湖南邓阜仙岩体地质地球化学特征、锆石U-Pb年龄及其意义

对湖南中生代邓阜仙岩体进行了LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb定年和岩石学、岩石地球化学分析。获得斑状黑云母花岗岩的锆石U-Pb年龄为225.1±1.2Ma,表明其形成于晚三叠世,结合已发表的岩体年龄资料,邓阜仙岩体是侵位于印支期(222.9~225.7Ma)和燕山期(151.1~159Ma)的复式岩体。邓阜仙岩体印支期、燕山期花岗岩均具有高的SiO_2含量、高的A/CNK值,含过铝质白云母、堇青石等矿物。富集大离子亲石元素Rb、Th、U,明显亏损Nb、Ba、Sr、Ti,稀土元素配分模式为右倾,轻稀土元素富集,Eu亏损相对明显。邓阜仙岩体具低的ε_(Nd)(t)值,~(176)Hf/~(177)Hf值小于球粒陨石的值。综上认为,邓阜仙岩体印支期、燕山期为S型花岗岩,源区分别为古元古代地壳贫粘土质岩石、富粘土质岩石部分熔融。研究区印支期、燕山期花岗岩均形成于伸展构造体制下,印支期花岗岩形成于印支运动碰撞后的伸展环境,燕山期花岗岩则在太平洋板块俯冲消减作用下形成。     

湘南王仙岭花岗岩体的锆石U-Pb年代学、地球化学、锆石Hf同位素特征及其地质意义

湘南王仙岭岩体由主体电气石黑云母花岗岩和侵入其内部的黑云母二长花岗岩组成,LA-MC-ICPMS锆石U-Pb定年显示电气石黑云母花岗岩形成于印支期(235.0±1.3Ma),黑云母二长花岗岩形成于燕山期(155.9±1.0Ma),表明该岩体是两期岩浆活动的产物。这两期岩石均为高钾钙碱性系列,A/CNK值为1.07～1.66,属过铝-强过铝质花岗岩类。稀土元素显示LREE富集,HREE亏损,Eu负异常明显(0.01～0.38)的特征。早期电气石黑云母花岗岩和晚期黑云母二长花岗岩的εHf(t)值分别为-7.92～+4.61和-10.66～-5.35;两阶段Hf模式年龄(tDM2)分别为1758～967Ma和1875～1538Ma。两期花岗岩均来自于古中元古代地壳物质重熔,其中早期电气石黑云母花岗岩在侵位上升过程中捕获了部分幔源老锆石,成岩过程中有少量地幔物质参与,且其源区具有高εHf(t)值的特点。综合前人研究成果,本文认为华南中生代印支期和燕山期均有钨锡矿化作用,印支期花岗质岩浆形成于碰撞挤压作用间隙伸展环境,而燕山期花岗质岩浆可能形成于大陆边缘弧后伸展环境。     

南岭诸广山北体复式花岗岩锆石SHRIMP U-Pb年龄及多期岩浆活动

诸广山复式花岗岩基位于湘、赣、粤三省交界处,是南岭花岗岩的重要组成部分,由南体和北体组成,出露面积大于5000 km2,形成于加里东期、印支期、燕山期3个时代。通过对诸广山北体3期花岗岩锆石SHRIMP U-Pb定年,结果表明,加里东期花岗闪长岩锆石SHRIMP U-Pb年龄为(414.5±4.5)Ma(n=13,MSWD=0.52)、(417.3±4.8)Ma(n=12,MSWD=0.84),形成于晚志留世末。印支期黑云母二长花岗岩锆石SHRIMP U-Pb年龄(207.5±2.7)Ma(n=10,MSWD=1.6),形成于晚三叠世末。燕山期二云母二长花岗岩锆石SHRIMP U-Pb年龄(148.2±1.7)Ma(n=13,MSWD=0.93),形成于晚侏罗世。该成果为南岭地区构造-岩浆演化及成矿作用研究,提供了重要的花岗岩年代学依据。     

