Determination of element composition of three lichens and their distribution in King George Island, Antarctica

Cross-section slices of Usnea antarctica Du Rietz, Usnea aurantiaco-atra (Jacq.) Bory. and Cladonia sp. at upper, middle and basal positions were prepared, respectively. The element composition and relative content were determined by SEM and EDS at the surface, intermediate and inner layers in each slice, respectively. The result indicated that the composition of element is mostly same in these lichens. The relative content of Al, Si, K and Ca elements is high,and P is close at each position. The result is of benefit to study the structure and physiological characteristics of lichens, and to analyze geological environment in Antarctica.     

Rock weathering processes and landform development in the Sør Rondane Mountains, Antarctica

Field observations of weathering processes and the related landforms, combined with laboratory analyses of weathering products, permit a synthetic evaluation of Late Cenozoic weathering environments in the Sør Rondane Mountains, Antarctica, an arid upland characterized by low temperatures and strong winds. Rates and character of weathering depend mainly on moisture availability and the bedrock geology. Under the humid weathering regime that occurs only locally around the margin of the present sheet, frequent diurnal freeze-thaw cycles in summer cause relatively rapid rock fragmentation. Most of the mountains are situated in the arid weathering regime, under which rock breakdown is very slow unless the rock contains plenty of salts. Salt weathering becomes more intensive and extensive with exposure age, as a result of salt accumulation in rock, eventually producing soils as small as fine-silt size. Lack of clay mineralization even in weathered rocks having been exposed above the ice sheet prior to 4 Ma ago indicates that hydrolysis or carbonation of rock minerals has been insignificant during the past 4 Ma. The final products of weathering are due mainly to salt action and reflect the parent lithology. Resistant fine-grained granite forms strongly oxidized tors carved with tafoni, or fields of mushroom-like boulders overlying the fractured bedrock. Less resistant rocks, like biotite gneiss and amphibolite, produce stone pavements underlain by saline, silty soils up to 30–40 cm thick, the thickness of which corresponds to the maximum thaw depth.     

Rock-weathering by lichens in Antarctic: patterns and mechanisms

Saxicolous species of lichens are able to induce and accelerate weathering of their rock substrate, and effects of lichens on substrate can be attributed to both physical and chemical causes. This paper is focused on biotic weathering actions of epilithic and endolithic species on the different rock types (sandstones and volcanogenic rocks) in Antarctica. The patterns, mechanisms, processes and neoformations of rock-weathering resulting from lichen colonization are expounded in detail. Furthermore, it is pointed out that, for a better understanding of the impacts of lichens on environments, the studies on the rate of biotic weathering and the comprehensive involvement of the lichen effects on weathering of natural rocks remain to be carried out in Antarctica.     

Rock-weathering by lichens in Antarctic: patterns and mechanisms

Saxicolous species of lichens are able to induce and accelerate weathering of their rock substrate, and effects of lichens on substrate can be attributed to both physical and chemical causes. This paper is focused on biotic weathering actions of epilithic and endolithic species on the different rock types (sandstones and volcanogenic rocks) in Antarctica. The patterns, mechanisms, processes and neoformations of rock-weathering resulting from lichen colonization are expounded in detail. Furthermore, it is pointed out that, for a better understanding of the impacts of lichens on environments, the studies on the rate of biotic weathering and the comprehensive involvement of the lichen effects on weathering of natural rocks remain to be carried out in Antarctica.     

Composition of plagioclases in volcanic rocks of King George Island, Antarctica with reference to the petrogenetic significance

Plagioclases occur mainly as phenocrysts in volcanic rocks of King George Island, South Shetland Islands, West Antarctica. In basaltic andesites and andesites of Keller Peninsula and Ullman Spur (Admiralty Bay), they are high structure state labradorite andesines; and in high Al basalts and basaltic andesites of Barton and Weaver peninsulas (Maxwell Bay), they are high structure state bytownite anorthites.∑[WT9.BZ]REE, La/Yb ratios and δEu values of plagioclases from Admiralty Bay are higher than those from Maxwell Bay. All plagioclases have rather identical chondrite normalized transitional element distribution patterns, probably reflecting that crystal structure rather than composition of plagioclase controls their diversity. Compositions of plagioclases depend chiefly on those of their host rocks, compositional differences of plagioclases reveal that basaltic magmas in the Admiralty Bay area are more evolved than in the Maxwell Bay area.     

