Geochemistry and chronology of the Jiehekou Group metamorphic basic volcanic rocks in the Lüliang Mountain area,Shanxi, China

Samples were systematically collected from metamorphic basic volcanic rocks in the Jiehekou and Xiyupi areas on both sides of the Lüliang Mountains, Shanxi Province and analyzed for their major elements, trace elements and rare earth elements (REE). The geochemical characteristics of their major, trace and rare-earth elements indicated that the metamorphic basic volcanic rocks in this area were emplaced in the tectonic environment like a modern continental rift. Sm-Nd and Rb-Sr isotope chronological studies demonstrated that the Jiehekou Group metamorphic basic volcanic rocks were formed during the 2600-Ma crust/mantle differentiation event, and were transformed by granulite facies metamorphism during the late Neo-Archaean period (2500 Ma ±), making the Sm-Nd systematics of the rocks reset. During the late Paleoproterozoic period (1800 Ma ±) the Rb-Sr systematics of the rocks were disturbed again in response to the Lüliang movement. Since the extent of disturbance was so weak that the Sm-Nd systematics was not affected, the age of 1600 Ma ± obtained from this area seems to be related to local magmatic activities within the craton. Research results lend no support to the idea that the Lüliang Group was formed during the Archaean. Instead, it should be formed during the Proterozoic.     

Ni isotopic compositions in Allende and other meteorites

A new technique for high-precision isotopic analyses of Ni was developed and applied to terrestrial samples, Allende inclusions and materials from other meteorites. Most of the Allende inclusions analysed here were previously reported to contain isotopically anomalous Ti. In contrast, the Ni isotopic abundances are indistinguishable from normal within presently obtainable precision with only one possible exception. The latter inclusion was shown by others to contain a significantly fractionated magnesium isotopic pattern of 9‰/amu. A normal Ni isotopic pattern has also been observed for the chromite/carbon fraction of an Allende acid residue which is known to contain heavy noble gases of highly anomalous isotopic composition. All other meteoritic samples analysed (Khohar matrix and chondrules, Murray matrix, a Tieschitz chondrule and an Orgueil magnetic fraction) also show normal isotopic compositions of Ni; no evidence for effects from now extinct⁶⁰Fe could be detected. In spite of ubiquitous isotopic anomalies in Ti from normal Allende inclusions, there is no signature of isotopic variations in Ni from the same samples. Possible constraints for the nucleosynthesis of iron peak elements and for astrophysical and cosmochemical conditions during formation of the solar system are discussed.     

A method for coupled arch dam‐foundation‐reservoir seismic behaviour analysis

This paper presents a method for coupled arch dam–foundation–reservoir seismic behaviour analysis. The dam is discretized by finite elements (FE) and the foundation and reservoir are discretized by boundary elements (BE). The opening of contraction joints and the spatial variability of the seismic action is taken into account. The study of Pacoima dam by this method is also presented. The computed results show that no cracks were to be expected due to the vibrations induced during the Feb. 9, 1971 San Fernando earthquake. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dynamic racking tests of curtain wall glass elements with in-plane and out-of-plane motions

This project was conducted to investigate the breakage and fallout behaviour of various types of architectural glass elements in a dry-glazed curtain wall system under in-plane and out-of-plane dynamic motions. The project was a follow-up to an earlier project that focused exclusively on in-plane dynamic racking performance of curtain wall glass elements. The recent data indicated that adding out-of-plane motions caused significantly higher amounts of glass breakage and subsequent glass fallout in most glass types that were found during the in-plane tests to be prone to glass fallout. Specifically, 1/4 in (6 mm) annealed monolithic glass, 1/4 in annealed monolithic glass with a 0·004 in (0·10 mm) PET film (not anchored to the mullions), and 7/16 in (11 mm) fully tempered laminated glass exhibited comparable or higher fallout rates than the already substantial fallout rates that were observed during the in-plane only racking tests. Unanchored window film was found to be ineffective in resisting post-breakage glass fallout under dynamic racking motions. In contrast, 1/4 in (6 mm) annealed laminated glass and 7/16 in (11 mm) heat-strengthened laminated glass exhibited no glass fallout during the out-of-plane tests, just as they exhibited no fallout during the in-plane tests. Out-of-plane test results also showed that 3/8 in (10 mm) heat-strengthened monolithic glass exhibited no fallout, while 3/8 in annealed monolithic glass exhibited very negligible glass fallout. The addition of torsional motions was not found to induce glass fallout in those glass types that resisted glass fallout in previous tests performed without torsional motions.     

