Suspended sediment source fingerprinting in a small tropical catchment and some management implications

The targeting of sediment management strategies is a key requirement in developing countries because of the limited resources available. Such targeting is, however, hampered by the lack of reliable information on catchment sediment sources. This paper reports the results of using a quantitative composite fingerprinting technique to estimate the relative importance of the primary potential sources within the upper Kaleya catchment (63 km²) in southern Zambia. During the study period (1997–9), the load-weighted mean relative contributions to the sediment load sampled at the catchment outlet were in the order: commercial cultivation (2.0%), bush grazing (17.1%), channel banks/gullies (17.2%) and communal cultivation (63.7%). Although influenced by the timing of sediment sample collection, these results are judged to provide a meaningful assessment of sediment sources in the Kaleya catchment. They indicate that improved environmental management strategies for the study area must be comprehensive and need to reduce surface erosion and hillslope/channel connectivity in areas of bush grazing and both communal and commercial cultivation and to control gully development.     

Discrete proterozoic structural terranes associated with low-P, high-T metamorphism, Anmatjira Range, Arunta Inlier, central Australia: tectonic implications

Structural overprinting relationships indicate that two discrete terranes, Mt. Stafford and Weldon, occur in the Anmatjira Range, northern Arunta Inlier, central Australia. In the Mt. Stafford terrane, early recumbent structures associated with D_1a,_1b deformation are restricted to areas of granulite facies metamorphism and are overprinted by upright, km-scale folds F_1c), which extend into areas of lower metamorphic grade. Structural relationships are simple in the low—grade rocks, but complex and variable in higher grade equivalents. The three deformation events in the Mt. Stafford terrane constitute the first tectonic cycle (D₁-D₂) deformation in the Weldon terrane comprises the second tectonic cycle. The earliest foliation (S_2a) was largely obliterated by the dominant reclined to recumbent mylonitic foliation (S_2b), produced during progressive non-coaxial deformation, with local sheath folds and W- to SW-directed thrusts. Locally, (D_2d) tectonites have been rotated by N—S-trending, upright (F_2c) folds, but the regional upright fold event (F_2d), also evident in the adjacent Reynolds Range, rotated earlier surfaces into shallow-plunging, NW—SE-trending folds that dominate the regional outcrop pattern.The terranes can be separated on structural, metamorphic and isotopic criteria. A high-strain D₂ mylonite zone, produced during W- to SW-directed thrusting, separates the Weldon and Mt. Stafford terranes. 1820 Ma megacrystic granites in the Mt. Stafford terrane intruded high-grade metamorphic rocks that had undergone D_1a and D_1b deformation, but in turn were deformed by S_1c, which provides a minimum age limit for the first structural—metamorphic event. 1760 Ma charnockites in the Weldon terrane were emplaced post-D_2a, and metamorphosed under granulite facies conditions during D_2b, constraining the second tectonic cycle to this period.Each terrane is associated with low-P, high-T metamorphism, characterized by anticlockwise P—T—t paths, with the thermal peaks occurring before or very early in the tectonic cycle. These relations are not compatible with continental-style collision, nor with extensional tectonics as the deformation was compressional. The preferred model involves thickening of previously thinned lithosphere, at a stage significantly after (>50 Ma) the early extensional event. Compression was driven by external forces such as plate convergence, but deformation was largely confined to and around composite granitoid sheets in the mid-crust. The sheets comprise up to 80% of the terranes and induced low-P, high-T metamorphism, including migmatization, thereby markedly reducing the yield strength and accelerating deformation of the country rocks. Mid-crustal ductile shearing and reclined to recumbent folding resulted, followed by upright folding that extended beyond the thermal anomaly. Thus, thermal softening induced by heat-focusing is capable of generating discrete structural terranes characterized by subhorizontal ductile shear in the mid-crust, localized around large granitoid intrusions.     

