Diatom assemblage response to Iroquoian and Euro-Canadian eutrophication of Crawford Lake,Ontario, Canada

Diatom and geochemical data from Crawford Lake, Ontario, have been used to document limnological responses to periods of cultural disturbance resulting from native Iroquoian occupation of the watershed (1268–1486 AD) and Euro-Canadian agriculture and deforestation (1867 AD–present). Here, we further develop the high-resolution nature of the Crawford Lake sediment record to examine the physical, chemical and biological aspects of limnological response to human disturbances in the lake catchment area with exceptional detail. We report detailed diatom abundance and flux data for individual taxa from Crawford Lake, and further describe the relationship between assemblage composition and environmental conditions using canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). Diatom assemblage data are used to calculate diatom inferred-total phosphorus (DI-TP) concentrations for the past ∼1,000 years. We also examine the diatom community response during and after periods of disturbance by Iroquoian and Euro-Canadian populations, and compare this response to existing geochemical proxies of lake production and new elemental geochemical indicators of catchment area erosion. In particular, we explore the differing limnological response to the two distinct periods of cultural eutrophication and examine the limnological processes that occurred during the period of␣low (or no) human activity (1487–1866 AD), when geochemical indicators of lake production recovered to pre-disturbance conditions, but diatom assemblages notably did not. Our results illustrate the highly susceptible nature of diatom communities to periods of anthropogenic disturbance, and emphasize that ecological indicators (such as diatom assemblages) should be included with other proxies (such as nutrient concentrations and physical characteristics) when assessing disturbance and recovery in lake systems.     

Towards realistic simulations of lava dome growth using the level set method

The level set method has been implemented in a computational volcanology context. New techniques are presented to solve the advection equation and the reinitialisation equation. These techniques are based upon an algorithm developed in the finite difference context, but are modified to take advantage of the robustness of the finite element method. The resulting algorithm is tested on a well documented Rayleigh–Taylor instability benchmark [19], and on an axisymmetric problem where the analytical solution is known. Finally, the algorithm is applied to a basic study of lava dome growth.     

Measuring quartz solubility by in situ weight-loss determination using a hydrothermal diamond cell

The solubility of quartz was determined using a hydrothermal diamond anvil cell (HDAC) within the temperature and pressure ranges of 126 to 490°C and up to 8.9 kbar, respectively. A novel approach has been used to measure the amount of dissolved silica. The quartz was abraded into spheres which have a diameter of ∼40 μm. The spheres were then placed in pure water inside the diamond anvil cell and heated externally. Because the transparency of the diamonds allows direct observation of the sample chamber during the experiment, we were able to estimate the amount of quartz dissolved in the water at various stages of the dissolution process by measuring the decrease in the sphere’s diameter over time. Experiments were performed along isochores between 0.92 and 0.99 g/cm³. The maximum solubility measured was 0.165 molal. The experimental solubility data were limited to 370°C because of overestimation of solubilities above this temperature. Reprecipitation of silica inside the HDAC sample chamber and the refaceting of the spheres to trigonal form at temperatures above 350°C are major contributors to the overestimation.     

Reaction relationships in the Bayan Obo Fe-REE-Nb deposit Inner Mongolia, China: implications for the relative stability of rare-earth element phosphates and fluorocarbonates

