Seismic-frequency Laboratory Measurements of Shear Mode Viscoelasticity in Crustal Rocks II: Thermally Stressed Quartzite and Granite

—Forced torsional oscillation techniques have been used to explore the seismic-frequency shear mode viscoelasticity of specimens of two crustal rocks (Cape Sorell quartzite and Delegate aplite), cycled between room temperature and 700°C under conditions of moderate confining pressure. The anisotropy and intergranular inhomogeneity of thermal expansivity in these materials give rise to large deviatoric stresses, resulting in thermal cracking at temperatures above a pressure-dependent threshold temperature, associated with the onset of very pronounced temperature sensitivity of the shear modulus, in general accord with the predictions of fracture mechanics models. For Delegate aplite in particular, the shear modulus behaves reproducibly during multiple thermal cycles at different confining pressures, consistent with the notion that the thermal cracks are of low aspect ratio (minimum/maximum dimension), and are therefore readily closed by the prevailing confining pressure once the thermal stresses are removed. Marked frequency-dependent dissipation of shear strain energy is observed on heating each rock to temperatures ≥ 500°C, although the attenuation varies significantly with prior thermal history, probably as a result of progressive dehydration and relaxation of deviatoric stresses. Temperature and pressure dependent crack densities for Delegate aplite have been estimated by comparison of the observed shear moduli with those expected for a crack-free aggregate. In parallel with the forced oscillation tests, measurements have been made of the rate at which (argon) pore pressure equilibrium is re-established following a perturbation. Combination of these results, which provide a proxy for permeability, with the inferred crack densities indicates that the variation of permeability with crack density is well described by a percolation model with a threshold crack density of ～0.2.     

The influence of solar‐induced thermal stresses on the mechanical weathering of rocks in humid mid‐latitudes

The role of solar‐induced thermal stresses in the mechanical breakdown of rock in humid‐temperate climates has remained relatively unexplored. In contrast, numerous studies have demonstrated that cracks in rocks found in more arid mid‐latitude locations exhibit preferred northeast orientations that are interpreted to be a consequence of insolation‐related cracking. Here we hypothesize that similar insolation‐related mechanisms may be efficacious in humid temperate climates, possibly in conjunction with other mechanical weathering processes. To test this hypothesis, we collected rock and crack data from a total of 310 rocks at a forested field site in North Carolina (99 rocks, 266 cracks) and at forested and unforested field sites in Pennsylvania (211 rocks, 664 cracks) in the eastern United States. We find that overall, measured cracks exhibit statistically preferred strike orientations (47° ± 16), as well as dip angles (52° ± 24°), that are similar in most respects to comparable datasets from mid‐latitude deserts. There is less variance in strike orientations for larger cracks suggesting that cracks with certain orientations are preferentially propagated through time. We propose that diurnally repeating geometries of solar‐related stresses result in propagation of those cracks whose orientations are favorably oriented with respect to those stresses. We hypothesize that the result is an oriented rock heterogeneity that acts as a zone of weakness much like bedding or foliation that can, in turn, be exploited by other weathering processes. Observed crack orientations vary somewhat by location, consistent with this hypothesis given the different latitude and solar exposure of the field sites. Crack densities vary between field sites and are generally higher on north‐facing boulder‐faces and in forested sites, suggesting that moisture‐availability also plays a role in dictating cracking rates. These data provide evidence that solar‐induced thermal stresses facilitate mechanical weathering in environments where other processes are also likely at play. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Thermal expansion of a few Indian granitic rocks

The study of thermal expansion by a dilatometer technique on a few granitic rocks from the Peninsular shield and Himalayan regions of India confirms that the linear coefficient of thermal expansion (α) is a function of heating rate, crack porosity, thermal cycling, mineral composition and grain orientation. Permanent set in the samples occurs at the limiting temperature (T_p) and restricts the validity of the apparent thermal-expansion coefficient with rise in temperature. Values of α are determined for a heating rate of ?2°C min^?1 in order to calculate the volume coefficient of expansion (α_v) and the temperature dependence of density (ρ_T).     

