Impact of subsurface rock fragments on runoff and interrill soil loss from cultivated soils

Field and laboratory studies have indicated that rock fragments in the topsoil may have a large impact on soil properties, soil quality, hydraulic, hydrological and erosion processes. In most studies, the rock fragments investigated still remain visible at the soil surface and only properties of these visible rock fragments are used for predicting runoff and soil loss. However, there are indications that rock fragments completely incorporated in the topsoil could also significantly influence the percolation and water distribution in stony soils and therefore, also infiltration, runoff and soil loss rates. Therefore, in this study interrill laboratory experiments with simulated rainfall for 60 min were conducted to assess the influence of subsurface rock fragments incorporated in a disturbed silt loam soil at different depths below the soil surface (i.e. 0.001, 0.01, 0.05 and 0.10 m), on infiltration, surface runoff and interrill erosion processes for small and large rock fragment sizes (i.e. mean diameter 0.04 and 0.20 m, respectively). Although only small differences in infiltration rate and runoff volume are observed between the soil without rock fragments (control) and the one with subsurface rock fragments, considerable differences in total interrill soil loss are observed between the control treatment and both contrasting rock fragments sizes. This is explained by a rapid increase in soil moisture in the areas above the rock fragments and therefore a decrease in topsoil cohesion compared with the control soil profile. The observed differences in runoff volume and interrill soil loss between the control plots and those with subsurface rock fragments is largest after a cumulative rainfall (P_cum) of 11 mm and progressively decreases with increasing P_cum. The results highlight the impacts and complexity of subsurface rock fragments on the production of runoff volume and soil loss and requires their inclusion in process‐based runoff and erosion models. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Change in the circulation regime in the stratified saline Lake Shira (Siberia,Republic of Khakassia)

The in-situ data on the vertical structure and stability of the vertical stratification of saline Lake Shira over the past decade (2007–2015) are analyzed. Simplified mathematical models have shown that strong wind in the autumn of 2014 together with rather thick ice in the winter of 2015 caused a change in the circulation regime of this water reservoir from meromictic (incomplete mixing) to holomictic (compete mixing). Based on the results obtained, a circulation regime for deep saline lakes located in the continental climate zone, in particular, in the arid zones of Southern Siberia (Khakassia, Transbaikal, and Altai) can be predicted under various climate scenarios of the future.     

Felsic magmatic phases and the role of late-stage aplitic dykes in the formation of the world-class Cantung Tungsten skarn deposit, Northwest Territories, Canada

A field and petro-chemical classification of felsic magmatic phases (FMPs) at the world-class Cantung W skarn deposit was undertaken to document the evolution of magmatism and the relationships between different FMPs, metasomatism, and mineralization. Early FMPs include moderately differentiated (Zr/Hf = 18–26, Ti/Zr = 14–15) biotite monzogranitic plutons and early biotite-rich granitic dykes, and compositionally similar quartz–feldspar porphyry dykes. Late, highly fractionated (Zr/Hf = 8–17, Ti/Zr = 3–13) FMPs sourced from a deeper monzogranitic intrusion include: (1) leucocratic biotite- or tourmaline-bearing dykes derived from localized entrapments of residual magma; and, (2) sub-vertical NE-trending aplitic dykes derived from a larger segregation of residual fluid- and incompatible element-enriched magma. The aplitic dykes have textures, morphologies, spatial associations, and a pervasive calcic metasomatic mineral assemblage (Ca-plagioclase + quartz or clinozoisite) indicative of syn-mineralization emplacement. Very late-stage overpressuring and initiation of sub-vertical fractures into the overlying plutonic carapace and country rocks by supercritical magmatic fluid led to an interaction with calcareous country rocks that resulted in an increased aCa²⁺ in the fluid and the concurrent precipitation of W skarn. Residual magma also ascended with, and quenched in equilibrium with the magmatic fluid to from the aplitic dykes, then was metasomatized by the fluid as it interacted with calcareous country rocks. Overall, highly fractionated and moderately to very highly undercooled FMPs at Cantung provide evidence for a large and evolving felsic magmatic system at depth that segregated and maintained a stable fluid- and incompatible element-enriched residual magma until the latest stages of crystallization. The detailed study of FMPs associated with magmatic-hydrothermal mineral deposits allow us to refine our understanding of these mineralizing systems and better define metallogenic and exploration models for intrusion-related mineralization.     

