Can pyrolysis-GC/MS be used to estimate the degree of thermal alteration of black carbon?

Very little is known about the macromolecular properties of biomass combustion residues referred to as black carbon (BC). Pyrolysis-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) was performed on: (i) peat from Spain at 400–1200 °C to investigate the effect of charring on pyrolysis fingerprint and (ii) natural charcoal from Laos in order to link molecular information to published chemical and reactivity parameters. Confirming earlier Py-GC/MS studies, the BC in the artificially charred peat and the natural charcoal produced predominantly benzene, toluene, C₂-benzenes, PAHs and benzonitriles. Furthermore, some charcoal samples produced significant amounts of phenols, methoxyphenols, carbohydrate markers, n-alkanes and n-alkenes upon pyrolysis, reflecting non-charred and weakly charred biomass. A series of pyrolysis product ratios related to the degree of dealkylation of the pyrolysis products (benzene/toluene, naphthalene/C₁-naphthalenes, C₁-naphthalenes/C₂-naphthalenes, benzofuran/C₁-benzofurans and benzonitrile/C₁-benzonitrile) increased with increasing artificial charring (peat) and, for the natural charcoal, these ratios were in accordance with established chemical and reactivity parameters related to charring intensity from other methods: proportion of aromatic C obtained from solid state ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), the proportion of charred material as estimated from NMR in conjunction with a molecular mixing model (NMR–MMM) and the resistance to acid dichromate oxidation. The alkyl side chains of aromatic pyrolysis products are probably inherited from short chain aliphatic C chains that cross link the predominantly aromatic building blocks of BC, and these linkages seem to disappear with increasing charring intensity. Thus, the degree of thermal alteration of BC can be discerned from the pyrolysis fragmentation pattern.     

Can the vapour phase be neglected to estimate bulk salinity of halite bearing aqueous fluid inclusions?

The bulk salinity cannot be directly obtained from the dissolution temperatures of halite in highly saline fluid inclusions that contain solid, liquid, and vapour at room temperature. At least two of the following independent parameters must be determined to estimate the bulk composition and density of these inclusions: 1. dissolution temperature of halite in the presence of vapour; 2. total homogenization temperature of liquid and vapour; and 3. volume fraction of the vapour phase. A new V ^m -x diagram for phase stabilities in the H₂O-NaCl system has been constructed to obtain these bulk fluid properties from inclusions that homogenize liquid and vapour phase at higher temperatures than dissolution of halite.     

Can drying and re-wetting of magnesium sulfate salts lead to damage of stone?

Magnesium sulfate salts have been linked to the decay of stone in the field and in laboratory experiments, but the mechanism of damage is still poorly understood. Thermomechanical analysis shows that expansion of stone contaminated with magnesium sulfate salts occurs during drying, followed by relaxation of the stress during dehydration of the precipitated salts. We applied thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray diffractometry to identify the salt phases that precipitate during drying of bulk solutions. The results show the formation of 11 different crystal phases. A novel experiment in which a plate of salt-laden stone is bonded to a glass plate is used to demonstrate the existence of crystallization pressure: warping of the composite reveals significant deformation of the stone during re-wetting of lower hydrates of magnesium sulfate. Environmental scanning electronic microscope (ESEM)/STEM experiments show that hydration of single crystals of the lower hydrates of magnesium sulfate is a through-solution crystallization process that is only visible at a small scale (~μm). It is followed by growth of the crystal prior to deliquescence. This demonstrates that crystallization pressure is the main cause of the stress induced by salt hydration. In addition, we found that drying-induced crystallization is kinetically hindered at high concentration, which we attribute to the low nucleation rate in a highly viscous magnesium sulfate solution.     

Has influence of extratropical waves in modulating Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) increased?

