A 2D finite volume model for bebris flow and its application to events occurred in the Eastern Pyrenees

FLATModel is a 2D finite volume code that contains several original approaches to improve debris-flow simulation. Firstly, FLATModel incorporates a ＂stop-and-go＂ technique in each cell to allow continuous collapses and remobilizations of the debris-flow mass. Secondly, flow velocity and consequently yield stress is directly associated with the type of rheology to improve boundary accuracy. Thirdly, a simple approach for entrainment is also included in the model to analyse the effect of basal erosion of debris flows. FLATMODEL was tested at several events that occurred in the Eastern Pyrenees and simulation results indicated that the model can represent rather well the different characteristics observed in the field.     

Rock-weathering rates as functions of time

The scarcity of documented numerical relations between rock weathering and time has led to a common assumption that rates of weathering are linear. This assumption has been strengthened by studies that have calculated long-term average rates. However, little theoretical or empirical evidence exists to support linear rates for most chemical-weathering processes, with the exception of congruent dissolution processes. The few previous studies of rock-weathering rates that contain quantitative documentation of the relation between chemical weathering and time suggest that the rates of most weathering processes decrease with time. Recent studies of weathering rinds on basaltic and andesitic stones in glacial deposits in the western United States also clearly demonstrate that rock-weathering processes slow with time. Some weathering processes appear to conform to exponential functions of time, such as the square-root time function for hydration of volcanic glass, which conforms to the theoretical predictions of diffusion kinetics. However, weathering of mineralogically heterogeneous rocks involves complex physical and chemical processes that generally can be expressed only empirically, commonly by way of logarithmic time functions. Incongruent dissolution and other weathering processes produce residues, which are commonly used as measures of weathering. These residues appear to slow movement of water to unaltered material and impede chemical transport away from it. If weathering residues impede weathering processes then rates of weathering and rates of residue production are inversely proportional to some function of the residue thickness. This results in simple mathematical analogs for weathering that imply nonlinear time functions. The rate of weathering becomes constant only when an equilibrium thickness of the residue is reached. Because weathering residues are relatively stable chemically, and because physical removal of residues below the ground surface is slight, many weathering features require considerable time to reach constant rates of change. For weathering rinds on volcanic stones in the western United States, this time is at least 0.5 my.     

Authigenic iron and titanium oxides in triassic red beds: (St. Bees Sandstone), Cumbria,Northern England

Authigenic iron and titanium oxides occur in three main textural varieties in the St. Bees Sandstone, a Triassic red bed succession in Cumbria. These are: (a) overgrowths of haematite, titaniferous haematite, anatase, and rutile which generally occur on detrital host grains of similar compositions. The overgrowths may occur as syntaxial rim cements or rhombohedral and prismatic projections and are always in optical continuity, (b) discrete crystals of anatase (including octahedrite) and haematite 10-40 μm in size occur in pore spaces, and (c) fine grained ( < 1 μm) pigmentary haematite occurs as grain coatings around detrital grains and in the interstitial matrix. The euhedral nature and pore-filling habit clearly indicate the authigenic origin of these iron- and titanium oxides. All three textural varieties are believed to have been precipitated from ground waters containing dissolved ferrous and titanium ions. These ions were derived from the intrastratal solution of detrital iron and titanium bearing grains including ferromagnesian silicates and iron-titanium oxides. The precipitation of iron oxides from migrating ground waters in the manner described here goes some way to explaining how thick, uniformly red successions can be formed.     

Analysis of mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene and Ki- and Ha-ras proto-oncogenes in hepatic tumors of European flounder (Platichthys flesus).

DNA from five tumors, three other-injured livers and two normal liver tissue samples from the European flounder were analyzed for mutations in exons 5-8 of the tumor suppressor gene p53 and at codons 12, 13 and 61 of Ha- and Ki-ras proto-oncogenes. No tumor-specific mutations were identified by direct sequencing and single-strand conformation polymorphism of these genes. A number of silent polymorphisms were noted in p53. In addition to a need for more extensive analyses of flounder liver tumor samples for ras or p53 mutations, other cancer-related genes should be investigated.     

Fe3+ in shocked olivine crystals of the ALHA 77005 meteorite

ALHA 77005, a shocked achondrite of the shergottite group, is unique in containing cumulus olivine crystals which display a brownish color in thin section. Mössbauer, EPR, and optical spectroscopic studies show the presence of Fe³⁺ in the olivine. Approximately 4.5 wt.% of the total iron in the olivine (24 wt.% as FeO) is in the trivalent state. The Fe³⁺ ions preferentially occupy M2 lattice positions. Charge transfer between Fe³⁺ and Fe²⁺ as well as between Fe³⁺ and oxygen ligands causes a broad absorption band in the optical spectrum at high energies which is the reason for the olivine color. It is concluded that the color of the ALHA 77005 olivine is preterrestrial and may be the result of shock-induced oxidation of the olivine crystals on the meteorite parent body.     

TRACING BY GRAVITY OF A NARROW BURIED GRABEN STRUCTURE,DETECTED BY SEISMIC REFRACTION,FOR GROUND-WATER INVESTIGATIONS IN NORTH CHILE*

In the Andes mountains of North Chile seismic refraction measurements revealed the existence of a buried graben structure. The special geological environment permitted the deduction, by detailed analyses of diffraction patterns and delayed arrival times, of a low velocity layer underneath a high velocity ignimbritic sheet. The gravity method was chosen as an economic secondary aid to trace the course of the buried structure. This unusual combination of detailed gravity measurements following a general seismic survey was not only successful in detecting and tracing a buried structure, but also provided complementary data about the deeper subsurface conditions.     

Precipitation — elevation relationships over Sri Lanka

Summary The change of rainfall totals with height has been the subject of much investigation in many parts of the world. The rates of increase or decrease vary with the climatic regime experienced. This study of Sri Lankan rainfall shows that the relationship between height and mean annual rainfall is complex. Examples of increases and decreases of rainfall with height are found. The climatic regime of the area is important in controlling the level of maximum rainfall.With 7 Figures