Potential of marble dust to stabilise red tropical soils for road construction

The potential of marble dust as a stabilizing additive to red tropical soils was evaluated. The evaluation involved the determination of the geotechnical properties of three different red tropical soils in their natural state as well as when mixed with varying proportions of marble dust. The parameters tested included the particle size distribution, specific gravity, Atterberg limits, the standard compaction characteristics, the compressive strength and the California bearing ratio (CBR). The strength tests were repeated after normal 28 day curing of the treated samples and also after accelerated 24 h curing at temperatures of 40°C, 60°C and 80°C.

Results showed that the geotechnical parameters of red tropical soils are improved substantially by the addition of marble dust; plasticity was reduced by 20 to 33% and strength and CBR increased by 30 to 46% and 27 to 55% respectively. The highest strength and CBR values were achieved at 8% marble dust. Results also showed that normal 28 day curing improved the strength of the marble dust-treated soil with over 80% strength gain achieved after 7 to 10 days of normal curing. Higher strength development was realised following accelerated 24 h curing at 60°C.

Although these results imply marked improvement in the geotechnical parameters of red tropical soils, the higher strength developed is not enough for the improved soil to be used as a base material in the construction of heavily trafficked flexible pavements. The improved material may, however, be successfully used as base material for lightly trafficked roads and as a sub-base material for heavily trafficked roads.     

Geochemistry and lithology of accretionary wedge in the Pekul’nei range, central Chukotka

Based on the study of various facies of ancient and modern oceanic sediments, the Ce/La versus Zr/Y criterion is proposed to discriminate the principal genetic groups of sedimentary rocks in foldbelts and to determine their geodynamic formation conditions. The structure and composition of siliceous, clayey and fineclastic tuffaceous rocks from various complexes of paleoaccretionary wedge in the Pekul’nei Range (Chukotka) are discussed. Lithological and geochemical studies of sedimentary rocks in the Pekul’nei Range allowed us to trace the regular variations in rock sections depending on (1) propagation of oceanic plate from the spreading center toward the convergent boundary for paleooceanic rock complexes and (2) sedimentation regime and provenances for rocks deposited above the convergent plate boundary.     

Evolution of the distribution function and radiation spectrum for electrons in a magnetic field

The evolution of a system of electrons with a given initial distribution in an external magnetic field is considered. An equation describing the evolution of the electron distribution function in a uniform magnetic field is derived for the case of arbitrarily relativistic electrons, and an exact solution to this equation is found. Asymptotics of this solution corresponding to the cases of synchrotron radiation and relativistic dipole radiation are calculated, and the evolution of the radiation spectra for these limiting cases is analyzed. The curvature of the magnetic field lines is taken into account phenomenologically, which demonstrates the presence of an exponential dependence in the case of synchrotron radiation.     

Sequence stratigraphy of Lower Cretaceous deposit on the eastern Russian Plate

The generalized eustatic and tectonoeustatic models developed by the author are tested on Lower Cretaceous deposits of the eastern part of the Russian Plate. The models are applicable to facies analysis of sections of epicontinental basins with mainly slope sedimentation. They demonstrate possible variations in section lithology depending on the rate of eustatic changes and the intensity and direction of epeirogenic movements. It has been revealed that the Lower Cretaceous sections in the east of the Russian Platform formed as a result of the synchronous global eustasy and regional epeirogeny. Superposition of the global eustatic curve onto the Lower Cretaceous chronostratigraphic chart of the eastern part of the platform showed that global eustasy, periodically concealed by regional epeirogeny, played a crucial role in the Early Cretaceous history of the study area. Regional epeirogenic and eustatic curves were constructed. The epeirogenic curve demonstrates the contribution of vertical tectonic movements to the overall eustatic-epeirogenic result recorded on a regional eustatic curve. The latter was constructed from the analysis of the spatial and temporal changes in the stratigraphic position of formations and strata and transgressive surfaces ranking. Eustatic cycles of different ranks, from elementary (systems tracts) to regional scale, have been recognized. In the rank of largest lithostratigraphic units, three sequences are revealed: Valanginian (RP-1K), Upper Hauterivian–Upper Aptian (RP-2K), and Albian (RP-3K), which reflect the crucial stages of the Early Cretaceous evolution of the eastern Russian Plate. The eustatic-epeirogenic processes during accumulation of formations and strata from Early Berriasian to Late Albian (145.5–99.6 Ma) are considered. It is shown that the division of the studied composite section into sequences permits precise prediction of diverse solid minerals.     

Energy Spectra of Cosmic-Ray Protons and Nuclei Measured in the NUCLEON Experiment Using a New Method

Astronomy Reports - Some results of studies of cosmic rays obtained during the NUCLEON space experiment in 2015–2017 are presented. This experiment was intended for direct measurements of the...     

Experimental Study of the Formation of Chromium-Bearing Priderite and Yimengite as Products of Modal Mantle Metasomatism

Doklady Earth Sciences - The results of experiments on the synthesis of exotic titanates (priderite and yimengite) simulating metasomatic conditions of alteration of the mantle minerals (chromite...     

Heat Generation Due to Friction in Shear Zones of the Crust as a Factor of Metamorphism and Anatexis: Results of Computer Modeling

Doklady Earth Sciences - The effect of heat generation due to friction in faults under the conditions of shear and thrust was evaluated by computer modeling, and 3D and 2D thermomechanical...     

New Chronological,Paleontological, and Geochemical Data on the Formation of Glacier-Dammed Lakes in the Kurai Depression (Southeastern Russian Altai) at the End of the Late Pleistocene

Doklady Earth Sciences - One of the debated problems in Pleistocene paleogeography of the Altai region is the extent and time of existence of the last glacier-dammed lakes. For the first time...