Environmental mercury and arsenic sources in fossil hydrothermal systems, Northland, New Zealand

 Northland, New Zealand has been affected by natural hot water spring systems depositing elevated concentrations of mercury and arsenic over the past 5 million years. Due to the different erosion levels of these hot water systems, four principal types of mercury and arsenic occurrences are found: active hot springs; layered surface deposits (sinters) deposited by hot springs; highly fractured rock zones formed immediately beneath hot springs; and chemically altered and mineralized rock from the deeper roots of hot spring systems. Mercury occurs principally as cinnabar and as a minor impurity (<1 wt%) in phosphate minerals and iron sulfides, particularly marcasite. Mercury is irregularly distributed through limonitic cements formed during oxidation. Arsenic occurs as a minor impurity (<1 wt%) in phosphate minerals and iron sulfides, particularly marcasite. Arsenic is also variably dispersed through limonite, but not necessarily with mercury. Decomposition of marcasite constitutes the most significant source of mercury and arsenic pollution from the studied sites. Release of mercury and arsenic into the environment from marcasite, phosphates and limonite is enhanced by acidification of the sites (down to pH of 2), caused by oxidation of iron sulfides. Mercury and arsenic concentrations of up to 100 parts per billion should be expected in waters near the deposits; these concentrations are in excess of recommended drinking water levels. Received: 9 April 1999 · Accepted: 2 August 1999     

Deep seated fault-related volcanogenic H2S as the key agent of high sinkhole concentration areas

Karst collapse sinkholes (KCS) are a peculiar karst morphology resulting from the collapse of the topographic surface caused by subsurface karstification. In the Southern Apennines these phenomena are not randomly distributed but concentrate in several zones, named High Sinkhole Concentration Areas (HSCA), showing peculiar geological, structural and hydrogeological conditions. Gas vents and mineral springs occur widely in these HSCA, and are often stricty related to the KCS. Starting from four representative areas, the aim of this study is to ascertain if there is a genetic link between peculiar mineralogical vs geochemical features of densely fractured/altered rocky masses in KCS, gas vents/springs occurrences and diffuse hypogenic karstification. By means of a multidisciplinary approach (geological/geomorphological, mineralogical and geochemical) we selected and analysed four different kinds of samples related to KCS, gas vent and spring occurrences: (i) altered to deeply altered limestones sampled in the sinkholes; (ii) unaltered limestones sampled in close proximity to sinkhole areas; (iii) gypsum-rich crusts/patinae, precipitated near to gas vents; (iv) gypsum- and calcite-rich precipitates occurring at springs or inside caves. Among neoformed non-carbonate minerals, gypsum is virtually ubiquitous, halides (fluorite, halite, sylvite) also occur in small to trace amounts. The mineralogical assemblages of the different samples show similarities and may also be compatible with hypogenic speleogenesis and with a process of alteration of the carbonate bedrock by means of uprising mineralizing fluids along structural discontinuities. Stable isotopic compositions (S, O) display strong variability in δ³⁴S and δ¹⁸O for sulfate in the different areas, but a deep-seated sulfur source can be hypothesized for many of the studied KCS-related samples. This study has important implications for the relationships between areas of high concentration of sinkholes, regional fault systems, mechanical characteristics of rocks and the high seismicity typical of these areas of the Southern Apennines. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A macro‐model with nonlinear springs for seismic analysis of URM buildings

Seismic assessment of existing unreinforced masonry buildings represents a current challenge in structural engineering. Many historical masonry buildings in earthquake regions were not designed to withstand seismic loading; thus, these structures often do not meet the basic safety requirements recommended by current seismic codes and need to be strengthened considering the results from realistic structural analysis. This paper presents an efficient modelling strategy for representing the nonlinear response of unreinforced masonry components under in‐plane cyclic loading, which can be used for practical and accurate seismic assessment of masonry buildings. According to the proposed strategy, generic masonry perforated walls are modelled using an equivalent frame approach, where each masonry component is described utilising multi‐spring nonlinear elements connected by rigid links. When modelling piers and spandrels, nonlinear springs are placed at the two ends of the masonry element for describing the flexural behaviour and in the middle for representing the response in shear. Specific hysteretic rules allowing for degradation of stiffness and strength are then used for modelling the member response under cyclic loading. The accuracy and the significant potential of the proposed modelling approach are shown in several numerical examples, including comparisons against experimental results and the nonlinear dynamic analysis of a building structure. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaluation of seismic performance of pile‐supported models in liquefiable soils

