Histological alterations observed in Idotea balthica basteri audouin 1827 (Crustacea,Isopoda) exposed to the chronic effect of non-ionic detergents

Following extended exposure to eight non-ionic compounds, the crustacean isopod Idotea balthica basteri was studied by light microscopy and histoautoradiography. Cellular modifications were found in the nervous system, the gill pleopods, the digestive system, the gonads and the moulting gland. It is suggested that these modifications may eventually cause a variation in function and may even lead to the extinction of the species.     

Cometary dynamics

Since comets appear to be observable only at the expense of rapid aging in the vicinity of the Sun, chaotic routes are considered necessary in order to bring them from their remote places of origin and storage. Recent work on short-period cometary orbits has verified this expectation in general terms but has also shown many examples of temporary resonance trappings and other quasiregular phenomena. For long-period comet dynamics recent developments point to the importance of long-term effects associated with the Galactic tidal field acting in conjunction with the randomizing effect of stellar encounters. This paper presents a comprehensive review of all these aspects of cometary dynamics.     

Différenciation magmatique,séricitisation et spilitisation dans les filons du complexe filonien du cortège ophiolitique de Guévguéli (Macédoine,Grèce)

Résumé Le complexe filonien du cortège ophiolitique de Guévguéli comporte, à côté de spilites, des roches caractérisées par des teneurs élevées en K₂O liées au développement de la séricite aux dépens du plagioclase. La confrontation des observations concernant, d'une part, la répartition de la séricite dans les roches, d'autre part, les processus de la différenciation magmatique, par «effet Bagnold», dans les caisses filoniennes, indique que le phénomène de séricitisation est contrôlé par la composition du plagioclase: ce sont les cristaux les plus basiques, accumulés au niveau du plan axial des filons, qui ont été le plus largement transformés en séricite. La séricitisation influe sur la spilitisation qui lui succède, en fixant l'alumine dans les phases minérales stables à basse température.

---

The Guevgueli sheeted complex consists of spilites and rocks characterized by high K₂O contents, due to the crystallization of sericite at the expense of plagioclase. The comparison of the observations on the distribution of the sericite in the rocks, as well as on the process of magmatic differentiation in the dykes by Bagnold effect shows that the phenomenon of sericitization is controlled by the composition of the plagioclase. The more basic crystals occur accumulated in the axial zone of the dykes, the more are they affected by sericitization. Sericitization has an effect upon spilitization which succeds it: it fixes alumina into stable minerals at low temperature.

---

Zusammenfassung Der gangförmige Komplex der ophiolitischen Folgen von Guevgueli umfaßt Spilite und Gesteine, die einen hohen K₂O-Gehalt aufweisen, der während der Serizitisierung auf Kosten der Plagioklase entstanden ist. Ein Vergleich der Beobachtungen über die Verteilung der Serizite und die Prozesse der magmatischen Differenzierung durch den Bagnold Effekt in den Gängen ergibt, daß das Phänomen der Serizitisierung von der Zusammensetzung der Plagioklase bestimmt wird. Die basischen Feldspate, die in der Axial-Zone der Gänge angereichert sind, erscheinen am stärksten serizitisiert. Die Serizitisierung zeigt einen Effekt auf die folgende Spilitisierung, wonach bei tiefen Temperaturen das Aluminiumoxyd in stabilen Mineralen fixiert wird.

---

Guvguli 2, . « Bagnold'a» , . , , . , .

     

C and Th/U dating of Pleistocene and Holocene stromatolites from East African paleolakes

During recent humid episodes, stromatolites were built along paleolake margins, some 60 m above the modern water level of Lakes Natron and Magadi (southern Gregory Rift Valley). Three generations of stromatolites are observed, the more recent ones frequently covering pebbles and boulders eroded from the older ones. The youngest one yielded ¹⁴C ages ranging from approximately 12,000 to 10,000 yr B.P. Their δ¹³C values (≥2.6%) suggest isotopic equilibrium between the paleolake total inorganic dissolved carbon and the atmospheric CO₂, thereby lending credence to the reliability of the ¹⁴C. An initial ²³⁰Th/²³²Th ratio in the detrital component was determined by Th/U measurements on the ¹⁴C dated stromatolites. Using this value a ²³⁰Th/²³⁴U chronology for the older stromatolites was calculated. Ages of ≥240,000 and 135,000 ± 10,000 yr were obtained for the first and second generations, respectively. A humid episode apparently characterized eastern Africa during each glacial-interglacial transition. ¹⁸O and ¹³C measurements on stromatolites, when compared to values on modern waters and carbonates, provide paleohydrological information. Long residence time of the paleolake waters and less seasonally contrasted regimes are inferred.     

