Exploring an ‘ideal hill': how lithology and transport mechanisms affect the possibility of a steady state during weathering and erosion

We present a model of chemical reaction within hills to explore how evolving porosity (and by inference, permeability) affects flow pathways and weathering. The model consists of hydrologic and reactive-transport equations that describe alteration of ferrous minerals and feldspar. These reactions were chosen because previous work emphasized that oxygen- and acid-driven weathering affects porosity differently in felsic and mafic rocks. A parameter controlling the order of the fronts is presented. In the absence of erosion, the two reaction fronts move at different velocities and the relative depths depend on geochemical conditions and starting composition. In turn, the fronts and associated changes in porosity drastically affect both the vertical and lateral velocities of water flow. For these cases, estimates of weathering advance rates based on simple models that posit unidirectional constant-velocity advection do not apply. In the model hills, weathering advance rates diminish with time as the Darcy velocities decrease with depth. The system can thus attain a dynamical steady state at any erosion rate where the regolith thickness is constant in time and velocities of both fronts become equal to one another and to the erosion rate. The slower the advection velocities in a system, the faster it attains a steady state. For example, a massive rock with relatively fast-dissolving minerals such as diabase – where solute transport across the reaction front mainly occurs by diffusion – can reach a steady state more quickly than granitoid rocks in which advection contributes to solute transport. The attainment of a steady state is controlled by coupling between weathering and hydrologic processes that force water to flow horizontally above reaction fronts where permeability changes rapidly with depth and acts as a partial barrier to fluid flow. Published 2020. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.     

Mineralogy,petrology, and oxygen isotopic compositions of chondritic and achondritic lithologies in the anomalous CB carbonaceous chondrites Sierra Gorda 013 and Fountain Hills

The CB (Bencubbin-like) metal-rich carbonaceous chondrites are subdivided into the CB_a and CB_b subgroups. The CB_a chondrites are composed predominantly of ~cm-sized skeletal olivine chondrules and unzoned Fe,Ni-metal ± troilite nodules. The CB_b chondrites are finer grained than the CB_as and consist of chemically zoned and unzoned Fe,Ni-metal grains, Fe,Ni-metal ± troilite nodules, cryptocrystalline and skeletal olivine chondrules, and rare refractory inclusions. Both subgroups contain exceptionally rare porphyritic chondrules and no interchondrule fine-grained matrix, and are interpreted as the products of a gas–melt impact plume formed by a high-velocity collision between differentiated planetesimals about 4562 Ma. The anomalous metal-rich carbonaceous chondrites, Fountain Hills and Sierra Gorda 013 (SG 013), have bulk oxygen isotopic compositions similar to those of other CBs but contain coarse-grained igneous clasts/porphyritic chondrule-like objects composed of olivine, low-Ca-pyroxene, and minor plagioclase and high-Ca pyroxene as well as barred olivine and skeletal olivine chondrules. Cryptocrystalline chondrules, zoned Fe,Ni-metal grains, and interchondrule fine-grained matrix are absent. In SG 013, Fe,Ni-metal (~80 vol%) occurs as several mm-sized nodules; magnesiochromite (Mg-chromite) is accessory; daubréelite and schreibersite are minor; troilite is absent. In Fountain Hills, Fe,Ni-metal (~25 vol%) is dispersed between chondrules and silicate clasts; chromite and sulfides are absent. In addition to a dominant chondritic lithology, SG 013 contains a chondrule-free lithology composed of Fe,Ni-metal nodules (~25 vol%), coarse-grained olivine and low-Ca pyroxene, interstitial high-Ca pyroxene and anorthitic plagioclase, and Mg-chromite. Here, we report on oxygen isotopic compositions of olivine, low-Ca pyroxene, and ±Mg-chromite in Fountain Hills and both lithologies of SG 013 measured in situ using an ion microprobe. Oxygen isotope compositions of olivine, low-Ca pyroxene, and Mg-chromite in these meteorites are similar to those of magnesian non-porphyritic chondrules in CB_a and CB_b chondrites: on a three-isotope oxygen diagram (δ¹⁷O vs. δ¹⁸O), they plot close to a slope-1 (primitive chondrule mineral) line and have a very narrow range of Δ¹⁷O (=δ¹⁷O–0.52 × δ¹⁸O) values, −2.5 ± 0.9‰ (avr ± 2SD). No isotopically distinct relict grains have been identified in porphyritic chondrule-like objects. We suggest that magnesian non-porphyritic (barred olivine, skeletal olivine, cryptocrystalline) chondrules in the CB_as, CB_bs, and porphyritic chondrule-like objects in SG 013 and Fountain Hills formed in different zones of the CB impact plume characterized by variable pressure, temperature, cooling rates, and redox conditions. The achondritic lithology in SG 013 represents fragments of one of the colliding bodies and therefore one of the CB chondrule precursors. Fountain Hills was subsequently modified by impact melting; Fe,Ni-metal and sulfides were partially lost during this process.     

