On the pore‐scale mechanisms leading to brittle and ductile deformation behavior of crystalline rocks

Deformation mechanisms at the pore scale are responsible for producing large strains in porous rocks. They include cataclastic flow, dislocation creep, dynamic recrystallization, diffusive mass transfer, and grain boundary sliding, among others. In this paper, we focus on two dominant pore‐scale mechanisms resulting from purely mechanical, isothermal loading: crystal plasticity and crofracturing. We examine the contributions of each mechanism to the overall behavior at a scale larger than the grains but smaller than the specimen, which is commonly referred to as the mesoscale. Crystal plasticity is assumed to occur as dislocations along the many crystallographic slip planes, whereas microfracturing entails slip and frictional sliding on microcracks. It is observed that under combined shear and tensile loading, microfracturing generates a softer response compared with crystal plasticity alone, which is attributed to slip weakening where the shear stress drops to a residual level determined by the frictional strength. For compressive loading, however, microfracturing produces a stiffer response than crystal plasticity because of the presence of frictional resistance on the slip surface. Behaviors under tensile, compressive, and shear loading invariably show that porosity plays a critical role in the initiation of the deformation mechanisms. Both crystal plasticity and microfracturing are observed to initiate at the peripheries of the pores, consistent with results of experimental studies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Temporal variation of soil erosion resistance on sloping farmland during the growth stages of maize (Zea mays L.)

Maize growth has great effects on soil properties and thus likely induces the changes in soil erosion resistance on sloping farmland. However, temporal variation of soil erosion resistance during the growth stages of maize is still unclear in the mountainous yellow soil area where maize is the dominant crop. In this study, four maize plots (MP) and four bare land plots (CK) were conducted to investigate soil erosion resistance, and multiple indicators of soil erosion resistance were measured including the total soil anti-scourability (TAS), mean weight diameter (MWD), soil erodibility K factor and soil shear strength (SH). A comprehensive soil erosion resistance index (CSERI) was employed to quantify the temporal variation of soil erosion resistance during the growth stages of maize (seedling stage, SS; jointing stage, JS; tasselling stage, TS; maturing stage, MS). The results showed that TAS, MWD, SH increased significantly with maize growth and SH decreased when at MS. But K factor decreased significantly over time. CSERI increased significantly during the growth stages of maize and the CSERI of JS, TS, MS increased on average by 74.72, 180.68 and 234.57% than that of SS. Compared to CK, CSERI of MP increased by 49.90, 66.82, 55.60 and 38.61% during the growth stages of maize. The temporal variation of soil erosion resistance was closely related to the changes in maize cover, maize roots and soil organic carbon. The findings demonstrated that it is necessary to consider the temporal variation of soil erosion resistance in the mountainous yellow soil area.     

Significance of shallow core transects for reef models and sea‐level curves,Heron Reef,Great Barrier Reef

A sequence of shallow reef cores from Heron Reef, Great Barrier Reef, provides new insights into Holocene reef growth models. Isochron analysis of a leeward core transect suggests that the north‐western end of Heron Reef reached current sea‐level by ca 6·5 kyr bp and then prograded leeward at a rate of ca 19·6 m/kyr between 5·1 kyr and 4·1 kyr bp (pre‐1950) to the present reef margin. A single short core on the opposing margin of the reef is consistent with greater and more recent progradation there. Further to the east, one windward core reached modern sea‐level by ca 6·3 kyr bp , suggesting near ‘keep‐up’ behaviour at that location, but the opposing leeward margin behind the lagoon reached sea‐level much more recently. Hence, Heron Reef exhibited significantly different reef growth behaviour on different parts of the same margin. Mean reef accretion rates calculated from within 20 m of one another in the leeward core transect varied between ca 2·9 m and 4·7 m/kyr depending on relative position in the prograding wedge. These cores serve as a warning regarding the use of isolated cores to inform reef growth rates because apparent aggradation at any given location on a reef varies depending on its location relative to a prograding margin. Only transects of closely spaced cores can document reef behaviour adequately so as to inform reef growth models and sea‐level curves. The cores also emphasize potential problems in U‐series dates for corals within a shallow (ca 1·5 m) zone beneath the reef flat. Apparent age inversions restricted to that active diagenetic zone may reflect remobilization and concentration of Th in irregularly distributed microbialites or biofilms that were missed during sample vetting. Importantly, the Th‐containing contaminant causes ages to appear too old, rather than too young, as would be expected from younger cement.     

