Elemental Concentrations in Eight New United States Geological Survey Rock Standards: A Review*

Elemental composition data on BHVO-1, MAG-1, QLO-1, RGM-1, SCo-1, SDC-1, SGR-1 and STM-1 have been compiled from 80 journal papers and reports. Mean values with standard deviations are provided for 76 elements.     

1982 Compilation of Elemental Concentration Data for the United States Geological Survey's Geochemical Exploration Reference Samples GXR -1 to GXR - 6

Concentration data for as many as 64 constituents in the six United States Geological Survey's (USGS) Geochemical Exploration Reference Samples (GXR) have been collected from journal articles and technical reports published since these reference materials were issued in 1971. These data are summarized into mean +/- one standard deviation values and compared with our previously calculated concentrations based upon USGS round-robin data published in 1978. All new literature data located are presented in the appendices.     

Elemental Concentrations In Japanese Silicate Rock Standards: A Comparison With The Literature

Data on seventeen Japanese geochemical reference samples are presented. Ten major and twenty-three trace element concentrations as well as the H2O + and H2O- were determined using x-ray fluorescence, colorimetry, coulometry and instrumental thermal neutron activation analysis. Error bars for the methods as well as information on some elements not previously published are presented. Good agreement was generally obtained with the recently published values of Ando.
Dix éléments majeurs et vingt éléments en traces ainsi que H₂O+ et H₂O- ont été dosés dans 17 échantillons de référence du Service Géologique du Japon. Les méthodes employées sont la spectrométrie de fluorescence-X, la coulométrie, la colorimétrie et l'activation neutronique thermique. En générale, un accord favorable est obtenu avec les valeurs publiées.     

Elemental Concentrations in Japanese Silicate Rock Standards JA-1, JR-1 and JB-2

Data on three Japanese geochemical reference samples (JR-1, JA-1, and JB-2) are presented. Ten major and thirty-five trace element concentrations were determined using x-ray fluorescence, instrumental thermal neutron activation, thermal neutron capture prompt gamma-ray spectrometry, delayed neutron assay, automated thermal neutron activation analysis, inductively coupled plasma emission, atomic absorption, and ion selective electrode. Good agreement between the various methods and with recent literature values were obtained using error weighted mean concentrations for the samples.     

Elemental Concentrations in Nine New GSJ Rock Reference Samples "Sedimentary Rock Series"

Nine new rock reference samples of the "Sedimentary rock series", Chert JCh-1, Dolomite JDo-1, Lake sediment JLk-1, Limestone JLs-1, Stream sediments JSd-1 to JSd-3, and Slates JS1-1 and JSl-2 have been prepared by the Geological Survey of Japan(GSJ). Thirty major, minor and trace elements were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry, flame emission spectrometry, infrared absorption spectrometry and wet chemical techniques. The results of homogeneity tests showed that almost all elements, with a few exceptions, are considered to be distributed homogeneously in each reference sample.     

Geological tours of the southwestern United States

In the recent re–run of Alistair Cooke's TV series ‘America’, one of the most intriguing programmes was that on the pioneers trekking westwards from the Mississippi to California. Their journey took only four months. Today's tourist can fly the same distance in a little over two hours. The pioneers saw the geological marvels close at hand but few knew enough to appreciate them. The airborne tourist may know enough but can't see them. How does one overcome this problem? By an educational tour with a leader who knows the country.     

Analyses of the United States Geological Survey Geochemical Exploration Reference Samples GXR-I to - 6

Analyses of the United States Geological Survey geochemical exploration reference samples (GXR) 1–6 are reported for 36 elements and compared with published values.     

U.S. Geological Survey probabilistic methodology for oil and gas resource appraisal of the United States

Probabilistic methodology used by the U.S. Geological Survey is described for estimating the quantity of undiscovered recoverable conventional resources of oil and gas in the United States. A judgmental probability distribution of the quantity of resource and its properties is determined for a geologic province or basin. From this distribution, point and interval estimates of the quantity of undiscovered resource are obtained. Distributions and their properties are established for each of the following resources: (1) oil and nonassociated gas from estimates of the probability of the resource being present and the conditional probability distribution of the quantity of resource given that the resource is present, (2) associated-dissolved gas from its corresponding oil distribution, (3) total gas, (4) oil and total gas in two or more provinces. Computer graphics routines are illustrated with examples from the U.S. Geological Survey Circular 860.     

