3D structure of the Earth's lower mantle

We present an overview of the present knowledge of the Earth's lower mantle 3D structure, as currently obtained owing to progress, in the last ten years, in seismic tomography as well as forward modelling of seismic travel times and waveforms. We discuss constraints that seismic modelling brings to the debate concerning major geodynamical questions, in particular the issue of global ‘1 layer’ or ‘2 layer’ circulation, of the missing geochemical reservoir, as well as of the role in global dynamics of the thermochemical boundary layer at the base of the mantle.     

Recent advances in solar radio physics

We review high spatial resolution microwave observations of solar active regions, coronal loops and flares. Observations of preflare active regions are presented; in particular we discuss the interpretations of reversal of polarization at the flare site and the role of newly emerging flux in triggering the onset of flares. We discuss the spatial locations of microwave burst emitting regions; loops or arcades of loops appear to be the sites of flare energy release in microwave bursts. We provide direct observational evidence of magnetic reconnection as the primary cause of acceleration of electrons in microwave bursts.     

Reply to “Consequences of dike breaches and dike overflow in a bifurcating river system”

Natural Hazards - In this reply, we would like to comment on the discussion paper of AlQasimi and Mahdi (Nat Hazards 97:1–4, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-020-03904-1 ). We discuss...     

Late Mesozoic stratigraphy in western Liaoning,China: A review

Based on progress in stratigraphic and paleontological studies, we discuss the subdivision of Late Mesozoic strata in western Liaoning, focusing on the controversies surrounding the relationship of the Jiufotang and Shahai formations, and whether or not the Zhanglaogongtun and Banlashan formations exist as distinct lithologic units. We describe the Late Mesozoic strata at representative sections associated with the new discoveries. We also discuss the correlation of Late Mesozoic strata between western Liaoning and eastern Heilongjiang and their implications for the ages of the strata in Liaoning.     

H2O and HDO bands in the spectra of late-type dwarfs

We discuss techniques and results of computations of the infrared spectra of late-type dwarfs. Our computations of the synthetic spectra and spectral energy distributions in the infrared (λλ 1–10 µm) were carried out assuming LTE, using the grids of M-and L-dwarf model atmospheres of Allard and Hauschildt (1995) and Tsuji (1998), taking into account the opacities due to H₂O and HDO absorption bands. We discuss the use of HDO bands formed in the infrared spectra of cool dwarfs to realize the “deuterium test” recently proposed for the identi fication of substellar-mass objects and large planets and to refine scenarios for the evolution of young stars and substellar objects.     

Computer simulation of mineral solid solutions

We discuss how two techniques, based on (1) lattice dynamics (lattice statics) simulations and (2) Monte Carlo methods may be used to calculate the thermodynamic properties of solid solutions and highly disordered systems. The lattice dynamics calculations involve a full free-energy structural optimisation of each of a number of configurations, followed by thermodynamic averaging. The Monte Carlo simulations include the explicit interchange of cations and use the semi-grand canonical ensemble for chemical potential differences. Both methods are readily applied to high pressures and elevated temperatures without the need for any new parameterisation. We discuss the application of the Monte Carlo technique to the study of surfaces. A range of examples, including binary oxides, spinels, carbonates and surface segregation, is used to illustrate the methods.     

Computer simulation studies of Crystallization under confinement conditions

Crystallization under confinement conditions is a very important process in geochemistry and geophysics. Computer simulations of fluids in nanometer scale pore spaces can provide a unique microscopic insight into the structure, dynamics and forces arising from the crystallization process. We discuss in this paper molecular dynamics computer simulations of crystallization in pores of nanometer dimensions. The crystallization pressure due to the freezing of a model of Argon in a nanopore is computed using molecular dynamics simulations. We also investigate the influence of pore geometry in determining the dynamics of confined fluids, as well as mass separation in binary mixtures. It turns out that the pore geometry reveals itself as an important variable, leading to 1) new mechanisms for fast diffusion in confined spaces, and 2) accumulation of solute in specific regions inside the pore.     

Number Counts,Confusion, Mapping Issues,and Sky Coverage Analysis for Radio Continuum Surveys through Emu Early Science,EMU-ASKAP,and WODAN Especially for Cosmology Science Goals

In this study, we discuss the challenges radio astronomers face while observing radio continuum sources. We consider issues related to rms noise, confusion, position accuracy, shot noise and how these issues affect observation results, data analysis and the science goals we are trying to achieve. We mainly focus on the Evolutionary Map of the Universe (EMU-ASKAP) sky survey, EMU Early science survey and Westerbork Observations of the Deep APERTIF Northern sky (WODAN). The study will also be useful for future surveys like with possible continuum surveys through MeerKAT (e.g., MIGHTEE) and SKA-1. The late time Integrated Sachs-Wolfe (ISW) effect detection is one of the major areas of research related to dark energy cosmology. We will particularly discuss how technical, data analysis and mapping issues, affect galaxy over/under density dependent science goals like the detection of the late time Integrated Sachs-Wolfe (ISW) effect through wide-field radio continuum surveys.

