Mixed model for interoccurrence times of earthquakes based on the expectation-maximization algorithm

In this paper, the goodness-of-fit test based on a convex combination of Akaike and Bayesian information criteria is used to explain the features of interoccurrence times of earthquakes. By analyzing the seismic catalog of Iran for different tectonic settings, we have found that the probability distributions of time intervals between successive earthquakes can be described by the generalized normal distribution. This indicates that the sequence of successive earthquakes is not a Poisson process. It is found that by decreasing the threshold magnitude, the interoccurrence time distribution changes from the generalized normal distribution to the gamma distribution in some seismotectonic regions. As a new insight, the probability distribution of time intervals between earthquakes is described as a mixture distribution via the expectation-maximization algorithm.     

On the crystal chemistry and elastic behavior of a phlogopite 3<Emphasis Type="Italic">T</Emphasis>

The crystal chemistry and the elastic behavior under isothermal conditions up to 9 GPa of a natural, and extremely rare, 3T-phlogopite from Traversella (Valchiusella, Turin, Western Alps) [(K_0.99Na_0.05Ba_0.01)(Mg_2.60Al_0.20Fe _0.21 ²⁺ )[Si_2.71Al_1.29O₁₀](OH)₂, space group P3₁12, with a = 5.3167(4), c = 30.440(2) Å, and V = 745.16(9) ų] have been investigated by electron microprobe analysis in wavelength dispersion mode, single-crystal X-ray diffraction at 100 K, and in situ high-pressure synchrotron radiation powder diffraction (at room temperature) with a diamond anvil cell. The single-crystal refinement confirms the general structure features expected for trioctahedral micas, with the inter-layer site partially occupied by potassium and sodium, iron almost homogeneously distributed over the three independent octahedral sites, and the average bond distances of the two unique tetrahedra suggesting a disordered Si/Al-distribution (i.e., 〈T1-O〉 ~ 1.658 and 〈T2-O〉 ~ 1.656 Å). The location of the H-site confirms the orientation of the O–H vector nearly perpendicular to (0001). The refinement converged with R ₁(F) = 0.0382, 846 unique reflections with F _O > 4σ(F _O) and 61 refined parameters, and not significant residuals in the final difference-Fourier map of the electron density (+0.77/?0.37 e ^?/ų). The high-pressure experiments showed no phase transition within the pressure range investigated. The P–V data were fitted with a Murnaghan (M-EoS) and a third-order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state (BM-EoS), yielding: (1) M-EoS, V ₀ = 747.0(3) ų, K _T0 = 44.5(24) GPa, and K′ = 8.0(9); (2) BM-EoS, V ₀ = 747.0(3) ų, K _T0 = 42.8(29) GPa, and K′ = 9.9(17). A comparison between the elastic behavior in response to pressure observed in 1M- and 3T-phlogopite is made.     

Deciphering the weathering processes using environmental mineralogy and geochemistry: Towards an integrated model of laterite and podzol genesis in the Upper Amazon Basin

This article reports major results from collaborative research between France and Brazil on soil and water systems, carried out in the Upper Amazon Basin. It reveals the weathering processes acting in the partly inundated, low elevation plateaus of the Basin, mostly covered by evergreen forest. Our findings are based on geochemical data and mineral spectroscopy that probe the crystal chemistry of Fe and Al in mineral phases (mainly kaolinite, Al- and Fe-(hydr)oxides) of tropical soils (laterites). These techniques reveal crystal alterations in mineral populations of different ages and changes of metal speciation associated with mineral or organic phases. These results provide an integrated model of soil formation and changes (from laterites to podzols) in distinct hydrological compartments of the Amazon landscapes and under altered water regimes.     

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Numerical analysis of multiphase flow in porous material

Greenhouse gas emissions, energy security and sustainability are three of the greatest contemporary global challenges to mankind today. The Sino-German Group of scientists have composed a special issue, which is a collection of diverse quality scientific works, that will try to elucidate the current developments in CO₂ geologic sequestration research to reduce greenhouse emission including measures to monitor surface leakage, groundwater quality and the integrity of caprock, while ensuring a sufficient supply of clean energy.     

Towards Better WMS Maps Through the Use of the Styled Layer Descriptor and Cartographic Conflict Resolution for Linear Features

Abstract

Mercator depicted Croatia on several general maps. In accordance with the level of geographical knowledge, map scales and technical possibilities of the time, Mercator provided a relatively detailed depiction of basic geographical features on these maps. His interest in mapping Croatia was probably motivated by the fact that the Venetian Republic, the Habsburg Monarchy and the Ottoman Empire had fought over this area in the sixteenth century, contributing to the fragmentation of the medieval Croatian State, while at the same time facilitating economic, religious, linguistic, artistic and scientific communication between Central, South East and Mediterranean Europe. Mercator paid special attention to toponyms that enabled geographical objects to be identified and the decoding of cartographic contents. Research into Mercator’s maps has shown that geographical names, among other things, clearly indicate the sources of spatial data that he used. Additionally, geographical names on Mercator’s maps are significant indicators of the linguistic and cultural contacts that were particularly prominent in border areas, for example, along the eastern Adriatic coast, or the courses of the Danube, Sava and Drava.     

Physical chemical analysis of marine sediment cementation from the Gulf of Guinea

This study aims at investigating the cementation of marine sediments from the Gulf of Guinea by using physicochemical analysis. In order to highlight the presence of cementation in the sediments, three conventional consolidation tests were conducted on intact and remoulded samples. Mercury intrusion porosimetry analyses were then carried out on the specimens taken from samples after consolidation tests. Several physicochemical experimental techniques were used to analyze these cementations, such as cation exchange capacity analysis, batch test, scanning electron microscope imaging coupled with EDS chemical analysis, and thermal analysis. The results seem to indicate that the cementation of these sediments is predominated by the presence of smectite gel between clay aggregates (clusters). Finally, a conceptual sediment microstructural model is proposed to describe the cementation.