Magnetic fabric development in a highly anisotropic magnetite-bearing ductile shear zone (Seve Nappe Complex,Scandinavian Caledonides)

Magnetite-bearing mylonitic garnet–micaschists close to the major suture between the Baltica and Iapetus terranes (Seve Nappe Complex, Scandinavian Caledonides) show very high anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) with corrected degree of anisotropy (P′) up to 4.8. Three different magnetic fabric types can be distinguished. They correspond to protomylonite (type I, P′ < 2), mylonite (type II, 2 < P′ < 3), and ultramylonite (type III, P′ > 3), respectively. The orientation of the ellipsoid axes from all applied magnetic fabric methods in this study is similar with shallow dips of the metamorphic foliation toward WSW and subhorizontal, mostly NW–SE trending mineral lineation. Differences between subfabrics were minimized under high shear strain as all markers tend to align parallel with the shear plane. The very high anisotropies and mostly oblate ellipsoid shapes of type III correlate with high magnetic susceptibility (k _mean up to 55 × 10⁻³ SI units) and are related to the concentration of magnetite aggregates with shape-preferred orientation. They show a distinct field dependence of magnetic susceptibility of up to 10% in the k _max-direction. We attribute this field dependence to a “memory” of high strains in the domain walls of the crystals acquired during synkinematic magnetite growth during shear zone fabric development at temperatures of 550–570°C.     

Magnetic and nuclear structure and thermal expansion of orthorhombic and monoclinic polymorphs of CoGeO3 pyroxene

CoGeO₃ was synthesized at 1,273 and 1,448 K using ceramic sintering techniques in the monoclinic and orthorhombic modification, respectively. The two compounds were analysed by magnetic susceptibility measurements and neutron diffraction in order to study magnetic ordering and spin structures at low temperature. The monoclinic form of CoGeO₃ has C2/c symmetry and orders magnetically below 36 K with a small negative paramagnetic Curie temperature θ _P = −4.6 (2) K. The magnetic structure can be described with k = (1, 0, 0) in the magnetic space group C2′/c′ having a ferromagnetic spin arrangement within the chains of M1 sites, but a dominating antiferromagnetic coupling between the chains. At the M1 sites the magnetic spins are aligned within the a–c plane forming an angle of 120° with the +a-axis and they are not parallel to the spins at M2. Here spins are also ferromagnetically coupled within, but antiferromagnetically coupled between the M1/M2 site bands. The orthorhombic phase of CoGeO₃ displays Pbca symmetry and transforms to an antiferromagnetically ordered state [θ _P = −18.6(2) K] below 33 K. The magnetic spin structure can be described with k = (0, 0, 0) in space group Pbca′ and it is similar to the one of the C2/c phase except that it is non-collinear in nature, i.e. there are components of the magnetic moment along all three crystallographic axes. Small magneto-elastic coupling is observed in the orthorhombic phase.     

The initiation and linkage of surface fractures above a buried strike-slip fault: An experimental approach

Surface fractures in the overburdened sedimentary rocks, formed above a deep-seated basement fault, often provide important information about the kinematics of the underlying master fault. It has already been established that these surface fractures dynamically evolve and link one another with progressive displacement on the master fault below. In the present study, two different series of riedel-type experiments were carried out with clay analogue models under different boundary conditions viz., (i) heterogeneous simple shear of the cover rocks above a buried strike slip fault (wrench system) and (ii) heterogeneous simple shear with a component of shear-normal compression of the overburden package above a basement fault (transpressional system), to observe the initiation and linkage of surface fractures with varying T′ (where T′ = thickness of the overburden normalized with respect to the width of the master fault). In the wrench system, Riedel (R) shears were linked by principal displacement (Y) shears at early stages (shear strain of 0.8 to 1) in thin (2 < T′ < 18) models and finally (at a minimum shear strain of 1.4) gave rise to a through-going fault parallel to the basement fault without development of any other fracture. Conjugate Riedel (R′) shears develop only within the thicker (T′ > 18) clay models at a minimum shear strain of 0.7. With increasing deformation (at a minimum shear strain of 1.2) two R′ shears were joined by an R shear and finally opened up to make a sigmoidal vein with an asymmetry antithetic to the major fault-movement sense. Under transpression, the results were similar to that of heterogeneous simple shear for layers 2 < T′ < 15. In layers of intermediate thickness (15 < T′ < 25) early formed high angle R shears were cross cut by low angle R shears (at a minimum shear strain of 0.5 and shortening of 0.028) and “Riedel-within-Riedel” shears were formed within thick (T′ > 25) models (at minimum shear strain of 0.7 and shortening of 0.1), with marked angularity of secondary fault zone with the master fault at depth.     

