A petrological and geochemical study on time-series samples from Klyuchevskoy volcano,Kamchatka arc

To understand the generation and evolution of mafic magmas from Klyuchevskoy volcano in the Kamchatka arc, which is one of the most active arc volcanoes on Earth, a petrological and geochemical study was carried out on time-series samples from the volcano. The eruptive products show significant variations in their whole-rock compositions (52.0–55.5 wt.% SiO₂), and they have been divided into high-Mg basalts and high-Al andesites. In the high-Mg basalts, lower-K and higher-K primitive samples (>9 wt.% MgO) are present, and their petrological features indicate that they may represent primary or near-primary magmas. Slab-derived fluids that induced generation of the lower-K basaltic magmas were less enriched in melt component than those associated with the higher-K basaltic magmas, and the fluids are likely to have been released from the subducting slab at shallower levels for the lower-K basaltic magmas than for higher-K basaltic magmas. Analyses using multicomponent thermodynamics indicates that the lower-K primary magma was generated by ~13% melting of a source mantle with ~0.7 wt.% H₂O at 1245–1260?°C and ~1.9 GPa. During most of the evolution of the volcano, the lower-K basaltic magmas were dominant; the higher-K primitive magma first appeared in AD 1932. In AD 1937–1938, both the lower-K and higher-K primitive magmas erupted, which implies that the two types of primary magmas were present simultaneously and independently beneath the volcano. The higher-K basaltic magmas evolved progressively into high-Al andesite magmas in a magma chamber in the middle crust from AD 1932 to ~AD 1960. Since then, relatively primitive magma has been injected continuously into the magma chamber, which has resulted in the systematic increase of the MgO contents of erupted materials with ages from ~AD 1960 to present.     

The behavior of protons during wet olivine deformation under the conditions of the kimberlite process

This paper reports the results of optical and electron microscopic investigations of mantle olivine samples with H₂O contents of tens-hundreds ppm weight. Samples were obtained from the xenoliths and xenocrysts of the Udachnaya pipe. At the scale of optical microscope magnification, a peculiar banded microstructure was observed in thin sections prepared parallel to the olivine (010) plane. It is formed by cross-hatched bands parallel to four crystallographic directions of the olivine structure: [100], [001], [101], and [−101]. At the scale of electron optical magnifications, the banded microstructure is observed as nanometer-sized heterogeneities of various types which are related to olivine deformation: (a) planar defects parallel to (100) and (001) corresponding to the (100)[010] and (001)[100] dislocation glide systems, respectively; they are occasionally transformed into lamellae or decorated by nanoinclusions; and (b) nanometer-sized heterogeneities formed by nanoinclusion arrays not related to planar defects and oriented along the same directions of the olivine structure as the optically visible bands. The deformation structures are decorated by coupled point OH-bearing defects, which were initially present in the olivine. The crystallographically oriented arrays of nanoinclusions of high-pressure hydrous silicates are considered as a result of olivine deprotonization (elimination of OH-bearing defects from the olivine structure) in the zones of previous deformation compression in the crystal. Light refraction effects on the nanoinclusions make these zones optically visible and produce the banded microstructure, which is a consequence of previous deformation.     

Carbon flows in the benthic food web at the deep-sea observatory HAUSGARTEN (Fram Strait)

