Comparative analysis of coatings on granitic substrates from urban and natural settings (NW Spain)

Rock coatings are frequent on natural rock outcrops and even more on stone surfaces of historical buildings and monuments. They are interesting as some of them have a protective effect against erosion. In the last 30 years, research on rock coatings has been performed separately on either buildings or natural outcrops. This paper studies and compares thin coatings found on granitic rock surfaces of historical buildings with coatings found on natural granite outcrops in a same climatic area (NW Spain) by analysing their surface and cross-sections. As rock surfaces of buildings have known age they can be used to assess rates of weathering and coating growth. This is the first comparative study of formation of coatings on natural and built surfaces in the same region. Both endogenous (rock characteristics) and exogenous factors (climatic conditions, air pollution) that could affect the coatings formation are considered to assess the origin and formation of coatings. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyses of the underlying rocks, XRD analyses of the coatings and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) observations of surface and cross-sections of the coatings, performing Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS) and X-ray maps, were carried out to establish their composition. Fieldwork and results indicate that natural outcrops are widely covered by biological coatings or coatings formed due to rock weathering, while coatings found on rock ashlars are highly variable with air pollution, other building materials, organic droppings and micro-environmental factors contributing to coatings on rock ashlars in a more significant way than substrate characteristics and exposure time.     

Enigmatic Efflorescence in Kärkevagge, Swedish Lapland: The Key to Chemical Weathering?

The second marvel to catch the eye of the visitor to Kärkevagge, after the impressive boulder deposit on the floor of the valley, is the series of prominent white stripes running down the valley's dark cliffs. Streams and springs descending the eastern flank of Kärkevagge are marked by the presence of whitish coatings on the black rock surfaces and on cobbles lining ephemeral waterways. These were referred to as 'lime crusts' by early investigators, but they are not reactive to HCl. We believe that they are a precipitate resulting from acid attack on the local rocks. Pyrite is common in many of the rocks in the valley and its oxidation produces sulfuric acid. As the dissolved mineral elements are carried in the drainage water, efflorescence forms on the surfaces where the water flows due to evaporation or to changes in temperature. The exact mineralogy of the white crusts is unknown, but the crusts are dominated by Al, S, and O, and in some cases by Ca, depending on the substrate and local conditions. Gypsum, illite, and chlorite have been identified by X–ray diffraction of some scrapings of white–coated rocks. However, we believe that some unidentified oxy–hydroxy aluminum sulfates make up the bulk of the precipitates.     

Enigmatic Efflorescence in Kärkevagge, Swedish Lapland: The Key to Chemical Weathering?

The second marvel to catch the eye of the visitor to Kärkevagge, after the impressive boulder deposit on the floor of the valley, is the series of prominent white stripes running down the valley's dark cliffs. Streams and springs descending the eastern flank of Kärkevagge are marked by the presence of whitish coatings on the black rock surfaces and on cobbles lining ephemeral waterways. These were referred to as 'lime crusts' by early investigators, but they are not reactive to HCl. We believe that they are a precipitate resulting from acid attack on the local rocks. Pyrite is common in many of the rocks in the valley and its oxidation produces sulfuric acid. As the dissolved mineral elements are carried in the drainage water, efflorescence forms on the surfaces where the water flows due to evaporation or to changes in temperature. The exact mineralogy of the white crusts is unknown, but the crusts are dominated by Al, S, and O, and in some cases by Ca, depending on the substrate and local conditions. Gypsum, illite, and chlorite have been identified by X–ray diffraction of some scrapings of white–coated rocks. However, we believe that some unidentified oxy–hydroxy aluminum sulfates make up the bulk of the precipitates.     

Interpretation of Rock Varnish in Australia: case studies from the arid zone

Rock varnish has a long history of study in Australia. Although Australian varnishes have biological, chemical and morphological similarities to varnishes in other continents, rock varnishes in arid Australia tend to be less stable than in other drylands. Still, with careful sampling, radiocarbon and cation‐ratio dating of rock varnish has been used to constrain the age of Henbury Meteor Craters, Northern Territory, and rock engravings in South Australia and New South Wales, as well as to assess the geomorphic surface stability of Ayers Rock, Northern Territory, and the slopes of Pepuarta Bluff in the Olary Province of South Australia.     