Higher anthraxolites

Recent years have been marked by progress in studying the structure of natural X-ray amorphous substances, anthraxolites included, by scanning electron and atomic power microscopy. Integration of the available data on molecular and supramolecular structure of higher anthraxolites from Karelia, Novaya Zemlya, and the Urals allowed elaboration of new classification criteria for solid bitumen, namely, degree of structure perfection and micromineral composition. This approach will help to eliminate disadvantages of traditional investigation of solid bitumen.     

The iron-nickel-phosphorus system: Effects on the distribution of trace elements during the evolution of iron meteorites

To better understand the partitioning behavior of elements during the formation and evolution of iron meteorites, two sets of experiments were conducted at 1 atm in the Fe-Ni-P system. The first set examined the effect of P on solid metal/liquid metal partitioning behavior of 22 elements, while the other set explored the effect of the crystal structures of body-centered cubic (α)- and face-centered cubic (γ)-solid Fe alloys on partitioning behavior. Overall, the effect of P on the partition coefficients for the majority of the elements was minimal. As, Au, Ga, Ge, Ir, Os, Pt, Re, and Sb showed slightly increasing partition coefficients with increasing P-content of the metallic liquid. Co, Cu, Pd, and Sn showed constant partition coefficients. Rh, Ru, W, and Mo showed phosphorophile (P-loving) tendencies. Parameterization models were applied to solid metal/liquid metal results for 12 elements. As, Au, Pt, and Re failed to match previous parameterization models, requiring the determination of separate parameters for the Fe-Ni-S and Fe-Ni-P systems.Experiments with coexisting α and γ Fe alloy solids produced partitioning ratios close to unity, indicating that an α versus γ Fe alloy crystal structure has only a minor influence on the partitioning behaviors of the trace element studied. A simple relationship between an element’s natural crystal structure and its α/γ partitioning ratio was not observed. If an iron meteorite crystallizes from a single metallic liquid that contains both S and P, the effect of P on the distribution of elements between the crystallizing solids and the residual liquid will be minor in comparison to the effect of S. This indicates that to a first order, fractional crystallization models of the Fe-Ni-S-P system that do not take into account P are appropriate for interpreting the evolution of iron meteorites if the effects of S are appropriately included in the effort.     

Paleocene to lower Eocene clay sedimentation in the Bay of Biscay

A study of the mineralogy of red clay sequences overlying basalt in the Bay of Biscay revealed two successive units: unit one (lower unit) indicates that clay minerals are the result of subaerial weathering of acid or basic continental rocks, occurring in the Galice province (northwest Spain); and unit two (upper unit) consists of fine-grained particles which suggest distinct volcanic activity. Clay materials from the first unit (Paleocene) are deposited in shallow environments, whereas the second unit materials (lower Eocene) Occur in deeper environments followed by neoformation of clay Minerals and concentration of chemical elements (cobalt, nickel, lead, zinc, and barium).     

Na-rich carbonate inclusions in perovskite and calzirtite from the Guli intrusive Ca-carbonatite,polar Siberia

Carbonate phases, some rich in Na₂O and comparatively rich in SrO and BaO, occur as inclusions in perovskite and calzirtite (Ca₂Zr₅Ti₂O₁₆) in the carbonatite of the Guli complex, Siberia. This is the first record of alkali carbonates, akin to nyerereite [Na₂Ca(CO₃)₂], in plutonic igneous rocks. The inclusion populations suggest that the parental magma of the complex was Ca-rich but developed Na-rich differentiates during the latest stages. This points to the dominant calcic carbonatites of the complex not being derivatives of alkali-rich parental carbonatites. These alkali-rich carbonate inclusions (and rare inclusions of djerfisherite) have been preserved due to the resistance of perovskite and calzirtite to processes of leaching, hydrothermal alteration and weathering.