Towards an integration of process measurements, archive analysis and modelling in geomorphology — the Kärkevagge experimental site, Abisko area, northern Sweden

The analysis of Holocene geomorphic process activity demands long–term data sets, which are available for the Kärkevagge catchment due to 50 years of intensive geomorphologic field studies. This data set is used in combination with additional field measurements, remote sensing and digital elevation model (DEM) analysis to provide input data for modelling Holocene valley development. On the basis of this information, geomorphic process units (GPUs) are defined by means of GIS modelling. These units represent areas of homogeneous process composition that transfer sediments. Since the data base enables the quantification of single processes, the interaction of processes within the units can also be quantified. Applying this concept permits calculation of recent sediment transfer rates and hence leads to a better understanding of actual geomorphic landscape development activity. To extrapolate these data in time and space the process–related sediments in the valley are analysed for depth and total volume, primarily using geophysical methods. In this fashion the validity of measured process rates is evaluated for the Holocene time scale. Results from this analysis are exemplified in a cross–profile showing some of the principal sediment units in the valley. For example, the measured modern rates on a slush torrent debris fan seem to represent the Holocene mean rate. This approach should also be suitable for revealing Holocene geomorphic landscape development in terms of climate change.     

Effects of collision-induced breakup on drop size distributions in steady state rainshafts

New equations and techniques for dealing with drop breakups are developed and applied to the modelling of the evolution of raindrop spectra in rainshafts. Breakup experiments byMcTaggart-Cowan andList (1975) served as data base.No matter what the original size distribution, the spectrum evolution will always lead to a Marshall-Palmer type equilibrium di tributionN=N ₀e^–D, with =constant andN ₀ proportional to the rainfall rateR. (D stands for raindrop diameter.) ForR29 mm h^–1 and an original Marshall-Palmer distribution, the required fall height to reach equilibrium is 2 km.The equilibrium distributions are characterized by linear relationships betweenR, the radar reflectivity factorZ, the liquid water content LWC and theN ₀ of the Marshall-Palmer distribution. Possible explanations for the discrepancy with observations are given.The fact that the all-water processes cannot produce drops withD2.5 mm (as confirmed by observations) leads to the conclusion that observed large raindrops withD5 mm represent melted hailstones and have not yet reached an equilibrium distribution. These latter conclusions were reached within the original assumption of videspread, steady state precipitation.     

Upper Precambrian and lowermost Plaeozoic correlatinos in West Africa and in the Western Part of Central Africa. Probable diachronism of the Late Precambrian tillite

The Late Precambrian or Eocambrian and the lowermost part of Palaeozoic rocks of West Africa and of the Western half of Central Africa include two lithostratigraphic sequences of sediments which we can identify as well on the craton as in the orogenic belts. The lower sequence, argillaceous, green colour, sometimes flyschoid, begins with a tillite or a mixtite. The upper sequence made of reddish, mainly continental sandstones, represents in some areas the molasse of the Pan-African Fold Belt.These two sequences, and notably at the base of the first one the tillite horizon, seem to be older in the South (Katangan and West-Congolian Chains) than in the North (Adrar of Mauritania). This diachronism is thought to be related to polar wandering, the South pole having shifted in that interval of time from South-Africa to West of the Senegal coast.

---

Zusammenfassung Das obere Präkambrium oder Eokambrium und die Basis des Paläozoikums von Westafrika und im westlichen Teil von Zentralafrika sind aus zwei lithostratigraphischen Abfolgen gebildet, die gleichfalls auf den Kratonen und in den Gebirgsketten zu erkennen sind. Die untere feinklastische Abfolge, grün, manchmal flyschartig, beginnt mit einem Tillit oder einem Mixtit. Die obere rote, sandige Abfolge, kontinentalen Ursprungs, wird örtlich als eine von der pan-afrikanischen Orogenese gebildete Molasse angesehen.Diese beiden Abfolgen, besonders die Tillite, scheinen diachron und im Süden älter (Katangische und West-Kongolische Gebirgsketten) als im Norden (Adrar von Mauritanien) zu sein. Diese Verjüngung nach Norden kann mit einer Polwanderung in Verbindung gebracht werden; der Südpol zieht während dieser Zeit von Südafrika in das Gebiet westlich der senegalesischen Küste.

