Gas generation and expulsion characteristics of Middle–Upper Triassic source rocks,eastern Kuqa Depression,Tarim Basin,China: implications for shale gas resource potential

Frontier exploration in the Kuqa Depression, western China, has identified the continuous tight-sand gas accumulation in the Lower Cretaceous and Lower Jurassic as a major unconventional gas pool. However, assessment of the shale gas resource in the Kuqa Depression is new. The shale succession in the Middle–Upper Triassic comprises the Taliqike Formation (T₃t), the Huangshanjie Formation (T₃h) and the middle–upper Karamay Formation (T_2–3k), with an average accumulated thickness of 260 m. The high-quality shale is dominated by type III kerogen with high maturity and an average original total organic carbon (TOC) of about 2.68 wt%. An improved hydrocarbon generation and expulsion model was applied to this self-contained source–reservoir system to reveal the gas generation and expulsion (intensity, efficiency and volume) characteristics of Middle–Upper Triassic source rocks. The maximum volume of shale gas in the source rocks was obtained by determining the difference between generation and expulsion volumes. The results indicate that source rocks reached the hydrocarbon expulsion threshold of 1.1% VR and the hydrocarbon generation and expulsion reached their peak at 1.0% VR and 1.28% VR, with the maximum rate of 56 mg HC/0.1% TOC and 62.8 mg HC/0.1% TOC, respectively. The volumes of gas generation and expulsion from Middle–Upper Triassic source rocks were 12.02 × 10¹² m³ and 5.98 × 10¹² m³, respectively, with the residual volume of 6.04 × 10¹² m³, giving an average gas expulsion efficiency of 44.38% and retention efficiency of 55.62%. Based on the gas generation and expulsion characteristics, the predicted shale gas potential volume is 6.04 × 10¹² m³, indicating a significant shale gas resource in the Middle–Upper Triassic in the eastern Kuqa Depression.     

Response of detrital zircon and monazite,and their U–Pb isotopic systems,to regional metamorphism and host‐rock partial melting,Cooma Complex,southeastern Australia

Progressive Early Silurian low‐pressure greenschist to granulite facies regional metamorphism of Ordovician flysch at Cooma, southeastern Australia, had different effects on detrital zircon and monazite and their U–Pb isotopic systems. Monazite began to dissolve at lower amphibolite facies, virtually disappearing by upper amphibolite facies, above which it began to regrow, becoming most coarsely grained in migmatite leucosome and the anatectic Cooma Granodiorite. Detrital monazite U–Pb ages survived through mid‐amphibolite facies, but not to higher grade. Monazite in the migmatite and granodiorite records only metamorphism and granite genesis at 432.8 ± 3.5 Ma. Detrital zircon was unaffected by metamorphism until the inception of partial melting, when platelets of new zircon precipitated in preferred orientations on the surface of the grains. These amalgamated to wholly enclose the grains in new growth, characterised by the development of {211} crystal faces, in the migmatite and granodiorite. New growth, although maximum in the leucosome, was best dated in the granodiorite at 435.2 ± 6.3 Ma. The combined best estimate for the age of metamorphism and granite genesis is 433.4 ± 3.1 Ma. Detrital zircon U–Pb ages were preserved unmodified throughout metamorphism and magma genesis and indicate derivation of the Cooma Granodiorite from Lower Palaeozoic source rocks with the same protolith as the Ordovician sediments, not Precambrian basement. Cooling of the metamorphic complex was relatively slow (average ～12°C/10⁶y from ～730 to ～170°C), more consistent with the unroofing of a regional thermal high than cooling of an igneous intrusion. The ages of detrital zircon and monazite from the Ordovician flysch (dominantly composite populations 600–500 Ma and 1.2–0.9 Ga old) indicate its derivation from a source remote from the Australian craton.     

Accounting for sparsely observed rainfall space—time variability in a rainfall—runoff model of a semiarid Tunisian basin/Prise en compte d'observations peu denses de la variabilité spatiotemporelle de la pluie dans une modélisation pluie—débit d'un bassin semi-aride Tunisien

Abstract

The management of water excesses and deficits is a major task in semiarid Mediterranean regions, where the variability of rainfall inputs is high at different time and space scales. Thus intense hydrometeorological events, which generate both potential resource and hazards, are of major interest. A simple method is proposed, with the example of the Skhira basin (192 km²) in central Tunisia, to account for the event space–time variability of rainfall in a rainfall–runoff model, in order to check its influence on the shape, magnitude and timing of resulting hydrographs. The transfer function used is a geomorphology-based unit hydrograph with an explicit territorial significance. Simulations made for highly variable events show the relevance of this method, seen as the first step of a downward approach, and its robustness with respect to the quality and the density of rainfall data.     