湘东丫江桥岩体时代与成因:来自LA- ICP- MS锆石U- Pb年代学、地球化学和Lu- Hf同位素制约

丫江桥岩体是湘东地区重要的成矿花岗岩,为精确厘定丫江桥岩体侵位时代、查明岩石成因,本文对丫江桥岩体中粗粒和中细粒黑云母二长花岗岩进行了LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb定年、全岩地球化学和原位锆石Lu-Hf同位素分析。获得LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb年龄为213.0±1.2Ma(n=12,MSWD=0.67)和212.1±1.2Ma(n=14,MSWD=0.09);岩石SiO_2含量为70.39%～72.88%和73.19%～74.85%;K_2O+Na_2O值为6.94%～7.95%和7.58%～7.96%;K_2O/Na_2O比值为1.25～1.70和1.45～1.58,A/CNK比值为1.05～1.07和1.07～1.09。稀土元素配分模式右倾,轻、重稀土分馏明显,(La/Yb)N值为13.76～24.52和7.12～11.01;负Eu异常,δEu值为0.34～0.61和0.26～0.33。富集Rb、K、Pb等大离子亲石元素,亏损Ba、Sr、Eu和高场强元素Nb、Ta、Ti等。锆石ε_(Hf)(t)值为-7.01～-0.90和-6.38～+6.85,二阶段Hf模式年龄(t_(DM2))为13.1～16.9Ga和12.7～16.6Ga。上述结果表明黑云母二长花岗岩为印支晚期岩浆活动产物,属弱过铝质花岗岩,岩浆主要来源于中元古界地壳物质重熔,可能有少量地幔物质参与。结合前人研究成果认为,黑云母二长花岗岩形成于后碰撞伸展的构造背景下,地壳减薄和压力降低以及地幔物质上涌的共同作用,导致地壳部分熔融形成花岗质岩浆,岩浆侵位冷却结晶,形成花岗岩体。     

闽西南虎岗地区晚中生代花岗岩LA-MC-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb年龄、地球化学特征及地质意义

选取福建虎岗地区灌洋和增坑二个岩体进行LA-MC-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb测年.增坑细粒二长花岗岩岩体单颗粒锆石U-Pb年龄为145.4±18.2～151.4±7.9 Ma,加权平均值为147.98±0.86 Ma(可信度95%,MSWD=0.62).灌洋中细粒黑云母二长花岗岩岩体单颗粒锆石年龄为141.2±4.1 ～ 145.5±1.9Ma,加权平均值为143.0±1.1Ma(可信度95%,MSWD=0.41).二岩体形成于挤压碰撞的构造环境,微量元素含量表明,岩浆分异作用较强,酸性程度较高,n(A12O3) ＞n(CaO) +n(Na2O) +n(K2O),且有较高的Rb/Sr和Rb/Nb比值,低含量的Ni、Cr含量和右倾型的稀土元素模式,表明岩体岩浆起源于大陆地壳中沉积的源岩,属于铝过饱和S型花岗岩.增坑和灌洋岩体形成年代都为晚侏罗世(燕山中晚期),且为铁铜多金属矿成矿提供了物质基础.     

粤中从化地区亚婆绿岩体二长花岗岩锆石年代学、地球化学特征及其地质意义

燕山期花岗岩是亚婆绿岩体重要组成部分，以往的研究主要通过全岩地球化学来约束其成因和岩浆来源，缺乏对岩体锆石的岩相学、微量元素地球化学研究。本文对亚婆绿岩体二长花岗岩开展锆石U-Pb年代学及微量元素和Hf同位素研究，约束其成岩时代，探讨岩体锆石成因及岩浆源区特征。锆石U-Pb定年显示亚婆绿岩体二长花岗岩侵位年龄为153.6±1.2Ma，属燕山早期岩浆活动的产物；其中锆石发育典型的振荡环带，具有明显的Ce正异常和Eu负异常，属岩浆锆石，形成于陆壳环境。结合亚婆绿岩体二长花岗岩的Lu-Hf同位素特征，认为其为壳源岩石重熔的产物，岩浆物质源于下地壳的改造、再循环。     