Petrological characteristics of the sedimentary volcaniclastic rocks of the Fossil Hill Formation （eocene） in King George Island， West Antarctica

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2003年10月底太阳风暴期间中山站电离层吸收效应的观测与分析

本文介绍了成像式宇宙噪声接收机技术和数据分析方法,通过对南极中山站成像式宇宙噪声接收机在2003年10月底太阳风暴期间的观测数据进行分析,得到了相应的极区电离层的吸收效应,它们主要是强度为2. 7dB的宇宙噪声突然吸收和强度高达31dB持续4d的极盖吸收。     

Post-Palaeozoic evolution of weathered landsurfaces in Uganda by tectonically controlled deep weathering and stripping

A model for the evolution of weathered landsurfaces in Uganda is developed using available geotectonic, climatic, sedimentological and chronological data. The model demonstrates the pivotal role of tectonic uplift in inducing cycles of stripping, and tectonic quiescence for cycles of deep weathering. It is able to account for the development of key landforms, such as inselbergs and duricrust-capped plateaux, which previous hypotheses of landscape evolution that are based on climatic or eustatic controls are unable to explain. Development of the Ugandan landscape is traced back to the Permian. Following late Palaeozoic glaciation, a trend towards warmer and more humid climates through the Mesozoic enabled deep weathering of the Jurassic/mid-Cretaceous surface in Uganda during a period of prolonged tectonic quiescence. Uplift associated with the opening South Atlantic Ocean terminated this cycle and instigated a cycle of stripping between the mid-Cretaceous and early Miocene. Deep weathering on the succeeding Miocene to recent (African) surface has occurred from Miocene to present but has been interrupted in the areas adjacent to the western rift where development of a new drainage base level has prompted cycles of stripping in the Miocene and Pleistocene.     

A confirmed earthquake in continental Antarctica

Summary. An earthquake of magnitude ( M _b) 4.5 has been located by the International Seismological Centre, near 81°S, 37°E in the continental platform of east Antarctica, about 1200 km from the coast of Dronning Maud Land, and 500 km from the Pole of Inaccessibility. The event was found by the Centre's 'search' procedure, which is undertaken with a deliberate delay of about two years. It occurred on 1982 November 4, and its position is well determined from five stations in Antarctica, and four farther afield. This is the first earthquake definitely located in the interior of the Antarctic continent, although there have been some earlier less well established claims, and other earthquakes have occurred near the coast, or associated with areas of volcanism or ice movement.     

南极冰架-海洋相互作用研究综述

本文介绍了近期南极冰架-海洋相互作用的研究进展。冰架底部融化速率大于前缘崩解通量,成为南极冰盖质量损失的首要途径。冰架下的海洋按照底部融化驱动因素的不同,可以分为由高密度陆架水驱动的冷冰腔和由变性绕极深层水驱动的暖冰腔。威德尔海的菲尔希纳-龙尼冰架和罗斯海的罗斯冰架属于冷冰腔,占南极冰架总面积的2/3,却只贡献了15%的净融化;东南太平洋扇区阿蒙森海和别林斯高晋海等若干属于暖冰腔的小型冰架,虽然只占南极冰架总面积的8%,却贡献了超过一半的冰架融水。以往看做冷冰腔的东南极托滕冰架和埃默里冰架,也相继发现有变性绕极深层水进入冰腔并造成底部融化。冰架对海洋有冷却和淡化的作用。冷冰腔输出的冰架水具有海洋中最低的温度,对南极陆架水性质乃至南极底层水的形成都有影响。冰架融化加剧,可能是近期观测到的南极底层水淡化的原因。     

Erosion of Bedrock by Subglacial Meltwater, Soya Coast, East Antarctica

The formation of the glacial erosional bedforms at the Soya Coast of Lützow-Holm Bay, East Antarctica is discussed. The streamlined bedforms in the studied area are classified into crescentic transverse ridges and tadpole rocks, and these bedforms are accompanied by small erosional marks (s-forms) which suport the interpretation of subglacial meltwater erosion. Some tadpole rocks are superimposed on a large roche moutonnée, and these two kinds of landform are interpreted to have different modes of formation. Observations and interpretations of these bedforms are used to reconstruct the historical development of the glacial erosional bedforms, and to draw attention to the significance and implications of subglacial meltwater erosion on the marginal area of the Antarctic Ice Sheet in the past. An initial episode of glacial plucking and abrasion produced roches moutonnées and basic large-scale landforms. Subglacial meltwater flowing peiodically into the Lützow-Holm Bay sculptured s-forms and streamlined bedforms in bedrock over much of the area. During this period, except for water-flowing phases, ice again came in contact with the bedrock to form striations superimposed on the s-forms and the hillocks.     

Crustaceous lichens sensitive monitor of caesium-137 radiation level in terrestrial environment

<正> The activity of caesium-137(Bq/kg)in the crustaceous lichens and othersamples was determined to prove the feasibility that crustaceous lichens work as a sen-sitive biology monitor to record the caesium-137(Bq/kg)radiation levels of terrestri-al environment.The measurements were performed with GEM series HPGe(high-pu-rity Germanium)coaxial detector system(ADCAM-100)made by EC & GORTECCompany in USA.It was found that the activity of caesium-137(Bq/kg)in the cru-staceous lichens was one order of magnitude higher than that found in surface soil,and was over three orders of magnitude higher than those found in the familiar biologi-cal samples.These results proved that crustaceous lichens may be one of the mostsensitive biolog-ical monitors about the remote transmission and environmental radia-tion levels of caesium-137.     

