Origin of basaltic magmas in the Mojave Desert area,California

The basaltic lavas erupted throughout the Mojave Desert are basanites (SiO₂<46%, normative nepheline>5%, and K₂O>1.5%), alkali-olivine basalts (SiO₂=46–48%; ne=0–5%; and K₂O=1.0–1.5%), and low-alumina, sub-alkaline basalts (SiO₂=48–51%; ne=0; K₂O<1.0%). One volcano, Pisgah Crater, erupted five times, with lava from each successive phase containing more silica and less potash than the one proceeding it. This compositional trend is the reverse of that expected from differentiation of a single alkalic magma, and therefore, may represent a succession of magmas tapped from a zone of continuing partial melting in the mantle.These lava compositions suggest that first melting was under high water pressure and was followed by relatively dry partial melting of gamet-orthopyroxene-clinopyroxene-olivine assemblages. The successive increase in silica and alkali decrease also requires that the partial melting zone move to shallower levels.All lavas sampled in the Mojave Desert area have compositions that can best be explained by the extraction of magma from such a rising melting zone, analogous to the mantle diapirs suggested by Green and Ringwood.     

Pb and Sr systematics of ultrapotassic and basaltic rocks from the central Sierra Nevada,California

This study presents Sr and Pb isotopic ratios and Rb, Sr, U, Th, and Pb concentrations of an ultrapotassic basaltic suite and related rocks from the central Sierra Nevada, California. The ultrapotassic suite yields a narrow range of Sr and Pb isotopic compositions (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0.70597–0.70653; ²⁰⁶Pb/ ²⁰⁴Pb=18.862–19.018; ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=15.640–15.686; ²⁰⁸Pb/ ²⁰⁴Pb=38.833–38.950). Associated basalts containing ultramafic nodules have less radiogenic Sr (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶=0.70430–0.70521) and generally higher Rb/Sr ratios than the ultrapotassic suite. Leucitites from Deep Springs Valley, California, contain high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr (71141–0.71240) and low ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb (17.169–17.234) ratios, reflecting contamination by crustal granulite.The isotopic relationships support an origin of the ultrapotassic basaltic suite by partial melting of an enriched upper mantle source. Dehydration of a gently inclined oceanic slab beneath the Sierra Nevada may have provided Ba, K, Rb, Sr, and H₂O, which migrated into the overlying upper mantle lithosphere. The end of subduction 10 m.y. ago allowed increased asthenospheric heat flow into the upper mantle lithosphere. The increased heat flow enhanced fluid movement in the upper mantle and contributed towards isotopic homogenization of the upper mantle source areas. Continued heating of the enriched upper mantle caused partial melting and subsequent eruption of the ultrapotassic lavas.     

The development and refinement of continental arcs by primary basaltic magmatism, garnet pyroxenite accumulation, basaltic recharge and delamination: insights from the Sierra Nevada, California

The lower crust of the Mesozoic Sierra Nevada batholith was made up of high MgO, garnet-poor and low MgO, garnet-rich pyroxenites. Both groups are genetically linked and are collectively complementary to the mafic to intermediate Sierran plutons. High MgO pyroxenites represent high pressure cumulates from a mantle-derived hydrous basalt or basaltic andesite, resulting in derivative magmas having unusually low MgO for a given SiO₂ as represented by the numerous mafic enclaves found in many Sierran plutons. The low MgO pyroxenites are either (1) shallow pressure cumulates from these derivative magmas or (2) partial melting residues (restites) of these derivative magmas after they were emplaced and solidified at lower crustal levels. In both cases, the complementary melt to the low MgO pyroxenites is driven to higher SiO₂ contents, generating diorites and granodiorites. However, this simple two-stage scenario for the origin of Sierran granitoids cannot explain the observation that the Mg# of Sierran intermediate magmas remains roughly constant at ∼0.45–0.50 with increasing SiO₂. Basaltic recharge/mixing with the lower crust is suggested as one means of buffering Mg#s and re-melting the lower crust to generate granitic melts, the latter of which mix with more juvenile magmas to complete the Sierran differentiation series.     

