Suction dynamics-induced bubbly sand under groundwater table fluctuations

Bubbly sand is found in intertidal zones and has been considered to be closely related to swash and tides. Unlike bubble structures that arise from in situ methane gas production and bubble growth in river and marine sediments due to organic matter decomposition, the formation mechanism and conditions of bubbly sand remain unresolved. The present study aims to resolve them on the basis of a conceptual model and controlled laboratory experiments. The study demonstrates that bubbly sand is a consequence of the cyclic expansion of sand under groundwater table fluctuations. The varying intensity of dynamics of suction, which is sand moisture tension defined by negative pore water pressure relative to atmospheric pressure, controls the manifestation of a full spectrum of sand behaviour relevant to the formation of bubbly sand. Namely, with increasing intensity of suction dynamics under larger groundwater table fluctuations, the sand behaviour varies from enhanced cyclic contraction, to weak contraction, loosening and expansion resulting in bubbly sand. The suction dynamics-induced cyclic expansion of sand occurs under conditions where the maximum suction developed exceeds the air-entry suction of sand such that the degree of saturation becomes lower than 60%, while the groundwater tables cyclically rise to and fall from the sediment surface. Accordingly, the sand porosity changes remarkably from dense to super-loose states of bubbly sand. These findings account for previously unanswered questions with respect to bubbly sand, both qualitatively and quantitatively, and will lead to a renewed understanding of the geological record and morphological features at waterfronts that are subject to groundwater table fluctuations.     

Acoustic studies of zooplankton in the Sea of Japan and Eastern Arctic

We present the results of sound scattering studies to estimate the distribution and dynamics of zooplankton in the upper sea layer under various conditions. The measurements of the sound scattering coefficients were carried out over different pathways during the ship motion and at individual stations at frequencies of 100–250 kHz. The studies were carried out in 2004–2014 in the Sea of Japan and in 2013 in the Eastern Arctic seas. The studies of sound scattering were performed simultaneously with net catches of plankton in situ. These data allowed us to study the details of correlation between the sound scattering coefficient and zooplankton concentration. The studies revealed significantly stronger sound scattering in the Eastern Arctic, which is related to the greater concentration of zooplankton, the migration of which differs strongly from the migration of plankton in the warm seas.     

Pressure calibration and sound velocity measurement to 12 GPa in multi-anvil apparatus

We performed the pressure calibration to 12 GPa for 14/6 type (octahedron edge length/WC truncated edge length, in mm) cell assembly in DS 6 × 1400 multi-anvil apparatus by using the phase transitions in Bi (I-II 2.55 GPa, III-V 7.67 GPa) and ZnTe (LPP-HPP I 9.6 GPa, HPP I-II 12.0 GPa). As verification and application, sound velocity measurements on polycrystalline Al₂O₃ to 12 GPa at room temperature were conducted and the ultrasonic result is in good agreement with previous reports. It demonstrates the feasibility of performing sound velocity measurements close to the mantle transition zone pressure condition in our laboratory.

     

静止均匀环境中气泡射流特性的研究——数学模型及试验资料的分析(Ⅰ)

已往对气泡射流的理论研究,主要集中在半经验和积分模型方面,对流动结构揭示很少。给出了气-液两相流两方程湍流模型。为了加深对气泡射流规律的理解和为数值计算建立对比基础,提出了一组参考量,对Sun和Faeth的试验资料进行了整理。     

Anisotropic Scattering of the Radio Emission of the Pulsar B0833–45 in the Vela Supernova Remnant

Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) observations of the pulsar B0833–45 have been carried out as part of the scientific program of the RadioAstron mission. Ground support was provided by the Long Baseline Array, which includes radio telescopes in Australia and other countries in the southern hemisphere. The VLBI observations of the pulsar are analyzed in order to derive the parameters characterizing the scattering of the pulsar radio emission: the angular size of the scattering disk, the spatial scale of the diffraction pattern, the drift velocity of this pattern relative to the observer, the pulse scattering time scale, and the characteristic scintillation time and frequency scales, as well as the index of the electrondensity fluctuation spectrum. Comparison of these values with the predictions of the theory of scattering on a thin screen enables the determination of the position of the effective screen along the line of sight. Estimates made using various methods give distances to the screen from the observer of 0.79 to 0.87 times the total distance to the pulsar. Although the position of the screen is beyond the boundary of the Vela supernova remnant, this object may play the dominant role in the scattering. The scattering disk is an ellipse with a 2:1 axis ratio and with the inferred position angle of the major axis being ≈ 50°, based on the changes in the visibility-function amplitude for various orientations of the projected baseline. This conclusion is supported by the shape of the visibility-function amplitude as a function of the delay.