Using AMS combined with mineral shape preferred orientation analysis to understand the emplacement fabrics of the Apiaí gabbro-norite (Ribeira Belt,SE Brazil)

The Apiaí gabbro-norite is a massive fine-grained Neoproterozoic intrusion emplaced in a core of synformal structure that deforms low-grade marine metasedimentary rocks of the Ribeira Belt of south-eastern Brazil. The lack of visible magmatic layering or any internal fabric has been a major limitation in deciding whether the emplacement occurred before or after the regional folding. To assist in the tectonic interpretations, we combine low-field anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) and silicate shape preferred orientation (SPO) to reveal the internal structure of the mafic intrusion. Magnetic data indicate a mean susceptibility of about 10⁻² SI and a mean anisotropy degree (P) of about 1.08, essentially yielded by titanomagnetite. The magnetic and silicate foliations for P ≥ 1.10 are parallel to each other, while the lineations tend to scatter on the foliation plane, in agreement with the dominant oblate symmetry of the AMS and SPO ellipsoids. For lower P values, the magnetic and silicate fabrics vary from coaxial to oblique, and for P ≤ 1.05, their shapes and orientations can be quite distinct. The crystal size distribution (CSD) of plagioclase for P > 1.05 is log linear, in agreement with a bulk simple crystallisation history. These results combined show that for a strong SPO, corresponding to a magnetic anisotropy above 1.10, AMS is a reliable indicator of the magmatic fabric. They indicate that the Apiaí gabbro-norite consists of sill-like body that was inclined gently to the north by the regional folding.     

The Direct Shear Strength and Dilatancy of Sand–gravel Mixtures

A total of 87 direct shear tests in a large direct shear-box apparatus have been used to investigate the strength and dilatancy of sand–gravel mixtures. This paper focuses on the differences in behaviour between a silica sand (yellow Leighton Buzzard sand) and sand–gravel mixtures obtained by adding fractions of two kinds of gravel to the sand. The purpose is to find a relation between the grain-size characteristics of the materials and the shearing resistance. Experimental results are analysed in terms of the frictional and dilatant contributions to the strength of mixtures as a function of their relative density, and are compared with dilatancy theories and empirical equations. The addition of gravel to the mixtures, even at low fractions (less than 0.1 by volume), causes an increase in peak friction angle (Φ ′_peak) which results both from higher dilatancy at failure (ψ_max) and higher constant volume friction angle (Φ ′_cv). Use of the minimum voids ratio (e_min) of the materials allows the data for the two families of mixtures to be normalized and interpreted in terms of Φ ′_cv and the ratio (Φ ′_peak − Φ ′_cv)/ψ_max. The relationships between relative density (D_r), ψ_max and Φ ′_peak − Φ ′_cv are only partly explained on a physical basis, so we develop empirical equations to predict the peak shear resistance of sand–gravel mixtures (up to gravel contents of 0.5) on the basis of easily measurable quantities. Such equations constitute a practical tool to overcome the problems arising from the impracticality of testing coarse material in the standard shear-box apparatus.     