Non-destructive characterization of coal samples from China using microfocus X-ray computed tomography

This paper demonstrates capabilities of microfocus X-ray computed tomography (µCT) in characterizing the development of coal porosity and fractures. For the investigated coals, the CT number of minerals, pores and coal matrix are approximately 3000, < 600 and 1000–1600 Hounsfield unit (HU), respectively. The total CT number of analyzed coals mainly relate to the density, coal maceral composition, and proportion of minerals and pores. Although the estimated porosities by segmentation method show some uncertainty, the results correlate well with the analyzed porosities by helium gas method and water-saturated method. The aperture, spacing and spatial distribution of fractures, and mineral morphology are semi-quantitatively evaluated by µCT using a computer-aided design. The slicing analyses of coals demonstrated that distributions of porosity in coals are highly anisotropic. The spatial disposition of pores, fractures and minerals is the most important factor that influences coal porosity and permeability. In spite of the limitation of low spatial resolution (70 μm) and some ring artifacts of X-ray, µCT has major advantages in non-destructive detection and 3D visualized characterization of pores, fractures and minerals compared to traditional methods.     

Sequential extraction of labile elements and chemical characterization of a basaltic soil from Mt. Meru,Tanzania

We conducted a modified Bureau Commun Reference (BCR) sequential extraction on a basaltic soil (phono-tephrite) from Mt. Meru in Northern Tanzania in order to determine the relative contribution of water soluble, carbonate and exchangeable, oxide and organic fractions to the bulk composition of the soil. Elemental compositions were determined by ICP-MS and corrected for loss on ignition. Relatively immobile elements, such as Zr, Hf and Al, are enriched by 10–30% compared to the unweathered protolith, consistent with soil formation being accompanied by mass loss due to chemical weathering. However, superimposed on this mass loss appears to be enrichment of elements such as Fe, Ca and Mg, especially towards the surface. In some cases, the bulk concentrations of these elements at the surface exceed that of the protolith. These data suggest that the surface of the Meru soil columns may have experienced “re-fertilization” by the deposition of volcanic ash. From the carbonate and exchangeable extraction, we found evidence of clay rich horizons which may sequester as much as 5% of the bulk K. The concentration of calcium carbonate appears to decrease with depth, but the largest incorporation of Sr and Ba into carbonates occurs below 114 cm. Fe and Mn oxides scavenge more than 10–20% of total Ti, V, Co, Cu, Zr and Pb below 114 cm. The organic fraction sequestered significant fractions of total Al, Cu, REE’s and Pb throughout the soil column.     

Evolution of basaltic and differentiated lavas from Anjouan,Comores Archipelago

Anjouan is one of four volcanic islands comprising the Comores Archipelago. Three (arbitrarily defined) categories of basic magma are recognised on Anjouan: ‘hypersthenenormative’, ‘alkalic’ and ‘basanitic’, which appear in that order with an eruptive sequence involving 1) shield construction, 2) peripheral fissure-controlled activity, and 3) rejuvenescent (posterosional) eruptions. Differentiated magmas have evolved within the three chemical groupings, and trend mainly towards undersaturated trachyte and phonolite. These trends are considered to have developed by initial removal of olivine and clinopyroxene, followed by Fe-Ti oxides, apatite and amphibole from arrested liquid pools within and beneath the volcano. The appearance of feldspar on the liquidus was clearly inhibited by the high contents of normative diopside in most Anjouan magmas, although late stage plagioclase fractionation is probably responsible for development of peralkaline phonolites at shallow depths, assisted eventually by alkali feldspar. Lherzolite-xenolith-bearing lavas are likely to be directly mantle-derived liquids. Three analysed representatives with 100 · Mg/Mg + Fe²⁺ (atomic) ratios approaching 70 are characteristically rich in normative diopside and may confirm the suggestion of primitive ankaramitic melts in mantle regions. High pressure fractional crystallisation may involve fractionation of ‘eclogite’, orthopyroxene or clinopyroxene, with or without olivine. It is believed however that such processes do not adequately explain the compositional change from hypersthene-normative basalt towards basanite, as they imply unacceptable degrees of Fe-enrichment. Problems of large ion element enrichment and fractionation would also remain, while the high contents of Cr and Ni place limits on the extent of crystal fractionation. A partial melting model of magma genesis is able to explain the main features of basalt geochemistry, especially if the upper mantle low velocity zone is regarded as having been severely fractionated due to upward migration of large ion elements. An ‘open’ system of magma production in the context of regional plate movement, and the implied decoupling between lithosphere and asthenosphere, accomodates realistic degrees of partial melting and allows a greater potential volume of mantle available for melting than possible ‘closed’ systems. The model also accounts for the migratory pattern of Comores volcanism.     

