Crustal thermal regime of Ikogosi warm spring, Nigeria inferred from aeromagnetic data

Spectral analysis method was applied to aeromagnetic data obtained for Ikogosi warm spring (IWS) area of southwestern Nigeria. This was done with the objective of determining the bottom of the magnetized crust called Curie point depth (CDP) and understand the nature and extent of the local geothermal system at depth beneath IWS. The depth to the centroid, Z _o, of the deepest distribution of the magnetic dipoles was obtained by computing least-squares fit to the lowest-frequency segment of the azimuthally averaged log power spectrum. The average depth to the top of the deepest crustal block was computed as the depth to the top, Z _t, of the second lowest-frequency segment of the spectrum. The depth to the bottom of the deepest magnetic dipoles, the inferred Curie point depth, was then calculated from Z _b?=?2Z _o???Z _t. The Curie depth estimates for IWS range between 4.68 and 11.38 km (below sea level). We also estimate the heat flow and Curie temperature using a one-dimensional conductive heat transport model. The average heat flow, 42 mW m^?2, and geothermal gradient, 32°C/km, obtained suggest a low enthalpy thermal regime. The Curie temperature for the region varies between 153°C and 350°C. Also, an inverse linear relationship between heat flow and Curie depths was determined. Good agreement between the Curie point depths derived from heat flow data and magnetic data suggests that the Curie point depth analysis is useful to estimate the regional thermal structure and the tectonic settings.     

Density Calculation for NaCl-H2O Solutions in the Liquid-Solid Two-Phase Field in NaCl-H2O Three-Phase Inclusions

Three-phase NaCl-H₂O fluid inclusions featuring halite dissolution temperature（Tm）higher than vapor bubble disappearance temperature（T_h） are commonly observed in porphyry copper/molybdenum deposits,skarn-type deposits and other magmatic- hydrothermal ore deposits.Based on |ΔV₁|（the absolute value of volume variation of NaCl-H₂O solution in a heating or cooling process of inclusions）= |ΔV_s|（the absolute value of volume variation of the halite crystal in a heating or cooling process of inclusions） and on the principle of conservation of the mass of NaCl and H₂O,we systematically calculated the densities of NaCl-H₂O solutions in the solid-liquid two-phase field for temperatures（T_h） from 0.1℃ to 800℃ and salinities from 26.3 wt%to 99.2wt%.Consequently for the first time we obtained the upper limit of the density of NaCI-H₂O solutions in the solid-liquid twophase field for T_bm inclusions with variant salinities.The results indicate that for inclusions of the T_hm type with the same T_h,the higher the T_m or salinity is,the higher the density of the NaClsaturated solution will be.If a group of fluid inclusions were homogeneously trapped,they must have the same T_h value and the same T_m or salinity value.This may be used to distinguish homogeneous,inhomogeneous,and multiple entrapments of fluid inclusions.     

雪峰山深孔水压致裂地应力测量及其意义

利用最新研制的深孔水压致裂地应力测量设备在雪峰山2000 m科钻先导孔内开展了原地应力测量,在孔深170~2021 m范围内获得了16个测段的有效地应力测量数据,是国内首次利用水压致裂法获得的孔深超过2000 m深度的原地应力测量成果。测量结果表明,地应力随孔深增加而逐渐加大,对实测数据进行线性回归,得到最大和最小水平主应力随深度变化的关系分别为:S_H=0.03328H+5.25408,S_h=0.0203H+4.5662,在孔深2021 m深度,其实测值分别为66.31 MPa和43.33 MPa。基于实测数据,结合钻孔成像测试和井温测试结果,对测点应力状态进行了综合分析。在170~800 m深度范围,三向主应力关系为S_H > S_h > S_v,有利于逆断层活动;孔深1000~2021 m表现为S_H > S_v > S_h,表明该区域深部应力结构属于走滑型。最大水平主应力方向为北西-北西西方向。基于实测地应力数据及莫尔-库伦破裂准则,对测区附近断层活动性进行了分析讨论,认为该区域断层处于稳定状态。      

Magnetic mineralogical variability along Deccan trap basalt borehole (KBH07), Koyna deep continental drilling program,western Maharashtra,India