The HAUSGARTEN observatory is located in the eastern Fram Strait (Arctic Ocean) and used as long-term monitoring site to follow changes in the Arctic benthic ecosystem. Linear inverse modelling was applied to decipher carbon flows among the compartments of the benthic food web at the central HAUSGARTEN station (2500 m) based on an empirical data set consisting of data on biomass, prokaryote production, total carbon deposition and community respiration. The model resolved 99 carbon flows among 4 abiotic and 10 biotic compartments, ranging from prokaryotes up to megafauna. Total carbon input was 3.78±0.31 mmol C m⁻² d⁻¹, which is a comparatively small fraction of total primary production in the area. The community respiration of 3.26±0.20 mmol C m⁻² d⁻¹ is dominated by prokaryotes (93%) and has lower contributions from surface-deposit feeding macro- (1.7%) and suspension feeding megafauna (1.9%), whereas contributions from nematode and other macro- and megabenthic compartments were limited to <1%. The high prokaryotic contribution to carbon processing suggests that functioning of the benthic food web at the central HAUSGARTEN station is comparable to abyssal plain sediments that are characterised by strong energy limitation. Faunal diet compositions suggest that labile detritus is important for deposit-feeding nematodes (24% of their diet) and surface-deposit feeding macrofauna (∼44%), but that semi-labile detritus is more important in the diets of deposit-feeding macro- and megafauna. Dependency indices on these food sources were also calculated as these integrate direct (i.e. direct grazing and predator–prey interactions) and indirect (i.e. longer loops in the food web) pathways in the food web. Projected sea-ice retreats for the Arctic Ocean typically anticipate a decrease in the labile detritus flux to the already food-limited benthic food web. The dependency indices indicate that faunal compartments depend similarly on labile and semi-labile detritus, which suggests that the benthic biota may be more sensitive to changes in labile detritus inputs than when assessed from diet composition alone. Species-specific responses to different types of labile detritus inputs, e.g. pelagic algae versus sympagic algae, however, are presently unknown and are needed to assess the vulnerability of individual components of the benthic food web.     

Lamellar pyroxene-spinel symplectites in lunar olivine from the Luna 24 regolith

Cr-Ca lamellae in a magnesian olivine grain (section 1611) from the Luna 24 regolith were investigated in detail by electron microprobe analysis (EMPA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that the lamellae are parallel to the (100) plane of oxygen closest packing in olivine and consist of regular vermicular intergrowths of two phases, diopside (Di) and chromite (Chr), in the volume proportion Di: Chr ≈ 3: 1. The bulk chemical composition of the lamellae is approximated as Ca₂Mg₂Fe²⁺(Cr³⁺)₂Si₄O₁₆. They are identical in phase composition to type A, F, and E symplectites from Apollo lunar samples [9]. Based on morphology and phase composition, the lamellar aggregates in the olivine grain from the Luna 24 regolith were classified as pyroxene (Px)-spinel (Spl) symplectites of a lamellar type, the formation of which was related to olivine oxidation at IW ≤ logfO₂ ≤ QFM. The obtained data indicate a solid-phase mechanism of lamella formation and the existence of a lamellar precursor phase, which transformed subsequently into the Px-Spl symplectite. It was supposed that uvarovite-knorringite garnet produced by the oxidation of olivine at high pressures and t > 800°C could be the transitional phase during symplectite formation. The subsequent conversion of the garnet into the low-pressure assemblage of Px-Spl symplectites could occur via cellular decomposition in accordance with the reaction Ca₂MgCr₂Si₃O₁₂ + (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄ = 2CaMgSi₂O₆ + FeCr₂O₄. The reported results are the first data of a detailed nanomineralogical investigation of lamellar Px-Spl symplectites in lunar olivine.     

Hydrothermal synthesis of pyrochlores and their characterization

Pyrochlores, microlites, and U-betafites of pyrochlore group minerals were obtained from mixing experiments of the corresponding oxides and fluorides by hydrothermal synthesis at T = 800 °C and P = 200 MPa in the solution of 1.0 M NaF. The presence of U⁴⁺ in pyrochlore does not affect the cell parameter, which for the phases of pyrochlore–microlite series is 10.42 ± 0.01 Å. In a system with an excess of UO₂, pyrochlores and microlites, containing uranium up to 0.2–0.3 atoms per formula unit (apfu), are formed. In the uranium-free system of betafites composition, perovskites and Ti-bearing pyrochlores are formed. U-pyrochlores of betafite series, containing 2Ti = Nb + Ta in moles, have cubic cell parameters of 10.26 ± 0.02 Å and U⁴⁺ isomorphic capacity of 0.4–0.5 apfu. In the pyrochlore structure, U⁴⁺ may substitute for Ca²⁺ and Na⁺ cations in the eightfold site. In pyrochlores of pyrochlore–microlite series, Ca²⁺ is replaced by U⁴⁺, while in pyrochlores of betafite series, U⁴⁺ replaces Na⁺. Phases with pyrochlore structure, containing U⁵⁺ and U⁶⁺ in the sixfold site, usually occupied by Nb⁵⁺, Ta⁵⁺, and Ti⁴⁺, are formed under oxidizing conditions (Cu–Cu₂O buffer). They are characterized by low content of Nb⁵⁺, Ta⁵⁺ (<0.1 apfu), and anomalous behavior of the crystal lattice (compression, instead of expansion). Under natural conditions, the formation of pyrochlores containing a significant amount of U⁵⁺ and U⁶⁺ is unlikely.     

