Fluxes of heat and momentum over sea surface during the passage of a depression in the north Bay of Bengal

Time variation of surface fluxes of heat, moisture and momentum over a sea station (20°N 89°E) in the north Bay of Bengal has been computed by profile method for the period 18th–25th August 1990 using meteorological data of MONTBLEX-90 from ORVSagarkanya. The fluxes showed synoptic and diurnal variations which are marked during depression (20th–21st August) compared to their variation prior to and after this period. Variations of heat and water vapour fluxes were in phase. Night time fluxes are relatively high compared to day time. Average momentum transfer during depression was two to three times large. Variations in Bowen ratio were relatively large during day time. During depression, it varied between 0·2 in day time and about 0·3 at night and in the undisturbed period between ?0·1 and 0·2 during day time and 0·2 and 0·25 at night. The study shows that the assumptionC _D=C_H=C_E of the exchange coefficients normally used in estimating the fluxes by the bulk aerodynamic method is not appropriate becauseC _H/C_D≈2,C _E/C_D≈1·5 andC _H/C_E≈1·4.     

East Asian summer monsoon intensity inferred from iron oxide mineralogy in the Xiashu Loess in southern China

The Xiashu Loess, in comparison to the well-studied loess sequences in the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP), provides a good opportunity for studying East Asian monsoon variations from a southern China perspective. Here we present a study of the iron oxide mineralogy of the Xiashu Loess using integrated geochemical and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) measurements as well as magnetic data. Our results show that the free iron oxide (Fe_d) to total iron (Fe_t) ratio (Fe_d/Fe_t), hematite (Hm) to goethite (Gt) ratio (Hm/Gt) and saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM) to magnetic susceptibility (χ) ratio (SIRM/χ) all indicate particularly strong summer monsoons during the formation of paleosols PS5 and PS4 (equivalent to Marine Isotope Stage 13 and 11, respectively). However, magnetic susceptibility and Fe_d/Fe_t are not consistently reliable indicators of summer monsoon intensity for the whole section. Our results indicate that a multi-proxy approach can give a more reliable summer monsoon intensity reconstruction. The summer monsoon shows a cooling trend and a declining of precipitation from 0.5 to ～0.3 Ma, after which it becomes warmer and wetter towards the top of paleosol PS1 (equivalent to MIS 5). However, PS1 was formed under a relatively cooler temperature and wetter soil conditions in comparison to PS5 and PS4. Such supra-orbital variations in the East Asian summer monsoon superimposed on the effects of glacial–interglacial cycles in southern China are also reflected in the 0.4–0.5 Ma cycle of marine carbon isotopes in the global ocean, possibly indicating a strong link between terrestrial weathering and the global carbon cycle.     

Electron paramagnetic resonance study of new paramagnetic centers in microcline-perthites from pegmatites

Four new types of paramagnetic centers — NH⁺ ₃, N^2?, Al-O^?, E ₁ — have been detected in microcline perthites from pegmatites in the Ukrainian Shield. Values are tabulated for their g and A tensors and limits of thermal stability determined. The NH⁺ ₃ center substitutes the K⁺ ion. It occurs naturally in potash feldspars but is intensified by gamma or X-ray irradiation. It is regarded as a radiational development of the more general NH⁺ ₄ ? K⁺ isomorphism. It disappears after heating to temperatures higher than 470 K. The N^2? center is an uncommon example of isomorphous substitution of a bridging oxygen, being located on a O _D(m) site between T ₂(o) and T ₁(m) silicon sites. It is stable to 820 K. The hole center, Al-O^?, has been detected on an O _A(l) oxygen shared by T ₁(o) and T ₁(m) tetrahedra. It is stable to 590 K. The E ₁ center in these alkali feldspars is similar to the E ₁ center in quartz, being an electron trapped in an oxygen vacancy in the O _B (o) position. It is stable to 420 K. The NH⁺ ₃, Al-O^? and E ₁ centers can be restored from temperatures above their stability limits by gamma radiation. Concentration of centers varies from sample to sample depending on conditions of formation and subsequent history of the minerals.     