A 1248 m long core (KBH 07, 17°18′07″ N; 73°47′28.2″E, 960m above msl) drilled up to basement in the Deccan traps from Koyna region was sampled at ～10m interval for magnetic mineralogical studies.Analysis of routine rock magnetic parameters (mass specific magnetic susceptibility: χ_lf, frequency dependence of susceptibility: χ_fd, susceptibility of anhysteretic remanance: χ_ARM, saturation isothermal remanance: SIRM, remanance coercivty: B_(0)CR, Soft_IRM, Hard_IRM, S-Ratio, SIRM/χ_lf, χ_ARM/χ_lf) and density (σ, gm/cc) depicted significant higher order temporal variation. The χ_lf varies between 13 and 309 x 10-8m3/kg and is independent of density variation. The χ_ARM, B_(0)CR and S-Ratios indicate majority of SD-PSD ferrimagnets with episodes of MD ferrimagnetic concentration and few hard coercivity components. The giant plagioclase lath bearing (GPB) horizons show highest variability of ferrimagnetic concentration marked by anomalous peaks. Overall the variability of rock magnetic parameters independent of lava flow units suggest that the changeover in magnetic mineral concentration, composition and domain size occur at major episodes in magma composition (e.g., primary source, crustal contamination and fractional crystallization). The studied parameters are therefore examined to mark intervals of (i) magma compositional changes, (ii) zones of oxidative conditions and (iii) rapid/slow cooling intervals demanding detailed petrologic studies. We identified one I order trend, four II order cycles and eight III order cycles for the purpose of correlation. Notable peak in χ_lf at 650–700m, the changeover in rock magnetic parameters at ～930 m and ～280 m can facilitate marker intervals while several higher order variations can be adopted for high resolution correlation to other boreholes in the region. The complex variation in rock magnetic parameters independent of flow units reflect temporal magnitudes of compositional variability, cooling and emplacement history that needs detailed petro-mineralogical attempts; and the present data is useful for high order inter-core correlations under the deep drilling program.     

Surface chemistry and dissolution kinetics of glassy rocks at 25°C

The weathering rates and mechanisms of three types of glassy rocks were investigated experimentally at 25 °C, pH 1.0 to 6.2, and reaction times as much as to 3 months. Changes in major element chemistry were monitored concurrently as a function of time in the aqueous solution and within the near surface region of the glass. Leach profiles, obtained by a HF leaching technique, displayed near-surface zones depleted in major cations. These zones increased in depth with increasing time and decreasing pH of reactions. Release rates into the aqueous solution were parabolic for Na and K and linear for Si and Al. A coupled weathering model, involving surface dissolution with concurrent diffusion of Na, K, and Al, produced a mass balance between the aqueous and glass phases. Steady state conditions are reached at pH 1.0 after approximately 3 weeks of reaction. Steady-state is not reached even after 3 months at pH 6.2.An interdiffusion model describes observed changes in Na diffusion profiles for perlite at pH 1.0. The calculated Na self-diffusion coefficient of 5 × 10^?19 cm²·s^?1 at 25°C approximates coefficients extrapolated from previously reported high temperature data for obsidian. The self-diffusion coefficient for H₃O⁺, 1.2 × 10^?20 cm²·s^?1, is similar to measured rates of water diffusion during hydration of obsidian to form perlite.     

Thermal diffusivity of upper chalk from Hampshire,England

The thermal diffusivity of Upper Chalk from the Micraster coranguinum zone had been calculated from 8 year temperature data obtained from depths between 30 cm and 21.34 m at Harestock, near Winchester, Hampshire.Amplitudes and phase lags were calculated from these data using Fourier analysis.Values of thermal diffusivity were calculated from the variation of amplitude with depth and phase lag with depth for the first harmonic using the Fourier heat flow equation.Agreement between the two methods was very good between 30 cm and 914 cm depth. An overall mean value is 0.004489 ± 0.00052cm^?2s^?1.Using appropriate values of porosity (47%) and density the mean thermal conductivity is 1.519W m^?1°C^?1± 0.326, for the water saturated state.     

