A resampling approach to test stress-field uniformity from fault data

Several methods have been proposed to constrain the stress field from fault plane orientations and slip directions within a crustal volume characterized by brittle deformation. All the methods are based on the assumption that the stress field is uniform in the volume considered. If this hypothesis is not checked in advance, however, the methodology may lead to misleading conclusions. In this work, a procedure is defined to check stress-field uniformity by a statistical analysis of the available fault data. Since, in most cases, the statistical features of the uncertainties that affect such data are not well known, a distribution-free approach is proposed. It is based on a simple search algorithm, devoted to selecting stress configurations compatible with available data, combined with a bootstrap resampling approach. The test results are more conservative than the ones so far proposed in the literature. When the test allows stress heterogeneities to be safely excluded, approximate confidence intervals for the principal stress directions can be obtained; otherwise, the level of stress heterogeneity present in the volume under study can be assessed. An application of the proposed procedure to a sample of fault data deduced from seismological data is presented.     

Lunar surface exposure models for meteorites Elephant Moraine 96008 and Dar al Gani 262 from the Moon

Abstract— We derived the cosmic‐ray and solar particle exposure history for the two lunar meteorites Elephant Moraine (EET) 96008 and Dar al Gani (DaG) 262 on the basis of the noble gas isotopic abundances including the radionuclide ⁸¹Kr. For EET 96008, we propose a model for the exposure to cosmic rays and solar particles in three stages on the Moon: an early stage ～500 Ma ago, lasting less than 9 Ma at a shallow shielding depth of 20 g/cm², followed by a stage when the material was buried, without exposure, until it was exposed in a recent stage. This recent stage, at a shielding depth in a range of 200–600 g/cm², lasted for ～26 Ma until ejection. This model is essentially the same as that previously found for lunar meteorite EET 87521; thus, pairing of the two Elephant Moraine lunar meteorites that were recovered on the same icefield in Antarctica is confirmed by our data. The cosmic‐ray‐produced isotopes, the trapped solar and lunar atmospheric noble gases, as well as the radionuclide ⁸¹Kr observed for the DaG 262 lunar meteorite are consistent with a one‐stage lunar exposure history. The average burial depth of the Dar al Gani material before ejection was within a range of 50–80 g/cm². The exposure to cosmic rays at this depth lasted 500–1000 Ma. This long residence time for Dar al Gani at relatively shallow depth explains the high concentrations of implanted solar noble gases.     

Global and regional trends in greenhouse gas emissions from livestock

Following IPCC guidelines (IPCC 2006), we estimate greenhouse gas emissions related to livestock in 237 countries and 11 livestock categories during the period 1961–2010. We find that in 2010 emissions of methane and nitrous oxide related to livestock worldwide represented approximately 9 % of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Global GHG emissions from livestock increased by 51 % during the analyzed period, mostly due to strong growth of emissions in developing (Non-Annex I) countries (+117 %). In contrast, developed country (Annex I) emissions decreased (?23 %). Beef and dairy cattle are the largest source of livestock emissions (74 % of global livestock emissions). Since developed countries tend to have lower CO₂-equivalent GHG emissions per unit GDP and per quantity of product generated in the livestock sector, the amount of wealth generated per unit GHG emitted from the livestock sector can be increased by improving both livestock farming practices in developing countries and the overall state of economic development. Our results reveal important details of how livestock production and associated GHG emissions have occurred in time and space. Discrepancies with higher tiers, demonstrate the value of more detailed analyses, and discourage over interpretation of smaller-scale trends in the Tier 1 results, but do not undermine the value of global Tier 1 analysis.     

Identification of genes expressed in juvenile Haliotis rufescens in response to different copper concentrations in the north of Chile under controlled conditions

This study reports molecular markers potentially associated with resistance or sensitivity to the impact of copper in juvenile red abalone, Haliotis rufescens, in the north of Chile under experimental conditions. Genomic analysis was made applying subtractive hybridization libraries (SSH) to identify genes up-and down regulated during cooper exposure in abalone over periods of 12 and 168 h exposed to 2.5 and 10 μg/L of Cu⁺². Results obtained from the SSH library revealed 368 different sequences regulated by copper, that correspond to eight major physiological functions. The validation of these sequences obtained by SSH as well as their expression kinetics were made by PCR in real time on 14 potential genes regulated by metal stress. This study provides information for the characterization of potential genomic markers that may be used in future environmental monitoring and to investigate new mechanisms of stress to copper in this commercially important marine species.     

Seismic characterization of rigid sites in the ITACA database by ambient vibration monitoring and geological surveys

The problem of seismic characterization of rock-mass or stiff-soil outcrops by the use of passive seismic prospecting techniques is discussed. Difficulties in the application of this kind of procedure in the presence of rugged morphology, high surface wave velocities and low ambient vibration powers, typical of stiff-soil/rock-mass sites are examined. A methodology to face these problems is here proposed, which is based on the strict synergy of detailed geologic surveys and application of robust seismic prospecting techniques, jointly considering single-station and multi-station tools. The application of this approach for the characterization of a number of sites belonging to the Italian Accelerometric Network is described, focusing on two representative case histories.     

