Design and application of the method for isolating magnetotactic bacteria

A simple apparatus was designed to effectively isolate magnetotactic bacteria from soils or sediments based on their magnetotaxis. Through a series of processes including sample incubation, MTB harvesting, isolation, purification and identification, several strains of bacteria were isolated from the samples successfully. By Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDXA), these bacteria were certificated to be magnetotactic bacteria. The phylogenetic relationship between the isolated magnetic strains and some known magnetotactic bacteria was inferred by the construction of phylogenetic tree based on 16SrDNA sequences. This apparatus has been proven to have the advantages of being inexpensive, simple to assemble, easy to perform and highly efficient to isolate novel magnetotactic bacteria. The research indicated that the combined approach of harvesting MTB by home-made apparatus and the method of plate colony isolation could purify and isolate magnetotactic bacteria effectively.     

Experimental Na-K distribution between amphiboles and aqueous chloride solutions, and a mixing model along the richterite – K-richterite join

The cation exchange equilibrium has been investigated by hydrothermal experiments at 700 and 800°C at 200 MPa. To avoid equilibration problems of conventional exchange experiments, we synthesized amphiboles with an excess fluid allowing exchange between solid and fluid during the experiment. The exchangeable cations Na and K were provided as excess 1 to 2n chloridic solution. These exchange syntheses can be described by the reaction equation with ^(aq) for hydroxides and chlorides in aqueous solutions and _{( s )} and _{( p )}?=?start and product fluid. The amphiboles grew in presence of the exchange fluid and adjusted their stoichiometry in equilibrium with the fluid phase. The solid products consist of more than 99% amphibole (Na,K-richterite_ss) with traces of diopside and quartz. The amphiboles are up to 1?mm long and often ≈ 40 μm thick. Detailed EMP- and HRTEM-observations show that they are chemically homogeneous and structurally wellordered. The experimental results give consistent phase relations in the reciprocal ternary system Na-richterite–K-richterite–NaCl–KCl. We analysed the product fluid with AAS- and ICP-methods. The Na-K distribution coefficients between fluid and amphiboles of the richterite–K-richterite join are close to unity at 700°C and 800°C at 200 MPa. Small systematic deviations are explained by a symmetric solution model for the A-position of the amphiboles. Using ideal mixing for H₂O-NaCl-KCl fluids, a mixing model for the system richterite–K-richterite is presented. We suggest that the composition of richterite solid solutions can be used as a sensor for NaCl/KCl-ratios in metamorphic fluids.     

Assimilation of sulfate and carbonaceous rocks: Experimental study,thermodynamic modeling and application to the Noril’sk-Talnakh region (Russia)

