An assessment of the potential and impacts of winter water banking in the Sokh aquifer, Central Asia

The dynamics of artificial recharge of winter surface flows coupled with increased summer groundwater use for irrigation in the Sokh aquifer (Central Asia) have been investigated. Water release patterns from the giant Toktogul reservoir have changed, as priority is now given to hydropower generation in winter in Kyrgyzstan. Winter flows have increased and summer releases have declined, but the Syr Darya River cannot pass these larger winter flows and the excess is diverted to a natural depression, creating a 40?×?10⁹m³ lake. A water balance study of all 18 aquifers feeding the Fergana Valley indicated the feasibility of winter groundwater recharge in storage created by summer abstraction. This modeling study examines the dynamics of the process in one aquifer over a 5-year period, with four scenarios: the current situation; increased groundwater abstraction of around 625 million (M) m³/year; groundwater abstraction with an artificial recharge of 144 Mm³/year, equivalent to the volume available in low flow years in the Sokh River; and with a larger artificial recharge of 268 Mm³/year, corresponding to high flow availability. Summer surface irrigation diversions can be reduced by up to 350 Mm³ and water table levels can be lowered.     

Ophiolites of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt:Geochemical and petrological characterization and tectonic settings

We present a compilation of published data(field,petrography,ages and geochemistry)from 73 ophiolitic complexes of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt.The ophiolitic complexes,ranging in age from Neoproterozoic to Triassic.have been geochemically classified as subduction-related and subductionunrelated categories applying recent,well-established discrimination diagrams.The subductionunrelated category is further subdivided into Mid-Ocean Ridge type(MOR),a common rift-drift stage and Plume type,and the subduction-related category is subdivided into Backarc(BA),Forearc(FA).Backarc to Forearc(BA-FA)and Volcanic Arc(VA)types.The four subduction-related types define highly different geochemical features,with the BA and FA types defining end members showing subduction influence of 10%-100%and 90%-100%subduction influence,respectively,and the two other types(BAFA and VA)define values between the two end members.The subduction-related category comprises79%of the examined ophiolites,of which the BA type ophiolites is by far the dominant group,followed by the BA-FA type,and with FA and VA types as subordinate groups.The Neoproterozoic and Ordovician complexes exhibit the highest,whereas those of Silurian age exhibit the lowest subduction-influence.Of the remaining 21%subduction-unrelated ophiolites,the MOR type dominates.Both the subductionrelated and subduction-unrelated types,in particular the latter,are commonly associated with alkaline basalts taken to represent ocean island magmatism.Harzburgite,dunite,gabbro and basalt are the common lithologies in all ophiolite types,whereas the BA-FA,FA and VA types generally contain intermediate to felsic rocks,and in the FA type boninites occur.The subduction-related ophiolites types generally show low metamorphic grade,whereas greenschist.amphibolite and blueschist grades occur in the subduction-unrelated and BA types.The highly different subduction contribution(from 0 to 100%in the MOR and FA,respectively),attest to variable dips of the subducting slab,as well as variable flux of subduction-related elements into the mantle above subducting slabs,from where the ophiolite magmas got their geochemical fingerprints.As most MOR ophiolites get subducted to the deep mantle,the subduction-related ophiolites have become a dominant ophiolitic type on Earth’s surface through all times supporting the idea about the early start of Plate Tectonics.     

Origin of primary PGM assemblage in сhromitite from a mantle tectonite at Harold’s Grave (Shetland Ophiolite Complex, Scotland)

In this paper we present textural and mineral chemistry data for a PGM inclusion assemblage and whole-rock platinum-group element (PGE) concentrations of chromitite from Harold’s Grave, which occurrs in a dunite pod in a mantle tectonite at Unst in the Shetland Ophiolite Complex (SOC), Scotland. The study utilized a number of analytical techniques, including acid digestion and isotope dilution (ID) ICP-MS, hydroseparation and electron microprobe analysis. The chromitite contains a pronounced enrichment of refractory PGE (IPGE: Os, Ir and Ru) over less refractory PGE (PPGE: Rh, Pt and Pd), typical of mantle hosted ‘ophiolitic’ chromitites. A ‘primary’ magmatic PGM assemblage is represented by euhedrally shaped (up to 60 μm in size) single and composite inclusions in chromite. Polyphase PGM grains are dominated by laurite and osmian iridium, with subordinate laurite + osmian iridium + iridian osmium and rare laurite + Ir-Rh alloy + Rh-rich sulphide (possibly prassoite). The compositional variability of associated laurite and Os-rich alloys at Harold’s Grave fit the predicted compositions of experiment W-1200-0.37 of Andrews and Brenan (Can Mineral 40: 1705–1716, 2002) providing unequivocal information on conditions of their genesis, with the upper thermal stability of laurite in equilibrium with Os-rich alloys estimated at 1200–1250 °C and f(S₂) of 10^?0.39–10^?0.07.     

