Nitrogen and oxygen isotopic compositions of water-soluble nitrate in Taihu Lake water system, China: implication for nitrate sources and biogeochemical process

The stable isotope nitrogen-15 (¹⁵N) is a robust indicator of nitrogen (N) source, and the joint use of δ¹⁵N and δ¹⁸O–NO₃ ^? values can provide more useful information about nitrate source discrimination and N cycle process. The δ¹⁵N and δ¹⁸O–NO₃ ^? values, as well as major ion tracers, from Taihu Lake in east China were investigated to identify the primary nitrate sources and assess nitrate biogeochemical process in the present study. The results show that the nitrate concentration in West Taihu Lake (WTL) was generally higher than those in East Taihu Lake (ETL) and its upstream inflow rivers. The NO₃ ^?/Cl^? value combined with mapping of δ¹⁵N–NO₃ ^? and NO₃ ^? concentration suggest that the mixing process should play a major effect in WTL, and denitrification was the dominant N transformation process in WTL. A linear relationship of close to ~1: 2 was observed between δ¹⁵N–NO₃ ^? and δ¹⁸O–NO₃ ^? values in WTL, confirming the occurrence of denitrification in WTL. The δ¹⁵N–NO₃ ^? data imply that sewage and manure were the principal nitrate sources in WTL and its feeder rivers, while the nitrate in ETL might derive from soil organic nitrogen and atmospheric deposition. The δ¹⁸O–NO₃ ^? data indicate most of nitrate from microbial nitrification of organic nitrogen matter possibly make a significant contribution to the lake.     

Evacuation behaviour of households and drivers during a tornado

With increasing concerns over the possibility of tornadoes in highly populated areas in Canada, emergency managers are looking into ways to mitigate the impacts of tornadoes. Given that tornadoes can cause enormous destruction, early warnings and proper evacuation actions are critically important in helping save lives. In this paper, a survey was conducted to analyse the evacuation behaviour of households and drivers during a hypothetical tornado warning situation in the city of Calgary, Alberta. Nearly 500 Calgarians took part in the online survey and provided information on how they would respond to tornado warnings after receiving them. This paper presents the results of the survey. Using probit models, the factors influencing these evacuation decisions are identified and discussed in detail. The results of the household evacuation model show the importance of improving awareness about the safest locations during a tornado. It further highlights the need for targeting the population under the age of 30, who are more likely to take unsafe evacuation actions. The model for evacuation of drivers shows that several factors, such as knowing the difference between a watch and a warning, awareness of safe cover, receipt of warnings through natural environmental cues and the level of education, trigger evacuation actions in avoiding a tornado threat.     

Interpretative matrices approach to ranking lake sub-basin pollution potential: an applied study in Brazil

In 2005 a Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii bloom occurred in the Rio Verde Lake Basin (Brazil). To address this concern, a field analysis was performed to measure physicochemical variables and flows in 14 sub-basins, between 2008 and 2009. Measurements of mean total P (0.039 mg/L ± 0.018 mean SD), mean total Kjeldahl N (0.260 mg/L ± 0.226 mean SD), and mean BOD (1.2 mg/L ± 0.4 mean SD) concentrations were low in most streams, while COD reached a high of 27.1 mg/L (±4.9 mean SD). One tributary was responsible for 85 % of TP load, 77.1 % of TKN load, 78 % of t-BOD load, and 79 % of t-COD load. These concentrations and loads were used to develop the pollution potential assessment matrix (2PAM), which considered three different perspectives: stream water quality, reservoir ecosystem equilibrium, and sub-basin management. Each factor (TP, TKN, BOD and COD) was weighted based on concentration, total load and unit-area load. Pollution potential differed depending on which perspective was considered. The matrix developed, 2PAM, provides a new way to analyze concentrations and loads, enabling basin managers to prioritize action plans according to desired use within the basin.     

