Nitrous oxide (N<Subscript>2</Subscript>O) emissions from a mesotrophic reservoir on the Wujiang River,southwest China

Aquatic ecosystems have been identified as a globally significant source of nitrous oxide (N₂O) due to continuous active nitrogen involvement, but the processes and influencing factors that control N₂O production are still poorly understood, especially in reservoirs. For that, monthly N₂O variations were monitored in Dongfeng reservoir (DFR) with a mesotrophic condition. The dissolved N₂O concentration in DFR displayed a distinct spatial–temporal pattern but lower than that in the eutrophic reservoirs. During the whole sampling year, N₂O saturation ranging from 144% to 640%, indicating that reservoir acted as source of atmospheric N₂O. N₂O production is induced by the introduction of nitrogen (NO₃ ^?, NH₄ ⁺) in mesotrophic reservoirs, and is also affected by oxygen level and water temperature. Nitrification was the predominate process for N₂O production in DFR due to well-oxygenated longitudinal water layers. Mean values of estimated N₂O flux from the air–water interface averaged 0.19 µmol m^?2 h^?1 with a range of 0.01–0.61 µmol m^?2 h^?1. DFR exhibited less N₂O emission flux than that reported in a nearby eutrophic reservoir, but still acted as a moderate N₂O source compared with other reservoirs and lakes worldwide. Annual emissions from the water–air interface of DFR were estimated to be 0.32 × 10⁵ mol N–N₂O, while N₂O degassing from releasing water behind the dam during power generation was nearly five times greater. Hence, N₂O degassing behind the dam should be taken into account for estimation of N₂O emissions from artificial reservoirs, an omission that historically has probably resulted in underestimates. IPCC methodology should consider more specifically N₂O emission estimation in aquatic ecosystems, especially in reservoirs, the default EF5 model will lead to an overestimation.     

In situ LA-ICPMS Isotopic and Geochronological Studies on Carbonatites and Phoscorites from the Guli Massif,Maymecha-Kotuy,Polar Siberia

In this study we present a fresh isotopic data, as well as U–Pb ages from different REE-minerals in carbonatites and phoscorites of Guli massif using in situ LA-ICPMS technique. The analyses were conducted on apatites and perovskites from calcio-carbonatite and phoscorite units, as well as on pyrochlores and baddeleyites from the carbonatites. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios obtained from apatites and perovskites from the phoscorites are 0.70308–0.70314 and 0.70306–0.70313, respectively; and 0.70310–0.70325 and 0.70314–0.70327, for the pyrochlores and apatites from the carbonatites, respectively.Furthermore, the in situ laser ablation analyses of apatites and perovskites from the phoscorite yield εNd from 3.6 (±1) to 5.1 (±0.5) and from 3.8 (±0.5) to 4.9 (±0.5), respectively; εNd of apatites, perovskites and pyrochlores from carbonatite ranges from 3.2 (±0.7) to 4.9 (±0.9), 3.9 (±0.6) to 4.5 (±0.8) and 3.2 (±0.4) to 4.4 (±0.8), respectively. Laser ablation analyses of baddeleyites yielded an eHf(t)d of +8.5 (± 0.18); prior to this study Hf isotopic characteristic of Guli massif was not known. Our new in situ εNd, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and eHf data on minerals in the Guli carbonatites imply a depleted source with a long time integrated high Lu/Hf, Sm/Nd, Sr/Rb ratios.In situ U–Pb age determination was performed on perovskites from the carbonatites and phoscorites and also on pyrochlores and baddeleyites from carbonatites. The co-existing pyrochlores, perovskites and baddeleyites in carbonatites yielded ages of 252.3 ± 1.9, 252.5 ± 1.5 and 250.8 ± 1.4 Ma, respectively. The perovskites from the phoscorites yielded an age of 253.8 ± 1.9 Ma. The obtained age for Guli carbonatites and phoscorites lies within the range of ages previously reported for the Siberian Flood Basalts and suggest essentially synchronous emplacement with the Permian-Triassic boundary.     