Crystal structure of K-substituted gonnardite: separation of local water–cation assemblages

K-substituted gonnardite, K_2.18Na_0.04Ca_0.02[Al_2.26Si_2.74O₁₀]·2.2H₂O, was studied by X-ray powder diffraction method. The structure was refined with the Rietveld technique in the tetragonal space group $I\overline{4} 2d$ with a = 13.65409(16), c = 6.56928(11) Å, V = 1224.74(2) ų, Z = 4. Most of K⁺ cations (1.94 apfu) statistically occupy three nearest positions to be considered as the split one. “Excess” cations are located in the position non-typical for K⁺. Statistics in the cation distribution is defined by the occupation of the additional position. Based on a crystal chemical positional model (C₂R₂A₂) [T₅O₁₀], the separation of the local water–cation assemblages from an average statistical pattern has been suggested.     

Restricted utility of δC of bulk organic matter as a record of paleovegetation in some loess-paleosol sequences in the Chinese Loess Plateau

Molecular stratigraphic analyses using gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry have been performed in the upper section (S₀, L₁, S₁) of the Yuanbo loess-paleosol sequences in northwest China, with a record extending from the last interglaciation through the present interglaciation. The CPI (Carbon Preference Index) values of both n-alkanols and n-alkan-2-ones display variations between loess deposits and paleosols, showing a correlation with the magnetic susceptibility record, an indicator of the East Asian summer monsoon. The observed variations in the indexes in relation to changes in lithology/paleoclimate are proposed to result from microbial degradation of higher plant lipids in the paleosols. The CPI values of n-alkanes, n-alkanols, and n-alkan-2-ones are negatively correlated with δ¹³C of bulk organic matter. The correlations suggest that the observed glacial-interglacial variations of δ¹³C data in the loess stratigraphy reflect the relative importance of the contribution of paleovegetation compared with microorganisms (including both the degradation and the addition of organic matter) and allochthonous loess/soil parent materials. It is thus necessary to evaluate the contributions of the latter two before the paleovegetation can be reconstructed based on the δ¹³C analysis of bulk organic matter in some loess-paleosol sequences of the Chinese Loess Plateau.     

Physicomechanical properties of cryptocrystalline fluorite from the Suran deposit, southern Urals

Microhardness (H) and fracture toughness (K _1C) have been studied for the main varieties of shock-resistant cryptocrystalline fluorite, a natural ceramic widespread at the Suran deposit. Suran cryptocrystalline fluorite (SCF) is characterized by high fracture toughness (K _1C), which is 2–5 times higher than K _1C of common fluorite monocrystals. The relationship between K _1C and microhardness H is complex and nonlinear. The SCF varieties from the sellaite-fluorite orebody are distinguished by the highest K _1C = 1.9–2.3 MPa m^1/2, which exceeds K _1C = 0.84 MPa m^1/2 of porcelain-like fluorite from the main fluorite orebody. Qualitative and quantitative variations of structural point defects in the studied samples exert a much stronger effect on microhardness than on fracture toughness, which mainly depends on the size of crystallites, their mutual crystallographic orientation, and the structure of intergranular boundaries, i.e., on the parameters seemingly related to recrystallization and/or twinning of fluorite. In general, the nature of the Suran deposit of fluorite ceramic with unusual physicomechanical properties remains a geological puzzle in many respects.     