Characterisation of interactions between a pre-existing polygonal fault system and sandstone intrusions and the determination of paleo-stresses in the Faroe-Shetland basin

Detailed analysis of 3D seismic data shows how hundreds of large scale conical sandstone intrusions interact with a polygonal fault network in the Faroe-Shetland basin. The intrusions were injected upwards during the Late Miocene through polygonally faulted claystones of Eocene–Oligocene age. Three types of interactions are recognized: (1) intrusions that are unaffected by polygonal faults, (2) intrusions partially or fully intruded into fault planes, and (3) intrusions arrested by polygonal faults. Type 2 intrusions are generally thinner, taller and wider, whereas those unaffected by faults are thicker and characterized by low dips of intrusive limbs (wings). It was found that Type 2 intrusions preferentially intruded into faults striking NW–SE, whereas Type 3 intrusions were arrested by faults striking NE–SW. Comparison of structural data and simple mechanical predictions allows paleostresses to be reconstructed at the time of intrusion. We have established that the basin was undergoing anisotropic horizontal stresses at the time of intrusions in which σ_H and σ_h were oriented N145°E and N055°E, respectively. Intrusion depth, polygonal fault dips and strikes have been used to quantify paleostress intensity and to give a σ_H/σ_V ratio close to 0.95 and a σ_h/σ_H ratio of 0.8. These ratios support the conclusion that sandstone intrusion emplacement occurred just after a Mid-Late Miocene SSE–NNW (N145°E) compressional phase when the compression direction had decreased in intensity and became smaller than lithostatic stress (σ_v).     

A novel multiproxy approach to reconstruct the paleoecology of extinct cephalopods

Reconstructing marine paleoenvironments from the skeletal hardparts of nektic organisms is often hampered by their unknown migrational pathways involving different water masses and their corresponding physico-chemical parameters. Despite significant progress over the last years, the reconstruction of migration patterns of extinct ammonoids is difficult because both, vertical and horizontal ones lead to an intricate combination of reconstructed seawater temperatures. Paleonvironmental data retrieved from exceptionally well-preserved lower Albian (Douvilleiceras mammillatum ammonite zone, uppermost CC8a nannofossil zone, 110.5–111.0 Ma) cephalopod shells from Madagascar (Mahajanga Basin, 40–42° southern latitude) are reconstructed based on a novel multi-proxy approach. Here we combine and contrast: (i) nacre tablet-paleobathymetry, (ii) Westermann Morphospace, and (iii) shell isotope geochemistry analysis. Results obtained allow for a robust reconstruction of habitat depth, paleo-seawater temperatures, and paleoecology of extinct cephalopod taxa. The discocone nautiloid Cymatoceras is regarded as vertical migrant with a maximum habitat depth of 250 m and a mean habitat water temperature of 20–21 °C. All three ammonoid taxa (Cleoniceras, Desmoceras, and Eogaudryceras) share a platycone to planorbicone shell shape suggesting a demersal life habit at maximal water depths of 450–500 m and temperatures of 19–21 °C for Cleoniceras and Desmoceras, and the deepest (525 m) and coolest (14 °C) habitat for Eogaudryceras. Circumstantial evidence from benthic mollusk shells from the same stratigraphic interval as well as sedimentological and paleopathological data provide further support for habitat reconstructions. Reconstructed paleotemperatures shown here provide well-constrained evidence for the thermal structure of past oceanic water masses and have significance for Cretaceous paleoceanography in general.     

Rare earth elements in corals from the Isla de Sacrificios Reef,Veracruz, Mexico

Rare earth elements (REE) analysis was carried out in two coral species Diploria strigosa and Copophyllia natans from Isla de Sacrificios Reef (ISR) (19° 10′ 51.6″N; 96° 5′ 45.6″W) Veracruz, Mexico. Both corals were cut at the top, middle and bottom parts to detect possible differences in REE concentrations related to water masses and sediment inputs. An enrichment in heavy rare elements (HREE) compared to light rare elements (LREE) at the top of Diploria strigosa and Copophyllia natans, evidenced by (La/Lu)_SN <0.5, (La/Yb)_SN <0.5 and (Pr/Yb)_SN <0.5 is observed. This HREE enrichment in both corals is probably due to the high pH and CO₃^2? content in the seawater. A negative Ce anomaly is observed throughout Diploria strigosa and Copophyllia natans, probably linked with well oxygenated, highly oxidative modern shallow waters, and high nutrients related to suspended matter. Positive Eu anomalies in both corals are due to development of the ISR in shallow waters. Ce/Ce* vs. (Pr/Yb)_SN diagram suggests the input of terrigenous material, as all samples have Ce/Ce* and Pr/Yb values outside the seawater range signature. However, the Nd/Yb and (Nd/Yb)_SN suggest that the top of Diploria strigosa and Copophyllia natans are associated with coastal waters at about 50 m depth.     