Monitoring Colima Volcano,Mexico, using satellite data

The Colima Volcanic Complex at the western end of the Mexican Volcanic Belt is the most active andesitic volcano in Mexico. Short-wavelength infrared data from the Landsat Thematic Mapper satellite were used to determine the temperature and fractional area of radiant picture elements for two January data acquisitions in 1985 and 1986. The 1986 data showed four 28.5 m by 28.5 m pixels (picture elements) whose hot subpixel components had temperatures ranging from 511–774° C and areas of 1.8–13 m². The 1985 data had no radiating areas above background temperatures. Ground observations and measurements in November 1985 and February 1986 reported the presence of hot fumaroles at the summit with temperatures of 135–895° C. This study demonstrates the utility of satellite data for monitoring volcanic activity.     

Composition,pre-eruptive zonation,and geochronologic significance of the ∼450 ka Diamante Tuff,Andean Cordillera (34°S), Argentina

Vertical geochemical sampling through the Diamante Tuff establishes patterns of zonation in the pre-eruption magma. Volcanic glass demonstrates a roofward increase in Fe and Cl, and a roofward decrease in Ca. Trace elements have no measurable zonation. Welded volcanic glass shows post-eruption loss of Fe, Mg and Cl as well as K gain. Our reported glass chemistry provides robust criteria for correlation to other localities. The Diamante Tuff is an important stratigraphic marker and recognition of this unit provides age control on Quaternary deposits, allowing determination of process rates and elucidating timing of tectonic and geomorphic activity.     

Rare earth elements in garnets and clinopyroxenes from garnet lherzolite nodules in kimberlites

Six pairs of coexisting garnets and clinopyroxenes were separated from the sheared and granular garnet lherzolite nodules in kimberlites and analyzed for rare earth elements (REE). The sheared and granular nodules can be distinguished in terms of REE pattern of both clinopyroxene and garnet. However, there are no significant differences in REE partitioning between clinopyroxene and garnet, indicating that the partitioning may be insensitive toP, T and composition. REE partition coefficients between garnet and liquid were estimated by using clinopyroxene-liquid partition coefficients found in the literature and clinopyroxene-garnet partitioning reported here. The estimated values agree with those reported by Philpotts et al. (1972). The estimated whole-rock REE pattern for the sheared nodules is similar to a chondritic pattern suggesting that the sheared nodules appear to be close to the primary mantle material. The REE data suggest that the granular nodules were originally garnet-free assemblages equilibrated with kimberlitic or nepheline-melilite basalt-like liquid, and later recrystallized as a garnet lherzolite assemblage.     

Siderophile element fractionation in enstatite chondrites

The concentration of 10 to 15 siderophile elements was determined in the magnetic and non-magnetic portions of Abee (E4) and Hvittis (E6). The results indicate that, with the exception of Cu, W and Fe, all elements are strongly concentrated in the metal phase. Unlike ordinary chondrites, the metal phase of Abee and Hvittis consists exclusively of kamacite, which is very homogeneous and shows no systematic variation in composition with grain size.Differences in siderophile element content between Abee and Hvittis can be accounted for exclusively by differences in metal content and composition. These differences reflect different degrees of refractory siderophile loss, metal-silicate fractionation and loss of moderately volatile elements. The Ir/Ni ratio is 25% lower in Abee than in Hvittis, indicating that more Ir (Os, Pt, etc.) was lost from Abee during the refractory element fractionation. Abee and the other E4–5 members have also lost no metal and are not depleted in moderately volatile elements. In Abee the non-refractory elements Fe to Ge are present in CI ratios, and this meteorite has also Ir/Re ratios ?CI.These differences, which are recorded in the composition of the metal phase, make a straightforward genetic relationship between the two enstatite chondrite groups difficult to accept. In particular, the different Ir/Ni ratios, which were established very early in the chemical history of these chondrites, at the time of the refractory element fractionation, force us to conclude that E4–5 and E6 chondrites evolved from two different reservoirs, and that exchange of material among them never occurred. However, members of both groups have similar cosmic ray exposure ages suggesting derivation from the same parent body, which poses some interesting problems.     

