Core formation in the Earth and Moon: new experimental constraints from V, Cr, and Mn

The mantles of the Earth and Moon are similarly depleted in V, Cr, and Mn relative to the concentrations of these elements in chondritic meteorites. The similar depletions have been used as evidence that the Moon inherited its mantle from the Earth after a giant impact event. We have conducted liquid metal-liquid silicate partitioning experiments for V, Cr, and Mn from 3 to 14 GPa and 1723 to 2573 K to understand the behavior of these elements during planetary core formation. Our experiments have included systematic studies of the effects of temperature, silicate composition, metallic S-content, metallic C-content, and pressure. Temperature has a significant effect on the partitioning of V, Cr, Mn, with all three elements increasing their partitioning into the metallic liquid with increasing temperature. In contrast, pressure is not observed to affect the partitioning behavior. The experimental results show the partitioning of Cr and Mn are hardly dependent on the silicate composition, whereas V partitions more strongly into depolymerized silicate melts. The addition of either S or C to the metallic liquid causes increased metal-silicate partition coefficients for all three elements. Parameterizing and applying the experimental data, we find that the Earth’s mantle depletions of V, Cr, and possibly Mn can be explained by core formation in a high-temperature magma ocean under oxygen fugacity conditions about two log units below the iron-wüstite buffer, though the depletion of Mn may be due entirely to its volatility. However, more oxidizing conditions proposed in recent core formation models for the Earth cannot account for any of the depletions. Additionally, because we observe no pressure effect on the partitioning behavior, the data do not require the mantle of the Moon to be derived from the Earth’s mantle, although this is not ruled out. All that is required to create depletions of V, Cr, and Mn in a mantle is a planetary body that is hot enough and reducing enough during its core formation. Such conditions could have existed on the Moon-forming impactor.     

Satellite-derived vegetation index and cover type maps for estimating carbon dioxide flux for arctic tundra regions

The spatial variability and co-variability of two different types of remote sensing derivatives that portray vegetation and geomorphic patterns are analyzed in the context of estimating regional-scale CO₂ flux from land surfaces in the arctic tundra. For a study area encompassing the Kuparuk River watershed of the North Slope of Alaska, we compare satellite-derived maps of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) generated at two different spatial resolutions to a map of vegetation types derived by image classification of data from the Landsat multispectral scanner (MSS). Mean values of NDVI for each cover type stratum are unique (with the exception of moist acidic tundra and shrubland types). Based on analysis of semi-variograms generated for SPOT-NDVI data, most of the vegetation cover and landform features of this arctic tundra landscape have spatial dimensions of less than 1 km. Thaw lakes on the coastal plain and glacial depositional landforms, such as moraines in the foothills, seem to be the largest features, with vegetation units having dimensions no larger than 700 m. Frequency distributions of NDVI and vegetation types extracted for sampling transects flown by an aircraft sensing CO₂ flux, relative to distributions for the entire Kuparuk River watershed, suggest a slight sampling bias towards greater cover of mesic wet sedge tundra and thaw lakes and associated lower NDVI values. The regional pattern of NDVI for the North Slope of Alaska corresponds primarily to differences between the two major physiographic provinces of this region.     

Reach‐scale channel geometry of a mountain river

Mountain rivers can be subject to strong constraints imposed by changes in gradient and grain size supplied by processes such as glaciation and rockfall. Nonetheless, adjustments in the channel geometry and hydraulics of mountain rivers at the reach scale can produce discernible patterns analogous to those in fully alluvial rivers. Mountain rivers can differ in that imposed reach‐scale gradient is an especially important control on reach‐scale channel characteristics, as indicated by examination of North St Vrain Creek in Colorado. North St Vrain Creek drains 250 km² of the Rocky Mountains. We used 25 study reaches within the basin to examine controls on reach‐scale channel geometry. Variables measured included channel geometry, large woody debris, grain size, and mean velocity. Drainage area at the study reaches ranged from 2·2 to 245 km², and gradient from 0·013 to 0·147 m m^?1. We examined correlations among (1) potential reach‐scale response variables describing channel bankfull dimension and shape, hydraulics, bedform wavelength and amplitude, grain size, ?ow resistance, standard deviation of hydraulic radius, and volume of large woody debris, and (2) potential control variables that change progressively downstream (drainage area, discharge) or that are likely to re?ect a reach‐speci?c control (bed gradient). We tested the hypothesis that response variables correlate most strongly with local bed gradient because of the segmented nature of mountain channels. Results from simple linear regression analyses indicate that most response variables correlate best with gradient, although channel width and width/depth ratio correlate best with discharge. Multiple regression analyses using Mallow's C_p selection criterion and log‐transformation of all variables produced similar results in that most response variables correlate strongly with gradient. These results suggest that the hypothesis is partially supported: channel bed gradient is likely to be a good predictor for many reach‐scale response variables along mountain rivers, but discharge is also an important predictor for some response variables. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Challenges in the Application of Existing Process-Based Models to Predict the Effect of Climate Change on C Pools in Forest Ecosystems

