion, and increased primary and export production, suggesting that the period with low O2 of ca. 35 years, follows low frequency inter-decadal variation of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, which may have resulted in O2 depletion over the entire continental shelf off Concepción. Taken together with the concurrent increase in sedimentary molecular indicators of anaerobic microbes allow us to suggest that the prokaryote community has been influenced by changes in oxygenation of the water column.

Rare earth elements in pore waters from Cabo Friós western boundary upwelling system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smoak, J. M.; Silva-Filho, E. V.; Rousseau, T.; Albuquerque, A. L.; Caldeira, P. P.; Moreira, M.

2015-12-01

Rare earth elements (REE) are a group of reactive trace elements in aqueous media, they have a coherent chemical behavior with however a subtle and gradual shift in physicochemical properties allowing their use as tracers of sources and processes. Uncertainties on their oceanic inputs and outputs still remains [Arsouze et al., 2009; Siddall et al., 2008; Tachikawa et al., 2003]. The water-sediment interface were early on identified as a relevant REE source due to the high distribution coefficient between sediments and pore waters [Elderfield and Sholkovitz, 1987] and substantially higher concentration then the water column [Abbott et al., 2015; Haley et al., 2004; Sholkovitz et al., 1989; Soyol-Erdene and Huh, 2013]. Here we present a cross shelf transect of 4 short pore waters REE profiles on a 680 km2 mud bank located in the region of Cabo Frio, Brazil. This study reveals similar trends at the four sites: a REE production zone reflected by a maximum in concentration at the top of the sediment evolving with depth toward a REE consumption zone reflected by a minimum in REE concentrations. PAAS normalized patterns shows 1) a progressive depletion in LREE with depth with HREE/LREE ratios comprised between 1.1 and 1.6 in the 2 first centimeters evolving gradually to ratios comprised between 2.8 and 4.7 above 7 cm 2) A sharp gradient in negative Ce anomaly with Ce/Ce* values reaching 0.3. With maximum Nd concentrations comprised between 780 and 1200 pmol.kg and considering that seawater Nd concentrations of Brazilian shelf bottom waters are comprised between 24 and 50 pmol.Kg-1 we apply the Fick´s First Law of diffusion and estimate that 340 +/- 90 nmol. m-2 Y-1 of Nd is released in the Cabo frio´s mudbank. This flux is in the same order of magnitude of recent estimates by [Abbott et al., 2015] in the slope of Oregon´s margin. Unraveling processes responsible for the REE production zone will help to refine the global REE fluxes estimates.

Aerobic Microbial Respiration in Oceanic Oxygen Minimum Zones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalvelage, Tim; Lavik, Gaute; Jensen, Marlene M.; Revsbech, Niels Peter; Schunck, Harald; Loescher, Carolin; Desai, Dhwani K.; LaRoche, Julie; Schmitz-Streit, Ruth; Kuypers, Marcel M. M.

2014-05-01

In the oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) of the tropical oceans, sluggish ventilation combined with strong microbial respiration of sinking organic matter results in the depletion of oxygen (O2). When O2 concentrations drop below ~5 µmol/L, organic matter is generally assumed to be respired with nitrate, ultimately leading to the loss of fixed inorganic nitrogen via anammox and denitrification. However, direct measurements of microbial O2 consumption at low O2 levels are - apart from a single experiment conducted in the OMZ off Peru - so far lacking. At the same time, consistently observed active aerobic ammonium and nitrite oxidation at non-detectable O2 concentrations (<1 µmol/L) in all major OMZs, suggests aerobic microorganisms, likely including heterotrophs, to be well adapted to near-anoxic conditions. Consequently, microaerobic (≤5 µmol/L) remineralization of organic matter, and thus release of ammonium, in low- O2 environments might be significantly underestimated at present. Here we present extensive measurements of microbial O2 consumption in OMZ waters, combined with highly sensitive O2 (STOX) measurements and meta-omic functional gene analyses. Short-term incubation experiments with labelled O2 (18-18O2) carried out in the Namibian and Peruvian OMZ, revealed persistent aerobic microbial activity at depths with non-detectable concentrations of O2 (≤50 nmol/L). In accordance, examination of metagenomes and metatranscriptomes from Chilean and Peruvian OMZ waters identified genes encoding for terminal respiratory oxidases with high O2 affinities as well as their expression by diverse microbial communities. Oxygen consumption was particularly enhanced near the upper OMZ boundaries and could mostly (~80%) be assigned to heterotrophic microbial activity. Compared to previously identified anaerobic microbial processes, microaerobic organic matter respiration was the dominant remineralization pathway and source of ammonium (~90%) in the upper Namibian and Peruvian OMZ. Our results reconcile so-far existing mismatches between ammonium sources and sinks in OMZs, and may help to improve biogeochemical modelling of the effects of future ocean de-oxygenation on aerobic and anaerobic organic matter remineralization in these zones.

The Late Jurassic Panjeh submarine volcano in the northern Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone, northwest Iran: Mantle plume or active margin?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azizi, Hossein; Lucci, Federico; Stern, Robert J.; Hasannejad, Shima; Asahara, Yoshihiro

2018-05-01

The tectonic setting in which Jurassic igneous rocks of the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone (SaSZ) of Iran formed is controversial. SaSZ igneous rocks are mainly intrusive granodiorite to gabbroic bodies, which intrude Early to Middle Jurassic metamorphic basement; Jurassic volcanic rocks are rare. Here, we report the age and petrology of volcanic rocks from the Panjeh basaltic-andesitic rocks complex in the northern SaSZ, southwest of Ghorveh city. The Panjeh magmatic complex consists of pillowed and massive basalts, andesites and microdioritic dykes and is associated with intrusive gabbros; the overall sequence and relations with surrounding sediments indicate that this is an unusually well preserved submarine volcanic complex. Igneous rocks belong to a metaluminous sub-alkaline, medium-K to high-K calc-alkaline mafic suite characterized by moderate Al2O3 (13.7-17.6 wt%) and variable Fe2O3 (6.0-12.6 wt%) and MgO (0.9-11.1 wt%) contents. Zircon U-Pb ages (145-149 Ma) define a Late Jurassic (Tithonian) age for magma crystallization and emplacement. Whole rock compositions are enriched in Th, U and light rare earth elements (LREEs) and are slightly depleted in Nb, Ta and Ti. The initial ratios of 87Sr/86Sr (0.7039-0.7076) and εNd(t) values (-1.8 to +4.3) lie along the mantle array in the field of ocean island basalts and subcontinental metasomatized mantle. Immobile trace element (Ti, V, Zr, Y, Nb, Yb, Th and Co) behavior suggests that the mantle source was enriched by fluids released from a subducting slab (i.e. deep-crustal recycling) with some contribution from continental crust for andesitic rocks. Based the chemical composition of Panjeh mafic and intermediate rocks in combination with data for other gabbroic to dioritic bodies in the Ghorveh area we offer two interpretations for these (and other Jurassic igneous rocks of the SaSZ) as reflecting melts from a) subduction-modified OIB-type source above a Neo-Tethys subduction zone or b) plume or rift tectonics involving upwelling metasomatized mantle (mostly reflecting the 550 Ma Cadomian crust-forming event).

Unprotected karst resources in western Iran: the environmental impacts of intensive agricultural pumping on the covered karstic aquifer, a case in Kermanshah province

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taheri, Kamal; Taheri, Milad; Parise, Mario

2015-04-01

Bare and covered karst areas, with developed karstic aquifers, cover 35 percent of the Kermanshah province in western Iran. These aquifers are the vital sources for drinking and agricultural water supplies. Over the past decade, intensive groundwater use (exploitation) for irrigation imposed a significant impact on the carbonate environments. The huge amount of groundwater over-exploitations has been carried out and still goes on by local farmers in the absence of appropriate governance monitoring control. Increasing in water demands, for more intense crop production, is an important driving force toward groundwater depletion in alluvial aquifers. Progressive groundwater over-exploitations from underlying carbonate rocks have led to dramatic drawdown in alluvial aquifers and deep karst water tables. Detecting new sources of groundwater extractions and prohibiting the karst water utilization for agricultural use could be the most effective strategy to manage the sustainability of covered karst aquifers. Anthropogenic pressures on covered karst aquifers have magnified the drought impacts and caused dryness of most of the karst springs and deep wells. In this study, the combination of geophysical and geological studies was used to estimate the most intensively exploited agricultural zones of Islam Abad plain in the southwestern Kermanshah province using GIS. The results show that in the past decade a great number of deep wells were drilled through the overburden alluvial aquifer and reached the deep karst water resources. However, the difficulties involved in monitoring deep wells in covered karst aquifer were the main cause of karst water depletion. Overexploitation from both alluvial and karst aquifers is the main reason for drying out the Arkawazi, Sharafshah, Gawrawani karst springs, and the karst drinking water wells 1, 3 and 5 of Islam Abad city. Karst spring landscape destructions, fresh water supply deficit for inhabitants, decreasing of tourism and recreational activities are some outcomes of imbalance uses of unprotected karst water resources in Islam Abad plain.

Distribution and flux estimates of soluble, colloidal, and leachable particulate trace metals in dynamic and oxygen depleted Mauritanian shelf waters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rapp, I.; Schlosser, C.; Gledhill, M.; Achterberg, E. P.

2016-02-01

Fe availability in surface waters determines primary production, N2 fixation and microbial community structure and thus plays an important role in ocean carbon and nitrogen cycles. Eastern boundary upwelling areas with oxygen minimum zones, such as the Mauritanian shelf region, are typically associated with elevated Fe concentrations with shelf sediments as key source of Fe to bottom and surface waters. The magnitude of vertical and horizontal Fe fluxes from shelf sediments to onshore and offshore surface waters are not well constrained and there are still large uncertainties concerning the stabilisation of Fe once released from sediments into suboxic and oxic waters. Supportive data of other trace metals can be used as an indicator of sediment release, scavenging processes and biological utilisation. Here we present soluble (<0.02 µm), dissolved (<0.2 µm) and total dissolvable (unfiltered) trace metal data collected at 10 stations on a 90 nautical mile transect across the Mauritanian shelf region in June 2014 (cruise Meteor 107). The samples were pre-concentrated using an automated off-line pre-concentration device and analysed simultaneously for Cd, Pb, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mn and Co using a high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (HR-ICP-MS). First results indicate the importance of benthic sources to the overall Fe budget in this region. Both dissolved Fe and Mn showed enhanced concentrations close to the shelf at depths between 40 and 180 m corresponding with low oxygen concentrations (<50 µmol L-1). Elevated soluble, dissolved, and total dissolvable Fe and Mn concentrations at an offshore station coincided with the location of a cyclonic Eddie that was characterised by an oxygen depleted water body. To further assess the accuracy of vertical and horizontal fluxes of Fe and other trace metals, we compare diffusivity estimates determined by a microstructure profiler and the scale length method (de Jong et al. 2012) with observed isotopic Ra data.

Temperature Affects the Use of Storage Fatty Acids as Energy Source in a Benthic Copepod (Platychelipus littoralis, Harpacticoida).

PubMed

Werbrouck, Eva; Van Gansbeke, Dirk; Vanreusel, Ann; De Troch, Marleen

2016-01-01

The utilization of storage lipids and their associated fatty acids (FA) is an important means for organisms to cope with periods of food shortage, however, little is known about the dynamics and FA mobilization in benthic copepods (order Harpacticoida). Furthermore, lipid depletion and FA mobilization may depend on the ambient temperature. Therefore, we subjected the temperate copepod Platychelipus littoralis to several intervals (3, 6 and 14 days) of food deprivation, under two temperatures in the range of the normal habitat temperature (4, 15 °C) and under an elevated temperature (24 °C), and studied the changes in FA composition of storage and membrane lipids. Although bulk depletion of storage FA occurred after a few days of food deprivation under 4 °C and 15 °C, copepod survival remained high during the experiment, suggesting the catabolization of other energy sources. Ambient temperature affected both the degree of FA depletion and the FA mobilization. In particular, storage FA were more exhausted and FA mobilization was more selective under 15 °C compared with 4 °C. In contrast, depletion of storage FA was limited under an elevated temperature, potentially due to a switch to partial anaerobiosis. Food deprivation induced selective DHA retention in the copepod's membrane, under all temperatures. However, prolonged exposure to heat and nutritional stress eventually depleted DHA in the membranes, and potentially induced high copepod mortality. Storage lipids clearly played an important role in the short-term response of the copepod P. littoralis to food deprivation. However, under elevated temperature, the use of storage FA as an energy source is compromised.

Developing Conceptual Models of Biodegradation: Lessons Learned From a Long-Term Study of a Crude-Oil Contaminant Plume

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cozzarelli, I. M.; Esaid, H. I.; Bekins, B. A.; Eganhouse, R. P.; Baedecker, M.

2002-05-01

Assessment of natural attenuation as a remedial option requires understanding the long-term fate of contaminant compounds. The development of correct conceptual models of biodegradation requires observations at spatial and temporal scales appropriate for the reactions being measured. For example, the availability of electron acceptors such as solid-phase iron oxides may vary at the cm scale due to aquifer heterogeneities. Characterizing the distribution of these oxides may require small-scale measurements over time scales of tens of years in order to assess their impact on the fate of contaminants. The long-term study of natural attenuation of hydrocarbons in a contaminant plume near Bemidji, MN provides insight into how natural attenuation of hydrocarbons evolves over time. The sandy glacial-outwash aquifer at this USGS Toxic Substances Hydrology research site was contaminated by crude oil in 1979. During the 16 years that data have been collected the shape and extent of the contaminant plume changed as redox reactions, most notably iron reduction, progressed over time. Investigation of the controlling microbial reactions in this system required a systematic and multi-scaled approach. Early indications of plume shrinkage were observed over a time scale of a few years, based on observation well data. These changes were associated with iron reduction near the crude-oil source. The depletion of Fe (III) oxides near the contaminant source caused the dissolved iron concentrations to increase and spread downgradient at a rate of approximately 3 m/year. The zone of maximum benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) concentrations has also spread within the anoxic plume. Subsequent analyses of sediment and water, collected at small-scale cm intervals from cores in the contaminant plume, provided insight into the evolution of redox zones at smaller scales. Contaminants, such as ortho-xylene, that appeared to be contained near the oil source based on the larger-scale observation well data, were observed to be migrating in thin layers as the aquifer evolved to methanogenic conditions in narrow zones. The impact of adequately identifying the microbially mediated redox reactions was illustrated with a novel inverse modeling effort (using both the USGS solute transport and biodegradation code BIOMOC and the USGS universal inverse modeling code UCODE) to quantify field-scale hydrocarbon dissolution and biodegradation at the Bemidji site. Extensive historical data compiled at the Bemidji site were used, including 1352 concentration observations from 30 wells and 66 core sections. The simulations reproduced the general large-scale evolution of the plume, but the percent BTEX mass removed from the oil body after 18 years varied significantly, depending on which biodegradation conceptual model was used. The best fit was obtained for the iron-reduction conceptual model, which incorporated the finite availability of Fe (III) in the aquifer and reproduced the field observation that depletion of solid-phase iron resulted in increased downgradient transport of BTEX compounds. The predicted benzene plume 50 years after the spill showed significantly higher concentrations of benzene for the iron-reduction model compared to other conceptual models tested. This study demonstrates that the long-term sustainability of the electron acceptors is key to predicting the ultimate fate of the hydrocarbons. Assessing this evolution of redox processes and developing an adequate conceptual model required observations on multiple spatial scales over the course of many years.

Ozone depletion - Ultraviolet radiation and phytoplankton biology in Antarctic waters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, R. C.; Prezelin, B. B.; Baker, K. S.; Bidigare, R. R.; Boucher, N. P.; Coley, T.; Karentz, D.; Macintyre, S.; Matlick, H. A.; Menzies, D.

1992-01-01

The near-50-percent thinning of the stratospheric ozone layer over the Antarctic, with increased passage of mid-UV radiation to the surface of the Southern Ocean, has prompted concern over possible radiation damage to the near-surface phytoplankton communities that are the bases of Antarctic marine ecosystems. As the ozone layer thinned, a 6-week study of the marginal ice zone of the Bellingshousen Sea in the austral spring of 1990 noted sea-surface and depth-dependent ratios of mid-UV irradiance to total irradiance increased, and mid-UV inhibition of photosynthesis increased. A 6-12 percent reduction in primary production associated with ozone depletion was estimated to have occurred over the course of the present study.

The role of rock moisture on regulating hydrologic and solute fluxes in the critical zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rempe, D. M.; Druhan, J. L.; Hahm, W. J.; Wang, J.; Murphy, C.; Cargill, S.; Dietrich, W. E.; Tune, A. K.

2017-12-01

In environments where the vadose zone extends below the soil layer into underlying weathered bedrock, the water held in the weathering -generated pores can be an important source of moisture to vegetation. The heterogeneous distribution of pore space in weathered bedrock, furthermore, controls the subsurface water flowpaths that dictate how water is partitioned in the critical zone (CZ) and evolves geochemically. Here, we present the results of direct monitoring of the fluxes of water and solutes through the deep CZ using a novel vadose zone monitoring system (VMS) as well as geophysical logging and sampling in a network of deep wells across a steep hillslope in Northern California. At our study site (Eel River CZO), multi-year monitoring reveals that a significant fraction of incoming rainfall (up to 30%) is seasonally stored in the fractures and matrix of the upper 12 m of weathered bedrock as rock moisture. Intensive geochemical and geophysical observations distributed from the surface to the depth of unweathered bedrock indicate that the seasonal addition and depletion of rock moisture has key implications for hydrologic and geochemical processes. First, rock moisture storage provides an annually consistent water storage reservoir for use by vegetation during the summer, which buffers transpiration fluxes against variability in seasonal precipitation. Second, because the timing and magnitude of groundwater recharge and streamflow are controlled by the annual filling and drainage of the rock moisture, rock moisture regulates the partitioning of hydrologic fluxes. Third, we find that rock moisture dynamics—which influence the myriad geochemical and microbial processes that weather bedrock—strongly correspond with the observed vertical weathering profile. As a result of the coupling between chemical weathering reactions and hydrologic fluxes, the geochemical composition of groundwater and streamflow is influenced by the temporal dynamics of rock moisture. Our findings highlight the strong influence of water transport and storage dynamics in the weathered bedrock beneath the soil layer on catchment-scale hydrologic and geochemical fluxes, and underscore the need for further exploration of the fractured bedrock vadose zones common to many upland landscapes.

Dated eclogitic diamond growth zones reveal variable recycling of crustal carbon through time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Timmerman, S.; Koornneef, J. M.; Chinn, I. L.; Davies, G. R.

2017-04-01

Monocrystalline diamonds commonly record complex internal structures reflecting episodic growth linked to changing carbon-bearing fluids in the mantle. Using diamonds to trace the evolution of the deep carbon cycle therefore requires dating of individual diamond growth zones. To this end Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd isotope data are presented from individual eclogitic silicate inclusions from the Orapa and Letlhakane diamond mines, Botswana. δ13 C values are reported from the host diamond growth zones. Heterogeneous 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7033-0.7097) suggest inclusion formation in multiple and distinct tectono-magmatic environments. Sm-Nd isochron ages were determined based on groups of inclusions with similar trace element chemistry, Sr isotope ratios, and nitrogen aggregation of the host diamond growth zone. Diamond growth events at 0.14 ± 0.09, 0.25 ± 0.04, 1.1 ± 0.09, 1.70 ± 0.34 and 2.33 ± 0.02 Ga can be directly related to regional tectono-magmatic events. Individual diamonds record episodic growth with age differences of up to 2 Ga. Dated diamond zones have variable δ13 C values (-5.0 to -33.6‰ vs PDB) and appear to imply changes in subducted material over time. The studied Botswanan diamonds are interpreted to have formed in different tectono-magmatic environments that involve mixing of carbon from three sources that represent: i) subducted biogenic sediments (lightest δ13 C, low 87Sr/86Sr); ii) subducted carbonate-rich sediments (heavy δ13 C, high 87Sr/86Sr) and iii) depleted upper mantle (heavy δ13 C, low 87Sr/86Sr). We infer that older diamonds from these two localities are more likely to have light δ13 C due to greater subduction of biogenic sediments that may be related to hotter and more reduced conditions in the Archaean before the Great Oxidation Event at 2.3 Ga. These findings imply a marked temporal change in the nature of subducted carbon beneath Botswana and warrant further study to establish if this is a global phenomenon.

ANATOMY OF DEPLETED INTERPLANETARY CORONAL MASS EJECTIONS

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

Kocher, M.; Lepri, S. T.; Landi, E.

We report a subset of interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) containing distinct periods of anomalous heavy-ion charge state composition and peculiar ion thermal properties measured by ACE /SWICS from 1998 to 2011. We label them “depleted ICMEs,” identified by the presence of intervals where C{sup 6+}/C{sup 5+} and O{sup 7+}/O{sup 6+} depart from the direct correlation expected after their freeze-in heights. These anomalous intervals within the depleted ICMEs are referred to as “Depletion Regions.” We find that a depleted ICME would be indistinguishable from all other ICMEs in the absence of the Depletion Region, which has the defining property ofmore » significantly low abundances of fully charged species of helium, carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen. Similar anomalies in the slow solar wind were discussed by Zhao et al. We explore two possibilities for the source of the Depletion Region associated with magnetic reconnection in the tail of a CME, using CME simulations of the evolution of two Earth-bound CMEs described by Manchester et al.« less

Magma-derived CO2 emissions in the Tengchong volcanic field, SE Tibet: Implications for deep carbon cycle at intra-continent subduction zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Maoliang; Guo, Zhengfu; Sano, Yuji; Zhang, Lihong; Sun, Yutao; Cheng, Zhihui; Yang, Tsanyao Frank

2016-09-01

Active volcanoes at oceanic subduction zone have long been regard as important pathways for deep carbon degassed from Earth's interior, whereas those at continental subduction zone remain poorly constrained. Large-scale active volcanoes, together with significant modern hydrothermal activities, are widely distributed in the Tengchong volcanic field (TVF) on convergent boundary between the Indian and Eurasian plates. They provide an important opportunity for studying deep carbon cycle at the ongoing intra-continent subduction zone. Soil microseepage survey based on accumulation chamber method reveals an average soil CO2 flux of ca. 280 g m-2 d-1 in wet season for the Rehai geothermal park (RGP). Combined with average soil CO2 flux in dry season (ca. 875 g m-2 d-1), total soil CO2 output of the RGP and adjacent region (ca. 3 km2) would be about 6.30 × 105 t a-1. Additionally, we conclude that total flux of outgassing CO2 from the TVF would range in (4.48-7.05) × 106 t a-1, if CO2 fluxes from hot springs and soil in literature are taken into account. Both hot spring and soil gases from the TVF exhibit enrichment in CO2 (>85%) and remarkable contribution from mantle components, as indicated by their elevated 3He/4He ratios (1.85-5.30 RA) and δ13C-CO2 values (-9.00‰ to -2.07‰). He-C isotope coupling model suggests involvement of recycled organic metasediments and limestones from subducted Indian continental lithosphere in formation of the enriched mantle wedge (EMW), which has been recognized as source region of the TVF parental magmas. Contamination by crustal limestone is the first-order control on variations in He-CO2 systematics of volatiles released by the EMW-derived melts. Depleted mantle and recycled crustal materials from subducted Indian continental lithosphere contribute about 45-85% of the total carbon inventory, while the rest carbon (about 15-55%) is accounted by limestones in continental crust. As indicated by origin and evolution of the TVF volatiles, mantle-derived magmas at continental subduction zone can act as important triggers for liberation of carbon stored in crustal carbonate rocks, which has the potential to be a complement to volatile recycling mechanism at subduction zones. Variations in He-Nd-Sr isotopes of magmas and volatiles from different types of plate boundaries suggest higher amounts of recycled materials for mantle wedge enrichment of continental subduction zone relative to that of oceanic subduction zone.

Depletion of the heaviest stable N isotope is associated with NH4+/NH3 toxicity in NH4+-fed plants

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background In plants, nitrate (NO3-) nutrition gives rise to a natural N isotopic signature (δ15N), which correlates with the δ15N of the N source. However, little is known about the relationship between the δ15N of the N source and the 14N/15N fractionation in plants under ammonium (NH4+) nutrition. When NH4+ is the major N source, the two forms, NH4+ and NH3, are present in the nutrient solution. There is a 1.025 thermodynamic isotope effect between NH3 (g) and NH4+ (aq) which drives to a different δ15N. Nine plant species with different NH4+-sensitivities were cultured hydroponically with NO3- or NH4+ as the sole N sources, and plant growth and δ15N were determined. Short-term NH4+/NH3 uptake experiments at pH 6.0 and 9.0 (which favours NH3 form) were carried out in order to support and substantiate our hypothesis. N source fractionation throughout the whole plant was interpreted on the basis of the relative transport of NH4+ and NH3. Results Several NO3--fed plants were consistently enriched in 15N, whereas plants under NH4+ nutrition were depleted of 15N. It was shown that more sensitive plants to NH4+ toxicity were the most depleted in 15N. In parallel, N-deficient pea and spinach plants fed with 15NH4+ showed an increased level of NH3 uptake at alkaline pH that was related to the 15N depletion of the plant. Tolerant to NH4+ pea plants or sensitive spinach plants showed similar trend on 15N depletion while slight differences in the time kinetics were observed during the initial stages. The use of RbNO3 as control discarded that the differences observed arise from pH detrimental effects. Conclusions This article proposes that the negative values of δ15N in NH4+-fed plants are originated from NH3 uptake by plants. Moreover, this depletion of the heavier N isotope is proportional to the NH4+/NH3 toxicity in plants species. Therefore, we hypothesise that the low affinity transport system for NH4+ may have two components: one that transports N in the molecular form and is associated with fractionation and another that transports N in the ionic form and is not associated with fractionation. PMID:21575190

Depletion of the heaviest stable N isotope is associated with NH4+/NH3 toxicity in NH4+-fed plants.