Stable elements of radioecological importance in certain echinoderm species

Echinoderms may present variations in their elementary composition according to the surrounding medium and to their food sources. The accumulation of certain trace elements by these organisms is of radioecological interest, besides the biological one. The elements cobalt, zinc, chromium, caesium, silver, tin, iron, rubidium, selenium and scandium were determined in seven echinoderm species by neutron activation analysis and γ-ray spectroscopy. In this work the calculated values of the concentration factors of the determined elements are reported and discussed from the radioecological point of view.     

Petrogenesis of diabase from accretionary prism in the southern Qiangtang terrane,central Tibet: Evidence from U–Pb geochronology,petrochemistry and Sr–Nd–Hf–O isotope characteristics

The Bangong–Nujiang suture (BNS) between the Lhasa and Qiangtang terranes is an important boundary and its petrogenesis is controversial. Diabase from the accretionary prism in the southern Qiangtang terrane yields a zircon U–Pb age of 181.3 ± 1.4 Ma. All the diabases show tholeiitic basalt compositions, gentle enrichment patters of light rare earth elements (REE), variable enrichment in incompatible element concentrations (e.g. Th and Rb), and no anomaly in high field strength elements (e.g. Nb and Ta), similar to that of enriched mid‐ocean ridge basalt (E‐MORB). They have relatively homogeneous whole rock Nd (εNd(t) = 7.3–9.1) and zircon Hf–O isotopic compositions (εHf(t) = 14.8–16.1, and δ¹⁸O = 4.57–6.12‰), possibly indicating melting of the depleted mantle and no significant crustal contamination during the petrogenesis. The element variations suggest that the diabases were formed by plume–ridge interaction at a mid‐ocean ridge within the Bangong–Nujiang ocean.     

Investigation of matrix effects in the MC-ICP-MS induced by Nb,W, and Cu: Isotopic case studies of iron and copper

Some elements normally occur at trace levels while the majority of natural geological materials may be exceedingly enriched in some special cases, such as the Bayan Obo ore deposit where REE and Nb are extremely enriched. These elements may not be removed completely during purification. Therefore, matrix effects will be caused during stable isotope ratio measurement in the MC-ICP-MS. Experiments have shown that the established methods of chromatographic separation of Cu, Fe, and Zn using AG MP-1 Anion Exchange Resin cannot make ef-fective separation of Nb, W, and Cu from Fe using 20 mL 6 M HCl. It is also observed that the elution curves of W and Cu overlap at working conditions and thus W is present in measurable amounts in some sample solutions. Matrix effects in the MC-ICP-MS induced by Nb, W, and Cu during Fe isotope ratio measurements and by W during Cu isotope ratio measurements were thus investigated by examining their changes in delta values between doped and undoped standards. The results show that the effects of the matrix elements Nb, W, or Cu on Fe isotope ratio measurements are minimal in the case of m(Nb)/m(Fe)0.005, m(W)/m(Fe)0.01, or m(Cu)/m(Fe)0.6. This finding, combined with the extremely low levels of W and Cu, and the fact that nearly 90% of Nb can be removed during purification, demonstrates that the methods of chromatographic separation of Fe established before are suitable for Bayan Obo ore samples and that the methods can be simplified when Cu elution is unnecessary. The effects of the matrix element W on Cu isotope determinations are minimal in the case of m(W)/m(Cu)0.7. Therefore, W exerts no significant effect on the measurements of Cu isotopes for the majority of natural geological materials.     

