First results of precise gravity measurements on the “A-B-C” profile

Repeated high-precision gravity measurements on a north-south profile between La Paz and Santiago de Chile and east-west profiles between the coastline and the high Cordilleras are conducted in order to determine vertical motion of the ground. Geophysical considerations and results of the first campaign in October 1984 are presented.     

Cryptoperthites and cooling rate in a layered syenite pluton: a chemical and TEM study

Alkali feldspars in the Klokken layered syenite (South Greenland) are optically either coarse, turbid, deuteric patch perthites or clear, unaltered, fine braid microor cryptoperthites. Irregular, clear volumes can be found in most turbid grains. Electron microscopy shows that all clear crystals or volumes are cryptoperthites in which the periodicity of the exsolution lamellae increases systematically with distance from the roof of the intrusion, from 40 nm to 300nm. They are composed of low albite and diagonally associated maximum microcline. A secondary coarsening is responsible for optically visible braid microperthites.The layered series consists of interleaved, granular syenites and coarser grained, laminated syenites with mineral layering. Microprobe analyses show a downward decrease in Ca and Ba in the granular syenite feldspars consistent with chilling from the roof inwards. Most laminated syenite feldspars contain 1% An increasing to 5% in mafic layers.The periodicity of the exsolution lamellae in the laminated syenite feldspars is consistently up to twice that in adjacent granular syenites. Periodicity is not influenced by Ab:Or or An content, but high-An feldspars have continuous zig-zag intergrowths, while others are more lozengeshaped. Lamellar periodicities largely reflect cooling rate in the pluton. Cooling times in the exsolution interval were probably about 10³–10⁴ years at the top of the series, whereas existing experimental data suggest that the periodicities would be reached in a few days or years. The periodicities at the top of the granular series are only slightly greater than experimentally determined initial wavelengths for spinodal decomposition, suggesting that little or no coarsening occurred despite the long cooling times. Coarsening did occur lower in the pile. Framework ordering and twinning must slow or stop coarsening.The difference in periodicity between the granular and laminated syenite series may be caused by differences in amount of water incorporated in the feldspar structure from the magma. The exsolution of this water at low temperatures could be the cause of the deuteric unmixed patch perthites. Small volumes of cryptoperthite which have escaped deuteric unmixing may be common in igneous rocks in general and may be useful relative indicators of cooling rate.     

Microseismic activity in the Hellenic Volcanic Arc, Greece, with emphasis on the seismotectonic setting of the Santorini–Amorgos zone

The volcanic arc of the Hellenic subduction zone with its four volcanic centers is of major relevance when evaluating the seismovolcanic hazard for the Aegean region. We present results from a 22-station temporary seismic network (CYCNET) in the central Hellenic Volcanic Arc (HVA). CYCNET recordings allow to analyze the level and spatio-temporal evolution of microseismic activity in this region for the first time. A total of 2175 events recorded between September 2002 and July 2004 are analyzed using statistical methods, cluster analysis and relative relocation techniques. We identify distinct regions with significantly varying spatio-temporal behavior of microseismicity. A large portion of the seismic activity within the upper crust is associated with the presence of islands representing horst structures that were generated during the major Oligocene extensional phase. In contrast, the central part of the Cyclades metamorphic core complex remains aseismic considering our magnitude threshold of 1.8 except one spot where events occur swarm-like and with highly similar waveforms.The highest activity in the study area was identified along the SW–NE striking Santorini–Amorgos zone. Within this zone the submarine Columbo volcano exhibits strong temporal variations of seismic activity on a high background level. This activity is interpreted to be directly linked to the magma reservoir and therein the migration of magma and fluids towards the surface. NE of Columbo where no volcanic activity has yet been reported we observe a similar seismicity pattern with small-scaled activity spots that might represent local pathways of upward migrating fluids or even developing volcanic activity within this zone of crustal weakness. In contrast, the Santorini and Milos volcanic complexes do not show significant temporal variations and low to moderate background activity, respectively. Relating our results to the distribution of historical earthquakes and the GPS-derived horizontal velocity field we conclude that the Santorini–Amorgos zone is presently in the state of right-lateral transtension reflecting a major structural boundary of the volcanic arc subdividing it into a seismically and volcanically quiet western and an active eastern part.     