In the paper, influence of extratropical circulation features on Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR) is examined. Energetics of extratropics, north of Indian subcontinent for deficient and non-deficient ISMR years, during two periods 1951–1978 and 1979–2005, are calculated and critically analyzed. It is observed that for the period 1951–1978, only two out of the 10 energetics parameters, viz., the zonal available potential energy (high) and conversion of zonal kinetic energy to eddy kinetic energy (low) differed significantly in JJA months of the deficient years from that of the non-deficient years. However, during the 1979–2005 period, as many as six out of the 10 energetics parameters, viz., eddy available potential energy, zonal available potential energy, eddy kinetic energy, generation of zonal available potential energy, conversion of zonal available potential energy to zonal kinetic energy and conversion of zonal kinetic energy to eddy kinetic energy differed significantly in JJA months of the deficient years from that of the non-deficient years. These results confirm growing influence of the transient stationary waves in deficient years after the climate shift year, 1979. Analysis of energetics parameters of the pre-monsoon season of the two periods also reveals similar results. This suggests that forcings apparently responsible for energetics in JJA months of the deficient years of the later period were present even before the advent of Indian summer monsoon season.     

Can global rainfall estimates (satellite and reanalysis) aid landslide hindcasting?

Predicting rainfall-induced landslides hinges on the quality of the rainfall product. Satellite rainfall estimates or rainfall reanalyses aid in studying landslide occurrences especially in ungauged areas, or in the absence of ground-based rainfall radars. Quality of these rainfall estimates is critical; hence, they are commonly crosschecked with their ground-based counterparts. Beyond their temporal precision compared to ground-based observations, we investigate whether these rainfall estimates are adequate for hindcasting landslides, which particularly requires accurate representation of spatial variability of rainfall. We developed a logistic regression model to hindcast rainfall-induced landslides in two sites in Japan. The model contains only a few topographic and geologic predictors to leave room for different rainfall products to improve the model as additional predictors. By changing the input rainfall product, we compared GPM IMERG and ERA5 rainfall estimates with ground radar–based rainfall data. Our findings emphasize that there is a lot of room for improvement of spatiotemporal prediction of landslides, as shown by a strong performance increase of the models with the benchmark radar data attaining 95% diagnostic performance accuracy. Yet, this improvement is not met by global rainfall products which still face challenges in reliably capturing spatiotemporal patterns of precipitation events.

     

Centennial fluctuations of flood-season discharge of Upper and Middle Yangtze River Basin, China (1865–1988): cause and impact

This paper reveals the nature of flood-season discharge and the associated impact on the upper and middle Yangtze river basin, on the basis of a historical database of daily discharges recorded at the Yichang (1865–1985) and Hankou (1878–1988) hydrological stations. Results show the period of discharge fluctuations of 2–6a, which is significant during 1878–1900 and 1915–1975 at Yichang station and the period of 2–7a during 1865–1905 and 1925–1975 at Hankou station. Within these periods, a major period of 2.9–3.5a and two secondary periods of 7–8a and 13.9–16.5a can be further identified from both stations. Our observation verifies that the fluctuations of streamflows of the upper and middle Yangtze River are fairly consistent with the periodicities of the Asia monsoon precipitation and ENSO event, reflecting coupling effect on the fluctuations of discharges in the Yangtze basin. In the 1920s–1960s, intensified variability of streamflows of the upper and middle Yangtze River was closely associated with warming temperature in the basin and in China as well. In 1975–1988, insignificant discharge fluctuations recorded at both stations can be chiefly attributed to human activities, i.e., the large number of reservoirs constructed and associated increasing capacity of water storage, which has largely weakened the discharge fluctuations throughout the basin.     

Can well-being between Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member countries converge?

This study investigates the convergence of well-being between Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member countries during the period 1980–2014. The gap in living standard was examined from a steady state represented by the average income of OECD countries. Applying the unit root estimation technique to test for convergence with and without structural breaks, the result shows that; among a total of 43 countries studied, about 14 % are converging towards the average of OECD average. When the shock caused by the economic crisis of 2008 was factored into the analysis, the gains of about five countries out of the six converging disappeared. These results are disturbing owing to the fact that countries in the Asian region that started almost at the same level with SSA have converged to form a convergence club. Therefore, a lot more effort is needed from the government and stake holders in most countries in SSA to improve on the determinants of growth like good health care, quality institutions, better education and commitments to pursue developmental programmes which will boost the income of an average African to acquire better life.     

