CTBT seismic monitoring using coherent and incoherent array processing

Journal of Seismology - The detection and location capability of the International Monitoring System for small seismic events in the continental and oceanic regions surrounding the Sea of Japan is...     

The convective boundary layer on Mars: Some 1-D simulation results

The daytime convective boundary layer (CBL) of Mars and the transition to it after the cold night is studied on a warm dusty sol at the rover Spirit using temperature profiles from the miniature thermal emission spectrometer (mini-TES) and a 1-D model. The model’s net solar fluxes are linear in z in the CBL while the thermal fluxes decay logarithmically from about 8 m upward, due mainly to the emissivity properties and density of CO₂. The induced strong radiative heating of the lower CBL is so well compensated by turbulent cooling (with an elevated maximum in the sensible heat flux H) that the growth of the CBL is uniform by the model, as observed by the mini-TES. Hence the net energy fluxes are linear and the shape of H in the lower CBL can be obtained as a residual. Moisture evolution is also considered although without validation.     

Analysing space–time tree interdependencies based on individual tree growth functions

We analysed the space–time structure of two spatially explicit forest data sets considering the associated growth function for each tree obtained from the annual radial growth measured from increment cores bored at breast height. We used a new second order formulation based on the mark correlation function, the functional mark correlation function, to analyse spatial pattern involving functions to each spatial location. A decomposition of individual growth function into spatial and non-spatial components was considered and only the spatial components were analysed. Our results confirm the usefulness of these new approach compared with other well-established spatial statistical tools such as the mark correlation function. In particular, the functional mark correlation function of the spatial and temporal components of tree growth determines the space–time structure of tree development regardless of the non-spatial components contained in this function. Moreover, this explicit temporal analysis detects space–time interaction effects that are not evident when analysing the spatial distribution of cumulative growth measures such as the tree basal area.     

Accumulation of Copper and Zinc in Danish Agricultural Soils in Intensive Pig Production Areas

Geografisk Tidsskrift, Danish Journal of Geography 105(2):15–22, 2005

The change of Cu and Zn concentrations in Danish agricultural soils was studied in areas with intensive pig production. Cu and Zn are found in pig manure as the metals are added to pig feed as growth promoters. The changes in concentrations of total and 0.02 MEDTA extractable Cu and Zn in soils from 1986 to 1998 were determined from samples taken at two depths (0–25 cm and 25–50 cm) from 73 sites. Pig manure and mineral fertilizer was added to 60 sites whereas fertilizer only was used on 13 sites. During the survey period soil Cu concentrations increased in both depths but mostly in the sites where pig manure was added. Furthermore, the results indicated that some plant-available Cu and Zn were transported from the topsoil to the subsoil. No significant change in soil Zn concentration was found although a slight reduction was observed. Comparing soil metal concentrations observed in 1998 to the total pig manure application in a 12-year period, it was observed that application of manure caused an accumulation of Cu and of Zn in the upper 50 cm soil. The accumulation rates correspond to the Cu and Zn concentrations in the pig manure.     

Coupled U–Pb–Hf of detrital zircons of Cambrian sandstones from Morocco and Sardinia: Implications for provenance and Precambrian crustal evolution of North Africa

