A combined paleolimnological/genetic analysis of diatoms reveals divergent evolutionary lineages of Staurosira and Staurosirella (Bacillariophyta) in Siberian lake sediments along a latitudinal transect

Diatom diversity in lakes of northwest Yakutia (Siberia) was investigated by microscopic and genetic analysis of surface and cored lake sediments, to evaluate the use of sedimentary DNA for paleolimnological diatom studies and to identify obscure genetic diversity that cannot be detected by microscopic methods. Two short (76 and 73 bp) and one longer (577 bp) fragments of the ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (rbcL) gene, encoding the large subunit of the rbcL, were used as genetic markers. Diverse morphological assemblages of diatoms, dominated by small benthic fragilarioid taxa, were retrieved from the sediments of each lake. These minute fragilarioid taxa were examined by scanning electron microscopy, revealing diverse morphotypes in Staurosira and Staurosirella from the different lakes. Genetic analyses indicated a dominance of haplotypes that were assigned to fragilarioid taxa and less genetic diversity in other diatom taxa. The long rbcL_577 amplicon identified considerable diversification among haplotypes clustering within the Staurosira/Staurosirella genera, revealing 19 different haplotypes whose spatial distribution appears to be primarily related to the latitude of the lakes, which corresponds to a vegetation and climate gradient. Our rbcL markers are valuable tools for tracking differences between diatom lineages that are not visible in their morphologies. These markers revealed putatively high genetic diversity within the Staurosira/Staurosirella species complex, at a finer scale than is possible to resolve by microscopic determination. The rbcL markers may provide additional reliable information on the diversity of barely distinguishable minute benthic fragilarioids. Environmental sequencing may thus allow the tracking of spatial and temporal diversification in Siberian lakes, especially in the context of diatom responses to recent environmental changes, which remains a matter of controversy.     

Plume Tracking with a Mobile Sensor Based on Incomplete and Imprecise Information

Mobile in‐situ sensor platforms such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles can be used in environmental monitoring. In time‐critical monitoring scenarios as for example in emergency response, and in the exploration of highly dynamic phenomena, obtaining the relevant data with one or few mobile sensors is challenging. It requires an intelligent sampling strategy that integrates prior information and adapts to the dynamics of the observed phenomenon, based on the collected sensor data. Available information about the observed phenomenon may be incomplete or imprecise and therefore insufficient for quantitative modeling. We address this problem by reasoning about the plume movement and size on a qualitative level and present an algorithm for tracking a dynamic plume that integrates this qualitative information with the collected sensor data. We evaluate our algorithm using simulated data sets of three different moving and expanding gas plumes. By means of simulations we show that the qualitative methods can be used to infer new information about the properties of a moving plume and to adapt the sensor movement for tracking the plume. Both can be done with low computational effort, without absolute positioning capability of the sensor, and with less input information than required by quantitative approaches.     

Characteristics of a paleosol and its implication for the Critical Zone development,Rocky Mountain Front Range of Colorado,USA

Activity and stability phases as well as geomorphic processes within the Critical Zone are well known. Erosion and deposition of sediments represent activity; soils represent geomorphic stability phases. Data are presented from a 4 m deep sediment section that was dated by luminescence techniques. Upslope erosion and resulting sedimentation started in the late Pleistocene around 18 ka until 12 ka. Conditions at the study site then changed, which led to the formation of a well-developed soil. Radiocarbon dating of the organic matter yielded ages between 8552 and 8995 cal. BP. From roughly 6.2 to 5.4 ka another activity phase accompanied by according sediment deposition buried the soil and a new soil, a Cambisol, was formed at the surface. The buried soil is a strongly developed Luvisol. The black colors in the upper part of the buried soil are not the result of pedogenic accumulation of normal organic matter within an A-horizon. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy clearly documents the high amount of aromatic components (charcoal), which is responsible for the dark color. This indicates severe burning events at the site and the smaller charcoal dust (black carbon) was transported to deeper parts of the profile during the process of clay translocation.     

Constraints on the water,chlorine, and fluorine content of the Martian mantle

Previous estimates of the volatile contents of Martian basalts, and hence their source regions, ranged from nearly volatile‐free through estimates similar to those found in terrestrial subduction zones. Here, we use the bulk chemistry of Martian meteorites, along with Martian apatite and amphibole chemistry, to constrain the volatile contents of the Martian interior. Our estimates show that the volatile content of the source region for the Martian meteorites is similar to the terrestrial Mid‐Ocean‐Ridge Mantle source. Chlorine is enriched compared with the depleted terrestrial mantle but is similar to the terrestrial enriched source region; fluorine is similar to the terrestrial primitive mantle; and water is consistent with the terrestrial mantle. Our results show that Martian magmas were not volatile saturated; had water/chlorine and water/fluorine ratios ~0.4–18; and are most similar, in terms of volatiles, to terrestrial MORBs. Presumably, there are variations in volatile content in the Martian interior as suggested by apatite compositions, but more bulk chemical data, especially for fluorine and water, are required to investigate these variations. Finally, the Noachian Martian interior, as exemplified by surface basalts and NWA 7034, may have had higher volatile contents.     