     

Estimation of commercial diamond grades based on microdiamonds: a case study of the Koidu diamond mine,Sierra Leone

This paper documents the application of a microdiamond-based approach to the estimation of diamond grade in the Pipe 1 kimberlite at the Koidu mine in Sierra Leone. A geological model of Pipe 1 was constructed to represent the distribution and volume of the dominant kimberlite units within the pipe. Bulk samples, along with representative microdiamond samples, were collected from these units at surface and were used to define the ratio between microdiamond stone frequency (+212 μm stones per kilogram) and recoverable macrodiamond grade (+1.2 mm carats per tonne; 1 carat = 0.2 g). These ratios were applied to a comprehensive, spatially representative microdiamond sample dataset and were combined with a spatial model of country-rock xenolith dilution within the pipe to estimate +1.2 mm recoverable grades. The resource estimate was reconciled with subsequent production results in the elevation range 160 to 100 m above sea level. Production results for each of the six 10 m benches covering this elevation range were compared to the estimated average grades for these zones in the pipe. For the five cases where most of the kimberlite mass on a given bench is represented in the production data, the results show a maximum discrepancy of 6% between predicted and reported production grade with no indication of any consistent bias. This indicates that, when supported by a sound geological model and suitable microdiamond and macrodiamond data, the microdiamond-based estimation approach can provide reliable constraints on macrodiamond grade, even in the case of geologically complex bodies such as Koidu Pipe 1.

     

A 1642 Ma age for the Fraynes Formation,Birrindudu Basin,confirms correlation with the economically significant Barney Creek Formation,McArthur Basin,Northern Territory

Abstract

An interpreted CA–IDTIMS age of 1642.2?±?3.9?Ma for a volcanogenic tuffaceous siltstone from the previously undated Fraynes Formation of the Birrindudu Basin in the northwestern Northern Territory enables a rigorous chronostratigraphic correlation to be made with the economically important Barney Creek Formation of the southern McArthur Basin. This result supports previous interpretations that these geographically widely separated formations are probably linked in the subsurface. It also establishes the stratigraphic interval encompassing the Fraynes and Barney Creek formations as a potential target for greenfields base metals and petroleum exploration programs across the greater McArthur Basin.

• KEY POINTS

• A new interpreted CA–IDTIMS age provides a chronostratigraphic link between the Fraynes Formation of the Birrindudu Basin and the economically important Barney Creek Formation of the southern McArthur Basin.

• The Fraynes and Barney Creek formations are probably linked in the subsurface.

• This stratigraphic level is a potential target for greenfields base metals and petroleum exploration across the greater McArthur Basin.

     

Incident P and SV wave scattering effects under different canyon topographic and geological conditions

A numerical model for wave scattering problems due to P and SV wave incidences is outlined in this paper. After verifying the present model, a general parametric study on the displacement patterns along the canyons of different shapes due to P and SV wave incidences is also performed. In order to investigate the effects of geologic conditions on ground motions, a weathered V-shaped canyon, which has different elastic moduli in the weathered layer, is also considered herein. The numerical results from this investigation demonstrated that (1) the present model is very suitable to simulate the problem of P and SV wave scattering along a natural canyon; (2) the shape of a canyon may have important effects on the displacement patterns along the canyon, so that a rectangular canyon is not appropriate to be a dam site due to its high amplification effects on incident waves; (3) the weathered layer on the surface of a canyon will significantly amplify the free field motion, especially for the case of softer weathered layer. Therefore, the excavation or grouting on a dam or a bridge abutment is not only necessary for static stability under static loads, but also beneficial to earthquake resistance because less amplification can be expected for sound rock abutments.     