Rock warming and drying under simulated intertidal conditions,part I: experimental procedures and comparisons with field data

The wetting–drying and warming–cooling behaviours of rock and stone are known to influence the nature and rate of weathering. The way materials warm‐up and dry‐out also influences their suitability as biological substrata. While rock thermal behaviours have been measured under controlled laboratory conditions, previous experiments have largely been restricted to terrestrial simulations due to practical constraints. Where efforts have been made to simulate intertidal conditions, expansion and contraction of rocks or rates of breakdown (i.e. sediment production and weight loss) have been measured, while detailed observations of thermal and drying behaviours have rarely been made. A simple, semi‐automated procedure is described that enabled measurement of surface temperatures and desorption (evaporative water loss) for different material types (rock and concrete) under simulated semidiurnal tide conditions. Some preliminary results are presented illustrating the types of data that were obtained, and comparisons are made with temperature data collected on a rock platform in the UK to assess the ability of the procedure to adequately represent field conditions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A Poroelastic Description of Permeability Evolution

Pore pressure changes in a geothermal reservoir, as a result of injection and/or production of water, result in changes of stress acting on the reservoir rock and, consequently, changes in the mechanical and transport properties of the rock. Bulk modulus and permeability were measured at different pressures and temperatures. An outcropping equivalent of Rotliegend reservoir rock in the North German Basin (Flechtinger sandstone) was used to perform hydrostatic tests and steady state fluid flow tests. Permeability measurements were conducted while cycling confining pressure; the dependence of permeability on stress was determined at a constant downstream pressure of 1 MPa. Also, temperature was increased stepwise from 30 to 140 °C and crack porosity was calculated at different temperatures. Although changes in the volumes of cracks are not significant, the cracks control fluid flow pathways and, consequently, the permeability of the rock. A new model was derived which relates microstructure of porosity, the stress–strain curve, and permeability. Porosity change was described by the first derivative of the stress–strain curve. Permeability evolution was ascribed to crack closure and was related to the second derivative of the stress–strain curve. The porosity and permeability of Flechtinger sandstone were reduced by increasing the effective pressure and decreased after each pressure cycle.     

Measurements of thermal conductivity and specific heat in volcanogenic rocks

A laboratory installation has been developed together with a technique for determining thermo-physical properties (thermal conductivity and specific heat) in cylindrical rock specimens. The technique is based on iTOUGH2-EOS3 inversion modeling using temperature measurements inside specimens as a result of their short-term heating and subsequent return to the initial temperature. We estimated the thermal conductivity and specific heat for a collection of volcanogenic petrotypes that reflect the rocks that compose the Rogozhnikovskii volcanogenic oil reservoir (29 specimens). The average thermal conductivity of the dry rocks is 1.47 W/m °C and the average specific heat is 754 kJ/kg °C; the reproducibility of this estimation is 2.2% for thermal conductivity and 0.7% for specific heat.     

Rock warming and drying under simulated intertidal conditions,part II: weathering and biological influences on evaporative cooling and near‐surface micro‐climatic conditions as an example of biogeomorphic ecosystem engineering

The way in which rocks and engineering materials heat‐up and dry‐out in the intertidal zone is of relevance to both weathering and ecology. These behaviours can be measured in the laboratory under controlled conditions designed to replicate those occurring in the field. Previous studies have demonstrated differences in thermal behaviours between rock types and through time as a result of soiling in terrestrial environments, but the influence of weathering and colonization on rock behaviours in the intertidal zone has not been previously assessed. We measured the warming and drying of blocks of rock (limestone and granite) and marine concrete during ‘low‐tide’ events simulated in the laboratory, before and after a period of exposure (eight months) on rock platforms in Cornwall, UK. As well as differences between the material types, temperatures of control (unexposed) and field‐exposed blocks differed in the order of 1 to 2 °C. Drying behaviours were also different after field exposure. Differences during the first few hours of exposure to air and heat were attributed to discolouration and albedo effects. Over longer periods of time, changes in the availability of near‐surface pore water as a result of micro‐scale bioerosion of limestone and the development of bio‐chemical crusts on marine concrete [observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM)] are suggested as mechanisms enhancing and reducing, respectively, the efficiency of evaporative cooling. The retention of moisture by epilithic biofilms may also influence thermal and drying behaviours of granite. These observations represent one of the first examples of cross‐scalar biogeomorphic linkages in the intertidal zone. The significance of the results for the subsequent efficiency of weathering, and near‐surface micro‐climatic conditions experienced by colonizing organisms is discussed. The involvement of microorganisms in the creation of more (or less) ecologically stressful conditions through the alteration of substratum geomorphic properties and behaviours is suggested as an example of ‘biogeomorphic ecosystem engineering’. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

