Video observations of the underside of arctic sea ice-features and morphology on medium and small scales

Morphological structures and the occurrence of sea-ice sediments and ice-related algae at the ice floe-water column interface were studied by video observations in summer 1995. Recordings at twelve stations in the northern Laptev Sea and the adjacent Arctic Ocean showed large variations. On a medium-scale (metres), level ice and deformed floes as well as whole rafted and stacked floes were found. At the underside of floes, small-scale structures (centimetres such as bulges, depressions and holes were observed. The surface and sides of rafted floes sometimes had downward running grooves. Sediment inclusions occurred in diffuse or concentrated forms as well as in parallel streaks. Ice-related algae were visible as green areas at the underside of floes or as threads haniging into the water column. The distribution of sediments and algae was patchy. Some processes which might lead to the observed structures are suggested.     

Late Glacial stable isotope record, radiocarbon stratigraphy, pollen and mollusc analyses from the Geiseltal area, Central Germany

Combined investigations of isotopes, pollen, and molliisc shells were carried out on a Latc Glacial limnic high-resolution sediment sequence from the Geiseltal open-cast mine in Central Gcrmany. The dala confirm thc division of the Late Glacial biozones into two colder (Older and Younger Dryas) and two warmer periods (Bølling, Allcrød), which have already bccn cstablishcd lor the Central and Northern German area. Radiocarbon data, mainly based on wood material, cover a time span between c , 10 800 BP and 12 760 BP, indicating a mean sedimentation rate of c . 2 mm/yr. The stable isotope data (δ¹⁸O, δ¹³C) reflect the transition periods between the climatic phases as changes in relative air humidity (transition from dry, cold to warmer. more humid conditions). The dominance of evaporation effects, however, is superimposed on any ternpcratiirc aignal throughout the profile. Repeated conversions of the hydrologic regime (silting-up phases. lake-level variations) characterize the specific history of the lake development.     

极点和零点——数字地震学基础(英文，待续)

3 广义线性时间不变系统 3.1 一般概念 前面已经对简单的RC电路进行了详细的讨论，其中所涉及的许多概念对更复杂的系统依然有效。下面将讨论更一般的线性时间不变系统（LTI系统）及与地震观测系统有关的频率响应函数。 表3.1给出了如何将RC滤波器中的概念推广到一般的LTI系统。例如，如果将RC滤波器的微分方程（2.3）改写为： RC(t)＋y（t）－x（t）＝α1(d)/(dt)y（t）＋α0y（t）＋ β0x（t）＝0 ， （3.1） 则可以看出它是N阶LTI系统 ∑Nk＝0αk(dk)/(dt)y（t）＋∑Lk＝0βk(dk)/(dt)x（t）＝0 的一种特殊情形。 （3.2）     

Pressure, Temperature, and Structural Evolution of the Orfordville Belt, West-Central New Hampshire

Metamorphic P-T paths have been derived for staurolite-kyanitegrade and garnet grade rocks from the Orfordville Belt, west-centralNew Hampshire. P-T paths calculated from garnet zoning are consistentwith parageneses observed in amphibolites as determined froma petrogenetic grid derived for amphibolites. The P-T pathsfrom the staurolite-kyanite zone show a pressure maximum at6.5 to 7.5 kb and {small tilde} 500?C followed by heating anddecompression to approximately 5 kb, 580?C, and a final phaseof near isobaric cooling. The path from the garnet zone is similar,but does not show the final phase of isobaric cooling. Both nappe-stage and dome-stage folds are observed in the OrfordvilleBelt. Comparison of mesoscale structures with mineral growthindicates that the nappe stage deformation occurred near orbefore the pressure maximum and dome stage deformation tookplace along the decompression-heating path. The last phase ofnear isobaric cooling may have resulted from rapid verticalreadjustment of the Orfordville Belt.     

The record of density-induced underflows in a glacial lake

As part of an overall study of sedimentation processes in a proglacial lake an effort was made to compare field results with some of the general equations for density flows. The results suggest that in relatively small glacial lakes the occurrence of underflows with lower sediment loads involves a complex interplay between thermal and sediment effects which is extremely sensitive to varying hydrologic and climatic conditions. In terms of actual transport mechanics the results: (i) indicate that a higher α value of 0·6 or 0·7 gives a closer agreement between the measured velocity values and the established equations on moderately shallow slopes; (ii) provide field support for the experimentally derived relationship of Britter & Linden (1980) for the velocity of underflows and suggest the equation may be applicable in situations below 5° slopes; and (iii) support the relationship between velocity of the front and body of a continuous underflow for moderate slope situations suggested by Middleton (1966b). Finally the velocity values measured by electromagnetic current meters stationed in the lake, the grain-size data obtained from mapping core data, and the application of other criteria support the concept that in this environment the underflows are capable of erosion.     

