Topology and geometry of the CfA2 redshift survey

We analyse the redshift space topology and geometry of the nearby Universe by computing the Minkowski functionals of the Updated Zwicky Catalogue (UZC). The UZC contains the redshifts of almost 20 000 galaxies, is 96 per cent complete to the limiting magnitude m _Zw=15.5, and includes the Center for Astrophysics (CfA) Redshift Survey (CfA2). From the UZC we can extract volume-limited samples reaching a depth of 70  h ⁻¹ Mpc before sparse sampling dominates. We quantify the shape of the large-scale galaxy distribution by deriving measures of planarity and filamentarity from the Minkowski functionals. The nearby Universe shows a large degree of planarity and a small degree of filamentarity. This quantifies the sheet-like structure of the Great Wall, which dominates the northern region (CfA2N) of the UZC. We compare these results with redshift space mock catalogues constructed from high-resolution N -body simulations of two cold dark matter (CDM) models with either a decaying massive neutrino ( τ CDM) or a non-zero cosmological constant (ΛCDM). We use semi-analytic modelling to form and evolve galaxies in these dark matter‐only simulations. We are thus able, for the first time, to compile redshift space mock catalogues which contain galaxies, along with their observable properties, rather than dark matter particles alone. In both models the large-scale galaxy distribution is less coherent than the observed distribution, especially with regard to the large degree of planarity of the real survey. However, given the small volume of the region studied, this disagreement can still be a result of cosmic variance, as shown by the agreement between the ΛCDM model and the southern region of CfA2.     

Lu-Hf and PbSL geochronology of apatites from Proterozoic terranes: A first look at Lu-Hf isotopic closure in metamorphic apatite

The mineral apatite is characterized by elevated and highly variable Lu/Hf ratios that, in some cases, allow for single-crystal dating by the Lu-Hf isotopic system. Apatites from the Adirondack Lowlands and Otter Lake area in the Grenville Province, and from the Black Hills, South Dakota, yield Lu-Hf ages that are consistently older than their respective Pb step leaching ages. Isotopic closure for the Lu-Hf system, therefore, occurs before U-Pb system closure in this mineral. In the Adirondack Lowlands, where H₂O activity was low, Lu-Hf systematics of cm-sized apatite crystals remained undisturbed during upper amphibolite facies metamorphism (∼700 to 675 °C) at 1170-1130 Ma. The relatively old Lu-Hf ages of 1270 and 1230 Ma observed for these apatites correlate with decreasing crystal size. In contrast, apatite from the fluid-rich Otter Lake area and Black Hills yields unrealistically low apparent Lu-Hf closure temperatures, implying that in these apatites, fluids facilitated late exchange. The Lu-Hf ages for the metamorphic apatites were thus controlled either by the prevailing temperature and grain size, or by fluid activity.     

Assessment of transmission loss in a Mediterranean karstic watershed (Wadi Natuf,West Bank)

Run‐off transmission loss into karstified consolidated aquifer bedrock below ephemeral streams (wadis) has rarely been described nor quantified. This study presents unique data of long‐term high‐resolution field measurements and field observations in a semiarid to subhumid Mediterranean carbonatic mountainshed. The catchment with a 103 km² surface area is subdivided into 5 subcatchments. Coupled run‐off measurements were made in the different stream sections (reaches), and transmission loss calculated from differences in discharge. Rainfall and run‐off observations from 9 automated precipitation gauging stations and 5 pressure transducers for automatic water level recording are complemented by manual measurements during 34 run‐off events covering a total measurement period of 8 consecutive years. Run‐off generation is strongly event based depending on rainfall intensities and depths. Both, run‐off generation and transmission losses are related to spatial patterns of bedrock lithologies (and hydrostratigraphy). Transmission losses range between 62% and 80% of generated run‐off, with most of the smaller events showing 100% transmission loss. Therefore, although event run‐off coefficients in the mountains can reach up to 22%, only 0.11% of total annual precipitation leaves the catchment as run‐off. Most run‐off infiltrates directly into the regional karst aquifers (Upper Cretaceous carbonate series), with transmission loss intensities of up to 40 mm/h below the stream channels. The factors determining run‐off—such as geology, pedology, vegetation cover and land use, relief and morphology, the semiarid to subhumid Mediterranean climate with a strong elevation gradient, and the patchiness of individual storm events distributed over the winter seasons—as well as the lithology and epikarst features of the bedrock are all characteristic for larger areas in the Mediterranean region. Therefore, we expect that our findings can be generalized to a large extent.     

