Origin and evolution of tufa mounds related to artesian karstic springs in Isona area (Pyrenees,NE Spain)

This work analyses a suite of relict tufa mounds generated by artesian karstic springs in Isona area (Spanish Pyrenees). Geological and geophysical data (seismics and vertical electrical resistivity soundings) indicate that the location of the discharge area in which the spring mounds formed was controlled by (1) a bulge in the axial zone of the anticline that affects the Areny-Montsec aquifer, with the consequent thinning of the overlying confining unit and (2) N-S and E-W trending extensional faults. These uncommon meteogene mounds occur in two stepped morphostratigraphic units that constitute the caprock of a mesa 9 km2 in area. The upper tufa complex is 47 m thick and has yielded several U/Th dates of >350 ka. The obtained U/Th ages for the mounds of lower tufa complex, 10 m thick, range from >350 to 214 ± 11 ka. The sedimentological analysis of the scarce exposures and electrical resistivity profiles show the same morphological and depositional components as those described in geothermal springs: (1) Cylindrical vents; (2) Pools fed by the vents and dammed by annular tufa barriers; (3) Tufa barriers (rimstones) constructed by overflowing waters through vertical accretion and progradation. These rimstones may have overhanging upflow sides. (4) Slope tufa facies with terracettes and microgours.     

Controls on the genesis of a high-fluoride thermal spring: Innot Hot Springs,north Queensland *

This study reports on the source, evolution, reactions and environmental impacts of F-rich thermal water at Innot Hot Springs, north Queensland. Thermal water of the Innot Hot Springs has a surface temperature of 71°C, alkaline pH (8.1), low dissolved oxygen (0.61 mg/L) and low total dissolved solids (652 mg/L). The main chemical composition is Na – Cl, with F concentrations (16 mg/L) being comparatively high. Concentrations of alkali and alkali-earth metals (Cs, Li, Rb, Sr) are elevated, while those of other trace elements (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Be, Cr, Cu, Ga, Mn, Mo, U, Zn) are significantly less. Hydrochemical and stable isotope data of hot spring water show that the fluid is meteoric in origin and has undergone significant water – granite interaction. Common geothermometers suggest temperatures of water – rock interaction at depth in the 119 – 158°C range (corresponding to a depth of <3.9 – 5.2 km). Solubility modelling of the thermal fluid demonstrates that the evolution of F concentrations in spring waters at the discharge site can be accounted for by fluid – rock interaction of a H₂O – NaCl solution with fluorite – calcite-bearing granite assemblages between 150 and 200°C and subsequent granite-buffered cooling. Modelling also indicates that the F concentration in the hydrothermal system is largely controlled by interactions with fluorite, with less evidence for the significant involvement of F-topaz. Speciation calculations demonstrate that F speciation in the fluid is dominated by F^? (99.4%), followed by minor CaF⁺ (0.5%) and NaF_(aq) (0.1%), and traces of other F complexes. Thus, the F-rich Innot Hot Springs result from meteoric water circulating through fluorite-bearing granitic rocks and are the surface expression of a low-temperature, non-volcanic geothermal system. Discharge of the hot spring water occurs into an ephemeral stream located in a seasonally wet – dry tropical climate. As a result, the F content of local surface waters is distinctly elevated (max. 18 mg/L) during the dry season, making them unsuitable for stock water supplies.     

Estimating mean residence time of karst groundwater in mountainous catchments of Western Himalaya,India

The mean residence time (MRT) of karst groundwater in three mountainous catchments of the Western Himalaya was estimated using multiple approaches: the tritium method, the sine wave model and tracer tests. Water samples were collected from precipitation, glacier melt, streams and karst springs for δ²H and tritium analysis during 2012 and 2013. High tritium values were observed in winter precipitation and low values in summer precipitation. The variation of tritium in karst springs was similar to that of the streams, whereas glacier melt showed lower tritium values. The MRT of cold karst springs was shorter than that of warm karst springs. The tracer breakthrough curves (TBC) retrieved for different springs suggested a short travel time for groundwater and possibly conduit flow. Deterioration of water quality and variation in flux magnitude are the two main practical consequences of the short travel time of karst groundwater in the region.

EDITOR D. Koutsoyiannis

ASSOCIATE EDITOR K. Heal     

Experimental characterization,design and modelling of the RBRL seismic‐isolation system for lightweight structures

The Rolling‐Ball Rubber‐Layer (RBRL) system was developed to enable seismic isolation of lightweight structures, such as special equipment or works of art, and is very versatile, a great range of equivalent natural frequencies and coefficients of damping being achievable through choice of the system parameters. The necessity to have a simple and effective design procedure has led to a new parametric experimentation at Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre (TARRC) on the rolling behaviour of the RBRL system and load–deflection behaviour of the recentering springs. The experimental results, together with theories for the rolling resistance of a loaded steel ball on a thin rubber layer and the lateral load–deflection behaviour of cylindrical rubber springs, are used to develop a general design method for the RBRL system, which allows the system to be tailored to the specific application. Sinusoidal test results are presented for the small‐deflection behaviour of the system, influenced by the presence of a viscoelastic depression on the rubber tracks beneath each ball, and an amplitude‐dependent time‐domain model is proposed, based on these results and on the steady‐state behaviour of the system. The model is validated through comparison with previously performed shaking‐table tests. Attention is here restricted to uniaxial behaviour. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

