The reaction forsterite+cordierite=aluminous orthopyroxene+spinel in the system MgO-Al2O3-SiO2

Reversal experiments at 1,150–1,300°C on the reaction forsterite+cordierite=aluminous orthopyroxene+spinel in the system MgO-Al₂O₃-SiO₂ show the equilibrium to have a negativedT/dP. The slope andT-P location of this equilibrium have been modelled using available heat capacity data and various structural models which explore the configurational entropy contributions to the totalΔS. The experimental data are consistent with the aluminous orthopyroxene model of Ganguly and Ghose (1979) where limited Al disorder occurs between theM1 andM2 sites, Al-Si mixing occurs on the tetrahedralB site with the ‘aluminum avoidance’ principle maintained, and Mg-Al disorder occurs in spinel with an interchange enthalpy of 9–12 kcal mol^?1. Additionally, Al-Si disordering which occurs in the indialite structure of cordierite is inconsistent with the experimental data and all pyroxene and spinel mixing models; consequently, Si and Al in anhydrous cordierites to 1,300°C in the system MgO-Al₂O₃-SiO₂ must be largely ordered.     

Inverted intracontinental basin and vertical tectonics: The Saharan Atlas in Tunisia

The present-day architecture of the Saharan Atlas in Tunisia can be defined by two principal models: (1) The first model emphasizes a general SW–NE geological structure in the North forming successive and parallel bands (the Tellian zone, the diapir zone) and the central Atlas, which are cut by the southern Atlas ranges located within a NW–SE corridor. These zones are bordered to the East by the “North–South Axis”. (2) The second model defines the Tunisian Atlas in terms of an E–W strike-slip corridor, which initially controls the sedimentary facies distribution during the Meso-Cenozoïc, and which then generates elongate en echelon folds in the sedimentary cover by dextral shearing.In this study, we aim to show that the Saharan Atlas in Tunisia appears today as a triangular megablock, that we call the Tunisian Block (TB), bounded by three structural trends (N–S, SW–NE and NW–SE) belonging to the African strike-slip fault network: (1) The eastern boundary appears as a complex faulted and folded corridor limiting the folded zone of the central Atlas in the West and the depressed zone of the Sahel in the East: it corresponds to the “North–South Axis” as defined classically in the literature. (2) The southern boundary also corresponds to a faulted belt (Gafsa–Negrine-Tozeur corridor), which cuts off the continuation of the North–South axis southward into the Gabès region; it corresponds to the Southern Saharan Atlas, delimited by the Gafsa fault in the North and the Negrine-Tozeur fault in the South. (3) The northern boundary, trending SW–NE, appears rather in the form of a reverse tectonic bundle, facing SE or S (oblique convergence), whose major feature corresponds to the El Alia-Téboursouk fault. This northern boundary cuts across and delimits the N–S corridor towards the North, in such a way that its extension is limited at both extremities. Finally, the inner part of the TB actually corresponds to a mosaic of second-order blocks, each of which contains an arrangement of widely spaced SW–NE trending anticlines forming the main relief separated by vast plains very often occupied by sebkhas. The paleogeographic and structural evolution of this region during the Mesozoic and Palaeogene shows that the TB, along with its limits as defined here, developed an increasingly distinct identity at a very early stage, being characterized by an extensive and/or transtensive tectonic regime. Finally, the Tunisian Atlas Chain defines a triangular domain that owes its origin and particular character precisely because of the paleogeographic and structural history of this paleoblock. The boundaries of this paleoblock remain mobile, thus tectonically controlling the geometry and morphology of a typical intracontinental basin. The extension directions and the frequent changes of stress regime (or rotations) are related to the existence of two active basins: the strike-slip margin of the western branch of Tethys and the Mesogea oceanic basin, with tectonic activity becoming alternately dominant in one or other of the basins at different times. In this context, the Tunisian basin is characterized by rhythmic sedimentation, composed of a succession of filling sequences linked to the continuing tectonic instability of the sedimentary floor associated with two major crises: one at the end of the Aptian and the other at the end of the Ypresian. The vertical movements related to the extension and/or transtension of the blocks is accentuated by Triassic salt tectonics, giving rise to linear (salt axes) or point (salt domes) structures that lead to the formation of shoal zones during development of the basin, thus enhancing the vertical tectonics. The diapirism developed slowly and gradually from late Triassic through to Langhian times, leading to numerous sedimentary wedges on the flanks of the structures. The uprise of the diapirs exhibits three pauses corresponding to the end-Aptian, end-Ypresian and pre-Burdigalian. The vertical tectonics is characterized by abundant drape folds giving rise to an extensional fault-related folding and strike-slip/dip-slip faults creating frequent unconformities that are nevertheless always localized.Finally, the folded chain results from the structural inversion of this paleoblock from Tortonian times onward. We can only account for the various folds-axis directions in the context of an intracontinental chain where the pre-existing major vertical faults are able to develop on the surface as draped-folds in a transpressive regime by the local reorientation of stresses in crustal-scale faults. In detail, the structures produced by this vertical tectonic activity, which are profoundly controlled by inheritance, display a highly original style at very shallow levels in the crust.     