PubMed

Ariz, Idoia; Cruz, Cristina; Moran, Jose F; González-Moro, María B; García-Olaverri, Carmen; González-Murua, Carmen; Martins-Loução, Maria A; Aparicio-Tejo, Pedro M

2011-05-16

In plants, nitrate (NO3-) nutrition gives rise to a natural N isotopic signature (δ15N), which correlates with the δ15N of the N source. However, little is known about the relationship between the δ15N of the N source and the 14N/15N fractionation in plants under ammonium (NH4+) nutrition. When NH4+ is the major N source, the two forms, NH4+ and NH3, are present in the nutrient solution. There is a 1.025 thermodynamic isotope effect between NH3 (g) and NH4+ (aq) which drives to a different δ15N. Nine plant species with different NH4+-sensitivities were cultured hydroponically with NO3- or NH4+ as the sole N sources, and plant growth and δ15N were determined. Short-term NH4+/NH3 uptake experiments at pH 6.0 and 9.0 (which favours NH3 form) were carried out in order to support and substantiate our hypothesis. N source fractionation throughout the whole plant was interpreted on the basis of the relative transport of NH4+ and NH3. Several NO3--fed plants were consistently enriched in 15N, whereas plants under NH4+ nutrition were depleted of 15N. It was shown that more sensitive plants to NH4+ toxicity were the most depleted in 15N. In parallel, N-deficient pea and spinach plants fed with 15NH4+ showed an increased level of NH3 uptake at alkaline pH that was related to the 15N depletion of the plant. Tolerant to NH4+ pea plants or sensitive spinach plants showed similar trend on 15N depletion while slight differences in the time kinetics were observed during the initial stages. The use of RbNO3 as control discarded that the differences observed arise from pH detrimental effects. This article proposes that the negative values of δ15N in NH4+-fed plants are originated from NH3 uptake by plants. Moreover, this depletion of the heavier N isotope is proportional to the NH4+/NH3 toxicity in plants species. Therefore, we hypothesise that the low affinity transport system for NH4+ may have two components: one that transports N in the molecular form and is associated with fractionation and another that transports N in the ionic form and is not associated with fractionation.

Field-scale forward and back diffusion through low-permeability zones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Minjune; Annable, Michael D.; Jawitz, James W.

2017-07-01

Understanding the effects of back diffusion of groundwater contaminants from low-permeability zones to aquifers is critical to making site management decisions related to remedial actions. Here, we combine aquifer and aquitard data to develop recommended site characterization strategies using a three-stage classification of plume life cycle based on the solute origins: aquifer source zone dissolution, source zone dissolution combined with back diffusion from an aquitard, and only back diffusion. We use measured aquitard concentration profile data from three field sites to identify signature shapes that are characteristic of these three stages. We find good fits to the measured data with analytical solutions that include the effects of advection and forward and back diffusion through low-permeability zones, and linearly and exponentially decreasing flux resulting from source dissolution in the aquifer. Aquifer contaminant time series data at monitoring wells from a mature site were well described using analytical solutions representing the combined case of source zone and back diffusion, while data from a site where the source had been isolated were well described solely by back diffusion. The modeling approach presented in this study is designed to enable site managers to implement appropriate remediation technologies at a proper timing for high- and low-permeability zones, considering estimated plume life cycle.

Field-scale forward and back diffusion through low-permeability zones.

PubMed

Yang, Minjune; Annable, Michael D; Jawitz, James W

2017-07-01

Understanding the effects of back diffusion of groundwater contaminants from low-permeability zones to aquifers is critical to making site management decisions related to remedial actions. Here, we combine aquifer and aquitard data to develop recommended site characterization strategies using a three-stage classification of plume life cycle based on the solute origins: aquifer source zone dissolution, source zone dissolution combined with back diffusion from an aquitard, and only back diffusion. We use measured aquitard concentration profile data from three field sites to identify signature shapes that are characteristic of these three stages. We find good fits to the measured data with analytical solutions that include the effects of advection and forward and back diffusion through low-permeability zones, and linearly and exponentially decreasing flux resulting from source dissolution in the aquifer. Aquifer contaminant time series data at monitoring wells from a mature site were well described using analytical solutions representing the combined case of source zone and back diffusion, while data from a site where the source had been isolated were well described solely by back diffusion. The modeling approach presented in this study is designed to enable site managers to implement appropriate remediation technologies at a proper timing for high- and low-permeability zones, considering estimated plume life cycle. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

TERRESTRIAL PLANET FORMATION AROUND THE CIRCUMBINARY HABITABLE ZONE: INWARD MIGRATION IN THE PLANETESIMAL SWARM

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

Gong Yanxiang; Zhou Jilin; Xie Jiwei, E-mail: yxgong@nju.edu.cn, E-mail: zhoujl@nju.edu.cn

2013-01-20

According to the core accretion theory, circumbinary embryos can form only beyond a critical semimajor axis (CSMA). However, due to the relatively high density of solid materials in the inner disk, a significant amount of small planetesimals must exist in the inner zone when embryos form outside this CSMA. Thus, embryo migration induced by the planetesimal swarm is possible after gas disk depletion. Through numerical simulations, we found that (1) the scattering-driven inward migration of embryos is robust and planets can form in the habitable zone if we adopt a mass distribution of an MMSN-like disk; (2) the total massmore » of the planetesimals in the inner region and continuous embryo-embryo scattering are two key factors that cause significant embryo migrations; and (3) the scattering-driven migration of embryos is a natural water-delivery mechanism. We propose that planet detections should focus on the close binary with its habitable zone near CSMA.« less

Prediction of down-gradient impacts of DNAPL source depletion using tracer techniques: Laboratory and modeling validation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jawitz, J. W.; Basu, N.; Chen, X.

2007-05-01

Interwell application of coupled nonreactive and reactive tracers through aquifer contaminant source zones enables quantitative characterization of aquifer heterogeneity and contaminant architecture. Parameters obtained from tracer tests are presented here in a Lagrangian framework that can be used to predict the dissolution of nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) contaminants. Nonreactive tracers are commonly used to provide information about travel time distributions in hydrologic systems. Reactive tracers have more recently been introduced as a tool to quantify the amount of NAPL contaminant present within the tracer swept volume. Our group has extended reactive tracer techniques to also characterize NAPL spatial distribution heterogeneity. By conceptualizing the flow field through an aquifer as a collection of streamtubes, the aquifer hydrodynamic heterogeneities may be characterized by a nonreactive tracer travel time distribution, and NAPL spatial distribution heterogeneity may be similarly described using reactive travel time distributions. The combined statistics of these distributions are used to derive a simple analytical solution for contaminant dissolution. This analytical solution, and the tracer techniques used for its parameterization, were validated both numerically and experimentally. Illustrative applications are presented from numerical simulations using the multiphase flow and transport simulator UTCHEM, and laboratory experiments of surfactant-enhanced NAPL remediation in two-dimensional flow chambers.

Geochemical Relationships between Middle- to Upper-Crustal Exposures of the Alisitos Oceanic Arc (Baja California, Mexico): An Outstanding Field Analog to Active Extensional Oceanic Arcs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morris, R.; DeBari, S. M.; Busby, C.; Medynski, S.

2016-12-01

The southern volcano-bounded basin of the Rosario segment of the Cretaceous Alisitos oceanic arc provides outstanding 3-D exposures of an extensional arc, where crustal generation processes are recorded in the upper-crustal volcanic units and underlying middle-crustal plutonic rocks. Geochemical linkages between exposed crustal levels provide an analog for extensional arc systems such as the Izu-Bonin-Mariana (IBM) Arc. Upper-crustal units comprise a 3-5 km thick volcanic-volcaniclastic stratigraphy with hypabyssal intrusions. Deep-seated plutonic rocks intrude these units over a transition of <500m, where rafted volcanic blocks and evidence of magma mingling are exposed. Thermobarometry suggests <6 km emplacement depths. Compositional ranges (basalt to rhyolite) and mineral assemblages are similar in both middle-crustal and upper-crustal units, with striking compositional overlap. The most mafic compositions occur in upper-crustal hypabyssal units, and as amphibole cumulates in the plutonic rocks ( 51% SiO2). The most felsic compositions occur in welded ignimbrites and a tonalite pluton ( 71% SiO2). All units are low K with flat REE patterns, and show LILE enrichment and HFSE depletion. Trace element ratios show limited variation throughout the crustal section. Zr/Y and Nb/Y ratios are similar to the Izu active ( 3 Ma to present) zone of extension immediately behind the arc front, suggesting comparable mantle melt % during extension. Th/Zr ratios are more enriched in Alisitos compared to Izu, suggesting greater subducted sediment input. The Alisitos crustal section shows a limited range in ɛNd (5.7-7.1), but a wider range in 87Sr/86Sr (0.7035-0.7055) and 206Pb/204Pb (18.12-19.12); the latter is likely alteration effects. Arc magmas were derived from a subduction-modified MORB mantle source, less depleted than Izu arc front and less enriched than the rear arc, but is a good match with the zone of extension that lies between. Differentiation occurred in a closed system (i.e., fractional crystallization/self-melting with back mixing), producing the entire crustal section in <3 Ma.

Regulation of Ion Gradients across Myocardial Ischemic Border Zones: A Biophysical Modelling Analysis

PubMed Central

Niederer, Steven

2013-01-01

The myocardial ischemic border zone is associated with the initiation and sustenance of arrhythmias. The profile of ionic concentrations across the border zone play a significant role in determining cellular electrophysiology and conductivity, yet their spatial-temporal evolution and regulation are not well understood. To investigate the changes in ion concentrations that regulate cellular electrophysiology, a mathematical model of ion movement in the intra and extracellular space in the presence of ionic, potential and material property heterogeneities was developed. The model simulates the spatial and temporal evolution of concentrations of potassium, sodium, chloride, calcium, hydrogen and bicarbonate ions and carbon dioxide across an ischemic border zone. Ischemia was simulated by sodium-potassium pump inhibition, potassium channel activation and respiratory and metabolic acidosis. The model predicted significant disparities in the width of the border zone for each ionic species, with intracellular sodium and extracellular potassium having discordant gradients, facilitating multiple gradients in cellular properties across the border zone. Extracellular potassium was found to have the largest border zone and this was attributed to the voltage dependence of the potassium channels. The model also predicted the efflux of from the ischemic region due to electrogenic drift and diffusion within the intra and extracellular space, respectively, which contributed to depletion in the ischemic region. PMID:23577101

Climate change and dead zones.

PubMed

Altieri, Andrew H; Gedan, Keryn B

2015-04-01

Estuaries and coastal seas provide valuable ecosystem services but are particularly vulnerable to the co-occurring threats of climate change and oxygen-depleted dead zones. We analyzed the severity of climate change predicted for existing dead zones, and found that 94% of dead zones are in regions that will experience at least a 2 °C temperature increase by the end of the century. We then reviewed how climate change will exacerbate hypoxic conditions through oceanographic, ecological, and physiological processes. We found evidence that suggests numerous climate variables including temperature, ocean acidification, sea-level rise, precipitation, wind, and storm patterns will affect dead zones, and that each of those factors has the potential to act through multiple pathways on both oxygen availability and ecological responses to hypoxia. Given the variety and strength of the mechanisms by which climate change exacerbates hypoxia, and the rates at which climate is changing, we posit that climate change variables are contributing to the dead zone epidemic by acting synergistically with one another and with recognized anthropogenic triggers of hypoxia including eutrophication. This suggests that a multidisciplinary, integrated approach that considers the full range of climate variables is needed to track and potentially reverse the spread of dead zones. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Trace-metal concentrations in African dust: effects of long-distance transport and implications for human health

USGS Publications Warehouse

Garrison, Virginia; Lamothe, Paul; Morman, Suzette; Plumlee, Geoffrey S.; Gilkes, Robert; Prakongkep, Nattaporn

2010-01-01

The Sahara and Sahel lose billions of tons of eroded mineral soils annually to the Americas and Caribbean, Europe and Asia via atmospheric transport. African dust was collected from a dust source region (Mali, West Africa) and from downwind sites in the Caribbean [Trinidad-Tobago (TT) and U.S. Virgin Islands (VI)] and analysed for 32 trace-elements. Elemental composition of African dust samples was similar to that of average upper continental crust (UCC), with some enrichment or depletion of specific trace-elements. Pb enrichment was observed only in dust and dry deposition samples from the source region and was most likely from local use of leaded gasoline. Dust particles transported long-distances (VI and TT) exhibited increased enrichment of Mo and minor depletion of other elements relative to source region samples. This suggests that processes occurring during long-distance transport of dust produce enrichment/depletion of specific elements. Bioaccessibility of trace-metals in samples was tested in simulated human fluids (gastric and lung) and was found to be greater in downwind than source region samples, for some metals (e.g., As). The large surface to volume ratio of the dust particles (<2.5 µm) at downwind sites may be a factor.

Using the concentration-volume (C-V) fractal model in the delineation of gold mineralized zones within the Tepeoba porphyry Cu-Mo-Au, Balikesir, NW Turkey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumral, Mustafa; Abdelnasser, Amr; Karaman, Muhittin; Budakoglu, Murat

2016-04-01

The Tepeoba porphyry Cu-Mo-Au mineralization that located at the Biga peninsula (W Turkey) developed around the Eybek pluton concentrated at its southern contact. This mineralization that hosted in the hornfels rocks of Karakaya Complex is associated with three main alteration zones; potassic, phyllic and propylitic alterations along the fault controlled margins of the Eybek pluton and quartz stockwork veining as well as brecciation zones. As well as two mineralized zones were occurred in the mine area; hypogene and oxidation/supergene zone. The hypogene zone has differentiated alteration types; high potassic and low phyllic alteration, while the oxidation/supergene zone has high phyllic and propylitic alterations. This work deals with the delineation of gold mineralized zone within this porphyry deposit using the concentration-volume (C-V) fractal model. Five zones of gold were calculated using its power-law C-V relationship that revealed that the main phase of gold mineralization stated at 5.3083 ppm Au concentration. In addition, the C-V log-log plot shows that the highly and moderately Au mineralization zone developed in western part of deposit correlated with oxidation zone related to propylitic alteration. On the other hand, its weakly mineralization zone has a widespread in the hypogene zone related to potassic alteration. This refers to the enrichment of gold and depletion of copper at the oxidation/supergene zone is due to the oxidation/supergene alteration processes that enrich the deposits by the meteoric water. Keywords: Concentration-volume (C-V) fractal model; gold mineralized zone; Tepeoba porphyry Cu-Mo-Au; Balikesir; NW Turkey.

Controls on ecohydrological dynamics of riparian zones in Alpine catchments: A comparison study of two rivers in the Eastern Italian Alps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Engel, Michael; Penna, Daniele; Frentress, Jay; Andreoli, Andrea; Hecher, Peter; Van Meerveld, Ilja; Comiti, Francesco

2017-04-01

In recent decades, restauration actions have been implemented in mountain rivers to face widespread morphological changes. Such natural and anthropogenic modifications can have relevant impacts on the ecological and ecohydrological functioning of riparian vegetation. Understanding the water sources used by riparian vegetation is important for the implementation of effective river restoration initiatives. Therefore, more ecohydrological research is needed to quantify the complex interactions between hydrology and vegetation in different alpine river systems. In this study we used water stable isotopes and electrical conductivity (EC) as tracers to better understand the hydrological and ecohydrological relationship between the riparian vegetation and the river bed of alpine river systems. We choose two catchments, Ahr/Aurino River and Mareit/Ridanna River catchments (South Tyrol, Italy) as study sites. In both catchments, we selected two sites comprising a younger (< 5 years) and an older (> 10 years) alder (Alnus incana) stand. At each site, soil moisture at different depths and groundwater levels were monitored. Suction lysimeters were installed at the same depths than the soil moisture sensors. Samples for tracer analysis were collected since June 2016 on a bi-weekly or monthly basis from precipitation, soil water, groundwater and stream water. EC was continuously measured in a piezometer at the Mareit River. In addition, we extracted sap water for isotopic analysis from alder trees. First results show that all water types sampled in both catchments fell along the global meteoric water line showing no evaporative enrichments. Sap samples are expected to deviate from the meteoric line but they have not been analysed yet. At both sites in the Ahr catchment, soil water seemed to be more variable and isotopically more enriched at 10 cm depth (δ2H: - 34 to -69 ‰) than at 50 cm (δ2H: -45 to -71 ‰), indicating a decreasing influence of precipitation with increasing soil depth. In contrast, soil water at Mareit River seemed to depend stronger on the topographical location of the site than on the soil depth. Groundwater in the Ahr catchment at the end of July 2016 showed isotopic depletion (δ2H: -89 ‰), which occurred about one month later than the isotopic depletion observed in the stream (δ2H: -96 ‰). This may indicate a stream-groundwater connectivity with a specific time lag. These observations may provide a first insight into the main controls on the complex interactions between stream and vegetation in the riparian zone. Keywords: stable isotopes of water; sap; alpine rivers; riparian zone connectivity; ecohydrology

The Relationship Between Partial Contaminant Source Zone Remediation and Groundwater Plume Attenuation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Falta, R. W.

2004-05-01

Analytical solutions are developed that relate changes in the contaminant mass in a source area to the behavior of biologically reactive dissolved contaminant groundwater plumes. Based on data from field experiments, laboratory experiments, numerical streamtube models, and numerical multiphase flow models, the chemical discharge from a source region is assumed to be a nonlinear power function of the fraction of contaminant mass removed from the source zone. This function can approximately represent source zone mass discharge behavior over a wide range of site conditions ranging from simple homogeneous systems, to complex heterogeneous systems. A mass balance on the source zone with advective transport and first order decay leads to a nonlinear differential equation that is solved analytically to provide a prediction of the time-dependent contaminant mass discharge leaving the source zone. The solution for source zone mass discharge is coupled semi-analytically with a modified version of the Domenico (1987) analytical solution for three-dimensional reactive advective and dispersive transport in groundwater. The semi-analytical model then employs the BIOCHLOR (Aziz et al., 2000; Sun et al., 1999) transformations to model sequential first order parent-daughter biological decay reactions of chlorinated ethenes and ethanes in the groundwater plume. The resulting semi-analytic model thus allows for transient simulation of complex source zone behavior that is fully coupled to a dissolved contaminant plume undergoing sequential biological reactions. Analyses of several realistic scenarios show that substantial changes in the ground water plume can result from the partial removal of contaminant mass from the source zone. These results, however, are sensitive to the nature of the source mass reduction-source discharge reduction curve, and to the rates of degradation of the primary contaminant and its daughter products in the ground water plume. Aziz, C.E., C.J. Newell, J.R. Gonzales, P. Haas, T.P. Clement, and Y. Sun, 2000, BIOCHLOR Natural Attenuation Decision Support System User's Manual Version 1.0, US EPA Report EPA/600/R-00/008 Domenico, P.A., 1987, An analytical model for multidimensional transport of a decaying contaminant species, J. Hydrol., 91: 49-58. Sun, Y., J.N. Petersen, T.P. Clement, and R.S. Skeen, 1999, A new analytical solution for multi-species transport equations with serial and parallel reactions, Water Resour. Res., 35(1): 185-190.

Method for forming synthesis gas using a plasma-catalyzed fuel reformer

DOEpatents

Hartvigsen, Joseph J; Elangovan, S; Czernichowski, Piotr; Hollist, Michele

2015-04-28

A method of forming a synthesis gas utilizing a reformer is disclosed. The method utilizes a reformer that includes a plasma zone to receive a pre-heated mixture of reactants and ionize the reactants by applying an electrical potential thereto. A first thermally conductive surface surrounds the plasma zone and is configured to transfer heat from an external heat source into the plasma zone. The reformer further includes a reaction zone to chemically transform the ionized reactants into synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide. A second thermally conductive surface surrounds the reaction zone and is configured to transfer heat from the external heat source into the reaction zone. The first thermally conductive surface and second thermally conductive surface are both directly exposed to the external heat source. A corresponding apparatus and system are also disclosed herein.

Spherical loudspeaker array for local active control of sound.

PubMed

Rafaely, Boaz

2009-05-01

Active control of sound has been employed to reduce noise levels around listeners' head using destructive interference from noise-canceling sound sources. Recently, spherical loudspeaker arrays have been studied as multiple-channel sound sources, capable of generating sound fields with high complexity. In this paper, the potential use of a spherical loudspeaker array for local active control of sound is investigated. A theoretical analysis of the primary and secondary sound fields around a spherical sound source reveals that the natural quiet zones for the spherical source have a shell-shape. Using numerical optimization, quiet zones with other shapes are designed, showing potential for quiet zones with extents that are significantly larger than the well-known limit of a tenth of a wavelength for monopole sources. The paper presents several simulation examples showing quiet zones in various configurations.

The European scene regarding spallation neutron sources

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

Bauer, G.S.

1996-06-01

In Europe, a short pulse spallation neutron source, ISIS, has been operating for over 10 years, working its way up to a beam power level of 200 kW. A continuous source, SINQ, designed for a beam power of up to 1 MW, is scheduled to start operating at the end of 1996, and a detailed feasibility study has been completed for a 410 kW short pulse source, AUSTRON. Each of these sources seems to have settled for a target concept which is at or near the limits of its feasibility: The ISIS depleted uranium plate targets, heavy water cooled andmore » Zircaloy clad, have so far not shown satisfactory service time and operation is likely to continue with a Ta-plate target, which, in the past has been used successfully for the equivalent of one full-beam-year before it was taken out of service due to degrading thermal properties. SINQ will initially use a rod target, made of Zircaloy only, but plans exist to move on to clad lead rods as quickly as possible. Apart from the not yet explored effect of hydrogen and helium production, there are also concerns about the generation of 7-Be in the cooling water from the spallation of oxygen, which might result in undesirably high radioactivity in the cooling plant room. A Liquid metal target, also under investigation for SINQ, would not only reduce this problem to a level of about 10 %, but would also minimize the risk of radiolytic corrosion in the beam interaction zone. Base on similar arguments, AUSTRON has been designed for edge cooled targets, but thermal and stress analyses show, that this concept is not feasible at higher power levels.« less

Relation between sedimentary framework and hydrogeology in the Guarani Aquifer System in São Paulo state, Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirata, Ricardo; Gesicki, Ana; Sracek, Ondra; Bertolo, Reginaldo; Giannini, Paulo César; Aravena, Ramón

2011-04-01

This paper presents the results of a new investigation of the Guarani Aquifer System (SAG) in São Paulo state. New data were acquired about sedimentary framework, flow pattern, and hydrogeochemistry. The flow direction in the north of the state is towards the southwest and not towards the west as expected previously. This is linked to the absence of SAG outcrop in the northeast of São Paulo state. Both the underlying Pirambóia Formation and the overlying Botucatu Formation possess high porosity (18.9% and 19.5%, respectively), which was not modified significantly by diagenetic changes. Investigation of sediments confirmed a zone of chalcedony cement close to the SAG outcrop and a zone of calcite cement in the deep confined zone. The main events in the SAG post-sedimentary history were: (1) adhesion of ferrugineous coatings on grains, (2) infiltration of clays in eodiagenetic stage, (3) regeneration of coatings with formation of smectites, (4) authigenic overgrowth of quartz and K-feldspar in advanced eodiagenetic stage, (5) bitumen cementation of Pirambóia Formation in mesodiagenetic stage, (6) cementation by calcite in mesodiagenetic and telodiagenetic stages in Pirambóia Formation, (7) formation of secondary porosity by dissolution of unstable minerals after appearance of hydraulic gradient and penetration of the meteoric water caused by the uplift of the Serra do Mar coastal range in the Late Cretaceous, (8) authigenesis of kaolinite and amorphous silica in unconfined zone of the SAG and cation exchange coupled with the dissolution of calcite at the transition between unconfined and confined zone, and (9) authigenesis of analcime in the confined SAG zone. The last two processes are still under operation. The deep zone of the SAG comprises an alkaline pH, Na-HCO 3 groundwater type with old water and enriched δ 13C values (<-3.9), which evolved from a neutral pH, Ca-HCO 3 groundwater type with young water and depleted δ 13C values (>-18.8) close to the SAG outcrop. This is consistent with a conceptual geochemical model of the SAG, suggesting dissolution of calcite driven by cation exchange, which occurs at a relatively narrow front recently moving downgradient at much slower rate compared to groundwater flow. More depleted values of δ 18O in the deep confined zone close to the Paraná River compared to values of relative recent recharged water indicate recharge occur during a period of cold climate. The SAG is a "storage-dominated" type of aquifer which has to be managed properly to avoid its overexploitation.

