“Ages”Rb-Sr du sol et des fragments rocheux ramenes des montagnes lunaires par la sonde automatique Luna 20, (region du cratere Apollonius)

⁸⁷Rb-⁸⁷Sr results are reported for soil and fragments from Luna 20 mission. The results show a low radiogenic character but demonstrate clearly the presence of the high K components. A model is presented for lunar evolution.     

A mantle-derived bimodal suite in the Hercynian Belt: Nd isotope and trace element evidence for a subduction-related rift origin of the Late Devonian Brévenne metavolcanics, Massif Central (France)

In the Brévenne Series (NE Massif Central), a low-grade bimodal association of metabasalts and metarhyolites is exposed, together with intrusive trondhjemite bodies. Zircon U-Pb dating constrains their magmatic emplacement at 366 ± 5 Ma and 358 ± 1 Ma, respectively. The metabasalts are characterized by a distinct enrichment in incompatible elements (e.g. Th and LREE) and positive ɛNd_i (from +5 to +8). Combined isotope and trace element systematics rule out crustal contamination of mafic melts as a suitable cause of the LILE (large ion lithophile element)-enrichment. Rather, a mixing process between a component similar to mid ocean ridge basalts and an enriched end-member with ɛNd_i > +5 is suggested. An enriched-mantle source of ocean island basalt affinity is precluded by the relative depletion of high field strength elements, especially Nb which shows negative anomalies in chondrite-normalized patterns. On the contrary, a subduction-related origin for the LILE enrichment would be more consistent. It may be inferred that arc-like melts [enriched in Th and LREE (light rare earth elements) and depleted in Nb, with ɛNd_i > +5] were produced through partial melting of a depleted-mantle source, to which a small amount of crustally derived component had been added. The metarhyolites are enriched in LILE, and have a close genetic relationship with the metabasalts, as evidenced by their high ɛNd_i (from +4.7 to +6.8). Although the chemical evidence remains ambiguous, it is suggested that fractional crystallization, accompanied by subordinate assimilation, is the petrogenetic process most consistent with the data. The trondhjemites are isotopically distinct from the metarhyolites. Their ɛNd_i values (from −1.0 to +2.2) reflect an important contribution of continental crust to their genesis, and disprove their inferred cogenetism with the felsic volcanics. A review of modern environments in which such bimodal suites are exposed, shows that settings involving incipient rifting of a volcanic arc fringing a continental margin, or built upon young, thin continental crust might provide suitable analogues. Geodynamic reconstructions are complicated by subsequent tectonic events which disrupted the initial patterns, and by Mesozoic-Cenozoic sedimentary cover. However, this subduction-related magmatism enlarges the growing body of evidence for southward subduction processes until the Late Devonian during the evolution of the northern flank of the European Variscides. As a general implication, it is suggested that the combined use of the Sm-Nd system with incompatible elements relatively resistant during alteration and low-grade metamorphism (REE, Th, Zr, Nb) may provide diagnostic criteria for recognizing the tectonic setting of bimodal metaigneous suites in ancient orogenic belts. Received: 21 April 1997 / Accepted: 30 June 1997     

Slow-ridge/hotspot interactions from global gravity, seismic tomography and 87Sr/86Sr isotope data

Among the mantle hotspots present under oceanic areas, a large number are located on—or close to—active oceanic ridges. This is especially true in the slow-spreading Atlantic and Indian oceans. The recent availability of worldwide gravity grids and the increasing coverage of geochemical data sets along active spreading centres allow a fruitful comparison of these data with global geoid and seismic tomography models, and allow one to study interactions between mantle plumes and active slow-spreading ridges. The observed correlations allow us to draw preliminary conclusions on the general links between surficial processes, which shape the detailed morphology of the ridge axes, and deeper processes, active in the upper mantle below the ridge axial domains as a whole. The interactions are first studied at the scale of the Atlantic (the Mid-Atlantic Ridge from Iceland to Bouvet Island) from the correlation between the zero-age free-air gravity anomaly, which reflects the zero-age depth of the ridge axis, and Sr isotopic ratios of ridge axis basalts. The study is then extended to a more global scale (the slow ridges from Iceland to the Gulf of Aden) by including geoid and upper-mantle tomography models. The interactions appear complex, ranging from the effect of large and very productive plumes, almost totally overprinting the long-wavelength segmentation pattern of the ridge, to that of weaker hotspots, barely marking some of the observables in the ridge axial domain. Intermediate cases are observed, in which hotspots of medium activity (or whose activity has gradually decreased) located at some distance from the ridge axis produce geophysical or geochemical signals whose variation along the axis can be correlated with the geometry of the plume head in the upper mantle. Such observations tend to preclude the use of a single hotspot/ridge interaction model and stress the need for additional observations in various plume/ridge configurations.     

