Appraisal of groundwater quality in a crystalline aquifer: a chemometric approach

The purpose of this study is to assess the groundwater quality and identify the processes that control the groundwater chemistry in a crystalline aquifer. A total of 72 groundwater samples were collected during pre- and post-monsoon seasons in the year 2014 in a semi-arid region of Gooty Mandal, Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, India. The study utilized chemometric analysis like basic statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r), principal component analysis (PCA), Gibbs ratio, and index of base exchange to understand the mechanism of controlling the groundwater chemistry in the study area. The results reveal that groundwater in the study area is neutral to slightly alkaline in nature. The order of dominance of cations is Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺ while for anions, it is \( {\mathrm{HCO}}_3^{-}>{\mathrm{Cl}}^{-} \)>\( {\mathrm{NO}}_3^{-} \)>\( {\mathrm{SO}}_4^{2-} \)>\( {\mathrm{CO}}_3^{2-}>{\mathrm{F}}^{-} \) in both seasons. Based on the Piper classification, most of the groundwater samples are identified as of sodium bicarbonate (\( {\mathrm{Na}}^{+}-{\mathrm{HCO}}_3^{-}\Big) \) type. According to the results of the principal component analysis (PCA), three factors and two factors were identified pre and post monsoon, respectively. The present study indicates that the groundwater chemistry is mostly controlled by geogenic processes (weathering, dissolution, and ion exchange) and some extent of anthropogenic activities.     

The effect of liquid composition on the partitioning of Ni between olivine and silicate melt

We report the results of experiments designed to separate the effects of temperature and pressure from liquid composition on the partitioning of Ni between olivine and liquid, \(D_{\text{Ni}}^{\text{ol/liq}}\). Experiments were performed from 1300 to 1600 °C and 1 atm to 3.0 GPa, using mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) glass surrounded by powdered olivine in graphite–Pt double capsules at high pressure and powdered MORB in crucibles fabricated from single crystals of San Carlos olivine at one atmosphere. In these experiments, pressure and temperature were varied in such a way that we produced a series of liquids, each with an approximately constant composition (~12, ~15, and ~21 wt% MgO). Previously, we used a similar approach to show that \(D_{\text{Ni}}^{\text{ol/liq}}\) for a liquid with ~18 wt% MgO is a strong function of temperature. Combining the new data presented here with our previous results allows us to separate the effects of temperature from composition. We fit our data based on a Ni–Mg exchange reaction, which yields \(\ln \left( {D_{\text{Ni}}^{\text{molar}} } \right) = \frac{{ -\Delta _{r(1)} H_{{T_{\text{ref}} ,P_{\text{ref}} }}^{ \circ } }}{RT} + \frac{{\Delta _{r(1)} S_{{T_{\text{ref}} ,P_{\text{ref}} }}^{ \circ } }}{R} - \ln \left( {\frac{{X_{\text{MgO}}^{\text{liq}} }}{{X_{{{\text{MgSi}}_{ 0. 5} {\text{O}}_{ 2} }}^{\text{ol}} }}} \right).\) Each subset of constant composition experiments displays roughly the same temperature dependence of \(D_{\text{Ni}}^{\text{ol/liq}}\) (i.e.,\(-\Delta _{r(1)} H_{{T_{\text{ref}} ,P_{\text{ref}} }}^{ \circ } /R\)) as previously reported for liquids with ~18 wt% MgO. Fitting new data presented here (15 experiments) in conjunction with our 13 previously published experiments (those with ~18 wt% MgO in the silicate liquid) to the above expression gives \(-\Delta _{r(1)} H_{{T_{\text{ref}} ,P_{\text{ref}} }}^{ \circ } /R\) = 3641 ± 396 (K) and \(\Delta _{r(1)} S_{{T_{\text{ref}} ,P_{\text{ref}} }}^{ \circ } /R\) = ? 1.597 ± 0.229. Adding data from the literature yields \(-\Delta _{r(1)} H_{{T_{\text{ref}} ,P_{\text{ref}} }}^{ \circ } /R\) = 4505 ± 196 (K) and \(\Delta _{r(1)} S_{{T_{\text{ref}} ,P_{\text{ref}} }}^{ \circ } /R\) = ? 2.075 ± 0.120, a set of coefficients that leads to a predictive equation for \(D_{\text{Ni}}^{\text{ol/liq}}\) applicable to a wide range of melt compositions. We use the results of our work to model the melting of peridotite beneath lithosphere of varying thickness and show that: (1) a positive correlation between NiO in magnesian olivine phenocrysts and lithospheric thickness is expected given a temperature-dependent \(D_{\text{Ni}}^{\text{ol/liq}} ,\) and (2) the magnitude of the slope for natural samples is consistent with our experimentally determined temperature dependence. Alternative processes to generate the positive correlation between NiO in magnesian olivines and lithospheric thickness, such as the melting of olivine-free pyroxenite, are possible, but they are not required to explain the observed correlation of NiO concentration in initially crystallizing olivine with lithospheric thickness.     