     

核废料贮存围岩介质THM耦合过程的数值模拟

针对上期论文对核废料贮存围岩介质THM耦合过程的力学分析建立的数学模型,本文推导了求解THM耦合力学模型的有限元计算公式,并编制了有限元计算程序,并用BM T 1问题的算例,探讨了核废料贮存裂隙岩体水热耦合迁移以及应力响应特征。     

Research on Complexity of Surface Undulating Shapes of Rock Joints

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Mixed unsplit-field perfectly matched layers for transient simulations of scalar waves in heterogeneous domains

We discuss a new formulation for transient scalar wave simulations in heterogeneous semi-infinite domains. To deal with the semi-infinite extent of the physical domains, we introduce truncation boundaries and adopt perfectly matched layers (PMLs) as the boundary wave absorbers. Within this framework, we develop a new mixed displacement-stress (or stress memory) finite element formulation based on unsplit-field PMLs. We use, as typically done, complex-coordinate stretching transformations in the frequency domain, and recover the governing partial differential equations in the time-domain through the inverse Fourier transform. Upon spatial discretization, the resulting equations lead to a mixed semi-discrete form, where both displacements and stresses (or stress histories/memories) are treated as independent unknowns. We propose approximant pairs, which, numerically, are shown to be stable. The resulting mixed finite element scheme is relatively simple and straightforward to implement, when compared against split-field PML techniques. It also bypasses the need for complicated time integration schemes that arise when recent displacement-based formulations are used. We report numerical results for 1D and 2D scalar wave propagation in semi-infinite domains truncated by PMLs. We also conduct parametric studies and report on the effect the various PML parameter choices have on the simulation error.     

Numerical models of ionic diffusion in one and three dimensions: application to dehydration of mantle olivine

The hydrogen content of nominally anhydrous minerals is of great interest, because it can influence many physical and mechanical properties of mantle rocks. Moreover, the hydrogen diffusion profiles can be used to constrain timescales related to magma eruptions. Here, we report models of ionic diffusion for trace elements in anisotropic crystals and apply them to hydrogen diffusing out of mantle-derived olivine. We first compare and discuss the characteristics of 1D and 3D models and show that only 3D anisotropic diffusion models can lead to diffusion profiles exhibiting non-equilibrium plateau at the center of the solid along the slowest axis, as measured in natural samples. In a second part, we discuss the differences between hydration and dehydration of olivine for diffusion that is linked to two different atomic sites involved in hydrogen mobility. Finally, we apply our 3D anisotropic model to previous results on mantle-derived olivine from Pali-aike to better characterize diffusion coefficients and their anisotropy that could be relevant for dehydration of olivine. Our results show that dehydration has to be strongly anisotropic, with a fast [100] axis and a significantly slower [001] axis.     

Nonseismic phenomena in the generation and augmentation of tsunamis

While earthquakes generate about 90% of all tsunamis, volcanic activity, landslides, explosions, and other nonseismic phenomena can also result in tsunamis. There have been 53 000 reported deaths as a result of tsunamis generated by landslides and volcanoes. No death tolls are available for many events, but reports indicate that villages, islands, and even entire civilizations have disappeared. Some of the highest tsunami wave heights ever observed were produced by landslides. In the National Geophysical Data Center world-wide tsunami database, there are nearly 200 tsunami events in which nonseismic phenomena played a major role. In this paper, we briefly discuss a variety of nonseismic phenomena that can result in tsunamis. We discuss the magnitude of the disasters that have resulted from such events, and we discuss the potential for reducing such disasters by education and warning systems.     

A model of oscillatory zoning in solid solutions grown from aqueous solutions: Applications to the (Ba,Sr)SO4 system

Barite-celestite crystals can be synthesized from aqueous solutions during counter-diffusion in a gel column connecting two reservoirs. It is known that such crystals may exhibit oscillatory zoning, whereby the barium composition in the crystal fluctuates more or less regularly from the core of the crystal to its rim. We present here a simple model of oscillatory zoning in such binary solid solutions A₁A₂ grown from aqueous solutions. The model combines diffusive transport of the relevant ions with an autocatalytic growth process. The latter is formulated as a continuous growth in which the probability of finding a kink site on the growing surface depends on the chemical composition of that surface. Thus, an A₁-rich surface favors the growth of A₁ over A₂, as long as A₁ is present in the vicinity of the surface. Precipitation results in a local depletion of A₁ in the aqueous solution, and the system may switch to a A₂ growth mode, until diffusion replenishes the amount of A₁, and so on. We use a dynamical equation for the molar fraction of component A₁ in the crystal, which results from mass conservation across the rough crystal-solution interface. Linear stability analysis and direct numerical solutions show that the system exhibits oscillatory behavior. Using the barite-celestite system as a framework, the scaling is consistent with the experimental observations. We discuss the variety of zoning patterns and textures numerically obtained as the concentrations of reactants in the reservoirs vary. This model might help in understanding the formation of oscillatory zoning in hydrothermal environments.     