Eutrophisation du Léman indiquée par les communautés d'oligochètes: campagnes 1982–1985

Oligochaete communities (tubificid and lumbriculid worms) were studied between 1982 and 1985 in 23 areas of the mesoeutrophic Lake Geneva (Switzerland). Species numerically dominant in eutrophic lakes (mostlyPotamothrix hammoniensis), in mesotrophic lakes (mostlyP. vejdovskyi) and in oligotrophic lakes (mostlyStylodrilus heringiamus) constituted 52%, 36% et 12% of the worm communities, respectively (means across the 23 areas). The relative abundance of eutrophic species increased (15 to 94%) according to depth or to external organic inputs. In this case, the mean biomass (wet weight) of oligochaetes per area was higher than 15 g·m⁻² (up to 210 g). Mesotrophic species decreased (65 to 1%) along the same gradients of depth or of sedimentation. Oligotrophic species increased (0 to 31%) only in areas where the organic sedimentation was lessened by steep bottom slope and by currents. Thus, the structure of oligochaete communities reflected the patterns of sedimentation and the trophic state of Lake Geneva.      

Lead-lead age of komatiitic lavas and limitations on the structure and evolution of the Precambrian mantle

Using lead isotopes, we have studied komatiites and associated sulfides from three complexes. At Barberton, the lead-lead isochron gives an age of 3.46 ± 0.07Gy in good agreement with the Sm—Nd age. At Munro Township, three distinct komatiitic flows yield significantly different ages: Pyke Hill is 2.72 ± 0.02Gy, Theo's Flow is 2.47 ± 0.13Gy and Fred's Flow is 2.58 ± 0.02Gy old. 2.72 Gy is the emplacement age while the alignment obtained on Theo's Flow and Fred's Flow clearly points out the effect of a metamorphism posterior to 2.7 Gy. At Cape Smith, the age obtained by the lead-lead method is 1.6 ± 0.13Gy. This age is younger than that obtained by other methods. In contrast the isochron obtained on sulfide gives an age of 1.88 ± 0.17Gy in agreement with Sm/Nd methods. These results together with others from the literature are used to describe the evolution of Pb in the mantle. The important result inferred is that the mantle 2.70 Gy ago was very different from the primitive mantle according to both Th/U and U/Pb values. Indeed, the latter are lower than the planetary values. This evolution is the result of the formation of the continental crust.     

On the interaction between convection and crystallization in cooling magma chambers

We investigate the interaction of thermal convection and crystallization in large aspect-ratio magma chambers. Because nucleation requires a finite amount of undercooling, crystallization is not instantaneous. For typical values of the rates of nucleation and crystal growth, the characteristic time-scale of crystallization is about 10³–10⁴ s. Roof convection is characterized by the quasi-periodic formation and instability of a cold boundary layer. Its characteristic time-scale depends on viscosity and ranges from about 10² s for basaltic magmas to about 10⁷ s for granitic magmas. Hence, depending on magma viscosity, convective instability occurs at different stages of crystallization. A single non-dimensional number is defined to characterize the different modes of interaction between convection and crystallization.Using realistic functions for the rates of nucleation and crystal growth, we integrate numerically the heat equation until the onset of convective instability. We determine both temperature and crystal content in the thermal boundary layer. Crystallization leads to a dramatic increase of viscosity which acts to stabilize part of the boundary layer against instability. We compute the effective temperature contrast driving thermal convection and show that it varies as a function of magma viscosity and hence composition.In magmas with viscosities higher than 10⁵ poise, the temperature contrast driving convection is very small, hence thermal convection is weak. In low-viscosity magmas, convective breakdown occurs before the completion of crystallization, and involves partially crystallized magma. The convective regime is thus characterized by descending crystal-bearing plumes, and bottom crystallization proceeds both by in-situ nucleation and deposition from the plumes. We suggest that this is the origin of intermittent layering, a form of rhythmic layering described in the Skaergaard and other complexes. We show that this regime occurs in basic magmas only at temperatures close to the liquidus and never occurs in viscous magmas. This may explain why intermittent layering is observed only in a few specific cases.     

Isotope geodynamics

The observational sciences have long been considered to be the archaic precursors of the experimental sciences. Scientific progress over the last part of this century has led us to reconsider the reality of this proposed evolution. Will Astronomy ever become an experimental science? Yet pulsars and cosmic rays do constitute topics of scientific studies. Are Ecology and Meteorology archaic? Do they not contribute to the renewal of the studies of instabilities and of strange attractors?These observational sciences, once considered in decline but actually in full development with the creation of modern techniques of observation, analytical measurements and computation, have been granted a worldwide recognition by Anna-Greta and Holger Crafoord and the Swedish Royal Academy of Sciences by the creation of the Crafoord Prize to be awarded to a range of non-experimental sciences. Hence, I would like to thank Mrs. Crafoord, the Swedish Royal Academy and His Majesty the King who placed this Fund under their high Patronage.To this gathering of renewed observational sciences, Geosciences do not arrive with their hands empty. Among the various disciplines which have contributed to this development this year, you have identified Isotopic Geology for recognition. As the recipient of the prize representing this field, I will try to present my personal views of the field, its development and future.