Trace element behavior in hydrothermal experiments: Implications for fluid processes at shallow depths in subduction zones

Chemical evaluation of fluids affected during progressive water-sediment interactions provides critical information regarding the role of slab dehydration and/or crustal recycling in subduction zones. To place some constraints on geochemical processes during sediment subduction, reactions between décollement sediments and synthetic NaCl-CaCl₂ solutions at 25–350°C and 800 bar were monitored in laboratory hydrothermal experiments using an autoclave apparatus. This is the first attempt in a single set of experiments to investigate the relative mobilities of many subduction zone volatiles and trace elements but, because of difficulties in conducting hydrothermal experiments on sediments at high P-T conditions, the experiments could only be designed for a shallow ( 10 km) depth. The experimental results demonstrate mobilization of volatiles (B and NH₄) and incompatible elements (As, Be, Cs, Li, Pb, Rb) in hydrothermal fluids at relatively low temperatures ( 300°C). In addition, a limited fractionation of light from heavy rare earth elements (REEs) occurs under hydrothermal conditions. On the other hand, the high field strength elements (HFSEs) Cr, Hf, Nb, Ta, Ti, and Zr are not mobile in the reacted fluids. The observed behavior of volatiles and trace elements in hydrothermal fluids is similar to the observed enrichment in As, B, Cs, Li, Pb, Rb, and light REEs and depletion in HFSEs in arc magmas relative to magmas derived directly from the upper mantle. Thus, our work suggests a link between relative mobilities of trace elements in hydrothermal fluids and deep arc magma generation in subduction zones. The experimental results are highly consistent with the proposal that the addition of subduction zone hydrous fluids to the subarc mantle, which has been depleted by previous melting events, can produce the unique characteristics of arc magmas. Moreover, the results suggest that deeply subducted sediments may no longer have the composition necessary to generate the other distinct characteristics, such as the B-δ¹¹ B and B-¹⁰Be systematics, of arc lavas. Finally, the mobilization of B, Cs, Pb, and light REEs relative to heavy REEs in the hydrothermal fluids fractionate the ratios of B/Be, B/Nb, Cs/Rb, Pb/Ce, La/Ba and LREE/HREE, which behave conservatively during normal magmatic processes. These results demonstrate that the composition of slab-derived fluids has great implications for the recycling of elements; not only in arc magmas but also in mantle plumes.     

Element distribution in size fractions of Apollo-16 soils: Evidence for element mobility during regolith processes

Three Apollo-16 soils, 61220, 63500 and 65500, having diverse properties were separated into six size fractions and analyzed for 8 volatiles and siderophiles. Relative concentrations of an additional 20 elements were determined in 61220 and 63500. The volatile elements Cd, Zn, In and Ga increase in concentration with decreasing grain size; in the finest fractions the increase is roughly parallel to the increase in specific surface area, and a surface correlation is inferred. The total increase from coarsest (177–500 μm) to finest (<5 μm) fraction is by factors of 10–20 for Zn and Cd in soils 61220 and 63500. Concentrations of elements that are good indicators of KREEP (Sm), mare basalts (Fe) and anorthosites (Ca) show nearly no dependence on size. The preservation of the observed surface correlation throughout regolith evolution suggests that the volatile elements are labile on the lunar surface.Concentration-size distributions of siderophiles show peaks in the 80–300 μm range for each soil, independent of whether they are dominantly extralunar (Ni, Ge, Au, Ir) or lunar (Co) in origin. If this peak results from agglutinate formation, a viable mechanism must allow for incorporation of the extralunar siderophiles. Alternatively, the peak may result from a continuous growth of metal grain size during the evolution of the regolith.     

Trace elements in sediments from the lower Severn Estuary and Bristol Channel

Sediments are very important as trace element traps, particularly in estuaries and high levels of heavy metals have previously been reported in sediments in the Severn estuary and parts of the Bristol Channel. In this paper the concentration and distribution of thirteen elements are reported. The concentrations of tin, zinc and lead, in particular, may have ecological consequences and should be viewed with some concern.     