Most of the intrusions in the Noril’sk-Talnakh region (Siberia) are hosted in thick sedimentary sequences including abundant evaporitic and terrigenous sedimentary rocks. Three mafic-ultramafic intrusions in this region contain unusually thick massive sulfide deposits, which represent one of the world’s largest economic concentrations of Ni, Cu and PGE. The interaction of Siberian magmas with sulfate and organic matter-rich sedimentary rocks has been proposed as a possible mechanism for the origin of these exceptional sulfide deposits but the interaction process and the reaction paths have never been fully investigated. Here we clarify, by both experimental petrology and thermodynamic modeling, how sulfate and organic matter assimilation occur in mafic-ultramafic magmas, affecting magma composition, crystallization and sulfide saturation.Interaction experiments were conducted at conditions relevant to the emplacement of Noril’sk type intrusions (1200 °C, ∼80 MPa) to simulate the assimilation of sulfate and/or organic compounds by ultramafic magmas. We used a picrite from Noril’sk1 intrusion, and coal and anhydrite from the area as starting materials. The experimental results show that the incorporation of anhydrite into the magma occurs by chemical dissolution in the melt, which increases the magma’s sulfur content, but suppresses sulfide saturation and reduces olivine crystallization. Extreme assimilation leads to sulfate saturation in the magma and high dissolved sulfur contents of 0.9 ± 0.1 wt% S. Conversely, coal assimilation promotes sulfide segregation and magma crystallization, while decreasing the dissolved H₂O content of the melt and increasing the amount of coexisting fluid phase.We also employed gas-melt thermodynamic calculations to quantify the effect of these assimilations on the redox conditions and the S content of the magma, and investigate the role of temperature, pressure, and initial gas content of the magma in the assimilation process. We quantify how sulfate assimilation strongly oxidizes the magma and increases its S content; both effects are intensified by increasing pressure (from 50 to 100 MPa in this study), decreasing temperature (from 1350 to 1200 °C in this study), and decreasing amounts of fluid phase initially coexisting with the magma (from 2 to 0 wt%). The interaction with organic matter (CH in this study) induces a strong reduction of the magma, even for extremely low degrees of assimilation (few tenths of wt%), and the dehydration of the melt.We therefore suggest that in the Noril’sk-Talnakh district (1) additional S was supplied to mantle derived magmas by the assimilation of evaporitic rocks, and was transported during magma ascent in the form of dissolved, oxidized S; (2) a substantial reduction of the magma inducing sulfide segregation and important crystallization then occurred due to the interaction with carbonaceous sediments. This mechanism can potentially produce massive sulfide deposits by important sulfate assimilation (locally higher than 3 wt% CaSO₄) and minor organic matter assimilation (few tenths of wt% CH); however, if one of the two steps does not occur, or the assimilation in (1) is not large enough, disseminated sub economic or no sulfide deposits are produced. We conclude that exceptional conditions favoring substantial assimilation of sediments are needed to generate exceptional ore deposits like those of the Noril’sk-Talnakh district.     

Analogue modeling of the role of multi-level decollement layers on the geometry of orogenic wedge: an application to the Zagros Fold–Thrust Belt,SW Iran

International Journal of Earth Sciences - The presence of evaporate and incompetent formations (i.e., decollement horizons) within the sedimentary sequence of fold-thrust belts can control their...     

A new pair of coexisting amphiboles : the grünerite and ferropargasite pair

A new coexisting amphibole pair was recently found in the Jianshan iron deposit, Loufan of Shanxi Province, China. Electron microprobe analysis shows that the coexisting pair is composed of grünerite K_0.001 (Na_0.027 Ca_0.073 Mn_0.031 Fe _1.801 ²⁺ )_1.932 (Fe _2.948 ²⁺ Mg_1.964 Ti_0.002 Al_0.087)₅Si_8.069 O_22.10(OH)₂ and ferropargasite (K_0.135 Na_0.461)_0.596 (Na_0.088 Ca_1.853 Mn_0.005 Fe _0.072 ²⁺ )₂(Mn_0.005Fe _2.789 ²⁺ Mg_0.875Ti_0.021Fe _0.499 ³⁺ Al_0.812)₅(Si_6.103Al_1.897)₈O_22.00(OH)₂. The two kinds of amphiboles occur in amphibole schist not only as separate phenocrysts, but also are combined to form “single-crystal” phenocrysts in the form of topotactic intergrowths with the common c- and b-axes. The boundary between topotactic grünerite and ferropargasite is optically and chemically sharp. In comparison with the coexisting ferromagnesian amphibole and calcic amphibole pair discovered by predecessors, the newly discovered pair has lower Mg/Fe ratios and wider miscibility gaps.     

Late Paleozoic–Mesozoic tectonic evolution of SW Japan: A review – Reappraisal of the accretionary orogeny and revalidation of the collisional model

