Determination of characteristics of steam reservoirs by Radon-222 measurements in geothermal fluids

The authors conducted a Rn²²² survey in wells of the Larderello geothermal field (Italy) and observed considerable variations in concentrations. Simple models show that flow-rate plays an important part in the Rn²²² content of each well, as it directly affects the fluid transit time in the reservoirs. Rn²²² has been sampled from two wells of the Serrazzano area during flow-rate drawdown tests. The apparent volume of the steam reservoir of each of these two wells has been estimated from the Rn²²² concentration versus flow-rate curves.List of symbols Q Flow-rate (kg h^–1) - Decay constant of Rn²²² (=7.553×10^–3 h^–1) - Porosity of the reservoir (volume of fluid/volume of rock) - ₁ Density of the fluid in the reservoir (kg m^–3) - ₂ Density of the rock in the reservoir (kg m^–3) - M Stationary mass of fluid filling the reservoir (kg). - E Emanating power of the rock in the reservoir (nCi kg _rock ^–1 h^–1). - P Production rate of Rn²²² in the reservoir: number of atoms of Rn²²² (divided by 1.764×10⁷) transferred by the rock to the mass unit of fluid per unit time (nCi kg _fluid ^–1 h^–1). - N Specific concentration of Rn²²² in the fluid (nCi kg^–1) - Characteristic time of the steam reservoir at maximum flow-rate (=M/Q)     

Planar charged-particle trajectories in multipole magnetic fields

This paper provides a complete generalization of the classic result that the radius of curvature () of a charged-particle trajectory confined to the equatorial plane of a magnetic dipole is directly proportional to the cube of the particles equatorial distance () from the dipole (i.e. ³). Comparable results are derived for the radii of curvature of all possible planar chargedparticle trajectories in an individual static magnetic multipole of arbitrary order m and degree n. Such trajectories arise wherever there exists a plane (or planes) such that the multipole magnetic field is locally perpendicular to this plane (or planes), everywhere apart from possibly at a set of magnetic neutral lines. Therefore planar trajectories exist in the equatorial plane of an axisymmetric (m = 0), or zonal, magnetic multipole, provided n is odd: the radius of curvature varies directly as ⁿ⁼². This result reduces to the classic one in the case of a zonal magnetic dipole (n = 1). Planar trajectories exist in 2m meridional planes in the case of the general tesseral (0 < m < n) magnetic multipole. These meridional planes are defined by the 2m roots of the equation cos[m()–_n^m)] = 0, where _n^m = (1/m) arctan (h_n^m/g_n^m); g_n^m and h_n^m denote the spherical harmonic coefficients. Equatorial planar trajectories also exist if (n – m) is odd. The polar axis ( = O,) of a tesseral magnetic multipole is a magnetic neutral line if m > I. A further 2_m(n – m) neutral lines exist at the intersections of the 2_m meridional planes with the (n – m) cones defined by the (n – m) roots of the equation P_n^m(cos ) = 0 in the range 0 < 9 < , where P_n^m(cos ) denotes the associated Legendre function. If (n – m) is odd, one of these cones coincides with the equator and the magnetic field is then perpendicular to the equator everywhere apart from the 2m equatorial neutral lines. The radius of curvature of an equatorial trajectory is directly proportional to ⁿ⁼² and inversely proportional to cos[m(–)]. Since this last expression vanishes at the 2m equatorial neutral ines, the radius of curvature becomes infinitely large as the particle approaches any one of these neutral lines. The radius of curvature of a meridional trajectory is directly proportional to rⁿ⁺², where r denotes radial distance from the multiple, and inversely proportional to P_n^m(cos )/sin . Hence the radius of curvature becomes infinitely large if the particle approaches the polar magnetic neutral ine (m > 1) or any one of the 2m(n – m) neutral ines located at the intersections of the 2m meridional planes with the (n – m) cones. Illustrative particle trajectories, derived by stepwise numerical integration of the exact equations of particle motion, are pressented for low-degree (n 3) magnetic multipoles. These computed particle trajectories clearly demonstrate the non-adiabatic scattering of charged particles at magnetic neutral lines. Brief comments are made on the different regions of phase space defined by regular and irregular trajectories.Also Visiting Reader in Physics, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QH, UK     