Reef microhabitats mediate fish feeding intensity and agonistic interactions at Príncipe Island Biosphere Reserve,Tropical Eastern Atlantic

The benthic assemblage of reefs provides an important resource of food and habitat for reef fishes. However, how benthic composition mediates reef fishes' biotic interactions at isolated environments such as oceanic islands remains largely unknown. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of four different reef microhabitats over biological interactions of fishes in an understudied oceanic island, Príncipe Island. For that, we recorded a total of 46 Underwater Remote Videos (RUVs) to document benthic composition and fishes' trophic and agonistic interactions. We used benthic cover estimates to group the samples into four microhabitats (dominated by epilithic algal matrix [EAM], sand/rock, corals and sponges), then quantified fishes' trophic and agonistic interactions in each microhabitat. All microhabitats presented a different structure of trophic and agonistic interactions of the fish assemblage. Feeding pressure (FP) and agonistic interactions were higher on the EAM microhabitat and lower in coral microhabitat. Herbivores were the main responsible group for the FP in all microhabitats. Territorial damselfishes used microhabitats differently for both trophic and agonistic interactions. We demonstrated that reef fish diversity and intensity of biotic interactions varied according the spatial distribution of benthic resources, which suggests that benthic composition plays an important role on structuring biological interactions at isolated reef systems.     

Role of perceptions and knowledge in the impact assessment for the extension of Mainport Rotterdam

The Dutch government wants to expand Mainport Rotterdam, one of the largest ports in the world, by land reclamation in the North Sea. This may affect the Wadden Sea, a unique wetlands area protected by the European Bird and Habitat Directives. To assess the impact of the port extension on the Wadden Sea, an Appropriate Assessment procedure was carried out. We investigated how stakeholders’ perceptions were dealt with and how knowledge was used in this decision-making process. Our findings form an argument for practitioners in marine and coastal management to choose a process-oriented approach to deal with complex issues.     

Deep-sea bacterial communities in sediments and guts of deposit-feeding holothurians in Portuguese canyons (NE Atlantic)

Deposit-feeding holothurians often dominate the megafauna in bathyal deep-sea settings, in terms of both abundance and biomass. Molpadia musculus is particularly abundant at about 3400 m depth in the Nazaré Canyon on the NE Atlantic Continental Margin. However, these high abundances are unusual for burrowing species at this depth. The objective of this research was to understand the reasons of the massive occurrence of these molpadiid holothurians in the Nazaré Canyon. To address this question we investigated possible trophic interactions with bacteria at sites where the organic content of the sediment was different (Setúbal and Cascais Canyons, NE Atlantic Continental Margin). The molecular fingerprinting technique of Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) with band sequencing, combined with non-metric multi-dimensional scaling and statistical analyses, was used to compare the bacterial community diversity in canyon sediments and holothurian gut contents. Our results suggest that M. musculus does not need to develop a specialised gut bacterial community to aid digestion where the sediment is rich in organic matter (Nazaré Canyon); in contrast, such a community may be developed where the sediment is poorer in organic matter (Cascais Canyon).     

Land use change in a 200‐year period and its effect on blue and green water flow in two Slovenian Mediterranean catchments—lessons for the future

The overexploitation and impairment of our freshwater resources require land management strategies that support the preservation of green and blue water flow and various ecosystem services. Historical landscape analysis and the influential driving factors of landscape development provide an essential basis for tackling current environmental questions in land and water management. Hence, this article investigates the influence of historical land use pattern on the hydrological processes and provision of blue and green water flow and storage for man and ecosystems under current climate conditions. Moreover, we discuss in how far these findings could be used to predict or optimise future land management options or as a reference for future land and water management. We used digitalized historical land use maps from 1787, 1827, 1940 and 1984 and a digital land use map of present situation from 2009 for our study areas, which are two small scale Slovenian catchments (Reka and Dragonja). The integrated river basin model soil and water assessment tool was used to simulate the land use change effects on blue and green water flow. The results showed for both catchments that the influence of land use change on total and green water quantity would be statistically insignificant but would have considerable effects on the seasonal flows. In the Reka catchment, historical situations indicate effects on spring and summer blue and green water flow due to a decreased percentage of forest and an increased percentage of grassland and vineyards in the past. Results for the Dragonja catchment indicate past shift from arable land use to forest as decrease in summer green water flow and increase in blue water flow. Possible effects are also increased levels of blue water flow and decreased levels of green water flow during the growing period of the year. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Magnetite in the unequilibrated CK chondrites: Implications for metamorphism and new insights into the relationship between the CV and CK chondrites