湘南宜章地区辉绿岩、花岗斑岩、安山岩的形成时代和成因——锆石U-Pb年龄和Hf同位素组成

湘南宜章县长城岭地区广泛出露以辉绿岩、花岗斑岩为主的燕山早期岩体,而宜章平和地区主要分布安山岩体,其年龄和成因有待进一步研究。分别用SHRIMP和LA-ICP-MS法测试了它们的年龄和Hf同位素组成,长城岭辉绿岩的SHRIMP锆石U-Pb年龄为153.7Ma±3.1Ma、227.0Ma±4.2Ma;长城岭花岗斑岩的LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb测年结果为153Ma±14Ma和231.58Ma±0.67Ma;平和安山岩的SHRIMP锆石U-Pb测年结果为159Ma±14Ma和229.3Ma±7.6Ma,LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb测年结果为161Ma±1Ma,显示为燕山早期岩浆侵位和印支期基性岩浆底侵。锆石Lu-Hf同位素原位分析结果表明,εHf(t)值在正值和负值范围内变化,指示岩浆为壳幔混合来源。结合长城岭花岗岩体中继承锆石的年龄信息,认为花岗质岩石可能来源于中元古代基底的重熔。岩体岩浆很可能是由元古宙火成岩石部分熔融形成的,并伴有年轻或新生幔源物质的加入,岩浆上升侵位的过程中发生了混合作用。     

湘南宜章地区辉绿岩、花岗斑岩、安山岩的形成时代和成因——锆石U-Pb年龄和Hf同位素组成

湘南宜章县长城岭地区广泛出露以辉绿岩、花岗斑岩为主的燕山早期岩体,而宜章平和地区主要分布安山岩体,其年龄和成因有待进一步研究。分别用SHRIMP和LA-ICP-MS法测试了它们的年龄和Hf同位素组成,长城岭辉绿岩的SHRIMP锆石U-Pb年龄为153.7Ma±3.1Ma、227.0Ma±4.2Ma;长城岭花岗斑岩的LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb测年结果为153Ma±14Ma和231.58Ma±0.67Ma;平和安山岩的SHRIMP锆石U-Pb测年结果为159Ma±14Ma和229.3Ma±7.6Ma,LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb测年结果为161Ma±1Ma,显示为燕山早期岩浆侵位和印支期基性岩浆底侵。锆石Lu-Hf同位素原位分析结果表明,εHf（t）值在正值和负值范围内变化,指示岩浆为壳幔混合来源。结合长城岭花岗岩体中继承锆石的年龄信息,认为花岗质岩石可能来源于中元古代基底的重熔。岩体岩浆很可能是由元古宙火成岩石部分熔融形成的,并伴有年轻或新生幔源物质的加入,岩浆上升侵位的过程中发生了混合作用。     

福建龙岩永福岩体锆石U-Pb年龄、地球化学特征及Lu-Hf同位素组成

永福岩体位于永梅晚古生代拗陷带中部。利用LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb定年法测得永福岩体中YF-1样品的年龄为133±1 Ma(MSWD=0.50)、YF-2样品的年龄为143±1 Ma(MSWD=0.59),说明其形成于早白垩世,与燕山期岩浆活动有关。该岩体富硅、碱,里特曼指数σ=0.96~2.43,铝饱和指数(A/CNK)=0.98~1.66,属高钾钙碱性系列,准铝质到过铝质范围。稀土元素总量较高,LREE相对富集,HREE相对亏损;具中-弱Eu负异常,弱Ce负异常到无异常,轻重稀土的分馏较微弱;微量元素表现为亏损元素Ba、Sr、K、P和Ti,富集Th、U、Zr、Hf等元素。样品YF-2~YF-7具有S型花岗岩特征,为永福岩体主体,源岩可能来自古-中元古代下地壳沉积岩;而样品YF-1具有Ⅰ型花岗岩特征,源岩可能来自古-中元古代下地壳火成岩。锆石的εHf(t)值除一颗来自残留基底为正值外,其他锆石全部为负值(-4.30~-11.82),Hf同为素二阶段模式年龄tDM2为1.45~1.92 Ga,表明永福岩体可能形成于古老地壳物质的重融。岩体形成于燕山期地壳的伸展背景下,在岩石圈伸展作用下幔源岩浆底侵促使古-中元古代下地壳沉积岩先发生部分熔融,形成永福岩体早期的S型花岗岩,岩浆作用后期,古-中元古代下地壳火成岩部分熔融,形成永福岩体晚期的I型花岗岩。     

