“Shock event”, an impact phenomenon observed in water wells around the Arabian Gulf coastal city Dammam,Saudi Arabia: possible relationship with Sumatra tsunami event of December 26, 2004

A sudden disturbance in water level was recorded by hydrographs monitoring wells in the coastal city Dammam, Saudi Arabia on December 26, 2004. The water level was being recorded from the shallow (1–3 M deep) coastal aquifer at that time. In two wells, this disturbance was observed ~12 h after the Sumatra earthquake/tsunami event of December 26, 2004. The timing of this event is synchronous in two wells near the coast, but an inland well away from the coast line did not show any such disturbance. It is hypothesized that this disturbance, we call it the “shock event”, is resulted by sudden impact of tsunamis traveling in the Arabian Gulf from southeast toward northwest. As the tsunamis propagated, they suddenly impacted the coastal shallow groundwater aquifer resulting in the “shock event”.     

Performance of Scrap Tire Shreds as a Potential Leachate Collection Medium

The use of scrap-tire-shreds as leachate collection layer in landfills would reduce the magnitude of the current tire disposal problem by converting a waste into a beneficial material. Laboratory studies were conducted to investigate scrap-tire-shreds as an attractive potential alternative to conventional gravel in the drainage layer of leachate collection system by comparative analysis of various physico-chemical parameters. Gravel and scrap-tire-shreds in combination were used as leachate collection layer. Laboratory Test Cells consisting of different combinations of scrap-tire-shreds (size range length = 25.4 mm to 76.1 mm and width = 5 mm) and gravel (size range 10 mm to 20 mm) beds as leachate collection layer with total bed thickness of 500 mm were constructed. Performance study of Test Cells- 1 to 7, having different combinations of scrap-tire-shreds and gravel bed thickness, were studied to work out the best combination. Combined beds of scrap-tire-shreds and gravel gave better results as compared to conventional gravel or scrap- tire- shreds bed when used singly. Test Cell -3 having scrap-tire-shreds layer (200 mm) and gravel layer (300 mm) gave the best results in terms of percentage reduction in various physico-chemical parameters of leachate. The reduction was as high as 68.8 and 79.6% in case of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) values respectively. Further, three more laboratory Test Cells-8, 9 and 10 were constructed having scrap-tire-shreds and gravel layer ratio same as that of Test Cell- 3 (best combination) but having scrap-tire-shreds of different widths 10 mm, 15 mm and 20 mm to find out the most suitable size. Bed of smaller size scrap-tire-shreds (5 mm) gave better results in comparison to bigger sizes. Leachate sample after passing through combined beds of scrap-tire-shreds and gravel gave better results in percentage reduction in various physico-chemical parameters of leachate as compared to conventional gravel or scrap-tire-shreds bed when used singly.     

Effect of Geotextile Ties on Uplift Capacity of Anchors Embedded in Sand

This paper presents the results of experimental investigation on the effect of geotextile ties on uplift capacity of anchors embedded in sand. Uplift capacity of anchor increases with increase in embedment depth to base diameter (H/D) ratio irrespective of type of anchor. With the introduction of tie to anchors, uplift capacity of anchors increases and optimum number of layers of ties is found to be 2. A non linear power model has been developed to predict the uplift capacity at any settlement (Q _R) of anchors with tie in terms of uplift capacity at any settlement (Q _URs) of anchor without tie, H/D ratio, number of layers of tie and displacement to base diameter ratio (Δ/D). The model is applicable for predicting Q _R having the values of Q _RS, H/D, N and Δ/D in the range of 0.257 ≤ Q _URs ≤ 1.420, 1.5 ≤ H/D ≤ 3.0, 1 ≤ N ≤ 4, 0.8 ≤ Δ/D ≤ 8.     

Numerical modeling of flow patterns around subducting slabs in a viscoelastic medium and its implications in the lithospheric stress analysis

This paper presents results obtained from numerical model experiments to show different patterns of mantle flow produced by lithospheric movement in subduction zones. Using finite element models, based on Maxwell rheology (relaxation time ∼ 10¹¹S), we performed three types of experiments: Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3. In Type 1 experiments, the lithospheric slab subducts into the mantle by translational movement, maintaining a constant subduction angle. The experimental results show that the flow perturbations occur in the form of vortices in the mantle wedge, irrespective of subduction rate and angle. The mantle wedge vortex is coupled with another vortex below the subducting plate, which tends to be more conspicuous with decreasing subduction rate. Type 2 experiments take into account a flexural deformation of the plate, and reveal its effect on the flow patterns. The flexural motion induces a flow in the form of spiral pattern at the slab edge. Density-controlled lithospheric flexural motion produces a secondary flow convergence zone beneath the overriding plate. In many convergent zones the subducting lithospheric plate undergoes detachment, and moves down into the mantle freely. Type 3 experiments demonstrate flow perturbations resulting from such slab detachments. Using three-dimensional models we analyze lithospheric stresses in convergent zone, and map the belts of horizontal compression and tension as a function of subduction angle.     