Photosynthesis and water use efficiency of Populus euphratica in response to changing groundwater depth and CO2 concentration

Changes of stomatal conductance (g _s), net photosynthetic rates (P _N) and water use efficiency (WUE) were investigated in Populus euphratica grown on sites with different groundwater depths (GDs) under two CO₂ concentrations in the lower reaches of Tarim River, Xinjiang, northwestern China. P _N in P. euphratica only slightly decreased when the groundwater depth increased from 4.12 to 7.74 m below the ground surface. P _N values significantly increased in response to an elevated CO₂ concentration at all GDs except at GD of 4.12 m for its good availability of groundwater. WUE values decreased with an initial increase in the groundwater depth, but increased when the groundwater depth reached 7.74 m especially under the elevated CO₂ concentration. The g _s values measured at 4.12 and 4.74 m both decreased indistinctively by only 3% due to CO₂ enrichment; however, when GDs increased to 5.54 and 7.74 m, the g _s values decreased significantly by about 10%. It shows that the response of g _s in P. euphratica to elevated CO₂ is weaker under lower groundwater depth (mild drought stress) but stronger under deeper groundwater depth (moderate drought stress). Results from this study suggest that groundwater depth could determine the response of photosynthesis to future CO₂ enrichment in P. euphratica in arid desert areas.     

Morphometric analysis of Usri River basin,Chhotanagpur Plateau,India, using remote sensing and GIS

A geomorphic unit Usri drainage basin (latitude: 24° 04′00″ N to 24° 34′00″ N and longitude 86°05′00″E to 86°25′00″E) lies in north-eastern parts of Chhotanagpur Plateau, India, has been selected for morphometric analysis. Digital elevation model (DEM) has been generated by Cartosat stereo pair data at 10-m resolution. The morphometric parameters considered for the analysis includes the linear, areal, and relief aspects of the basin. Morphometric analysis of the river network and the basin revealed that the Usri Basin has sixth-order river network with a dendritic drainage pattern. The dendritic drainage pattern indicates that the basin has homogeneous lithology, gentle regional slope, and lack of structural control. The bifurcation ratio between different successive orders varies but the mean ratio is low that suggests the higher permeability and lesser structural control. The low drainage density, poor stream frequency, and moderately coarse drainage texture values of the basin indicate that the terrain has gentle slope, is made up of loose material, and hence has good permeability of sub-surface material and significant recharge of ground water. The shape parameters indicate that the basin is elongated in shape with low relief, high infiltration capacity, and less water flow for shorter duration in basin. The 50 % of the basin has altitude below 300 m and gently sloping towards the southeast direction. All the morphometric parameters and existing erosional landforms indicated mature to early old stage topography.     

Mangazeite,Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>(SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)(OH)<Subscript>4</Subscript> · 3H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O,a new mineral species

Mangazeite, a new mineral species, has been found at the Mangazeya silver deposit (300 km east of the Lena River, 65°43′40″ N and 130°20′ E) in eastern Yakutia (Sakha Republic, Siberia, Russia). The new mineral was described from fractured, sericitized, and pyritized granodiorite adjacent to a quartz-arsenopyrite vein. Associated minerals are gypsum and chlorite. The new mineral occurs as radial fibrous segregations of thin lamellar crystals. The size of the fibers does not exceed 40 μm in length and 1 μm across. The mineral is white, with a white streak and a vitreous luster. Mangazeite is transparent in isolated grains. No fluorescence is observed. The Mohs hardness is 1–2. The calculated density is 2.15 g/cm³. The new mineral is biaxial; its optical character was not determined; α = 1.525(9), β was not measured, and γ = 1.545(9). The average chemical composition is as follows (wt %): Al₂O₃ 36.28, SO₃ 28.81, H₂O⁺ 34.35, total 99.44, H₂O^? 9.27. The H₂O^? content was neither included in the total nor used in formula calculation. The empirical formula is Al_1.99(SO₄)_1.01(OH)_3.94 · 3.37H₂O. The simplified formula is Al₂(SO₄)(OH)₄ · 3H₂O. The theoretical chemical composition calculated from this formula is (wt %) Al₂O₃ 37.47, SO₃ 29.42, H₂O 33.11, total 100.00. The new mineral is triclinic; the unit cell parameters refined from X-ray powder diffraction data are a = 8.286(5), b = 9.385(5), c = 11.35(1) Å, α = 96.1(1), β = 98.9(1), γ = 96.6(1)°, and Z = 4. The strongest lines in the X-ray powder diffraction pattern (d(I, %)) are 8.14(19), 7.59(49), 7.16(46), 4.258(100), 4.060(48), and 3.912(43). Mangazeite is supergene in origin and crystallized in a favorable aluminosilicate environment in the presence of sulfate ion due to pyrite oxidation.     

