Interconversion of iron(III) hydroxy complexes in seawater

Interconversion rates of the mononuclear ferric iron species Fe(OH)₃⁰ and Fe(OH)₂⁺ are derived and their implications for the behavior of these species in seawater are examined. The previously reported formation constant for Fe(OH)₃⁰ and its claimed extreme adsorptive reactivity in seawater are shown to be mutually inconsistent. Although Fe(OH)₃⁰ is probably a stoichiometrically minor dissolved iron species, its rapid formation from Fe(OH)₂⁺ could substantially enhance the rates of heterogeneous reaction rates of the [Fe(OH)₂⁺ + Fe(OH)₃⁰] pool if the latter species is very reactive.     

Coupling global and regional circulation models in the coastal Gulf of Alaska

As part of the US GLOBEC NE Pacific program, we are simulating currents in the Coastal Gulf of Alaska (CGOA) to explore sources of interannual and interdecadal variability. To do so, we have developed a coupled modeling system composed of linked regional and global circulation models. The regional model, configured with 13–22 km resolution in the CGOA, is forced at the surface by observed heat fluxes and wind stresses, at the continental boundaries by observed runoff, and at the open ocean boundaries by a combination of tracer climatologies and sub-tidal velocity and tidal elevation provided by a global finite element model. In this communication, we describe the coupled system, including its present method of intermodel coupling, describe a series of multi-year model hindcasts, compare hindcast results with Eulerian and Lagrangian field data obtained in the CGOA in fall 1996, and assess the impact of global information (barotropic sub-tidal velocities and tidal elevations) on the regional model under the present coupling strategy. We find that the regional model produces appropriate current systems (Alaskan Stream, Alaska Coastal Current) and scalar fields, but with mesoscale variability (of SSH and velocities) at somewhat reduced strength relative to data, and with temperature gradients somewhat larger than those observed. Barotropic sub-tidal information from the global model penetrates the regional model interior, supplying additional mesoscale variability, and modifying regional velocity and scalar fields in both shallow and deep areas. Tidal information exerts a significant influence on sub-tidal scalar and velocity structure only in specific shallow areas, where the tides (and tidal mixing) are strongest. Pending the exploration of alternate coupling schemes, we infer from these results that on a time scale of months, purely barotropic information from outside the CGOA will have a modest impact on its mean regional circulation, but a potentially stronger impact on the statistics and details of mesoscale eddies.     

Crustal structure between the Knipovich Ridge and the Van Mijenfjorden (Svalbard)

Marine Geophysical Research - The Alfred Wegener Institute of Polar and Marine Research, the University of Bergen and Hokkaido University acquired new seismic refraction data along a transect from...     

Nontronite synthesis at low temperatures

The low-temperature synthesis of clay minerals is possible through the aging of freshly prepared hydroxide—silica precipitates. The rapid synthesis of nontronite is only possible at surface temperatures under reducing conditions. Under oxidizing conditions, pure Fe(III)- or pure Al-smectite minerals could not be synthesized at low temperatures. It is only from Fe(II)-containing solutions that nontronite and lembergite, the di-[Fe(III)] and tri-[Fe(II)] octahedral three-layer silicates, are built up in several days at low temperatures. The presence of Fe(II) enables an octahedral layer of the brucite—gibbsite type to be formed. These are necessary for the bidimensional orientation of SiO₄ tetrahedrons, leading to clay-mineral formation. The Fe²⁺ and/or Mg²⁺ ions are necessary for the formation of the Al³⁺- and Fe³⁺-containing three-layer silicate minerals.Under reducing diagenetic conditions, the Fe contents in recent sediments are sufficient to build up Al-rich three-layer minerals under both fresh-water and salt-water conditions.     

Über den Mineralbestand und die Entstehung einiger sedimentärer Eisenerze des Lias-γ

Zusammenfassung Die eisenoolithischen Lias--Erze der Lagerstätten Echte, Markoldendorf und Holtensen wurden chemisch, spektralanalytisch, röntgenographisch und optisch untersucht.Wie schonC. W. Correns undW. v. Engelhardt zeigten, gestattet die röntgenographische Methode eindeutige Aussagen über den Mineralbestand der feinkörnigen sedimentären Eisenerze.Petrographisch unterscheiden wir drei Erzsorten: Grüne Chamositerze, rote Hämatiterze und braune Nadeleisenerze. Die Minerale der Chamositerze sind: Chamosit, Siderit und Kalkspat neben geringen Mengen von Quarz und Pyrit. Hämatiterze bestehen aus Hämatit und Calcit neben geringen Mengen Chamosit und Siderit.