Fe–Mg diffusion in olivine I: experimental determination between 700 and 1,200<Emphasis Type="Bold">°</Emphasis>C as a function of composition,crystal orientation and oxygen fugacity

We have determined Fe–Mg diffusion coefficients in olivines from different sources (Nanga Parbat, Pakistan and San Carlos, Arizona, USA) at atmospheric pressure as a function of composition, oxygen fugacity (10⁻⁵–10⁻¹² Pa) and temperature (700–1200°C) using thin films produced by pulsed laser deposition and RBS to analyze the concentration profiles. We have characterized the nano-scale structure and composition of the thin films annealed at various conditions and shown that the nature of the film (e.g. crystallinity, wetting behavior) depends strongly on the annealing conditions. If these variations are not taken into account in the form of boundary conditions for modeling the diffusion profiles, artifacts would result in the diffusion data. The diffusion coefficients obtained from 75 experiments reveal that (i) between fO₂ of 10⁻⁵ and 10⁻¹⁰ Pa, diffusion along all three principal crystallographic directions in olivine, [100], [010] and [001], are described by a constant activation energy of ∼200 kJ/mol, precluding any temperature dependence of diffusion anisotropy and change of mechanism of diffusion at temperatures between 950 and 1200°C, (ii) diffusion coefficients increase with oxygen fugacity at fO₂ > 10⁻¹⁰ Pa, with an fO₂ exponent that lies between 1/4 and 1/7, and (iii) at fO₂ below 10⁻¹⁰ Pa, and consequently at temperatures below ∼900°C, diffusion becomes weakly dependent/independent of fO₂, indicating a change of diffusion mechanism. Activation energy of diffusion at these conditions is slightly higher, ∼220 kJ/mol. The data, including the change of mechanism, are analyzed in terms of point defect chemistry in Part II of this work to derive an equation that allows calculation of diffusivities in olivine over its entire field of stability. Availability of directly measured data at temperatures down to 700°C imply that for the first time diffusion coefficients can be interpolated, rather than extrapolated, for modeling most natural systems.     

Development of a numerical groundwater flow model using SRTM elevations

Remotely-sensed elevation data are potentially useful for constructing regional scale groundwater models, particularly in regions where ground-based data are poor or sparse. Surface-water elevations measured by the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) were used to develop a regional-groundwater flow model by assuming that frozen surface waters reflect local hydraulic head (or groundwater potential). Drainage lakes (fed primarily by surface water) are designated as boundary conditions and seepage lakes and isolated wetlands (fed primarily by groundwater) are used as observation points to calibrate a numerical flow model of the 900 km² study area in the Northern Highland Lakes Region of Wisconsin, USA. Elevation data were utilized in a geographic information system (GIS) based groundwater-modeling package that employs the analytic element method (AEM). Calibration statistics indicate that lakes and wetlands had similar influence on the parameter estimation, suggesting that wetlands might be used as observations where open water elevations are unreliable or not available. Open water elevations are often difficult to resolve in radar interferometry because unfrozen water does not return off-nadir radar signals.     

Graphisches Konstruktionsschema zur Bestimmung der Bewegungsparameter eines drallstabilisierten Flugkörpers mit Nutationsdämpfung unter dem Einflusz von Lagekorrekturimpulsen

Zusammenfassung Es wird gezeigt, daß die unter der Einwirkung einer Momentenimpulsserie entstehende Bewegung eines rotierenden Flugkörpers mit Nutationsdämpfung sich vollständig einem regelmäßigen Polygon entnehmen läßt, das durch das Trägheitsmomentenverhältnis, den Integralwert eines Einzelimpulses, den Drall und eine die Dämpfung charakterisierende KonstanteK ₀ bestimmt ist.Die Bewegung setzt sich aus logarithmischen Spiralen zusammen, derenn-ten Anfangsradius man erhält, indem man den Teilungspunkt des im VerhältnisK ₀:1 geteilten (n–1)-ten Radius mit der (n+1)-ten Polygonecke verbindet.Es wird bewiesen, daß das Konstruktionsnetz zu einem im äußeren Polygon liegenden ähnlichen inneren Polygon konvergiert, das gegenüber ersterem gedreht ist.Einfache Beziehungen zur Bewegungsbestimmung mit dem Polygonschema werden für Pulsfrequenzen angegeben, die ganzzahlige Vielfache oder Bruchteile der Spinfrequenz sind.