Focused groundwater discharge of phosphorus to a eutrophic seepage lake (Lake Væng, Denmark): implications for lake ecological state and restoration

A study on Lake Væng in Denmark demonstrates a high potential for loading of phosphorous via groundwater to seepage lakes. Groundwater discharges are displayed as an important source of phosphorous to a lake due to: (1) high concentrations in the aquifer just below the lake, and (2) the main flow paths through the aquifer–lakebed interface either being overland flow through a seepage face, or focused in zones with very high discharge rates. In-lake springs have measured discharge of up to 7.45 m³ per m² of lakebed per day. These findings were based on seepage meter measurements at 18 locations, stable isotope (δ¹⁸O) analyses, temperature profiles and mapping of ice cover distribution. Groundwater–lake interaction was modelled with a 2D conceptual flow model (MODFLOW) with hydrogeology interpreted from catchment multi electrode profiling, on-lake ground-penetrating radar, well logging and borehole data. Discharge was found to be much focused and opposite to expected increase away from the shoreline. The average total phosphorus concentration in discharging groundwater sampled just beneath the lakebed was 0.162 mg TP/l and thereby well over freshwater ecological thresholds (0.043–0.612, median = 0.117 mg TP/l). The study illustrates a direct link between groundwater and lake chemistry.     

Petrogenesis of the Mesoproterozoic (1.23?Ga) Sudbury dyke swarm and its questionable relationship to plate separation

The Mesoproterozoic (~1.23 Ga) Sudbury dyke swarm was emplaced at equatorial latitudes and cross-cuts the Grenville, Southern and Superior Provinces of the Canadian Shield. The dyke swarm has been linked to the break-up of the Mesoproterozoic supercontinent Columbia (1.8 to 1.3 Ga). The Sudbury dykes are alkaline olivine diabases that extend ~300 km to the W and NW from the Grenville Front. Major element trends and MELTS modeling indicate fractional crystallization of olivine and plagioclase. Detailed mineral chemical analyses across a 90-m-wide dyke shows a symmetric M-shaped pattern indicating vertical flow differentiation. The highest measured Fo value of olivine from the chilled margin of one dyke is 70, suggesting the parental magmas of the dykes were evolved. Unlike other dykes of the Canadian Shield, the Sudbury dykes do not show significant chemical variation across the length of the swarm. The Sudbury dykes have high Sr/Y (>10), La/Yb_N (>5) and Sm/Yb_PM (>2.4) values indicating they originated from a garnet-bearing source. The low Th/Nb (<1.5) values contrast with the low Nb/La (<0.6) and La/Ba (~0.4) values, suggesting a possible lithospheric mantle or subduction-modified mantle source. In the context of Grenvillian tectonics, the Sudbury dykes intruded the Laurentian craton and parautochthonous rocks. The dykes occupy pre-existing west to northwest trending faults, suggesting that they exploited regional structural heterogeneities during the closure of the Elzevir basin (i.e., 1,250 to 1,190 Ma). The alkaline composition, limited spatial-chemical variation, volume, geometry and regional geological context suggest that the dykes are not likely related to a mantle plume or the break-up of a supercontinent.     

Silicon and sediment transport of the Changjiang River (Yangtze River): could the Three Gorges Reservoir be a filter?

Water samples were collected from the Changjiang River (Yangtze River) in May 2005, after the impoundment of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR), to examine the influence of the TGR and large lakes on material delivery to the estuary of the Changjiang River. The concentrations of suspended particle material (SPM), dissolved silica (DSi) and biogenic silica (BSi) in the main stream were analyzed. The concentrations of DSi and BSi in the main channel of the Changjiang varied between 73 and 100 and 1.1–15 μmol/l, with a distance weighted average of 81 and 8.0 μmol/l, respectively. A calculation shows that live diatom comprises only an average value of 5.2 % of the BSi in the Changjiang River, and most of BSi may come from drainage basin. The concentrations of BSi and the ratios of BSi/SPM were relatively low in the Changjiang River compared to other rivers throughout the world, but the BSi carried in suspension by the Changjiang River was an important component of the rivers silicon load (i.e. ~13 %). SPM, DSi and BSi concentrations as observed in the Changjiang River tend to decrease from the upper sections of the river to the Three Gorges Dam (TGD), reflecting sedimentation associated with BSi trapping and DSi retention in the TGR in the normal-water period. SPM and BSi retention are more strongly influenced by the TGD compared to DSi. About 98 % of SPM, 72 % of BSi and 16 % of DSi were retained within the TGR in May 2005. The fluxes variations of DSi, BSi and SPM suggested that the large lakes and dams had a coupled effect on the transportation of DSi, BSi and SPM in the normal-water period. Such a change in silicon (DSi and BSi) balances of the Changjiang River will affect the ecological environment of the Changjiang estuary and its adjacent sea to some extent.     