Murmanite and lomonosovite as Ag-selective ionites: kinetics and products of ion exchange in aqueous AgNO3 solutions

Products and kinetics of ion exchange of heterophyllosilicate minerals lomonosovite and murmanite with aqueous AgNO₃ solutions under low-temperature conditions have been studied using scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, ²³Na nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and dynamic calorimetry. Both minerals show strong affinity for silver in cation exchange. Simplified formulae of Ag-exchanged forms of murmanite and lomonosovite are (Ag_3.0Ca_0.5Na_0.5) (Ti,Nb,Mn,Fe)_3.7?4 (Si₂O₇)₂O₄·4(H₂O,OH) and (Ag_8.2Na_1.2Ca_0.3) (Ti,Nb,Mn,Fe)_3.9?4 (Si₂O₇)₂ (PO₄)_1.9O₄·xH₂O, respectively. The reaction of ion exchange for murmanite follows the first-order kinetic model up to ca. 70–80 % conversion. The rate of the process is described by the equation k(h^?1) = 10^7.64±0.60 exp[?(12.2 ± 0.9)·10³/RT]. The average heat release value in the temperature range 39.4–72 °C is 230 J g^?1. The cation exchange is limited by processes in solid state, most probably binding of silver.     

Geochemistry and U–Pb detrital zircon dating of Paleozoic graywackes in East Junggar,NW China: Insights into subduction–accretion processes in the southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt

The southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) is characterized by multiple and linear accretionary orogenic collages, including Paleozoic arcs, ophiolites, and accretionay wedges. A complex history of subduction–accretion processes makes it difficult to distinguish the origin of these various terranes and reconstruct the tectonic evolution of the southern CAOB. In order to provide constraints on the accretionary history, we analyzed major and trace element compositions of Paleozoic graywackes from the Huangcaopo Group (HG) and Kubusu Group (KG) in East Junggar. The HG graywackes have relatively low Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) values (50 to 66), suggesting a source that underwent relatively weak chemical weathering. The identical average Index of Compositional Variability (ICV) values (~ 1.1) for both the KG and HG samples point to an immature source for the Paleozoic graywackes in East Junggar, which is consistent with an andesitic–felsic igneous source characterized by low La/Th ratios and relatively high Hf contents. These graywackes are geochemically similar to continental island arc sediments and therefore were probably deposited at an active continental margin. U–Pb dating of detrital zircons from the lower subgroup of the HG yielded a young age peak at ~ 440 Ma, indicating a post-Early Silurian depositional age. However, the youngest populations of detrital zircons from the KG graywackes and the upper subgroup of the HG yielded ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of ~ 346 Ma and ~ 355 Ma, respectively, which suggest a post-Early Carboniferous depositional age. Because of similarities of rock assemblages, these two units should be incorporated into the Early Carboniferous Nanmingshui Formation. The detrital zircon age spectrum of the Early Paleozoic HG graywackes resembles that of the Habahe sediments in the Chinese Altai, which suggests that the ocean between East Junggar and the Chinese Altai was closed before the deposition of the sediments and that the Armantai ophiolite was emplaced prior to the Early Devonian. The differences in age spectra for detrital zircons from the post-Early Carboniferous graywackes in East Junggar and the Harlik arc indicate that the emplacement of the Kalamaili ophiolite postdates the Early Carboniferous. Therefore, a long-lasting northward subduction–accretion process is suggested for the formation of East Junggar and the reconstruction of the Early Paleozoic evolution of the southern CAOB.     