Genetic and ore-forming ages of the Fe–P–(Ti) oxide deposits associated with mafic–ultramafic–carbonatite complexes in the Kuluketage block,NW China

Abstract

During the past 50 years, many geological and ore-deposit investigations have led to the discovery of the Fe–P–(Ti)-oxide deposits associated with mafic–ultramafic–carbonatite complexes in the Kuluketage block, northeastern Tarim Craton. In this paper, we discuss the genetic and ore-forming ages, tectonic setting, and the genesis of these deposits (Kawuliuke, Qieganbulake and Duosike). LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating yielded a weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of 811?±?5?Ma, 811?±?4?Ma, and 840?±?5?Ma for Kawuliuke ore-bearing pyroxenite, Qieganbulake gabbro and Duosike ore-bearing pyroxenite, respectively. The CL images of the Kawuliuke apatite grains show core–rim structure, suggesting multi-phase crystallisation, whereas the apatite grains from Qieganbulake and Dusike deposits do not show any core–rim texture, suggesting a single-stage crystallisation. LA-ICP-MS apatite ²⁰⁷Pb-corrected U–Pb dating provided weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of 814?±?21?Ma and 771?±?8?Ma for the Kawuliuke ores, and 810?±?7?Ma and 841?±?7?Ma for Qieganbulake and Duosike ores, respectively. The core–rim texture in apatite by CL imaging as well as two different ore-forming ages in the core and rim of the apatite indicate two metallogenic events for the Kawuliuke deposit. The first metallogenic period was magmatic in origin, and the second period was hydrothermal in origin. The initial ore-forming age of the Kawuliuke Fe–P–Ti mineralisation was ca 814?Ma and the second one was ca 771?Ma. On the other hand, the ore-forming ages of the Qieganbulake and Duosike deposits were ca 810?Ma and ca 841?Ma, respectively. Qieganbulake and Duosike deposits were of magmatic origin. Combined with previous geochronological data and the research on the tectonic background, we infer that the Kawuliuke, Qieganbulake and Duosike Fe–P–(Ti)-oxide deposits were formed in a subduction-related tectonic setting and were the product of subduction-related magmatism.     

Wildfire preparedness,community cohesion and social–ecological systems

The consequences of wildfires are felt in susceptible communities around the globe on an annual basis. Climate change predictions in places like the south-east of Australia and western United States suggest that wildfires may become more frequent and more intense with global climate change. Compounding this issue is progressive urban development at the peri-urban fringe (wildland–urban interface), where continued infrastructure development and demographic changes are likely to expose more people and property to this potentially disastrous natural hazard. Preparing well in advance of the wildfire season is seen as a fundamental behaviour that can both reduce community wildfire vulnerability and increase hazard resilience – it is an important element of adaptive capacity that allows people to coexist with the hazardous environment in which they live. We use household interviews and surveys to build and test a substantive model that illustrates how social cohesion influences the decision to prepare for wildfire. We demonstrate that social cohesion, particularly community characteristics like ‘sense of community’ and ‘collective problem solving’, are community-based resources that support both the adoption of mechanical preparations, and the development of cognitive abilities and capacities that reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience to wildfire. We use the results of this work to highlight opportunities to transfer techniques and approaches from natural hazards research to climate change adaptation research to explore how the impacts attributed to the social components of social–ecological systems can be mitigated more effectively.     

Water flux measurement and prediction in young cashew trees using sap flow data

Measurements of sap flow, meteorological parameters, soil water content and tension were made for 4 months in a young cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) plantation during the 2002 rainy season in Ejura, Ghana. This experiment was part of a sustainable water management project in West Africa. The Granier system was used to measure half‐hourly whole‐tree sap flow. Weather variables were observed with an automatic weather station, whereas soil moisture and tension were measured with a Delta‐T profile probe and tensiometers respectively. Clearness index (CI), a measure of the sky condition, was significantly correlated with tree transpiration (r² = 0·73) and potential evaporation (r² = 0·86). Both diurnal and daily stomata conductance were poorly correlated with the climatic variables. Estimated daily canopy conductance g_c ranged from 4·0 to 21·2 mm s⁻¹, with a mean value of 8·0 ± 3·3 mm s⁻¹. Water flux variation was related to a range of environmental variables: soil water content, air temperature, solar radiation, relative humidity and vapour pressure deficit. Linear and non‐linear regression models, as well as a modified Priestley–Taylor formula, were fitted with transpiration, and the well‐correlated variables, using half‐hourly measurements. Measured and predicted transpiration using these regression models were in good agreement, with r² ranging from 0·71 to 0·84. The computed measure of accuracy δ indicated that a non‐linear model is better than its corresponding linear one. Furthermore, solar radiation, CI, clouds and rain were found to influence tree water flux. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Energy demands for seismic design against low‐cycle fatigue