滇西腾-梁地块印支造山事件——花岗岩的锆石U-Pb年代学和岩石学证据

滇西腾冲-梁和地区分布大量的花岗岩,对其中的二云母花岗岩进行了LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb定年、锆石Hf同位素组成和地球化学的测定。结果表明,岩石属于强过铝质花岗岩,A/CNK=1.11～1.20,K2O/Na2O为1.87～2.20。岩石富Rb、Th和U等元素,Eu/Eu*=0.25～0.47,(La/Yb)N=6.53～34.06。锆石LA-ICP-MSU-Pb同位素测年结果表明:二云母花岗岩体存在256.0±5.6Ma(2σ,MSWD=4.1)和234.1±3.1Ma(2σ,MSWD=5.6)两个岩浆作用幕。根据花岗岩的地球化学特征和Hf同位素组成,二云母花岗岩岩浆来源于古老地壳中含粘土质变质硬砂岩的部分熔融。腾-梁地块晚二叠世-中三叠世碰撞型强过铝花岗岩的确定表明,三江古特提斯洋在印支早期曾发生碰撞造山,三江印支早期造山事件与古特提斯洋的闭合与随后的造山作用存在密切联系。     

Roles of xenomelts,xenoliths, xenocrysts,xenovolatiles, residues,and skarns in the genesis,transport, and localization of magmatic Fe-Ni-Cu-PGE sulfides and chromite

Most sulfide-rich magmatic Ni-Cu-(PGE) deposits form in dynamic magmatic systems by partial melting S-bearing wall rocks with variable degrees of assimilation of miscible silicate and volatile components, and generation of barren to weakly-mineralized immiscible Fe sulfide xenomelts into which Ni-Cu-Co-PGE partition from the magma. Some exceptionally-thick magmatic Cr deposits may form by partial melting oxide-bearing wall rocks with variable degrees of assimilation of the miscible silicate and volatile components, and generation of barren Fe ± Ti oxide xenocrysts into which Cr-Mg-V ± Ti partition from the magma. The products of these processes are variably preserved as skarns, residues, xenoliths, xenocrysts, xenomelts, and xenovolatiles, which play important to critical roles in ore genesis, transport, localization, and/or modification. Incorporation of barren xenoliths/autoliths may induce small amounts of sulfide/chromite to segregate, but incorporation of sulfide xenomelts or oxide xenocrysts with dynamic upgrading of metal tenors (PGE > Cu > Ni > Co and Cr > V > Ti, respectively) is required to make significant ore deposits. Silicate xenomelts are only rarely preserved, but will be variably depleted in chalcophile and ferrous metals. Less dense felsic xenoliths may aid upward sulfide transport by increasing the effective viscosity and decreasing the bulk density of the magma. Denser mafic or metamorphosed xenoliths may also increase the effective viscosity of the magma, but may aid downward sulfide transport by increasing the bulk density of the magma. Sulfide wets olivine, so olivine xenocrysts may act as filter beds to collect advected finely dispersed sulfide droplets, but other silicates and xenoliths may not be wetted by sulfides. Xenovolatiles may retard settling of – or in some cases float – dense sulfide droplets. Reactions of sulfide melts with felsic country rocks may generate Fe-rich skarns that may allow sulfide melts to fractionate to more extreme Cu-Ni-rich compositions. Xenoliths, xenocrysts, xenomelts, and xenovolatiles are more likely to be preserved in cooler basaltic magmas than in hotter komatiitic magmas, and are more likely to be preserved in less dynamic (less turbulent) systems/domain/phases than in more dynamic (more turbulent) systems/domains/phases. Massive to semi-massive Ni-Cu-PGE and Cr mineralization and xenoliths are often localized within footwall embayments, dilations/jogs in dikes, throats of magma conduits, and the horizontal segments of dike-chonolith and dike-sill complexes, which represent fluid dynamic traps for both ascending and descending sulfides/oxides. If skarns, residues, xenoliths, xenocrysts, xenomelts, and/or xenovolatiles are present, they provide important constraints on ore genesis and they are valuable exploration indicators, but they must be included in elemental and isotopic mass balance calculations.     

