Data on stratotypes of the neopleistocene-holocene regional and local subdivisions in the Caspian region

Considered in the work are data characterizing stratotypes of regional and local stratigraphic subdivisions, which are distinguished in the Neopleistocene-Holocene sedimentary succession of the Caspian region. The succession is composed of sediments deposited by the Caspian transgressions and intervening continental sediments of the late Quaternary. Except for stratotypes of the Tyurkyany Horizon and Gyurgyany Formation, which are established in borehole sections, the other ones represent the well-stratified natural sections accessible for examination of their subdivisions distinguished based on biostratigraphic criteria. Mollusks of the genus Didacna Eichwald and fossil assemblages of large mammals are used to substantiate stratigraphy of marine and terrestrial deposits, respectively.     

Experimental stream acidification — the influence of sediment and streambed vegetation

An acidification experiment was conducted on a small stream in the Loch Ard area of central Scotland. The stream was chosen because of its large, flow related, variation in pH (5.9-4.0). Two acid additions were made to approximately pH 3.5–3.7. The results indicated a strong correlation between labile aluminium and hydrogen, and a noticeable hysteresis in the response of calcium and hydrogen. It is hypothesised that divalent cation response is a result of ion-exchange mechanisms involving the streambed vegetation, with aluminium release resulting primarily from exchange reactions with streambed sediment stores. Data from a program of stream spot sampling have been analysed in an attempt to elucidate the contribution of different sources of aluminium under different flow conditions. Streambed sources of aluminium contribute significantly under low flow conditions; however, at high flow, additional sources of aluminium must contribute to match observed streamwater chemistry.     

Ore dust pollution,hatching and egg temperatures in birds

Dry ore dust pollution decreased the hatching success of fowl eggs from 76% in the control to 57% when manganese ore dust and 54% when iron ore dust were used. Daily wetting of eggs aggravated the ore dust effect. When eggs were covered with ore dust, the heat exchange properties of eggs exposed to direct sunlight were significantly changed. Manganese and iron ore dust covered eggs heated and cooled at a significantly faster rates than the controls. The interior uppermost area may reach a temperature of 54°C after 60 minutes in the sun. Manganese ore dust covered brown eggs were the most affected and white eggs the least. Ore dust pollution therefore poses a threat to the hatching success of bird eggs.     

REMINISCENCES OF A ROVING PHOTOGRAMMETRIST

The author reminisces upon a career of almost 40 years as a practising surveyor photogrammetrist, both as a Royal Engineer officer and as a director of a commercial survey organisation. The reminiscences include service with the Survey of India, war time operations in the Middle East and South East Asia Command, and commercial surveys of all types in developing countries. Professional service with international surveying and photogrammetric organisations is also mentioned, with particular reference to the fraternal aspects of international photogrammetry.     

Solid solutions of (Mg,Fe<Superscript>2+</Superscript>)-cordierite: Synthesis,water content,and magnetic properties

The dependence of water concentration in synthetic (Mg, Fe²⁺)-cordierite on the composition of the solid solution was examined in experiments that lasted for 10 days at = 200–230 MPa, t = 600–700°C, and oxygen fugacity corresponding to the Fe-FeO buffer. Mass spectrometric data indicate that the dependence of water concentration in cordierite on its Fe mole fraction Fe²⁺/(Fe²⁺ + Mg) has maxima at compositions with F = 0.2–0.3. IR diffuse reflectance spectroscopic data and data on the structural setting of H₂O molecules in the structural channels of alkali-free (Mg, Fe²⁺)-cordierite indicate that the H-H vector of some H₂O molecules (H₂O-II) is perpendicular to [001] of the crystal. The dependence of the magnetic properties of synthetic (Mg, Fe²⁺)-cordierite was studied by static magnetization technique at 5–300 K in an external magnetic field up to 20 kOe in strength.     

Trends in 1,4-Dioxane Analyses: Implications for Identification and Characterization of Contaminated Groundwater Sites

1,4-Dioxane is a contaminant of emerging concern, and there is significant uncertainty about how its environmental occurrence in groundwater is being assessed given the various analytical methods available. This study compiled public sampling records from 2000 to 2019 that included >106,000 analyses of 1,4-dioxane from 822 different U.S. sites. The 1,4-dioxane detection frequency in the entire dataset (including all methods) was 45%, and the median detected concentration was 10 μg/L, highlighting the dilute nature of 1,4-dioxane in environmental media and the importance of selecting methods with adequate sensitivity. The annual distribution of samples analyzed by each method type confirmed a shift towards methods designed for semi-volatile compounds (Method 8270 and Method 8270 SIM) that exhibited consistently lower reporting limits (median reporting limit for each year typically ≤1 μg/L). In contrast, the method designed for volatile compounds (Method 8260) exhibited less sensitivity for 1,4-dioxane (median reporting limit per year between 40 and 100 μg/L) and its use declined significantly over time with increasing use of the moderately sensitive Method 8260 SIM in later years. This shift contributed to an increase in the 1,4-dioxane detection frequency over time, with a strong correlation between the annual detection frequency and the median reporting limit. Sites where 1,4-dioxane was analyzed but not detected overwhelmingly used less-sensitive methods that may not have been adequate for the expected concentration levels. Given the sub-μg/L groundwater criteria issued for 1,4-dioxane by some regulatory agencies, more sensitive and accurate methods will be increasingly needed to assess compliance.     

Tidal variability in the water quality of an urbanized estuary

Tide and water quality data were collected concurrently in the Hackensack River estuary (HRE), a tidal tributary of the New York-new Jersey Harbor estuary. Harmonic analyses of tidal elevation data indicate that HRE tides are predominantly semidiurnal, though modulated by diurnal and fortnightly components. Nearly uniform tidal ranges (averaging approximately 1.6 m) were observed at three stations within the HRE. Periodogram estimates reveal significant tidal variability for the water quality parameter NH₄−N under dry-weather conditions. Lag correlation analyses associate NH₄−N concentration variations with water level fluctuations. Longitudinal profile plots for NH₄−N reveal a consistent pattern of tidal translations, with peak concentrations oscillating about a major wastewater discharger. These analyses suggest that the distribution of NH₄−N concentrations in the HRE is controlled primarily by major point source loadings and horizontal advection. A simplified, one-dimensional model is used to describe this distribution. Effects of tidal variability in masking water quality status and waak trends are also analyzed. These analyses highlight the potential importance of short-term water quality variability in tidal estuaries where concentration gradients are large.     

Magmatic gases in well fluids aid the mapping of the flow pattern in a geothermal system

Gas composition and silica concentrations of well fluids are used in conjunction with pressure, temperature and enthalpy data to obtain a model of the drilled part of the Krafla geothermal field (Northeast Iceland).A magma chamber is located at 3–8 km depth under the field. Magmatic gases emanate from the chamber and travel via a channel reaching the surface at the Hveragil eruptive fissure. The composition of the gases is apparently modified on the way, in that sulphur, which presumably is in the form of sulphur dioxide to begin with, is removed on the way, and what remains is in the form of hydrogen sulphide at the end. It is suggested that the major removal mechanism is the deposition of pyrite and pyrrhotite during the passage of the gases through the hydrothermal system.The hydrothermal system is divided into a lower part whose temperature exceeds 300°C and whose fluids are to a varying extent affected by the magmatic gases, and an upper part whose temperature is ca 200°C. This upper part is a run-off from the lower part but the magmatic effects have mostly disappeared there.