A numerical study of the influence from pre‐existing cracks on granite rock fragmentation at percussive drilling

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of pre‐existing, or structural, cracks on dynamic fragmentation of granite. Because of the complex behavior of rock materials, a continuum approach is employed relying upon a plasticity model with yield surface locus as a quadratic function of the mean pressure in the principal stress space coupled with an anisotropic damage model. In particular, Bohus granite rock is investigated, and the material parameters are chosen based on previous experiments. The equation of motion is discretized using a finite element approach, and the explicit time integration method is employed. The pre‐existing cracks are introduced in the model by considering sets of elements with negligible tensile strength that leads to their immediate failure when loaded in tension even though they still carry compressive loads as crack closure occurs because of compressive stresses. Previously performed edge‐on impact tests are reconsidered here to validate the numerical model. Percussive drilling is simulated, and the influence of the presence of pre‐existing cracks is studied. The results from the analysis with different crack lengths and orientations are compared in terms of penetration stiffness and fracture pattern. It is shown that pre‐existing cracks in all investigated cases facilitate the drilling process. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Towards monitoring groundwater‐dependent ecosystems using synthetic aperture radar imagery

Mapping of groundwater‐dependent ecosystems (GDEs) relies largely on assumption‐laden evaporation models, and few global, direct, and real‐time monitoring techniques exist. We propose a new synthetic aperture radar imagery‐derived index, SARGDE, to identify and monitor these ecosystems across Australia. The index captures vegetation reliance on groundwater during dry periods by estimating the relative stability of foliage and branch structure from the vertical/horizontal cross‐polarized band and InSAR coherence. SARGDE is tested over two contrasting study sites in Australia. To build and verify the index, a total of 90 Sentinel‐1 interferometric wide images are processed and stacked in two data‐cubes. GDE response to the SAR signal is explored using a non‐linear dimension reduction algorithm. Relevant statistical parameters are derived from data‐cubes and combined to form the index. As the index relies on a 1‐year time series of globally, freely available, and cloud‐insensitive SAR imagery, SARGDE offers unprecedented capabilities for large‐scale, annual monitoring of GDEs. Such monitoring will aid reconciliation of human and ecosystem groundwater needs by acting as a systematic monitoring tool, helping policy makers to assure ecosystem sustainability where impacts related to mining, agriculture, or climate change may occur.     

Improvement of the solute transfer in a conceptual unsaturated zone scheme: a case study of the Seine River basin

For predicting the evolution of solute concentrations in groundwater and testing the impact of remediation policies, a coupling between the agronomical model STICS and the hydrogeological model MODCOU was implemented. When applied to the Seine River basin, this model accurately represents the temporal evolution of average nitrate concentrations in the aquifer, but with large local errors. We propose an improvement to the simple unsaturated zone (UZ) scheme NonsatSW used in STICS–MODCOU. The modifications are based on a comparison with the mechanistic model Metis considered as a reference as it solves Richards' equation. A more realistic saturation profile and a varying percolation rate are integrated in NonsatSW. This new model, named NonsatVG, is assessed by comparing it with NonsatSW and Metis. In an ideal case, NonsatVG generates a solute transfer and a dispersion closer to that of Metis than of NonsatSW. In real cases, without additional calibration, NonsatVG and Metis simulate better the average transfer velocities of the observed nitrate profiles. Furthermore, modifications in NonsatVG give a direct relationship between the depth of the water table and the saturation profile. We obtain, therefore, as in Metis, an evolution of the solute transfer velocity depending on the piezometric level. These dynamics are not simulated in NonsatSW. Despite a modified water transfer through the UZ, NonsatVG is also as valid as NonsatSW in the modelling of water transfer to the saturated zone. Finally, an application to the Seine basin shows that solute transfer velocities are lower with NonsatVG than with NonsatSW, but are in better agreement with literature. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Coversand and Pleistocene palaeosols in the Landes region,southwestern France

New sections in the coversand of the Landes region, southwestern France, show at least two main depositional phases corresponding to the Upper Pleniglacial and the Lateglacial, which are separated by palaeosols. The lower palaeosol, a gleyic to histic cryosol overlying a net of sand wedges and dated to ca. 23 ¹⁴C ka BP, testifies to a short occurrence of permafrost. Impeded drainage due to the frozen subsoil is assumed to be the main factor involved in lowered aeolian transport and soil formation. Pollen analysis indicates a shrub tundra‐type environment. The overlying coversand unit is associated with small transverse ridges or sheet‐like deposits, and corresponds to the maximal extension of the sands, Upper Pleniglacial in age. An incipient podzol developed on the dunes under a boreal pine forest, and has been dated to 11.5–12 ¹⁴C ka BP, i.e. to the Allerød period. This has been buried by the second coversand unit during the Younger Dryas, typified by abundant denivation features and root imprints. Although preliminary, the chronology of sand deposition in the Landes region appears thus to be roughly similar to that found for the other European coversands, showing that all were the result of similar western European climatic changes, i.e. repeated episodes of increasing aridity related to the Upper Pleniglacial and the Younger Dryas episode. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A Laboratory Experimental Study of the Hydromechanical Behavior of Boom Clay

This paper reports some results of a large experimental program on Boom Clay conducted in Grenoble in the framework of the European project SELFRAC. The program included isotropic compression up to relatively high stress, drained triaxial compression tests at different cell pressures, as well as permeability measurements under isotropic and deviatoric stress. Local measurement of axial and radial displacements allowed the detection of strain localization during deviatoric loading. The permeability of Boom Clay is found to depend on the mean effective stress. The response of Boom Clay during deviatoric loading appears to be strongly affected by the swelling experienced during the isotropic stage preceding triaxial compression. The rate of swelling decreases with isotropic stress. The longer the swelling before shear, more the response under shear becomes ductile and the lower the initial stiffness. Permeability depends on the mean effective stress and it is found to decrease of about two orders of magnitude when the mean stress increases from 1 to 32 MPa. Permeability during shear loading is essentially constant and does not seem to be affected by strain localization. These results are complemented by a few observations obtained using X-ray microtomography in the framework of the more recent European project TIMODAZ. These findings illustrate the impact of pre-existing inclusions and fissures on specimen deformation upon deviatoric loading in the laboratory.     

