Influence of the surface microlayer on the flux of nonconservative trace gases (CO,H2, CH4, N2O) across the ocean-atmosphere interface

Gas exchange experiments were conducted in the tropical Atlantic Ocean during a ship expedition with FS Meteor using a small rubber raft. The temporal change of the mixing ratios of CO, H₂, CH₄ and N₂O in the headspace of a floating glass box and the concentrations of these gases in the water phase were measured to determine their transfer velocities across the ocean-atmosphere interface. The ocean acted as a sink for these gases when the water was undersaturated with respect to the mixing ratio in the headspace. The transfer velocities were different for the individual gases and showed still large differences even when normalized for diffusivity. Applying the laminar film model, film thicknesses of 20 to 70 m were calculated for the observed flux rates of the different gas species. When the water was supersaturated with respect to atmospheric CO, H₂, CH₄ and N₂O, the transfer velocities of the emission process were smaller than those determined for the deposition process. In case of H₂ and CH₄, emission was even not calculable although, based on the observed gradient, the laminar film model predicted significant fluxes at the air-sea interface. The results are interpreted by destruction processes active within the surface microlayer.     

Infrared spectroscopic investigation of hydroxyl in β-(Mg,Fe)2SiO4 and coexisting olivine: Implications for mantle evolution and dynamics

Wadsleyite (β-(Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄) is a major constituent of the Earth's transition zone and is known to accommodate OH. The portion of the transition zone between 400–550 km could be an important source or sink for hydroxyl in plumes and slabs intersecting this region. Micro-infrared spectroscopy has been carried out on the β-phase and coexisting metastable olivine synthesized in a multianvil apparatus at 14 GPa and 1550–1650 K under hydrous conditions. Single-crystal and polycrystal specimens of both phases were analyzed in the 1800–8500 cm^?1 frequency region to determine the speciation, abundances, and partitioning behavior of the hydrous components in coexisting β-phase and olivine. β-phase spectra consistently show three distinct OH bands at 3329, 3580, and 3615 cm^?1. OH concentrations range from 10000–65000 H/10⁶ Si. A strong positive correlation of grain size and extent of transformation with OH concentration in the β-phase indicates that grain-growth and transformation rates are enhanced in a hydrous environment. Olivine spectra are variable, but consistently show a prominent broad-band absorbance representing molecular H₂O, consistent with the infrared signature of the starting material. OH concentrations in olivine range from <300–1400 H/10⁶ Si. The highest OH concentrations measured for olivine and the β-phase may represent solubility limits, in which case the OH solubility ratio between these two phases is approximately 1∶40. Where both phases coexist and are undersaturated with OH, the partitioning ratio of OH between them is about 1∶100. The large solubility contrast between olivine and the β-phase suggests a mechanism for hydrating the transition zone via olivine carried down in subducting slabs. Plumes impinging on an OH-rich upper transition region could cause H₂ or H₂O to be released upon transformation of the β-phase to olivine, resulting in initiation of secondary upwellings. If dissolution of OH weakens the β-phase, and if OH is present in the mantle, the region between 400–550 km could be a zone of low viscosity.     

Reflectance anisotropy and syn-deformational coalification of the Jewel seam in the Cadomin area, Alberta, Canada

The Jewel seam of the Cadomin area is complexly folded and cut by several thrust faults. Vitrinite reflectance anisotropy was determined from twenty oriented coal blocks, collected from various structural positions. Five of the blocks have uniaxial anisotropies, five have biaxial positive anisotropies, the remaining ten are biaxial negative. The biaxial coals display maximum reflectance axes parallel to nearby fold axes, which suggests a relationship between vitrinite anisotropy and deformation. The biaxial vitrinite reflectance ellipsoids result from superposition of tectonic strains on a primary, sedimentary burial related, uniaxial anisotropy. A tectonic stress field was probably present during the later stages of sedimentary burial and subsequent deformation.Coalification resulted largely from pre-deformational, sedimentary burial, but the final coalification stage was syn-deformational, as illustrated by the intersection of isorank surfaces and the Jewel seam and the biaxial vitrinite reflectance anisotropy.     

How does landfill leachate affect the chemical processes in a lake system downgradient from a landfill site?