Timescales of ductility in an extensional shear zone recorded as diffusion profiles in deformed quartz

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nachlas, William; Teyssier, Christian; Whitney, Donna

2015-04-01

We document rutile needles that were in the process of exsolving from quartz during ductile shearing, and we apply the Arrhenius parameters for Ti diffusion in quartz to extract the timescales over which diffusion transpired. By constraining temperature conditions of deformation using multiple independent thermometers in the same rocks (Ti-in-quartz, Zr-in-rutile, quartz fabrics and microstructures), we estimate the longevity of a ductile shear zone that accommodated extensional collapse in the North American Cordillera. Eocene exhumation of the Pioneer core complex, Idaho, USA, was accommodated by the brittle-ductile Wildhorse detachment system that localized in a zone of sheared metasediments and juxtaposes lower crustal migmatite gneisses with upper crustal Paleozoic sedimentary units. Deformation in the Wildhorse detachment was partly accommodated within a continuous sequence (~200 m) of quartzite mylonites, wherein quartz grains are densely rutilated with microscopic rutile needles that are pervasively oriented into the lineation direction. We apply high-resolution spectroscopic CL analysis to map the Ti concentration field in quartz surrounding rutile needles, revealing depletion halos that indicate exsolution as Ti unmixes from quartz. Linear transects through depletion halos show that concentration profiles exhibit a characteristic diffusion geometry. We apply an error-function diffusion model to fit the measured profiles to extract the temperature or time recorded in the profile. Assuming modest temperature estimates from our combined thermometry analysis, results of diffusion modeling suggest that the quartzite shear zone was deforming over an integrated 0.8 - 3.1 Myr. If samples are permitted to have deformed in discrete intervals, our results suggest deformation of individual samples for timescales as short as 100 kyr. By comparing samples from different levels of the shear zone, we find that deformation was sustained in higher levels of the shear zone for longer duration than in samples deeper into the footwall, which we interpret to reflect progressive downward propagation of a widening ductile zone. Considering the complex nonlinear feedbacks between the temperature- and time-dependence of both lattice diffusion and work hardening of microstructures, our approach introduces a unique opportunity to link timing with kinematics to reconstruct the thermomechanical evolution of a deforming shear zone. As a parallel test of this method, we have applied it to rock deformation experiments where it reproduces the approximate number of hours over which the experiment was conducted, further exemplifying the validity of this approach for constraining earth events.

Metagenomic insights into important microbes from the Dead Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thrash, C.; Baker, B.; Seitz, K.; Temperton, B.; Gillies, L.; Rabalais, N. N.; Mason, O. U.

2015-12-01

Coastal regions of eutrophication-driven oxygen depletion are widespread and increasing in number. Also known as dead zones, these regions take their name from the deleterious effects of hypoxia (dissolved oxygen less than 2 mg/L) on shrimp, demersal fish, and other animal life. Dead zones result from nutrient enrichment of primary production, concomitant consumption by chemoorganotrophic aerobic microorganisms, and strong stratification that prevents ventilation of bottom water. One of the largest dead zones in the world occurs seasonally in the northern Gulf of Mexico (nGOM), where hypoxia can reach up to 22,000 square kilometers. While this dead zone shares many features with more well-known marine oxygen minimum zones, it is nevertheless understudied with regards to the microbial assemblages involved in biogeochemical cycling. We performed metagenomic and metatranscriptomic sequencing on six samples from the 2013 nGOM dead zone from both hypoxic and oxic bottom waters. Assembly and binning led to the recovery of over fifty partial to nearly complete metagenomes from key microbial taxa previously determined to be numerically abundant from 16S rRNA data, such as Thaumarcheaota, Marine Group II Euryarchaeota, SAR406, SAR324, Synechococcus spp., and Planctomycetes. These results provide information about the roles of these taxa in the nGOM dead zone, and opportunities for comparing this region of low oxygen to others around the globe.

Minor and trace element geochemistry of volcanic rocks dredged from the Galapagos spreading center: role of crystal fractionation and mantle heterogeneity.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Clague, D.A.; Frey, F.A.; Thompson, G.; Rindge, S.

1981-01-01

A wide range of rock types (abyssal tholeiite, Fe-Ti-rich basalt, andesite, and rhyodacite) were dredged from near 95oW and 85oW on the Galapagos spreading center. Computer modeling of major element compositions has shown that these rocks could be derived from common parental magmas by successive degrees of fractional crystallization. However, the P2O5/K2O ratio implies distinct mantle source compositions for the two areas. These source regions also have different rare earth element (REE) abundance patterns. The sequence of fractionated lavas differs for the two areas and indicates earlier fractionation of apatite and titanomagnetite in the lavas from 95oW. The mantle source regions for these two areas are interpreted to be depleted in incompatible (and volatile?) elements, although the source region beneath 95oW is less severely depleted in La and K. -Authors

Lunar ferroan anorthosites and mare basalt sources - The mixed connection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ryder, Graham

1991-01-01

Global overturn of a hot, gravitationally unstable lunar mantle immediately following the solidification of a magma ocean explains several characteristics of lunar petrology. Lunar mare basalt sources are inferred to be depleted in europium and alumina. These depletions are consensually attributed to complementary plagioclase floating from a magma ocean. However, in contrast to the mare basalt source parent magma, the ferroan anorthosite parent magma was more evolved by virtue of its lower Mg/Fe ratio and Ni abundances, although less evolved in its poverty of clinopyroxene constituents, flat rare earth pattern, and lower incompatible element abundances. The europium anomaly in mare sources is inferred to be present at 400 km depth, too deep to have been directly influenced by plagioclase crystallization. Massive overturning of the post-magma ocean mantle would have carried down clinopyroxene, ilmenite, and phases containing fractionated rare earths, europium anomalies, and some heat-producing radionuclides.

Summer evapotranspiration trends as related to time after logging of forests in Sierra Nevada

Treesearch

Robert R. Ziemer

1964-01-01

Abstract - The quantity of summer soil moisture lost from logged forest openings was related to the length of time since the creation of the opening, in the subalpine forest zone of the Sierra Nevada west side, near the Central Sierra Snow Laboratory, California, at an elevation of 6000 to 7000 feet. Soil moisture depletion was measured in forest openings which were...

Cellular choline and glycine betaine pools impact osmoprotection and phospholipase C production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

PubMed

Fitzsimmons, Liam F; Hampel, Ken J; Wargo, Matthew J

2012-09-01

Choline is abundantly produced by eukaryotes and plays an important role as a precursor of the osmoprotectant glycine betaine. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, glycine betaine has additional roles as a nutrient source and an inducer of the hemolytic phospholipase C, PlcH. The multiple functions for glycine betaine suggested that the cytoplasmic pool of glycine betaine is regulated in P. aeruginosa. We used (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance ((13)C-NMR) to demonstrate that P. aeruginosa maintains both choline and glycine betaine pools under a variety of conditions, in contrast to the transient glycine betaine pool reported for most bacteria. We were able to experimentally manipulate the choline and glycine betaine pools by overexpression of the cognate catabolic genes. Depletion of either the choline or glycine betaine pool reduced phospholipase production, a result unexpected for choline depletion. Depletion of the glycine betaine pool, but not the choline pool, inhibited growth under conditions of high salt with glucose as the primary carbon source. Depletion of the choline pool inhibited growth under high-salt conditions with choline as the sole carbon source, suggesting a role for the choline pool under these conditions. Here we have described the presence of a choline pool in P. aeruginosa and other pseudomonads that, with the glycine betaine pool, regulates osmoprotection and phospholipase production and impacts growth under high-salt conditions. These findings suggest that the levels of both pools are actively maintained and that perturbation of either pool impacts P. aeruginosa physiology.

Cellular Choline and Glycine Betaine Pools Impact Osmoprotection and Phospholipase C Production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

PubMed Central

Fitzsimmons, Liam F.; Hampel, Ken J.

2012-01-01

Choline is abundantly produced by eukaryotes and plays an important role as a precursor of the osmoprotectant glycine betaine. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, glycine betaine has additional roles as a nutrient source and an inducer of the hemolytic phospholipase C, PlcH. The multiple functions for glycine betaine suggested that the cytoplasmic pool of glycine betaine is regulated in P. aeruginosa. We used 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR) to demonstrate that P. aeruginosa maintains both choline and glycine betaine pools under a variety of conditions, in contrast to the transient glycine betaine pool reported for most bacteria. We were able to experimentally manipulate the choline and glycine betaine pools by overexpression of the cognate catabolic genes. Depletion of either the choline or glycine betaine pool reduced phospholipase production, a result unexpected for choline depletion. Depletion of the glycine betaine pool, but not the choline pool, inhibited growth under conditions of high salt with glucose as the primary carbon source. Depletion of the choline pool inhibited growth under high-salt conditions with choline as the sole carbon source, suggesting a role for the choline pool under these conditions. Here we have described the presence of a choline pool in P. aeruginosa and other pseudomonads that, with the glycine betaine pool, regulates osmoprotection and phospholipase production and impacts growth under high-salt conditions. These findings suggest that the levels of both pools are actively maintained and that perturbation of either pool impacts P. aeruginosa physiology. PMID:22753069

The radiocarbon signature of microorganisms in the mesopelagic ocean.

PubMed

Hansman, Roberta L; Griffin, Sheila; Watson, Jordan T; Druffel, Ellen R M; Ingalls, Anitra E; Pearson, Ann; Aluwihare, Lihini I

2009-04-21

Several lines of evidence indicate that microorganisms in the meso- and bathypelagic ocean are metabolically active and respiring carbon. In addition, growing evidence suggests that archaea are fixing inorganic carbon in this environment. However, direct quantification of the contribution from deep ocean carbon sources to community production in the dark ocean remains a challenge. In this study, carbon flow through the microbial community at 2 depths in the mesopelagic zone of the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre was examined by exploiting the unique radiocarbon signatures (Delta(14)C) of the 3 major carbon sources in this environment. The radiocarbon content of nucleic acids, a biomarker for viable cells, isolated from size-fractionated particles (0.2-0.5 microm and >0.5 microm) showed the direct incorporation of carbon delivered by rapidly sinking particles. Most significantly, at the 2 mesopelagic depths examined (670 m and 915 m), carbon derived from in situ autotrophic fixation supported a significant fraction of the free-living microbial community (0.2-0.5 microm size fraction), but the contribution of chemoautotrophy varied markedly between the 2 depths. Results further showed that utilization of the ocean's largest reduced carbon reservoir, (14)C-depleted, dissolved organic carbon, was negligible in this environment. This isotopic portrait of carbon assimilation by the in situ, free-living microbial community, integrated over >50,000 L of seawater, implies that recent, photosynthetic carbon is not always the major carbon source supporting microbial community production in the mesopelagic realm.

Effects of flow diversions on water and habitat quality: Examples from California's highly manipulated Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta

USGS Publications Warehouse

Monsen, Nancy E.; Cloern, James E.; Burau, Jon R.

2007-01-01

We use selected monitoring data to illustrate how localized water diversions from seasonal barriers, gate operations, and export pumps alter water quality across the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (California). Dynamics of water-quality variability are complex because the Delta is a mixing zone of water from the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, agricultural return water, and the San Francisco Estuary. Each source has distinct water-quality characteristics, and the contribution of each source varies in response to natural hydrologic variability and water diversions. We use simulations with a tidal hydrodynamic model to reveal how three diversion events, as case studies, influence water quality through their alteration of Delta-wide water circulation patterns and flushing time. Reduction of export pumping decreases the proportion of Sacramento- to San Joaquin-derived fresh water in the central Delta, leading to rapid increases in salinity. Delta Cross Channel gate operations control salinity in the western Delta and alter the freshwater source distribution in the central Delta. Removal of the head of Old River barrier, in autumn, increases the flushing time of the Stockton Ship Channel from days to weeks, contributing to a depletion of dissolved oxygen. Each shift in water quality has implications either for habitat quality or municipal drinking water, illustrating the importance of a systems view to anticipate the suite of changes induced by flow manipulations, and to minimize the conflicts inherent in allocations of scarce resources to meet multiple objectives.

Assessing the Impact of Source-Zone Remediation Efforts at the Contaminant-Plume Scale Through Analysis of Contaminant Mass Discharge

PubMed Central

Brusseau, M. L.; Hatton, J.; DiGuiseppi, W.

2011-01-01

The long-term impact of source-zone remediation efforts was assessed for a large site contaminated by trichloroethene. The impact of the remediation efforts (soil vapor extraction and in-situ chemical oxidation) was assessed through analysis of plume-scale contaminant mass discharge, which was measured using a high-resolution data set obtained from 23 years of operation of a large pump-and-treat system. The initial contaminant mass discharge peaked at approximately 7 kg/d, and then declined to approximately 2 kg/d. This latter value was sustained for several years prior to the initiation of source-zone remediation efforts. The contaminant mass discharge in 2010, measured several years after completion of the two source-zone remediation actions, was approximately 0.2 kg/d, which is ten times lower than the value prior to source-zone remediation. The time-continuous contaminant mass discharge data can be used to evaluate the impact of the source-zone remediation efforts on reducing the time required to operate the pump-and-treat system, and to estimate the cost savings associated with the decreased operational period. While significant reductions have been achieved, it is evident that the remediation efforts have not completely eliminated contaminant mass discharge and associated risk. Remaining contaminant mass contributing to the current mass discharge is hypothesized to comprise poorly-accessible mass in the source zones, as well as aqueous (and sorbed) mass present in the extensive lower-permeability units located within and adjacent to the contaminant plume. The fate of these sources is an issue of critical import to the remediation of chlorinated-solvent contaminated sites, and development of methods to address these sources will be required to achieve successful long-term management of such sites and to ultimately transition them to closure. PMID:22115080

Stable isotope ratios of atmospheric CO_{2} and CH_{4} over Siberia measured at ZOTTO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Timokhina, Anastasiya; Prokushkin, Anatily; Lavric, Jost; Heimann, Martin

2016-04-01

The boreal and arctic zones of Siberia housing the large amounts of carbon stored in the living biomass of forests and wetlands, as well as in soils and specifically permafrost, play a crucial role in earth's global carbon cycle. The long-term studies of greenhouse gases (GHG) concentrations are important instruments to analyze the response of these systems to climate warming. In parallel to GHG observations, the measurements of their stable isotopic composition can provide useful information for distinguishing contribution of individual GHG source to their atmospheric variations, since each source has its own isotopic signature. In this study we report first results of laboratory analyses of the CO2 and CH4 concentrations, the stable isotope ratio of δ13C-CO2, δ18O-CO2, δ13C-CH4, δD-CH4 measured in one-liter glass flasks which were obtained from 301 height of ZOTTO (Zotino Tall Tower Observatory, near 60° N, 90° E, about 20 km west of the Yenisei River) during 2008 - 2013 and 2010 - 2013 for stable isotope composition of CO2 and CH4. The magnitudes of δ13C-CO2 and δ18O-CO2 in a seasonal cycle are -1.4±0.1‰ (-7.6 - -9.0‰) and -2.2±0.2‰ (-0.1 - -2.3‰), respectively. The δ13C-CO2 seasonal pattern opposes the CO2 concentrations, with a gradual enrichment in heavy isotope occurring during May - July, reflecting its discrimination in photosynthesis, and further depletion in August - September as photosynthetic activity decreases comparatively to ecosystem respiration. Relationship between the CO2 concentrations and respective δ13C-CO2 (Keeling plot) reveals isotopic source signature for growing season (May - September) -27.3±1.4‰ and -30.4±2.5‰ for winter (January - March). The behavior of δ18O-CO2 associated with both high photosynthetic rate in the June (enrichment of atmospheric CO2 by 18O as consequence of CO2 equilibrium with "heavy" leaf water) and respiratory activity of forest floor in June - October (depletion of respired CO2 by 18O because of the use of "light" soil water by microorganisms). There is large temporal variation of δ13C-CH4 (-50.0 - -46.1 ‰) with clear minimum in the late summer (August) that corresponds to CH4 concentration maximum and reflects biogenic sources of methane in the surrounding peatbogs. The δD-CH4 varies from -77.4 to -110.2 ‰ and showed no seasonal cycle with many irregular spikes throughout a year. Keeling plot analysis between the CH4 concentration and isotopic composition revealed that isotopic signature of source in the winter (December - February) is -61.3±2.2‰ and -247.5±17.7‰ for δ13C-CH4 and δD-CH4, respectively. For growing season (June -September) the corresponding values for δ13C-CH4 and δD-CH4 are -76.4±2.6‰ and -342.2±14.8‰Ṫhe strong depletion of methane in heavy isotopes throughout a year is the indication of continuous CH4 emissions from biogenic sources. The study has been supported by cooperation agreement between SIF SB RAS and MPI-BGC and RSF grant (14-24-00113).

IMPACTS OF DNAPL SOURCE TREATMENT ON CONTAMINANT MASS FLUX

EPA Science Inventory

Current remedial techniques are unable to completely eliminate all dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) from source zone areas at most sites, and conflicting views on the benefits of partial DNAPL source zone remediation exist in the literature. A comparison of contaminant flux...

Argon recovery from hydrogen depleted ammonia plant purge gas using a HARP Plant

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

Krishnamurthy, R.; Lerner, S.L.; Maclean, D.L.

1987-01-01

A number of ammonia plants employ membranes or cryogenic hydrogen recovery units to separate hydrogen contained in the purge gas for recycle to the ammonia synthesis loop. The resulting hydrogen depleted purge gas, which is usually used for fuel, is an attractive source of argon. This paper presents the novel features of a process which employs a combination of pressure swing adsorption (PSA) and cryogenic technology to separate the argon from this hydrogen depleted purge gas stream. This new proprietary Hybrid Argon Recovery Progress (HARP) plant is an effective alternative to a conventional all-cryogenic plant.

The microscale evolution of the erosion front of blood clots exposed to ultrasound stimulated microbubbles.

PubMed

Acconcia, Christopher N; Leung, Ben Y C; Goertz, David E

2016-05-01

Serial two-photon microscopy of blood clots with fluorescently tagged fibrin networks was conducted during microbubble-mediated sonothrombolysis to examine the microscale evolution of the resulting erosion front. The development of a complex zonal erosion pattern was observed, comprised of a cell depleted layer of fibrin network overlying intact clot which then underwent progressive recession. The fibrin zone architecture was dependent on exposure conditions with 0.1 MPa causing no erosion, 0.39 MPa resulting in homogenous structure, and combination 0.39/0.96 MPa pulses forming large-scale tunnels. High speed imaging and Coulter counter data indicated the fibrin zone formation process involves the ejection of intact erythrocytes.

Assessment of macroseismic intensity in the Nile basin, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fergany, Elsayed

2018-01-01

This work intends to assess deterministic seismic hazard and risk analysis in terms of the maximum expected intensity map of the Egyptian Nile basin sector. Seismic source zone model of Egypt was delineated based on updated compatible earthquake catalog in 2015, focal mechanisms, and the common tectonic elements. Four effective seismic source zones were identified along the Nile basin. The observed macroseismic intensity data along the basin was used to develop intensity prediction equation defined in terms of moment magnitude. Expected maximum intensity map was proven based on the developed intensity prediction equation, identified effective seismic source zones, and maximum expected magnitude for each zone along the basin. The earthquake hazard and risk analysis was discussed and analyzed in view of the maximum expected moment magnitude and the maximum expected intensity values for each effective source zone. Moderate expected magnitudes are expected to put high risk at Cairo and Aswan regions. The results of this study could be a recommendation for the planners in charge to mitigate the seismic risk at these strategic zones of Egypt.

Geochemistry of the Bela Ophiolite, Pakistan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, M.; Nicholson, K. N.; Mahmood, K.

2008-12-01

The Bela ophiolite complex of Balochistan, Pakistan has been the subject of several geochemical and tectonic studies in the past. However until now there has never been a combined structural, geochemical and tectonic assimilation study which adequately explains the observed geochemistry and structural geology in a global tectonic framework. Here we present the geochemical findings of our work. The Bela ophiolite complex consists of two major units: the basal section or Lower Unit, and the Upper Unit, between the two is a mélange zone. The Lower Unit is relatively homogeneous and consists almost entirely of flow basalts and pillow basalts. The base of the Upper Unit is the metamorphic sole which is overlain by a sequence of massive basalts flows and intrusions of gabbro and granites. The entire Upper Unit is cut by doleritic dykes and sills. Geochemically the Lower Unit is comprised of basaltic lavas with E-MORB affinities. These lavas are tholeiitic, low-K series lavas with trace element signatures of E-type MORB. For example ratios such as V/Ti, Zr/Y, Nb/Th, Th/La and Nb/U all suggest these lavas are E-MORB. Previous workers have suggested these lavas are back-arc basin (BAB) however the samples lack the characteristic signatures of subduction modified MORB. This conclusion is supported by chondrite and N-MORB normalized spider diagrams where the Lower Unit lavas are enriched in the LILE with respect to the HFSE. The Upper Unit of the Bela Ophiolite sequence has a slightly more complex history. The older lavas sequences, the massive basalt flows, gabbros and granites, all formed in an oceanic arc environment. These lavas exhibit classic arc signatures such as a negative Nb and Ti anomalies, are enriched in LILE and LREE relative to HSFE, and plot in the volcanic arc and island arc fields in classic ternary plots such as 2Nb- Zr/4-Y and Y/15-La/10-Nb/8. The younger sequence of intrusions found in the Bela ophiolite appear to have BAB signatures. These lavas have relatively flat MORB normalized plots, are slightly depleted in the LILE relative the HFSE, and have a very small negative Nb anomaly. Source characteristics for both units have been determined using trace element data. This work suggests that the E-MORB lavas are derived from partial melting of enriched mantle. The lavas found in the Upper Unit have all been sourced from depleted or N-MORB mantle which has been modified by subducting fluids. It is possible that the younger BAB samples have a slightly more enriched source than the corresponding arc lavas which might indicate movement of the subduction zone allowing the influx of new mantle material below the wedge. In conclusion, our new geochemical work shows that the Bela ophiolite contains three distinct magmatic sequences: a lower E-MORB sequence over lain by a series of volcanic arc lavas which are cut by BAB-type sills and dykes.

Barium Depletion in Hollow Cathode Emitters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polk, James E.; Capece, Angela M.; Mikellides, Ioannis G.; Katz, Ira

2009-01-01

The effect of tungsten erosion, transport and redeposition on the operation of dispenser hollow cathodes was investigated in detailed examinations of the discharge cathode inserts from an 8200 hour and a 30,352 hour ion engine wear test. Erosion and subsequent re-deposition of tungsten in the electron emission zone at the downstream end of the insert reduces the porosity of the tungsten matrix, preventing the ow of barium from the interior. This inhibits the interfacial reactions of the barium-calcium-aluminate impregnant with the tungsten in the pores. A numerical model of barium transport in the internal xenon discharge plasma shows that the barium required to reduce the work function in the emission zone can be supplied from upstream through the gas phase. Barium that flows out of the pores of the tungsten insert is rapidly ionized in the xenon discharge and pushed back to the emitter surface by the electric field and drag from the xenon ion flow. This barium ion flux is sufficient to maintain a barium surface coverage at the downstream end greater than 0.6, even if local barium production at that point is inhibited by tungsten deposits. The model also shows that the neutral barium pressure exceeds the equilibrium vapor pressure of the impregnant decomposition reaction over much of the insert length, so the reactions are suppressed. Only a small region upstream of the zone blocked by tungsten deposits is active and supplies the required barium. These results indicate that hollow cathode failure models based on barium depletion rates in vacuum dispenser cathodes are very conservative.

Geologic history of the summit of Axial Seamount, Juan de Fuca Ridge

USGS Publications Warehouse

Clague, David A.; Dreyer, Brian M; Paduan, Jennifer B; Martin, Julie F; Chadwick, William W Jr; Caress, David W; Portner, Ryan A; Guilderson, Thomas P.; McGann, Mary; Thomas, Hans; Butterfield, David A; Embley, Robert W

2013-01-01

Multibeam (1 m resolution) and side scan data collected from an autonomous underwater vehicle, and lava samples, radiocarbon-dated sediment cores, and observations of flow contacts collected by remotely operated vehicle were combined to reconstruct the geologic history and flow emplacement processes on Axial Seamount's summit and upper rift zones. The maps show 52 post-410 CE lava flows and 20 precaldera lava flows as old as 31.2 kyr, the inferred age of the caldera. Clastic deposits 1–2 m thick accumulated on the rims postcaldera. Between 31 ka and 410 CE, there are no known lava flows near the summit. The oldest postcaldera lava (410 CE) is a pillow cone SE of the caldera. Two flows erupted on the W rim between ∼800 and 1000 CE. From 1220 to 1300 CE, generally small eruptions of plagioclase phyric, depleted, mafic lava occurred in the central caldera and on the east rim. Larger post-1400 CE eruptions produced inflated lobate flows of aphyric, less-depleted, and less mafic lava on the upper rift zones and in the N and S caldera. All caldera floor lava flows, and most uppermost rift zone flows, postdate 1220 CE. Activity shifted from the central caldera to the upper S rift outside the caldera, to the N rift and caldera floor, and then to the S caldera and uppermost S rift, where two historical eruptions occurred in 1998 and 2011. The average recurrence interval deduced from the flows erupted over the last 800 years is statistically identical to the 13 year interval between historical eruptions.