Precambrian fossils from the Hamersley range,Western Australia,and their use in stratigraphic correlation

The palaeontology, correlation and sedimentation of the Proterozoic sequence in the Hamersley Range, Western Australia, are discussed. Fossil calcareous algal growths, such as stromatolites and onkolites are described, as well as possible medusoid impressions. These indicate shallow water accumulation of the sediments and provide evidence of the extensive existence of plant and animal life in the Late Precambrian of Western Australia.

Distinctive stromatolites are shown to characterize various levels in the Proterozoic succession. A descending sequence of stromatolite assemblages is proposed denoted by:

• Collenia frequens—Conophyton cf. inclinatum

• Collenia australasica—C. undosa

• C. cf. kona—C. brockmani

• C. sp. aff. multiflabella.

Emphasis is placed on the possible significance of these calcareous algae for correlation and age subdivision of the Proterozoic of Western Australia and its relation to other Precambrian successions.     

Long Island Sound: Distributions,trends, and effects of chemical contamination

Trace metals and organic contaminants concentrations are monitored annually in surface sediments, blue mussel tissue, and winter flounder livers at multiple sites in Long Island Sound by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Status and Trends (NS&T) program for Marine Environmental Quality. The NS&T program is also conducting various studies on the bioeffects of contaminants in the sound. Three years of monitoring results indicate organic and elemental contaminants concentrations in sediments and biota at sites in the western portion of the sound are high on a national scale. Possible decreasing trends in cadmium and chlordane in the sound are suggested by the 1986–1988 data for their concentrations in mussels. A comparison between NS&T Mussel Watch results and those of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Mussel Watch, conducted from 1976 through 1978, indicated a decadal increase in copper concentrations and a decrease in lead in the sound. Bioeffects studies in the sound have revealed responses to contamination only in localized zones where contaminant levels are very high.     

White K-mica evolution from phengite to muscovite in shales and shale matrix melange,Diablo Range,California

 Eleven samples from high-pressure/low-temperature (HP/LT) shales and shale-matrix melange from four areas in the Diablo Range were studied using electron microprobe (EMP), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and analytical electron microscopy (AEM) to provide information about white K-mica evolution and about the controls on illite “crystallinity” (IC) in these areas. The data indicate that: (1) compositional gradients from phengitic to muscovitic compositions occur along the long axis, perpendicular to c*, of white K-mica crystals; (2) compositional gradients parallel to c* were not observed, and thus coherent scattering domains along c* are homogeneous; (3) white K-mica crystals with compositions close to muscovite generally contain fewer planar defects and have larger defect-free distances than those with more phengitic compositions; (4) muscovitic white K-mica is less common than phengitic white K-mica. In the literature, grain growth has often been described to occur by the process of Ostwald ripening. Ostwald ripening is defined as an isochemical process and involves the reduction of surface free energy due to simultaneous dissolution and growth by transferring material from smaller particles to larger ones. However, in the present case: (1) coherent scattering domain boundaries often are created by intragranular faults such as dislocations, intergrown smectite layers (and other polysomatic defects), or incoherent layer rotations, which interrupt the 1.0 nm periodicity; (2) recrystallization from phengite to muscovite involves chemical changes. This implies that crystal growth can not be described by the term Ostwald ripening. Therefore, grain growth of white K-mica from the Diablo Range is described as a function of several processes that result in (1) reduction of surface free energy; (2) reduction of strain energy; (3) minimization of the Gibbs free energy due to change in composition. During growth of muscovitic white K-mica, planar defects become less abundant, and the defect-free distance (=coherent scattering domain size parallel to c*) increases. Strain energy decreases. Log-normal frequency distributions of coherent white K-mica scattering domains were found for three samples. The mode of these data coincides with the number of unit cells parallel to c* as calculated from the Scherrer equation. Thus, IC values from shales and shale matrix melange from the Diablo Range are the result of a physical mixture of numerous small phengitic coherent scattering domains and smaller numbers of slightly larger muscovitic coherent scattering domains. This implies that IC from the Diablo Range does not directly reflect maximum temperatures achieved by these rocks. It follows that IC data from terranes with a metamorphic evolution similar to that of the Diablo Range must be interpreted with caution. Received: 23 August 1995 / Accepted: 30 November 1995     

Fission-Track-Alter von Durango-Apatit,Mexiko

Spontaneous and induced fission tracks in apatite were revealed by etching with HNO₃ and used for fission track dating. The fission track age of specimens known as Durango-Apatite was found to be (36.3±3.5) · 10⁶ a.