U–Pb–Hf of detrital zircons from diverse Cambrian units in Morocco and Sardinia were investigated in order to clarify the sandstone provenance and how it evolved with time, to assess whether the detrital spectra mirror basement crustal composition and whether they are a reliable pointer on the ancestry of peri-Gondwanan terranes. Coupled with Hf isotopes, the detrital age spectra allow a unique perspective on crustal growth and recycling in North Africa, much of which is concealed below Phanerozoic sediments.In Morocco, the detrital signal of Lower Cambrian arkose records local crustal evolution dominated by Ediacaran (0.54–0.63 Ga) and Late-Paleoproterozoic (1.9–2.2 Ga; Eburnian) igneous activity. A preponderance of the Neoproterozoic detrital zircons possess positive ε_Hf(t) values and their respective Hf model ages (T_DM) concentrate at 1.15 Ga. In contrast, rather than by Ediacaran, the Neoproterozoic detrital signal from the Moroccan Middle Cambrian quartz-rich sandstone is dominated by Cryogenian-aged detrital zircons peaking at 0.65 Ga alongside a noteworthy early Tonian (0.95 Ga) peak; a few Stenian-age (1.0–1.1 Ga) detrital zircons are also distinguished. The majority of the Neoproterozoic zircons displays negative ε_Hf(t), indicating the provenance migrated onto distal Pan-African terranes dominated by crustal reworking. Terranes such as the Tuareg Shield were a likely provenance. The detrital signal of quartz–arenites from the Lower and Middle Cambrian of SW Sardinia resembles the Moroccan Middle Cambrian, but 1.0–1.1 Ga as well as ~ 2.5 Ga detrital zircons are more common. Therefore, Cambrian Sardinia may have been fed from different sources possibly located farther to the east along the north Gondwana margin. 1.0–1.1 Ga detrital zircons abundant in Sardinia generally display negative ε_Hf(t) values while 0.99–0.95 Ga detrital zircons (abundant in Morocco) possess positive ε_Hf(t), attesting for two petrologically-different Grenvillian sources. A paucity of detrital zircons younger than 0.6 Ga is a remarkable feature of the detrital spectra of the Moroccan and Sardinian quartz-rich sandstones. It indicates that late Cadomian orogens fringing the northern margin of North Africa were low-lying by the time the Cambrian platform was deposited. About a quarter of the Neoproterozoic-aged detrital zircons in the quartz-rich sandstones of Morocco (and a double proportion in Sardinia) display positive ε_Hf(t) values indicating considerable juvenile crust addition in North Africa, likely via island arc magmatism. A substantial fraction of the remaining Neoproterozoic zircons which possess negative ε_Hf(t) values bears evidence for mixing of old crust with juvenile magmas, implying crustal growth in an Andean-type setting was also significant in this region.     

Multi-stage emplacement of the G?temar Pluton, SE Sweden: new evidence inferred from field observations and microfabric analysis, including cathodoluminescence microscopy

The emplacement of the Mesoproterozoic G?temar Pluton into Paleoproterozoic granitoid host rocks of the Transscandinavian Igneous Belt is re-examined by microfabric analysis, including cathodoluminescence microscopy. Field data on the pluton-host rock system are used to strengthen the model. The G?temar Pluton, situated on the Baltic Shield of SE Sweden, is a horizontally zoned tabular structure that was constructed by the intrusion of successive pulses of magma with different crystal/melt ratios, at an estimated crustal depth of 4–8?km. Initial pluton formation involved magma ascent along a vertical dike, which was arrested at a mechanical discontinuity within the granitoid host rocks; this led to the formation of an initial sill. Subsequent sill stacking and their constant inflation resulted in deformation and reheating of existing magma bodies, which also raised the pluton roof. This multi-stage emplacement scenario is indicated by complex dike relationships and the occurrence of several generations of quartz (Si-metasomatism). The sills were charged by different domains of a heterogeneous magma chamber with varying crystal/melt ratios. Ascent or emplacement of magma with a high crystal/melt ratio is indicated by syn-magmatic deformation of phenocrysts. Complex crystallization fabrics (e.g. oscillatory growth zoning caused by high crystal defect density, overgrowth and replacement features, resorbed and corroded crystal cores, rapakivi structure) are mostly related to processes within the main chamber, that is repeated magma mixing or water influx.     

Estimation of spatially distributed soil information: dealing with data shortages in the Western Bug Basin,Ukraine

Integrated watershed models require spatially differentiated soil information. However, in many regions of the world the limited availability of soil data hinders an appropriate simulation of hydro-ecological processes. Such circumstances lead to unsupported statements, poor statistics, misrepresentations, and, ultimately, to bad resource management. The Western Bug catchment in west Ukraine is an example of such a region. In the former Soviet Union, soil classification primarily focused on soils of agricultural importance, whereas, forested, urban, industrial, and shallow soil territories were left underrepresented in the classification and soil maps. Spatially differentiated soil texture data are required to predict soil hydraulic properties using pedotransfer functions (PTFs), along with soil maps. Furthermore, the Ukrainian soil texture scheme does not match the particle size classes commonly used with PTFs. To overcome these shortcomings, a fuzzy logic methodology was applied, based on terrain and vegetation/land use analysis and soil sampling, to close the information gaps. For the application of PTFs, a procedure was tested to estimate missing values of soil texture distribution. Applied methods were evaluated using recent soil surveys, measured soil texture, and water retention properties, while having in consideration the limitations brought by scarce soil data for integrated watershed modelling purposes.     