X射线岩石CT的历史与现状

采用X射线CT技术无损探测岩石内部结构和裂纹演化过程 ,起源于 2 0世纪 80年代后期 ,由最初对CT图像的认识逐步深化为对岩石裂纹演化规律的分析和应用研究。基于室内岩石试件扫描断面的CT图像 ,目前在岩石变形破坏过程的实时监测、加荷条件多样化、裂纹演化规律性、裂纹宽度的定量测量、岩石裂纹三维图像重建、损伤演化与损伤变量分析、CT成果应用研究等方面取得了一系列进展。岩石CT面临的主要问题是如何获得各种试验条件下精确的CT图像及其成果的应用研究。岩石CT的生命力在于自身理论、技术发展和在相关领域的应用程度     

Modelling the stress-strain behaviour of saturated rocks undergoing triaxial deformation using complex electrical conductivity measurements

Measurement of complex electrical conductivity as a function of frequency is an extremely sensitive probe for changes in pore and crack volume, crack connectivity, and crack surface topography. Such measurements have been made as a function of pore fluid chemistry, hydrostatic confining pressure, as well as uniaxial and triaxial deformation. This paper will; (1) describe the effects of triaxial deformation on the complex electrical conductivity of saturated porous rocks, (2) use the electrical data to model the mechanical stress-strain behaviour, and (3) compare the modelled behaviour with the stress-strain behaviour measured during the deformation. Experimental conductivity data tracks how the rock undergoes compaction with progressive loss of crack volume, followed by dilatation due to new crack formation, growth of existing cracks, crack interlinkage, and finally failure, as axial strain is increased. We have used the complex electrical data to produce a direction-sensitive (anisotropic) crack damage parameter, and used it to calculate the effective Young's modulus by employing the models of Walsh and Bruner. Comparison of the synthetic stress-strain curves so produced, with the experimentally derived stress-strain curves shows good agreement, particularly for undrained tests. This modelling is an improvement on similar curves produced using isotropic crack damage parameters derived from acoustic emission data. The improvement is likely to be due to the directional sensitivity of the electrical conductivity measurement, and its ability to discriminate between the formation of isolated cracks, and those cracks that contribute to the inter-connected crack space i.e. those cracks upon which transport properties of the rock such as electrical conductivity, and mechanical properties depend most critically during triaxial deformation.     

Crystal/liquid partitioning in augite: effects of cooling rate

The partitioning of major and minor elements between augite and melt was determined as a function of cooling rate for two high-titanium basalt compositions. The results of this study of lunar rock systems 10017 and 75055 were compared with the results of other kinetic studies of augite-liquid partitioning in other rock systems. It was found that the partitioning of major elements (i.e., Ca, Fe, Mg) is essentially rate independent and is insensitive to bulk rock composition and to the nature and order of appearance of coexisting phases for cooling rates of less than 100°C/hr. The partitioning behavior of minor elements (i.e., Al, Cr, Ti) for the same range of cooling rates is complex, being dependent on cooling rate and bulk rock composition. Consideration of these factors is important when augite chemistry and/or partitioning behavior are used in modeling certain magmatic processes or in estimating the thermal history of basaltic rocks.     

