GGR Biennial Review: Isotope Ratio Determination in the Earth and Environmental Sciences 2008–2009

This review documents developments and applications in the field of isotope ratio determination, as reflected in the literature for the Earth and environmental sciences for the years 2008 and 2009. The emphasis is predominantly on applications, reflecting the enormous diversity of problems to which isotopic analysis can now be applied, but viewed in the context of rapid development of new analytical methodologies as significant new drivers of research output.     

GGR Biennial Review: Atomic Absorption,Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry,Neutron Activation Analysis and X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry Review for 2008–2009

This review describes developments major and in trace element determination using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry that were reported in 2008 and 2009. Publication levels were comparable to those of previous years, except for XRF which showed an increase in the number of articles published in the past 2 years. In terms of number of publications and impact, the most active field was AAS, while INAA was the least active. As expected for well-established and mature methods, novel developments for all four analytical techniques were relatively sparse. For AAS, the most notable publications concerned developments in sample introduction, particularly focussing on solid samples, increasing analyte sensitivity, and higher sample throughput. For ICP-AES, publication of developments in sample introduction, remediation of matrix effects and calibration continues. Compared with past years, there was a clear focus on sample preconcentration methods, but very few publications reporting new hyphenated speciation methods. For INAA, there were several publications exploring the accuracy and robustness of the method, as well as the requirements for INAA to meet criteria for a primary method of measurement. Two other related techniques, delayed neutron activation analysis, and prompt gamma activation analysis, were also described. Hyphenated XRF techniques showed interesting developments in enabling XRF and XRD analysis on the same spot, and further work characterising and calibrating three-dimensional micro-XRF shows promising results for investigating sample heterogeneity.     

GGR Biennial Review: Key Advances in Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry in the Geological Sciences during the Period 2008–2009

Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS or ion microprobe) remains one of the most powerful techniques in the analytical geochemist’s toolkit. The key strength of SIMS is its capacity to provide trace element and isotope data at sampling sizes which are not approached by other methods. As compared with the main competing technique of laser ablation-ICP-MS, SIMS commonly provides a total sampling mass some 10 to 500 times smaller; this feature can be the deciding factor as to whether an analytical objective is technically achievable. Additional strengths of SIMS lie in the areas of depth profiling and trace element imaging. Though perhaps not as commonly used in the geosciences, these two operational modes represent unique capabilities of SIMS.     

GGR Critical Review of Analytical Developments in 2008–2009: An Introduction

This collection of articles represents the fourth in a series of reviews in which authors have aimed at capturing the key advances in a range of analytical fields ( Hergt et al. 2005, 2006, 2008 ). The publication period under review is 2008–2009 and the intention here is to provide readers with a summary of the most influential developments published during this period, across a broad range of topics appropriate to the Earth and environmental sciences. Most authors comment on the ways in which the emphases of research in their specific fields of examination have changed over time. All note an increase in rigour and focus on data quality. Whether advances have taken place in instrumentation, sample manipulation or data deconvolution, there are a large number of dedicated scientists out there contributing to the high quality of geochemical data employed in geological and environmental research.     

Environmental geology in Thailand – programs and strategies

 The paper describes the activities and objectives of the Department of Mineral Resources in the field of environmental geology. This approach is still a comparatively new for Thailand and presently comprises different programs: environmental geology for regional planning, seismic hazards, flooding/landslides, coastal management and geosites conservation. The Environmental Geology Section of the Department is the relevant administrative unit. The technical work and the related documentations focus on rising public awareness and integration of geo-information into land-use planning and land development. Received: 23 April 1999 · Accepted: 8 June 1999     

Duluth Complex FC1 Apatite and Zircon: Reference Materials for (U-Th)/He Dating?

The accuracy and validation of geo- and thermochronological dating hinges on the availability of well-characterised age reference materials. The Mesoproterozoic gabbroic anorthosite FC1 from the Duluth Complex, Minnesota is a reference material for zircon U-Pb and a suggested reference material for apatite fission-track dating. We evaluate FC1 as (U-Th)/He reference material, and determine its apatite U-Pb, and zircon and apatite (U-Th)/He age. Our dating results constrain the thermal history of FC1, showing that fast cooling occurred between ~ 1099 and 1040 Ma from ≥ 600 °C to ~ 200 °C. The zircon (U-Th)/He data from air-abraded grains give a robust isochron age of 1037 ± 25 Ma (2s) without overdispersion. The within-grain homogeneity of U and Th, the availability of FC1 zircon, and the absence of radiation-damage effects on the (U-Th)/He age support its use as reference material. Unabraded zircon grains give lower and more dispersed ages, highlighting the usefulness of air abrasion to control for α-ejection in (U-Th)/He dating. Our apatite (U-Th-Sm)/He single-grain ages vary between 180 and 300 Ma. Their wide dispersion argues against the use of FC1 apatite as (U-Th-Sm)/He reference material and makes the interpretation of their low-temperature thermal history complicated.     