---

Résumé Le Précambrian terminal ou Eocambrien et la base du Paléozoïque de l'Afrique de l'Ouest et de la partie occidentale de l'Afrique centrale comprennent deux ensembles lithostratigraphiques identifiables aussi bien dans les couvertures cratoniques que dans les chaînes. L'ensemble inférieur, argileux, vert, parfois flyschoïde, débute par une tillite ou une mixtite. L'ensemble supérieur, gréseux, rouge, à dominante continentale, est interprété dans certaines zones comme la molasse de la chaîne pan-africaine. ces deux ensembles, et en particulier la tillite á la base du premier, semblent plus anciens au Sud (chaînes katangienne et ouest-congolience) qu'au Nord (Adrar de Mauritanie). Cet âge plus jeune vers le Nord va de Pair avec le mouvement du pôle sud, qui, â époque, se déplace de l'Afrique du Sud au large des côtes du Sénegal.

---

, , , , , . , , , . , , , , - . , , , — —, — . , , : .

     

Limatic variables that control development of stripe rust disease on winter wheat

The frequency and severity of the stripe rust disease (caused byPuccinia striiformis) on winter wheat in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S.A. has increased since 1958 in association with climatic variation. From 1968–1979, rust intensities on ‘Gaines’ wheat were most highly correlated with accumulated negative degree days (NDD) between 1 December and 31 January and positive degree days (PDD) between 1 April and 30 June. NDD and PDD were calculated from a 7 °C base. Linear regression equations using NDD alone accounted for 76% of the variation in stripe rust. When NDD and PDD were combined, 88% of the variation in stripe rust was explained. When a growth index (GI), and NDD plus PDD were used as independent variables in a multiple regression analysis, 91% of the variation in disease was explained. Frequency of precipitation in June was correlated with stripe rust intensity, but when it was added to the multiple regression analysis, it explained less than an additional 1% of the variation. The relationships between NDD, PDD, and disease index help to explain why stripe rust was not severe from 1941 to 1957. Methods used in this research should be applicable to similar studies of the effect of climatic variation on other pests. This research was supported by a National Science Foundation Grant (ATM 76-21725), Climate Dynamics Program, Division of Atmospheric Sciences.     

Distribution of tetrahedral Al and Si in coexisting biotite and Ca-amphibole

The distribution of tetrahedrally coordinated ions between coexisting biotite and Ca-amphibole is found to follow a regular trend of approximately Al _Bi ^IV =1.95+0.35 Al _A ^IV . It is concluded that deviations permit the recognition of disequilibrium mineral associations. The potential influence of crystal-chemical factors is considered.     

Cooperite and braggite from the Bushveld Complex: implications for the miscibility gap and identification

Analyses of the Pt-Pd-Ni sulphides cooperite, braggite, and vysotskite reported from worldwide occurrences seem to imply a continuum of compositions between vysotskite and cooperite, with no obvious miscibility gap. This is contrary to the experimentally confirmed miscibility gap between cooperite and braggite, and the established compositional gap between co-existing cooperite and braggite from the Merensky Reef. Although the only unambiguous way of distinguishing between cooperite and braggite is to obtain structural information through X-ray diffraction or equivalent techniques, most identification of Pt-Pd-Ni sulphides is based on microanalytical techniques due to the small grain size of most platinum-group minerals. Ni contents also have to be considered because a classification based on the Pt/Pd ratio alone can be very misleading. Naming of Pt-Pd-Ni sulphide compositions with high Pt contents based on qualitative or semi-quantitative analyses should be avoided. Natural Pt-Pd-Ni sulphides which project into the compositional gap (established by experimental work) cannot be named without supporting structural information. Compositions of grains, which plot inside the gap, are considered to be metastable and to result from the loss of Pd through interaction with hydrothermal fluids.     