High temperature telescoped tungsten-antimony mineralization,Guatemala

In the course of a geologic mapping project in northwestern Guatemala an area of unusual stibnite and scheelite mineralization was encountered near Ixtahuacan. The ore is localized along two intersecting faults in the upper part of the Pennsylvanian-Permian Tactic shale and is apparently a telescoped xenothermal deposit. The source of the hydrothermal tungsten-antimony-bearing solutions is uncertain, but field evidence suggests that the fluids could have been associated with a volcanic center less than 4 km to the south. On the basis of the estimated temperature of deposition and experimentally-determined factors controlling scheelite and stibnite solubility, it is suggested that this deposit formed at 400 to 500°C by an extremely rapid reaction between an alkaline hydrothermal solution and Chochal limestone or calcareous layers in the upper Tactic shale. This result contrasts with those for similar deposits which contain minerals thought to form at lower temperatures by a rapid decrease in temperature. Strontium isotopic evidence on Guatemalan volcanic rocks related to those thought to have been the source of the Ixtahuacan metallization suggests that the metals had their source in the upper mantle or basaltic lower crust.

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Zusammenfassung Während einer geologischen Kartierung in Nordwestguatemala wurde ein Gebiet ungewöhnlicher Antimonit- und Scheelitvererzung vorgefunden. Das Erzvorkommen befindet sich an zwei sich kreuzenden Verwerfungen im oberen Teil der permokarbonen Tacticschiefer und stellt wahrscheinlich eine Teleskop-artige xenothermale Ablagerung dar. Der Ursprung der hydrothermalen Wolfram- und Antimon- führenden Lösungen steht nicht fest, aber Beobachtungen im Gelände deuten auf einen Zusammenhang mit einem vulkanischen Zentrum hin, das etwa 4 km südlicher liegt. Temperaturschätzungen der Ablagerung und experimentell festgestellte Faktoren, die die Löslichkeit von Stibnit und Scheelit beherrschen, deuten darauf hin, daß diese Lagerstätte bei 400–500°C durch schnelle chemische Reaktion einer hydrothermalen Alkalilösung mit den Chochalkalken oder kalkigen Schichten in den oberen Tacticschiefern entstand. Diese Resultate stehen im Gegensatz zu denjenigen von Lagerstätten mit Tieftemperaturmineralen, die sich unter schneller Abkühlung bildeten. Strontiumisotopmessungen weisen auf eine Herkunft der Lösungen aus dem oberen Erdmantel oder der unteren Basaltschale hin.

     

Metallogeny and tectonic development of the tasman fold belt system in tasmania

In western Tasmania, Precambrian sedimentary sequences form the basement for narrow trough accumulations of Eocambrian and younger sequences. The main trough, the meridional Dundas Trough, is flanked to the west by the Rocky Cape region of Precambrian rocks within which major, apparently stratiform, exhalative magnetite-pyrite deposits are intercalated with metabasaltic volcanics and ultramafic bodies.The Eocambrian-Cambrian troughs apparently developed during extension of Precambrian continental crust. Early shallow-water deposition includes thick dolomite units in some troughs. Deepening of the troughs was accompanied by turbidite sedimentation, with minor limestone, and submarine basaltic volcanism with associated minor disseminated native copper. Ultramafic and related igneous rocks were tectonically emplaced in some troughs during a mild compressional phase. They contain only minor platinoids, copper-nickel sulphides and asbestos, but are source rocks for Tertiary secondary deposits of platinoids, chromite and lateritic nickel.In the Dundas Trough, Eocambrian-Early Cambrian rocks are separated by an inferred erosional surface from structurally conformable overlying Middle to Late Cambrian fossiliferous turbidite sequences. The structural conformity continues through overlying Ordovician to Early Devonian terrestrial and shallow-marine stable shelf deposits.A considerable pile of probable Middle Cambrian felsic volcanics accumulated between the sedimentary deposits of the Dundas Trough and the Tyennan region of Precambrian rocks to the east. A lava-dominated belt within the volcanics hosts major volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits, including those of the exhalative type, which in the south are enriched in copper, gold and silver, whereas in the north they are rich in zine, lead, copper, gold and silver. Cambrian movements along faults near the margin of the Tyennan region resulted in erosion of the mineralized volcanics, locally exposing sub-volcanic granitoids. Above the local unconformities occur unmineralized volcaniclastic sequences that pass conformably into Ordovician to Early Devonian shelf deposits. Ordovician limestone locally hosts stratabound disseminated and veined base metal sulphide deposits.Pre-Middle Devonian rocks of western Tasmania differ, for most part, from those in the northeast where deeper marine turbidite quartz-wacke sequences were deposited during the Ordovician and Early Devonian.The Eocambrian to Early Devonian rocks of Tasmania were extensively deformed in the mid-Devonian. The Precambrian regions of western Tasmania behaved as relatively competent blocks controlling early fold patterns. In northeastern Tasmania, folding is of similar age but resulted from movements inconsistent with those affecting rocks of equivalent age in western Tasmania.The final metallogenic event is associated with high-level granitoid masses emplaced throughout Tasmania during the Middle to Late Devonian. In northeastern Tasmania, extensive I-type granodiorite and S-type granite, with alkali-feldspar granites, are associated with mainly endogranitic stanniferous grelsens and wolframite ± cassiterite vein deposits. In contrast, scheelite-bearing skarns and cassiterite stannite pyrrhotite carbonate replacement deposits are dominant in western Tasmania, associated mainly with S-type granites. Several argentiferous lead-zinc vein deposits occur in haloes around tin-tungsten deposits. A number of gold deposits are apparently associated with I-type granodiorite, but some have uncertain genesis.The contrasting regions of western and northeastern Tasmania have probably been brought together by lateral movement along an inferred fracture. Flat-lying, Late Carboniferous and younger deposits rest on the older rocks, and the only known post-Devonian primary mineralization is gold associated with Creta ceous syenite.     