The sagging deep-seated gravitational movements on the eastern side of Mt. Amiata (Tuscany,Italy)

The eastern side of the Mt. Amiata volcano is affected by a series of deep-seated gravitational slope deformations (DsGSDs). The San Piero and the Podere Mezzavia DsGSDs affect the lower part of the slope. The main escarpments are located on the outer edges of the lava flows, but the landslides mostly affect the pre-volcanic Ligurian Terrains. A deeper movement, possibly exceeding 100 m in thickness, is evidenced by a long trench at the base of the main escarpment that indicates a sagging type movement. This deeper movement is responsible for the activation of a series of superficial rock and mud flows that show evidence of ongoing activity. The most likely location of the sliding surface is the tectonized contact between the Santa Fiora and Argille a Palombini Fms within the Ligurian units, although the superficial landslides prevent our determining with certainty if a clear-cut sliding surface already developed connecting the upper and the lower parts of the slope. These DsGSDs were activated along the flanks of a larger movement that affects the lava flow units cropping out in the middle slope of the volcano. A long main escarpment, secondary escarpments, trenches and borehole data suggest that the thickness could locally exceed 200 m and generate another sagging type movement. Up-slope and up-movement-facing counterscarps indicate the existence of a listric elongated spoon-shaped compound embryonic sliding surface. This sagging, which hosts the towns of Abbadia San Salvatore and Piancastagnaio, appears to be in a quiescent stage, according to preliminary monitoring with a global positioning system (GPS) network. The downcutting of the river network along the softer Pliocene terrains of the Radicofani basin is enhanced by the general uplift of the Apennines and seems to be the major factor in the activation of these DsGSDs.     

Mixed nonlinear regression for modelling historical temperatures in Central–Southern Italy

This paper has exploited, for Central and Southern Italy (Mediterranean Sub-regional Area), an unprecedented historical dataset as an attempt to model seasonal (winter and summer) air temperatures in pre-instrumental time (back to 1500). Combining information derived from proxy–documentary data and large-scale simulation, a statistical downscaling approach in the form of mixed regression model was developed to adapt larger-scale estimations (regional component) to the sub-regional temperature pattern (local component). It interprets local temperature anomalies by means of monthly based Temperature Anomaly Scaled Index in the range ?5 (very cold conditions in June) to 2 (very warm conditions). The modelled response agrees well with the independent data from the validation sample (Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient, >0.60). The advantage of the approach is not merely increased accuracy in estimation. Rather, it relies on the ability to extract (and exploit) the right information to replicate coherent temperature series in historical times.     

Reclamation influence and background geochemistry of neutral saline soils in the Po River Delta Plain (Northern Italy)

Reclaimed neutral saline sulphate soils constitute a large part of the eastern part of Po Plain lowlands, where intensive agricultural activities take place. The knowledge of their geochemical features is essential to develop the best management practices capable to preserve this threatened environment. With this aim, three boreholes were drilled in an agricultural field and a typical reclaimed soil profile has been characterized for major and trace element, pH, electrical conductivity, redox conditions and water-soluble anions and ammonium. Statistical analysis (cluster analysis and principal component analysis) has been used to understand the relationship between elements and grain size. The soil profile is characterized by high salinity and high organic matter contents responsible for high chloride, sulphate, and ammonium concentrations. Heavy metal content is naturally high, since Po Plain sediments are the result of ultramafic rocks erosion; in addition, organic matter tends to concentrate heavy metals by adsorption, mainly in peaty horizons. As a consequence of chemical and zootechnical fertilization, high NO₃ ^? contents have been found in the top soil, thus enhancing the risk of nitrate discharge in the water system, especially in relation to extreme climatic events.     

COCHISE: the first light of the Italian millimetre telescope at Concordia (Dome C, Antarctica)

COCHISE (Cosmological Observations at Concordia with High-sensitivity Instrument for Source Extraction) is a 2.6 m telescope located on the high Antarctic Plateau near the Italian–French Concordia Base. The telescope is mainly devoted to Cosmological observations, able to operate between 200 μm and 3 mm of wavelength. In this paper we describe the main characteristics of the instrument. We also report on the first light, obtained during summer 2010–2011: this result marks the beginning of millimetre astrophysical observations at Concordia. Responsivity, noise equivalent temperature and field of view of the instrument are reported. At present COCHISE is the largest telescope located at Concordia. Beside the scientific expectations, the use of this kind of instrument in the Antarctic environment poses technological aspects of relevant interest: thus COCHISE can be considered as a pathfinder for future Antarctic telescopes.     

Ruinon landslide (Valfurva, Italy) activity in relation to rainfall by means of GBInSAR monitoring

The active Ruinon rockslide is located on the left bank of the Frodolfo River valley (Valfurva, Italian Alps) and is developed on the Confinale deep-seated gravitational slope deformation. Ruinon landslide is a major hazard for valley inhabitants in that rapid movement might dam the stream and create a debris flow. The landslide is strongly controlled by preexisting structural features and is believed to have been triggered by postglacial debuttressing. Ground-based radar interferometry has been used to map surface deformation over time of the entire unstable zone of Ruinon landslide with high spatial resolution and at a very high temporal acquisition rate (about five images per hour). The activity of the landslide shows strong periodicity, with summer and autumn accelerations and winter deceleration. From a correlation between the landslide acceleration and a class of rainfall event, we deduce the specific rainfall conditions that accelerate the instability of the landslide area. The study results suggest an improved tool for early warning of events of potentially catastrophic landslide instability.