K-H3OFe3(SO4)2(OH)6铁矾的XRD研究

根据X射线衍射(XRD)分析发现: A Fe₃(SO₄)₂(OH)₆(A=K⁺、H₃O⁺)系列铁钒的XRD数据十分相近,难以用XRD区别,需通过能谱(EDS)辅助分析,才能区分此类铁矾。另外,此类铁矾的003和107面网间距d随K⁺含量增大而增大,且呈一元三次方程的关系;而033和220面网间距d随K⁺含量增大而减小,呈一元二次方程的关系。对该现象从铁矾晶体结构方面进行解释:K⁺、H₃O⁺离子位于较大空隙中,且沿着Z轴方向排列,当K⁺、H₃O⁺离子之间相互替换时,会导致该铁矾晶体结构在Z轴方向有较明显的变化。     

Late Holocene (~ 2 ka) East Asian Monsoon variations inferred from river discharge and climate interrelationships in the Pearl River Estuary

A sediment core from the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) was analyzed for grain size and organic geochemistry parameters (TOC and δ¹³C_org). The results showed that high mean grain-size value and increased sand content were correlated with the high TOC and negative δ¹³C_org. These results indicated high river runoff in the PRE area. Peak river discharge occurred during the periods 1900–1750, 1500–1600, 1400–1200, 1000–900 and 750–600 cal yr BP. The main changes recorded in grain-size distributions, TOC contents, and δ¹³C_org variations appear to be directly related to monsoon precipitation in the sediment source area. An increased East Asian summer monsoon rainfall (EASM) and/or an enhanced East Asian winter monsoon rainfall could result in the increasing of monsoon rainfall. Typhoon related rainfalls could act as positive influence on precipitation levels. The study of the correlations between the rainfall records and ENSO activities revealed a close relationship between the monsoon rainfall in the PRE and the tropical Pacific variations. The frequent occurrence of ENSO might result in the southern migration of the EASM rain belt and lead to more typhoon-derived rainfall in the PRD during the late Holocene.     

Photo induced dissociation of ferri and ferro cyanide in hydroponic solutions

The potential for photo-induced dissociation of ferri- and ferro-cyanide was investigated. The overall reactions followed first order kinetics, judged by the free cyanide analyzed in aqueous solution. The dissociation rates for ferri- and ferro-cyanide were mathematically described by the equations: C _(CN,t) = C _(CN,O)e^1.3t and C _(CN,t) = C _(CN,O)e^0.39t , respectively. In addition, photo-induced dissociation of both iron cyanides was enhanced under an alkaline environment than a neutral condition. Results from the temperature-dependent tests indicated that the dissociation rate of ferri- cyanide was significantly higher than that of ferro-cyanide at all treatment temperatures. The kinetic parameter, activation energy (E _a ) was also experimentally determined to be 12.02 and 12.32 kJ/mol for ferri- and ferro-cyanide, respectively. The results obtained suggest that both iron cyanides are susceptible to photo-dissociation and the rates are positively correlated to the change of temperatures. The information collectively also has important implications for waste management of iron cyanides as well as for risk assessment in a field trial.     

Agricolaite, a new mineral of uranium from J��chymov, Czech Republic

The new mineral agricolaite, a potassium uranyl carbonate with ideal formula K₄(UO₂)(CO₃)₃, occurs in vugs of ankerite gangue in gneisses in the abandoned Giftkiesstollen adit at Jáchymov, Czech Republic. The name is after Georgius Agricola (1494?C1555), German scholar and scientist. Agricolaite occurs as isolated equant irregular translucent grains to 0.3?mm with yellow color, pale yellow streak, and vitreous luster. It is brittle with uneven fracture and displays neither cleavage nor parting. Agricolaite is non-fluorescent. Mohs hardness is ~4. It is associated with aragonite, brochantite, posnjakite, malachite, rutherfordine, and ??pseudo-voglite??. Experimental density is higher than 3.3?g.cm^?3, Dcalc is 3.531?g.?cm^?3. The mineral is monoclinic, space group C2/c, with a 10.2380(2), b 9.1930(2), c 12.2110(3) ?, ?? 95.108(2)°, V 1144.71(4) ?³, Z?=?4. The strongest lines in the powder X-ray diffraction pattern are d(I)(hkl): 6.061(55)(002), 5.087(57)(200), 3.740(100)(202), 3.393(43)(113), 2.281(52)(402). Average composition based on ten electron microprobe analyses corresponds to (in wt.%) UO₃ 48.53, K₂O 31.49, CO₂(calc) 22.04 which gives the empirical formula K_3.98(UO₂)_1.01(CO₃)_3.00. The crystal structure was solved from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data and refined to R ₁?=?0.0184 on the basis of the 1,308 unique reflections with F _o?>?4??F _o. The structure of agricolaite is identical to that of synthetic K₄(UO₂)(CO₃)₃ and consists of separate UO₂(CO₃)₃ groups organized into layers parallel to (100) and two crystallographically non-equivalent sites occupied by K⁺ cations. Both the mineral and its name were approved by the IMA-CNMNC.     

