Center-to-center analysis and flow fabric characterization in ash-flow tuffs

The center-to-center method of strain analysis can be used to estimate flow lineation in high-silica ash-flow tuffs. It can be used as an alternative or supplement to other techniques for flow lineation identification, such as the examination of flow textures in thin sections and the measurement of anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility. The center-to-center method is a modification of a technique described by Fry (1979) and by Ramsay and Huber (1983) for determination of finite strain based on the spacing of particles within a deformed rock. In the present study, application of the method to an anticlustered array of phenocrysts in the flattening plane of an ash-flow tuff produces an ellipse with center to edge distances representative of the minimum distance between centers of phenocrysts in all directions within the flattening plane. The long axis of the ellipse corresponds to the maximum axis of finite strain; this direction is suggested to correspond to the flow lineation. The orientation of the stretching lineation was chosen both by eye and by least-squares analysis from center-to-center plots. The calculated orientation of the long ellipse axis can be varied by choice of a maximum distance between digitized objects which are included in the calculation. Comparison is made between late-stage flow lineations identified using the center-to-center method, and the AMS (anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility) method on samples of the high-silica Oligocene Bloodgood Canyon Tuff from the Mogollon-Datil volcanic field of southwestern New Mexico. Flow lineations based on center-to-center analyses of flattening plane-parallel rock slabs and thin sections agree well with AMS-derived flow lineations on most samples from which high-quality AMS lineations were obtained. Center-to-center analuses from flattening plane-perpendicular, lineation-parallel planes of ash-flow tuff produce ellipses inclined from 15° to 85° to the flattening plane, despite compaction of the ash, which should cause angles of inclination to be very low. The inclined ellipses may result from heterogeneities in grain size and distribution of phenocrysts in vertical sections of tuff, or from fragmentation of phenocrysts which occurred during the final stages of emplacement and compression. Center-to-center analyses on rock slabs rather than thin sections helps to avoid the effects of either textural heterogeneity and fragmentation of phenocrysts. With flow lineation identified by center-to-center analysis, petrographic examination of thin sections cut perpendicular to the flattening plane and parallel to the flow lineation allow for the identification of flow direction.     

Ar/Ar dating of the Bandelier Tuff and San Diego Canyon ignimbrites, Jemez Mountains, New Mexico: Temporal constraints on magmatic evolution

The Jemez Mountains volcanic field (JMVF), located in north-central New Mexico, has been a site of basaltic to rhyolitic volcanism since the mid-Miocene with major caldera forming eruptions occurring in the Pleistocene. Eruption of the upper Bandelier Tuff (UBT) is associated with collapse of the Valles Caldera, whereas eruption of the lower Bandelier Tuff (LBT) resulted in formation of the Toledo Caldera. These events were previously dated by K-Ar at 1.12 ± 0.03 Ma and 1.45 ± 0.06 Ma, respectively. Pre-Bandelier explosive eruptions produced the San Diego Canyon (SDC) ignimbrites. SDC ignimbrite “B” has been dated at 2.84 ± 0.07 Ma, whereas SDC ignimbrite “A”, which underlies “B”, has been dated at 3.64 ± 1.64 Ma. Both of these dates are based on single K-Ar analyses.⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating of single sanidine crystals from these units indicates revision of the previously reported dates. Isochron analysis of 26 crystals from the UBT gives a common trapped ⁴⁰Ar/³⁶Ar component of 304.5, indicating the presence of excess ⁴⁰Ar in this unit, and defines an age of 1.14 ± 0.02 Ma. Isochron analysis of 26 crystals from the LBT indicates an atmospheric trapped component and an age of 1.51 ± 0.03 Ma. An age of 1.78 ± 0.04 Ma, based on the weighted mean of 5 individual analyses, is indicated for SDC ignimbrite “B”, whereas 3 analyses from SDC ignimbrite “A” give a weighted mean age of 1.78 ± 0.07 Ma. Evidence for xenocrystic contamination in the SDC ignimbrites comes from analyses of a correlative air-fall pumice unit in the Puye Formation alluvial fan giving ages of 1.75 ± 0.08 and 3.50 ± 0.09 Ma. The presence of xenocrysts in bulk separates used for the original K-Ar analyses could account for the significantly older ages reported.Geochemical data indicate that SDC ignimbrites are early eruptions from the magma chamber which evolved to produce the LBT, as compositions of SDC ignimbrite “B” are virtually identical to least evolved LBT samples. Differentiation during the 270-ka interval between eruption of SDC ignimbrite “B” and the LBT produced an array of high-silica rhyolite compositions which were erupted to form the LBT. Mixed pumices associated with eruption of the LBT indicated an influx of more mafic magma into the system which produced shifts in some incompatible trace-element ratios. Lavas and tephras of the Cerro Toledo Rhyolite record the geochemical evolution of the Bandelier magma system during the 370-ka interval between eruption of the LBT and the UBT.The combined geochronologic and geochemical data place the establishment and evolution of the Bandelier silicic magma system within a precise temporal framework, beginning with eruption of the SDC ignimbrites at 1.78 Ma, and define a periodicity of 270–370 ka to ash-flow eruptions in the JMVF. These intervals are comparable to those in other multicyclic caldera complexes and are a measure of the timescales over which substantial fractionation of large silicic magma bodies occur.     