A spatial ecosystem and populations dynamics model (SEAPODYM) – Modeling of tuna and tuna-like populations

An enhanced version of the spatial ecosystem and population dynamics model SEAPODYM is presented to describe spatial dynamics of tuna and tuna-like species in the Pacific Ocean at monthly resolution over 1° grid-boxes. The simulations are driven by a bio-physical environment predicted from a coupled ocean physical–biogeochemical model. This new version of SEAPODYM includes expanded definitions of habitat indices, movements, and natural mortality based on empirical evidences. A thermal habitat of tuna species is derived from an individual heat budget model. The feeding habitat is computed according to the accessibility of tuna predator cohorts to different vertically migrating and non-migrating micronekton (mid-trophic) functional groups. The spawning habitat is based on temperature and the coincidence of spawning fish with presence or absence of predators and food for larvae. The successful larval recruitment is linked to spawning stock biomass. Larvae drift with currents, while immature and adult tuna can move of their own volition, in addition to being advected by currents. A food requirement index is computed to adjust locally the natural mortality of cohorts based on food demand and accessibility to available forage components. Together these mechanisms induce bottom-up and top-down effects, and intra- (i.e. between cohorts) and inter-species interactions. The model is now fully operational for running multi-species, multi-fisheries simulations, and the structure of the model allows a validation from multiple data sources. An application with two tuna species showing different biological characteristics, skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis) and bigeye (Thunnus obesus), is presented to illustrate the capacity of the model to capture many important features of spatial dynamics of these two different tuna species in the Pacific Ocean. The actual validation is presented in a companion paper describing the approach to have a rigorous mathematical parameter optimization [Senina, I., Sibert, J., Lehodey, P., 2008. Parameter estimation for basin-scale ecosystem-linked population models of large pelagic predators: application to skipjack tuna. Progress in Oceanography]. Once this evaluation and parameterization is complete, it may be possible to use the model for management of tuna stocks in the context of climate and ecosystem variability, and to investigate potential changes due to anthropogenic activities including global warming and fisheries pressures and management scenarios.     

Assessing the extent of induced leakage to an urban aquifer using environmental tracers: an example from Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia

A groundwater residence time study of the deep fluvioglacial aquifer supplying Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan, has found evidence of deep infiltration of recent recharge both in the main periurban wellfield and below the city. Commonly-employed hydrochemical markers detected urban influence in the city-centre to depths of 65–100 m, but gave no indication of the important role of induced river/canal bed leakage, either upgradient in the periurban wellfield or within the city. This was revealed by O and H stable isotope measurements, which showed that local rainfall/snowfall play little part in the aquifer water balance. More remarkably, the universal detection of CFCs and SF₆, including in boreholes with 140–220 m deep upper screens, demonstrated that induced leakage of water just a few decades old had penetrated much deeper into the aquifer system than other hydrochemical markers indicated. A two-dimensional flow model set up to test whether such deep pumping-induced leakage could occur below the periurban wellfield confirmed its feasibility. The results imply vertical infiltration rates of 5–10 m/year and demonstrate that in this not-uncommon intergranular aquifer setting, deep boreholes with deep screen settings do not necessarily abstract old water. Hence, there are major implications for urban groundwater management and protection in such settings.

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Resumen Un estudio sobre el tiempo de residencia del agua subterránea, en un acuífero fluvioglacial profundo que abastece a Bishkek, capital de Kyrgyzstan, ha encontrado evidencias de infiltración profunda a partir de recarga reciente, tanto en el campo de pozos de las afueras de la ciudad, como también por debajo de la ciudad. Los indicadores hidroquímicos comúnmente usados, detectaron influencia urbana en el centro de la ciudad hasta profundidades de 65–100 m, pero no dieron indicación del papel importante del goteo inducido en el lecho del canal/río, tanto aguas arriba en el campo de pozos de los suburbios, como también dentro de la ciudad. Esto se reveló mediante mediciones de isótopos estables de O y H, las cuales mostraron que las precipitaciones/nevadas de tipo local, tienen una pequeña contribución en el balance de agua del acuífero. De manera más notoria, la detección universal de CFCs y SF6, incluidos en las rejillas superiores de pozos profundos con 140–220 m de profundidad, demostraron que un goteo inducido de agua, de solo unas pocas décadas de antigüedad, ha penetrado mucho más profundo dentro del sistema acuífero, de lo que los otros marcadores hidroquímicos indicaban. Un modelo bidimensional de flujo, realizado para probar si el goteo inducido—bombeo profundo podía suceder debajo del campo de pozos suburbano, confirmó su factibilidad. Los resultados implican tasas de infiltración vertical de 5 a 10 m/año, y demuestran que los pozos profundos con tramos de rejilla también profundos, no necesariamente extraen aguas antiguas, en estos ambientes acuíferos con porosidad intergranular. Por lo tanto, hay implicaciones importantes para la gestión y protección en zonas urbanas, y para esos ambientes de las aguas subterráneas.