High-resolution modelling of a large-scale river plume

Evolution of a large-scale river plume is studied numerically using the Massachusetts Institute of Technology general circulation model. The model parameters were set close to those observed in the area of the Columbia River mouth. The fine-resolution grid along with the non-hydrostatic dispersion included in the model allowed for the reproduction of detailed inner plume structure, as well as a system of internal waves radiated from the plume’s boundary. It was found that not only first-mode but also second- and third-mode internal waves are radiated from the plume at the latest stages of its relaxation when the velocity of the front propagation drops below an appropriate wave phase speed of internal baroclinic mode. The model output shows that the amplitude of these high-mode waves is of the same order as the leading first-mode waves, which in combination with the specific vertical structure (location of the maximum structure function beyond the pycnocline layer) creates favourable conditions for the generation of shear instabilities. High-resolution model output also reveals evidence of a fine internal structure of the plume characterized by the presence of secondary fronts inside the plume and secondary internal wave systems propagated radially from the lift-off area to the outer boundary. These structures intensify the mixing processes within the propagating plume with predominance of the entrainment mechanism developing on the lower boundary between the plume’s body and underlying waters. The scheme of horizontal circulation in the plume was reproduced by the methodology of Lagrange drifters released near the mouth at different depths.     

Modelling tidally induced larval dispersal over Anton Dohrn Seamount

Massachusetts Institute of Technology general circulation model is used for the analysis of larval dispersal over Anton Dohrn Seamount (ADS), North Atlantic. The model output validated against the in situ data collected during the 136th cruise of the RRS ‘James Cook’ in May–June 2016 allowed reconstruction of the details of the baroclinic tidal dynamics over ADS. The obtained velocities were used as input data for a Lagrangian-type passive particle tracking model to reproduce the larval dispersal of generic deep-sea water invertebrate species. It was found that the residual tidal flow over ADS has a form of a pair of dipoles and cyclonic and anti-cyclonic eddies located at the seamount periphery. In the vertical direction, tides form upward motions above the seamount summit. These currents control local larval dispersal and their escape from ADS. The model experiment with a large number of particles (7500) evenly seeded on the ADS surface has shown that the trajectory of every individual particle is sensitive to the initial position and the tidal phase where and when it is released. The vast majority of the particles released above 1000 m depth remain seated in the same depth band where they were initially released. Only 8% of passive larvae were able to remain in suspension until competent to settle (maximise dispersal capability) and settle (make contact with the bottom) within the specified limits for this model. It was found that every tenth larval particle could leave the seamount and had a chance to be advected to any other remotely located seamount.     