Perspective on concentration polarization effects in electrochromatographic separations.

PubMed

Tallarek, Ulrich; Leinweber, Felix C; Nischang, Ivo

2005-01-01

This work illustrates the appearance and electrohydrodynamic consequences of concentration polarization in the particulate and monolithic fixed beds used in capillary electrochromatography and related electrical-field assisted processes. Key property of most porous materials is the co-existence of bulk, quasi-electroneutral macroporous regions and mesoporous compartments which are ion-permselective (due to electrical double-layer overlap) causing different transport numbers for co-ionic and counterionic species, e.g., background electrolyte components, or the analytes. For a cathodic electroosmotic flow the (cation) permselectivity, together with diffusive and electrokinetic transport induces depleted and enriched concentration polarization zones at the anodic and cathodic interfaces, respectively, in dependence of the mobile phase ionic strength and applied electrical fields. At high field strength a secondary, nonequilibrium electrical double layer may be created in the depleted concentration polarization zones of a material stimulating electroosmosis of the second kind. The potential of this induced-charge electroosmosis with respect to nonlinear flow velocities and electrokinetic instability mixing (basically destroying the concentration polarization zones) is analyzed in view of the pore space morphology in random-close packings of spherical-shaped, porous particles and hierarchically structured monoliths. Possible applications based on a fine-tuning of the illustrated effects emerge for microfluidic pumping and mixing, or the intensification of sample recovery in adsorption processes. With this perspective we want to focus the attention on concentration polarization in electrochromatographic systems by presenting and discussing original data acquired on relevant microscopic as well as macroscopic scales, and point towards the importance of related effects in colloid and membrane science.*

Microstructure of a safe-end dissimilar metal weld joint (SA508-52-316L) prepared by narrow-gap GTAW

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

Ming, Hongliang

The microstructure, residual strain and interfacial chemical composition distribution of a safe-end dissimilar metal weld joint (DMWJ, SA508-52-316L) prepared by narrow-gap gas-tungsten arc welding (NG-GTAW) were studied by optical microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM/EDX) and an electron back scattering diffraction (EBSD) system. Complex microstructure and chemical composition distribution are found, especially at the SA508-52 interface and the 52-316L interface. In brief, a complicated microstructure transition exists within the SA508 heat affected zone (HAZ); the residual strain, the fraction of high angle random grain boundaries and low angle boundaries decrease with increasingmore » the distance from the fusion boundary in 316L HAZ; neither typical type II boundary nor obvious carbon-depleted zone is found near the SA508-52 interface; dramatic and complicated changes of the contents of the main elements, Fe, Cr and Ni, are observed at the distinct interfaces, especially at the SA508-52 interface. No carbon concentration is found at the SA508-52 interface. - Highlights: •Residual strain and GBCD change as a function of the distance from FB in 316L HAZ. •Neither type II boundary nor obvious carbon-depleted zone is found in SA508 HAZ. •No carbon concentration is found at the SA508-52 interface. •The middle part of the DMWJ has the highest residual strain.« less

Implications of Eocene-age Philippine Sea and forearc basalts for initiation and early history of the Izu-Bonin-Mariana arc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yogodzinski, Gene M.; Bizimis, Michael; Hickey-Vargas, Rosemary; McCarthy, Anders; Hocking, Benjamin D.; Savov, Ivan P.; Ishizuka, Osamu; Arculus, Richard

2018-05-01

Whole-rock isotope ratio (Hf, Nd, Pb, Sr) and trace element data for basement rocks at ocean drilling Sites U1438, 1201 and 447 immediately west of the KPR (Kyushu-Palau Ridge) are compared to those of FAB (forearc basalts) previously interpreted to be the initial products of IBM subduction volcanism. West-of-KPR basement basalts (drill sites U1438, 1201, 447) and FAB occupy the same Hf-Nd and Pb-Pb isotopic space and share distinctive source characteristics with εHf mostly > 16.5 and up to εHf = 19.8, which is more radiogenic than most Indian mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB). Lead isotopic ratios are depleted, with 206Pb/204Pb = 17.8-18.8 accompanying relatively high 208Pb/204Pb, indicating an Indian-MORB source unlike that of West Philippine Basin plume basalts. Some Sr isotopes show affects of seawater alteration, but samples with 87Sr/86Sr < 0.7034 and εNd > 8.0 appear to preserve magmatic compositions and also indicate a common source for west-of-KPR basement and FAB. Trace element ratios resistant to seawater alteration (La/Yb, Lu/Hf, Zr/Nb, Sm/Nd) in west-of-KPR basement are generally more depleted than normal MORB and so also appear similar to FAB. At Site U1438, only andesite sills intruding sedimentary rocks overlying the basement have subduction-influenced geochemical characteristics (εNd ∼ 6.6, εHf ∼ 13.8, La/Yb > 2.5, Nd/Hf ∼ 9). The key characteristic that unites drill site basement rocks west of KPR and FAB is the nature of their source, which is more depleted in lithophile trace elements than average MORB but with Hf, Nd, and Pb isotope ratios that are common in MORB. The lithophile element-depleted nature of FAB has been linked to initiation of IBM subduction in the Eocene, but Sm-Nd model ages and errorchron relationships in Site U1438 basement indicate that the depleted character of the rocks is a regional characteristic that was produced well prior to the time of subduction initiation and persists today in the source of modern IBM arc volcanic rocks with Sm/Nd > 0.34 and εNd ∼ 9.0.

Depletion and capture: revisiting “The source of water derived from wells"

USGS Publications Warehouse

Konikow, Leonard F.; Leake, Stanley A.

2014-01-01

A natural consequence of groundwater withdrawals is the removal of water from subsurface storage, but the overall rates and magnitude of groundwater depletion and capture relative to groundwater withdrawals (extraction or pumpage) have not previously been well characterized. This study assesses the partitioning of long-term cumulative withdrawal volumes into fractions derived from storage depletion and capture, where capture includes both increases in recharge and decreases in discharge. Numerical simulation of a hypothetical groundwater basin is used to further illustrate some of Theis' (1940) principles, particularly when capture is constrained by insufficient available water. Most prior studies of depletion and capture have assumed that capture is unconstrained through boundary conditions that yield linear responses. Examination of real systems indicates that capture and depletion fractions are highly variable in time and space. For a large sample of long-developed groundwater systems, the depletion fraction averages about 0.15 and the capture fraction averages about 0.85 based on cumulative volumes. Higher depletion fractions tend to occur in more arid regions, but the variation is high and the correlation coefficient between average annual precipitation and depletion fraction for individual systems is only 0.40. Because 85% of long-term pumpage is derived from capture in these real systems, capture must be recognized as a critical factor in assessing water budgets, groundwater storage depletion, and sustainability of groundwater development. Most capture translates into streamflow depletion, so it can detrimentally impact ecosystems.

Use of airborne gamma-ray spectrometry for kaolin exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tourlière, B.; Perrin, J.; Le Berre, P.; Pasquet, J. F.

2003-08-01

Airborne gamma-ray spectrometry was used to define targets with kaolin potential in the Armorican Massif of Brittany, France. This exploration method is based on the principle that kaolinite, an aluminosilicate clay mineral constituting kaolin, is formed by the hydrolysis of potash feldspar with the elimination of potassium. Therefore, potassium contrast between favourable host-rock such as a leucogranite and kaolin occurrence is likely a significant pathfinder. As the relationship between the potassium-40 recorded by an airborne gamma-ray spectrometer and total potassium is constant, such data provide us a direct measurement of the potassium content of the ground flown over. Our study tested this by calculating, for each geological unit, the difference between the measured and average potassium content calculated for a given geological formation. The study was based on (i) a recent (1998) high-definition airborne geophysical survey over the Armorican Massif undertaken on behalf of the French Government, and (ii) new geological compilation maps covering the same region. Depleted zones, where the measured potassium is less than the average potassium content calculated target areas with high potential of containing kaolin, provided that the unit was originally rich in potash feldspar. By applying this method to the entire Armorican Massif, it was possible to identify 150 potassium-depleted zones, including 115 that were subjected to rapid field checks and 36 that contained kaolin (21 new discoveries). This method, which is both safe for the environment and easy to use, is therefore a good tool for rapidly defining targets with kaolin potential at a regional scale. The method may also have possibilities in exploring for other types of deposit characterised by an enrichment or depletion in U, K and/or Th.

Some new features of ionospheric plasma depletions over the Indian zone using all sky optical imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sinha, H. S. S.; Raizada, S.

2000-08-01

An all sky optical imaging system was operated from Sriharikota rocket range (SHAR) (14° N, 80° E, 5.5° N dip latitude) during January-March, 1993 to observe ionospheric plasma depletions through 630 nm and 777.4 nm night glow emissions. Strong plasma depletions were observed only on four nights viz., 14, 17, 19 and 21 February, 1993. Except the 17 February, which was a magnetically disturbed day, all the other nights pertained to magnetically quiet period. A number of plasma depletion parameters such as, degree of depletion, east-west extent, tilt with respect to the geomagnetic field, inter-depletion distance, drift velocity and plasma enhancements or brightness patterns were estimated. Some of the important results are: (a) It was found that the east-west extent of plasma depletions varied with the degree of depletion; for the 630 nm images the degree of depletion ranged between 6-9% per 100 km east-west extent and for 777.4 nm images it was 3% per 100 km east-west extent, (b) The average inter-depletion distance (IDD) was in the range of 1500±100 km during the magnetically disturbed period and 740±60 km during quiet periods. This is suggestive of gravity wave modulation of the bottom side of the F-region. While the large scale gravity waves (1500±100 km) of auroral origin could be responsible during magnetically disturbed period, smaller scale gravity waves (740±60 km) having their origin in the lower atmosphere could produce initial perturbation in the bottom side of the F-region, (c) Plasma depletions are observed to have an eastward tilt in the range of 10-15° with respect to the geomagnetic field. It has been suggested here that these tilts are associated with the variation of plasma drift with altitude, (d) plasma depletions are observed to be moving eastwards with drift velocities in the range of 40-190 ms-1, and (e) Strong plasma enhancements or brightness patterns were observed on three nights. The degree of enhancement was by a factor of 1.4-3.8. These enhancements lasted for more than 15 minutes. Although, prima facie, these observations look similar to the transient brightness wave reported by Mendillo et al. (1997a), the high degree of enhancement and an extended duration of more than 15 minutes, observed in the present case, need to be understood.

A source-depleted Early Jurassic granitic pluton from South China: Implication to the Mesozoic juvenile accretion of the South China crust

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Zuo-Min; Ma, Chang-Qian; Wang, Lian-Xun; Chen, Shu-Guang; Xie, Cai-Fu; Li, Yong; Liu, Wei

2018-02-01

Source-depleted granites were rarely reported in South China. Hereby we identified such a granitic pluton, the Tiandong pluton, at Northeastern Guangdong province in Southeastern (SE) China. Whole-rock Sr-Nd and zircon Hf isotopes of the Tiandong granites both revealed obviously depleted source signatures, with initial isotopic values of initial 87Sr/86Sr = 0.7032-0.7040, εNd(t) = 1.1-1.5, and εHf(t) = 6-13, respectively. Zircon U-Pb dating implied the granite was intruded in Early Jurassic (188 Ma). The dominant minerals of the Tiandong granite consist of K-feldspar, plagioclase, quartz and biotite, with accessory mineral assemblage of apatite + zircon + magnetite. Based on the mineralogy and the depleted isotopic signature, the granites chemically show I-type affinity such as low Zr + Nb + Ce + Y (131.6 to 212.2), 104 × Ga/Al (2.12-2.27), A/CNK values < 1.1 (0.97-1.03), corundum molecule < 1 (0-0.55) and extremely low P2O5 contents (0.05 wt%). The one-stage and two-stage depleted mantle Nd model ages (TDM = 0.89 to 0.84 Ga, T2DM = 0.88 to 0.85 Ga) are consistent. TDM(Hf) values of 0.31-0.63 Ga are also indistinguishable from T2DM(Hf) values of 0.35-0.75 Ga. The Nd and Hf isotopic compositions confirm that the Tiandong granites are juvenile crustal accretion but decoupled Nd-Hf isotopic systems. The juvenile crust is likely to originate from a mixed source of the primary asthenospheric mantle and the subordinate EMII. Combined with early studies of adjacent rocks, we propose that the early Jurassic ( 200-175 Ma) magmatism as evidenced by the Tiandong granites might be driven by upwelling of asthenosphere and subsequent underplating of mafic melts in an intra-plate extensional setting as a response to far-field stress during early stage subduction of the paleo-pacific plate.

Army Net Zero Installation Initiative and Cost Benefit Analysis Activity

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-10-31

freshwater resources and returns water back to the same watershed so not to deplete the groundwater and surface water resources of that... freshwater resources & returns water back to the same watershed so not to deplete the groundwater & surface water resources of that region in quantity...Goals: Reduce freshwater demand through water efficiency & conservation Access/develop alternate water sources to offset freshwater demand Develop

Personal sound zone reproduction with room reflections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olik, Marek

Loudspeaker-based sound systems, capable of a convincing reproduction of different audio streams to listeners in the same acoustic enclosure, are a convenient alternative to headphones. Such systems aim to generate "sound zones" in which target sound programmes are to be reproduced with minimum interference from any alternative programmes. This can be achieved with appropriate filtering of the source (loudspeaker) signals, so that the target sound's energy is directed to the chosen zone while being attenuated elsewhere. The existing methods are unable to produce the required sound energy ratio (acoustic contrast) between the zones with a small number of sources when strong room reflections are present. Optimization of parameters is therefore required for systems with practical limitations to improve their performance in reflective acoustic environments. One important parameter is positioning of sources with respect to the zones and room boundaries. The first contribution of this thesis is a comparison of the key sound zoning methods implemented on compact and distributed geometrical source arrangements. The study presents previously unpublished detailed evaluation and ranking of such arrangements for systems with a limited number of sources in a reflective acoustic environment similar to a domestic room. Motivated by the requirement to investigate the relationship between source positioning and performance in detail, the central contribution of this thesis is a study on optimizing source arrangements when strong individual room reflections occur. Small sound zone systems are studied analytically and numerically to reveal relationships between the geometry of source arrays and performance in terms of acoustic contrast and array effort (related to system efficiency). Three novel source position optimization techniques are proposed to increase the contrast, and geometrical means of reducing the effort are determined. Contrary to previously published case studies, this work presents a systematic examination of the key problem of first order reflections and proposes general optimization techniques, thus forming an important contribution. The remaining contribution considers evaluation and comparison of the proposed techniques with two alternative approaches to sound zone generation under reflective conditions: acoustic contrast control (ACC) combined with anechoic source optimization and sound power minimization (SPM). The study provides a ranking of the examined approaches which could serve as a guideline for method selection for rooms with strong individual reflections.

Provenance and tectonic setting of the Neoproterozoic clastic rocks hosting the Banana Zone Cu-Ag mineralisation, northwest Botswana

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelepile, Tebogo; Bineli Betsi, Thierry; Franchi, Fulvio; Shemang, Elisha; Suh, Cheo Emmanuel

2017-05-01

Petrographic and geochemical data were combined in order to decipher the petrogenesis of the Neoproterozoic sedimentary succession associated with the Banana Zone Cu-Ag mineralisation (northwest Botswana), in the Kalahari Copperbelt. The investigated Neoproterozoic sedimentary succession is composed of two formations including the Ngwako Pan and the D'kar Formations. The Ngwako Pan Formation is made up of continental siliciclastic sediments, mainly sandstones interbedded with siltstones and mudstones, whereas the D'kar Formation is comprised of shallow marine laminated siltstones, sandstones and mudstones, with subordinate limestone. Copper-Ag mineralisation is essentially confined at the base of the D'kar Formation, which bears reduced organic components, likely to have controlled Cu-Ag precipitation. Sandstones of both the Ngwako Pan and the D'kar Formations are arkoses and subarkoses, composed of quartz (Q), feldspars (F) and lithic fragments (L). Moreover, geochemically the sandstones are considered as potassic and classified as arkoses. On the other hand, mudrocks of the D'kar Formation are finely laminated and are dominated by muscovite, sericite, chlorite and quartz. The modified chemical index of weathering (CIW‧) values indicated an intense chemical weathering of the source rock. The dominance of detrital quartz and feldspar grains coupled with Al2O3/TiO2 ratios (average 29.67 and 24.52 for Ngwako Pan and D'kar Formations, respectively) and Ni and Cr depletion in the sandstones, suggest a dominant felsic source. However, high concentrations of Ni and Cr and a low Al2O3/TiO2 ratio (<20) in the mudrocks of the D'kar Formation indicate a mixed source. Provenance of the investigated sandstones and mudrocks samples is further supported by the REE patterns, the size of Eu anomaly as well as La/Co, Th/Co, Th/Cr and Cr/Th ratios, which show a felsic source for the sandstones of both the Ngwako Pan and D'kar Formations and an intermediate source for the mudrocks of the D'kar Formation. Detrital modes (QFL diagrams) and geochemical characteristics of the sandstones of both the Ngwako Pan and D'kar Formations indicate that the detritus were probably supplied from a heavily weathered felsic continental block and deposited in a continental rift setting (passive margin) in a humid environment. The source rocks might have been the Palaeoproterozoic basement rocks (granitoids and granitic gneiss) and the Mesoproterozoic Kgwebe volcanic rocks exposed north of the study area.

Differentiation among Multiple Sources of Anthropogenic Nitrate in a Complex Groundwater System using Dual Isotope Systematics: A case study from Mortandad Canyon, New Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larson, T. E.; Perkins, G.; Longmire, P.; Heikoop, J. M.; Fessenden, J. E.; Rearick, M.; Fabyrka-Martin, J.; Chrystal, A. E.; Dale, M.; Simmons, A. M.

2009-12-01

The groundwater system beneath Los Alamos National Laboratory has been affected by multiple sources of anthropogenic nitrate contamination. Average NO3-N concentrations of up to 18.2±1.7 mg/L have been found in wells in the perched intermediate aquifer beneath one of the more affected sites within Mortandad Canyon. Sources of nitrate potentially reaching the alluvial and intermediate aquifers include: (1) sewage effluent, (2) neutralized nitric acid, (3) neutralized 15N-depleted nitric acid (treated waste from an experiment enriching nitric acid in 15N), and (4) natural background nitrate. Each of these sources is unique in δ18O and δ15N space. Using nitrate stable isotope ratios, a mixing model for the three anthropogenic sources of nitrate was established, after applying a linear subtraction of the background component. The spatial and temporal variability in nitrate contaminant sources through Mortandad Canyon is clearly shown in ternary plots. While microbial denitrification has been shown to change groundwater nitrate stable isotope ratios in other settings, the redox potential, relatively high dissolved oxygen content, increasing nitrate concentrations over time, and lack of observed NO2 in these wells suggest minimal changes to the stable isotope ratios have occurred. Temporal trends indicate that the earliest form of anthropogenic nitrate in this watershed was neutralized nitric acid. Alluvial wells preserve a trend of decreasing nitrate concentrations and mixing models show decreasing contributions of 15N-depleted nitric acid. Nearby intermediate wells show increasing nitrate concentrations and mixing models indicate a larger component derived from 15N-depleted nitric acid. These data indicate that the pulse of neutralized 15N-depleted nitric acid that was released into Mortandad Canyon between 1986 and 1989 has infiltrated through the alluvial aquifer and is currently affecting two intermediate wells. This hypothesis is consistent with previous research suggesting that the perched intermediate aquifers in the Mortandad Canyon watershed are recharged locally from the overlying alluvial aquifers.

How Jordan and Saudi Arabia are avoiding a tragedy of the commons over shared groundwater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Müller, Marc F.; Müller-Itten, Michèle C.; Gorelick, Steven M.

2017-07-01

Transboundary aquifers are ubiquitous and strategically important to global food and water security. Yet these shared resources are being depleted at an alarming rate. Focusing on the Disi aquifer, a key nonrenewable source of groundwater shared by Jordan and Saudi Arabia, this study develops a two-stage game that evaluates optimal transboundary strategies of common-pool resource exploitation under various assumptions. The analysis relies on estimates of agricultural water use from satellite imagery, which were obtained using three independent remote sensing approaches. Drawdown response to pumping is simulated using a 2-D regional aquifer model. Jordan and Saudi Arabia developed a buffer-zone strategy with a prescribed minimum distance between each country's pumping centers. We show that by limiting the marginal impact of pumping decisions on the other country's pumping costs, this strategy will likely avoid an impeding tragedy of the commons for at least 60 years. Our analysis underscores the role played by distance between wells and disparities in groundwater exploitation costs on common-pool overdraft. In effect, if pumping centers are distant enough, a shared aquifer no longer behaves as a common-pool resource and a tragedy of the commons can be avoided. The 2015 Disi aquifer pumping agreement between Jordan and Saudi Arabia, which in practice relies on a joint technical commission to enforce exclusion zones, is the first agreement of this type between sovereign countries and has a promising potential to avoid conflicts or resolve potential transboundary groundwater disputes over comparable aquifer systems elsewhere.

Distribution and Magnitude of Dinitrogen Fixation in the Eastern Tropical North Pacific Oxygen Deficient Zone.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Selden, C.; Mulholland, M. R.; Widner, B.; Bernhardt, P. W.; Macías Tapia, A.; Jayakumar, A.

2016-12-01

The Eastern Tropical North Pacific Ocean (ETNP) hosts one of the world's three major open ocean oxygen deficient zones (ODZs). Hotspots for fixed nitrogen (N) loss processes, ODZs have classically been discounted as areas of significant dinitrogen (N2) fixation, the microbe-mediated reduction of N2 to ammonium (NH4+), which has historically been ascribed primarily to euphotic, nutrient-deplete tropical waters. Challenging this paradigm, active expression of nifH (the dinitrogen reductase structural gene) has recently been documented in the ETNP, Eastern Tropical South Pacific, and Arabian Sea ODZs, implying a closer coupling of fixed nitrogen input and loss processes than previously thought. Here, we report rates of N­2 fixation measured in the ETNP ODZ along vertical gradients of oxygen, light, and dissolved N concentrations. Detailed vertical profiles of N2 fixation rates and dissolved N concentrations made within the ODZ were compared with similar profiles from oxic waters outside the ODZ. In addition, different organic carbon sources were investigated as potential rate-limiting factors for N2 fixation in sub-euphotic waters. By establishing the magnitude and distribution of N­2 fixation in the ETNP ODZ, this study contributes to current understanding of N cycling in anoxic and aphotic waters, and serves to elucidate nuances in the global N budget, enabling more accurate biogeochemical modeling. Understanding these processes in present day ODZs is crucial for predicting how ongoing anthropogenic intensification of coastal ODZs will alter biogeochemical cycles in the future.

Microbial Methane Oxidation Rates in Guandu Wetland of northern Taiwan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Zih-Huei; Wang, Pei-Ling; Lin, Li-Hung

2016-04-01

Wetland is one of the major sources of atmospheric methane. The exact magnitude of methane emission is essentially controlled by microbial processes. Besides of methanogenesis, methanotrophy oxidizes methane with the reduction of various electron acceptors under oxic or anoxic conditions. The interplay of these microbial activities determines the final methane flux under different circumstances. In a tidal wetland, the cyclic flooding and recession of tide render oxygen and sulfate the dominant electron acceptors for methane oxidation. However, the details have not been fully examined, especially for the linkage between potential methane oxidation rates and in situ condition. In this study, a sub-tropical wetland in northern Taiwan, Guandu, was chosen to examine the tidal effect on microbial methane regulation. Several sediment cores were retrieved during high tide and low tide period and their geochemical profiles were characterized to demonstrate in situ microbial activities. Incubation experiments were conducted to estimate potential aerobic and anaerobic methane oxidation rates in surface and core sediments. Sediment cores collected in high tide and low tide period showed different geochemical characteristics, owning to tidal inundation. Chloride and sulfate concentration were lower during low tide period. A spike of enhanced sulfate at middle depth intervals was sandwiched by two sulfate depleted zones above and underneath. Methane was accumulated significantly with two methane depletion zones nearly mirroring the sulfate spike zone identified. During the high tide period, sulfate decreased slightly with depth with methane production inhibited at shallow depths. However, a methane consumption zone still occurred near the surface. Potential aerobic methane oxidation rates were estimated between 0.7 to 1.1 μmole/g/d, showing no difference between the samples collected at high tide or low tide period. However, a lag phase was widely observed and the lag phase lasted over a longer period of time for the samples collected in high tide period. It seems that aerobic methanotrophs needed a longer period of time to recovery and/or had low activities, since they had been suppressed by low oxygen concentration during high tide period. The rates of anaerobic methane oxidation ranged between 1.5 and 4.0 nmole/g/d for samples collected at high tide period, whereas lower rates ranging from 0.2 to 2.0 nmole/g/d were observed for samples at low tide period. The addition of basal salt solution apparently stimulated methane consumption significantly. Based on the field observation and laboratory incubations, our results indicated a dynamic shift of metabolic zonation in tidally influenced wetlands. Aerobic methanotrophy appears to outpace anaerobic methanotrophy by orders of magnitude regardless of tidal inundation. This together with methanogenesis regulated by the availability of sulfate and organic degradation plays a major role in controlling methane emission. While anaerobic methanotrophy is relatively minor in methane cycling, its linkage with the sulfate availability modulates the coupling of carbon and sulfur turnover under anoxic conditions.

