Combination of temporal gravity variations resulting from superconducting gravimeter (SG) recordings, GRACE satellite observations and global hydrology models

Gravity recovery and climate experiment (GRACE)-derived temporal gravity variations can be resolved within the μgal (10^?8 m/s ²) range, if we restrict the spatial resolution to a half-wavelength of about 1,500 km and the temporal resolution to 1 month. For independent validations, a comparison with ground gravity measurements is of fundamental interest. For this purpose, data from selected superconducting gravimeter (SG) stations forming the Global Geodynamics Project (GGP) network are used. For comparison, GRACE and SG data sets are reduced for the same known gravity effects due to Earth and ocean tides, pole tide and atmosphere. In contrast to GRACE, the SG also measures gravity changes due to load-induced height variations, whereas the satellite-derived models do not contain this effect. For a solid spherical harmonic decomposition of the gravity field, this load effect can be modelled using degree-dependent load Love numbers, and this effect is added to the satellite-derived models. After reduction of the known gravity effects from both data sets, the remaining part can mainly be assumed to represent mass changes in terrestrial water storage. Therefore, gravity variations derived from global hydrological models are applied to verify the SG and GRACE results. Conversely, the hydrology models can be checked by gravity variations determined from GRACE and SG observations. Such a comparison shows quite a good agreement between gravity variation derived from SG, GRACE and hydrology models, which lie within their estimated error limits for most of the studied SG locations. It is shown that the SG gravity variations (point measurements) are representative for a large area within the accuracy, if local gravity effects are removed. The individual discrepancies between SG, GRACE and hydrology models may give hints for further investigations of each data series.     

Focal mechanism solutions and nature of plate movements in Pakistan

From the seismic point of view, the territory of Pakistan which lies between latitude 23°–37° N and longitude 61°–75° E is one of the most active zones in the world. The importance of this area lies in terms of movements of the Indian plate with respect to Eurasia on the west. Seismicity, as well as focal mechanism- solutions, throws a considerable light on the nature of forces acting in the area. All the available solutions, along with 12 new ones, have been considered for the present study. Their relationship to major faults in the area is discussed. The majority of the solutions in the central and northern parts show strike-slip faulting with a left-lateral sense of motion, followed by thrust faulting; few show normal faulting. This suggests that the Indian plate is moving with respect to the Eurasian plate along the Chaman fault, Quetta transverse zone, Sulaiman Ranges and the Hazara thrusts region joining the Hazara/Kashmir syntaxis. The orientations of P and T axes have been studied. It is seen that in a large number of cases compressive stress is acting nearly in NNW-SSE to N-S directions. The Hazara thrust region appears to be the most complex. Here, the influence of the Himalayan thrust front is evident to a large extent.The nature of faulting along the Chaman fault and Quetta transverse zone is to some extent similar to that of the San Andreas fault system of California. So far as the energy release is concerned, the maximum energy is being released in the form of strike-slip movements close to the Chaman fault and Quetta transverse ranges.     

Les minéraux techniques naturels : connaissance,typologie et propriétés d'usageNatural technical minerals: investigation,typology and utilisation properties

By nature minerals are heterogeneous materials for many of their properties. These properties also vary according to composition and structure fluctuations, compared to definitions. Technical minerals are used in applications where their performances depend on intrinsic properties and processing conditions. It is possible to base rankings on simple criteria, allowing estimating the abilities of minerals for each utilisation. The research of the corresponding mechanisms concerns the molecular level. These questions are discussed for kaolins, raw materials for baked clays, talqueous materials and montmorillonites. To cite this article: J. Yvon et al., C. R. Geoscience 334 (2002) 717–730.     