A field study on the geochemical properties of a chemically-stressed limnic environment was performed in Lake Silbersee, which receives leachate water of high inorganic loading from an upgradient landfill site. The highly concentrated sulfate ion in groundwater, when entering the pore water system of the lake, gives rise to an intensive microbial sulfate reduction. A diagenetic approach was used to explain the existence of a marine-like aqueous system within a geologically slightly acidic aquifer, consisting of a well-buffered lake water and an alkalinity producing, excess sulphide containing sediment pore water system.     

Neue Ergebnisse zur Tektonik der Allgäuer und Vilser Alpen

Zusammenfassung Eine Neuuntersuchung der Tektonik in den Vilser Alpen und im Hochvogelgebiet, wo die Frage seit langer Zeit diskutiert wird, ob dort die Allgäu- und Lechtal-Decke getrennte Einheiten bilden, oder stratigraphisch untrennbar zusammenhängen, erbrachte eine eindeutige Entscheidung für den Deckenbau. Der Verlauf der Deckengrenze konnte zwischen Hochvogel und Hohenschwangauer Alpen präzisiert werden. Der interne Falten- und Schuppenbau der Lechtal-Decke hat nirgends zur Bildung von tektonisch tieferen Teildekken geführt, die internen Verschuppungen besitzen nur ein geringes Ausmaß.

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A new investigation of the tectonics in the Vilser Alps and in the Mt. Hochvogel area where since a long time a discussion was going on if the thrust sheets of Allgäu and Lechtal-Decke are separate units or connected by stratigraphic sequences, a definite decision could be made in favour of the nappe structure in this part of the Northern Calcareous Alps. The internal structure of the Lechtal-Decke thrust sheet is characterized by local imbricate structure which originate from sheared folds.

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Résumé On a dicuté depuis longtemps dans les Vilser Alpen et dans la région du Mont Hochvogel le problème, si les nappes de Allgäu et Lechtal-Decke sont des unités separées ou qu'ils forment une partie inséparable par des séquences stratigraphiques. Une nouvelle examen de la tectonique a affirmé la structure de nappes dans cette région des Alpes Calcaires du Nord. La structure intérieure de la nappe de Lechtal-Decke est caracterisée par une structure écaillée locale, qui se developpe de plis cisaillés.

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The latitudinal distribution of carbon monoxide across the pacific from California to Antarctica

The results of a research study of the carbon monoxide concentration from California to 90° S, Antarctica are presented. The data both extend and support other research studies of the latitudinal distribution of carbon monoxide in that higher concentrations are evident over the Northern Hemisphere than over the Southern Hemisphere. Carbon monoxide concentrations range between 50 to 60 ppb with a few peaks into the 60s in the latitudinal area south of the ITCZ and values of 80 ppb or higher at latitudes north of Hawaii. A comparison is also made of carbon monoxide and ozone concentrations along the flight tract between California and Antarctica, over the Ellsworth Mountains of Antarctica, and between 78° S and the South Pole. These ozone-carbon monoxide data show statistically significant negative correlations in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere over Antarctica. It is believed that this is a good indication of mixing across the tropopause.     

Structure proof and significance of stereoisomeric 28,30-bisnorhopanes in petroleum and petroleum source rocks

Two C₂₈H₄₈-pentacyclic triterpanes were isolated from Monterey shale. X-ray crystallography of a crystal containing both compounds proved their structures as 17β,18α,21α(H)-28,30-bisnorhopane and 17β,18α,21β(H)-28,30-bisnorhopane. Several differences are found between 28,30-bisnorhopanes and the regular hopanes. Unlike the regular hopane epimers, for practical purposes the three epimeric 28,30-bisnorhopanes [17α,21β(H)-, 17β,21α(H)-, and 17β,21β(H)-]cannot be distinguished by their mass spectra. Special conditions are needed to separate them by gas chromatography. The diagenetically first-formed epimer is thought to be 17α,21β(H)- because it predominates in immature shales. The order of thermodynamic stability is 17β,2lα(H) < > 17α,21β(H) > 17β,21β(H), and all three epimers are present in petroleum. 25,28,30-Trisnorhopanes can be analyzed in similar fashion and are found to have similar thermodynamic characteristics. The percent of the ring D/E cis epimer of 28,30-bisnorhopane and/or 25,28,30-trisnorhopane is a useful maturation parameter similar to the 20S/20R sterane ratio. Evidence indicates 25-demethylation of 28,30-bisnorhopane to 25,28,30-trisnorhopane during advanced stages of biodegradation. Hence, percent ring $\text{D}\text{E}$cis 25,28,30-trisnorhopane has an application to maturation assessment in heavily biodegraded oils.