Diatom assemblage changes in lacustrine sediments from Isla de los Estados, southernmost South America, in response to shifts in the southwesterly wind belt during the last deglaciation

Isla de los Estados (54° 45′S, 63° 10′–64° 46′W) lies east of the main island of Tierra del Fuego and is the southeastern-most point in Argentina. Because of its geographic position near the latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere Westerlies and the strong influence of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), the area is suitable for paleoecological and paleoclimate research. The island is not far north of the Subantarctic Front, which limits the northern boundary of the ACC. Paleoenvironmental study in this geographic location can shed light on past changes in atmospheric and marine circulation patterns. Diatom analysis of the lower part of a sediment sequence from Laguna Cascada (54° 45′ 51.3′′S, 64° 20′ 20.07′′W) enabled inference of changing lake conditions between 16 and 11.1 cal ka BP. Between 16 and 14.4 cal ka BP fragilarioid diatom species, often a pioneer group, dominated the record. Their presence shows seasonally open-water conditions from the onset of sedimentation. In zone II (14.4–12.8 cal ka BP), the dominance of planktonic/tychoplanktonic Aulacoseira spp. might represent longer ice-free periods and windier conditions, which would have kept this heavy species suspended in the water column. This period corresponds to the Antarctic Cold Reversal, when the Southern Hemisphere Westerlies were possibly centered on the latitudes of Tierra del Fuego, resulting in windy and wet conditions. Zone III (12.8–11.1 cal ka BP) is dominated by benthic diatom taxa that are mainly associated with peat and wetland vegetation. This suggests that climate conditions had become milder and less windy, favoring aquatic productivity and terrestrial vegetation development. This change in environmental conditions may have been a consequence of the southward movement of the Southern Hemisphere Westerlies at the start of the Antarctic Holocene thermal optimum.     

An Inter-Laboratory Assessment of the Thorium Isotopic Composition of Synthetic and Rock Reference Materials

We present a concerted international effort to cross-calibrate five synthetic Th isotope reference materials (UCSC Th "A", OU Th "U", WUN, IRMM-35 and IRMM-36), and six rock reference materials (UCSC TML, Icelandic ATHO, USGS BCR-2, USGS W-2, USGS BHVO-2, LV18) using multi-collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS). We then compare our new values with a compilation of literature mass spectrometric data for these reference materials and derive recommended "consensus"²³⁰Th/²³²Th values for each. We also present isotope dilution U and Th concentration data for four rock reference materials (UCSC TML, Icelandic ATHO, USGS BCR-2, USGS W-2).     

The effect of assimilation, fractional crystallization, and ageing on U-series disequilibria in subduction zone lavas

Although most arc lavas have experienced significant magma differentiation, the effect of the differentiation process on U-series disequilibria is still poorly understood. Here we present a numerical model for simulating the effect of time-dependent magma differentiation processes on U-series disequilibria in lavas from convergent margins. Our model shows that, in a closed system with fractional crystallization, the ageing effect can decrease U-series disequilibria via radioactive decay while in an open system, both ageing and bulk assimilation of old crustal material serve to reduce the primary U-series disequilibria. In contrast, with recharge of refresh magma, significant ²²⁶Ra excess in erupted lavas can be maintained even if the average residence time is longer than 8000 years.The positive correlations of (²²⁶Ra/²³⁰Th) between Sr/Th or Ba/Th in young lavas from convergent margins have been widely used as evidence of fluid addition generating the observed ²²⁶Ra excess in subduction zones. We assess to what extent the positive correlations of (²²⁶Ra/²³⁰Th) with Sr/Th and Ba/Th observed in the Tonga arc could reflect AFC process. Results of our model show that these positive correlations can be produced during time-dependent magma differentiation at shallow crustal levels. Specifically, fractional crystallization of plagioclase and amphibole coupled with contemporaneous decay of ²²⁶Ra can produce positive correlations between (²²⁶Ra/²³⁰Th) and Sr/Th or Ba/Th (to a lesser extent). Therefore, the correlations of (²²⁶Ra/²³⁰Th) with Sr/Th and Ba/Th cannot be used to unambiguously support the fluid addition model, and the strength of previous conclusions regarding recent fluid addition and ultra-fast ascent rates of arc magmas is significantly lessened.     