The role of wavegroup velocity in the blocking problem

Considering the blocking problem as a baroclinic instability problem in a dispersive wave system with diabatic heating effects, it is of great interest to investigate the role of wavegroup velocityv _gr in blocking processes, becausev _gr controls the energy transfer in the wave field. Using a Newtonian Cooling —type of forcing with a phase differencek to the main field and taking the linearized version of a two-level model, the phase speedc _r, the group velocityv _gr and the growth ratekc _i have been obtained as analytical functions of the mean zonal windU, the thermal windU _T, the coefficient of diabatic heating x, the phase differencek and the wavelengthL. Now the hypothesis is introduced, that a blocking should be expected, ifv _gr has a maximum value in the vicinity ofL _o, for whichc _r vanishes and thee-folding timet=1/kc _i (kc _i>0) is smaller than 6 days (see condition (20) in the text). One finds, that for special parameter combinations (U _T, U, ), where 15 m/secU _T25m/sec,U=10m/sec, 0.8·10^–51.5·10^–5 [sec^–1], certain valuesL _o with an appropriate phase differencek exist, which satisfy the conditions mentioned above (for values see Table 2). TherebyL _o varies within the range 8500 km <L _o<11000 km corresponding to the preferred planetary blocking wavenumber 2 in middle latitudes 50°<<70° N.     

Analysis of aeromagnetic anomalies over the central part of the Narmada-Son lineament

The Narmada-Son lineament (NSL) forms a major tectonic feature on the Indian subcontinent. The importance of this lineament lies in its evolution as well as its tectonic history. The lineament seems to have been active since Precambrian times. In order to understand the history of its evolution, it is necessary to know what igenous activity has been taking place along this lineament, and how the Deccan trap volcanics, which cover large areas along this lineament, have erupted.For the study of this problem an analysis of the aeromagnetic anomaly map lying between 76°15 to 77°30E and 21°45 to 22°50N has been carried out. Four different profiles (B ₁ B ₁,B ₂ B ₂,B ₃ B ₃ andB ₄ B ₄) have been drawn in N-S direction over this area and interpreted in terms of the intrusive bodies present within or below the surface of Deccan trap exposures. Inversion and forward modelling techniques have been adopted for interpretation purposes. An analysis of frequency spectra along the profiles has also been carried out to estimate the average depth of the different magnetic bodies. These results have been correlated with the available geological information. It has been found that most of the small wavelength anomalies are caused by dyke-like bodies within or below the Deccan trap at a depth of less than 0.5 km.     

Rupture process of the 19 August 1992 Susamyr, Kyrgyzstan, earthquake

The Susamyr earthquake of August 19, 1992 in Kyrgyzstan is one of the largest events (M_s = 7.4, M_b = 6.8) of this century in this region of Central Asia. We used broadband and long period digital data from IRIS and GEOSCOPE networks to investigate the source parameters, and their space-time distribution by modeling both body and surface waves. The seismic moment (M₀ = 6.8 × 10¹⁹ N m) and the focal mechanism were determined from frequency-time analysis (FTAN) of the fundamental mode of long period surface waves (100–250 s). Then, the second order integral moments of the moment-rate release were estimated from the amplitude spectra of intermediate period surface waves(40–70 s). From these moments we determined a source duration of 11–13 s, major and minor axes of the source of 30 km and 10–22 km, respectively; and an instant centroid velocity of 1.2 km/s. Finally, we performed a waveform inversion of P and SH waves at periods from 5–60 s. We found a source duration of 18–20 s, longer than the integral estimate from surface wave amplitudes. All the other focal parameters inverted from body waves are similar to those obtained by surface waves ( = 87° ± 6°, = 49° ± 6°, = 105° ± 3°, h = 14 ± 2 km, and M₀ = 5.8 ± 0.7 × 10¹⁹ N m). The initial rupture of this shallow earthquake was located at the south-west border of Susamyr depression in the western part of northern Tien Shan. A finite source analysis along the strike suggests a westward propagation of the rupture. The main shock of this event was preceded 2 s earlier by small foreshock. The main event was almost immediately followed by a very strong series of aftershocks. Our surface and body wave inversion results agree with the general seismotectonic features of the region.     