Early modification stage (preresurge) sediment mobilization in the Lockne concentric,marine‐target crater,Sweden

Lockne is a concentric impact structure due to a layered target where weak sediments and seawater covered a crystalline basement. A matrix‐supported, sedimentary breccia is interlayered between the crystalline breccia lens and the resurge deposits in the crater infill. As the breccia is significantly different from the direct impact breccia and the resurge deposit, we propose a separate unit name, Tramsta Breccia, based on the type locality (i.e., the LOC02 drilling at Tramsta). We use granulometry and a novel matrix line‐log method to characterize the sedimentology of the Tramsta Breccia. The obliquity of impact combined with the layered target caused an asymmetric, concentric transient crater, which upon its collapse controlled the deposition of the breccia. On the wide‐brimmed downrange side of the crater where the sedimentary target succession was removed during crater excavation, wide, overturned basement crater ejecta flaps prevented any slumping of exterior sediments. Instead, the sediments most likely originated from the uprange side where the brim was narrow and the basement crater rim was poorly developed, sediment‐rich, and relatively unstable. Here, the water cavity wall remained in closer proximity to the basement crater and, aided by the pressure of the collapsing water wall, unconsolidated black mud would flow back into the crater. The absence of interlayered resurge deposits in the Tramsta Breccia and the evidence for reworking at the contact between the overlying resurge deposits and the Tramsta Breccia indicate that the slumping was a rapid process (<75 s) terminating well before the resurge entered the crater.     

Web-based Data and Monitoring Platform for Complex Geotechnical Engineering Projects

Data management is the key of geotechnical risk management and disaster prevention providing right information at right time and right place. It supports regular construction cycles as well as handling of exceptional situations occurring probably during execution stages where the detailed knowledge of the actual state of construction is especially important. The web-based client–server software platform DoMaMoS was developed to cover all aspects in a new fashion. Main parts of the software are a graphical user interface, a SQL database and a controller application. Software development concerned user-friendly handling, geotechnical monitoring, security aspects, rapid access and adaptivity during a running project. Basic ideas and main features of the developed software are described and the practical application is shown.     

Optical microscope-cathodoluminescence (OM–CL) imaging as a powerful tool to reveal internal textures of minerals

Optical microscope-cathodoluminescence (OM-CL) microscopy is a modern luminescence technique with widespread applications in geosciences. Many rock-forming and accessory minerals show specific CL properties that can be successfully used in geoscience and materials science research. One of the most spectacular applications is the visualization of growth textures, alteration, and other internal textures in minerals that are not discernible with other analytical techniques. These results provide information about the real structure of minerals and materials and can be used for the reconstruction of geological processes of mineral formation and subsequent alteration. The information obtained from CL imaging in combination with spectral measurements of the CL emission allows for a more thorough understanding of structural states of solids and/or trace-element incorporation. Additional information can be obtained when luminescence studies are combined with other analytical techniques with high sensitivity and high spatial resolution.     

A multivariate design framework for river confluences

ABSTRACT

Throughout the last decade copula functions were widely used to assess a wide range of hydrological problems, often focusing on two distinct variables. In many of these studies it was ignored whether the two variables of interest actually occurred simultaneously (e.g. two annual maximum time series were analysed in a multivariate statistical framework). Here we introduce a novel approach to derive bivariate design events using copula functions allowing both simultaneous and non-simultaneous occurrence of the variables to be modelled. The methodology is exemplarily applied to assess the combined flood occurrence at the confluence of the rivers Rhine and Sieg (Germany). The results underline the validity of the methodology. Employing a hydrodynamic numerical model furthermore shows that commonly used statistical approaches to select a single design event out of a vast number of possible combinations can be critical for practical design purposes.

Editor Z.W. Kundzewicz; Associate editor S. Grimaldi