Ambient noise surface wave tomography of the Makran subduction zone,south-east Iran:Implications for crustal and uppermost mantle structures

Seismic ambient noise of surface wave tomography was applied to estimate Rayleigh wave empirical Green's functions(EGFs) and then to study crust and uppermost mantle structure beneath the Makran region in south-east Iran.12 months of continuous data from January 2009 through January 2010,recorded at broadband seismic stations,were analyzed.Group velocities of the fundamental mode Rayleigh wave dispersion curves were obtained from the empirical Green's functions.Multiplefilter analysis was used to plot group velocity variations at periods from 10 to 50 s.Using group velocity dispersion curves,1-D vs velocity models were calculated between several station pairs.The final results demonstrate significant agreement to known geological and tectonic features.Our tomography maps display low-velocity anomaly with SW-NE trend,comparable with volcanic arc settings of the Makran region which may be attributable to the geometry of Arabian Plate subducting beneath the overriding the Lut block.The northward subducting Arabian Plate is determined by high-velocity anomaly along the Straits of Hormuz.At short periods(20 s),there is a sharp transition boundary between low- and high-velocity transition zone with the NW trending at the western edge of Makran which is attributable to the Minab fault system.     

Investigating the role of source mechanism,surface topography,and attenuation on the observed PGA pattern in May 28, 2004, Mw 6.2 Baladeh earthquake (Iran)

In this paper, we use seismic waveform simulation to investigate the influence of source mechanism complexity, surface topography, and quality factor on the observed peak ground motions in May 28, 2004, moment magnitude (Mw) 6.2 Baladeh earthquake. The observed peak ground acceleration (PGA) pattern in this event, which is the biggest earthquake to hit the Central Alborz Mountains of Iran in modern instrumental era, is irregular in some respects. First, the observed PGA contours are elongated toward north-west and, second, the maximum observed PGA value of 1049 cm/s² on the horizontal component of Hasan Keyf station 50 km away from the epicenter is quite high and irregular for an earthquake of this magnitude, at such long distance. In this study, we employ the spectral element method, implemented in SPECFEM3D software package to simulate the 3D wave propagation from several source models in the area. Our results suggest directivity effect is the main cause of the anomalous observations in this earthquake and could account for the elongation of PGA contours and also the anomalous maximum PGA value observed at Hasan Keyf strong motion station. We show that the surface topography has minor effect on the observed peak ground acceleration and the resulting PGA maps. Also by finding the bounds of seismic quality factor effect on the peak ground acceleration values, we show that this factor could not account for the elongation of iso-acceleration contours in the north-west direction.     

Cloud Point Extraction for the Preconcentration of Silver and Palladium in Real Samples and Determination by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

A cloud point extraction procedure is presented for the preconcentration and simultaneous determination of Ag⁺ and Pd²⁺ in various samples. After complexation with 2‐((2‐((1H‐benzo[d]imidazole‐2‐yl)methoxy)phenoxy)methyl)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazol (BIMPI), which was used as a new chelating agent, analyte ions were quantitatively extracted to a phase rich in Triton X‐114 following centrifugation, and determination was carried out by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Under the optimum experimental conditions (i. e., pH = 7.0, 15.0·10^–5 mol/L BIMPI and 0.036% (w/v) Triton X‐114), calibration graphs were linear in the range of 28.0–430.0 μg/L and 57.0–720.0 μg/L with detection limits of 10.0 and 25.0 μg/L for Ag⁺ and Pd²⁺, respectively. The enrichment factors were 35.0 and 28.0 for Ag⁺ and Pd²⁺, respectively. The method has been successfully applied to evaluate these metals in some real samples, including waste water, soil and hydrogenation catalyst samples.     