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Die Untersuchungen wurden mit Mitteln des Österreichischen Fonds zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung durchgeführt.

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Den Herrn Prof. Dr. M. Higatsberger und Dipl.-Ing. A. Burtscher von der Studiengesellschaft für Atomenergie in Seibersdorf verdanken wir die sorgfältige Durchführung der Bestrahlung der Proben.     

Subduction,fluids, and accessory minerals: a celebration of the career of Sorena S. Sorensen

ABSTRACT

This is a preface to the topical issue entitled ‘Subduction, Fluids, and Accessory Minerals: A Celebration of the Career of Sorena S. Sorensen’     

3D geological modelling of the Renard 2 kimberlite pipe,Québec,Canada: from exploration to extraction

The Renard 2 kimberlite pipe is one of nine diamondiferous kimberlite pipes that form a cluster in the south-eastern portion of the Superior Province, Québec, Canada and is presently being extracted at the Renard Mine. It is interpreted as a diatreme-zone kimberlite consisting of two Kimberley-type pyroclastic units and related country rock breccias, all cross-cut by coherent kimberlite dykes and irregular intrusives. Renard 2 has been the subject of numerous diamond drilling campaigns since its discovery in 2001. The first two geological models modelled kimberlite and country rock breccia units separately. A change in modelling philosophy in 2009, which incorporated the emplacement envelope and history, modelled the entire intrusive event and projected the pipe shape to depth allowing for more targeted deep drilling where kimberlite had not yet been discovered. This targeted 2009 drilling resulted in a > 400% increase in the volume of the Indicated Resource. Modelling only the kimberlite units resulted in a significant underestimation of the pipe shape. Current open pit and underground mapping of the pipe shape corresponds well to the final 2015 geological model and contact changes observed are within the expected level of confidence for an Indicated Resource. This study demonstrates that a sound understanding of the geological emplacement is key to developing a reliable 3D geological and resource model that can be used for targeted delineation drilling, feasibility studies and during the initial stages of mining.

     

Anomalous frequency dependence of scattering of the radio emission from the Crab pulsar

The frequency dependence of scattering of the radio emission from the Crab pulsar at the low frequencies 111, 63, and 44 MHz has been measured and analyzed during sporadic enhancements of scattering and dispersion measure in October–December 2006 and December 2008. The frequency dependence of the scattering differs from the generally accepted dependence, τ _sc (ν) ∝ ν ^γ , where γ = −4.0 for Gaussian and γ = −4.4 for power-law Kolmogorov distributions of inhomogeneities of the scattering medium. In intervals of enhancement, the exponent of the frequency dependence γ decreased to −3.2(0.2) at the above frequencies. A model is proposed in which this is due to the presence of a dense plasma structure in the nebula in the line of sight toward the pulsar, in which scattering of the radio emission on turbulence differs from scattering in the interstellar medium. It is shown that the frequency dependence of scattering of the radio emission can be weaker in a dense plasma than in the rarefied interstellar medium.     

Strukturuntersuchung an einer Hornblende aus dem eklogitischen Gestein von Stramez,südliche Koralpe

Zusammenfassung Eine Strukturuntersuchung auf Grund zweidimensionaler Fouriermethoden bestätigt für die Hornblende aus dem eklogitischen Gestein von Stramez die vermutete kristallchemische Formel, wobei sich die Position A in 10-Koordination als besetzt erweist. Außerdem ist für die 6-koordinierten Kationen eine nichtstatistische Besetzung der Atomlagen wahrscheinlich.

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Summary An investigation by two-dimensional Fourier methods of a hornblende, occurring in eclogitic rocks at Stramez, Saualpe, confirms an atomic arrangement, which shows the 10-coordinated position A being occupied. For the cations in 6-coordination a nonstatistical distribution may be assumed.