This paper makes a review of the interpretations of the tectonic evolution of SW Japan during the last three decades. In the late 1970s, the dominant model was the so-called “Pacific-type orogeny”, emphasizing the purported absence of nappes and the contrast with the alpine chains, and interpreting the evolution as due to a steady oceanic subduction since the Paleozoic time. In the 80s, the discovery of the actual structure made of a pile of large thrust sheets led authors to propose collisional models, involving the intermittent underthrusting of buoyant blocks like micro-continents. At the same time, the use of high-resolution biostratigraphy allowed several authors to recognize ancient accretionary wedges, with a reconstructed ocean plate stratigraphy of individual accreted units, especially in the Tanba and Shimanto zones. Also, precise radiometric dating permitted the distinction of metamorphosed units, especially in Sanbagawa and Shimanto belts. As a result of these new data, since the 1990s, the plate tectonic interpretation of the history of the Japanese Islands was revised by Japanese scientists and presented again in terms of accretionary processes linked to a steadily oceanic subduction, with an episodic ridge subduction: the so-called “Miyashiro-type orogeny”. The review of different data leads to the following conclusions. The structure of SW Japan is made of a pile of sub-horizontal nappes, polydeformed, with a geometry similar to the one encountered in collisional orogens. The geodynamic mechanisms advocated for the tectonic building within the accretionary orogeny concept (Miyashiro-type orogeny) are inappropriate. A permanent oceanic subduction with the intermittent “collision” (actually subduction) of an active ridge or seamount chain is unable to build such structures, as this process induces in fact an acceleration of the tectonic erosion and collapse of the upper plate; the underthrusting of a micro-continent or mature arc is likely needed. The exhumation story of Sanbagawa HP schists suggests the setting of a continental subduction. The petrological and new geochemical data from the literature strongly support the existence, beneath the nappes of accretionary complexes, of continental bodies showing affinities with South China, from which they were once separated. The episodic collision, underthrusting, of such blocks was responsible for the tectonic piling. Tectonic erosion plaid likely a major role in removing material during the intervening subduction stages. A revised geodynamic model, implying the collision of the Honshu, South Kitakami–Kurosegawa, and Shimanto Blocks, is proposed for explaining the three orogenic crises which took place respectively at around 240, 130, and 80–60 Ma ago in SW Japan. The paleogeographic position and affinity of the Hida block with surrounding units, in the hinterland, are still unclear. More work is needed to solve this question.     

SPH–DEM coupling method based on GPU and its application to the landslide tsunami. Part II: reproduction of the Vajont landslide tsunami

Acta Geotechnica - Landslide tsunamis are complex fluid–solid coupling processes that often cause enormous catastrophes. In this study, the smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH) and discrete...     

Determination of germanium isotopic compositions of sulfides by hydride generation MC-ICP-MS and its application to the Pb–Zn deposits in SW China

Determining Ge isotopic compositions of sulfides is important to understand the ore-forming processes. Single step anion-exchange chromatography was previously used to recover Ge from silicates and lignites. We apply this procedure to recover Ge from sulfides before determining Ge isotopic compositions by hydride generation (HG)-MC-ICP-MS. Germanium is quantitatively recovered by the proposed sample preparation method. There are no obvious isotope biases for Ge-bearing solutions containing significant amounts of Cu, Sn, and W. However, δ⁷⁴Ge values show obvious shifts if the solutions contain high Zn, Pb, and Sb, which is possibly attributed to suppression of germane formation that fractionates Ge isotopes. The long-term reproducibility for Ge standard solution is about ± 0.18‰ for δ⁷⁴Ge. Spex and Merck standard solutions yield mean δ⁷⁴Ge values of − 0.70 ± 0.19‰ and − 0.36 ± 0.08‰, respectively. The calculated δ⁷⁴Ge value (− 5.13‰) of sphalerite standard based on doping experiments is indistinguishable from those of sphalerite without doping (− 5.05‰ and − 5.01‰). Sulfides from the Jinding, Shanshulin, and Tianqiao Pb–Zn deposits in SW China have δ⁷⁴Ge values of − 4.94‰ to + 2.07‰. The paragenetic sequence of sulfides from the Shanshulin and Tianqiao Pb–Zn deposits is pyrite, sphalerite and galena from early to late. Sulfides from the same ore show a trend of δ⁷⁴Ge_pyrite < δ⁷⁴Ge_sphalerite < δ⁷⁴Gegalena, which may be controlled by the kinetic or Rayleigh fractionation.     