Present warming within the context of cooling–warming cycles observed since 1854 in the Bay of Biscay

The warming trend observed during the last decades in the Bay of Biscay is put within the context of sea surface temperature (SST) changes observed in the area since 1854. Macroscopically, two consecutive warming–cooling cycles were detected during this period of time: cooling from 1867 to 1910; warming from 1910 to 1945; cooling from 1945 to 1974; and warming from 1974 to nowadays. Warming rates of 0.17 and 0.22 °C per decade were measured during the warming sub-periods and cooling rates of ?0.14 and ?0.10 °C per decade were measured during the cooling sub-periods. The present warming period is on the same order of magnitude although slightly more intense than the one observed from 1910 to 1945, which is consistent with previous analysis carried for the North Atlantic. Finally, the thermal amplitude defined as the difference between the maximum and minimum annual values has increased since 1974 at a rate of 0.06 °C per decade due to the different increasing rates of the maximum (0.26 °C per decade) and minimum (0.20 °C per decade) SSTs.     

Damage and Changes in Mechanical Properties of a Gabbro Thermally Loaded up to 1,000°C

Thermal loading of rocks at high temperatures induces changes in their mechanical properties. In this study, a hard gabbro was tested in the laboratory. Specimens were slowly heated to a maximum temperature of 1,000°C. Subsequent to the thermal loading, specimens were subjected to uniaxial compression. A drastic decrease of both unconfined compressive strength and elastic moduli was observed. The thermal damage of the rock was also highlighted by measuring elastic wave velocities and by monitoring acoustic emissions during testing. The micromechanisms of rock degradation were investigated by analysis of thin sections after each stage of thermal loading. It was found that there is a critical temperature above which drastic changes in mechanical properties occur. Indeed, below a temperature of 600°C, microcracks start developing due to a difference in the thermal expansion coefficients of the crystals. At higher temperatures (above 600°C), oxidation of Fe²⁺ and Mg²⁺, as well as bursting of fluid inclusions, are the principal causes of damage. Such mechanical degradation may have dramatic consequences for many geoengineering structures.     

压力及流体对岩石孔隙结构与黏弹性的影响规律研究:理论模型及实验观测

地质成因和构造/热应力导致地壳岩石中的孔隙结构（裂隙和粒间孔）的变化.影响岩石黏弹性的因素包括压力、孔隙度、孔隙中包含的流体和孔隙几何形状等.相对于岩石中的硬孔隙,岩石黏弹性（衰减和频散）受软孔隙（裂隙）的影响更大.本文选取三块白云岩样本,进行了不同围压和流体条件下的超声波实验测量.利用CPEM（Cracks and Pores Effective Medium,裂隙和孔隙有效介质）模型获得了岩石高、低频极限的弹性模量,并通过Zener体（标准线性体）模型将CPEM模型拓展到全频带而得到CPEM-Zener模型,用该模型拟合岩石松弛和非松弛状态下的实验数据,本文得到平均裂隙纵横比和裂隙孔隙度以及纵波速度和品质因子随频率的变化关系.结果表明,饱水岩石的平均裂隙纵横比和裂隙孔隙度均高于饱油岩石,随着压差（围压和孔隙压力的差值）的增加,饱油岩石中的裂隙首先闭合.并且压差在70 MPa以内时,随着压差增大,岩石的平均裂隙纵横比和裂隙孔隙度在饱水和饱油时的差值增大,此时流体类型对于岩石裂隙的影响越来越显著,此外,对饱水岩石,平均裂隙纵横比随压差增加而增大,这可能是由于岩石中纵横比较小的裂隙会随压差增大而逐渐趋于闭合.在饱水和饱油岩石中,裂隙孔隙度和裂隙密度都随着压差增加而减小.通过对裂隙密度和压差的关系进行指数拟合,本文获得压差趋于0时的裂隙密度,且裂隙密度随孔隙度增大而增大,增大速率随压差增加而降低.针对饱水和饱油的白云岩样本,CPEM-Zener模型预测的纵波频散随压差增大而减小,此变化趋势和实验测得的逆品质因子随压差的变化关系基本一致,由此进一步验证了模型的实用性.本研究对岩石的孔隙结构和黏弹性分析以及声波测井、地震勘探的现场应用有指导意义.     