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.     

Spatio‐temporal variations in demersal fish assemblages and diversity in the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence (Canada)

Species diversity is generally considered one of the key factors of ecosystem resilience in response to anthropogenic pressures, including fishing. In this context, the spatial and temporal changes in demersal fish assemblages and species diversity were investigated in the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence (Canada), over a 20‐year period (1990–2010). Data were obtained from the summer research survey conducted by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and include commercial and non‐commercial species. The study covers the period of groundfish fishery collapse, the moratorium period, and the post‐moratorium period, and reflects various modifications in management. Multivariate statistical methods revealed two communities. A coastal community corresponds to strata located above 200 m depth and a deeper community located in the deep channels. Interannual differences in the composition of fish assemblages were observed and are mainly due to the changes in the relative biomass of some dominant species. Three diversity indices (Shannon–Wiener, Simpson's Index of Diversity and Motomura's constant) indicate a slight but significant increase of the diversity over time. This trend is due to the increase of the relative biomass of low‐rank species, which may have been favoured by the prohibition of groundfish trawling after 1997 in that region. The geographical distribution of the Shannon–Wiener index also shows temporal dynamics reflecting the biomass distribution of dominant demersal species.     

硝酸钠改良半咸水凡纳滨对虾(Litopenaeus vannamei)池塘底质和水质的研究

采用在8口土池开展半咸水养殖凡纳滨对虾施用NaNO3对比实验的方法,进行了硝酸钠对半咸水对虾养殖池塘底质和水质的改良效果、机理及应用前景的研究。结果表明,NaNO3处理组显著提高了池塘底泥表层的氧化还原电位,显著降低了底泥的BOD5和可利用磷的浓度;显著降低了池塘水中的蓝藻相对密度;处理组的养殖成活率、产量和饲料系数分别比对照组显著提高8.2%、10.1%和降低9.2%(P<0.05);处理组养殖效益明显高于对照组,每公顷池塘养虾净增加收入人民币9765元;NaNO3的施用起到了有效改良池塘底质和水质的作用。因此,NaNO3的应用可为半咸水对虾养殖池塘底质和水质的改良开辟一个新的途径,具有一定的应用前景。     

Macrofaunal density, biomass and composition of estuarine sediments and their relationship to the river plume of the Rhone River (NW Mediterranean)