Statistical thermodynamic models for ideal oxide and silicate solid solutions,with application to plagioclase

Activity-composition relations are derived for ideal substitutional solid solutions through the Helmholtz free energy expressed in terms of the partition function. For solutions of the type (A, B)_uZ_w involving mixing on one type of atom site, ideal activities of end-member components are expressed by: a_AuZw = (X_AuZw)^u, and a_BuZw = (X_BuZw)^u. With multi-site mixing excluding charge balance restrictions, as in (A, B)^α_u (C, D)^β_vZ_w, the ideal activity of an end-member component such as A_uC_vZ_w is calculated as: a_AuCvZw = (X^α_A)^u (X^β_c)^v. These expressions support the ‘ionic solid solution model for the activities of components in ideal solid solutions. Ideal solution models for coupled substitutions involving charge balance are considered using plagioclase as an example. Ideal activity expressions for solid solution of albite and anorthite are derived with and without adherence to the Al avoidance principle. Mixing models involving local electrostatic balance are contrasted with those involving independent, random mixing of Na-Ca and Al-Si. Of several possible ideal solution models for plagioclase, only that specifying complete Al-Si ordering and local electrostatic neutrality yields activities conforming to Raoult's Law.     

Empirical assessment of the critical time increment in explicit particulate discrete element method simulations

This contribution considers the critical time increment (Δt_crit) to achieve stable simulations using particulate discrete element method (DEM) codes that adopt a Verlet-type time integration scheme. The Δt_crit is determined by considering the maximum vibration frequency of the system. Based on a series of parametric studies, Δt_crit is shown to depend on the particle mass (m), the maximum contact stiffness (K_max), and the maximum particle coordination number (C_N,max). Empirical expressions relating Δt_crit to m, K_max, and C_N,max are presented; while strictly only valid within the range of simulation scenarios considered here, these can inform DEM analysts selecting appropriate Δt_crit values.     

Terrigenous plant wax inputs to the Arabian Sea: Implications for the reconstruction of winds associated with the Indian Monsoon

We have determined the accumulation rates and carbon isotopic compositions (δ¹³C) of long-chain (C₂₄-C₃₂) terrigenous plant wax fatty acids in 19 surface sediment samples geographically distributed throughout the Arabian Sea in order to assess the relationship between plant wax inputs and the surrounding monsoon wind systems. Both the accumulation rate data and the δ¹³C data show that there are three primary eolian sources of plant waxes to the Arabian Sea: Africa, Asia, and the Arabian Peninsula. These sources correspond to the three major wind systems in this region: the summer (Southwest) monsoon, the winter (Northeast) monsoon, and the summer northwesterlies that blow over the Arabian Peninsula. In addition, plant waxes are fluvially supplied to the Gulf of Oman and the Eastern African margin by nearby rivers. Plant wax δ¹³C values reflect the vegetation types of the continental source regions. Greater than 75% of the waxes from Africa and Asia are derived from C₄ plants. Waxes delivered by northwesterly winds reflect a greater influence (25-40%) of C₃ vegetation, likely derived from the Mesopotamian region. These data agree well with previously published studies of eolian dust deposition, particularly of dolomite derived from the Arabian Peninsula and the Mesopotamian region, in surface sediments of the Arabian Sea. The west-to-east gradient of plant wax δ¹³C and dolomite accumulation rates are separately useful indicators of the relationship between the northwesterly winds and the winds of the Southwest monsoon. Combined, however, these two proxies could provide a powerful tool for the reconstruction of both southwest monsoon strength as well as Mesopotamian aridity.     