地层错动引起的上覆饱和黏土层变形特性的离心试验研究

地震断层错动会引起上覆土层变形,从而造成断层附近的建筑结构、管线产生附加的变形和内力引起破坏。通过一个土工离心机试验分析上覆饱和黏土层在4步连续断层错动作用下的静力响应行为。着重分析断层错动引起的地层变形的范围、不均匀沉降区的分布特点、剪切裂缝在土层传播路径及地表开裂的位置等工程上重点关注的问题。得到以下几点认识：(1) 基岩断层错动引起的地层变形范围基本上不受基岩错动量大小的影响。(2) 断层错动引起地层的不均匀沉降区基本呈三角形分布,其地表宽度约为1倍左右的土层厚度。(3) 基岩错动引起的主剪切裂缝基本沿竖直方向向上传播,其传播距离取决于基岩错动量及土体的破坏应变。(4) 基岩断层错动在主剪区的下盘一侧边缘会产生张拉裂缝,且产生张拉裂缝所需基岩错动量远小于产生剪切裂缝所需的错动量。     

Development of sustainability evaluation model for implementing product service systems

A new business model, product service systems, is proposed to promote a shift in focus from selling purely products to selling functions. This is achieved through a mix of products and services that fulfill the same consumer demands, while eliciting less environmental impact. Development of product service systems has become an increasingly important strategy in achieving social, economic, and environmental sustainability because product service systems advocates reducing resource consumption, while delivering better and more widely available goods and services. This paper proposes an evaluation framework of sustainable performance to implement product service systems. A literature review discusses 32 criteria categorized into two aspects: product and organization. The fuzzy Delphi method is then applied to identify the consistency of criteria. The relative weights of the selected criteria are determined using Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process. Results indicate that the top three criteria in product aspect are maintenance system (weight?=?0.172), use time or frequency (weight?=?0.145), and price of the product (weight?=?0.132). For the organization aspect, the top three criteria are integrated service plan (weight?=?0.197), product development and design (weight?=?0.144) and optimized transportation network (weight?=?0.089). The demand for implementing product service systems is completely different from selling traditional goods because product service systems must consider the issue of sustainability. The proposed evaluation framework can help companies identify the potential products suitable in implementing product service systems.     

Geochemical and isotopic composition of organic matter in the Kupferschiefer of the Polish Zechstein basin: relation to maturity and base metal mineralization

max vs the present depth of the Kupferschiefer, soluble organic matter (SOM) yields, and relative proportions of saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons of the SOM provide evidence for an oxidative alteration of organic matter in highly mineralized Kupferschiefer samples near the Rote F?ule zones. This is confirmed by differences in the composition of the saturated and aromatic hydrocarbon fractions of the soluble organic matter: Saturated hydrocarbons from Rote F?ule samples are dominated by short-chain n-alkanes and higher abundances of pristane and phytane relative to heptadecane (n-C17) and octadecane (n-C18), respectively, compared with samples more distant to the Rote F?ule zone. Compositional changes of the aromatic hydrocarbon fractions with decreasing distance to that zone are characterized by the occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and elevated ratios of phenanthrene to methylphenanthrenes that are attributed to demethylation reactions and resulted in a decrease of the methylphenanthrene index (MPI 1). Kupferschiefer samples from the barren zone of the Polish Basin do not show these alteration patterns. The observed variations in organic matter composition with burial depth are consistent with changes due to increasing thermal maturation. Maturity assessment is achieved from MPI 1 and the methyldibenzothiophene ratio (MDR). From the relationship between the maturity of organic matter in terms of vitrinite reflectance values and depth of the Kupferschiefer strata, a continuous increase in reflectance of vitrinite is obtained within the Polish Basin. The alteration pattern of organic matter related to base metal mineralization of the Kupferschiefer corresponds to changes in the isotopic composition of organic carbon and calcite. Kerogen within, or close to, Rote F?ule zone is enriched in ¹³C caused by the preferential release of isotopically light organic compounds through progressive degradation of organic matter. The opposite tendency towards lower δ ¹³C and δ ¹⁸O values of calcite provides evidence for isotopic exchange between carbonate and the oxidizing, ore-bearing solutions and for organic matter remineralization. In contrast, organic matter and calcite from the Kupferschiefer do not show regular trends in δ ¹³C with increasing thermal maturation. Received: 25 June 1999 / Accepted: 1 December 1999     

Calciocarbonatite and magnesiocarbonatite rocks and magmas represented in the system CaO-MgO-CO2-H2O at 0.2 GPa

