西大别芳畈花岗岩锆石U-Pb年龄、地球化学特征及其构造意义

本文通过对西大别大悟芳畈地区黑云母花岗岩和石英正长岩花岗岩两种岩体的地球化学分析及U-Pb同位素测试,得到如下认识:黑云母花岗岩和石英正长岩花岗岩总体特征相似,主量元素表现为高SiO2(平均77.2%)、过铝质(A/CNK指数在1.03~1.13),碱度率在5.43~7.23,属碱性系列;ΣREE平均62.4×10-6,(Ce/Yb)N均值为0.67,(La/Yb)N均值为0.97,呈现平缓仅Eu亏损(δEu均值0.20)的"海鸥型";大离子亲石元素Rb、Th、U、K等相对富集,高场强元素Nb、Ta、Sr、Ti等呈明显的负异常,说明岩浆源岩以陆壳成分为主;Ga/Al均值为3.16,Zr+Nb+Ce+Y均值为578;锆石饱和温度为833~877℃,稀土元素饱和浓度温度为773~862℃,表明初始岩浆温度较高。上述特征说明,芳畈花岗岩为典型的A型花岗岩,形成于中上地壳的板内伸展背景。用LA-ICPMS测得的黑云母花岗岩中锆石的U-Pb年龄为773.0±1.6 Ma(MSWD=0.96,n=33),石英正长花岗岩形成的年龄为759.8±2.3 Ma(MSWD=1.6,n=28),表明其形成于新元古代洋陆俯冲的构造背景,是这一时期大陆边缘弧岩浆作用的产物。芳畈花岗岩体形成时代早于其外围地层,是经后期构造改造形成的混杂岩带,其岩浆作用与岩体外围的铜成矿作用无直接联系。     

江西大湖塘中生代花岗岩的成因与构造指示意义:年代学、矿物化学、地球化学与Lu Hf同位素制约

江西大湖塘地区发育多期次与钨、铜、钼多金属成矿关系密切的中生代花岗岩。本文对该地区出露的似斑状黑云母二长花岗岩和黑云母花岗斑岩进行矿物化学、岩石地球化学、锆石U-Pb年代学和Lu-Hf同位素研究。其中似斑状黑云母二长花岗岩样品的成岩年龄分别为145.6±1.4 Ma(昆山岩体)、148.4±2.4 Ma(燕子崖岩体中部)和145.7±2.9 Ma(燕子崖岩体边部);黑云母花岗斑岩成岩时代为143.7±2.4 Ma(狮尾洞岩体),四者的继承锆石均来自新元古代花岗岩源区。岩石地球化学特征显示主量元素特征相似,似斑状黑云母二长花岗岩和黑云母花岗斑岩普遍高硅(SiO_2分别为72.37%～73.33%和70.16%～73.8%);富铝,二者铝饱和指数A/CNK分别为1.23～1.47和1.30～3.02,均属过铝质高钾钙碱性系列,而稀土、微量元素特征存在明显差异,其中似斑状黑云母二长花岗岩轻重稀土分馏明显,(La/Yb)_N平均为26.18,Eu负异常明显,稀土元素配分曲线呈明显右倾型,富集大离子亲石元素(LILE)Cs、Rb、Th、U、K、Pb,亏损高场强元素(HFSE)Zr、Nb、Ti、Y,低Ba、Sr;而黑云母花岗斑岩轻重稀土分馏不显著,(La/Yb)_N平均为9.76,Eu负异常明显,稀土元素配分曲线呈"海鸥型",并显示"M"型四分组效应,微量元素富集LILE,亏损HFSE。似斑状黑云母二长花岗岩的锆石ε_(Hf)(t)值为-7.39～-5.19,两阶段模式年龄(T_(DM2))为1.53～1.67 Ga。综合分析表明,大湖塘晚侏罗世似斑状黑云母二长花岗岩应产于古太平洋板块向华南板块俯冲的构造背景之下,由中上地壳的新元古代黑云母花岗闪长岩部分熔融形成;而早白垩世黑云母花岗斑岩形成于古太平洋板块向华南板块俯冲—俯冲后伸展的构造转换背景之下,由于软流圈地幔上涌,诱发上地壳新元古代黑云母二长花岗岩部分熔融,且在结晶分异过程中还受到富Cl流体的交代。     

