Transform faults in Island

In Iceland the mid-Atlantic ridge rises above sea-level for a north-south-extension of 350 km. One or two east-west-directed transform faults may be expected on land in Iceland, since the mid-Atlantic ridge is offset by transform faults every 100–200 km.Two of these faults, the Reykjanes Fracture Zone in southern Iceland, and the Tjörnes Fracture Zone in northern Iceland, have been located by recent seismological activity (Ward, 1971).There are no strike-slip faults within the Tjömes Fracture Zone that support transform faulting on land. En echolon faults may indicate a status nascendi of lateral offset for the Reykjanes Fracture Zone. A third transform fault, the Snaefellsnes-Vatnajökull Fracture Zone, however, was already active about 3 m.y. ago, when the rift system in southern Iceland began to spread faster than in northern Iceland. The features resulting from this process can be observed in (1) a change in strike from a northerly trend in northern Iceland to a north-easterly direction in southern Iceland; (2) the separation of the rift axis in southern Iceland into two branches; (3) right lateral strike-slip movements along the Snaefellsnes-Vatnajökull Fracture Zone with an offset of about 100 km.Field mapping and observations from air photographs have enabled the construction of a detailed tectonic pattern for the latter zone. The Pleistocene to Postglacial volcanic activity, the offset of magnetic anomalies, and recent active seismicity support the mechanism of transform faulting.At least 3 m.y. ago the west-wandering Icelandic Rift System started with higher spreading rates, revealing a trend to connect directly the Reykjanes- and the Iceland-Jan Mayen Rift Systems. Since that time three crustal plates proceeded from the Vatnajökull Triple Junction with different drift velocities, inducing the activity of the Snaefellsnes-Vatnajökull Transform Fault, which separates the north-western from the south-western Icelandic plate.

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Zusammenfassung In Island erhebt sich der zentrale Teil des Mittelatlantischen Rückens auf einer N-S-Erstreckung von 350 km über den Meeresspiegel. Das regelmäßige Auftreten E-W-gerichteter transform faults, die im Abstand von 100–200 km die Mittelatlantische Schwelle queren, läßt auf die Ausbildung einer oder mehrerer transform faults im Bereich der Insel schließen.Zwei in E-W-Richtung und damit rechtwinklig zur isländischen Riftzone verlaufende, seismologisch aktive Zonen wurden im S der Insel (Reykjanes Fracture Zone) und im N (Tjörnes Fracture Zone) als transform faults beschrieben (Ward, 1971). Jedoch keines der beiden Systeme gibt einen lateralen Versatz von geologischen Einheiten und magnetischen Anomalien zu erkennen. In gleicher E-W-Streichrichtung wie die beiden vermuteten transform faults erstreckt sich zwischen der Snaefellsnes-Halbinsel und dem Vatnajökull eine rechtsdrehende Blattverschiebung mit einem Horizontalversatz von etwa 100 km. Die Störung entstand vor etwa 3 Millionen Jahren, als das südisländische zentrale Riftsystem gegenüber dem nördlichen eine höhere Driftgeschwindigkeit entwickelte, und war aktiv bis in die jüngste Zeit.Der Richtungswechsel von durchweg N-S-streichenden geologischen und tektonischen Strukturen im N der Insel und NE-SW-gerichteten Einheiten, sowie die Aufspaltung der Riftzone in zwei getrennte Äste im S, können als Ergebnis dieses Vorganges angesehen werden.Die tektonisch interessantesten Abschnitte der Snaefellsnes-Vatnajökull-Transform Fault wurden kartiert. Kartierung und vorliegende Luftaufnahmen ermöglichten eine detaillierte Darstellung des tektonischen Musters.Gleichzeitig mit der Snaefellsnes-Vatnajökull-Transform Fault entstand der Vatnajökull-Tripel-Punkt, von dem sich drei Krustenplatten mit unterschiedlichen Driftgeschwindigkeiten entfernen. Seit dieser Zeit zeigt das W-wandemde isländische Rift-system den Trend, eine unmittelbare Verbindung zwischen Reykjanes- und Island-Jan-Mayen-Rücken herzustellen.