Atmospheric pressure changes due to volcanic eruptions and possible water level fluctuations

The data of Reed (1983) are analysed to produce the following empirical equations for the amplitude p ₀ (overall fluctuation) in Pascals of the air pressure wave associated with a volcanic eruption of volume V km³ or a nuclear explosion of strength M Mt: Here s is the distance from the source in km. $$\begin{gathered} \log _{10} p_0 = 4.44 + \log _{10} V - 0.84\log _{10} s \hfill \\ {\text{ }} = 3.44 + \log _{10} M - 0.84\log _{10} s. \hfill \\ \end{gathered} $$ Garrett's (1970) theory is examined on the generation of water level fluctuations by an air pressure wave crossing a water depth discontinuity such as a continental shelf. The total amplitude of the ocean wave is determined to be where c ₂ ¹ = gh ₁, c ₂ ² = gh ₂, g is acceleration of gravity, h ₁ and h ₂ are the water depths on the ocean and shore side of the depth discontinuity, c is the speed of propagation of the air pressure wave, and ? is the water density. $$B = \left[ {\frac{{c_2^2 }}{{c^2 - c_2^2 }} + \frac{{c^2 (c_1 - c_2 )}}{{(c - c_1 )(c^2 - c_2^2 )}}} \right]\frac{{p_0 }}{{g\varrho }}$$ It is calculated that a 10 km³ eruption at Mount St. Augustine would cause a 460 Pa air pressure wave and a discernible water level fluctuation at Vancouver Island of several cm amplitude.     

Crystal chemistry of Fe3+-bearing (Mg,Fe)SiO3 perovskite: a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study

Magnesium silicate perovskite is the predominant phase in the Earth’s lower mantle, and it is well known that incorporation of iron has a strong effect on its crystal structure and physical properties. To constrain the crystal chemistry of (Mg, Fe)SiO₃ perovskite more accurately, we synthesized single crystals of Mg_0.946(17)Fe_0.056(12)Si_0.997(16)O₃ perovskite at 26 GPa and 2,073 K using a multianvil press and investigated its crystal structure, oxidation state and iron-site occupancy using single-crystal X-ray diffraction and energy-domain Synchrotron Mössbauer Source spectroscopy. Single-crystal refinements indicate that all iron (Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺) substitutes on the A-site only, where \( {\text{Fe}}^{ 3+ } /\Upsigma {\text{Fe}}\sim 20\,\% \) based on Mössbauer spectroscopy. Charge balance likely occurs through a small number of cation vacancies on either the A- or the B-site. The octahedral tilt angle (Φ) calculated for our sample from the refined atomic coordinates is 20.3°, which is 2° higher than the value calculated from the unit-cell parameters (a = 4.7877 Å, b = 4.9480 Å, c = 6.915 Å) which assumes undistorted octahedra. A compilation of all available single-crystal data (atomic coordinates) for (Mg, Fe)(Si, Al)O₃ perovskite from the literature shows a smooth increase of Φ with composition that is independent of the nature of cation substitution (e.g., \( {\text{Mg}}^{ 2+ } - {\text{Fe}}^{ 2+ } \) or \( {\text{Mg}}^{ 2+ } {\text{Si}}^{ 4+ } - {\text{Fe}}^{ 3+ } {\text{Al}}^{ 3+ } \) substitution mechanism), contrary to previous observations based on unit-cell parameter calculations.     

Hydrochemical and isotopic characteristics of groundwater in the Ndop plain,northwest Cameroon: resilience to seasonal climatic changes