内蒙北山鹰嘴红山花岗岩体形成时代及构造环境分析

鹰嘴红山岩体位于内蒙古西部北山成矿带东段,岩性主要为黑云母二长花岗岩、似斑状黑云母二长花岗岩及钾长花岗岩。前人对该岩体的形成时代存在志留纪和泥盆纪的不同认识。笔者采用LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb定年获得似斑状黑云母二长花岗岩(423.1±1.5)Ma的年龄数据,表明二长花岗岩形成时代为中志留世。鹰嘴红山岩体属钙碱性高钾钙碱性,过铝质岩石系列;在原始地幔标准化蛛网图中,显示大离子亲石元素Rb、Th、K相对富集,高场强元素Ta、Nb、Zr、Ti相对亏损,Hf相对富集;REE总量较高,HREE微弱分异,LREE分异强烈;在球粒陨石标准化图上显示稀土元素呈右倾型配分模式,轻重稀土元素之间分馏程度较低,Eu强烈亏损(δEu=0.33～0.71)。结合花岗岩岩石成因类型研究和区域研究成果,认为鹰嘴红山花岗岩是在两侧陆块碰撞过程中大陆地壳加厚重熔形成的。     

中缅毗邻区金腊Pb-Zn-Ag多金属矿田花岗岩锆石U-Pb定年与地球化学特征

位于中缅毗邻区的金腊铅锌银多金属矿田大地构造上处于保山—掸泰地块东缘,勐统—耿马—西盟元古宙—古生代被动大陆边缘活动带南段。与矿化有关的花岗岩(简称金腊花岗岩)包括老厂似斑状角闪二长花岗岩、勐林山似斑状黑云二长花岗岩和南腊碱长花岗斑岩。文中系统研究了上述岩石的主量元素、稀土元素、微量元素、成矿元素和锆石U-Pb同位素年龄等特征,从构造岩浆演化的角度,探讨上述岩体之间内在联系、成因演化以及与成矿的关系:(1)在金腊花岗岩三种岩石类型中,老厂似斑状角闪二长花岗岩和勐林山似斑状黑云二长花岗岩的锆石同位素U-Pb年龄皆为(45±1)Ma,形成于岩浆结晶分异早期阶段的深成环境,而南腊碱长花岗斑岩的锆石同位素U-Pb年龄为(43.41±0.78)Ma,形成于岩浆结晶分异晚期阶段的浅成环境。(2)主量元素和微量元素(稀土元素和某些微量元素(Zr/Hf、Nb/Ta、Rb/Sr、Rb/Ba、K/Rb、(Rb/Yb)N、Sr*、K*和Zr*)),结合U-Pb同位素定年研究表明,本区花岗岩形成于喜马拉雅同碰撞造山成矿作用末期局部拉张构造环境,并分别代表了构造岩浆演化过程中不同演化阶段岩浆分异结晶的产物。(3)上述三类花岗岩样品皆位于S型花岗岩区,但从老厂似斑状角闪二长花岗岩,勐林山似斑状黑云二长花岗岩,到南腊碱长花岗斑岩,样品分布逐渐远离"I"型花岗岩和"S"型花岗岩的分界线,这表明自老厂似斑状角闪二长花岗岩至勐林山似斑状黑云二长花岗岩,到南腊碱长花岗斑岩幔源组分逐渐减少。(4)相对中国花岗岩,南腊碱长花岗斑岩不仅更富集W、Cu、Bi、Sb、Mo、Sn、Ag、Pb和Au等成矿元素,而且还强烈富集F、B和As等矿化剂元素,因此,碱长花岗斑岩是最有成矿远景的岩体。     

粤北白沙岩体早白垩世细粒花岗岩年代学、地球化学特征及成因意义

粤北佛冈岩体北缘的白沙岩体细粒黑云母二长花岗岩LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb加权平均年龄为130.3±3.0Ma,表明细粒黑云母二长花岗岩侵入于早白垩世。岩体高硅(SiO2=70.64~75.01wt%),高Na2O+K2O(7.62~8.33wt%),低P2O5(0.024~0.100wt%),富集Rb、Th、U、K、Pb、Nd、Zr和Hf等元素,亏损Ba、Nb、Ta、La、Ce、Sr、P和Ti等。明显富集轻稀土元素[(La/Yb)N=6.74~54.69],显示明显的负Eu异常(δEu=0.15~0.35),少量正Eu异常(δEu=0.82~1.19)。这些地球化学特征指示细粒黑云母二长花岗岩为高分异I型花岗岩。锆石Hf同位素研究结果表明,εHf(t)=-7.3^-10.6,其平均值为-8.89。其两阶段模式年龄(T2DM)主要为1654~1865Ma(n=8),平均值为1751Ma。佛冈复式岩体早白垩世细粒黑云母二长花岗岩形成于古太平洋板块向欧亚板块俯冲的陆缘弧构造背景下,其地球化学特征表明其物质主要来源于古元古代地壳的杂砂-泥质源岩部分熔融,并有少量幔源物质参与。     