Mountains,nations, parks,and conservation

Between 1985 and 1991, two new mountain protected areas (MTNPA) covering more than 35,000 km² and based on participatory management models — the Makalu-Barun National Park and Conservation Area, Nepal, and Qomolangma Nature Preserve, Tibet Autonomous Region — were successfully established through the collaborative efforts of Woodlands Mountain Institute and conservationists in China and Nepal. Characteristics common to both projects include the importance of establishing (1) effective rationales, (2) local support constituencies, (3) a senior advisory group, (4) a task force, (5) linkages between conservation and development, and (6) fund raising mechanisms. The lessons derived from the experiences of Woodlands Mountain Institute are of significant value to others in preserving MTNPA. Increased collaboration and communication between all interested in conservation, however, will remain a critical component for expanding mountain protected area coverage to throughout the world.     

Parents,permission, and possibility: Young women,college, and imagined futures in Gujarat,India

This article advances critical geographies of youth through examining the spatiality implicit in the imagined futures of young women in rural India. Geographers and other scholars of youth have begun to pay more attention to the interplay between young people’s past, present, and imagined futures. Within this emerging body of scholarship the role of the family and peer group in influencing young people’s orientations toward the future remain underexamined. Drawing on eleven months of ethnographic fieldwork, my research focuses on a first generation of college-going young women from socioeconomically marginalized backgrounds in India’s westernmost state of Gujarat. I draw on the “possible selves” theoretical construct in order to deploy a flexible conceptual framework that links imagined post-educational trajectories with motivation to act in the present. In tracing the physical movement of these young women as they navigate and complete college, my analysis highlights the ways in which particular kinds of spaces and spatial arrangements facilitate and limit intra- and inter-generational contact, and the extent to which this affects young women’s conceptions of the future. I conclude by considering the wider implications of my research for ongoing debates surrounding youth transitions, relational geographies of age, and education in the Global South.     

Coprecipitation of Ti,Mo, Sn and Sb with fluorides and application to determination of B,Ti, Zr,Nb, Mo,Sn, Sb,Hf and Ta by ICP-MS

We examined the coprecipitation behavior of Ti, Mo, Sn and Sb in Ca–Al–Mg fluorides under two different fluoride forming conditions: at < 70 °C in an ultrasonic bath (denoted as the ultrasonic method) and at 245 °C using a Teflon bomb (denoted as the bomb method). In the ultrasonic method, small amounts of Ti, Mo and Sn coprecipitation were observed with 100% Ca and 100% Mg fluorides. No coprecipitation of Ti, Mo, Sn and Sb in Ca–Al–Mg fluorides occurred when the sample was decomposed by the bomb method except for 100% Ca fluoride. Based on our coprecipitation observations, we have developed a simultaneous determination method for B, Ti, Zr, Nb, Mo, Sn, Sb, Hf and Ta by Q-pole type ICP-MS (ICP-QMS) and sector field type ICP-MS (ICP-SFMS). 9–50 mg of samples with Zr–Mo–Sn–Sb–Hf spikes were decomposed by HF using the bomb method and the ultrasonic method with B spike. The sample was then evaporated and re-dissolved into 0.5 mol l^− 1 HF, followed by the removal of fluorides by centrifuging. B, Zr, Mo, Sn, Sb and Hf were measured by ID method. Nb and Ta were measured by the ID-internal standardization method, based on Nb/Mo and Ta/Mo ratios using ICP-QMS, for which pseudo-FI was developed and applied. When 100% recovery yields of Zr and Hf are expected, Nb/Zr and Ta/Hf ratios may also be used. Ti was determined by the ID-internal standardization method, based on the Ti/Nb ratio from ICP-SFMS. Only 0.053 ml sample solution was required for measurement of all 9 elements. Dilution factors of ≤ 340 were aspirated without matrix effects. To demonstrate the applicability of our method, 4 carbonaceous chondrites (Ivuna, Orgueil, Cold Bokkeveld and Allende) as well as GSJ and USGS silicate reference materials of basalts, andesites and peridotites were analyzed. Our analytical results are consistent with previous studies, and the mean reproducibility of each element is 1.0–4.6% for basalts and andesites, and 6.7–11% for peridotites except for TiO₂.     