Zircons from Syros, Cyclades, Greece--Recrystallization and Mobilization of Zircon During High-Pressure Metamorphism

Zircons were studied from high-pressure/low-temperature metamorphosedmeta-igneous lithologies from Syros. These rocks carry severalzircon generations related to each other by dissolution–reprecipitationprocesses. One generation is pristine zircon that shows growthzoning, relatively elevated contents of trivalent cations andhigh Th/U ratios. The other end-member is a skeletal zircongeneration with negligible trivalent cation contents and lowTh/U ratios (     

Synchronous variability changes in Alpine temperature and tree-ring data over the past two centuries

The understanding of extremes and their temporal distribution is useful in characterizing the behaviour of the climate system, and necessary for understanding their social and economic costs and risks. This task is analogous to the study of pointer years in dendrochronological investigations. Commonly used dendroclimatological methods, however, tend to result in an equalization of variance throughout the record by normalizing variability within moving windows. Here, we analyse a larger network of high-elevation temperature-sensitive tree sites from the European Alps processed to preserve the relative frequency and magnitude of extreme events. In so doing, temporal changes in year-to-year tree-ring width variability were found. These decadal length periods of increased or decreased likelihood of extremes coincide with variability measures from a long-instrumental summer temperature record representative of high-elevation conditions in the Alps. Intervention analysis, using an F-test to identify shifts in variance, on both the tree-ring and instrumental series, resulted in the identification of common transitional years. Based on a well-replicated network of sites reflecting common climatic variation, our study demonstrates that the annual growth rings of trees can be utilized to quantify past frequency and amplitude changes in extreme variability. Furthermore, the approach outlined is suited to address questions about the role of external forcing, ocean-atmosphere interactions, or synoptic scale changes in determining patterns of observed extremes prior to the instrumental period.     

Sequence stratigraphy of a carbonate-evaporite succession (Zechstein 1, Hessian Basin, Germany)

The evaporitic Hessian Zechstein Basin is a sub‐basin of the Southern Zechstein Basin, situated at its southern margin. Twelve facies groups were identified in the Zechstein Limestone and Lower Werra Anhydrite in order to better understand the sequence‐stratigraphic evolution of this sub‐basin, which contains economically important potassium salts. Four different paleogeographic depositional areas were recognized based on the regional distribution of facies. Siliciclastic‐carbonate, carbonate, carbonate‐evaporite and evaporite shallowing‐upward successions are developed. These allow the establishment of parasequences and sequences, as well as correlation throughout the Hessian Basin and into the Southern Zechstein Basin. Two depositional sequences are distinguished, Zechstein sequence 1 and Zechstein sequence 2. The former comprises the succession from the Variscan basement up to the lowermost part of the Werra Anhydrite, including the Kupferschiefer as part of the transgressive systems tract. The highstand systems tract is defined by the Zechstein Limestone, in which two parasequences are developed. In large parts of the Hessian Basin, Zechstein sequence 1 is capped by a karstic, subaerial exposure surface, interpreted as recording a type‐1 sequence boundary that formed during a distinct brine level fall. Low‐lying central areas (Central Hessian Sub‐basin, Werra Sub‐basin), however, were not exposed and show a correlative conformity. Topography was minimal at the end of sequence 1. Widely developed perilittoral, sabkha and salina shallowing‐upward successions indicate a renewed rise of brine level (interpreted as a transgressive systems tract), because of inflow of preconcentrated brines from the Southern Zechstein Basin to the north. This marks the initiation of Zechstein sequence 2, which comprises most of the Lower Werra Anhydrite. In the Central Hessian Sub‐basin, situated proximal to the brine inflow and on the ridges within the Hessian Basin, physico‐chemical conditions were well suited for sulphate precipitation to form a thick cyclic succession. It consists of four parasequences that completely filled the increased accommodation space. In contrast, only minor sulphate accumulation occurred in the Werra Sub‐basin, situated further southwards and distal to the inflow. As a result of substantially different sulphate precipitation rates during increased accommodation, water depth in the region became more variable. The Werra Sub‐basin, characterized by very low sedimentation rates, became increasingly deeper through time, trapping dense halite brines and precipitating rock salt deposits (Werra Halite). This ‘self‐organization’ model for an evaporitic basin, in which depositional relief evolves with sedimentation and relief is filled by evaporite thereafter, contradicts earlier interpretations, that call upon the existence of a tectonic depression in the Werra area, which controlled sedimentation from the beginning of the Zechstein.     

An information systems approach to the preservation of biological diversity

Abstract

Although biological diversity has emerged in the 1980s as a major scientific and political issue, efforts at scientific assessment have been hampered by the lack of cohesive sets of data. We describe, in concept, a comprehensive national diversity information system, using geographical information system (GIS) techniques to organize existing data and improve spatial aspects of the assessment. One potential GIS analysis, to identify gaps in the network of nature reserves for California, is discussed in greater detail. By employing an information systems approach, available data can be used more effectively and better management strategies can be formulated.