Tectonosedimentary Evolution of the Cheb Basin (NW Bohemia,Czech Republic) between Late Oligocene and Pliocene: A Preliminary Note

A working model of tectono-sedimentary evolution is proposed for the Cheb Basin, a polyhistory sedimentary basin formed between the late Oligocene and Pliocene by reactivation of basement fracture systems in the northwestern part of the Bohemian Massif. The basin is located at the intersection of the Ohe (Eger) Graben structural domain, characterized by dominance of NE-striking graben systems in present-day geology, and the NW-striking Cheb-Domalice Graben, a major strike-slip – dominated structure in Western Bohemia. The first significant depositional episode in the Cheb Basin coincides with the deposition of late Oligocene-Miocene clastics in the whole extensional system of the Ohe Graben, controlled by E-W – trending depocenters. The main structural feature of the Cheb Basin region at that time was a palaeohigh caused by a NW- trending accommodation zone separating minor E-W – trending depocentres. The second, late Pliocene, episode of sedimentation occurred under a very different kinematic regime than the Oligo-Miocene rift basin evolution. During this time, the present-day structure of the Cheb Basin and the Cheb-Domalice Graben formed as a consequence of sinistral displacement on the Mariánské Lázn Fault Zone. Reactivation of this strike-slip fault zone led to the formation of a horsetail splay of oblique-extensional faults at the northern termination of the Mariánské Lázn Fault Zone, which contained the present-day Cheb Basin.     

Unified approach to amplitude attenuation and coda excitation in the randomly inhomogeneous lithosphere

A unified model is proposed for explaining the frequency dependent amplitude attenuation and the coda wave excitation on the basis of the single scattering process in the randomly inhomogeneous lithosphere. Adopting Birch's law and a direct proportion between density and wave velocity, we statistically describe the inhomogeneous medium by one random function characterized by the von Karman autocorrelation function. We calculate the amplitude attenuation from the solid angle integral of scattered wave energy on the basis of the Born approxiimation after subtracting the travel-time fluctuation effect caused by slowly varying velocity inhomogeneities. This subtraction is equivalent to neglect energy loss by scattering within a cone around the forward direction. The random inhomogeneity of the von Karman autocorrelation function of order 0.35 with the mean square fractional fluctuation of 7.2×10^–3 1.3×10^–2 and the correlation distance of 2.15.1 km well explains observed backward scattering coefficientg and the ratioQ _P ^–1 /Q _S ^–1 , and observed and partially conjecturedQ _S ^–1 for frequencies between 0.5 Hz and 30 Hz.     

Source characteristics of the 1992 Nicaragua tsunami earthquake inferred from teleseismic body waves

We analyzed the broadband body waves of the 1992 Nicaragua earthquake to determine the nature of rupture. The rupture propagation was represented by the distribution of point sources with moment-rate functions at 9 grid points with uniform spacing of 20 km along the fault strike. The moment-rate functions were then parameterized, and the parameters were determined with the least squares method with some constraints. The centroid times of the individual moment-rate functions indicate slow and smooth rupture propagation at a velocity of 1.5 km/s toward NW and 1.0 km/s toward SE. Including a small initial break which precedes the main rupture by about 10 s, we obtained a total source duration of 110 s. The total seismic moment isM _o =3.4×10²⁰ Nm, which is consistent with the value determined from long-period surface waves,M _o =3.7×10²⁰ Nm. The average rise time of dislocation is determined to be 10 s. The major moment release occurred along a fault length of 160 km. With the assumption of a fault widthW=50 km, we obtained the dislocationD=1.3 m. From andD the dislocation velocity isD=D/0.1 m/s, significantly smaller than the typical value for ordinary earthquakes. The stress drop =1.1 MPa is also less than the typical value for subduction zone earthquakes by a factor of 2–3. On the other hand, the apparent stress defined by 2E _s /M _o , where andE _s are respectively the rigidity and the seismic wave energy, is 0.037 MPa, more than an order of magnitude smaller than . The Nicaragua tsunami earthquake is characterized by the following three properties: 1) slow rupture propagation; 2) smooth rupture; 3) slow dislocation motion.     