X射线衍射技术应用于宝石鉴定-合成及晶体结构研究进展

因宝石检测常附带无损要求、宝石评价具科学性和不确定性等特点,X射线衍射(XRD)在宝石学这门矿物学的分支学科中的应用具有特殊性,其应用领域主要集中在三个方面。①宝石鉴定领域:对单晶宝石和多晶宝石进行物相鉴定、宝石产地特征研究以及宝石矿物多型的种类划分等。例如根据XRD图谱,可将品种繁多的微晶石英隐晶质变种玉髓中不同的SiO₂质矿物相精确区分;通过黏土矿物成分及其含量可将鸡血石中"地"的种类进行划分。②宝石矿物的晶体结构研究:对成分复杂的单晶宝石进行晶体化学分析、获取矿物类质同象替代情况、利用结晶度划分宝石品质。例如晶格参数中的c/a比值可将绿柱石的Al八面体类质同象替代和Be四面体类质同象替代进行区分;软玉中通过XRD数据计算出的结晶度与软玉的品质关系密切。③宝石学研究技术的开发:对宝石的优化处理过程进行监测,在宝石合成过程中检验矿物晶形大小、结晶质量及内应力等,以有机宝石的晶体结构为基础的人工养殖技术研究。例如尖晶石在热处理过程中,Mg离子由四面体中的T位迁移至八面体中的M位,导致M-O和T-O键长随温度变化,并反映在尖晶石的色调中;在托帕石合成过程中,XRD数据显示770~800℃时形成含氟托帕石(与天然托帕石结构相同),而在950℃和1000℃出现含氟托帕石离解成刚玉和莫来石。目前,我国在宝石学的XRD应用方面起步较晚,国外在宝石鉴定、优化与合成方面的应用相对成熟。本文认为,该技术与扫描电镜、质子探针等分析技术的联用仍有很大发展空间。     

The Mesozoic structural evolution of the Gorgon Platform,North Carnarvon Basin,Australia

The Gorgon Platform is located on the southeastern edge of the Exmouth Plateau in the North Carnarvon Basin, North West Shelf, Australia. A structural analysis using three-dimensional (3D) seismic data has revealed four major sets of extensional faults, namely, (1) the Exmouth Plateau extensional fault system, (2) the basin bounding fault system (Exmouth Plateau–Gorgon Platform Boundary Fault), (3) an intra-rift fault system in the graben between the Exmouth Plateau and the Gorgon Platform and (4) an intra-rift fault system within the graben between the Exmouth Plateau and the Exmouth Sub-basin. Fault throw-length analyses imply that the initial fault segments, which formed the Exmouth Plateau–Gorgon Platform Boundary Fault (EG Boundary Fault), were subsequently connected vertically and laterally by both soft- and hard-linked structures. These major extensional fault systems were controlled by three different extensional events during the Early and Middle Jurassic, Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous, and illustrate the strong role of structural inheritance in determining fault orientation and linkage. The Lower and Middle Jurassic and Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous syn-kinematic sequences are separated by unconformities.     

Public views on economic growth,the environment and prosperity: Results of a questionnaire survey