Shallow groundwater (>30 mbgl) is an essential source of drinking water to rural communities in the Ndop plain, northwest Cameroon. As a contribution to water management, the effect of seasonal variation on the groundwater chemistry, hydrochemical controls, drinking quality and recharge were investigated during the peaks of the dry (January) and rainy (September) seasons. Field measurements of physical parameters were preceded by sampling 58 groundwater samples during both seasons for major ions and stable isotope analyses. The groundwater, which was barely acidic (mean pH of 6) and less mineralised (TDS < 272 mg/l), showed no significant seasonal variation in temperature, pH and TDS during the two seasons. The order of cation abundance (meq/l) was Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺ and Na⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Ca²⁺ > K⁺ in the dry and rainy seasons, respectively, but that of anions ( \( {\text{HCO}}_{3}^{ - } \)  >  \( {\text{NO}}_{3}^{ - } \)  > Cl^? >  \( {\text{SO}}_{4}^{2 - } \)  > F^?) was similar in both seasons. This suggests a negligible effect of seasonal variations on groundwater chemistry. The groundwater, which was CaMgHCO₃ and NaHCO₃, is chemically evolved rainfall (CaMgSO₄Cl) in the area. Silicate mineral dissolution and cation-exchange were the main controls on groundwater chemistry while there was little anthropogenic influence. The major ions and TDS concentrations classified the water as suitable for human consumption as per WHO guidelines. The narrow cluster of δ¹⁸O and δD of same groundwater from both seasons between the δ¹⁸O and δD values of May–June precipitation along the Ndop Meteoric Water Line indicates meteoric origin, rapid recharge (after precipitation) and timing of recharge between May and June rainfall. Diffuse groundwater recharge mainly occurs at low altitudes (<1,400 m asl) within the plain. Besides major ions and TDS, the similar δ¹⁸O and δD of groundwater from both seasons indicate a consistent groundwater recharge and flow pattern throughout the year and resilience to present day short-term seasonal climatic variations. However, controlled groundwater abstraction is recommended given the increasing demand.     

Elasticity of calcite: thermal evolution

The elastic properties of calcite have been determined by Brillouin spectroscopy for temperatures up to 600 °C. The results reveal that the variations of the aggregate bulk (K _VRH) and shear (G _VRH) moduli of calcite with respect to temperature can be approximately expressed as follows: $$\begin{aligned} K_{{{\text{VRH}}}} ({\text{GPa}}) & = 79.57-0.0230\;T\, (T\;{\text{in}}\;^{^\circ } {\text{C}}) \\G_{{{\text{VRH}}}} ({\text{GPa}}) & = 32.23 - 0.0097\;T. \\\end{aligned}$$ This indicates a nearly constant Poisson’s ratio (0.322) for calcite from 22 to 600 °C. A further analysis shows that the compressibility along the c axis (β _||) and that perpendicular to the c axis have comparable contributions to the volume compressibility of calcite, although the contribution of β _|| decreases with an increase in the temperature.     

Estimating the Density and Compressibility of Seawater to High Temperatures Using the Pitzer Equations

The density and compressibility of seawater solutions from 0 to 95 °C have been examined using the Pitzer equations. The apparent molal volumes (X = V) and compressibilities (X = κ) are in the form $$ X_{\phi } = \bar{X}^{0} + A_{X} I/(1.2 \, m)\ln (1 + 1.2 \, I^{0.5} ) + \, 2{\text{RT }}m \, (\beta^{(0)X} + \beta^{(1)X} g(y) + C^{X} m) $$ where $ \bar{X}^{0} $ is the partial molal volume or compressibility, I is the ionic strength, m is the molality of sea salt, A_X is the Debye–Hückel slope for volume (X = V) or adiabatic compressibility (X = κ _s), and g(y) = (2/y ²)[1 ? (1 + y) exp(?y)] where y = 2I ^0.5. The values of the partial molal volume and compressibility ( $ \bar{X}^{0} $ ) and Pitzer parameters (β ^(0)X , β ^(1)X and C ^X ) are functions of temperature in the form $$ Y^{X} = \sum_{i} a_{i} (T-T_{\text{R}} )^{i} $$ where a _i are adjustable parameters, T is the absolute temperature in Kelvin, and T _R = 298.15 K is the reference temperature. The standard errors of the seawater fits for the specific volumes and adiabatic compressibilities are 5.35E?06 cm³ g^?1 and 1.0E?09 bar^?1, respectively. These equations can be combined with similar equations for the osmotic coefficient, enthalpy and heat capacity to define the thermodynamic properties of sea salt to high temperatures at one atm. The Pitzer equations for the major components of seawater have been used to estimate the density and compressibility of seawater to 95 °C. The results are in reasonable agreement with the measured values (0.010E?03 g cm^?3 for density and 0.050E?06 bar^?1 for compressibility) from 0 to 80 °C and salinities from 0 to 45 g kg^?1. The results make it possible to estimate the density and compressibility of all natural waters of known composition over a wide range of temperature and salinity.     