Textural relationships occurring in a range of settings from the Bayan Obo Fe-REE-Nb deposit, Inner Mongolia, China, indicate reaction between monazite [(REE)PO₄], bastnäsite [(REE)(CO₃)F] and apatite. Within dolomite marble-hosted ores monazite grains occur surrounded by zones of intergrown bastnäsite and apatite. In fluoritised dolomite marble-hosted amphibole-calcite veins, co-existing apatite and bastnäsite are separated by zones of monazite plus calcite, whilst in aegirine-apatite veins hosted by banded aegirine-fluorite-magnetite-bastnäsite rocks, they are separated by zones of monazite and fluorite. Modal proportions for minerals in the reaction zones have been used to derive reaction stoichiometries, and suggest the following reactions: Consideration of these reactions, along with published experimental data and other reported mineral assemblages, suggests that the factors controlling the relative stabilities of monazite and bastnäsite are the pH, and the activities of HF?°, CO₃ ^2?, Ca²⁺ and PO₄ ^3?. Textures indicating reaction between REE phosphates and fluorocarbonates have been reported from a number of other settings and are consistent with the controls on reaction inferred from this study. The range of assemblages seen at Bayan Obo is a result of the variation between relatively unbuffered fluid compositions, and those buffered by the fluoritisation of the carbonate host rock. Mass-balance calculations suggest some mobilisation of the REE into the fluid phase during reaction, although this did not significantly alter the REE distribution in monazite and bastnäsite. The mineral compositions also reveal variation in the REE distribution with different paragenetic settings indicating variation in the composition of the metasomatic fluids. These changes may be related to changes in the fluid source region, or to variations in the fluid chemistry, particularly X _CO2, leading to different REE solubilities at different periods in the development of the deposit.     

NMR studies of the leucite analogues X2YSi5O12, where X= K,Rb, Cs; Y = Mg,Zn, Cd

A number of leucite group materials with the formula X₂YSi₅O₁₂ where X=K, Rb, Cs and Y=Mg, Zn, Cd have been synthesized by dry and hydrothermal crystallization of glass starting materials. ²⁹Si MASNMR has been used to obtain structural information, such as the number of distinct tetrahedral sites, degree of cation ordering, and estimates of the mean T-O-T bond angles of the tetrahedra. X-ray powder diffraction gave information on cell volumes and degree of distortion from cubic symmetry for all the samples and space group and structural information for some samples. Integration of the different length-scale data obtained using these two complementary techniques allows greater reliance to be placed on the structures deduced for these leucite samples, which are only available as fine-grained powders. Hydrothermally synthesized K₂MgSi₅O₁₂, K₂ZnSi₅O₁₂ and Rb₂ZnSi₅O₁₂ have structures with 12 distinct tetrahedral sites (T-sites) and are monoclinic P2₁/c while the dry-synthesized equivalents are disordered with single T-sites and are cubic, Ia3d. Most of the other members of the group have structures with 6 tetrahedral sites with Cs₂CdSi₅O₁₂ being orthorhombic, Pbca. Cs₂ZnSi₅O₁₂ has an intermediate “5+2” structure. Decreasing the size of the X⁺ cation for a given Y²⁺ cation gives more collapsed and distorted frameworks. ¹³³Cs NMR was used to show that samples with 6 T-sites have 2 alkali sites. It is deduced that samples with 12 T-sites will undergo a displacive phase transition to a 6 T-site structure (possibly via a 5+2 intermediate in some cases) with no change in the framework topology or degree of T-site ordering.     

Monitoring the grazing resources of the Badia region, Jordan, using remote sensing

In this paper we discuss how low spatial resolution (1 km) ERS ATSR-2 and NOAA AVHRR satellite data were used to map and monitor changes in the grazing vegetation of the Badia region of Jordan. This area is typical of many arid zone grazing areas, comprising sparse vegetation and highly reflective soils. These two factors were found to severely limit the usefulness of satellite-derived vegetation indices that are frequently used to map and monitor vegetation in more temperate areas. Furthermore, the relationship between vegetation indices and percentage vegetation cover was found to be site-specific, thus reducing their application for large-scale vegetation monitoring. As an alternative, a hybrid geometric optical/empirically based model was developed for the area. This was based on the illumination geometry and reflectance values from the red and near-infrared scattergram of the satellite images. The output of the model was a series of maps indicating percentage vegetation cover for different dates and these were used to construct maps showing areas of vegetation change. Strong correlations (r²=0.837) were found between estimates of percentage vegetation cover derived from the model, and measurements made at a series of 16 field sites in the area. The use of geometric optical models based on satellite imagery improves the ability to map areas of grazing vegetation in arid areas such as the Badia and provides a good alternative to the use of vegetation indices.     