秦岭沙沟街韧性剪切带的岩石磁学、磁组构和运动学涡度分析

秦岭商丹构造带内发育的晚三叠世沙沟街韧性剪切带蕴含大量地质信息,很好地记录了秦岭印支期碰撞造山过程。为了探究该剪切带的运动学特征及其动力学背景,在野外观测、显微构造分析的基础上,对其中发育的糜棱岩进行了磁组构和运动学涡度研究。岩石磁学和磁组构分析结果显示:样品的平均磁化率Km值总体较高,载磁矿物主要为磁铁矿等铁磁性矿物;磁化率各向异性度PJ值较大,表明构造变形较为强烈;形态参数T值多大于0,反映磁化率椭球体以扁球体为主;磁线、面理优势产状与野外观测到的矿物线、面理较为一致。结合磁组构、边界断层以及C面理产状,认为沙沟街韧性剪切带具有左行走滑挤压的运动学特征。运动学涡度Wk值及其分布特征表明,沙沟街剪切带中纯剪切作用所占的比重总体大于简单剪切作用,并且剪切带的核部应位于北界断层附近。综合分析认为,沙沟街韧性剪切带的运动学特征反映了总体斜向汇聚背景下的局部走滑挤压,与商丹带西段发育的同期韧性剪切带具有完全反向的运动学指向,这可能与碰撞导致的侧向挤出构造有关     

Analysis and remedies of landslides of cut slopes due to the presence of weak cohesive layers within stronger formations

 Several cases of instability of cut slopes along major highways in Jordan were reviewed in this study, in some detail. Emphasis was placed on the Amman-Irbid highway, but some cases along the Na'ur-Dead Sea highway were also reviewed, with the aim of establishing a wider database of case-studies and examining all possible mechanisms and factors influencing stability. The study showed that major cut slope failures were caused by the presence of weak cohesive layers (mainly clayey marl) interbedded within mostly stronger formations, in addition to the steep cutting angles and unfavorable dip of strata combined with relatively high piezometric surface brought about by poor surface and subsurface drainage. No remedies were implemented to stabilize major cut slope failures (at km 39+200, 44+300, and 56+400) along the Irbid-Jerash-Amman highway. The three major cut slope failures require extensive remedial work and probably advanced geotechnology, which is expected to be expensive. To investigate the influence of various parameters on slope stability, several analyses were performed in addition to back analyses to determine shear strength parameters; parametric sensitivity studies were also performed on some cases. Data was obtained from previous investigations by local and international firms and were screened and modified where needed before being used in stability analyses. Considerable difference between back analysis and test result values for shear strength parameters were observed in many cases. Failure surfaces and mechanisms were accurately depicted in most cases, allowing back analyses to be performed with considerable confidence. The effective residual shear strength parameters for clayey marl needed for stability analysis were found to be: c _r ′=5–18 kPa, and φ _r ′=13°–18°. The relation between total annual rainfall and occurrence of landslides was investigated; it was shown that all landslides occurred in years of very high rainfall, with values always exceeding 400 mm. The probability of exceeding the average total annual rainfall was found to be approximately 0.42 for the three gauging stations considered. Received: 28 October 1996 · Accepted: 23 September 1997     

Does AMS data from micaceous quartzite provide information about shape of the strain ellipsoid?

Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) in micaceous quartzites with mean susceptibility (K _m) >50 × 10⁻⁶ SI units is known to be on account of the orientation distribution of the para/ferromagnetic minerals (e.g. micas, magnetite), which comprise the minor phase in the rocks. However, the strain in such deformed micaceous quartzites is dominantly accommodated by the quartz grains, which are the major phase in them. The objective of this paper is to explore the extent to which AMS data from micaceous quartzites provide information about the shape of the strain ellipsoid. AMS analysis of 3 quartzite blocks is performed, and the shape of the AMS ellipsoid is recorded to be oblate. From AMS data, the three principal planes of the AMS ellipsoid are identified in each block and thin sections are prepared along them. Quartz grain shape (aspect ratio, R _q), intensity of quartz and mica shape preferred orientation (κ_q and κ_mi, respectively) and 2D strain (E) recorded by quartz are measured in each section. R _q, κ_q, κ_mi and E are all noted to be minimum in the section parallel to the magnetic foliation plane as compared to the other two sections. This indicates that the quartz grains have oblate shapes in 3D and accommodated flattening strain, which is similar to the shape of the AMS ellipsoid. The role of mica in causing Zener drag and pinning of quartz grain boundaries is discussed. It is concluded that during progressive deformation, migration of pinned grain boundaries is inhibited. This causes enhanced recrystallization at the grain boundaries adjacent to the pinned ones, thus guiding the shape modification of quartz grains. A strong correlation is demonstrated between κ_q and κ_mi as well as κ_mi and E. It is inferred that fabric evolution of quartz was controlled by mica. Hence, the shape of the AMS ellipsoid, which is on account of mica, provides information about shape of the strain ellipsoid.     

