Modelling grain-size distributions. A comparison of two models and their numerical solution

Three main diffusion-based models are currently used to study grain-size distributions. In this paper, two of these approaches — perfect sorting and imperfect sorting — are compared in a parameter study. First, the numerical solution of the imperfect-sorting model is extensively discussed, and numerical tests are performed. Then, the two sedimentation models are compared for a basin under varying conditions. For some of the imposed variations, predictions of both models differ markedly due to the different approach. The position of the gravel front in the perfect sorting model depends on gravel input and proximal accommodation space. The position of grain-size boundaries in the imperfect-sorting model is strongly controlled by gravel input, the position of the basin axis and the difference in diffusivities. As a result, those two models may predict gravel progradation for different situations. Both models suggest that gravel progradation should always be coupled with sedimentation rates in order to suggest an explanation of gravel progradation observed in the geological record. Simulations with the imperfect sorting model show that this criterion may also fail, showing that a unique interpretation of gravel progradation may be impossible.     

Fluid inclusions as microchemical systems: evidence and modelling of fluid–host interactions in plagioclase

Dense, CO₂‐rich fluid inclusions hosted by plagioclases, An₄₅ to An₅₄, of the O.‐v.‐Gruber‐ Anorthosite body, central Dronning Maud Land, East Antarctica, contain varying amounts of small calcite, paragonite and pyrophyllite crystals detected by Raman microspectroscopy. These crystals are reaction products that have formed during cooling of the host and the original CO₂‐rich H₂O‐bearing enclosed fluid. Variable amounts of these reaction products illustrates that the reaction did not take place uniformly in all fluid inclusions, possibly due to differences in kinetics as caused by differences in shape and size, or due to compositional variation in the originally trapped fluid. The reaction albite + 2anorthite + 2H₂O + 2CO₂ = pyrophyllite + paragonite + 2calcite was thermodynamically modelled with consideration of different original fluid compositions. Although free H₂O is not detectable in most fluid inclusions, the occurrence of OH‐bearing sheet silicates indicates that the original fluid was not pure CO₂, but contained significant amounts of H₂O. Compared to an actual fluid inclusion it is obvious, that volume estimations of solid phases can be used as a starting point to reverse the retrograde reaction and recalculate the compositional and volumetrical properties of the original fluid. Isochores for an unmodified inclusion can thus be reconstructed, leading to a more realistic estimation of P–T conditions during earlier metamorphic stages or fluid capturing.     

Peridinioid dinoflagellate cysts in a Holocene high-mountain lake deposit in Italy

This paper documents the discovery of peridinioid organic walled dinoflagellate cysts in Holocene sediments of the freshwater, low-alkalinity, high mountain Lake Nero di Cornisello (Adamello mountain range, Trentino, Italy). Among the three main cyst morphotypes found in the samples, the dominant one is acavate, with a smooth and light brown colored wall, with a clear conical shape, elongated with a pointy to rounded end in the antapical-ventral part, with the epicyst broader than the hypocyst and displays a typical peridinioid archeopyle. Comparison with data available in literature, besides pointing out the general scarcity of observations on dinocysts in lakes sediments, suggested a strong morphological similarity with the marine genus Brigantedinium. This finding pinpoints the need for more detailed studies on cysts in freshwater environments offering a new tool for paleoenvironmental interpretations.     

The research agenda of the European Science Foundation's GISDATA scientific programme

Abstract

In January 1993 the European Science Foundation launched a four-year scientific programme on geographical information systems. The programme aims at overcoming the existing fragmentation of GIS research in Europe and addresses three key areas: European-wide data base design, data integration, and social and environmental applications. In each of these areas a number of priorities have been identified which provide the focus of the initiatives and collaborative ventures envisaged by the programme. This article describes the programme's research agenda and sets it in the context of the activities of the European Science Foundation.