Hydrothermal clays and pyrite in geothermal fields: Their significance for the geochemistry of present-day endogenous processes in southern Kamchatka

The studies reported in this paper were carried out in the Pauzhetka and Nizhne-Koshelevskii geothermal fields situated in the southern Kamchatka Peninsula within the Pauzhetka-Kambalnyi-Koshelevskii geothermal area. Layer-by-layer sampling of clays was carried out by stripping, pitting, and hand-operated drilling of core holes in the Verkhne-Pauzhetka thermal field and the Nizhne-Koshelevskii thermal anomaly, which were studied previously using several geological, geophysical, and hydrogeothermal techniques. Hydrothermal clays were found to compose a nearly continuous sheet on the surface of the thermal field and of the thermal anomaly. The sheet has an average thickness of 1.3 to 1.5 m. The chemical and mineralogic composition of the clays have been characterized. The concentrations of Au, Hg, Pb, and Ag (a total of 41 elements) were determined in clay layers selected every 15–20 cm in vertical sections. The elements show inhomogeneous distributions, both along the strike and in vertical sections of the hydrothermal clay sheet, which can be accounted for by the physicochemical, hydrogeochemical, and temperature conditions prevailing during the generation of these clays in specific areas of the thermal fields. It was found that the hydrothermal clay sheet lying on the ground surface of the geothermal fields has a significance of its own as an independent geological body, not only is it an aquifer and a heat-isolating horizon; it also serves as a dynamically active geochemical barrier in the structure of the present-day hydrothermal system. Pyrite is a concentrator of ore elements in hydrothermal clays, in addition to sulfates of Ca, Fe, Mg, Ba, and Al, and (possibly) alumosilicates.     

菲律宾海西北部岩芯记录的125 ka以来的地磁场强度及其影响因素

沉积物记录的地磁场强度首先提供了模拟地磁场演化的数据约束,其次提供了沉积物的年龄信息. 本文报道了菲律宾海西北部岩芯记录的地磁场相对强度,并结合岩石磁学和沉积学性质探讨了影响强度的各个因素. 除底部红粘土层的局部磁偏角偏转可能揭示了沉积后改造以外,磁化率各向异性和地磁场方向特征表明沉积物为原状沉积. 岩石磁学性质表明沉积物符合磁性均一性,可以记录可靠的地磁场强度. 由于红粘土层及其下部的磁偏角异常,本文讨论其上部约125 ka的结果. 常规归一方法获得的两个地磁场强度参数NRM/ARM(特征剩磁和非磁滞剩磁比值)和NRM/κ(特征剩磁和磁化率比值)与其它记录对比得到时间-深度对比点,对比点之间的年龄为线性内推或者外推. 地磁场强度时间模型上的岩芯氧同位素与全球氧同位素综合曲线一致证明强度结果的有效性和对比的正确性. 磁化率为归一参数的强度大多低于以非磁滞剩磁为归一参数的强度,频谱和相关分析证明NRM/ARM不与ARM和磁性矿物粒度(ARM/κ)相关,也没有轨道周期性,而NRM/κ却与κ和ARM/κ相关,而且有13~12 ka的周期. 由此我们认为NRM/ARM记录的地磁场强度比NRM/κ更好地消除了气候印记. 进一步探讨了超顺磁含量、碳酸钙含量、磁性矿物组成以及磁性矿物粒度变化与地磁场强度差值的关系,发现末次间冰期较高的超顺磁含量和磁性矿物粒度的较大范围变化造成了地磁场强度差值,后者至少造成了90%差异. 中等含量的碳酸钙和较小的磁性矿物组成变化不是磁场强度差值产生的原因. 如何校正磁性矿物粒度变化的影响将是下一步工作的重点.     