A Mid–Late Quaternary loess–paleosol record in Simmons Farm in southern Illinois,USA

In unglaciated areas of the Mississippi Valley region, the typical full loess–paleosol succession contains the Modern Soil developed in Peoria Silt, weakly developed Farmdale Geosol developed in Roxana Silt, Sangamon Geosol developed in Loveland Silt, and Yarmouth Geosol developed in Crowley's Ridge Silt. Although a fifth loess called the Marianna Silt is reported at one area, the paleosol that separates the Crowley Ridge and Marianna Silts is not well defined. Previous thermoluminescence (TL) and optical stimulated luminescence (OSL) age chronology has suggested multiple phases of Sangamon Geosol developed in Loveland Silt, but clear morphological evidence of polygenetic Sangamon Geosol profiles have not been found. Recently, a thick loess–paleosol sequence has been studied in the middle Mississippi Valley in unglaciated southern Illinois, USA. Soil morphology and analytical results revealed five loesses and associated paleosol units. Two Sangamon Bt horizons were found separated by a thick ACtk horizon, interpreted to indicate two phases of Sangamon Geosol development. This well-preserved loess–paleosol succession provides one of the most complete mid–late Quaternary loess records in the middle Mississippi Valley to date, and is important for studying the stratigraphic framework and paleoclimate and environment changes.     

Molluscs as evidence for a late Pleistocene and early Holocene humid period in the southern coastal desert of Peru (14.5°S)

The southern Peruvian coastal desert around Palpa, southern Peru (14.5°S) is currently characterized by hyper-arid conditions. However, the presence of two species of molluscs (Scutalus, Pupoides) and desert-loess deposits indicates the past development of semi-desert and grassland ecosystems caused by a displacement of the eastern desert margin due to hydrological changes. Radiocarbon dating shows that the transition to a semi-arid climate in the southern Peruvian coastal desert took place during the Greenland interstadial 1, ∼ 13.5 cal ka BP. At the beginning of the Holocene, the mollusc fauna vanished due to increasing humidity and the development of grasslands. Dust particles were fixed by the grasses, as indicated by abundant Poaceae phytoliths, and desert loess was formed. The humid period we observe here is out of phase with the palaeoenvironmental records from the Titicaca region, which indicates dry conditions at that time. This paper offers a new idea for this contradiction: an orbitally driven meridional shift of the Bolivian high might have altered the moisture supply across the Andes.     

The effects of controlled drainage on subsurface outflow from level agricultural fields

Daily outflow frequencies and recession curves were used to identify differences in storage–outflow relationships between two different drainage systems, conventional and controlled drainage. A three‐year (1996–1999) field drainage experiment was carried out on a loamy sand soil in southern Sweden. Plots with an area of 0·2 hectares were drained by conventional subsurface drainage (CD) or by controlled drainage (CWT1 and CWT2). The controlled drainage system allowed the groundwater level in the soil to be varied during the year. It was kept at least 70 cm below the soil surface during the growing season but allowed to rise to a maximum of 20 cm below the soil surface during the rest of the year. Measurements were performed to record precipitation, drain outflow and groundwater levels. Daily values of outflow were divided into 10 categories, based on the size of outflow. Recession curves of hourly measurement of outflow were selected. They behaved like single reservoirs and a linear storage–outflow model was applied. Least squares estimates of the parameters initial outflow, initial storage volume and retention constant were calculated. Controlled drainage had a significant effect on total drain outflow and outflow pattern during the three years of measurement. The total drain outflow was 70% to 90% smaller in CWT than in CD. The analysis revealed that the initial outflows were higher, the retention constant and the temporary storage lower in CWT. The hydrological impacts of the reduction in temporary storage were higher peak flow, shorter lag time and shorter recession time and these effects increased with an increased groundwater level. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