Enigmatic association of the carbonatite and alkali-pyroxenite along the Northern Shear Zone, Purulia, West Bengal: A saga of primary magmatic carbonatite

The Purulia carbonatite, ‘carbonatite’-‘alkali-pyroxenite’-‘apatite-magnetite rock’ association, is located at Beldih area of Purulia district, West Bengal and falls within the 100 km long Northern Shear Zone (NSZ). Published literature suggests that the Purulia carbonatite was formed by the process of liquid immiscibility from under-saturated silicate parent magma. However, no silica under-saturated rocks like ijolite, nepheline-syenite etc. is known from the area. The trace element geochemistry (Ba/La, Nb/Th, Nb/Pb and Y/Ce ratios in the present study) also does not support this view. Present study indicates that the Purulia carbonatite is enriched in ΣREE and incompatible elements but the carbonatite is also poorer in Nb, Th and Pb compared to the world average of calicocarbonatites. The lower value of Nb is characteristics of carbo(hydro)thermal carbonatite where carbonatite is associated with alkali-pyroxenite and suggests probable origin of the carbonatite as carbothermal residua evolved from an unknown parentage. However, the field, petrographic and geochemical data indicate the genesis of this carbonatite from a primary carbonatitic magma of mantle decent. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio of the carbonatite and apatite separated from the carbonatite (∼0.703) implies primary magmatic derivation of the Purulia carbonatite. Close similarity of the apatite of the apatite-magnetite rock with the mantle apatite (of type Apatite B) indicates that they are also of primary magmatic origin. The present work portrays a unique example where primary magmatic carbonatite is associated with the alkali-pyroxenite.     

Magnetic susceptibility mapping of felsic magmatic lithounits in the central part of Bundelkhand Massif,central India

Late Archaean to Palaeoproterozoic felsic magmatic lithounits exposed in the central part of the Bundelkhand massif have been mapped and their redox series (magnetite vs ilmenite series) evaluated based on magnetic susceptibility (MS) data. The central part of Bundelkhand massif comprises of multiple felsic magmatic pulses (∼2600–2200 Ma), commonly represented by coarse grained granite (CGG-grey granite, CPG-pink granite), medium grained pink granite (MPG), fine grained pink granite (FPG), grey and pink rhyolites and granite porphyry (GP). However, the pink colour of these felsic rocks is the result of hydrothermal fluid-flushing leading to potassic alteration of grey granites. MS values of CGG vary from 0.058 to 14.75×10⁻³ SI with an average of 6.35×10⁻³ SI, which mostly represent oxidized type, magnetite series (73%) granites involving infracrustal (igneous) source materials. CPG (av. MS=3.95×10⁻³ SI) is indeed a pink variety of CGG, the original oxidizing nature of which must have been similar to the bulk of CGG, but has been moderately to strongly reduced because of distinctly more porphyritic nature together with partial assimilation of metapelitic (supracrustal) materials, surmicaceous enclaves, carbonaceous material included in the source materials, and to some extent, induced by hydrothermal and later deformational processes. MPG (av. MS= 1.15×10⁻³ SI) as lensoidal stock-like bodies intrudes the CPG and represent both magnetite series (18%) and ilmenite series (82%) granites, which are probably formed by heterogeneous (mixed) source rocks. GP (av. MS=6.26×10⁻³ SI) occur as dykes (mostly trending NE-SW) intrudes the MPG, CPG and migmatites and bears the nature similar to oxidized type, magnetite series granite. FPG (av. MS= 0.666×10⁻³ SI) trending NE-SW occur as lensoid bodies including a large outcrop, is intrusive into both CPG and MPG, and is moderately to very strongly reduced type, ilmenite series granites, which may be derived by the melting of metapelitic crustal sources. FPG hosting microgranular (mafic magmatic) enclaves commonly exhibit high MS values (7.31–10.22×10⁻³ SI), which appear induced by the mixing and mingling of interacting felsic and mafic magmas prevailed in an open system. Grey (av. MS=10.30×10⁻³ SI) and pink (av. MS=6.72×10⁻³ SI) rhyolites represent oxidized type, magnetite series granites, which may have been derived from infracrustal (magmatic) protoliths. Granite series evaluation of felsic magmatic rocks of central part of Bundelkhand massif strongly suggests their varied redox conditions (differential oxygen fugacity) mostly intrinsic to magma source regions and partially modified by hydrothermal and tectonic processes acting upon them.     