ATR-FTIR spectroscopic study of the adsorption of desferrioxamine B and aerobactin to the surface of lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH)

The adsorption of two model siderophores, desferrioxamine B (DFOB) and aerobactin, to lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH) was investigated by attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The adsorption of DFOB was investigated between pH 4.0 and 10.6. The spectra of adsorbed DFOB indicated that two to three hydroxamic acid groups of adsorbed DFOB were deprotonated in the pH range 4.0-8.2. Deprotonation of hydroxamic acid groups of adsorbed DFOB at pH values well below the first acid dissociation constant of solution DFOB species (pK_a = 8.3) and well below the point of zero charge of lepidocrocite (pH_PZC = 7.4) suggested that the surface speciation at the lower end of this pH range (pH 4) is dominated by a surface DFOB species with inner-sphere coordination of two to three hydroxamic acids groups to the surface. Maximum adsorption of DFOB occurred at approximately pH 8.6, close to the first pK_a value of the hydroxamic acid groups, and decreased at lower and higher pH values.The spectra of adsorbed aerobactin in the pH range 3-9 indicated at least three different surface species. Due to the small spectral contributions of the hydroxamic acid groups of aerobactin, the interactions of these functional groups with the surface could not be resolved. At high pH, the spectral similarity of adsorbed aerobactin with free aerobactin deprotonated at the carboxylic acid groups indicated outer-sphere complexation of the carboxylate groups. With decreasing pH, a significant peak shift of the asymmetric carboxylate stretch vibration was observed. This finding suggested that the (lateral) carboxylic acid groups are coordinated to the surface either as inner-sphere complexes or as outer-sphere complexes that are strongly stabilized at the surface by hydrogen bonding at low pH.     

Synthesis of Pt- and Pd-sulphides in low temperature (85°C) solutions buffered by clay minerals and graphite: Preliminary results

Summary Some recent investigations of black shales reveal platinum-group element (PGE) concentrations in the ppm range. The low temperature nature of these mineralized sediments and their composition stimulated this first attempt to synthesize Pt- and Pd-phases in solutions at temperatures below 100°C under reducing conditions with H₂S flow through the solution. Experiments under controlled Eh-pH with montmorillonite presaturated in Pd and Pt in different chloride solutions resulted in the formation of Pt- and Pd-sulphides. PtS- and PdS-stability fields are very close to each other in Eh-pH values (400mV, 9). These data are in good agreement with those determined for some base metal sulphides synthesized at similar temperature by other researchers.The results may support the role of clay minerals as possible concentrators for PGE in the sedimentary environment.

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Synthese von Pt- und Pd-Sulfiden in gepufferten und mit Tonmineralen gesättigten Tieftemperaturlösungen (85°C)

Zusammenfassung Neuere Untersuchungen der Schwarzschiefer ergeben Konzentrationen an Platingruppenelementen (PGE) in ppm-Bereich. Niedrigtemperatur-Bedingungen und die Zusammensetzung der mineralisierten Sedimente gaben den Anlaß zur erstmaligen Synthese von Pt- und Pd-Phasen in H₂S-haltigen reduzierenden Lösungen bei Temperaturen unterhalb von 100°C. Bei Experimenten, die unter kontrollierten Eh-pH-Werten in unterschiedlichen Lösungen mit an Pd und Pt vorgesättigtem Montmorillonit durch-geführt wurden, konnte die Ausfällung von Pt- und Pd-Sulfiden nachgewiesen werden. Die Stabilitätsfelder der gebildeten PtS und PdS liegen nahe beieinander, bei Eh = 400 mV und pH = 9. Diese Bedingungen sind in Übereinstimmung mit den von anderen Autoren für einige Buntmetallsulfide bestimmten Daten unter ähnlichen Temperaturen.Die gewonnenen Ergebnisse bekräftigen die Rolle von Tonmineralen beim Absatz von PGE in sedimentärem Milieu.