Opaque mineralogy and magnetic investigation of some basaltic occurrences, Sinai, Egypt

Ore microscopic investigation of the Fe?CTi oxide minerals was carried out on samples from three Oligo-Miocene basaltic occurrences from Sinai, Egypt. These occurrences are Gebel Maghara (north Sinai), Rageibet Naama (central Sinai), and Wadi Matulla (west Sinai). The results and correlations of magnetic parameters such as NRM intensity and susceptibility, coercive force H _c, and the ratio M _r/M _s, H _c and Q value, the ratio M _r/M _s, saturation magnetization M _s, and K are discussed in light of opaque mineralogical studies. It has been found that the variations in the magnetic properties of the basaltic occurrences are strongly dependent on the crystallite size and nature and style of exsolution textures and fabrics. The latter are controlled by the cooling conditions, being most sensitive to the partial pressure of oxygen in the melt.     

Stability analysis of seismic slopes with cracks

Earthquakes can trigger slope instability, especially in the case of slopes with cracks. Studies of slope stability rarely account for the presence of cracks. In this study, the upper bound limit analysis technique and the pseudo-static method were used to examine the stability of homogeneous slopes with cracks subjected to seismic loading. A series of stability charts for slope inclinations of 2:1 (β = 63.4°), 1:1 (β = 45°), 2:3 (β = 33.7°), and 1:2 (β = 26.6°) (vertical to horizontal) and internal friction angles, φ, of 10°, 20°, 30°, and 40° are presented. These charts should be useful for readily determining the stability number (critical slope height), the critical crack depth, and the region affected by cracks for cracks of known depth but unknown location, cracks of known location but unspecified depth, and cracks of unspecified depth and location.     

孟加拉湾晚第四纪浮游有孔虫及其古海洋学意义

对北印度洋孟加拉深海扇远源区水深约３８００ｍ的ＭＤ７７１９０岩心进行了有孔虫定量统计,ＣａＣＯ３质量分数分析和敏纳圆幅虫壳体氧、碳同位素分析,结果表明,该区近１３０ｋａ来的浮游有孔虫组合面貌、表层海水古温度、ＣａＣＯ３质量分数变化的总体趋势与各大洋资料可以对比。ＣａＣＯ３质量分数曲线表现为间冰期升高而冰期降低,反映了研究区陆源碎屑物质对ＣａＣＯ３浓度具有明显的稀释效应。溶解度曲线也表现出相同的变化趋势,同样与陆源物质输入量的变化有关。研究区氧同位素３期各种沉积特征与北印度洋区的季风活动有关,表现出明显的高频气候旋回变化特点。     

Dissipation of the hot dust envelope of CH Cygni (1996–2003)

Our analysis of JHKLM photometric data obtained in 1978–2003 for the CH Cyg system shows that the “local” dust envelope that formed in the system in 1986 and reached its highest column density in 1996 had largely dispersed by mid-2001, so that the observed brightness of the system’s red giant has returned to its pre-1985 level. The giant’s spectral type varied in the range M6.5–M7.5 in 2001–2003. The optical depth of the dust envelope at 1.25 µm was τ(J)≈0.83 near JD 2450090. The increase in the dust envelope’s optical depth was approximately a factor of 2.3 slower than the decrease. The envelope of CH Cyg can be pictured as a “stationary” dust cloud with an optical depth at λ=1.25 µm of ～0.4 and a dust-grain temperature of ～750–800 K. There was probably an injection of matter into this cloud toward the end of 1985, initiating the condensation of dust grains. The optical depth began to increase and, by 1991, the dust envelope was transformed from a cloud into a local, almost spherically-symmetric envelope with a grain temperature of 750–800 K. Its optical depth reached its maximum in 1996, after which the local envelope began to disperse, becoming a cloud again by 2001. The detected 4000-day variability of the JHK brightness of CH Cyg is in good agreement with a model with an eclipsing binary consisting of two cool giants with effective temperatures differing by approximately 100 K, a luminosity ratio of L(M7)/L(M6)～6.8, and a radius ratio of R(M7)/R(M6)～3.6. The orbital ephemeris is given by JD (Min I)=2444180+4000E.     