Model studies of dense water overflows in the Faroese Channels

The overflow of dense water from the Nordic Seas through the Faroese Channel system was investigated through combined laboratory experiments and numerical simulations using the Massachusetts Institute of Technology General Circulation Model. In the experimental study, a scaled, topographic representation of the Faroe-Shetland Channel, Wyville-Thomson Basin and Ridge and Faroe Bank Channel seabed bathymetry was constructed and mounted in a rotating tank. A series of parametric experiments was conducted using dye-tracing and drogue-tracking techniques to investigate deep-water overflow pathways and circulation patterns within the modelled region. In addition, the structure of the outflowing dense bottom water was investigated through density profiling along three cross-channel transects located in the Wyville-Thomson Basin and the converging, up-sloping approach to the Faroe Bank Channel. Results from the dye-tracing studies demonstrate a range of parametric conditions under which dense water overflow across the Wyville-Thomson Ridge is shown to occur, as defined by the Burger number, a non-dimensional length ratio and a dimensionless dense water volume flux parameter specified at the Faroe-Shetland Channel inlet boundary. Drogue-tracking measurements reveal the complex nature of flow paths and circulations generated in the modelled topography, particularly the development of a large anti-cyclonic gyre in the Wyville-Thompson Basin and up-sloping approach to the Faroe Bank Channel, which diverts the dense water outflow from the Faroese shelf towards the Wyville-Thomson Ridge, potentially promoting dense water spillage across the ridge itself. The presence of this circulation is also indicated by associated undulations in density isopycnals across the Wyville-Thomson Basin. Numerical simulations of parametric test cases for the main outflow pathways and density structure in a similarly-scaled Faroese Channels model domain indicate excellent qualitative agreement with the experimental observations and measurements. In addition, the comparisons show that strong temporal variability in the predicted outflow pathways and circulations have a strong influence in regulating the Faroe Bank Channel and Wyville-Thomson Ridge overflows, as well as in determining the overall response in the Faroese Channels to changes in the Faroe-Shetland Channel inlet boundary conditions.     

Late Albian–Coniacian planktic foraminifera and biostratigraphy of the northeastern Caucasus

This paper presents a considerably revised biostratigraphy for Upper Albian through Coniacian pelagic limestone and shale sequences in the northeastern Caucasus region based primarily on planktic foraminiferal distributions. The use of concentrated acetic acid for the extraction of microfossils from the hard limestones has yielded a much more detailed planktic foraminiferal biostratigraphy than has been documented previously. Because of the low latitude location of the study area the high diversity assemblages contain many of the biomarkers used to identify standard Tethyan biozones ranging from the Rotalipora appenninica Zone through the Dicarinella concavata Zone. A key result of this study is the recognition of an apparently continuous Cenomanian/Turonian boundary interval within a laminated, dark marl that is enriched in organic carbon. Extinction of the single-keeled rotaliporids corresponds with the onset of deposition of the laminated marl beds.     

First-principles study of (MgH2SiO4)? n (Mg2SiO4) hydrous olivine structures. I. Crystal structure modelling of hydrous olivine Hy-2 a (MgH2SiO4) ? 3(Mg2SiO4)

 Recently, the Hy-2a hydrous olivine (MgH₂ SiO₄)·3(Mg₂SiO₄) occurring as nanometre-sized inclusions in mantle olivines has been found by TEM, and has been suggested to be a new DHMS phase (Khisina et al. 2001). A model of the crystal structure of Hy-2a has been proposed as a 2a-superstructure of olivine with one Me²⁺ -vacant octahedral layer in the (1 0 0) plane per Hy-2a unit cell (Khisina and Wirth 2002). In the present study the crystal structure of Hy-2a hydrous olivine is optimized by ab initio calculations. The aims of this study are: (1) verification of the suggested models of Hy-2a hydrous olivine structure; (2) calculation of the most stable configurations for Hy-2a structure with minimum static lattice energy, by assuming a possible formation of Me²⁺ vacancies in either M1 or M2 octahedral sites; (3) determination of the position of protons and hydrogen bonds in the Hy-2a structure. Several different possible configurations of the Hy-2a structure are optimized. The results support the idea of a stable olivine structure with ordered planar-segregated OH-bearing defects oriented parallel to (1 0 0). The data obtained indicate a preferred stability of the Hy-2a structure with the protons associated with M1 vacancies and bonded with O1 and O2 oxygen sites. The relative energy values of the optimized Hy-2a structure configurations correlate as a rule with the average shifts of atoms from their positions in pure forsterite structure. Received: 7 February 2002 / Accepted: 23 October 2002