Elemental Concentrations of Stream Sediments in Southern China

Over 3 million samples were collected from southern China at a density of 1–2 stream sediment samples per square kilometre as part of the Regional Geochemistry National Reconnaissance (RGNR) programme of China initiated in the late 1970s. Approximately 5244 composite samples of stream sediments from twelve provinces of southern China were prepared from the original RGNR samples collected from a territory with an area of 2300000 km² at a density of one composite sample per 1:50000 map sheet (about 400 km²). Seventy‐six elements were determined by the geoanalysis laboratory of Henan Province (platinum‐group elements) and by the Institute of Geophysical and Geochemical Exploration (IGGE) laboratory for the remainder. Internal quality and external quality control methods were applied to ensure that the analytical data were comparable. Statistics were used to derive the mean and background values and indicate the average concentrations of the seventy‐six elements. Comparisons were made against the mean values obtained from stream sediments, floodplain sediments, overall sediments and overall soils of the entire territory of China. The concentrations of Hg, Cd, rare earth elements and 24 other elements were higher than their background for the whole of China. In contrast, the concentration of Na₂O, CaO, Ba and Sr were lower in the stream sediments in southern China than their whole China background.     

1988 Compilation of Elemental Concentration Data for CCRMP Reference Rock Samples SY-2, SY-3 and MRG-1

Concentration data on 80 individual constituents in Canadian Certified Reference Materials Project rock reference materials SY-2, SY-3, and MRG-I have been collected from 382 journal articles and technical reports. These data are summarized as consensus (mean) values with uncertainties expressed as one standard deviation. Mean values are also calculated as a function of analytical procedure and all raw data are given in the tables. Recommended values are proposed based upon data criteria used by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology, formerly the National Bureau of Standards or NBS).     

Determination of Elemental Concentrations in Nine CMEA Rock and Ore Standards,in NBS 98 Plastic Clay and in Fired Clay Gent (FCG) by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis*

Data for as many as 31 elements were determined by instrumental thermal neutron activation analysis for nine European Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (CMEA) rock and ore standards. The National Bureau of Standards plastic clay 98 and the University of Gent fired clay FCG were also analyzed. Synthetic, multielement standards were used and USGS rock standards provided reference samples. Correction factors for uranium fission products on cerium and molybdenum, and also for less commonly encountered spectral interferences, such as those due to the 213 ppm tantalum in granitoid 2B, were evaluated.     

1988 Compilation of Elemental Concentration Data for USGS Basalt BCR-1

Concentration data on up to 82 individual constituents in USGS Basalt BCR-1 have been collected from 1395 journal articles and technical reports. These data are summarized in consensus (mean) values with uncertainties expressed as ± one standard deviation. Mean values are also calculated as a function of analytical procedure and all raw data are given in the tables. Recommended values are proposed based upon data criteria used by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology, formerly the National Bureau of Standards or NBS).     

Compilation and Discussion of Trends in Severe Storms in the United States: Popular Perception v. Climate Reality

The ongoing greenhouse gas buildup and increase in near-surface air temperatures may have an impact on severe weather events in the United States. Output from some numerical modeling simulations suggests that the atmosphere over mid-latitude land areas could become more unstable in the future thereby supporting an increase in convective activity. However, despite the numerical simulation results, empiricists have been unable generally to identify significant increases in overall severe storm activity as measured in the magnitude and/or frequency of thunderstorms, hail events, tornadoes, hurricanes, and winter storm activity across the United States. There is evidence that heavy precipitation events have increased during the period of historical records, but for many other severe weather categories, the trends have been downward over the past half century. Damage from severe weather has increased over this period, but this upward trend disappears when inflation, population growth, population redistribution, and wealth are taken into account.     

2015–2020 Geological Survey Program of China Geological Survey Bureau

正On 1–5 September 2014,the China Geological Survey Bureau held a 2015–2020 Geology and Mineral Resources Investigation and Assessment Special Planning and Deployment Meeting to plan the next six years in order to invest nearly ten billion US dollars to implement 9 programs and 50 projects with the aim of developing geological survey work,and to play a leading role in ensuring sustained and stable development.1 The Land Energy and Mines Geological Survey Program     