Approaches for tsunami risk assessment and application to the city of Cádiz, Spain

Tsunamis can represent a significant risk to the population and cause huge economic damage in many costal regions. In order to be able to identify risk hot spots and implement targeted risk reduction measures, decision makers need to have a clear picture of the risk situation in their countries or regions. This work reviews existing approaches for tsunami risk assessment and recommends a five-step process for assessing tsunami risk. As a case study, a qualitative risk assessment for a worst-case tsunami scenario was carried out to understand the tsunami risk to the population in Cádiz. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis of the tsunami hazard input parameters was performed as a strong influence of the variability of the input parameters on the resultant tsunami hazard and risk zonation maps was observed. The study shows that regardless of the assumptions made a non-negligible tsunami risk to Cádiz exists.     

Ferric/ferrous iron ratios in sodic amphiboles: Mössbauer analysis, stoichiometry-based model calculations and the high-resolution microanalytical flank method

Although the electron microprobe has become the standard microanalytical tool in modern geosciences, conventional electron microprobe analysis does not allow determination of the valence states of elements such as Fe. The correct classification of minerals and interpretation of reaction microfabrics and grain zonation require high-quality information on ferric/ferrous ratios on a scale of micrometers. The flank method developed by Höfer et?al. (1994, Eur J Mineral 6:407–418) has revived new interest in electron-induced X-ray-spectroscopy to resolve oxidation states in minerals with high spatial resolution. We have recharacterized well-documented sodic amphiboles of the glaucophane–ferroglaucophane–riebeckite–magnesioriebeckite series by electron probe microanalysis and combined the microanalytical data with ferric/ferrous ratios from Mössbauer spectroscopy, Li data from bulk ICP-AES analysis and H₂O data from bulk Karl–Fischer titration. The combination of microanalysis and high-quality analysis on the bulk materials results in a data set that allows comparison of model-based stoichiometric calculations and the calibration of the high-resolution flank method. The calibration obtained allows ferric/ferrous ratios to be determined within an error of ±5%. We have found it necessary to apply an empirical correction for absorption phenomena. The advantages of the method must be weighed against the complex calibration procedures necessary and thus the flank method will probably not find use as a routine method. However, in cases where high-resolution data in terms of valence state are needed, the flank method will provide useful data on ferric/ferrous ratios down to minimum FeO_total content of 6–8 wt%.     

Interactions between dioritic and granodioritic magmas in mingling zones: plagioclase record of mixing,mingling and subsolidus interactions in the Gęsiniec Intrusion,NE Bohemian Massif,SW Poland

Dioritic and granodioritic rocks coexist in the Gęsiniec Intrusion in SW Poland showing typical relationships in many mafic–felsic mingling zones worldwide, such as dioritic syn-putonic dykes and microgranular enclaves within granodioritic host. Plagioclase zonation from granodioritic rocks suggests late stage mixing probably with dioritic magma, whereas no magma mixing is recorded in plagioclase from dioritic rocks. The diorites seem to show effects of interaction with evolved, leucocratic melts derived from granodiorite, not with the granodioritic melt itself. We conclude that the diorites’ compositions were modified after their emplacement within the granodioritic host, when the diorites were essentially solidified and injection of evolved melt from granodiorite did not involve marked modification of plagioclase composition. Compositional zoning patterns of plagioclase in diorites can be modeled by closed system fractional crystallization interrupted by resorption induced probably by decompression. Granodioritic plagioclase seems to be affected by the same resorption event. Plagioclase that crystallized in dioritic magma before the resorption does not record interaction between dioritic and granodioritic magmas, suggesting that both magmas evolved separately. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Characteristics,modification and environmental application of Yemen’s natural bentonite