Pedodiversity and pedogenesis in Zayandeh-rud Valley, Central Iran

A geomorphic hierarchical downscaling method was used to decompose the forms and processes forming the landscapes and their subdivisions in the main region of Zayandeh-rud Valley. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of soil heterogeneity and to check if K-entropy would be a good measure of soil evolution. Soil diversity analyses were performed considering soil families as individuals of soil entities in each geomorphic or taxonomic category level. Pedodiversity indices were used to follow the trend of soil and landscape evolution. The relationships between K-entropy (Shannon diversity index) and pedo-richness versus increasing area were analyzed to find out the effects of soil–landscape evolution on complexity of soil patterns in different geomorphic surfaces. Entropy–age relationship was studied to check the pedogenetic pathways responsible for soil landscape evolution. The soil diversity increases as geomorphic and taxonomic hierarchy levels decrease. The diversity indices were high when the sequence of soil horizons in a homogeneous family was also investigated. An increase in K-entropy of soil and landscape during time confirms the hypothesis of soil divergence evolution, whereby differences in initial conditions or local perturbations, and dynamic instability appear to have produced more variable soils and landscapes in the study area.     

Predicting the expansion of an urban boundary using spatial logistic regression and hybrid raster–vector routines with remote sensing and GIS

This paper presents an urban growth boundary model (UGBM) which utilizes spatial logistic regression (SLR), remote sensing, and GIS to simulate the differentially expanding geometry of a dynamic urban boundary over decadal time periods. SLR is used as the core algorithm in a UGBM quantifying how biophysical factors influence the rate at which all edges of an urban boundary expand over time. Spatial drivers selected from a raster-based environment are used as input predictor variables to the SLR UGBM, the output response variable being the distance between time-separated urban boundary intersections along arcs extending radially from a point centered at the urban core relative to the maximum distance. Percent area match (PAM) quantity and location goodness-of-fit metrics, fit of the predicted distance versus observed distance, and the sensitivity of the SLR UGBM to the contribution of each predictor variable are used to assess the agreement between predicted and observed urban boundaries. The model is built, tested, and validated using satellite images of the city of Las Vegas, United States of America, collected in 1990, 2000, and 2010. We compare urban boundary simulation of full and reduced SLR UGBMs to a null UGBM lacking in specificity of predictor variables. Results indicate that the SLR UGBM has a better goodness of fit compared to a null UGBM using PAM quantity and location goodness-of-fit metrics. Then, we use the SLR UGBM to predict urban boundary expansion between the years 2000 and 2010 and describe how this model can be used to plan ahead for future boundary expansions given what is known about current edge conditions.     

Reduced transition probabilities for 4~He radiative capture reactions at astrophysical energies

The reduced transition probabilities from an electric quadrupole B(E2) and reduced transition probabilities from a magnetic dipole B(M1) between the ground state and the first excited state have been calculated for the3He(α,γ)7Be,8Be(α,γ)12C and12C(α,γ)16O radiative capture reactions with the M3Y potential.These reactions are important in stellar evolution.The calculated B(M1) and B(E2) for7Be nuclei are found to be 1.082×10-3e2fm2and 1.921 e2fm4from transitions 3/2-to 1/2-,respectively.The obtained values for reduced transition probabilities B(E2) for the12C and16O nuclei from transitions 0+to 2+are 12.54 e2fm4and 14.18 e2fm4,respectively.The results are in satisfactory agreement with available experimental data.     

Continuous Monitoring of Pin Tip Wear and Penetration into Rock Surface Using a New Cerchar Abrasivity Testing Device

Evaluation of rock abrasivity is important when utilizing mechanized excavation in various mining and civil projects in hard rock. This is due to the need for proper selection of the rock cutting tools, estimation of the tool wear, machine downtime for cutter change, and costs. The Cerchar Abrasion Index (CAI) test is one of the simplest and most widely used methods for evaluating rock abrasivity. In this study, a new device for the determination of frictional forces and depth of pin penetration into the rock surface during a Cerchar test is discussed. The measured parameters were used to develop an analytical model for calculation of the size of the wear flat (and hence a continuous measure of CAI as the pin moves over the sample) and pin tip penetration into the rock during the test. Based on this model, continuous curves of CAI changes and pin tip penetration into the rock were plotted. Results of the model were used for introduction of a new parameter describing rock–pin interaction and classification of rock abrasion.     