西藏搭格架铯硅华区热泉高温菌株的分离及特征研究

从西藏搭格架铯硅华矿床区热泉中分离培养高温菌T4-1,并进行了格兰氏染色、显微镜观察、室内温度实验、16SrRNA基因分析等。结果表明,T4-1为杆状菌,格兰氏染色阳性,其生长范围为45~80℃,最适生长温度70℃。16SrRNA基因分析结果表明,该菌株属于地芽孢杆菌属(Geobacillus),在发育树上,T4-1菌株与高温烷烃地芽孢杆菌(Geobacillus the rmoleovorans)非常近。本研究为进一步开展西藏高温微生物资源以及微生物参与成矿作用的研究提供了首例。     

柴达木盆地水岩硼含量分布特征及其富集区域物源探讨

柴达木盆地盐湖是我国重要的硼资源富集区和成矿区。针对盆地内不同盐湖硼资源富集程度的差异性,本文采集柴达木盆地北缘河水和泉水样品,分析其硼和锂含量、矿化度和pH值,结合柴达木盆地不同流域补给水及蚀源区岩石已有的硼锂含量,总结盆地水岩体系硼锂含量地球化学特征,并对柴达木盆地北缘富硼盐湖物源进行了探讨。结果表明,柴达木盆地北缘祁连山流域水体和岩石硼含量均较阿尔金山和昆仑山流域高,而其锂含量均较昆仑山那棱格勒河流域低,显示柴达木盆地北缘水岩相对富硼贫锂的地球化学特征。综合对比柴达木盆地不同流域硼锂资源分布,显示出整个盆地硼锂含量的不均一性和不同步性特征。针对柴达木盆地北缘富硼盐湖的物源研究,主要归纳为祁连山系围岩（含电气石花岗岩）的风化淋滤、深部富硼地下水补给和含盐风成沉积溶滤输入成因,其中深部富硼地下水补给为最主要的来源。     

Stable isotope systematics of surface water bodies in the Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan (Kashmir) region

Stable hydrogen (δD) and oxygen (δ¹⁸O) isotope ratios of the headwaters of the Indus and its tributaries, surface ice in glaciers, saline and fresh water lakes and thermal springs in the Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan (Kashmir) region are reported. The δ5D-δ¹⁸ relationship for the river samples shows a slope of 9.12 +-0.29 which agrees well with the estimate of 8.99 ±0.33 based on a simple Rayleigh fractionation model. The unique signature of a higher deuterium excess (d) of the ‘Western Disturbance’ is preserved in these samples. An altitude effect of -0.9 per mil/km is observed in the δ¹⁸O of Indus waters. At a lower altitude (Beas) the altitude effect is almost double, indicating that the altitude effect decreases with elevation in this region.     

胶东温泉地质、地热背景及其控泉构造

胶东地区众多温泉与本区大地构造背景、区域地质特征、新构造运动的历史、特殊的地貌条件及相对高的地热背景值密切相关。而不同时代和性质的断裂构造控制着局部地热场的分布,成为温泉出露的控泉构造。     

Sedimentation and recent history of a freshwater wetland in a semi-arid environment: Loboi Swamp, Kenya, East Africa

Loboi Swamp is a 1·5 km² freshwater wetland situated near the equator in the Kenya Rift Valley. The climate is semi‐arid: precipitation is ≈ 700 mm year^?1, and evapotranspiration is ≈ 2500 mm year^?1. Some of the wetland water is currently used for irrigation. An interdisciplinary study was conducted on the geology, hydrology, pedology and biology of the wetland to determine its origin and history and to assess its longevity under present hydrological conditions. Sedimentary records from two piston cores (1·8 and 4 m long) indicate that the present wetland developed during the late Holocene on a low‐relief alluvial plain. Floodplain deposits (sandy silts) are capped with wetland sediments (organic‐rich clay and peat), which began to form at ≈ 700 BP. The swamp is dominated by Typha domingensis Pers. (≈ 80%) and floating Cyperus papyrus L. (20%). It is fed by warm springs (T ≈ 35 °C; pH ≈ 6·4–6·9) emanating from grid faults of the rift floor. Water compositions suggest that sources are dominated by shallow meteoric water, with little contribution from deeper geothermal fluids. Siderite concretions in the floodplain silts reflect the Fe‐reducing conditions that developed as the surface became submerged beneath the water table. The pollen record captured both local and more regional vegetation, showing the prevailing dry rift valley climate despite development of the wetter conditions on the valley floor. The diatom record also suggests a dramatic change in local hydrology. The combined biological records of this semi‐arid wetland indicate an abrupt change to wetter conditions, most probably as a result of a regional change in climate. Rift tectonics provided accommodation space, maintained the wetland at or below the water table and enabled spring recharge. The size of the modern wetland has been reduced by about 60% since 1969, which suggests that the system may now be under hydrological stress due to anthropogenic impacts from land‐use change.