Wind-Driven Dissolved Organic Matter Dynamics in a Chesapeake Bay Tidal Marsh-Estuary System

Controls on organic matter cycling across the tidal wetland-estuary interface have proved elusive, but high-resolution observations coupled with process-based modeling can be a powerful methodology to address shortcomings in either methodology alone. In this study, detailed observations and three-dimensional hydrodynamic modeling are used to examine biogeochemical exchanges in the marsh-estuary system of the Rhode River, MD, USA. Analysis of observations near the marsh in 2015 reveals a strong relationship between marsh creek salinity and dissolved organic matter fluorescence (fDOM), with wind velocity indirectly driving large amplitude variation of both salinity and fDOM at certain times of the year. Three-dimensional model results from the Finite Volume Community Ocean Model implemented for the wetland system with a new marsh grass drag module are consistent with observations, simulating sub-tidal variability of marsh creek salinity. The model results exhibit an interaction between wind-driven variation in surface elevation and flow velocity at the marsh creek, with northerly winds driving increased freshwater signal and discharge out of the modeled wetland during precipitation events. Wind setup of a water surface elevation gradient axially along the estuary drives the modeled local sub-tidal flow and thus salinity variability. On sub-tidal time scales (>36 h, <1 week), wind is important in mediating dissolved organic matter releases from the Kirkpatrick Marsh into the Rhode River.     

Assessment of water inrush risk using the principal component logistic regression model in the Pandao coal mine,China

In order to improve the accuracy of floor water inrush assessment, the risk prediction model of floor water inrush was established by combining the principal component logistic regression analysis (PCLRA) and GIS spatial geographic analysis. In this paper, the geological data of Pandao coal mine was taken as the engineering background. First of all, main controlling factors of floor water inrush were determined and quantified. Next, PCLRA was used to determine the weight of each factor and establish the mathematical model for predicting the floor water inrush. And then, GIS’s spatial analysis and data processing function was used to draw related single factor thematic maps. Related thematic maps were weighted superposed to draw a floor water inrush zoning map based on PCLRA mathematical model. The study areas were divided into five levels by Jenks optimization method and vulnerability index initial model. And the corresponding threshold range was determined. The results show that (1) the high sensitivity factors in floor failure depth were added to evaluate the water inrush, and the fault fractal dimension was used to replace the fault structure related factors, and the main controlling factors of floor water inrush are more comprehensive; (2) the fitting degree of PCLRA model is high and the test accuracy is 83.3%; (3) the prediction results were well fitted to the actual position of water inrush (three water inrush points are located in the dangerous area, and two water inrush points are located in the relatively dangerous area).     

Carbonate formation mechanism in paleosol sediments of the Bohai Sea coastal zone,China

The Bohai Sea coastal zone of China consists of the Pacific Ocean to the east and Eurasia to the west; hence, this region is influenced by both the ocean and continental landmasses. The carbonate formation mechanism of eolian sediment within this area is poorly understood. The loess-paleosol sediments of the Miaodao stratigraphical section (MDS) contain a record of carbonate changes in this region during the last interglacial period. New insights into regional carbonate formation mechanisms since the last interglacial period were obtained by analyzing the ages of various sedimentary facies in combination with proxy paleoclimatic indices (including average grain size, standard deviation, CaCO₃ content, and clay minerals), as well as via foraminiferal analysis. The results led to three principal findings: (1) The carbonate content change in the MDS was neither controlled by grain size nor affected by minerals. The carbonate change controlled by precipitate leaching in the Loess Plateau region cannot explain the eolian sediments within the Bohai Sea coastal zone. (2) Various subsections contain obvious carbonate content changes caused by foraminiferal deposits atop the eolian sediments, which were deposited by storm surges during a high sea-level period. This increased the carbonate content in the eolian sediments and restricted the carbonate content in the Bohai Sea coastal zone. (3) Newly detected foraminifera of the last interglacial period on the eolian sediment of the MDS were the main source of carbonate content, providing a new understanding of the carbonate formation mechanism in eolian sediments different from that of the Loess Plateau.     

Ranking of productivity improvement strategies in Iran mineral sector based on integrated SWOT-FAHP-FTOPSIS analysis

The Iran’s mineral sector, as a major supplier of mineral industries, plays a central role on Iran economy. Promoting the productivity in this area leads to the enhancement of the business environment. Also, it can influence the production chain and minerals value added. In this study, a comprehensive study was conducted on the major barriers/drivers factors affecting the efficiency in the mining sector. Furthermore, 16 key factors were identified using the expert views. These parameters are divided into four main categories: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. In addition, a hierarchy model was designed in which the mentioned four efficient strategic parameters were implemented and the SWOT analysis was applied, as well as the nine macro strategies were determined. In order to prioritize these strategies, multiple steps were carried out. First, the subfactors were weighted by implementing the fuzzy multi attribute decision-making technique by combining the experts’ views and triangular fuzzy numbers. Subsequently, the strategies were prioritized by employing the group Fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) model. The sensitive analysis of the results presents some minor changes in score of the alternatives, but no alteration was affected in the prioritized strategies. The results revealed the importance of resource allocation strategies related to the existing investments as well as supporting and facilitating the new technology in the mining sector.     