Benthic metabolism and nutrient cycling along an estuarine salinity gradient

Benthic metabolism and nutrient exchange across the sediment-water interface were examined over an annual cycle at four sites along a freshwater to marine transect in the Parker River-Plum Island Sound estuary in northeastern Massachusetts, U.S. Sediment organic carbon content was highest at the freshwater site (10.3%) and decreased along the salinity gradient to 0.2% in the sandy sediments at the marine end of the estuary. C:N ratios were highest in the mid estuary (23:1) and lowest near the sea (11:1). Chlorophyll a in the surface sediments was high along the entire length of the estuary (39–57 mg chlorophyll a m⁻²) but especially so in the sandy marine sediments (172 mg chlorophyll a m⁻²). Chlorophyll a to phaeophytin ratios suggested most chlorophyll is detrital, except at the sandy marine site. Porewater sulfide values varied seasonally and between sites, reflecting both changes in sulfate availability as overlying water salinity changed and sediment metabolism. Patterns of sediment redox potential followed those of sulfide. Porewater profiles of inorganic N and P reflected strong seasonal patterns in remineralization, accumulation, and release. Highest porewater NH₄ ⁺ values were found in upper and mid estuarine sediments, occasionally exceeding 1 mM N. Porewater nitrate was frequently absent, except in the sandy marine sediments where concentrations of 8 μM were often observed. Annual average respiration was lowest at the marine site (13 mmol O₂ m⁻² d⁻¹ and 21 mmol TCO₂ m⁻² d⁻¹) and highest in the mid estuary (130 mmol O₂ m⁻² d⁻¹ and 170 mmol TCO₂ m⁻² d⁻¹) where clam densities were also high. N₂O and CH₄ fluxes were low at all stations throughout the year: Over the course, of a year, sediments varied from being sources to sinks of dissolved organic C and N, with the overall spatial pattern related closely to sediment organic content. There was little correlation between PO₄ ³⁻ flux and metabolism, which we attribute to geochemical processes. At the two sites having the lowest salinities, PO₄ ³⁻ flux was directed into the sediments. On average, between 22% and 32% of total system metabolism was attributable to the benthos. The mid estuary site was an exception, as benthic metabolism accounted for 95% of the total, which is attributable to high densities of filter-feeding clams. Benthic remineralization supplied from less than 1% to over 190% of the N requirements and 0% to 21% of the P requirements of primary producers in this system. Estimates of denitrification calculated from stoichiometry of C and N fluxes ranged from 0% for the upper and mid estuary site to 35% for the freshwater site to 100% of sediment organic N remineralization at the marine site. We hypothesize that low values in the upper and mid estuary are attributable to enhanced NH₄ ⁺ fluxes during summer due to desorption of exchangeable ammonium from rising porewater salinity. NH₄ ⁺ desorption during summer may be a mechanism that maintains high rates of pelagic primary production at a time of low inorganic N inputs from the watershed.     

Long-term impact of the proglacial lake Jökulsárlón on the flow velocity and stability of Breiðamerkurjökull glacier,Iceland