Carbon dioxide,water vapour and energy fluxes over a semi-evergreen forest in Assam,Northeast India

The eddy covariance method is a powerful technique for quantification of \(\hbox {CO}_{2},\) \(\hbox {H}_{2}\)O and energy fluxes in natural ecosystems. Leaf area index (LAI) and its changes are significant drivers of \(\hbox {CO}_{2}\) and \(\hbox {H}_{2}\)O exchange in a forest ecosystem due to their role in photosynthesis. The present study reports the seasonal variation of \(\hbox {CO}_{2}\) and energy fluxes and their relationship with other meteorological parameters of a semi-evergreen primary forest of Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India during February 2016–January 2017. The diurnal pattern of half hourly average \(\hbox {CO}_{2 }\) fluxes over the forest was found to be mostly dominated by the incident photosynthetically active radiation. During the period of study, diurnal variations of \(\hbox {CO}_{2}\) flux showed a maximum value of \(-9.97\,\upmu \)mol \(\hbox {m}^{-2}\hbox {s}^{-1}\) in the month of June during summer which is also the beginning of the monsoon season. The monthly averaged diurnal \(\hbox {CO}_{2}\) flux and variation in LAI of the forest canopy closely followed each other. The annual net ecosystem exchange of the forest estimated from the \(\hbox {CO}_{2}\) flux data above the canopy is 84.21 g C \(\hbox {m}^{-2}\,\hbox {yr}^{-1}\). Further studies are in progress to confirm these findings. The estimated average annual evapotranspiration of the semi-evergreen forest is 2.8 ± 0.19 mm \(\hbox {day}^{-1}\). The study of partitioning of energy fluxes showed the dominance of latent heat fluxes over sensible heat fluxes. The energy balance closure was found to increase with an increase in instability and the highest closure of around 83% was noted under neutral conditions.     

Later stages of evolution of an epithermal system: Au–Ag mineralizations at Apigania Bay, Tinos Island, Cyclades, Hellas, Greece

Precious metals accompany all types of epithermal deposits. In general, the largest of these deposits occur in intrusive or extrusive rocks of alkaline or calc-alkaline affinity. The Apigania Bay vein system and Au–Ag mineralization is hosted in Mesozoic marbles and schists, and is composed primarily of five nearly parallel, high-angle quartz veins that extend for at least 200 m. Gold–silver mineralization, in association with more than thirty ore and vein minerals, is developed in three stages and occurs at the contact of marbles and schists. Zones of epidote–chlorite–calcite and sericite–albite alteration are associated with precious metal-bearing milky and clear quartz veins. Fluid inclusion studies suggest that hydrothermal mineralization was deposited under hydrostatic pressures of ~100 bars, at temperature of 120–235°C, from low to moderate, calcium-bearing, saline fluids of 0.2 to 6.8 equiv. wt.% NaCl. Calculated isotope compositions (δ¹⁸O?=??4.7‰ to 1.7‰ and δD?=??120‰ to ?80‰) for waters in equilibrium with milky and clear quartz are consistent with mixing with dilute, low temperature meteoric ore fluids. Calculated δ ¹³C_CO2 (0.6‰ to 1.1‰) and δ ³⁴S_H2S (?7.3 to ?0.3‰) compositions of the ore fluids indicate exchange, in an open system, with a metasedimentary source. Gold and silver deposition was associated with degassing of hydrogen due to intense uplift of the mineralizing area. The physicochemical conditions of mineralization stages I to III range between 200°C and 150°C, $f_{{\text{S}}_2 } = 10^{ - 18.1} $ to 10^?16.8, $f_{{\text{O}}_2 } = 10^{ - 44.0} $ to 10^?41.5, pH?=?6.9 to7.6, $f_{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}} {\text{S}}} = 10^{ - 3.4} $ to 10^?2.6 and $a_{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}} {\text{S}}} = 10^{ - 2.7} $ to 10^?2.6. Apigania Bay could be possibly considered the latest evolutional phase of Tinos hydrothermal system.     

The Hydrolysis of Al(III) in NaCl solutions: A Model for M(II), M(III), and M(IV) Ions

