Non-destructive,high-resolution X-ray micro-CT of a Hairy Stalagmite: investigating the structural details of a biogenic speleothem

Three-dimensional X-ray micro-computed tomography permits to investigate the internal structure of objects at a high resolution without altering its original form. It also facilitates the rendering and visualization of a virtual replica, which can be subjected to rigorous and complex analyses. In the present study, micro-computed tomography was used to investigate a unique and fragile speleothem (cave formation) named a “Hairy Stalagmite”. Non-destructive analyses have revealed the calcareous internal structure of this speleothem, which consists of hollow, interconnected tubes. Rendered two-dimensional cross-sections also clearly revealed the outline of a once dense root nest that formed part of the speleothem’s biogenic origin. The internal structure was further visualized using an image sequence of two-dimensional cross-sections to create a video that “brings the speleothem to life”, also illustrating its complexity and variability. Statistical analyses revealed structural variability in void fraction, which is likely related to changing environmental conditions. In addition, the micro-computed tomography data were used as input for additive manufacturing (three-dimensional printing) in order to produce an enlarged replica of the Hairy Stalagmite sample, which made physical inspection possible. This combined approach represents the first of its kind and provides much benefit for future studies.     

流体包裹体研究的进展和方向

国外近十年来,在流体包裹体研究方面取得很大进展,除了在地质年会上有许多成果报道之外,专业会议更是每年召开一次（指北美流体包裹体会议和欧州体包裹体会议）,报道了大量最新的有关包裹体的研究成果。本文将从４个方面评述国外近年来流体包裹体的研究进展：即人工流体包裹体及Ｐ－Ｔ－Ｖ－Ｘ属性;流体包裹体的成分分析和年代学;流体包裹体在金矿及其他矿床研究中的应用和利用流体包裹体寻找石油。     

RETRIEVAL OF HORIZONTAL WIND PERTURBATION FIELDS FROM SIMULATED SINGLE DOPPLER RADAR OBSERVATIONS

The application of the single Doppler radar dataset analysis is usually confined to the assumption that the actualwind is linearly distributed or uniform locally.Following some dynamic features of convective weather,a conceptualmodel of moderate complexity is constructed,wherewith a horizontal wind perturbation field is retrieved directly fromthe single Doppler radar measurements.The numerical experiments are based on a 3-D cloud model-generatedconvective cell,whose radial velocity component is taken as the radar observations that are put into the closed equationsbased on the conceptual model to retrieve the horizontal wind perturbation field.After the initial field is properlytreated,the retrieval equation is solved in terms of the 2-D FFT technique and the sensitivity to noise is examined.Finally,contrast analysis is done of the retrieved and the cloud model output wind fields,indicating the usefulness of theapproach proposed in this paper.     

Garnet compositions and their use as indicators of peraluminous granitoid petrogenesis — southeastern Arabian Shield

Garnet, an uncommon accessory mineral in igneous rocks, occurs in seven small peraluminous granitoid plutons in the southeastern Arabian Shield; textural equilibrium between garnet and other host granitoid minerals indicates that the garnets crystallized from their host magmas. Compositions of the garnets form three groups that reflect host-granitoid compositions, which in turn reflect source compositions and tectonic regimes in which the host magmas were generated. Garnets from the seven plutons have almandine-rich cores and spessartine-rich rims. This reverse zoning depicts host magma compositional evolution; i.e. rimward spessartine enrichment resulted from progressive, host-magma manganese enrichment. The garnets are heavy rare-earth element enriched; (Lu/La) _N ranges from 13 to 355 and one of the garnets contains spectacularly elevated abundances of Y, Ta, Th, U, Zn, Zr, Hf, Sn, and Nb. Involvement of garnets with these trace element characteristics in magma genesis or evolution can have dramatic effects on trace element signatures of the resulting magmas. Other researchers suggest that Mn-enriched magmas are most conducive to garnet nucleation. Although the garnetiferous granitoids discussed here are slightly Mn enriched, other genetically similar peraluminous Arabian granitoids lack garnet; Mn enrichment alone does not guarantee garnet nucleation. The presence of excess alumina in the magma may be a prerequisite for garnet nucleation.     

美国Culberson重晶石-硫磺矿中流体包裹体的研究

Culberson自然硫-重晶石矿床位于美国德克萨斯州的Delaware油气盆地中,是北美最大的自然硫矿床。它产在晚二叠世Ochoan期的Castile组和Salado组的石灰宕夹薄层蒸发岩和有机质灰岩中,重晶石和自然硫是后生的,常交代这两个组地层中的蒸发岩和富含有机质的灰岩,并填充在古喀斯特中。流体包裹体的研究表明：有两个世代的包裹体,即成岩时和方解石后生加大和重晶石中捕获的石油包裹体和流体包裹体。按包裹体的成分和相态可分为一相液体包裹体、二相气液体包裹体和油气包裹体。研究表明,在方解石、重晶石和天青石的同一生长带中可见到含有不同气液比的流体包裹体、空的包裹体和油气包裹体,它们是在一个不混溶的环境中捕获的,因而其均一温度的测定并不可靠。流体包裹体的T_e在-18℃～-24℃之间,属于NaCl- H_2O体系,盐度为2%～10%。有许多油气包裹体,因而其成矿流体应是一个温度小于100℃的油田水．     

A preliminary archaeological and environmental study of pre‐Columbian burial towers at Huachacalla,Bolivian Altiplano

Chullpas are pre‐Columbian burial towers built by indigenous Aymaras on the Bolivian Altiplano. Bolivian chullpas date back to the Late Intermediate Period (A.D. 1000–1476) and the Late Horizon (A.D. 1476–1532). We recorded 228 chullpas among 84 sites in the Huachacalla region of west‐central Bolivia. In our study area, the chullpas are on debris flows and coarse alluvium in the proximal and medial segments of alluvial fans at the foot of two volcanoes. Grain‐size, element, and mineralogical analysis of chullpa wall material and local sediment revealed that the burial towers are composed of calcareous sand that is readily available in alluvial fan deposits near the sites. Our data suggest that the Aymaras considered environmental factors, such as drainage and stability of the soil, when they selected the locations of chullpas, whereas cultural factors played a significant role in chullpa architecture. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.