Hydrogeological and Gasgeochemical Earthquake Precursors – A Review for Application

Even if earthquake precursory signals can be identified, how can they be useful? This paper investigates relationships among the attributes of 229 proposed earthquake related gasgeochemical and hydrogeological precursory signals, and applies these results to improve future earthquake prediction strategies. Sub-groups of these reported signals and relationships between sub-groups are established using parameters, including earthquake magnitude, signal duration, precursory time, and epicentral distance to the monitoring site (original studies are used wherever possible to improve data quality). A strong correlation (r=0.86) between signal duration and precursory time was identified. This suggests a relationship between the investigated precursory signals and tectonic processes related to the referenced earthquakes. Moreover, these signals are categorized into four groups, reflecting differences in monitoring station densities, measurement methods and physical processes related to signal occurrence: (a) radon exhalation from the earth’s crust, (b) exhalation of other gases (helium, argon and others), (c) temporal variation in water level or discharge of springs and (d) temporal variation in temperature and dissolved ions in the water of the monitoring sites. In addition, boundary functions are used to separate signal group subsets. Finally, it is shown how these boundary functions can be used in the context of an earthquake prediction strategy by identifying potential minimum magnitudes and maximum epicentral distances from the monitoring site.     

Nano‐Powdered Calcium Carbonate Reference Materials: Significant Progress for Microanalysis?

Homogeneity, mass fractions of about forty trace elements and Sr isotope composition of Ca carbonate reference materials (RMs) between original and nano‐powdered pellets are compared. Our results using nanosecond and femtosecond LA‐(MC)‐ICP‐MS show that the nano‐pellets of the RMs MACS‐3NP, JCp‐1NP and JCt‐1NP are about a factor of 2–3 more homogeneous than the original samples MACS‐3, JCp‐1 and JCt‐1, and are therefore much more suitable for microanalytical purposes. With the exception of Si, the mass fractions of the synthetic RM MACS‐3 agree with its fine‐grained analogue MACS‐3NP. Very small, but significant, differences between original and nano‐pellets are observed in the RMs JCp‐1 and JCt‐1 for some trace elements with very low contents, indicating the need for re‐certification. Strontium mass fractions in the analysed RMs are high (1500–7000 mg kg^?1), and their isotope compositions determined by LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS in the original and the nano‐pellets agree within uncertainty limits.     

Focused Ion Beam (FIB) – TEM: Exploring Earth Materials with Ions and Electrons

<正>Focused ion beam techniques have been applied in Geosciences since 10–15 years.The basic principal of FIB is using accelerated Ga-ions to sputter material from a target.At the beginning of FIB application in Geosciences it was utilized as a tool to prepare site-specific samples for transmission electron microscopy(TEM).FIB enabled     

Environmental investigation for causality and remediation of cadmium contaminated soils in Tak Province, Thailand

Highly elevated cadmium concentrations in paddy soil in the Mae Sod District, Tak Province, Thailand, was detected and widely reported in 2003. This emergence provoked public interest and demands for responsibility and remedial actions. As zinc mines and concentrator were located in the upstream area, mining activities were proclaimed a contamination source. Department of Primary Industries and Mines （DPIM）, a governmental organization responsible for mining and mineral processing, was thus challenged to verify the reliability of post monitoring data displaying consistently low heavy metal concentrations in compliance with the standard limits for over 15 years. Detailed survey and deep-going research on the causes, boundary and severity of cadmium contamination as well as the environmental impact alleviation were consequently conducted. Environmental samples were accumulated systematically for 2 years throughout the areas of upstream and downstream mining sites. A total of 259 soil samples from 53 spots at the depths of 0-20, 20-40, 40-60 and 60-200 cm were drilled with hand auger. Samples of water, stream sediment and mine tailing were also collected. Chemical analysis for cadmium （Cd）, zinc （Zn） and lead （Pb） concentrations with AAS and ICP were undertaken. The contaminated area was finally defined to spread over approximately 18 square kilometer mainly of mountainous mineralizing land and colluvium.     