Strike-slip and tectonics granitoid emplacement: an AMS fabric study from the Odenwald Crystalline Complex, SW Germany

Summary AMS fabric studies supported by field and microscopic work were applied to identify the internal structure and possible emplacement processes of the Variscan late-tectonic granodiorite-granite intrusions of the Unit III in the Odenwald Crystalline Complex. This Unit is bounded towards NW and NNE by steeply inclined shear zones, the southern part is unexposed. The magnetic susceptibility ranges between 10⁻³ and 10⁻⁶ SI units and is caused by paramagnetic and subordinately by ferromagnetic components. AMS ellipsoids are typically oblate with gently plunging long axes (lineations). AMS foliations and lineations trend mainly WSW-ENE and NNW-SSE, parallel with the NNW and ENE trending marginal shear zones of Unit III, respectively. As revealed by microstructural studies, a penetrative foliation in the plutons is related to emplacement processes. Therefore the observed AMS foliation and lineation are also interpreted as the result of syn-emplacement deformation which is dominantly strike-slip. Weakly inclined foliations around pluton roof xenoliths point to a component of buoyant rise of magma. It is suggested that the granitoid magma was generated in a low level anatectic zone along a left-lateral transpressive shear zone during local extension at releasing bends. During successive fault movements magma ascended through extensional parts of the shear zone. Local normal faults and the Otzberg zone at the eastern margin of Unit III document mostly brittle extension, which overprinted the strike-slip fabrics after the emplacement of the plutons.

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Zusammenfassung Horizontalverschiebungen und Granitoidintrusion: AMS Gefüge am Beispiel des SW Odenwaldes Durch AMS Gefügestudien und Gel?nde- und mikroskopische Arbeiten werden die Internstruktur und m?gliche Aufstiegsmechanismen des Granit-Granodiorit-Plutons der Einheit III des SW Odenwaldes erfasst. Dieser sp?t-tektonische, variscische Plutonkomplex ist nach NW und NNE durch steile Scherzonen begrenzt, das südliche Ende ist nicht aufgeschlossen. Die magnetische Suszeptibilit?t variiert von 10⁻³ bis 10⁻⁶ SI Einheiten und wird vor allem durch paramagnetische, untergeordnet auch durch ferromagnetische Komponenten verursacht. Die AMS Ellipsoide sind überwiegend oblat mit flachen langen Achsen (Lineationen). AMS Foliationen und Lineationen verlaufen haupts?chlich WSW-ENE und NNW-SSE, jeweils parallel mit den NNW und ENE orientierten Scherzonen am Rand der Einheit III. Nach mikrostrukturellen Ergebnissen entstand die penetrative Foliation der Plutone w?hrend ihrer Platznahme. Dabei entstand auch das beobachtete AMS Gefüge, das durch flache Lineationen und Horizontal-verschiebungen bestimmt ist. Flache Foliationen im Bereich der Xenolithe des Pluton-Daches sprechen für eine Komponente des gravitativen Aufstiegs des Magmas. Die granitoiden Magmen entstanden offenbar w?hrend einer Transpression mit sinistralen Horizontalverschiebungen in NNE-SSW-Richtung, in denen lokal auch Dehnung erfolgte. Dabei stieg das in der Tiefe gebildete Magma durch die Bereiche der Dehnung in der aktiven St?rungszone auf. Lokale Abschiebungen und die Otzberg Zone am Ostrand der Einheit III belegen überwiegend spr?de Deformation, die nach der Platznahme der Plutone die Gefüge der Horizontalverschiebungen überpr?gte.