Petrography and major elements geochemistry of microgranular enclaves and neoproterozoic granitoids of south Khasi,Meghalaya: Evidence of magma mixing and alkali diffusion

Neoproterozoic (690±19 Ma) felsic magmatism in the south Khasi region of Precambrian northeast Indian shield, referred to as south Khasi granitoids (SKG), contains country-rock xenoliths and microgranular enclaves (ME). The mineral assemblages (pl-hbl-bt-kf-qtz-mag) of the ME and SKG are the same but differ in proportions and grain size. Modal composition of ME corresponds to quartz monzodiorite whereas SKG are quartz monzodiorite, quartz monzonite and monzogranite. The presence of acicular apatite, fine grains of mafic-felsic minerals, resorbed maficfelsic xenocrysts and ocellar quartz in ME strongly suggest magma-mixed and undercooled origin for ME. Molar Al₂O₃/CaO+Na₂O+K₂O (A/CNK) ratio of ME (0.68–0.94) and SKG (0.81–1.00) suggests their metaluminous (I-type) character. Linear to sub-linear variations of major elements (MgO, Fe₂O₃ ^t, P₂O₅, TiO₂, MnO and CaO against SiO₂) of ME and SKG and two-component mixing model constrain the origin of ME by mixing of mafic and felsic magmas in various proportions, which later mingled and undercooled as hybrid globules into cooler felsic (SKG) magma. However, rapid diffusion of mobile elements from felsic to mafic melt during mixing and mingling events has elevated the alkali contents of some ME.     

Stability of an unsupported vertical circular excavation in clays under undrained condition

By using the axisymmetric finite elements static limit analysis formulation, proposed recently by the authors, the stability numbers (γH/c_o) for an unsupported vertical circular excavation in clays, whose cohesion increases with depth, have been determined under undrained condition; γ = unit weight, H = height of the excavation and c_o = cohesion along ground surface. The results are obtained for various values of H/b and m; where b = the radius of the excavation and m = a non-dimensional parameter which accounts for the rate of the increase of cohesion with depth. The values of the stability numbers increase continuously both with increases in H/b and m. The results obtained in this study compare well with those available in literature.     

Temperature dependence on the electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of natural jasper from Taroko Gorge (Taiwan)

Structural properties of natural jasper from Taroko Gorge (Taiwan) have been investigated by means of powder X-ray diffraction, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic techniques. The EPR spectrum at room temperature exhibits a sharp resonance signal at g = 2.007 and two more resonance signals centered at g ≈ 4.3 and 14.0. The resonance signal at g = 2.007 has been attributed to the E′ center and is related to a natural radiation-induced paramagnetic defect. Two more resonance signals centered at g ≈ 4.3 and 14.0 are characteristic of Fe³⁺ ions. The EPR spectra recorded at room temperature of jasper samples, heat-treated at temperatures ranging from 473 to 1,473 K exhibit marked temperature dependence. The resonance signal corresponding to E′ center disappears at elevated temperatures. A broad, intense resonance signal centered at g ≈ 2.0 appears at elevated temperatures. This resonance signal is a characteristic of Fe³⁺ ions, which are present as hematite in the jasper sample. The intensity of the resonance signal becomes dominant at elevated temperatures at ≥873 K, masking g ≈ 4.3 and g ≈ 14.0 resonance signals. The EPR spectra of jasper heat-treated at 673 K have been recorded at temperatures between 123 and 296 K. The population of spin levels (N) has been calculated for the broad g ≈ 2.0 resonance signal. It is found that N decreases with decreasing temperature. The linewidth (ΔH) of g ≈ 2.0 resonance signal of the heat-treated jasper is found to increase with decreasing temperature. This has been attributed to spin–spin interaction of the Fe³⁺ ions present in the form of hematite in the studied jasper sample.     

On the relationship of cosmic ray intensity with solar,interplanetary, and geophysical parameters

The flux rate of cosmic rays incident on the Earth’s upper atmosphere is modulated by the solar wind and the Earth’s magnetic field. The amount of solar wind is not constant due to changes in solar activity in each solar cycle, and hence the level of cosmic ray modulation varies with solar activity. In this context, we have investigated the variability and the relationship of cosmic ray intensity with solar, interplanetary, and geophysical parameters from January 1982 through December 2008. Simultaneous observations have been made to quantify the exact relationship between the cosmic ray intensity and those parameters during the solar maxima and minima, respectively. It is found that the stronger the interplanetary magnetic field, solar wind plasma velocity, and solar wind plasma temperature, the weaker the cosmic ray intensity. Hence, the lowest cosmic ray intensity has good correlations with simultaneous solar parameters, while the highest cosmic ray intensity does not. Our results show that higher solar activity is responsible for a higher geomagnetic effect and vice versa.