Morphological characteristics of gully networks and their relationship to host materials,Baringo District,Kenya

The morphological characteristics of gully networks in Baringo District, Kenya are described in relation to host materials. All gullies studied were part of a well integrated network characterised by a high drainage density. Causes of network rejuvenation leading to gullying are postulated. The morphology of the individual gullies were found to be related to the most material. Gullies formed on weathered bedrock had a dendritic drainage network with convex slopes. The morphology of gullies developed in lacustrine sediments varied with sediment texture and chemistry. V-shaped dendritic gullies with a concave longitudinal profile were associated with a high clay content and high sodium content whereas entrenched gullies were associated with a high silt content and low sodium content. Process inferences are made in order to explain the variation in gully morphology.     

The effect of subaerial exposure on the morphology and microstructure of stromatolites in the Cretaceous Sinyangdong Formation,Gyeongsang Supergroup,Korea1

Stromatolite morphology is usually controlled by a number of biological and environmental factors. In the south‐eastern part of the Korean Peninsula, three stromatolite units of the Cretaceous Sinyangdong Formation have been studied with regard to the effect of diagenesis on their morphology. Here, it is proposed that subaerial exposure and meteoric diagenesis are the most significant factors in shaping the stromatolites of the Cretaceous Sinyangdong Formation. Most previous palaeontological and sedimentological studies on stromatolites have concentrated on the environmental and biogenic controls on stromatolite morphology. These include extrinsic factors such as sedimentation rates or current velocities. The main controlling factor on the morphology of the stromatolites in the Sinyangdong Formation is apparently transient subaerial exposure and related meteoric diagenesis. Textural examination of stromatolite samples from three stratigraphic horizons shows a characteristic repetitive pattern of cycles with gradual transition from fibrous calcite to micrite layers, reflecting changes in the hydrological cycle of the lake in which the stromatolites grew. Stromatolite growth was terminated by corroded surfaces indicative of subaerial exposure related to a fall in lake level. The growth pattern of the stromatolites was mostly determined by the morphology of the corroded substrates during subaerial exposure. Furthermore, the internal stromatolite structure was strongly modified by the process of leaching. As a result, growth forms mostly changed from stratiform to columnar mesostructure. This study strongly implies that diagenesis could make a very significant influence on the morphogenesis of lacustrine stromatolites in the geological past.     

Influence of logjam-formed hard points on the formation of valley-bottom landforms in an old-growth forest valley, Queets River, Washington, USA

Field surveys and radiocarbon dating of buried logjams in the floodplain of an old-growth forest river demonstrate the formation of erosion-resistant “hard points” on the floodplain of the Queets River, Washington. These hard points provide refugia for development of old-growth forest patches in frequently disturbed riparian environments dominated by immature forest. Our surveys show that local bed aggradation associated with logjams not only influences channel patterns and profiles but leads to development of a patchwork of elevated landforms that can coalesce to form portions of the valley bottom with substantial (i.e., 1 to >4 m) relief above the bankfull elevation. In addition, logjam-formed hard points promote channel avulsion, anastomosing morphology, and growth of mature patches of floodplain forest that, in turn, provide large logs needed to form more logjam-formed hard points. Hence, our findings substantiate the potential for a feedback mechanism through which hard points sustain complex channel morphology and a patchwork floodplain composed of variable-elevation surfaces. Conversely, such a feedback further implies that major changes in riparian forest characteristics associated with land use can lead to dramatic simplification in channel and floodplain morphology.     

Native gold from the Plavica epithermal deposit, Republic of Macedonia

Mineralogical-geochemical studies have shown that gold from the Plavica high sulfidation epithermal deposit (Republic of Macedonia) contains an admixture of Fe and Cu, that the morphology of gold indicates the proximity of the primary source, and that the chemical composition of gold is independent of its morphology. The composition of gold and its morphology are the direct searching criteria, indicating the genetic type of mineralization. Pan sampling and the subsequent study of the typomorphism of gold may serve as an effective method for searching for epithermal high sulfidation deposits. Pan sampling allows us to distinguish and study in detail the chemical composition and morphology of native gold from deposits of this type.     