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Received June 21, 1999; revised version December 24, 1999     

Geospatial contour mapping of shear wave velocity for Mumbai city

Shear wave velocity is one of the most important input parameter in the analysis of geotechnical earthquake engineering problems, particularly to estimate site-specific amplification factor and ground response study. Dynamic in situ tests such as spectral analysis of surface waves (SASW) or multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) are very expensive. Also due to lack of specialized personnel, these tests are generally avoided in many soil investigation programs. Worldwide, several researchers have developed correlations between the SPT ‘N’ value and shear wave velocity ‘V _s’, which are useful for determining the dynamic soil properties. In the present study, more than 400 numbers of soil borehole data were collected from various geotechnical investigation agencies, government engineering institutes and geotechnical laboratories from different parts of Mumbai city, which is financial capital of India with highest population density. In this paper, an attempt has been made to develop the correlation between the SPT ‘N’ value and shear wave velocity ‘V _s’ for various soil profile of Mumbai city and compared with other existing correlations for different cities in India. Using Geographical Information System (GIS), a geospatial contour map of shear wave velocity profile for Mumbai city is prepared with contour intervals of 25 and 50 m/s. The scarcity of database or maps of shear wave velocity profile for Mumbai city will make the present geospatial contour maps extremely useful and beneficial to the designer, practitioners for seismic hazard study involved in geotechnical earthquake engineering.     

Influence of magnetic fabric anisotropy on seismic wave velocity in paramagnetic granites from NW Himalaya: Results from preliminary investigations

Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility (AMS) and seismic wave velocity studies of some paramagnetic Himalayan granitoids show good correlation between magnetic fabric anisotropy and P wave velocity (Vp). Vp shows strong positive correlation with magnetic lineation (L) and degree of magnetic anisotropy (P′) having correlation coefficient (r) values of 0.93 and 0.89 respectively. Both Vp and Vs show positive correlation with the SiO₂ content of Proterozoic and Paleozoic granitoids. Velocity of S wave (Vs) shows negative correlation with mean magnetic susceptibility (K_m) having ‘r’ value of 0.86. The correlation between Vs-K_m, V_p-P′, V_p-L also shows >95% probability in Spearman’s rank correlation. Based on the results from the present sample size it is suggested that, in paramagnetic granites, V_p is proportional to intensity of deformation and preferred orientation of minerals as well as the mineralogy. On the other hand, Vs is more dependent on the mineralogy alone.     

On the evolution of simple shear in saturated soils

Development of shear bands in saturated soils is a multi-stage process based on the theoretical and numerical investigations in this paper. The soil is initially in homogenous shear strain state, and the instability can be characterized by a dimensionless number D. The inhomogenous distribution of shear strains appears when D>1, and the shear band will initiate and develop gradually. Numerical solutions show that only single shear band that is finally formed in the central region of the specimen even several disturbances (distributed along the specimen) appear in the beginning. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Link between convection and meridional gradient of sea surface temperature in the Bay of Bengal

We use daily satellite estimates of sea surface temperature (SST) and rainfall during 1998–2005 to show that onset of convection over the central Bay of Bengal (88–92°E, 14–18°N) during the core summer monsoon (mid-May to September) is linked to the meridional gradient of SST in the bay. The SST gradient was computed between two boxes in the northern (88–92°E, 18–22°N) and southern (82–88°E, 4–8°N) bay; the latter is the area of the cold tongue in the bay linked to the Summer Monsoon Current. Convection over central bay followed the SST difference between the northern and southern bay (ΔT) exceeding 0.75°C in 28 cases. There was no instance of ΔT exceeding this threshold without a burst in convection. There were, however, five instances of convection occurring without this SST gradient. Long rainfall events (events lasting more than a week) were associated with an SST event (ΔT ≥ 0.75°C); rainfall events tended to be short when not associated with an SST event. The SST gradient was important for the onset of convection, but not for its persistence: convection often persisted for several days even after the SST gradient weakened. The lag between ΔT exceeding 0.75°C and the onset of convection was 0–18 days, but the lag histogram peaked at one week. In 75% of the 28 cases, convection occurred within a week of ΔT exceeding the threshold of 0.75°C. The northern bay SST, T _N , contributed more to ΔT, but it was a weaker criterion for convection than the SST gradient. A sensitivity analysis showed that the corresponding threshold for T _N was 29°C. We hypothesise that the excess heating (∼1°C above the threshold for deep convection) required in the northern bay to trigger convection is because this excess in SST is what is required to establish the critical SST gradient.     