Simplified DMT-based methods for evaluating liquefaction resistance of soils

This paper presents simplified dilatometer test (DMT)-based methods for evaluation of liquefaction resistance of soils, which is expressed in terms of cyclic resistance ratio (CRR). Two DMT parameters, horizontal stress index (K_D) and dilatometer modulus (E_D), are used as an index for assessing liquefaction resistance of soils. Specifically, CRR–K_D and CRR–E_D boundary curves are established based on the existing boundary curves that have already been developed based on standard penetration test (SPT) and cone penetration test (CPT). One key element in the development of CRR–K_D and CRR–E_D boundary curves is the correlations between K_D (or E_D) and the blow count (N) in the SPT or cone tip resistance (q_c) from the CPT. In this study, these correlations are established through regression analysis of the test results of SPT, CPT, and DMT conducted side-by-side at each of five sites selected. The validity of the developed CRR–K_D and CRR–E_D curves for evaluating liquefaction resistance is examined with published liquefaction case histories. The results of the study show that the developed DMT-based models are quite promising as a tool for evaluating liquefaction resistance of soils.     

Horizontal sighting range and Secchi depth as estimators of underwater PAR attenuation in a coastal lagoon

Attenuation of photosynthetically available radiation (PAR) measured using a light meter, was related to Secchi disk, horizontal black disk and horizontal sighting ranges observed in a coastal lagoon of the Southern California Current System. Vertical attenuation coefficient (K_PAR) was calculated from radiometric PAR profiles. Vertical (Z_D) and horizontal (HS) sighting ranges were measured with white (Secchi depth or Z_SD, HS _W ) and black (Z _BD, HS _B ) targets. Empirical power models for the K_PAR-Z_SD (K_PAR=1.47 Z_SD ^−1.13), K_PAR-Z _BD (K_PAR=0.98 Z _BD ^−1.26), K_PAR-HS _W (K_PAR=1.22 HS _W ^−1.14) and K_PAR-HS _B (K_PAR=0.73 HS _B ^−1.07) relationships were developed. The parameters of these models may not apply to other water bodies because their values depend on the range of water reflectance in each case, as reported in the literature. This is the first contribution reporting K_PAR-HS empirical relations in an estuarine environment but their application may be limited to this coastal lagoon. While this approach may be universal, more data are needed to explore the variability of the parameters between different water bodies.     

Calibrating n-alkane Sphagnum proxies in sub-Arctic Scandinavia

Moss covered, high latitude wetlands hold large amounts of terrestrial organic matter (OM), which may be vulnerable to expected climate warming. Molecular analysis of fluvially transported material from these regions can distinguish between different sources of terrestrial OM. Sphagnum moss may represent one of the major sources. This study aimed to quantitatively establish a molecular proxy for identifying Sphagnum-derived OM from high latitude peatlands in the sub-Arctic coastal ocean. We collected and analyzed Sphagnum species throughout northern Sweden and Finland. Results show that the C₂₅/(C₂₅ + C₂₉) n-alkane ratio is most suitable for terrestrial OM source apportionment in these coastal regions since, compared to other n-alkane Sphagnum proxies, it shows (i) the least variation between species, (ii) the most constant values for different latitudinal regimes and (iii) the largest dynamic range to the higher plant end member in two-source mixing models. Application of the proxy to surface sediments and suspended particulate matter in the sub-Arctic northern Baltic Sea shows that 68–103% of the terrestrial OM fraction is derived from Sphagnum-rich peatland. We recommend that future studies on terrestrial OM fluxes into (sub-)Arctic regions should apply the C₂₅/(C₂₅ + C₂₉) proxy to improve insight into the contribution of Sphagnum-derived terrestrial OM from climate-vulnerable, high latitude wetlands.     