米仓山坪河新元古代二长花岗岩成因及其地质意义

扬子板块西北缘新元古代岩浆作用成因的研究对于研究Rodinia超大陆在该区的构造演化具有重要意义。本文对扬子板块西北缘米仓山地区二长花岗岩进行了LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb定年和同位素、全岩主量和微量元素分析。结果表明二长花岗岩锆石U-Pb年龄为742.1±5.9 Ma,属于新元古代花岗岩。岩石具有高Si O_2(76.84%~80.08%),高碱(Na_2O+K_2O=7.64%~8.99%),相对富钾(K_2O/Na_2O=0.91~1.36),低P_2O_5含量等特征,铝饱和指数(A/CNK)介于0.77~0.89之间。岩石具有稀土元素含量较高、相对富集轻稀土元素的特征,具有明显负Eu异常,Eu*=0.05~0.13,Rb、U、Th、K、Pb等元素相对富集,Ba、Nb、Sr、P、Zr、Ti和Eu等元素明显亏损。岩石n(~(87)Sr)/n(~(86)Sr)=0.747067~0.795283,n(~(143)Nd)/n(~(144)Nd)=0.512472~0.512661,ε_(Nd)(t)=+3.6~+5.2,二阶段模式年龄T_(2DM)值介于0.96~1.07Ga之间。综合地球化学、同位素特征及米仓山区域构造资料,我们认为坪河二长花岗岩为高钾钙碱性高分异I型花岗岩,该岩浆起源于新生玄武质下地壳岩石的局部熔融,在上升阶段可能经历了地壳的混染作用,形成于伸展的构造环境中,是新元古代晚期Rodinia超大陆裂解作用的岩浆响应。     

藏东纽多黑云母二长花岗岩锆石U-Pb年龄及成因

通过对澜沧江北段卡贡地区出露的纽多黑云母二长花岗岩的岩石学、岩石地球化学及锆石U-Pb年龄的研究,分析了纽多黑云母二长花岗岩的地球化学和原岩特征。黑云母二长花岗岩中的锆石具有明显的振荡环带,较高的Th/U值(普遍大于0.4),属于典型的岩浆成因锆石,用LA-ICP-MS测得锆石~(206)Pb/~(238)U年龄为243.6±1.4Ma(MSWD=1.00,n=15),时代为中三叠世。岩石地球化学特征表明,该黑云母二长花岗岩具有较高的SiO_2、Al_2O_3及高钾富碱的特征,A/CNK值为1.05~1.08,为过铝质高钾钙碱性系列;稀土元素配分模式显示,配分曲线为右倾型,具有明显的负Eu异常和弱负Ce异常,表现为Nb、Ta、P、Zr、Ti等高场强元素相对亏损,相对富集Rb、K、Th、U等大离子亲石元素。岩石地球化学特征表明,纽多黑云母二长花岗岩为S型花岗岩,形成于地壳加厚增温环境下的深熔作用。     

滇东北下田坝花岗岩年代学、地球化学及其构造意义

滇东北下田坝花岗岩的SiO2质量分数在71.1%～78.15%之间,Al2O3值在11.55%～14.90%之间,A/CNK=0.94～1.25,属于弱过铝质花岗岩。稀土元素总量(∑REE)为259.71×10-6～804.60×10-6,∑LREE/∑HREE为4.12～10.28,说明轻稀土较重稀土富集。岩石具有明显的负Eu异常(δEu=0.04～0.07),大离子亲石元素Rb、Ba、Pb、U等相对富集,高场强元素Nb、Ta、Zr、Ti等明显亏损,这些特征说明下田坝花岗岩是由壳源物质部分熔融形成的,具有A型花岗岩的特征。对下田坝花岗岩进行的激光探针等离子体质谱(LA-ICP-MS)锆石U-Pb同位素年代学研究获得了206Pb/238 U加权年龄年龄769±4.4Ma(MSWD=0.45),可代表花岗岩的形成年龄,下田坝花岗岩并非原来认为的早古生代花岗岩。结合对区域地质资料的分析认为,下田坝花岗岩的形成年龄与扬子地块西部Rodinia超大陆裂解事件在时间上一致,该花岗岩是在Rodinia超大陆裂解过程中由地幔柱活动引起的大陆裂谷环境中形成的,这也证实了扬子地块西南缘新元古代的裂谷环境已影响到滇东北的东川地区。     