An Integrated Approach for Rapid Delineation of K-Rich Syenites Suitable as Unconventional Potash Resources

Natural Resources Research - Potassium (K)-rich igneous rocks include a variety of silica-undersaturated and alkaline rocks, which distinguished by their elevated K2O contents. These rocks have...     

Contexte lithostructural, âges 40K40Ar et géochimie du volcanisme calco-alcalin tertiaire de Cap-d'Ail dans le tunnel ferroviaire de Monaco

Lithostratigraphic and structural framework, chronology and geochemistry of the Tertiary calc-alkaline volcanism of Cap-d'Ail (French Maritime Alps) are specified according to the new data collected during the earthworks of the recent railway tunnel built between Cap-d'Ail and Monaco. Two different magmatic events were dated: the first one, to Palaeogene, the other one, to Neogene. To cite this article: J.-P. Ivaldi et al., C. R. Geoscience 335 (2003).     

Complete determination of the magnetic field vector and of the electron density in 14 prominences from linear polarizaton measurements in the HeI D3 and Hα lines

The present paper is devoted to the interpretation of linear polarization data obtained in 14 quiescent prominences with the Pic-du-Midi coronagraph-polarimeter by J. L. Leroy, in the two lines Hei D₃ andH quasi-simultaneously. The linear polarization of the lines is due to scattering of the anisotropic photospheric radiation, modified by the Hanle effect due to the local magnetic field. The interpretation of the polarization data in the two lines is able to provide the 3 components of the magnetic field vector, and one extra parameter, namely the electron density, because the linear polarization of H is also sensitive to the depolarizing effect of collisions with the electrons and protons of the medium. Moreover, by using two lines with different optical thicknesses, namely Hei D₃, which is optically thin, and H, which is optically thick ( = 1), it is possible to solve the fundamental ambiguity, each line providing two field vector solutions that are symmetrical in direction with respect to the line of sight in the case of the optically thin line, and which have a different symmetry in the case of the optically thick line.It is then possible to determine without ambiguity the polarity of the prominence magnetic field with respect to that of the photospheric field: 12 prominences are found to be Inverse polarity prominences, whereas 2 prominences are found to be Normal polarity prominences. It must be noticed that in 12 of the 14 cases, the line-of-sight component of the magnetic field vector has a Normal polarity (to the extent that the notion of polarity of a vector component is meaningful; no polarity can be derived in the 2 remaining cases); this may explain the controversy between the results obtained with methods based on the Hanle effect with results obtained through the Zeeman effect. A dip of the magnetic field lines across the prominence has been assumed, to which the optically thick H line is sensitive, and the optically thin Hei D₃ line is insensitive.For the Inverse prominences, the average field strength is 7.5±1.2 G, the average angle,, between the field vector and the prominence long axis is 36° ± 15°, the average angle, , between the outgoing field lines and the solar surface at the prominence boundary is 29° ± 20°, and the average electron density is 2.1 × 10¹⁰ ± 0.7 × 10¹⁰ cm^–3. For the Normal prominences, the average field strength is 13.2±2.0 G, the average angle,, between the field vector and the prominence long axis is 53° ± 15°, the average angle, , between the outgoing field lines and the solar surface at the prominence boundary is 0° ± 20° (horizontal field), and the average electron density is 8.7 × 10⁹ ± 3.0 × 10⁹ cm^–3.     