Understanding the identity and stability of the hydrolysis products of metals is required in order to predict their behavior in natural aquatic systems. Despite this need, the hydrolysis constants of many metals are only known over a limited range of temperature and ionic strengths. In this paper, we show that the hydrolysis constants of 31 metals [i.e. Mn(II), Cr(III), U(IV), Pu(IV)] are nearly linearly related to the values for Al(III) over a wide range of temperatures and ionic strengths. These linear correlations allow one to make reasonable estimates for the hydrolysis constants of +2, +3, and +4 metals from 0 to 300°C in dilute solutions and 0 to 100°C to 5 m in NaCl solutions. These correlations in pure water are related to the differences between the free energies of the free ion and complexes being almost equal $$ \Updelta {\text{G}}^\circ \left( {{\text{Al}}^{3 + } } \right) - \Updelta {\text{G}}^\circ \left( {{\text{Al}}\left( {\text{OH}} \right)_{j}^{{\left( {3 - j} \right)}} } \right) \cong \Updelta {\text{G}}^\circ \left( {{\text{M}}^{n + } } \right) - \Updelta {\text{G}}^\circ \left( {{\text{M}}\left( {\text{OH}} \right)_{j}^{{\left( {n - j} \right)}} } \right) $$ The correlation at higher temperatures is a result of a similar relationship between the enthalpies of the free ions and complexes $$ \Updelta {\text{H}}^\circ \left( {{\text{Al}}^{3 + } } \right) - \Updelta {\text{H}}^\circ \left( {{\text{Al}}\left( {\text{OH}} \right)_{j}^{3 - j} } \right) \cong \Updelta {\text{H}}^\circ \left( {{\text{M}}^{n + } } \right) - \Updelta {\text{H}}^\circ \left( {{\text{M}}\left( {\text{OH}} \right)_{j}^{n - j} } \right) $$ The correlations at higher ionic strengths are the result of the ratio of the activity coefficients for Al(III) being almost equal to that of the metal. $$ \gamma \left( {{\text{M}}^{n + } } \right)/\gamma \left( {{\text{M}}\left( {\text{OH}} \right)_{j}^{n - j} } \right) \cong \gamma \left( {{\text{Al}}^{3 + } } \right)/\gamma \left( {{\text{Al}}\left( {\text{OH}} \right)_{j}^{3 - j} } \right) $$ The results of this study should be useful in examining the speciation of metals as a function of pH in natural waters (e.g. hydrothermal fresh waters and NaCl brines).     

Majoritic garnet grains within shock-induced melt veins in amphibolites from the Ries impact crater suggest ultrahigh crystallization pressures between 18 and 9 GPa

Shock-induced melt veins in amphibolites from the Nördlinger Ries often have chemical compositions that are similar to bulk rock (i.e., basaltic), but there are other veins that are confined to chlorite-rich cracks that formed before the impact and these are poor in Ca and Na. Majoritic garnets within the shock veins show a broad chemical variation between three endmembers: (1) \({}^{\text{VIII}}{{\text{M}^{2+}}_3} {}^{\text{VI}}{\text{Al}}_{2} ({}^{\text{IV}}{\text{SiO}}_{4} )_{3}\) (normal garnet, Grt), (2) \({}^{\text{VIII}}{{\text{M}^{2+}}_3} {}^{\text{VI}}[{\text{M}}^{2 + } ({\text{Si,Ti}})]({}^{\text{IV}}{\text{SiO}}_{4} )_{3}\)  (majorite, Maj), and (3) \({}^{\text{VIII}}({{\text {Na} {\text M}^{2+}}_2}) {}^{\text{VI}}[ ({\text{Si,Ti}}){\text {Al}}]({}^{\text{IV}}{\text{SiO}}_{4} )_{3}\) (Na-majorite₅₀Grt₅₀), whereby M²⁺ = Mg²⁺, Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺, Ca²⁺. In particular, we observed a broad variation in ^VI(Si,Ti) which ranges from 0.12 to 0.58 cations per formula unit (cpfu). All these majoritic garnets crystallized during shock pressure release at different ultrahigh pressures. Those with high ^VI(Si,Ti) (0.36–0.58 cpfu) formed at high pressures and temperatures from amphibole-rich melts, while majoritic garnets with lower ^VI(Si,Ti) of 0.12–0.27 cpfu formed at lower pressures and temperatures from chlorite-rich melts. Furthermore, majoritic garnets with intermediate values of ^VI(Si,Ti) (0.24–0.39) crystallized from melts with intermediate contents of Ca and Na. To the best of our knowledge the ‘MORB-type’ Ca–Na-rich majoritic garnets with maximum contents of 2.99 wt% Na₂O and calculated crystallisation pressures of 16–18 GPa are the most extreme representatives ever found in terrestrial shocked materials. At the Ries, the duration of the initial contact and compression stage at the central location of impact is estimated to only ~ 0.1 s. We used a ~ 200-µm-thick shock-induced vein in a moderately shocked amphibolite to model its pressure–temperature–time (P–T–t) path. The graphic model manifests a peak temperature of ~ 2600 °C for the vein, continuum pressure lasting for ~ 0.02 s, a quench duration of ~ 0.02 s and a shock pulse of ~ 0.038 s. The small difference between the continuum pressure and the pressure of majoritic garnet crystallization underlines the usefulness of applying crystallisation pressures of majoritic garnets from metabasites for calculation of dynamic shock pressures of host rocks. Majoritic garnets of chlorite provenance, however, are not suitable for the determination of continuum pressure since they crystallized relatively late during shock release. An extraordinary glass- and majorite-bearing amphibole fragment in a shock-vein of one amphibolite documents the whole unloading path.     

