Metamorphic history of the South Tibetan Detachment System,Mt. Everest region,revealed by RSCM thermometry and phase equilibria modelling

This study combines microstructural observations with Raman spectroscopy on carbonaceous material (RSCM), phase equilibria modelling and U–Pb dating of titanite to delineate the metamorphic history of a well‐exposed section through the South Tibetan Detachment System (STDS) in the Dzakaa Chu valley of Southern Tibet. In the hanging wall of the STDS, undeformed Tibetan Sedimentary Series rocks consistently record peak metamorphic temperatures of ～340 °C. Temperatures increase down‐section, reaching ～650 °C at the base of the shear zone, defining an apparent metamorphic field gradient of ～310 °C km^?1 across the entire structure. U–Th–Pb geochronological data indicate that metamorphism and deformation at high temperatures occurred over a protracted period from at least 20 to 13 Ma. Deformation within this 1‐km‐thick zone of distributed top‐down‐to‐the‐northeast ductile shear included a strong component of vertical shortening and was responsible for significant condensing of palaeo‐isotherms along the upper margin of the Greater Himalayan Series (GHS). We interpret the preservation of such a high metamorphic gradient to be the result of a progressive up‐section migration in the locus of deformation within the zone. This segment of the STDS provides a detailed thermal and kinematic record of the exhumation of footwall GHS rocks from beneath the southern margin of the Tibetan plateau.     

Modeling nonlinear seagrass clonal growth: Assessing the efficiency of space occupation across the seagrass flora

The clonal growth of 9 seagrass species was modeled using a simulation model based on observed clonal growth rules (i.e., spacer length, rhizome elongation rates, branching rates, branching angle) and shoot mortality rates for seagrass species. The results of the model confirmed the occurrence of complex, nonlinear growth of seagrass clones derived from internal dynamics of space occupation. The modeled clones progressed from a diffuse-limited aggregation (DLA), dendritic growth, identified with a guerrilla strategy of space occupation, to a compact (Eden) growth, comparable to the phalanx strategy of space occupation, once internal recolonization of gaps, left by dead shoots within the clone, begins. The time at which seagrass clones shifted from diffuse limited to compact growth was predictable from the branching angle and frequency of the species and varied from 1 yr to several decades among species. As a consequence the growth behavior and the apparent growth strategy of the species changes with the development of the clones. The results of the model demonstrate that the emergent complexity of seagrass clonal growth is contained within the simple set of growth rules that can be used to represent clonal growth.     

Transient loading-related settlement of a square foundation on geogrid-reinforced sand

Summary Laboratory model test results are presented that determine the effectiveness of using layers of geogrids as reinforcement in sand to reduce the settlement of square surface foundations subjected to transient loading. The model tests were conducted with only one type of geogrid at one relative density of compaction of sand. The maximum intensity of the transient load applied always exceeded the static ultimate bearing capacity of the foundation when supported by unreinforced sand. The settlement reduction factors for various depths of reinforcement have been determined.     

delta15N of seagrass leaves for monitoring anthropogenic nutrient increases in coral reef ecosystems

In a coral reef environment, a slight increase in dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN;> or =1.0 micro M) can alter the ecosystem via macroalgal blooms. We collected seagrass leaves from the tropical and subtropical Pacific Ocean in five countries and examined the interactions between nutrient concentrations (C, N, P), molar ratios of nutrients, and delta15N to find a possible indicator of the DIN conditions. Within most sites, the concentrations of nutrients and their molar ratios showed large variations owing to species-specific values. On the other hand, almost identical delta15N values were found in seagrass leaves of several species at each site. The correlations between delta15N and nutrient concentrations and between delta15N and molar ratios of nutrients suggested that nutrient availability did not affect the delta15N value of seagrass leaves by altering the physiological condition of the plants. Increases in delta15N of seagrass leaves mostly matched increases in DIN concentrations in the bottom water. We suggest that delta15N in seagrass leaves can be a good tool to monitor time-integrated decrease/increase of DIN concentrations at a site, both in the water column and the interstitial water.     

Field observations of stratified atmospheric flow above an obstacle

In a study using the plume from the Four Corners power plant, near Farmington, N.M., lee waves were observed during times when the plume flowed across the Hogback. Wavelengths were typically about 1.2 km; wave amplitudes were more variable, ranging from 20 to 100 m. The observed amplitudes imply an obstacle that is broader and shallower than is actually the case. This is in agreement with laboratory studies that show the existence of regions of complex flow both upstream and downstream from an obstacle, which have the effect of broadening the region over which laminar flow occurs. Visual observation, measurement of the plume cross-sectional area both upstream and downstream from the Hogback, and measurement of plume aerosol concentrations show that turbulent and eddy flow over and downwind from the Hogback increase the rate of mixing of the plume with the surrounding atmosphere. This in turn increases the rate at which plume components come into contact with the ground.     

Early Paleozoic gabbro-granitoid associations in eastern segment of the Mongolian-Okhotsk foldbelt (Amur River basin): Age and tectonic position

Magmatic rocks of the Pikan and Un’ya massifs situated in eastern segment of the Mongolian-Okhotsk foldbelt are studied using isotopic-geochronological (U-Pb zircon dating) and geochemical methods. Two rock complexes different in age are recognized in the Pikan massif: the high-Al gabbro-tonalite association of the Middle Ordovician (468 ± Ma) and granodiorite-granite association of the Late Silurian-Early Devonian (415 ± 7 Ma). The Late Ordovician age (454 ± 5 Ma) is established for leucocratic granites of the Un’ya massif. As is suggested, the Pikan and Un’ya massifs are “allogenic blocks” detached from continental framework of the Mongolian-Okhotsk foldbelt and tectonically emplaced into the foldbelt structure at the last stage of its development.     

Stratiform and vein U,Mo and Cu mineralization in the Novoveská Huta area,CSFR

U-Mo and Cu mineralization occurs in horizons as well as in veins in the Permian formations near Novoveská Huta. Ore mineralization is represented by uraninite, U-Ti oxides, coffinite, molybdenite, chalcopyrite, tennantite and pyrite. The isotopic composition of S and C displays a larger variability in the stratiform ores (³⁴S from –32.7 to +2.7 and ¹³C from –27.1 to — 0.5) These data suggest mixing of meteoric solutions with fluids of volcanic origin and a complex history. There is a narrower range of ³⁴S from –18.8 to –4.6 and ¹³C from –6.3 to –2.5% in quartz-carbonate veins with Cu mineralization suggesting a deep source of ore-bearing solutions. The Permian volcanics were a significant source of ore elements.Their contents of U, Mo, Cu and Y are from two to eight times higher than in sedimentary rocks. Accumulations of ore elements in the horizons were formed by the reduction and adsorption processes 240 ± 30 Ma ago according to U-Pb isotopic dating. Due to Alpine tectonism, these low-grade ores (U<0.1 wt%) were remobilized and higher-grade U-Mo ores (U>0.1 wt%) were formed 130 ± 20 Ma ago at temperatures ranging from 110 to 120° C, according to fluid inclusions. Younger veins with Cu mineralization were formed 115 ± 10 Ma according to the model age of Pb at temperatures ranging from 95 to 190°C.