南阳膨胀土在受荷的湿干循环过程中细观结构演化规律研究

为了研究浅层膨胀土的细观结构在湿干循环过程中的演化规律,研制了可以进行CT扫描的CT-固结仪。在不同压力作用下对南阳膨胀土的原状样及其重塑土样进行多组多次湿干循环试验,并对每次烘干和增湿稳定后的试样进行CT扫描,跟踪观察湿干循环过程中试样的细观结构变化。结果表明:在湿干循环中,土样的膨胀量和收缩量都比较大,经历三次湿干循环之后,相同饱和度下土样体积基本不再变化;增湿和干燥都能使原状膨胀土及其重塑土的结构损伤,第一次烘干之后,土样即产生明显裂隙;随着湿干循环次数的增加,土样裂隙继续开展,土样结构损伤发生累积;上部荷载对裂隙开展有一定抑制作用,并影响裂隙的发育和裂隙网络的形状;原状膨胀土的裂隙围绕第一次形成的主裂隙发育,而重塑膨胀土的裂隙呈龟背状或辐射状;原状膨胀土及其重塑土在湿态(饱和度S_r=85%)时的CT数M_E值均较干态(饱和度S_r=25%)时的M_E值大;湿态和干态的ME值均随湿干循环次数呈近似线性变化,前者的坡度比较平缓,后者则较陡;基于CT数据定义了膨胀土的细观结构参数,提出定量描述湿干循环过程中膨胀土细观结构参数与试样饱和度、湿干循环次数及所受荷载的数学表达式,预测结果与试验资料比较接近。      

Measurements of thermal magnetic susceptibility of hematite and goethite

Magnetic susceptibility (MS) of natural specimens of hematite and goethite is studied under continuous heating with various additives: with carbon (sugar), nitrogen (carbamide), and elemental sulfur. It is found that heating of hematite with carbon above 450°C results in the formation of single-domain magnetite, while the magnetic susceptibility rises by a factor of 165. The increase in magnetic susceptibility on heating of hematite with nitrogen above 540°C reflects the generation of a single-domain maghemite with the Curie point of about 650°C, which is stable to heating. After the first heating, the magnetic susceptibility increases by 415 times. The subsequent cycle of thermal treatment results in the transition of maghemite to hematite, a decrease of MS, and an increase of coercivity. Heating with sulfur produces a stable single-domain magnetite at a temperature above the Curie point, which is manifested in the cooling curves. Here, the MS increases by a factor of 400. The heating curves for goethite exhibit a sharp drop in susceptibility to a temperature of 350–360°C, which reflects the transition of hematite to goethite. Heating of hematite with carbon produces stable maghemite at above 530°C, and with sulphur and nitrogen, it produces magnetite. When heated with pyrite, hematite reduces to magnetite under the action of sulfur released from pyrite.     

Rock temperatures as an indicator of weathering processes affecting rock art

To aid rock art conservation, rock temperatures have been monitored at different depths and at low (30 min) and high (1 min) acquisition rates in a painted rock shelter in the uKhahlamba‐Drakensberg Park (South Africa). Preliminary data for winter (cold and dry) show that in that season cryoclasty is unlikely to occur (rare subzero thermal events and probable reduced moisture availability) and thermal shocks are improbable (highest measured ΔT/Δt < 2 °C min^?1). High amplitude (about 30 °C) rock temperature cycles accompanied by reversals of the thermal gradient have been observed to occur almost daily and hint at the possibility of thermal stress fatigue. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Thermal weathering of granite spheroidal boulders in a dry‐temperate climate,Northern Dobrogea,Romania