Nitrous Oxide Production in an Eastern Corn Belt Soil: Sources and Redox Range

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Nitrous oxide (N2O) derived from soils is a main contributor to the greenhouse gas effect and a precursor to ozone-depleting substrates; however, the source processes and interacting controls are not well established. This study was conducted to estimate magnitude and source (nitrification vs. denit...

Effects of Subsurface Microbial Ecology on Geochemical Evolution of a Crude-Oil Contaminated Aquifer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bekins, B. A.; Cozzarelli, I. M.; Godsy, E. M.; Warren, E.; Hostettler, F. D.

2001-12-01

We have identified several subsurface habitats for microorganisms in a crude oil contaminated located near Bemidji, Minnesota. These aquifer habitats include: 1) the unsaturated zone contaminated by hydrocarbon vapors, 2) the zones containing separate-phase crude oil, and 3) the aqueous-phase contaminant plume. The surficial glacial outwash aquifer was contaminated when a crude oil pipeline burst in 1979. We analyzed sediment samples from the contaminated aquifer for the most probable numbers of aerobes, iron reducers, fermenters, and three types of methanogens. The microbial data were then related to gas, water, and oil chemistry, sediment extractable iron, and permeability. The microbial populations in the various contaminated subsurface habitats each have special characteristics and these affect the aquifer and contaminant chemistry. In the eight-meter-thick, vapor-contaminated vadose zone, a substantial aerobic population has developed that is supported by hydrocarbon vapors and methane. Microbial numbers peak in locations where access to both hydrocarbons and nutrients infiltrating from the surface is maximized. The activity of this population prevents hydrocarbon vapors from reaching the land surface. In the zone where separate-phase crude oil is present, a consortium of methanogens and fermenters dominates the populations both above and below the water table. Moreover, gas concentration data indicate that methane production has been active in the oily zone since at least 1986. Analyses of the extracted separate-phase oil show that substantial degradation of C15 -C35 n-alkanes has occurred since 1983, raising the possibility that significant degradation of C15 and higher n-alkanes has occurred under methanogenic conditions. However, lab and field data suggest that toxic inhibition by crude oil results in fewer acetate-utilizing methanogens within and adjacent to the separate-phase oil. Data from this and other sites indicate that toxic inhibition of acetoclastic methanogenesis in the proximity of separate phase contaminant sources may result in build-up of acetate in contaminant plumes. Within the aqueous-phase contaminant plume steep vertical hydrocarbon concentration gradients are associated with sharp transitions in the dominant microbial population. In the 20 years since the aquifer became contaminated, sediment iron oxides have been depleted and the dominant physiologic type has changed in areas of high contaminant flux from iron reducing to methanogenic. Thus, methanogens are found in high permeability horizons down gradient from the oil while iron reducers persist in low permeability zones. Expansion of the methanogenic zone over time has resulted in a concomitant increase in the aquifer volume contaminated with the highest concentrations of benzene and ethylbenzene.

Silica-undersaturated reaction zones at a crust-mantle interface in the Highland Complex, Sri Lanka: Mass transfer and melt infiltration during high-temperature metasomatism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernando, G. W. A. R.; Dharmapriya, P. L.; Baumgartner, Lukas P.

2017-07-01

Sri Lanka is a crucial Gondwana fragment mostly composed of granulitic rocks in the Highland Complex surrounded by rocks with granulite to amphibolite grade in the Vijayan and Wanni Complex that were structurally juxtaposed during Pan-African orogeny. Fluids associated with granulite-facies metamorphism are thought to have controlled various lower crustal processes such as dehydration/hydration reactions, partial melting, and high-temperature metasomatism. Chemical disequilibrium in the hybrid contact zone between a near peak post-tectonic ultramafic enclave and siliceous granulitic gneiss at Rupaha within the Highland Complex produced metasomatic reaction zones under the presence of melt. Different reaction zones observed in the contact zone show the mineral assemblages phlogopite + spinel + sapphirine (zone A), spinel + sapphirine + corundum (zone B), corundum ( 30%) + biotite + plagioclase zone (zone C) and plagioclase + biotite + corundum ( 5%) zone (zone D). Chemical potential diagrams and mass balance reveal that the addition of Mg from ultramafic rocks and removal of Si from siliceous granulitic gneiss gave rise to residual enrichment of Al in the metasomatized mineral assemblages. We propose that contact metasomatism between the two units, promoted by melt influx, caused steady state diffusional transport across the profile. Corundum growth was promoted by the strong residual Al enrichment and Si depletion in reaction zone whereas sapphirine may have been formed under high Mg activity near the ultramafic rocks. Modelling also indicated that metasomatic alteration occurred at ca. 850 °C at 9 kbar, which is consistent with post-peak metamorphic conditions reached during the initial stage of exhumation in the lower crust and with temperature calculations based on conventional geothermometry.

Submarine Alkalic Lavas Around the Hawaiian Hotspot; Plume and Non-Plume Signatures Determined by Noble Gases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanyu, T.; Clague, D. A.; Kaneoka, I.; Dunai, T. J.; Davies, G. R.

2004-12-01

Noble gas isotopic ratios were determined for submarine alkalic volcanic rocks distributed around the Hawaiian islands to constrain the origin of such alkalic volcanism. Samples were collected by dredging or using submersibles from the Kauai Channel between Oahu and Kauai, north of Molokai, northwest of Niihau, Southwest Oahu, South Arch and North Arch volcanic fields. Sites located downstream from the center of the hotspot have 3He/4He ratios close to MORB at about 8 Ra, demonstrating that the magmas erupted at these sites had minimum contribution of volatiles from a mantle plume. In contrast, the South Arch, located upstream of the hotspot on the Hawaiian Arch, has 3He/4He ratios between 17 and 21 Ra, indicating a strong plume influence. Differences in noble gas isotopic characteristics between alkalic volcanism downstream and upstream of the hotspot imply that upstream volcanism contains incipient melts from an upwelling mantle plume, having primitive 3He/4He. In combination with lithophile element isotopic data, we conclude that the most likely source of the upstream magmatism is depleted asthenospheric mantle that has been metasomatised by incipient melt from a mantle plume. After major melt extraction from the mantle plume during production of magmas for the shield stage, the plume material is highly depleted in noble gases and moderately depleted in lithophile elements. Partial melting of the depleted mantle impregnated by melts derived from this volatile depleted plume source may explain the isotopic characteristics of the downstream alkalic magmatism.

Developing novel peat isotope proxies from vascular plant-dominated peatlands of New Zealand to reconstruct Southern Hemisphere climate dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roland, T.; Amesbury, M. J.; Charman, D.; Newnham, R.; Royles, J.; Griffiths, H.; Ratcliffe, J.; Rees, A.; Campbell, D.; Baisden, T.; Keller, E. D.

2017-12-01

The Southern Annular Mode (SAM) is a key control on the strength and position of the southern westerly winds (SWW), which are a major influence on Southern Hemisphere (SH) mid- to high-latitude climate. A shift towards a more positive SAM has occurred since the 1950s, driven by ozone layer thinning and enhanced by greenhouse gas driven warming. Although these recent changes are thought to be unprecedented over the last 1000 years, the longer-term behaviour of the SAM is poorly understood. We are developing stable isotope proxies from plant cellulose in vascular plant-dominated (Empodisma spp.) peatlands in New Zealand that we hypothesise are related to changes in past temperature (δ13C) and precipitation moisture source (δ18O). The moisture source signal is driven by the balance between Southern Ocean sources (depleted δ18O) and sub-tropical sources (enriched δ18O), reflecting the relative states of SAM and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation. We aim to provide palaeoclimatic context for the recent positive trend in the SAM, and explore the long-term relationship between the SAM and ENSO, testing the contention that tropical Pacific variability is a key influence on past and future SAM variability. Terrestrial palaeoclimate records in the Southern Hemisphere are often spatially isolated and temporally fragmented. However, New Zealand is ideally placed to test such hypotheses as it registers strong correlations between SAM, temperature and precipitation, and it straddles the zone of interaction between the SWW and sub-tropical moisture sources, reflected in a strong precipitation δ18O gradient. We report data from surface samples across New Zealand and explore the spatial and temporal patterns in stable isotopes in cellulose and water that we will use to interpret the palaeoenvironmental data. Preliminary downcore data will be used to demonstrate the efficacy of this approach to reconstructing moisture sources and temperature linked to moisture source variability.

The Interplay between Carbon Availability and Growth in Different Zones of the Growing Maize Leaf1[OPEN

PubMed Central

Arrivault, Stéphanie; Lohse, Marc A.; Feil, Regina; Krohn, Nicole; Encke, Beatrice; Nunes-Nesi, Adriano; Fernie, Alisdair R.; Stitt, Mark

2016-01-01

Plants assimilate carbon in their photosynthetic tissues in the light. However, carbon is required during the night and in nonphotosynthetic organs. It is therefore essential that plants manage their carbon resources spatially and temporally and coordinate growth with carbon availability. In growing maize (Zea mays) leaf blades, a defined developmental gradient facilitates analyses in the cell division, elongation, and mature zones. We investigated the responses of the metabolome and transcriptome and polysome loading, as a qualitative proxy for protein synthesis, at dusk, dawn, and 6, 14, and 24 h into an extended night, and tracked whole-leaf elongation over this time course. Starch and sugars are depleted by dawn in the mature zone, but only after an extension of the night in the elongation and division zones. Sucrose (Suc) recovers partially between 14 and 24 h into the extended night in the growth zones, but not the mature zone. The global metabolome and transcriptome track these zone-specific changes in Suc. Leaf elongation and polysome loading in the growth zones also remain high at dawn, decrease between 6 and 14 h into the extended night, and then partially recover, indicating that growth processes are determined by local carbon status. The level of Suc-signaling metabolite trehalose-6-phosphate, and the trehalose-6-phosphate:Suc ratio are much higher in growth than mature zones at dusk and dawn but fall in the extended night. Candidate genes were identified by searching for transcripts that show characteristic temporal response patterns or contrasting responses to carbon starvation in growth and mature zones. PMID:27582314

Evaluating the combined effects of source zone mass release rates and aquifer heterogeneity on solute discharge uncertainty

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Barros, Felipe P. J.

2018-07-01

Quantifying the uncertainty in solute mass discharge at an environmentally sensitive location is key to assess the risks due to groundwater contamination. Solute mass fluxes are strongly affected by the spatial variability of hydrogeological properties as well as release conditions at the source zone. This paper provides a methodological framework to investigate the interaction between the ubiquitous heterogeneity of the hydraulic conductivity and the mass release rate at the source zone on the uncertainty of mass discharge. Through the use of perturbation theory, we derive analytical and semi-analytical expressions for the statistics of the solute mass discharge at a control plane in a three-dimensional aquifer while accounting for the solute mass release rates at the source. The derived solutions are limited to aquifers displaying low-to-mild heterogeneity. Results illustrate the significance of the source zone mass release rate in controlling the mass discharge uncertainty. The relative importance of the mass release rate on the mean solute discharge depends on the distance between the source and the control plane. On the other hand, we find that the solute release rate at the source zone has a strong impact on the variance of the mass discharge. Within a risk context, we also compute the peak mean discharge as a function of the parameters governing the spatial heterogeneity of the hydraulic conductivity field and mass release rates at the source zone. The proposed physically-based framework is application-oriented, computationally efficient and capable of propagating uncertainty from different parameters onto risk metrics. Furthermore, it can be used for preliminary screening purposes to guide site managers to perform system-level sensitivity analysis and better allocate resources.

The significance of intergranular diffusion to the mechanisms and kinetics of porphyroblast crystallization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carlson, William D.

1989-09-01

The spatial disposition, compositional zoning profiles, and size distributions of garnet crystals in 11 specimens of pelitic schist from the Picuris Range of New Mexico (USA) demonstrate that the kinetics of intergranular diffusion controlled the nucleation and growth mechanisms of porphyroblasts in these rocks. An ordered disposition of garnet centers and a significant correlation between crystal radius and near-neighbor distances manifest suppressed nucleation of new crystals in diffusionally depleted zones surrounding pre-existing crystals. Compositional zoning profiles require diffusionally controlled growth, the rate of which increases exponentially as temperature increases with time; an acceleration factor for growth rate can be estimated from a comparison of compositional profiles for crystals of different sizes in each specimen. Crystal size distributions are interpreted as the result of nucleation rates that accelerate exponentially with increasing temperature early in the crystallization process, but decline in the later stages because of suppression effects in the vicinity of earlier-formed nuclei. Simulations of porphyroblast crystallization, based upon thermally accelerated diffusionally influenced nucleation kinetics and diffusionally controlled growth kinetics, quantitatively replicate textural relations in the rocks. The simulations employ only two variable parameters, which are evaluated by fitting of crystal size distributions. Both have physical significance. The first is an acceleration factor for nucleation, with a magnitude reflecting the prograde increase during the nucleation interval of the chemical affinity for the reaction in undepleted regions of the rock. The second is a measure of the relative sizes of the porphyroblast and the diffusionally depleted zone surrounding it. Crystal size distributions for the Picuris Range garnets correspond very closely to those in the literature from a variety of other localities for garnet and other minerals. The same kinetic model accounts quantitatively for crystal size distributions of porphyroblastic garnet, phlogopite, sphene, and pyroxene in rocks from both regional and contact metamorphic occurrences. These commonalities indicate that intergranular diffusion may be the dominant kinetic factor in the crystallization of porphyroblasts in a wide variety of metamorphic environments.

Computerized Workstation for Tsunami Hazard Monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lavrentiev-Jr, Mikhail; Marchuk, Andrey; Romanenko, Alexey; Simonov, Konstantin; Titov, Vasiliy

2010-05-01

We present general structure and functionality of the proposed Computerized Workstation for Tsunami Hazard Monitoring (CWTHM). The tool allows interactive monitoring of hazard, tsunami risk assessment, and mitigation - at all stages, from the period of strong tsunamigenic earthquake preparation to inundation of the defended coastal areas. CWTHM is a software-hardware complex with a set of software applications, optimized to achieve best performance on hardware platforms in use. The complex is calibrated for selected tsunami source zone(s) and coastal zone(s) to be defended. The number of zones (both source and coastal) is determined, or restricted, by available hardware resources. The presented complex performs monitoring of selected tsunami source zone via the Internet. The authors developed original algorithms, which enable detection of the preparation zone of the strong underwater earthquake automatically. For the so-determined zone the event time, magnitude and spatial location of tsunami source are evaluated by means of energy of the seismic precursors (foreshocks) analysis. All the above parameters are updated after each foreshock. Once preparing event is detected, several scenarios are forecasted for wave amplitude parameters as well as the inundation zone. Estimations include the lowest and the highest wave amplitudes and the least and the most inundation zone. In addition to that, the most probable case is calculated. In case of multiple defended coastal zones, forecasts and estimates can be done in parallel. Each time the simulated model wave reaches deep ocean buoys or tidal gauge, expected values of wave parameters and inundation zones are updated with historical events information and pre-calculated scenarios. The Method of Splitting Tsunami (MOST) software package is used for mathematical simulation. The authors suggest code acceleration for deep water wave propagation. As a result, performance is 15 times faster compared to MOST, original version. Performance gain is achieved by compiler options, use of optimized libraries, and advantages of OpenMP parallel technology. Moreover, it is possible to achieve 100 times code acceleration by using modern Graphics Processing Units (GPU). Parallel evaluation of inundation zones for multiple coastal zones is also available. All computer codes can be easily assembled under MS Windows and Unix OS family. Although software is virtually platform independent, the most performance gain is achieved while using the recommended hardware components. When the seismic event occurs, all valuable parameters are updated with seismic data and wave propagation monitoring is enabled. As soon as the wave passes each deep ocean tsunameter, parameters of the initial displacement at source are updated from direct calculations based on original algorithms. For better source reconstruction, a combination of two methods is used: optimal unit source linear combination from preliminary calculated database and direct numerical inversion along the wave ray between real source and particular measurement buoys. Specific dissipation parameter along with the wave ray is also taken into account. During the entire wave propagation process the expected wave parameters and inundation zone(s) characteristics are updated with all available information. If recommended hardware components are used, monitoring results are available in real time. The suggested version of CWTHM has been tested by analyzing seismic precursors (foreshocks) and the measured tsunami waves at North Pacific for the Central Kuril's tsunamigenic earthquake of November 15, 2006.

Testing the concept of drift shadow at Yucca Mountain, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Paces, J.B.; Neymark, L.A.; Ghezzehei, T.; Dobson, P.F.

2006-01-01

If proven, the concept of drift shadow, a zone of reduced water content and slower ground-water travel time beneath openings in fractured rock of the unsaturated zone, may increase performance of a proposed geologic repository for high-level radioactive waste at Yucca Mountain, To test this concept under natural-flow conditions present in the proposed repository horizon, isotopes within the uranium-series decay chain (uranium-238, uranium-234, and thorium-230, or 238U-234U-230Th) have been analyzed in samples of rock from beneath four naturally occurring lithophysal cavities. All rock samples show 234U depletion relative to parent 238U indicating varying degrees of water-rock interaction over the past million years. Variations in 234U/238U activity ratios indicate that depletion of 234U relative to 238U can be either smaller or greater in rock beneath cavity floors relative to rock near cavity margins. These results are consistent with the concept of drift shadow and with numerical simulations of meter-scale spherical cavities in fractured tuff. Differences in distribution patterns of 234U/ 238U activity ratios in rock beneath the cavity floors are interpreted to reflect differences in the amount of past seepage into lithophysal cavities, as indicated by the abundance of secondary mineral deposits present on the cavity floors.

Application of a Persistent Dissolved-phase Reactive Treatment Zone for Mitigation of Mass Discharge from Sources Located in Lower-Permeability Sediments

PubMed Central

Marble, J.C.; Brusseau, M.L.; Carroll, K.C.; Plaschke, M.; Fuhrig, L.; Brinker, F.

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study is to examine the development and effectiveness of a persistent dissolved-phase treatment zone, created by injecting potassium permanganate solution, for mitigating discharge of contaminant from a source zone located in a relatively deep, low-permeability formation. A localized 1,1-dichloroethene (DCE) source zone comprising dissolved- and sorbed-phase mass is present in lower permeability strata adjacent to a sand/gravel unit in a section of the Tucson International Airport Area (TIAA) Superfund Site. The results of bench-scale studies conducted using core material collected from boreholes drilled at the site indicated that natural oxidant demand was low, which would promote permanganate persistence. The reactive zone was created by injecting a permanganate solution into multiple wells screened across the interface between the lower-permeability and higher-permeability units. The site has been monitored for nine years to characterize the spatial distribution of DCE and permanganate. Permanganate continues to persist at the site, and a substantial and sustained decrease in DCE concentrations in groundwater has occurred after the permanganate injection.. These results demonstrate successful creation of a long-term, dissolved-phase reactive-treatment zone that reduced mass discharge from the source. This project illustrates the application of in-situ chemical oxidation as a persistent dissolved-phase reactive-treatment system for lower-permeability source zones, which appears to effectively mitigate persistent mass discharge into groundwater. PMID:26300570

Persistence of artificial sweeteners in a 15-year-old septic system plume

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robertson, W. D.; Van Stempvoort, D. R.; Solomon, D. K.; Homewood, J.; Brown, S. J.; Spoelstra, J.; Schiff, S. L.

2013-01-01

SummaryGroundwater contamination from constituents such as NO3-, often occurs where multiple sources are present making source identification difficult. This study examines a suite of major ions and trace organic constituents within a well defined septic system plume in southern Ontario, Canada (Long Point site) for their potential use as wastewater tracers. The septic system has been operating for 20 years servicing a large, seasonal-use campground and tritium/helium age dating indicates that the 200 m long monitored section of the plume is about 15 years old. Four parameters are elevated along the entire length of the plume as follows; the mean electrical conductivity value (EC) in the distal plume zone is 926 μS/cm which is 74% of the mean value below the tile bed, Na+ (14.7 mg/L) is 43%, an artificial sweetener, acesulfame (12.1 μg/L) is 23% and Cl- (71.5 mg/L) is 137%. EC and Cl- appear to be affected by dispersive dilution with overlying background groundwater that has lower EC but has locally higher Cl- as result of the use of a dust suppressant (CaCl2) in the campground. Na+, in addition to advective dilution, could be depleted by weak adsorption. Acesulfame, in addition to the above processes could be influenced by increasing consumer use in recent years. Nonetheless, both Na+ and acesulfame remain elevated throughout the plume by factors of more than 100 and 1000 respectively compared to background levels, and are strong indicators of wastewater impact at this site. EC and Cl- are less useful because their contrast with background values is much less (EC) or because other sources are present (Cl-). Nutrients (NO3-, NH4+, PO43-, K+) and pathogens (Escherichia coli) do not persist in the distal plume zone and are less useful as wastewater indicators here. The artificial sweetener, acesulfame, has persisted at high concentrations in the Long Point plume for at least 15 years (and this timing agrees with tritium/helium-3 dating) and this compound likely occurs at uniquely high concentrations in domestic wastewater. As such, it holds considerable promise as a powerful new tracer of wastewater impact in groundwater.

Search for the source of an apparent interfacial resistance to mass transfer of CnEm surfactants to the water/oil interface.

PubMed

Huston, Kyle J; Kiemen, Ashley; Larson, Ronald G

2018-06-12

Experiments have shown that relaxation of oil/water interfacial tension by adsorption of alkyl ethoxylate surfactants from water onto an oil droplet is delayed relative to diffusion-controlled adsorption. We examine possible causes of this delay, and we show that several are implausible. We find that re-dissolution of the surfactant in the oil droplet cannot explain the apparent interfacial resistance at short times, because the interface will preferentially fill before any such re-dissolution occurs. We also perform umbrella sampling with molecular dynamics simulation and do not find any evidence of a free energy barrier or low-diffusivity zone near the interface. Nor do we find evidence from simulation that pre-micellar aggregation slows diffusion enough to cause the observed resistance to interfacial adsorption. We are therefore unable to pinpoint the cause of the resistance, but we suggest that "dead time" associated with the experimental method could be responsible - specifically a local depletion of surfactant by the ejected droplet when creating the fresh interface between the oil and water.

Oyster reef restoration in controlling coastal pollution around India: A viewpoint.

PubMed

Chakraborty, Parthasarathi

2017-02-15

Coastal waters receive large amounts of nutrients and pollutants from different point and nonpoint sources through bays and estuaries. Excess supply of nutrients in coastal waters may have detrimental effects, leading to hypoxia and anoxia from eutrophication. Reduction in concentrations of excess nutrients/pollutants in bays/estuarine system is must for healthy coastal ecosystem functioning. Conservations of bays, estuaries and coastal zones are must for sustainable development in any maritime country. Excellent ability of oyster in removing and controlling the concentrations of nutrients, pollutants, suspended particulate matters from bays and estuarine waters stimulated me to provide a viewpoint on oyster reef restoration in controlling nutrient/heavy metals fluxes and marine coastal pollution around India. Oyster reefs restoration may decrease nutrient and heavy metals fluxes in coastal waters and reduce the intensity of oxygen depletion in the coastal Arabian Sea (seasonal) and Bay of Bengal. However, extensive research is recommended to understand the impact of oyster reef restoration in controlling coastal pollution which is essential for sustainable development around India. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Highly alkaline lavas in a Proterozoic rift zone: Implications for Precambrian mantle metasomatic processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaonac'h, H.; Ludden, J. N.; Picard, C.; Francis, D.

1992-03-01

An occurrence of Proterozoic nephelinite and basanite lavas and pyroclastic rocks and associated phonolites indicates that the processes that generate modern alkaline magmas in intraplate settings were operative in the Early Proterozoic. These lavas occur near the top of a 1.9 Ga continental-margin sequence in the Cape Smith fold and thrust belt of northern Quebec. The lavas are classified as nephelinites, basanites, and phonolites on the basis of high field strength and rare earth element contents, although large ion lithophile elements, including alkalis, appear to have been strongly depleted by greenschist facies metamorphism and alteration. Certain major elements define trends consistent with low-pressure fractionation dominated by clinopyroxene, which is the only mafic phenocryst present in the lavas. The mafic and felsic lavas have identical 143Nd/144Nd ratios, consistent with consanguinity and a lack of contamination by older crust of the Superior province. Values for ɛNd (1.96 Ga) of +2 represent an enriched mantle source relative to +4 to +5 for the contemporaneous mid-oceanic-ridge basalt reservoir.