Soil-Gas Surveying for Subsurface Gasoline Contamination Using Total Organic Vapor Detection Instruments Part I. Theory and Laboratory Experimentation

Factors influencing the response of total organic vapor detection instruments used in soil-gas surveying for subsurface gasoline leakage were investigated through performing theoretical assessments and laboratory experiments. Theoretical assessments indicate that total organic vapor measurements will depend on response conditions and the relative concentration of constituents in soil gas, in addition to absolute constituent levels. Laboratory tests conducted using flame ionization, photoionization and explosimeter devices indicated that conditions influencing their responses included instrument flow rate and soil-air permeability when performing direct-probe sampling; the linear range of the instrument; the multicomponent nature of gasoline vapors; and levels of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and relative humidity in soil air. If an instrument's response to these conditions is not taken into account, survey results may be misleading. To circumvent adverse instrument responses, a serial dilution technique is presented.     

Complementary Investigative Techniques for Site Assessment with Low-Level Contaminants

A remedial investigation (RI) was performed in an area downgradient from an abandoned missile silo at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, as part of the United States Air Force Installation Restoration Program (IRP). A number of complementary investigative techniques were used to assure a reliable assessment of site contamination. These included the review of aerial photographs, the use of an organic vapor analyzer (OVA) and carbon adsorption/mass spectrometer (MS) method to conduct a soil-gas survey; magnetic and electromagnetic geophysical surveys; bedrock permeability testing; and the chemical analysis of soil, sediment, surface water, and ground water samples. The results from this investigation revealed the presence of an undocumented landfill and a small trichloroethylene plume in ground water at concentrations ranging from 6.7 ppb to 31 ppb. The investigation also identified local ground water flow direction, provided strong evidence of the location of potential sources of contamination, and defined the downgradient extent of ground water contamination. Because the identified contaminants have not as yet reached the environmentally sensitive wetland at the base of the slope below this facility, there is still time to propose remedial alternatives that would serve to protect this environmentally sensitive area.     

Thermodynamic data from redox reactions at high temperatures. V. Thermodynamic properties of NiO−MnO solid solutions from emf measurements

Divariant oxide plus metal assemblages potentially make useful redox sensors for use in hydrothermal and other high pressure experiments. Here we report the calibration of the (Ni, Mn)O/Ni redox sensor in which the Ni/NiO (NNO) oxygen buffer is displaced to lower oxygen chemical potentials (O₂), by the solid solution of MnO in the oxide phase. This assemblage was chosen because: (1) it covers a useful range of O₂; (2) the system can be calibrated very accurately. Values of O₂ defined by the (Ni, Mn)O/Ni assemblage were determined electrochemically, from 900 to 1300 K, using calcia-stabilized zirconia solid electrolytes. The oxide compositions (8 in total, ranging from 0.1X _NiO0.8) were analysed afterwards by electron microprobe, and were checked for internal consistency by measuring the lattice parameters (a₀), using powder XRD. The accuracies of the measurements, both assessed theoretically and established empirically, are (1): ±80J/mol in O₂, ±0.0002 Å in a₀ and ±0.002 to 0.005 in X _NiO. Activity-composition relations were fitted to the Redlich-Kister formalism. There is a slight asymmetry (corresponding to a subregular model) across the solution with A ₀ ^G =9577(±45) J/mol, and A ₁ ^G =–477(±80) J/mol. The experimental data were also used to derive the parameters V^ex, H^ex and S^ex. There is no obvious relationship between excess volumes and enthalpies of mixing, nor between excess volumes and excess entropies. The experimental data from this study have been used to formulate the (Ni, Mn)O/Ni redox sensor expression: O₂ = ₂(NNO) + 2RTlnX _NiO + 2(1 – X _NiO)²[11483 – 1.697T] – 477(4X _NiO – 1)(900 < T(K) < 1300) where O₂(NNO)=–478967+248.514T–9.7961 T In T, from O'Neill and Pownceby(1993a).     