The bentonite deposit of Lahij Province, Yemen, has very promising commercial applications due to its mineralogy and physical and chemical properties. It was examined to determine its mineralogical composition, chemical and physical properties of the bentonite deposit, purity and sodium-exchanged bentonite. Modified bentonite was synthesized by exchanging cetyltrimethylammonium cations for inorganic ions on the bentonite and its adsorption properties for ammonium were characterized in batch experiments. Analytical methods were carried out to study the bentonite comprising X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy, chemical analysis and kinetic and isotherm models were also tested. The results have shown that the purification of bentonite resulted in a bentonite fractions of the total sample composed of montmorillonite and <5 % quartz. The XRD data showed that the interlayer spacing (d ₀₀₁) of bentonite decreased from 15.3 to 12.5 Å and then increased to 19.7 Å. Moreover, high cation exchange capacity, good water absorption and high swelling capacity were also obtained. The results have shown that the modified bentonite was more effective than the natural bentonite for ammonium removal. In addition to that, pseudo-second-order kinetic model, Freundlich and the Langmuir models described the adsorption kinetics and isotherm well. It was concluded that Yemen (Alaslef) bentonite can be potential adsorbents for ammonium removal.     

Effects of errors and biases on the scaling of earthquake spatial pattern: application to the 2004 Sumatra–Andaman sequence

This study discusses the scaling properties of the spatial distribution of the December 26, 2004, Sumatra aftershocks. We estimate the spatial correlation dimension D ₂ of the epicentral distribution of aftershocks recorded by a local network operated by Geological Survey of India. We estimate the value of D ₂ for five blocks in the source area by using generalized correlation integral approach. We assess its bias due to finite data points, scaling range, effects of location errors, and boundary effects theoretically and apply it to real data sets. The correlation dimension was computed both for real as well as synthetic data sets that include randomly generated point sets obtained using uniform distributions and mimicking the number of events and outlines of the effective areas filled with epicenters. On comparing the results from the real data and random point sets from simulations, we found the lower limit of bias in D ₂ estimates from limited data sets to be 0.26. Thus, the spatial variation in correlation dimensions among different blocks using local data sets cannot be directly compared unless the influence of bias in the real aftershock data set is taken into account. They cannot also be used to infer the geometry of the faults. We also discuss the results in order to add constraints on the use of synthetic data and of different approaches for uncertainty analysis on spatial variation of D ₂. A difference in D ₂ values, rather than their absolute values, among small blocks is of interest to local data sets, which are correlated with their seismic b values. Taking into account the possible errors and biases, the average D ₂ values vary from 1.05 to 1.57 in the Andaman–Nicobar region. The relative change in D ₂ values can be interpreted in terms of clustering and diffuse seismic activity associated with the low and high D ₂ values, respectively. Overall, a relatively high D ₂ and low b value is consistent with high-magnitude, diffuse activity in space in the source region of the 2004 Sumatra earthquake.

     

Unconformities of the auriferous,neoarchæan central rand group of South Africa: application to stratigraphy

In addition to their importance as stratigraphical levels of enhanced Au concentration, the unconformities of the Central Rand Group of South Africa also form natural lithostratigraphical formation boundaries. With a view to stimulating research of these unconformities, two hypotheses on the origins of two types of unconformities are reviewed in this paper and criteria for their distinction are proposed. Progressive unconformities are syntectonic and diachronous in nature, and develop in response to source-area orogeny. The result of such tectonism is a basinward shift of the locus of erosion and a progradation, manifested by a conformable coarsening-upward succession in distal, downstream areas of net aggradation. However, in proximal areas net erosion prevails, and parts of such coarsening-upward successions are truncated. Progressive unconformities typically result from localised source-area tectonism and will therefore be restricted to the proximal regions of a particular sub-basin. Some unconformities develop due to eustatic changes and form during relative sea level falls. Because of differential subsidence within different parts of the composite Witwatersrand Basin, some such unconformities would be restricted to certain sub-basins. Both types of unconformities discussed form natural local lithostratigraphical boundaries. However, long-range correlation of formation boundaries is a practice alien to lithostratigraphy.     