Weathering microforms associated with exfoliation were investigated on 40 granitic spheroidal boulders identified on Pricopan Ridge (M?cin Mountains) in order to establish a spatial distribution pattern. Continuous thermal monitoring allowed the frequency and intensity distribution assessment of short‐term temperature changes triggered by summer storms, of intense day–night amplitudes and frost cycles across a uniform rounded boulder. Rock strength estimated by Schmidt hammer tests differentiates a significantly weaker resistance on the southern face of the boulders (rebound values of 27 to 33) in comparison with the northern face (43–50). The lowest resistance of the north–south cross‐boulder profile corresponds to the southern gentle slopes (0°–45°) thus defining the most susceptible area to exfoliation and other weathering processes. It is argued that this low‐resistant sector fits well with the maximum frequency and intensity of thermal processes recorded on the low and mid slopes (0°–45°) of the boulders south side, with small differences from one process to another, whilst the sector of 20° to 30° south corresponds to the peak activity of all. In accordance, the overlay map of exfoliated surfaces places the high frequency area on a spherical cap developed similarly (between 5° north and 45° south). The smallest exfoliated surfaces normally appear around 30° south and are inferred to extend in time both to the boulder top and downslope. The correlations between the frequency/intensity maps of thermal processes and the frequency map of exfoliated surfaces point to a complementary action in the exfoliated surfaces development of the short‐term temperature changes and diurnal cooling and heating due to the directional insolation effect, as similarly inferred in the development of meridional cracks. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Porosity determinations and the thermal conductivity of rock fragments with application to heat flow on Cyprus

A standard core analysis technique has been modified to estimate porosities from measurements on rock fragments. For the range of rocks tested, chip-determined fractional porosities were within ±0.025 of the values measured on solid-core samples. This has enabled thermal conductivity measurements on rock fragments to be corrected for the effect of porosity, yielding agreement with conductivity determinations on solid core generally to better than ± 10%. The application of this is illustrated by the determination of heat flow in a 300-m borehole in western Cyprus (latitude 34°54′N, longitude 32°34′E, elevation 82 m). A decrease in temperature gradient with depth is almost completely compensated for by increasing thermal conductivity, and the best value for heat flow at this site is 23 ± 4 mW m^?2.     

Petrology and geochemistry of ultrahigh‐temperature granulites from the South Altay orogenic belt,northwestern China: Implications for metamorphic evolution and protolith composition

Ultrahigh‐temperature (UHT) granulites in the South Altay orogenic belt of Northwestern China provide important clues for the lower crustal components and tectonic evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt during the Paleozoic. In this paper, we studied whole‐rock geochemistry and mineral characteristics to understand the protolith and metamorphic evolution of the Altay UHT granulite. The Altay granulite shows negative discriminant function values (DF) of ?9.27 to ?3.95, indicating a sedimentary origin, probably an argillaceous rock. The peak metamorphic temperature–pressure conditions of 920–1010 °C and > 9 kbar were estimated from the geothermobarometry, together with the stability of spinel (low ZnO) + quartz and orthopyroxene (Al₂O₃ up to 9.2 wt.%) + sillimanite + quartz in the Altay UHT rock, indicate a UHT metamorphic condition has been achieved. Two stages of retrograde conditions are recognized in these rocks; the first is an isothermal decompression to approx. 750 °C at 5.2–5.8 kbar at the early stage, and the second is the cooling down to 520–550 °C at 4.8–5.2 kbar. Combined with previous study, the formation of the Altay UHT pelitic granulite with a clockwise retrograde P–T path is inferred to be related with collisional and accretional orogenic process between the Siberian and Kazakhstan–Junggar plates.     

Analysis of crack movements observed in an alpine bedrock cliff

Crack widths and rock temperatures were monitored on an andestic bedrock cliff in the summit area of the Daisetsu Mountains, Hokkaido, northern Japan. Sequential data recorded the gradual widening of a crack to the point of critical crack extension, which resulted in catastrophic rock breakage. The data indicate that a combination of liquid water in?ltration into crack tip and subsequent freezing is the most signi?cant factor contributing to critical crack extension. The recorded sub‐critical crack movements involved a number of minor crack extensions and contractions, the timing of which correlates well with the magnitude of the reconstructed thermal stresses at the crack tip derived from thermal deformation of the plate‐shaped rock fragment. Larger crack extensions occurred when stress at the crack tip exceeded a threshold value, possibly re?ecting the control of rock fracture mechanics by which cracks are thought to propagate when the stress intensity factor at the crack tip exceeds the threshold values for stress corrosion cracking and the fracture toughness of the material. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.