Natural analogues: a potential approach for developing reliable monitoring methods to understand subsurface CO2 migration processes

One possible way of mitigating carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from fossil fuel combustion is using carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) technology. However, public perception concerning CO₂ storage in the geosphere is generally negative, being particularly motivated by perceived leakage risks. Therefore, a main issue when attempting to gain public acceptance is ensuring provision of appropriate monitoring practices, aimed at providing health, safety and environmental risk assessment, so that potential risks from CO₂ storage are minimized. Naturally occurring CO₂ deposits provide unique natural analogues for evaluating and validating methods used for the detection and monitoring of CO₂ spreading and degassing into the atmosphere. Geological and hydrological structures of the Cheb Basin (NW Bohemia, Czech Republic) represent such a natural analogue for investigating CO₂ leakage and offer a perfect location at which to verify monitoring tools used for direct investigation of processes along preferential migration paths. This shallow basin dating from the Tertiary age is characterized by up to 300?m thick Neogene sediment deposits and several tectonically active faults. The objectives of this paper are to introduce the CO₂ analogues concept to present the Eger Rift as a suitable location for a natural CO₂ analogue site and to demonstrate to what extent such an analogue site should be used (with a case study). The case study presents the results obtained from a joint application of geoelectrical measurements in combination with soil CO₂ concentration and flux determination methods, for the detection and characterization of natural CO₂ releases at gas seeps (as part of a hierarchic monitoring concept). To highlight discharge-controlling structural near surface features was the initial motivation for the application of geoelectrical measurements. Soil-gas concentration and flux measurement techniques are relatively simple to employ and are valuable methods that can be used to monitor seeping CO₂ along preferential pathways. Joint interpretation of both approaches yields a first insight into fluid paths and reveals that the thickness and permeability of site-specific near surface sedimentary deposits have a great influence upon the spatial distribution of the CO₂ degassing pattern at surface level.     

The regional pressure impact of CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> storage: a showcase study from the North German Basin

A regional scale, showcase saline aquifer CO₂ storage model from the North German Basin is presented, predicting the regional pressure impact of a small industrial scale CO₂ storage operation on its surroundings. The intention of the model is to bridge the gap between generic and site-specific, studying the role of fluid flow boundary conditions and petrophysical parameters typically found in the North German Basin. The numerical simulation has been carried out using two different numerical simulators, whose results matched well. The most important system parameters proved to be the model’s hydrological boundary conditions, rock compressibility, and permeability. In open boundary aquifers, injection-induced overpressures dissipate back to hydrostatic level within a few years. If a geological flow barrier is present on at least one side of the aquifer, pressure dissipation is seriously retarded. In fully closed compartments, overpressures can never fully dissipate, but equilibrate to a compartment-wide remnant overpressure. At greater distances to the injection well, maximum fluid pressures are in the range of a few bar only, and reached several years to decades after the end of the actual injection period. This is important in terms of long-term safety and monitoring considerations. Regional pressure increase impacts the storage capacities of neighbouring sites within hydraulically connected units. It can be concluded that storage capacities may be seriously over- or underestimated when the focus is on a single individual storage site. It is thus necessary to assess the joint storage capacities and pressure limitations of potential sites within the same hydraulic unit.     

Distribution of trace elements in waters and sediments of the Seversky Donets transboundary watershed (Kharkiv region,Eastern Ukraine)

This paper reports on the aquatic chemistry of trace elements in terms of spatial and temporal distribution, but also pollution sources in the transboundary watershed of the Seversky Donets River (Ukraine/Russia). Bed sediments and filtered water were collected from the Udy and Lopan Rivers at sites from the river source in the Belgorod region (Russia) to rural and urban areas in the Kharkiv region (Ukraine) in May and August 2009. Priority trace elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn), an urban tracer (Ag) and additional metals (Co, Mo, V) and Th were measured in stream water and sediments. The low levels and variability of Th-normalized concentrations indicated the absence of geochemical anomalies in the upstream part of the rivers and suggested that these data represent a regional baseline for trace elements in bed sediments. In contrast, water and sediments within the city of Kharkiv were contaminated by Ag, Pb, Cd, Cu, Cr and Zn, which are mainly attributed to municipal wastewater inputs and urban run-off. Results of the environmental quality assessment showed that element concentrations in the sediments can be considered as potentially toxic to aquatic organisms in sites downstream of the wastewater discharges.