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It is shown that the motion of a spinning body with nutation damping due to a series of torque pulses can be completely derived from a regular polygon determined by the ratio of inertias, the integral of one pulse, the momentum and a constantK ₀ characterizing damping.The motion is composed of spirals thenth initial radius of which is obtained by connecting the dividing point of the (n–1)th radius with the (n+1)th polygon corner. Each dividing point divides the respective radius in the ratioK ₀:1. The net of construction lines converges into an inner polygon turned against the outer one and having the same shape.Simple rules are shown for the application of the scheme on pulse frequencies which are multiples or fractions of spin frequency.

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Symbole 1-2-3 Achsen des flugkörperfesten Koordinatensystems - a,b,c Hilfsgrößen zur Bestimmung der Iterationsgrößen - E _i i-te Polygonecke - H Drall des Flugkörpers - K _i Verhältnis deri-ten Drehzeigerlängen zu Beginn und am Ende eines Impulses - M Iterationsmatrix - Integralwert des Momentenimpulses - P ₀ Äußeres Polygon - P ₁ Spitze des Drehzeigersr _00e - P Drehpunkt des Drehzeigersr ₀₀ - P Konvergierendes Polygon - P _i Teilungspunkt des [i–1]-ten Zeigers - r _0i Drehzeiger aufgrund desi-ten Impulses allein - r _0ia Zeigerr _0i in Anfangslage - r _0ie Zeigerr _0i in Endlage - r _i i-ter Summenzeiger - r _ia Zeigerr _i in Anfangslage - r _ie Zeigerr _i in Endlage - T Dauer einer Flugkörperumdrehung - t,t, Zeitargumente - x-y-z Achsen eines raumfesten Koordinatensystems - x _i ,y _i Iterationskoordinaten - _n Phase desn-ten Radius gegenüber der anliegenden Polygonseite - Drehung des inneren Polygons gegenüber dem äußeren - Abklingkonstante - Phasenänderung des Drehzeigers innerhalb einer Flugkörperumdrehung - ₀ Anteil der über 2 hinausgehenden Phasenänderung des Drehzeigers - ₃ Trägheitsmoment um die Spinachse - ₁₂ Trägheitsmoment um die Querachsen - Zahl der Ecken des Konstruktionspolygons - _1,2 Eigenwerte der Iterationsmatrix - Zahl der vollen Umläufe des Konstruktionspolygons - Fortbewegungsachse des Drallvektors - ₀ Ausgangsphasenwinkel - _i Phasenlage desi-ten Summenzeigers - _x, _y Drehwinkel nach Einzelimpuls fürt - , Funktionen der Iterationsgrößen - , Drehwinkel umx-bzw.y-Achse - Drehgeschwindigkeit der Spinachse um den Drallvektor - Fiktive Größen bei Pulsfrequenzen kleiner als Spinfrequenz - Fiktive Größen bei Pulsfrequenzen größer als Spinfrequenz     

Direct and Indirect Interactions Between Lower Estuarine Mangrove and Saltmarsh Habitats and a Commercially Important Penaeid Shrimp

