On the cessation of seismicity at the base of the transition zone

Through a detailed analysis of seismicity at the base of the transition zone, we obtain an updated value of the maximum reliable depth of confirmed seismicity, we investigate regional variation in the maximum depth of seismicity among those Wadati-Benioff zones which reach the bottom of the transition zone, and we attempt to quantify the maximum possible rate of seismic release in the lower mantle compatible with the failure to detect even a single event since the advent of modern seismological networks. We classify deep subduction zones into three groups: those whose seismicity does not reach beyond 620 km, those whose seismicity appears to terminate around 650–660 km, and Tonga-Kermadec (and the Vityaz cluster) whose seismicity extends to 685–690 km. We suggest that the depth extent of seismicity is controlled by the depth of the pv + mw transition responsible for the 660-km seismic discontinuity, which is deflected to greater depths in cold slabs than in warmer ones. We note that this transition marks the depth below which thermal perturbation of phase transitions no longer generates buoyancy anomalies and their large attendant down-dip compressive stresses and below which strain energy generated by other mechanisms may not accumulate to seismogenic levels due to superplastic weakness in fine-grained materials. We find that the maximum level of seismic activity in the lower mantle must be at least three orders of magnitude less than that observed in the transition zone.     

Magnesium Isotope Compositions of Natural Reference Materials

This study presents a chemical protocol for the separation of Mg that is particularly adapted to alkali‐rich samples (granite, soil, plants). This protocol was based on a combination of two pre‐existing methods: transition metals were first removed from the sample using an AG‐MP1 anion‐exchange resin, followed by the separation of alkalis (Na, K) and bivalent cations (Ca²⁺, Mn²⁺ and Sr²⁺) using a AG50W‐X12 cation‐exchange resin. This procedure allowed Mg recovery of ～ 10 0 ± 8%. The [Σcations]/[Mg] molar ratios in all of the final Mg fractions were lower than 0.05. The Mg isotope ratios of eleven reference materials were analysed using two different MC‐ICP‐MS instruments (Isoprobe and Nu Plasma). The long‐term reproducibility, assessed by repeated measurements of Mg standard solutions and natural reference materials, was 0.14‰. The basalt (BE‐N), limestone (Cal‐S) and seawater (BCR‐403) reference materials analysed in this study yielded δ²⁶Mg mean values of ?0.28 ± 0.08‰, ?4.37 ± 0.11‰ and ?0.89 ± 0.10‰ respectively, in agreement with published data. The two continental rocks analysed, diorite (DR‐N) and granite (GA), yielded δ²⁶Mg mean values of ?0.50 ± 0.08‰ and ?0.75 ± 0.14‰, respectively. The weathering products, soil (TILL‐1) and river water (NIST SRM 1640), gave δ²⁶Mg values of ?0.40 ± 0.07‰ and ?1.27 ± 0.14‰, respectively. We also present, for the first time, the Mg isotope composition of bulk plant and organic matter. Rye flour (BCR‐381), sea lettuce (Ulva lactuva) (BCR‐279), natural hairgrass (Deschampsia flexuosa) and lichen (BCR‐482) reference materials gave δ²⁶Mg values of ?1.10 ± 0.14‰, ?0.90 ± 0.19‰, ?0.50 ± 0.22‰ and ?1.15 ± 0.27‰ respectively. Plant δ²⁶Mg values fell within the range defined by published data for chlorophylls.     

Qu'en est-il de la pollution microbiologique d'origine aérienne des eaux du Léman?

Résumé Les auteurs ont recherché, au moyen d'investigations dans le ≪Petit-Lac≫, le nombre de micro-organismes d'origine aérienne qui tombent sur le Léman en un an. Ce nombre s'élève, en moyenne, à 482×10¹⁵ germes; cela représente un poids de près de 2 tonnes. Ils mentionnent également les principales conditions climatiques et météorologiques qui conditionnent l'augmentation ou la diminution du nombre des microorganismes dans l'atmosphère.