Comparative study of As,Cd, Cu,Cr, Mg,Mn, Ni,Pb and Zn concentrations between sediment and water from estuary and port

The contents of As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn have been determined in sediment and water samples from Valle de las Garzas estuary and Port Manzanillo (Colima, Mexico) using ICP-AES. The concentrations of these elements were used for a comparative study to determine the distribution of heavy metals and to evaluate which elements reflect natural or anthropogenic backgrounds. For this purpose, seven sampling points were selected: Four of them correspond to the lagoon, and three were situated in the port. Statistical analysis of the mineral content was assessed. Initially, data comparison was assessed by statistical tests for each variable. Principal component analysis was then applied considering the influence of all variables at the same time by obtaining the distribution of samples according to their scores in the principal component space. In this way, four studies were carried out: (1) study of sediments collected during the dry season; (2) study of sediments collected during the rainy season; (3) comparative study between sediments from rainy and dry season; and (4) study of water composition collected during rainy season. From the results of the performed analyses, it can be concluded that metals distribution pattern reflected natural and anthropogenic backgrounds (e.g., sediments from the lagoon, situated at the beginning of the rain channel, presented high contents of Zn and Cu, perhaps related to anthropogenic activities or the influence of igneous sediments).     

Models,validation, and applied geochemistry: Issues in science,communication, and philosophy

Models have become so fashionable that many scientists and engineers cannot imagine working without them. The predominant use of computer codes to execute model calculations has blurred the distinction between code and model. The recent controversy regarding model validation has brought into question what we mean by a ‘model’ and by ‘validation.’ It has become apparent that the usual meaning of validation may be common in engineering practice and seems useful in legal practice but it is contrary to scientific practice and brings into question our understanding of science and how it can best be applied to such problems as hazardous waste characterization, remediation, and aqueous geochemistry in general. This review summarizes arguments against using the phrase model validation and examines efforts to validate models for high-level radioactive waste management and for permitting and monitoring open-pit mines. Part of the controversy comes from a misunderstanding of ‘prediction’ and the need to distinguish logical from temporal prediction. Another problem stems from the difference in the engineering approach contrasted with the scientific approach. The reductionist influence on the way we approach environmental investigations also limits our ability to model the interconnected nature of reality. Guidelines are proposed to improve our perceptions and proper utilization of models. Use of the word ‘validation’ is strongly discouraged when discussing model reliability.     

Partition coefficients of Hf,Zr, and REE between zircon,apatite, and liquid

Concentration ratios of Hf, Zr, and REE between zircon, apatite, and liquid were determined for three igneous compositions: two andesites and a diorite. The concentration ratios of these elements between zircon and corresponding liquid can approximate the partition coefficient. Although the concentration ratios between apatite and andesite groundmass can be considered as partition coefficients, those for the apatite in the diorite may deviate from the partition coefficients. The HREE partition coefficients between zircon and liquid are very large (100 for Er to 500 for Lu), and the Hf partition coefficient is even larger. The REE partition coefficients between apatite and liquid are convex upward, and large (D=10–100), whereas the Hf and Zr partition coefficients are less than 1. The large differences between partition coefficients of Lu and Hf for zircon-liquid and for apatite-liquid are confirmed. These partition coefficients are useful for petrogenetic models involving zircon and apatite.     