This study investigates species community patterns and sediment relationships of benthic macrofauna off the Rhone river delta. Along a WE transect, changes in diversity, density, biomass and trophic structure were coupled with the mean extension of the river dilution plume. Species number and diversity were at a minimum off the river mouth, below the area of the minimum surface salinity. Density decreased by a factor 2 and biomass by a factor 5 from the fluvial to the marine system. These features are due to high overload of terrestrial organic matter in the river prodelta as evidenced by the carbon isotopic signature of surface sediment and by pigment content. On the basis of a non-metric MDS analysis and of Dufrêne and Legendre method (1997), groups of stations and characteristic species associated were identified. These species, mainly small capitellids, spionids, lumbrinerids and sternaspids, correspond to a successional dynamic in response to changes in sedimentation conditions, mainly in organic matter quality of the surface sediment. The succession observed in space was similar to described in macrotidal estuaries and off other deltaic systems all over the world and to that observed in time following the Rhone river severe flood events. Results suggest that organic matter quality is an important factor with regard to benthic macrofauna successions and recovery mechanisms following disturbances. The differences observed between the Rhone deltaic system and the general model of relations between shelf processes and discharge of large rivers are attributed to a more regular supply of organic material from terrestrial origin on the Rhone continental shelf.     

Deltaic plain development and environmental changes in the Petite Camargue, Rhone Delta, France, in the past 2000 years

The deltaic plain of the Petite Camargue which constitutes the western part of the Rhone Delta, began its main progradation around 2000 yr ago. Several delta lobes follow each other and have participated in the deltaic evolution. The deltaic lobes have distinct morphologies which reflect the dynamic fluvial and marine processes under the influence of climatic and human controls. Two delta lobe systems were built by the Daladel and Peccaïs channels, after which a deflected wave-influenced delta lobe was formed by the La Ville and Saint-Roman channels. The latest channel, the Rhone Vif channel, is skewed because this channel was completely canalized and engineered up to its mouth in the beginning of the 16th century. Since the avulsion of this channel about 1550 A.D., the coastline of the Petite Camargue has been especially affected by the influence of waves and currents. The spits replaced the beach ridges which juxtaposed themselves and have migrated westward since the 16th century. The formation of the western part of the delta in the last 2000 yr is affected by not only the fluvial sedimentary fluxes and the coastal dynamics to the mouth but also climatic change and human influence.     

The Palung granite (Himalaya); high-resolution UPb systematics in zircon and monazite

UPb analyses of fractions of zircon and monazite (3–8 grains each) and of single zircon grains resolve a lower Ordovician age of 470 ±4m.y. for the Palung granite which occurs in the High Himalayan nappes south of Kathmandu. Its thrusting during the Alpine orogeny under lower greenschist facies conditions did not affect the UPb systems in zircon and monazite. The granite crystallized from a magma which was mainly generated by anatexis of Precambrian continental crust. The magma was heterogeneous with respect to primary ages and/or metamorphic histories of the magma source rocks. This indicates either a derivation from (meta-) sediments or an intense mixing of different crustally derived magmas. The genesis of the Palung granite is possibly related to an orogeny which affected the Indian shield in lower Palaeozoic times. The detected inherited radiogenic lead in the Palung zircons occurs in perfectly homogeneous, transparent crystals; i.e. this radiogenic (“excess”) lead is not related to the presence of old, microscopically visible, overgrown zircon cores. The minimum ages of the inherited lead components range from about 800 to 1700 m.y.     

Coupled modeling of thermics and hydrogeology with the Cast3M code: application to the Rainbow hydrothermal field (Mid-Atlantic Ridge, 36°14′N)

We present a new numerical tool developed in the Cast3M software framework to model hydrothermal circulation. Thermodynamic properties of one-phase pure water are calculated from the International Association for the Properties of Water and Steam formulation. This new numerical tool is validated on several test cases of convection in closed-top and open-top boxes. Simulations of hydrothermal circulation in a homogeneous-permeability porous medium also give results in good agreement with already published simulations. This new numerical tool is used to construct a geometric and physical conceptual model of the Rainbow vent site at 36°14^′N on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Several configurations are discussed, showing that high temperatures and high mass fluxes measured at the Rainbow site cannot be modeled with hydrothermal circulation in a homogeneous-permeability porous medium. These high values require the presence of a fault or a preferential pathway right below the venting site. We propose and discuss a two-dimensional single-pass model that allows us to simulate both high temperatures and high mass fluxes. This modeling of the hydrothermal circulation at the Rainbow site constitutes the first but necessary step to understand the origin of high concentrations of hydrogen issued from this ultramafic-hosted vent field.