Isotopic constraints on genetic relationships among group IIIF iron meteorites,Fitzwater Pass,and the Zinder pallasite

Complex interelement trends among magmatic IIIF iron meteorites are difficult to explain by fractional crystallization and have raised uncertainty about their genetic relationships. Nucleosynthetic Mo isotope anomalies provide a powerful tool to assess if individual IIIF irons are related to each other. However, while trace element data are available for all nine IIIF irons, Mo isotopic data are limited to three samples. We present Mo isotopic data for all but one IIIF irons that help assess the genetic relationships among these irons, together with new Mo and W isotopic data for Fitzwater Pass (classified IIIF), and the Zinder pallasite (for which a cogenetic link with IIIF irons has been proposed). After correction for cosmic-ray exposure, the Mo isotopic compositions of the IIIF irons are identical within uncertainty and confirm their belonging to carbonaceous chondrite (CC)-type meteorites. The mean Mo isotopic composition of group IIIF overlaps those groups IIF and IID, but a common parent body for these groups is ruled out based on distinct trace element systematics. The new Mo isotopic data do not argue against a single parent body for the IIIF irons, and suggest a close genetic link among these samples. In contrast, Fitzwater Pass has distinct Mo and W isotopic compositions, identical to those of some non-magmatic IAB irons. The Mo and W isotope data for Zinder indicate that this meteorite is not related to IIIF irons, but belongs to the non-carbonaceous (NC) type and has the same Mo and W isotopic composition as main-group pallasites.     

Voigt profile fitting to quasar absorption lines: an analytic approximation to the Voigt–Hjerting function

The Voigt–Hjerting function is fundamental in order to correctly model the profiles of absorption lines imprinted on the spectra of bright background sources by intervening absorbing systems. In this work, we present a simple analytic approximation to this function in the context of absorption-line profiles of intergalactic H  i absorbers. Using basic calculus tools, we derive an analytic expression for the Voigt–Hjerting function that contains only fourth-order polynomial and Gaussian functions. In connection with the absorption coefficient of intergalactic neutral hydrogen, this approximation is suitable for modelling Voigt profiles with an accuracy of 10⁻⁴ or better for an arbitrary wavelength baseline, for column densities up to   N _H I= 10 ²² cm⁻²  , and for damping parameters   a ≲ 10⁻⁴  , that is, the entire range of parameters characteristic to all Lyman transitions arising in a variety of H  i absorbing systems such as Lyman α (Lyα) forest clouds, Lyman limit systems and damped Lyα systems. We hence present an approximation to the Voigt–Hjerting function that is both accurate and flexible to implement in various types of programming languages and machines, and with which Voigt profiles can be calculated in a reliable and very simple manner.     

Experimental study of the aragonite to calcite transition in aqueous solution

The experimental replacement of aragonite by calcite was studied under hydrothermal conditions at temperatures between 160 and 200 °C using single inorganic aragonite crystals as a starting material. The initial saturation state and the total [Ca²⁺]:[CO₃²⁻] ratio of the experimental solutions was found to have a determining effect on the amount and abundance of calcite overgrowths as well as the extent of replacement observed within the crystals. The replacement process was accompanied by progressive formation of cracks and pores within the calcite, which led to extended fracturing of the initial aragonite. The overall shape and morphology of the parent aragonite crystal were preserved. The replaced regions were identified with scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy.Experiments using carbonate solutions prepared with water enriched in ¹⁸O (97%) were also performed in order to trace the course of this replacement process. The incorporation of the heavier oxygen isotope in the carbonate molecule within the calcite replacements was monitored with Raman spectroscopy. The heterogeneous distribution of ¹⁸O in the reaction products required a separate study of the kinetics of isotopic equilibration within the fluid to obtain a better understanding of the ¹⁸O distribution in the calcite replacement. An activation energy of 109 kJ/mol was calculated for the exchange of oxygen isotopes between [C¹⁶O₃²⁻]_aq and [H₂¹⁸O] and the time for oxygen isotope exchange in the fluid at 200 °C was estimated at ∼0.9 s. Given the exchange rate, analyses of the run products imply that the oxygen isotope composition in the calcite product is partly inherited from the oxygen isotope composition of the aragonite parent during the replacement process and is dependent on access of the fluid to the reaction interface rather than equilibration time. The aragonite to calcite fluid-mediated transformation is described by a coupled dissolution-reprecipitation mechanism, where aragonite dissolution is coupled to the precipitation of calcite at an inwardly moving reaction interface.     