Summary ?The low-pressure eutectic for the coprecipitation of calcite, portlandite, and periclase/brucite (with H₂O-rich vapor) has served as a model for the existence and crystallization of carbonatite magmas. Attempts to determine conditions for the appearance of dolomite at this eutectic have been unsuccessful. We have discovered a second low-temperature eutectic for more magnesian liquids which excludes portlandite and includes dolomite (all results are vapor-saturated). Addition of Ca(OH)₂-Mg(OH)₂ to CaCO₃-MgCO₃ at 0.2 GPa depresses the liquidus to temperatures below the crest of the calcite-dolomite solvus; the vapor-saturated liquidus surface falls steeply, and the field boundary for liquids coexisting with calcite and periclase reaches a peritectic at 880 °C, where a narrow field for liquidus dolomite begins, extending down to the eutectic at 659 °C for the coprecipitation of calcite, dolomite and periclase (brucite should replace periclase at slightly higher pressures). The calcite liquidus is very large. The field boundary for coexistence of calcite and dolomite extends approximately in the direction from CaMg(CO₃)₂ towards Mg(OH)₂. The results illustrate conditions for the formation of mineral-specific cumulates from variable magma compositions. Hydrous (or sodic) carbonate-rich liquids with compositions from CaCO₃ to CaMg(CO₃)₂ will precipitate calcite-carbonatites first, followed by calcite-dolomite-carbonatites, with the prospect of precipitating dolomite-carbonatite alone through a limited temperature interval, and with periclase joining the assemblage in the closing stages. Periclase in the Fe-free system may represent the ubiquitous occurrence of magnetite in natural carbonatites. The restricted range for the precipitation of dolomite-carbonatites adds credibility to the evidence for primary magnesiocarbonatite (near-dolomite composition) magmas. Magnesiocarbonatite magmas can precipitate much calcite-carbonatite rock.

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Zusammenfassung ?Calciokarbonatitische und magnesiokarbonatitische Gesteine und Magmen im System CaO-MgO-CO ₂ -H ₂ O bei 0.2 GPa Das Niedrigdruck-Eutektikum der gemeinsamen Ausscheidung von Calcit, Portlandit und Periklas/Brucit (mit H₂O-reicher Fluidphase) diente als Modell um die Existenz und Kristallisation karbonatitischer Magmen zu erkl?ren. Versuche die Bedingungen des Auftretens von Dolomit an diesem Eutektikum zu bestimmen blieben bisher ergebnislos. Wir entdeckten ein zweites Niedrigtemperatur-Eutektikum für magnesiumreichere Schmelzen, das Portlandit ausschlie?t, aber Dolomit inkludiert (alle Ergebnisse bei Fluids?ttigung). Die Zugabe von Ca(OH)₂-Mg(OH)₂ zu CaCO₃-MgCO₃ bei 0.2 GPa senkt den Liquidus auf Temperaturen unter die Solvus-Schwelle von Calcit-Dolomit. Die fluidges?ttigte Liquidusfl?che verl?uft steil und die Grenzfl?che von Schmelze, die mit Calcit und Periklas koexistiert erreicht ein Peritektikum bei 880 °C. Dort ?ffnet sich ein schmales Feld für Liquidus-Dolomit, das bis zum Eutektikum bei 659 °C reicht, an dem Calcit, Dolomit und Periklas (Brucit sollte Periklas bei geringfügig h?heren Drucken ersetzen) gemeinsam ausgeschieden werden. Der Calcit- Liquidus ist sehr gro?. Die Linie an der Calcit und Dolomit koexistieren erstreckt sich ungef?hr von CaMg(CO₃)₂ zu Mg(OH)₂. Die Ergebnisse zeigen die Bildungsbedingungen für die Bildung mineralspezifischer Kumulate aus unterschiedlichen Magmenzusammensetzungen. Aus w?ssrigen (oder Na-reichen) karbonatreichen Schmelzen mit Zusammensetzungen zwischen CaCO₃ und CaMg(CO₃)₂ werden sich zuerst Calcitkarbonatite und dann Calcit-Dolomitkarbonatite ausscheiden, mit der M?glichkeit Dolomitkarbonatite über ein sehr eingeschr?nktes Temperaturintervall zu bilden und mit Periklas, der zu dieser Vergesellschaftung im Endstadium hinzukommt. Periklas im Fe-freien System k?nnte das weitverbreitete Analog zu Magnetit in natürlichen Karbonatiten sein. Der enge Bereich für die Ausscheidung von Dolomitkarbonatiten untermauert die Existenz prim?rer magnesiokarbonatitischer Magmen (nahe der Zusammensetzung von Dolomit). Magnesiokarbonatitische Magmen k?nnen daher entsprechende Mengen an calcitkarbonatitischen Gesteinen ausscheiden.