Are euhedral microdiamonds formed during ascent and decompression of kimberlite magma? Implications for use of microdiamonds in diamond grade estimation

The relationship between euhedral microdiamonds (<1 mm in maximum dimension) and macrodiamonds is problematic. A major paradox is that euhedral microdiamonds, by virtue of their small size, should be especially susceptible to resorption compared to macrodiamonds, whereas the opposite is commonly observed. We discuss difficulties with published mechanisms for euhedral microdiamond formation and eruption, most of which involve two separate, possibly unrelated, events: first, euhedral microdiamond crystallization (by a variety of possible processes), and second, later entrainment in erupting kimberlitic or lamproitic magma.We propose an alternative hypothesis based on published experimental studies showing there is a significant decrease in the C-bearing volatile content of kimberlite magma as pressure decreases. During ascent of the kimberlite magma, this may result in a pressure-related transition from conditions at depth at which diamond is unstable in fluid-undersaturated kimberlite magma to shallower-level conditions at which diamond becomes stable (or metastable) as the magma reaches fluid saturation. In this scenario macrodiamond xenocrysts (of an early generation), entrained at asthenospheric or deep lithospheric depths, may partially or totally dissolve into the undersaturated magma upon disaggregation of their host rocks; upon ascent of the magma to shallower depths, and under appropriate oxidation conditions, the lowered capacity of the magma to dissolve C-bearing volatiles may result in euhedral microdiamond precipitation, probably immediately before final eruption. Although framed in qualitative terms, our hypothesis has testable consequences which we discuss. In view of these considerations, and the multiple possible relationships within and between microdiamonds and macrodiamonds in individual deposits, we suggest that the use of microdiamond abundances from small samples as a guide to economic macrodiamond grade is problematic as an exploration strategy.     

南海北部中更新世晚期以来古海岸变迁及其地质意义

本文在研究南海北部陆架区ZQ2和ZQ4钻孔资料的基础上，对该区单道地震资料进行地震层序划分、地震-沉积相解释分析。根据钻孔地层、地震反射和海底地貌特征，对中更新世晚期、末次盛冰期以及冰后期这三个时期的古海岸位置进行了分析，并探讨了该区中更新世晚期以来的古海岸变迁，对进一步指导该区的第四纪环境研究具有重大意义。     

World Stress Map Database as a Resource for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering

Knowledge of the in situ stress state is of key importance for rock engineering. We inform the reader about the World Stress Map (WSM) database and its application to rock mechanics and rock engineering purpose, and in particular the orientation of maximum horizontal stress. We discuss the WSM and the quality ranking system of stress orientation data. We show one example of discrete-measured and computed-smoothed stress orientations from central and northern Europe with respect to relative plate velocity trajectories. We give first insights into ongoing development of a second, more Quantitative World Stress Map database which compiles globally rock-type specific stress magnitudes versus depth. We discuss the vertical stress component, and the lateral stress coefficient versus depth for different rock types. We display stress magnitudes in 2D and 3D stress space, and investigate stress ratios in relation to depth, lithology and tectonic faulting regime.     

晶体结构空间群的变化

利用有色对称理论解释了各种晶体结构的空间群转变的规律性问题。得出：一个有色空间群（子群）可能代表一个相转变,从单色空间群（母群）转变为有色空间群（干群）意味着结构或是从无序变体向有序变体转变;或是从母体结构向衍生体结构转变;……等。亦即各衍生体的空间群必定是母体空间群的有色空间群（或子群）。     

马尔可夫模型在洞庭湖区Cd的生态地球化学评价中的应用

根据马尔可夫链模型,定量地探讨了湖南省洞庭湖区农田生态系统中Cd的迁移转化问题,计算了Cd在土壤-水-稻谷-大气系统中的滞留时间和环境允许量,进而探讨了系统的生态承载力,得到系统中Cd的最大允许排放量CdA与生态承载力M人口之间的关系式:CdA=3.56×10-4M人口,为生态环境地球化学评价提供了一种新的方法和途径。     

On the origin of the “kleine Kügelchen” called Chondrules

In this paper we investigate two major issues: (1) What are chondrules, and (2) why do they exist? We review the literature pertaining to each question and explore answers. We discuss the diversity of chondrules, especially with regard to their igneous textures and compositions. We review the constraints that have been placed experimentally on the thermal histories of chondrules and list those fundamental properties that all chondrule formation models must explain quantitatively in order to be considered predictive, quantitative models. We provide background on the three major classes of chondrule formation models currently being discussed, and scrutinize each with respect to how well they adhere to the experimental constraints placed on chondrule formation. Finally, we list several unresolved issues that are now or will soon be at the forefront of chondrule research.