Validation of basaltic glass adsorption capabilities from geothermal arsenic in a basaltic aquifer: A case study from Bjarnarflag power Station,Iceland

Arsenic is a carcinogen known for its acute toxicity to organisms.Geothermal waters are commonly high in arsenic,as shown at the Bjarnarflag Power Plant,Iceland(～224 μg/kg of solvent).Development of geothermal energy requires adequate disposal of arsenic-rich waters into groundwater/geothermal systems.The outcome of arsenic transport models that assess the effect of geothermal effluent on the environment and ecosystems may be influenced by the sensitivity of hydraulic parameters.However,previous such studies in Iceland do not consider the sensitivity of hydraulic parameters and thereby the interpretations remain unreliable.Here we used the Lake Myvatn basaltic aquifer system as a case study to identify the sensitive hydraulic parameters and assess their role in arsenic transport.We develop a one-dimensional reactive transport model(PHREEQC ver.2.),using geochemical data from Bjarnarflag,Iceland.In our model,arsenite(H_3 ASO_3)was predicted to be the dominant species of inorganic arsenic in both groundwater and geothermal water.Dilution reduced arsenic concentration below～5 μg/kg.Adsorption reduced the residual contamination below～0.4μg/kg at 250 m along transect.Based on our modelling,we found volumetric input to be the most sensitive parameter in the model.In addition,the adsorption strength of basaltic glass was such that the physical hydrogeological parameters,namely:groundwater velocity and longitudinal dispersivity had little influence on the concentration profile.     

Geochemistry and origin of basaltic lavas from Marquesas Archipelago,French Polynesia

The Marquesas Archipelago, a volcanic chain in French Polynesia (south-central Pacific Ocean), is predominantly composed of alkalic, transitional and tholeiitic basalts. The variation trends in these intraplate basaltic rocks imply that the magmas were derived from different upper mantle sources. Model calculations using the total inverse method show that the peridotite source of most Marquesas basalts was enriched in incompatible elements compared to a primordial mantle and had higher than chondritic ratios of several elements such as La/Yb, Ti/V and P/Ce. A metasomatic enrichment event is suggested by the sequence of element enrichment in the source relative to the primordial mantle (Ba>Nb>La>Ce>Sr>Sm>Eu> Zr>Hf>Ti>Y>Yb). On the other hand, some lavas including tholeiites of Ua Pou and alkalic basalts of Hiva Oa, were probably derived from relatively depleted upper mantle. In some islands such as Hatutu, the different types of basalts were generated from sources with rather similar compositions. The residual phases of the Marquesas magmas included garnet. The sources of these magmas were similar in trace element chemistry to the oceanic mantle below Hawaii.     

Development of tools to estimate conveyance losses in the Truckee River, USA

A method to estimate stream conveyance losses, including stream bank seepage and evapotranspiration from riparian areas, was developed for the Truckee River in California and Nevada (USA). Aquifer diffusivity is the primary variable required to compute aquifer head and seepage. Head and seepage conceptual models developed in previous studies were calibrated using stream stage and aquifer head at five sites along the Truckee River. The equations for head require numerical convolution to solve. It was found that head is insensitive to diffusivity and a single value for diffusivity provides good results at all study sites. Also, because releases from storage are usually prescribed as a step increase in flow for a given period of time followed by a step decrease in flow, an analytic solution for volume of seepage can be used in place of numerical convolution. Under typical operating conditions, seepage volume represents a small fraction of the total reservoir releases. Uncertainty in seepage estimates can be reduced with increased accuracy in hydraulic conductivity. This work demonstrates a valuable technique to estimate conveyance losses under natural and managed stream flow.     