A new high-stress undrained ring-shear apparatus and its application to the 1792 Unzen–Mayuyama megaslide in Japan

Sassa and others in the Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI), Kyoto University, developed a series of undrained ring-shear apparatus to physically simulate landslide initiation and motion, from DPRI-3 (Sassa 1992) to DPRI-7 (Sassa et al., Landslides 1(1):7–19, 2004). The maximum undrained capacities in the DPRI series ranged from 300 to 650 kPa. Sassa and others in the International Consortium on Landslides (ICL) have developed a new series of undrained ring-shear apparatus (ICL-1and ICL-2) for two projects of the International Programme on Landslides (IPL-161 and IPL-175). Both projects are supported by the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development Program (SATREPS) of Japan. ICL-1 was developed to create a compact and transportable apparatus for practical use in Croatia; one set was donated to Croatia in 2012. ICL-2 was developed in 2012–2013 to simulate the initiation and motion of megaslides of more than 100 m in thickness. The successful undrained capacity of ICL-2 is 3 MPa. This apparatus was applied to simulate possible conditions for the initiation and motion of the 1792 Unzen–Mayuyama megaslide (volume, 3.4?×?10⁸ m³; maximum depth, 400 m) triggered by an earthquake. The megaslide and resulting tsunami killed about 15,000 people. The Unzen Restoration Office of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) of Japan systematically collected various papers and reports and published two summary leaflets: one in English in 2002 and an extended version in Japanese in 2003. Samples were taken from the source area (for initiation) and the moving area (for motion). The hazard area was estimated by the integrated landslide simulation model LS-RAPID, using parameters obtained with the ICL-2 undrained ring-shear apparatus. The estimated hazard area agrees reasonably with the landslide moving area reported in the Ministry leaflets.     

Dwellers’ perception toward the Urban services of Panskura Municipality,India: an application of importance-performance models

The provision of urban service and citizens’ satisfaction is an important key issue in urban planning. Importance-performance analysis (IPA) is an effective and widely applicable technique to explore consumer’s satisfaction. IPA helps to prioritize the management strategies for urban services using the IPA. Purpose of the present study is to assess the performance of urban services and citizen’s satisfaction level of Panskura municipality using IPA models and improvement index. A total of 629 valid household responses are collected with the help of the door-to-door primary survey technique. The study reveals that all the selected seven urban services have significant importance-performance gap except water supply. Residents of the Panskura municipality are very much satisfied with the water supply service because of the very minimum improvement score. The combined result of IPA matrices and improvement index suggests residents are dissatisfied to a great extent with the performance of four urban services, i.e. health, economy, transportation and sanitation. These urban services require a problem-solving urgent action for restoration of the performance status. The improvement and prioritization of urban service are also required to fulfil the demand of target groups.

     

Assembly of Pampia to the SW Gondwana margin: A case of strike-slip docking?

Different hypotheses have been proposed to account for the geologic evolution of the southwestern margin of Gondwana in the Early Paleozoic, involving accretion and displacement of different terranes in a protracted convergent margin. In order to constrain and understand the kinematic and paleogeographic evolution of the Pampia terrane a paleomagnetic study was carried out in different Cambrian to Devonian units of the Eastern Cordillera (Cordillera Oriental) and the Interandean Zone (Interandino) of NW Argentina. Paleomagnetic poles from the Campanario Formation (Middle to Upper Cambrian): 1.5°N 1.9°E A₉₅ = 9.2° K = 37.46 N = 8; and Santa Rosita Formation (Lower Ordovician): 8.6°N 355.3°E A₉₅ = 10.1° K = 26.78 n = 9, representative of the Pampia terrane, are interpreted to indicate a Late Cambrian significant displacement with respect to the Río de la Plata and other Gondwana cratons. A model, compatible with several geological evidences that explains this displacement in the framework of the final stages of Gondwana assembly is presented. We propose a simple dextral strike-slip kinematic model in which Pampia and Antofalla (? Arequipa?) blocks moved during Late Cambrian times from a position at the present southern border of the Kalahari craton into its final position next to the Rio de la Plata craton by the Early Ordovician.