戈壁表层沉积物地球化学元素组成及其沉积意义

作为干旱、半干旱区的一类重要荒漠景观,戈壁在中国分布面积较广,其独特的物质组成和沉积特征对解释它的物源和发生过程有重要的意义.本文通过筛分处理对戈壁表层不同粒径沉积物地球化学元素组成进行了分析.结果表明:各类戈壁表层沉积物的主要元素组成特征基本相似,但不同粒级沉积物主要元素的含量略有差异.与UCC的平均化学组成相比,戈壁表层沉积物中主要元素除Si基本与UCC保持一致外,其余各主要元素均在不同程度上表现出了富集和淋失特征,微量元素在两大类型戈壁中随沉积物粒径的变化与主要元素基本一致.在极端干旱的气候条件下戈壁表层沉积物缺少有效的化学风化过程,基本处在未受或较弱的大陆化学风化的初、中级阶段.各个粒级的沉积物在经历侵蚀和风化过程中较好的继承关系表明,戈壁砾石层下伏的细粒沉积层不是外源搬运沉淀,而是局地岩屑通过就地风化和成壤作用形成.     

中国干旱区土地沙砾化过程的空气流压场分析

在野外调查和资料分析的基础上,应用空气流压场原理,矢量分析法,分析了我国干旱地区不同地貌类型分区的土地沙砾化过程,及其所导致的风蚀,风积地形的分布规律,高山地区,风蚀风积地形从山顶到山木麓呈带状分布,在平坦地区,随气流强弱,扰动,就地就近起沙,形成了低缓沙丘,河湖淤泥平原,土地干裂迭加风力,形成了残丘雅丹地形,在丘陵地区的迎风坡为土地砾化,背风坡为沙化。     

The lost city of north‐west Queensland: a test of the model of giant Grikeland development in semi‐arid Karst

Jennings and Sweeting's (1963) model of landscape evolution in the Limestone Ranges of Western Australia has been proposed as a general scheme of semi‐arid karstification by Williams (1978) and Ford and Williams (1989). The model involves an initial plateau surface which undergoes progressive karstic dissection. The resultant landscape is characterised first by giant grikelands, then by box valleys and finally by karst towers. The depth of dissection is governed by the altitude of successive levels of pediplanation adjacent to the karst, with each karst level representing the location of a former erosion surface. The Lost City, a giant grikeland in the Barkly karst of north‐west Queensland, has evolved by the karstic dissection and stripping of a gently dipping sequence of carbonates and cherts. By contrast with the type example, the depth of dissection, the altitude of successive surfaces, the form and even the location of the grikeland are all controlled by rock structure. Not only does this cast doubt on the general applicability of Jennings and Sweeting's model, it suggests that such landscapes may also be the result of structural control and that the role played by semi‐arid climates may be less important than has previously been proposed. Given our present poverty of knowledge of semi‐arid karstification, any attempt to identify type examples of semi‐arid karst may be premature.     

极端干旱区不同下垫面土壤凝结水试验研究

为了探讨极端干旱区植被生长季的土壤凝结水特征, 采用微渗计和中子仪, 于2010 年6-7 月对塔里木河下游地区胡杨林、柽柳丛和裸地3 种典型下垫面密封和不密封处理的土壤凝结水的变化特征、形成时间及其影响因素进行了研究。结果表明:微渗计和中子仪观测结果均显示观测期间裸地产生的土壤凝结水总量最大, 其次为柽柳丛, 而胡杨林形成的土壤凝结水总量最小。观测期间研究区凝结现象从21:00-22:00 左右开始, 02:00-03:00 左右达到第一个峰值前, 随着近地表气温和地温的降低, 土壤凝结水量呈增加的趋势。不密封处理产生的土壤凝结水量显著大于密封处理的(t<0.01)。柽柳丛土壤日均凝结水量最大, 其次为裸地, 胡杨林最小。方差分析显示, 不同下垫面类型土壤的日均凝结水量之间存在极显著差异(P<0.01)。3 种下垫面土壤凝结水量的变化趋势基本一致, 均呈双峰曲线。凝结过程一般从22:00 左右持续到次日09:00 左右。土壤凝结水量主要受气温、大气相对湿度、表层地温、风速以及下垫面等因素的影响。研究结果可以为生态退化区的植被恢复提供一定的理论依据。     