The effects of sliding velocity on the frictional and physical properties of heated fault gouge

The frictional properties of a crushed granite gouge and of gouges rich in montmorillonite, illite, and serpentine minerals have been investigated at temperatures as high as 600°C, confining pressures as high as 2.5 kbar, a pore pressure of 30 bar, and sliding velocities of 4.8 and 4.8×10^–2 m/sec. The gouges showed nearly identical strength behaviors at the two sliding velocities; all four gouges, however, showed a greater tendency to stick-slip movement and somewhat higher stress drops in the experiments at 4.8×10^–2 m/sec. Varying the sliding velocity also had an effect on the mineral assemblages and deformation textures developed in the heated gouges. The principal mineralogical difference was that at 400°C and 1 kbar confining pressure a serpentine breakdown reaction occurred in the experiments at 4.8×10^–2 m/sec but not in those at 4.8 m/sec. The textures developed in the gouge layers were in part functions of the gouge type and the temperature, but changes in the sliding velocity affected, among other features, the degree of mineral deformation and the orientation of some fractures.     

Lengths and hazards from channel-fed lava flows on Mauna Loa, Hawai‘i, determined from thermal and downslope modeling with FLOWGO

Using the FLOWGO thermo-rheological model we have determined cooling-limited lengths of channel-fed (i.e. a) lava flows from Mauna Loa. We set up the program to run autonomously, starting lava flows from every 4th line and sample in a 30-m spatial-resolution SRTM DEM within regions corresponding to the NE and SW rift zones and the N flank of the volcano. We consider that each model run represents an effective effusion rate, which for an actual flow coincides with it reaching 90% of its total length. We ran the model at effective effusion rates ranging from 1 to 1,000 m³ s^–1, and determined the cooling-limited channel length for each. Keeping in mind that most flows extend 1–2 km beyond the end of their well-developed channels and that our results are non-probabilistic in that they give all potential vent sites an equal likelihood to erupt, lava coverage results include the following: SW rift zone flows threaten almost all of Mauna Loas SW flanks, even at effective effusion rates as low as 50 m³ s^–1 (the average effective effusion rate for SW rift zone eruptions since 1843 is close to 400 m³ s^–1). N flank eruptions, although rare in the recent geologic record, have the potential to threaten much of the coastline S of Keauhou with effective effusion rates of 50–100 m³ s^–1, and the coast near Anaehoomalu if effective effusion rates are 400–500 m³ s^–1 (the 1859 a flow reached this coast with an effective effusion rate of 400 m³ s^–1). If the NE rift zone continues to be active only at elevations >2,500 m, in order for a channel-fed flow to reach Hilo the effective effusion rate needs to be 400 m³ s^–1 (the 1984 flow by comparison, had an effective effusion rate of 200 m³ s^–1). Hilo could be threatened by NE rift zone channel-fed flows with lower effective effusion rates but only if they issue from vents at 2,000 m or lower. Populated areas on Mauna Loas SE flanks (e.g. Phala), could be threatened by SW rift zone eruptions with effective effusion rates of 100 m³ s^–1.Editorial responsibility: J Donnelly-Nolan     

Zur Analyse der Genauigkeit von mehrmals mit einer Gravimetergruppe gemessenen gravimetrischen Verbindungen

Summary In order to evaluate the accuracy of measurements repeated by a set of gravimeters the semi-systematic errors ₂ and ₃ were introduced besides the random error ₁ in[1]. It is shown that Eqs.(10) and(11), given in[1], should not be used to determine these errors, but Eqs.(8) and(9).     

Fracture surface energy of olivine

A relatively simple indentation technique for the rapid measurement of fracture surface energy, , of small samples is described. The reliability of this technique is assessed by testing soda-lime glass for which there are good independent fracture mechanics determinations of fracture surface energy. The indentation technique gives a value for of 4.33 J m^–2 which compares favourably with the accepted value of 3.8 J m^–2. Fracture surface energies of the {010} and {001} cleavage planes of single crystal olivine (modal composition Fo₈₈Fa₁₂) are then determined and compared with theoretical estimates of the thermodynamic surface energy, , calculated from atomistic parameters ( is equal to in the absence of dissipative processes during crack extension). The experimental values for _{010} and _{001} are respectively 0.98 J m^–2 and 1.26 J m^–2. The calculated values of _{010} and _{001} are respectively in the range from 0.37 J m^–2 to 8.63 J m^–2 and 12.06 J m^–2. The particular advantages of the indentation technique for the study of the fracture surface energies of geological materials are outlined.     