The seismic performance of four pile‐supported models is studied for two conditions: (i) transient to full liquefaction condition, i.e. the phase when excess pore pressure gradually increases during the shaking; (ii) full liquefaction condition, i.e. defined as the state where the seismically induced excess pore pressure equalises to the overburden stress. The paper describes two complementary analyses consisting of an experimental investigation, carried out at normal gravity on a shaking table, and a simplified numerical analysis, whereby the soil–structure interaction (SSI) is modelled through non‐linear Winkler springs (commonly known as p–y curves). The effects of liquefaction on the SSI are taken into account by reducing strength and stiffness of the non‐liquefied p–y curves by a factor widely known as p‐multiplier and by using a new set of p–y curves. The seismic performance of each of the four models is evaluated by considering two different criteria: (i) strength criterion expressed in terms of bending moment envelopes along the piles; (ii) damage criterion expressed in terms of maximum global displacement. Comparison between experimental results and numerical predictions shows that the proposed p–y curves have the advantage of better predicting the redistribution of bending moments at deeper elevations as the soil liquefies. Furthermore, the proposed method predicts with reasonable accuracy the displacement demand exhibited by the models at the full liquefaction condition. However, disparities between computed and experimental maximum bending moments (in both transient and full liquefaction conditions) and displacement demands (during transient to liquefaction condition) highlight the need for further studies. Copyright © 2016 The Authors Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.     

济南市泉群喷涌的控制性参数计算及供水保泉宏观调控措施研究

济南市泉群喷涌经历了自流期、自流- 季节断流期、季节性断流或长年断流期、人工调控期等几个历史阶段。本文在分析济南市四大泉群喷涌历史演变的基础上,利用统计资料,首先建立泉群年平均喷涌量与年最低地下水位之间的定量方程,得出四大泉群喷涌的底限水位与最低景观流量的对应关系,然后,计算泉域内地下水的入渗补给量,再得出保证泉涌的地下水最大允许开采量的控制性参数。最后,结合保泉供水的实际需求,提出扩大地表水供应量、开辟新水源、实施多种形式的人工回灌以及调整供用水结构、实施分质供水等宏观调控措施。      

Subaerial hot springs and near-surface hydrothermal mineral systems past and present,and possible extraterrestrial analogues

The principal features,geotectonic settings and association with near-surface hydrothermal mineral systems of ancient and present subaerial hot springs,fumaroles and geysers are herein reviewed.Fumaroles and geysers usually occur in volcanic craters and are in most cases,part and parcel of hot spring environments.Subaerial hot springs are characterised by siliceous-and carbonate-rich chemical sediments,such as sinters and travertines,respectively.Sinters are commonly enriched in various metalliferous elements.Hot springs surface discharges are also characterised by pools,which exhibit bright colours due to the presence of microorganisms.Present-day examples discussed in this paper,include the fumaroles and hot springs of the White Island volcano(New Zealand),the world-renowned Yellowstone caldera(USA) and the Afar region of the East African Rift System.The Afar triangle,in the northern part of East African Rift System,provides a good example of hot springs associated with evaporative deposits.The Tuli-Sabi-Lebombo triple junction rifts were formed during the ～180 Ma Karoo igneous event in southern Africa,of which the Tuli arm is the failed rift(aulacogen),as is the Afar region.The Tuli rift is effectively an unusual,if not unique,tectono-thermal setting,because it comprises Karoo-age hot springs systems and associated vein stockworks and breccias,which includes the Messina Cu deposit as well as currently active hot springs with sinter deposits probably due to post-Karoo uplift.Fumarolic pipes in ignimbrites of the Erongo Volcano-Plutonic Complex in Namibia are discussed.This is followed by an example of banded chert rocks in the Killara Formation of the Palaeoproterozoic Capricorn Orogen(Western Australia),interpreted as hot spring chemical sediments,which also show evidence of "fossil" microbial filaments.The paper ends with a brief overview of possible analogues of hot springs on planet Mars.     

