The quantitative analysis of OH in vesuvianite: a polarized FTIR and SIMS study

A well-characterized suite of vesuvianite samples from the volcanic ejecta (skarn or syenites) from Latium (Italy) was studied by single-crystal, polarized radiation, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and secondary-ion mass-spectrometry (SIMS). OH-stretching FTIR spectra consist of a rather well-defined triplet of broad bands at higher-frequency (3,700–3,300 cm^–1) and a very broad composite absorption below 3,300 cm^–1. Measurements with E//c or Ec show that all bands are strongly polarized with maximum absorption for E//c. They are in agreement with previous band assignments (Groat et al. Can Mineral 33:609, 1995) to the two O(11)–H(1) and O(10)–H(2) groups in the structure. Pleochroic measurements with changing direction of the E vector of the incident radiation show that the orientation of the O(11)–H(1) dipole is OHc~35°, in excellent agreement with the neutron data of Lager et al. (Can Mineral 37:763, 1999). A SIMS-based calibration curve at ~10% rel. accuracy has been worked out and used as reference for the quantitative analysis of H₂O in vesuvianite by FTIR. Based on previous SIMS results for silicate minerals (Ottolini and Hawthorne in J Anal At Spectrom 16:1266, 2001; Ottolini et al. in Am Mineral 87:1477, 2002) the SiO₂ and FeO content of the matrix were assumed as the major factors to be considered at a first approximation in the selection of the standards for H. The lack of vesuvianite standards for quantitative SIMS analysis of H₂O has been here overcome by selecting low-silica elbaite crystals (Ottolini et al. in Am Mineral 87:1477, 2002). The resulting integrated molar absorption FTIR coefficient for vesuvianite is _i=100.000±2.000 l mol^–1 cm^–2. SIMS data for Li, B, F, Sr, Y, Be, Ba REE, U and Th are also provided in the paper.     

Back analysis procedures for the interpretation of field measurements in geomechanics

A survey is presented of some recent developments of the numerical techniques for back analysis in the field of geomechanics, with particular reference to tunnelling problems. In the spirit of Terzaghi's observational design method, these techniques are seen as practical tools for interpreting the available field measurements, in order to reduce the uncertainties that in many instances affect the parameters governing the solution of complex geomechanics problems. Both deterministic and probabilistic viewpoints are considered and some significant applications to practical problems are illustrated.     

Pore pressure tension cut off in two-phase finite element analyses

In the coupled finite element analysis of the two-phase, saturated soils the pore pressure could decrease below the atmospheric pressure in particular when the plastic dilation of the skeleton is accounted for. The consequent reduction of the bulk modulus of the liquid phase is here modelled in a simplified manner through a tension cut off on the pore pressure. Two alternative approaches are outlined in the framework of the finite element method. The first one introduces a unilateral constraint on the nodal pore pressures and involves manipulations on matrices of the assembled mesh, whilst the second approach requires calculations solely at the element level. The effects of the pore pressure tension cut off are illustrated through some undrained test examples in elastic–plastic regime.     

Rapid evaluation of an indicator of seismic vulnerability in small urban nuclei

The expected fraction of buildings lost in the event of an earthquake of a given intensity can be considered as a useful indicator of the seismic vulnerability of a small urban nucleus and can be used for the evaluation of seismic risk on a regional scale. This work describes a procedure for quantifying this indicator through data obtained from the buildings which constitute the nucleus during rapid on-site surveys. The knowledge on which the procedure is based is that given by the observed vulnerability of old Italian centres.     