Subsurface architecture of the Boulder Creek Critical Zone Observatory from electrical resistivity tomography

The architecture of the critical zone includes the distribution, thickness, and contacts of various types of slope deposits and weathering products such as saprolite and weathered bedrock resting on solid bedrock. A quantitative analysis of architecture is necessary for many model‐driven approaches used by pedologic, geomorphic, hydrologic or biologic studies. We have used electrical resistivity tomography, a well‐established geophysical technique causing minimum surficial disturbance, to portray the subsurface electrical resistivity differences at three study sites (Green Lakes Valley; Gordon Gulch; Betasso) at the Boulder Creek Critical Zone Observatory (BcCZO). Possible limitations of the technique are discussed. Interpretation of the specific resistivity values using natural outcrops, pits, roadcuts and drilling data as ground truth information allows us to image the critical zone architecture of each site. Green Lakes Valley (3700 MASL), a glacially eroded alpine basin, shows a rather simple, split configuration with coarse blockfields and sediments, partly containing permafrost above bedrock. The critical zone in Gordon Gulch (2650 MASL), a montane basin with rolling hills, and Betasso (1925 MASL), a lower montane basin with v‐shaped valleys, is more variable due to a complex Quaternary geomorphic history. Boundaries between overlying stratified slope deposits and saprolite were identified at mean depths of 3.0 ± 2.2 m and 4.1 ± 3.6 m in the respective sites. The boundary between saprolite and weathered bedrock is deeper in Betasso at 5.8 ± 3.7 m, compared with 4.3 ± 3.0 m in Gordon Gulch. In general, the data are consistent with results from seismic studies, but electrical resistivity tomography documents a 0.5–1.5 m shallower critical zone above the weathered bedrock on average. Additionally, we document high lateral variability, which results from the weathering and sedimentation history and seems to be a consistent aspect of critical zone architecture within the BcCZO. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

DFTopoSim: Modeling Topographically-Controlled Deposition of Subseismic Scale Sandstone Packages Within a Mass Transport Dominated Deep-Water Channel Belt

Facies bodies in geostatistical models of deep-water depositional environments generally represent channel-levee-overbank-lobe morphologies. Such models adequately capture one set of the erosional and depositional processes resulting from turbidity currents traveling downslope to the ocean basin floor. However, depositional morphologies diverge from the straight forward channel-levee-overbank-lobe paradigm when the topography of the slope or the shape of the basin impacts the timing and magnitude of turbidity current deposition. Subaqueous mass-transport-deposits (MTDs) present the need for an exception to the channel-levee-overbank-lobe archetype. Irregular surface topography of subaqueous MTDs can play a primary role in controlling sand deposition from turbidity currents. MTD topography creates mini-basins in which sand accumulates in irregularly-shaped deposits. These accumulations are difficult to laterally correlate using well-log data due to their variable and unpredictable shape and size. Prediction is further complicated because sandstone bodies typical of this setting are difficult to resolve in seismic-reflection data. An event-based model is presented, called DFTopoSim, which simulates debris flows and turbidity currents. The accommodation space on top of and between debris flow lobes is filled in by sand from turbidity currents. When applied to a subsurface case in the Molasse Basin of Upper Austria, DFTopoSim predicts sand packages consistent with observations from core, well, and seismic data and the interpretation of the sedimentologic processes. DFTopoSim expands the set of available geostatistical deep-water depositional models beyond the standard channel-levee-overbank-lobe model.     

The Miller Range 090340 and 090206 meteorites: Identification of new brachinite‐like achondrites with implications for the diversity and petrogenesis of the brachinite clan