黑河流域地表水与地下水转换关系的几点质疑

张掖、高台和临泽沿着黑河一带泉水总量在（10-13）×108m3/a之间，泉水对张掖地区的农业生长、生态环境、工业和人民生活极为重要，近年来虽然泉水量在减少，但基本保持稳定状态。对于泉水的补给来源基本被认为是由黑河等地表径流转换而来的，认为河流在山区排泄地下径流，进入山前平原以后，变成河水补给地下水，而在适当条件下地下水以泉的形式溢出地面，因此构成地表水与地下水相互转换的复杂过程。很多人认识这种过程是水循环的一个组成部分，其表现形式为河水渗漏-溢出-再渗漏-再溢出等，是一种反复转化过程，并称此过程为水资源相互转化多巡回性。笔者结合同位素分析对这种地表水-地下水-泉水-地下水-泉水的多次转换模式产生一定质疑。     

西藏北羌塘盆地多格错仁地区盐泉水化学特征及其物质来源

西藏北羌塘盆地是我国侏罗系海相找钾的主要远景区之一,在多格错仁地区发育有一系列具有明显的含钾异常的现代盐泉,研究这些盐泉水的物质来源具有重要的找钾意义和科学价值。野外采集了40个盐泉水的样品,并在室内测定了其化学组分、δ34 S和87 Sr/86 Sr。分析结果显示,盐泉水具有富Na+、Ca2+、K+、Cl-,贫Mg2+、SO2-4、HCO-3的特征,其Cl-含量约占矿化度的50%以上,并与矿化度呈正相关关系,Na+、Ca2+、K+浓度也与矿化度呈正相关关系。根据盐泉水的钠氯系数和溴氯系数判断,盐泉水属于地层溶滤水;源泉河、东温泉、多格错仁湖南岸3处的盐泉水具有与侏罗纪海水相一致的硫同位素特征,表明其在地下运移时,很可能溶解了地层中的石膏沉积;盐泉水的1000/Sr-87Sr/86Sr投点图说明各处盐泉水在地下的运移路径和形成过程明显不同;盐泉水的87Sr/86Sr值与其区域背景值对比显示,盐泉水在形成过程中可能溶滤了夏里组二段和索瓦组一段中的蒸发岩,区内夏里组和索瓦组最有可能蕴含有成盐成钾层系。     

一种新型变形可恢复SMA阻尼器力学性能的研究

利用形状记忆合金（Shape Memory Alloy,简称"SMA"）丝材的超弹性与复位弹簧特性,开发出一种新型变形可恢复SMA阻尼器,以增强其变形可恢复的能力。同时,为了解决SMA丝材在实际工程中锚固难的问题,提出了一种新型可调节夹具,不仅解决了SMA丝材的不易锚固问题,而且增强了调节预应变的能力。对所提出的新型SMA阻尼器进行了循环加载试验研究和数值仿真分析,探讨不同加载频率及位移幅值对其力学性能的影响,建立了恢复力模型。结果表明:新型SMA阻尼器在循环荷载作用下滞回性能稳定,具有良好的耗能性能;内置弹簧对新型SMA阻尼器变形可恢复能力有较大帮助。基于所建立恢复力模型的数值模拟结果与试验结果符合情况很好,验证了阻尼器恢复力力模型的正确性。     

云南腾冲地区地热流体的地球化学特征

对云南热海和瑞滇地区地热流体的地球化学特征进行了分析和探讨,并据此评估了地热流体对环境的影响.结果显示,研究区的碱性热泉中K、Na、F、Cl、SiO_2的含量高,而只存在于热海地区的酸性热泉中SO_4~(2-)、Mn、Fe的含量高.热泉中As、Sb的含量范围分别在43.6～687μg/L和0.38～23.8 μg/L之间.热泉中以As(Ⅲ)为主,占了总砷的91%.地热流体中的As、Sb一部分被固定在泉华中,而另一部分则释放到了环境中,从而进入地下水和下游的田地中,对当地居民的健康造成威胁.