Imprints of sub-glacial volcanic activity on a glacier surface—SAR study of Katla volcano,Iceland

The Katla central volcano, covered by the fourth largest Icelandic glacier Mýrdalsjökull, is among the most dangerous and active volcanoes in Iceland. Due to the ice cover, several indicators of its volcanic activity can only be identified indirectly. We analysed a total of 30 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images with special focus on identifying circular and linear depressions in the glacier surface. Such features are indicative of sub-glacial geothermal heat sources and the adjacent sub-glacial tunnel (melt water drainage) system. The time series comprises images from five different SAR sensors (ERS-1, ERS-2, JERS-1/SAR, RADARSAT and ENVISAT-ASAR) covering a time period of 12 years, starting in 1994. Individual SAR scenes only partly map the glacier surface morphology due to the environmental influences on the SAR backscatter intensity. Thus, only surface features detectable in several SAR scenes at the same location were considered and merged to form an overall picture of the surface morphology of Mýrdalsjökull and its modification by sub-glacial volcanic activity between 1994 and 2006. Twenty permanent and 4 semi-permanent ice cauldrons could be identified on the surface of Mýrdalsjökull indicating geothermally active areas in the underlying caldera. An analysis of their size was not possible due to the indistinct outline in the SAR images. The spatial distribution of the geothermally active areas led to a new, piecemeal caldera model of Katla volcano. All cauldrons are connected to tunnel systems for melt water drainage. More than 100 km of the sub-glacial drainage system could be identified under the Mýrdalsjökull in the SAR time series. It has been found that the tunnel systems are not in agreement with estimated water divides. Our results allow improved assessment of areas of potential Jökulhlaup hazard accompanying a sub-glacial eruption.     

Tectonic Evolution of the Thrust-Nappe Belt in the Southwestern Ordos Basin (China): New Constraints from Exploration Seismic Data

Geotectonics - The thrust-nappe belt in the Western Ordos Basin is located in the northern segment of the North‒South structural belt in the mainland China. It is the junction of different...     

Magnetic deformation of the white dwarf surface structure

The influence of strong, large‐scale magnetic fields on the structure and temperature distribution in white dwarf atmospheres is investigated. Magnetic fields may provide an additional component of pressure support, thus possibly inflating the atmosphere compared to the non‐magnetic case. Since the magnetic forces are not isotropic, atmospheric properties may significantly deviate from spherical symmetry. In this paper the magnetohydrostatic equilibrium is calculated numerically in the radial direction for either for small deviations from different assumptions for the poloidal current distribution. We generally find indication that the scale height of the magnetic white dwarf atmosphere enlarges with magnetic field strength and/or poloidal current strength. This is in qualitative agreement with recent spectropolarimetric observations of Grw+10°8247. Quantitatively, we .nd for e.g. a mean surface poloidal field strength of 100 MG and a toroidal field strength of 2‐10 MG an increase of scale height by a factor of 10. This is indicating that already a small deviation from the initial force‐free dipolar magnetic field may lead to observable effects. We further propose the method of finite elements for the solution of the two‐dimensional magnetohydrostatic equilibrium including radiation transport in the diffusive approximation. We present and discuss preliminary solutions, again indicating on an expansion of the magnetized atmosphere.     

Ferromanganese Nodules and their Associated Sediments from the Central Indian Ocean Basin: Rare Earth Element Geochemistry

Abstract

The rare earth element (REE) distribution in nine deep-sea ferromanganese nodules and their associated siliceous sediments from the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) have been studied to elucidate the REE relationship among them. Total REE concentration varies from 398–928 ppm in the nodules and 137–235 ppm in the associated sediments, suggesting two- to four-fold enrichment in the nodules compared to associated sediments. REE of nodules and their associated sediments show a positive correlation, suggesting REE are supplied from a common source such as seawater. The positive correlation between REE of nodules and sediments from the CIOB is contrary to the competitive scavenging of REE between nodules and sediment in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. REEs in the nodules are carried by Fe, P, and Ti, whereas in the sediment they are carried by P and Mn phases. A similar REE fractionation pattern with middle REE enrichment over heavy and light REE in both the nodules and their associated sediment suggest fractionation is independent of REE abundance and their carrier phases.     