Thermal equation of state of synthetic orthoferrosilite at lunar pressures and temperatures

Iron-rich orthopyroxene plays an important role in models of the thermal and magmatic evolution of the Moon, but its density at high pressure and high temperature is not well-constrained. We present in situ measurements of the unit-cell volume of a synthetic polycrystalline end-member orthoferrosilite (FeSiO₃, fs) at simultaneous high pressures (3.4–4.8 GPa) and high temperatures (1,148–1,448 K), to improve constraints on the density of orthopyroxene in the lunar interior. Unit-cell volumes were determined through in situ energy-dispersive synchrotron X-ray diffraction in a multi-anvil press, using MgO as a pressure marker. Our volume data were fitted to a high-temperature Birch–Murnaghan equation of state (EoS). Experimental data are reproduced accurately, with a  $\varDelta P$ Δ P  standard deviation of 0.20 GPa. The resulting thermoelastic parameters of fs are: V ₀ = 875.8 ± 1.4 Å³, K ₀ = 74.4 ± 5.3 GPa, and $\frac{{\text d}K}{{\text d}T} = -0.032 \pm 0.005\,\hbox{GPa K}^{-1}$ d K d T = - 0.032 ± 0.005 GPa K - 1 , assuming ${K}^{\prime}_{0} = 10 $ K 0 ′ = 10 . We also determined the thermal equation of state of a natural Fe-rich orthopyroxene from Hidra (Norway) to assess the effect of magnesium on the EoS of iron-rich orthopyroxene. Comparison between our two data sets and literature studies shows good agreement for room-temperature, room-pressure unit-cell volumes. Preliminary thermodynamic analyses of orthoferrosilite, FeSiO₃, and orthopyroxene solid solutions, (Mg_1?x Fe _x ) SiO₃, using vibrational models show that our volume measurements in pressure–temperature space are consistent with previous heat capacity and one-bar volume–temperature measurements. The isothermal bulk modulus at ambient conditions derived from our measurements is smaller than values presented in the literature. This new simultaneous high-pressure, high-temperature data are specifically useful for calculations of the orthopyroxene density in the Moon.     

Quantification of groundwater–surface water interactions using environmental isotopes: A case study of Bringi Watershed,Kashmir Himalayas,India

Environmental isotopes including \({\updelta }^{18}\)O, \({\updelta }^{2}\)H and \(^{3}\)H of precipitation, streams and springs were determined in the mountainous Bringi catchment of Kashmir Himalaya, dominated by carbonate lithology. The isotopic signature of winter precipitation is reflected in stream and spring water in late spring and is, therefore, representative of snow melting. The spring waters in September bear the enriched isotopic signatures of summer rainfall. The strong correlation (\(r^{2} = 0.97\)) between the isotopic composition of streams and springs indicates the streams and springs either share similar catchments or the springs are recharged by the streams. Chloride mass balance and isotopic mass balance studies suggest that the surface recharge component averages 337.35 m\(^{3}\)/s, which is about 75% of total stream discharge during the high flow period. Similarly, the contribution of surface water to groundwater recharge during the low flow period averages 7.5 m\(^{3}\)/s, which is about 18.6% of total stream flow. Furthermore, the mean residence time of the springs calculated from the tritium decay equation is very short (<1 year). The residence time is longer for Kongamnag and short for Achabalnag, which is further supported by dye testing.     

Galena Non-oxidative Dissolution Kinetics in Seawater

The rate of non-oxidative galena dissolution in seawater compositions over the pH range of 2–4.5 was determined from batch reactor experiments. The derivative at zero time of a polynomial fit of the Pb concentration versus time data for the first 30 min was used to determine the rate. A plot of R_Gn (rate of galena dissolution) versus pH for data from six experiments is linear (R²?=?0.96), with a slope of 0.5. The rate equation describing the rate of galena dissolution as a function of hydrogen ion activity is

$$R_{\text{Gn}} = - \,10^{ - 10.72} \left( {a_{{{\text{H}}^{ + } }} } \right)^{0.50}$$

Varying the concentration of dissolved oxygen produced no significant effect on the measured rates. The activation energy, based on four experiments carried out over the temperature range of 7–30 °C, is 61.1 kJ/mol.