The Japan Trench and its juncture with the Kuril Trench: cruise results of the Kaiko project, Leg 3

This paper presents the results of a detailed survey combining Seabeam mapping, gravity and geomagnetic measurements as well as single-channel seismic reflection observations in the Japan Trench and the juncture with the Kuril Trench during the French-Japanese Kaiko project (northern sector of the Leg 3) on the R/V “Jean Charcot”. The main data acquired during the cruise, such as the Seabeam maps, magnetic anomalies pattern, and preliminary interpretations are discussed. These new data cover an area of 18,000 km² and provide for the first time a detailed three-dimensional image of the Japan Trench. Combined with the previous results, the data indicate new structural interpretations. A comparative study of Seabeam morphology, single-channel and reprocessed multichannel records lead to the conclusion that along the northern Japan Trench there is little evidence of accretion but, instead, a tectonic erosion of the overriding plate. The tectonic pattern on the oceanic side of the trench is controlled by the creation of new normal faults parallel to the Japan Trench axis, which is a direct consequence of the downward flexure of the Pacific plate. In addition to these new faults, ancient normal faults trending parallel to the N65° oceanic magnetic anomalies and oblique to the Japan trench axis are reactivated, so that two directions of normal faulting are observed seaward of the Japan Trench. Only one direction of faulting is observed seaward of the Kuril Trench because of the parallelism between the trench axis and the magnetic anomalies. The convergent front of the Kuril Trench is offset left-laterally by 20 km relative to those of the Japan Trench. This transform fault and the lower slope of the southernmost Kuril Trench are represented by very steep scarps more than 2 km high. Slightly south of the juncture, the Erimo Seamount riding on the Pacific plate, is now entering the subduction zone. It has been preceded by at least another seamount as revealed by magnetic anomalies across the landward slope of the trench. Deeper future studies will be necessary to discriminate between the two following hypothesis about the origin of the curvature between both trenches: Is it due to the collision of an already subducted chain of seamounts? or does it correspond to one of the failure lines of the America/Eurasia plate boundary?     

Dynamics and behaviour of suspended sediment in macrotidal estuaries along the south coast of the English Channel

A review is given of suspended sediment dynamics in macrotidal regimes using examples of estuaries situated along the French coast of the English Channel. Characteristic features of estuarine turbidity maxima are described over a range of time-scales, which includes semidiurnal and neap-spring tidal cycles, and seasonal fluctuations of river discharge. The present behaviour of the fluvial sediment influx within these systems is described, taking into account the geological history of estuarine infilling.     

Late Riphean episode in the formation of crystalline rock complexes in the Dzabkhan microcontinent: Geological,geochronologic, and Nd isotopic-geochemical data

The Early Caledonian Central Asian Orogenic Belt hosts fragments of continental blocks with Early and Late Precambrian crystalline basement. One of the structures with an Early Precambrian basement was thought to be the Dzabkhan microcontinent, which was viewed as an Early Precambrian “cratonal terrane”. The first geochronologic data suggest that the basement of the Dzabkhan microcontinent includes a zone of crystalline rocks related to Late Riphean tectonism. Geological, geochronological (U-Pb zircon dates), and Nd isotopic-geochemical data were later obtained on the northwestern part of the Dzabkhan microcontinent. The territory hosts the most diverse metamorphic complexes thought to be typical of the Early Precambrian basement. The complexes were determined to comprise the Dzabkhan-Mandal and Urgamal zones of high-grade metamorphic rocks. Gabbrodiorites related to the early metamorphic episode and dated at 860 ± 3 Ma were found in the Dzabkhan-Mandal zone, and the gneiss-granites marking the termination of this episode were dated at 856 ± 2 Ma. The granitoids of the Dzabkhan batholith, whose emplacement was coeval with the termination of the late high-grade metamorphic episode in rocks of both zones, have an age of 786 ± 6 Ma. Similar age values were determined for the granitoids cutting across the Late Precambrian rocks of the Songino and Tarbagatai blocks, which mark the stage when the mature Late Riphean continental crust was formed. The Late Riphean magmatic and metamorphic rocks of the Dzabkhan microcontinent were found out to have Nd model ages mostly within the range of 1.1–1.4 Ga at ?_Nd(T) from +1.9 to +5.5. The Nd model age of the metaterrigenous rocks is 2.2?1.3 Ga at ?_Nd(T) from ?7.2 to +3.1. The results of our studies provide evidence of convergence processes, which resulted in the Late Riphean (880?780 Ma) continental crust in Central Asia. Simultaneously with these processes, divergence processes that were responsible for the breakup of Rodinia occurred in the structures of the ancient cratons. It is reasonable to suggest that divergence processes within ancient continental blocks and Rodinia shelf were counterbalanced by the development of the Late Riphean continental crust in the convergence zones of its surrounding within established interval.     