New insights into Mo and Ru isotope variation in the nebula and terrestrial planet accretionary genetics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bermingham, K. R.; Worsham, E. A.; Walker, R. J.

2018-04-01

When corrected for the effects of cosmic ray exposure, Mo and Ru nucleosynthetic isotope anomalies in iron meteorites from at least nine different parent bodies are strongly correlated in a manner consistent with variable depletion in s-process nucleosynthetic components. In contrast to prior studies, the new results show no significant deviations from a single correlation trend. In the refined Mo-Ru cosmic correlation, a distinction between the non-carbonaceous (NC) group and carbonaceous chondrite (CC) group is evident. Members of the NC group are characterized by isotope compositions reflective of variable s-process depletion. Members of the CC group analyzed here plot in a tight cluster and have the most s-process depleted Mo and Ru isotopic compositions, with Mo isotopes also slightly enriched in r- and possibly p-process contributions. This indicates that the nebular feeding zone of the NC group parent bodies was characterized by Mo and Ru with variable s-process contributions, but with the two elements always mixed in the same proportions. The CC parent bodies sampled here, by contrast, were derived from a nebular feeding zone that had been mixed to a uniform s-process depleted Mo-Ru isotopic composition. Six molybdenite samples, four glacial diamictites, and two ocean island basalts were analyzed to provide a preliminary constraint on the average Mo isotope composition of the bulk silicate Earth (BSE). Combined results yield an average μ97Mo value of +3 ± 6. This value, coupled with a previously reported μ100Ru value of +1 ± 7 for the BSE, indicates that the isotopic composition of the BSE falls precisely on the refined Mo-Ru cosmic correlation. The overlap of the BSE with the correlation implies that there was homogeneous accretion of siderophile elements for the final accretion of 10 to 20 wt% of Earth's mass. The only known cosmochemical materials with an isotopic match to the BSE, with regard to Mo and Ru, are some members of the IAB iron meteorite complex and enstatite chondrites.

Modelling reaction front formation and oscillatory behaviour in a contaminant plume

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cribbin, Laura; Fowler, Andrew; Mitchell, Sarah; Winstanley, Henry

2013-04-01

Groundwater contamination is a concern in all industrialised countries that suffer countless spills and leaks of various contaminants. Often, the contaminated groundwater forms a plume that, under the influences of regional groundwater flow, could eventually migrate to streams or wells. This can have catastrophic consequences for human health and local wildlife. The process known as bioremediation removes pollutants in the contaminated groundwater through bacterial reactions. Microorganisms can transform the contaminant into less harmful metabolic products. It is important to be able to predict whether such bioremediation will be sufficient for the safe clean-up of a plume before it reaches wells or lakes. Borehole data from a contaminant plume which resulted from spillage at a coal carbonisation plant in Mansfield, England is the motivation behind modelling the properties of a contaminant plume. In the upper part of the plume, oxygen is consumed and a nitrate spike forms. Deep inside the plume, nitrate is depleted and oscillations of organic carbon and ammonium concentration profiles are observed. While there are various numerical models that predict the evolution of a contaminant plume, we aim to create a simplified model that captures the fundamental characteristics of the plume while being comparable in accuracy to the detailed numerical models that currently exist. To model the transport of a contaminant, we consider the redox reactions that occur in groundwater systems. These reactions deplete the contaminant while creating zones of dominant terminal electron accepting processes throughout the plume. The contaminant is depleted by a series of terminal electron acceptors, the order of which is typically oxygen, nitrate, manganese, iron, sulphate and carbon dioxide. We describe a reaction front, characteristic of a redox zone, by means of rapid reaction and slow diffusion. This aids in describing the depletion of oxygen in the upper part of the plume. To describe the oscillatory behaviour of the reactant concentrations deeper in the plume, we employ the dynamics of competing bacterial populations. We show that the oscillatory behaviour, characteristic of competing populations, can describe the oscillations observed among the reactants.

Effects of permafrost degradation on vegetation in the Source Area of the Yellow River NE Qinghai Tibetan Plateau

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiaoying, Jin; Huijun, Jin

2017-04-01

Permafrost degradation caused by climate warming has markedly changed ecological environment in the Source Area of the Yellow River, in the northeast of the Qinghai Tibetan Plateau. However, related research about ecological impact of permafrost degradation is limited in this area. More attentions should be paid to the impact of permafrost degradation on alpine grassland. In this study vegetation characteristics (plant species composition, vegetation cover and biomass, etc.) at different permafrost degradation stages (as represented by the continuous and discontinuous permafrost zone, transitional zone, and seasonally frozen ground zone) is investigated. The results showed that (1) there are total 64 species in continuous and discontinuous permafrost zone, transitional zone, and seasonally frozen ground zone, and seasonally frozen ground zone has more species than transitional zone and permafrost zone, (2) sedge is the dominant species in three zones. But Shrub only presented in the seasonally frozen ground zone. These results suggest that permafrost degradation affect the species number and species composition of alpine grassland.

Investigation of spherical loudspeaker arrays for local active control of sound.

PubMed

Peleg, Tomer; Rafaely, Boaz

2011-10-01

Active control of sound can be employed globally to reduce noise levels in an entire enclosure, or locally around a listener's head. Recently, spherical loudspeaker arrays have been studied as multiple-channel sources for local active control of sound, presenting the fundamental theory and several active control configurations. In this paper, important aspects of using a spherical loudspeaker array for local active control of sound are further investigated. First, the feasibility of creating sphere-shaped quiet zones away from the source is studied both theoretically and numerically, showing that these quiet zones are associated with sound amplification and poor system robustness. To mitigate the latter, the design of shell-shaped quiet zones around the source is investigated. A combination of two spherical sources is then studied with the aim of enlarging the quiet zone. The two sources are employed to generate quiet zones that surround a rigid sphere, investigating the application of active control around a listener's head. A significant improvement in performance is demonstrated in this case over a conventional headrest-type system that uses two monopole secondary sources. Finally, several simulations are presented to support the theoretical work and to demonstrate the performance and limitations of the system. © 2011 Acoustical Society of America

A 1.5 Ma record of plume-ridge interaction at the Western Galápagos Spreading Center (91°40‧-92°00‧W)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herbrich, Antje; Hauff, Folkmar; Hoernle, Kaj; Werner, Reinhard; Garbe-Schönberg, Dieter; White, Scott

2016-07-01

Shallow (elevated) portions of mid-ocean ridges with enriched geochemical compositions near hotspots document the interaction of hot, geochemically-enriched plume mantle with shallow depleted upper mantle. Whereas the spatial variations in geochemical composition of ocean crust along the ridge axis in areas where plume-ridge interaction is taking place have been studied globally, only restricted information exists concerning temporal variations in geochemistry of ocean crust formed through plume-ridge interaction. Here we present a detailed geochemical study of 0-1.5 Ma ocean crust sampled from the Western Galápagos Spreading Center (WGSC) axis to 50 km north of the axis, an area that is presently experiencing a high influx of mantle material from the Galápagos hotspot. The tholeiitic to basaltic andesitic fresh glass and few bulk rock samples have incompatible element abundances and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic compositions intermediate between depleted normal mid-ocean-ridge basalt (N-MORB) from >95.5°W along the WGSC and enriched lavas from the Galápagos Archipelago, displaying enriched (E-)MORB type compositions. Only limited and no systematic geochemical variations are observed with distance from the ridge axis for <1.0 Ma old WGSC crust, whereas 1.0-1.5 Ma old crust trends to more enriched isotopic compositions in 87Sr/86Sr, 143Nd/144Nd, 207Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb isotope ratios. On isotope correlation diagrams, the data set displays correlations between depleted MORB and two enriched components. Neither the geographically referenced geochemical domains of the Galápagos Archipelago nor the end members used for principal component analysis can successfully describe the observed mixing relations. Notably an off-axis volcanic cone at site DR63 has the appropriate composition to serve as the enriched component for the younger WGSC and could represent a portion of the northern part of the Galápagos plume not sampled south of the WGSC. Similar compositions to samples from volcanic cone DR63 have been found in the northern part of the 11-14 Ma Galápagos hotspot track offshore Costa Rica, indicating that this composition is derived from the northern portion of the Galápagos plume. The older WGSC requires involvement of an enriched mantle two (EMII) type source, not recognized thus far in the Galápagos system, and is interpreted to reflect entrained material either from small-scale heterogeneities within the upper mantle or from the mantle transition zone. Overall the source material for the 0-1.5 Ma WGSC ocean crust appears to represent mixing of depleted upper mantle with Northern Galápagos Plume material of relatively uniform composition in relatively constant proportions.

Petrogenesis and geodynamic implications of Ediacaran highly fractionated A-type granitoids in the north Arabian-Nubian Shield (Egypt): Constraints from whole-rock geochemistry and Sr-Nd isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sami, Mabrouk; Ntaflos, Theodoros; Farahat, Esam S.; Mohamed, Haroun A.; Hauzenberger, Christoph; Ahmed, Awaad F.

2018-04-01

Mineral chemistry, whole-rock geochemical and Sr-Nd isotopic data are reported for the Abu-Diab granitoids in the northern Arabian-Nubian Shield (ANS) of Egypt, to investigate their petrogenesis and geodynamic significance. Gabal Abu-Diab constitute a multiphase pluton, consisting largely of two-mica granites (TMGs) enclosing microgranular enclaves and intruded by garnet bearing muscovite granites (GMGs) and muscovite granites (MGs). The granitoids are weakly peraluminous (A/CNK = 1.01-1.12) and show high SiO2 (>72.9 wt%) and alkali (K2O + Na2O = 8.60-9.13) contents. The geochemical features show that they are post-collisional and highly fractionated A-type granitoids. Compared to their host TMGs, the microgranular enclaves are strongly peraluminous (A/CNK = 1.18-1.24) with lower SiO2 and higher abundances of trace elements. The TMGs are depleted in Ba, Nb, P and Ti and are enriched in LREEs relative to HREEs with weakly negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.45-0.64). In contrast, the GMGs and MGs are extremely depleted in Ba, Sr and Ti and have tetrad-type REE patterns (TE1-3 = 1.1-1.3) with strongly pronounced negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.03-0.26), similar to rare metals bearing granites. The Ediacaran (585 ± 24 Ma) TMGs, are characterized by restricted and relatively low initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.70337-0.70382) that suggests their derivation from a depleted mantle source, with little contamination from the older continental crust. In contrast, the GMGs and MGs have extremely high 87Rb/86Sr and 87Sr/86Sr ratios that reflect the disturbance of the Rb-Sr isotopic system and may give an indication for magmatic-fluid interaction. However, all the granitoids display positive εNd(t) (4.41-6.57) and depleted mantle model ages TDM2 between 777 and 956 Ma, which indicate their derivation from a Neoproterozoic juvenile magma sources and preclude the occurrence of pre-Neoproterozoic crustal rocks in the ANS. The microgranular enclaves represent globules of hot mafic magma that have injected and partly mixed with the colder and more felsic TMGs magma. Geochemical and isotopic data along with petrogenetic modelling, suggest that the TMGs were formed by low degrees of partial melting of the pre-existing I-type granodiorites, followed by extensive fractional crystallization and fluid fractionation to produce the geochemically specialized rare metals GMGs and MGs in the margin of Abu-Diab pluton. During the post-collisional stage of ANS and due to lithospheric delamination processes, the underplated fluid/volatile rich mantle magma had interplated and migrated upward to shallow crustal levels, through extensional faults/shear zones, and enhanced the partial melting and fractionation of granodiorites to eventually form Abu-Diab A-type granitoids.

A middle Permian ophiolite fragment in Late Triassic greenschist- to blueschist-facies rocks in NW Turkey: An earlier pulse of suprasubduction-zone ophiolite formation in the Tethyan belt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Topuz, Gültekin; Okay, Aral I.; Schwarz, Winfried H.; Sunal, Gürsel; Altherr, Rainer; Kylander-Clark, Andrew R. C.

2018-02-01

The Eastern Mediterranean region within the Tethyan belt is characterised by two main pulses of suprasubduction-zone ophiolite formation during the Early-Middle Jurassic and Late Cretaceous. Despite vast exposures of the Permo-Triassic accretionary complexes, related suprasubduction-zone ophiolites and the timing of subduction initiation leading to the formation of Permo-Triassic accretionary complexes are unknown so far. Here we report on a 40 km long and 0.3 to 1.8 km wide metaophiolite fragment within transitional greenschist- to blueschist-facies oceanic rocks from NW Turkey. The metaophiolite fragment is made up mainly of serpentinite and minor dykes or stocks of strongly sheared metagabbro with mineral assemblages involving actinolite/winchite, chlorite, epidote, albite, titanite and phengite. The metagabbro displays (i) variable CaO and MgO contents, (ii) anomalously high Mg# (= 100 ∗ molar MgO/(MgO + FeOtot)) of 75-88, and (iii) positive Eu anomalies, together with low contents of incompatible elements such as Ti, P and Zr, suggesting derivation from former plagioclase cumulates. The serpentinites comprise serpentine, ± chlorite, ± talc, ± calcite and relict Cr-Al spinel surrounded by ferrichromite to magnetite. Relict Cr-Al spinels are characterised by (i) Cr/(Cr + Al) ratios of 0.45-0.56 and Mg/(Mg + Fe2 +) ratio of 0.76-0.22, (ii) variable contents of ZnO and MnO, and (iii) extremely low TiO2 contents. Zn and Mn contents are probably introduced into Cr-Al spinels during greenschist- to blueschist metamorphism. Compositional features of the serpentinite such as (i) Ca- and Al-depleted bulk compositions, (ii) concave U-shaped, chondrite-normalised rare earth element patterns (REE) with enrichment of light and heavy REEs, imply that serpentinites were probably derived from depleted peridotites which were refertilised by light rare earth element enriched melts in a suprasubduction-zone mantle wedge. U-Pb dating on igneous zircons from three metagabbro samples indicates igneous crystallisation at 262 Ma (middle Permian). Timing of the metamorphism is constrained by incremental 40Ar/39Ar dating on phengitic white mica at 201 Ma (latest Triassic). We conclude that the metaophiolite represents a fragment of middle Permian suprasubduction-zone oceanic lithosphere, involved in a latest Triassic subduction zone. These data, together with several reports in literature, indicate that the middle Permian was a time of suprasubduction-zone ophiolite formation in the Tethyan belt.

Biodiesel presence in the source zone hinders aromatic hydrocarbons attenuation in a B20-contaminated groundwater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramos, Débora Toledo; Lazzarin, Helen Simone Chiaranda; Alvarez, Pedro J. J.; Vogel, Timothy M.; Fernandes, Marilda; do Rosário, Mário; Corseuil, Henry Xavier

2016-10-01

The behavior of biodiesel blend spills have received limited attention in spite of the increasing and widespread introduction of biodiesel to the transportation fuel matrix. In this work, a controlled field release of biodiesel B20 (100 L of 20:80 v/v soybean biodiesel and diesel) was monitored over 6.2 years to assess the behavior and natural attenuation of constituents of major concern (e.g., BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethyl-benzene and xylenes) and PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons)) in a sandy aquifer material. Biodiesel was preferentially biodegraded compared to diesel aromatic compounds with a concomitant increase in acetate, methane (near saturation limit (≈ 22 mg L- 1)) and dissolved BTEX and PAH concentrations in the source zone during the first 1.5 to 2.0 years after the release. Benzene and benzo(a)pyrene concentrations remained above regulatory limits in the source zone until the end of the experiment (6.2 years after the release). Compared to a previous adjacent 100-L release of ethanol-amended gasoline, biodiesel/diesel blend release resulted in a shorter BTEX plume, but with higher residual dissolved hydrocarbon concentrations near the source zone. This was attributed to greater persistence of viscous (and less mobile) biodiesel than the highly-soluble and mobile ethanol in the source zone. This persistence of biodiesel/diesel NAPL at the source zone slowed BTEX and PAH biodegradation (by the establishment of an anaerobic zone) but reduced the plume length by reducing mobility. This is the first field study to assess biodiesel/diesel blend (B20) behavior in groundwater and its effects on the biodegradation and plume length of priority groundwater pollutants.

Biodiesel presence in the source zone hinders aromatic hydrocarbons attenuation in a B20-contaminated groundwater.

PubMed

Ramos, Débora Toledo; Lazzarin, Helen Simone Chiaranda; Alvarez, Pedro J J; Vogel, Timothy M; Fernandes, Marilda; do Rosário, Mário; Corseuil, Henry Xavier

2016-10-01

The behavior of biodiesel blend spills have received limited attention in spite of the increasing and widespread introduction of biodiesel to the transportation fuel matrix. In this work, a controlled field release of biodiesel B20 (100L of 20:80 v/v soybean biodiesel and diesel) was monitored over 6.2years to assess the behavior and natural attenuation of constituents of major concern (e.g., BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethyl-benzene and xylenes) and PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons)) in a sandy aquifer material. Biodiesel was preferentially biodegraded compared to diesel aromatic compounds with a concomitant increase in acetate, methane (near saturation limit (≈22mgL -1 )) and dissolved BTEX and PAH concentrations in the source zone during the first 1.5 to 2.0years after the release. Benzene and benzo(a)pyrene concentrations remained above regulatory limits in the source zone until the end of the experiment (6.2years after the release). Compared to a previous adjacent 100-L release of ethanol-amended gasoline, biodiesel/diesel blend release resulted in a shorter BTEX plume, but with higher residual dissolved hydrocarbon concentrations near the source zone. This was attributed to greater persistence of viscous (and less mobile) biodiesel than the highly-soluble and mobile ethanol in the source zone. This persistence of biodiesel/diesel NAPL at the source zone slowed BTEX and PAH biodegradation (by the establishment of an anaerobic zone) but reduced the plume length by reducing mobility. This is the first field study to assess biodiesel/diesel blend (B20) behavior in groundwater and its effects on the biodegradation and plume length of priority groundwater pollutants. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Carbon source metabolic diversity of soil microbial community under different climate types in the area affected by Wenchuan earthquake].

PubMed

Zhang, Guang-Shuai; Lin, Yong-Ming; Ma, Rui-Feng; Deng, Hao-Jun; Du, Kun; Wu, Cheng-Zhen; Hong, Wei

2015-02-01

The MS8.0 Wenchuan earthquake in 2008 led to huge damage to land covers in northwest Sichuan, one of the critical fragile eco-regions in China which can be divided into Semi-arid dry hot climate zone (SDHC) and Subtropical humid monsoon climate zone (SHMC). Using the method of Bilog-ECO-microplate technique, this paper aimed to determine the functional diversity of soil microbial community in the earthquake-affected areas which can be divided into undamaged area (U), recover area (R) and damaged area without recovery (D) under different climate types, in order to provide scientific basis for ecological recovery. The results indicated that the average-well-color-development (AWCD) in undamaged area and recovery area showed SDHC > SHMC, which was contrary to the AWCD in the damaged area without recovery. The AWCD of damaged area without recovery was the lowest in both climate zones. The number of carbon source utilization types of soil microbial in SHMC zone was significantly higher than that in SDHC zone. The carbon source utilization types in both climate zones presented a trend of recover area > undamaged area > damaged area without recovery. The carbon source metabolic diversity characteristic of soil microbial community was significantly different in different climate zones. The diversity index and evenness index both showed a ranking of undamaged area > recover area > damaged area without recovery. In addition, the recovery area had the highest richness index. The soil microbial carbon sources metabolism characteristic was affected by soil nutrient, aboveground vegetation biomass and vegetation coverage to some extent. In conclusion, earthquake and its secondary disasters influenced the carbon source metabolic diversity characteristic of soil microbial community mainly through the change of aboveground vegetation and soil environmental factors.

Methanogenic calcite, 13C-depleted bivalve shells, and gas hydrate from a mud volcano offshore southern California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hein, J.R.; Normark, W.R.; McIntyre, B.R.; Lorenson, T.D.; Powell, C.L.

2006-01-01

Methane and hydrogen sulfide vent from a cold seep above a shallowly buried methane hydrate in a mud volcano located 24 km offshore southern California in?? 800 m of water. Bivalves, authigenic calcite, and methane hydrate were recovered in a 2.1 m piston core. Aragonite shells of two bivalve species are unusually depleted in 13C (to -91??? ??13C), the most 13C-depleted shells of marine macrofauna yet discovered. Carbon isotopes for both living and dead specimens indicate that they used, in part, carbon derived from anaerobically oxidized methane to construct their shells. The ??13C values are highly variable, but most are within the range -12??? to -91???. This variability may be diagnostic for identifying cold-seep-hydrate systems in the geologic record. Authigenic calcite is abundant in the cores down to ???1.5 m subbottom, the top of the methane hydrate. The calcite is depleted in 13C (??13C = -46??? to -58???), indicating that carbon produced by anaerobically oxidized methane is the main source of the calcite. Methane sources include a geologic hydrocarbon reservoir from Miocene source rocks, and biogenic and thermogenic degradation of organic matter in basin sediments. Oxygen isotopes indicate that most calcite formed out of isotopic equilibrium with ambient bottom water, under the influence of gas hydrate dissociation and strong methane flux. High metal content in the mud volcano sediment indicates leaching of basement rocks by fluid circulating along an underlying fault, which also allows for a high flux of fossil methane. ?? 2006 Geological Society of America.

Using Si depletion in aerosol to identify the sources of crustal dust in two Chinese megacities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Qing; He, Kebin; Rahn, Kenneth A.; Ma, Yongliang; Yang, Fumo; Duan, Fengkui

2010-07-01

Depletion of Si in transported dust has been recognized for many years. It can be used to distinguish between transported and local dust in cities, although it rarely has been. Here we use the variations of the Si/Al ratio in 15 months of continuous PM 2.5 samples at Beijing (northern China) and Chongqing (southwestern China) to reveal the seasonal patterns of their dust sources. For both cities, peaks of concentration for Si and Al in PM 2.5 corresponded with minima of Si/Al, and could often be linked to pulsed air flow from deserts to the northwest. With significant depletion (up to 80%) and homogeneous distribution at urban and rural sites, Si/Al showed a clear seasonal evolution, which decreased from spring to summer, increased from fall to winter, and collapsed during Chinese Spring Festival, indicating the dominance of transported dust, local fugitive dust and firework influence, respectively. The low ratios implied that desert dust is a common source during spring at Chongqing, whereas its presence during cold season at Beijing was also more frequent than expected. Failing to recognize the depletion of Si may lead to an overestimate of desert dust by 15%-65% when using the average abundance of Al in crust (6%-8%), as in previous studies. The difference in Si/Al ratio between local and transported dust implies that >60% of the dust at Beijing came from outside the city during the springs of 2004-2006. This result can help resolve the contradictory findings on this topic that have been presented earlier.

Plume versus plate origin for the Shatsky Rise oceanic plateau (NW Pacific): Insights from Nd, Pb and Hf isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heydolph, Ken; Murphy, David T.; Geldmacher, Jörg; Romanova, Irina V.; Greene, Andrew; Hoernle, Kaj; Weis, Dominique; Mahoney, John

2014-07-01

Shatsky Rise, an early Cretaceous igneous oceanic plateau in the NW Pacific, comprises characteristics that could be attributed to either formation by shallow, plate tectonic-controlled processes or to an origin by a mantle plume (head). The plateau was drilled during Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Expedition 324. Complementary to a recent trace element study (Sano et al., 2012) this work presents Nd, Pb and Hf isotope data of recovered lava samples cored from the three major volcanic edifices of the Shatsky Rise. Whereas lavas from the oldest edifice yield fairly uniform compositions, a wider isotopic spread is found for lavas erupted on the younger parts of the plateau, suggesting that the Shatsky magma source became more heterogeneous with time. At least three isotopically distinct components can be identified in the magma source: 1) a volumetrically and spatially most common, moderately depleted component of similar composition to modern East Pacific Ridge basalt but with low 3He/4He, 2) an isotopically very depleted component which could represent local, early Cretaceous (entrained) depleted upper mantle, and 3) an isotopically enriched component, indicating the presence of (recycled) continental material in the magma source. The majority of analyzed Shatsky lavas, however, possess Nd-Hf-Pb isotope compositions consistent with a derivation from an early depleted, non-chondritic reservoir. By comparing these results with petrological and trace element data of mafic volcanic rock samples from all three massifs (Tamu, Ori, Shirshov), we discuss the origin of Shatsky Rise magmatism and evaluate the possible involvement of a mantle plume (head).

Is the gut the major source of virus in early simian immunodeficiency virus infection?