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Received July 20, 1998;/revised version accepted August 18, 1999     

Rehabilitation of industrial areas: case histories from England and Germany

 Contaminated and possibly hazardous ground represents a problem in all of the industrialized countries of the world. The investigation of a site that is suspected of being contaminated differs somewhat from a routine site investigation. Sampling of soils, groundwater and gas-producing material may be required. Various precautions may be necessary in doing this and operatives may have to wear protective clothing. Four case histories have been chosen to illustrate different aspects of the rehabilitation of abandoned contaminated land, namely, investigation, assessment, ground treatment and redevelopment. The first comes from Leeds in West Yorkshire, England, and outlines how a site investigation was undertaken and the nature of the contamination present, together with a note on the suggested redevelopment. The remaining three case histories are taken from the heavily industrialized district of the Ruhr in Germany, where extensive mining of coal and associated industries were developed from the mid-19th century onwards. The first considers the site of the former Graf Moltke mine near Essen. In this instance, the somewhat novel methods of data assessment and ground treatment are dealt with. The Mont Cenis site at Herne-Sodingen is one of the more notable old mining/industrial sites undergoing redevelopment in the state of North Rhine Westphalia. Hence, the case history concentrates of this aspect of rehabilitation. This involves not only the construction of new and interesting structures but an attempt to reduce energy consumption in an attempt to effect the concept of sustainable development of an urban area. The last example deals with the abandoned site of the Minister Achenbach mine at Lünen, where the ground conditions were further complicated by the presence of old bomb craters that had been filled with a variety of materials. In addition, because of the suspected presence of former foundation structures in the ground an electromagnetic survey was carried out across part of the site, the areas of high conductivity suggesting their presence. Received: 15 September 1999 · Accepted: 14 March 2000     

Surface and subsurface sedimentary structures produced by salt crusts

The growth and subsequent dissolution of salts on or within sediment may alter sedimentary structures and textures to such an extent that it is difficult to identify the depositional origin of that sediment and, as a result, the sediment may be misinterpreted. To help to overcome such problems with investigating ancient successions, results are presented from a comprehensive study of the morphology and fabrics of three large areas of modern salt flats in SE Arabia: the Sabkhat Matti inland region and the At Taf coastal region, both in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and the Umm as Samim region in Oman. These salt flats are affected by tidal‐marine, alluvial and aeolian depositional processes and include both clastic‐ and carbonate‐dominated surficial sediments. The efflorescent and precipitated salt crusts in these areas can be grouped into two main types: thick crusts, with high relief (>10 cm) and a polygonal or blocky morphology; or thin crusts, with low relief (<10 cm) and a polygonal or blister‐like appearance. The thin crusts may assume the surface morphology of underlying features, such as ripples or biogenic mats. A variety of small‐scale textures were observed: pustular growths, hair‐like spikes and irregular wrinkles. Evolution of these crusts over time results in a variety of distinctive sedimentary fabrics produced by salt‐growth sediment deformation, salt‐solution sediment collapse, sediment aggradation and compound mixtures of these processes. Salt‐crust processes produce features that may be confused with aeolian adhesion structures. An example from the Lower Triassic Ormskirk Sandstone Formation of the Irish Sea Basin demonstrates how this knowledge of modern environments improves the interpretation of the rock record. A distinctive wavy‐laminated facies in this formation had previously been interpreted as the product of fluvial sheetfloods modified by soft‐sediment deformation and bioturbation. Close inspection of laminations seen in core reveals many of the same sedimentary fabrics seen in SE Arabia associated with salt crusts. This facies is the product of salt growth on aeolian sediment and is not of fluvial origin.     

Accelerated initial stiffness schemes for elastoplasticity

Iterative methods for the solution of non‐linear finite element equations are generally based on variants of the Newton–Raphson method. When they are stable, full Newton–Raphson schemes usually converge rapidly but may be expensive for some types of problems (for example, when the tangent stiffness matrix is unsymmetric). Initial stiffness schemes, on the other hand, are extremely robust but may require large numbers of iterations for cases where the plastic zone is extensive. In most geomechanics applications it is generally preferable to use a tangent stiffness scheme, but there are situations in which initial stiffness schemes are very useful. These situations include problems where a nonassociated flow rule is used or where the zone of plastic yielding is highly localized. This paper surveys the performance of several single‐parameter techniques for accelerating the convergence of the initial stiffness scheme. Some simple but effective modifications to these procedures are also proposed. In particular, a modified version of Thomas' acceleration scheme is developed which has a good rate of convergence. Previously published results on the performance of various acceleration algorithms for initial stiffness iteration are rare and have been restricted to relatively simple yield criteria and simple problems. In this study, detailed numerical results are presented for the expansion of a thick cylinder, the collapse of a rigid strip footing, and the failure of a vertical cut. These analyses use the Mohr–Coulomb and Tresca yield criteria which are popular in soil mechanics. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.