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Zusammenfassung Die Autoren haben, aufgrund von Untersuchungen im sogennanten ≪Petit-Lac≫, die Zahl der Mikroorganismen, die w?hrend eines Jahres aus der Luft ins Wasser des Genfersees gelangen, gesch?tzt. Diese Zahl betr?gt im Mittel 482×10¹⁵ Keime, was einem Totalgewicht von nahezu zwei Tonnen entspricht. Die Autoren erw?hnen zudem die haupts?chlichen klimatischen und meteorologischen Bedingungen, welche die zahlenm?ssige Zunahme oder Abnahme dieser Mikroorganismen in der Atmosph?re beeinflussen.

     

Evidence of prehistoric liquefaction in Kuwait and implications for the seismic vulnerability of the Arabian Gulf Countries

This paper presents and analyzes paleo-liquefaction features found in the State of Kuwait. The features are cemented sand and gravel-filled dikes of Pleisto–Holocene age with appearance and composition similar to typical “sandstone pipes.” The significant age difference between the cemented dikes and the surrounding loose sand, the size and spatial distribution of the dikes, and the local geologic and hydrologic setting all suggest that the feature probably results from a single large event of seismic origin. Likely hypotheses include shaking during large earthquakes or seiching of tsunami-like waves. Additional research is needed to identify the exact cause of these dike formations, which is important for the purpose of improving seismic risk and vulnerability assessment of the Arabian Gulf countries. The search may also help explain the disappearance of an ancient civilization that lived in the same region approximately seven thousand years ago.

     

U–Pb Ages for Zircon Grains from Nsanaragati Alluvial Gem Placers: Its Correlation to the Source Rocks

The Mamfe Basin is located in the SW of Cameroon and is an extension of the much bigger Benue Trough in the SE of Nigeria. Along the Asenem River and its tributaries in the western part of the Mamfe Basin (close to the border with Nigeria) gem placers yielding big zircon grains were found in recent river sediments close to Nsanaragati. In order to determine the source area and to establish a possible correlation between the zircons found in the Nsanaragati placers and rocks surrounding the Mamfe Basin 56 detrital zircon grains were analysed regarding their U–Pb ages and selected trace element contents by LA‐ICP–MS techniques. Possible source areas are rocks from the Benue Trough in the West and from the Cameroon Volcanic Line (CVL) in the SE of the study area. Based on microscopic analyses it was possible to distinguish two groups of zircons: reddish and non‐reddish ones, where the latter group comprises color variations from brown to orange, yellow to even colorless. In general, the detrital zircons show high hafnium values (4576 to 12565 ppm) and very variable thorium (7.8 to 1565 ppm) and uranium values (13.4 to 687 ppm). The Th/U ratios vary from 0.4 to 2.3, allowing correlations for some zircon grains to kimberlitic, granitic or syenitic affinities. It was also possible to distinguish zircon grains crystallised in mafic mantle‐derived melts from those crystallised in felsic melts, e.g. from continental rift‐related magmatic systems. In general, the U–Pb zircon ages obtained range from 11.7 to 1949 Ma. All zircons of the reddish group yielded almost similar ages resulting in a Concordia age of 12.4 Ma (Serravallian), an age unknown from the Mamfe Basin so far. The group of non‐reddish zircons showed various ages ranging from Serravallian to Orosirian. It was possible to correlate the youngest ages with rocks known from intrusions along the CVL, dated with K/Ar or Ar/Ar methods. The most probable sources were Mount Bamenda and Mount Bambouto in the east of the Mamfe Basin. Cretaceous ages are interpreted as re‐recycled clastic sediments whose original source had been rocks in the south and the north of the Benue Trough and who had been eroded and deposited within the catchment area of the Asenem river system in the Mamfe Basin in post‐Cretaceous times. The oldest ages are assumed to represent the pan‐African and pre‐pan‐African basement of the Mamfe basin.