南极陨石与沙漠陨石的对比研究

南极冰盖和热带干旱－半干旱沙漠地区均有利于陨石样品的保存。到目前为止,已在南极约２５００ｋｍ２的蓝色冰区内回收了约１５０００块陨石。在非洲撒哈拉沙漠、西澳大利亚及美国新墨西哥州沙漠地区回收了约２０００块陨石。但由于两者的气候条件和保存陨石的环境不同,它们之间存在明显差异,南极陨石居地年龄大,风化程度低,地球污染小;沙漠陨石居地年龄小,风化程度高,地球污染大。南极和沙漠陨石的主要陨石类型的频率与已知降落的陨石相似,未观察到陨石类型通量随时间的明显变化,但在南极陨石中稀少和独特陨石类型的丰度较高,按其陨石来源将其划分为小行星陨石和行星陨石。新的和独特陨石类型的研究以及月球和火星陨石的研究有利于探索和了解早期太阳星云的连续化学分馏作用及月壳和火星表面的平均化学组成及其横向变化。     

SURFACE EXPOSURE DATING: REVIEW AND CRITICAL EVALUATION

The past decade has seen the development and application of over a dozen new methods for quantitative age-determinations of geomorphic surfaces. Some surface exposure dating methods are numerical, including the accumulation of cosmogenic radionuclides ¹⁰Be, ¹⁴C, ²⁶Al, ³⁶Cl, and ⁴¹Ca, accumulation of cosmogenic stable nuclides ³He and ²¹Ne, ¹⁴C dating of organic matter encapsulated in rock coatings, and dendrogeomorphology. Calendar ages are obtained by dendrogeomorphological analysis. Calibrated ages can be obtained by analysis of rock-varnish chemistry, lichenometry, weathering, and soils. Various methods can be used in combination to overcome individual limitations. Whereas conventional methods provide age control on stratigraphic profiles, surface-exposure dating methods are especially suitable for geographic problems, such as analyzing not only temporal, but also spatial variations in the rates of geomorphic processes. [Key words: geomorphology, process, geochronology, cosmogenic nuclides, Quaternary, surface exposure dating, rock varnish, weathering, soils.]     

Understanding the surface hydrology of the Lake Eyre Basin: Part 1—Rainfall

This is the first of two papers that describe the surface hydrology of the Lake Eyre Basin (LEB) (1,140,000 km²) in central Australia and compares some key characteristics with those observed from arid regions globally. This paper concentrates on annual rainfall, whereas the second paper is devoted to streamflow. The first part describes the LEB's climate (arid to semi-arid), which is dominated by a subtropical high pressure ridge stretching latitudinally across central Australia. Then follow major analyses that include the characteristics of rainfall, wet and dry spell lengths and cumulative surpluses and deficiencies, rainfall trends and intra- and inter-decadal fluctuations, and the relationship between rainfall and El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The paper concludes with six conclusions, the key ones being: the variability of the annual rainfall (based on the coefficient of variation) in the LEB is approximately 60% greater than that found for stations located in arid regions in the rest of the world; there is a bias towards longer lengths of dry years than observed in the rest of Australia; and, there is a significant lag correlation between rainfall and ENSO, particularly in the east and in the latter part of a year.     

