Organized bacterial assemblies in manganese nodules: evidence for a role of S-layers in metal deposition

Polymetallic/ferro-manganese nodules (Mn-nodules) reach sizes of up to 10 cm in diameter and are abundantly found on the seabed. To date, the origin of Mn-nodules remains unclear, and both abiogenic and biogenic origins have been proposed. In search of evidence for a contribution of microbial processes to the formation of Mn-nodules, we analyzed those spherical nodules which contain a concentrically banded texture in their interior. The Mn-nodules were collected at a depth of 5,152 m from the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. Our high-resolution scanning electron microscopy analyses reveal first published evidence that endolithic microorganisms exist and are arranged in a highly organized manner on plane mineral surfaces within the nodules. These microorganisms are adorned on their surfaces with S-layers, which are indicative for bacteria. Moreover, the data suggest that these S-layers are the crystallization seeds for the mineralization process. We conclude that the mineral material of the Mn-nodule has a biogenic origin, and hope that these data will contribute to the development of biotechnological approaches to concentrate metals from seawater using bacteria in bioreactors.     

Automated Extraction of a Five‐Year LA‐ICP‐MS Trace Element Data Set of Ten Common Glass and Carbonate Reference Materials: Long‐Term Data Quality,Optimisation and Laser Cell Homogeneity

LA‐ICP‐MS is increasingly applied to obtain quantitative multi‐element data with minimal sample preparation, usually achieved by calibration using reference materials (RMs). However, some ubiquitous RMs, for example the NIST SRM 61× series glasses, suffer from reported value uncertainties for certain elements. Moreover, no long‐term data set of analyses conducted over a range of ablation and tuning conditions exists. Thus, there has been little rigorous examination of the extent to which offsets between measured and reported values are the result of error in these values rather than analytically induced fractionation. We present new software (‘LA‐MINE’), capable of extracting LA‐ICP‐MS data with no user input, and apply this to our system, yielding over 5 years of data (~ 5700 analyses of ten glass and carbonate RMs). We examine the relative importance of systematic analytical bias and possible error in reported values through a mass‐specific breakdown of fourteen of the most commonly determined elements. Furthermore, these data, obtained under a wide range of different ablation conditions, enable specific recommendations of how data quality may be improved, for example the role of diatomic gas, the effect of differential inter‐glass fractionation factors and choice of transport tubing material. Finally, these data demonstrate that the two‐volume Laurin ablation cell is characterised by no discernible spatial heterogeneity in measured trace element ratios.     

Quantitative assessment of gas washing of oils in the Tazhong area of the Tarim Basin,Northwest China

Gas washing has been known in the Tazhong area of the Tarim Basin, but its quantitative assessment has not yet been reported. Here the influence of gas washing fractionation in the area was discussed based on the gas chromatogram data of 68 oils and the results of the mixing experiments of a black oil and a condensate. The results show that the intensity of gas washing fractionation decreased generally from northern to southern part and vertically from deep reservoirs to shallow reservoirs. The gas washing fractionation was mainly controlled by fault systems in this area, with the increase of n-alkane mass depletion positively correlated to the number and scale of faults. Gas washing fractionation appears to have affected the hydrocarbon property, and as a result the diversity of the crude oils is markedly controlled by gas washing. In addition, the occurrence of waxy oil in this area may be resulted from multiple factors including gas washing, mixed filling and migration fractionation. Supported by National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2006CB202303) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 40672091)     

Über die Änderung des Tagesganges der Luftfeuchtigkeit mit der Höhe im Gebirge

Zusammenfassung Auf Grund von Registrierungen an eng benachbarten Stationen, die im obersten Salzachtal im Land Salzburg in verschiedenen Höhenlagen zwischen Tal (900 m) und Kammhöhe (2000 m) des begleitenden Gebirgszuges gelegen waren, werden Tagesgänge der relativen Feuchtigkeit, des Dampfdrucks und der spezifischen Feuchtigkeit für Schönwettertage abgeleitet (Tab. 2). Im Vergleich dieser Stationen zeigt sich der Übergang der Form der Tagesgänge der relativen Feuchtigkeit (Abb. 2 und 3) und des Dampfdrucks (Abb. 4) von dem Typ der Niederung zu dem der Bergstationen. Der Einfluß der Konvektion und der über die feuchten Hänge streichenden Hangaufwinde auf diese Umgestaltung der Tagesgänge wird für die einzelnen Jahreszeiten quantitativ nachgewiesen und diskutiert.