Arsenic contamination in surface drainage and groundwater in part of the southeast Asian tin belt,Nakhon Si Thammarat Province,southern Thailand

The occurrence of human health problems resulting from arsenic contamination of domestic water supplies in Ron Phibun District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, southern Thailand was first recognized in 1987. The area has an extensive history of bedrock and alluvial mining, the waste from which is typically rich in arsenopyrite and related alteration products. In 1994 a collaborative study was instigated involving Thai and British government authorities to establish the distribution and geochemical form of As in surface drainage and aquifer systems in the affected area, the probable sources of As contamination, and the potential for problem alleviation. Hydrochemical analyses of surface- and groundwaters have confirmed the presence of dissolved As at concentrations exceeding WHO potable water guidelines by up to a factor of 500. Contamination of the shallow alluvial aquifer system is systematically more severe than the underlying carbonate-hosted aquifer. Deep boreholes may therefore provide the best available potable water source for the local population. The presence of up to 39% of total As as arsenite (H₃AsO₃) within the carbonate aquifer may, however, constitute a hidden toxicological risk, not evident in the shallow groundwater (in which arsenate species account for > 95% of total As). Mineralogical investigations of As-rich tailings and flotation wastes were undertaken to evaluate their likely impact on water quality. The results indicate that although some flotation wastes contain up to 30% As, the rate of leaching is extremely low. Consequently the As loading of drainage emanating from such waste is below the subregional average. Analyses of the silty alluvium that covers much of the central sector of the study area have highlighted As concentrations of up to 5000 mg kg^–1, probably carried by disseminated arsenopyrite. Following sulfide dissolution, the mobility of As in this material may be high (with resultant contamination of shallow groundwater) due to the low Fe content of the soil. On the basis of the data acquired, a range of pollution mitigation schemes are currently under investigation including Fe supplementation of alluvium and microbial degradation of disseminated arsenopyrite.     

Light curve behaviour in C/1995 O1 (Hale-Bopp) — II

Comet Hale-Bopp is, without doubt, one of the most important objects for cometary science which has ever been observed. The light curve is well-observed from a heliocentric distance 7.2 AU and some information is available at distances as great as 17 AU. This allows the photometric evolution of the comet to be studied as different volatiles dominate the activity. Three different phases of activity are seen as the heliocentric distance reduces during 1996: the initial phase of very fast brightening, characterized by a r ^–5 law; a standstill in the light curve when the brightening law reduced to r ^–1, which coincides with the initiation of water sublimation at r ~ 4 AU; and a further phase of more rapid brightening with an r ^–3.5 law, similar to the mean for comets classed as fairly new, which initiated at r ~ 4 AU.     

STRUCTURE AND ROTATION OF THE SOLAR INTERIOR: INITIAL RESULTS FROM THE MDI MEDIUM-L PROGRAM

The medium-l program of the Michelson Doppler Imager instrument on board SOHO provides continuous observations of oscillation modes of angular degree, l, from 0 to 300. The data for the program are partly processed on board because only about 3% of MDI observations can be transmitted continuously to the ground. The on-board data processing, the main component of which is Gaussian-weighted binning, has been optimized to reduce the negative influence of spatial aliasing of the high-degree oscillation modes. The data processing is completed in a data analysis pipeline at the SOI Stanford Support Center to determine the mean multiplet frequencies and splitting coefficients. The initial results show that the noise in the medium-l oscillation power spectrum is substantially lower than in ground-based measurements. This enables us to detect lower amplitude modes and, thus, to extend the range of measured mode frequencies. This is important for inferring the Sun's internal structure and rotation. The MDI observations also reveal the asymmetry of oscillation spectral lines. The line asymmetries agree with the theory of mode excitation by acoustic sources localized in the upper convective boundary layer. The sound-speed profile inferred from the mean frequencies gives evidence for a sharp variation at the edge of the energy-generating core. The results also confirm the previous finding by the GONG (Gough et al., 1996) that, in a thin layer just beneath the convection zone, helium appears to be less abundant than predicted by theory. Inverting the multiplet frequency splittings from MDI, we detect significant rotational shear in this thin layer. This layer is likely to be the place where the solar dynamo operates. In order to understand how the Sun works, it is extremely important to observe the evolution of this transition layer throughout the 11-year activity cycle.     

Spatial Aspects of Restrictions on Registered Sex Offenders

Restrictions in the USA on registered sex offenders (RSOs) are examined from the spatial aspects. The long history of various restrictions imposed by government, particularly local ones, is covered in the introduction. Spatial aspects, such as delineation of zones from which certain activities or certain people are excluded is the focus. Then the nature of restrictions on RSOs is considered at the state, county and municipal level. Typical of restrictions are that RSOs are prohibited from moving into residence within a prescribed distance of certain features in a community. The distances are typically 1,000 feet but are quite variable. Typical proscribed venues are schools, parks and day care centers, but there can be many others such as bus stops. Spatial aspects of these restrictions, such as how offender locations are geocoded and represented and how proscribed venues are delineated is analyzed. Specific details and theoretical concerns related to the many problematic issues with RSO restrictions is presented. In particular questions of their constitutionality and efficacy are raised. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of RSO restrictions for the discipline of geography in general and for the evolution of increasingly precise methods of spatial analysis in particular.