Spatial distribution characteristics of stable carbon isotope compositions in desert plant Reaumuria soongorica (Pall.) Maxim

In order to investigate the distribution characteristics of stable carbon isotope ratios (δ ¹³C) in the desert plant Reaumuria soongorica, the δ ¹³C values of leaves were measured in 407 individuals of 21 populations. Soil physicochemical properties including soil water content, soil total dissolved solids, soil total nitrogen, soil total phosphorus and soil organic content were also analyzed in order to survey the major factors influencing δ ¹³C values on spatial variation. Leaves and soil samples were simultaneously collected from the ten major distribution areas in Northwest China at altitudes from 394 m to 1 987 m above sea level, at latitudes from 36°10′N to 44°33′N, and at longitudes from 81°43′E to 106°37′E. These ten areas include Shihezi, Baicheng, Yiwu areas in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region; Anxi, Zhangye, Baiyin, Lanzhou areas in Gansu Province; Shapotou, Yinchuan areas in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region; and Alashan County in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The results show that the δ ¹³C value of R. soongorica ranges from −22.77‰ to −29.85‰ with an average of −26.52‰. Foliar d13C values in R. soongorica are not significantly correlated with altitude, latitude or longitude, and a spatial distribution trend of d13C values of R. soongorica is not obvious on a large scale. However, when d13C values of two R. soongorica populations under the same climate conditions are compared, δ ¹³C values increase obviously from east to west and from north to south. As none of the soil total dissolved solids, soil total nitrogen, soil total phosphorus, and soil organic content shows a uniform trend from east to west and from north to south, we suppose that the small-scaled spatial distribution pattern of δ ¹³C values of R. soongorica is mainly controlled by the soil water content. Translated from Quaternary Sciences, 2006, 26(6): 947–954 [译自: 第四纪研究]     

Features of discrete VLF emissions observed at Gulmarg,India during the magnetic storm of 6–7 March, 1986

During the analysis of archived VLF data from Indian low latitude ground stations, some discrete VLF emissions recorded at the low latitude ground station Gulmarg (geomagnetic latitude 24°26′N; geomagnetic longitude 147°09′E, L = 1.28) during moderate magnetic storm activity (Σ K _P ⁻ = 32, K _P index varies from 4 to 6 during the observation period) on 6/7 March, 1986 are presented in this paper. The dynamic spectra of these discrete VLF emissions were observed along with tweeks and its harmonics, which is interesting and complex to explain. In most of the events the harmonic frequency of tweeks correlates with the starting frequency of harmonics of discrete emissions. In order to explain the observed features of discrete VLF emissions, we propose cyclotron resonance interaction between whistler mode wave and energetic electrons of inner radiation belt as possible generation mechanism. An attempt is also made to determine parallel energy, anisotropy and wave growth relevant to the generation process of VLF emissions.     