Dispersion Modelling of the Kilauea Plume

Emissions from the Kilauea volcano pose significant environmental and health risksto the Hawaiian community. This paper describes progress toward simulating theconcentration and dispersion of plumes of volcanic aerosol after they emanate from thePu'u O'o vent of the Kilauea volcano.In order to produce an accurate regional forecast of the concentration and dispersionof volcanic aerosol, the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory(HY-SPLIT) model was used. Wind fields and thermodynamic data from the non-hydrostatic Mesoscale Spectral Model (MSM) were employed as input for theHY-SPLIT model. A combination of satellite remote sensing, aircraft, and ground-based observations collected during a field experiment was used to validate the model simulation of aerosol distribution.The HY-SPLIT model shows skill in reproducing the plume shape, orientation, and concentration gradients as deduced from satellite images of aerosol optical depth.Comparison of the modelled and observed values suggests that the model was able to produce reasonable plume concentrations and spatial gradients downwind of the source. Model concentrations were generally less than those observed on the leeward side of the Island of Hawaii. This deficiency may be explained by a lack of (i) background concentrations, (ii) local sources of pollution and/or (iii) sea-breeze circulation in the prognostic input wind field. These results represent early progress toward the goal of future operational application of the HY-SPLIT model to predict volcanic aerosol concentrations in Hawaii. This may help mitigate their negative impacts of plumes respiratory health, agriculture, and general aviation.     

Analysis and application of ichnofabrics

Bioturbation at all scales, which tends to replace the primary fabric of a sediment by the ichnofabric (the overall fabric of a sediment that has been bioturbated), is now recognised as playing a major role in facies interpretation. The manner in which the substrate may be colonized, and the physical, chemical and ecological controls (grainsize, sedimentation rate, oxygenation, nutrition, salinity, ethology, community structure and succession), together with the several ways in which the substrate is tiered by bioturbators, are the factors and processes that determine the nature of the ichnofabric. Eleven main styles of substrate tiering are described, ranging from single, pioneer colonization to complex tiering under equilibria, their modification under environmental deterioration and amelioration, and diagenetic enhancement or obscuration. Ichnofabrics may be assessed by four attributes: primary sedimentary factors, Bioturbation Index (BI), burrow size and frequency, and ichnological diversity. Construction of tier and ichnofabric constituent diagrams aid visualization and comparison. The breaks or changes in colonization and style of tiering at key stratal surfaces accentuate the surfaces, and many reflect a major environmental shift of the trace-forming biota due to change in hydrodynamic regime (leading to non-deposition and/or erosion and/or lithification), change in salinity regime, or subaerial exposure. The succession of gradational or abrupt changes in ichnofabric through genetically related successions, together with changes in colonization and tiering across event beds, may also be interpreted in terms of changes in environmental parameters. It is not the ichnotaxa per se that are important in discriminating between ichnofabrics, but rather the environmental conditions that determine the overall style of colonization. Fabrics composed of different ichnotaxa (and different taphonomies) but similar tier structure and ichnoguild may form in similar environments of different age or different latitude. Appreciation of colonization and tiering styles places ancient ichnofabrics on a sound process-related basis for environmental interpretation.     

The distribution of salt marsh foraminifera at Little Dipper Harbour New Brunswick, Canada: implications for development of widely applicable transfer functions in sea-level research

A stepwise linear regression analysis was carried out on both 0–1 and 0–10 cm surface samples from a transect across the marsh at Little Dipper Harbour, New Brunswick. Only the 0–1 cm surface samples produce statistically reliable results (R²=0.705; R′²=0.609). These results are in sharp contrast to those obtained from British Columbia marshes where infaunal habitat and taphonomic biasing result in 0–10 cm samples producing the best results using stepwise linear regression. The fundamental difference in the apparent preferred habitats of marsh foraminifera in these areas pose difficulties for researchers attempting to develop transfer function training sets that can be applied over wide areas in paleo-sea-level research.