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With 3 Figures     

First microbialites associated to organic-rich facies of the Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (Northern Tunisia,Cenomanian–Turonian transition)

From northern Tunisia, small-scale well-preserved microbialites, contemporaneous to the global oceanic anoxic event 2 (OAE 2) are first reported on the southern Tethyan Margin. These microbialites are encased within the pelagic organic-rich black shales of the Bahloul Formation (Cenomanian–Turonian transition). Biostratigraphic, petrographic, and geochemical investigations carried out to constrain their biogenicity and genesis character led to consider them as thrombolites and stromatolites occurring in lenticular bioherms/biostromes and columnar bodies co-relatable to the global ‘filament event’ of the authors, close to the base of the Watinoceras ammonite zone. Abundant clotted micrite, cyanobacterial filaments, and algal tissues point to the key process of microbial carbonate precipitation and to a major role played by microbes in the stabilisation and subsequent lithification, which in turn favoured the preservation of the original structure of the microbialites. These microbially induced carbonate formations are considered as favoured by chemosynthetic fauna of bivalve molluscs and lithistid sponges which were able to host symbiotic microbial communities. The latter contributed to the precipitation of authigenic calcite and non-carbonate minerals (e.g. pyrite) fuelled by microbial activity under sulphate-reducing conditions. The carbonate body onset is considered to be initiated by seafloor instability due to syndepositional fault acting that induced the appraisal of uplifted tilted blocks within oxygenated waters but near the anoxic water masses. Generated depressions allowed the development of chemosynthetic-based communities. Deep faults related to Triassic salt domes acted as conducts for hydrocarbon and salt brine expulsion to the seafloor and the microbialite growth was enhanced by an abrupt uprising sea level under warmer conditions.     

REE and isotope (Sr,S, and Pb) geochemistry to constrain the genesis and timing of the F–(Ba–Pb–Zn) ores of the Zaghouan District (NE Tunisia)

The F–(Ba–Pb–Zn) ore deposits of the Zaghouan District, located in NE Tunisia, occur as open space fillings or stratabound orebodies, hosted in Jurassic, Cretaceous and Tertiary layers. The chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns may be split into three groups: (i) “Normal marine” patterns characterizing the wallrock carbonates; (ii) light REE (LREE) enriched (slide-shaped) patterns with respect to heavy REE (HREE), with small negative Ce and Eu anomalies, characteristic of the early ore stages; (iii) Bell-shaped REE patterns displaying LREE depletion, as well as weak negative Ce and Eu anomalies, characterizing residual fluids of subsequent stages. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios (0.707654–0.708127 ± 8), show that the Sr of the epigenetic carbonates (dolomite, calcite) and ore minerals (fluorite, celestite) are more radiogenic than those of the country (Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous, lower Miocene) sedimentary rocks. The uniformity of this ratio, throughout the District, provides evidence for the isotopic homogeneity and, consequently, the identity of the source of the mineralizing fluids. This signature strongly suggests that the radiogenic Sr is carried by Upper Paleozoic basinal fluids.The δ³⁴S values of barite, associated to mineralizations, are close to those of the Triassic sea water (17‰). The δ³⁴S values of sulfide minerals range from − 13.6‰ to + 11.4‰, suggesting two sulfur-reduced end members (BSR/TSR) with a dominant BSR process.Taking account of the homogeneity in the Pb-isotope composition of galenas (18.833–18.954 ± 0.001, 15.679–15.700 ± 0.001 and 38.690–38.880 ± 0.004, for the ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios respectively), a single upper crustal source for base-metals is accepted. The Late Paleozoic basement seems to be the more plausible source for F–Pb–Zn concentrated in the deposits. The genesis of the Zaghouan District ore deposits is considered as the result of the Zaghouan Fault reactivation during the Late Miocene period.     