Isotopes du milieu et circulations dans les aquiferes du sous-sol Vénitien

L'enfoncement de la plaine de Venise, quel'on peut estimeràprès de 1 cm/an sous le site historique, est liéàla surexploitation des nappes artésiennes profondes. L'investigation hydrogéologique est rendue délicate par la nature de l'aquifère composéde plusieurs centaines de mètres de dépo?ts quaternaires continentaux et marins. Au sein de ce complexe les nappes se superposent en un système multicouche artésien. L'étude du régime de ces nappes aétéentrepris par les moyens géochimiques et isotopiques (oxygène 18, deuterium, tritium, carbone 13 et carbone 14).Les teneurs en isotopes stables montrent l'existence de deux familles d'eaxu profondes attribuablesàune recharge “froide” (δ¹⁸O= ?10 et ?12‰). Ces eaux sont nettements différentes de celles des nappes phréatiques (δ¹⁸O ? ?8‰). Les apports profonds peuvente?tre respectivement liés aux bassins des rivières préalpines Brenta et Piave (δ¹⁸O ? ?10‰) d'une part et au paléocours de l'Adige, fleuve alpin d'autre part. Les eaux alpines ont un gisement limitéàl'aplomb de la lagune etàla partie sud-ouest de la plaine. Les eaux de type préalpin occupent le reste de la plaine, c'est-à-dire plus grande partie.La détermination des vitesses d'écoulement pose le problème de la validitédes temps estimésàl'aide des teneurs en¹⁴C.Les teneurs en¹³Célevées des eaux alpines montrent clairement que les activités en¹⁴C de celles-ci ne sont pas significatives par suite d'unéchange avec l'aquifère ou d'une surcharge en carbone ancien dissous.Pour les eaux qui viennent du domaine préalpin, on observe dans les zones de recharge de fortes teneurs en³H: 85à120 UT alliéesàdes activités relativement faibles en¹⁴C (60à70%). Les teneurs en¹³C indiquent que le carbone dissous n'a pas subi d'échange avec l'aquifère. La discussion de l'ensemble des données suggère que la circulation est rapide dans la zone de recharge oùl'alimentation en eaux d'altitude se faitàpartir d'infiltrations en provenance du réseau hydrographique ou (et) du système karstique des préalpes. Dans les parties basses de la plaine les vitesses sont faibles et décroissent, vers l'Est ou en profondeur, de 3 m/anà1 m/an. Il est possible qu'une rupture dans l'intensitédes vitesses d'écoulement interviennent dans la partie occidentale de la plaine sous l'effet d'une discontinuitésédimentologique majeure (limite occidentale des dépo?ts marins).     

The Loci of Satellite Positions: A Constellation Design Approach

In special cases in which satellite constellations can be described by a limited set of parameters, a correlation between the latter and the constellation characteristics (i.e. shape and kinematics of the satellite configurations) has been investigated. Such cases may be a useful starting point for designing more complex constellations in order to achieve better the desired performances. Therefore, this proves to be one way to fix an initial set of parameters once the desired behaviour of the constellation has been established on the basis of the operational purposes required. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Siphon flows in the solar corona

The flows in a coronal magnetic arch associated with a pressure difference between the footpoints are investigated. Steady flows are of different types: always subsonic; subsonic in one branch of the arch, supersonic in the second; subsonic-supersonic with stationary shocks which adjust the flow to the boundary conditions in the second footpoint. The large velocity increase along the loop in subsonic-supersonic flows is associated with a large density decrease. A velocity drop and a density jump occur across the shock. The emission of such arches in coronal lines (625 of Mg x and 499 of Si xii) is calculated. It is suggested that the intensity drop along the axis observed in some UV loops is due to the density drop associated with subsonic-supersonic flows.     

Non-equilibrium ionization in coronal loops

The ionization conditions in coronal loops are investigated in the temperature range 2 × 10⁵–2 × 10⁶K, assuming velocity, density and temperature distributions computed for a siphon model of a pure hydrogen plasma. Use is made of the set of the carbon ions as an example of the general behaviour of the ions characteristic of that temperature range. It is found that the deviation from equilibrium ionization is large for subsonic-supersonic flow if the density is less than 5 × 10⁹cm^–-3, with the exception of the lower part of the first leg of very cool loops (T 2 × 10 K). With this exception cooler loops, given their larger density drop along the axis, show deviations from ionization equilibrium more easily than hotter ones, in spite of their lower flow velocity. We conclude that the possibility of a non-equilibrium state must be taken into account when deducing from measurements of line intensities the temperature of loops in which a flow may occur.Now at Institute for Plasma Research, Stanford University, as an E.S.A. Fellow.     