Experimental determination of portlandite and brucite solubilities in supercritical H2O

Experimentally reversed portlandite and brucite solubilities were determined between 300° and 600°C and 1 to 3 kbar. In the portlandite runs the molality of Ca decreases with increasing pressure at constant temperature. For instance, at 2 kbar log molalities at 300°, 400°, 500° and 600°C give values of −2.34, −2.71, −3.18 and −4.18, respectively. At 500°C, pressures of 1, 2 and 3 kbar yield values of −4.40, −3.18 and −2.65. Distribution of species in solution can be calculated with the aid of data from Helgeson and co-workers assuming Ca⁺⁺ is the dominant Ca species. These calculated Ca concentrations are within ± 0.2 log units of experimental values in most cases. The solubility reaction is, in all likelihood: 2H⁺ + Ca(OH)₂ ↔a3 Ca⁺⁺ + 2H₂O.Although the computed pH's are close to 2 units greater than neutral, the solutions apparently contained no significant Ca(OH)⁺ or Ca(OH)_2sq.Concentrations of Mg in the brucite runs show a sigmoidal behavior at 2 kbar as a function of temperature with log molalities of Mg of −4.00, −4.28, −4.14 and −4.60 at 350°, 450°, 550° and 600°C, respectively. Values at 1 kbar are lower and decrease monotonically from 350° to 550°C. Based on available thermodynamic data for Mg⁺⁺ it appears that Mg(OH)⁺ is the dominant Mg species in solution. The solubility reaction is proposed to be: H⁺ + Mg(OH)₂↔a3 Mg(OH)⁺ + H₂O.With the aid of data of Helgeson and co-workers values of the equilibrium constant for H₂O + Mg⁺⁺ ↔a3 Mg(OH)⁺ + H⁺ necessary to account for the measured solution compositions can be calculated. These calculations indicate Mg(OH)⁺ becomes dominant at temperatures above 450°C at 2 kbar and above 360°C at 1 kbar at neutral pH.     

Drainage morphometry of upper Vaigai river sub-basin, Western Ghats, South India using remote sensing and GIS

The study area is a one of the sub-basin of Vaigai River basin in the Theni and Madurai districts, Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu. The Vaigai sub-basin extends approximately over 849 km² and it has been sub-divided into 48 watersheds. It lies between 09°30′00″ and 10°00′00″N latitudes and 77°15′10″ and 77°45′00″ E longitudes in the western part of Tamil Nadu, India. It originates at an altitude of 1661m in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu in Theni district. The drainage pattern of these watersheds are delineated using geo-coded Indian remote sensing satellite (IRS) ID, linear image self-scanning (LISS) III of geo-coded false colour composites (FCC), generated from the bands 2, 3 and 4 on 1:50,000 scale in the present study. The Survey of India (SOI) toposheets 58G/5, 58 G/6, 58G/9 and 58G/10 on a scale of 1:50,000 scale was used as a base for the delineation of watershed. In the present study, the satellite remote sensing data has been used for updation of drainages and the updated drainages have been used for morphometric analysis. The morphometric parameters were divided in three categories: basic parameters, derived parameters and shape parameters. The data in the first category includes area, perimeter, basin length, stream order, stream length, maximum and minimum heights and slope. Those of the second category are bifurcation ratio, stream length ratio, RHO coefficient, stream frequency, drainage density, and drainage texture, constant of channel maintenance, basin relief and relief ratio. The shape parameters are elongation ratio, circularity index and form factor. The morphometric parameters are computed using ESRI’s ArcGIS package. Drainage density ranges from 1.10 to 4.88 km/km² suggesting very coarse to fine drainage texture. Drainage frequency varies from 1.45 to 14.70 which is low to very high. The bifurcation ratio ranges from 0.55 to 4.37. The low values of bifurcation ratios and very low values of drainage densities indicate that the drainage has not been affected by structural disturbances and also that the area is covered under dense vegetation cover. Elongation ratio ranges from 0.11 to 0.57. Drainage texture has the minimum of 1.63 and maximum of 11.44 suggesting that the drainage texture is coarse to fine. It is concluded that remote sensing and GIS have been proved to be efficient tools in drainage delineation and updation. In the present study these updated drainages have been used for the morphometric analysis.     