Chemical kinetics, speleothem growth and climate

The morphology and stratigraphy of speleothems are controlled by parameters that depend on climate. These are the water supply rates feeding the speleothem, e.g. a stalagmite, the growth rates dependent on the chemical kinetics of calcite precipitation and the supersaturation of the solution from which calcite is precipitated. To elucidate the basic principles of speleothem growth, a physical-chemical model of calcite precipitation is used to estimate growth rates under various geologically relevant conditions. Furthermore, we present a model that allows the computation of the growth history of stalagmites, i.e. their morphology and stratigraphy under varying climatic conditions. This enables us to see how climatic signals are inscribed into stalagmites. Owing to the counter-balancing effects of some parameters, it is not possible to read climatic conditions backwards from the morphology and stratigraphy of a speleothem in a simple way, but a basic understanding of the growth of speleothems can be a helpful supporting tool in the interpretation of palaeoclimatic records.     

Dinomischus from the Middle Cambrian Kaili Biota, Guizhou, China

Dinomischus is a rare solitary epifaunal suspension feeder. The over-all morphology of Dinomischus consists of a conical calyx surrounded with elongate bracts and an elongate stem. Visceral mass and stomach sac are evident in the body cavity. Dinomischus is interpreted as a primative ancestor of living entoprocts based on similarities in morphology and mode of life. Previously, Dinomischus is only known in two localities： the mid-Middle Cambrian Burgess Shale Biota and the Early Cambrian Chengjiang Biota. A single specimen of Dinomischus cf. D. isolatus Cowry Morris, 1977 from the Kaili Biota, Guizhou, China is reported here. The discovery of Dinomischus in the Kaili Biota extends its geographical range and indicated that the rare Dinomischus could tolerate deeper water settings during the Middle Cambrian.     

Holocene stromatolites and microbial laminites associated with lenticular gypsum in a marine-dominated environment, Ras El Shetan area, Gulf of Aqaba, Egypt

Field and petrographic investigations of Holocene evaporites in the Ras El Shetan area, Gulf of Aqaba, Egypt, indicate the presence of microbial mats either in the form of laminites or stromatolites. The morphology of microbial mats and gypsum crystal size characterize the following lithofacies: (1) slump-stromatolitic gypsarenite, (2) random gypsrudite, (3) stromatolitic gypsarenite, and (4) microbially laminated gypsrudite. These evaporite lithofacies are formed above pre-evaporitic mudstones rich in disrupted cyanobacterial filaments, burrows and cerithid gastropods. The morphology of the gypsum crystals is mainly lenticular, indicating enrichment of dissolved organic compounds in the depositional environment. The difference in size of the lenticular gypsum crystals is related to minor changes in salinity and temperature of the parent brine. Fluid inclusions in gypsum crystals indicate their formation at low temperature (<50°C) in a seawater sourced brine that evaporated to gypsum saturation or higher. The brine salinities range from 10·62 to 12·99 equivalent wt% NaCl, and the brine densities range from 1·08 to 1·11 g/cm³. The change in morphology of the microbial mats (stromatolites and laminites) is related mainly to changes in water depth, from a very shallow salina to a coastal sabkha. Lenticular gypsum nucleated displacively in the microbial mats from saline, oxygenated groundwater that seeped from the sea through a barrier.     

New Tapejarid Pterosaur from Western Liaoning, China

A new tapejarid pterosaur Huaxiapterus jii gen. et sp. nov. is erected based on a nearly complete skeleton with a skull. The skull morphology of Huaxiapterus jii gen. et sp. nov. appears transitional between the skulls of Sinopterus and Tapejara. The skull morphology （low crest） of Huaxiapterusjii indicates that Huaxiapterus is more closely related to Sinopterus than to Tapejara, which has a high crest. The relatively long and shallow skull of Sinopterus indicates that it is a primitive form. Huaxiapterus is more derived than Sinopterus but more primitive than Tapejara.     