Pools,riffles, and channelization

The addition of regularly spaced deeps (pools) and shallows (riffles) that provide a variety of flow conditions, areal sorting of stream-bed material, cover for wildlife, and a positive aesthetic experience, may be desirable in many channel projects. Such designs will reduce adverse environmental impacts of stream channel modifications. Analysis of variance for pool-to-pool spacing data suggests that there is no significant difference with respect to channel width between pools that form in natural streams and those in streams affected by a variety of human uses. Short of channelization, which changes the channel width, pools and riffles, within limits, are not particularly sensitive to environmental stress. Experiments in Gum Branch near Charlotte, North Carolina, support the hypothesis that channel form and process evolve in harmony and that manipulation of cross-channel morphology can influence the development of desired channel processes. Planned manipulation of its channel form induced Gum Branch to develop as desired. Morphologic stability consisting of incipient point bars, pools, and riffles was maintained over a period of high magnitude flood events, only to be degraded later by a wave of sediment derived from upstream construction and stream-bank failures. Thus, environmentally desirable channel morphology in urban streams cannot remain stable if changes in the sediment load or storm-water runoff exceed the limits of the stream's ability to make internal adjustments while maintaining morphologic stability.     

Entropy,materials, and posterity

Materials and energy are the interdependent feedstocks of economic systems, and thermodynamics is their moderator. It costs energy to transform the dispersed minerals of Earth's crust into ordered materials and structures. And it costs materials to collect and focus the energy to perform work — be it from solar, fossil fuel, nuclear, or other sources. The greater the dispersal of minerals sought, the more energy is required to collect them into ordered states.But available energy can be used once only. And the ordered materials of industrial economies become disordered with time. They may be partially reordered and recycled, but only at further costs in energy. Available energy everywhere degrades to bound states and order to disorder — for though entropy may be juggled it always increases. Yet industry is utterly dependent on low entropy states of matter and energy, while decreasing grades of ore require ever higher inputs of energy to convert them to metals, with ever increasing growth both of entropy and environmental hazard.Except as we may prize a thing for its intrinsic qualities — beauty, leisure, love, or gold — low-entropy is the only thing of real value. It is worth whatever the market will bear, and it becomes more valuable as entropy increases. It would be foolish of suppliers to sell it more cheaply or in larger amounts than their own enjoyment of life requires, whatever form it may take. For this reason, and because of physical constraints on the availability of all low-entropy states, the recent energy crises is only the first of a sequence of crises to be expected in energy and materials as long as current trends continue.The apportioning of low-entropy states in a modern industrial society is achieved more or less according to the theory of competitive markets. But the rational powers of this theory suffer as the world grows increasingly polarized into rich, over-industrialized nations with diminishing resource bases and poor, supplier nations with little industry. The theory also discounts posterity, the more so as population density and percapita rates of consumption continue to grow. A new social, economic, and ecologic norm that leads to population control, conservation, and an apportionment of low-entropy states across the generations is needed to assure to posterity the options that properly belong to it as an important but voiceless constituency of the collectivity we call mankind.

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Zusammenfassung Rohstoffe und Energie sind die Grundlagen unseres ökonomischen Systems, das von den Gesetzen der Thermodynamik bestimmt wird. Es kostet Energie, um die auf der Erde verteilten Rohstoffe diesem System zuzuführen. Andererseits braucht man Rohstoffe, um die Energie nutzbar zu machen.Die verfügbare Energie kann nur einmal genutzt werden und das Material verbraucht sich. Verbrauchtes Material kann teilweise zur weiteren Nutzung zurückgeführt werden, das kostet wiederum Energie. Die verfügbare Energie nimmt überall ab, und einmal geschaffene Ordnung gerät wieder in Unordnung — das heißt, die Entropie des Systems nimmt ständig zu. Die Industrie ist jedoch abhängig von einem niedrigen Entropiezustand sowohl der Materie als auch der Energie.Je ärmer die Erze sind, um so höher wird die Energie sein, um sie in Metalle umzuwandeln, wobei die Entropie und die Belastung der Umwelt ständig zunimmt.Außer den Dingen, die wir wegen höherer ideeller Werte schätzen, ist eine niedrige Entropie der einzige realistische Wertmaßstab, und der wirkliche Wertzuwachs ist nur an einer höheren Entropie zu messen. Es ist unverantwortlich, Dinge, die eine höhere Entropie bedingen, billiger zu verkaufen oder in größerer Menge zu erzeugen, als unbedingt notwendig ist. Da wir dies heute in unserem Handeln nicht berücksichtigen, ist die derzeitige Energiekrise nur der Anfang einer Folge von Krisen, die Energie und Rohstoffe betreffen, solange wir nicht umdenken.Die Verteilung von niedriger Entropie in einer modernen Industriegesellschaft wird mehr oder weniger nach dem Prinzip der konkurrierenden Märkte erreicht. Das selbstregulierende System gerät jedoch mit zunehmender Polarisierung in reiche Industrienationen mit abnehmenden Ressourcen und armen Nationen mit geringer Industrialisierung in Unordnung. Dieses Prinzip berücksichtigt auch nicht die Nachwelt, vor allem wenn die Bevölkerungsdichte stetig zunimmt und die Konsumbedürfnisse anwachsen. Es sind neue soziale, ökonomische und ökologische Normen notwendig, die zur Populationskontrolle, zur Erhaltung der Umwelt und zu einem Zustand niedriger Entropie für zukünftige Generationen führen. Die nach uns kommenden Menschen haben ein Anrecht darauf.