Typification of oils in the Timan-Pechora province according to the composition of hydrocarbon biomarkers (steranes and terpanes)

Distinctive compositional features of cyclic saturated hydrocarbon biomarkers have been established in oils from the main petroliferous lithostratigraphic complexes of various structural zones in the Timan-Pechora petroliferous province (TPPP). Four geochemical families (types) of oils in TPPP are recognized based on the variations in the geochemical parameters of steranes and terpanes including sterane ratios C₂₇/C₂₉ and C₂₈/C₂₉, K¹ mat and K² mat, diasterane/regular sterane, pregnane (C_21–22)/sterane (C_21–22 + C_27–29), as well as terpane Ts/Tm parameters, adiantane C₂₉/hopane C₃₀, neoadiantane/adiantane, tryciclic terpane/pentacyclic terpane, hopane/sum of C₂₉ steranes, etc. The distribution of various types of oil in the sedimentary sequence of TPPP makes it possible to infer source rocks for each of the four selected types.     

Numerical simulations and parametric study of SDCM and DCM piles under full scale axial and lateral loads

The new kind of reinforced Deep Cement Mixing (DCM) pile namely, Stiffened Deep Cement Mixing (SDCM) pile is introduced to mitigate the problems due to the low flexural resistance, quality control problem and unexpected failure of DCM pile. The SDCM pile consists of DCM pile reinforced with concrete core pile. Previously, the full scale pile load test and the full scale embankment loading test were successfully conducted in the field. To continue the study on the behavior of SDCM and DCM piles, the 3D finite element simulations using PLAXIS 3D Foundation Software were conducted in this study. The simulations of full scale pile load test consisted of two categories of testing which are the axial compression and the lateral loading. For DCM C-1 and C-2 piles, the clay–cement cohesion, C_DCM, and clay–cement modulus, E_DCM, were obtained from simulations as 300 kPa and 200 kPa as well as 60,000 kPa and 40,000 kPa, respectively. For the SDCM piles, the simulation results show that increasing length ratio, L_core/L_DCM, increased the bearing capacity whereas the sectional area ratio, A_core/A_DCM, has only small effects on the bearing capacity for the axial compression loading. The verified parameters such as the clay–cement cohesion, C_DCM, and clay–cement modulus, E_DCM, from simulations of axial compression tests were 200 kPa and 30,000 kPa, respectively. On the other hand, increasing the sectional area ratio, A_core/A_DCM, significantly influenced the ultimate lateral resistance while the length ratio, L_core/L_DCM, is not significant in the ultimate lateral load capacity when the length of concrete core pile is longer than 3.5 m. In addition, the tensile strength of DCM, T_DCM, and concrete core pile, T_core, are very important to the lateral pile resistance. The back-calculation results from simulations of tensile strength were 5000 kPa and 50 kPa for the T_core and T_DCM, respectively.     

Elasticity of single-crystal MgAl2O4 spinel up to 1273 K by Brillouin spectroscopy

The adiabatic single-crystal elastic constants, C _ij , of stoichiometric magnesium aluminate spinel (MgAl₂O₄) have been measured up to 1273 K by highresolution Brillouin spectroscopy, using a 6-pass tandem Fabry-Pérot interferometer and an argon ion laser (514.5 nm). Two platelet samples were employed for probing the acoustic phonons along [100] and [110] directions by platelet and backscattering geometries. The measured temperature dependences of the elastic moduli show a distinct anomaly at 923 K in the shear modulus C _s = (C₁₁-C₁₂)/2 (along [110] direction) and the longitudinal modulus C₁₁ (along [100] direction). This anomaly is consistent with the order-disorder phase transition, resulting from the atomic exchange between Mg at the tetrahedral site and Al at the octahedral site, which has been well documented recently (Peterson et al. 1991; Millard et al. 1992) by neutron powder diffraction and ²⁷Al magic-angle spinning NMR. The values of the temperature derivatives of v _p , v _s , and K _s , in the temperature range 300–923 K, calculated by the Voigt-Reuss-Hill approximation are -0.40ms^?1 K^?1, -0.26ms^?1 K^?1, and -1.89 x 10^?2GPaK^?1.