Morphology and internal structure of sand shoals and sandbanks off the Dorset coast, English Channel

The morphology and internal structure of sand shoals and sandbanks around a coastal headland (Portland Bill, southern UK) are described on the basis of sidescan sonar and high-resolution seismic data sets. Morphological and architectural evidence, combined with the spatial distribution and nature of the bedrock surface, indicates that the evolution of these deposits, especially the sandbanks, may not only be hydrodynamically controlled but also morphologically controlled. The internal structure of the sand shoals reveals a simple pattern of clinoforms dipping in the same direction as their steeper profile. In contrast, the internal structure of the sandbanks reveals that their lower seismic units consist of a sedimentary core interpreted as the remains of a lowstand deposit or an early stage of the bank development under different prevailing hydrodynamic conditions. The present morphology of the sandbanks is represented by upper seismic units characterized by large-scale sandwave foresets dipping at 6–8°. The nature and morphology of the bedrock surface may also influence the development of sandbanks in some cases. For example, to the west of Portland Bill, the morphology of the bedrock surface (basal reflector) restricts the development of the Portland Bank. This information may explain the asymmetric evolution of sandbanks around Portland Bill.     

辽东大连金石滩新元古代碳酸盐岩臼齿构造形态及其沉积环境指示意义

辽东大连金石滩新元古代兴民村组上部灰岩段发育了一系列形态复杂多样的臼齿构造(Molar-tooth struc-ture,简称MT)。通过野外及室内综合研究鉴别出条带状、短直杆状、蠕虫状、细丝状、圆斑状(气泡状、瘤状)和碎屑状6种主要类型,其中以条带状最为发育。MT发育段主要由含砂屑或粉屑灰岩、泥晶灰岩、纹层状泥晶灰岩和含泥泥晶灰岩的韵律组成,系多个向上沉积动力减弱、水体变浅的潮下-潮间带沉积旋回序列。兴民村组MT发育的沉积环境具有一定水深和频繁波动的水动力特点,MT形态受宿主岩石性质的影响和控制。MT主要发育在浅潮下带-潮间带下部沉积微相。不同形态的MT及其组合分别宿主于不同的沉积岩相或沉积韵律,表现了MT形态的指相意义。     

Recent evolution of the Outardes Estuary, Quebec, Canada: consequences of dam construction on the river

The Outardes Estuary (Quebec) is a regressive sandy system developed in a sub-boreal climatic setting. The Outardes River drains an area of 18 780 km² and was dammed for hydroelectric purposes in the 1960s and‘70s. By reconstructing the hydrographs and mapping the morphology of the estuary from aerial photographs over a period of 21 years, we have documented the changes in the estuary resulting from the modification of the hydrologic regime. Until the mid-1960s, a catastrophic spring freshet (1800–2800 m³3s^-1) controlled the morphology of the estuary. The mouth was dominated by a disorganized, braided channel pattern, and large fluvial discharge-generated transverse bars. Peripheral channel areas in the upper estuary were zones of transport at flood stages. For 18 months in 1968 and‘69 the river discharge was drastically reduced (50 m³s^-1) to accomplish the main reservoir filling. Tidal currents and waves filled and remodelled the morphology of the mouth of the estuary, while the peripheral zones in the upper estuary experienced low-energy sedimentation. Since the generating plants were brought on-line in 1969, the fluvial discharge has been unable to modify substantially the sand body geometry in the mouth of the estuary. In the upper estuary the peripheral regions continue to be filled in, but the thalweg is being eroded. Based on the results of our coring programme, we suggest that major environmental changes may leave a sedimentary signature (addition or subtraction of size modes) which can be identified by the detailed analysis of grain size distributions.     