CORRESPONDENCE ANALYSIS AND ADSORBATE SELECTION FOR CHEMICAL SENSOR ARRAYS

Carey et al.utilized principal components analysis (PCA) to analyze frequency shift data obtained frompiezoelectric sensors formed by coating quartz crystals with 27 different GC stationary phases and testedusing 14 analytes.The objective of the analysis was to determine an optimal reduced set of coatings fordetection of the analytes.The results were correlated with those obtained from cluster analysis.In thispaper the data are re-analyzed using correspondence analysis (CA).The advantage of using CA includea symmetric treatment of sensor coatings and analytes and better identification of the representation ofthe analytes in terms of the detection components.The results obtained by the conjunctive use of PCA,a varimax rotation and cluster analysis were obtained by CA.     

新疆东昆仑东部砂金分布及成因探讨

通过对新疆东昆仑东部地区砂金资源的野外实地调查,研究了区内砂金的分布类型,总结分析了砂金分布特征及规律。在成矿地质背景分析基础上,结合本地地理环境特点,气候特点,提出该区砂金的分布及形成与区内特定的高寒环境相关,并对原生金的寻找远景进行了初步评价。     

Localized Weathering: Implications for Theoretical and Applied Studies

In situ quantification of localized weathering processes on basalt flows in New Mexico and Hawaii demonstrates that small‐area factors can be more important than other more readily observable factors. Further, it demonstrates that the factorial concept of the Pope Boundary‐Layer weathering model is partially solvable, that organic weathering can accentuate glass weathering (with implications for climate models and storage of nuclear waste), and that silica coatings are not a simple solution for the preservation of stone monuments. Enhancement of glass weathering by lichens on the McCartys flow, El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico, remains restricted to a half‐millimeter directly underneath the lichen‐covered surface. In contrast, although the inorganic rock coating of silica glaze reduces weathering directly underneath the coating by up to nine times rates found in uncoated locales, silica glaze can almost double variability in weathering along its margins.     

中国干旱区地表水与地下水的转化

地表水与地下水的转化是中国干旱区水文的主要特征之一。本文按山区和平原两部分阐明地表水与地下水转化的特点,并对水资源作了估算。     

ENDOLITHIC LICHENS,RAPID BIOLOGICAL WEATHERING AND SCHMIDT HAMMER R‐VALUES ON RECENTLY EXPOSED ROCK SURFACES: STORBREEN GLACIER FORELAND,JOTUNHEIMEN, NORWAY

The endolithic lichen Lecidea auriculata is known to enhance rock surface weathering on the Little Ice Age moraines of the glacier Storbreen in Jotunheimen, central southern Norway. This study demonstrates the reduction in Schmidt hammer Rvalues that followed the rapid colonization by this lichen of pyroxene‐granulite boulders on terrain deglaciated over the last 88 years. In the absence of this lichen, the characteristic mean R‐value of boulder surfaces is 61.0 ± 0.3; where this lichen is present, R‐values are lower by at least 20 units on surfaces exposed for 30–40 years. A similar reduction in rock hardness on rock surfaces without a lichen cover requires about 10 ka. The rapid initial weakening of the rock surfaces is indicative of rates of biological weathering by endolithic lichens that may be two orders of magnitude (200–300 times) faster than rates of physico‐chemical weathering alone. If not avoided, the effects of this type of lichen are likely to negate the effectiveness of the Schmidt hammer and other methods for exposure‐age dating, including cosmogenic‐nuclide dating, in severe alpine and polar periglacial environments. The results also suggest a new method for dating rock surfaces exposed for <50 years.     