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Summary Using records taken at closely neighbouring stations situated in the uppermost valley of the Salzach in the province of Salzburg at different levels between the valley-bottom (900 m) and the height of the adjacent mountain-ridge (2000 m) the diurnal variation of relative humidity, vapor pressure and specific humidity are derived for fair weather days (Tab. 2). The comparison of these stations shows the transition of the diurnal variation of relative humidity (Fig. 2 and 3) and vapor pressure (Fig. 4) from the ground type to that of the mountain stations. The influence of the convection and of the ascending currents passing over the moist slopes upon this modification of the diurnal variation is quantitatively proved and discussed for the different seasons.

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Résumé Sur la base d'enregistrements à des stations étroitement voisines situées dans la vallée la plus haute de la Salzach en province de Salzbourg à des niveaux differents entre la vallée (900 m) et l'altitude de la crête de la chaine adjacente de montagnes (2000 m) les variations diurnes de l'humidité relative, de la pression de vapeur et de l'humidité spécifique sont derivées pour les jours de beau temps (Tab. 2). En comparaison de cettes stations la transition de la forme des variations diurnes de l'humidité relative (Fig. 2 et 3) et de la pression de vapeur (Fig. 4) se présente du type de vallée à celui des stations de montagne. L'influence de la convection et des courants ascendants passant sur les pentes humides sur la transformation des variations diurnes est démontrée quantitativement et discutée.

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Mit 4 Textabbildungen.     

柴北缘鱼卡地区中侏罗统石门沟组含煤层段沉积有机相分析

柴达木盆地北缘鱼卡地区中侏罗统石门沟组含煤段中发育有油页岩、煤、碳质泥岩和泥岩等富有机质细粒沉积.为了研究其沉积有机相的类型及煤和油页岩形成的控制因素,本文通过岩心观察、工业分析结合有机地球化学测试分析等方法将含煤段细粒沉积物划分为了类型A(三角洲平原沉积环境)、B(三角洲前缘-浅湖沉积环境)、C1(湖沼非油页岩亚相)及C2(湖沼油页岩亚相)四种类型,其中类型C1沉积物中发育煤,类型C2中发育油页岩,且煤较油页岩具有更高的含油率、水分、挥发分以及发热量值.有机质类型特征方面,沉积有机相类型A、B及C1沉积物有机质类型均为Ⅱ2-Ⅲ型、有机质来源均以陆源和混合来源两种有机质来源为主,而类型C2中主要为Ⅱ2型,以混合有机质来源为主;类型A及C2其沉积物有机质均处于未成熟阶段,而类型B和C1中有机质均处于未成熟-低成熟阶段;有机质保存条件方面,类型A沉积物主要形成于缺氧的淡水环境,类型B主要形成于贫氧-缺氧的淡水-半咸水环境,类型C1形成于贫氧-缺氧的淡水-半咸水环境,而类型C2则主要形成于缺氧的淡水-半咸水环境.其中类型B较类型A,类型C2较类型C1,其沉积物均形成于更为还原且盐度更高的水体环境中.石门沟组含煤段是煤和油页岩的形成层位,稳定的沉积环境、丰富的湖泊有机质来源、良好的保存条件及较少的陆源碎屑的稀释共同促进了类型C2中油页岩的形成,而丰富的陆源植物供给及良好的保存条件则促进了类型C1中煤层的形成.     