A seismic design procedure that does not take into account the maximum and cumulative plastic deformation demands that a structure is likely to undergo during severe ground motion could lead to unsatisfactory performance. In spite of this, current design procedures do not take into account explicitly the effect of low‐cycle fatigue. Based on the high correlation that exists between the strength reduction factor and the energy demand in earthquake‐resistant structures, simple procedures can be formulated to estimate the cumulative plastic deformation demands for design purposes. Several issues should be addressed during the use of plastic energy within a practical performance‐based seismic design methodology. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Earthquake‐resistant structural design through energy demand and capacity

An energy‐based earthquake‐resistant structural design method is proposed. The proposed method uses specific input energy spectra, modal or time‐history analyses, and energy distribution among structural members. For a given member strength and stiffness, a relationship between the energy attributable to damage absorbed by a member and its cumulative ductility demand can be determined. Member strength, stiffness and energy capacity are design parameters which are simultaneously used in the design. The method can avoid soft‐storey design. The damage is measured based on a cumulative basis considering earthquake magnitude, frequency, and duration. Tests have been carried out to determine energy absorbing capacities of various structural components. More efforts are needed to make the energy‐based earthquake‐resistant structural design practical, but ssimple formulations for this method are possible. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Improved seismic hazard model with application to probabilistic seismic demand analysis

An improved seismic hazard model for use in performance‐based earthquake engineering is presented. The model is an improved approximation from the so‐called ‘power law’ model, which is linear in log–log space. The mathematics of the model and uncertainty incorporation is briefly discussed. Various means of fitting the approximation to hazard data derived from probabilistic seismic hazard analysis are discussed, including the limitations of the model. Based on these ‘exact’ hazard data for major centres in New Zealand, the parameters for the proposed model are calibrated. To illustrate the significance of the proposed model, a performance‐based assessment is conducted on a typical bridge, via probabilistic seismic demand analysis. The new hazard model is compared to the current power law relationship to illustrate its effects on the risk assessment. The propagation of epistemic uncertainty in the seismic hazard is also considered. To allow further use of the model in conceptual calculations, a semi‐analytical method is proposed to calculate the demand hazard in closed form. For the case study shown, the resulting semi‐analytical closed form solution is shown to be significantly more accurate than the analytical closed‐form solution using the power law hazard model, capturing the ‘exact’ numerical integration solution to within 7% accuracy over the entire range of exceedance rate. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Non-linear seismic behavior of structures with limited hysteretic energy dissipation capacity

This paper investigates the non-linear seismic behavior of structures such as slender unreinforced masonry shear walls or precast post-tensioned reinforced concrete elements, which have little hysteretic energy dissipation capacity. Even if this type of seismic response may be associated with significant deformation capacity, it is usually not considered as an efficient mechanism to withstand strong earthquakes. The objective of the investigations is to propose values of strength reduction factors for seismic analysis of such structures. The first part of the study is focused on non-linear single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) systems. A parametric study is performed by computing the displacement ductility demand of non-linear SDOF systems for a set of 164 recorded ground motions selected from the European Strong Motion Database. The parameters investigated are the natural frequency, the strength reduction factor, the post-yield stiffness ratio, the hysteretic energy dissipation capacity and the hysteretic behavior model (four different hysteretic models: bilinear self-centring, with limited or without energy dissipation capacity, modified Takeda and Elastoplastic). Results confirm that the natural frequency has little influence on the displacement ductility demand if it is below a frequency limit and vice versa. The frequency limit is found to be around 2 Hz for all hysteretic models. Moreover, they show that the other parameters, especially the hysteretic behavior model, have little influence on the displacement ductility demand. New relationships between the displacement ductility demand and the strength reduction factor for structures having little hysteretic energy dissipation capacity are proposed. These relationships are an improvement of the equal displacement rule for the considered hysteretic models. In the second part of the investigation, the parametric study is extended to multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) systems. The investigation shows that the results obtained for SDOF systems are also valid for MDOF systems. However, the SDOF system overestimates the displacement ductility demand in comparison to the corresponding MDOF system by approximately 15%.