Miller Range (MIL) 090340 and MIL 090206 are olivine‐rich achondrites originally classified as ureilites. We investigate their petrography, mineral compositions, olivine Cr valences, equilibration temperatures, and (for MIL 090340) oxygen isotope compositions, and compare them with ureilites and other olivine‐rich achondrites. We conclude that they are brachinite‐like achondrites that provide new insights into the petrogenesis of brachinite clan meteorites. MIL 090340,6 has a granoblastic texture and consists of ~97 modal % by area olivine (Fo = molar Mg/[Mg+Fe] = 71.3 ± 0.6). It also contains minor to trace augite, chromite, chlorapatite, orthopyroxene, metal, troilite, and terrestrial Fe‐oxides. Approximately 80% by area of MIL 090206,5 has a granoblastic texture of olivine (Fo 72.3 ± 0.1) plus minor augite and chromite, similar to MIL 090340 but also containing minor plagioclase. The rest of the section consists of a single crystal of orthopyroxene (~11 × 3 mm), poikilitically enclosing rounded grains of olivine (Fo = 76.1 ± 0.6), augite, chromite, metal, and sulfide. Equilibration temperatures for MIL 090340 and MIL 090206, calculated from olivine‐spinel, olivine‐augite, and two‐pyroxene thermometry range from ~800 to 930 °C. In both samples, symplectic intergrowths of Ca‐poor orthopyroxene + opaque phases (Fe‐oxides, sulfide, metal) occur as rims on and veins/patches within olivine. Before terrestrial weathering, the opaques were probably mostly sulfide, with minor metal. All petrologic properties of MIL 090340 and MIL 090206 are consistent with those of brachinite clan meteorites, and largely distinct from those of ureilites. Oxygen isotope compositions of olivine in MIL 090340 (δ¹⁸O = 5.08 ± 0.30‰, δ¹⁷O = 2.44 ± 0.21‰, and Δ¹⁷O = ?0.20 ± 0.12‰) are also within the range of brachinite clan meteorites, and well distinguished from ureilites. Olivine Cr valences in MIL 090340 and the granoblastic area of MIL 090206 are 2.57 ± 0.06 and 2.59 ± 0.07, respectively, similar to those of three brachinites also analyzed here (Brachina, Hughes 026, Nova 003). They are higher than those of olivine in ureilites, even those containing chromite. The valence systematics of MIL 090340, MIL 090206, and the three analyzed brachinites (lower Fo = more oxidized Cr) are consistent with previous evidence that brachinite‐like parent bodies were inherently more oxidized than the ureilite parent body. The symplectic orthopyroxene + sulfide/metal assemblages in MIL 090340, MIL 090206, and many brachinite clan meteorites have superficial similarities to characteristic “reduction rims” in ureilites. However, they differ significantly in detail. They likely formed by reaction of olivine with S‐rich fluids, with only minor reduction. MIL 090340 and the granoblastic area of MIL 090206 are similar in modal mineralogy and texture to most brachinites, but have higher Fo values typical of brachinite‐like achondrites. The poikilitic pyroxene area of MIL 090206 is more typical of brachinite‐like achondrites. The majority of their properties suggest that MIL 090340 and MIL 090206 are residues of low‐degree partial melting. The poikilitic area of MIL 090206 could be a result of limited melt migration, with trapping and recrystallization of a small volume of melt in the residual matrix. These two samples are so similar in mineral compositions, Cr valence, and cosmic ray exposure ages that they could be derived from the same lithologic unit on a common parent body.     

Reclassification of Hart and Northwest Africa 6047: Criteria for distinguishing between CV and CK3 chondrites

The single parent body model for the CV and CK chondrites (Greenwood et al. 2010 ) was challenged by Dunn et al. ( 2016a ), who argued that magnetite compositions could not be reconciled by a single metamorphic sequence (i.e., CV3 → CK3 → CK4–6). Cr isotopic compositions, which are distinguishable between the CV and CK chondrites, also support two different parent bodies (Yin et al. 2017 ). Despite this, there are many petrographic and mineralogical similarities between the unequilibrated (petrologic type 3) CK chondrites and the CV chondrites (also type 3), which may result in misclassification of samples. Hart and Northwest Africa 6047 (NWA 6047) are an excellent example of this. In this study, we revisit the classification of Hart and NWA 6047 using magnetite compositions, petrography, and compositions of olivine, the most ubiquitous mineral in both CV and CK chondrites. Not only do our results suggest that NWA 6047 and Hart were misclassified, but our assessment of CV and CK3 chondrites has also led to the development of criteria that can be used to distinguish between CV and CK3 chondrites. These criteria include: abundances of Cr₂O₃, TiO₂, NiO, and Al₂O₃ in magnetite; Fa content and NiO abundance of matrix olivine; FeO content of chondrules; and the chondrule:matrix ratio. Classification as a CV chondrite is also supported by the presence of igneous chondrule rims, calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusions, and an elongated petrofabric. However, none of these petrographic characteristics can be used conclusively to distinguish between CV and CK3 chondrites.     

Analyzing Yengisogat Glacier surface velocities with ALOS PALSAR data feature tracking, Karakoram, China

Little is known about the detailed behavior of glaciers in the Karakoram Mountains. Advanced land observing satellite (ALOS) phased array type L-band synthetic aperture radar (PALSAR) data were used to obtain the surface velocity of the Yengisogat Glacier in the Karakoram Mountains. Four ALOS PALSAR data sets with 46?days temporal baseline acquired from 2007 to 2009 covered all four seasons and were used to extract the offset fields and estimate annual average surface velocity based on seasonal velocities. For the ALOS PALSAR data the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) feature-tracking procedures within the GAMMA software were utilized instead of SAR interferometry because of low coherence in case of fast-moving glaciers or large time intervals between the image acquisitions. The accuracy of the measurements is discussed, and the measurements were consistent with previous results from optical imagery feature tracking. It was revealed that the south tributaries contributed to the main flow of the glacier, with the glacier surface velocities of the south tributaries moving more rapidly than the north tributaries. This was mainly attributed to the effect of the glacier??s aspect in the glacier long-term development point of view. Seasonal and spatial variations of the glacier surface velocity imply that the tributary South Skamri Glacier is probably surging. This has previously been mentioned by some researchers such as Copland et al. The Equilibrium Line Altitude was found to be at about 5,000?m a.s.l for south tributaries, estimated from the surface velocity distribution along the glacier centerline.