Organic chemical characterization of sediment-trap particulates from San Nicolas,Santa Barbara,Santa Monica and San Pedro Basins,California

Particulate matter was collected during September–October, 1977, in particle traps suspended 30–60 m above the floor of San Nicolas, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica and San Pedro Basins, off the coast of southern California. The trap particulates were analyzed for C₁₅–C₃₅ hydrocarbons using gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry. Kerogens and humic acids were characterized by H/C, N/C, δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N and δ³⁴S ratios, and by electron-spin resonance. Hydrocarbons arising from fresh and weathered petroleum, marine autochthonous and terrestrial sources were identified. The rates of petroleum deposition during the collection period followed the order: San Nicolas Basin < Santa Barbara Basin ~ Santa Monica Basin < San Pedro Basin, with the largest amount of weathered petroleum being deposited in San Pedro Basin. The rates of petroleum deposition are correlated more strongly with human activities such as shipping, and the discharge of municipal and industrial wastes, than with natural submarine oil seepage. Analyses of kerogens and humic acids indicate that the majority of the organic matter in the trap particulates is of marine origin. The water column overlying Santa Barbara Basin appears to have the highest marine productivity of the four basins studied.     

Assimilation of granite by basaltic magma at Burnt Lava flow,Medicine Lake volcano,northern California: Decoupling of heat and mass transfer

At Medicine Lake volcano, California, andesite of the Holocene Burnt Lava flow has been produced by fractional crystallization of parental high alumina basalt (HAB) accompanied by assimilation of granitic crustal material. Burnt Lava contains inclusions of quenched HAB liquid, a potential parent magma of the andesite, highly melted granitic crustal xenoliths, and xenocryst assemblages which provide a record of the fractional crystallization and crustal assimilation process. Samples of granitic crustal material occur as xenoliths in other Holocene and Pleistocene lavas, and these xenoliths are used to constrain geochemical models of the assimilation process.A large amount of assimilation accompanied fractional crystallization to produce the contaminated Burnt lava andesites. Models which assume that assimilation and fractionation occurred simultaneously estimate the ratio of assimilation to fractional crystallization (R) to be >1 and best fits to all geochemical data are at an R value of 1.35 at F=0.68. Petrologic evidence, however, indicates that the assimilation process did not involve continuous addition of granitic crust as fractionation occurred. Instead, heat and mass transfer were separated in space and time. During the assimilation process, HAB magma underwent large amounts of fractional crystallization which was not accompanied by significant amounts of assimilation. This fractionation process supplied heat to melt granitic crust. The models proposed to explain the contamination process involve fractionation, replenishment by parental HAB, and mixing of evolved and parental magmas with melted granitic crust.     

玄武质岩石的单颗粒锆石U-Pb年龄谱

报道了托云、东浮山、羊角、雪花山和山旺5处新生代玄武岩的SHRIMP锆石U-Pb测年结果。位于西南天山造山带的托云新生代玄武岩的14个测点年龄值十分发散,最大值与最小值分别为857.1和203.4Ma,它们与其余4件玄武岩样品49个SHRIMP锆石测点年龄一同构筑了涵盖各个地质时期几乎贯穿整个地质时间的复杂年龄谱。位于华北克拉通中部区域南太行山造山带的东浮山、羊角和雪花山新生代玄武岩3件样品累计36个锆石测点形成的锆石年龄谱相对简单,其中35个测点的年龄集中在1719.9～2641.6Ma,唯一的古生代年龄(311.3Ma)出现在雪花山玄武岩7.1测点。位于华北克拉通东部裂谷带内山旺玄武岩6件样品27个测点的单颗粒锆石年龄构筑的锆石年龄谱形成3个集中时间段,分别为新太古代—古元古代(2595.4～1852.2Ma)、古生代(385.8～271.1Ma)和中生代(109.4Ma)。3个年龄谱中大部分单颗粒锆石U-Pb年龄均能在各自所处区域内发现与之对应的岩浆-热事件,部分单颗粒锆石年龄可能暗示所在区域至今未发现的岩浆热事件,托云、东浮山-羊角-雪花山、山旺新生代玄武岩的复杂单颗粒锆石年龄谱再造了各自所处区域的地质演化史。3个锆石年龄谱的复杂程度与各自区域地表出露岩浆岩的规模和期次复杂程度相关,天山造山带内岩浆岩发育,托云玄武岩锆石年龄普最复杂,记录了天山造山带的演化,而华北克拉通中部区域南太行山造山带地表零星出露岩浆岩,东浮山-羊角-雪花山玄武岩的锆石年龄普最简单。处于后期遭受破坏改造的华北克拉通东部裂谷带内的山旺玄武岩的单颗粒锆石年龄谱,其复杂程度明显低于托云玄武岩的年龄谱,而又高于东浮山-羊角-雪花山玄武岩的年龄谱。鉴于玄武质岩浆同化混染围岩过程中能量消耗和地球化学印记以及玄武质岩浆上升的耗时限制,认为托云、东浮山、羊角、雪花山和山旺新生代玄武岩中具有复杂年龄信息的锆石捕掳晶不是玄武质岩浆在快速上升过程中从围岩中捕获的,而是在岩石圈拆沉过程中进入软流圈地幔中,随着具原生岩浆性质的玄武质岩浆喷发到达地表。     