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Résumé En Islande, la partie centrale de la dorsale Atlantique médiane est exondée sur une longueur de 350 km en direction N-S. La présence régulière de failles transformelles de direction E-W traversant le seuil médian de l'Atlantique à des distances de 100 à200 km, permet de conclure à la formation d'une ou de plusieurs failles transformelles sur l'étendue de l'île.Deux zones de direction E-W, et par conséquent d'allure perpendiculaire au rift islandais (la zone de fractures de Reykjanes au S de l'île et la zone de fractures de Tjörnes au N), ont été décrites comme failles transformelles à cause de leur activité séismique (Ward, 1971). Mais aucun de ces deux systèmes ne montre de décrochement des unités géologiques pas plus que des anomalies magnétiques. Avec la même direction E-W que celle des deux failles transformelles présumées, s'étend un autre décrochement dextrogyre entre la presqu'île du Snaefellsnes et le glacier Vatnajökull. Cette faille est apparue il y a trois millions d'années, lorsque le rift central de la partie S de l'Islande se développait avec une vitesse supérieure à celle du Nord de l'Islande; elle fut active jusque récemment.Le changement de direction des structures géologiques et tectoniques d'allure N-S dans le N de l'île et des unités dirigées NE-SW, comme aussi l'ouverture de la zone de rift en 2 branches séparées dans le S, peuvent être considérés comme le résultat de ce processus. La cartographie de ces sections tectoniquement très intéressantes liées à la faille transformelle de Snaefellsnes-Vatnajökull a été levée.La cartographie et les vues aériennes présentées ont permis une figuration détaillée de cette manifestation te tonique.En même temps que la faille transformelle Snaefellsnes-Vatnajökull, il se développait le triple point du Vatnajökull, à partir duquel trois plaques crustales divergent avec des vitesses différentes. Depuis cette époque le compartiment islandais possède l'allure d'une liaison immédiate entre la dorsale de Reykjanes et celle de l'Islande-Jan Mayen.

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, N-S , 350 . , E-W 100–200 - , , . , E-W . . : ( Reykjanes Fracture), ( Tjörnes Fracture). , (Ward, 1971). , . , Snaefellsnes Vatnajökull . 3 , - . N-S NE-SW , — , . Snaefellsnes Vatnajokull. . Snaefellsnes-Vatnajökull Vatnajökull-Tripel, , . , aW, Reykjanes-Island-Jan-Mayen.

     

Continuous injection model for hard X-ray correlated microwave bursts

Asymmetric magnetic field configurations in solar active regions hinder mildly relativistic electrons with magnetic moments suitable to produce microwave radiation from being trapped. Therefore the duration of stay of electrons in the microwave source region is much shorter (<0.2 s) than in the usually assumed trapping models. On this basis we construct a consistent model of hard X-ray correlated microwave bursts due to continuous injection of electrons into a pole field of an asymmetric magnetic loop (Figures 1 and 2). This resolves the discrepancy of the numbers of electrons needed to produce X-ray and radio emission.We compute gyrosynchrotron spectra with the assumption of conservation of the magnetic moment M in the microwave source. The consequence is an anticorrelation between the low frequency power index a of the microwave spectrum and the power index of the hard X-ray spectrum. In fact during the flare of May 18, 1972 increases with time while a is decreasing, so that +a= constant. Furthermore, it is shown that electrons with energies below 100 keV contribute significantly to the microwave radiation; they determine the low frequency spectrum completely.The model is able to explain the most often observed type C-spectra (Guidice and Castelli, 1975), but also flat spectra over one frequency decade.On leave from University of Berne, Institute of Applied Physics.     

The late Quaternary development of three ancient tarns on southwestern Cumberland Peninsula, Baffin Island, Arctic Canada: paleolimnological evidence from diatoms and sediment chemistry

Sediment diatom and chemical analyses of cores from three poorly buffered extra-glacial lakes on the northeastern margin of the Canadian Shield (Cumberland Peninsula, Baffin Island) record interactions between aquatic and terrestrial spheres that were influenced by late Quaternary climatic conditions. Although differences exist between each of the lakes, notably with regards to the intensity of pre-Holocene catchment erosion and the timing of the onset of organic sedimentation, an underlying pattern of lake ontogeny, common to all three lakes, is identified. Although intensified watershed erosion characterized the Late Wisconsinan and Neoglacial cold periods, the lakes nonetheless remained viable ecosystems at these times. Sudden catchment stabilization during the late-glacial to earliest Holocene is associated with incipient organic sedimentation. Lake-water pH increased at this time, likely in response both longer base cation residence times as lake flushing rates decreased, and enhanced alkalinity production from sediment biogeochemical reactions. Subsequently, as the catchments remained stable during the productive early Holocene (c.9–7 ka BP), then gradually received a renewed increase of minerogenic sedimentation, the breakdown of sources of lake alkalinity resulted in natural acidification. Burial of cation-rich mineral sediments and the loss of permanent sedimentary sinks for the products of microbial reduction likely impeded within-lake alkalinity production, and catchment-derived base cations appeared ineffective in curtailing pH declines. The general nature of the Holocene development of these lakes is similar to that observed elsewhere on crystalline terrains, following deglaciation. Our data therefore suggest that catchment glaciation is not a necessary precursor for models of lake development characterized by initial base cation enrichment and subsequent gradual acidification.     