PubMed

Lay, Matthew D H; Petravic, Janka; Gordon, Shari N; Engram, Jessica; Silvestri, Guido; Davenport, Miles P

2009-08-01

The acute phases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection are characterized by rapid and profound depletion of CD4+ T cells from the guts of infected individuals. The large number of CD4+ T cells in the gut (a large fraction of which are activated and express the HIV/SIV coreceptor CCR5), the high level of infection of these cells, and the temporal coincidence of this CD4+ T-cell depletion with the peak of virus in plasma in acute infection suggest that the intestinal mucosa may be the major source of virus driving the peak viral load. Here, we used data on CD4+ T-cell proportions in the lamina propria of the rectums of SIV-infected rhesus macaques (which progress to AIDS) and sooty mangabeys (which do not progress) to show that in both species, the depletion of CD4+ T cells from this mucosal site and its maximum loss rate are often observed several days before the peak in viral load, with few CD4+ T cells remaining in the rectum by the time of peak viral load. In contrast, the maximum loss rate of CD4+ T cells from bronchoalveolar lavage specimens and lymph nodes coincides with the peak in virus. Analysis of the kinetics of depletion suggests that, in both rhesus macaques and sooty mangabeys, CD4+ T cells in the intestinal mucosa are a highly susceptible population for infection but not a major source of plasma virus in acute SIV infection.

Is the Gut the Major Source of Virus in Early Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection? ▿

PubMed Central

Lay, Matthew D. H.; Petravic, Janka; Gordon, Shari N.; Engram, Jessica; Silvestri, Guido; Davenport, Miles P.

2009-01-01

The acute phases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection are characterized by rapid and profound depletion of CD4+ T cells from the guts of infected individuals. The large number of CD4+ T cells in the gut (a large fraction of which are activated and express the HIV/SIV coreceptor CCR5), the high level of infection of these cells, and the temporal coincidence of this CD4+ T-cell depletion with the peak of virus in plasma in acute infection suggest that the intestinal mucosa may be the major source of virus driving the peak viral load. Here, we used data on CD4+ T-cell proportions in the lamina propria of the rectums of SIV-infected rhesus macaques (which progress to AIDS) and sooty mangabeys (which do not progress) to show that in both species, the depletion of CD4+ T cells from this mucosal site and its maximum loss rate are often observed several days before the peak in viral load, with few CD4+ T cells remaining in the rectum by the time of peak viral load. In contrast, the maximum loss rate of CD4+ T cells from bronchoalveolar lavage specimens and lymph nodes coincides with the peak in virus. Analysis of the kinetics of depletion suggests that, in both rhesus macaques and sooty mangabeys, CD4+ T cells in the intestinal mucosa are a highly susceptible population for infection but not a major source of plasma virus in acute SIV infection. PMID:19458001

Assessing controls on perched saturated zones beneath the Idaho Nuclear Technology and Engineering Center, Idaho

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mirus, Benjamin B.; Perkins, Kim S.; Nimmo, John R.

2011-01-01

Waste byproducts associated with operations at the Idaho Nuclear Technology and Engineering Center (INTEC) have the potential to contaminate the eastern Snake River Plain (ESRP) aquifer. Recharge to the ESRP aquifer is controlled largely by the alternating stratigraphy of fractured volcanic rocks and sedimentary interbeds within the overlying vadose zone and by the availability of water at the surface. Beneath the INTEC facilities, localized zones of saturation perched on the sedimentary interbeds are of particular concern because they may facilitate accelerated transport of contaminants. The sources and timing of natural and anthropogenic recharge to the perched zones are poorly understood. Simple approaches for quantitative characterization of this complex, variably saturated flow system are needed to assess potential scenarios for contaminant transport under alternative remediation strategies. During 2009-2011, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy, employed data analysis and numerical simulations with a recently developed model of preferential flow to evaluate the sources and quantity of recharge to the perched zones. Piezometer, tensiometer, temperature, precipitation, and stream-discharge data were analyzed, with particular focus on the possibility of contributions to the perched zones from snowmelt and flow in the neighboring Big Lost River (BLR). Analysis of the timing and magnitude of subsurface dynamics indicate that streamflow provides local recharge to the shallow, intermediate, and deep perched saturated zones within 150 m of the BLR; at greater distances from the BLR the influence of streamflow on recharge is unclear. Perched water-level dynamics in most wells analyzed are consistent with findings from previous geochemical analyses, which suggest that a combination of annual snowmelt and anthropogenic sources (for example, leaky pipes and drainage ditches) contribute to recharge of shallow and intermediate perched zones throughout much of INTEC. The source-responsive fluxes model was parameterized to simulate recharge via preferential flow associated with intermittent episodes of streamflow in the BLR. The simulations correspond reasonably well to the observed hydrologic response within the shallow perched zone. Good model performance indicates that source-responsive flow through a limited number of connected fractures contributes substantially to the perched-zone dynamics. The agreement between simulated and observed perched-zone dynamics suggest that the source-responsive fluxes model can provide a valuable tool for quantifying rapid preferential flow processes that may result from different land management scenarios.

Inland Sea Spray Aerosol Transport and Incomplete Chloride Depletion: Varying Degrees of Reactive Processing Observed during SOAS

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

Bondy, Amy L.; Wang, Bingbing; Laskin, Alexander

Multiphase reactions involving sea spray aerosol (SSA) impact trace gases budgets in coastal regions by acting as a reservoir for oxidized nitrogen and sulfur species, as well as a source of halogen gases (HCl, ClNO2, etc.). While most studies of multiphase reactions on SSA have focused on marine environments, far less is known about SSA transported inland. Herein, single particle measurements of SSA are reported at a site > 320 km from the Gulf of Mexico, with transport times of 7-68 h. Samples were collected during the Southern Oxidant and Aerosol Study (SOAS) in June-July 2013 near Centreville, Alabama. SSAmore » was observed in 93% of 42 time periods analyzed. During two marine air mass periods, SSA represented significant number fractions of particles in the accumulation (0.2-1.0 μm, 11%) and coarse (1.0-10.0 μm, 35%) modes. Chloride content of SSA particles ranged from full to partial depletion, with 24% of SSA particles containing chloride (mole fraction of Cl/Na > 0.1, 90% chloride depletion). Both the frequent observation of SSA at an inland site and the range of chloride depletion observed, suggest that SSA may represent an underappreciated inland sink for NOx/SO2 and source of halogen gases.« less

Dominant seismic sources for the cities in South Sumatra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sunardi, Bambang; Sakya, Andi Eka; Masturyono, Murjaya, Jaya; Rohadi, Supriyanto; Sulastri, Putra, Ade Surya

2017-07-01

Subduction zone along west of Sumatra and Sumatran fault zone are active seismic sources. Seismotectonically, South Sumatra could be affected by earthquakes triggered by these seismic sources. This paper discussed contribution of each seismic source to earthquake hazards for cities of Palembang, Prabumulih, Banyuasin, OganIlir, Ogan Komering Ilir, South Oku, Musi Rawas and Empat Lawang. These hazards are presented in form of seismic hazard curves. The study was conducted by using Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA) of 2% probability of exceedance in 50 years. Seismic sources used in analysis included megathrust zone M2 of Sumatra and South Sumatra, background seismic sources and shallow crustal seismic sources consist of Ketaun, Musi, Manna and Kumering faults. The results of the study showed that for cities relatively far from the seismic sources, subduction / megathrust seismic source with a depth ≤ 50 km greatly contributed to the seismic hazard and the other areas showed deep background seismic sources with a depth of more than 100 km dominate to seismic hazard respectively.

Identifying calcium sources at an acid deposition-impacted spruce forest: a strontium isotope, alkaline earth element multi-tracer approach

Treesearch

Thomas D. Bullen; Scott W. Bailey

2005-01-01

Depletion of calcium from forest soils has important implications for forest productivity and health. Ca is available to fine feeder roots from a number of soil organic and mineral sources. but identifying the primary source or changes of sources in response to environmental change is problematic. We used strontium isotope and alkaline earth element concentration...

Impacts of DNAPL Source Treatment: Experimental and Modeling Assessment of the Benefits of Partial DNAPL Source Removal

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-09-01

nuclear industry for conducting performance assessment calculations. The analytical FORTRAN code for the DNAPL source function, REMChlor, was...project. The first was to apply existing deterministic codes , such as T2VOC and UTCHEM, to the DNAPL source zone to simulate the remediation processes...but describe the spatial variability of source zones unlike one-dimensional flow and transport codes that assume homogeneity. The Lagrangian models

Genesis of the central zone of the Nolans Bore rare earth element deposit, Northern Territory, Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schoneveld, Louise; Spandler, Carl; Hussey, Kelvin

2015-08-01

The Nolans Bore rare earth element (REE) deposit consists of a network of fluorapatite-bearing veins and breccias hosted within Proterozoic granulites of the Reynolds Range, Central Australia. Mineralisation is divided into three zones (north, central, and south-east), with the north and south-east zones consisting of massive REE-bearing fluorapatite veins, with minor brecciation and carbonate infill. The central zone is distinctively different in mineralogy and structure; it features extensive brecciation, a high allanite content, and a large, epidote-rich enveloping alteration zone. The central zone is a reworking of the original solid apatite veins that formed during the Chewings Orogeny at ca. 1525 Ma. These original apatite veins are thought to derive from phosphate-rich magmatic-hydrothermal fluid exsolved from as-yet unrecognised alkaline magmatic bodies at depth. We define four ore breccia types (BX1-4) in the central zone on the basis of detailed petrological and geochemical analysis of drillcore and thin sections. BX1 ore comprises fluorapatite with minor crackle brecciation with carbonate infill and resembles ore of the north and south-east zones. Breccia types BX2, BX3, and BX4 represent progressive stages of ore brecciation and development of calc-silicate mineral (amphibole, epidote, allanite, calcite) infill. Comparison of bulk ore sample geochemistry between breccia types indicates that REEs were not mobilised more than a few centimetres during hydrothermal alteration and brecciation. Instead, most of the REEs were partitioned from the original REE fluorapatite into newly formed allanite, REE-poor fluorapatite and minor REE carbonate in the breccias. Negative europium (Eu) anomalies in the breccia minerals are accounted for by a large positive Eu anomaly in epidote from the alteration zones surrounding the ore breccias. This observation provides a direct link between ore recrystallisation and brecciation, and the formation of the alteration halo in the surrounding host rocks. Where allanite and fluorapatite are texturally related, the fluorapatite is relatively depleted in the light rare earth elements (LREEs), whereas allanite is relatively LREE enriched, suggesting co-crystallisation. We tentatively date the BX1 ore stage to 1440 ± 80 Ma based on U-Pb dating of thorianite. Sm-Nd isotope isochrons derived from in situ isotope analysis of cognate apatite and allanite date the BX2 and BX3 events to ca. 400 Ma, while U-Pb dating of late-stage monazite from the BX4 ore stage returned an age of ca. 350 Ma. Therefore, formation of the central zone at Nolans Bore involved multiple alteration/brecciation events that collectively span over 1 billion years in duration. We suggest that the BX1-type veins and breccias were formed from REE-rich, saline (F- and Cl-bearing) fluids that infiltrated the granulite-grade host rocks in association with either shear activation events of the Redbank Shear Zone (1500-1400 Ma) or intrusion of late-stage pegmatites of the Mt Boothby area. BX2, BX3, and BX4 events record deformation and hydrothermal alteration associated with the Alice Springs Orogeny (400-350 Ma). These hydrothermal events occurred at temperatures of 450 to ~600 °C, due to inflow of highly acidic hydrous fluids derived from a magmatic source, or from mixing of meteoric and metamorphic fluids. Our data testify to the long and complex geological history of not only the Nolans Bore REE deposit, but also of the rocks of the eastern Reynolds Range, and demonstrate the great utility of using hydrothermally derived REE minerals to trace the timing of crustal deformation events and source of associated hydrothermal fluids.

Sustainability of agricultural water use worldwide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tuninetti, M.; Tamea, S.; Dalin, C.

2017-12-01

Water is a renewable but limited resource. Most human use of freshwater resources is for agriculture, and global water demand for agriculture is increasing because of the growth in food demand, driven by increasing population and changing diets. Hence, measuring the pressure exerted by agriculture on freshwater sources is a key issue. The sustainability of water use depends on the water source renewability rate: the water use is not sustainable (depleting the water storage) where/when it exceeds the renewable freshwater availability. In this study, we explore the sustainability of rain and irrigation water use for the production of nine major crops, globally at a 5'x5' spatial resolution. We split the crop water use into soil moisture (from rainfall) and irrigation, with, for the first time, separating ground- and surface-water sources, which is a key distinction because the renewability of these two water sources can be very different. In order to physically quantify the extent to which crop water use is sustainable, we measure the severity of the source depletion as the number of years required for the hydrological cycle to replenish the water resource used by the annual crop production, namely the Water Debt. This newly developed indicator allows one to compare the depletion level of the three water sources at a certain location for a specific crop. Hence, we mapped, for each crop, the number of years required to replenish the water withdrawn from soil-, surface- and ground-water resources. Each map identifies the hotspots for each water source, highlighting regions and crops that threaten most the water resource. We found that the water debt with soil moisture is heterogeneous in space but always lower than one year indicating a non-surprising sustainability of rain-fed agriculture. Rice and sugarcane make the largest contribution to global soil moisture depletion. Water debt in surface water is particularly high in areas of intense wheat and cotton production; major hotspots are located along the Nile River and near the Aral Lake. The water debt in groundwater is much larger in the High Plain aquifer and Indo-Gangetic plain. On a global average, seed cotton has the highest WD in surface water (i.e., 6.5 years) while rice has the highest WD in groundwater (i.e., 4.2 years).

Uptake of algal carbon and the likely synthesis of an "essential" fatty acid by Uvigerina ex. gr. semiornata (Foraminifera) within the Pakistan margin oxygen minimum zone: evidence from fatty acid biomarker and 13C tracer experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larkin, K. E.; Gooday, A. J.; Woulds, C.; Jeffreys, R. M.; Schwartz, M.; Cowie, G.; Whitcraft, C.; Levin, L.; Dick, J. R.; Pond, D. W.

2014-07-01

Foraminifera are an important component of benthic communities in oxygen-depleted settings, where they potentially play a significant role in the processing of organic matter. We tracked the uptake of a 13C-labelled algal food source into individual fatty acids in the benthic foraminiferal species Uvigerina ex. gr. semiornata from the Arabian Sea oxygen minimum zone (OMZ). The tracer experiments were conducted on the Pakistan margin during the late/post monsoon period (August-October 2003). A monoculture of the diatom Thalassiosira weisflogii was 13C-labelled and used to simulate a pulse of phytoplankton in two complementary experiments. A lander system was used for in situ incubations at 140 m water depth and for 2.5 days in duration. Shipboard laboratory incubations of cores collected at 140 m incorporated an oxystat system to maintain ambient dissolved oxygen concentrations and were terminated after 5 days. Uptake of diatoms was rapid, with a high incorporation of diatom fatty acids into foraminifera after ~ 2 days in both experiments. Ingestion of the diatom food source was indicated by the increase over time in the quantity of diatom biomarker fatty acids in the foraminifera and by the high percentage of 13C in many of the fatty acids present at the endpoint of both in situ and laboratory-based experiments. These results indicate that

Depletion and capture: revisiting "the source of water derived from wells".

PubMed

Konikow, L F; Leake, S A

2014-09-01

A natural consequence of groundwater withdrawals is the removal of water from subsurface storage, but the overall rates and magnitude of groundwater depletion and capture relative to groundwater withdrawals (extraction or pumpage) have not previously been well characterized. This study assesses the partitioning of long-term cumulative withdrawal volumes into fractions derived from storage depletion and capture, where capture includes both increases in recharge and decreases in discharge. Numerical simulation of a hypothetical groundwater basin is used to further illustrate some of Theis' (1940) principles, particularly when capture is constrained by insufficient available water. Most prior studies of depletion and capture have assumed that capture is unconstrained through boundary conditions that yield linear responses. Examination of real systems indicates that capture and depletion fractions are highly variable in time and space. For a large sample of long-developed groundwater systems, the depletion fraction averages about 0.15 and the capture fraction averages about 0.85 based on cumulative volumes. Higher depletion fractions tend to occur in more arid regions, but the variation is high and the correlation coefficient between average annual precipitation and depletion fraction for individual systems is only 0.40. Because 85% of long-term pumpage is derived from capture in these real systems, capture must be recognized as a critical factor in assessing water budgets, groundwater storage depletion, and sustainability of groundwater development. Most capture translates into streamflow depletion, so it can detrimentally impact ecosystems. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Development of a Persistent Reactive Treatment Zone for Containment of Sources Located in Lower-Permeability Strata

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marble, J.; Carroll, K. C.; Brusseau, M. L.; Plaschke, M.; Brinker, F.

2013-12-01

Source zones located in relatively deep, low-permeability formations provide special challenges for remediation. Application of permeable reactive barriers, in-situ thermal, or electrokinetic methods would be expensive and generally impractical. In addition, the use of enhanced mass-removal approaches based on reagent injection (e.g., ISCO, enhanced-solubility reagents) is likely to be ineffective. One possible approach for such conditions is to create a persistent treatment zone for purposes of containment. This study examines the efficacy of this approach for containment and treatment of contaminants in a lower permeability zone using potassium permanganate (KMnO4) as the reactant. A localized 1,1-dichloroethene (DCE) source zone is present in a section of the Tucson International Airport Area (TIAA) Superfund Site. Characterization studies identified the source of DCE to be located in lower-permeability strata adjacent to the water table. Bench-scale studies were conducted using core material collected from boreholes drilled at the site to measure DCE concentrations and determine natural oxidant demand. The reactive zone was created by injecting ~1.7% KMnO4 solution into multiple wells screened within the lower-permeability unit. The site has been monitored for ~8 years to characterize the spatial distribution of DCE and permanganate. KMnO4 continues to persist at the site, demonstrating successful creation of a long-term reactive zone. Additionally, the footprint of the DCE contaminant plume in groundwater has decreased continuously with time. This project illustrates the application of ISCO as a reactive-treatment system for lower-permeability source zones, which appears to effectively mitigate persistent mass flux into groundwater.

Ionospheric response over Europe during the solar eclipse of March 20, 2015

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoque, Mohammed Mainul; Wenzel, Daniela; Jakowski, Norbert; Gerzen, Tatjana; Berdermann, Jens; Wilken, Volker; Kriegel, Martin; Sato, Hiroatsu; Borries, Claudia; Minkwitz, David

2016-10-01

The solar eclipse on March 20, 2015 was a fascinating event for people in Northern Europe. From a scientific point of view, the solar eclipse can be considered as an in situ experiment on the Earth's upper atmosphere with a well-defined switching off and on of solar irradiation. Due to the strong changes in solar radiation during the eclipse, dynamic processes were initiated in the atmosphere and ionosphere causing a measurable impact, for example, on temperature and ionization. We analyzed the behavior of total ionospheric ionization over Europe by reconstructing total electron content (TEC) maps and differential TEC maps. Investigating the large depletion zone around the shadow spot, we found a TEC reduction of up to 6 TEC units, i.e., the total plasma depletion reached up to about 50%. However, the March 20, 2015 eclipse occurred during the recovery phase of a strong geomagnetic storm and the ionosphere was still perturbed and depleted. Therefore, the unusual high depletion is due to the negative bias of up to 20% already observed over Northern Europe before the eclipse occurred. After removing the negative storm effect, the eclipse-induced depletion amounts to about 30%, which is in agreement with previous observations. During the solar eclipse, ionospheric plasma redistribution processes significantly affected the shape of the electron density profile, which is seen in the equivalent slab thickness derived by combining vertical incidence sounding (VS) and TEC measurements. We found enhanced slab thickness values revealing, on the one hand, an increased width of the ionosphere around the maximum phase and, on the other, evidence for delayed depletion of the topside ionosphere. Additionally, we investigated very low frequency (VLF) signal strength measurements and found immediate amplitude changes due to ionization loss at the lower ionosphere during the eclipse time. We found that the magnitude of TEC depletion is linearly dependent on the Sun's obscuration function. By modelling TEC depletion and knowing the Sun's obscuration function in advance, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) operators may improve the broadcast ionospheric correction during a solar eclipse day.

Integrated geophysical investigations for the delineation of source and subsurface structure associated with hydro-uranium anomaly: A case study from South Purulia Shear Zone (SPSZ), India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, S. P.; Biswas, A.

2012-12-01

South Purulia Shear Zone (SPSZ) is an important region for prospecting of uranium mineralization. Geological studies and hydro-uranium anomaly suggest the presence of Uranium deposit around Raghunathpur village which lies about 8 km north of SPSZ. However, detailed geophysical investigations have not been carried out in this region for investigation of uranium mineralization. Since surface signature of uranium mineralization is not depicted near the location, a deeper subsurface source is expected for hydro uranium anomaly. To delineate the subsurface structure and to investigate the origin of hydro-uranium anomaly present in the area, Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) using Schlumberger array and Gradient Resistivity Profiling (GRP) were performed at different locations along a profile perpendicular to the South Purulia Shear Zone. Apparent resistivity computed from the measured sounding data at various locations shows a continuously increasing trend. As a result, conventional apparent resistivity data is not able to detect the possible source of hydro uranium anomaly. An innovative approach is applied which depicts the apparent conductivity in the subsurface revealed a possible connection from SPSZ to Raghunathpur. On the other hand resistivity profiling data suggests a low resistive zone which is also characterized by low Self-Potential (SP) anomaly zone. Since SPSZ is characterized by the source of uranium mineralization; hydro-uranium anomaly at Raghunathpur is connected with the SPSZ. The conducting zone has been delineated from SPSZ to Raghunathpur at deeper depths which could be uranium bearing. Since the location is also characterized by a low gravity and high magnetic anomaly zone, this conducting zone is likely to be mineralized zone. Keywords: Apparent resistivity; apparent conductivity; Self Potential; Uranium mineralization; shear zone; hydro-uranium anomaly.

Undegassed Carbon Content from a Highly Depleted Segment of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (1-5°S): Evidence from Melt Inclusions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le Voyer, M.; Kelley, K. A.; Cottrell, E.; Hauri, E. H.

2014-12-01

As carbon solubility is low in basalts, MORB contain little dissolved CO2 (189±61 ppm, 1σ, n=600 [1]). A global negative correlation between CO2/Nb (proxy for amount of CO2 lost by degassing) and Ba/La (proxy for source enrichment) indicates that depleted MORB are less affected by degassing than enriched MORB: CO2/Nb ratios range from 0-100 for samples with Ba/La>4, while CO2/Nb range from 50 to 400 for samples with Ba/La<4 [1]. To assess the CO2 content of undegassed MORB, we analyzed the volatile content of 70 olivine-hosted, glassy melt inclusions (MIs) from four basalts dredged along MAR 1-5°S, a ridge segment that produces highly depleted MORB in terms of trace element enrichment and radiogenic isotopes [2, 3]. MIs contain CO2 contents (180-1420 ppm) that are higher than their respective matrix glasses (130-220 ppm, typical for vapor-saturated melts erupted at 3-5 km b.s.l.). One of the four dredges (EN061 5D-3Ag) contains MIs that do not exhibit shrinkage bubbles. For this sample only, we find a positive correlation between the CO2 content (240-770 ppm) and the Cl content (6-20 ppm) of the MIs that is not found in the matrix glasses (see Fig.). We infer that the correlation between CO2 and Cl, both highly incompatible in silicate minerals during fractional crystallization, is strong evidence for vapor-undersaturation, as any CO2 degassing would have erased the correlation. Together with MIs from the Siqueiros Fracture Zone [4] and from northern Iceland [5], the MIs from EN061 5D-3Ag may represent another occurrence of carbon-undersaturated MORB. Our results will be used to model the primary carbon content of MORB and of the depleted upper mantle. Note that the average Cl content of the matrix glasses (20±1 ppm) is higher than those of the MIs (12±3 ppm, see Fig.). This indicates either that the matrix glasses assimilated a small amount of seawater Cl, or that the MIs are all more depleted than the matrix glass. We will acquire major and trace element data in order to further investigate the origin of the low Cl and high CO2 contents in these MIs. Ref. [1] Le Voyer et al. 2014 Goldschmidt abstr. [2] Schilling et al. 1994 JGR 99 [3] Kelley et al. 2013 G3 [4] Saal et al. 2002 Nature 419 [5] Hauri and Saal 2009 EOS Fall suppl. AGU abstr.

