Electrical aerosol spectrometer of Tartu University

The electrical aerosol spectrometer (EAS) of the parallel measuring principle at Tartu University is an efficient instrument for rapid measurement of the unstable size spectrum of aerosol particles. The measuring range from 10 nm to 10 μm is achieved by simultaneously using a pair of differential mobility analyzers with two different particle chargers. The particle spectrum is calculated and measurement errors are estimated in real time by using a least-squares method. Experimental calibration ensures reliability of measurement. The instrument is well suited for continuous monitoring of atmospheric aerosol.     

Crystallographic orientations of high-angle grain boundaries in dynamically recrystallized quartz: First results

The crystallography and geometry of high-angle grain boundaries from dynamically recrystallized quartz have been studied. On the basis of combined electron backscatter diffraction and universal stage measurements, the complete crystallographic orientation of the grain boundaries could be calculated. The u-stage rotation of the grain boundaries to a vertical position reveals that they are never curved but always consist of straight segments. Our results show that these segments preferentially occupy rhombohedral, trapezohedral and bipyramidal orientations, i.e., orientations in a  25–50° girdle to the c-axis. A specific, albeit low, number of segments with special crystallographic orientation, with respect to a neighbouring quartz grain, often shows another special orientation with respect to the other neighbouring grain. Preferred combinations of grain boundary orientations related to both neighbouring grains are (i) low-index rhombohedral and high index trapezohedral, (ii) low-index bipyramidal and low-index trapezohedral or high-index rhombohedral, and (iii) low-index trapezohedral and low or high index trapezohedral. In certain cases, such as at triple junctions, the boundaries occupy specific trapezohedral orientations with a constant angle to the c-axis. This argues for energy isotropy of trapezohedral planes with the same angle to the quartz c-axis. In general, good match coincidence site lattice (CSL) orientations are not preferentially occupied so that most of the studied grain boundaries represent general boundaries. The formation of straight segments in special crystallographic orientations indicates the crystallographic control and implies an energy reduction of certain general boundaries.     

Vertical geochemical variations and arsenic mobilization in the shallow alluvial aquifers of the Chapai-Nawabganj District, northwestern Bangladesh: implication of siderite precipitation

Core sediments from three disturbed boreholes (JOR, GHAT, and RAJ) and two undisturbed boreholes (DW1 and DW2) were collected in the study area of the Chapai-Nawabganj district of northwestern Bangladesh for geochemical analyses. In the study area, groundwater samples from fourteen As-contained private wells and five nested piezometers at both the DW1 and DW2 boreholes were also collected and analyzed. The groundwater arsenic concentrations in the uppermost aquifer (10–40 m of depth) range from 3 to 315 μg/L (mean 47.73 ± 73.41 μg/L), while the arsenic content in sediments range from 2 to 14 mg/kg (mean 4.36 ± 3.34 mg/kg). An environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer was used to investigate the presence of major and trace elements in the sediments. Groundwaters in the study area are generally the Ca–HCO₃ type with high concentrations of As, but low levels of Fe, Mn, NO₃ ^? and SO ₄ ^?2 . The concentrations of As, Fe, Mn decrease with depth in the groundwater, showing vertical geochemical variations in the study area. Statistical analysis clearly shows that As is closely associated with Fe and Mn in the sediments of the JOR core (r = 0.87, p < 0.05 for Fe and r = 0.78, p < 0.05 for Mn) and GHAT core (r = 0.95, p < 0.05 for Fe and r = 0.93, p < 0.05 for Mn), while As is not correlated with Fe and Mn in groundwater. The comparatively low Fe and Mn concentrations in some groundwater and the ESEM image revealed that siderite precipitated as a secondary mineral on the surface of the sediment particles. The correlations along with results of sequential extraction experiments indicated that reductive dissolution of FeOOH and MnOOH represents a mechanism for releasing arsenic into the groundwater.     

Drop size dependent sulfate distribution in a growing cloud

A simple entraining air parcel model including cloud microphysical and chemical processes is used to calculate the distribution of sulfate over the drop sizes under continental background conditions. Under these conditions the aerosol sulfate is predicted to contribute the largest amount of aqueous sulfate in cloud drops. The sulfate produced by oxidation is found to contribute significantly in drops larger than 10 m radius.     

A fuzzy-Markov-chain-based analysis method for reservoir operation

In this study, a fuzzy-Markov-chain-based stochastic dynamic programming (FM-SDP) method is developed for tackling uncertainties expressed as fuzzy sets and distributions with fuzzy probability (DFPs) in reservoir operation. The concept of DFPs used in Markov chain is presented as an extended form for expressing uncertainties including both stochastic and fuzzy characteristics. A fuzzy dominance index analysis approach is proposed for solving multiple fuzzy sets and DPFs in the proposed FM-SDP model. Solutions under a set of α-cut levels and fuzzy dominance indices can be generated by solving a series of deterministic submodels. The developed method is applied to a case study of a reservoir operation system. Solutions from FM-SDP provide a range of desired water-release policies under various system conditions for reservoir operation decision makers, reflecting dynamic and dual uncertain features of water availability simultaneously. The results indicate that the FM-SDP method could be applicable to practical problems for decision makers to obtain insight regarding the tradeoffs between economic and system reliability criteria. Willingness to obtain a lower benefit may guarantee meeting system-constraint demands; conversely, a desire to acquire a higher benefit could run into a higher risk of violating system constraints.     