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Résumé Lanalyse du temps de résidence des eaux souterraines dans un aquifère fluvial profond, dorigine glaciaire, qui alimente en eau Bishek, la capitale de Kyrgyzstan a mis en évidence une recharge récente tant dans le captage en eau que sous la ville même. Les traceurs chimiques ont indiqué linfluence urbaine dans le centre de la ville, à une profondeur de 65–100 m, mais ils nont pas mis en évidence le rôle important de lalimentation induite par la couche du fleuve, tant en amont, dans le captage que en aval, dans la ville. Ces effets ont été relevés par des isotopes stables, comme O et h qui ont montré linfluence récente des précipitations dans le bilan hydrique de laquifère. De plus, la détection universelle de CFC et de SF6, y compris dans les forages ayant une profondeur de 140–220 m, montre que lalimentation en eau induite de plusieurs décennies a pénétré à des profondeurs plus grandes que celles indiqués par des traceurs chimiques. Les possibilités dune drainance verticale induite par les pompages dans le puits profonds du captage ont été vérifiées par un modèle bidimensionnel découlement. Les résultats de la modélisation ont conduit à une infiltration verticale de 5–10 m/an et ont démontré aussi que leau extraite par des puits profonds dans un aquifère granulaire nest pas nécessairement dage ancienne. Il sagit donc des implications majeures concernant la gestion et la protection des captages urbaines en eaux souterraines

     

Species composition and seasonal dynamics of the population density and biomass of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pyramimonas</Emphasis> (Prasinophyceae) from the Russian waters of East/Japan Sea

The species composition and seasonal dynamics of the population density and biomass of the prasinophycean algae of the genus Pyramimonas were investigated in the Russian waters of the East/Japan Sea. According to literature data and the results of our observations, eight species of the prasinophycean algae were identified, and some of them were new for the Russian waters of the East/Japan Sea as follows: P. aff. amylifera Ñonrad, P. aff. cordata McFadden, Hill et Wetherbee, and P. nansenii Braarud. An analysis of their seasonal dynamics showed that the most conspicuous winter peak of the population density of Pyramimonas species in the Amurskii Bay was clearly distinguishable in February. In winter and early spring, the prasinophycean algae made a considerable contribution of 28 to 60% into the total population density on the background of a relatively low biomass, 1.1–14.4% of the total phytoplankton biomass in the Amurskii Bay. In the Golden Horn Bay, the summer peak of the population density of Pyramimonas species was most intensive in June. In summer, during the period of mass development of the algae of the genus Pyramimonas in the Golden Horn Bay, the prasinophycean algae contributed up to 71% of the total population density and up to 84% of the total microalgal biomass. An increase was noted in the density and biomass of the Pyramimonas species in the polluted waters near the sewage water outlets in the Amurskii and Golden Horn bays.     

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674987113000339

The Mottled Zone(MZ) or Hatrurim Formation,which occurs near the Levantine Transform in the South Levant,has been studied during the last 150 years but its origin remains debatable.Mottled Zone Complex/Complexes(MZC/MZCs) consist of brecciated carbonate and low-temperature calcium-hydro-silicate rocks,which include unusual high- and ultra-high-temperature low-pressure(HT-LP) meta-morphic mineral assemblages.The MZ has been regarded as a product of combustion of bituminous chalks of the Ghareb Fm.of Cretaceous(Maastrichtian) age.In this paper we present detailed geographic, geomorphologic,structural and geological data from the MZCs of the South Levant,which show that the MZCs cannot be stratigraphically correlated with the Ghareb Fm.,because MZC late Oligocene-late Pleistocene deposits occur within or unconformable i.e.,with stratigraphic hiatus,overlap both the late Cretaceous and,in places,Neogene stratigraphic units.We propose an alternative model for the formation of MZCs by tectonically induced mud volcanism during late Oligocene-late Pleistocene time. This model explains(i) the presence of dikes and tube-like bodies,which consist of brecciated exotic clastic material derived from stratigraphically and hypsometrically lower horizons;(ii) mineral assemblages of sanidinite facies metamorphism;(iii) multi-stage character of HT-LP pyrometamorphism;and (iv) multi-stage low-temperature hydrothermal alteration.High temperatures(up to 1500℃) mineral assemblages resulted from combustion of hydrocarbon gases of mud volcanoes.Mud volcanism was spatially and structurally related to neotectonic folds and deformation zones formed in response to opening of the Red Sea rift and propagation of the Levantine Transform Fault.Our model may significantly change the prospects for oil-and-gas deposits in the region.