Tectonically controlled sedimentation: impact on sediment supply and basin evolution of the Kashafrud Formation (Middle Jurassic,Kopeh-Dagh Basin,northeast Iran)

The Kashafrud Formation was deposited in the extensional Kopeh-Dagh Basin during the Late Bajocian to Bathonian (Middle Jurassic) and is potentially the most important siliciclastic unit from NE Iran for petroleum geology. This extensional setting allowed the accumulation of about 1,700 m of siliciclastic sediments during a limited period of time (Upper Bajocian–Bathonian). Here, we present a detailed facies analysis combined with magnetic susceptibility (MS) results focusing on the exceptional record of the Pol-e-Gazi section in the southeastern part of the basin. MS is classically interpreted as related to the amount of detrital input. The amount of these detrital inputs and then the MS being classically influenced by sea-level changes, climate changes and tectonic activity. Facies analysis reveals that the studied rocks were deposited in shallow marine, slope to pro-delta settings. A major transgressive–regressive cycle is recorded in this formation, including fluvial-dominated delta to turbiditic pro-delta settings (transgressive phase), followed by siliciclastic to mixed siliciclastic and carbonate shoreface rocks (regressive phase). During the transgressive phase, hyperpycnal currents were feeding the basin. These hyperpycnal currents are interpreted as related to important tectonic variations, in relation to significant uplift of the hinterland during opening of the basin. This tectonic activity was responsible for stronger erosion, providing a higher amount of siliciclastic input into the basin, leading to a high MS signal. During the regressive phase, the tectonic activity strongly decreased. Furthermore, the depositional setting changed to a wave- to tide-dominated, mixed carbonate–siliciclastic setting. Because of the absence of strong tectonic variations, bulk MS was controlled by other factors such as sea-level and climatic changes. Fluctuations in carbonate production, possibly related to sea-level variations, influenced the MS of the siliciclastic/carbonate cycles. Carbonate intervals are characterized by a strong decrease of MS values indicates a gradual reduction of detrital influx. Therefore, the intensity of tectonic movement is thought to be the dominant factor in controlling sediment supply, changes in accommodation space and modes of deposition throughout the Middle Jurassic sedimentary succession in the Pol-e-Gazi section and possibly in the Kopeh-Dagh Basin in general.     

Study of geoid–quasigeoid separation obtained from terrestrial gravity data and two geopotential models

In this article, separation between the geoid and the quasigeoid was calculated using ground gravity data and the data extracted from two Global Geopotential Models (GGMs). The calculated results were compared together. To do so, the authors used the terrestrial gravity data in a vast region of Iran, comprising 8,245 stations which are kindly put in our disposal by the National Cartographic Center of Iran, as well as two GGMs, namely EGM96 and EGM2008 for comparison. The calculation of the separation for GGMs was performed by iteration method. The results showed that the geoid–quasigeoid separations obtained from the terrestrial data versus the orthometric heights are nonlinear in mountainous areas, whereas they are almost linear in flat regions due to decreasing the values of the topographic potential of the masses between the earth surface and the geoid. On the other hand, in case of GGMs, a positive correlation was observed between the separations and the orthometric heights in both mountainous and flat areas. As the difference between the separations extracted by two methods in mountainous areas—especially in the regions with ragged topography—differs strongly, it is recommended to use the dense gravity and height networks for accurate determination of the geoid–quasigeoid separation in these regions. Finally, we can conclude that the mean values of separation by two global geopotential models (EGM96 and EGM2008) are 21.87 and 21.23 cm, respectively, values which did not differ strongly, whereas this mean value obtained from ground gravity data is 16.10 cm, which differs from the GGMs’ results with approximately 5 cm.     

Physico-Chemical and Shrinkage Properties of Highly Organic Soil Treated with Non-traditional Additives

The changes in the shrinkage and physicochemical properties of untreated and treated organic soil using several chemical additives were investigated. In order to evaluate the effect of each chemical solution on the peaty soil environment different experiments namely; shrinkage limit, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), pH test, and water content were undertaken. The results of the laboratory experiments are further proved and interpreted using the X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy tests. The result unveils the structure of the treated soil significantly changed depending upon the used additive type and concentrations. The rate of shrinkage largely decreased when sodium silicate additives are used. In addition, it was observed that UCS value increased up to 500% and water content reduced up to 50% in comparison with untreated samples, depend on the amount of used non-traditional additives. The SEM micrographs of the sample before and after treatment validate the results obtained and analyzed from experiments.