Review of “Groundwater modeling in semiarid Central Sudan: adequacy and long-term abstraction” (Abdalla 2009a)

The groundwater resources of the confined aquifers north of El Obeid town in Central Sudan are inadequate and limited due to absence of recent recharge and alternative sources of induced recharge contrary to the findings of Abdalla (Abdalla 2009a, Arab J Geosci, DOI 10.1007/s12517-009-0042-4), who claimed that 35 million cubic meters/year can be continually extracted from the deep aquifers of Bara Basin to supply El Obeid city without endangering the groundwater resources in the region.     

Monitoring the sedimentary budget and dislocated boulders in western Greece – results since 2008

Dislocated boulders are one sign of high-energy wave impacts on coasts. These high-energy impacts, caused by severe storms or tsunamis, can trigger initial cracking and transport of boulders. Monitoring of these boulders, as well as the associated coastal sites is important in distinguishing between gradual coastal processes and high-energy events. Western Greece is a seismically active area, where tsunamis and high-energetic storms might occur and such past events are documented by historic and geoscientific research, making it an ideal location for monitoring dislocated boulders. Since 2008, monitoring of eight different coastal sites in this region was conducted by terrestrial laser scanning and photogrammetric approaches, with low-cost unmanned aerial vehicles. The re-use of similar surveying points in following years, allowed highly accurate monitoring. Point clouds derived from these methods were evaluated for change detection by point cloud comparisons. The data were also used to establish accurate three-dimensional models of dislocated boulders (n = 70). The determined boulder volumes of these accurate three-dimensional models were incorporated in wave transport equations and wave decay curves, and compared with monitoring results. A comprehensive overview of dislocated boulders in western Greece is presented. Three-dimensional boulder reconstruction is compared to an approach which uses a tape-based measuring of boulder axes, with the tape-based measurement showing a mean overestimation of mass by 32%. Accurate monitoring over time by both methods, is achieved by using fixed networks of reference points. Changes for each site over time, detected by direct point cloud comparisons, are fit to the possible inundation calculated by wave decay curves based on computed minimum wave heights for boulder transport. Both storm and tsunami waves may have initiated movement from the cliff edge and further transport is also possible. However, boulders showed no further movement from their current position in the area for the time period of this study.     

Regional Air Quality Modelling in Canada – Applications for Policy and Real-Time Prediction

Acid rain and photochemical smog are two regionalair-quality issues that have received considerableattention in the last two decades due to their harmfuleffects. Health impacts of particulate matter (PM) inthe atmosphere is another issue of concern.Sulphur dioxide emission controls were introducedin both Canada and the U.S.A. to reduceacid-deposition-related damage. While these emissionreductions have already resulted in reduced sulphatedeposition, based on results from modelling studiesmuch of southeastern Canada is still expected toexperience damaging levels of acid deposition evenafter all currently legislated emission controls arefully implemented. Moreover, there has not been acorresponding reduction in the acidity ofprecipitation. This may be attributable to aconcurrent reduction in base-cation concentration inprecipitation.Models were also developed to understand theformation, transport and diffusion of troposphericozone. The models have been used to provide policyguidance for emission control options to reduceground-level ozone to acceptable limits. In thesummer of 1997 a Canadian pilot project was initiatedto provide real-time forecasts of ground-level ozonein the southeastern part of the province of NewBrunswick in eastern Canada.With the emergence of fine Particulate Matter(PM_2.5) as a health concern, efforts are underwayin Canada to develop a unified' regional air-qualitymodel that will address the combined impacts ofvarious pollutants in the atmosphere. In this effortthe atmosphere is viewed as a single entity where theimpacts of multiple pollutants are considered at thesame time.     

The search for landfill sites – requirements and implementation in Lower Saxony, Germany

 In Germany, landfilling and incineration are the main techniques for the disposal of waste. However, due to humid climatic conditions, leakage of contaminated water from landfills into the subsurface poses a considerable threat to the environment. Therefore, the German states require high safety standards for the construction of a landfill. Emphasis is put on the presence of natural geological barrier rocks. Clay and silts, claystones and siltstones are best suited to meet the requirements defined in legal waste regulations. With regard to retardation capacity, thickness is considered of higher importance than hydraulic permeability. Suitable areas have to be reduced by legally excluded areas. A site search program in Lower Saxony revealed that only 1% of the total state area falls into the best suitability category. Geoscientific investigations on the remaining suitable areas have to become more detailed in the search progress. Geographical information systems (GIS) are the most adequate tools to work on all involved data and to present and outline the results. GIS make the results transparent and understandable to the public. These investigations are a necessary part of the environmental impact assessment which is obligatory for a landfill site's construction. Criteria catalogues take all important aspects of the search process into consideration and help to find the most suitable site. Received: 17 March 1997 · Accepted: 6 June 1997     