Pools,riffles, and channelization

The addition of regularly spaced deeps (pools) and shallows (riffles) that provide a variety of flow conditions, areal sorting of stream-bed material, cover for wildlife, and a positive aesthetic experience, may be desirable in many channel projects. Such designs will reduce adverse environmental impacts of stream channel modifications. Analysis of variance for pool-to-pool spacing data suggests that there is no significant difference with respect to channel width between pools that form in natural streams and those in streams affected by a variety of human uses. Short of channelization, which changes the channel width, pools and riffles, within limits, are not particularly sensitive to environmental stress. Experiments in Gum Branch near Charlotte, North Carolina, support the hypothesis that channel form and process evolve in harmony and that manipulation of cross-channel morphology can influence the development of desired channel processes. Planned manipulation of its channel form induced Gum Branch to develop as desired. Morphologic stability consisting of incipient point bars, pools, and riffles was maintained over a period of high magnitude flood events, only to be degraded later by a wave of sediment derived from upstream construction and stream-bank failures. Thus, environmentally desirable channel morphology in urban streams cannot remain stable if changes in the sediment load or storm-water runoff exceed the limits of the stream's ability to make internal adjustments while maintaining morphologic stability.     

Flake Morphology,Fluvial Dynamics,and Debitage Transport Potential

Since archaeological sites are often located in or near fluvial environments, a thorough understanding of corresponding formation processes is a critical component of archaeological research. Within this context, we address the following question: how does flake morphology condition transport potential? Specifically, do flakes behave as the idealized spheres often used to characterize geological materials and if so, how might this process modify a debitage assemblage? To address this important issue, we present the results of a fluvial transport experiment designed to evaluate the relationships between flake size, shape, weight, curvature, and transport potential. We begin with an overview of fluvial mechanics and previous archaeological fluvial transport studies and use these studies to design an experiment intended to fill gaps in our knowledge of the relationships between flake morphology and transport potential. Our experimental results suggest that all things being equal, flake weight is the most important variable in both settling velocity and transport distance, although flake shape conditions transport as well. Finally, our study demonstrates the potential structure of fluvially transported assemblages as lag deposits and suggests that fluvially transported assemblages may retain key behavioral information.     

Morphology,sedimentology and palaeohydraulic significance of large gravel dunes,Altai Mountains,Siberia

Coarse-gravel bedforms which resulted from Pleistocene glacial outburst floods are identified as subaqueous dunes. Comparison of the morphology of these ‘fossil’ structures with modern dunes shows that the form of two-dimensional (2-D) transverse dunes and 3-D cuspate and lunate dunes developed in coarse gravels is comparable with sand-dune morphology within lesser-scale geophysical flows. The similarity of the steepest gravel dunes with equilibrium dunes in sand indicates that grain size is not a major factor in constraining primary duneform. Internal structure indicates that flow over 2-D dunes was relatively uniform but over 3-D bedforms flow was locally variable. Flow separation and complex streaming of flow occurred over the steepest 3-D dunes. Cross-beds are thin and few approach the angle of repose; consequently most dunes did not migrate primarily by avalanching but by stoss-entrained gravel transported over the crests rolling-down and depositing on the lee slopes. Lee-side sediments are often finer than the stoss-slope sediments, which indicates the lee formed when flood power was waning. Some dunes were slightly planed-down during falling stage because lee-side cross-beds tend to be steeper than the angle of the preserved lee slope. However, silt-rich caps indicate that any height reduction was contemporary with the final deposition of foresets. Post-flood modification has been negligible although the modern topography is subdued by loess deposits within the dune troughs.     

Coastal morphology and beach stability along Thiruvananthapuram,south-west coast of India

Shoreline changes are largely dependent on coastal morphology. South-west coast of India is a high energy coast characterised by monsoon high waves, steep beach face and medium-sized beach sand. Waves are generally from west and west south-west during rough monsoon season and from south-west during fair weather season. Shoreline change along this coast is studied with reference to coastal morphological features. Various morphological features, modifications and chronological positions of shoreline are analysed with the information derived from multidated satellite imageries, toposheets and GPS shoreline mapping along with extended field survey. Image processing and GIS techniques have been used for the analysis of data and presentation of results. Sediment accumulation on the leeward side of artificial structures such as harbour breakwaters and groynes is used as a sediment transport indicator. Artificial structures such as seawalls, groynes and harbour breakwaters modify morphology. Shoreline south of headlands/promontories and breakwaters are stable or accreting due to net northerly longshore sediment transport while erosion tendency is observed on the north side. Lateritic cliffs fronting the sea or with seasonal beach undergo slumping and cliff edge retreat as episodic events. Spits adjoining tidal inlets are prone to shoreline variations due to oscillations of inlet mouth. Interventions in the form of inlet stabilization and construction of coastal protection structures trigger erosion along adjoining coasts. Seawalls constructed along highly eroding coasts get damaged, whereas those constructed along monsoon berm crest with frontal beaches for protection against monsoon wave attack are retained. Fishing gaps within seawalls are areas of severe temporary erosion during rough monsoon season. Accretion or erosion accompanies construction of harbour breakwaters in a stable coastal plain. Close dependence of shoreline changes on morphology necessitates detailed understanding of impacts on morphology prior to introducing any intervention in the coastal zone.     