Statistical Analysis of Monitoring the Results of the Radon Level and Meteorological Parameters in the Buildings of Geophysical Stations in Azerbaijan

Izvestiya, Atmospheric and Oceanic Physics - In this paper, we present a statistical analysis of the results of monitoring the radon content and meteorological parameters (atmospheric pressure,...     

Wirkung der Chlorung auf die Abläufe einer Großkläranlage und ihres Vorfluters

To protect a water for the purpose of local recreation – inclusive of bathing – the effluent of an upstream clarification plant was chlorinated. Due to poorly controlled dosing, residual chlorine quantities exceeding the permissible level entered the receiving stream, its biocenosis having been considerably endangered. Detrimental effects on the chemical composition are graphically represented by the measured results for some waters – partly criteria of quality. There is explained that the self-purification capacity of the water decreased by about 30 % and that the hydrobiological species composition of periphyton was reduced by about 80 %. Finally, advice is given concerning the prevention of such damages to waters.     

Application of seepage flow models to a drainage project in fractured rock

Summary Various theoretical approaches are used to model groundwater flow in fractured rock. This paper presents the application of several approaches to the restoration of the drainage of Rofla tunnel, Grisons, Switzerland. In this tunnel it became necessary to take measures against the washing out of calcium carbonates from the tunnel lining cement, because the calcium carbonate clogged up the existing drainage tubes leading to increased rock water pressures on the inside arch of the tunnel. Drainage boreholes were drilled on a section of the tunnel and their influence on the water pressures was monitored. On the basis of the geological survey different seepage flow models were established to reproduce the measured water pressures. The models were then used to predict the future water pressures acting on the tunnel lining after restoration. Thus, the efficacy of the different drainage proposals could be predicted and therefore optimised. Finally, the accuracy of the predictions is discussed and illustrated using the measurements in the test section.     

Application of geomorphologic knowledge for erosion hazard mapping

An erosion hazard map was elaborated using geomorphologic and lithological information; this was the base to characterize the erodibility of the territory. The aim of the proposed methodology is to define the areas where more detailed studies are necessary (e.g., to estimate rates of soil erosion, mitigation measurements, land use) to prevent future problems. Field work and remote sensing data (study of historical aerial photographs and satellite images) were used to understand the geomorphologic evolution and the current processes taking place in an area; this information was used to group the units according to its lithology, dynamic and slope inclination. The map was processed using the geographical information system and categorized in zones of very high, high, moderate, low and null fluvial erosion hazards. The map covers the Metropolitan Area of San Salvador, which is experiencing serious problems of mass wasting processes, collapse and settlements of foundations. Most affected areas belong to the Tierra Blanca Joven tephras which are unsaturated and cover most of the surface; nowadays, the urban projects and infrastructure resting in this material are suffering from extensive damage. The geotechnical information on the tephras shows a decrease in strength and collapsible behavior when saturated. Due to this, the use of Quickdraw tensiometers (suction) and TMS3 (soil moisture content) is proposed for monitoring. The methodology of erosion hazard mapping correlates well with mass wasting reported in the studied area, and for this reason, it could be a good way to protect the natural resources and improve the land use.     

An accentuated “hot blob” over Vidarbha,India, during the pre-monsoon season

A “hot blob”, distinct hot region, is identified over Vidarbha in the south-central parts of the Indian subcontinent during the pre-monsoon season from the analysis of gridded surface air maximum temperature data from India Meteorological Department for the period 1951–2019. Spatial distribution and frequencies of temperatures?>?40 °C and?>?42 °C establish the hot blob over Vidarbha region. A similar analysis of simulated maximum temperatures from the NEX-GDDP substantiates the revelation of the “hot blob” over Vidarbha. Further, analysis of the wind circulation at 850 hPa over South Asia region indicates that the “COL” region between the two seasonal high-pressure systems over the Indian Ocean seas, Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea promotes accumulation of heat over Vidarbha. Further, horizontal temperature convergence complimented by strong local heating of the black soil aids and abets the sustenance of the “hot blob”. This “hot blob” region is observed to be hotter as well as having higher frequencies of hot days than the north-west desert Rajasthan region and assumes importance as its modulation causes heatwaves over the south-east coastal regions. This study establishes the presence of the hottest region over Vidarbha in south-central parts, paradoxically hotter than the desert north-west region of India.