The long-standing academic and public debate on economic growth, prosperity and environmental sustainability has recently gained new momentum. It lacks, however, a broad perspective on public opinion. Prior opinion surveys typically offered a simple dichotomous choice between growth and environmental protection. This study examines public beliefs and attitudes about a wider range of aspects of the growth debate. To this end, we conducted an online questionnaire survey including a country-wide, representative sample of 1008 Spanish citizens. Using factor analysis, we identify six distinct dimensions of public attitudes, referred to as: prosperity with growth; environmental limits to growth; general optimism; wrong priority; overrated GDP; and governmental control. We further analyze several specific questions associated with the growth debate, such as those concerning the desired GDP growth rate, the preferred growth-environment position, and beliefs about, as well as reasons for, a possible end or continuation of growth. We find that most respondents favor GDP growth rates of more than 3%. A majority views growth and environmental sustainability as compatible (green growth), while about one-third prefers either ignoring growth as a policy aim (agrowth), or stopping it altogether (degrowth). Only very few people want growth unconditionally (growth-at-all-costs). About one-third of the respondents believe that growth may be never-ending. We examine how support for or disagreement with different statements on growth are related to each other, as well as how they are influenced by socio-demographic, knowledge and ideology/values variables. Overall, our findings can inform public debates about the growth paradigm and its potential alternatives by providing a more nuanced understanding of public opinion. We make suggestions for future research, including modifying poll questions on growth and environment through offering a more diverse set of response options.     

南京周家山下蜀黄土石英颗粒特征及其物源意义

下蜀黄土的成因和物源一直是学术界研究的热点。对南京周家山下蜀黄土的石英粒度和石英表面微结构进行分析,结果显示:粉砂粒级石英颗粒（5~50 μm）占绝对优势;<20 μm组分平均含量为42.76%,<30 μm组分平均含量为62.98%;粒度分布曲线和累积曲线总体具有颗粒偏细,呈正偏态,分选较差,峰形尖锐,双峰曲线不对称的特征;粒级-标准偏差曲线呈“双峰”分布,两个明显的标准偏差峰值分别出现在7.962 1 μm和39.905 2 μm。石英颗粒表面形态主要以次棱角状为主;表面机械结构具有丰富的蝶形坑、曲脊、贝壳状断口,部分表面出现平行节理面、V形坑;不同粒级组分表面形态和机械结构特征存在差异。分析表明,南京周家山下蜀黄土属典型风成成因堆积物,是多源区物质高度混合搬运堆积的结果。     

Petrogenesis of Two Types of Archean TTGs in the North China Craton: A Case Study of Intercalated TTGs in Lushan and Non-intercalated TTGs in Hengshan

TTG(Tonalite-Trondhjemite-Granodiorite) gneisses,a major component of Precambrian continental crust,play a significant role in understanding the process and mechanism of the crustal evolution in the early periods of the Earth. In terms of field occurrence,there are two kinds of Archean TTGs in the NCC(North China Craton): intercalated and non-intercalated TTGs. In this contribution,we make a comprehensive comparison of these two types of TTGs from the typical areas(Lushan and Hengshan) in the NCC with an aim to constrain their petrogenesis. The results suggest that they have similar mineral assemblages of Pl + Qtz + Bt ± Amp ± Kfs but different field appearances and geochemical compositions,thus probably reflecting different source materials and tectonic settings. Differences in the contents of characteristic elements,such as Sr,REE and HFSE,suggest that the nonintercalated TTGs in Hengshan were generated at deeper levels than those of intercalated TTGs in Lushan. Constraints from element contents and geochemical modeling results are consistent with derivation from dual sources involving both garnet amphibolite and rutile-bearing eclogite residues for the non-intercalated TTGs in Hengshan,whereas the compositions of intercalated TTGs in Lushan indicate that they were formed by partial melting with amphibolite to garnet-amphibolite residues. Moreover,accumulation of plagioclase is also required in the petrogenesis of intercalated TTGs in Lushan,at least for part of them. In addition,the non-intercalated TTGs in Hengshan display distinctly higher Mg O,Mg#,Cr and Ni values and lower SiO_2 average contents compared to the intercalated TTGs in Lushan. These features suggest that the former magma,at least a part,might have interacted with the mantle wedge during ascent. Considering all the above factors and in combination with the whole-rock Nd and zircon Hf isotopic data,it is suggested that the non-intercalated TTGs in Hengshan were produced by partial melting of subducted slab contaminated by the overlying mantle wedge at deeper levels and high pressures,whereas the intercalated TTGs in Lushan were generated by melting of the thickened lower crust at lower pressures and shallower depths. The tectonic settings of the two types of TTGs shed new light on the growth of the NCC.     