Combined hydrochemical,isotopic, and multivariate statistics techniques to assess the effects of discharges from a uranium mine on water quality in neighboring streams

The Caldas Uranium Mine (CUM), located on the Poços de Caldas Plateau in the southeastern region of Brazil, is presently undergoing a decommissioning process. The aim of the present investigation is to identify and characterize the effects of acid mine drainage (AMD) originating from the CUM on surface water quality. To achieve these aims, sampling stations were located at two AMD sources: the retention pond at the foot of waste rock pile#4 (WRP#4) and the settling pond that receives effluents from the tailings dam (TD). Ten additional sampling stations were located along watercourses in the vicinity, both downstream and upstream of the mine. Sampling was performed during the rainy and dry seasons in 2010 and 2011. The water analysis detected significant changes in pH, electrical conductivity, F^?, Cd, U, Zn, Al, Mn, As, Ca, SO₄ ^2?, Pb, ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, ²¹⁰Pb, ²³²Th, ²²⁸Ra, and Mo in waters downstream of both pond discharge sites. It was demonstrated that the disequilibrium between ²²⁶Ra and ²³⁸U can be used to trace the extent of AMD impacts in nearby streams. Variations in ¹⁸O and ²H enabled the flow of mining-impacted water to be traced from the ponds to nearby streams. Multivariate analysis yielded a three-factor model: Factor 1 was interpreted as being associated with AMD (from WRP#4) and Factor 2 with a Ca–Mo relationship associated with the chemical constitution of the ore and with the treatment of tailings wastes in the area (from TD); Factor 3 was interpreted as being associated with the natural influence of geogenic processes on water quality in the area. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for recommending appropriate remedial actions during mine decommissioning.     

Modèle hydrologique du Lac Tchad

Résumé

Le Lac Tchad est modélisé par un bilan de volume donnant ses niveaux et superficies de plans d'eau en fonction d'apports et pertes: débit des tributaires; pluie; évaporation; infiltration. Il est représenté par trois réservoirs (cuvette nord et archipel connectés à la cuvette sud) dont les niveaux de plan d'eau, distincts en période d'apports déficitaires (situation actuelle), sont confondus en période excédentaire (situation avant 1973). Suite aux observations de terrain, la cuvette nord est représentée avec un “réservoir sol” devant être rempli pour que l'eau puisse apparaître en surface. Le modèle utilise sept paramètres optimisés: intensité d'infiltration; profondeur du “réservoir sol”; quatre paramètres d’échange entre réservoirs; niveau de fond de l'archipel. Grâce aux données mesurées au sol ou par satellite (débits, précipitations, évaporation, niveaux et superficie de plans d'eau) il est calé sur la période 1970–1996 et validé sur la période 1956–2008.

Citation Bader, J.-C., Lemoalle, J. & Leblanc, M. (2011) Modèle hydrologique du Lac Tchad. Hydrol. Sci. J. 56(3), 411–425.     

Factors Influencing the Bacteriological Water Quality in Mountainous Surface and Groundwaters

The presence of pathogenic bacteria in water, along with the factors that act upon them, constitutes a field that has been little investigated in natural environments. It is clear, however, that these pathogens do have a significant effect on the quality of drinking water. Selected bacteria such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, Yersinia, and Listeria were searched for in groundwaters of mainly mountainous regions. Waters of one or two brooks in the catchment area of each spring were also analysed. Our results show that Campylo bacter and Listeria are frequent in all of these waters, even when land use in the catchment area is extensive (mountain pastures). Salmonella, on the other hand, was never found. Factors influencing the presence of Campylobacter, Yersinia, and Listeria were tested using Spearman rank correlations. The results suggest that the presence in water of some species of these bacteria (C. jejuni, L. monocytogenes 4b, and L. ivanovii) is related to a contaminant input, i.e. to the presence of cattle in the catchment area. For other species (C. coli, L. monocytogenes 1/2a, and Yersinia enterocolitica), however, one is forced to admit that no such connection between the presence of these species and that of an identified, potential contaminant input exists. We are therefore obliged to conclude either that these bacteria multiply in a natural way in the environment, or that they are able to survive in it for a long time. Finally, the present study shows that pathogenic bacteria are not always accompanied by indicators of faecal contamination (Escherichia coli, entero cocci); for this reason, they could potentially pose a risk to public health.