Science, environment and resources in Antarctica

Earlier views regarding the relative insignificance of Antarctic science have been rudely shattered by recent developments. The International Geophysical Year (IGY) of 1957–1958 represented a major turning point for research in Antarctica, even if it is a mistake to believe that no useful scientific work was performed during the pre-IGY period. The IGY provided a sound foundation for the development of Antarctic scientific activity in a wide range of disciplines, including glaciology, atmospheric sciences and medicine. The intrinsic value of research in Antarctica is reinforced by its relevance to an improved understanding of global environmental systems; stratospheric ozone depletion was first identified at Halley base station. Minerals, as yet unproven, have highlighted the conservation problems inherent in the utilization of any Antarctic resources. Marine living resources are at present under threat of over-exploitation in some areas. The 1990s hold the promise for a brighter scientific future for Antarctica, but only as long as the Antarctic Treaty system continues in operation.     

沙漠区生物结皮层中藓类植物繁殖体发育实验研究

对12种藓类植物（高山大帽藓,斜叶芦荟藓、芦荟藓、卵叶藓、厚肋流苏藓、盐土藓、无疣墙藓、土生对齿藓、红叶藓、真藓、丛生真藓、垂蒴真藓）的成熟孢子和6种藓类（斜叶芦荟藓、芦荟藓、卵叶藓、厚肋流苏藓、盐土藓、闭蒴盐土藓）的茎叶碎片在室温下培养,培养液为土壤浸出液,对照组为蒸馏水和自来水。在光学显微镜下描绘和照相记录孢子萌发与原丝体发育过程,发现除斜叶芦荟藓、盐土藓、卵叶藓、厚肋流苏藓外其余藓类的孢子均正常萌发。茎叶培养实验中除卵叶藓外的5个种都产生了大量的原丝体,表明旱生藓类的茎叶具有极强的无性繁殖能力。确定了孢子形态、萌发时间、萌发极向、萌发类型,探讨了藓类孢子萌发和原丝体的发育以及茎叶碎片的繁殖和传播特性,并分析了4种藓类孢子未萌发的原因以及无性繁殖对苔藓植物个体建成的重要性。实验结果为深入探索在生物结皮层形成过程中藓类植物的繁殖生物学作用提供了理论和实验依据。     

Geomorphology's role in the study of weathering of cultural stone

Great monumental places—Petra, Giza, Angkor, Stonehenge, Tikal, Macchu Picchu, Rapa Nui, to name a few—are links to our cultural past. They evoke a sense of wonderment for their aesthetic fascination if not for their seeming permanence over both cultural and physical landscapes. However, as with natural landforms, human constructs are subject to weathering and erosion. Indeed, many of our cultural resources suffer from serious deterioration, some natural, some enhanced by human impact. Groups from the United Nations to local civic and tourism assemblies are deeply interested in maintaining and preserving such cultural resources, from simple rock art to great temples. Geomorphologists trained in interacting systems, process and response to thresholds, rates of change over time, and spatial variation of weathering processes and effects are able to offer insight into how deterioration occurs and what can be done to ameliorate the impact.Review of recent literature and case studies presented here demonstrate methodological and theoretical advances that have resulted from the study of cultural stone weathering. Because the stone was carved at a known date to a “baseline” or zero-datum level, some of the simplest methods (e.g., assessing surface weathering features or measuring surface recession in the field) provide useful data on weathering rates and processes. Such data are difficult or impossible to obtain in “natural” settings. Cultural stone weathering studies demonstrate the importance of biotic and saline weathering agents and the significance of weathering factors such as exposure (microclimate) and human impact. More sophisticated methods confirm these observations, but also reveal discrepancies between field and laboratory studies. This brings up two important caveats for conservators and geomorphologists. For the conservator, are laboratory and natural setting studies really analogous and useful for assessing stone damage? For the geomorphologist, does cultural stone data have any real relevance to the natural environment? These are questions for future research and debate. In any event, cultural stone weathering studies have been productive for both geomorphologists and conservators. Continued collaboration and communication between the geomorphic, historic preservation, archaeological, and engineering research communities are encouraged.     

Caves in non-limestone rocks of Norway

The gneisses and schist bedrock in Bjugn, Åfjord and Ål counties of Norway are remarkably rich in caves and shelters. The caves are mainly developed along tectonic structures, primarily prominent fissure zones and nappes. Five modes of origin seem reasonable:

1. Tectonic movements and gravity sliding, producing displacement of hillsides.

2. Frost shattering.

3. Wave abrasion during stages of high sea-levels.

4. Preferential weathering in brecciated zones.

5. ‘Karstic’ dissolution of small, isolated marble lenses within the gneisses.

In many cases, two or more of the processes appear to have worked together. Abundant speleothem growth suggests that calcareous zones exist in the rocks.

The caves reach a horizontal extent of up to 200 m and vertical depths of 55 m. These much neglected cave types arc valuable shelters and habitats for animals, as well as paleontologically important pit-fall traps. Some of the caves and shelters are also potential archeological localities.