Vegetated habitats in estuaries may provide a structural refuge and food supply in the same place, but benefits are also derived where a productive food source and suitable habitat are adjacent to each other. Quantifying these relationships is fundamental to understanding the structural and functional characteristics of estuarine ecosystems and for informing management actions. Effective juvenile habitat (habitat that contributes greater-than-average numbers of recruits to the adult population), recruitment patterns and trophic relationships were studied for Eastern King Prawn (Penaeus plebejus) in the lower Clarence River estuary, New South Wales, between 2014 and 2016. Effective juvenile habitat was identified in both the north arm and main river channel of the estuary, and these areas also supported a higher abundance of juvenile prawns. There was minimal recruitment to the southern channels of the estuary, possibly due to reduced connectivity with the incoming tide arising from a rock wall. Trophic relationships in parts of the lower estuary were evaluated using stable isotopes, and saltmarsh grass (Sporobolus virginicus) was the dominant primary producer supporting juvenile Eastern King Prawn productivity across the area. Mangroves were of minimal importance, and seagrass cover was minimal in the area studied. The patterns observed indicate that nursery function of different areas within the lower estuary is a product of connectivity, recruitment and nutrition derived from primary productivity of vascular plants. Habitats within the lower Clarence River estuary have seen substantial degradation over decadal time scales, and the implications of our findings for targeting future habitat repair are discussed.     

New biostratigraphical data for the Burdigalian Montchaibeux Member at the locality Courrendlin-Solé (Canton of Jura,Switzerland)

Geological surveys were carried out in the Miocene deposits at the place known as “En Solé” east of the village Courrendlin (Delémont Basin, Canton of Jura, Switzerland). This resulted in the discovery of new Miocene small mammal assemblages. The association of the rodents Megacricetodon aff. collongensis and Melissiodon sp. allows to biochronostratigraphically correlate for the first time the so-called “Rote Mergel des Mont Chaibeux” representing the lower part of the Montchaibeux Member of the Bois de Raube Formation to the regional M. collongensis–Keramidomys interval zone (MN 4; early Miocene).     

Low-temperature anisotropic diffusion of helium in zircon: Implications for zircon (U-Th)/He thermochronometry

In the last decade the zircon (U-Th)/He (ZHe) thermochronometer has been applied to a variety of geologic problems. Although bulk diffusion coefficients for He in zircon are available from laboratory step-heating experiments, little is known about the diffusion mechanism(s) and their dependence on the crystallographic structure of zircon. Here, we investigate the diffusion of He in perfectly crystalline zircon using atomistic simulation methods that provide insights into the structural pathways of He migration in zircon. Empirical force fields and quantum-mechanical calculations reveal that the energy barriers for He diffusion are strongly dependent on structure. The most favorable pathway for He diffusion is the [0 0 1] direction through the open channels parallel to the c-axis (, activation energy for tracer diffusion of a He atom along [0 0 1]). In contrast, energy barriers are higher in other directions where narrower channels for He diffusion are identified, such as [1 0 0], [1 0 1], and [1 1 0] (ΔE^∗ of 44.8, 101.7, and 421.3 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively). Molecular dynamics simulations are in agreement with these results and provide additional insight in the diffusion mechanisms along different crystallographic directions, as well as the temperature dependence. Below the closure temperature of He in zircon [T_c ∼ 180 °C, Reiners P. W., Spell T. L., Nicolescu S., and Zanetti K. A. (2004) Zircon (U-Th)/He thermochronometry: He diffusion and comparisons with Ar-40/Ar-39 dating. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta68, 1857-1887], diffusion is anisotropic as He moves preferentially along the [0 0 1] direction, and calculated tracer diffusivities along the two most favorable directions differ by approximately five orders of magnitude (D_[001]/D_[100] ∼ 10⁵, at T = 25 °C). Above this temperature, He atoms start to hop between adjacent [0 0 1] channels, along [1 0 0] and [0 1 0] directions (perpendicular to the c-axis). The diffusion along [1 0 0] and [0 1 0] is thermally activated, such that at higher temperatures, He diffusion in zircon becomes nearly isotropic (D_[001]/D_[100] ∼ 10, at T = 580 °C). These results suggest that the anisotropic nature of He diffusion at temperatures near the closure temperature should be considered in future diffusivity experiments. Furthermore, care should be taken when making geologic interpretations (e.g., exhumation rates, timing of cooling, etc.) from this thermochronometer until the effects of anisotropic diffusion on bulk ages and closure temperature estimates are better quantified.