LICHENOMETRIC DATING (LICHENOMETRY) AND THE BIOLOGY OF THE LICHEN GENUS RHIZOCARPON: CHALLENGES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Lichenometric dating (lichenometry) involves the use of lichen measurements to estimate the age of exposure of various substrata. Because of low radial growth rates and considerable longevity, species of the crustose lichen genus Rhizocarpon have been the most useful in lichenometry. The primary assumption of lichenometry is that colonization, growth and mortality of Rhizocarpon are similar on surfaces of known and unknown age so that the largest thalli present on the respective faces are of comparable age. This review describes the current state of knowledge regarding the biology of Rhizocarpon and considers two main questions: (1) to what extent does existing knowledge support this assumption; and (2) what further biological observations would be useful both to test its validity and to improve the accuracy of lichenometric dates? A review of the Rhizocarpon literature identified gaps in knowledge regarding early development, the growth rate/size curve, mortality, regeneration, competitive effects, colonization, and succession on rock surfaces. The data suggest that these processes may not be comparable on different rock surfaces, especially in regions where growth rates and thallus turnover are high. In addition, several variables could differ between rock surfaces and influence maximum thallus size, including rate and timing of colonization, radial growth rates, environmental differences, thallus fusion, allelopathy, thallus mortality, colonization and competition. Comparative measurements of these variables on surfaces of known and unknown age may help to determine whether the basic assumptions of lichenometry are valid. Ultimately, it may be possible to take these differences into account when interpreting estimated dates.     

Climate and surface properties: hydrological response of small arid and semi-arid watersheds

A positive relationship between annual rainfall and geomorphic processes (runoff and erosion rates) and environmental factors (water regime, soil and vegetation cover) is often assumed for arid and semi-arid areas with an annual rainfall in the range of 100–300 mm. This assumption disregards the fact that changes along a climatic gradient, at desert margins, are not limited to purely climatic factors. They are often accompanied by a parallel change in surface properties; especially the relative extent of rocky or soil covered surfaces that differ greatly in their response to rainfall. This raises the issue whether the change in surface properties along a climatic gradient enhances the assumed positive effects of rainfall increase or limits it. The hypothesis advanced in this paper is that runoff generation and rate in arid and semi-arid areas are primarily controlled by surface properties rather than by the absolute amounts of storm and annual rain amounts. Hydrological data collected at two instrumented watersheds, located one in an arid rocky area, and the second in a semi-arid soil covered area, support this hypothesis. The implications of data obtained for runoff generation and flow continuity under changing climatic conditions are analyzed. They point to the fact that the same regional climatic change may have different, and even opposite effects, on the hydrological response of different adjoining surface units. This response is expected to be strongly controlled by the specific local surface conditions that prevailed in the area prior to the climatic change.     

西南极菲尔德斯半岛白垩纪晚期和第三纪早期岩石的古地磁学及其大地构造意义

采自菲尔德斯半岛白垩纪晚期和第三纪早期五个岩层单位的12个采点109块定向岩芯标本进行了系统的古地磁学测定,从中得知,55～45Ma时期,该区极位置与澳大利亚的同时期结果不同,它经历了大约20°～30°的南向水平移动与70°～80°的西向旋转,逐渐地构成了今日彼此相对位置的格架。文章绘制出南极洲的视极移曲线。     

The hydrogeochemistry of the Kärkevagge Valley, Lapland, Sweden

The Kärkejokk (jokk = Lappish for brook) is rich in sulfate and calcium, both elements having been considered enigmatic. To resolve these problems we collected waters at 13 sites during 27 June to 1 September 1996. Nine sites were in the Kärkevagge, and the others in the drainage towards lake Torne Träsk. Rain waters were collected the same period. Conductivity, pH, and temperature were measured in the field, whereas salt load and the elements Na, K, Ca, Mg, S, Si, Fe, Al, Mn, Zn, Sr, and Ba were determined in the laboratory.
Mixing models based on rain water and leaching products of the major bedrocks do not explain observed element patterns except in the lower parts of the jokk. However, oxidation of pyrite has formed acid, sulfate–rich solutions that released Ca and Mg from limestones, and Fe, Mn, Al, and Si, from black shales (Malmsten 1998; Malmsten et al. 2000). Conservative mixing models, using rain water, leached bedrock and pyrite, match the jokk waters quite well, and sulfur isotope data corroborate these findings. The nearby Låktajokk, and Vassijokk also contain much S.
Where these waters debouch they may deposit Si, Al, and Ca, but only little S on various rocks. Total rock analyses, thermodynamic and X–ray data suggest that gypsum, barite, or alunite are not formed in major quantities.
These models show that the hydrogeochemistry of the Kärkejokk may be less enigmatic than often assumed.