Professional conduct of scientists during volcanic crises

Stress during volcanic crises is high, and any friction between scientists can distract seriously from both humanitarian and scientific effort. Friction can arise, for example, if team members do not share all of their data, if differences in scientific interpretation erupt into public controversy, or if one scientist begins work on a prime research topic while a colleague with longer-standing investment is still busy with public safety work. Some problems arise within existing scientific teams; others are brought on by visiting scientists. Friction can also arise between volcanologists and public officials. Two general measures may avert or reduce friction: (a) National volcanologic surveys and other scientific groups that advise civil authorities in times of volcanic crisis should prepare, in advance of crises, a written plan that details crisis team policies, procedures, leadership and other roles of team members, and other matters pertinent to crisis conduct. A copy of this plan should be given to all current and prospective team members. (b) Each participant in a crisis team should examine his or her own actions and contribution to the crisis effort. A personal checklist is provided to aid this examination. Questions fall generally in two categories: Are my presence and actions for the public good? Are my words and actions collegial, i.e., courteous, respectful, and fair? Numerous specific solutions to common crisis problems are also offered. Among these suggestions are: (a) choose scientific team leaders primarily for their leadership skills; (b) speak publicly with a single scientific voice, especially when forecasts, warnings, or scientific disagreements are involved; (c) if you are a would-be visitor, inquire from the primary scientific team whether your help would be welcomed, and, in general, proceed only if the reply is genuinely positive; (d) in publications, personnel evaluations, and funding, reward rather than discourage teamwork. Models are available from the fields of particle physics and human genetics, among others.     

First experiments on the maternal transfer of metals in the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis

The aim of this study was to provide a first insight on the incorporation of eight metals in the eggs of the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis via maternal transfer, using radiotracer techniques (^110mAg, ²⁴¹Am, ¹⁰⁹Cd, ⁶⁰Co, ¹³⁴Cs, ⁵⁴Mn, ⁷⁵Se and ⁶⁵Zn). The cuttlefish was fed daily with radiolabelled crabs for two weeks; it then started to spawn every three days. Among the eight tracers, only ^110mAg, ⁷⁵Se and ⁶⁵Zn were significantly transferred to the eggs. The radiotracer distribution among the egg compartments showed that ⁷⁵Se and ⁶⁵Zn were accumulated mainly in the vitellus whereas ^110mAg was found in similar proportion in the vitellus and the eggshell. During the embryonic development, ⁷⁵Se and ⁶⁵Zn contained in the vitellus were progressively transferred to the embryo, likely to supply its metabolic needs in these essential elements. Although it has no known biological functions, Ag contained in both vitellus and eggshell was also transferred to the embryo. Overall, our results showed that transfer of Ag, Se, and Zn does actually occur from a female cuttlefish to its eggs, at least during the last two weeks before spawning.     

桑沟湾和胶州湾沉积物耗氧率研究

为评价浅海海域底层在碳元素生物地化循环中的作用,采用现场取样培养法测定了黄海桑沟湾和胶州湾的沉积物耗氧率。桑沟湾5月和8月的沉积物耗氧率分别为15和24 mmol.m-2.d-1;胶州湾8月的沉积物耗氧率为18 mmol.m-2.d-1。回归分析表明,2个湾的沉积物耗氧率分别与沉积物表层的有机碳和总氮含量正相关。取呼吸商为0.8,得到桑沟湾底层对有机碳的矿化率占水层初级生产力的102%(5月)和67%(8月),胶州湾底层对有机碳的矿化率占水层初级生产力的28%(8月)。取桑沟湾颗粒有机碳的生物沉积速率为236 mg.m-2.d-1,得到底层对有机碳的埋置效率为40%(5月)和3%(8月),埋置的有机碳占水层初级生产力的69%(5月)和2%(8月);胶州湾颗粒有机碳的自然沉积速率为251 mg.m-2.d-1,底层对有机碳的埋置效率为32%(8月),埋置的有机碳占水层初级生产力的13%(8月)。     

Observations en bathyscaphe de formations volcano-sédimentaires aux environs de Madère

Bathyscaph dives off Madeira permitted discovering at a depth of about 1200 m, a morphologic feature interpreted as a volcanic crater or a small caldera. Between 900 m and 1700 m deep, volcano-sedimentary formations, interpreted as hyaloclastites of explosive origin, were observed. It is assumed that these formations were initially deposited at shallower depths and may reflect the subsidence of the Madeira archipelago owing to the great thickness of its volcano-sedimentary series (more than 6000 m).