Review: Natural tracers in fractured hard-rock aquifers in the Austrian part of the Eastern Alps—previous approaches and future perspectives for hydrogeology in mountain regions

Extensive in-depth research is required for the implementation of natural tracer approaches to hydrogeological investigation to be feasible in mountainous regions. This review considers the application of hydrochemical and biotic parameters in mountain regions over the past few decades with particular reference to the Austrian Alps, as an example for alpine-type mountain belts. A brief introduction to Austria’s hydrogeological arrangement is given to show the significance of fractured hard-rock aquifers for hydrogeological science as well as for water supply purposes. A literature search showed that research concerning fractured hard-rock aquifers in Austria is clearly underrepresented to date, especially when taking the abundance of this aquifer type and the significance of this topic into consideration. The application of abiotic natural tracers (hydrochemical and isotope parameters) is discussed generally and by means of examples from the Austrian Alps. The potential of biotic tracers (microbiota and meiofauna) is elucidated. It is shown that the meiofauna approach to investigating fractured aquifers has not yet been applied in the reviewed region, nor worldwide. Two examples of new approaches in mountainous fractured aquifers are introduced: (1) use of CO₂ partial pressure and calcite saturation of spring water to reconstruct catchments and flow dynamics (abiotic approach), and, (2) consideration of hard-rock aquifers as habitats to reconstruct aquifer conditions (biotic approach).     

The Dammam aquifer in Bahrain – Hydrochemical characterization and alternatives for management of groundwater quality

 Over-abstraction of the Dammam aquifer, the principal aquifer in Bahrain, by the agricultural and domestic sectors, has led to its salinization by adjacent brackish and saline water bodies. A hydrochemical study identified the locations of the sources of aquifer salinization and delineated their areas of influence. The investigation indicates that the aquifer water quality is significantly modified as groundwater flows from the northwestern parts of Bahrain, where the aquifer receives its water by lateral underflow from eastern Saudi Arabia, to the southern and southeastern parts. Four types of salinization of the aquifer are identified: brackish-water up-flow from the underlying brackish-water zones in north-central, western, and eastern regions; seawater intrusion in the eastern region; intrusion of sabkha water in the southwestern region; and irrigation return flow in a local area in the western region. Four alternatives for the management of groundwater quality that are available to the water authorities in Bahrain are discussed and their priority areas are proposed, based on the type and extent of each salinization source, in addition to groundwater use in that area. The effectiveness of the proposed management options in controlling the degradation of water quality in the Dammam aquifer should be evaluated using simulation modeling. Received: June 1998 Revised: November 1998 Accepted: December 1998     

Experimental Verification and Research for the Distortion in the Integrated Frequency Responses of the High-Pressure Sealed Cabin and Magnetic Field Sensor

Although magnetotelluric sounding method applied to the land is advanced, there are many difficulties when it is applied to marine environment, one of which is how to lay magnetic field sensors down to the seafloor to complete measurements. To protect the magnetic field sensors from intense erosion and high pressure, suitable high-pressure sealed cabins must be designed to load them. For the consideration of magnetic measurement and marine operation, the sealed pressure cabin should be nonmagnetic and transportable. Among all optional materials, LC4 super-hard aluminum alloy has the highest performance of price/quality ratio to make the sealed pressure cabin. However, it does not mean that the high-pressure sealed cabin made using LC4 will be perfect in performance. In fact, because of its weak magnetism, the pressure cabin made using LC4 has distorting effect on frequency responses of the magnetic field sensors sealed in it. This distorting effect does not affect the use of the magnetic field sensor, but if we want to eliminate its effect, we should study it by experimental measurements. In our experiment tests, frequency sweep magnetic field as excitation signal was used, and then responses of the magnetic field sensor before and after being loaded into the high-pressure sealed cabin were measured. Finally, normalized abnormal curves for the frequency responses were obtained, through which we could show how the high-pressure sealed cabin produces effects on the responses of the magnetic field sensor. Experimental results suggest that the response distortion induced by the sealed pressure cabin appears on mid- andhigh-frequency areas. Using experimental results as standardization data, the frequency responses collected from seafloor magnetotelluric measurements can be corrected to restore real information about the seafloor field source.