Stratigraphy of the tectonically imbricated lithological succession of the Neves Corvo mine area,Iberian Pyrite Belt,Portugal

Biostratigraphic research, based on palynomorphs and ammonoids, of the tectonically imbricated lithological succession of the Neves Corvo mine, in the Portuguese part of the Iberian Pyrite Belt, has yielded ages for all formerly recognised lithostratigraphic units. These can be assembled in three main lithological sequences: (1) detrital sandy/shale substrate (Phyllite-Quartzite Formation) of late Famennian age; (2) Volcano-Sedimentary Complex, divided into a lower and an upper suite, in which one basic, three dolerite sills and four felsic volcanic units and a mineralised package of massive sulphides are identified with ages which range from the late Famennian to the late Visean; (3) flysch succession (Mértola Formation) composed of shale and greywacke dated as late Visean to early Serpukhovian. Precise biostratigraphic dating of the sedimentrary host rocks of massive sulphide mineralisation constrains the age of the latter to the late Strunian (354.8–354.0 Ma). Three stratigraphic hiatuses, corresponding to early/middle Strunian, Tournaisian and early Visean respectively and a south-westward progressive unconformity were also recognised. Sequences 1 and 2 are related to extensional episodes while sequence 3 marks the beginning of compressive tectonic inversion which gave rise to south-westward flysch progradation in close relation to a foreland basin development. Our results lead to the reinterpretation of the tectonic structure of the Neves Corvo mine, with implications for the interpretation of the regional basin dynamics and metal exploration.Editorial handling: F. Tornos     

Compact Groups of Galaxies: Evolution of the Stellar Population

We present a study focusing on the nature of compact groups (CGs) through the study of their elliptical (E) galaxies. Parameters describing the internal dynamics and the stellar populations of the galaxies are compared with their counterparts in other environments. Our sample has24 bright E galaxies located in the core of Hickson CGs and 11 bright ‘bona fide’ Es, located in the field or very loose groups. Their spectra were obtained with the 2.1 m Telescope at KPNO and have a 4.1 Å resolution over the wavelength range 3500–7000 Å. We have found that, from the dynamical point of view, E galaxies in CGs are essentially similar to those in dense clusters. Moreover, the stellar populations of Es in CGs seem to be older and less metal rich than those in the field, behaviour which has also been observed by Rose et al. (1994).     

Applicability and dynamical characterization of the associated sets of the algorithmic weak stability boundary in the lunar sphere of influence

The present contribution investigates the applicability of the associated initial condition sets generated by the algorithmic definition of the weak stability boundary in the lunar sphere of influence in the context of Earth-to-Moon low-energy capture transfers. First, we test the applicability of the initial condition sets in view of two mission strategies, namely, direct inner transfers in the Planar Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem and external transfers based in the Patched Three-Body approach. Then, we check the consistency of the stability classification regarding the selection of captured solutions, identifying the stable subsets which provide temporary capture solutions. Additionally, we show the diversity of behaviors classified as stable by the current stability criteria of the algorithmic definition, which indicates that the algorithmic criteria must be reviewed in order to guarantee that the stable solutions correspond solely to low-energy capture orbits. The combination of our analyses allows the detection of the subsets of stable initial conditions that provide feasible Earth-to-Moon transfer solutions. Specifically, we show an external low-energy Earth- to-Moon transfer with zero midcourse correction at the patching section.     

Identifying oceanographic conditions conducive to coastal impacts on temperate open coastal beaches

Natural Hazards - Warnings issued by meteorological or oceanographic agencies are a common means of allowing people to prepare for likely impactful events. Quantifying the relationships between...     

Particulate heavy metal transport in the lower Paraíba do Sul River basin,southeastern, Brazil

In the present study an attempt has been made to calculate the mass transfers of suspended particulate matter and associated heavy metal within the lower portion of the Paraíba do Sul River drainage basin and the contribution of its tributaries. The highest metal loads were related with the highest water flows and, consequently, with the highest suspended particulate matter loads, which increased both by surface runoff and sediment resuspension. The highest flow month for the total transported load contributed between 34 and 66% of the total metal transported per year. The total load transported during the entire rainy season ranges from 82 to 93% of the total transported load. The importance of the tributary input for the total transported load of the Paraíba do Sul River was generally lower than 10%, although in some months, when the Paraíba do Sul River had low water discharge and strong local rain occurred, this increased upto 40%. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mantle-derived carbon in Hercynian granites. Stable isotopes signatures and C/He associations in the thermomineral waters,N-Portugal

Na–HCO₃–CO₂-rich thermomineral waters issue in the N of Portugal, within the Galicia-Trás-os-Montes region, linked to a major NNE-trending fault, the so-called Penacova-Régua-Verin megalineament. Along this tectonic structure different occurrences of CO₂-rich thermomineral waters are found: Chaves hot waters (67 °C) and also several cold (16.1 °C) CO₂-rich waters. The δ²H and δ¹⁸O values of the thermomineral waters are similar to those of the local meteoric waters. The chemical composition of both hot and cold mineral waters suggests that water–rock reactions are mainly controlled by the amount of dissolved CO₂ (g) rather than by the water temperature. Stable carbon isotope data indicate an external CO₂ inorganic origin for the gas. δ¹³C_CO2 values ranging between ? 7.2‰ and ? 5.1‰ are consistent with a two-component mixture between crustal and mantle-derived CO₂. Such an assumption is supported by the ³He/⁴He ratios measured in the gas phase, are between 0.89 and 2.68 times the atmospheric ratio (Ra). These ratios which are higher than that those expected for a pure crustal origin (≈ 0.02 Ra), indicating that 10 to 30% of the He has originated from the upper mantle. Release of deep-seated fluids having a mantle-derived component in a region without recent volcanic activity indicates that extensive neo-tectonic structures originating during the Alpine Orogeny are still active (i.e., the Chaves Depression).     

Distribution and feeding ecology of three juvenile mojarras in a hypersaline tropical estuary in Northeastern Brazil

Although mojarra species usually demonstrate a wide distribution in tropical and subtropical estuaries, relatively little is known about the process influencing the spatial resource partitioning to nearshore habitats. Therefore, the aim of this study was check the existence of habitat and food partitioning among confamiliar species in a hypersaline estuary. The dietary compositions of three co‐occurring species of mojarras were determined, using samples collected with a beach seine from an inverse tropical estuary in Northeastern Brazil, during the rainy and the dry seasons of 2012. Eucinostomus argenteus and Ulaema lefroyi were abundant throughout the year, while Eugerres brasilianus was most abundant during the rainy season. Although these mojarras were found together in all areas of the estuary, there was evidence of habitat partitioning: E. argenteus and E. brasilianus were dominant in areas with submerged vegetation, while U. lefroyi was most abundant in areas with little habitat complexity and minimal shelter. All mojarras consumed, to different degrees, zooplankton, Bivalvia and Polychaeta. However, E. brasilanus also consumed a considerable amount of algae. Although the niches of the mojarra species appeared to significantly overlap, some resource partitioning patterns were apparent. While E. brasilanus was clearly different along the trophic niche, segregation of the other species was more important with respect to the spatial dimension. The different feeding strategies appear to minimize inter‐specific overlap and allow the co‐occurrence of these species in this hypersaline tropical estuary.