Potentiality of Paleocene source rocks and their contribution in generating the accumulated oil in the Eocene Pila Spi Reservoir in Taq Taq Oil Field, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

The organic matters within the Paleocene Aaliji and Kolosh Formations in the well TT-04, Taq Taq Oil Field in Kurdistan Region, NE Iraq have been studied optically and also analytically by means of pyrolysis, Gas Chromatography (GC), and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). Amorphous organic matters seemed to be the dominant component of the extracted organic matters within the studied section with an obvious increase of the Phytoclasts at the upper part of Kolosh Formation. Thermal Alteration Index, vitrinite reflectance, pyrolysis, and gas chromatography data all indicated the maturity of the lower part from the studied layers (known generally as Aaliji/Kolosh) and within the early stages of oil generation. Oil–source correlation indicates the possibility of contribution of the Paleocene source rocks in generating the accumulated oil in the Eocene Pila Spi reservoir in the field which also appeared to be a mature and of marine-to-mixed carbonate source. Oil–oil correlation between the oil in Pila Spi and the oil in the Upper Cretaceous reservoirs showed the possibility of existence of more than one source for the two oils. GC/MS analysis for the Pila Spi oil indicated the effect of biodegradation which may be considered as one of the reasons for being the American Petroleum Institute (API) of this oil about 24° while the oil in the Cretaceous reservoirs is of more than 47° API.     

Wind-driven upwelling and surface chlorophyll blooms in Greater Cook Strait

We present the results of a combined observational and numerical study to investigate cool plumes of nutrient-rich upwelled water that emanate near the Kahurangi Shoals and extend into Greater Cook Strait. Surface temperature and chlorophyll are mapped using satellite observations to produce surface climatologies, to validate a numerical simulation and to show the utility of using spatial temperature differences as a measure of upwelling. We find upwelling near the Kahurangi Shoals is strongly wind-driven in the weather band. Upwelling occurs at all times of the year, but its surface signature is only visible in summer months. The upwelled nutrient-rich water supports increased primary production compared to surrounding waters, particularly in summer when the water column is more stratified and surrounding surface waters are presumably nutrient depleted.     

Modellversuche zur Hangtektonik

Zusammenfassung Das Verformungsverhalten von Felshängen wird einmal durch die geologische Entwicklungsgeschichte, zum anderen durch die zum Zeitpunkt der Beobachtung herrschenden Randbedingungen (Höhe, Neigung des Hanges, eingeprägte Kräfte) und Gebirgseigenschaften bestimmt. Diese Gebirgseigenschaften sind einerseits von den Gesteinseigenschaften (Verformbarkeit und Festigkeit) und andererseits von der Klüftung abhängig.Mit Hilfe zweidimensionaler großmaßstäblicher Modelle, die in einer ersten Serie aus starren Kluftkörpern (Strukturmodelle) und in einer zweiten Serie aus äquivalentem Modellmaterial aufgebaut waren, wird der Versuch unternommen, die innere Kinematik eines ganzen Hangquerschnittes zu studieren. Während im ersten Fall der Einfluß des Trennflächengefüges allein untersucht werden kann, überlagern sich im zweiten Fall Material- und Gefügeparameter.Anhand der Strukturmodelle wird eine Einteilung in verschiedene typische Verformungsverhalten von Hängen in Abhängigkeit von der Kluftstellung und vom Kluftreibungswinkel vorgenommen.Der besonders interessante Fall eines Kluftkörperverbandes mit bergeinwärtsfallender Bankung — hier überlagern sich Rotations- und Translationsbewegungen — wird in seinem gesamten Verformungsablauf beschrieben und nach charakteristischen Verformungsstadien unterteilt. Dabei wird die Entwicklung der Verformungen vom Hakenwerfen der Böschungsfront bis zu einem tiefgreifenden Talzuschub mit der Ausbildung ausgeprägter Schwächezonen erfaßt.Die an den Versuchen durchgeführten Beobachtungen gestatten eine bessere Bewertung des Trennflächeneinflusses auf das Verformungsverhalten von Felsmassen mit regelmäßigem Gefügemuster (H-Typ) und geben Hinweise zur besseren Abschätzung des Verformungsablaufes im Inneren eines Hanges sowie der zu erwartenden Form des Böschungsbruchkörpers.