U-series disequilibria in volcanic rocks from the Canary Islands: Plume versus lithospheric melting

U-series disequilibria are presented for Holocene samples from the Canary Islands and interpreted with special emphasis on the separate roles of plume vs. lithospheric melting processes. We report Th and U concentrations and (²³⁸U)/(²³²Th), (²³⁰Th)/(²³²Th), (²³⁰Th)/(²³⁸U) and (²³⁴U)/(²³⁸U) for 43 samples, most of which are minimally differentiated, along with (²²⁶Ra)/(²³⁰Th) and (²³¹Pa)/(²³⁵U) for a subset of these samples, measured by thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS). Th and U concentrations range between 2 and 20 ppm and 0.5 and 6 ppm, respectively. Initial (²³⁰Th)/(²³⁸U) ranges from 1.1 to 1.6. (²²⁶Ra)/(²³⁰Th)_o ranges between 0.9 and 1.8 while (²³¹Pa)/(²³⁵U)_o ranges between 1.0 and 2.0.Our interpretation of results is based on a three-fold division of samples as a function of incompatible element ratio, such as Nb/U. The majority of samples have Nb/U = 47 ± 10, similar to most MORB and OIB. Higher ratios are found exclusively in alkali basalts and tholeiites from the eastern Canary Islands whereas lower ratios are exclusively found in differentiated rocks from the western Canary Islands. Those with ordinary Nb/U ratios are attributed to melting within the slowly ascending HIMU-dominated Canary plume.Higher Nb/U, generally found in more silica rich basalts from the eastern islands, is attributed to lithospheric contamination. Based on their trace element characteristics, two possible contaminants are amphibole veins (± other minerals) crystallized in the mantle from previous plume-derived basanite or re-melted plume-derived intrusive rocks. The high Nb/U signature of these materials is imparted on a melt of the lithosphere created either by the diffusive infiltration of alkalis or by direct reaction between basanites and peridotite. Mixing between plume-derived basanite and lithospheric melt accounts for the U-series systematics of most eastern island magmas including the well-known Timanfaya eruption. Lower Nb/U ratios in differentiated rocks from the western islands are attributed to fractional crystallization of amphibole ± phlogopite ± sphene from basanite during its ascent through the lithosphere. Based on changes in disequilibria, phonolites and tephrites are interpreted to result from rapid differentiation of primitive parents within millennia.     

Measurement of surface water runoff from plots of two different sizes

Intensities and amounts of water infiltration and runoff on sloping land are governed by the rainfall pattern and soil hydraulic conductivity, as well as by the microtopography and soil surface conditions. These components are closely interrelated and occur simultaneously, and their particular contribution may change during a rainfall event, or their effects may vary at different field scales. The scale effect on the process of infiltration/runoff was studied under natural field and rainfall conditions for two plot sizes: small plots of 0·25 m² and large plots of 50 m². The measurements were carried out in the central region of Chile in a piedmont most recently used as natural pastureland. Three blocks, each having one large plot and five small plots, were established. Cumulative rainfall and runoff quantities were sampled every 5 min. Significant variations in runoff responses to rainfall rates were found for the two plot sizes. On average, large plots yielded only 40% of runoff quantities produced on small plots per unit area. This difference between plot sizes was observed even during periods of continuous runoff. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Observations of Li isotopic variations in the Trinity Ophiolite: Evidence for isotopic fractionation by diffusion during mantle melting