     

Using chemical analysis and modeling to enhance the understanding of soil solution of some calcareous soils

The chemistry of soil solutions can be altered by human activities, due to the intense agricultural and husbandry, leading to leaching of nutrients and subsequently elevating ground water levels. Multivariate statistical and inverse geochemical modeling techniques were used to determine the main factors controlling soil solution chemistry of calcareous soils. In this research, a total of 21 calcareous soils was characterized and assessed for soil solution using soil column. The major cations in the studied soil solutions were in the decreasing order as Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Na⁺ > K⁺. The anions were also arranged in decreasing order as HCO $ _{3}^{ - } $  > Cl $ ^{ - } $  > SO $ _{4}^{2 - } $  > NO $ _{3}^{ - } $ . Concentrations of NO $ _{3}^{ - } $ , P, and K⁺ in soil solutions were in the range of 6.8–307.5 mg l^?1 (mean 63.2 mg l^?1), 5.0–10.4 mg l^?1 (mean 5.9 mg l^?1), and 2.8–54.6 mg l^?1 (mean 11.3 mg l^?1), respectively. Results suggest that the concentration of P in the soil solutions could be primarily controlled by the solubility of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate and dicalcium phosphate. Interactions between soil properties and observed solubility of nutrients were described, and put into empirical multivariate formulations. Obtained equations contained electrical conductivity (EC) as a key factor in determining nutrients solubility. Inverse geochemical modeling of soil solution using PHREEQC indicates the dissolution of calcite, anhydrite, halite, CO₂ (g), N₂ (g), and hydroxyapatite, and precipitation of sulfur. Cation exchange between Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺ and Na⁺ occurred with Mg²⁺ and K⁺ into the solution, and Ca²⁺ and Na⁺ out of the solution. Determination of soil solution will improve soil management in the area, and preventing groundwater deterioration.     

Non-ideal Mg-Fe binary mixing in cordierite: Constraints from experimental data on Mg-Fe partitioning in garnet and cordierite and a reformulation of garnet-cordierite geothermometer

The non-ideal regular Mg-Fe binary in cordierite has been derived through multivariate linear regression of the expressionRT InK_D +(P- 1)ΔVK ₁ ⁰ , 298 along with updated subfegular mixing parameter of almandine-pyrope solution (Hackler and Wood 1989; Berman 1990). The data base used for multivariate analyses consists of published experimental data (n = 177) on Mg-Fe partitioning between garnet and cordierite in theP-T range 650–1050°C and 4–12 K bar. The non-ideality can be approximated by temperature-dependent Margules parameters. The retrieved values of ΔH_<T> ^o and ΔH_<T> ^o of exchange reaction between garnet and cordierite and enthalpy and entropy of mixing of Mg-Fe cordierite were combined with recent quaternary (Fe-Mg-Ca-Mn) mixing data in garnet to obtain the geothermometric expressions to determine temperature (T Kelvin): $$\begin{gathered} T(WH) = 6832 + 0.031(P - 1) - \{ 166(X_{Mg}^{Gt} )^2 - 506(X_{Fe}^{Gt} )^2 + 680X_{Fe}^{Gt} X_{Mg}^{Gt} + 336(X_{Ca} + X_{Mn} ) \hfill \\ (X_{Mg} - X_{Fe} )^{Gt} - 3300X_{Ca}^{Gt} - 358X_{Mn}^{Gt} \} + 954(X_{Fe} - X_{Mg} )^{Crd} /1.987\ln K_D + 3.41 + 1.5X_{Ca}^{Gt} \hfill \\ + 1.23(X_{Fe} - X_{Mg} )^{Crd} \hfill \\ \end{gathered} $$ $$\begin{gathered} T(Br) = 6920 + 0.031(p - 1) - \{ 18(X_{Mg}^{Gt} )^2 - 296(X_{Fe}^{Gt} )^2 + 556X_{Fe}^{Gt} X_{Mg}^{Gt} - 6339X_{Ca}^{Gt} X_{Mg}^{Gt} \hfill \\ - 99(X_{Ca}^{Gt} )^2 + 4687X_{Ca}^{Gt} (X_{Mg} - X_{Fe}^{Gt} ) - 4269X_{Ca}^{Gt} X_{Fe}^{Gt} - 358X_{Mn}^{Gt} \} + 640(X_{Fe} - X_{Mg} )^{Crd} \hfill \\ + 1.90X_{Ca}^{Gt} (X_{Mg} - X_{Ca} )^{Gt} . \hfill \\ \end{gathered} $$      

Hydrochemical characteristics of surface and groundwater and suitability for drinking and agricultural use in the Upper Tigris River Basin,Diyarbakır–Batman,Turkey