Fault-controlled CO2 leakage from natural reservoirs in the Colorado Plateau, East-Central Utah

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Na-Hyun; Han, Weon Shik; Watson, Z. T.; Graham, Jack P.; Kim, Kue-Young

2014-10-01

The study investigated a natural analogue for soil CO2 fluxes where CO2 has naturally leaked on the Colorado Plateau, East-Central Utah in order to identify various factors that control CO2 leakage and to understand regional-scale CO2 leakage processes in fault systems. The total 332 and 140 measurements of soil CO2 flux were made at 287 and 129 sites in the Little Grand Wash (LGW) and Salt Wash (SW) fault zones, respectively. Measurement sites for CO2 flux involved not only conspicuous CO2 degassing features (e.g., CO2-driven springs/geysers) but also linear features (e.g., joints/fractures and areas of diffusive leakage around a fault damage zone). CO2 flux anomalies were mostly observed along the fault traces. Specifically, CO2 flux anomalies were focused in the northern footwall of the both LGW and SW faults, supporting the existence of north-plunging anticlinal CO2 trap against south-dipping faults as well as higher probability of the north major fault traces as conduits. Anomalous CO2 fluxes also appeared in active travertines adjacent to CO2-driven cold springs and geysers (e.g., 36,259 g m-2 d-1 at Crystal Geyser), ancient travertines (e.g., 5,917 g m-2 d-1), joint zones in sandstone (e.g., 120 g m-2 d-1), and brine discharge zones (e.g., 5,515 g m-2 d-1). These observations indicate that CO2 has escaped through those pathways and that CO2 leakage from these fault zones does not correspond to point source leakage. The magnitude of CO2 flux is progressively reduced from north (i.e. the LGW fault zone, ∼36,259 g m-2 d-1) to south (i.e. the SW fault zone, ∼1,428 g m-2 d-1) despite new inputs of CO2 and CO2-saturated brine to the northerly SW fault from depth. This discrepancy in CO2 flux is most likely resulting from the differences in fault zone architecture and associated permeability structure. CO2-rich fluids from the LGW fault zone may become depleted with respect to CO2 during lateral transport, resulting in an additional decrease in CO2 fluxes within the SW fault zone. In other words, CO2 and CO2-charged brine originating from the LGW fault zone could migrate southward over 10-20 km through a series of high-permeable aquifers (e.g., Entrada, Navajo, Kayenta, Wingate, and White Rim Sandstones). These CO2-rich fluids could finally reach the southernmost Tumbleweed and Chaffin Ranch Geysers across the SW fault zone. The potential lateral transport of both CO2 and CO2-laden brine can be further supported by similar CO2/3He and 3He/4He ratios of gas and a systematic chemical evolution of water emitted from the regional springs and geysers, which suggest the same crustal origins of CO2 and CO2-rich brine for the region.

Rb-Sr And Sm-Nd Ages, and Petrogenesis of Depleted Shergottite Northwest Africa 5990

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shih, C. Y.; Nyquist, L. E.; Reese, Y.; Irving, A. J.

2011-01-01

Northwest Africa (NWA) 5990 is a very fresh Martian meteorite recently found on Hamada du Draa, Morocco and was classified as an olivine-bearing diabasic igneous rock related to depleted shergottites [1]. The study of [1] also showed that NWA 5990 resembles QUE 94201 in chemical, textural and isotopic aspects, except QUE 94201 contains no olivine. The depleted shergottites are characterized by REE patterns that are highly depleted in LREE, older Sm-Nd ages of 327-575 Ma and highly LREE-depleted sources with Nd= +35+48 [2-7]. Age-dating these samples by Sm-Nd and Rb-Sr methods is very challenging because they have been strongly shocked and contain very low abundances of light rare earth elements (Sm and Nd), Rb and Sr. In addition, terrestrial contaminants which are commonly present in desert meteorites will compromise the equilibrium of isotopic systems. Since NWA 5990 is a very fresh meteorite, it probably has not been subject to significant desert weathering and thus is a good sample for isotopic studies. In this report, we present Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd isotopic results for NWA 5990, discuss the correlation of the determined ages with those of other depleted shergottites, especially QUE 94201, and discuss the petrogenesis of depleted shergottites.

Thallium as a tracer of fluid-rock interaction in the shallow Mariana forearc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nielsen, Sune G.; Klein, Frieder; Kading, Tristan; Blusztajn, Jerzy; Wickham, Katie

2015-11-01

Fluids driven off the subducting Pacific plate infiltrate the shallow Mariana forearc and lead to extensive serpentinization of mantle peridotite. However, the sources, pathways, and chemical modifications of ascending, slab-derived fluids remain poorly constrained and controversial. In this study, we use thallium (Tl) concentrations and isotopic ratios of serpentinized peridotite and rodingitized diabase from the South Chamorro and Conical Seamounts to discriminate between potential fluid sources with distinct Tl isotope compositions. Serpentinite samples from the Mariana forearc all display ε205 Tl > - 0.5 (where ε205 Tl = 10 , 000 × (205Tl /Tl203sample -205Tl /SRM 997 203Tl ) / (205Tl / SRM 997 203Tl )), which is significantly enriched in 205Tl compared to the normal mantle (ε205 Tl = - 2). Given that high temperature hydrothermal processes do not impart significant Tl isotope fractionation, the isotope compositions of the serpentinites must reflect that of the serpentinizing fluid. Pelagic sediments are the only known slab component that consistently displays ε205 Tl > - 0.5 and, therefore, we interpret the heavy Tl isotope signatures as signifying that the serpentinizing fluids were derived from subducting pelagic sediments. A rodingitized diabase from Conical Seamount was found to have an ε205 Tl of 0.8, suggesting that sediment-sourced serpentinization fluids could also affect diabase and other mafic lithologies in the shallow Mariana forearc. Forearc rodingitization of diabase led to a strong depletion in Tl content and a virtually complete loss of K, Na and Rb. The chemical composition of hybrid fluids resulting from serpentinization of harzburgite with concomitant rodingitization of diabase can be highly alkaline, depleted in Si, yet enriched in Ca, Na, K, and Rb, which is consistent with the composition of fluids emanating from mud volcanoes in the Mariana forearc. Our study suggests that fluid-rock interactions between sedimentary, mafic, and ultramafic lithologies are strongly interconnected even in the shallowest parts of subduction zones. We conclude that transfer of fluids and dissolved elements at temperatures and pressures below 400 °C and 1 GPa, respectively, must be taken into account when elemental budgets and mass transfer between the subducting plate, the forearc, the deep mantle and the ocean are evaluated.

Magma transport and metasomatism in the mantle: a critical review of current geochemical models

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nielson, J.E.; Wilshire, H.G.

1993-01-01

Conflicting geochemical models of metasomatic interactions between mantle peridotite and melt all assume that mantle reactions reflect chromatographic processes. Examination of field, petrological, and compositional data suggests that the hypothesis of chromatographic fractionation based on the supposition of large-scale percolative processes needs review and revision. Well-constrained rock and mineral data from xenoliths indicate that many elements that behave incompatibly in equilibrium crystallization processes are absorbed immediately when melts emerge from conduits into depleted peridotite. After reacting to equilibrium with the peridotite, melt that percolates away from the conduit is largely depleted of incompatible elements. Continued addition of melts extends the zone of equilibrium farther from the conduit. Such a process resembles ion-exchange chromatography for H2O purification, rather than the model of chromatographic species separation. -from Authors

Possible sources of H2 to H2O enrichment at evaporation of parent chondritic material

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Makalkin, A. B.; Dorofeyeva, V. A.; Vityazev, A. V.

1993-01-01

One of the results obtained from thermodynamic simulation of recondensation of the source chondritic material is that at 1500-1800 K it's possible to form iron-rich olivine by reaction between enstatite, metallic iron and water vapor in the case of (H2O)/(H2) approximately equal to 0.1. This could be reached if the gas depletion in hydrogen is 200-300 times relative to solar abundance. To get this range of depletion one needs some source material more rich in hydrogen than the carbonaceous CI material which is the richest in volatiles among chondrites. In the case of recondensation at impact heating and evaporation of colliding planetesimals composed of CI material, we obtain insufficiently high value of (H2)/(H2O) ratio. In the present paper we consider some possible source materials and physical conditions necessary to reach gas composition with (H2)/(H2O) approximately 10 at high temperature.

Gaseous Nitrogen Orifice Mass Flow Calculator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ritrivi, Charles

2013-01-01

The Gaseous Nitrogen (GN2) Orifice Mass Flow Calculator was used to determine Space Shuttle Orbiter Water Spray Boiler (WSB) GN2 high-pressure tank source depletion rates for various leak scenarios, and the ability of the GN2 consumables to support cooling of Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) lubrication during entry. The data was used to support flight rationale concerning loss of an orbiter APU/hydraulic system and mission work-arounds. The GN2 mass flow-rate calculator standardizes a method for rapid assessment of GN2 mass flow through various orifice sizes for various discharge coefficients, delta pressures, and temperatures. The calculator utilizes a 0.9-lb (0.4 kg) GN2 source regulated to 40 psia (.276 kPa). These parameters correspond to the Space Shuttle WSB GN2 Source and Water Tank Bellows, but can be changed in the spreadsheet to accommodate any system parameters. The calculator can be used to analyze a leak source, leak rate, gas consumables depletion time, and puncture diameter that simulates the measured GN2 system pressure drop.

Mineral chemistry and geochemistry of ophiolitic metaultramafics from Um Halham and Fawakhir, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdel-Karim, Abdel-Aal M.; Ali, Shehata; El-Shafei, Shaimaa A.

2018-03-01

This study is focused on ophiolitic metaultramafics from Um Halham and Fawakhir, Central Eastern Desert of Egypt. The rocks include serpentinized peridotites, serpentinites together with talc- and quartz-carbonates. The primary spinel relict is Al-chromite [Cr# > 60], which is replaced by Cr-magnetite during metamorphism. The high Cr# of Al-chromites resembles supra-subduction zone (SSZ) peridotites and suggests derivation from the deeper portion of the mantle section with boninitic affinity. These mantle rocks equilibrated with boninitic melt have been generated by high melting degrees. The estimated melting degrees ( 19-24%) lie within the range of SSZ peridotites. The high Cr# of spinel and Fo content of olivine together with the narrow compositional range suggest a mantle residual origin. Serpentinized peridotite and serpentinites have low Al2O3/SiO2 ratios (mostly < 0.03) like fore-arc mantle wedge serpentinites and further indicate that their mantle protolith had experienced partial melting before serpentinization process. Moreover, they have very low Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf concentrations along with sub-chondritic Nb/Ta (0.3-16) and Zr/Hf (mostly 1-20) ratios further confirming that their mantle source was depleted by earlier melting extraction event. The high chondrite normalized (La/Sm)N ratios (average 10) reflect input of subduction-related slab melts/fluids into their mantle source.

Radiocarbon-depleted CO2 evidence for fuel biodegradation at the Naval Air Station North Island (USA) fuel farm site.

PubMed

Boyd, Thomas J; Pound, Michael J; Lohr, Daniel; Coffin, Richard B

2013-05-01

Dissolved CO(2) radiocarbon and stable carbon isotope ratios were measured in groundwater from a fuel contaminated site at the North Island Naval Air Station in San Diego, CA (USA). A background groundwater sampling well and 16 wells in the underground fuel contamination zone were evaluated. For each sample, a two end-member isotopic mixing model was used to determine the fraction of CO(2) derived from fossil fuel. The CO(2) fraction from fossil sources ranged from 8 to 93% at the fuel contaminated site, while stable carbon isotope values ranged from -14 to +5‰VPDB. Wells associated with highest historical and contemporary fuel contamination showed the highest fraction of CO(2) derived from petroleum (fossil) sources. Stable carbon isotope ratios indicated sub-regions on-site with recycled CO(2) (δ(13)CO(2) as high as +5‰VPDB) - most likely resulting from methanogenesis. Ancillary measurements (pH and cations) were used to determine that no fossil CaCO(3), for instance limestone, biased the analytical conclusions. Radiocarbon analysis is verified as a viable and definitive technique for confirming fossil hydrocarbon conversion to CO(2) (complete oxidation) at hydrocarbon-contaminated groundwater sites. The technique should also be very useful for assessing the efficacy of engineered remediation efforts and by using CO(2) production rates, contaminant mass conversion over time and per unit volume.

Summer evapotranspiration trends as related to time following logging of high elevation forest stands in Sierra Nevada

Treesearch

Robert R. Ziemer

1963-01-01

Abstract - The quantity of summer soil moisture loss from logged forest openings was related to the length of time since the creation of the opening in a study made in the subalpine forest zone of the Sierra Nevada west-side near the Central Sierra Snow Laboratory, California, within the elevational range of 6,000 to 7,000 feet. Soil moisture depletion was measured in...

Natural gas sources from methane seeps on the Northern U.S. Atlantic Margin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pohlman, J.; Ruppel, C. D.; Wang, D. T.; Ono, S.; Kluesner, J.; Xu, X.; Sylva, S.; Casso, M.

2017-12-01

Following the discovery of shallow- (< 180 m) and deep-water (>1000 m) methane seeps north of Cape Hatteras on the U.S. Atlantic margin (USAM), questions have been raised about the source of the emitted gas in an area where deeply-buried thermogenic basins have been identified by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. In September 2015, 21 piston cores and 14 multicores were collected along a 365 km section of the margin that extends from Washington Canyon offshore of Virginia to southern New England. Several coring sites targeted gas accumulations in shallow-sediments (< 10 m below the seafloor) between water depths of 541 and 1055 m. A comprehensive compositional and isotopic analysis of gases extracted from five cores containing elevated gas concentrations is being conducted to provide a first-order characterization of natural gas sources along the USAM. Stable carbon isotope analysis of the gases is consistent with a microbial methane source at all sites with δ13C values ranging from -73.5 to -109 ‰ and C1/C2 ratios ranging from 385 to 71,000 within non-oxidizing sections of the cores. The site with the highest ethane contribution (C1/C2 = 385 to 926) is the so-called Chincoteague seep located at 1100 m water depth offshore Virginia. This seep is sourced in fractured rock imaged during a 2015 USGS multichannel seismic survey and could potentially contain a small thermogenic component. Additional isotopic data from radiocarbon, deuterium and clumped isotope analyses will further constrain the relative microbial and thermogenic contributions to the gas emissions, the age of the source rocks, and the thermal conditions under which the gas is generated. Furthermore, biogeochemical controls responsible for the exceptionally 13C-depleted δ13C values (-106.6 to -109.0 ‰) of core gas methane from the methanogenic sedimentary zone at the northern and southern sections of the continental slope will be evaluated.

Elevated helium isotope ratios in the northern Lau and north Fiji basins: Intrusion of the Samoan hotspot or another OIB component?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lupton, J. E.; Price, A. A.; Jackson, M. G.; Arculus, R. J.; Nebel, O.

2016-12-01

The submarine volcanic rocks of the northern Lau Basin exhibit a complex pattern in helium and radiogenic isotope ratios attributed to the interplay of depleted upper mantle, arc, and hotspot components. The seafloor lavas of the NW Lau Spreading Center (NWLSC) and Rochambeau Rifts have elevated 3He/4He ratios (12 - 28 Ra) indicating that a mantle plume component, possibly from Samoa, has influenced this extensional zone (Lupton et al., 2009). However, this hotspot helium is absent in the NE Lau Basin, which has MOR-type helium ( 8 Ra). We have analyzed helium isotope ratios in 40 additional submarine samples collected on the 2012 cruise of the R/V Southern Surveyor which extend the geographic coverage farther west into the Fiji Basin. To the west of the NWLSC, several samples from the Futuna Volcanic Zone and the Futuna Spreading Center have elevated 3He/4He in the range of 12 - 20.9 Ra, presumably related to the same OIB influence detected along the nearby NW Lau backarc spreading system. Surprisingly, the NE Fiji Triple Junction 1000 km to the west of the NWLSC, also has elevated 3He/4He up to 14.4 Ra. When radiogenic isotopes (Sr, Nd, Hf) are added to the picture, samples from the Futuna Volcanic Zone and from the NE Fiji Triple Junction fall on a mixing trend between depleted MORB mantle and FOZO, as do samples from the Rochambeau Rifts and NWLSC. However, this trend is distinct from that of Samoa proper, suggesting that only a restricted (FOZO) portion of the Samoan plume is responsible for the elevated 3He/4He in the northern Lau and Fiji basins.

The "Fermi hole" and the correlation introduced by the symmetrization or the anti-symmetrization of the wave function.

PubMed

Giner, Emmanuel; Tenti, Lorenzo; Angeli, Celestino; Malrieu, Jean-Paul

2016-09-28

The impact of the antisymmetrization is often addressed as a local property of the many-electron wave function, namely that the wave function should vanish when two electrons with parallel spins are in the same position in space. In this paper, we emphasize that this presentation is unduly restrictive: we illustrate the strong non-local character of the antisymmetrization principle, together with the fact that it is a matter of spin symmetry rather than spin parallelism. To this aim, we focus our attention on the simplest representation of various states of two-electron systems, both in atomic (helium atom) and molecular (H 2 and the π system of the ethylene molecule) cases. We discuss the non-local property of the nodal structure of some two-electron wave functions, both using analytical derivations and graphical representations of cuttings of the nodal hypersurfaces. The attention is then focussed on the impact of the antisymmetrization on the maxima of the two-body density, and we show that it introduces strong correlation effects (radial and/or angular) with a non-local character. These correlation effects are analyzed in terms of inflation and depletion zones, which are easily identifiable, thanks to the nodes of the orbitals composing the wave function. Also, we show that the correlation effects induced by the antisymmetrization occur also for anti-parallel spins since all M s components of a given spin state have the same N-body densities. Finally, we illustrate that these correlation effects occur also for the singlet states, but they have strictly opposite impacts: the inflation zones in the triplet become depletion zones in the singlet and vice versa.

The Wenquan ultramafic rocks in the Central East Kunlun Fault zone, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau—crustal relics of the Paleo-Tethys ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Lihui; Meng, Fancong; Feng, Huibin

2018-06-01

The Wenquan ultramafic rocks, located in the East Kunlun Orogenic belt in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, consist of dunite, wehrlite, olivine-clinopyroxenite and clinopyroxenite, and exhibit cumulate textures. Olivine from dunite has high Fo (forsterite, 90.0-91.8 wt%) and NiO content (0.15-0.42 wt%). Cr-spinels from all of the rocks in this suite are characterized by high Cr# (100×[Cr/(Cr + Al)], 67-91), low Mg# (100×[Mg/(Mg + Fe2+)], 17-35) and low TiO2 contents (mostly < 0.5 wt%). Clinopyroxene displays high Mg# (92-98) and low TiO2 content (0.002-0.099 wt%), similar to those in ophiolitic cumulates. Geochemically, the Wenquan ultramafic rocks show enrichment of LILE, Sr, and Ba, and depletion of Nb and Th. High-Mg# (mostly > 80) and low-CaO (< 0.08 wt%) olivine, high-Cr# (up to 91) spinel, and low Ti contents of clinopyroxene and Cr-spinel indicate that the Wenquan cumulates were generated by high-degree partial melting of a depleted oceanic lithosphere mantle. The ultramafic intrusion most likely evolved from high-Mg basaltic magmas (Mg# = 77.5) that underwent fractional crystallization and crustal contamination. Zircon grains from clinopyroxenites yield a U-Pb weighted mean age of 331 ± 2 Ma, which is nearly coeval with the formation age of the A'nyemaqen ophiolites. The Wenquan Carboniferous ophiolites are confirmed to exist in the Central East Kunlun Fault zone, whereas previous studies have considered them to be the Proterozoic ophiolites. The Wenquan ophiolite might be a relict of the Paleotethyan ocean, indicating that there were two cycles of oceanic-continental evolution along the Central East Kunlun Fault zone.

Compositional Heterogeneity and Spatial Segmentation of Suprasubduction (ssz-type) Ophiolites: Evidence From The Kamchatka Arc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osipenko, A.; Krylov, K.

In ophiolite complexes from the Eastern Asian accretion belts the spatial heterogeneity of geochemical parameters for different components of an ophiolite sequence is estab- lished: restite mantle-derived peridotites, cumulative layered complex and volcanics. This heterogeneity is displayed as at a regional level (tens - hundred km), and at a level of local structures (hundred i - first tens km). As a rule, distinction is observed on a complex of geochemical parameters (concentration and form of REE spectra, EPG distribution, isotope characteristics, Cr-spinel and pyroxene composition etc.). Revealed at once in several suprasubduction-type ophiolite belts (Kamuikotan, Philip- pines New Guinea etc.), the spatial variations of geochemical parameters have not gradual, and discrete character. For an explanation of the reasons of ophiolite com- positional heterogeneity several mechanisms are offered: (1) tectonical overlapping of various fragments of lithosphere; (2) different specify of deep processes, resulting to compositional heterogeneity of rocks from the same lithosphere level; 3) hetero- geneity of the upper mantle and/or mantle metasomatism; 4) evolution of ophiolites (Shervais, 2001) and/or center of magma generation (mixture of continuous series of melt portions, separated during different stages of progressive mantle source melting (Bazylev et al., 2001)); 5) preservations of relict blocks of low lithosphere and upper mantle from the previous stage in suprasubduction conditions. The authors consider regional geochemical heterogeneity and segmentation of suprasubduction ophiolites (SSZ-type) on an example of peridotites from the Eastern Kamchatka ophiolite belt (EKOB), where sublongitude zones, crossed the basic geological structures of a penin- sula (including EROB) were allocated earlier. For each of zones the complex of geo- chemical attributes, steady is established within the limits of a zone, but distinct from of the characteristics of other zones. Among the factors causing an unequal degree of partial melting of peridotites, a main role play a geothermal regime and composition of fluid phase (first of all, the role of water fluid is great). These parameters, in turn, are supervised by a geodynamic regime of magma generation (such characteristics as speed of subduction and geometry of a subducted plate) and finally determine speed of uplift from the diapir in mantle, depth of the termination of partial melting, amount of 1 extracted melt, form and capacity of the magma chamber etc. The local heterogeneity in SSZ-ophiolites is considered on an example of a complex of the Kamchatka Cape Peninsula - the largest ophiolite complex in EKOB. Isotope, geochemical and miner- alogical study have shown, that a part, prevailing on volume, of this complex consist suprasubduction-type magmatic rocks (restite high-depleted harzburgites and related layered cumulative complex), whereas peridotites of harzburgite-lherzolite series and high-grade metabasites (retrograde eclogites and garnet amphibolites) composition- ally correspond to series of N-MORB and Ò-MORB-type. The presence in ophiolite of the Kamchatka Cape Peninsula alongside with high-depleted harzburgites as well moderately- and low-depleted peridotites of harzburgite-lherzolite series allows to as- sume, that Late Mesozoic suprasubduction ophiolites were formed on peridotitic basis of abyssal type. Thus the transformation of "oceanic" substrate was not complete, that has allowed to be kept relict peridotites of lherzolitic type and high-pressure metamor- phics. Probably it reflects pulsing character of geodynamics of suprasubduction-type ophiolite formation, it is possible is connected with "jumping" of spreading axes in suprasubduction conditions. During followed multistage napping in a northeast direc- tion in the Upper Cretaceous time disintegrated fragments of both mantle complexes were tectonically concurrent. In the report the alternative versions of tectonic models of development are also discussed for the Eastern Kamchatka ophiolites. 2

Measuring Spatial Variability of Vapor Flux to Characterize Vadose-zone VOC Sources: Flow-cell Experiments

DOE PAGES

Mainhagu, Jon; Morrison, C.; Truex, Michael J.; ...

2014-08-05

A method termed vapor-phase tomography has recently been proposed to characterize the distribution of volatile organic contaminant mass in vadose-zone source areas, and to measure associated three-dimensional distributions of local contaminant mass discharge. The method is based on measuring the spatial variability of vapor flux, and thus inherent to its effectiveness is the premise that the magnitudes and temporal variability of vapor concentrations measured at different monitoring points within the interrogated area will be a function of the geospatial positions of the points relative to the source location. A series of flow-cell experiments was conducted to evaluate this premise. Amore » well-defined source zone was created by injection and extraction of a non-reactive gas (SF6). Spatial and temporal concentration distributions obtained from the tests were compared to simulations produced with a mathematical model describing advective and diffusive transport. Tests were conducted to characterize both areal and vertical components of the application. Decreases in concentration over time were observed for monitoring points located on the opposite side of the source zone from the local–extraction point, whereas increases were observed for monitoring points located between the local–extraction point and the source zone. We found that the results illustrate that comparison of temporal concentration profiles obtained at various monitoring points gives a general indication of the source location with respect to the extraction and monitoring points.« less

Rapid Glucose Depletion Immobilizes Active Myosin-V on Stabilized Actin Cables

PubMed Central

Xu, Li; Bretscher, Anthony

2014-01-01

Summary Polarization of eukaryotic cells requires organelles and protein complexes to be transported to their proper destinations along the cytoskeleton [1]. When nutrients are abundant, budding yeast grows rapidly transporting secretory vesicles for localized growth and actively segregating organelles [2, 3]. This is mediated by myosin-Vs transporting cargos along F-actin bundles known as actin cables [4]. Actin cables are dynamic structures regulated by assembly, stabilization and disassembly [5]. Polarized growth and actin filament dynamics consume energy. For most organisms, glucose is the preferred energy source and generally represses alternative carbon source usage [6]. Thus upon abrupt glucose depletion, yeast shuts down pathways consuming large amounts of energy, including the vacuolar-ATPase [7, 8], translation [9] and phosphoinositide metabolism [10]. Here we show that glucose withdrawal rapidly (<1 min) depletes ATP levels and the yeast myosin V, Myo2, responds by relocalizing to actin cables, making it the fastest response documented. Myo2 immobilized on cables releases its secretory cargo, defining a new rigor-like state of a myosin-V in vivo. Only actively transporting Myo2 can be converted to the rigor-like state. Glucose depletion has differential effects on the actin cytoskeleton resulting in disassembly of actin patches with concomitant inhibition of endocytosis, and strong stabilization of actin cables, thereby revealing a selective and previously unappreciated ATP requirement for actin cable disassembly. A similar response is seen in HeLa cells to ATP depletion. These findings reveal a new fast-acting energy conservation strategy halting growth by immobilizing myosin-V in a newly described state on selectively stabilized actin cables. PMID:25308080