Radioactivity and geochemistry of granulites and some related rocks from the saxonian granulite complex

Summary The distribution of radioactive(Th, U, K), major and selected trace(Rb, Sr, Ba, Y, Zr, V, Cr, Ni) elements of granulites from the Saxonian Granulite Complex was studied. Similarly to the South Bohemian granulites, the Saxonian granulites can be divided according to the contents of their major and trace elements into two main groups, groupA containing mostly acid and subacid granulites (K ₂ O>2.5%, SiO ₂ >68%), and groupB containing mostly intermediate and basic granulites (K ₂ O<2.5%, SiO ₂ <68%). Statistically significant differences between groupsA andB were found for all major oxides and several trace elements(Rb, V, Cr, Ni). The Saxonian granulites follow the same calc-alkaline trend as the South Bohemian, granulitesA being placed mostly in the rhyolite field and granulitesB mostly in the dacite, andesite and basalt fields of this trend. The investigated granulites are characterized by a considerable scatter ofTh andU contents accompanied by very variableTh/U ratios; theTh andU concentrations of granulitesA are substantially lower than is usual for rocks of corresponding acidity.

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¶rt;a an¶rt;u a¶rt;uamu(Th, U, K) u ua ¶rt;u(Rb, Sr, Ba, Y, Zr, V, Cr, Ni) m aum n¶rt;a aaum na. naa, m u¶rt;aum n uu aam n aaum u ¶rt;u am aua, u u uu. aum n u uu ma a¶rt;um ¶rt; ¶rt;nn; nnA nua¶rt;ama a au¶rt; u au¶rt;aum (K ₂ O>2,5%, Si O ₂ >68%), nnB ¶rt;u u aum (K ₂ O<2,5%, SiO ₂ <68%). ¶rt; muunnau mm mamumuu m au ¶rt; a u u ¶rt; m ¶rt;u m(Rb, V, Cr, Ni). auaum n¶rt;¶rt;m um- m¶rt; a u -uaum;aumA a¶rt;ma a uum n, uaumB a a ¶rt;aum, a¶rt;um u aam n m m¶rt;a. ¶rt;aum — u unnA — aamum uu ¶rt;au da¶rt;uamu mTh uU.

     

Derived geometrical constants of the geodetic reference system 1980

Summary A large number of the users of the geomtrical constants of the reference ellipsoid know only the IAG resolutions and not the related special publications; consequently, the numerical values of the derived geometrical constants may be interpreted differently. Some values of possible differences (max. 32 mm) are given, and it is proposed that the GRS-80 geometrical constants be defined by the values of a and f ^–1 with unlimited accuracy in the next IAG resolution.

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¶rt;a um nam zmuuu nmu n-unu¶rt;a am m uu ¶rt;a¶rt; auauu n z¶rt;uu, a nua nuauu; nm m num a mau u au nu¶rt; zmuu nm. mam nu¶rt;m m au am (a. 32 ) u n¶rt;azam n¶rt; uu n¶rt;m muu nm GRS-80 uuau a, f ^–1 zau mm.

     

Explosive source and its influence on ground motion dynamics

Summary In adjusting measured values in sets A(r*), v(r*) and f(r*) by means of a power function in the form of P=Kr^* a region of discontinuity of the approximating curves was found at the distance r*11.5 m kg ^–1/3. It is assumed that this discontinuity was caused by the varying character of the source of seismic waves. For scaled distances r*>11.5 m kg ^–1/3 the explosion was considered to be a spherical source from the point of view of the charge geometry and of the distance of the pick-up from the centre of the charge, whereas if r*<11.5 m kg ^–1/3 the explosion in the borehole had the character of a cylindrical source. The difference of the two types of sources was reflected in the exponent with both the functions A(r*) and v(r*), so that for r*>11.5 m kg ^–1/3 –4.0 and–2.4, and for r*<11.5 m kg ^–1/3 –2.5 and–1.5. For the same intervals of scaled distance in the set f(r*)1.4 and1.2.     