Rebuttal to “The case of the Biscayne Bay and aquifer near Miami,Florida: density-driven flow of seawater or gravitationally driven discharge of deep saline groundwater?” by Weyer (Environ Earth Sci 2018, 77:1–16)

A recent paper by Weyer (Environ Earth Sci 2018, 77:1–16) challenges the widely accepted interpretation of groundwater heads and salinities in the coastal Biscayne aquifer near Miami, Florida, USA. Weyer (2018) suggests that the body of saltwater that underlies fresh groundwater just inland of the coast is not a recirculating wedge of seawater, but results instead from upward migration of deep saline groundwater driven by regional flow. Perhaps more significantly, Weyer (2018) also asserts that established hydrologic theory is fundamentally incorrect with respect to buoyancy. Instead of acting along the direction of gravity (that is, vertically), Weyer (2018) claims, buoyancy acts instead along the direction of the pressure gradient. As a result, Weyer (2018) considers currently available density-dependent groundwater flow and transport modeling codes, and the analyses based on them, to be in error. In this rebuttal, we clarify the inaccuracies in the main points of Weyer’s (2018) paper. First, we explain that Weyer (2018) has misinterpreted observed equivalent freshwater heads in the Biscayne aquifer and that his alternative hypothesis concerning the source of the saltwater does not explain the observed salinities. Then, we review the established theory of buoyancy to identify the problem with Weyer’s (2018) alternative theory. Finally, we present theory and cite successful benchmark simulations to affirm the suitability of currently available codes for modeling density-dependent groundwater flow and transport.     

Defect structure of the low temperature α-cristobalite phase and the cristobalite ⇆ tridymite transformation in (Si-Ge)O2

Using minimum exposure techniques, it is feasible to perform high resolution electron microscopy on the α-cristobalite phase of (Si_0.9 Ge_0.1)O₂, which is extremely radiation sensitive. Such images reveal atomic scale information of twins and tridymite-like stacking faults on (1 1 1)_β planes, as well as of domain boundaries resulting from the β→α transition. Polytype structures are formed in certain cases. Morphological features suggest that the phase transformation cristobalite → tridymite proceeds by means of a zonal dislocation mediated synchro-shear process on (1 1 1)_β planes; the geometry of this process is analyzed. Received: 13 June 1999 / Accepted: 30 October 1999     

Contributions to the Post‐Silurian geology of Burma (Northern Shan States and Karen State)

Antiquated stratigraphic and tectonic concepts on non‐metamorphic upper Palaeozoic and Mesozoic sequences in eastern Burma are revised.

Post‐Silurian of Northern Shan States: The misleading traditional term Plateau Limestone ('Devonian‐Permian') is abandoned. The Devonian part is to be known as Shan Dolomite—with the Eifelian Padaukpin Limestone and the Givetian Wetwin Shale as subordinate member formations—and the disconformable Permian as Tonbo Limestone. Carboniferous formations are absent.

Upper Palaeozoic of Karen State: The sequence begins with the fossiliferous Middle to Upper Carboniferous Taungnyo Group resting unconformably on the epimetamorphic Mergui ‘Series’ (probably Silurian) and on older metamorphics. There is no evidence of Devonian rocks. The Permian is represented by widespread, but discontinuous, reef complexes, known as Moulmein Limestone, which rest unconformably on the moderately folded Carboniferous. The earliest beds of the Permian are of the Artinskian Epoch. No Mesozoic sequence is known west of the Dawna Range.

Mesozoic of Northern Shan States: Triassic and Jurassic are present, but the Cretaceous is absent. The Bawgyo Group (Upper Triassic and Rhaetic) rests unconformably on the Palaeozoic and consists of the Pangno Evaporites (below) and the Napeng Formation. The Jurassic Namyau Group, consisting of the Tati Limestone (Bathonian‐Callovian) and the Hsipaw Redbeds (Middle to Upper Jurassic) follows unconformably.

Origin of folding of Mesozoic: The intense primary folding of the Triassic and Jurassic sequences in the Hsipaw region is due to gravity‐sliding (Gleittektonik) on the Upper Triassic evaporites. Secondary complications were introduced by diapiric displacements which are probably continuing. Neither of these tectonic phases shows a significant causal relationship with the Alpine Orogeny sensu stricto. The latter is at best responsible for minor overprinting, chiefly through broad warping and horst‐and‐graben fracturing of the Shan Dolomite with locally considerable vertical displacements. There are no Alpine fold structures in the region. Geotectonically, it was a well‐consolidated frontal block of the Alpidic hinterland.