Tectonic structures across the East African Rift based on the source parameters of the 20 May 1990 M7.2 Sudan earthquake

Earthquakes in Kenya are common along the Kenya Rift Valley because of the slow divergent movement of the rift and hydrothermal processes in the geothermal fields. This implies slow but continuous radiation of seismic energy, which relieves stress in the subsurface rocks. On the contrary, the NW-SE trending rift/fault zones such as the Aswa-Nyangia fault zone and the Muglad-Anza-Lamu rift zone are the likely sites of major earthquakes in Kenya and the East African region. These rift/fault zones have been the sites of a number of strong earthquakes in the past such as the M _w = 7.2 southern Sudan earthquake of 20 May 1990 and aftershocks of M _w = 6.5 and 7.1 on 24 May 1990, the 1937 M _s = 6.1 earthquake north of Lake Turkana close to the Kenya-Ethiopian border, and the 1913 M _s = 6.0 Turkana earthquake, among others. Source parameters of the 20 May 1990 southern Sudan earthquake show that this earthquake consists of only one event on a fault having strike, dip, and rake of 315°, 84°, and ?3°. The fault plane is characterized by a left-lateral strike slip fault mechanism. The focal depth for this earthquake is 12.1 km, seismic moment M _o = 7.65 × 10¹⁹ Nm, and moment magnitude, M _w = 7.19 (?7.2). The fault rupture started 15 s earlier and lasted for 17 s along a fault plane having dimensions of ?60 km × 40 km. The average fault dislocation is 1.1 m, and the stress drop, ?σ, is 1.63 MPa. The distribution of historical earthquakes (M _w ≥ 5) from southern Sudan through central Kenya generally shows a NW-SE alignment of epicenters. On a local scale in Kenya, the NW–SE alignment of epicenters is characterized by earthquakes of local magnitude M _l ≤ 4.0, except the 1928 Subukia earthquake (M _s = 6.9) in central Kenya. This NW–SE alignment of epicenters is consistent with the trend of the Aswa-Nyangia Fault Zone, from southern Sudan through central Kenya and further southwards into the Indian Ocean. We therefore conclude that the NW–SE trending rift/fault zones are sites of strong earthquakes likely to pose the greatest earthquake hazard in Kenya and the East African region in general.     

Quantifying Feeding Behavior of Ribbed Mussels (Geukensia demissa) in Two Urban Sites (Long Island Sound, USA) with Different Seston Characteristics

The Atlantic ribbed mussel, Geukensia demissa, is found in salt marshes along the North American Atlantic Coast. As a first step to study the possibility of future cultivation and harvest of ribbed mussels for nutrient removal from eutrophic urban environments, the feeding behavior of ribbed mussels in situ was studied from July to October 2011. Two locations approximately 80 km apart were used as study sites: Milford Harbor (Connecticut; 41°12′42.46″N, 73°3′7.75″W) and Hunts Point (Bronx, New York; 40°48′5.99″N, 73°52′17.76″W). Total particulate matter was higher at Hunts Point than at Milford Harbor, but the organic content was higher at Milford than at Hunts Point. The relatively low quantity of organic content in Hunts Point seston resulted in a much higher production of pseudofeces by mussels. Mussel clearance and absorption rates were higher at Milford Harbor than at Hunts Point. Nevertheless, mussels at both sites had the same absorption efficiency, suggesting that mussels are able to adapt to conditions at both locations. Ribbed mussels decreased clearance rate when the seston quantity was high at both sites. At Hunts Point, ribbed mussels increased the gut transit time of ingested particles when the amount of inorganic particulates in the water increased. This study does not quantify nutrient removal capacity of G. demissa; however, the environmental tolerance demonstrated here, and current lack of commercial harvest, suggests that this species may be a good candidate for nutrient bioextraction in highly impacted urban environments.