DEM Simulation of Direct Shear: 1. Rupture Under Constant Normal Stress Boundary Conditions

A particle-based distinct element method and its grain-based method are used to generate and simulate a synthetic specimen calibrated to the rupture characteristics of an intact (non-jointed) low-porosity brittle rock deformed in direct shear. The simulations are compared to the laboratory-generated ruptures and used to investigate rupture at various normal stress magnitudes. The fracturing processes leading to shear rupture zone creation and the rupture mechanism are found to be normal stress dependent (progressing from tensile splitting to shear rupture) and show partial confirmation of rupture zone creation in nature and in experiments from other materials. The normal stress dependent change is found to be due to the orientation of the major principal stress and local stress concentrations internal to the synthetic specimens being deformed. The normal stress dependent rupture creation process results in a change to the rupture zone’s geometry, shear stress versus horizontal displacement response, and thus ultimate strength.     

Analysis of radial movement of an unconfined leaky aquifer due to well pumping and injection

Radial movement of an unconfined leaky aquifer was studied with respect to hydraulic forces that are induced by well recharge and discharge. New analytic solutions in the velocity and displacement fields were found and applied to describe transient movement in an unconfined leaky aquifer. Linear momentum and mass balance of saturated porous sediments, the Darcy-Gersevanov law, and the analytic solution of hydraulic drawdown for unsteady flow within the unconfined leaky aquifer were introduced to find the new solutions. Analytic results indicate that the nonlinear relation between the initial hydraulic head (h₀) and the well function has an insignificant effect on the aquifer transient movement when the drawdown s<0.02h ₀. When the well function is simplified with different assumptions and pumping conditions, the new solutions correspondingly reduce to cases that are similar to the Hantush-Jacob, Muskat, and Theis transient movement of a confined leaky aquifer. It was found that large leakance is important in slowing radial movement and reducing aquifer deformation. Flow velocity in the aquifer is more responsive to leakance than to cumulative displacement within the aquifer. The zones and boundary with tensile stress can be located using the same approach applied to a confined aquifer for risk assessment of earth fissuring.

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Résumé Le mouvement radial dans un aquifère semi-perméable libre a été étudié en considérant les forces hydrauliques induites par la recharge et le prélèvement au niveau d’un puits. De nouvelles solutions analytiques des champs de vitesse et de déplacement ont été trouvées et appliquées pour décrire le mouvement transitoire dans un aquifère semi-perméable libre. Pour trouver les nouvelles solutions, le moment linéaire et le bilan de masse dans les sédiments poreux saturés, la loi de Darcy-Gersevanov, et la solution analytique du rabattement hydraulique pour un écoulement transitoire dans un aquifère semi-perméable libre sont pris en compte. Les résultats analytiques montrent que la relation non-linéaire entre le potentiel hydraulique initial (h₀) et la fonction de puits a un effet insignifiant sur le mouvement transitoire de l’aquifère quand le rabattements s <0.02h₀. Si la fonction de puits est simplifiée en tenant compte de différentes hypothèses et conditions de pompage, les nouvelles solutions se réduisent en conséquence à des cas similaires au mouvement transitoire dans un aquifère semi-perméable captif selon Hantush-Jacob, Muskat, et Theis. Il s’est avéré qu’une drainance élevée est importante pour le ralentissement du mouvement radial et la réduction de la déformation de l’aquifère. La vitesse d’écoulement dans l’aquifère est plus sensible à la drainance qu’au déplacement cumulé dans l’aquifère. Les zones et la frontière présentant des contraintes de traction peuvent être localisées en utilisant la même approche appliquée à un aquifère captif pour l’évaluation des risques de fissuration du sol.

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Resumen Se ha estudiado el movimiento radial en un acuífero no confinado con fuga en relación a las fuerzas hidráulicas que son inducidas por la descarga y recarga del pozo. Se encontraron nuevas soluciones analíticas en los campos de desplazamiento y velocidad, las cuales se aplicaron para describir el movimiento transitorio en un acuífero no confinado con fuga. Se han introducido cálculos de balance de masa y momentum lineal de los sedimentos porosos saturados, la Ley Darcy-Gersevanov, y la solución analítica de descenso hidráulico para flujo sin régimen permanente dentro del acuífero no confinado con goteo para encontrar las nuevas soluciones. Los resultados analíticos indican que la relación no lineal entre la presión hidráulica inicial (h₀) y la función del pozo tiene efecto insignificante en el movimiento transitorio del acuífero cuando el descenso s < 0.02h₀. Cuando se simplifica la función del pozo en base a diferentes supuestos y condiciones de bombeo se reducen las nuevas soluciones a casos que son similares a el movimiento transitorio Hantush-Jacob, Muskat, y Theis de un acuífero confinado con goteo. Se encontró que las fugas grandes son importantes en la disminución del movimiento radial y en la reducción de la deformación del acuífero. La velocidad de flujo en el acuífero responde más a las fugas que al desplazamiento acumulativo dentro del acuífero. Pueden localizarse zonas y límites con esfuerzos tensionales usando el mismo enfoque aplicado a acuíferos confinados para evaluación de riesgo de generación de fracturas en el terreno.