A new dissipation model based on memory mechanism

Summary The model of dissipation based on memory introduced by Caputo is generalized and checked with experimental dissipation curves of various materials.List of symbols unidimensional stress - unidimensional strain - Q ^–1 specific dissipation function - c(t) creep compliance - m(t) relaxation modulus - c ₀ instantaneous compliance - m equilibrium modulus - (t) creep function - relaxation function - () spectral distribution of retardation times - spectral distribution of relaxation times - c ^*() complex compliance - m ^*() complex modulus - tang loss-tangent     

Primary ionization coefficients for dry and moist air; secondary ionization coefficients for a water surface

Summary A comparison has been made between the Townsend primary ionization coefficient, , for dry air and for air with humidities typical of those in the atmosphere. is defined as the number of new electrons produced by an electron per centimeter of drift in a field. A range of field/pressure ratios,E/p ₀, of 40 to 100 V (cm torr)^–1 was employed. The variation of with humidity is very small.Over the range ofE/p ₀ from 50 to 100 V (cm torr)^–1, the secondary ionization coefficient, , of a water surface has been found from sparking potential data to be typically 2×10^–4. represents the fraction of primary ionizing collisions that ultimately result in the production of additional electrons at the surface.     

Correlated seasonal and climatic variations of trace constituents in the stratosphere

Summary Spectrometric experiments performed, in November 1976, within the framework of the Latitude Survey Mission on board the NASA Convair 990 from Ames Research Center are briefly deseribed. The results presented concern odd nitrogen molecules, HCl and water vapor. In terms of vertical column density, HNO₃ is predominant over NO+NO₂ at all latitudes higher than 40 degrees. A seasonal variation of NO₂ abundance is observed, with larger values in the summer hemisphere at high latitude. The mean zenith column density of HCl above 11 km is 1.5×10¹⁵ mol.cm^–2, with no evidence for any seasonal or climatic variation. Local number densities as high as 1.4×10¹⁰ mol.cm^–3 for HNO₃ and 5.4×10¹⁴ mol.cm^–3 for water vapor have been measured during the same flight near 11 km.     

Interaction of trace metals with natural particle surfaces: Comparison between adsorption experiments and field measurements

The distribution of the metal ions Zn and Pb between particulate and dissolved phase in river Glatt was studied by field measurements and compared with calculated simulations, using parameters obtained by adsorption experiments with natural suspended particulate material. Differences in distribution coefficients obtained from field data are observed in function of the sampling locations and of the composition of the particulate matter.Experiments in which metal ion solutions are titrated with a suspension of natural particles and analyzed by anodic stripping voltammetry, are interpreted in terms of binding capacities and conditional stability constants of Zn and Pb with the surface sites. Binding constants of a particular metal ion varied very little for all samples. We obtained mean values for the conditional average complex formation constants at pH 8 of: log^cond K _Pb = 9.44 ± 0.18 and log^cond K _Zn = 8.17 ± 0.20. At this pH, binding capacities of 5 10^–3 – 1.7 10^–2 mol/kg of particles were obtained for samples collected at different locations and times; organic material, iron and manganese oxides are considered to be the main components that control the adsorption to the particles.Distribution coefficients are calculated from the experimentally obtained binding capacities and conditional stability constants. Calculated distribution coefficients for Zn agree with those obtained from the field data and are not very sensitive to changes in the composition of the solution. Good agreement was obtained for lead as well; for some samples it was important to take two types of sites with different affinity into consideration.     

On the diffusion of the perturbing toroidal magnetic field from the core to the mantle

Zusammenfassung Es werden die Wurzeln einer charakteristischen Gleichung für die Randbedingung der Diffusion des toroidalen magnetischen Störungsfeldes berechnet, das in dünner Schicht unterhalb der Grenze Kern — Mantel, als eine Folge von Störung der Winkelgeschwindigkeit dieser Schicht in Anwesenheit des magnetischen Dipolfeldes induziert wird. Die Wurzeln werden für verschiedene Werte des Verhältnisses der Leitfähigkeit des Erdmantels und Erdkerns ausgerechnet. Es wird gezeigt, dass das aus dem Milieu mit der elektrischen Leitfähigkeit in das Milieu mit elektrischer Leitfähigkeit _m diffundierende toroidale magnetische Störungsfeld vom Werte _m/<10^–2 an von dem Verhältnis elektrischer Leitfähigkeiten beider Milieus unabhänging bleibt.