Proglacial lakes are becoming ubiquitous at the termini of many glaciers worldwide due to continued climate warming and glacier retreat, and such lakes have important consequences for the dynamics and future stability of these glaciers. In light of this, we quantified decadal changes in glacier velocity since 1991 using satellite remote sensing for Breiðamerkurjökull, a large lake-terminating glacier in Iceland. We investigated its frontal retreat, lake area change and ice surface elevation change, combined with bed topography data, to understand its recent rapid retreat and future stability. We observed highly spatially variable velocity change from 1991 to 2015, with a substantial increase in peak velocity observed at the terminus of the lake-terminating eastern arm from ~1.00 ± 0.36 m day⁻¹ in 1991 to 3.50 ± 0.25 m day⁻¹ in 2015, with mean velocities remaining elevated from 2008 onwards. This is in stark comparison to the predominately land-terminating arms, which saw no discernible change in their velocity over the same period. We also observed a substantial increase in the area of the main proglacial lake (Jökulsárlón) since 1982 of ~20 km², equating to an annual growth rate of 0.55 km² year⁻¹. Over the same period, the eastern arm retreated by ~3.50 km, which is significantly greater than the other arms. Such discrepancies between the different arms are due to the growth and, importantly, depth increase of Jökulsárlón, as the eastern arm has retreated into its ~300 m-deep reverse-sloping subglacial trough. We suggest that this growth in lake area, forced initially by rising air temperatures, combined with the increase in lake depth, triggered an increase in flow acceleration, leading to further rapid retreat and the initiation of a positive feedback mechanism. These findings may have important implications for how increased melt and calving forced by climate change will affect the future stability of large soft-bedded, reverse-sloped, subaqueous-terminating glaciers elsewhere. © 2020 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd     

Assessment of Offshore New Jersey Sources of Beach Replenishment Sand by Diversified Application of Geologic and Geophysical Methods

Beach replenishment serves the dual purpose of maintaining a source of tourism and recreation while protecting life and property. For New Jersey, sources for beach sand supply are increasingly found offshore. To meet present and future needs, geologic and geophysical techniques can be used to improve the identification, volume estimation, and determination of suitability, thereby making the mining and manag ing of this resource more effective. Current research has improved both data collection and interpretation of seismic surveys and vibracore analysis for projects investigating sand ridges offshore of New Jersey. The New Jersey Geological Survey in cooperation with Rutgers University is evaluating the capabilities of digital seismic data (in addition to analog data) to analyze sand ridges. The printing density of analog systems limits the dynamic range to about 24 dB. Digital acquisition systems with dynamic ranges above 100 dB can permit enhanced seismic profiles by trace static correction, deconvolution, automatic gain scaling, horizontal stacking and digital filtering. Problems common to analog data, such as wave-motion effects of surface sources, water-bottom reverberation, and bubble-pulse-width can be addressed by processing. More than 160 line miles of digital high-resolution continuous profiling seismic data have been collected at sand ridges off Avalon, Beach Haven, and Barnegat Inlet. Digital multichannel data collection has recently been employed to map sand resources within the Port of New York New Jersey expanded dredge-spoil site located 3 mi offshore of Sandy Hook, New Jersey. Multichannel data processing can reduce multiples, improve signal-to-noise calculations, enable source deconvolution, and generate sediment acoustic velocities and acoustic impedance analysis. Synthetic seismograms based on empirical relationships among grain size distribution, density, and velocity from vibracores are used to calculate proxy values for density and velocity. The seismograms are then correlated to the digital seismic profile to confirm reflected events. They are particularly useful where individual reflection events cannot be detected but a waveform generated by several thin lithologic units can be recognized. Progress in application of geologic and geophysical methods provides advan tages in detailed sediment analysis and volumetric estimation of offshore sand ridges. New techniques for current and ongoing beach replenishment projects not only expand our knowledge of the geologic processes involved in sand ridge origin and development, but also improve our assessment of these valuable resources. These reconnaissance studies provide extensive data to the engineer regarding the suitability and quantity of sand and can optimize placement and analysis of vibracore samples.     

Fractal clustering of induced seismicity in The Geysers geothermal area, California

We analyse earthquakes recorded at The Geysers geothermal field in California, an area where industrial activity induces seismicity. The seismicity is characterized by the seismic b -value and D , the fractal dimension of earthquake hypocentres measured from sliding windows containing 200 events. We study a group of events strongly clustered around an injection well. Over most of the time period examined we find a positive correlation between b and D . However, during the initiation of injection into a new well we find instead a negative correlation. The differences in correlation are statistically significant at the 1 σ level but only marginally so at the 2 σ level. These results provide evidence for a transient change in the seismic mechanisms operating, and may be explained by a change from conditions of slow stress loading to rapid loading as a result of the build-up of the rate of water injection into the reservoir.