An ion microprobe study of anhydrous oxygen diffusion in anorthite: a comparison with hydrothermal data and some geological implications

The diffusion rate of ¹⁸O tracer atoms in anorthite (An₉₇Ab₀₃) under anhydrous conditions has been measured using SIMS techniques. The tracer source was ¹⁸O₂ 98.4% gas at 1 bar, in the temperature range 1300° C–850° C. The measured diffusion constants are D ₀=1 _–0.6 ⁺¹ ×10^–9 m²s^–1 Q=236±8 kJ mol^–1 Comparison of these values with published data for ¹⁸O diffusion in anorthite under hydrothermal conditions shows that dry oxygen diffusivities are orders of magnitude lower than equivalent wet values at similar temperatures. The effect of these differences on oxygen isotope equilibration during cooling is discussed.     

Characteristics of magnetic carriers responsible for Late Paleozoic remagnetization in carbonate strata of the mid-continent, U.S.A.

Magnetic analysis of carbonate strata of the mid-continent region of the United States indicates that the Late Paleozoic remagnetization already recognized in the Appalachians also affects almost the entire mid-continent. Magnetic intensity is regionally variable, with more intense magnetizations occurring on intracratonic arches. Magnetization is carried predominately by magnetite, which often occurs in tiny hollow spheroids composed of well formed octahedral microcrysts. Spheroid chemistry and morphology suggests that the magnetite is authigenic, composed of iron extracted from pre-existing pyrite or clay. The timing of the remagnetization, the character of the magnetite, and the regional variation in magnetic intensity support the idea that the remagnetization is a diagenetic consequence of tectonically-driven brine migration.     

Eddy fluxes of CO2, water vapor,and sensible heat over a deciduous forest

Fluxes of CO₂, latent heat and sensible heat were measured above a fully-leafed deciduous forest in eastern Tennessee with the eddy correlation technique. These are among the first reported observations over such a surface. The influences of solar radiation, vapor pressure deficit and the aerodynamic and canopy resistances on these mass and energy exchanges are examined. Following a concept introduced by McNaughton and Jarvis (1983), examination of our data suggest that the water vapor exchange of a deciduous forest is not as strongly coupled with net radiation as is that of agricultural crops. The degree of decoupling is smaller than in the case of a coniferous forest. This difference may be attributable in part to the greater aerodynamic resistance to water vapor transfer in a deciduous forest. It appears that the concept of decoupling may be extended to the CO₂ exchange of a deciduous forest as well.Published as Paper No. 7832, Journal Series, Nebraska Agricultural Research Division. ATDD Contribution No. 85-17.     

Parameterization of subsurface heating for soil and concrete using net radiation data

The variability of surface sensible heat flux depends strongly on the heating rate of the material beneath the surface. This variability is expected to be large in urban areas where the surfaces are layered with a variety of man-made materials. Parameterization of the ground heat storage as a function of surface materials is presented based on analyses of data obtained during the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Regional Air Pollution Study conducted in St. Louis, Missouri. Ground heat flux data are derived from observations of surface and subsurface temperatures for a soil layer and for concrete slabs resting on soil. The data show that the presence of the concrete slabs increases the ground storage term relative to that for soil alone. The ground storage and sensible heat flux terms for a blackened concrete slab are larger than for an unpainted concrete slab. For the concrete surfaces, the ratio of ground storage to net radiation is >1 at night and <1 during the day. This ratio is discontinuous at sunrise and sunset transition periods. For soil, the ratio shows similar temporal behavior except that on average, there is a smoother transition at sunrise. Simple mathematical expressions giving the ratio of ground heat storage to net radiation as a function of time are presented.Now with Enviroplan, Incorporated, West Orange, NJ 07052, U.S.A.On assignment from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.     

A note on observation decorrelation,variances of residuals,and redundancy numbers

A technique for processing correlated observations suitable for large, sparse, least-squares adjustments is reviewed. Correlated coordinate differences derived from the Global Positioning System are used as illustrative examples. However, the methods examined are suitable for all types of correlated observations. The computation of variances of residuals, redundancy numbers, and marginally detectable errors is considered for sparse systems.     

Market area planning strategy: An example of interstate banking markets in the USA

Geographic restrictions exist in the USA banking industry including one which does not permit banks to establish offices outside of their home state. Given the increasing likelihood that this interstate restriction may be removed in the near future, banks need to identify attractive interstate market areas as part of their strategic planning efforts. An approach employing multivariate statistical techniques was used to help a large Southeastern USA bank holding company, the NCNB Corporation, identify attractive interstate market areas.     

On the possible utilization of Camelops by early man in North America

Camelops was a major faunal element in late Wisconsin biotic communities over much of North America. Interpretations of possible human association with Camelops are often based on poorly evaluated evidence. Ideal standards for acceptable evidence are compared here to the actual evidence that has been advanced. Of 25 fossil assemblages examined, 2 might be examples only of geological contemporaneity of humans and Camelops; 2 might indicate behavioral association of humans and Camelops bones; and 2 might indicate actual human utilization of Camelops (killing and/or butchering). Camelops bones interpreted as artifacts are similar to modern specimens affected by noncultural processes.     

Exogenic processes and the origin of the sialic crust

Large scale segregation of sialic crust from mantle material may have taken place by magmatic differentiation, partial melting or by exogenic processes. Weathering is a little considered, but verifiable process by which free silica can be generated in quantity from mafic material. In proto-Archean time acid ocean water must have been highly reactive. Even submarine weathering by such acid water could lead to large scale generation of free silica. Evidence from soil formation supports this view. Recrystallization of weathering products would take place by anatexis in the course of relatively intense recycling processes in pre-Archean and early Archean times. Much Fe and Mg in shales and carbonates would segregate downward as mafic xenoliths. The sialic fraction would be returned to shallow crustal levels by diapiric ascent and upward melting. This model is valid only if the sialic crust has grown little since Archean time. We show that “primitive” isotope ratios in later sialic rocks which may suggest gradual accretion of sialic crust throughout geologic time can also be explained by recycling mechanisms. We conclude that exogenic processes in pre-Archean times could have generated most of the sialic crust.