冈底斯带中段渐新世花岗质岩石锆石LA-ICP-MS U-Pb年龄、岩石地球化学特征及其意义

以藏南冈底斯带中段渐新世花岗质岩石为研究对象,对其进行了岩相学、年代学、岩石地球化学及Hf同位素研究,结果表明区内渐新世花岗质岩石岩性主要为中粗粒花岗闪长岩、中粗粒黑云母二长花岗岩和似斑状黑云母二长花岗岩。锆石U-Pb定年表明,似斑状黑云母二长花岗岩的成岩年龄为26.4±0.4 Ma,属晚渐新世岩浆活动产物。岩石地球化学特征上里特曼指数σ为1.58～3.20,为高钾钙碱性—钾玄岩系列;铝饱和指数A/CNK值为0.90～1.04,属准铝质—弱过铝质;岩石相对富集Rb、K和亏损Ba等大离子亲石元素,亏损Nb、Ta、Zr、Hf、Ti等高场强元素;轻稀土元素明显富集,轻重稀土元素分馏较强(La_N/Yb_N值为5.37～14.26),具有较弱的Eu负异常。岩相学及岩石地球化学指示花岗岩成因类型为I型。似斑状黑云母二长花岗岩锆石ε_(Hf)(t)值为0.08～6.31,Hf同位素一阶段模式年龄变化范围为445～687 Ma,主要来自新生地壳的部分熔融,并有幔源物质的加入;岩浆在成岩过程中存在分离结晶作用。综合分析认为,冈底斯带在渐新世时期处于印度与亚洲板块的碰撞造山环境,挤压作用及幔源物质侵位导致地壳加厚,使青藏高原在该时期发生了一次强烈的隆升。     

内蒙古锡林浩特北早二叠世花岗岩类定年及成因

内蒙古锡林浩特北部朝克乌拉山附近分布有早二叠世花岗岩类,可作为兴蒙造山带东部构造-岩浆活动的研究载体。本文通过对花岗岩类进行岩相学、岩石地球化学、锆石U-Pb年代学的研究,讨论其岩石成因、构造环境。早二叠世侵入岩岩性主要为正长花岗岩、二长花岗岩、正长斑岩。地球化学上,岩石具有高硅、富碱、贫钙、贫镁的特点,属于偏铝—过铝质碱性花岗岩。轻重稀土元素存在一定程度的分馏,总体表现出轻稀土相对富集、重稀土相对亏损,具有明显的负Eu异常,Rb、Th、K、La、Ce、Nd、Zr、Hf、Sm元素明显富集,Ba、Ta、Nb、Sr、P、Ti元素显著亏损。岩石的锆石饱和温度为802℃,具有低Sr高Yb特征,指示岩体形成于高温低压环境,结合岩石地球化学表明岩体属于铝质A型花岗岩,其源岩与岛弧岩浆作用有关。锆石U-Pb测年结果为(275.6±1.3) Ma(正长花岗岩)、(274.2±1.4)Ma(正长斑岩),表明岩体形成时代为早二叠世晚期。结合区域上阿木山组中安山岩夹层的锆石U-Pb年龄,古生物、花岗岩证据表明晚石炭世至早二叠世晚期,贺根山洋闭合并完成了板块碰撞挤压到碰撞伸展的转换。     

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.     

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     

Pebbles,Shapes, and Equilibria

The shape of sedimentary particles may carry important information on their history. Current approaches to shape classification (e.g. the Zingg or the Sneed and Folk system) rely on shape indices derived from the measurement of the three principal axes of the approximating tri-axial ellipsoid. While these systems have undoubtedly proved to be useful tools, their application inevitably requires tedious and ambiguous measurements, also classification involves the introduction of arbitrarily chosen constants. Here we propose an alternative classification system based on the (integer) number of static equilibria. The latter are points of the surface where the pebble is at rest on a horizontal, frictionless support. As opposed to the Zingg system, our method relies on counting rather than measuring. We show that equilibria typically exist on two well-separated (micro and macro) scales. Equilibria can be readily counted by simple hand experiments, i.e. the new classification scheme is practically applicable. Based on statistical results from two different locations we demonstrate that pebbles are well mixed with respect to the new classes, i.e. the new classification is reliable and stable in that sense. We also show that the Zingg statistics can be extracted from the new statistics; however, substantial additional information is also available. From the practical point of view, E-classification is substantially faster than the Zingg method.