Sealing efficiency analysis for shallow-layer caprocks in CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> geological storage

The CO₂ migrated from deeper to shallower layers may change its phase state from supercritical state to gaseous state (called phase transition). This phase transition makes both viscosity and density of CO₂ experience a sharp variation, which may induce the CO₂ further penetration into shallow layers. This is a critical and dangerous situation for the security of CO₂ geological storage. However, the assessment of caprock sealing efficiency with a fully coupled multi-physical model is still missing on this phase transition effect. This study extends our previous fully coupled multi-physical model to include this phase transition effect. The dramatic changes of CO₂ viscosity and density are incorporated into the model. The impacts of temperature and pressure on caprock sealing efficiency (expressed by CO₂ penetration depth) are then numerically investigated for a caprock layer at the depth of 800 m. The changes of CO₂ physical properties with gas partial pressure and formation temperature in the phase transition zone are explored. It is observed that phase transition revises the linear relationship of CO₂ penetration depth and time square root as well as penetration depth. The real physical properties of CO₂ in the phase transition zone are critical to the safety of CO₂ sequestration. Pressure and temperature have different impact mechanisms on the security of CO₂ geological storage.     

In situ investigation into fracture and subsidence of overburden strata for solid backfill mining

Controlling the subsidence of overburden strata is the main objective for backfill mining technology. In order to understand the controlling effect of filling body, a detection scheme with three direction boreholes was designed in the tailgate of T₃290 mining face in Tangshan Coal Mine to monitor the fracture developing process of overburden strata. In addition, a few displacement and stress sensors used for monitoring the roof subsidence and filling body stress were arranged behind the longwall face to monitor and record the force and deformation of gangue. The field investigation shows that the solid backfill mining technology can effectively reduce the fracture of overburden strata, i.e., the fracture height and the damage degree. The subsidence of overburden strata is mainly caused by the subsidence of roof which is divided into four stages: roof subsidence stage of mining face, rapid subsidence stage of gob roof, relatively stable stage, and long-term rheological stage. The gauge plays an essential role in slowing down the subsidence in each stage of the overburden subsidence, especially the relatively stable stage.     

Chromium spinels in North Chinese kimberlites,Huabei platform

Samples from diamondiferous pipes in the Mengyin and Fuxian regions were investigated. The chemical compositions of Cr spinels in kimberlites of China were found to be similar to those in kimberlites of the Arkhangelsk province in Russia. A long and complex evolution that was individual for each pipe was demonstrated. The kimberlites of the Shandong Province proved to be rich in high-Cr chromites. This means that the kimberlites formed at large depths in the field of diamond thermodynamic stability. Variations in the redox conditions were noted. They manifested themselves as a wide range of fluctuations of the chemical composition of microcrystalline spinels, up to formation to Ti-magnetite and magnetite.     

Influence of Particle Morphology on the Hydraulic Behavior of Coal Ash and Sand

Flexible-wall hydraulic conductivity tests were carried out on bottom ash, fly ash and compacted specimens of sand with additions of 0, 3, 6, 9 and 18% of bentonite. In order to study the effect of bentonite inclusion and particle morphology on the hydraulic conductivity of the admixtures, an investigation was undertaken based on thin section micrographs. It was found that, for both bottom and fly ash admixtures, bentonite addition reduced only one order of magnitude the hydraulic conductivity, from 1.78 × 10⁻⁶ m/s to 1.39 × 10⁻⁷ m/s. On the other hand, the sand hydraulic conductivity was reduced five orders of magnitude, from 3.17 × 10⁻⁵ m/s to 5.15 × 10⁻¹⁰ m/s. Among several factors that can be responsible for the difficulty in reducing hydraulic conductivity, such as ash grain size distribution and elevated cation concentration (leached from the ash) in pore water, it can also be recalled the high particle voids observed in the ash by means of microscopic analysis. The same is not true with the sand, which has solid particles, without inner voids.