广西珊瑚钨锡矿床成矿年代学研究及其地质意义

珊瑚钨锡矿床位于富贺钟钨锡多金属成矿集中区的中部,是南岭钨锡多金属成矿带内典型的热液石英脉型矿床之一。本文采用白云母~(40)Ar-~(39)Ar法和石英流体包裹体Rb-Sr法,对矿床V32号含矿石英脉进行精细年代学研究,获得石英脉中白云母~(40)Ar-~(39)Ar坪年龄为101.7±0.7 Ma(MSWD=0.34),正等时线年龄为102.0±1.0 Ma(MSWD=1.17);石英流体包裹体Rb-Sr等时线年龄为106.4±3.5 Ma(MSWD=0.83)。它们在误差范围内一致,是华南地区燕山晚期成岩成矿高峰期的产物。同时通过石英包裹体H-O同位素组成的初步分析,认为成矿流体属于"再平衡岩浆水",主要来自岩浆,在矿床深部可能存在隐伏花岗岩体。该成果对研究区域成矿规律,指导类似地区的找矿勘查工作具有重要意义。     

胶西北大尹格金矿床成矿机理:载金黄铁矿标型及硫同位素地球化学约束

胶东是我国最重要的金矿集中区,破碎带蚀变岩型金矿床是区内最主要的金矿床类型,该类型金矿床已探明金资源量占全区的90%以上,其巨量金的来源是引人瞩目的关键科学问题。招平断裂带是该区内规模最大的断裂-成矿带,位于招平金矿带中段的大尹格庄金矿床是该金矿带最具代表性的破碎带蚀变岩型金矿床之一,已探明金金属量约283t。大尹格庄金矿床严格受沿胶东群与玲珑花岗岩接触带发育的NNE向招平断裂带控制,矿体赋存在招平断裂下盘黄铁绢英岩化和碎裂岩化玲珑花岗岩中,主要由Ⅰ号和Ⅱ号矿体组成,其具有相似的矿物组成,矿石主要矿物是绢云母、石英、黄铁矿,次要矿物是钾长石、斜长石、黑云母、方解石、黄铜矿、方铅矿、闪锌矿、磁黄铁矿、黝铜矿和自然金、自然银、金银矿、碲银矿等;其中黄铁矿是最主要的载金矿物。根据穿插关系和矿物共生组合,大尹格庄金矿床内成矿作用可划分为4个成矿阶段,分别是黄铁矿-石英-绢云母阶段(I)、石英-黄铁矿阶段(Ⅱ)、石英-多金属硫化物阶段(Ⅲ)和石英-方解石-多金属硫化物阶段(Ⅳ)。各个成矿阶段的黄铁矿的晶体形态标型研究表明,成矿Ⅰ阶段黄铁矿以粗粒自形立方体为主,含有少量五角十二面体;成矿Ⅱ和Ⅲ阶段黄铁矿以细粒五角十二面体为主,且具有更多五角十二面体、八面体和立方体形成的聚形;成矿Ⅳ阶段主要为细粒立方体晶形。不同矿体各个成矿阶段的硫化物的δ~(34)S值集中在4.58‰~7.54‰,具有一定的塔式效应,正向偏离陨石硫,与胶东地区胶东群变质岩、围岩花岗岩类δ~(34)S比较接近,指示大尹格庄金矿床各个成矿阶段的矿石硫源总体一致,与胶东群变质岩和中生代花岗岩间具有继承演化关系。此外,从成矿Ⅰ阶段→Ⅱ阶段→Ⅲ阶段→Ⅳ阶段,大尹格庄金矿床矿石硫化物δ~(34)S呈现出逐渐降低的趋势,反映了成矿过程中物理化学条件的演化趋势:Ⅰ阶段为较高温度(330~350℃)、快速冷却、低过饱和度、低氧逸度和硫逸度的成矿环境;Ⅱ和Ⅲ阶段黄铁矿形成于中-低温(200~300℃)、成矿流体过饱和度高、高氧逸度和硫逸度、缓慢冷却同时物质供应充分的成矿环境;Ⅳ阶段处于较低温度(200℃)、热液流体过饱和度较低、低氧逸度和硫逸度、同时物质供应不足的成矿环境。