新疆博格达山隆升时间初步分析

博格达山横亘于准噶尔盆地和吐—哈盆地之间,关于博格达山的隆升时间一直是一个具重要意义而又长期争议的问题。综合分析前人及研究区资料认为:早石炭—中二叠世博格达地区以拉张环境为主;在晚二叠—早三叠世,吐—哈盆地台北凹陷沉积物的粒度、分布、形态、成分变化等特征以及地层接触关系表明博格达山初次隆升;中侏罗世,台北凹陷的沉积相、ZTR指数以及砂岩岩屑成分在时间上和空间上的变化,表明西山窑组晚期博格达山再次隆升,并向吐—哈盆地提供物源,但喜山运动期间博格达山隆升幅度最大,铸成了现今的盆山格局。     

湖北大冶铁山地区缝合线三维形态模拟及其成因分析

广泛发育于碳酸盐岩中的缝合线构造可以用来分析构造应力方位、计算岩层的有限应变和恢复原始地层厚度;同时,缝合线可以是石油、天然气和地下水的储积场所和运移通道。湖北大冶铁山地区发育有大量的缝合线构造。通过影像云纹法和GIS技术恢复了采自该地区的数枚缝合线标本的三维数字形态。利用该模型对缝合线的尺度、坡角、粗糙度、谷底点分布、二维剖面形态和压溶量等进行了定量分析,完善了缝合线的几何形态学研究并在此基础上对其成因进行了解释,认为铁山地区的缝合线主要由成岩压实作用和压溶作用形成,缝合线在从初始到各种复杂形态的发展过程中主要受两个因素控制：一是岩石的力学性质;二是由主压应力引起的局部应力集中而产生的溶解释放。      

A Megatheropod Tooth from the Early Cretaceous of Fusui,Guangxi, Southern China

A nearly complete right maxillary or left dentary tooth（NHMG 10858） from the Lower Cretaceous Xinlong Formation of the Napai Basin, Fusui County, Guangxi, southern China, is described. The tooth is large in size, with a CBL of 37 mm. Given the geological age and its crown morphology, including the size, it is most likely that the tooth belongs to a carcharodontosaurid. The recovered specimen represents one of the largest theropod teeth hitherto reported from the Early Cretaceous of Asia.     

Tunnel erosion,upward-unsealing terraces,and dynamic interpretation of alluvial deposits

The morphology of alluvial terraces, as well as the facial composition of their sediments, is controlled by a number of factors, whose relative importance continues to be difficult to understand. Detailed studies of river valleys provide models of alluvium development, which differ rather strongly from existing models that postulate regular and universal changes in alluvium composition and structure in the course of its accumulation and further transformation of depositional bodies into a terrace. Based on examples from South Ural river valleys we propose a model of an “upward unsealing terrace,” which forms as a result of above-the-flow (tunnel) erosion.     

Micro-, macro-, and nanomorphology of synthetic diamonds

The morphology of the surface of HPHT-synthesized diamonds was studied using optical parabolic goniometry and atomic force microscopy. The quasi-equilibrium mode of the growth of diamonds was revealed for the growth and “off-stage.” Morphological studies were carried out for thermal etching pits of macro-, micro-, and nanometric dimensions. The occurrence of two mechanisms of the formation of etching pits was discovered, being related to linear and exclusively to near-surface defects of the crystalline structure.