Pyroxene chemistry and evolution of alkali basaltic rocks from Burgenland and Styria,Austria

Summary The mineral chemistry of several Pliocene alkali basaltic rocks from Burgenland and Styria (Eastern Austria) have been investigated in order to determine the evolution path of the basalt magmas prior to eruption. With their wide range of substitutions, clinopyroxenes provide the best records of the evolution history of rocks. Pyroxene phenocrysts of the investigated basalts show both concentric and sector zoning. The investigation of sector zoned crystals shows, that not only Ti, Al and Fe contents are different in different sectors but there can be significant differences also in their Cr content. This fact apparently suggests that the distribution of Cr between clinopyroxene and melt could be influenced by crystallization kinetics.The depth of crystallization and differentiation of the basalts can be estimated from Ti and Al contents of clinopyroxene phenocrysts. From a combination of data on clinopyroxene composition, compatible trace element contents and mg-values of the rocks, it is concluded, that the alkali basalts of Pauliberg and Steinberg underwent slight olivine and clinopyroxene fractionation in shallow magma chambers prior to eruption, while the nephelinite of Stradnerkogel evolved mainly through clinopyroxene fractionation under high pressure conditions, probably in the upper mantle.

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Chemie der Pyroxene und Entwicklung von Alkalibasalten aus dem Burgenland und der Steiermark, Österreich

Zusammenfassung Einige pliozäne alkalibasaltische Gesteine aus dem Burgenland und der Steiermark wurden mineral-chemisch untersucht, um Aufschluß über ihre Evolution vor der Eruption zu erhalten. Klinopyroxene mit ihren vielfältigen Subtitutionsmöglichkeiten erlauben am besten eine Abschätzung der Evolution der Basalte. Pyroxen-Einsprenglinge der Basalte zeigen sowohl konzentrischen als auch sektoralen Zonarbau. Die von uns untersuchten Einsprenglinge zeigen in den verschiedenen Sektoren nicht nur unterschiedliche Gehalte an Ti, Al und Fe, sondern vielfach auch unterschiedliche Cr-Gehalte. Dies macht es wahrscheinlich, daß die Verteilung von Cr zwischen Klinopyroxen und Schmelze von der Kristallisations-Kinetik beeinflußt wird.Die Tiefe in der die Basalte kristallisierten und differenzierten kann von den Ti- und Al-Gehalten der Klinopyroxen- Einsprenglinge abgeschätzt werden. Die Zusammensetzung der Klinopyroxene im Verein mit den Gehalten an kompatiblen Spurenelementen und denmg-Werten der Gesteine erlauben den Schluß, daß die Alkalibasalte von Pauliberg und Steinberg vor ihrer Eruption eine geringfügige Olivinund Klinopyroxen-Fraktionierung in einer seichten Magmakammer erlebten. Der Nephelinit vorn Stradnerkogel hingegen erfuhr hauptsächlich eine Klinopyroxen Fraktionierung unter Hochdruck-Bedingungen, möglicherweise im oberen Erdmantel.