Handlotungen und Echolotungen in der Seevermessung geringer Wassertiefen in strömenden Gewässern — eine kritische Betrachtung

Zusammenfassung Vergleichslotungen zwischen Echolot und Handlot führen zu einer mathematischen Ableitung der Handlotleinen-Kurve in strömenden Gewässern. Durch Einführung von zwei Vereinfachungen — Vernachlässigung des Lotleinen-Gewichts und Annahme der Konstanz der Strömungsgeschwindigkeit nach der Tiefe — wird theoretisch die Kettenlinie, praktisch eine Parabel ermittelt. Als bestimmend für den Parameter der Kettenlinie ergeben sich das Lotgewicht und der Staudruck auf die Lotleine. Aus einem praktischen Beispiel wird der Parameter entnommen, und es werden für diese Verhältnisse die für die Tiefenwerte bis 26 m zu erwartenden Fehlmessungen des Handlotes sowie die Größe der Ablagen der Lotbirne vom Lotpunkt berechnet. Für andere Werte der Strömungsgeschwindigkeit werden die Veränderungen auf die Ausbuchtung der Lotleine ebenfalls rechnerisch bestimmt und in Kurven dargestellt. Aus diesen Kurven ergeben sich zwangsläufig die größten Tiefen, die man bei verschiedenen Strömungsgeschwindigkeiten mit dem schweren Handlot vermessen darf; sie liegen bei v=1 m/sec bei 8 m, bei v=0,7 m/sec bei 12 m und bei v=0,5 m/sec bei 20 m Wassertiefe.Praktische Beispiele der Seevermessung aus der jüngsten Zeit zeigen deutlich die Notwendigkeit, zukünftig nur noch mit dem Echolot zu vermessen.

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A comment on the applicability of hand leads and echo sounders to surveying operations in flowing shallow waters

Summary From comparisons between hand-lead soundings and echo soundings in streaming waters the divergency of the lead line from the vertical is mathematically derived. In introducing two simplifications, i. e. in neglecting the weight of the lead line and in assuming the velocity of current to be constant at all depths, the catenary curve which practically speaking is a parabola, is theoretically ascertained. The weight of the lead and the dynamic pressuro of the water (the pressure as exerted on a jet and measured by it) are found to be decisive for the parameter of the catenary-curve. The parameter is derived from a practical example and, according to the conditions of same, the errors to be expected in sounding with the hand lead at depths up to 26 m (= 79 ft) as well as the divergency of the sounding lead from the vertical are calculated. The various degrees of the lead line's divergency caused by a greater or lesser intensity of the current are likewise calculated and represented by curves. These curves necessarily indicate the maximum depths that can be sounded with sufficient accuracy with the heavy hand lead (5 kilos) at different velocities of current; the approximate values are as follows: 8 m for 1,0 m/sec, 12 m for 0,7 m/sec, 20 m for 0,5 m/sec (or: 25 ft for 2,0 knots, 37 ft for 1,5 knots, 61 ft for 1,0 knot). As a result of practical experience in recent survey operations the echo sounder should be regarded as the only reliable instrument to be used in future surveying.

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Note critique sur l'applicabilité de la sonde au plomb-poisson et celle du sondeur acoustique aux levés hydrographiques effectués en faibles profondeurs dans les eaux courantes

Résumé Les comparaisons des sondages au plomb-poisson avec ceux effectués par écho permettent d'en dériver mathématiquement la courbe formée par la ligne de sonde dans des eaux courantes. En introduisant deux simplifications, c'est à dire en négligeant le poids de la ligne et en supposant que la vitesse de courant soit constante dans toutes les profondeurs on arrive à déterminer théoriquement la chaînette qui est en effet une parabole. Le paramètre est fonction du poids du plomb-poisson et celle de la poussée sensiblement horizontale sur le fil due au frottement du liquide. On se sert d'un exemple pratique pour en dériver le paramètre, pour calculer, dans les conditions de cet exemple, les sondages faux de la sonde au plomb-poisson dont il faut tenir compte dans les profondeurs jusqu'à 26 m, et pour déterminer la déviation entre le plomb au bout de la ligne et la verticale. Les diverses variations de la courbe, que la ligne subit et qui sont causées par d'autres valeurs de la vitesse de courant sont aussi calculées et représentées à l'aide des courbes. Ces courbes indiquent forcément les profondeurs permettant encore une précision suffisante du sondage au plombpoisson lourd (5 kg) aux différentes variations de la vitesse de courant. Ces maxima sont à peu près comme suit:v=1,0 m/sec à 8 m de profondeur,v=0,7 m/sec à 12 m de profondeur,v=0,5 m/sec à 20 m de profondeur. Des exemples pratiques offerts par des récentes levés hydrographiques prouvent que le sondeur acoustique doit être considéré comme le seul instrument assurant le précis levé hydrographique.