静力分析方法在消能减震结构分析中的应用

由于受制于计算机软件中的消能减震单元,目前尚无较适用的静力分析方法应用于消能减震结构在多遇地震和罕遇地震下的结构分析。有关含消能减震部件的结构分析,主要以动力时程分析和动力弹塑性时程分析方法为主,因此具有较大的难度和需要很长的分析时间。为了推进结构消能减震于工程项目上的应用,缩短分析上的繁杂程序,依据《建筑抗震设计规范》,配合美国FEMA 356规范,提出一套消能减震结构在多遇地震下的等值线性分析方法和在罕遇地震下的静力非线性推覆分析方法（pushover analysis）。此方法适用于位移型阻尼器和防屈曲支撑,不但可使消能减震结构的结构分析简化,并可避免计算机软件的限制,且在不含阻尼器元素的计算机软件上,依然可做消能减震结构在多遇地震和罕遇地震下的结构分析。并介绍了此分析方法在消能减震结构的结构分析中的应用,以证明其可行性。     

Tectonic pattern of the Azores spreading centre and triple junction

The major tectonic elements of the Azores triple junction have been mapped using long-range side-scan sonar. The data enable the Mid-Atlantic Ridge axis to be located with a precision of a few kilometres. Major faults and other tectonic and volcanic elements of the ridge maintain their regional trend of 010° to 020° past the triple junction area. There is no oblique spreading, and only minor transform offsets of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge occur here. The main effect of the triple junction or Azores hot spot is to diminish the amplitude of the median valley to 200 m or less. There is no axial high: a topographic high seen on several profiles is located to the east of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge spreading axis and does not appear to have any fundamental significance.The third arm of the triple junction includes the Azores srreading centre which appears to have developed as a series of en echelon rifted basins (the Terceira Rift) extending from Formigas Trough at 36.8°N, 24.5°W to a point near 39.3°N, 28.8°W. There are indications that recent activity in the spreading centre may be concentrated in a series of ridges which flank the older rifted basins. Until recently the northwest end of the Terceira Rift was connected to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge axis either directly at an RRR junction, or via a transform fault. The triple junction has probably moved south during the last 6 Ma to a positin on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge near 38.7°N.Initiation of the Azores spreading centre may have occurred during the 36 Ma B.P. rearrangement of poles, with an RFF triple junction north from the East Azores fracture zone to the North Azores fracture zone and transferring a wedge of European plate to the African plate.The tectonic elements revealed by this study are in good agreement with inferred earthquake mechanisms and with the RM2 plate tectonic model of Minster and Jordan, but east-west motion between North America and Africa does not seem to be compatible with the other motions at the triple junction unless it is of very recent (2>3 Ma) origin.     

Liquefaction strength of fly ash reinforced with randomly distributed fibers

In this paper a study on the improvement of liquefaction strength of fly ash by reinforcing with randomly distributed geosynthetic fiber/mesh elements is reported. A series of stress controlled cyclic triaxial tests were carried out on fly ash samples reinforced with randomly distributed fiber and mesh elements. The liquefaction resistance of reinforced fly ash is defined in-terms of pore pressure ratio. The effects of parameters such as fiber content, fiber aspect ratio, confining pressure, cyclic stress ratio, on liquefaction resistance of fly ash have been studied. Test results indicate that the addition of fiber/mesh elements increases the liquefaction strength of fly ash significantly and arrests the initiation of liquefaction even in samples of loose initial condition and consolidated with the low confining pressure.     

In‐plane quasi‐static cyclic tests of nonstructural lightweight steel drywall partitions for seismic performance evaluation

An experimental program was performed for evaluating the seismic response and fragilities of nonstructural lightweight steel drywall partitions, also considering the interaction with structural elements and other nonstructural building components, ie, outdoor façade walls. Therefore, in‐plane quasi‐static reversed cyclic tests were carried out on 8 specimens of indoor partition walls infilled in a frame and on 4 specimens of indoor partition walls connected at its ends with transversal outdoor façade walls. Constructive parameters under investigation include type of connections used for connecting the indoor partition walls to the surrounding elements, stud spacing, type of sheathing panels, and type of jointing finishing. The effect of the constructive parameters on the lateral response in secant stiffness and strength is examined. Furthermore, the main damage phenomena observed during the tests are reported and associated to 3 damage limit states distinguished for the required repair level for the tested partition walls. Fragility curves are used for the experimental assessment of seismic fragility of the tested specimens, in accordance with the interstorey drift limits required by the European code. Finally, the quantitative estimation of the repair action costs starting from the damage observation is also developed. The obtained results could be considered a starting point for developing the in‐plane seismic design assisted by testing of lightweight steel drywall partition walls.