Progress of Deep Geological Survey Project under the China Geological Survey

Serving as a way to understand the material composition, structure, and dynamic process of the Earth’s interior, deep earth exploration is driven by not only mankind’s pursuit of natural mysteries but also mankind’s basic need to obtain resources and guarantee economic and social development. The first phase of deep earth exploration of China (SinoProbe) was carried out from 2008 to 2016 and tremendous results were achieved. In 2016, the China Geological Survey launched a Deep Geological Survey Project (also referred to as the Project) to continuously explore the deep Earth. Focusing on the national energy resources strategy, the Belt and Road Initiative, and major basic issues of the geological survey, the Project was carried out in Songliao Basin (an important energy base in China) and major geological boundaries and tectonic units including Qilian Mountains-Tianshan Mountains and Qinzhou-Hangzhou juncture belt. The purpose of it is to reveal the process, structure, and forming patterns of the deep ore deposits and petroleum reservoirs, clarify the evolutionary pattem and controlling factors of Mesozoic environmental climate, and discover deep fine structures of key orogens, basins, and mountains by comprehensive geophysical exploration and scientific drilling. Great achievements have been obtained after more than three years of efforts, including a cumulative 1552 km of deep seismic reflection profiles and magnetotelluric profiles, an ultra-deep continental scientific drilling well, a scientific drilling pilot hole, and a magnetotelluric array and a portable broadband seismic array, both of which cover South China. Moreover, significant progress has been made in ultra-deep drilling technology, deep oil and gas discovery in Songliao Basin, and basic geological issues of Qilian Orogen and Qinzhou-Hangzhou juncture belt in South China, greatly accelerating the deep earth exploration in China and further consolidating China’s position as a power in deep earth exploration.     

青州国家地质公园规划编制探讨

＂国家地质公园规划＂是国家地质公园的＂宪法＂,是建设和管理国家地质公园的依据。按照国土资源部的要求,获得资格的地质公园必须按照《国家地质公园规划编制技术要求》编制国家地质公园规划,经省级国土资源部门初审后报部审查。青州国家地质公园规划是山东省第一个通过国土资源部审查批准的国家级地质公园规划,本文详细介绍了青州国家地质公园规划编写的要点和心得,以期与各位同行交流和探讨。     

区域重磁圈定贵州基性—超基性隐伏岩体及地质意义

贵州地表除峨眉山玄武岩外,其他岩浆岩出露不多。为了解深部的基性-超基性岩体隐伏情况及分布形态,本文结合地表该类岩体反映的地球物理场响应特征,利用区域重磁资料综合研究。在镇远马坪(钾镁煌斑岩)、贞丰鲁容-阴河(钙碱性煌斑岩)、罗甸沟亭-望谟大观(辉绿岩)、晴隆-织金西北(玄武岩)等岩浆岩出露区,与重磁场同位置相对应地区表现为重力高、磁力高分布特征,且重磁异常强度表现为高低不一的幅值变化。为保证将最小的隐伏岩体圈定,尽量消除区内岩浆岩受区域性剥蚀、风化的影响,故利用重力值2×10^-5m/s²、磁力值10 nT为基准,联合圈定了省内百余处基性-超基性岩体分布,对寻找有关联的矿产指明了勘查方向。     

1983 Compilation of Elemental Concentration Data for Samples SO-1 to SO-4

Concentration data for as many as 72 constituents in the four Canadian Certified Reference Materials Project (CCRMP) soil samples have been collected from journal articles and technical reports published since these soil standards were issued in 1978. These data are summarized into mean +/- one standard deviation values and compared with available certification data from CCRMP. All literature data located or calculated are presented in the appendices.     

Windstorms in the United States

High winds are one of the nation’s leading damage-producing storm conditions. They do not include winds from tornadoes, winter storms, nor hurricanes, but are strong winds generated by deep low pressure centers, by thunderstorms, or by air flow over mountain ranges. The annual average property and crop losses in the United States from windstorms are $379 million and windstorms during 1959–1997 caused an average of 11 deaths each year. Windstorms range in size from a few hundred to hundreds of thousands square kilometers, being largest in the western United States where 40% of all storms exceed 135,000 km². In the eastern United States, windstorms occur at a given location, on average, 1.4 times a year, whereas in the western US point averages are 1.9. Midwestern states average between 15 and 20 wind storms annually; states in the east average between 10 and 25 storms per year; and West Coast states average 27–30 storms annually. Storms causing insured property losses >$379 million and windstorms during 1959–1997 caused an average of 11 deaths each year. Windstorms range in size from a few hundred to hundreds of thousands square kilometers, being largest in the western United States where 40% of all storms exceed 135,000 km². In the eastern United States, windstorms occur at a given location, on average, 1.4 times a year, whereas in the western US point averages are 1.9. Midwestern states average between 15 and 20 wind storms annually; states in the east average between 10 and 25 storms per year; and West Coast states average 27–30 storms annually. Storms causing insured property losses >1 million, labeled catastrophes, during 1952–2006 totaled 176, an annual average of 3.2. Catastrophic windstorm losses were highest in the West and Northwest climate regions, the only form of severe weather in the United States with maximum losses on the West Coast. Most western storms occurred in the winter, a result of Pacific lows, and California has had 31 windstorm catastrophes, more than any other state. The national temporal distribution of catastrophic windstorms during 1952–2006 has a flat trend, but their losses display a distinct upward trend with time, peaking during 1996–2006.