     

Strength criterion for cross-anisotropic sand under general stress conditions

By incorporating the fabric effect and Lode’s angle dependence into the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion, a strength criterion for cross-anisotropic sand under general stress conditions was proposed. The obtained criterion has only three material parameters which can be specified by conventional triaxial tests. The formula to calculate the friction angle under any loading direction and intermediate principal stress ratio condition was deduced, and the influence of the degree of the cross-anisotropy was quantified. The friction angles of sand in triaxial, true triaxial, and hollow cylinder torsional shear tests were obtained, and a parametric analysis was used to detect the varying characteristics. The friction angle becomes smaller when the major principal stress changes from perpendicular to parallel to the bedding plane. The loading direction and intermediate principal stress ratio are unrelated in true triaxial tests, and their influences on the friction angle can be well captured by the proposed criterion. In hollow cylinder torsional shear tests with the same internal and external pressures, the loading direction and intermediate principal stress ratio are related. This property results in a lower friction angle in the hollow cylinder torsional shear test than that in the true triaxial test under the same intermediate principal stress ratio condition. By comparing the calculated friction angle with the experimental results under various loading conditions (e.g., triaxial, true triaxial, and hollow cylinder torsional shear test), the proposed criterion was verified to be able to characterize the shear strength of cross-anisotropic sand under general stress conditions.     

The fish fauna of the Late Jurassic Solothurn Turtle Limestone (NW Switzerland)

The surroundings of Solothurn (NW Switzerland) have been known for their fossil marine turtles since the beginning of the nineteenth century. In more recent history, access to the fossil bearing layers i.e. the Rätschenbank (Kimmeridgian, Late Jurassic) has not been possible until 1986 when one of the old quarries in the area re-opened. A series of excavations from 1986 to 1989 provided new material and a unique opportunity to re-investigate the fish fauna of the Solothurn Turtle Limestone that has not been dealt with since Agassiz (1833–1844). Examination and classification of the Solothurn specimens, mainly jaw fragments and teeth, furnished 11 species in 6 major groups: chimaeras (Ischyodus), selachians (Hybodus, Paracestracion, Asteracanthus), semionotids (Lepidotes), pycnodontids (Gyrodus, Proscinetes), caturids and oligopleurids (Caturus, Callopterus, Ionoscopus), and aspidorhynchids (Belonostomus).     

三江源地区降雪量演变特征及其对径流的影响

利用1961-2019年三江源地区19个气象台站逐日气温、降水量等气象观测数据,分析了三江源地区降雪量、降雪日数和雪雨比的时空演变特征及其对径流量的影响。结果表明：（1）1961-2019年三江源地区平均降雪量为146.5 mm,降雪量以14.8 mm·（10a）^-1的速率在减少,1985-1999年为降雪量偏多期,2000年以来为降雪量偏少期;（2）三江源地区年平均雪雨比以4.0%·（10a）-1的速率在减少,长江源区西部及黄河源区西部是雪雨比减少最为明显的区域,其余地区减少速率相对缓慢;（3）三江源地区年平均降雪日数为91天,曲麻莱、五道梁、沱沱河一带以及黄河源区中西部是降雪日数的大值区,降雪日数以14 d·（10a）^-1的速率在减少,黄河源区西部是降雪日数减少最为明显的区域;（4）三江源地区各月降雪量及降雪日数均呈双峰型分布,降雪量和降雪日数最多出现在5月,小雪易出现在3月或4月,中雪和大雪以上量级在秋末、春季出现的概率最高;（5）随着海拔的抬升,降雪量和降雪日数增加,随经度的增加而减少;冷季降雪量多的年份,径流量也随之增大,且径流量相...