New insights into the P- and S-wave velocity structure of the D" discontinuity beneath the Cocos plate

Broad-band P - and S -waves from earthquakes in South America recorded at Californian network stations are analysed to image lateral variations of the D"-discontinuity beneath the Cocos plate. We apply two array processing methods to the data set: a simplified migration method to the P -wave data set and a double-array method to both the P - and S -wave data sets, allowing us to compare results from the two methods. The double-array method images a dipping reflector at a depth range from 2650 to 2700 km in the southern part of the study area. We observe a step-like topography of 100 km to a shallower reflector at about 2600 km depth to the north, as well as evidence for a second (deeper) reflector at a depth range from 2700 to 2750 km in the north. Results from the simplified migration agree well with those from the double-array method, similarly locating a large step in reflector depth in a similar location (about 2650 km depth in the south and about 2550 km in the north) as well as the additional deeper reflector at the depth of about 2750 km in the north. Waveform modelling of the reflected waves from both methods suggests a positive velocity contrast for S waves, but a negative velocity contrast for P waves for the upper reflector in agreement with predictions from mineral physical calculations for a post-perovskite phase transition. The data also show some evidence for the existence of another deeper reflector that could indicate a double intersection of the geotherm with the post-perovskite stability field, that is, the back-transformation of post-perovskite to perovskite close to the core–mantle boundary.     

Fossile Riffe als Klimazeugen

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Review of numerical methods for nonhydrostatic weather prediction models

Summary ?Currently available computer power allows to run operational numerical weather prediction models at resolutions higher than 10 km. The aim of such high resolution modeling is the prediction of local weather, including orographically induced winds and local precipitation patterns. In this range the hydrostatic approximation is no longer valid and nonhydrostatic models have to be used instead. For several decades these models have been developed for research purposes only, but operational application is now reality. In this paper, the numerical methods used in current nonhydrostatic forecast models will be reviewed and some promising techniques in this field will be discussed. Special attention is given to aspects such as the choice of the vertical coordinate, the efficiency of algebraic solvers for semi-implicit time discretizations, and accurate and non-oscillatory advection schemes. Received July 6, 2001; revision October 12, 2001     

The Effect of Surface Heterogeneity on the Temperature–Humidity Correlation and the Relative Transport Efficiency

We derive a conceptual model of the flow over heterogeneous terrain consisting of patches with contrasting Bowen ratios. Upward moving eddies are assumed to carry heterogeneous properties, whereas downward moving eddies carry homogeneous properties. This results in a decorrelation of temperature and humidity as the contrast between the patches increases. We show that this model is able to reproduce the relationship developed by Lamaud and Irvine (Boundary-Layer Meteorol. 120:87–109, 2006). Some details differ from their expression but are in accordance with data obtained over African savannah. We extend the conceptual model to a combination of any scalars, not necessarily linked through the surface energy balance (as is the case for temperature and humidity). To this end we introduce a new parameter that describes the surface heterogeneity in surface fluxes. The results of the current model can be used to predict the discrepancy between similarity relationships for different scalars over heterogeneous terrain.     

The role of iron and sulfur in the visual appearance of lake sediment varves

Easily discernible sediment varves (annual laminations) may be formed in temperate zone lakes, and reflect seasonal changes in the composition of the accumulating material derived from the lake and its catchment (minerogenic and organic material). The appearance of varves may also be influenced by chemical processes. We assessed the role of iron (Fe) and sulfur (S) in the appearance of varves in sediments from Lake Nylandssjön in northern Sweden. We surveyed Fe in the lake water and established whether there is internal transport of Fe within the sediment. We used a unique collection of seven stored freeze cores of varved sediment from the lake, collected from 1979 to 2004. This suite of cores made it possible to follow long-term changes in Fe and S in the sediment caused by processes that occur in the lake bottom when the sediment is ageing. We compared Fe and S concentrations using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) in specific years in the different cores. No diagenetic front was found in the sediment and the data do not suggest that there is substantial vertical transport of Fe and S in the sediment. We also modeled Fe and S based on thermodynamic, limnological, and sediment data from the lake. The model was limited to the five components H⁺, e^?, Fe³⁺, SO₄ ^2?, H₂CO₃ and included the formation of solid phases such as Fe(OH)₃ (amorphous), FeOOH (aged, microcrystalline), FeS and FeCO₃. Modeling showed that there are pe (redox) ranges within which either FeS or Fe(OH)₃/FeOOH is the only solid phase present and there are pe ranges within which the two solid phases co-exist, which supports the hypothesis that blackish and grey-brownish layers that occur in the varves were formed at the time of deposition. This creates new possibilities for deciphering high-temporal-resolution environmental information from varves.     