Process-based models used to investigate forest ecosystem response to climate change were not necessarily developed to include the effect of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and temperature increases on physiological processes. Simulation of the impacts of climate change with such models may lead to questionable predictions. It is generally believed that significant shifts in the performance of black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill] B.S.P.) will occur under climate change. This species, which accounts for 64% of Ontario's coniferous growing stock and 80% of the annual allowable cut, represents important economic activity throughout the boreal forest region. Forest management planning requires relatively accurate productivity estimates. Thus, it is imperative to ensure that process-based models realistically predict the effect of climate change. In this study, CENTURY and FOREST-BGC models were calibrated for a productive, upland black spruce stand in northwestern Ontario. Even though both models predicted similar relative outcomes after 100 years of climate change, they disagreed on the impacts of temperature in combination with an increase in CO₂. Also, absolute amounts of carbon sequestered varied with climate change scenarios. Comparison of both models indicated that the representation of critical processes in these two forest ecosystem models is incomplete. For instance, the interactive effects of CO₂ and temperature increases on physiological processes at stand and soil levels are not well documented nor are they easily identifiable in the models. Their incorporation into models is therefore problematic. Practitioners must consequently be wary of assumptions about the inclusion of critical processes in models.     

Représentation graphique de la cristallisation fractionnée des séries volcaniques. Application aux séries alcalines

Résumé Les modalités de la cristallisation fractionnée des séries volcaniques peuvent Être suivies en reportant sur le diagramme rectangulaire R₁=6 Ca+2 Mg+Al; R₂=4 Si–11 (Na+K)–2 (Fe+Ti), (en nombres de millications dans l'analyse) les compositions des liquides successifs (laves aphyriques) et des phases qui fractionnent (phénocristaux, cumulats). A titre d'exemple d'application sont comparées deux séries alcalines de la Polynésie. La série basalte alcalin-phonolite de l'Île de Rapa (Australes) résulte de la séparation de minéraux du plan critique (olivine-plagioclase-clinopyroxène) du tétraèdre basaltique, alors que dans l'Île de Nuku-Hiva (Marquises) la différenciation conduit à des trachytes quartzifères en raison du fractionnement de phases hydroxylées sous-saturées en silice (amphibole et mica).

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The fractional crystallization sequence of volcanic series can be studied with the rectangular diagram R₁=6 Ca+2 Mg+Al; R₂=4 Si–11 (Na+K)–2 (Fe+Ti), (numbers of millications in the analysis) on which are reported the compositions of successive liquids (aphyric lavas) and fractionating minerals (phenocrysts, cumulates). The usefulness of this diagram is illustrated in the comparison of two alkali basalt series from Polynesia. The alkali basalt-phonolite association of Rapa island (Australs) is a result of the fractionation of minerals belonging to the critical plane (olivine — plagioclase — clinopyroxene) of the basalt tetrahedron. In the Nuku-Hiva (Marquesas) series, the origin of oversaturated trachtytes results from the fractionation of undersaturated hydrous minerals (amphibole and mica).

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Zusammenfassung Der Vorgang einer fraktionierten Kristallisation vulkanischer Reihen kann in folgendem rechtwinkligen Diagramm (Gehalte in Millikationen ausgedrückt) gut verfolgt werden: R₁=6 Ca+2 Mg+Al; R₂=4 Si–11 (Na+K)–2 (Fe+Ti), indem die Zusammensetzung der aufeinanderfolgenden Schmelzen (aphyrische Laven) und der auskristallisierenden Phasen (Phänokristalle und Kumulate) eingetragen werden. Als Anwendungsbeispiel werden zwei Alkali-Reihen aus Polynesian verglichen. Die Reihe Alkali-Basalt — Phonolit der Insel Rapa (Südliche Inseln) entstammt der Abtrennung von Mineralien, die auf der kritischen Ebene (Olivin, Plagioklas, Klinopyroxenen) des basaltischen Tetraeders liegen. Auf der Insel von Nuku-Hiva (Marquesas Inseln) hingegen, führt die Differentiation zu Quartz-Trachyten, bedingt durch die Fraktionierung in SiO₂-untersättigte und Hydroxyl-haltige Minerale (Amphibol und Glimmer).

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Statistical representation of generalized distribution data for float-sink coal-cleaning devices: Baum jigs,Batac jigs,Dynawhirlpools

In an earlier paper (1978), Gottfried presented a method for combining distribution data for float-sink coal-cleaning devices into a single generalized distribution curve which, for a given device and feed size, is independent of specific gravity of separation. A non-linear, exponential-type equation was utilized to represent the generalized distribution curve, along with the corresponding generalized probable error. Distribution data for six common coal-cleaning devices have previously been treated by this method.This paper is an extension of two previous studies (Gottfried, 1978, 1980). The method described above is applied to three different float-sink coal-cleaning devices: Baum jig (replacing previously reported results), Batac jig and Dynawhirlpool separator. Results for the Baum jig and Batac jig reflect a two-stage separation process, with a set of generalized distribution curves obtained for each stage and another set for the overall separation. Several different feed size fractions are given for each vessel.     