Viscoelastic behaviour of mica-based glass-ceramic aggregate

The present study deals with the small strain torsion deformation of MACOR glass-ceramic samples at high temperatures (450–850 °C) and over a range of low frequencies (20 Hz–5 mHz). The samples of MACOR ceramic consist of 55 vol% randomly oriented, sheet-like fluorophlogopite mica crystals (∼100–20 μm in planar size, 1–2 μm in thickness) and 45 vol% of isotropic alumino-borosilicate glass matrix. Measurements of the complex shear modulus show that the sample does not possess the relaxed shear viscosity even at temperatures above the glass transition temperature of the glass matrix. The maximum of the imaginary component G ^′′() of the shear modulus is ∼0.15 of the unrelaxed value G _∞, the relaxation strength Δ≈0.9. The activation energy of the peak of G ^′′() is ∼245 kJ mol⁻¹. Using this value of E _a , the data obtained at various frequencies and temperatures have been reduced to a master curve using the dimensionless variable ωτ, where ∼₀ exp(−E _a /RT). The internal friction Q⁻¹(ωτ) is ∝1/()^0.35−0.4 in the low-temperature high-frequency range (1); passes through a maximum at ∼1 and trends asymptotically to a value Q⁻¹∼0.25–0.30 at ≪1. The behaviour of Q ⁻¹(ωτ) differs from that of a Caputo body by the presence of the resolved peak which may be attributed to the slow mechanical relaxation of mica crystals due to rotation as well as flexing and bending modes of crystal deformation. Received: 26 June 1998 / Revised, accepted: 13 January 1999     

Porosity change model for watered super absorbent polymer-treated soil

Drought is a great concern in agricultural production, because it restricts normal plant growth, brings about enormous economic loss and deteriorates ecological environment. Proper use of super absorbent polymers (SAP) is helpful in the agricultural and horticultural industry in arid and semi-arid areas, because SAP can ease the burden of water shortage. Because porosity is one of the most important soil physical properties, it is a priority to study SAP to quantitatively express the swelling of watered SAP-treated soil. This study was aimed to evaluate the bulk density curve of watered SAP-treated soil and to construct and test the model for porosity change of watered SAP-treated soil. The results showed that the application of SAP can reduce soil bulk density, improve soil permeability and cause soil swelling. In addition, using three factors, i.e., water content, change in swelling ratio and SAP application rate, the paper constructed a model for porosity change of watered SAP-treated soil, which is {ln[(P _m − P)(P _m − P ₀)⁻¹]} βP ₀ θ = −η ₀ cθ − η ₀ a. This is a generic model. Two soil samples, namely, loam and sandy loam, were used to calculate the parameters and test the model. The results of the model were satisfying, thus this model is reliable.     

Geology of the epithermal Ag–Au Huevos Verdes vein system and San José district, Deseado massif, Patagonia, Argentina

The San José district is located in the northwest part of the Deseado massif and hosts a number of epithermal Ag–Au quartz veins of intermediate sulfidation style, including the Huevos Verdes vein system. Veins are hosted by andesitic rocks of the Bajo Pobre Formation and locally by rhyodacitic pyroclastic rocks of the Chon Aike Formation. New ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar constraints on the age of host rocks and mineralization define Late Jurassic ages of 151.3 ± 0.7 Ma to 144.7 ± 0.1 Ma for volcanic rocks of the Bajo Pobre Formation and of 147.6 ± 1.1 Ma for the Chon Aike Formation. Illite ages of the Huevos Verdes vein system of 140.8 ± 0.2 and 140.5 ± 0.3 Ma are 4 m.y. younger than the volcanic host rock unit. These age dates are among the youngest reported for Jurassic volcanism in the Deseado massif and correlate well with the regional context of magmatic and hydrothermal activity. The Huevos Verdes vein system has a strike length of 2,000 m, with several ore shoots along strike. The vein consists of a pre-ore stage and three main ore stages. Early barren quartz and chalcedony are followed by a mottled quartz stage of coarse saccharoidal quartz with irregular streaks and discontinuous bands of sulfide-rich material. The banded quartz–sulfide stage consists of sulfide-rich bands alternating with bands of quartz and bands of chlorite ± illite. Late-stage sulfide-rich veinlets are associated with kaolinite gangue. Ore minerals are argentite and electrum, together with pyrite, sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, minor bornite, covellite, and ruby silver. Wall rock alteration is characterized by narrow (< 3 m) halos of illite and illite/smectite next to veins, grading outward into propylitic alteration. Gangue minerals are dominantly massive quartz intergrown with minor to accessory adularia. Epidote, illite, illite/smectite, and, preferentially at deeper levels, Fe-chlorite gangue indicate near-neutral pH hydrothermal fluids at temperatures of >220°C. Kaolinite occurring with the late sulfide-rich veinlet stage indicates pH < 4 and a temperature of <200°C. The Huevos Verdes system has an overall strike of 325°, dipping on average 65° NE. The orientations of individual ore shoots are controlled by vein strike and intersecting north-northwest-striking faults. We propose a structural model for the time of mineralization of the San José district, consisting of a conjugate shear pair of sinistral north-northwest- and dextral west-northwest-striking faults that correspond to R and R′ in the Riedel shear model and that are related to master faults (M) of north-northeast-strike. Veins of 315° strike can be interpreted as nearly pure extensional fractures (T). Variations in vein strike predict an induced sinistral shear component for strike directions of >315°, whereas strike directions of <315° are predicted with an induced dextral strike–slip movement. The components of the structural model appear to be present on a regional scale and are not restricted to the San José district.     