辽宁义县组禽龙类恐龙一新属种——义县薄氏龙Bolong yixianensis gen. et sp. nov.

在辽西义县组新发现了一具近完整的禽龙类化石骨架.据头骨和牙齿特征建立了一新属、新种--义县薄氏龙(Bolong yixianensis gen.et sp.nov.).它的自近裔性状包括:上颌骨与泪骨之间有一凹坑;在眼眶之上,前额骨后部发育有一前后延长的凹陷;前额骨后侧边缘发育一厚嵴,在厚嵴之上有一前后延长的凹陷;前齿骨腹突向后延伸并与前齿骨腹缘平行;齿骨背侧的前齿骨关节面高度不足齿骨高度的2/3,齿骨前尖位于齿骨自下向上1/3高处;上颌骨牙齿主脊位于牙齿颊面后1/3处,并向后弯曲.与同样在辽西义县组发现的锦州龙Jinzhousaurus的头骨和牙齿相比较,薄氏龙至少有14处不同.包括上颌骨前端不下弯、前齿骨腹突分叉和上颌骨齿齿冠有多条副脊等.它也是迄今在亚洲发现的几种最原始的禽龙类之一.     

9. Life On Earth... And Elsewhere?

This concluding chapter is divided into two main parts. The first part is a summary of the main facts and events which constitute the present body of knowledge of the chronology of life in the solar system, in the form of “highlights” in astronomy, geology, chemistry and biology. The second part raises the interrogation “Is life universal?”, and tries to provide answers based on these facts and events. These answers turn out to differ widely among the various disciplines, depending on how far they feel able to extrapolate their current knowledge.     

Impact‐induced hydrothermal activity within the Haughton impact structure,arctic Canada: Generation of a transient,warm, wet oasis

Abstract— Field studies and analytical scanning electron microscopy indicate that a hydrothermal system was created by the interaction of water with hot, impact‐generated rocks following formation of the 24 km diameter, 23 Ma Haughton impact structure. Hydrothermal alteration is recognized in two settings: within polymict impact breccias overlying the central portion of the structure, and within localized pipes in impact‐generated concentric fault systems. The intra‐breccia alteration comprises three varieties of cavity and fracture filling: (a) sulfide with carbonate, (b) sulfate, and (c) carbonate. These are accompanied by subordinate celestite, barite, fluorite, quartz and marcasite. Selenite is also developed, particularly in the lower levels of the impact breccia sheet. The fault‐related hydrothermal alteration occurs in 1–7 m diameter subvertical pipes that are exposed for lengths of up 20 m. The pipes are defined by a monomict quartz‐carbonate breccia showing pronounced Fe‐hydroxide alteration. Associated sulfides include marcasite, pyrite and chalcopyrite. We propose three distinct stages in the evolution of the hydrothermal system: (1) Early Stage (>200 °C), with the precipitation of quartz (vapor phase dominated); (2) Main Stage (200‐100 °C), with the development of a two‐phase (vapor plus liquid) zone, leading to calcite, celestite, barite, marcasite and fluorite precipitation; and (3) Late Stage (<100 °C), with selenite and fibroferrite development through liquid phase‐dominated precipitation. We estimate that it took several tens of thousands of years to cool below 50 °C following impact. During this time, Haughton supported a 14 km diameter crater lake and subsurface water system, providing a warmer, wetter niche relative to the surrounding terrain. The results reveal how understanding the internal structure of impact craters is necessary in order to determine their plumbing and cooling systems.     

Integrating anthropogenic factors, geomorphological indicators and local knowledge in the analysis of coastal flooding and erosion hazards

The settlement and development of Québec’s maritime coastline has generally taken place without consideration for coastal dynamics and coastal hazards. Consequently, fighting coastal erosion has become a necessity. Until now, the construction of rigid walls and encroachments has been the preferred approach to the problem. In the Chaleur Bay region, coastal communities are particularly vulnerable to erosion and flooding because a number of residential, commercial and transportation infrastructures have been installed on beach terraces and sand spits. Recent storms, such as the storm of December 2, 2005, have made possible a better understanding of how these rigid defence structures amplify the effects of storm surges and waves. These structures drive the sand away from the coast, lowering beach levels and even causing beaches to vanish entirely from the areas situated in front of the defence structures. The end result is a weakening of the natural capacity of these coastal systems to absorb the energy of waves and a greater risk of coastal flooding. An integrated approach using local knowledge on the one hand, along with LIDAR surveys and a DGPS system on the other hand, have made possible to map the levels reached by flooding at the time of the storm. The results indicate that such levels vary greatly in spatial terms and that the difference between the levels actually reached and the water level measured by tide gauge can be as much as 2 m; a difference that is due to anthropogenic perturbations. This raises questions concerning the safety and the reference levels used for mapping coastal flooding risk. Taking into account knowledge of local communities, analysis of water levels, geomorphological indicators and aggravating anthropogenic factors, an approach and basic criteria are put forward with a view of establishing a reference level for the mapping of flood risk that can be used by community land-use planners.