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With 8 Figures     

Nitrate pollution of ground waters from shallow basaltic aquifers,Deccan Trap Hydrologic Province,India

Analyses of groundwater samples collected from several locations in a small watershed of the Deccan Trap Hydrologic Province, indicated anomalously higher values of nitrate than the background. However, the NO₃ concentrations in water from dug wells under pastureland where the subsurface material consisted of stony waste were minimum. The maximum values were reported for water from dug wells where the principal land use was agricultural. Lowering of NO₃ values under shallow water-table conditions suggests denitrification. Higher concentrations of nitrate determined for samples collected from the wells with a deeper water-table indicate that denitrification process is inactive. The high values of nitrate coinciding with agricultural land use indicate fertilizers as the main source of nitrate pollution of ground-water. Decrease in Cl/NO₃ ratio for agricultural land use confirms this inference.     

Geochemical Characteristics of Cenozoic Basaltic High-K Volcanic Rocks from Maguan Area, Eastern Tibet

The major element, trace element and Nd-Sr isotopic composition of Cenozoic basaltic volcanic rocks from the Maguan area, eastern Tibet, indicates that the volcanic rocks are enriched in alkalis, especially K (K2O up to 3.81%) and depleted in Ti (TiO2 = 1.27%-2.00%). These rocks may be classified as two groups, based on their Mg# numbers: one may represent primary magma (Mg# numbers from 68 to 69), and the other, the evolved magma(Mg# numbers from 49 to 57). Their REE contents are very high (∑REE = 155.06-239.04μg/g). Their REE distribution patterns are of the right-inclined type, characterized by LREE enrichment [(La/Yb)N =12.0-19.2], no Ce anomaly (Ce/Ce*=1.0), and weak negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu*=0.9). The rocks are highly enriched in Rb, Sr and Ba (59.5-93.8μg/g, 732-999 μg/g, and 450-632 g/g, respectively), high in U and Th (1.59-2.31μg/g and 4.73-8.16 μg/g, respectively), and high in Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf (70-118 μg/g,3.72-5.93 μg/g, 215-381 μg/g, and 5.47-9.03 μg/g, respectively). In the primitive mantle-normalized incompatible element spidergram, Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf and P show positive anomalies, whereas Ba, Ti and Y show negative anomalies. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios range from 0. 704029 to 0.704761; 143Nd/144Nd from 0. 512769 to 0. 512949; and εNd from 2.6 to 6.1. These geochemical features might suggest that the potential source of the basaltic high-K volcanic rocks in the Maguan area is similar to the OIB-source mantle of Hawaii and Kergeulen volcanic rocks.     

Garnet Types from the Cazadero Area, California

This is the third in a series of papers on glaucophane schistsfrom the Franciscan Formation near Cazadero, California. Previouspapers describe three distinct types of glaucophane-bearingFranciscan metamorphic rocks near Cazadero. The purpose of this study is to investigate the garnets presentin metamorphic types III (bedrock schists) and IV (tectonicblocks) as defined by Coleman & Lee (1963). Twenty-fourgarnet analyses are presented. Sixteen of these are from (aragonite-bearing)type III glaucophane schists, and eight are from type IV glaucophaneschists. Type IV rocks include California eclogites. Type III rocks include metabasalt, metachert, metashale, meta-ironstone,and metacarbonate that were formed under high pressure and relativelylow temperature. These rocks contain garnets that display awide range of composition, but the dominant molecules representedare consistently almandine, spessartine, and grossular. Type IV rocks are mainly metabasalts that were probably formedunder higher temperatures and pressures than type III rocks.There is a distinct difference between garnets from type IIIrocks and those from type IV (including eclogites); the lattercontainless spessartine and more pyrope, and the dominant moleculesare almandine and grossular. The four analyses of garnets fromCalifornia eclogites have an average pyrope content of aboutten molecular per cent, and they extend the range of compositionreported for eclogite garnets. Quantitative spectrographic determinations of minor elementsare listed for each of the garnets described. The values determinedfor some of the minor elements have a wide range and a capriciousdistribution over a few feet of outcrop area. As a group, both the garnets from type III rocks and those fromtype IV are pyralspites with large contents (as much as 35 molecularper cent) of ugrandite. This unusual admixture of the pyralspiteand ugrandite garnet series may have resulted in part from theconditions (high pressures and relatively low temperatures)under which the enclosing rocks were recrystallized.     