Microfacies and diagenesis of older Pleistocene (pre‐last glacial maximum) reef deposits,Great Barrier Reef,Australia (IODP Expedition 325): A quantitative approach

During Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 325, 34 holes were drilled along five transects in front of the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, penetrating some 700 m of late Pleistocene reef deposits (post‐glacial; largely 20 to 10 kyr bp ) in water depths of 42 to 127 m. In seven holes, drilled in water depths of 42 to 92 m on three transects, older Pleistocene (older than last glacial maximum, >20 kyr bp ) reef deposits were recovered from lower core sections. In this study, facies, diagenetic features, mineralogy and stable isotope geochemistry of 100 samples from six of the latter holes were investigated and quantified. Lithologies are dominated by grain‐supported textures, and were to a large part deposited in high‐energy, reef or reef slope environments. Quantitative analyses allow 11 microfacies to be defined, including mixed skeletal packstone and grainstone, mudstone‐wackestone, coral packstone, coral grainstone, coralline algal grainstone, coral‐algal packstone, coralline algal packstone, Halimeda grainstone, microbialite and caliche. Microbialites, that are common in cavities of younger, post‐glacial deposits, are rare in pre‐last glacial maximum core sections, possibly due to a lack of open framework suitable for colonization by microbes. In pre‐last glacial maximum deposits of holes M0032A and M0033A (>20 kyr bp ), marine diagenetic features are dominant; samples consist largely of aragonite and high‐magnesium calcite. Holes M0042A and M0057A, which contain the oldest rocks (>169 kyr bp ), are characterized by meteoric diagenesis and samples mostly consist of low‐magnesium calcite. Holes M0042A, M0055A and M0056A (>30 kyr bp ), and a horizon in the upper part of hole M0057A, contain both marine and meteoric diagenetic features. However, only one change from marine to meteoric pore water is recorded in contrast with the changes in diagenetic environment that might be inferred from the sea‐level history. Values of stable isotopes of oxygen and carbon are consistent with these findings. Samples from holes M0032A and M0033A reflect largely positive values (δ¹⁸O: ?1 to +1‰ and δ¹³C: +1 to +4‰), whereas those from holes M0042A and M0057A are negative (δ¹⁸O: ?4 to +2‰ and δ¹³C: ?8 to +2‰). Holes M0055A and M0056A provide intermediate values, with slightly positive δ¹³C, and negative δ¹⁸O values. The type and intensity of meteroric diagenesis appears to have been controlled both by age and depth, i.e. the time available for diagenetic alteration, and reflects the relation between reef deposition and sea‐level change.     

Micrometeorological Observations of a Microburst in Southern Finland

On the afternoon of 3 July 2004 in Hyytiälä (Juupajoki, Finland), convective cells produced a strong downburst causing forest damage. The SMEAR II field station, situated near the damage site, enabled a unique micrometeorological analysis of a microburst with differences above and inside the canopy. At the time of the event, a squall line associated with a cold front was crossing Hyytiälä with a reflectivity maximum in the middle of the squall line. A bow echo, rear-inflow notch, and probable mesovortex were observed in radar data. The bow echo moved west-north-west, and its apex travelled just north of Hyytiälä. The turbulence data were analysed at two locations above the forest canopy and at one location at sub-canopy. At 1412 EET (Eastern European Time, UTC+2), the horizontal and vertical wind speed increased and the wind veered, reflecting the arrival of a gust front. At the same time, the carbon dioxide concentration increased due to turbulent mixing, the temperature decreased due to cold air flow from aloft and aerosol particle concentration decreased due to rain scavenging. An increase in the number concentration of ultra-fine particles (< 10 nm) was detected, supporting the new particle formation either from cloud outflow or due to rain. Five minutes after the gust front (1417 EET), strong horizontal and downward vertical wind speed gusts occurred with maxima of 22 and 15 m s^?1, respectively, reflecting the microburst. The turbulence spectra before, during and after the event were consistent with traditional turbulence spectral theory.