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Résumé Matériaux et énergie sont les sources des systèmes économiques et sont régis par les lois de la thermodynamique. Il faut de l'énergie pour transformer les ressources minérales dispersées dans la croûte terrestre en matériaux et structures ordonnancées. Et il faut des matériaux pour receuillir et concentrer l'énergie, qu'elle soit solaire ou atomique, ou provienne de combustibles fossiles ou d'autres sources. Plus les minéraux recherchés sont dispersés et plus est côuteuse l'énergie pour leur donner une ordonnance.Or l'énergie disponsible ne peut être utilisée qu'une seule fois. Et les matériaux ordonnancés des économies industrielles se dégradent avec le temps. Ils peuvent être remis partiellement en état et recyclés, mais pour cela il faut de nouveau de l'énergie. Partout l'énergie disponible se dégrade et l'ordre devient désordre; -malgré toutes les jongleries possibles l'entropie augmente toujours.L'industrie dépend clairement d'états de basse entropie tant en ce qui concerne les matériaux que l'énergie, tandis que plus pauvres sont les minerais, plus; élevée est l'énergie à mettre en jeu pour en extraire les métaux, avec toujours augmentation à la fois de l'entropie et de la degradation des milieux.A l'exception de ce que nous apprécions pour leur valeur intrinsèque — la beauté, le loisir, l'amour ou l'or — la basse entropie est la seule chose de réelle valeur. Son prix est réglé par le marché, et sa valeur augmente au fur et à mesure que l'entropie s'accroît. Ceux qui en disposent seraient insensés de la vendre à bas prix ou en quantité supérieure à ce qu'exige leur propre niveau de vie. Pour cette raison, et à cause des contraintes physiques liées à la disponibilité en états de basse entropie, la récente crise d'énergie n'est, en ce qui concerne les matières premières et l'énergie, que la première d'une série de crises auxquelles il faut s'attendre aussi longtemps que se poursoit la marche actuelle des étènements.Dans les sociétés industrielles modernes, les approvisionnement en basse entropie s'effectuent plus ou moins conformément à la théorie de la concurrence des marchés. Cependant la rationalité de cette théorie se ressent de l'accentuation croissante de la polarisation, à l'échelle du monde, en nations riches, surindustrialisées, à ressources de base décroissantes, et en nations pauvres, sous-industrialisées, mais fournisseurs de resources-naturelles. De plus cette théorie ne tient pas compte de notre postérité, et ce, en face d'une densité de population et d'un taux de la consommation par tête d'habitant en augmentation continue.Nous avons donc besoin de nouvelles normes sociales, économiques et écologiques qui conduisent au contrôle de la population, à la conservation et à la répartition des états de basse entropie à travers les générations pour assurer à notre postérité les options qui leur riviennent de droit comme une constituante importante, mais encore muette, de la collectivité que nous appelons l'Humanité.

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Dedicated with appreciation to Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen, distinguished economist, realist among cornucopians