The Trinity peridotite (northern CA) contains numerous lithologic sequences consisting of dunite to harzburgite to spinel lherzolite to plagioclase lherzolite. Previous workers have documented geochemical gradients in these sequences consistent with melt-rock reaction processes occurring around dunites, interpreted to reflect conduits for melt ascent. We have undertaken a study of Li isotope compositions of clinopyroxene and some olivine within these sequences using ion probe techniques to test the hypothesis that the geochemical gradients are related to diffusive fluxing of alkali elements into or away from the melt conduit.Results show large variations in ⁷Li/⁶Li occurring in a consistent pattern across three transects from dunite to plagioclase lherzolite within the Trinity peridotite. Specifically, measurements of average δ⁷Li for single thin sections along the traverse reveal a low in δ⁷Li in the harzburgite adjacent to the dunite returning to higher values farther from the dunite with a typical offset of ∼10 per mil in the low δ⁷Li trough. This pattern is consistent with a process whereby Li isotopes are fractionated during diffusion through a melt either from the dunite conduit to the surrounding peridotite, or from the surrounding peridotite into the dunite conduit. The patterns in ⁷Li/⁶Li occur over a length scale similar to the decrease in REE concentration in these same samples. Explaining both the trace element and Li isotopic gradients requires a combined process of alkali diffusion and melt extraction.We develop a numerical model and examine several scenarios of the combined diffusion-extraction process. Using experimentally constrained values for the change in Li diffusion coefficient with isotope mass, large changes in δ⁷Li as a function of distance can be created in year to decade timescales. The addition of the melt extraction term allows larger Li concentration gradients to be developed and thus produces larger isotopic fractionations than diffusion only models. The extraction aspect of the model can also account for the observed decrease in rare earth element concentrations across the transects.     

The major ion, δCa, δCa, and δMg geochemistry of granite weathering at pH = 1 and T = 25 °C: power-law processes and the relative reactivity of minerals

We dissolved Boulder Creek Granodiorite in a plug flow reactor for 5794 h at pH = 1 and T = 25 °C. The primary purpose of the experiment was to identify controls on dissolved δ^44/40Ca, δ^44/42Ca, and δ^26/24Mg values during granite weathering. Herein, we also examine the origin of Ca and Mg isotopic variability among minerals composing the Boulder Creek Granodiorite, and we constrain fundamental characteristics of granite weathering important for quantifying the elemental and isotopic geochemistry of the reactor output. Nine Ca-bearing minerals display an 8.80‰ range of δ^44/40Ca values and a 0.51‰ range of δ^44/42Ca values. Three Mg-bearing minerals display a 1.53‰ range of δ^26/24Mg values. These ranges expressed at the mineralogical scale are higher than the ranges thus far reported for bulk igneous rocks. Most of the δ^44/40Ca variability reflects ⁴⁰Ca enrichment in K-feldspar, and to a lesser extent, biotite, due to the radioactive decay of ⁴⁰K over the 1.7 Ga age of the rock, whereas the entire range of δ^44/42Ca values reflects mass-dependent isotope fractionation during igneous differentiation and crystallization. The range of δ^26/24Mg values may represent either fractionation during the chloritization of biotite or interaction of the Boulder Creek Granodiorite with Mg-rich metamorphic fluids having low δ^26/24Mg values.The elemental and isotopic composition of the reactor output varied substantially during the experiment. We synthesize the mineralogical and fluid data using coupled mass-conservation equations solved at non-steady-state. Model calculations reveal an intricate balance between increasing specific surface area and decreasing mineral concentrations. While surface area normalized dissolution rate constants were time-invariant, specific surface area increased as a power-law function of time through positive feedbacks between mechanical disaggregation, chemical dissolution, and mineral depletion. Variations in dissolved δ^44/40Ca, δ^44/42Ca, and δ^26/24Mg values reflect conservative mixing rather than fractionation. Apatite and calcite initially control δ^44/40Ca and δ^44/42Ca values, followed by biotite, titanite, epidote, hornblende, and plagioclase. The release of radiogenic ⁴⁰Ca clearly defines the period where biotite dissolution dominates. The brucite layer of chlorite initially controls δ^26/24Mg values, followed by biotite, the TOT layer of chlorite, and hornblende. Through direct isotopic tracking, these results demonstrate that trace minerals, such as apatite and calcite in the case of Ca and brucite in the case of Mg, dominate elemental release during the incipient stages of granite weathering. The results further show that biotite dissolution dominates the middle stages of granite weathering and that plagioclase dissolution only becomes important during relatively late stages. The Ca and Mg isotope variations associated with these stages are distinct and potentially resolvable in soil mineral weathering studies.