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The deformation behaviour of rock slopes is influenced by the geological history, by the boundary conditions (height, inclination of the slope, additional forces) acting at the time of observation and the material properties of the rock mass. The properties depend on the rock parameters (deformability and strength) and on the joint patterns.With two-dimensional large scale models which consisted of rigid blocks in the first series of tests (structural models) and of equivalent model material in a second one, it was tried to study the kinematics of a whole slope section.In the first of those cases joint fabric is the only parameter to be investigated while in the second, series of test material and structural parameters have to be considered simultaneously. The structural models allow a classification into different types of deformation behaviour of the slopes. Criteria of classifications are the inclination of the strata and the friction angle.The especially interesting case of a jointed rock system with strata dipping into the mountain (in this case rotational and translational displacements are superposed) is described in its whole deformation history which is divided into characteristic stages of deformation. The development of displacements is studied from a first Hakenwerfen at the front of the slope to a deep Talzuschub with the formation of zones of weakness (latent sliding surfaces).Conclusions drawn from these tests allow a better assessment of the influence of joint sets on the deformation behaviour of a rock mass, the development of displacements in the interior of a slope and the shape of sliding surfaces.

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Résumé Le processus de déformation des versants rocheux est déterminé d'abord par l'histoire géologique, ensuite par les conditions immédiates du milieu régnant au moment de l'observation (hauteur, inclinaison de la pente, forces emmagasinées) et par les propriétés à l'échelle de l'ensemble rocheux. Ces dernières dépendent d'une part des propriétés du matériau rocheux lui-même (déformabilité et résistance) et d'autre part de la fissuration.A l'aide de maquettes bidimensionelles à grande échelle composées, lors d'une première série, de blocs rigides (modèle structural) et lors d'une seconde série, de blocs faits d'un matériau équivalent, on a assayé d'étudier la cinématique interne d'une coupe transversale faite dans un versant. Tandis que dans le premier cas, c'est seulement l'influence de la disposition des plans de division qui a pu être recherchée, dans le second il y a eu superposition des paramètres propres à cette disposition et au matériau.En partant de ces modèles structuraux, on a pu classer les différents types de comportements à la déformation des versants en fonction de la position de fissures et de leur angle de frottement.Le cas particulièrement intéressant d'un complexe fissuré à stratification inclinant vers l'intérieur du versant (ici se superposent en effet les mouvements de rotation et de translation) est décrit intégralement dans le déroulement de sa déformation et subdivisé en stades caractéristiques de déformation. On a pu ainsi saisir le développement des déformations depuis le «Hakenwerfen» du front du talus jusqu'à la poussée en profondeur vers la vallée, avec formation de zones de faiblesse bien marquées.Les observations faites lors des essais permettent de mieux évaluer l'influence des plans de division sur le processus de déformation des masses rocheuses qui ont une structure régulière (type H). Elles donnent des indications pour apprécier plus justement le développement de la déformation dans un versant, et de la forme de la zone de rupture à laquelle il faut s'attendre.

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Frictional Properties and Microstructure of Calcite-Rich Fault Gouges Sheared at Sub-Seismic Sliding Velocities

We report an experimental and microstructural study of the frictional properties of simulated fault gouges prepared from natural limestone (96 % CaCO₃) and pure calcite. Our experiments consisted of direct shear tests performed, under dry and wet conditions, at an effective normal stress of 50 MPa, at 18–150 °C and sliding velocities of 0.1–10 μm/s. Wet experiments used a pore water pressure of 10 MPa. Wet gouges typically showed a lower steady-state frictional strength (μ = 0.6) than dry gouges (μ = 0.7–0.8), particularly in the case of the pure calcite samples. All runs showed a transition from stable velocity strengthening to (potentially) unstable velocity weakening slip above 80–100 °C. All recovered samples showed patchy, mirror-like surfaces marking boundary shear planes. Optical study of sections cut normal to the shear plane and parallel to the shear direction showed both boundary and inclined shear bands, characterized by extreme grain comminution and a crystallographic preferred orientation. Cross-sections of boundary shears, cut normal to the shear direction using focused ion beam—SEM, from pure calcite gouges sheared at 18 and 150 °C, revealed dense arrays of rounded, ~0.3 μm-sized particles in the shear band core. Transmission electron microscopy showed that these particles consist of 5–20 nm sized calcite nanocrystals. All samples showed evidence for cataclasis and crystal plasticity. Comparing our results with previous models for gouge friction, we suggest that frictional behaviour was controlled by competition between crystal plastic and granular flow processes active in the shear bands, with water facilitating pressure solution, subcritical cracking and intergranular lubrication. Our data have important implications for the depth of the seismogenic zone in tectonically active limestone terrains. Contrary to recent claims, our data also demonstrate that nanocrystalline mirror-like slip surfaces in calcite(-rich) faults are not necessarily indicative of seismic slip rates.