Using historical maps to analyze two hundred years of land cover changes: case study of Sorrento peninsula (south Italy)

Historical maps are effective sources of geographical information and useful for historical and territorial research. In this study, the examination of landscape dynamics on the basis of historical maps over a period of more than 200 years was conducted. The study area is Sorrento peninsula and part of the near Sarno river basin in South Italy. This study provides a general framework for the assessment of the overall quality and accuracy of historical maps. The application of the methodology used in this specific case study can contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of the landscape in the long term. The derived knowledge can be applied in the planning of the landscape in order to implement correct conservation strategies. The comparison was made on four maps 1817, 1875, 1960, and 2006. Geodetic accuracy of the sheet maps of 1817 and 1875 offer a right basis for a macro analysis of land cover dynamics, evaluating conversion from one land cover category to another. Main transformation, identified in the period between 1875 and 1960, was the disappearance of vineyards, which covered 25% of the total study area in 1875. Agricultural areas increased in this period to cover 57% of the total area.     

Debris flows caused by failure of fill slopes: early detection,warning, and loss prevention

This paper describes early detection, warning, and loss prevention for debris flows originating as failures of fill slopes. Worldwide, fill slopes constructed on steep terrain for roads, hillside residential developments, timber harvest landings, etc., are an increasing source of debris-flow hazards. Some fill failures that generate debris flows are the final stage of incremental failures that provide warning signs of instability in the months or years before the debris flow. Mapping and analysis of minor features, such as cracks and small scarps, on paved or unpaved surfaces of fills can identify incipient and impending fill failures that are major debris-flow hazards. Potential debris-flow paths can be mapped and risk assessments conducted. Loss prevention or reduction can be achieved by (1) prioritized maintenance, (2) prioritized repair, (3) monitoring, (4) warnings for emergency officials and the public, and (5) risk avoidance or reduction in land-use planning, zoning, cooperation between jurisdictions, and project development.     

Using unsupported lead-210 measurements to investigate soil erosion and sediment delivery in a small Zambian catchment

Traditional techniques used to assemble information on rates of erosion and soil redistribution possess many important limitations. As a result, the use of environmental radionuclides, and more particularly ¹³⁷Cs measurements, has attracted increasing attention in recent years as a means of obtaining spatially distributed information on rates of erosion and deposition. The application of the ¹³⁷Cs approach is, however, hampered in some areas of the world where ¹³⁷Cs inventories are low and the low concentrations of ¹³⁷Cs found in soils and sediments cause problems for laboratory analysis. These problems will increase as time progresses due to the radioactive decay of the existing inventory, most of which was deposited as fallout ca. 40 years ago. This contribution explores the potential for using another fallout radionuclide, namely unsupported ²¹⁰Pb, as an alternative to ¹³⁷Cs, in the small (63 km²) Upper Kaleya catchment in southern Zambia where ¹³⁷Cs inventories are already very low. The approach employed with unsupported ²¹⁰Pb is similar to that used for ¹³⁷Cs, although the essentially constant fallout of unsupported ²¹⁰Pb through time means that the resulting estimates of erosion and soil redistribution rates reflect a longer period of time (ca. 100 years rather than ca. 40 years). The estimates of erosion and deposition rates derived from the unsupported ²¹⁰Pb measurements are used to construct typical sediment budgets for the three main land-use types in the Upper Kaleya catchment, namely, commercial cultivation, communal cultivation and bush grazing. The results obtained from the unsupported ²¹⁰Pb are compared with equivalent results based on ¹³⁷Cs measurements provided by a previous investigation undertaken in the study catchment. The two sets of results are highly consistent. The study reported confirms the viability of using unsupported ²¹⁰Pb as an alternative to ¹³⁷Cs in this environment and demonstrates that conjunctive use of both radionuclides can provide additional information on the erosional history of a study area.     