Length scales, patterns and origin of azimuthal seismic anisotropy in the upper mantle as mapped by Rayleigh waves

We measure the degree of consistency between published models of azimuthal seismic anisotropy from surface waves, focusing on Rayleigh wave phase-velocity models. Some models agree up to wavelengths of ∼2000 km, albeit at small values of linear correlation coefficients. Others are, however, not well correlated at all, also with regard to isotropic structure. This points to differences in the underlying data sets and inversion strategies, particularly the relative 'damping' of mapped isotropic versus anisotropic anomalies. Yet, there is more agreement between published models than commonly held, encouraging further analysis. Employing a generalized spherical harmonic representation, we analyse power spectra of orientational (2Ψ) anisotropic heterogeneity from seismology. We find that the anisotropic component of some models is characterized by stronger short-wavelength power than the associated isotropic structure. This spectral signal is consistent with predictions from new geodynamic models, based on olivine texturing in mantle flow. The flow models are also successful in predicting some of the seismologically mapped patterns. We substantiate earlier findings that flow computations significantly outperform models of fast azimuths based on absolute plate velocities. Moreover, further evidence for the importance of active upwellings and downwellings as inferred from seismic tomography is presented. Deterministic estimates of expected anisotropic structure based on mantle flow computations such as ours can help guide future seismologic inversions, particularly in oceanic plate regions. We propose to consider such a priori information when addressing open questions about the averaging properties and resolution of surface and body wave based estimates of anisotropy.     

The emerging role of genetic diversity for ecosystem functioning: Estuarine macrophytes as models

Recent experiments in macrophyte dominated communities on the relationship between biological diversity and ecosystem functioning suggest that effects and mechanisms of genetic-genotypic and species diversity are analogous. As previously shown for species diversity, genotypic diversity enhances ecosystem productivity and recovery from disturbance. These findings generalize ecological theory, and provide an empirical basis for explicitly considering the maintenance of genetic or genotypic diversity for conservation strategies. Macrophyte systems such as seagrasses or salt-marshes may be excellent systems to test the interaction between diversity across several (genetic versus species) levels of biological organization because they are relatively species poor while simultaneously allowing the manipulation of genotypic diversity by taking advantage of clonal propagation in many species.     

CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> fluid inclusions in Jack Hills zircons

The discovery of Hadean to Paleoarchean zircons in a metaconglomerate from Jack Hills, Western Australia, has catalyzed intensive study of these zircons and their mineral inclusions, as they represent unique geochemical archives that can be used to unravel the geological evolution of early Earth. Here, we report the occurrence and physical properties of previously undetected CO₂ inclusions that were identified in 3.36–3.47 Ga and 3.80–4.13 Ga zircon grains by confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy. Minimum P–T conditions of zircon formation were determined from the highest density of the inclusions, determined from the density-dependence of the Fermi diad splitting in the Raman spectrum and Ti-in-zircon thermometry. For both age periods, the CO₂ densities and Ti-in-zircon temperatures correspond to high-grade metamorphic conditions (≥5 to ≥7 kbar/~670 to 770 °C) that are typical of mid-crustal regional metamorphism throughout Earth’s history. In addition, fully enclosed, highly disordered graphitic carbon inclusions were identified in two zircon grains from the older population that also contained CO₂ inclusions. Transmission electron microscopy on one of these inclusions revealed that carbon forms a thin amorphous film on the inclusion wall, whereas the rest of the volume was probably occupied by CO₂ prior to analysis. This indicates a close relationship between CO₂ and the reduced carbon inclusions and, in particular that the carbon precipitated from a CO₂-rich fluid, which is inconsistent with the recently proposed biogenic origin of carbon inclusions found in Hadean zircons from Jack Hills.