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Mit 1 Textabbildung

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Herrn Professor Dr.F. Machatschki zum 70. Geburtstag gewidmet     

FORMATION CONDITIONS AND DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF TECTONIC BRECCIAS IN THE KARATAU RANGE,MIDDLE PALEOZOIC CARBONATE SECTION (SOUTH KAZAKHSTAN)

This paper reviews ideas regarding origin and classification of carbonate breccias in the middle Paleozoic section of the Karatau Range. A genetic classification of these breccias, following that of T. M. Dembo, is based on the following important criteria: 1) stratigraphic nature of component fragments; 2) contact relations with enclosing strata; 3) character of lateral changes of breccias; 4) nature of interfragmental matrix and cement; 5) degree of replacement and recrystallization. Breccias are grouped into the following five principal types, within each of which there may be distinguished several subtypes:

1. I - Cumulative

   II - Sedimentary-deformational
   III - Tectonic
   IV - Polygenetic
   V - Karst

The carbonate breccias of the Karatau Range include a number of distinct tectonic varieties which are discussed in some detail. --R.C. Epis.     

Coal seam development characteristics and distribution predictions in marginal sea basins: Oligocene Yacheng Formation coal measures,Qiongdongnan Basin,northern region of the South China Sea

Abstract

Coal measures located in marginal sea basins are important hydrocarbon source rocks. For the purpose of effectively guiding future oil and gas exploration, the characteristics and distribution patterns of coal seams in coal measures of a marginal sea basin are systematically outlined. Coal measures in marginal sea basins can have large thicknesses, but the individual coal seams can be very thin and lack lateral continuity. In the study area, the organic micro-components of the coal are dominated by vitrinite, with very low amounts of inertinite and liptinite. The amount of inorganic microscopic components is large, but with limited drilling results, few cores and thin coal seams, which are easily overlooked during logging activities, a comprehensive analysis of the logging data may improve efficiency in coal-seam identification and thickness determination. The development and distribution of coal seams in marginal sea basins are controlled by various factors, including (1) paleoclimatic and paleobotanic conditions, which could fundamentally limit coal formation, (2) coal-forming sedimentary environmental conditions that may limit the scope of coal-seam development from a macroscopic perspective, and (3) paleotectonic and paleotopographic conditions that define the coal-forming structures. Therefore, the descending and rising cycles of base-levels, along with changes in the growth rates of the accommodation spaces, can be used to determine the horizons that are potentially favourable for coal formation and can also indicate the migration trends of coal-forming environments on the structural plane. Seismic wave impedance inversion methods could be utilised for semi-quantitative assistance for prediction of coal seams. In summary, for models of coal-seam development in marginal sea basins, the grades should be divided according to reliability, and the different reliability levels should be predicted separately.

1. The characteristics of coal seams developed in marginal sea basins are described.

2. The macerals of coals developed in marginal sea basins have been ascertained.

3. A development model and distribution prediction method for coal seams are assessed according to the control factors.

4. A model for the prediction of coal-seam distribution is presented.

     

Thermal Metamorphism in the trial harbour district,Tasmania

A Devonian granite complex intrudes Precambrian and Silurian siltstones and sandstones as well as (?) Cambrian volcanics and dunite.

Metamorphism of the Precambrian sediments is slight, and an andalusite‐bearing, pelitic hornfels is the only characteristic assemblage. The (?) Cambrian volcanics give rise to a variety of assemblages; (1) lime‐ and ferromagnesia‐rich (hypersthene — cummingtonite — labradorite; diopside — hornblende — labradorite); (2) magnesia‐rich (cordierite — hypersthene; cordierite — anthophyllite); (3) ultrabasic (olivine and/or pleonaste). Biotite (or phlogopite) is an almost invariable component, and garnet may also be present in these groups.

No significant metamorphism of the dunite is evident; minor development of veins and segregrations of aragonite, magnetite, phlogopite, brucite, chalcedony and antigorite may result from low‐grade hydrothermal activity Metamorphic assemblages in calcareous Silurian siltstones contain garnet, diopside, calcite and epidote.

A characteristic feature of the contact metamorphic aureole is the occurrence of diopside‐rich bodies in granite, volcanic hornfels, quartzite and dunite host rocks.