Bulk isotopic and elemental compositions of CV and CK chondrites have led to the suggestion that both originate from the same asteroid. It has been argued that magnetite compositions also support this model; however, magnetite has been studied almost exclusively in the equilibrated (type 4‐6) CKs. Magnetite in seven unequilibrated CKs analyzed here is enriched in MgO, TiO₂, and Al₂O₃ relative to the equilibrated CKs, suggesting that magnetite compositions are affected by metamorphism. Magnetite in CKs is compositionally distinct from CVs, particularly in abundances of Cr₂O₃, NiO, and TiO₂. Although there are minor similarities between CV and equilibrated CK chondrite magnetite, this is contrary to what we would expect if the CVs and CKs represent a single metamorphic sequence. CV magnetite should resemble CK3 magnetite, as both were metamorphosed to type 3 conditions. Oxygen fugacities and temperatures of CV_ox and CK chondrites are also difficult to reconcile using existing CV‐CK parent body models. Mineral chemistries, which eliminate issues of bulk sample heterogeneity, provide a reliable alternative to techniques that involve a small amount of sample material. CV and CK chondrite magnetite has distinct compositional differences that cannot be explained by metamorphism.     

Role of dynamics in the advection of aerosols over the Arabian Sea along the west coast of peninsular India during pre-monsoon season: A case study based on satellite data and regional climate model

The circulation dynamics of an event marked by the formation of an aerosol cluster off the coast of Maharashtra on April 22, 2006, its southward migration along the Indian west coast with a mean speed of ~200 km/day and its final dissipation after reaching the end of the peninsula by April 28, 2006 as revealed by MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) against the pre-monsoon conditions of April 2006 are examined in this study. The maximum aerosol concentration in the cluster was found getting confined to lower and lower altitudes during its southward movement. The NCEP/NCAR (National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research) reanalysis wind field indicates that the atmospheric circulation, especially the horizontal wind convergence is the major factor that guides the formation and the dynamics of the cluster. Fine mode fraction from MODIS suggests that the cluster mainly consists of coarse dust particles. The regional climate model, RegCM3 with an efficient dust generation module simulates the formation and movement of the cluster appreciably well. The simulations which also exhibit the altitudinally descending nature of the cluster during its southward movement confirm the mechanism which governs the cluster dynamics suggested based on MODIS and NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data.     

Flat-Slab Thermal Structure and Evolution Beneath Central Mexico

Recent seismic and magnetotelluric experiments, aimed at better characterizing the shape and state of the subducting slab and continental crust beneath Central Mexico, exposed significant differences with conclusions of previous studies. A new slab geometry is revealed in which the subducting Cocos slab is perfectly flat between 120 to 290?km from the trench, after which it plunges into the asthenosphere at a dip angle of ~65°, in sharp contrast with the previously proposed ~20° dip angle. Seismic tomography studies show negative P-wave velocity anomalies (?2 to ?4%) in the mantle wedge beneath the Mexican Volcanic Belt, and positive anomalies (+2 to +3%) for the subducted Cocos slab. Magnetotelluric experiments exposed a very low-resistivity area (1?C10? ??m) located within the continental crust just below the Mexican Volcanic Arc. Finally, several spots of non-volcanic tremors (NVTs) have been recorded inside the continental crust above the flat-slab segment. While all these experiments provide a better picture of the subduction system beneath Central Mexico, several key processes need further investigation. In this study, we take advantage of these new observations to better constrain the thermal structure beneath Central Mexico. Two different thermal models are computed for a mantle potential temperature (T _p) of 1,350 and 1,450°C, respectively. The new thermal structures are then converted into P-wave velocity anomalies and compared with the observed V _p anomalies. We found that a T _p of 1,450°C produced larger V _p anomalies that do not fit the observations. However, using a T _p of only 1,350°C, our predicted V _p anomalies are positive (+2 to +3%) for the cold slab and negative (?2 to ?4%) in the mantle wedge. These V _p estimates are consistent with the observed seismic tomography from P-wave arrivals, and therefore we conclude that a T _p of 1,350°C is a better estimate for the mantle potential temperature beneath Central Mexico. The new thermal model, in conjunction with phase diagrams for sediments, hydrated basalt and lithospheric mantle, have been used to estimate the amount and location of fluids released from the subducting Cocos slab. Several dehydration pulses have been identified along the slab interface where most of the fluids stored in sediments and oceanic crust are released into the overlying continental crust above the flat-slab. We found a good correlation between the pattern of these dehydration pulses and the location of NVTs, suggesting that slab dehydration is responsible for triggering the tremors. We suggest that NVT bursts localized above the flat slab segment represent the manifestation of ongoing continental crust hydration and weakening, a process that has been going on since 15?Ma ago when the Cocos slab entered into a flat-slab regime. Such continuous weakening would have reduced the suction forces that kept the slab in a flat regime in the last 15?Ma, allowing the slab to easily roll back. The continuous low-resistivity region recorded beneath the volcanic front in Central Mexico might represent the evidence of slab dehydration and crust weakening over time.