Radioisotopic dating of the Tortonian Global Stratotype Section and Point: implications for intercalibration of 40Ar/39Ar and astronomical dating methods

In this paper we present new ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar data of volcanic ash layers intercalated in the astronomically dated sections of Monte dei Corvi and Monte Gibliscemi (Italy) to obtain better radioisotopic time constraints on the Serravallian/Tortonian boundary and to confirm the intercalibration of radioisotopic and astronomical time proposed by Kuiper et al. [2004 ; Fish Canyon Tuff (FCT)-sanidine at 28.21 ± 0.03 Ma]. The latter intercalibration is supported by astronomically calibrated FCT sanidine ages for two ash layers at Monte Gibliscemi (GiF-1: 28.28 ± 0.04; GiD-3: 28.16 ± 0.04 Ma; ±1 SE). As a consequence, our results support the astronomically calibrated age of 11.608 Ma for the Tortonian Global Stratotype Section and Point and, hence, the tuning of the Serravallian/Tortonian boundary interval. The Ancona and Respighi levels at Monte dei Corvi give a more diffuse picture, possibly because of contamination with detrital or xenocrystic material and the inferior quality of biotite for intercalibration purposes.     

Seismic event near Jarocin (Poland)

The earthquake of magnitude M _L = 3:8 (EMSC) took place on Friday, 6 January 2012, north-east of the town of Jarocin in Wielkopolska Region, Poland. The only historical information about past earthquakes in the region was found in the diary from 1824; apart of it, there was a seismic event noticed in the vicinity of Wielkopolska in 1606 (Pagaczewski 1982). The scope of this paper is to describe the 6 January 2012 event in view of instrumental seismology, macroseismic data analysis and known tectonics of the region, which should be useful in future seismic hazard analysis of Poland.     

Sensitivity study of pulsed neutron-gamma saturation monitoring at the Altmark site in the context of CO2 storage

The injection of CO₂ into depleted natural gas reservoirs has been proposed as a promising new technology for combining enhanced gas recovery and geological storage of CO₂. During the injection, application of suitable techniques for monitoring of the induced changes in the subsurface is required. Observing the movement and the changes in saturation of the fluids contained in the reservoir and the confining strata is among the primary aims here. It is shown that under conditions similar to the Altmark site, Germany, pulsed neutron-gamma logging can be applied with limitations. The pulsed neutron-gamma method can be applied for detection and quantification of changes in brine saturation and water content, whereas changes in the gas composition are below the detection limit. A method to account for the effects of salt precipitation resulting from evaporation of residual brine is presented.     

Quantitative high resolution cathodoluminescence spectroscopy of diagenetic and hydrothermal dolomites

A combination of high resolution cathodoluminescence-spectroscopy (HRS-CL=high resolution spectroscopy of cathodoluminescence emission) with spatial resolving trace element analyses (PIXE=proton induced X-ray emission) is used to establish a method for the quantitative determination of the Mn-content of diagenetic and hydrothermal dolomites using the measurements of peak areas of Mn-activated CL emission bands. This method takes into account the overlap of the CL broad bands of Mn²⁺ in the Mg- and the Ca-lattice-position of dolomite. There is a linear correlation between the peak areas and Mn concentration up to approx. 1000–1500 ppm. Thus, CL spectroscopy allows a determination of Mn concentrations below the abilities of PIXE (10–15 ppm) to less than 1 ppm by extrapolation of this linear relation.

Up to an Fe-content of approx. 2000 ppm, no quenching effect of Fe on this linear relationship occurs. However, Fe-contents above 2000 ppm result in a decrease of Mn-induced luminescence. Even at Fe-concentration >25,000 ppm spectroscopy reveals that Mn-activated CL of dolomite is not entirely extinguished.     

Modelling rating curves using remotely sensed LiDAR data

Accurate stream discharge measurements are important for many hydrological studies. In remote locations, however, it is often difficult to obtain stream flow information because of the difficulty in making the discharge measurements necessary to define stage‐discharge relationships (rating curves). This study investigates the feasibility of defining rating curves by using a fluid mechanics‐based model constrained with topographic data from an airborne LiDAR scanning. The study was carried out for an 8m‐wide channel in the boreal landscape of northern Sweden. LiDAR data were used to define channel geometry above a low flow water surface along the 90‐m surveyed reach. The channel topography below the water surface was estimated using the simple assumption of a flat streambed. The roughness for the modelled reach was back calculated from a single measurment of discharge. The topographic and roughness information was then used to model a rating curve. To isolate the potential influence of the flat bed assumption, a ‘hybrid model’ rating curve was developed on the basis of data combined from the LiDAR scan and a detailed ground survey. Whereas this hybrid model rating curve was in agreement with the direct measurements of discharge, the LiDAR model rating curve was equally in agreement with the medium and high flow measurements based on confidence intervals calculated from the direct measurements. The discrepancy between the LiDAR model rating curve and the low flow measurements was likely due to reduced roughness associated with unresolved submerged bed topography. Scanning during periods of low flow can help minimize this deficiency. These results suggest that combined ground surveys and LiDAR scans or multifrequency LiDAR scans that see ‘below’ the water surface (bathymetric LiDAR) could be useful in generating data needed to run such a fluid mechanics‐based model. This opens a realm of possibility to remotely sense and monitor stream flows in channels in remote locations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Back-arc basin assemblages in Kohistan,Northern Pakistan

Abstract

The east central part of the Kohistan magmatic arc is made up principally of the Jaglot Group. From bottom to top it consists of I) paragneisses and schists intercalated with amphibolites and calc-silicates (Gilgit Formation), II) Gashu-Confluence Volcanics (GCV) and III) the Thelichi Formation comprising a volcanic base (Majne volcanics) and turbidites, marble, volcanoclastic sediments and lava flows. Metamorphic grade varies up to the sillimanite zone. The GCV are correlated with the Chalt volcanics and the Thelichi Formation with the Yasin Group. Other lithologies include the Chilas Complex, the Kohistan Batholith and part of the Kamila Amphibolite. Metavolcanics show a broad range in chemical composition. Geochemical parameters used to specify the tecto-nomagmatic regime suggest affinities of both island arc and MORB-like back-arc basin basalts. Kohistan can be divided into three tectonic zones, I) the southern (Kamila) zone comprises amphibolitized basalts, and mafic and ultramafic rocks, II) the central Chilas Complex, and III) the northern (Gilgit) zone i.e., the Jaglot Group. Previous tectonic models considered the southern two zones as the crust of a Cretaceous island arc. This investigation concludes that only the southern zone represents a true island arc. The Jaglot Group derives from back-arc basin assemblages and the Chilas Complex is a magmatic diapir emplaced in the back-arc basin.