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Origin of magmatic sulfides in a Proterozoic island arc—an example from the Portneuf–Mauricie Domain,Grenville Province,Canada

The Portneuf–Mauricie Domain (PMD), located in the south-central part of the Grenville province, contains Mesoproterozoic Ni–Cu ± platinum-group element (PGE) prospects hosted in a variety of plutonic intrusions (layered, with simple structures, or zoned) and emplaced in a mature island arc setting. A two-stage model is envisaged to explain the formation of magmatic sulfides. An early loss of a small amount of sulfides in the conduits of primitive, hydrous mantle-derived melts under high fO₂, resulted in depletion of the magmas in chalcophile and precious metals (Cu/Pd ratios vary from initial mantle values up to 1.6 × 10⁶). Then, nearer the mineralized zones, the magmas interacted with sulfide-bearing country rocks, resulting in felsification of the magmas, assimilation of crustal sulfur (δ ³⁴S values up to +5.5‰), and the formation of an immiscible sulfide liquid. Liquid-sulfide formation was followed by variable interactions between the silicate and sulfide magmas, which were responsible for the enrichment of sulfides in Ni, Cu, and, locally, PGE. Indeed, low R factors are found for prospects hosted in intrusions with a simple internal structure and in layered intrusions whereas high R factors are found for prospects hosted in zoned intrusions. Finally, sulfide melt may have been partly incorporated into later pulses of magma and injected into shallow magma chambers to form the PMD prospects. The PMD prospects share common characteristics with other well-known deposits (Aguablanca, Vammala, Stormyrplunen, and deposits in Alaskan/Ural-type intrusions), attesting to the Ni, Cu, and PGE potential of deposits associated with subduction-zone settings.     

NEW OBSERVATIONS ON THE MEIOTIC PROCESS IN THE MARINE DINOFLAGELLATE NOCTILUCA SCINTILIANS （NOCTILUCALES, DINOPHYCEAE）

The meiotic process in Noctiluca scintillans were observed under light microscope.Some abnormal cell divisions, incompletely separated “zoospores” and the changes of the zoospores are described in this paper. Together with the fmdings of field samplings and the previous results by other researchers, the process of meiosis in N. scintillans was supposed to be a pathway to reduce the extra high density of NH3-N within the cell in order to ensure normal population growth.     

Genesis of tuff interval and its uranium enrichment in Upper Triassic of Ordos Basin,NW China

Recently measured high gamma ray values in the Yanchang Formation of the Upper Triassic in the Ordos Basin have added an interesting and controversial twist to the study of the formation’s uranium enrichment and genesis. High uranium and thorium contents in the tuffaceous layer cause high gamma ray values in the Yanchang Formation. Petrographic studies, major elements, rare earth elements (REEs), and trace elements have been systematically analyzed to determine the composition, geochemical environment, and diagenetic processes of the layer. The observed color of the tuffaceous layer in the study area varies from yellow to yellowish brown. The tuff consists of matrix supported with sub-rounded to sub-angular lithic fragments. These lithic fragments probably derived from pre-existing rocks and incorporated into the tuffaceous layer during volcanic eruption. Quartz, plagioclase, and biotite were observed in well to poorly sorted form, in addition to framboidal pyrite and organic laminae. Measured ratios of SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ranged from 3.277 to 6.105 with an average of 3.738. The ratio of TiO₂/Al₂O₃ varied from 0.037 to 0.201 with an average of 0.061, indicating that the sediments of the tuffaceous layer originated from an intermediate magma. REE distribution patterns show sharp negative Eu anomalies, indicating a reducing environment, which is suitable for uranium deposition. A reducing environment was confirmed by black shale in the base of the Yanchang Formation. Such black shale has high organic matter content that can take kerogene from mudstone and provide a reducing environment for uranium enrichment in the tuffaceous layer. Moreover, negative Eu anomalies and the REE patterns indicate a subduction-related volcanic arc environment as the magma source of the tuffaceous layers. High values of Rb, Ba, and Sr might be the result of fluid phase activities; low values of Hf and Eu indicate the involvement of crustal material during diagenesis of the tuff. Discrimination diagrams (Th/Yb vs Ta/Yb, Th/Hf vs Ta/Hf) suggest an active continental margin as the tectonic setting of source volcanoes. Plots of Nb versus Y, Rb versus Y + Nb, TiO₂ versus Zr, and Th/Yb versus Nb/Yb of the tuffaceous content point to calc-alkaline continental arc-related magmatism. We concluded that uranium enrichment in the tuffaceous layer was supported by oxidation–reduction.     