Investigations were undertaken into the quality of surface water and groundwater bodies within the Upper Tigris Basin in Turkey to determine their suitability for potable and agricultural use. In the study area, the majority of the groundwater and surface water samples belong to the calcium–magnesium–bicarbonate type (Ca–Mg–HCO₃) or magnesium–calcium–bicarbonate type (Mg–Ca–HCO₃). Chemical analysis of all water samples shows that the mean cation concentrations (in mg/L) were in the order Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Na⁺ > K⁺ and that of anions are in the order \( \text{HCO}_{3}^{ - } \) > \( \text{SO}_{4}^{2 - } \) > Cl^? > \( \text{CO}_{3}^{ - } \) for all groundwater and surface water samples. The Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ ratio ranges from 0.21 to 1.30 with most of the values greater than 0.5, indicating that weathering of dolomites is dominant in groundwater. The analysis reveals that all of the samples are neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 7.0–8.7). Groundwater and surface water suitability for drinking usage was evaluated according to the World Health Organization and Turkish Standards (TSE-266) and suggests that most of the samples are suitable for drinking. Various determinants such as sodium absorption ratio, percent sodium (Na %), residual sodium carbonate and soluble sodium percentage revealed that most of the samples are suitable for irrigation. According to MH values, all of the well water samples were suitable for irrigation purposes, but 80 and 81.82% of Zillek springs and surface water samples were unsuitable. As per the PI values, the water samples from the study area are classified as Class I and Class II and are considered to be suitable for irrigation.     

Performance evaluation and parameters sensitivity of a distributed hydrological model for a semi-arid catchment in India

In present study, a distributed physics based hydrological model, MIKE SHE coupled with MIKE 11, is calibrated using multi-objective approach, i.e., minimization of error in prediction of stream flows and groundwater levels, using the data of eight years from 1991 to 1998 of Yerli sub-catchment \((\hbox {area} = 15{,}881\,\hbox {km}^{2})\) of upper Tapi basin in India. The sensitivity analyses of thirteen model parameters related with overland flow, unsaturated and saturated zones have been undertaken while simulating the runoff volume, peak runoff at catchment outlet and groundwater levels within the catchment with wide variations \((\pm 50\%)\) in the model parameters. The calibrated model has also been validated for prediction of stream flow and groundwater levels within the Yerli sub-catchment for period 1999–2004. The simulated results revealed that calibrated model is able to simulate hydrographs satisfactorily for Yerli sub-catchment (NSE \(=\) 0.65–0.89, \(r=0.80{-}0.95\)) at daily and monthly time scales. The ground water levels are predicted reasonably satisfactorily for the plain area (RMSE \(=\) 0.50–6.50 m) in the study area. The results of total water balance indicated that about 78% of water is lost from the system through evapotranspiration, out of which about 3.5% is contributed from the groundwater zone.     

H-bonding scheme and cation partitioning in axinite: a single-crystal neutron diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopic study

The crystal chemistry of a ferroaxinite from Colebrook Hill, Rosebery district, Tasmania, Australia, was investigated by electron microprobe analysis in wavelength-dispersive mode, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP–AES), ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy and single-crystal neutron diffraction at 293 K. The chemical formula obtained on the basis of the ICP–AES data is the following: \( ^{X1,X2} {\text{Ca}}_{4.03} \,^{Y} \left( {{\text{Mn}}_{0.42} {\text{Mg}}_{0.23} {\text{Fe}}^{2 + }_{1.39} } \right)_{\varSigma 2.04} \,^{Z1,Z2} \left( {{\text{Fe}}^{3 + }_{0.15} {\text{Al}}_{3.55} {\text{Ti}}_{0.12} } \right)_{\varSigma 3.82} \,^{T1,T2,T3,T4} \left( {{\text{Ti}}_{0.03} {\text{Si}}_{7.97} } \right)_{\varSigma 8} \,^{T5} {\text{B}}_{1.96} {\text{O}}_{30} \left( {\text{OH}} \right)_{2.18} \). The ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectrum shows unambiguously the occurrence of Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ in octahedral coordination only, with Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ = 9:1. The neutron structure refinement provides a structure model in general agreement with the previous experimental findings: the tetrahedral T1, T2, T3 and T4 sites are fully occupied by Si, whereas the T5 site is fully occupied by B, with no evidence of Si at the T5, or Al or Fe³⁺ at the T1–T5 sites. The structural and chemical data of this study suggest that the amount of B in ferroaxinite is that expected from the ideal stoichiometry: 2 a.p.f.u. (for 32 O). The atomic distribution among the X1, X2, Y, Z1 and Z2 sites obtained by neutron structure refinement is in good agreement with that based on the ICP–AES data. For the first time, an unambiguous localization of the H site is obtained, which forms a hydroxyl group with the oxygen atom at the O16 site as donor. The H-bonding scheme in axinite structure is now fully described: the O16–H distance (corrected for riding motion effect) is 0.991(1) Å and an asymmetric bifurcated bonding configuration occurs, with O5 and O13 as acceptors [i.e. with O16···O5 = 3.096(1) Å, H···O5 = 2.450(1) Å and O16–H···O5 = 123.9(1)°; O16···O13 = 2.777(1) Å, H···O13 = 1.914(1) Å and O16–H···O13 = 146.9(1)°].