Analysing the influence of upslope bedrock outcrops on shallow landsliding

A model for the prediction of topographic and climatic control on shallow landsliding in mountainous terrain is enhanced to analyse the impact of upslope rocky outcrops on downslope shallow landsliding. The model uses a ‘generalised quasi-dynamic wetness index’ to describe runoff propagation on bare rock surfaces connected to downslope soil-mantled topographic elements. This approach yields a simple enhanced model capable of describing the influence of upslope bedrock outcrops on the pattern of downslope soil saturation. The model is applied in both diagnostic and predictive modes to a small catchment in the eastern Italian Alps for which a detailed inventory of shallow landslides in areas dominated by rocky outcrops is available. In the diagnostic mode, the model is used with satisfactory results to reproduce the pattern of instability generated by an intense short-duration storm occurred on 14 September 1994, which triggered a large percentage of the surveyed landslides. In the predictive mode, the model is used for hazard assessment, and the return time of the critical rainfall needed to cause instability for each topographic element is determined. Modelling results obtained in the predictive mode are evaluated against all the surveyed landslides. It is revealed that the generalised quasi-dynamic model offers considerable improvement over the non-generalised quasi-dynamic model and the steady-state model in predicting existing landslides as represented in the considered landslide inventory.     

Stratigraphy, chronology, and sedimentology of ignimbrites from the white trachytic tuff, Roccamonfina Volcano, Italy

We describe the stratigraphy, chronology, and grain size characteristics of the white trachytic tuff (WTT) of Roccamonfina Volcano (Italy). The pyroclastic rock was emplaced between 317 and 230 Ma BP during seven major eruptive events (units A to G) and three minor events (units BC, CD, and DE). These units are separated by paleosol layers and compositionally well-differentiated pyroclastic successions. Stratigraphic control is favored by the occurrence at the base of major units of marker layers. Four WTT units (1 to 4) occur within the central caldera. These are not positively correlated with specific extracaldera units.The source of most of the WTT units was the central caldera. Units B and C were controlled by the western wall of the caldera, whereas units D and E were able to overcome this barrier, spreading symmetrically along the flanks of MC. The maximum pumice size (MP) of units increases with distance from the caldera, whereas the maximum lithic size (ML) decreases. MP and ML of the marker layer of unit D (MKDa–MKDp) do not show any systematic variations with respect to the central caldera. In contrast, the thickness of surge MKDa decreases with distance from the source, and MKDp accumulates to the north of MC probably controlled, respectively, by mobility-transport power and by wind blowing northwards.The grain size characteristics of the WTT deposits are used for classifying the units. There is no systematic variation of the grain size as a function of stratigraphic height either among units or within single units. Large variation of components in subunit E1, with repetitive alternation of pyroclastic flow to surge through fallout vs. surge deposits, suggests that the process of eruption took place in a complex or piecemeal fashion.Pumice concentration zones (PCZ) occur at all WTT levels on the volcano, but they are much thicker and pumice clasts are much larger within the central caldera. These were probably originated by the disruption of lava (flow or dome) to pumice fragments and fine ash due to sudden depressurization and interaction with lake waters of the molten lava. Local basal PCZ are, in some cases, similar to the lapilli-rich “layer 1P” that has been described elsewhere, and may have been deposited from currents transitional between pyroclastic surge and flow. Other basal PCZ formed in response to small undulations in the substrate, or can be originated by fallout. Lenticular PCZ within ignimbrite interiors and tops are interpreted to record marginal pumice levees and pumice rafts, some of which were buried by subsequant pyroclastic flows.Lithic concentration zones (LCZ) also occur at various stratigraphic height within the extracaldera ignimbrites, whereas intracaldera LCZ are absent, probably due to the fact that ignimbrite currents are strongly energetic and erosive near vent. LCZ at the top of basal inversely graded layers are formed by mechanical sieving or dispersive pressure in response to variable velocity gradients and particle concentration gradients (a segregation process). Coarse LCZ and coarse lithic breccias (LB), that reside in the interior or tops of pyroclastic flows and that occur in medial to distal areas, are interpreted to be the result of slugs of lithic-rich debris introduced by vent collapse or rockslides into the moving pyroclastic flows along their flow paths. These LCZ become mixed to varying degrees due to differential densities and velocities relative to the pyroclastic flows (desegregation processes).