Experimental investigation of atmospheric dispersion over the Swiss Plain — Experiment “SIESTA”

Between November 15 and 30, 1985, an international mesoscale transport experiment was performed on the Swiss Plain. Seven meteorological groups from Denmark, Germany, Italy and Switzerland measured diffusion properties of near neutral planetary boundary layers during six completely overcast days: four Bise (north-east wind) situations, one transitional situation and one west-wind situation. Diffusion was measured using SF₆ as tracer, which was released at the meteotower of the Gösgen nuclear power plant at 6 m above ground level. One hundred automatic samplers plus a mobile gas chromatograph were used to measure the concentration fields at distances up to 90 km downwind. Meteorological parameters were observed using radar-tracked constant-level balloons, tethered balloon soundings, sonic anemometers, an acoustic sounder and several meteorological ground stations, including a 110 m mast. All data were collected on a magnetic tape with free access to interested persons.The aim of the experiments was to obtain knowledge about the general nature of the turbulence, advection and atmospheric dispersion during neutral weak-wind situations over complex terrain. The collected data set will be useful for testing mesoscale transport and diffusion models. The results clearly show the channelling effect of the Jura mountains and the hilly prealpine region. An interesting result is that the SF₆ plumes showed intensive horizontal spread but only limited diffusion in the vertical direction.     

Energetic Particle Acceleration and Propagation in Strong CME-Less Flares

Flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) contribute to the acceleration and propagation of solar energetic particles (SEP) detected in the interplanetary space, but the exact roles of these phenomena are yet to be understood. We examine two types of energetic particle tracers related with 15 CME-less flares that emit bright soft X-ray bursts (GOES X class): radio emission of flare-accelerated electrons and in situ measurements of energetic electrons and protons near 1 AU. The CME-less flares are found to be vigorous accelerators of microwave-emitting electrons, which remain confined in low coronal structures. This is shown by unusually steep low-frequency microwave spectra and by lack of radio emission from the middle and high corona, including dm?–?m wave type IV continua and metre-to-hectometre type III bursts. The confinement of the particles accelerated in CME-less flares agrees with the magnetic field configuration of these events inferred by others. Two events produced isolated metric type II bursts revealing coronal shock waves. None of the seven flares in the western hemisphere was followed by enhanced particle fluxes in the GOES detectors, but one, which was accompanied by a type II burst, caused a weak SEP event detected at SoHO and ACE. Three of the CME-less flares were followed within some hours by SEP-associated flares from the same active region. These SEP-producing events were clearly distinct from the CME-less ones by their association with fast and broad CMEs, dm?–?m wave radio emission, and intense DH type III bursts. We conclude that radio emission at decimetre and longer waves is a reliable indication that flare-accelerated particles have access to the high corona and interplanetary space. The absence of such emission can be used as a signal that no SEP event is to be expected despite the occurrence of a strong soft X-ray burst.     

HUBEX强化观测期雷达测雨在水文过程模拟中的应用(英)

选择全球能量与水循环亚洲季风试验区的淮河黄泥庄水文站控制的史河流域(805 km2)为研究区域,基于数字高程模型,生成栅格水流流向,构建数字流域及空间拓扑关系;然后,将阜阳雷达观测数据经过订正校准后作为研究区内每一栅格单元上的雨量输入,并在每一栅格上应用新安江模型构建产流模型;再根据每一栅格至流域出口断面-黄泥庄水文站的距离,运用Muskingum方法进行汇流演算,从而获得黄泥庄站的流量过程。计算结果显示,从1998年5月31日-8月3日的强化观测期内模型确定性系数为92.41％,其间4场洪水的确定性系数分别为85.64％、86.62％、92.57％和83.91％,高于应用地面雨量计观测的数据计算的结果。这说明雷达测雨数据具有较高的时空分辨率,当它应用于水文过程模拟时优于地面雨量计资料,基于栅格的水文模型为充分利用雷达数据提供了良好平台。     

Constructing rainfall depth-frequency curves considering a linear trend in rainfall observations

Comprehensive flood prevention plans are established in large basins to cope with recent abnormal floods in South Korea. In order to make economically effective plans, appropriate design rainfalls are critically determined from the rainfall depth-frequency curves which take the occurrence of abnormal floods into consideration. Conventional approaches to construct the rainfall depth-frequency curves are based on the stationarity assumption. However, this assumption has a critical weak aspect in that it cannot reflect non-stationarities in rainfall observations. As an alternative, this study suggests the non-stationary Gumbel model (NSGM) which incorporates a linear trend of rainfall observations into rainfall frequency analysis to construct the rainfall depth-frequency curves. A comparison of various schemes employed in the model found that the proposed NSGM permits the estimation of the distribution parameters even when shifted in the future by using linear relationships between rainfall statistics and distribution parameters, and produces more acceptable estimates of design rainfalls in the future than the conventional model. The NSGM was applied at several stations in South Korea and then expected the design rainfalls to increase by up to 15–30% in 2050.