Magnetic fabric study across the Ailao Shan–Red River shear zone

The anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) of 351 specimens from 51 sites across the Ailao Shan–Red River shear zone (ASRR) was measured to determine its magnetic fabric. Rocks range westward from core schistose gneiss, through low-grade schist, to Triassic sediment. Magnetic ellipticity analysis shows that 41 of 51 sites have an oblate compressional fabric and the other 10 sites have a prolate fabric. P_J value drops by 22.4% in the low-grade schist and by 27.4% in the Triassic sediment on average with respect to the gneiss, suggesting a rapid decrease of deformational intensity. The directions of principal susceptibilities are closely related to the deformation of the Ailao Shan–Red River shear zone. The susceptibility plane always coincides with the schistosity or cleavage plane. Most of the maximum susceptibility axes trend NW–SE. In the shear zone, the maximum susceptibility axes (K_max) are parallel to the lineation within the foliation plane. With increasing distance from the shear zone, there is a trend that they become parallel to the down-dip of reverse faults or cleavage. This indicates changes in deformation mode, inside and outside the shear zone. Within the shear zone, horizontal movement is dominant. Outside, shortening prevails. The overall minimum magnetic axes align NE–SW with subhorizontal to low dip angles, suggesting that the dominant shortening is NE–SW directed. Caution should be exercised when AMS is used to determine shear sense in strong shear zones because the angle between the minimum susceptibility axis (K_min) and pole of foliation is small, and also because the attitude of foliation varies from place to place. They result in unreliable or even wrong shear sense. Another important result is the axial ratio of magnetic susceptibility ellipsoid along the study section. With these data, it is possible to establish an axial ratio relationship between the finite strain ellipsoid and magnetic susceptibility ellipsoid for quantitative calculation of offset.     

Single piles under horizontal loads in sand: determination of <Emphasis Type="Italic">P</Emphasis>–<Emphasis Type="Italic">Y</Emphasis> curves from the prebored pressuremeter test

Lateral load-deflection behaviour of single piles is often analysed in practice on the basis of methods of load-transfer P–Y curves. The paper is aimed at presenting the results of the interpretation of five full-scale horizontal loading tests of single instrumented piles in two sandy soils, in order to define the parameters of P–Y curves, namely the initial lateral reaction modulus and the lateral soil resistance, in correlation with the pressuremeter test parameters. P–Y curve parameters were found varying as a power of lateral pile/soil stiffness, on the basis of which hyperbolic P–Y curves in sand were proposed. The predictive capabilities of the proposed P–Y curves were assessed by predicting the soil/pile response in full-scale tests as well as in centrifuge tests and a very good agreement was found between the computed deflections and bending moments, and the measured ones. Small-sized database of full-scale pile loading tests in sand was built and a comparative study of some commonly used P–Y curve methods was undertaken. Moreover, it was shown that the load-deflection curves of these test piles may be normalised in a practical form for an approximate evaluation of pile deflection in a preliminary stage of pile design. At last, a parametric study undertaken on the basis of the proposed P–Y curves showed the significant influence of the lateral pile/soil stiffness on the non-linear load-deflection response.