Fossil mammoths from Santa Cruz Island, California

Mammoth remains on Santa Cruz Island, one of the four Northern Channel Islands of California, are very sparse, in marked contrast to those reported from Santa Rosa and San Miguel Islands of the same island group. A probable major reason for this scarcity is that Quaternary deposits are greatly restricted on Santa Cruz Island. It is proposed, contrary to popular opinion, that fossils found on Santa Cruz Island were derived from animals which died on the island, and were not transported there by humans. Reasons for this conclusion are that the size and geological context of the fossils are similar to those of the largest mammoth fossils of Santa Rosa Island, and that, in spite of extensive investigations by many persons, mammoth remains have not been found in middens, either on the islands or on the adjacent mainland.     

Alkali Amphiboles from the Blueschists of Cazadero, California

Alkali amphiboles from Type III and Type IV metamorphic zonesin blueschist facies rocks of Cazadero, California, and fromcomparable New Caledonian rocks have been characterized by X-raycrystallographic, optical, and chemical methods. The compositionof any particular alkali amphibole is strongly controlled bythe bulk composition of the host rock. Within the blueschistfacies, metamorphic zones are not characterized by changes inamphibole composition. All the alkali amphiboles studied hereinbelong to the C2/m space group and complete miscibility betweenglaucophane and riebeckite has been demonstrated for the conditionsprevailing during metamorphism in the Cazadero and New Caledonianblueschists. Linear relationships are found between unit-celldimensions and variations in composition between glaucophaneand riebeckite. The alkali amphiboles of glaucophane compositionsbelong to the high pressure-low temperature series, glaucophaneII-riebeckite. Limited miscibility of actinolite in glaucophanemay be characteristic of blueschist facies metamorphism.     

Water table characterization for environmental hydrogeologic monitoring in fault zones: examples from California, potential applications in Chile

Potentially contaminating activities such as mining and waste disposal, which require environmental hydrogeologic monitoring, may be located in or above fault zones. Two case studies of ground water monitoring at waste disposal sites in California illustrate the effect such fault zones may have on water tables. A fault gouge area in the Garlock fault zone has a potentiometric surface (a conceptual surface plotted using water elevations in monitoring wells and springs) which intersects the ground surface. The planar Kern Bluff fault produces a stepped water tabel. It is suggested that due to geologic and other environmental similarities, studies of environmental impacts of projects along the Ataca fault zone and Pocuro fault zone in Chile may encounter similar hydrogeologic phenomena.     

The rheology of crystal-bearing basaltic magmas from Stromboli and Etna

Our ability to forecast volcanic hazards at active volcanoes stems from our knowledge of parameters affecting eruption dynamics. Persistent activity displayed by basaltic volcanic systems, such as Etna and Stromboli, is governed mainly by the textural evolution and rheological properties of eruptive products. Here, we investigate the high temperature (1131 °C < T < 1187 °C) rheological behavior and textural evolution of remelted natural basaltic magmas from Stromboli and Etna volcanic systems upon cooling and crystallization at atmospheric conditions. The pure liquid and subliquidus isothermal viscosities are investigated using a concentric cylinder apparatus by varying strain rate applied to the investigated materials. Detailed textural analysis has been performed in order to evaluate the effect of crystal distribution on the rheological evolution of magmas. At subliquidus conditions, the mineralogical assemblage is dominated by the presence of spinel and plagioclase with the occurrence of stable clinopyroxene only at the lowest temperatures (1157 and 1131 °C for the Stromboli and the Etna samples, respectively). The overall crystal fraction (?) varies between 0.06 and 0.27. In the high T regime the viscous response to applied stress and strain rate is strongly affected by the presence of even small amounts of crystals. Large discrepancies between measured and predicted viscosities obtained using the Einstein-Roscoe (ER) equation are also found at low crystal fractions. We find here that, at the investigated conditions, the physical effect caused by the presence of elongated crystals is orders of magnitude higher than that predicted by existing models which only account for spherical particles. It also appears that a weak shear thinning behavior occurs at the lowest temperatures investigated. Crystal shape and, with it, the strain-rate dependence of the rheological properties appear to play primary roles in influencing the transport properties of these basaltic magmas.