Complex high-strain deformation in the Usagaran Orogen, Tanzania: structural setting of Palaeoproterozoic eclogites

The Palaeoproterozoic Usagaran Orogen of Tanzania contains the Earth's oldest reported examples of subduction-related eclogite facies rocks. Detailed field mapping of gneisses exposed in the high-grade, eclogite-bearing part of the orogen (the Isimani Suite) indicates a complex deformation and thermal history. Deformation in the Isimani Suite can be broadly subdivided into five events. The first of these (D₁), associated with formation of eclogite facies metamorphism, is strongly overprinted by a pervasive deformation (D₂) at amphibolite facies conditions, which resulted in the accumulation of high strains throughout all of the exposed Isimani rocks. The geometry of foliations and lineations developed during D₂ deformation are variable and have different shear directions that enable five D₂ domains to be identified. Analysis of these domains indicates a geometrical and kinematic pattern that is interpreted to have formed by strain and kinematic partitioning during sinistral transpression. U–Pb SHRIMP zircon ages from a post-D₂ granite and previously published geochronological data from the Usagaran eclogites indicate this deformation took place between 2000 ± 1 Ma and 1877 ± 7 Ma (at 1σ error). Subsequent greenschist facies deformation, localised as shear zones on boundaries separating D₂ domains, have both contractional and extensional geometries that indicate post-1877 Ma reactivation of the Isimani Suite. This reactivation may have taken place during Palaeoproterozoic exhumation of the Usagaran Orogen or may be the result of deformation associated with the Neoproterozoic East African Orogen.U–Th–Pb SHRIMP zircon ages from an Isimani gneiss sample and xenocrysts in a “post-tectonic” granite yield 2.7 Ga ages and are similar to published Nd model ages from both the Tanzanian Craton and gneiss exposed east of the Usagaran belt in the East African Orogen. These age data indicate that the Isimani Suite of the Usagaran Orogen reflects reworking of Archaean continental crust. The extensive distribution of 2.7 Ga crust in both the footwall and hangingwall of the Usagaran Orogen can only be explained by the collision of two continents if the continents fortuitously had the same protolith ages. We propose that a more likely scenario is that the protoliths of the mafic eclogites were erupted in a marginal basin setting as either oceanic crust, or as limited extrusions along the rifted margin of the Tanzanian Craton. The Usagaran Orogen may therefore reflect the mid-Palaeoproterozoic reassembly of a continental ribbon partially or completely rifted off the craton and separated from it by a marginal basin.     

Quantitative evaluation of a passively leveled ocean bottom seismometer

A problem in the use of ocean bottom seismometers is the difficulty in leveling the sensors while ensuring good coupling to the seafloor. We have investigated the coupling characteristics of the seismic sensors in the new ONR ocean bottom seismometer. In the deployable sensor package for that instrument, a three-component seismometer set is suspended on a 2-axis passive leveling gimbal and is immersed in a viscous fluid. We report tests, conducted in a seismic vault, comparing the output of a gimbaled seismometer set to that of a set rigidly coupled to the ground. Our results show that the degree to which the gimbaled set is coupled to ground motion is a function of the viscosity of the coupling fluid. The coherence between the two sensor sets is poor (<0.4) at some frequencies within the band of interest (0.15 to 20 Hz) and on some components when the viscosity of the coupling fluid is comparatively low (14 Pa-s or 0.16 kSt kinematic viscosity). In addition, the outputs of some components over portions of this frequency band are attenuated and are phase-shifted relative to the outputs of the set rigidly coupled to the ground. Coherence and phase response similarity improve as the viscosity of the coupling fluid is increased. With a coupling fluid viscosity of 980 Pa-s (10 kSt), coherence and phase agreement between the two sensor sets is good (>0.9) across nearly the entire band of interest on all three components. A simple analytical model of the gimbaled seismometer set as a damped, driven, compound-pendulum provides a basis for understanding the test results.