The long-term buffering of the oceans

The dissolved constituents being carried to the oceans by rivers cannot all be removed by sedimentary processes, including authigenesis. Direct introduction of formation waters to the oceans has no significant effect. Reaction of seawater with basaltic rocks is, however, potentially capable of removing the excess cations by a combination of low-temperature weathering (removing K⁺), and higher temperature hydrothermal reaction (removing Na⁺ and Mg²⁺), although these processes seem to release more silica than can be conveniently accounted for. Although these are essentially kinetic rather than equilibrium buffer mechanisms, they appear to be sufficient to have maintained a constant seawater composition (except for SiO₂) during the Phanerozoic.     

The Nevados de Payachata volcanic region (18°S/69°W,N. Chile) II. Evidence for widespread crustal involvement in Andean magmatism

Volcanism extending over 11 Ma is represented in the rocks of the Nevados de Payachata region, culminating in the formation of two large composite stratocones within the last 500 000 years. Chemically distinct mafic magmas are erupted at a number of parasitic centers. These cannot be related to each other by crystal fractionation and do not appear to be direct parents for the differentiated suites of the composite cones. Two distinct trends are defined by the intermediate and evolved rocks; a high LILE (large ion lithophile element), TiO₂ and Ce/Yb lineage among the youngest rocks (including the two major stratocones), and a more typical calc-alkaline trend among the older (>1 Ma) rock types. Within individual volcanic centers, differentiation involves fractionation of plagioclase, pyroxene and hornblende, with biotite and K-feldspar in the more-evolved rock types. Isotopic compositions (Sr, Pb, Nd, O) vary little with differentiation from basaltic andesite to rhyolite, or with age. Contamination during differentiation from basalt to rhyolite may occur, but the most mafic rocks erupted in the region are already enriched in incompatible trace elements and therefore may be insensitive to the effects of interaction with the crust. The majority of data are similar to baseline compositions (Cenozoic parental magmas) from other parts of the central Andes and may reflect a relatively homogeneous magma source (or source mixture) throughout this central volcanic zone (CVZ), which is distinct from the southern and northern Andes, and from island-arc volcanic rocks.The detailed study of Nevados de Payachata serves as a useful reference against which to assess magmatism in general in the CVZ. The possibility that central Andean magmas are generated from an enriched subcontinental-lithosphere mantle wedge is rejected on the basis of: (1) thermal considerations (subcontinental mantle lithosphere is probably cold and refractory); (2) lack of consistency between the tectonic history of the region and geochemical variations through time. Instead, parental magmas in the CVZ are thought to be generated by mixing between normal arc magmas originating in the depleted mantle wedge followed by contamination and homogenization with lower crustal melts. In the central Andes, the extent of contamination increased greatly as the crust thickened due to crustal shortening within the last 20 Ma, the thicker crust providing an effective filter to trap and differentiate magma batches repeatedly during ascent.     

High-pressure crystal chemistry of MgSiO3 perovskite

A high-pressure single-crystal x-ray diffraction study of perovskite-type MgSiO₃ has been completed to 12.6 GPa. The compressibility of MgSiO₃ perovskite is anisotropic with b approximately 23% less compressible than a or c which have similar compressibilities. The observed unit cell compression gives a bulk modulus of 254 GPa using a Birch-Murnaghan equation of state with K set equal to 4 and V/V ₀ at room pressure equal to one. Between room pressure and 5 GPa, the primary response of the structure to pressure is compression of the Mg-O and Si-O bonds. Above 5 GPa, the SiO₆ octahedra tilt, particularly in the [bc]-plane. The distortion of the MgO₁₂ site increases under compression. The variation of the O(2)-O(2)-O(2) angles and bondlength distortion of the MgO₁₂ site with pressure in MgSiO₃ perovskite follow trends observed in GdFeO₃type perovskites with increasing distortion. Such trends might be useful for predicting distortions in GdFeO₃-type perovskites as a function of pressure.     

Chemical classification of the water in a lowland river basin (Salado River,Buenos Aires,Argentina) affected by hydraulic modifications

The main ions were measured seasonally during two years at 13 sampling stations in the Salado River and its main tributaries. The importance of each ion was assessed by standard methods used to examine ionic composition and by multivariate methods. The K-means clustering and Principal Component Analysis were applied to the percentages of the major ions. The concentration of the major cations are in the order Na⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Ca²⁺ > K⁺ and the major anions, Cl⁻ > SO₄²⁻ > HCO₃⁻ > CO₃²⁻, and the salinity was high (mean TDS 2,691 mg l⁻¹) due to sodium chloride. Using the proportions of the ions was possible to identify seven types of water within the basin related to discharges of different river sub-catchments and from endorheic catchments (in a sand dune region) actually connected with the basin by canals. The chemical composition of the basin is consequence of surface waters receiving salts from groundwater, evaporation and weathering of Post-Pampeano materials, and of anthropogenic impact by diversion between subcatchments for flood control. These results allowed us to test the marked effects on the ionic balance of basin at the base of a diversion management from endorheic catchments characterized by high salinity waters.